tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26180901104937180292024-03-13T12:01:25.745-04:00 The Life and Times of PMCAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.comBlogger202125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618090110493718029.post-60914416269074357942015-10-02T14:17:00.001-04:002015-10-02T14:17:44.869-04:00Beach 2015<p> </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d629b3127ccee9850b7907fc00000040O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150808214250044.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="405" height="297">Ben, John Brooks, Bo and I went to Cinnamon Beach for a week this summer. We were accompanied by our niece Hayley who we loved having with us because she is fun and energetic and was willing to help with the boys. My brother Matt and his wife Paige also came down for a few days. </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d629b3127ccee9856d5386d500000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150808213923879.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="360" height="264"></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d604b3127ccee9a625e2c84f00000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150825135236662.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="372" height="272"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d604b3127ccee9a6e91149ea00000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150825142053049.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="381" height="279"></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d604b3127ccee9a74023295800000040O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150825135421271.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="396" height="290"></p> <p>Ben and I love the beach! John Brooks really loves it too. He even learned how to boogie board this year! Bo just likes being anywhere everyone else is so he had fun too. Bo, however, refused to sleep in the pack and play so he ended up being my bed buddy for the week and poor Ben ended up on the sofa. Thankfully this did not create an issue when we got home and I am happy to report that he went straight back to sleeping in his comfy cozy crib. </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d604b3127ccee9a6b7c1c82500000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150825135859093.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="396" height="290"></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d604b3127ccee9a73769e88100000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150825141408017.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="402" height="294"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d629b3127ccee984296a27b200000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150808213951152.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="414" height="303">We had the best time eating, swimming, eating, playing in the sand, eating, taking walks, building sand castles, jumping waves oh and eating too. Vacationing with young children is definitely more of a trip than a relaxing getaway but its hard to complain when you can look out past the balcony and see the beautiful ocean just steps away! <img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d604b3127ccee9a7d74a69e200000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150825135327147.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="417" height="308"></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d629b3127ccee98513dd075400000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150808213750107.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="408" height="299"></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d629b3127ccee9850390862100000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150808215652580.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="410" height="300"></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d724b3127cceea5f5215847f00000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150905184925054.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="401" height="294"></p> <p align="center"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d604b3127ccee9a6d2a588eb00000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150825135237920.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/" width="414" height="278"></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d629b3127ccee984529ae6d700000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150808214532750.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="423" height="310"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d629b3127ccee985e76486a700000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150808214053558.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="437" height="320"></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d629b3127ccee98538afc69b00000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150808214151468.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="448" height="328"></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d629b3127ccee984ba97679e00000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150808214239639.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="459" height="336">John Brooks is already asking when we can go back!</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618090110493718029.post-16896314547860894022015-09-28T20:15:00.001-04:002015-09-28T20:15:17.842-04:00Visit with Tee-Taw<p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Back in the spring (I think) John Brooks asked me where Tee-Taw (my Aunt, his Great Aunt Connie) lived. I told him Tallahassee which led to the question…”Where is Tallahassee?” So I showed him Tallahassee on Google Maps and thanks to the carousel of progress we were able to even see her house. Then it dawned on me that I had never even been to Tee-Taw’s house. My curiosity was peaked so I called Tee-Taw and asked to be invited to her house one Friday during the summer. She was kind enough to oblige and eventually we decided on the next to last Friday in July.</p> <p>John Brooks and I would’ve been pleased just to be able to see where Tee-Taw lived but she went above and beyond planning a fun day for my crew including a swimming pool with a super cool kids area and a picnic lunch!</p> <p>So, on the next to last Friday in July we loaded all of our worldly goods into the back of my car and took off headed NW on Hwy 19. It was an awesome drive up! 4 lanes, pretty country, new places to see, Lion King on the DVD player. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bDWCjIj0__c/VgnYFDmjNvI/AAAAAAAACCw/Xdnq-RnEncA/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"> A couple hours and one right turn later we arrived at Tee-Taws.</p> <p>We met Tee-Taws fur babies. Biscuit, Buddy, Leon and Gracie. We also got to tour Tee-Taws home, look at all of her cool pictures and we even were able to meet Tee-Taw’s friend Beth. </p> <p>After a quick pit-stop at Tar-jay to pick up some flip flops for a four year old who somehow forgot his at home, we arrived at the swimming pool! We had such a great time despite the fact that JB was too short for the big slide and was called out by the lifeguards no less than 4 times for breaking the rules. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bDWCjIj0__c/VgnYFDmjNvI/AAAAAAAACCw/Xdnq-RnEncA/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"> Bo even enjoyed the cool water on that hot July day! After a yummy picnic lunch of peanut butter and jelly, blueberries and chips, and even more water fun it was time for the Colson crew to head home. We dropped Tee-Taw at home with many thanks and got back on the road.</p> <p>The trip home was slightly more treacherous due to rain, sudden bathroom stops, and Mama getting lost in Tallahassee before we even left but we finally made it home. Bo was super fussy on the way home which is normal for him on long car rides so I really thought nothing of it until we got home and I took a look at him. Poor baby had red whelps all over his face from rubbing his inaugural coat of sunscreen all over the place. So Bo then received his inaugural dose of Benadryl and a good dose of Mama time. </p> <p>It was such a fun day trip and we are so thankful to Tee-Taw for her hospitality! I am sad that I did not even take one picture the whole day but the memories we made will last a long time.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618090110493718029.post-55205964438558176682015-09-28T14:08:00.001-04:002015-09-28T14:08:43.426-04:00Splash Park<p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d604b3127ccee9a70fbde84900000030O20Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150825140515946.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D2/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="390" height="286"></p> <p> </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d604b3127ccee9a77f5be89700000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150825141251060.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="439" height="321"></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d724b3127cceea5ff90cc4ab00000030O20Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150905184852277.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D2/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="420" height="308"></p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618090110493718029.post-17640519010875731722015-09-28T14:02:00.001-04:002015-09-28T20:16:27.433-04:00Night Away<p> </p> <p>Our friends Jenny and Ryan got engaged over the summer! To celebrate, some friends of Ryan’s family hosted an Engagement shower to toast the happy couple. The party was in Orlando which meant that Ben and I got to go away for a kid free night (thanks Di-Di and Tee-Taw)!!!! The party had a Cuban theme complete with Paiea (?…I know I have butchered that spelling), Cuban sandwiches, sangria and some really delicious Cuban bread and flan that I ate too much of! We had such a fun time celebrating with Ryan and Jenny and can’t wait to celebrate their wedding next year!</p> <p> <img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d604b3127ccee9a6c0c909be00000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150825135132606.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="415" height="304"></p> <p> </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d604b3127ccee9a7457ae8ab00000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150825135201223.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="423" height="310"></p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618090110493718029.post-68651323705312145782015-09-28T13:45:00.001-04:002015-09-28T13:45:31.944-04:004th of July 2015<p> </p> <p>Yes it is the end of September and I am just now chronicling July. Don’t judge.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d939b3127ccee9f05afb28da00000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150718145551529.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="408" height="299"></p> <p> </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d939b3127ccee9f1e7c9486200000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150718145337959.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="381" height="279"></p> <p>Turns out I don’t have very many pictures to share from 4th of July because I didn’t take any pictures because multi-tasking is hard. