Family of Riches

Fall 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Rich) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 06:55:00 +0000

Life is very busy for us! Not so busy that it should take 5 months to properly update the blog—but honestly, priorities shift/change and well—the blog hasn’t been a priority. Blogging was a favorite hobby of mine for several years—but then life got super complicated when I decided to take on a super exciting civic chair position from June 2010 to June 2011. Things suffered. Life suffered. My boys (all three!) suffered. I had a great time doing it—I won’t lie. But my boys (husband included) have been use to me being there for them 100% of the time—on top of that, I always put them first. But with this opportunity, I had to sometimes “delay” putting them first. I had a small taste of what it may be/feel like to work outside the home. Lots of shuffling kids to and fro—lots of babysitters in the middle of the week for late nights “working”—and while it hurts my heart to think of how confused it must have been for Jack and Par at times—I have no regrets and I know my boys forgive me! I’m so thankful for how hard Rusty works so that I can stay home and care for our family—I know this experience was an eye opener to both of us—a special thank you to all who put up with me during that time!

So after my term was up, I just wanted to be a mom and wife and just enjoy my family. So that is what I have done—along the way we have gone to the beach, the lake and started school.
Jack and Par had a wonderful summer swimming at the pool. Par (our BRAVE little boy) decided on his own terms to swim sans lifevest—and then, to our amazement, one day he just decided to jump off the diving board! I am still shocked as I type this! He loved it so much—and on the last day that pool was open, Par took one last jump off the diving board in the pouring rain! Jack definitely wanted in on the diving board action, but they have a rule that you must be able to swim to the side unassisted—Jack’s not there yet maybe next year!

School started after Labor Day and Par absolutely loves his teacher! Unfortunately, for about 6 weeks we had tears going to school. Of course, they disappeared pretty quickly once he got in his room—but it was still hard to drop him off crying. Jack would whimper a bit as we waved goodbye—but I sort of think that was just for show—Jack doesn’t seem to miss Par very much.

I tried taking Jack to storytime at the library like I had taken Par at the same age—but Jack is just not interested. We’ve probably been 4 times now and each time we’ve had to leave in the middle because Jack doesn’t see the point in sitting in a circle listening to a story and singing songs. In fact, Jack absolutely despises it when I sing. He cries and slaps my mouth to shut me up. Other people singing fine, but me—CAN’T STAND IT! It is rather rude how he slaps me—but he doesn’t say much, so I guess this is how he communicates. I’ve enjoyed my together time with Jack while Par is in school—he is a completely different kid without Par. Not nearly as clingy or needy—quite independent actually.
October always brings a trip to the pumpkin patch—this year was fun because Par AND Jack were both into it—crazy fun!!!

Just as Par was able to get out of the car without tears, he got sick. Par missed an entire week of school—he had pneumonia and was a sick little boy! This was about mid-October. Unfortunately, the crying before school began again.

On top of school, Par started soccer! He has sort of a love/hate relationship with soccer. He loves that he is on a soccer team, loves the uniform and the soccer shoes! He loves dribbling the ball with his feet and kicks pretty well. But the actual walking from the car to the field is difficult. Once he is there and has been pep talked by his coaches—he’ll finally get in there and play. Par is great! He hustles the ENTIRE time! The kid runs—no one would ever call this kid lazy. He just doesn’t actually touch/kick the ball during the scrimmages. Baby steps. The final game of the season Par got a medal—he is very proud of it!
October 15th Rusty and I celebrated our 6th Anniversary at the wedding of my cousin Abi and Fisher—it was beautiful and very entertaining as Fisher was inducted into the family in a special way. At the same time I can’t believe it has only and already been 6 year—because I feel like I’ve just married this man I’ve always known. Confusing, huh!
Rusty’s 36th birthday was a fun little get together—but simply a tease for the real party—Par’s 4th Birthday!
But before that—Halloween! We had our big reveal the night before so that we could trick or treat with Par and Jack for the first time.
Drum Role please….

Introducing, Peter Pan, Wendy, Captain Hook and Mr. Smee!
Par’s birthday was so much fun! Rusty and I installed a 4 hole putting green in the back yard—which morphed into Honeysuckle Country Club, where Rich people live.

Complete with a golf shop and snack bar—Par was in heaven! We dressed the boys in classic golf attire—Par in a collared shirt and plaid knickers—Jack in same but a little more crazy looking.
My cousin Barbara and her friend came to work the golf shop and snack bar. Best part of party was how embarrassed Par seemed as we sang Happy Birthday. So cute!

And then, a crazy thing happened. I took Par to school the next day and no tears. He was a new kid—as if something magical happened when he turned four! It has just been a few weeks—but he is excited about it every morning—it sure does make life easier!
I did another 5K—Bunkers, Hills & Hazzards at the BCC—lots of fun and pretty hard! Par (and Rusty) did the 1 mile fun run---and guess what!?! PAR RAN THE ENTIRE MILE!!!! Pretty amazing this little 4 year old with limited lung capacity had the endurance to run a mile! I love how excited he is about running—I love that he loves being active!!!!

Jack with Sir on Annual Thanksgiving Hayride

Thanksgiving was full of plans of family, friends and fun...but it was all tempered by a great loss. Thanksgiving was difficult for us. Our sweet Memommy (Rusty’s maternal grandmother) passed away sometime the night of/morning after Thanksgiving. While it wasn’t unexpected—it certainly has been hard losing someone that we loved so much. My boys thought Memommy was wonderful! Par and Jack each had a very special relationship with her—they were blessed to have been able to each spend 2 days a week with her for their first few years. When I told Par about Memommy his response was beautiful:
Par: “Oh Mama! My heart is so happy!”
Me: “Really? Why are you happy?”
Par: “Because now Memommy gets to run, dance, sing and play with Jesus!”
And now, my heart is happy. My prayer is that all of my children will long for the day to run, dance, sing and play with Jesus—and that their hearts will remain full and in Him.
And as of today—a mere 48 hours since Memommy has passed—Par has asked me no less than ten times “Do they got lots of toys in Heaven?” He is just four. It makes me smile.
We are headed to North Carolina in a few weeks to have a service for her there (where she was born and raised) with family.

(2010 picture of family with Memommy at 5th Anniversary celebration)

And while I thought this picture would be a sweet way to end the blog entry--life gets in the way. Just today, Par cut his hand open (we still don't really know how) and we spent the afternoon in the ER at Childrens...Par is the VERY PROUD owner of THREE stitches in his hand!

it has been too long...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Rich) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:26:00 +0000

I know, I know. I have been far too neglectful of my loyal FoR followers. I will (I PRONISE!) have a good blog update sometime soon...before the Halloween reveal...but until then, please enjoy pictures from the past few months.

Happy May!

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Rich) — Thu, 05 May 2011 03:05:00 +0000

Our spring has been lots of fun! After Disney World--we thought that going to see Thomas may just be a hit--and it was!!! Calera isn't far from Birmingham--both the boys had a great time.

Easter was wonderful--we were thankful to have healthy boys (although, as I type this they both have ear infections again--seriously!). Par asks me to tell him the story about Jesus over and over--he asks specifically for me to describe the crown of thorns and how they nailed Jesus to the cross--and then about the spear going into His side. He asks me what happened to the men who were mean to Jesus. This may sound gruesome to some and a little too much for a three year old--but Par doesn't seem scared--and for a little boy who has a pretty big scar of his own in the same spot--he seems to find comfort in the fact that Jesus has a big "hurt" too! It is very innocent--and Par keeps saying we need to take Dr. Kays to Heaven to fix Jesus. How sweet!?! If only we could ALWAYS find comfort in knowing that Jesus bore ALL OF OUR HURTS on that cross...unfortunately I personally seem to forget this when I am wrapped up in my own self...oh! to have the pure heart of a child once again!
Today Par had a tantrum while I was driving in the car--he wanted a "surprise" when we got home. He never specifically said what "surprise" he wanted--I just assume he wanted some candy--so I responded, "We're eating dinner when we get home. Maybe you can have a surprise later."
To that--the screaming, crying and lots of tears. Yes, my three year old has absorbed some of what we are teaching about Jesus--he screamed at the top of his lungs "I want to go to Heaven. I want to go to Heaven right now. I want to go to Heaven so I can get surprises."
What has he learned?--clearly, Heaven is a very happy place--apparently with lots of surprises!
And Jack? He mumbles a lot--says Daddy, "night night", doggie, Hi!, and bye!--he walks without issue--he climbs--but not like Par--Par scaled things--things that gravity doesn't normally agree to...but not Jack, he is more calculated--he sees opportunity and takes it (ie-chair too close to counter, drink on low table)--he is very stubborn lately-but what else would you expect with that reddish hair...although with his little personality, you might think it should be bright red...just sayin....

