Living Loved

One Month Old

2009-11-19T06:07:00.000-08:00

John Maxwell at One Month Old:

9 pounds 7 ounces

21.5 inches

75% in height

50% in weight

25% head circumference

AND, OF COURSE, EVEN MORE PRECIOUS AS EVER!!!

I Want To Feel Christmas Like A Child

2009-11-13T05:33:00.000-08:00

My Christmas as a child...

When we were little, my parents took us to Texas every year to celebrate Christmas. My Mom's family lived in Texas and we would spend two weeks with my grandparents on a ranch in Brackettville, Texas. This ranch was the "headquarters" for the entire Jones Family. There were six houses on the ranch, five of which were occupied. Four sisters and one brother all lived on this ranch with their families. My mom never lived on the ranch but her parents moved there after she grew up. This was my grandmother, Oma's, home place. Every year my parents would pack our massive Econoline van with four kids, six (or more like sixteen!) suitcases, billions of Christmas presents and of course mom's fried chicken that we ate on our two-day drive to heaven! Instead of going to the beach or snow skiing, we went to Texas and to us, there was no other place we wanted to be!

I never thought about it when I was little but now that I am older I realize that my Dad was so generous to my Mom for letting us go to Texas every year for Christmas. He never complained or fussed about not being able to spend the holidays at our home in Georgia with our Georgia family. He told me one time that he figured that we got to spend every day and every other holiday with his family in Georgia, so it was only fair that we have Christmas with our Texas family.

Every year my Great Aunt Bonnie would gather the whole ranch at her home for the big family Christmas party. It was at one of these parties where I first remember actually meeting Suzanne Steece, who most of my readers know from her quad blog. We would gather in her living room and sing Christmas carols as my Aunt Bonnie played the piano... she had the most beautiful voice. We would also celebrate Suzanne's grandmother's birthday. All other evenings at the ranch were spent in someones living room, usually my grandmother or my Great Aunt Sybill's. All of the adults gathered and talked for hours upon end. Us children would either be playing spotlight or creating some sort of skit or "play" for all of the adults to watch at the end of the night.

During the day we would shoot bb guns and ride mopeds... and at night my uncle Boot would usually organize a massive game of spotlight. On Christmas Eve we would gather at my great grandmother's home (the unoccupied house) and we would have Christmas Eve dinner. I remember playing Chinese Christmas and I remember always hearing "Santa's bells" ringing outside which was just a way to excite us kids and make us want to go to bed. Every Christmas Eve my cousin Shara and I would plot how we were going to catch Santa in the act. We always fell asleep before our plan fell through!

Christmas morning was the best! I spent every Christmas morning as a child at Oma and Opa's with my cousins and their families. My grandparents would make coffee for the adults and I think they also made breakfast but I was always to excited to think about eating. A large wooden curtain would close off the kitchen from living room. The adults would always take forever getting all the cameras ready and everything perfect before the curtain would open. The room would be transformed and their would be presents all the way from one side of the room where my grandmother's tree was to the stairs that we trampled down. All of our Santa presents were layed out for all to see! Everyone had their spot they sat in every year to open presents and I always sat next to my Shara. The next couple of hours were spent with paper flying everywhere and everyone screaming and laughing and so excited. You could always hear my brother over everyone, "Daddy, look!" (As if my dad didn't know what Santa brought us!) He always sat on the couch. My sister Tiffany and cousin Kitten would always pass out the presents (and they were very avid that this was THEIR JOB!) and we would spend hours laughing and opening... and then eventually playing with everything we bought. There were so many of us, it was so loud and obnoxious but so much fun. My mom and dad, and my grandmother would sit next to a huge stack of their presents that were still unopened, and watch all of us kids and our excitement. I always remember my grandmother being the last one still opening a huge stack of presents. I thought every family spent Christmas this way, with their extended family. It wasn't until I was in high school that I ever remember having a Christmas at home with just my immediate family.

I loved Christmas in Texas more than anything the world. As I try to put into words what it was like, I really don't feel like I can paint near as beautiful of a picture as it actually was in real life. It has been a long time since my grandmother passed away but I can close my eyes and see her and remember these amazing mornings spent with her and my grandfather. Every year I can't help but think about my cousins and wish they were opening presents right next to me. I want this kind of Christmas for Brooks and Max. It was so exciting and so meaningful. Through all the presents, parties, gatherings and excitement we always remembered the real meaning of Christmas and that is why we were able to gather together every year... to celebrate Jesus' birth. And a celebration it most definitely was! So, when I heard this Third Day song called "Christmas Like A Child" I could not help but think about Texas.

I want to feel Christmas, how it used to be

With all of its wonder falling on me

This season has felt so empty, oh for quite a while

I want to feel Christmas like a child

I want to see snowflakes fall to the ground

My brothers and sisters all gathered around

Singing "Away In A Manager" as we sit by the fire

I want to feel Christmas like a child

It's been so long now, I can't say

Just when I lost my way

But I'm going back to how it was

When this day meant everything

And we spent our time remembering

The baby Child born for us

It's all about Jesus, asleep in the straw

This infant, this King, this Savior for all

So I don't need bells to be ringing

'Cause I'll join with angels singing

Gloria

And I can feel Christmas like a child

I want to feel Christmas like a child...

Introducing John Maxwell

2009-10-28T05:01:00.001-07:00

John Maxwell Wardlow

Born October 14, 2009

7 pounds 1 ounce

20 3/8 inches long

4:24 pm

Dark Brown Hair

Precious as EVER!

Three weeks ago we welcomed our second little angel boy in to the family! I am finally getting around to writing a blog all about sweet Max, the pregnancy and the birth. I obviously have a lot of catching up to do!!!

The Pregnancy: Max's pregnancy flew by and went very smoothly. I gained 25 pounds total and had more heartburn than I could have ever imagined! When I think back to this pregnancy I will always think of sleepless nights downing Tums! I assumed the constant heartburn would mean that Max would have hair, and sure enough he does! Overall, the pregnancy went by in a blink of an eye and as I stare at my new little baby boy I can't believe he is already here!

The Name: Oh, the name. If you know me very well you know I take the task of naming our children extremely seriously! To the point where I am 100% positive I drove many close family and friends absolutely insane. John is obviously my husband's name but it is also a big name in both of our families. My great grandfather was John Oliver Michael, hence the name of the wedding facility that my parents own and that I work at The John Oliver Michael House. John's mothers side of the family also had a John, whom my husband was named after. Maxwell is John's fathers middle name and "Max" is his great great grandfather's name. So this little sweetie has quite the "family name" and just BELIEVE me when I tell you it was a very hard decision. I always knew if we had another boy it would be a challenge and a challenge it was!!!

The Birthday: We were able to choose Max's birthday! Dr. Leach said we could induce as early as Sunday, October 11th. We wanted Thursday the 15th but the doctor made out of town plans (not cool!), so we basically were able to choose a date from Sunday the 11th through Wednesday the 14th. John wanted it to be close to the end of the week as possible and I wanted to either do Sunday or Wednesday. I wanted Sunday because I was ready to hold my sweet baby but I wanted Wednesday because it was closer to his due date. So we went with Wednesday, October 14th.

Interesting fact: When choosing an induction date it came down to the 11th and 14th. The 11th of October is Max Wardlow (John's great great grandfather's birthday) and the 14th is John's dad's birthday. So in the 365 days of this year it actually came down to the two days that are also the birth days of the two grandfather's who share Max's name. That sounds so confusing, did you follow that one!?

The Labor and Delivery: The labor and delivery went absolutely wonderful! Max's big brother Brooks paved quite the way for our little 7 pounder. I was induced around 8 am Wednesday morning. Contractions came IMMEDIATELY and I asked for the epidural shortly after. One contraction made me nauseated and that was enough for me to request the drugs! I do not tolerate pain very well, let's just be honest! We basically waited on the doctor to come check me. We thought he would be in at noon but he actually came at 2 pm. He broke my water and went back to his office. After he broke my water I kept telling my sister that I felt like something was happening but I decided to just wait on the nurse because she said she would be in to check me in 30 minutes. When she came to check me he was crowning! So, we called the doctor and the nurse prepared herself to deliver the baby without my doctor. Thankfully, Max held out and one doctor arrival and quick push later, he was born! PS: I am so pleased with my decision to switch doctors. I was sad to not have the same doc deliver both boys but Dr. Leach was awesome and I know he played a huge part in making the pregnancy and delivery go so great!

Afterwards: Funny thing about having a second child. For me, everything has been ten times easier. The pregnancy, the labor and delivery, recovery and nursing him. After I had Brooks I felt like everything was super fast and easy... until I had Max! I felt great shortly after his arrival and everything since then has gone very well. He is such a good baby! And Brooks is such a good big brother!

Big Brother Brooks: Brooks loves little Max so much. I often find him helping him with his pacifier, covering him up and mostly giving him slobbery open mouth kisses. The first few days at home were pretty rocky because Brooks had pink eye so he was not able to get close to Max. It was hard for him to understand why he couldn't get near him. Now he is used to him and calls him "Maxey" or "My Max." He is very protective of his little brother and while I have to constantly remind him to be gentle with Max, he has taken to him very well and I do not think of him as jealous at all. I feel like he is just as excited to have Max here as we are and he is a super sweet big brother. Yesterday I was putting makeup on in my bathroom and Max was in his bouncy. I looked over and Brooks was covering him with his blanket (which is a huge improvement, usually he takes his blanket away), and he leaned over and kissed Max on the forehead and said "I wuv you, Maxy." Talk about melting my heart!

I have a new computer that is photo free, but most of my readers have seen photos on FB or my sister's website. We are planning 1 month pics for little Max and I am so excited to get those done! I hope to be able to blog more often about our new little family of four but right now, I have to get back to my mom/wife/wedding planning duties!!!

Max at 34 weeks!!!

2009-09-10T16:59:00.001-07:00

Today Brooks and I ventured to my OB for Max's 34-week check up. As we were driving to the doctor, it struck me that two weeks had passed since I had last been there. It felt more like 2 days and it is just crazy to me how fast this pregnancy has progressed. Wedding season is back and I am glad I am ready for this baby because the next five weeks are going to fly by.

Our little baby is about 4 pounds and growing just fine! He was so cute today when the nurse was checking his heartbeat. He would move from one side of my body to the other depending on where the nurse would squeeze the cold gel. My belly would literally go flat on one side and it felt so cool! I love it and I am going to miss that feeling! She had to chase him to get his little heartbeat.

One thing I have held on to this entire pregnancy is the fact that I do not want to be induced this go around. Well, I thought I didn't. But when I spoke with my doctor and John today we decided if the baby did not come before the week of his due date we would induce. I feel confident in the decision. There are many reasons why I changed my mind and I am super excited we will be able to plan it out again. The main reason I did not want to be induced was because I thought my episiotomy was a result of being induced. But that is not the case at all and the doctor assured me that more than likely I would not need that procedure with the second baby since we've been there done that, so to speak! He made the comment that he rarely cuts episiotomy's and does not do them routinely and he did not think it would be an issue.

Another reason we are going to be induced is because my labor went extremely fast with Brooks. I was induced at 8 am, my water broke at 1 pm and I shot up from 3 centimeters to 10 centimeters and delivered him by 2:30. The doctor said that with many (not all, but many) second labors the delivery tends to run about 2 hours shorter. That said, I would rather be in the hospital, WITH MY EPIDURAL and prepared for this baby than heading to the hospital once my water breaks. Plus, with John having to plan around work and us planning on Brooks staying with my parents it would be better to have everyone packed and ready to go!

So, that said I am a planner and do like for things to be "ready" so I feel better about this. All my reasons for not wanting to be induced were not medically in line so I don't have to worry about that anymore. And Brooks' labor went so smoothly.

So with many prayers in tow, and even more excitement, we head towards the final month of this pregnancy and are planning to have our sweet baby the week of the 12th. Lord and baby willing, it will all go smoothly and flawless and our decision will be the right one!!!

Let Me Hold You Longer...

2009-09-01T17:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I ordered Karen Kingsbury's children's book, "Let Me Hold You Longer" from Amazon. Karen is the author of the Redemption and First Born Series' that I have been reading. This children's book was inspired by a poem in "Remember," one of five books in the Redemption Series.