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x_q6vsrOm94/Vgl8uonrVHI/AAAAAAAACCI/kOJIhr6wliA/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p> </p> <p>We had fun though! Swimming, BBQing, churching, hay riding, firework watching, bounce housing fun.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618090110493718029.post-19736420874193535972015-08-25T12:56:00.001-04:002015-08-25T12:56:59.779-04:00Road Trip Week 2015<p> </p> <p>Hi there! Long time no post. We were really into summering and I just never had time to sit down and put my thoughts together. So here we are and its almost the end of August. I think I will do a few posts to update and remember our adventures from Summer 2015. </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d802b3127ccee93a5499900700000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150624005421429.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="362" height="265"> <p>One of the challenges of having an active 4 year old and a relatively new baby is that while the 4 year old is constantly wanting a new adventure the baby needs to be fed every 3 or so hours or he loses his mind. So, this summer I decided that if John Brooks and I were going to have adventures they needed to be within 3 hours of our house. The week of June 21-27 was a busy one for us as we ventured out onto the open road with the wonderful assistance of my amazing mother in law who came along for the ride to help with Bo.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d802b3127ccee93a68f1907100000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150624005247477.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="377" height="276"> <p>On Monday we crashed my sister in law Amy’s family’s vacation at Lake Weir. We had a wonderful time playing and splashing in the water and John Brooks even got to ride on a boat with the big kids (teenagers/young adults really…3 of them are now in college). Bo hung out with Grandma in the cabin enjoying the air conditioning. </p> <p>On Wednesday we crashed my other sister in law Gina’s family’s vacation at Crescent Beach. We had a wonderful time playing, jumping waves and building sand castles. John Brooks learned how to boogie board (how is he old enough to do that) and thrilled us all by swimming the entire width of the deep end of the swimming pool….alone. He is so brave y’all sometimes it terrifies me! Bo hung out with Grandma in the condo enjoying the air conditioning and the space to roll around. </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d604b3127ccee9a61ece09d600000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150825140847991.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="350" height="256"> <p>We are so very thankful for wonderful family members who don’t mind us crashing their family time! </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d604b3127ccee9a7d226291400000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150825142842852.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="369" height="270"> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618090110493718029.post-7260895565793533502015-07-01T17:04:00.001-04:002015-07-01T17:04:27.172-04:00Robert Franklin 6 months<p> </p> <p>Bo is 26 weeks old. One-half of a whole year has gone by since he was born. I think that the saying “The days are long but the years are few” is so appropriate when it comes to babies. Some days seem to drag on forever but then I blink my eyes and my helpless newborn baby is 6 months old and can roll himself off of his approved work (play) spaces. Here is a list of what Bo is up to at 6 months old.</p> <p>Bo had his 6 month well-check on Monday and his pediatrician stated that from her perspective he seems to be right where he should be developmentally. Bo’s little eyes are a bit on the crossed side but a follow up Ophthalmology appointment later this month will give us more information about what we do about that.</p> <p>Weight: 15 pounds 2 ounces Length: 25 1/4 inches – So he is right smack dab in the middle of where he is “supposed” to be according to the growth charts. Bo has the sweetest little dimples on his shoulders and elbows and the best rolls on his wrists and thighs. Bo has the biggest smile for his family and friends and giggles when we play with his belly or toes. The hair that Bo was born with has all fallen out except for a row of curls down the top-middle of his head. This gives the impression of a mohawk! Cute!</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d837b3127ccee9353a00922f00000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150616134026909.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="397" height="291"> <p>Eating: Bo still nurses about 7 times a day. We began introducing solids to Bo on June 21st. So far he has enjoyed sweet potatoes and avocado as well as a couple of bites of his Daddy’s grits. I just finished puréeing some steamed carrots so he will try those for dinner tonight. We haven’t introduced a spoon yet but Bo likes for us to put the food on his tray so that he can touch and taste it himself. I also put little bits on my finger and feed him that way as well. Bo is still working on getting his first teeth. It’s a difficult process and its so hard to watch him struggle with his swollen gums.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d838b3127ccee933db3c9dff00000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150619175133020.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="396" height="290"> <p>Sleep: Bo generally goes to sleep around 8:30-9 pm and wakes up around 7-8 am. When the stars align Bo will take 3-30-45 minute naps a day in his crib but more often than not he has a nap in the car seat or on me or on Grandma or on the floor. #2ndkidproblems</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d838b3127ccee933799b9d0900000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150619175436613.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="412" height="302"> <p>Play: Bo loves to play on the floor or on our bed with Ben or John Brooks or me. He prefers to play with other people around him. He has started rolling from his back to his belly! We are also helping him to work on prop-sitting. Bo still attends Physical and Occupational Therapy once a week. These therapy sessions have done so much to help keep Bo on the right developmental track! Bo babbles a great deal. He likes for us to copy his sounds back to him. He likes to roll a ball between his brother and himself (with the help of Mama). Bo is getting better about riding in the car and has gone to the lake and the beach with us for the day this past week. Bo A-D-O-R-E-S John Brooks and lights up any time John Brooks pays attention to him. </p> <p> </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d838b3127ccee93233c13c0a00000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150619174226704.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="429" height="314"> <p>Bo sleeps with a pacifier but will also suck on his fingers/thumbs sometimes. Bo loves music and bath time and likes for Mama to sing him songs. Bo isn’t too fond of being hot or cold so he is still warming up to the swimming pool and just being outside in general. Bo is so sweet and snuggly though and will rest his cheek on mine when he is tired. Bo also enjoys snuggling with a blankie. </p> <p>We are so proud of the progress that Bo has made in the past 6 months. We believe that God has done a mighty work in continuing to heal our son and we are so thankful for all of the prayers that Bo has received. </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618090110493718029.post-85005022430011101522015-06-23T08:55:00.001-04:002015-06-23T08:57:27.609-04:00Robert Franklin 5 months<p> </p> <p>Bo turned 5 months old on May 28th. Since he will be 6 months old this Sunday on June 28th I thought it was probably time to do a 5 month update. At 5 months Bo was doing a lot of growing and working. We didn’t have a well-check so I don’t have specific statistics but I can share what I know which is the following:</p> <p>At 5 months of age, Bo was wearing sizes in the 6 month range. On Memorial Day Bo wore an outfit that his brother John Brooks wore on July 4th 2011. </p> <p>At 5 months of age, I was feeding Bo approximately 6-7 times a day. At 5 months of age Bo was (is) exclusively breastfed. </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d823b3127ccee910e70e985100000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150602134154920.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="401" height="294"> <p>At 5 months of age, Bo slept from about 9 pm until about 7 am each night and took 2-3 cat naps that were generally 30-45 minutes long.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d823b3127ccee9117b44b81900000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150602134442333.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="380" height="278"> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d823b3127ccee910b375193000000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150602134305939.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="398" height="291"> <p>At 5 months of age, Bo began going to Physical Therapy once a week from once every other week. Bo continued to go to Occupational Therapy once a week as well. At 5 months of age, Bo was working very hard on rolling from back to belly and was working on learning how to prop sit.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d823b3127ccee910dfc6988500000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150602134129853.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="404" height="296"> <p>At 5 months of age, Bo became more and more interactive with family and friends. He loved (loves) to play with his Daddy and big brother. Bo also started to recognize more of his family including Pop-Pop, Rob-Rob and Grandma. Bo also was able to meet his Meemaw for the first time! Bo was very excited to meet Meemaw and loved for her to rock him. We also had visits from Tee-Taw (Aunt Connie) and Di-Di (Aunt Diane). </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d823b3127ccee911d706b80d00000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150602133958716.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="412" height="302"> <p> </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d823b3127ccee9105007d89b00000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150602134021825.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="414" height="307"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d823b3127ccee9115585b8cf00000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150602134207614.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="423" height="310"> <p>Bo has the cutest curls on top of his head that have hung on even while the rest of his hair has fallen out causing him to have a natural baby-mohawk.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="https://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d824b3127ccee91e22d1d3e300000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150605122309794.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="406" height="297"> <p>Bo continues to charm everyone he meets and we all fall more in love with him every day! I continue to count every milestone he meets as a miracle and thank God every day for healing our baby.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618090110493718029.post-82701800877364462842015-06-03T09:48:00.000-04:002015-06-03T09:48:00.128-04:00Last Day of School<p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5d823b3127ccee911a25ef8f700000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150602134445286.