Oh...and some bitter sweet news...
Violet is no longer with our family. She went to live with Aunt B. We are all very happy about this decision--Violet will be much happier with Aunt B. Of course, we miss her and we are sad that we had to make the decision--actually, there wasn't really a decision--she bit Par--so she had to go. We were hoping that Par would shape up seeing how you get shipped off if you don't behave in this family--it hasn't worked yet. And Tiffany? Let's just say she is glad things are back to normal. And if you were to ask her she'd say "Violet who?" :(

By the way...Rusty made the slide show. He failed to post a picture with me finding the GOLDEN EGG at my parents' REAL egg hunt. I believe this is my 32nd consecutive year finding the Golden Egg.

Life is good.

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Rich) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 04:10:00 +0000

We might just be insane...
Or the best parents EVER! Par had his annual check up with Dr. Kays coming up and so we were making plans to visit Rusty's friend Steve and Steve's wife Kristin in Ponte Vedra. The more I thought about that long drive the more it seemed to make sense that we should stop over at Disney World...

So....off we went...in the car for 11 hours all the way down to Ponte Vedra to stay with the Pirris family. We were well taken care of--from delicious fresh fish on the grill upon arrival, to picking oranges for a snack off the tree in their back yard, to a special tour of the famous 17th hole at The Players Club, a day on the beach--warm sun but COLD water-- multiple golf cart rides, playing at a great tot lot, and finally, a swim in their jacuzzi which will be the only thing Par remembers from the trip because it is the only thing he begged to do! We love the Pirris family--for many reasons--but mainly it is because of their knowledgable influence that we even considered going to see Dr Kays almost 4 years ago--so in a lot of ways, they are responsible for the Par we have today!
It was sad to leave--especially their precious lap dog Heinz...
We arrived at our hotel Sunday afternoon and headed straight for Downtown Disney! We walked around and then Par saw a train. He HAD to ride it...and so he did...and if you ask me, we could have called that Disney World and gone home!
We ate some yummy overpriced food and took in the enormous amount of people and tried to brace ourselves for what tomorrow would bring: Magic Kingdom from 9-6 with a 1 year old and a 3 year old. Did I mention that Jack has an ear infection?
My sweet aunt it a genius when it comes to doing Disney--her expertise comes from first hand experience--and recent experience, I might add...so she had given me some good pointers on making the most of our little last minute trip. Boy was she good....
We really never waited. Of course we had to wait our turn for things--but we never stood in long lines...only at Dumbo which was our first and last thing to do. Look at these pictures. This is our first ride...Dumbo...around 9:30.

And this is the last ride of the day...Dumbo...around 6:30....

Can you believe we look just as happy--no bitter faces--we had the time of our life! We totally worked the fast pass system and seemed to be ahead of the crowds most of the day.
Around 6:15 we said Goodbye to Disney World and headed to Gainesville! Homewood Suites always seems like a home away from home, this time was no exception. Par felt comfortable to run up and down the halls screaming and Jack made no apologies for the blood dripping out of his ear while I was checking in. Did I mention that his ear infection, which we got medicine for in Ponte Vedra, now has his hear dripping blood?
We played a little, gave the boys a bath then all went to sleep.
We woke up all refreshed for our Dr. Kays appointment! We headed downstairs for the always delicious breakfast that is included in every Hilton Homewood Suites stay--waffles, eggs, fruit, fresh juice, coffee, pastries! After we were all fed and dressed wee packed up and headed for our first appointment.
Par's echo went great. He was very still and didnt complain a bit. The person doing it was very nice and seemed to only say nice positive things to him--like "just a little bit more" or "you are doing great, look that is your heart"..... I tell you this because when we met with Dr. Kays he said there was a note on the Echo which read "patient uncooperative".... WHAT?????? This is very confusing to me still and I am having a hard time letting it go....whatever....
After the Echo par had a chest X-ray....I was busy getting a prescription filled for Jack, so I wasnt in there--Rusty says he did great...there was no note to confirm or deny this!
We headed up to NICU III to say hey to the nurses.....unfortunately no one was there...but we did run into some friends...Jim Beau is a Kays Kid--his mom Mary Abigail contacted me when she decided on shands to ask about my experience about a year and a half ago...she is Senator Sessions' daughter-- more importantly Jim Beau's mom (most importantly paul's wife)...
It is always fun to talk to other families and we are glad to have met them in person!
We grabbed some lunch and had a picnic until our third and final appointment: Dr. Kays
As if we used a fast pass we were taken right to a room! We met Dr. kays' new NP (who just finished a semester visit at childrens in Birmingham last year) and then met with Dr. Kays himself! Unfortunately, our little day trip to the beach turned into a pretty bad sunburn--of all the times to have a sunburn!!! It was sort of funny to everyone.

In a nutshell....Par is doing great. Not just for a kid with CDH, but for a regular kid, Par is doing great! For those wanting CDH specific information....Growth is great--around 20% +/- for growth chart, spine shows no signs of scoliosis, X-ray shows intact diaphragm, heart is slightly off center due to the fact that his left lung is small. Heart continues to show slightly elevated pressures on the right side-- but are improved from the echo a year ago and should continue to improve. Par is still free of any and all medication since he was an infant. Par eats whatever and whenever he wants and has never had any oral aversions. He is 100% on target for motor skills, verbal skills, can run, walk, swim, twirl, flip, swing, dangle-- you name it and it's dangerous-- he can do it! basically, he is a 3 year old little boy. Completely healthy. Doing great. praise God.

Above is the last picture of our trip...Rusty is putting Jack in his carseat at a gas station on the way home. But look in the background--a woman is being handcuffed--I think this is so funny that this was part of our vacation!
I wrote all of the above in the car on the way home from Gainesville (at the end of Feb) with the intentions of immediately posting. Well...I just now got around to it. And what do you know...Jack has yet another ear infection--actually, he has 2. Frustrating--grrrr!!!!! My real question--what was the point of getting tubes?
Seriously.
As of today...Jack is rambling, but still not saying any words--but he follows instructions very well and loves to point and talk about things in his own language. As for walking...he does it sometimes. He can walk--but he'll sit down mid-way--as if he remembers that crawling is much faster or something.
Par and Jack love to play together--and lately they are usually outside in the backyard playing in the fort and covered in dirt. (They may or may not have clothes on). They love sharing a room--Jack sleeps in a big boy bed, just like his big brother--and we haven't had any problems.

Happy 2011!

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Rich) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 20:42:00 +0000

We are SOOOOOO excited about 2011!
I'm so proud to announce Rusty's new job! His new job started the 1st of January and he is already in full swing as Managing Director! He's doing the same thing--but in a managing position which is a great "promotion" of sorts--a wonderful opportunity for him! I'm so proud of him and he totally deserves this great job!
2011 also finally brought reprieve for sweet little Jack's ears...he got tubes and seems to be feeling better--he is certainly chattering more (although, nothing we can understand) but he still isn't walking....hopefully in the next few weeks.
Par has graduated from the smiley face system that his teacher had put into play specifically for Par. Basically, each day I would pick Par up from school and he would have face on a piece of paper--if it was smiley, then Par had a good day. If it was sad...well, that meant that he had a "cooperative challenging" day. Well, I got a note home saying he has been having lots of great days and we no longer need the smiley face incentive! YAY!!!!!!
Par's yearly visit with Dr. Kays is coming up--stay tuned!

Merry Christmas!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Rich) — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 19:50:00 +0000

What a fun Christmas!!!!
If we totally ignore the repeat trips to the pediatrician for our boys being sick (mostly for Jack and his ears) our Advent Season has been wonderful! Each night of Advent we sat around our dining room table lit our Advent wreath and then hung an ornament our our Jesse Tree. It has been fun this year because Par actually understands a lot and is able to participate in many of these traditions!
Christmas Eve we spent going back and forth to each side of the family--starting with lunch with Gigi and Memommy--followed by naps...then a quick cocktail and hello at my great aunt and uncle's house (and filled to the brim with my dad's side of the family) and then dinner with my parents, siblings and my mom's extended side of the family. At last, we celebrated Midnight Mass--which was supposed to lull our tired children to sleep and allow us (the parents) some good meditation on this most sacred event. HA! Par was WIDE AWAKE and brought the train you see in the above picture...an "elf" stole it midway through Mass in an effort to subdue our wild child--no luck...don't worry, he just put it in the car. Jack did sleep most of the way through--it is such a peaceful feeling to be holding a precious child while the choir is singing Joy to the World! I can't imagine how our Blessed Mother must have felt as she held her baby boy for the first time--the Savior! I imagine we'll know that joy when we stand before our Lord one day...but for now, I think we get a sneak peak during those special moments in life that give us pure joy and love--we are thankful that we find such joy in raising our wild monkeys.
Christmas morning sure did come quickly...but not too early--normal waking time for the boys...around 7:30. And can you believe it....SANTA CAME!!!!! Santa brought "gators" for the boys, sleeping bags, and Skarloey.
Each boy got a gator--Par's gator was a John Deere Riding Toy Gator and Jack's was a gator seesaw. They both totally ignored these items most of the day.
All Par wanted/asked for was Skarloey--a Thomas Train. He zoned in on it immediately and was overjoyed! Jack was mainly just interested in Par's Gator.
Our morning was met with snow--a white christmas! What a Christmas Miracle!!!! The grandparents, my sister and greatgrandmother Mama Carol came by for a Christmas morning breakfast (as has become tradition) and watched the boys play. I barely remember last Christmas (i'd only been home from the hospital for a few days at that point)--this Christmas morning was such fun--and although Jack is just a year, he seemed to be keeping up with the excitement!
That night we had Christmas dinner with my family (parents and siblings families) and we opened presents. It was insane with all the toys--but lots of fun!!!
We had planned to head to Asheboro the day after Christmas, but with the snow we had to delay it by a day...but we made it and had such a great time with the Rich fam! Lots of yummy food and wonderful company! We loved watching Par and Jack play with their cousins! Our trip was short-- but they had such a great time--and we can't wait to go back!
Merry Christmas!!!!!!!