In this book, the mother Elizabeth Baxter is struggling with the fact that her son is getting married and moving away. She also has four daughters and she talks about how "a daughter is a daughter for life, a son is a son until he takes a wife." (I say bull to that, but that's just me being bitter!) Anyway, this poem turned children's book talks about how as parents we always document our children's "firsts" but very rarely focus on their lasts. I was literally bawling through out the entire poem. So, yesterday I decided to order it and add it to Brooks' book collection.

I know all you mommy's out there will appreciate it. This book would be a great gift for a new baby, a baby shower or even a graduation gift! Enjoy...

Long ago you came to me, a miracle of firsts,
First smiles and teeth and baby steps, a sunbeam on the burst.
But one day you will move away and leave to me your past
And I will be left thinking of a lifetime of your lasts…

The last time that I held a bottle to your baby lips
The last time that I lifted you and held you on my hip.
The last night when you woke up crying, needing to be walked,
When last you crawled up with your blanket, wanting to be rocked.

The last time when you ran to me,s till small enough to hold.
The last time that you said you’d marry me when you grew old.
Precious, simple moments and bright flashes from your past
Would I have held on longer if I’d known they were your last?

Our last adventure to the park, your final midday nap,
The last time when you wore your favorite faded baseball cap.
Your last few hours of kindergarten, those last few days of first grade,
Your last at bat in Little League, last colored picture made.

I never said good-bye to all your yesterdays long passed.
So what about tomorrow-will I recognize your lasts?
The last time that you catch a frog in that old backyard pond.
The last time that you run barefoot across our fresh-cut lawn.

Silly, scattered images will represent your past.
I keep on taking pictures, never quite sure of your lasts…
The last time that I comb your hair or stop a pillow fight.
The last time that I pray with you and tuck you in at night.

The last time when we cuddle with a book, just me and you
The last time you jump in our bed and sleep between us two.
The last piano lesson, last vacation to the lake.
Your last few weeks of middle school, last soccer goal you make.

I look ahead and dream of days that haven’t come to pass.
But as I do, I sometimes miss today’s sweet, precious lasts…
The last time that I help you with a math or spelling test.
The last time when I shout that yes, your room is still a mess.

The last time that you need me for a ride from here to there.
The last time that you spend the night with your old tattered bear.
My life keeps moving faster, stealing precious days that pass,
I want to hold on longer-want to recognize your lasts…

The last time that you need my help with details of a dance.
The last time that you ask me for advice about romance.
The last time that you talk to me about your hopes and dreams.
The last time that you wear a jersey for your high school team.

I’ve watched you grow and barely noticed seasons as they pass.
If I could freeze the hands of time,I’d hold on to your lasts.
For come some bright fall morning, you’ll be going far away.
College life will beckon in a brilliant sort of way.

One last hug, one last good-bye, one quick and hurried kiss.
One last time to understand just how much you’ll be missed.
I’ll watch you leave and think how fast our time together passed.
Let me hold on longer, God, to every precious last.

Ride Ride and Slide Slide!!!

2009-08-17T09:31:00.000-07:00

This weekend I had a Saturday afternoon meeting so I left Brooks with John. He loves being outside with his Daddy more than anything. On this particular day, I left with him playing in the Suzuki while John was finishing up a welding job on the muffler. Man, that sounds so redneck.

Anyway, he was in heaven playing in daddy's "ride ride" as he calls it. He usually gets upset when I leave but as I handed him his juice and crackers to snack on while John finished up he said, "Tay tu Mommy, bye bye!" No hesitation this time.

As I was driving home John kept calling me wanting me to hurry and watch what Brooks could do. He was on the neighbors playground set, a BIG play set, climbing up a very tall ladder and booking it down the slide as fast as he could, over and over and over again! Although he has climbed ladders and gone down slides before, he just seemed so much more grown up and capable this time. Just another sweet reminder that that he is growing up too fast and I really can't stop it!

I captured some cute pics on my phone of him in all of his slide glory... dirt caked on the face! Another reason he likes being outside with Daddy... Daddy lets him get dirty! Mommy let's him get dirty too, it just seems like he ALWAYS gets dirty when he is left with John!

Sliding on his tummy, whichever way he fell or twisted he went that way. As long as he was going FAST, he was happy!

Getting ready for take off!

Very dirty and very happy little face!

New Prayer

2009-08-05T16:55:00.001-07:00

I interrupt my current reading session to bring you a precious prayer! I am currently reading the First Born Series by Karen Kingsbury. This summer I read the Redemption series, which I highly recommend, this is her follow up series to Redemption. For those of you who are not aware, Karen Kingsbury books are Christian Fiction and often quote Bible verses.

Anyway, every night before we turn out the lights we say a little prayer with Brooks. My favorite part of his bedtime is when he says, "Amen," even if he says it all slurry through his pacifier! Anyway, I was reading my book last night and read a small prayer that I love and want to memorize so I can say it to Brooks. Thought I would share it with you all, it is so simple but sweet...

"God, please now my future see, make it clear where I should be. Open windows, close the doors, not my will, my God, but yours."

Seven Years Ago, Today...

2009-08-03T13:34:00.000-07:00

Seven years ago today, I was 20 years old working at the Georgia Club as a cart girl. It was the summer after my Sophomore year in college and I was two weeks away from making my big, exciting move to Nashville (well, technically Murfreesboro, but Nashville sounds way better!) I worked a long shift at the golf course on this day, seven years ago. My friend Kelly Marlowe talked me in to going downtown Athens with her that night. I was tired and REALLY just wanted to stay home but I was coaxed in to a night out on the town.

John was 22 and had moved from Athens to Arkansas where he was working on a rice farm. He was living the simple life, by the river in an old cabin. He came home to Georgia to help his parents move back to their old stomping grounds in Arksansas. He had gone downtown Athens the night before and was worn out from that night out. His friends talked him in to another night out out on the town...

I was wearing a black baby doll type shirt and a knee length blue jean skirt. Both conservative and cute but not my style right now! I had on a circular turqouise necklace I bought from Target. I loved that necklace!

Kelly DRUG me to Firehouse, a bar on Clayton Street. The first hour or so there was pretty dull until we found a group of folks we knew and starting hanging out with. I do remember sitting at a table and literally wanting to fall asleep I was so tired. Slowly, but surely, August 3rd turned to August 4th and it was two hours until closing time. I was talking to some random guy because I noticed he had a military tag on and I made some comment about it so he stopped me to talk. He was very friendly but he just kept talking and frankly, he was boring. I was looking for Kelly and thinking about how I was going to get away from this guy when I turned around and saw a vision... oh, I'm so dramatic. Little did I know that vision was...

MY FUTURE HUSBAND!

What I really saw was an old worn out Stetson that some guy was wearing. I turned back around to the guy who was still rambling and said, "Hang on one second." I turned around and walked right up to John. (So, I picked him up, just for the record!)

Well, at the time, I was not aware he would be my husband but he was standing there, tall and thin and very cute, and very tan. I remember everything he was wearing that night but the only thing that caught my eye was the old worn out Stetson. I had a "thing" for the cowboy/country look if you will! A phase, some people call it. He was wearing Levi's and a short sleeve button down shirt. He remembers not particularly liking what he was wearing that night. I walked up to him, took off his hat (how annoying, why did I do that?) and he said, "Why does every girl take off my cowboy hat."

Kind of embarrased, I put the hat back on his head and turned to walk away. "Wait!" he said. I turned back around and we started chatting. I remember trying to listen to what he was saying. Something about his dad being in a band and him coming home to help his parents move to Arkansas where he was living. I told him that I was just a couple of weeks away from moving to Tennessee. But all I could think about the whole time we were talking was, "I wonder if he's wearing cowboy boots." I remember I was standing very close to him because the bar was crowded and I really wanted to see if he was wearing cowboy boots. He remembers me awkwardly looking down and wondered why I was staring at his feet. It was dark and crowded, so it took me a while to figure it out but finally I saw them... Yes! Cowboy boots! (My my, I was young and apparently this was a very important attribute at the time!)

Kelly remembers me finding her and saying, "Kelly, guess what? I found my cowboy!" Can you believe seven years ago, RIGHT NOW, I was getting off of work and was about to meet my husband and the father of my two precious little boys? What a GREAT DAY! I'm SO glad John was wearing the hat that caught my attention and I am so glad Kelly coaxed me in to going out that night!

And just for the record, we must repeat the pick up line he used when he called me two days after we met. Kelli Magee, you remember this because you were with me! He called and my voicemail picked up and he said, "Hey girl, I was just wondering if you saw the sunset today, cause I ordered it for ya... this is John." Oh, wow... let's just say he better be glad he was wearing that Stetson!

Brooks wearing the hat that brought his mommy and daddy together!

And, We're Back!

2009-07-29T18:49:00.000-07:00

As I sit here at my computer tonight, I can't help but smile. The laundry is completely done (and has stayed that way ever since I decided it would;)), supper for tomorrow night is planned and ready to be cooked, my carpet just got cleaned, my husband just cut our grass and edged our yard. I bought pretty new plants and new mulch and weed-ate (ha!) for a good 4 hours. My hands are sore but they are worth it. I have totally junk-proofed our house. Like totally got rid of JUNK. I sent about 15 bags of clothes to good will. My husband and I cleaned out the garage and are getting ready to paint and pressure wash it to garage heaven! My floors our clean, my baby room for Max is set up and ready along with his large entourage of clothes from Brooks, Jack and Gabe. My closet is so organized. And the clutter is gone. THE CLUTTER IS GONE. THE CLUTTER IS GONE. If there is a piece of clothing that is not in season it is neatly boxed, labeled and will soon be stored and I am most happy about my new wrapping paper and "craft supplies" boxes! Oh, and today... we got our house BACK ON THE MARKET! WOO HOO!

Today, I was so tired of cleaning I called my neice and my mom in for reinforcement. Baleigh played with Brooks and mom and I tag-teamed and got finished in a flash. Thank you!!!

So, as you can see, for the past month and a half I have been nesting like I've never nested before. John calls it OCD but I call it just being a wife and mother. I have totally re-vamped my day, the way I do things. My schedule is so wild with a baby and a job that gives me so much freedom. (An awesome job at that!) I have taken up weekly meal planning around my coupon cutting. I try to get all of my wedding work done in the morning that way I stay on top of the emails and to-do's and do not get behind. It also helps me take new bride tasks and calls through out the day without getting behind. I finally figured out how to keep the laundry down and keep the house nice on a daily basis. No, it's not perfect all the time but the goal is that when it does need to get perfect fast, it's a whole lot easier to do!

In the midst of all of this I have also managed to get Brooks well acquainted with his big boy bed (he prefers a double!) and have even introduced him to the potty. All of this to prepare for our little guy who will arrive in October. My main goal was to get all of this done by the end of August because once September arrives the fall wedding season will be full-fledged and simultaneously, Max will arrive. I am hoping to coordinate all weddings up until the day I go in to the hospital. In the four weeks before Max is scheduled to arrive we have l 6 weddings. I hope to do all of them up until the day after he is due... which means it would be great if he came a day or so after his due date. And I know that is a far stretch but a girl can wish. No, I won't be able to handle the weddings all by my lonesome because the leg work is constant but I have a great family who has got my back! Honestly, the more weddings I miss the harder it is for me because instead of just executing the wedding I have to worry about not being there and passing all of the info on to someone else. It always works out fine because my sisters or mom take over and they are AWESOME, I would just rather take care of it myself since that is my job!

So, even though I haven't been slammed with weddings the past few weeks, I have managed to be productive and stay busy. I'm trying to plan at least 2-3 fun activities a week for Brooks to do whether it be a play date or just a fun getaway with mommy! He just has so much energy these days it is absolutely impossible to keep him contained for too long.

I am hoping all of this new organization will make things go smoother for our move which will be... when? Who knows, but if the house is clean and organized and practically already boxed up it will be whole lot easier with a newborn. Besides the fact that right after fall wedding season mania comes the holidays and then Brooks and John's birthday. I am nothing more than SO excited for this time in our life and I just want to be prepared.

In the midst of all of this, Brooks had definitely changed before our eyes. John and I crack up at him on a daily basis. His personality just gets more fun every day. He talks constantly, runs everywhere he goes and keeps his mama on her toes! I can hardly clean up one mess before he makes another! Just today he took his diaper off on his own, pooped on the bathroom floor and then got into my makeup and spread my new powder all over the bathroom floor. He won't poop in a slightly wet diaper and he tells me "tee tee" AFTER he does the duty. Oh and tee tee means #1 and #2 to Brooks. So, where was I during all of this, you ask? Cooking dinner. It got quiet and I knew something was off. So, I head to his room to find a little trace of powder down my just freshly mopped hall floor. But I am happy to say he is learning to clean up his toys and when he makes a mess he is not supposed to, I make him help me clean it up. I'm hoping this will help him make less messes, although he thinks it's funny to help me clean and I often find him running the mop or broom across the kitchen floor.