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="436" height="319"> <p>Yesterday was John Brooks’ last day of pre-k for this school year. The Pre-K he attends is affiliated with the public elementary school in our town and thus runs on the school calendar. Which means…sing it with me now…”Schools out for SUMMER”.</p> <p>I find it amusing that John Brooks is essentially oblivious to the fact that he should be mega-excited about summer vacation. Up to now his entire life has been one never-ending fun day which I am very thankful for so he has little concept that some things are “supposed to be” more fun than others. </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a4cf39b3127ccef7f1427e03a800000040O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720141119002719070.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="431" height="316"></p> <p>John Brooks has LOVED school! He has had his trying moments for certain and there were a few weeks where we weren’t sure if they were going to let him back in the door the next Monday. However, we could not have hoped for better teachers to usher our child into what it means to “go to school”. He has learned so much about getting along with others, taking turns, listening to grown ups and being respectful of others. He still has a long way to go but I am so very thankful we chose to start him in Pre-K as a 3 year old because I believe it is going to set him up for success in the future. </p> <p>Happy Summer!</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618090110493718029.post-70152121277133496732015-06-02T09:36:00.001-04:002015-06-02T09:36:58.043-04:00My Hero<p> </p> <p>Hi there! I know, I know I am woefully behind with blogging but we’ve been busy and I am tired so it kind of gets pushed to the side sometimes. I am popping in to tell a story that I think is too funny not to share. </p> <p>I have a MAJOR FEAR of lizards. As in, heart hurting, can’t breathe, high anxiety, dare I say phobia of lizards. In my mind I know that this fear is irrational because lizards are smaller than me and they cannot hurt me BUT they are slimy and squishy and squirmy and their beady little eyes follow me as if at any point they are going to jump on me and kill me dead. </p> <p>I generally manage to avoid lizards in my every day life but I do live in Florida which is a glorified swamp so from time to time the little slimy devils do try to cause me to die. This past week there has been one dark, menacing little monster who has been toying with my emotions. Last Tuesday he decided to park himself (herself) on the jogging stroller when I was trying to take the car seat out to the car. This created a 15 minute conundrum of how to get the car seat off of the stroller without shaking the stroller and possibly causing the lizard to (God forbid) run on to the car seat and thus kill me dead. Use a broom you say, swat that lizard you say. Good idea kind friend, except that in my (crazy) mind I see me swatting the lizard with the broom only to have the lizard run up the broom and kill me dead. You understand my problem right?</p> <p>So imagine my absolute terror when I discovered the same (place a couple expletives here) lizard had somehow found his (her) way into my bedroom and onto my (expletive expletive) bed this morning! I cannot even allow myself to think of what piece of clothing he (she) could’ve hitched a ride on but let me tell you it is the LAST time I hang dry my sports bras outside! So I did what any rational woman would do, I slammed the bedroom door, ran around to the other side, opened the back door and then called my husband. </p> <p>You read that right. I called my husband who was already at work and preparing for clients and begged and cried and pleaded for him to come home and kill this lizard who had made it his (her) mission to taunt me. I’m not going to say that his response was the most gentlemanly choice of words ever in the English language and I may have had a fleeting thought that he would’ve liked to take a whack at me with the broom BUT my wonderful, masculine, strong, brave father of my children husband drove home and defeated the giant beast with his own two hands! I knew I married him for a reason (joking…lots of reasons). </p> <p>And this is why, my husband, Benjamin Brooks Colson, will forever be my hero.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618090110493718029.post-12797607485425693792015-05-16T09:24:00.001-04:002015-05-16T09:30:30.631-04:00Mother’s Day Weekend<p> </p> <p>My Mother’s Day weekend started on Friday when Bo, Ben and I tagged along on John Brooks’ class field trip to Homosassa Springs State Park. This park has become one of my favorite places to take the boys. I was oh-so-excited when we found out that the Pre-K end of the year field trip would take place at this location AND parents were encouraged to attend. </p> <p>If you are near Homosassa Springs, I definitely recommend making the drive. The park is beautiful and shaded with exhibits of animals and plants native to the state of Florida with one special adopted native…Lu the hippo. The story of Lu is that she (I think) is a famous Hollywood (Cali not FLA) hippo who was donated to Homosassa Springs to do what most senior citizens in Florida do…retire. Governor Lawton Chiles declared her an honorary citizen so that she would be allowed to live out her days in the Sunshine State. Lu is one of John Brooks’ favorite parts of the park! Another cool sighting we had on Friday were manatees swimming in the spring! Even though I’ve lived in Florida my entire life it has just been in the past year that I have ever even seen a manatee so to see 3-4 swimming in the open water was a special treat for me! </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5db33b3127ccee94d0ef765d200000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150512111941742.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="408" height="299"> <p>On Friday night we had our first ever “Family Movie Night”. We ordered (picked up…because no delivery in the boondocks) a large Pepperoni Pizza and Paddington on DISH and had the most fun eating pizza and watching a movie as a family. I know this probably sounds lame to most people but it’s the season of life we are in so I am rolling with it and enjoying these special, quickly-passing moments with my boys and my husband.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5db33b3127ccee94dc29d65de00000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150512111828682.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="399" height="292"> <p>Saturday, we continued the weekend fun by going to a local farm and picking blueberries. The owners of the farm are some friends of ours from church and they have the cutest little boy who is 18 months. He and John Brooks played together for a while in addition to blueberry picking and John Brooks was sad to leave when it was time for us to go.</p> <p> <img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5db33b3127ccee94cb51d848100000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150512111839555.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="465" height="340"></p> <p>Saturday night, Ben gave me the ultimate Mother’s Day gift of a night off (I’m joking…kind of). I was able to meet up with some of my girl friends for supper and socializing! It was a wonderful break. I truly believe that in order to be a good wife and mother I have to take time for myself sometimes and thankfully my husband agrees with me.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5db33b3127ccee94da833e47500000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150512111823331.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="452" height="331"> <p>On Sunday, we celebrated Mother’s Day by dedicating that we would raise Bo in a loving, Christian environment at church. It was a sweet ceremony and I am so thankful to be involved with a church that values families and children. My Dad and step-mom Robin came as well as Ben’s sister Gina and 2 of her 3 children. It was a great way to celebrate being a Mom! </p> <p>After church, we met at Ben’s parent’s house and celebrated Mrs. Colson by spending time with her as a family. Both of Ben’s sisters and their families came as well. It was wonderful to be able to spend time as a family. Our nephew Garrett will be graduating from high school in a couple of weeks so we know that these family times are going to happen less and less often as the future unfolds. </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5db33b3127ccee94ddff7252200000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150512111922104.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="445" height="326"> <p>I rounded out my Mother’s Day weekend with another great present…a 45 minute nap! It was glorious….and only felt like five minutes which is a sign that it was much needed.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5db33b3127ccee94c48ec45a600000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150512111936493.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="452" height="331"></p> <p>It was a wonderful weekend and I am so grateful that God has chosen me to be the Mama to two of the sweetest most-fun boys around! My heart bursts with love for these two and I constantly see-saw between being so excited to see what the future holds and wishing time would stand still and keep them little and wanting Mama forever. </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5db25b3127ccee95cc1bedfb700000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150505002757271.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="429" height="314"> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618090110493718029.post-45870426624365359772015-05-05T12:55:00.001-04:002015-05-05T12:56:27.371-04:00John Brooks goes to the Dentist<p> </p> <p>John Brooks had his first official dental visit yesterday. His pediatrician recommended he begin going to the dentist at his 2 year old well-check so naturally we finally made the appointment almost 2 and 1/2 years later. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-73w-dLVsdJw/VUj15SHlDlI/AAAAAAAACA4/FvOfcGTcC-s/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"> </p> <p>Before you begin worrying about his dental health, he has been brushing for those 2 and 1/2 years and I have made the occasional visual assessment to check for anything obviously out of place. </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5db25b3127ccee95c4cc89f1f00000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150505002431945.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="366" height="268"> <p>We chose to take him to a pediatric dentist because we wanted him to have a positive experience in the hope of a life-long appreciation for good oral hygiene. A new practice has opened up about 30 minutes from our home and one of the DMDs is the husband of John Brooks’ pediatrician so it was an easy choice once we got around to making it.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5db25b3127ccee95d7068bfed00000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150505002424851.