Family of Riches

Fall 2011

2011-11-28T00:55:00.000-06:00

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...

2011-10-19T11:26:00.001-05:00

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!

2011-05-04T22:05:00.001-05:00

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.

2011-03-19T23:10:00.006-05:00

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!

2011-02-05T14:42:00.004-06:00

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!!!!

2010-12-29T13:50:00.001-06:00

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!

2010-12-16T13:40:00.003-06:00

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....

2010-11-22T23:16:00.012-06:00

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...

2010-09-18T22:43:00.005-05:00

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....

2010-09-18T20:25:00.001-05:00

an actual update. Stay tuned.

Halfing fun!!!!

2010-06-18T21:47:00.000-05:00

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....

2010-05-24T17:38:00.000-05:00

Update to come...

It has been a rough day...

2010-04-24T16:06:00.001-05:00

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....

2010-04-23T14:02:00.001-05:00

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.....

2010-04-21T13:02:00.001-05:00

> 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...

2010-04-11T23:08:00.013-05:00

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!!!!!)

2010-04-09T23:50:00.003-05:00

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

(Jack 3 months old)

test

2010-03-19T12:28:00.001-05:00

Shands, baths and snow!

2010-02-14T21:12:00.009-06:00

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...

2010-01-14T20:12:00.006-06:00

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...

2009-12-24T09:46:00.001-06:00

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

enjoying home sweet home...

2009-12-22T14:57:00.002-06:00

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..."

2009-12-19T22:09:00.000-06:00

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...

2009-12-18T23:07:00.002-06:00

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?

2009-12-18T16:48:00.002-06:00

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

Precious Jack...

2009-12-16T18:57:00.002-06:00

Well, we could call this round 2...but thankfully it is nothing as devastating as what Par went through...just emotionally devastating for me...you see...this time was supposed to be WAY different...problem free pregnancy, easy delivery and bouncing home with my baby boy in a matter of hours...well, those were my plans.
As you may know, I had a c-section with Par--but I really wanted to have a VBAC with Jack--which is why I went 2 weeks over my due date--in hopes of going into labor on my own and avoiding another c-section. Yesterday we learned we were out of time--Jack needed to come on out whether he wanted to or not! So we scheduled a c-section for noon today.
This little monkey SCREAMED coming out--a beautiful noise that we missed out on with Par! And low and behold--he is GIANORMOUS--9lbs 5oz, 22 inches long, a decent amount of hair, huge feet and chunky little thighs. Needless to say, Par and Jack may be the same size in about a month!
After we got back to the room he nursed and seemed perfect. When they took vitals again, they noticed rapid breathing and a low body temp. So we warmed him up (skin-to-skin) and kept an eye on his breathing. OH! This little baby is so precious--and looks like Rusty (according to Gigi) but really looks like Par (according to Boo)--according to me--he is a GIANORMOUS BABY! Anyway, his breathing didn't get better--so long story short--they took him away to the NICU. He has a pneumothorax--which is essentially an air pocket where air leaked outside the lung into the chest cavity. The xray shows that it is very minor and should resolve itself in the next few days. In the mean time, he is on room air (praise God!) and really missing his mama and daddy. The not so important bummer is that I am once again chained to the breastpump--but hopefully he can start nursing again tomorrow or the next day...he will probably remain in the NICU until Sunday...so prayers for patience for me would be great! I will put some more pictures up soon...promise!

Jack is here!

2009-12-16T15:12:00.001-06:00

Jack arrived at 12:24pm.... All 9 pounds 5 ounces of him! We will
update with pictures later!

A post to settle you down...

2009-12-13T23:06:00.002-06:00

I had planned on not posting until Jack was here. I had planned on delivering Jack weeks ago. I had a lot of plans--but they aren't exactly working out as we thought right now.
So I thought I would let you know that I am currently STILL PREGNANT--I have not had a baby. I am physically feeling fine, but very pregnant. I am ready to get the show on the road. And no, I haven't forgotten to call you and share my baby news...so calm down!
As excited as I am to meet Jack, I am also excited to wait for him to decide to come on his own (as we did with Par)--so as hard as it is--we are joyfully anticipating his arrival regardless of our own plans--this has been a nice parallel to our Advent season.
So--sit tight my friends--baby Jack will be here soon and we can't wait to share the news!