Happy 1st Birthday, Jack!

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Rich) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:40:00 +0000

Happy Birthday, Jack!
I can't believe that just a year ago this precious baby boy was born!!!! I can't remember a time without him--yet....I can't believe it has already been a year!
Jack celebrated his 1st Birthday with his family and friends! We were so sad that Gigi couldn’t make it because she was sick –but thankfully we had a strong showing—because there is a mean virus that has been going around!
And when I say strong showing—well…we had the actual Gingerbread Man show up! Although I really despise “themed” birthdays…I couldn’t help myself with the idea of a “Gingerbread” birthday—especially with Jack having a Christmas-time birthday and his little ginger-colored hair. The Gingerbread man was not well received—actually, the ONLY person that loved the GBM was the birthday boy himself!
We celebrated with a “breakfast for dinner”—complete with a grits bar! So fun (and easy!)
As of a year, Jack is still NOT walking. (lazy baby)....he takes steps--actually, he's been "just about to walk" for a while now--we figure it is faster to flee from Par on all fours!
He doesn't say much these days--which is possibly from his nonstop ear infections that we can't seem to cure...we'll see what 2011 has in store for us...I have a feeling it may be tubes...

Growing up too fast....

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Rich) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 05:16:00 +0000

I used to roll my eyes when people would say “they grow up so fast”….yes, I thought I was a pro at taking it all in—living in each moment—able to live in real time…yet, as I look back on the blur of the past month even, I realize—they do in fact grow up so fast. Yep—I find myself asking where my baby is—the one I just brought home from the hospital—you know, 11 months ago. Really—11 months? How did that happen. But that isn’t quite as shocking as having a 3 year old—A THREE YEAR OLD!!! My teeny tiny little boy is now big boy—riding a bike and body slamming his little brother repeatedly—I couldn’t ask for anything more! And Rusty and me—now married for 5 years…how blessed are we to have found each other—he’s my best friend and I know he’d say the same about me (he’d better say the same!).
Jack still isnt walking...but he can...he is just being a baby! He still says mama, dada, cacky (cookie) and now gigi....he also has little conversations in jibberish...it is so cute!

So the past month has been pretty busy…we've been to a wedding, pumpkin patch, anniversary, birthdays,zoo, and lots more...here is a little detail on some of the things that have gone on....

We celebrated our 5th Anniversary on October 15th…I decided to make a big deal about it because it seems like a milestone…and we’ve had a lot happen in the past 5 years—it just seemed like we should celebrate in an extra special way….Also, since Memommy (Rusty's grandmother) was not able to come to our wedding, we were so excited that she could be a part of this!!!! So we had a special blessing and then a big family dinner with our extended family. Par and Jack were able to be part of the blessing—Fr. Bazzel did a beautiful job—and I now have a new favorite family picture.

Each anniversary Rusty and I do a gift together instead of giving gifts to each other. This year it was wood—so we decided to do a family crucifix. My maternal grandfather crafted the cross for us and we purchased the corpus which he affixed to the cross. It is beautiful and super special for many many obvious reasons.
Par had school pictures coming up—so I got him dressed in the cutest outfit and sent him off to school. Par came home with this.

So…the next day I put the same outfit on him and went to school with him—and this is what we got.

Sigh. I fear weird Uncle Joe/Aunt Sally genes may have seeped through the filter.

Rusty’s 35th Birthday was a week or so later—he had a wonderful birthday party at Chick-Fila! We consume a lot of chick-fila around here –and it sure is nice to have a place for Par and Jack to release the over whelming amount of energy they seem to ALWAYS HAVE…so it seemed like a good place to celebrate. Because it was the night of an Alabama game, our sons dressed appropriately. Happy Birthday to the greatest man in my life—I love you so much!

Darrell and Mary came in town for Par’s birthday (as is tradition)--

Darrell and Rusty were able to get some good golf games in…it has been so pretty around here—I know they enjoyed it! We celebrated Par’s Birthday on Halloween with a fun costume party and his little friends! And then Par discovered trick-or-treating….and all the candy. He was so “wasted” on the sugar—it was hysterical.

I know your wanted to be a part of the big Family of Riches Annual Halloween Costume reveal….sorry it is so late…but here goes….drum roll please….

Princess Diana, Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry.
Par and Jack SCREAMED when Rusty put the mask on….and just when he finally calmed down….Sir drives up in a hideous mask...
And the screaming begins again.
Not to worry, Mother Inferior (Gigi) there to rescue him.
Hungry anyone? Bacon and Eggs (big d and minnie)
And what is Halloween without a little Boo! (his Boo, that is!)
Par got golf clubs from Rusty and me for his 3rd Birthday. He loves them...and it was cute to see him playing with Rusty and Big D...There is just something so precious about watching fathers and sons interact.

Lately the boys have really loved there routine…Par goes to school on Tuesday and Thursday—Jack goes to Homeschooling at Gigi’s on Tuesday and Thursday—and then to the library on Thursday followed by lunch with his friends. Both the boys love playgroup on Tuesday afternoons—but more than that they LOVE playing outside—doesn’t matter if it is cold, hot, raining or dry—they love it! Jack especially enjoys the front yard and the various sized rocks he is able to shove in his mouth, as well as the flight of stone steps he can scramble up faster than a rabid squirrel.
Speaking of rabid squirrels…..
Picture this….the house is clean—the laundry is folded and put away—the bathrooms and kitchen are spotless and actually sanitary…I hear the chatter and laughter of my darling boys. My heart skips a beat as I reflect on how absolutely perfect life is at the exact moment…ahhhhh…motherhood is beautiful….
And then the innocent chatter and laughter turns to precious squealing and hysterical laughter and with a bounce in my step I walk just around the corner into the kitchen to watch my two boys interacting with each other so lovingly…..and then I see it.
I don’t know how I didn’t throw up right then. There is Par, standing up with a huge smile on his face pointing towards Jack saying something through his own squeals of glee. And sitting on the kitchen floor with an even bigger grin is Jack—happily flapping his little arms in the air—with a dead chipmunk in his left hand. GAG!!!!!!
I lost it. I began to scream. They began to scream. I began to cry. They cried. I scooped Jack up and flung his arm so the chipmunk went flying across the kitchen. Yep. Still dead. I rushed him into the bathroom and tossed him in the tub. I was not calm and collected. I was a mess….Jack has never picked up anything without first putting it in his mouth—I’m sure this was no exception. I cried more as I thought about this fact. Par was so confused at his crazy mom—he was definitely upset and I asked if he had touched the chipmunk too. He said no. Then he started to cry and fessed up….he had stepped on it with his bare feet. Needless to say, he climbed in the tub without coaxing and asked me to wash his feet.
My only solace—I’m sure the chipmunk was healthy and happy in the wee hours of that particular morning—until our cat Faded Patches came on the scene. Yes…I’m sure it was a little gift of love from our cat—I don’t fear any horrible diseases—our tree rodents seem to be pretty healthy around these parts. Wow…am I in denial??? I hope not. And no….in case you are wondering….I do not have a picture of the event.

I ran in the Vulcan 10k…it was challenging—but a TON of fun! I finished in 54+ minutes…I was pretty pumped! After I finished, Par and I ran the 1 mile fun run….Par cried the entire way.

Since then...the boys have had pretty intense colds--Par had a fever of 104+ for a week straight...obviously with doctor frequents every other day! Thank goodness...everyone is well now...just in time for Thanksgiving!!!!!
We’re looking forward to Thanksgiving….