My next big project the baby comes is to put a little education in our daily routine. We always read to him before bedtime but since I decided not to put him in a little school for a few hours, a couple days a week (like we were contemplating,) I'd like to have a time during the day where I teach him. I've thought about having a theme every week like alphabet, farm animals, numbers, etc., and do our weekly activities around that. This may be a bit ambitious with a newborn on the way but if I keep it simple and fun, I think it would be good for Brooks. Luckily my oldest sister is a teacher so maybe she can give me some ideas!

Well, peace out for now! Hopefully my posts for now on will be filled with baby news and cute pics of our precious little guy! And if you got to the end of this with out falling asleep... MAJOR PROPS TO YOU!

A Very Simple Mother's Day

2009-05-11T11:22:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a very relaxing and wonderful Mother's Day for all of the mom's in the Michael Family. We woke up Sunday morning a little late and rushed to get ready for church. About 10 minutes before we were to head out the door, my mom called and said they were skipping out on church. What!? It would definitely the first Mother's Day I have missed church but we decided to slow it down and just go to mom's for breakfast. Candice and her family where there and Jackson stopped by for a little while. Tiff and her family were at church so we ate breakfast and waited for them to arrive for lunch!

The rest of the day is pretty much summed up by this picture of Baleigh and Brooks.

We all sat around the pool, grilled out and watched all the kids play together. We pondered what it will be like 9 months from now with four more running around in the mix. Whew, just the thought wears me out but I can't wait! We spent about an hour trying to come up with a name for the new baby boy arriving in October but we were not successful.

We also visited a house down the road that was foreclosed. Big, beautiful, craftsman-style house. It is for sale now and since it has two kitchens, two master bedrooms and a pool surrounded by 5 acres, my sister Candice and I decided that we are going to sale our houses so we can buy this one, and our families can just live together. We laughed thinking how we could take turns cooking dinner and watching the kids for each other. The side by side tree swings and cute little brick well house in the front yard helped us make this decision. Now if we could just convince John and Justin!

We came home before dark and Brooks and I played and cuddled and fell asleep on the couch... while John and our neighbor worked on Suzy-Q. That's what I call the Suzuki!!!

All in all, the day was pretty much like most Sunday's for our family, with the exception of playing rookie and receiving fun gifts!!! I felt like should have given Brooks a gift for being the sweetest son and for making me a mommy!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day as well!!!

Brains, Beauty and Spiritual Balance

2009-05-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

My friend Leah Catherine sent this to me and I found it to be very nicely written and worth sharing...

The greatest beauty secret has nothing to do with make-up. It's being a woman who delights in God. She looks for substance--a kind heart, a discerning mind and a strong faith--instead of being distracted by outward appearance.

A woman of style and substance is gracious and kind to all she meets. She lives her life from the heart, not her ego. She looks for the best in people and situations. She is savvy enough to know that people can let her down, but compassionate enough to understand why they do. She has taken a balanced view of life--serious without being stuffy, warmhearted without being over sentimental.

So go ahead and try a new hair-do or splurge on a stylish dress. Have fun and look your best. Never forget that true stlye is a reflection of her relationship with God. Brains, beauty and spiritual balance have it all over the latest trend and the hottest look.

Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel--rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorrutible beauty of a gentle or quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 1 Peter 3: 3-4 NKJV

Baby Name

2009-04-29T09:01:00.000-07:00

I have a confession. I woke up the other day and decided against Coleman for the baby name. Poor, poor John. He never changes his mind. Just like when we were going to name Brooks "Tanner," I just woke up one day and didn't want to use it anymore. I don't like "man" on the end of his name. And I don't want people to call him Cole and I know that will happen. So, the name is TBD. And if you know me you are not a bit surprised I changed my mind!

It's for the boys...

2009-04-24T21:47:00.000-07:00

I think my husband is really excited about having two boys. And I say "think" totally sarcastically. And I don't blame him. He will have two sons, close in age to take hunting, fishing, camping, you name it. I know he is already dreaming of soccer games (he played soccer) and whatever else "the boys" choose to do in their spare time which I know in his mind include helping him remodel houses on a daily basis.

So, I'm only 14 weeks pregnant and the examples he has used the past couple of weeks referring to "the boys" is just so funny. So far we have talked about trucks, four wheelers and their college savings. It used to be Brooks, Brooks, Brooks... now it's "the boys!" He now has an excuse for everything "boy" he has ever wanted to buy. And he's not going to purchase it for himself. It's for "the boys." One who is 15 months old and one who is in utero. So, we are selling our completely family-oriented Ford truck that has a large back seat and a built in tv and buying a 1988 Suzuki Samarai. Won't it be fun to drive "the boys" around in it? And won't it be fun for them to drive around in? Sure, since it will be a good 30 years old by the time they can even think about driving. But it totally makes sense because one day it can be "for the boys."

Whatever... ;)

Lately...

2009-04-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

Spring time is here and in our world "Spring" also spells BUSY! AKA: wedding season! On top of weekend weddings, we are trying to work on the Oconee house in our spare time. It remains a mystery as to when we will actually move in (or get close to moving in) but I am fully confident that the day will come!

Hmmm.... so what's been happening? Well, first and foremost we are so blessed to have three new babies in the Michael Family, sweet Jack, Gabe and Isabella. The birthday was an amazing experience and I could go in to details but they would not do it justice! We stop in every once in a while to peak at little Isabella and sweet Jack, and can't wait until cousin Gabe comes home soon. My AMAZING sister-in-law is nursing and pumping for three premature babies, one who is still in the NICU. I say "amazing" because I am truly amazed that she is doing this! I will never, EVER complain about nursing again. I struggled with one baby. I don't know how she is doing it but I know it has a lot to do with the fact that she wants the best for her little miracles and refuses to give them anything less. As a side note, I would also like to say that I think my brother is SUCH a wonderful father. I haven't been able to be around him and the babies as much as I will in the future, but I can see it. He is very protective, duh! It reminds me of how he was so protective of Candice, Tiffany and I growing up - just magnified by millions! And from what I hear and see he reminds me of my Dad, which means he'll be the best dad in the world!

Easter was very sweet. We spent the night at my parent's house and the Easter Bunny put Maebree, Millie and Brooks' basket in the same spot he used to leave ours when we were little! He even hid eggs in the front yard just like the good ole days! After the morning hunt, we went to church and then to brunch. After brunch it was on to the JOMH for our annual family (and some friends!) Easter egg hunt. Brooks was definitely more involved this year. Holidays are so much fun with children - they are fun with out children too, but I thrive on making these times as special and meaningful as my parents did for us growing up! I think the main goal is to realize the real meaning behind these holidays, and then everything else falls in to place with all of the fun traditions!

Next topic of discussion - baby boy #2 who we can also call by his name, Coleman Michael. We chose Coleman because we love it and Michael, for obvious reasons! Now, I post this name with a small disclaimer stating I have full authorization to change my mind! As many of you know Brooks was "Tanner" for a good 3 months. I don't think we will change our mind this time but we'll see. Also, many have asked if we will call him Cole. I would prefer to call him Coleman although I am certain Cole may come out every now an then as a nickname, but we will call him Coleman! In naming the little guy, we wanted to stick to our preference of him having his own first name and a family middle name. "Brooks Thomas" came out of us loving the name Brooks and "Thomas" being John's middle name, his grandfather's first name and my grandfather's middle name. This mirrors "Coleman Michael" for those reasons! Regarding the pregnancy: they say I am pregnant but I sure don't feel pregnant. Thank you, Lord, for blessing me with sick-free pregnancies! Once again, I love being pregnant! As I head towards 15 weeks, my waist line is expanding a bit faster than it did with my Brooks. All in all, Coleman is treating his mama good and is growing well!

Now, on to my sweet Brooks. I never imagined one little person could bring two people so much joy but he continues to amaze us with his precious little ways, every single day. Besides being as cute as pie, he has an adorable personality. Right now he is currently obsessed with Barney and calls him "Bar" or "Barby." He watches Barney in Daddy's truck and points to the television and yells "BAR!!!" I do not like him to watch tv very often, but it is nice to have a little out when I need to get some emails out to brides or get the house picked up. Atleast I know he is not getting in to something he shouldn't -- which he does often! Whew, don't even get me started on child-proofing the house. I don't think it's possible to fully child proof our house from this little guy. He is NON-STOP! Other than that he wants to go "OUT" - LOVES to be outside. I could really go on and on about all the new things he does every day, but I won't! Today was his 15-month well visit. He has lost a pound and gotten two inches taller, due to walking and being so active of course.

As always, I understand if absolutely no one made it to the end of this post but if anything, it's here for me to remember these days that are absolutely flying by. I have a very good feeling that with wedding season in full swing, baby #2 will be here before we know it!

BOY oh BOY!!!

2009-04-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

This morning I went to my 12-week OB appointment. I was very excited to get there and find my favorite nurse from my old OB, now working for my new OB! I was also very shocked and very excited to find out the sex of our new baby, at only 12 and a half weeks pregnant! There is a definite little turtle sticking out between my very active little one's legs! The ultrasound tech was first like, "Well, that is probably a boy." As she and I (being the expert I am) continued to examine my sweet little baby, we came to the conclusion that is was "DEFINITELY" a boy! She did say not to paint any rooms blue yet because she can not give a 100 percent guarantee until 18 weeks, but it is quite obvious. We found the umbilical cord and concluded that the little stump was not the umbilical cord. She also stated that little girls have a little something sticking out in that area but it does NOT reach mid-thigh!

I have been all giggles since I found out. I did not think I would be finding out this soon and it is so fun knowing this early. As much as we would have loved to have welcomed the diversity of a precious little girl to our family, I have always imagine myself being the mommy of boys. I am so excited I can't see straight. The thought of my little Brooks having a little brother and best buddy for the rest of his life just thrills me. They will be so close in age and will literally grow up together. John was very excited as well. He couldn't believe I was calling with news that we were having another sweet little boy. He, like me, could not stop laughing. He was especially proud that the babies manhood was "already noticeable at only 12 weeks!" I have been telling him this whole time that I felt like I was growing another little fishing buddy for him, but he thought it was a girl! Mommy's instinct was RIGHT!!!

Did I mention I LOVE my new doctor? I am so happy with our decision to switch practices. Dr. Leach has ENCOURAGED me to keep running. I told him that I have not been running since I found out I was pregnant and he said that is fine, just to start back slowly and I will be fine. As long as I am not over doing it, then the baby will be just fine. He said I could run as long as it felt comfortable to me. Where was he during my first pregnancy!?

Say What!?

2009-03-19T13:32:00.000-07:00

So, as most of you already know, we finally have a due date for baby #2. The official due date is October 18th - a great day in my book because it is my fabulous sister, Candice's birthday! There are a lot of family birthdays that month and we will do our best to try to dodge them all, but we can't promise anything!

My due date means I am 9 weeks and 4 days pregnant today! So, we still have plenty of time to prepare for our new little bundle of love. I have to share this funny story with y'all, totally in light of the fact that my sister in law is about to deliver triplets - and for Suzanne. Girl, you're gonna love this!

I am going to a new doctor this time who also happens to be the same doctor Jill goes to - thank you, Jill! So the ultrasound tech knows Jill very well and she knew I was her sister-in-law.
So, anyway we walk in to the room and Allie (the ultrasound tech) tells me that since I am unsure of how far along I am, she is going to try to do the ultrasound on my belly just in case I am far enough along to go there. So, she did and I was. She showed us our little baby and let us listen to the heartbeat. Then she said, "Oh my!" So she goes on to ask me if Jill is my sister and I tell her that no, Jackson is my brother. Then she says, "Well, I just want you to know that you could have had twins!"

Me: "What!?"
John: "What!?"
Allie: "Yep, you actually released TWO eggs when you got pregnant but only one of them was fertilized, so you aren't having twins. But you could have. "

Isn't that interesting!? So, I made her check a couple of extra times just to make sure there were not two babies. Just one, but I found that to be very interesting! I asked her if this is common and she said that she does see girls who produce two eggs and only have one baby, that is not uncommon. But it is a big deal to produce two eggs because that is how you end up with twins! We have no history of mulitples in our family so I found this to be very interesting!!! But, no twins. Close, but no cigar!