Happy 2nd Birthday Par!

2009-10-31T23:27:00.010-05:00

Has it really been 2 years already!?!
As I type this--ripe with child--I wonder, where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday Rusty and I were anxiously awaiting Par's arrival. I was terrified I would give birth on Halloween--I really didn't want a Halloween baby--but Rusty was confident it would be November 1st, All Saints Day. I went into labor that night--and delivered by c-section just after noon on November 1st--and Rusty was right.
You can look back here and take a look back at Par's 1st birthday...but now I want to tell you a little bit about my 2 year old baby...or, I guess my 2 year old child...
Par loves to request things--Peanut Butter and Jelly, Mama? Grilled Cheese, Mama? Ten Cookies, Mama? He always says "Thank you" and randomly will apologize "I sorry, Daddy" for no reason. He loves being naked and takes his clothes off all the time--he also loves to potty around the house once naked--and he isn't afraid to do #1 or #2. He is sleeping in a big boy bed and loves his routine at night. He turns off the lights on the way to his room and then we bless him and he blesses us. Then we say the "Our Father" and then he starts to "God Bless" family and friends. Rusty slips out and we start singing--he loves me to sing Angel of God, Twinkle, Edelweiss, Farmer in the Dell, Jesus Loves Me, and a song I made up that says "It is time to go to sleep my friend, Goodnight Par"....He calls the songs the following: Angel Ga, Twinkee Star, Edelvist, Farmer Dell, Jesus Love and Friends...although, it is cuter when he says them in person.
He still loves his bath time--and he is very much a morning person! He is up at the crack of dawn ready to watch a little toddler TV and eat breakfast--we are still asleep--so he does it solo. He takes one hardy nap in the afternoon--usually after some good playing at the park, library or in our front yard. He seems to understand that we are having a baby and that "Jack" is in my tummy---but if you ask him his own name he will respond quickly with "Names Jack" and we will have to say, "NO...your name" and he will say "Names Par"...but it does sound a little like Paul when he says it. Par has had all of his teeth for a while now, and for the past few weeks his 2 year molars have been coming in which has left a permanent stream of drool running down his mouth.
Par's favorite thing right now.....TRAINS! He loves any sort of transportation--especially fire trucks (he thinks the Coca-cola delivery truck is a fire truck)--he is obsessed with trains and lining them up. He loves to jump and hop--he jumps off most anything (steps, chairs, sofas, etc.) and hops most of the time I'm trying to walk somewhere while holding his hand. He attempts to answer the phone when it rings,still uses pretty advanced bargaining techniques, he is very willing to converse and use big boys words, although sometimes his responses to our questions make little sense, he has started rolling his eyes, he finally understands time out and that it isn't really a good thing--but still happily sits in the chair and waits for the time out clock to go off. He remembers ALL of his little friends' names--which is pretty amazing to me--and he will sporadically start talking about them. He associates places we frequent with people we see there--for example, the icecream store: Uncle Joe; Zoe's Restaurant: Boo; Tot Lot: Isabelle; St. Paul's: Brendan & Brice....When he hears a plane, firetruck or a train he will stop what he is doing look at me and say in a sing songy voice, "I hear a choo choo train!" (or plane, firetruck, etc.) He counts to 20...but will not say the number FOUR--no matter what we do--he refuses to say 1, 2, 3, 4....grrrr....so I guess really, he can only count to 3.