Summer ends and school begins...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Rich) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 03:43:00 +0000

The summer was a blast--but WAY TOO HOT most of the time--which really made it difficult to get the little ones good and tired by running them in circles outside--we stayed inside or rode around in the car or stroller with fans...I'm so happy that fall is peaking her head around the corner...truly my favorite season--and I find it equally as beautiful as spring--but richer somehow. I'm daydreaming of hiking on the weekends and art projects with leaf rubbings and enjoying the front yard in jeans and a t-shirt with a cool breeze....that used to be what Alabama fall was all about....please don't disappoint this year!
Our 4th of July was celebrated at the lake with Boo & Sir, Joe & Julie and their girls. Yummy food, fireworks and fun times--and then...I was stung by a bee. I was enjoying a delightful walk at the lake with mom, Julie, the girls and the boys in strollers. But then that darn bee got me right on the ankle. Well...I panicked and screamed--the little devil hurt like crazy but I also knew I would die--because I'm deathly allergic to bee stings...so I thought. And so I ran...like Forest Gump I ran as fast as I could with Jack in the stroller...the pain began to dissipate and I figured that meant the beginning of the end...I finally made it back...hot, in pain and breathless--but not out of breath--and not too tired. I examined my fatal wound--very bruised but only minor swelling. Needless to say, I am clearly not deathly allergic to bees {anymore :)}...but I decided to clock the distance of my little sprint. I was shocked to find out that it was 2 miles and with some intense elevation challenges...so I thought...maybe I can run?
And so...I've been running 5-6 days a week ever since the bee sting incident. I find myself running at various times--for a while when it was scorching hot I was running at 9pm...now I run during the day, but it still varies. So why all the running conversation? Well...today I ran my first 5K Race--I already run 5K each day--but never in a "race" setting--and race I did!!!! And about killed myself the first 4 minutes--I laugh at how ignorant I was just 9 hours ago...I was front and center with a big smile....only 900 other people in the race with me! I heard them say "Faster runners to the front, slower to the back"...but I didn't really think that applied to me...HA!!!! I swear I was pacing a 5 minute mile right off the mark--but, I think I did okay for my first 5K (26.+ minutes)...and I am excited about future races. I was so excited to see Rusty and the boys on my last mile--they looked so cute! And then again at the end, they were a great support!

Enough about me.
Rusty and Tim played in golf tournament at the BCC—Rusty has really been working on his golf game—sometimes he is at the BCC twice a day! I’m proud of him for being so devoted—he is mastering the art of balance in life—I know Fr. Bryan would be proud! Anyway, Tim (a great golfer) and Rusty managed to make it to the Shoot Out—and played 2 of the 3 holes before getting knocked out. I know he had a great time—Par had a great time watching him! Par has developed into quite the little golfer himself. When we’d pack up and head for the pool this summer he would get so excited about getting to play golf when we got there—then I would have to crush his hopes and dreams by explaining that he would have to wait for Daddy to take him—Mama just goes to the pool. Which isn’t entirely true—Rusty and I played 9 holes just the other day. Miss B (my high school golf coach) would have been so proud... It was fun playing together—mainly because he doesn’t yell at me for playing to slow and tell me what I’m doing wrong—and I’m not implying that anyone else does that—just saying, it was a pleasurable experience.
But seriously, enough about me.

We were able to make it up to Asheboro at the end of July—it was a great trip! We stayed with Rusty’s paternal grandmother, Memaw. I loved that the boys were able to spend so much time with her—I hope we didn’t destroy her house too bad!
Big D & Minnie threw another great cookout to get the family together—this time to meet Jack! (Last time to meet Par!). Which was actually pretty necessary since I have been such a slacker on blog updates, they truly didn’t know anything about him! We hit the Zoo—a favorite pastime of Par – with Allison, Mike, Morganne and Jordan (Rusty’s cousins). Morganne is such a natural at taking care of Par—I was glad she was there to help out! I love the zoo because the boys take such LONG naps after and Par will talk about the animals for days—which has me on cloud nine seeing him so happy and excited about something that isn’t on TV….don’t get me wrong, as much as it goes against everything I dreamt for raising my kids, Mickey Mouse Club has become a necessary evil in our house. I’m ashamed to even put that on the blog…but it is a great distraction for both of the boys while I make breakfast and pack lunches each morning…which I do—I make everyone a hot breakfast each morning and pack Rusty a delicious lunch—I also make us dinner which we eat around a table all together each night….so I think that a little morning television isn’t too bad…right!?!?! Help me…I can’t help but rationalize this…I watched my fair share of tv growing up—but I also played outside ALL THE TIME—I just want my kids to love playing outside…okay…enough of that….All in all…the zoo was fun—so much that we planned to meet in Atlanta in early September to all go to the Aquarium….but that is a little later.
On the way home—as has become tradition—we stopped in Charlotte to catch up with the Koko’s and the Burton’s! Boy have our families grown since last time…Par and Jack loved playing with the Burton twins, Abbie and Lily and the Kokoszka boys, Tyler and Graham…and of course, it was great catching up with the grown-ups too! Thank you for such a fun time!!!! Can’t wait to see you in January-ish.

Izzy, Isabelle’s (Par’s best friend) grandmother—invited Par and Jack down to their farm to feed the cows one Friday—this worked out really well because we were already heading to the lake and their farm is basically on the way…so it was a treat! I was skeptical about how Mr. Fearless would act…recently I have found him to be all talk about some things…and I was afraid this would be no different. I was right. Par wanted nothing to do with the cows…or the horses that we went to feed. It was a lot of fun, he got to ride in a “jeep” sans carseat while driving around on the property—but once we saw the cows charging to the fence for the alfalfa grass—he lost it. Once we made it to the barn to feed the horses, he didn’t want to get out at all. He’s only 2…not a big deal. What was so funny was that he told Rusty how he fed the cows and petted the horseys. How baby sister cow came up to him and ate grass out of his hand (which actually happened—just to little Isabelle, not par) and how Gray (the horse) ate his apple (that I gave him)…I’m not sure Par even saw Gray….but in the end, Par has a wonderful memory in which he thinks he fed the cows and horses—and that’s all raising kids is about, creating great memories, right!
Yep…we planned this great trip to Atlanta—Rusty was going to the UNC/LSU game and then we would all go to the aquarium with his cousins. Rusty’s friend Lynchie (frat bro from UNC) flew into Birmingham and we had dinner with Joe & Julie and their girls. (think chaos) Saturday morning we then drove over to Atlanta where we took an EXTREMELY long walk with the boys in tow to a MASSIVE tailgate for the UNC/LSU game at the Dome. After meeting and saying hey to old friends of Rusty’s—we (the boys and I) headed back to our hotel room leaving Rusty with his friends to go to the game. We took a horse drawn carriage back to the hotel (which was a semi-planned idea)—business must have been slow because the guy gave me twice as long a ride for half the price—go figure! There was also a SCI-FI event going on so lots of people were in super creepy costumes—which added to the excitement of our carriage ride. Par couldn’t stop talking about the horse—he kept saying “Look at you Jack, there is a horsey” in the same sing-songy voice that I might use—too cute! We made it back to the hotel—and in perfect Par fashion he wanted a picture with the horse but he didn’t. That’s right, “I didn’t want a picture with the horsey mama” “Okay honey, we don’t have to get one” “(crying) mama I DO!” “Okay, let’s take one!” “No mama! No mama! I didn’t want a picture” “(slightly frustrated—this happens all the time) “We don’t have to get one Par, just say bye-bye to the horsey” “(screaming) I do! I do want a picture”---so here it is…the picture…with par as far from the horse as possible. Go figure.
Anyway, we grab some dinner and head inside to watch the game. All is well—we have fun in our little room all cozy—we fall asleep and Rusty comes in reasonably after the game ends (he’s pretty perfect like that)—hops into bed only to wake me and ask me to feel Par’s head. I was stunned—it was uncomfortably HOT. Rusty immediately jumped in the car and found a Walgreens (at 2 am by now) and came back with a thermometer and Tylenol and Motrin—Par’s fever was 105! We had to wake him to take the medicine but he was pathetic—like a little old man. We then made a decision….we hopped in the car and drove back to Birmingham at 3am. We caffeinated ourselves at a 24 hour McDonalds and made it home before the sun came up—climbed in the bed and woke up wondering if we ever actually went to Atlanta. Unfortunately, we missed the Aquarium…but so did Rusty’s cousins who also came down with some intense stomach bug. Par’s fever eventually went away—so he was fine after a few days. Thankfully, because school was about to start!

Par started school right after Labor Day--that is, my fully potty-trained son started school! He has done so well and it is SOOOO nice to only be changing one baby! His teachers at school gave me that last boost of confidence back in July and that was the last time he slept with a pull-up---only big boy underwear, no accidents so far! Par goes 2 days a week--and he LOVES it!!! All new friends in his class, which was hard for me at first, but now I know it is best and it never seemed to phase him anyway! We got our first art project this week--green circles! I love them!