We are very excited about the new addition to our family! Brooks has already learned there is a baby in mommy's belly and to give it love with a sweet, gentle -- but BIG BROTHER hug!

Just for Pawpaw

2009-03-15T18:13:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been trying to get Brooks to say his words on video for quite some time. NOT having luck in that department. Every time I grab the camera and get situated, he is over it and has moved on to the next thing! Today I was able to get him to say "Pawpaw" on camera. He can also say "ma ma ma" for Mamommie and "Ji" for his Aunt Jill. Out of all of the names "Paw Paw" and "Jill" are all I can really get him to say fully.

So, just for Paw Paw, here is a video of him saying your name! He can not wait to see you and the rest of the family again in May for Aunt Coco's wedding!

And, Jill, I will have you know after my camera cut off due to lack of space he said "Ji" like five times in a row. I can't belive the camera cut off!!!

Exciting News!!!

2009-03-11T09:52:00.000-07:00

That's right... Brooks is going to be a BIG BROTHER! Details to come!!! Our first ultrasound is next week, so we look forward to seeing our new addition to the family and showing Brooks the first pictures of his little brother or sister!!!

Shout Out to the Sister-in-law

2009-02-20T07:01:00.000-08:00

Please keep Jill, Jackson and the babies in your prayers. Jill will be 29 weeks on Sunday and for the past week she has been having off and on contractions. Please keep them in your prayers as well as the doctors who will making important decisions for them during this time! They have been through so much to get to where they are today. I just pray that everything goes according to God's plan and that those precious babies are as healthy as can be when they enter this world. One thing is for sure, they have plenty of love awaiting them!

You can visit Jackson and Jill's blog by clicking here.

Thank you!!!

My Little Pick Up Man!!!

2009-02-15T12:23:00.000-08:00

We listen to music a lot. During breakfast, during bath time, in the car! We hardly ever watch tv during the day but boy do we dance! Brooks loves music and loves to dance. Here is a video of him from this week (the day after the walking video.) I was about to give him a bath and had itunes on! PS: we don't listen to redneck music all the time, but you all know I love my country music!!!

Wedding Blog!

2009-02-12T08:36:00.001-08:00

So, with wedding season right around the corner I decided to start a blog for the John Oliver Michael House. Please visit our blog at http://jomh.blogspot.com/ and let your friends know about it as well!

Walk This Way!!!

2009-02-11T16:32:00.000-08:00

Here is a small clip of our little rock and roll star walking! I was very low on memory space so I could only get a few seconds but he tends to plop down after a while any way. He walked around the house all day today, so it looks like he is about to take off!!! Please excuse his mis-matched outfit!

Personality Bloom

2009-02-11T05:42:00.000-08:00

While Brooks may not be growing as fast as he did the first year, his personality has sprouted like a weed! HE IS SO MUCH FUN. I love it! It is hard to describe his actions, but I am mainly posting them so that I do not forget!

- He has taken the hugging game to a whole new level! Anytime I say something like "Love on Mommy" or "Love on Grandaddy" he lays his little head down as fast as he can on whomever he is loving and it's just so sweet!

- He also gives mommy lots of kisses. Although he has been doing this for many months, now when I say "Give mommy a kiss" he puckers up and smacks a big one on me! Melts my heart!

- His favorite game right now is pointing to mommy's eyes, nose, mouth, ears and hair. Except instead of pointing (like the girls did) he gives a big ole whack. I am definitely teaching him to be gentle but I have gotten my head smacked a few times in this game!

- He talks 90 miles an hour. He makes up words. He talks and talks and talks, and we have no clue what he is saying. His signature word sounds something like "da-doooooooowwww." He says it randomly, all the time. I have no idea what it means or where it came from. The other day we were watching the presidential news conference and he was staring at Obama on tv. I said, "That is your new president." He looked at me, let out this deep, sarcastic laugh and said, "da-doooowww!"

- He is definitely walking more now. It is such a slow process. If he has something to pull up on, he will walk as far as he can until he plops down. He is the fastest crawler I have ever seen!

- He is obsessed with my niece Baleigh. LOVES HER. When she walks in the room it's like the sky has parted, the sun is shining and the birds are singing. He can not get to her fast enough. He literally cracks up at everything she does. She will say "boo" very softly and he loses it.

- He also loves to play with all of the girls. He gets very excited every time we are all together... which is often! I can only imagine his excitement when the triplets are born and get old enough to play and he realizes... I HAVE TWO BOY COUSINS! Oh goodness, what fun is coming! I can definitely see a "Boys or Girls ONLY Club" in the near future. And my guess is that the boy's club will be lead by one of the triplets and the girls club will be lead by Campbell. Just my premonition!

- He tries to repeat short sentences like, "I love you." Very cute!

- He is so sweet to people in public. He smiles and sometimes laughs at any one that talks to him or looks at him. When they look at him and when they walk away from him he waves frantically. The other day I was getting a pedicure and he waved at this one young girl for a good hour. She was a good sport about it. Through out one trip to the grocery store, he will wave at a good 25 people and have many new friends before we leave the store!

- My favorite change is when we ask him a question he comes back with, "Eh" or "Hmmm?" He cocks his little head and awaits your response. Sometimes he goes crazy with it and says it over... and over... and over. He also answers many questions I ask him with a very solid NO as he quickly nods his head back and forth!

- He LOVES books. He laughs when I get them out. He favorite book was given to him by Baleigh and Campbell and it is called "Pete the Cat."

- New words in his vocabulary: nana (banana), juice, yum yum, uh-oh, HOT and book --- and basically anything we say that he feels like he wants to repeat! Anytime I get something out of the microwave or oven he announces, "HOT HOT!" The other day I was rolling my hair and he let me know the curlers were in fact, "HOT HOT!"

That's about it for now. I am going to try and figure out a way to upload a video I took of him yesterday. John was on rock band playing guitar and Brooks was going at it with the drum sticks. He really looked like he was playing and he even had pretty good rhythm! That tells me he must take after his Arkansas Grandaddy musically!

Car Seat Safety

2009-02-04T10:37:00.000-08:00

Car crashes scare the mess out of me, especially when it comes to children. I have two personal stories I will share with you that will help you understand my EXCESSIVE fear of children and cars.

The first goes back to my college days, when I was running late to meet some friends for dinner. I was going down a hill, looking down at my cell phone (shamelessly) when I slammed on my breaks to stop from hitting a car in front of me. I lost control, crossed the yellow line and side swiped a minivan coming the opposite way. The whole crash was terrible and the officers could not believe no one was injured. The mini van and my car ended up very far away from each other, so I never met the driver. I was very shaken but held it together as I called my Dad and John to let them know of the incident. I was talking to the policeman and heard another officer on the scanner say to him, "Yes, the three children in the van are definitely okay, just shaken. No one is injured." I absolutely LOST it! No explanation needed.

The second story occurred during my Classic Center days when John lived in Bogart. This was two years ago this past Christmas. I was driving from his house to my parents house one morning. I came to a side road intersection to cross Hwy. 316. A car crash involving a small car and a transfer truck had just occurred. I will spare you the details of the crash but I will tell you that I watched a small boy, age 7, die on the side of the road. His mother used my cell phone as she frantically called her family. Her husband was lying about 50 yards away, unconscious. Their second son, a baby, was screaming as pedestrians carefully tried to remove him and his car seat out of the wrecked car. There was blood, screaming, crying, total chaos. I am not built to handle these situations, which is why I do not work at a hospital. I will never forget that mother's face. That little boy's mangled face. I think about it every time I pass that intersection. I think about that family every Christmas, every time I see a little Mexican boy with a bowl cut. It was absolutely horrible. Everyone at the scene assumed that the man and the older boy were not strapped in. The mother and the baby were strapped in and the baby was in a safe car seat that was installed properly.

I know those are two very long stories but they do lead to a point. When it comes to babies and cars, I am a fanatic, which is why I took an email that my friend Ansley sent me very seriously. It was in regards to car seat safety. When it was time for us to buy Brooks his new car seat I did my research on every brand and most every style. I bought him the one I thought was the absolute safest car seat made in the entire world! I had the company's representative show me how to install. At the end of the little tutorial, she told me Brooks could sit forward or rear facing, but rear-facing was the safest. She had, however, installed it front-facing. Since his spider legs were squished in the rear facing position, and since he was 21 pounds and a year old, I kept it facing forward, excited that he could now see Mommy and the outdoors while riding.

After reviewing all of the information on the link that Ansley sent to me today, I will be turning Brooks back around to be rear-facing. His car seat supports this for up to 35 pounds. He still only ways 21 pounds. Sure, his legs will be squished and he'll have to stare at the back seat for another year, but I would rather that than a broken neck. What gets me is through out all my research all I read about was side impact. What will protect him the most if there is side impact? I didn't think about slamming on breaks, neck injuries... AHHHH!

Here is an excerpt from the blog post that I read from this link that Ansley sent to me. I was shocked. "Because riding rear-facing does provide significantly more protection to children's heads, necks, and spines, the Academy does recommend it for as long as possible, but the only minimum we have set is 12 months/20 pounds. This policy statement is under revision but is current at this time."

Under revision? Really? So, in five years there may be a law stating that the baby has to be 35 pounds and 2 years old to ride front facing? ABSOLUTELY. That makes sense. I am not waiting for that law to be passed. No siree.

All mommies and soon to be mommies, please check out this link. I would love your opinion. Do you think the law should be revised? Would you turn your child around if you were me? And does anyone know if there are any NEGATIVES to the rear-facing position for a tall child, or one over 20 pounds and a year old. I am very interested. I may call Britax. Yes, I am one of those moms.

I do believe God will keep my baby safe, but I also think He gave us a brain for a reason!

LINK: http://www.joelsjourney.org/

Thank you, Ans!

Brooks' First Year...

2009-01-29T19:10:00.000-08:00

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Birthday Boy Formal Photos

2009-01-24T20:34:00.001-08:00

My 1-Week Old... WHAT?

2009-01-21T07:07:00.000-08:00

Baby Center has been a friend of mine for quite some time. My friend Elly introduced this website to me when I became pregnant. I subscribed to the weekly email updates to keep up with little Brooks as he was growing. Every week I would get an email titled "Your Pregnancy: Week 28," and so on. Once he was born, I received monthly updates titled "Your 1-month old" or "Your 11-month old." Well, just recently I was surprised to read the new title of my updates: "Your 1-week old Toddler."

TODDLER!?! Where does the time go?

Here is an update on my (now almost two-week) old toddler:

- His vocabulary consists of the following words: mama, dada, duck, goose, sit, uh-oh, dog and dude. He also mimicks things we say, words and sounds.
- He laughs at himself while he plays, I guess he cracks himself up!
- He has 8 teeth and I am almost positive he is working on his molars.
- He is officially addicted to the pacifier, but only at bed time. He doesn't really use it during the day.
- The child will eat ANYTHING! And whatever anyone around him is eating is fair game.
- He is almost walking. He has taken steps but has not taken off!
- His new thing is laying his head down on your lap just to be affectionate. He will crawl up to our dog, Goose, and lay his head on his back and will hug him until Goose has had enough. It is his way of saying, "I love you!"

- He loves to dance. Put music on and he is dancing!
- The transition from bottle to sippy cup was a breeze. He is not loving the cold milk but he is slowly getting used to it. He is not using bottles at all. He has developed a preference for Mayfield Whole Milk!
- At his one year well visit he weighed 21 pounds and was 29.5 inches long. He is in the 35 percentile for length and 25 percentile for weight which is a drastic difference from the past.
- And my favorite part of him being a one year old is his new, comfy carseat and the fact that he can sit facing forward! As you can tell, he enjoys it very much!

That is about it for now! John and I have been going back and forth about when we want to have our second child. At first we thought this summer would be a good time to start thinking about it. Over Christmas we decided we wanted to wait a little longer than this summer. Now, we are not sure. We want our children to be close in age but we are sure enjoying Brooks so much. So, we are in between right now, not sure which route we will take. But we will see!

I still need to post one year old pictures, birthday party pictures and a few Christmas pictures. So, I may do a picture post soon!