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="396" height="290"> <p>The office was adorable. It had a “swamp” theme with cool trees painted on the walls and even a couple of statues of cuter versions of a turtle and an alligator. There were fun toys to play with and even a wall with a few tablets for the kids to play on while they waited to be seen. </p> <p>The hygienist called for John and it took me a minute to realize she meant my kid and then we walked back to the cleaning area. The hygienist did an excellent job of explaining everything she did and the uses of all of her tools. John Brooks was most impressed by the tablet above his head with the headphones that he could watch movies on AND of course the “Mr. Squeegee” tool that sucks the water out of your mouth. </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5db25b3127ccee95cd86a9ff700000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150505002521581.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="337" height="247"> <p>He was a little concerned a couple of times while she was cleaning and FLOSSING (for the first time ever btw) his teeth but was very polite and (thankfully) didn’t completely freak out. Once he got used to the idea of someone messing with his teeth he relaxed and even crossed his legs at the ankles at one point so he could be super comfy while watching “Bespicable Me”.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5db25b3127ccee95c0d7cdf1300000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150505002539917.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="384" height="281"> <p>Dr. Charlotte, the other dentist in the group, came and “counted” John Brooks teeth. She recommended that we start flossing with him at home. They also suggested that we wait and take x-rays at his next visit so as to make the 1st visit a positive experience. I loved that they put so much thought into his feelings. He finished his visit with a goody bag that included a new “Lightning McQueen” toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and a cool t-shirt. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o3jqMzXgzic/VUj15tpo5xI/AAAAAAAACA8/0DNEJ5Rl_Kk/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"> </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5db25b3127ccee95c25875ecc00000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150505002408060.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="322" height="236"> <p>I think that they achieved the goal of a “positive experience” because as we were leaving, John Brooks asked if we could go back tomorrow. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o3jqMzXgzic/VUj15tpo5xI/AAAAAAAACA8/0DNEJ5Rl_Kk/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618090110493718029.post-9701327168201921392015-05-02T12:09:00.000-04:002015-05-02T12:09:00.052-04:00Bo is 4 months!<p> </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da07b3127ccee8a0222ca2c100000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150426211228212.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="386" height="283"> <p>Our sweet baby Bo is now 4 months old. Every day he changes and grows and we are starting to see little snippets of what his personality is going to be like. He is a sweetie. Bo loves to snuggle and be held. He (and I am not bragging here its just the truth) L-O-V-E-S his Mama! He only wants me to rock him to sleep and I’m pretty sure he would prefer it if I just held him ALL THE TIME. He has the best, big open-mouthed, smile and gets very happy, jumpy, giggly when someone he loves (Mama, Daddy, John Brooks) walks into his room. Here are some other facts about our little man at 4 months:</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da00b3127ccee8bfb373c99100000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150422064939256.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="416" height="305"> <p>As of April 29th, Bo weighs 13 pounds 1 oz and is 24 1/2 inches long. He has gained 3 pounds and 3.5 inches since his last check up! He is in 3 month clothes but can wear some 3-6 month clothes. People sometimes act as if he is small and maybe he is but the clothes fit and he has rolls so it kind of gets on my nerves when people say that. He has the most adorable cheeks and is getting little fat rolls on his thighs and wrists. I adore a chubby baby! Remarkably, he is rolling over from tummy to back and is starting to show signs that he may want to roll from back to belly pretty soon. He is smiling big and starting to laugh. He is starting to “play” with toys and feel things for texture rather than just staring into space. His one delay at this point is a “head lag” which means that he is still unable to hold his head steady when he is pulled from a flat position to a seated position. Due to the nature of his birth injuries, we are expecting Bo to have some delays/residual effects which is why we already have him working with both an Occupational and Physical Therapist. </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da00b3127ccee8be71f0e93f00000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150422065351085.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="402" height="294"> <p>In addition to his well-check, Bo also had follow-ups with Hematology and Neurology this month. The good news is that his coagulation labs are all normalizing which means he does not appear to have any underlying bleeding risks that will affect him throughout life. More good news is that the Phenobarbital levels are non-readable in his blood and he has not had any seizures so we are taking that as a sign that whatever blood was in his brain has reabsorbed into his body by now. The Neurologist that saw him said that he looks “80% better” from the previous appointment. The doctors/therapists all seem to say that though he will meet his milestones it will be on his own time frame, not necessarily at the time when he is “supposed to” meet them.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da07b3127ccee8a01de5e28f00000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150426211040076.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="373" height="273"> <p>Eating: Bo is exclusively breast fed. It is fun to watch how excited he gets when he is about to eat! Sometimes when he is eating, he will stop, look up at me and smile as if to say “Ahhh this is great Mama”. We are hoping to start him on solids at 6 months but that time frame will have a lot to do with when his his head/neck strength/control improves. I am slowly adding <a href="http://thelifeandtimesofpmc.blogspot.com/2015/03/cheese-i-miss-you-your-friend-p.html" target="_blank">dairy</a> back into my diet. So far, he tolerates sour cream and small amounts of butter but still gets fussy when I eat shredded cheddar or a lot of dairy foods combined together (think casseroles). He feeds on demand so pretty much whenever he starts arching his back, screaming like a howler-monkey and trying to scratch my eyes out (seriously he whacks my face when he’s ready to eat…how early is too early to say No?) It usually averages out to about 7 times a day. Usually, 7 am, 8:30 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 4 pm, 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da07b3127ccee8a1485603f200000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150426211148397.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="380" height="278"> <p>Sleeping: Knock on wood and Thank the Lord, we have another good sleeper (so far, I hope I don’t jinx it by typing it out). Bo is usually asleep by 9:00 pm and wakes up around 7:00 am. I would love to say that he takes 3- 1 hour naps a day as well but I can’t say that because it would be a lie. To be honest, he really only naps well if I am holding him or he is in the Ergo or the car seat and we are moving. He has the most sensitive movement sense I’ve ever seen. He will be sound asleep and as soon as I lay him in the crib or the car stops in the pick up line at school he wakes up and starts screaming. He gets VERY ANGRY when his demands are not met and has been known to hold his breath, turn red in the face, and screech like a howler monkey. I still try to put him in his crib for naps but at least once a day I hold him for 45 minutes so that he can nap. Not the best system but its what works for now.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da00b3127ccee8be57e6680a00000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150422065438227.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="429" height="314"> <p>Play: Bo is finally starting to play! He is starting to pick things up, put teething rings on his arms and bat at toys on the floor. We spend much of our time playing on the floor and working on his motor skills as well as his head/neck control. He is able to lift up on his arms when he is on his belly now and is starting to straighten his arms as well. The occupational therapist put athletic tape on his back and his triceps to help his nerves/muscles learn how to work right. Sometimes I get sad when I think how hard this baby is having to work just to be normal but then I think how blessed we are that he is even here to work and that all of this work is going to make him even stronger than he already is! Oh and he ADORES John Brooks. He follows that kid with his eyes wherever he goes and he get so excited when John Brooks plays or talks to him.</p> <p><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da07b3127ccee8a14897820300000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150426211507075.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/"> <p>All in all, Bo is making progress. We continue to work with him and we pray that it will be God’s will for him to be a healthy, wild little boy who can follow his older brother and get into the trouble that little boys seem to always find. </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618090110493718029.post-13334052916615922162015-05-01T10:43:00.000-04:002015-05-01T10:43:00.504-04:00My Buddy Bill<p> </p> <p>John Brooks loves animals, especially farm animals, especially cattle, especially bulls. We are lucky in that while still unpredictable, the bulls (and the cows and calves for that matter) at the farm are calm enough that John Brooks is able to interact with them. It is so sweet to see him sitting in the back of Ben’s truck talking to the cattle, telling them stories and even singing songs. </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da06b3127ccee8a363c09af500000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150427130823317.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="387" height="283"> <p>“Bill” is a black Angus bull that has been at the farm for a few years. Long enough that to John Brooks he has always been there. Unfortunately, something has happened to Bill’s foot which has made it impossible for his to perform his…um…job. To make matters worse for Bill, when the veterinarian was out to look at his foot he executed what can only be described as an acrobatic maneuver in which he somehow ended up on his hind legs with his front legs and head stuck in the top of the squeeze chute. I’m not kidding. I wish there were pictures. Somehow, Bill made it out of that scrape alive but on a cattle ranch, if you can’t earn your keep, it’s time for you to move on down the line and that time for Bill was this past Monday.</p> <p>I started to worry that John Brooks might have some lasting effects if we didn’t at least let him say goodbye to Bill (I think I’ve watched that scene from “The Help” one to many times where “Skeeter” doesn’t get to say goodbye to the sweet lady who helped raise her) so on Sunday, we took a ride out to the pasture, fed Bill and gave John Brooks a chance to see him one last time.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da06b3127ccee8a3c2b15b7c00000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150427130806264.