He had a Willy Wonka themed birthday party on Halloween(as you can see from the pictures) and he loved being an Oompah Loompah and sort of could sing the song. We had some friends and family come to celebrate with us--Par seemed to love being the center of attention! Especially from his super duper grandparents--all of which dressed up for him! (yes, we know...that means true love!)
But...as you may know...I really feel celebrating on your actual birthday is really important...so after Rusty and Big D returned from Talladega, we celebrated again on his real birthday with just us and the grandparents! He loved all of his presents...but his favorite--his train set!

I'm including the same slideshow above also below so we can look back on it...

FoR Halloween 2009

2009-10-31T22:08:00.001-05:00

I know there are MANY of you anxious to see what the FoR decided on for Halloween '09--as you know, we do a family theme each year...
2006: Runaway bride from Georgia (Liz) and Sheriff escort (Rusty)
2007: parents in labor (okay...so we missed this year!)
2008: Dr. Evil (Rusty), Austin Powers (Liz) & Mini Me (Par)
...and 2009

Willy Wonka (Rusty), Violet (Liz) & Oompa Loompa (Par)
Enjoy this picture...many more to come...we actually celebrated Par's 2nd Birthday tonight--so lots of FUNNY pictures this Halloween! I'll update tomorrow sometime with more and a longer/better post in honor of Par's Real Birthday!

Happy Birthday Best Husband EVER!

2009-10-24T21:27:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to my precious husband, Rusty. I wonderful father, son, friend, husband, uncle, etc....you get the point...My prayer is that my sons may grow to be just as extraordinary. I praise God for being able to love you forever. I love you.

Happy Anniversary to Family of Riches!

2009-10-15T00:00:00.003-05:00

Yep...our family began four years ago today when Rusty and I married each other! So much has happened in such a short time--and boy has it been an adventure! Starting with our honeymoon that Hurricane Wilma decided to crash (literally) we spent 4 days fleeing home--quite a start to a marriage, huh! Little did we know that the Lord was just prepping our skills for dealing with each other in the midst of traumatic events! Just after our 1st year of marriage, we found out we were expecting our first son Par and we decided to move to a new house in a precious little neighborhood with lots of kids--and just as we signed the contract, we found out about his devastating diagnosis of CDH. Again, an exciting event (being pregnant) turned traumatic as we scrambled to find the best chance for our baby--which inevitably took us to Gainesville, Florida. So, our 2nd anniversary was spent apart--Rusty in Birmingham and me in Gainesville (with my mom, Rusty came a week later) awaiting the arrival of our son. After three months in Gainesville (but only 2 months after Par's birth) we headed home. Just as we were getting settled back into Birmingham, I checked into the hospital for a week with a kidney infection--and took our little baby with me! Thankfully the next six months remained free from any sort of life changing events--and soon after Rusty and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary, and a few weeks later, Par turned one. Actually, that was pretty traumatic--our little boy was growing up so fast! No worries, just a few months later Rusty and I found out we were again expecting a baby! Thankfully, this new little boy seems completely healthy! So here we are...our 4th Anniversary...Par is about to turn 2...I'm about to give birth to our second son...I couldn't have planned it better myself! Praise God for His blessings on our family--praise God for the covenant of marriage--praise God for the blessings of children. And finally, praise God for the support we have recieved from our family and friends for the past 4 years.
Precious Rusty,I love you so much and I thank you for loving me.

Our precious little Par...

2009-10-11T10:47:00.003-05:00

As we were walking from the sanctuary to the Cathedral Life Center after mass today, we passed a mini-van full of nuns leaving. The sister driving had her window down and waved to Par saying, "Hello!"... So what did Par say in reply?
Well, he surveyed the minivan and without hesitation replied "Hey girls!"
I love having a boy...and I'm sure it will be twice as nice at the end of November...