A Baby Changes Everything

2009-01-14T17:45:00.000-08:00

My sister-in-law Jill has a beautiful, solid and very clear singing voice. She sings in the praise team at our church. I absolutely love hearing her sing whether it is at church or at my very own wedding! The Sunday before Christmas the service began with Jill singing the Faith Hill song called "A Baby Changes Everything." We all know I am very emotional, but I barely got through the first verse and chorus of Jill singing this song before the tears started streaming down. Between the struggles she went through to finally become pregnant with the triplets, and the symbolism of the words to the birth of baby Jesus, it was just so beautiful. Jill got a standing ovation and I don't know how she made it through the song with out crying.

Those four simple words "a baby changes everything" are so amazingly true, in SO many ways.

By the time she got to the "Halelujah" part, it was over for me. I was absolutely bawling. I warned Jill after church to never do that to me again with out a little prior warning;)

If you have never heard this song, you can listen to it on You Tube on the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtZd8QMEkZk

Sweet Cheeks

2009-01-09T20:57:00.000-08:00

This very moment last year I was doing the same thing I am this year. Mopping my floor! Shopping, buying, preparing, cleaning, thanking the good Lord for Target! This very moment last year was the night before our sweet Brooks was born. I was nesting like a bird, I tell you, and my house had to be perfectly spotless before I went to bed. Nothing less than perfect for our baby.

Well, here we are again, one year later. Mopping. Getting ready for his big day and trying to make it perfect for my baby! So many emotions come over me when I look back at the day Brooks was born. In celebration of the big 0-1, I thought I would share my favorite memory of Brooks being born.

The day Brooks was born was a rainy one. I woke up before the alarm clock sounded and got in the shower. I got ready in a tizzy, afraid I would be running behind. "I can't be late for my own labor!"

On the way to the hospital I remember fussing at John because he dared to even mention stopping to get breakfast. "What, breakfast? NO!" I had been planning and preparing for this day for weeks (40 weeks to be exact) and I was not to about run behind because of breakfast.

Seeing as though I was scheduled for an induction, my very reasonable husband looked at me and said, "It will be okay if we stop at a drive through. They are not going to start with out you." To this day, I can't even remember whether we ended up stopping for breakfast. I don't remember what items I bought at Target the week before, what the house looked like when I left (although I know it was insanely clean) or what I was wearing. What I do remember is the feeling I had when I woke up in the middle of the night, after Brooks had been born.

Everyone had told me to "put that baby in the nursery and get some rest!" After all, I should take advantage of those night nurses while I had them. So being desperate and willing for any advice anyone had, I sent him to the nursery. I slept very well and very hard!

About 2:00 in the morning I woke up and remembered where I was. All of a sudden it hit me. He's here! Not in my belly, here! I had to see him. I remembered my sweet baby and couldn't get to my camera fast enough. I pressed the power button to look at the millions of pictures we had taken earlier that day. He was the most precious thing I had ever laid eyes on. Pictures were just not cutting it. Without hesitation, I jumped out of bed, put my robe on and marched myself down to the nurses station to get my baby! I remember walking down the hall so excited about seeing him again. I told them I wanted to take him back to my room. They said they would bring him to me when he was ready to nurse, but I took him anyway. I wanted him so bad, just to stare at him and hold him. He had been the little one inside me for all those months. Kicking and hiccupping and rolling around. His little face was just precious. His chubby little cheeks were so kissable. He looked just like John, but smaller! I'll never forget that feeling I had when I woke up and remembered Brooks was here! It was so exciting. It was like a kid on Christmas morning but WAY better!

Sweet little yawn, sweet little cheeks! This is where he gets his nickname from his mommy, Sweet Cheeks!

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY PRECIOUS LITTLE BROOKS!

Josh Darnell

2009-01-09T12:35:00.000-08:00

Please keep my friend Josh and his family in your prayers. Josh was a high school friend. I first met him at Watkinsville First United Methodist Church (my old church from my childhood.) My senior year, we got to be good friends. Below is the email I received from Kelli (Miller) Magee today and she received this from another close friend of ours and of Josh's, Erin.

Hey ladies, I hope this finds you having a nice day. I have news to deliver from Melissa. Josh was involved in an explosion yesterday in Afghanistan. He has shrapnel in his pelvis and abdomen, but not near any vital organs. He has some burns on his face, and his arm was shattered. Most of these injuries are on his right side. He has had surgery on his arm and is expected to regain full range of motion in it. He has also had more surgery to clean out his wounds, and he could possibly have more surgeries in the future. He is currently in Kadahar , but they are hoping to move him to Bagram soon. He will then be moved to Germany and stateside after that to either Washington or Texas. Melissa has talked to him, and he said it could have been much worse. Two of his men were killed and many others were injured. I've attached a link from CNN about the attack. Start praying hard and pass on the word to friends and family to pray for him and his men to recover and to travel safely back to the states. I'll keep you posted on anything else I hear today and in the coming days. Love you, Erin http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia/2009/01/2009195391166694.html

Thank you, Lord, for watching over Josh. Although he was injured, we are so thankful it was not worse.

Thank you for keeping him and his wife and family in your prayers.

Sincerely,

So Much To Say, No Time To Do It

2009-01-08T17:39:00.000-08:00

Well, if you are here then you received my email introducing my new and private blog! YAY! I hope you like the new blog design. My mom made me PROMISE I would make my blog private. So this is for you, Mama!

I would love to write more but I have been slammed all day. I have bride emails to return and first birthday parties to prepare! Brooks' first birthday celebration (and I say that as "cel-a-bray- chion) is less than 48 hours away. I can't believe it has been a year! I hope to post a blog tomorrow reminisicing about this very week last year. I remember it so very fondly!

Loves!

New Blog, Coming Soon!

2009-01-05T13:51:00.000-08:00

Let's just go ahead and give a big shout out to Jennisa over at Once Upon A Blog. Because not only is she the BEST blog designer ever, but she has totally put up with me and my crazy chain of emails today.

I love my new design that should be up soon and if ANYONE out there wants to give your blog a face lift , you should get on her list. Totally worth the wait. Right, Suzanne!? She did my cousin Suzanne's over at Steeces Pieces, so of course I picked her because I know Suzanne knows the best about the blogging world. She has been so great through out the whole process. Especially dealing with me and my indecisiveness. Even through the madness of the holiday season, Jennisa is on the ball!

I am certain and have very high hopes that this is the key to my hope of blogging more often. Stay tuned! (All five readers... ha!)

My Goodness!

2008-12-14T18:52:00.000-08:00

well. this post is going to be in all lowercase. not because i can't type normal, but my precious little son got ahold of my laptop and now the left shift key is a goner. so until i can make a trip to best buy for a little repair work, it's either typing like this... or LIKE THIS!

funny story: today my mom and i took brooks shopping. i enjoy taking him shopping because he is so easy right now. he is very well behaved and other than needing a few diaper changes and to be held and talked to every now and then, he is super easy. so, anyway today mom and i went all day with him and we split up for a few minutes and brooks and i waited for mom in a sporting goods store. we plopped ourselves down in front of the store in a comfy georgia chair that was on display. so as people walked in and out of the store we watched. i love to people watch and brooks does as well. he stares at everyone. people talk to him all the time and he either smiles kindly at them or looks at them like a deer in a headlight! so anyway, we sat there for a while and just as i was kind of getting annoyed with every person stopping and talking to brooks (totally like when you are pregnant and everyone rubs your belly) a lady walked in and said to her friend, "oh my goodness, look at that beautiful little GIRL."

Really, girl? please tell my how my son who is wearing a brown and green outfit with a reindeer on the front of it (and has definite boy shoes on) even remotely looks like a girl. i didn't correct her, i just said "thank you."

what's weird is that happens a lot. okay, so he doesn't have much hair and it's hard to tell, but he does not look like a girl! one time we were in target and he had on a navy polo and camo shorts and a worker walked up and said, "look at that little PRINCESS." PRINCESS? No, actually he is a boy, but thank you. it actually happens a lot and it doesn't really bother me but i just wonder what is going through these people's minds when they see him and think he is a girl. because last time i checked, if he was a girl, i highly doubt i would be dressing her in camo shorts and a boys navy polo. nor would i put my little girl in the outfit he was wearing today. it's a boy outfit!

so, whatever, it's really funny and i just can't believe how often it happens! i just don't think he looks like a girl, but that's just me!

Lately...

2008-11-20T18:54:00.000-08:00

It's like the George Strait Song, which many of you probably do not know. It goes, "I've come to expect that from you." Well, I've come to expect "it" from myself. The whole "absence in blogging thing." It's a problem I have, but I am working on a cure! Stay tuned to the end of this blog for my problem-solving technique that I am oh so excited about!

I can not believe how this year has flown by! And I am NOT exaggerating. I think about my life this time last year, as I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of our precious little boy! Life is so different now, because of him. I love being a mom and waking up to my "day." I love staying home with him but also working at the wedding house. I love living every day because I really am striving to be better at this "mom/wife" thing EVERY SINGLE DAY! And I can't believe it has almost been a year since he blessed our life so very much!

So, what's next on our agenda....

Well, next week we will travel to the great state of Arkansas to visit John's family for Thanksgiving. Upon our return home, we will proceed to pack up our home and move back to Oconee County! We are purchasing another home, and it is an old home that we are looking to restore. J is a super-doer when it comes to anything handy around the house. I don't think there is anything he can not fix or upgrade or install... he's good! The home is just a couple of turns away from the house I grew up in and where my parents still live. So, if you know me, you know I'm excited! The down side is we are still looking for a renter for the house we are currently living in. But I have high hopes!

Even with the home we are moving in being old, musty and in great need of repairs, when I walk outside I hear crickets. I can't see my neighbor's house. The grass is green. My church is less than a mile away. It feels like home because it is home and I am so thankful! Not to mention one of my neighbors (who is an extended relative) has a monogramming machine! WOOHOO!!!

We have also been blessed with the addition of TRIPLETS in to the Michael Family. Yes, triplets! My brother and his wife are expecting two precious boys *yay for Brooks* and one precious little princess girl! WE ARE SO THRILLED... and I will be a hop, skip and a jump away from any help they need at ANY TIME. And that most definitely includes 2 am phone calls. CAN'T WAIT! Many of you know, I have a friend in Texas who has quads. So the idea of multiples is not new to us (totally thanks to her,) but it is certainly very surprising and exciting. I never expected my brother to be the father to triplets!

Now for the upcoming addition for John's side of the family: his little sis is getting married this coming May! YAY!

In other news... once Brooks' FIRST Thanksgiving and FIRST Christmas are behind us, we will be celebrating his FIRST birthday! So here it is... an update on Brooks at 10 months. Where do I even begin!?

- He gets in to EVERYTHING. Toilet paper roll, a speck on the floor, the dishwasher, the refrigerator, kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, entertainment center cabinets, newspaper, dog food, pantry. Anything that opens, closes, or looks like it could possibly open and close!

- He is pulling up to stand up and is walking holding on to furniture but he is not yet able to stand on his own or take steps on his own.

- I don't think he was crawling last time I blogged but he's been crawling since he was 8 months old and is now a professional crawler!

- He waves hello, goodbye. He tries to clap his hands. He shakes his head "no." Gives high fives. New word is "Bubba" and "Da" (for dog.) Yesterday Cash barked and he said, "Da?!"

- He LOVES DADDY'S HAT. That is the first thing he goes for when J gets home from work. Loves to take it off of daddy, put it on B. Off of B, onto Daddy. Loves to play peek-a-boo with the hat as well.

- At his last well visit he had not gained any weight but was 2 inches taller. Very tall for his age and he is starting to thin out. Still, at 10 months he weighed 20 lbs!!! Whew!

- He is definitely more attached to me than he has been in the past. If I leave him at home with Daddy to take a quick trip to the grocery store, he crawls to the door like a mad man to get to his mommy the minute I arrive at home and he hears that door open!

- He has 6 teeth as of today! All in different stages...

- He is still the cuddliest little bug ever.

- He knows what we mean when we say "no no." Usually because he is about to open or get in to something, or close to something that could hurt him. He is very good about stopping and doing what we say. He usually flashes a big smile and either proceeds to go where he is not supposed to (testing the waters oh so much) or finds something better to do! Overall, I am already proud of how well he listens to what we tell him. I know he can't understand discipline yet but I feel like he knows what is going on.

- And last but not least: He gets the MAJOR giggles at night. Uncontrollable giggles. Usually right before he bed time. And it's just enough to spend 10 minutes or so playing with him and just being silly before it's time for bed. It's so fun!