Par made it to the dentist this past week for his first check-up. He did great! I told him he could get a surprise at WalMart afterwards since he was such a big boy. So off to Walmart—I’ve told him he can get anything he wants—and I was starting to regret the promise—I clearly didn’t realize what I was saying. But…to my surprise he picked a modest surprise—well, considering the promise—just a bike helmet. But here is the funny part, Par doesn’t have a bike. He saw a friend riding a bike and he wanted to ride it and I cleverly said, “Oh honey, you don’t have a helmet—you can’t ride it today”—but I had forgotten this. When I asked Par why he wanted a helmet he said so he can ride the bike next time. How sweet and innocent! So we got the helmet and headed home. I pulled out his tricycle and we headed to the road—it was funny—Par is almost too big for it and it clearly was not design to ride on a road—more of an indoor/sidewalk/patio type tricycle. But he insisted—he pedaled all the way to Isabelle’s house—happily going 2mph. Jack could have beat us there if he were crawling…it was SO SLOW! And now, all he wants to do is put his helmet on and ride in the street….

Jack is 9 months old and we headed to the doctor for his 9 month checkup—it is official, his genes are taking over—he’s dropped from 90% to 50% in everything—my hopes of a linebacker to protect the family have been dashed—but I’ll happily settle for this average size monkey--he pulls up, stands and cruises and crawls EVERYWHERE--he takes a step here and there--but he is a little more reserved with walking than Par was. But as for climbing--keeping me on my toes! He can climb in and out of the bath tub, onto the train table but is yet to venture off of it, and he can climb onto Par's bed--and "thinks" he can get off on his own, but that usually ends with a bump and tears. He is capable of climbing out of his baby bed if the side is down--I havent let him actually do it--but we've come close a time or two! He loves to say "Mama" "Bye Bye" or maybe he is like his Sir and he is saying "Buy Buy"--either way, he is yet to put a hand up and wave while saying it--but we are working hard on it. He has recently started saying "Daddy" and today he said "Cookie" ("Cacky"). He is a little piglet with eating. He loves to eat Par’s food the most–which complicates things over here to a great extent—but we are dealing with it!

Last night Rusty and I went to George Strait/Reba concert--so fun!!!! Charlotte and Sam Walton went with us and it was hysterical people watching--and singing songs we learned in the 7th grade--before we even knew our husbands even existed! This was a big night for a few different reasons—first, we never go to concerts—so it was extra special—especially since Char and Sam joined us! Second, it was our date night, but very BUSY time for Rusty, so I was glad he took a break to recharge—but finally, this is the longest time we have every left the boys. It was 5 hours…but our babysitter is a saint—she had them asleep –which in this house means happy. And that is all I care about—I want them to be happy (not necessarily asleep). Because if I “think” they are happy, then I can relax and enjoy stuff with my hansom husband! And to take it one step further—our babysitter was an actual babysitter, not Boo or Gigi. Yes, that’s right….after 2.75 years, we finally broke and hired a baby sitter for an event. I’ll admit, it wasn’t willingly, but out of necessity—but the best thing we could have done—and perfect timing. Gigi and Boo are SOOOO giving of their time to watch the boys—I use them ALL the time during the day for things—but usually and hour or so—not a huge deal. Lately we’ve had some night time event come up (other than our date night which is flexible) and Boo and Gigi (who clearly have their own lives) haven’t been available….so we gave it a try and we have 2 great girls that babysit for us—and the boys seem to really like them. Amen.
After talking it over with Rusty we decided to go look at bikes at Walmart with Par. We really didn’t know how to gauge if he was actually ready for a real bike. I know I couldn’t do the tricycle thing—it was teaching him bad biking habits, he kept throwing himself off of it because the road—but he loved riding. So we headed to Walmart this evening and went straight to the bikes. We pulled down a bike and after a little coaxing he got on. (Coaxing because his “bike” at home was right there—grrrr—he kept want to ride it). I tried to explain how to pedal (because Par was used to his tricycle pedals automatically going when it rolled)but I’m not very patient and either is Par so it didn’t get us very far. On the other hand, Rusty the Par-whisperer, was able to calmly explain to pedal forward to go and backward to stop. And Par was off! Literally, he left us in the bike department and started riding all over Walmart! It was hysterical! He rode by me and said “I’m going to ride by the vacuums Mama and show them how to pedal!” And he did—he rode right by them and hollered “Hey vaccums! Look at me pedaling!”And for the rest of our shopping he was riding and having a great time talking about how he gets to wear his helmet and ride in the street at home. We made it home after pizza picnic at the train station and he was asleep…we’ll try riding with a helmet in the street tomorrow. He is growing up so fast!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They both are!!!! Enjoy the pictures!

Coming Soon....

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Rich) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 01:25:00 +0000

an actual update. Stay tuned.

Halfing fun!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Rich) — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 02:47:00 +0000

Okay, Okay. It isn't like I'm avoiding posting things...I just don't think about it until the house it quiet and I'm going to sleep...and I promise myself I'll do it in tomorrow morning...and well...tomorrow never comes...right!?!
So this is better than nothing...although it pales in comparison to what I want to write...SOOOO much goes on each day....I have so much that I want to remember about raising these boys...but a memory will have to suffice--not everything can be archived on the blog. SO....here goes...

At the end of April, Timothy Cornelius Hennessy III arrived. He is Jack's best friend--I shudder to think of the trouble Par will lead them all into! They'll make quite a pack...but if there is one person who deserves payback for childhood antics--it is Tim III's father--and let me tell you--if these boys do half the things that Tim Jr. and his brothers did growing up--I could very well lose my mind by the time I'm 35...don't misunderstand--those Hennessy boys are "good" boys--just in a very limited sense of the word--and with that, I mean they all have good moral values--but they are boys--and take full advantage of every aspect of being so...it is going to be a lot of fun...

( Here I am with Tim III--explaining to him that I know about everything they are planning on doing.)

Right aftere Tim III got here--we had a big day! Par's Half Birthday!!!! We celebrated with his cousins at the train tracks--too bad no trains showed up. But they had a fun cake eating contest. You've got to love prissy little girls getting messy!

One Tuesday this May was a big day..Par's first day of school. He had a great time--he even woke up in the middle of his nap crying because he wanted to go back. He became hysterical when I told him he'd get to go back Thursday. He screamed, "No MAMA!!! I want to go to school RIGHT NOW!"....great problem, huh!?! It was just a 2/week for 2 weeks thing--he'll do it again in July and then he starts school for real in September!

The past 2 weeks we've been managing peculiar skin issues with Jack and Par. For Mother's Day, we (Rusty, Jack, Par & Me) went to the lake--it was WONDERFUL--we had such a nice and relaxing time! But...Par stepped in an ant bed-a fire ant bed actually...it was TERRIBLE! I wont tell you about how we inadvertently overdosed our child on benadryl because we were slathering benadryl cream on his foot every few hours. I also won't share with you that we learned of the overdosing from the nurse after we called because he was studdering and falling down....nope, we'll keep all of that to ourselves...ahem. Other than that, Par and Jack had a blast!

As Par's foot was healing, Jack developed a mean rash. It was INSANE--it eventually covered every inch of his body and we don't know a name for it...but the poor thing...he was trying to scratch --it must have itched so bad--I gave in a few times and he would become a little rag doll as I rubbed (scratched) his back...and arms...and legs...It took a full 7 days to go away...he is all better
now...thankfully.

Our Thursday night dinner guests have been lovely. The past month we've had Aunt Sara, Davis Family, our next door neighbor Billy, Big D, Minnie & Memaw, our down the street friend Barbara and this past Thursday night we had a special permanent guest--a new dining room table! It is being handed down to us from my parents (not a special family heirloom or anything--they just don't need it). I'm so excited because it will easily seat more people than our current table--but is still the same size when the leaves are not out--which is good because our dining room is not big. Anyway, we have had it less than a week and I day dream about the hundred of dinners we will have at this table---and the wonderful people we will get to know better each Thursday night!

As you may recall, Par moved into our guest room over a year ago. Not that he moved "out" of the nursery--because he never slept in there...but anyway, when he started sleeping in a big boy bed, we just moved him and some of his stuff into the guest room and he has been very happy in there! But I haven't--because it was such a hodge podge of stuff (furniture, fabric, stuff) and I have really been itching to do something. But I had been at a loss! Until I saw my sweet little Tim's baby room--it is absolutely PRECIOUS--and it got me really thinking and the room just came together in my head--and a few weeks later with the help of Misty, it came together for real! It is so cute and will be able to grow with the boys, too! As you can see, Jack is already part of the decor. I'm so happy because the room was completed the day that Rusty's Dad, Mary and Memaw came into town. We had a great time with them during the long weekend! It was Memaw's first time to meet Jack--I think they got along fine! Of course, I enjoyed the extra hands and eyes watching my little tazmanian devil and gorilla...It was like I was on a mini-vacation! We made our trip to the zoo and the boys posed for their annual picture--one of my favorite little traditions that we have.