The Letter of the Week is "J"

2009-10-08T08:08:00.000-05:00

Par talks all the time! He definitely says things that we are not able to understand--but for the most part, he has pretty large vocabulary that we can understand. I'm not sure if it has anything to do with our grueling homeschooling regimen...but he is able to say a lot and frequently speaks in sentences (as you read earlier about his bargaining tactics). Anyway, I thought I would share the words he uses regularly right now that start with "J":
juice
jump
jingle bells
just (as in, "just one or ten cookies, mama")
Uncle Joe
Jesus
jammies
oh...and I guess you might want to know that he is able to say his little brother's name (due in late November) too...
Jack!
We have decided to name him John Robert Rich and to call him "Jack"--Rusty and I have been talking about it for a while now and we mentioned the nickname Jack once. Well, little ears picked up on this and began to call the baby Jack. It was really sort of weird--I thought maybe Rusty had been saying the name to him--because I sure had not. I frequently will point to my belly and say "Who is this?"....and the response was usually "Baby"---and then I would say "Baby who?" to urge him to say "Baby brother" but somehow he started saying "Baby Jack." I was just certain that his Gigi or Boo would say "Are you going to have a baby brother" and he was going to say "Baby Jack"--but he never did--or they just never mentioned it. I really like having a name to call this precious little boy! That was something that was really important while carrying Par and I am glad I get to do it this time around. So...baby Jack is still baking--but we can't wait to meet him!

Yay for the Fall!!!!

2009-10-03T16:02:00.016-05:00

Although I have enjoyed sewing since before I was making clothes for Par, I do recognize that it is part of the nesting process of pregnancy--and it can be quite exhausting. I am unable to stop for fear that I won't have any time to make anything once the baby is here--especially since this precious little guy is making his debut in the throws of the holiday season! And if you know me really well (or have read my blog for any length of time) you know that I usually have a good bit of my Christmas shopping done by now...and while I have put a good dent in it--I'm not even close to being finished and I'm getting a little nervous...

We've been pretty busy around here...Par's potty training comes and goes--he will potty on command to earn his M&M...and his most recent bargaining tactit is to ask me for "just 2 m&m's" and when I say no he then asks for "one?" and then I say no again and he asks for "just three or five?" No! "Three or five mama!!!!" No! Okay...you can't have 3 or 5, but you can have 2!" Seriously? I thought you couldn't sell a salesman? He totally got what he wanted and I felt guilty for not giving him 5! He may look like Rusty--but he definitely has my thought process! (I'm secretly very proud yet scared of what will happen when he is much older!)

I have been very emotional lately. It has been so bad that I'm not sure what would happen if a Christmas Folgers' commercial came on TV--I might just loose it completely! I guess I've just been really sensitive--to everything and everyone--but I do realize the "craziness" of it so I have tried to resist telling people when they have hurt my feelings.

One such occasion happened at Par's Storytime. We always go on Wednesday at 10:30--but this past Wednesday I had a luncheon at 11am and I had to make a concession so I signed us up for the 9:30 class. An entire new set of moms and toddlers--but not a big deal--until nametag time. Par's favorite part of Storytime is running up to get his nametag from Moe Moe the monkey. We all sing a song to each child with their name as they retrieve their nametag--"Where is Par? Where is Par?" is the first line--Par promptly popped up out of my lap excited about his turn...and then the second line "There she is! There she is!"....I was in shock...the song continues..."We're so glad you're here! We're so glad you're here! We see you, Peek-a-boo!" I was so upset! He looked pretty darn cute--but he clearly is a boy! He had on a boy outfit (pants and shirt)--he wasn't even wearing a baby bubble--he was dressed as a toddler boy! And my goodness--he was totally acting like a boy! I wanted to cry! (I realize this is ridiculous to get so worked up about--but I tell you, I am emotional these days). Thankfully Rusty has solved the problem. He told Par that the next time someone calls him a girl he has permission to pull down his pants to prove otherwise. I'll let you know if it happens, don't worry.