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="444" height="325"> <p>It about broke my heart to watch my boy with his “Buddy Bill”. At one point, he told me, “Mama, I’ve talked to Bill and he said he wants to stay.” I bet he did say that…poor Bill. We did our best to explain that because of his injury it was better for Bill if we sold him but that’s a hard thing to explain to a person with little reasoning ability.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da06b3127ccee8a3f1081b4400000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150427130808557.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="435" height="318"> <p>Even later Sunday night during story time and the next morning before school John Brooks was asking us to ask Granddaddy to let Bill stay. Ben and I are both pretty tender-hearted when it comes to the boys so it was tough to see John Brooks struggling to understand this loss. So, in an attempt to make it easier on him (I hope) I convinced my oh so manly but oh so sweet husband to drive out to the farm after he dropped off John Brooks at school and conduct a photo shoot…with Bill…the bull. Because my husband loves me and our boy he agreed and sent me the pictures that I proceeded to edit and upload to my Shutterfly account where they are awaiting my click of the Send so that they can be mailed here, framed and placed on John Brooks’ bedside table.</p> <p> <p>Yes you read that correctly. </p> <p>Yes we are crazy. </p> <p>In my defense, people have photos to remember their dogs. Our kid’s dog just happens to weigh 2000 pounds.</p> <p><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da06b3127ccee8a2f429fa8300000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150427130822682.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/"></p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618090110493718029.post-22439176140232919062015-04-30T10:09:00.001-04:002015-04-30T10:35:51.156-04:00Farm Fresh Eggs<p> </p> <p>My family loves eggs! John Brooks and Ben love them scrambled and I L-O-V-E a fried egg. One of the few items at the grocery store that I “splurge” on is eggs. I usually buy cage free and love it when I can buy cage free organic eggs because I truly think that they taste better than an egg raised by traditional means. I have wanted to try to find locally raised eggs for quite some time but have been out of luck until the other day. </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da11b3127ccee8a9577399d900000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150430130144798.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="406" height="297"> <p>So, I was SUPER EXCITED when my mother-in-law informed me that one of the ladies at her church has some laying hens that have free-range of her yard and this lady has been selling the eggs at church. Y’all for $5.00 I was able to get 18 eggs. In the grocery store, a dozen organic eggs is about $4.00 so I think that 18 for $5 is a great deal! </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da11b3127ccee8a8dda5383600000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150430130111709.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="397" height="291"> <p>I could hardly wait to try them for breakfast this morning and I was not disappointed. Look at that pretty yolk! My subpar photography skills do not do these beauties justice. The egg went great with some <strike>avocado</strike> guacamole and bacon on toast with Siracha sauce as a breakfast sandwich. I am so happy about this find!</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da11b3127ccee8a954cb58c800000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150430130137368.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="405" height="297"> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618090110493718029.post-48089816111320507552015-04-22T03:14:00.001-04:002015-04-22T03:15:50.784-04:00Tough Guy<p> </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da00b3127ccee8bf3264086e00000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150422065618859.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="344" height="252"> <p>At around 5:00 pm yesterday I decided to workout. Ben was home for the day. He and John Brooks were playing outside and Bo was napping in his crib. Perfect time to sneak in a quick sweat session. Just as I hit play on the You Tube Video I heard Bo start crying (of course) so I hit pause and went to pick him up. As I was walking back outside with Bo I watched John Brooks reach for the water hose that was rolled up against the wall of the house on one of those water hose holding thingys that attaches to the house (apologies for my lack of knowledge of the terminology of home maintenance paraphernalia). Unfortunately for John Brooks there was a mean ol’ wasp taking up residence on that particular hose property and he like most wasps did not take kindly to the rapscallion who was trying to adios him from his new domicile. </p> <p>Short Version: John Brooks was stung by a wasp. </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da00b3127ccee8bf8f80484c00000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150422065636770.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="330" height="242"> <p align="center">Sorry about the poor picture quality. I couldn’t get a clear shot of the wound. Not that anyone but a RN would want to see a wound.</p> <p>You can imagine the theatrics, whaling and gnashing of teeth that ensued. John Brooks was upset too. Ben and I switched kids in midair. Ben held Bo (who increasingly likes to be in on the action) while I took John Brooks to the bathroom. I washed out the sting while watching John Brooks’ face to make sure he wasn’t swelling or having trouble breathing (drama). Then I gave him a dose of Benadryl to be on the safe side. I also gave him a dose of Tylenol to help with the pain and discovered that my not so little baby has graduated to a new dose level which made me sad. By that point, John Brooks declared himself healed and ready to go back outside and play. I was impressed by his tough guy attitude and ability to not let a little injury inhibit his pursuit of a good time. </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da00b3127ccee8bf944d081400000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150422065627347.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="339" height="248"> <p>After consulting Web MD, Nurse Mama decided it best for the little patient to rest on the couch with an ice pack while I cooked him a get well supper of chicken and French fries. In an ugly twist of fate, the Benadryl kicked in before supper was ready and the poor little guy missed out on his favorite meal. Don’t worry Mama made sure to save him some for his lunch box today. Plus, now he has a war story to share!</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da00b3127ccee8be8c3aa91300000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150422065621856.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="386" height="283"> <p>P.S. If you are looking for a good chicken nugget recipe <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/chicken-nuggets.html" target="_blank">this</a> one is a winner! I tweaked it a little by adding a tablespoon of sugar to the flour mixture. Delish!</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618090110493718029.post-23691149693629669982015-04-18T10:31:00.001-04:002015-04-18T10:33:53.381-04:003 years ago today<p> </p> <p>Three years ago today I was nearing the end of my second semester of Nursing school. Three years ago today I was studying more than I ever had before in the hopes of somehow pulling a “B” for the semester. Three years ago today at around 10:15 pm I was sitting in my bed reading over my lecture notes when my phone rang. I remember being annoyed that anyone would call me at such a “late hour” because they knew I had a 15 month old and they knew I would either be studying or sleeping. I can remember looking at the caller ID three years ago today to discover it was my Mom calling me. Of course, I thought, she would be the only one so self absorbed to think that 10:15 pm on a Thursday is an acceptable conversation time (not a very respectful thought but I am being real here). </p> <p>The conversation was a quick one. She was rambling and (I thought) probably stoned. I was annoyed and definitely short. I felt guilty about 30 minutes later and called her back but it went to voicemail. I had no way to know that three years ago today would be the last time I ever spoke to my Mom. Our relationship at that time was tense to say the least about it. I did not agree with the choices that she had been making and she did not appreciate my judgment/condemnation of her for making those choices. </p> <p>Three years ago tomorrow I would answer another phone call, this time from my baby (16 year old) sister who was calling to inform me that our mother had passed away from a self-inflicted gun shot wound. Even typing those words out now is astonishing to me because I never in a million years will understand how my Mom, my brave, strong, fearless, unstoppable Mom came to a place where she was so helpless and hopeless that she believed in her head and heart that suicide was the best choice. That’s not entirely true because the person my Mom had become was not the Mom that I knew as a girl. The Mom who died three years ago tomorrow had dug herself into a hole so deep that nobody knew how she was going to get out. She was too stubborn and head strong to admit she had any problems or seek help for those problems. I would be lying if I didn’t say that in a way I expected that call to come from my sister. Throughout the weeks leading up to that moment, I could see on my Mom’s face and hear in her voice how desperate and sad and alone she felt and I also knew that there was not a thing anyone could do to help her because she wouldn’t let them help her. </p> <p>I’ve missed my Mom more this past year than ever before probably because John Brooks is starting to understand and ask questions about why my Mom is not in his family equation. I have wished she was here more than ever before especially when we were going through everything surrounding Bo’s birth. Even though I know I am so beyond blessed to have such wonderful family support, the birth and sickness of a baby is something you want your Mom to be there to experience with you. Again, if I am being honest I have to admit that if she was still around at this point there is a good chance she still wouldn’t have been in a place to be involved in the early days of my son’s life because of the demons she was battling. I miss her more now that I am a Mom and I am coming to terms with the fact that she is going to miss out on every single milestone of my kids lives but she may have missed out on them anyway had she been alive. Milestones that my grandmother (her Mom) has always been around for in my life. Milestones that I never thought my Mom would miss.</p> <p>I rarely talk about my Mom’s death because I don’t see how the subject provides joy or helps others in any way. I’m sorry to be such a “Debbie Downer” today but as this is my creative outlet and these are the feelings I’ve been having so I thought it important to put them into print as a way to remember the day.