I was involved in putting on a ball this June--and that is why my "weekly" updates have gone MIA--I've been living at the ball's venue and glued to my phone causing problems and solving problems....my big responsibility prior to the ball was the program--yikes! It turned out great (I think) and now that the ball has come and gone, I have a few weeks before it all starts over again for planning next year.
We celebrated my 32nd birthday--it was wonderful--low key and with my boys...just perfect! We were at the lake again instead of the beach (thanks to BP) and we had a great time. I requested a red velvet cake (i'd been craving one) and Rusty came through with a GIANT one--he is a wonderful husband!!!

And finally, we celebrated Jack's first Half Birthday just yesterday! Think "weekend at bernie's" meets "look who's talking"--Jack slept through his entire party!!! We did it at Zoe's (like we did for Par) and invited some kids his age (Harper and Tim) and then Par, Isabelle and Elizabeth and Frances. Of course, grownups were there too...a fun memory--I'll add more pictures as I get them from others--but these will do for now.

6 month stats for Jack....

17 lbs. 8 oz.

27.5 " long

4.5 teeth, 2 bottom, 2 top, 1/2 top

Sits unassisted, pulls up on baby bed....desperately wants to crawl

Has started eating--enjoys bananas and sweet potato--but LOVES a rib bone--he'll chew on it for hours!

As for Par--we're potty training. enough said.

I'll probably edit this to make it flow better--but at least I have something written down now.

Lots going on.... But a peak....

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Rich) — Mon, 24 May 2010 22:38:00 +0000

Update to come...

It has been a rough day...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Rich) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 21:06:00 +0000

Because our little baby has TWO teeth coming in at the same time!!!!
You can barely see them in the picture--they are just poking through
the skin--I first noticed his swollen little gums a few days ago--and
I forget how fast they can pop up!!! He has been chewing on everything!

The calm before the storm....

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Rich) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 19:02:00 +0000

We are expecting bad weather tomorrow...so we are soaking it all in
today...I love spring time (sans pollen and bugs)...and as I type this
Jack has rolled off the quilt and Par is throwing rocks at my car and
sometimes me...yep....we have lots of "calm before the storm" around
here...

A whole new world.....

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Rich) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:02:00 +0000

> Jack is 15 1/2 lbs, 25.5 inches and 16 7/8 head circ..... All
> putting him in the 50-75% group for kids his age! Wow....
>

and here it is...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Rich) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 04:08:00 +0000

Boy oh boy…I sure do love my boys!

Life is great—and busy busy busy! Par is an absolute chatter box and Jack is a Mama’s boy (which I love—except in the morning while I’m getting breakfast ready and I can hear him wailing while Rusty tries to comfort him). He is a funny little boy with a crooked smile just like his daddy and big brother!

Par loves Jack and wants him to play so bad! I think Par is a little confused why Jack doesn’t get up and run around like he does. But needless to say, Jack is very entertained by Par.

One of our favorite people is Dr. Scott Hahn. He is an author of some really fantastic books—see HERE—and we were privileged to hear him speak at Samford. It was fabulous and we got some autographs and pictures to boot! How’d we do this with a newborn and wild child? Jack was sound asleep in the sling and Gigi was selfless enough to babysit Par (she would have also loved to hear him speak!).

Actually, at the time, Gigi was still recovering from her hip surgery and sitting in a theater seat for any amount of time wasn’t her idea of fun! So she opted to watch Par! We are so thankful that her surgery was successful and she seems to have recovered at record speed and is doing great! Praise God!

We headed to the beach at the beginning of March for a family friend’s wedding. It was the nuptials of Isabelle’s Aunt Mila. Par was an attentive date for Isabelle—and met the requirements for a perfect wedding date—he danced the night away! As did Jack—all snuggle up in my sling! Although a bit chilly—the wedding was beautiful—and we all had a wonderful time! We stayed in my cousin’s house right on the beach—Par enjoyed some one on one time with his Sir (Rusty stayed behind for some work stuff)—Par and Sir enjoyed some kite flying and naked baby chasing—it was entertaining to watch!

Boo and Sir also got to spend more time with Jack and get to know him. They tried to snuggle with him in the morning—but I knew it wouldn’t last long—being the Mama’s boy that he is!

We had our first trip to the zoo as a family of four the first chance the rain and cold air let up. It was nice to get out and the zoo never disappoints! Par had a blast and Jack slept soundly the entire time—even through a few cold rain drops!

Our Thursdays have been just delightful as we have had some delightful dinner company! Par and Jack’s great-grandmother Mama Carol was our first Thursday dinner guest—it was so fun! We loved the one on one time with MC—it was fun building the anticipation for Par—he was SO EXCITED about here coming.

We then had Father Bazzel—another exciting person for Par! Father Bazzel joined St. Paul’s while we were in Gainesville—but we have enjoyed getting to know him—and he is the one who baptized Jack. Rusty and I feel he is a wonderful role model for our boys and look forward to having him again.

We then had the pleasure of Gigi’s birthday falling on a Thursday and so of course she was out Thursday guest of honor. We enjoyed spending time with her—but really, she enjoyed having the boys all to herself! Happy Birthday Gigi!

We hosted our first Christian Family Seder meal on Holy Thursday before Easter. Complete with readings from a traditional Jewish seder as Jesus might have experienced as well has New Testament scripture. We washed one anothers’ feet as Jesus did at the Last Supper and we consumed the 4 glasses of fruit of the vine (sparkling grape juice) as they do in the traditional seder—our fourth glass celebrating our Savior who has given his life so we may have life eternally with him. So how did it go?

Chaos. Pure Chaos.
Children laughing, screaming, crying at all times. Adults reading scripture loudly and very fast to accommodate short attention spans. It was hysterical.
The food? We had a traditional seder plate—bitter herbs, charoses, lamb shank bone, egg, parsley. Then we served greek fare—chicken salsa over rice, spinakopita, bread, lamb, bread, and dessert!

Of course there were lots of meltdowns and tiffs between all 7 children-the husbands were all good sports about it—it was good for them to see how playgroup is each week!
We look forward to this new family tradition. So here is a picture of all of us…we’ve all been friends for more than 20 years—sadly, Bragan and her family missed our first one—but hopefully they’ll join us next year. Crazy how we’ve grown exponentially…

The Country Club of Birmingham annual Easter Egg Hunt and visit with the Easter Bunny was the Saturday before Easter…the pictures say it all!

Easter Sunday was beautiful because it celebrated our risen Lord. It is clear that God is still purifying Rusty and me as we were ushered to one of the front rows (we were late AND the usher knows that Par is *difficult* each Sunday. Of course, my heart was pounding—and Par was still *difficult*--but it wasn’t terrible since the family sitting with us was also having to walk out periodically with their five young children.

My parents had a delicious Easter brunch after Mass—and of course, the FUN family pictures always make for an exciting and pleasurable family experience. Thanks Sir!

Actually, Sir is responsible for some great photos—and we thank him for diligently documenting our growing family!

Easter wouldn’t be complete without Easter Egg Hunting! Gigi had been practicing with Par—so he was ready. First at Boo and Sir’s house—Par did well (I FOUND THE GOLDEN EGG….you know, just for the record!) Then Par had a blast in MC’s back yard. After a quick break, Par geared up for round 3—at Aunt Cathy and Uncle Lee’s house. I was so happy we were able to make it this year! Then round 4 at Gigi’s house! And finally, Round 5 at home—the Easter bunny had some good hiding places—but Par couldn’t be fooled and found them all! Check out the baskets—looks like the Easter Bunny thinks Par is ready for Golf! He also must think Jack needs a bath since he got bath toys. Thank you Easter Bunny!!!!

As with each holiday-thank you Boo for your beautiful handiwork! Jack’s bubble was made within a few days of—isn’t it precious! Par is wearing the top from his Christmas outfit and I whipped up some button on shorts out of the same fabric as Jack’s bubble. Needless to say, we are creating quite a keepsake stash of heirloom boys clothes permanently destining me for all boys….

This past Thursday we had the Rau’s over (Rusty and Tim work for the same company). It was fun—Par loved having some older kids to play with! Lindsey and Justin were so sweet to Par and he is still talking about it now! It got a little crazy at then end—Par was super tired and decided to do body slams and somersaults at 90 miles per hour. Sorry Rau family!!!! Where was Jack---right there---taking in “what not to do” for later!