So... back to that "CURE" I was speaking of in the beginning of this blog. I been added to the fabulous waiting list to have a "blog make over!" I am using someone who was referred to me by my friend/cousin in Texas I was speaking of earlier. I'm super excited about that. Kind of like my "new blog" for the "New Year!" I'm way down on the waiting list but I can't wait to give my blah blog a face lift and hopefully it will jump start me on writing as often as I would like to!!! I must discipline myself to post more often, because so many milestones and memories are flying by!

New Photos of Brooks!

2008-08-18T10:40:00.000-07:00

My sister just posted the photos she took for Brooks' 6 month old shots! Check them out by clicking on the following link:

http://www.candiceholcomb.com/iWeb/Candice%20Holcomb/Wardlow.html

I am lucky to have such a talented sister, I MUST say!

HOW WILL I EVER CHOOSE WHICH ONES TO FRAME!?

Long Time, No Post

2008-08-08T03:47:00.000-07:00

So... it's been a while folks but I am still here. To all five of my readers, I do apologize! So the summer came and is slowly going and my last update was the trip we took to Arkanas in May. Well, I can't really do that much catching up so I'll just give you a long overdue update on Little John:

- He still looks JUST like John. I mean the resemblance is unmistakable!
- On July 29 his first tooth popped through on the bottom. Yes, I jumped and screamed and immediately sent out a text... then I called my mom and followed up my text to John with a mid-morning phone call to him at work. I was excited. To say the least.
- He is sitting up like a pro which he started to do right at 6 months!
- He is trying with all his might to crawl. Not so much yet.
- He loves, loves, LOVES to STARE at John. It's like he is in a transe. It is so cute.
- John devotes atleast an hour each night reciting "Dada" to him over and over. The whole scene is quite repetative at our home at about 5:15 pm each day. Here's how it usually goes:

John: "Brooks, DA DA."
Brooks: Nothing
John: "Say DA DA. Come on, DA. DA."
Brooks: Nothing
John: "DA DA. DA DA. DA. DAAAA."
Brooks: (Itty bitty mouth moves up and down and mouths "AA AA.")
John: "YAY!!!"
Me: "Did he say it, I didn't hear it."
John: "Watch him. Brooks, say DA DA. DA DA."
Brooks: "DA"
John: "YAAAAAAAAYYYYY BROOKS!"
Brooks: (Big smile because for some reason Daddy is jumping up and down at this point.)
John: "DA DA"
Brooks: "DA DA."
John: "YAAAAAAAAY BROOKS!" (Sometimes at this point John will pick him up and hug him like he is congratulating him or something.)
Me: (Getting a bit jealous...) "Brooks, say MA MA"
John: "Stop, you are going to confuse him."
Brooks: (Absolutely nothing.)
Me: "Say MA MA"
Brooks: "DA DA."
Me: "Good, say MA MA"
Brooks: "NA NA"
John and I simultaneously: "YAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!"

Yes, this is a DAILY THING!!! And it usually goes on a bit longer! But I must say, he is saying "DADA" and "NANA." And as you can see, I must give John the credit.

Moving on...

- At his 6 month well visit he weighed 18.5 pounds and was 27 inches tall. Subsequently, according to every stranger we see in public, he is destined to be a GA Football Player. I'm glad they are letting me know this far in advance so I can go ahead and start preparing myself for that one!

Brooks Meets Searcy, Arkansas

2008-06-05T14:52:00.000-07:00

This past Memorial Day weekend, we drove to Arkansas to see John's family! We had not seen many of the fam since last September. Brooks had grandparents, great-grandparents, great-aunts, great-grea uncles, aunts, uncles and cousins who he had never met, so we were really looking forward to the trip!

Brooks got to see his Grandaddy play in his band at the August County Fair! I wish I had gotten a pic of him in his lap on the stage... next time! I don't think too many minutes passed by with out Brooks being held my his many family members! We had a very good time (Daddy got to go fishing so he was definitely happy! We definitely can't wait to see everyone again! Here's some pics of Brooks meeting his Arkansas Family!

AUNT MELANIE TEACHES BROOKS ABOUT ANTIQUES!
BROOKS HANGS OUT WITH PAPAW!
MAMAW AND PAPAW WITH BABY BROOKS!

MIMI AND GRANDADDY FINALLY SEE THEIR GRANDSON AGAIN! MIMI HAD ALREADY SEEN HIM, BUT GRANDADDY HAD NOT!

BROOKS AND COUSIN KARALYNN... SHE IS JUST LOVING ON HIM A LIL BIT!
BROOKS AND MAMAW AGAIN.
AND NO TRIP TO ARKANSAS WOULD BE COMPLETE WITH OUT SOME GOOD CUDDLIN AND LUVIN FROM AUNT COCO!

The Devil Wears Prada...

2008-06-05T07:04:00.000-07:00

...and so do I!

Look at the FABULOUS NEW SUNGLASSES my mom and dad got me for my birthday!

It all started last summer on our family's summer vacation to Rosemary Beach. One word: Chanel. Ahhh, they were beautiful. But my husband would not let me drop half of our house payment for a month to purchase them. So close, but so very far away.

I understood. But I wanted them. Did I need them? Absolutely not. Still, I shamelessly wished to make that purchase.

Life went on and I very often referred back to those beautifully fabulous, untouchable, unREACHable Chanels. One day my sister and I were just casually looking at accessories online when she directed me to some amazing Prada sunglasses. They suddenly became my new Chanels.

Seeing as I obviously can not afford to go out and buy sunglasses that are priced outside of the $20 range, imagine my sheer excitement when I opened up my birthday present yesterday and saw a package from Bergdorf Goodman in New York!

It was the most beautiful cardboard box I'd ever seen.

I opened up the cardboard box to a silver BG box. Then to a black Prada box... then to a black Prada sunglass case! And, there they were. The best present my parents have ever given me (with the exception to life, of course!) They're beautiful. Sure, they might have some at Target that are similar, but mine are PRADA. Not Praga or Prago or Mossimo or Mossima. Prada!

I refer to my life a year ago as "pre-married life" and my life 5 months ago as "pre-baby life." Life before June 4, 2008? Well that was "pre-Prada!" THANK YOU, Mom and Dad!

*Note: Being the youngest of four, I tend to dramatize a bit. Please excuse me!

More importantly: check out Brooks in his shades. What a stud! I still need to post pictures from Memorial Day weekend when Brooks met John's family. Will do soon!

I Can See Clearly Now, The Rain Is Gone...

2008-05-29T18:21:00.000-07:00

Bless My Heart.

My mom called me early yesterday morning and convinced me to go to an eye appointment she had made for me. (What a fabulous mom!) I had originally asked her to cancel because I didn't think I could fit it in with a last minute client meeting that had been scheduled for that same day.

Anyway, I've been blind for a good 2 years. Not really blind, just a bit blurry! I wore contacts in college but stopped one day. Not sure why.

Because of this, my sight has worsened. Though I can see relatively well, I can not drive well at night and I'm pretty sure that I have gained a few wrinkles from squinting so much. When I see people that I know in public, I often do not realize they are someone I know until I get up close. Which probably has irritated a few people and made them think, "Well, she's being kind of rude!" But really it's just that I can't see well far away. As a matter of fact, last week I mistaked the florist for a bride... a bride who had just gotten her hair and make up done for a florist who had been working in the hot sun all day.

So, even though it was a tight squeeze in the daily schedule I went to the appointment. Once the dialation wore off, I was able to put wear my new contacts. Oh. my. gosh. I can see everything! I can read street signs, I can read car license plates, I can actually see the tv with out squinting. I even watched a movie last night and didn't have to move the couch closer. Everything is clear. The trees are bright green, the flowers are lovely... the world is a much more beautiful place!

Very proud of my new contacts, I drove home yesterday very slowly. I was seriously taking in the scene. As I drove I noticed many new things and enjoyed seeing my every day drive home through my new eyes! I turned off on to the road that leads me to my town. I started seeing things I had never seen before. A church in the distance. The houses were closer to the road. Everything was different. I couldn't believe how much of a difference the contacts were making. I was really excited.

Then I got to the end of the road. But I wasn't in my town. I had been so in to the scenery I made the wrong turn. Explains the church in the distance I had never noticed. Explains why I couldn't believe the entire road looked so different.

Bless My Heart.

Stephanie

2008-05-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across the following blog today and thought I would share it with you all. An aunt in Virginia writes about her neice, who passed away last week due to a medical condition they found only five days before her last day here on Earth. I do not know this family but my heart goes out to them, and I thought I would share the link with you all so that you can pray for them as well.

Click here to read this blog.

DOES NOT Work For Me - Times Two!

2008-05-07T07:40:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my first contribution to WFMW. I have been reading this blog carnival each week and have learned many new and exciting tips from other bloggers about things that "work for them!" This week is a themed edition entitled "Doesn't Work For Me." Seeing as though I have become both a wife and mom in the past year, I have found a lot of things that do not work for me so I thought this would be the perfect week to jump in!

Here are the top two things that just do NOT work for me:

1. MEETINGS AT NIGHT: My job allows me to make my own schedule. I love it and I love my job. I am free! I can plan my weeks around my family and my work and make sure they are both being tended to the way they should be! However, before I was married, and before I became a mom, I was able to be very flexible as to when I could meet with clients. Most clients wanted to meet at night, and that was fine with me. I liked having my days to run errands, exercise and work from home. I did not mind meeting at night. Well, with the changes through out the past year I have found that working at night DOES NOT work for me!

It throws our entire routine off, and if you know my husband you know he is avid about his routine! So, I'm in the process of making positive changes so that I will no longer need to meet with clients at night during the week. I am looking forward to this change and I know being at home each night with my family will definitely work for me!

2. NOT EXERCISING: I love to exercise. I love sports. I love to run, play basketball, softball or do anything that makes you sweat and feel skinny at the end of the day! I love to work out in the gym, and before I became pregnant, I had a fabulous trainer who kept me in shape. My favorite form of exercise is running. Nothing starts my day better than waking up early in the morning for a nice long run, or running so long that you wake up sore and rubbery the next day. I love it! However, when it comes to exercise I am an all or nothing girl... which is my main problem.

Well, in the past year my exercise regimine has gone doooooooooown hill. And I am very anxious to get back in shape. When I exercise I feel more alive and have way more energy than when I do not exercise. I miss exercising and am determined to get back in to it very soon. I want to learn to play tennis, and take 7 mile runs again. I want to actually use that gym membership that automatically gets deducted from my bank account once a month. I have enjoyed taking my son for strolls in the park, but it's just not cutting it. Not exercising (REAL exercise) does NOT work for me!

Find out what doesn't work for other people at this week's edition of WFMW, over at Rocks in my Dryer.

Learning (and eating) New Things

2008-05-06T07:29:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentleman, he has found his hands! With this new discovery, Brooks is learning to do many very important things! First of all, he is slowly discovering that he himself can have control over his pacifier, which he now loves! He is learning to grab it and take it in and out of his mouth, although he still does not have very good aim! He is also learning to hold his bottle (only the small bottle right now), which I am sure will be of big help to mommy who is always running around like a chicken with her head cut off!

His hands are also available to grab and play with his many toys. He tries his hardest to play with all of his toys, but he is still working on those fine motor skills, if you know what I mean! Long story short... this baby has found his hands and he loves them. There is no turning back! He literally tries to eat his own hands. For real!

Along with his hands, he is also a big fan of his tongue! Here is a pic of him as he starts to stick his tongue out at mommy.

Last week, he started eating cereal. His bottle just did not suffice, so I called the doctor to earn approval on giving him rice cereal. He gave me the go and Tuesday morning of last week he had his first bowl of rice cereal! I videoed the entire extravaganza. At first he just pushed it back out with his tongue, but before long, he opened that tiny little mouth and excitedly awaited the next spoonful. Boy, did we have a mess! Those arms went a flying (along with the cereal bowl a couple of times) and his legs just kicked and kicked as he learned that he was finally eating like mommy and daddy eat! My favorite part of the ordeal was that he laughed the entire time. He thought it was so funny. And when it was time for his bottle, boy did he grab that thing and shove it in his mouth... like it was his long lost best friend. Look how big he is!

Brooks is a very curious baby. He is always looking around, taking in the scene and checking things out. He is also very ticklish. Recently, I have started reading to him at night, and he LOVES books. He just smiles and laughs at me when I make funny voices and he stares at the pictures. He really pays attention!