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618090110493718029.post-9405379543923450952015-04-13T06:14:00.001-04:002015-04-13T06:15:41.287-04:00Our Weekend<p> </p> <p>Hi there! How was your weekend? Is it just me or does anyone else think that time is going by at record pace these days? I can remember when I was a kid (tween?) wishing for time to speed up so that I could get to the fun adult days and now, I’m here and while I don’t feel like much of an adult, the husband, two kids, mortgage and car payment tend to disagree with me (Ha). </p> <p>Our weekend was a good one. Ben’s Mom called me on Friday morning and asked to pick up John Brooks from school. He loves to go over to Grandma and Grandaddy’s house because he pretty much has free rein of the television, the couch, the juice boxes and the chips. A couple of his big boy (high school age) cousins were going to be at Grandma’s on Friday too so it worked out well for him to go over, visit and “help” get Grandma’s flowers out of the greenhouse. </p> <p>With our car pick up responsibilities relinquished, Bo and I were free to have a rare, lazy afternoon. It was so refreshing to be able to rest, snuggle and relax at our own pace. </p> <p>Friday night, Ben and I had an impromptu date night with our new little sidekick. The Gilchrist County Education Foundation hosted their annual “Fishing for Scholarships” Fish Fry. Mrs. Colson offered to keep John Brooks at her house if we would bring them supper after we were finished. At first, I declined the offer because I am crazy and think that John Brooks should be with us so he doesn’t miss out on town fun but then I came to my senses and remembered that 1. We don’t get out much. 2. We don’t get out much with two kids 3. John Brooks doesn’t like fish 4. John Brooks, while fun and exciting, definitely keeps us on our toes…all…the…time. I thought it would be nice for Ben to be able to eat and socialize without the stress of wondering what John Brooks will be into next. So, Ben, Bo and I had a nice leisurely supper of mullet, catfish and fixins’. We enjoyed visiting with several friends and Bo even got to nap on a sweet lady’s shoulder. What is it about “Grandmas” that makes babies feel instantly safe and secure and sleepy? </p> <p>We picked John Brooks up from Grandma and Grandaddy’s around 7:30 pm. We stayed and visited with Mr. and Mrs. Colson and while we were there, Ben’s sister Amy arrived so we visited with her as well before going home to the usual bath and bedtime routine.</p> <p>John Brooks and Ben both woke up bright and early on Saturday morning around 6:30 am (when do they start sleeping in again?). John Brooks woke up because that is when John Brooks wakes up and Ben woke up because he got to go fishing on Saturday! Ben’s boss owns a boat and offered to take Ben fishing out in the Gulf of Mexico (best boss ever). They had a great time and caught a bunch of Spanish Mackerel which we enjoyed grilled last night in fish tacos with a makeshift Mango Salsa that I whipped up with onions, green chilis, and cilantro. </p> <p>While Ben was away catching dinner, Bo, John Brooks and I entertained ourselves at home. We had a nice day of playing, reading, watching tv and eating. My aunt Diane (Di-Di if you are John Brooks) came up to visit with the boys some which broke up the monotony of the day (thank you Di-Di). Both boys were very good! Bo has started (knock on wood) getting a little better at napping in his crib though he still prefers to nap on Mama. Ben came home around 6:00 pm with takeout Chinese. We had decided to wait and cook the fish on Sunday night because we had eaten fish for supper on Friday night and we needed a buffer zone. We tried a new Chinese restaurant that recently opened in our town. It is Delicious! We sampled the Wonton Soup (great broth, big dumplings), vegetable lo-mein (loved this! Lots of veggies!) and the Sweet and Sour Chicken (quite possibly the least Chinese food dish ever but we like the sauce) along with egg rolls and fried cream cheese filled deliciousness that I just realized I probably shouldn’t have eaten and then nursed Bo (poor baby). Oops!</p> <p>On Sunday, Ben stayed home from church with Bo and John Brooks and I ventured out to Sunday School and church. John Brooks went to Children’s Church where apparently he was “combative” but they didn’t come get me out of church so I am of the belief that he wasn’t that “combative”. It was so refreshing to be able to worship God without the usual (welcome wonderful) distraction of a sweet baby who likes to snuggle and have his bottles warmed before he with scarf them down. </p> <p>Sunday afternoon was spent, eating Subway, resting, running, eating fish tacos and reading. Before I knew it, the weekend was over and it was time to get ready for a school night again! Speaking of running, I am starting a new fitness challenge today through these super fun, motivating <a href="http://toneitup.com/" target="_blank">gals</a>! For the next eight weeks I will be trying to complete some fitness “challenges” as well as trying to eat “lean, clean and green” in the hopes of being able to be comfortable in a swim suit this summer. I’m excited that I’ve lost 12 pounds since the middle of February but I still have about 20 pounds to get to my pre-preggo weight. Wish me luck!</p> <p>Have a great week!</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618090110493718029.post-30225255146390909502015-04-11T09:55:00.000-04:002015-04-11T09:55:00.583-04:00John Brooks’ Week o’ School Fun<p> </p> <p>John Brooks’ Easter activities stretched into this week with an Easter party at school and a field trip to the zoo. Rob-Rob watched Bo on Monday so that I could attend the Easter party and help hide eggs. Yesterday, Ben’s Mom watched Bo so that I could go on the field trip with John Brooks. After the zoo and lunch, John Brooks and I went to Lowes and to the park. I am very thankful to have help with Bo when I need it so that I can spend one on one time with my first baby who is looking less and less like a baby every minute. True confession: I actually carried his 40 pound self through the zoo some yesterday because 1. I never get to hold him anymore because I am always holding Bo and 2. Did I mention he weighs 40 pounds? Pretty soon he will be to heavy for me to carry around. This impending doom makes me almost cry every time I think about it.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da27b3127ccee8983e4133ba00000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150406194433071.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="344" height="252"> <p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da31b3127ccee8815fd9895b00000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150410122849683.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="397" height="291"> <p>P.S. The note home from school said they would change the kids shirts to an orange shirt before arriving at the zoo which is why I dressed him like that….had I known about the lack of orange shirt I would have picked a cuter outfit. hashtag: momproblems</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618090110493718029.post-82243641221145580552015-04-10T08:32:00.001-04:002015-04-10T08:33:55.177-04:00Easter 2015<p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da27b3127ccee898862eb2b900000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150406193504041.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="420" height="308"> <p>Happy Friday Folks!</p> <p>I’m popping in to do a little Easter Weekend Recap that I’ve been meaning to do all week but our Easter festivities kinda stretched all the way to yesterday so this is the first time I’ve had a free moment to sit and think and type. </p> <p>We had a wonderful weekend. It really began last Wednesday with the Easter Egg Hunt at church. On Thursday, Ben’s parents kept the boys (Thanks Colsons!) so that Ben and I could attend the Spring Supper hosted by the Gilchrist Farm Bureau Board of Directors. It was a great meal of Ham, peas, beans, and other deliciousness as well as good fellowship with people we don’t get the opportunity to see very often. </p> <p>My fellowship was cut short however because I had to be at church for the final dress rehearsal l for an Easter musical (cantata) that the church produced called “He Is Risen”. It was an amazing tribute to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I am so impressed by the work put in by our Music Minister Brother Emanuel Harris as well as all of the people who volunteered to make costumes, create sets, handle lighting, sound, props, act and sing. I really just showed up to sing every night but there were many, many others who really went above and beyond to make the cantata a success. There were performances on Friday and Saturday night as well as on Sunday morning for the Easter service. Ben watched the boys on Friday and Saturday night (with help from his sisters on Saturday) so that I could participate. On a side note: Bo actually went to all of the practices with me. I would wear him in the Ergo and believe it or not (I have witnesses) he would sleep then ENTIRE TIME we would practice – with all that noise and music. </p> <p>My man and older boy both had the day off on Good Friday. The weather was beautiful and we (they) spent much of the day outside putting our yard back into shape after the dreary winter months. Ben planted flowers down the sidewalk and even purchased a couple of hanging plants for the porch. Some mysterious nemesis has gotten into our grass and killed it so Ben also spent time on Friday and Saturday using the Roto-tiller to till up the soil and spread new grass seed. We are hoping that with rain, sunlight and prayer the grass will grow so that we don’t have to spend money on new sod. </p> <p>Saturday afternoon was spent celebrating the 80th birthday of Ben’s Aunt Margaret. Aunt Margaret’s birthday was actually in January but some of her family lives in Virginia and were not able to make it down to Florida in January so we celebrated with warm weather in April. Three of Aunt Margaret’s four children were able to attend the celebration as well as many of her grandchildren and even some great-grands. Aunt Margaret is Ben’s Mom’s sister, so her children are Ben’s first cousins but really her grand children are closer in age to Ben and I. Aunt Margaret’s family did a wonderful job with the celebration! They cooked mullet, fried chicken, gumbo, cheese grits, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, peas, swamp cabbage, hush puppies plus more that I can’t remember. It was a variable buffet of “Old Florida Fixins’”. Basically all of my favorite foods in one place. I ate more than I should but was still sad that I couldn’t eat more because I was afraid of what more food would do to my singing voice. I thought that belching on stage may have detracted from the drama of the crucifixion story. I was sad to leave early and wish I could’ve stayed longer to visit. John Brooks had a wonderful time eating and playing with his cousins and was gloriously covered in dirt from the top of his head to his toes by the time that I left.</p> <p>Sunday morning broke bright and early. The Easter bunny found our house and left some fun goodies for John Brooks and a few fun things for Baby Bo as well. We continued the celebration with a Hershey’s peanut butter cup/cinnamon roll breakfast then somehow all managed to be dressed and out the door to Sunday School relatively on time. John Brooks and Ben went to their Sunday School classes and I kept Bo with me as long as I could as I got ready for the Easter performance of “He Is Risen”. We had decided earlier that Bo would go to the nursery for the first time that day but to be honest I was pretty nervous to leave him. Thankfully a friend of ours, Emily, who has three young girls and is a nurse was the nursery worker that day so I felt as comfortable as I could leaving him there. In a last minute decision, we decided to let John Brooks go into the bigger kid nursery as well due to the violence and length of the Easter program. I was thankful that they allowed John Brooks to stay in the nursery so that Ben was able to enjoy the program with out distractions. </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da27b3127ccee898bf7f735c00000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150406193528079.