Okay…a little milestone housekeeping here…
Jack rolled over for the first time on March 6th—front to back and back to front! My mom and I had him on a towel at the beach and we were ooohhhhing and ahhhhing over him and he just rolled right on over!
As of right now, he hates being in a carseat, loves to eat his hands and just now discovered his feet! He has what we affectionately call a “soul patch” of hair on the back of his head which is longer and thicker than the rest of the hair on his head. We can see lots of new hair growing in…but we aren’t sure about the color…we’ll know soon enough!
Jack is already wearing a lot of 9 mos. size clothes that Par didn’t wear until he was about a year old! If I had to guess—Jack weighs about 17 pounds….and Par weighs 25 pounds.
Jack smiles all the time and has the cutest little laugh. He has a pacifier that we use—but he doesn’t really use it unless he is super tired…He sleeps with it, just not in his mouth. I’m not complaining—the sooner we ditch it the better!
I had Jack in the bumbo the other day while Par and I were eating lunch. Jack was leaning over reaching for Par’s sandwich—he didn’t get it—but he was eyeing it and definitely wanted to grab it.
Jack is still nursing like a champ—although he is also still spitting up like a champ! (As an aside, I have no idea how he is still gaining weight!)
And just for the record—not to alarm anyone—but….what are the odds that little Jack also has a hernia?
Well…I don’t know the odds—but I’d say they are slim…Jack doesn’t have a diaphragmatic hernia (which is what Par had)—but he has a Ventral Hernia. Basically, he has a weakness in his abdomen which allows his intestine to poke out. I discovered this the weekend it snowed—it looked like he had a little animal trying to climb out of his tummy. Thankfully, this isn’t a big deal at all—and Jack doesn’t even know he has it---hopefully it will resolve on its own…but if it doesn’t by the time he is 2 years old then we might have to have it fixed.

And I can’t promise…but im going to try to update weekly so we don’t have such LONG posts….at the least—you’ll have an iphone update (a picture from my phone and one or two sentence explanation.

So what can you look forward to? Par’s half-birthday, our ongoing Thursday’s dinner guests, the arrival of TCH III in May, Jack’s 4 month check up, hopefully a visit from Par & Jack’s Big D and Minnie (hint hint)…endless excitement…woo hoo!!!!!!!

Coming Soon! (A new post!!!!!)

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Rich) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 04:50:00 +0000

Check back later in the weekend...until then...here is a little taste of my sweet boys!

(Jack 3 months old)

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noreply@blogger.com (Liz Rich) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:28:00 +0000

Shands, baths and snow!

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Rich) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 03:12:00 +0000

Well…along with fielding questions about why I chose to display the actual pictures of Jack’s birth-we’ve been quite busy around here!

Par’s yearly check-up with Dr. Kays in Gainesville, Florida was Tuesday, February 2nd—we left on Monday around 5:30 AM. The boys did VERY well-we only stopped about 3 times—and it was pushing 9 hours on the way there-so that wasn’t too bad.

We were welcomed “home” by our friends at the Homewood Suites—nothing like a warm welcome! They always take such good care of us—it was nice to see them again. We stayed in our “same room”—just on a different floor—which means they gave us a really nice upgrade from what I originally booked—so again, thanks!

We ate at Panera—and we were able to eat outside! That may not mean much—but it has been SO COLD in Birmingham lately that we haven’t been able to get any fresh air—so although it was “misting”—we enjoyed out dinner outside!
Everyone slept really well (answered prayer—it was going to be a long day!) and we were up and rolling around 7am.

All of our appointments were at UF/Shands--our first appointment was a chest x-ray. You may remember this contraption below. It looks pretty torturous—and believe me, Par’s crying would convince you—but it actually doesn’t hurt at all. Thankfully, Par is old enough not to have to use it—our big boy was able to stay in the proper position for the xray with just a little help from Rusty. Yay Par!

Next up was Par’s echocardiogram. I really didn’t know how this would go—but as you can see from the photos—they knew just what to suggest to have it go smoothly. Rusty and Par were able to enjoy a cartoon while she looked at his heart. He did really well—he never sits that still for that long for me!

And finally, our appointment with Dr. Kays. While waiting we were entertained by 2 Broadway stars in the waiting room. They currently star in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang—They entertained the waiting room with various showtunes—pretty cool—although we would rather have been able to meet Tim Tebow, but I digress.

We didn’t have to wait too long—which was a pleasant surprise! First Dr. Dickie—a resident interested in CDH came in to ask us some questions while we waited for Dr. Kays. She was very nice—and the prospect of having someone studying with Dr. Kays really makes us happy—there is only one of him—he really needs another capable surgeon with as much dedication and patience—we hope Dr. Dickie is that person!

Because of Par’s recent “fits” when we’ve gone to the pediatrician/flu shot—I really didn’t know how he would respond to Dr. Kays—but he was great—and actually, never stopped talking the entire time. In fact, Dr. Dickie had to take him out of the room to give Dr. Kays a chance to talk to us without Par’s constant interruptions—seriously—every 5 seconds—“Hey Dr. Kays. I have trains. I have Thomas, and Percy, and Diesel, etc” You could tell that Dr. Kays was tickled by him—but it was quite distracting.

So, Dr. Kays went over the findings from the xray, echo and physical examination. His xray looks great—no sign of scoliosis, you can clearly see his right diaphragm and you can clearly see his man-made left diaphragm (ie-the gor-tex patch). Both seem to be doing their job very well. The echo was a positive report as well. But, because of all that Par’s lungs/heart have been through—there is still residual issues that Dr. Kays will continue to watch—one being that the one side of Par’s heart is enlarged—most likely because of it compensating for his smaller lung. It isn’t anything for us to be concerned about—the valve pressures are all what they are supposed to be—so we’ll just watch it as Par grows—and it should “even out” in the following years.

Speaking of Par growing—Dr. Kays was very please that Par is now on the growth chart—even surprised I might add. He told us to keep up the good work and after next year’s check-up—we may only have to come back every other year.

But the highlight of our visit was the present that Par gave Dr. Kays. Of course, it isn’t mandatory that we take a gift each time—but I just couldn’t resist this time!
First, Dr. Kays opened a card that read:
“What do Dr. Kays and the University of Alabama have in common?
They both kick butt at the University of Florida!”

Then he opened the gift—a UA surgical scrub cap—with one side embroidered “Dr. David Kays” and the other “Par’s Surgeon, CDH Survivor ‘07”

He said he’d wear it—at least once. Hopefully this time doesn't count.

We decided to hop on over to the NICU III & II to say a quick hey to some of Par’s nurses-and let them meet Jack! We saw a few—we were able to get a picture with Karis and Elayne –Karis was part of the home stretch in getting Par home the last few days—and Elayne—I just can’t say enough about her! She is the Occupational Therapist who helped me to be successful in breastfeeding Par—I was so proud to show her how fat little Jack is from breastfeeding and of course, for Par to be able to say “hello” all by himself. It was a treat. Conveniently enough, were able to see some friends who live in Gainesville—they were actually at Shands during our visit-they were waiting on a friend having a LONG back surgery. It was nice to give them a hug and catch up—or catch up as much as you can in a hospital waiting area for 5 minutes. But it was nice to see them—and we hope to continue the tradition of saying “hello” with each visit to Gainesville!

On the way out of town we stopped by St. Augustine—our church while we were living in Gainesville—we like to light a candle and say a prayer as a family—we tried to explain to Par about praying for him in this church—I look forward to the day he actually understands.

And then…at 3pm….we hit the road. And would you believe it—we were home by 9pm and with only 1 stop. Amen.

Little did I realize how much traveling can mess up our loose schedule—it took us about 5 days to recover. Yikes….not looking forward to that again any time soon!

So…little Jack is not neglected by any means…but because he spits up all the time—giving him a bath really isn’t just a fun little treat so he smells like a fresh little baby—it is an essential element to each day so he doesn’t smell like vomit. Well…with a two year old running around---let’s just say the days get away and Rusty and I seem to be used to the smell. But…just to prove to you we are bathing this little monkey—here are some pictures. Have I mentioned how many times I change his clothes each day? I change his pajamas at least 2 times each night—all because of his spitting up! Yuck.

Jack is changing so much. He is cooing and looking around all the time—and he is trying to roll over. He rolls over on his side and scoots around with his little legs…and probably because there is a screaming two year old around all the time—he’s probably just trying to figure out how to get away. I don’t blame him.

We FINALLY had a real snow here in Birmingham this past weekend. Our weather men have been wrong a few times already this winter—so it was a nice surprise to actually have snow! This is Jack’s first and Par’s third—we had lots of fun watching it—and until Rusty came home, Par was happy to just walk around in the back yard while it fell! He would come inside complaining of wet socks—so I would change them and send him on out again. And then he’d come back again talking about his socks. He finally decided that the best way to fix the problem is to not have socks on to get wet—and off he went into the yard barefoot. Don’t worry---he came back in shortly to warm up—sometimes you just have to let them figure it out. And as you can see from the picture below…he was still figuring it out when Rusty got home.