Every day is a new adventure... and every morning he wakes up with the same precious grin on his face. (It could have something to do with the fact that he's sleeping until about 9 am every morning!)

I look forward to him sitting up within the next couple of months and then eating real food! (Mushed up, of course!)

When Bad Things Happen To Good People

2008-04-21T11:01:00.000-07:00

Do I have time to be blogging right now? Absolutely NOT! But, I have this on my mind so I'm going to write before life goes on.

So, while in St. Simons this weekend (which, by the way was AWESOME, FABULOUS AND SO FUN!), a couple of the girls and I were talking about how it seems like, more now than when we were younger, bad things just keep happening to good people. One of these girls lost her brother this year to the war in Iraq. She was saying how she has always had that question in her mind, "Why does God let bad things happen to good people? Is this his plan? We know he is so good but why do such terrible things happen?" When her brother was killed in Iraq, this question only grew larger in her heart.

Well, me being the person I am, automatically thinks, "Of course God has a plan. He knows everything and he knows why and that's that. End of story." I guess I just have not had anything happen to me in my life where I had to think as deeply about this as she had. Another bridesmaid explained it the best. She basically explained how I felt, but for some reason I just couldn't get it out.

Here's what I think!

God doesn't do bad things to us. He doesn't want evil and he doesn't want bad or sad, or even frustrating things to happen to ANYONE. We created sin. God is so powerful that he knows every tear that is shed and why it is shed and how it will affect our lives. Unfortunate things happen in every form and fashion. God prepares us by giving us loved ones for support, encouragement and hope. He does everything in his power to hold us up because we are too weak to do it ourselves. He does this our entire life by giving us a church family, special people and happy times. He has this all formed together in to tiny peices that make up our life and complete his PERFECT plan. (Which is ultimately for us to live for him and one day with him.) He knows what is waiting for us in heaven and that compared to eternity, this life is just a blink of an eye. So while it is sad that bad things happen, God knows that this life is not the end all be all of the world. He can not stop sin or evil in our world, but he can protect his children by loving us, comforting us and providing for us our entire life. He has to let go and trust that we will walk the right way. He hopes we will listen to him and use what he teaches us in our every day lives. If we do not, he will still be there to pick us up and keep us going in his own special way. Because that's what fathers do.

So, I don't feel like I explained it extremely well, but I am glad I have finally figured this out for myself!

Busy as a bee...

2008-04-10T03:31:00.000-07:00

This has been a very busy week. I am not seeing a slow down for quite some time as we have a lot of big events coming our way. I have been up VERY early every morning this week trying to stay ahead of the game, but I still feel a bit behind.

Today my SIL is having surgery so if you happen to stumble across my blog today, please say a special prayer for her. If you stumble across my blog tomorrow, please still say a special prayer!

If you do not know Jill, she is probably the kindest person I know and always so upbeat and sweet, to everyone, no matter what. She and my brother are the perfect match and our family just loves her so much!

We have a big wedding this weekend at the house, I am looking forward to it! And then my other funtabulous SIL, Nicoe, is coming to visit. Brooks can't wait to see Coco!

Upcoming Events:

Our friends Kelly and Cord will be wed in St Simons, which means we are leaving Brooks for an extended amount of time. As Suzanne says, "Oh. My. Gosh." But, he's staying with my mom so he'll be just fine! And since he's sleeping through the night, oh so consistently, my mom should be fine as well ;) The following weeks will be filled with many more weddings and gatherings including a going away party for the Magees...

And the baptism of Brooks and my 4th neice, together.

In Mr. Brooks news, he's three months old today!!! YAY!!! And I hear him waking up, so off I go to gather my little treaure and start the day.

Love yall!

My First Pregnancy

2008-04-08T05:18:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to post about my pregnancy for a long time! So now, almost three months from the day B was born, here is my attempt to remember a little something about this amazing experience.

Candice Holcomb Photography

1. My first semester was exhausting. I mean, "can't keep your eyes open for the life of you" exhausting!

2. Main blessing for the first trimester: I never once got sick. Can we say AMEN!

3. Favorite foods during pregnancy: fruit, spaghettios and fudge rounds. Real healthy, I know!

4. Had a few scares: first one was a spider bite. Second one was when I slipped and fell letting the dog out of the pen... I fell hard and fast. Had a few "eating" scares where I was worried that something I ate was going to hurt the baby. Lesson learned through all of these: if you are okay, than your baby is probably okay. But you can never be too cautious, NEVER!

5. I learned that nothing is stronger than a mother's instinct!

6. I also learned quickly that being pregnant is like wearing a sign on your stomach that reads, "Touch me, rub me, coo at me and ask a million questions about what is inside of me!" I definitely should have invested in a shirt that read the sex, name and due date of the baby!

7. In addition to the questions from strangers comes the advice. When I was pregnant it annoyed me (unless it came from someone I know.) Now, looking back, I realize those people were just being kind.

8. Maternity clothes are not that bad... and it's worth the money. You just don't want to go too overboard! (And if you have a mom like I do, it can actually be fun to shop for maternity clothes!) Next pregnancy I will invest in 3-4 QUALITY pairs of jeans, QUALITY!

9. One more thing about the advice... I constantly reminded myself that no woman is alike and no baby is alike, therefore no pregnancy or labor is alike.

10. Sister's and best friends that just had babies are a treasure... really.

11. Whenever I was worried because I had not felt the baby move a lot I would drink apple juice or really cold water. A good 2 minutes later there he is!

12. Gaining weight is supposed to happen during pregnancy, it's a good thing (in moderation!)

13. I got really tired of hearing people say, "Wow, you're 8 months along. You are TINY." Well, I just went to the doctor and found out that I have gained 25 pounds so tiny isn't quite the word I was thinking of, but thank you!

14. I am very glad I started to lay on my left side early on. And there is nothing like being able to sleep on your stomach again!!!

15. Apple juice, apple sauce, apples... bring it on. Meat was my enemy. Very uncharacteristic of me.

16. Pregnancy was great for my hair! It just seemed more manageable for some reason!

17. Naming the baby... probably the biggest challenge of our entire pregnancy. I was so glad to see the day when we were happy with our selection... and so were Elly, Ansley and my family! I drove them crazy playing the name game!

18. Pregnancy photos are important. I am so glad my sister is a photographer or I would not have had them done. I'm not good with that kind of stuff (but now that I'm a mom that is changing.) Candice made it happen, and you can tell I was procrastinating because we literally took them like 2 days before Brooks was born! But I am SO glad we did!

19. The nesting process... our house had never been so clean!

20. Labor: Oh so many fond memories!

One: I made them give me a bigger room. I had been dreaming of that bigger room for 10 months and I had to have it! I remember saying, "I really need a bigger room, I have a big family!"

Two: I bet I asked about 200 times through out the course of the day, "Is he okay? Is this normal?" John said he didn't have to ask any questions because I asked all of them plus more, over and over!

Three: I still laugh when I think about John and mom when the contractions were getting stronger. Apparently they were just talking and I said loudly, "Just quit looking at me, everyone is just looking at me." Mom said they weren't even talking to me!

Four: If the epidural isn't taking, that's not cool.

Five: When the epidural does take, that's amazing!

Six: I had been watching "Devil Wears Prada" and the doctor came in to break my water. I turned to John and I was like, "Umm... maybe we should turn that off." I don't know why but I just remember being embarassed that I was watching that movie!

Seven: Candice brought me a huge bag of candy and magazines. If you know me, you know why this was fabulous for me!

Eight: The doctor asked if I wanted to see the baby as he was crowning. I looked at John and said, "I think I want to. Do I want to see it?" He said, "You know how when we went to Arkansas and you thought you wanted to go duck hunting with me but then when I actually took you, you hated it and wanted to go home? It's kinda like that."

21. I was so busy the last two weeks before Brooks was born. And I was so worried I would not have time to get a pedicure before labor. But it all worked out!

22. I starting gaining weight around 18 weeks. Started really showing around that time too (makes sense!) But I started feeling him a bit earlier than that, like at 16 weeks - just little flutters.

23. John was so perfect through out the whole process. Especially during labor/delivery. He was SO calm and quiet, and that was probably the most helpful aspect of the entire day for me. Best of all, he had always promised me when we had a baby he would quit dipping. He had his last one the night B was born and hasn't done that since. I am so proud of him!!!

24. Gained 35 pounds exactly. I really did not want to go over 30 and I literally gained 5 pounds the last week of pregnancy. But at that point, I did not care, I was just glad he was healthy. After all, that was the ultimate goal!

Growing Up Too Fast

2008-04-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

UPDATE ON BROOKS!

1. He smiles all the time! Especially in the morning or after a nap.

2. On Easter Sunday, he laughed at John for the first time. Over and over and over again. He just thought John was hilarious!

3. He is officially sleeping through the night (starting about a week ago.) I have a feeling he'll still wake up around 5 am or so on some mornings when he decides he wants to eat, but the late night feeding is a thing of the past. (Many thanks go out to the writers of "Baby Wise!")

4. He LOVES Baby Einstein. Movies and music cd's! The movie we have isn't supposed to be for babies until three months of age but he loves it and has so for a couple of weeks now. He stares at the tv and laughs at the puppets as they go up and down. He gets really excited during "If You're Happy and You Know It."

5. He is so much more responsive to everyone now. I am not sure how to explain it but you know what I mean, he's just growing up!

Candice took fabulous two month old pictures of him and some great ones at Easter so when I pick a few out I'll post them, they are so precious!

Just don't wanna forget...

2008-03-13T06:14:00.000-07:00

There are so many things about Brooks right now that I do not want to forget. And as he grows I am sure these things will be replaced with new milestones! So here is my attempt to capture the first 2 months of his life. Here are all the little things I don't EVER want to forget:

1. My first memory of Brooks is him desperately grabbing the umbilical cord after he was born. It's like he was holding on for dear life. He had a death grip on it and the doctor had to pry his hand open before he was able to hand him over to the nurses. The doctor said he had never seen that before.

2. Like father, like son. Oh so true in our household. Not only does Brooks look JUST like John, his personality mirrors him in many ways. He does not like waiting on his food, when he's hungry, he's hungry! He likes it really dark when he sleeps and he likes to watch things. Our favorite simliarity is sometimes when he cries out it sounds like he is saying "hey", and John claims that he says this the very same way! He also sleeps with his arms in the same position John does!

3. He most often smiles when I play with his bottom lip, and he will lift up one side of his upper lip to give me that ever adorable Elvis smile!

4. He is a very noisy little eater. This is kind of fading off.

5. He has always loved his swing and LOVES the little birds that go around and around over his head. He would stare at them for hours if I allowed him to do so! He's actually staring at them right now!

6. Since day one I have four songs that I sing to him that put him to sleep. By the end of these songs, he is off in a dream world. I start with my favorite hymn "Pass It On." Then I sing "In The Garden," "Amazing Grace," and "Jesus Loves Me." Sometimes I throw in the ABC's. If he is ever upset, all I have to do is sing the first verse of "Pass It On" and he settles down.

7. Since he has been in my womb, all doctors have described him as TALL! He is very tall, which is why starting this week he is able to wear 3-6 month old clothes. Granted, he still fits in to all of the 0-3 month clothes as well but footy outfits are already running short on him! Maybe he'll take after his Uncle Bubba (Jackson) and be 6'4" one day!

8. At first, he hated being changed- clothing and diapers. Now he could care less (unless he's hungry!) He just lays there and oohs and aahs at me as I change him or try clothes on him (which I like to do!)

9. He goes to bed around 8 pm these days. Sleeps till 12 and wakes up between 5 and 6 for another bottle. But I can tell he's about to be a trooper and sleep through the night because lately he's only wanting about an ounce when he wakes up then he's off in dream world. Hopefully that ounce will be replaced with just the paci before long.

10. However, he is not a huge paci fan.

11. His many nicknames: Mr. Brooks, little man, John calls him stinker and I hate that, and I used to call him Mr. Man but stopped doing that because we used to have a horse named Mr. Man!

12. He always seem to be ahead of the game. In height, weight, everything. He has held his head up since the first week and now holds it up like a pro. That's old news to him! The nurse at his pediatrician's office said he is also extremely alert for a two month old. He's also above average in cuteness ;)

13. He enjoys the bath but does not like the water very warm - again like his daddy.

14. He has about 2 pounds worth of cheek. Absolutely precious!

15. He is not a picky baby, he seems to be real laid back.

16. He is an extreme cuddle bug. LOVES to cuddle!

That's about it for now! I may add something to this list if I later realize I forgot something!