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="388" height="284"> <p>After celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus at church we went to lunch at Pa and Aha Hardee’s house. Robin’s parents (Ellison and Mary Alice) are so sweet to our boys, especially John Brooks and really go a long way to give him cool experiences at their house with their horses. We enjoyed a delicious lunch and fellowship with my Dad and Robin and our extended family. We relaxed and enjoyed being on the back porch after lunch while John Brooks entertained us with song and dance. John Brooks has become quite the performer recently and enjoys an audience much like one of his parent’s did when she was his age. <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tcQGWyWIAB8/VSfCzc8mkvI/AAAAAAAACAg/5r93j_HhOPM/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"> Side note: I adore watching my kids’ personalities develop! It is like a mystery that unravels a little bit at a time.</p> <p>By late Sunday afternoon we were full, happy and exhausted from a wonderful Easter week(end) spent with family and friends celebrating our Risen Savior!</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618090110493718029.post-48181958277103727412015-04-02T08:57:00.001-04:002015-04-02T08:59:03.751-04:00Easter Egg Gathering<p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da23b3127ccee8911cb271c600000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150402113904396.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="347" height="254"></p> <p>Last evening John Brooks and I left the men and babies at home and set out to find us some eggs. The church where we are members hosted its annual Easter Egg (Resurrection Egg?) Event last night and John Brooks and I were excited for some food, fellowship and good old fashioned <strike>competition</strike> organized sweet-natured fun. <img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da23b3127ccee890442e513a00000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150402113809739.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="376" height="275"></p> <p>We ate hotdogs and hamburgers for supper with a brownie for dessert. I admit the brownie was a risk. Too much sugar and my sweet, spirited boy becomes the living embodiment of the “Tasmanian Devil”. I am, however, a big softie so when he had eaten all of his hotdogs and some of his chips I couldn’t be the bad guy and say no to the brownie. </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da23b3127ccee89193ef314400000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150402113815472.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="407" height="298"> <p>Though there were some nail-biting moments and I may have found myself silently praying that my child wouldn’t whack the Children’s Minister with his “Resurrection Basket” I am happy to report that the evening went off without any injuries or permanent damage done. The Lord does answer prayers.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da23b3127ccee891a8ee71c000000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150402113825528.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/" width="495" height="332"> <p>The children were split into groups by age. The age group that John Brooks was in heard the crucifixion story in a way that was completely safe and not scary. They also completed a craft that reminds us of the price Jesus paid for our sins (p.s. sin is a hard thing to explain to a preschooler). </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da23b3127ccee891c5f1b04100000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150402114001377.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="366" height="268"> <p> <p>There was quite a bit of sitting and waiting patiently before the egg-hunt chaos could begin. I was proud of John Brooks for not completely losing his mind with all of the waiting. At one point I thought he might explode with excitement but he was able to contain it as best he could.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da23b3127ccee891556fb09700000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150402113849139.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="347" height="254"></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da23b3127ccee891fdd9b07500000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150402113927669.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="378" height="277"> <p>Finally, the egg “gathering” began. Nobody was tackled. Everyone got eggs. The children’s leaders even gave out prizes to the children in each age group. One cool thing about a kid as wild as mine is that everyone seems to know his name. So when the Children’s Minister announced that “John Brooks” won a chocolate bunny our boy walked proudly to the front with a lot of cheers from the crowd. He may have tried to steal the megaphone from the Minister to give a speech but hey what’s an award without a speech?</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5da23b3127ccee890e5e5900900000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150402114015702.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="379" height="277"> <p>All sarcasm aside, I am so thankful that we have found a church home where everyone loves families, loves children and loves Jesus. It is a wonderful feeling to know that there are many people helping our family to grow in our faith and helping our boys to become Jesus followers. </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618090110493718029.post-11730118769886140392015-03-30T12:11:00.001-04:002015-03-30T12:30:21.716-04:00Bo 3 month Update<p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5dd11b3127ccee8e967903d8400000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150330155422817.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="390" height="286"> <p align="center">Bo turned 3 months old this past Saturday. </p> <p align="center">3 months is a bit of a milestone in my mind because in general babies start to come out of that helpless, floppy, need you all the time newborn stage and begin to show signs that they will be able to make it in this big loud world after all. </p> <p align="center">So far, Bo is meeting his milestones (Praise God). Bo recognizes our voices, is batting at toys, turns when he hears sounds and follows with his eyes. Bo has the sweetest smile that lights up his whole face. He has rolled from tummy to back once (but at least we know he can) and reaches for something to hold on to when he is tired (typically my hair just like older brother). Bo has not had any seizures since being taken off of the Phenobarbital in January. This is certainly a blessing.He is going to Occupational Therapy once a week in an effort to catch any delays he may have early. We also work with him at home with head and neck control as well as tummy time. </p> <p align="center"><br>Bo is beginning to develop a routine to his day. He generally goes to sleep between 8:30-9:00 pm each evening. He wakes around 4:30-5 am to eat then goes back to sleep until around 7:30 am. Bo likes a pacifier (unlike JB who is a thumb-sucker) during the day but does not use it to sleep at night. He typically loses the pacifier after he falls asleep then wakes up mad because it is no longer where he thinks it should be. <br></p> <p align="center">Bo is exclusively breast fed. He generally eats every 2.5-3 hours during the day. He typically spends about 10 minutes eating per side with longer stretches at 7:30 am, 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm. He does take a bottle a couple of times a week when we go to church or if I am out with John Brooks and Ben has to feed him. Bo has a pretty sensitive digestive system. He swallows air pretty easily which makes him have gas which hurts him. He also has reflux at times so I have to keep him upright for at least 30 minutes after he eats. We also have to burp him really well. Bo still has the <a href="http://thelifeandtimesofpmc.blogspot.com/2015/03/cheese-i-miss-you-your-friend-p.html" target="_blank">dairy</a> sensitivity so I limit my intake. Bo now weighs 11 pounds 7 oz. He weighed 6 pounds 10 oz. at birth so he has almost doubled his birth-weight in 3 months! </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5dd11b3127ccee8e920eafc7500000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150330155403209.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="392" height="287"> <p align="center"><br> </p> <p align="center">Bo sleeps very well at night (knock on wood). He generally takes 3-4 short naps (30-45 minutes) during the day at home. Bo will sleep longer if we are in the car or if I wear him in the Ergo. Bo has not learned how to soothe himself yet. So he will just cry and cry until he is so worked up that he is sweating and panting. I am hoping that he will stretch out his home naps and learn to soothe himself in the near future. <br></p> <p align="center">Bo is starting to coo and find his voice. He loves for us to repeat his sounds back to him. Speaking of loves, Bo also LOVES his big brother John Brooks. I had no idea how quickly their bond would form and it is a big highlight for me to see how much they care for each other already. John Brooks has done well adjusting to a new baby. He has definitely had some issues with jealousy, specifically not having as much attention from Ben and me but he has never (thankfully) taken it out on Bo. We are working to give John Brooks blocks of undivided attention. <br></p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5dd11b3127ccee8e8ecb95d3c00000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150330155309722.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="345" height="253"> <p align="center">Bo loves to be held and snuggled. He does not like to nap in his crib and has a difficult time relaxing to take a nap which means a lot of snuggling with Mama. This makes getting chores done difficult but I'm trying to savor the moment because I know before long he won't want to snuggle or rock any more. </p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5dd11b3127ccee8e857b01df000000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150330155414706.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="308" height="226"> <p align="center">I cannot successfully articulate how blessed I feel and how grateful I am that Bo is healthy, happy and adjusting to life on the outside. </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618090110493718029.post-25951204980601249122015-03-27T07:48:00.001-04:002015-03-27T07:48:36.368-04:00T-Ball<p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5dd06b3127ccee8e27a5edf2500000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150327105935927.