Rusty and Par attempted to make a snowman at my request—so cliché—but I just had to have pictures of them working together—you know, father and son working hard. Well, they decided to just bury Jack in the snow—way more fun. So, if you ever wondered what you get when you mix Jack Frost and a Snowman….a Jack Man!

And since today is Valentine’s Day….a special tribute to my love—Rusty. He his my best friend—thank you for making me such a delicious Valentine Dinner!

We delivered a few Valentine Cards to some potential girlfriends in the neighborhood—check out our classy card below!

our little family...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Rich) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 02:12:00 +0000

WARNING: Very graphic birth pictures are included in slideshow about Jack's birth
So I've been putting off the update because it seems SO overwhelming--there is SO much to say--because let's face it, my last true update was Par's birthday...since then we've had: Thanksgiving, a baby, Christmas, New Year's, and Jack's baptism.
Ok...we'll start with right after Par's birthday--I was certain I would give birth in the next few weeks--actually, I was certain it would be November 16th....which came and went with me still pregnant.
Par continued to enjoy being an only child.
Thanksgiving was nice--and low key--we had Thanksgiving lunch with Gigi and dinner with Boo & Sir. And what is Thanksgiving dinner without a bouncy house!?! This was actually a pretty good idea--they were entertained and so were we--because let's face it, Thanksgiving day can drag on for little kids...Par wasn't too rough, but I was reassured that exactly what Par needs is a baby brother...soon enough, right!?!
Typically, I like to get our tree the weekend after Thanksgiving when everyone else is out shopping (because I'm usually already through and this year was no exception!)--but I also had this fantasy that our new "family of four" would trek out to the Christmas Tree Farm and watch as my strong husband cuts down our tree (like last year)....so I decided to wait for our little one to arrive---it would be any day at this point, right?

As Rusty went in and out of town for business I kept a vigil over my womb praying for Jack to come out (when Rusty was home) and praying for him to stay in (when Rusty was gone)--I was having pretty intense contractions for hours (4-5) at a time--and then they would stop--frustrating, huh?
So as time went on...my prayer for a natural VBAC (my prayer for the past 2 years) seemed to move out of reach as December 16th grew closer. On December 15th at my doctor's appointment, my doctor called the game and said I would need to have a c-section by December 18th (Friday) if I didn't go into labor. Well, at this point I was 42+ weeks--2+ weeks overdue--and although low, there are risks with a VBAC and being overdue brought about some other potential issues--as I thought about things--and as this became a very difficult decision--I weighed my desires very heavily--my desire to have more children clearly was more important than a VBAC--and although there is always a risk with any pregnancy--I couldn't help but be consumed that something may go wrong and render me unable to have more children. Something just didn't feel right about waiting until Friday--I couldn't rationalize waiting just 2 more days--I can't explain it now--and as I write this it doesn't make much sense anymore--but at the time my feeling was very strong and literally made me panicky to even consider waiting. So my c-section was scheduled for Wednesday, December 16th--the original day my doctor had said he'd allow me to go to.

Ironically, it had many similarities to my first birth--although they told me it would be completely different and relaxing this time around--I'm not faulting anyone--just saying--it wasn't much different, except the atmosphere was "happier"--like my first--it took 3 times and 2 people to place my epidural, I had blood pressure issue that caused a little commotion and although initially the birth of Jack was joyful--he was taken from me and sent to the NICU. That was harder than when they took Par. With Par, I knew what was going to happen, I had prepared myself. With Jack, I had prepared myself for the perfect birth that I never got with Par--but I guess God isn't done with my character building--because I was knocked on my knees and so upset--even tried to talk them out of taking him. My heart still races as I think about those moments and handing him to the nurses.
But my little chunk (9 pounds 5 ounces!!! can you believe it!?! I still can't!) healed quickly--and by Sunday--we hit the road home! Although we'll never know, had I waited it out until Friday and still needed a c-section, things could have been very different...like we may not have been home for Christmas.

But we were home for Christmas!!! Actually, with a few days to spare! How's our adjustment been? Well, let's say that it is impossible to really adjust in the throws of the holidays and a new baby--but we did pretty well! Our first major outing other than doctor appointments was my brother's birthday--and who was there? SANTA!!!! Par told Santa about a zillion times that he wanted a "Ride on Thomas the Choo-Choo train"--we got a family picture with Santa--but Jack wasn't able to tell Santa what he wanted because he was trapped in my sling the entire time.

Christmas eve lunch with Gigi was delicious--and Par loved all the wonderful and fun presents! Jack slept through much of the excitement! We enjoyed Christmas Eve dinner with Boo & Sir--but no bouncy house...instead, the kids opened a few presents--anything to run out some of that energy so that they would sleep soundly....and it worked. As Rusty and I walked into Midnight Mass--our precious boys still dressed in their precious handmade lace outfits (by Boo, of course--and I did a little) went right to sleep--and slept the next 2 hours...
We went to sleep by 3:30ish...and the boys woke up around 8am--and boy was Christmas morning fun! Santa brought one gift for each of them--Jack a sterling rattle (same first Christmas gift for Par) and Par a........Ride on Thomas the choo-choo train! He LOVES it! Although we had a little issue at first, once fixed, Par rode the train like a champion! The grandparents stopped by for a look!

Rusty's dad and Minnie had previously come when I had Jack--but they arrived in Birmingham after he had been taken to the NICU--because the NICU only allows parents in, they left before meeting him. So they came back on New Year's eve for the official meeting! We had a wonderful dinner, exchanged presents, watched Par ride on Thomas, watched Jack sleep and poop--and did this for a few days before they headed back to Asheboro. It was a great visit--I only wish Jack was a little more exciting--but it was totally worth it for Par--he loves his Big D!
Jack's baptism was January 3rd--a miracle in itself that we were able to plan, invite and celebrate in such a short amount of time (a very special thanks to Boo and Fr. Bazzel for making it happen!) It was between Masses--with just family and friends--and Jack (who rarely cries) cried the entire time! And Par? He ran around the entire time chattering! But it was music to my ears--my two boys very alive and very well--praise God for his goodness. As I stood there holding my little Jack as he recieved this beautiful gift from God--and watched Par run, smiling, laughing, talking--so comfortable in "big Jesus' house" as he calls it--my birth plan seemed so insignificant. My hospital stay seemed like a blink. My c-section pained seemed like a pinch. The bigger picture was much clearer--and as I mother my boys amidst spit up, diapers and 2 year old tantrums...I remind myself to think back on that day.

Finally, Jack had his 2 week checkup and Par had his 2 year checkup (2 months late!) The boys are doing great!!!! Our 2 week old baby born weighing 9 lbs 5 oz--lost 1 pound his first 5 days....but at his 2 week checkup weighs.......10 lbs 5 ozs!!!!!! Can you believe it?
And our little monkey Par...well...he cried the entire time we were there...thanking everyone (dr. and nurses) and telling them goodbye between his shrills! Thankfully a sucker and a sticker calmed him as we left....but, we did get the great news that Par is now in the 10%!!!!!! That is officially on the growth chart!
Enjoy our pictures....

Mama got a shower...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Rich) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 15:46:00 +0000

And Par and Jack had pretty good seats for the event...Merry Christmas
Eve!

enjoying home sweet home...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Rich) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 20:57:00 +0000

We've all been home since Sunday around noon...and of course, getting settled in has had some challenges (ahem, Par) and so we've been moving a little slower around here and it baffles me that Christmas is in 3 days...seriously? wow.
Par loves his little brother...he sometimes loves him a little too hard but I'm sure Jack will be tougher for it! I will upload pictures later tonight.

"I'll be home for Christmas..."

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Rich) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 04:09:00 +0000

Actually, we will be home tomorrow! Thank you for your prayers!!!! As
for now, we are just hanging out in our hospital room...

All the cool kids...

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Rich) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 05:07:00 +0000

Sleep in these clear boxes on wheels!

Jack graduated this evening to a bassinet! This is huge--as you may remember, Par did not graduate out of his NICU bed until he was a month old--so this is really fast in our book! Jack is still in the NICU and he is still being monitored--but he is no longer on an IV--he is taking everything by mouth. He is nursing like a champ--this kid loves LOVES loves to eat! So what are we waiting on? Well, they want to make sure his breathing issues (pneumothorax/wet lungs/resp. rate) are under control, that he is eating efficiently (uh...check!) and that the cultures they took Wednesday don't grow anything (we won't learn about those until late tomorrow night at the earliest). He is a very sweet little boy--I can't wait to take him home. We used to joke about putting Par in my bag and walking out of the NICU with him--that would be an option if this kid wasn't so big! (seriously, he is as big as Par was at 5 months!)

Who? Me? Causing trouble?

noreply@blogger.com (Liz Rich) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 22:48:00 +0000

I learned it from my big brother!
Just hanging out here in the NICU...