Yes, It Is True...

2008-03-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

...a baby does suck the life out of you! I mean, how many brain cells do you really need to have to remember your own email address!? Sorry, folks, I posted the wrong email address. Actually, the one I posted doesn't even exist, which is why your emails are bouncing on back. And I was getting sad because I thought no one loved me:)

Anyway to read the soon to be private blog email me at johnandbrittany@windstream.net. Or, you can just leave comment with your email address on it. Sorry about the mistake!

Hope to download some 2 month old pics soon (candids) and will be giving you an update from his well visit that we had this morning! My very talented sister will be taking his 2 month old pics this week so hopefully I can post them as well.

Private Blog

2008-03-09T16:48:00.000-07:00

I will be making my blog private very soon, so that it is only available to readers that I know. If you are reading the blog and would like to have access to updates, please send an email to johnandbrittany@bellsouth.net. I will keep track of emails and before I make my blog private there will be a email I send to you giving you access to read it.

Thank you!

Itsy Bitsy Bouncer!

2008-03-06T18:56:00.000-08:00

Apparently, the "itsy bitsy bouncer" we got as a shower gift is quite entertaining to Brooks (most recently known as little John!) Little John usually sits in the bouncer while I dry my hair and get ready for the day. Today we sang itsy bitsy spider over and over and you will see the smiley responses I got each time we sang as "the itsy bitsy spider climbed up the spout AGAIN!"

In other news, today Brooks is 8 weeks old. We have been holed up in the house for quite some time, only leaving to go to Mamommy's or to the pediatrician. Luckily, the doctor visits have been non-existent since the hospital visit so Mamommy's house has been the extent of Brooks' travels. Until today...! We got CRAZY and went to Target and Johnny Carino's with Mamommy. It was a wonderful day beginning with bright smiles and ending with a very sleepy little boy!

Houston, we have NO problem!

2008-03-03T11:55:00.000-08:00

Well, I just have this to say - I'm sick of complaining.

And that is the last complaint I plan to make for quite some time.

Lately I've had a couple of things that I felt quite neccessary to complain about. Nothing major, just venting if you will. But if you happen to be my mom, dad, husband, best friend, sister or that of an in-law (and there are only so many people in this world who fit in to these categories) than you are aware of this. And heavens to Betsy I know I've complained about many things in the past but that is not my point. Here is my point...

Why complain? What good does it do? Will it make the situation run away? Will it make me feel better? Apparently NOT if I listed a good 6 people that have had the pleasure of hearing these complaints.

So, to those of you that have listened, thank you for your wise words and for lending an ear. Next time you hear me complain, stop me. I have too many things to be thankful for to worry about the little things that just don't matter. For now on I am only allowed to talk about good things. That way the happiness will just overflow and fill up my house and the whole wide world and it will radiate in to one big blob of happy. (That may be a bit dramatic but you catch my drift.)

So, how are YOU doing today!?

Mr. Brooks!

2008-02-29T10:07:00.000-08:00

Finally! Pictures of little man are here... and to be most recent, I took the majority of these this morning and some yesterday as well! Here you go, the many faces of Mr. Brooks!

This would be my favorite! The precious little grin!

Look at those good lookin' blue eyes!

This cracks me up! He's like, "Mom, I'm over this picture thing."

Look at that smile!

Silly face from Mr. Brooks!

Sleepy Boy

He LOVES to stare at John. I wish I had the video of this, John was making kissy noises at him. You must never reveal that I shared that on the internet!

Brooks and Mommy!

Kisses from Mamommy, he's used to it!

This is his sleepy face. Except he had just woken up here so maybe he was just annoyed that i was STILL taking pictures!

To Be Continued!

Thoughts For The Day

2008-02-27T15:06:00.000-08:00

I've been cleaning all day. ALLLLLLLL DAY! Well, I 've been cleaning in between feedings and wakeup/play times with my little smiley, that is! Yes, he is smiling and I LUV IT! Anyway, lots of thoughts have been going through my head today as I have scrubbed and folded and cleaned away!

1. Cleanliness is next to Godliness. I take that to heart.

2. I WANT a pedicure... bad. (Said while stomping and grunting like Jill!) It's been two months and my feet are suffering. And today I decided that if that's the only thing I can come up with to complain about I'm doing pretty good!

3. I love feta cheese. Couldn't eat it while I was pregnant. I love it so much I could eat it by the spoonful... and today I kinda did.

4. I have said in the past, and I hear others say this quite frequently that they love kids but they also love "to give them back." Meaning, they love playing with kids and taking care of them but at the end of the day they are glad these children have parents who are ultimately responsible for them. It dawned on me today that when you are a parent you are more than happy to take them back!

5. My husband can make something out of absolutely nothing. I will stare in the refrigerator and the cabinets and I'm like, "Okay, let's just order pizza tonight." John will then come in and make a gourmet meal out of salt and pepper. I am very thankful for that but I wish I had that ability. He can do the same thing with clothing. The other day I could not find anything to wear and he came in and put together a fabulous outfit for me. That is pretty good for a woman who is post-pregnancy and can't fit in to anything in her closet and is SICK OF her maternity clothes. And yes, this is the same husband who wears cowboy boots and lives for hunting. I have decided that I am lucky he has these qualities, although I have to admit I am also a bit jealous!

6. I think Blockbuster was invented for parents of infants. Those who can't go out to a movie but desperately need to relax and spend a couple of hours in a far off fantasy land, in the cozy comfort of there home with their newborn baby!

7. After I published this post I read it and realized that I posted twice about how bad I wanted a pedicure... which proves to me that I REALLY should go get one soon!

That's about it! I know you care way more about pics of Brooks and way less about my thoughts - so I promise I'll post pics of Smiley soon!

Jealousy Much!?

2008-02-24T17:48:00.000-08:00

John and I are not the only ones in our household adjusting to the many changes a new baby brings. Our poor, poor puppy Cache (pronounced Cash) has been thrown to the wolves. Well, that may be a bit dramatic. He just lives outside now. Every once in a while we we let him in, just as a little treat. Lately he would not eat or drink his water in his pen. He would only eat and drink in our house with John watching him while he ate. Weird, I know. Anyway, the point is... before little man's arrival, Cache got a lot of attention. Now, well, he doesn't. John tries to get outside with him and train him, play with him and I try and pet him every once in a while but with a 6 week old consuming all of our energy and time, it's just a reality that he does not get near as much attention as he used to!

So, yesterday I was on the phone and I looked over and saw this...

Yes, I'd say he is a bit jealous. I still can't believe how he had it in his mouth just like a baby does. John and I laughed sooooooooooo hard! So, this evening I celebrated my ability to work out again and took the poor guy running!

Happy Birthday, Mamommy!

2008-02-13T05:50:00.001-08:00

Brooks wants to tell his Mamommy Happy Birthday today! We made a video but it won't upload. (Help, Suz!?)

On Mamommy's Birthday, Brooks wants to let you know the top ten reasons why his Mamommy is the BEST:

1. There's never a time when she doesn't want to hold me, feed me, cuddle me, love me, rock me, sing to me and take the best care of me.

2. You would think with five grandchildren that she would get tired of us after a while. But she doesn't. She's got plenty of love to go around... it's amazing!

3. She buys me all sorts of things, I really like her shopping habit! And, she's so pretty, I just love to look at her!

4. Mommy and I think its funny how she always keeps daddy in line... she doesn't let him get away with anything!

5. Mamommy has four kids, so she knows what she's doing. My mom, well, I'm her first so it's good to know someone with a little bit of experience.

6. Mamommy has the kindest heart of anyone I know... her and Grandaddy are quite the pair!

7. She always knows just the song to sing to me to make me fall asleep... and she has such a pretty voice!

8. She loves me because I'm her first grandson... I know she loves everyone else too just the same, but let's face it, I'm pretty special!

9. She's a great cook... one day that will benefit me greatly!

10. She is a good role model mom for my mommy, I hope my mommy can be like her!

Happy Birthday!

Story of my life... why I can never finish a blog!

2008-02-12T13:20:00.000-08:00

I decide to water my garden. As I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over at my car and decide it needs washing. As I start toward the garage, I notice mail on the porch table that I brought up from the mail box earlier. I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car. I lay my car keys on the table, put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table, and notice that the can is full. So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the garbage first.
But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the garbage anyway, I may as well pay the bills first. I take my check book off the table, and see that there is only one check left. My extr a checks are in my desk in the study, so I go inside the house to my desk where I find the can of Coke I'd been drinking. I'm going to look for my checks, but first I need to push the Coke aside so that I don't accidentally knock it over. The Coke is getting warm, and I decide to put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold.
As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke, a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye--they need water. I put the Coke on the counter and discover my reading glasses that I've been searching for all morning. I decide I better put them back on my desk, but first I'm going to water the flowers. I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote. Someone left it on the kitchen table.I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV, I'll be looking for the remote, but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I'll water the flowers. I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of it spills on the floor. So, I set the remote back on the table, get some towels and wipe up the spill. Then, I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do. At the end of the day: the car isn't washed, the bills aren't paid, there is a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter, the flowers don't have enough water, there is still only 1 check in my check book, I can't find the remote, I can't find my glasses, and I don't remember what I did with the car keys.
Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all day, and I'm really tired. I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it, but first I'll check my e-mail....

First Baby Shower, 32-week check up

2007-11-20T18:20:00.000-08:00

Time is flying! This past weekend I had my first baby shower. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful church family as well as such a wonderful family in general! Our baby was showered with a slew of essentials and now it is my job to start getting organized! Right now I am feeling crafty and ready to "get ready!" It is, however, proving to be a large task with Thanksgiving this week, a trip to Texas coming up and Christmas right around the corner. Today, my afternoon consisted of a shopping trip where I purchased baby thank you cards, Christmas gifts, maternity clothes (he's growing) and fixin's for Thanksgiving all at once! Whew!

So, the baby is doing great! The nurse kind of threw me by surprise me when she said that I could possibly be induced at 38 weeks if everything is still going so smoothly. Which to me, just screamed - "YOU MAY HAVE ONLY 6 MORE WEEKS TO PREPARE!" And I have to be prepared. We are getting there, slowly but surely. Not to mention, John's parents are coming in this weekend to stay with us.

So, lesson learned for those of you out there looking have a little one: you may not want to get pregnant in late April... you'll be very stressed come holiday season! It is, however, an extremely fun and amazing feeling to wake up every day and know we are that much closer to meeting that little precious in my belly who rolls around each day!!! It's definitely worth it :)

The Flood of Babies and Weddings (in no particular order!)

2007-11-15T13:00:00.001-08:00

I need encouragement, folks! Last time I blogged was when wedding season was just about to kick off and then it happened... the flood of babies and weddings. Life just took off in a million directions. Unfortunately, that left my poor little blog empty on a daily basis. A lot has happened this year. A lot that I would love to be able and look back on to remember what was going through my mind through it all. This year has been a flood of babies and weddings... let me explain!

Well, first of all I am a wedding planner. So, since March of last year I have coordinated and directed close to 40 weddings. Last week was the last one of the season, which is probably why I'm entering the blog world again on this week that I am wedding-free! My brother was married in May to an amazing girl that we just love, my best friend welcomed her precious son in June and my sister had her second daughter in late August. Shortly after my cousins in Texas welcomed their quadruplets in to the world (that of which I was linked to through nothing other than her fabulous blog!) So, yes there have been a lot of weddings and a lot of babies.

So, I did not find it extremely ironic when my life was put in fast forward for the very same reason. On May 21, 2007 my now husband and I found out we were also going to be having a precious baby. But it wasn't that easy. We were not married, we were not engaged. It was not our time for that, or so we thought. God had other plans. And I here I sit today, I have a precious new neice, an awesome new sister-in law, a best friend who has an adorable 6 month old son, a cousin in Texas juggling four amazing miracles- and a wonderful husband who will be home in a few minutes to kiss his wife who is now 32 weeks pregnant!

So, yes - it has been a FLOOD of babies and weddings this year. My life has been put in fast forward. So much that I unfortunately lost touch with the blog world. Please forgive me! I hope to catch you up on the past six months (many funny stories there) and keep record of these exciting weeks as we prepare for the holidays, a new year and a new baby boy!

Oh, and if you are confused at all by this blog... stay tuned! I know I have a lot of explaining to do... it's okay, I'm used to it!