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="432" height="316"> <p align="center">John Brooks’ “Pregame outfit” (hah!) <p align="center">With much excitement, more than a little trepidation, and possibly against my husband’s better judgment (I refuse to take responsibility here because I was in a post-partum, post-NICU, cluster-feeding, hormone induced fog when T-Ball signups occurred), we signed John Brooks up to play T-Ball this year. The T-Ball league is for children ages 4-6. Since John Brooks turned 4 in January he just barely makes the cut but he is so full of energy that we think getting him involved in team activities early will help him to learn to channel all of that energy into something other than running around our living room pretending the couch is a mountain. </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5dd06b3127ccee8e3661f7e1600000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150327110219337.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="358" height="262"></p> <p align="center">T-Ball practice began in the middle of February. Practice has been….interesting. John Brooks is the youngest kid on the team. His abilities have improved from running around all over the place to actually standing in one position. I’m not sure that he understands what to do with the glove attached to his hand but its his first time playing and T-Ball is about skill development… right? </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5dd06b3127ccee8e244dc5e8800000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150327110020342.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" width="364" height="266"></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center">Last night was the FIRST T-Ball game! Our guy was so excited that he even agreed to “rest up” for his game after school (sly mom tactic there). I think he looks adorable in his uniform! The socks go up to his mid-thigh! He has never been much of a ball cap wear-er so it’s a good sign that he will at least put this one on for pictures. </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5dd06b3127ccee8e301903e3200000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150327110045974.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/" width="408" height="274"></p> <p align="center">Sadly (or not so much because we got to go to pick up dinner and still be home before 7:00 pm) the game was rained out. I was proud of the way John Brooks handled himself while we were waiting for the game to be called. He played nicely under the shelter and didn’t run out into the rain even one time. His next game is on Saturday! Play Ball! </p> <p align="center"><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5dd06b3127ccee8e3586dff4b00000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150327110240118.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D720/ry%3D480/" width="442" height="297"></p> <p align="center"><em>Please ignore the baby and Dad in the background <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TDm8wYbTosQ/VRVDkvWAELI/AAAAAAAACAI/RLx4z_RBAf4/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></em></p> <p align="center">Do you have kids? Do they play sports? At what age did they start? What sport did you first play? </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618090110493718029.post-65041301407384615912015-03-26T13:51:00.000-04:002015-03-26T13:51:55.185-04:00Cheese, I Miss You, Your Friend, P<br />
Around 6 weeks of age we noticed that our newborn Bo would cry pretty much all the time. Part of this was being a newborn and going through what felt like a month long growth spurt but we noticed that his cries were more shrill and painful sounding after he ate. He was also pretty gassy and would arch his back and sometimes spit up. Bo hated to lay flat, would rarely nap unless attached to me and was generally an unpleasant person to be around. Life was fun. <br />
Don’t misunderstand me, I was over the moon ecstatic to have a baby who was eating well and gaining weight and coming out of the barbituate-induced stupor he had lived in for the first 4 weeks of life but at the same time sometimes I needed to take a shower or brush my teeth or use the bathroom. These activities are pretty impossible when someone is screaming THE ENTIRE TIME. <br />
We tried Mylicon drops and Gripe Water which helped but did not eliminate the painful cries until one day, March 5th to be exact (the day before my birthday) I noticed that we had been having a relatively peaceful day. Bo had eaten well and had napped afterward with minimal gas or painful cries. I started to think about what I had eaten recently and it dawned on me that it wasn’t so much what I was eating but what I had not eaten that may have made the difference…dairy. <br />
I am a self-professed cheese addict. I like all the cheese all the time. I could (and did at times) eat cheese at every meal. I also enjoy ice cream, cream in my coffee, butter and chocolate. Well as luck would have it I had not had any of the foods of the milk variety since the afternoon of March 4 and low and behold I had a happy baby on my hands. <br />
So I tested the theory. <br />
On March 6 (my birthday) I indulged (as one does on THEIR BIRTHDAY) with cream in my coffee and butter on my toast. I lived to regret this decision as for my birthday Bo gave me an all day cry fest complete with over-tired painful shrieks and a refusal to nap. Bingo. My baby has a dairy sensitivity. Happy Birthday to ME!<br />
Bo’s pediatrician does not believe that it is a full-blown milk-protein allergy (thank goodness) so he should become better able to handle dairy as his GI system matures. All I know is that when I eat cheese he cries and when I don’t eat cheese he naps so I have decided to not eat the cheese or drink the cream or eat the cream in iced form. I of course have shared my sacrifice with everyone because I crave pity but in all honesty I feel less bloated (sorry TMI) and have lost 4 lbs in 2 weeks which I have never done before in my life so this dairy-hiatus is not all bad. <br />
Plus, I have a happy, healthy, growing, smiling baby and that makes it all worth it in the end. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618090110493718029.post-91549333911719377942015-03-25T13:55:00.001-04:002015-03-25T13:55:47.464-04:00Life Lately…<br />
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Well Hello there! Long time no see… </div>
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I haven’t done anything with the blog in forever, like in over a year forever, because well…life. It is just really hard to find any extra time when trying to be a good wife, mom, daughter, employee, Jesus lover, niece, granddaughter, et cetera, et cetera and so on and so forth. </div>
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I am home now doing the full-time stay-at-home mom/wife thing. I am happy to be able to have this opportunity to bond with our second baby (Robert Franklin Colson) in the same way I was able to bond with John Brooks. However, going from being around people all day every day to only one person who doesn’t talk back but is equally as demanding in his wishes is a challenge at times. </div>
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My hope/goal is to carve out a little time here and there and use the blog as a way to be creative/express myself/communicate/vent whatever. So in the spirit of communication here is a brief summary in no particular order of what has happened in my world since I last clicked publish. </div>
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2 Birthdays, 2 St Patrick’s Days, Easter, Preggo, Cinco de Mayo (no drinko) <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RoQ2TcnXtV0/VRLzfFx6kVI/AAAAAAAAB-w/i2E02LfyE6s/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></div>
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Mother’s day, Father’s day, Memorial day, Independence Day, Labor day…all the days….Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas</div>
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<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a4cf06b3127ccef7e3f65bd5d300000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720141128034608510.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" height="249" width="340" /></div>
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<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a4cf06b3127ccef7e2ed0d346c00000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720141128030741409.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" height="269" width="368" /></div>
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<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a4cf39b3127ccef7f08285a24f00000030O10Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720141119010743951.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" height="259" width="354" /></div>
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Trips to Atlanta, St Pete, Athens, TN, Knoxville, Cinnamon Beach, Daytona Beach, Jax Zoo, Disney World, Tampa, Homosassa</div>
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<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a4ce24b3127ccef71e6644d8e300000030O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720141005222151984.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" height="237" width="324" /></div>
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Blood tests, ultrasounds, baby announcements, gender reveals (or lack thereof because we don’t do surprises as much as just shout it out to everyone as soon as we know), eating too much, gaining too much, gestational diabetes (eek), high blood pressure (eek), working too much, brief appearances in L&D, sinus infections, tummy bugs, moving, growing, sleeping, sweating, painful pelvises, swelling (oh the swelling).</div>
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Walking into labor, having a baby, spending time in L&D, Postpartum, NICU, ER, PICU, doctor’s offices, and follow up appointments</div>
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Learning about babies with traumatic brain injuries, what happens when you don’t metabolize phenobarbital, seizures, MRIs, EEGs, CTs, blood draws, IV lines, lab work that doesn’t come back on time, breastfeeding, pumping, gaining weight, losing weight, sensitivities to dairy, sensitivities to sound, milestones, developmental delays, healing.</div>
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<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a5df26b3127ccee85ba071f79700000040O00Abs2rRk2buWQPbz4C/cC/f%3D0/ls%3D00209762453720150107150550149.JPG/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/" height="233" width="318" /></div>
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Learning (the hard way) that I am NOT in control of my circumstances. Learning what it means to ache for your children. Learning to “Let go and Let God”. Being surprised (although I shouldn’t be) that God really does have a plan. Being down on my face before God begging and pleading and crying to him for help. Wondering what I would do if the answer wasn’t the one I expected. Being in awe. Being in despair. Being in hope. Learning what love looks like. Watching my family and friends and strangers in other states rally around to pray for us and give us hope and strength. Watching as my prayers (and the prayers of many many others) are answered. </div>
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Now we are in the place of learning how to live as a family of four. It is chaotic. It is an adventure. It is a challenge. It is exhausting. I go through so many different emotions during each 24 hour period of life. I hope you will enjoy reading about all of this and more in the future. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02451020706181594893noreply@blogger.com0