With such a traumatic event at the library--I didn't notice that I left my day planner when we ran out after Storytime. Now, I am not the type to live by my day planner as some people are--but I do always have it with me and I do write down doctor appointments, work, parties, etc--you know, the normal stuff. I also sometimes keep loose things in there--like coupons that I know I'm about to use--and most recently I had stuck a piece of mail in the back pages. I didn't know I had left it until Saturday night (three days later) when I went to retrieve the piece of mail I had stuck in the book. To my surprise (shock) my day planner was missing--but what was most upsetting is the piece of mail I was getting was a certain surprise for Rusty.
For the past 9 days I had been emailing Rusty clues about a big surprise I had planned for him. The surprise was to occur that Sunday and the piece of mail was a voucher to drive our own car around the Talladega race track (which is a big deal around the Rich house!). And this voucher--it couldn't be replaced/purchased--I was a wreck! I couldn't think of where I could have left my day planner and I had Rusty drive downtown to our church at 10pm to see if I had left it there. Long story short--I never found my day planner until after the surprise was over, but we did drive to Talladega anyway in hopes they would feel sorry for the crazy pregnant person. Thankfully, not having the voucher wasn't a big deal. Unfortunately about 2,000 other people (according to the Bham News) showed up to drive around the track too--so we waited in line for FOUR HOURS!!!! Yep..Rusty, Par and me--in a car---in a line--for a really really long time. Rusty wasn't very chipper about his surprise...until he got to drive...

I loved watching the excitement on his face--it was priceless--granted, I was screaming "slow down! we're going to flip over!" the entire time--but he kept his foot to the pedal and a big grin on his face!

Needless to say, we hope to do it again next year. For one reason, it was pretty cool to have our own car on the famous race track...but also, our little boy--he was awake the ENTIRE time--but for the 10 minutes that we drove around the track--he was out. Yep, he slept through it! Ironic, huh! We enjoyed the Fan Appreciation festivities--Par got a smiley face on his hand and got to jump in the bounce house. He had a great time!

We took our annual trip to the pumpkin patch last weekend!

Unfortunately, they didn't have a very strong opening weekend--but that was okay for us--we got the place to ourselves! Par loved picking the pumpkins--and of course, really enjoyed the petting zoo--especially the horses! (hint hint--if any of the grandparents want to get him a pony for his birthday).

I am so happy that fall is officially here...the weather is great for playing outside--which we have been doing a lot of lately now that the rain is gone finally! We've managed to stay well--yet, as I type this Par has developed a little bit of a runny nose and I have been sneezing most of the day--I'm hoping it is just fall allergies.
We are getting REALLY REALLY close to choosing the baby's name! We will post it on the blog when it is decided! I've been feeling good--but very pregnant. For the record, I think I will be going into labor on November 16th. But that is an entire other post for later.

And finally, for those of you who noticed that Par is wearing the same thing in the pictures--it was just a coincidence--it was two separate weekends and in no way implies that the Dinosaurs are his favorite--he loves the dinosaurs, puppies and scissors equally.

Just a glimpse of our little one...

2009-09-15T13:05:00.004-05:00

Isn't he beautiful!?! I think he looks completely different from Par...but I guess we will have to wait! Compare for yourself by looking here at Par around the same time...
My doctor's appointment went great--everything is going great! He moves around all of the time! He is around 3.5 lbs from his measurements...but I know that isn't as scientific as I'd like to believe--so it really doesn't mean much.

And for documentation purposes, Par slept in his big boy bed from 8:20pm until 6:30am--ALL BY HIMSELF! We are so proud of him! The past four days he has been staying in his bed until between 4-4:30am (which we were proud of)...so I woke up at 4:30, then 5:30--no Par. I woke Rusty and asked him where my baby was--he confirmed he was still asleep. At 6:30 he was up and ready to play...he is such a big boy now...we'll see how tonight goes!

A few changes for the Riches…

2009-09-05T10:52:00.010-05:00

Okay…don’t get too excited—this is minor in anyone else’s world—but BIG stuff over here! As you may recall, we’ve been really easy going when it comes to Par and his sleeping—we let him take naps when he wanted—go to sleep at night when he wanted to—and yes, we let him sleep with us every night since we left Gainesville back in 2007.

We did this for a variety of reasons—and as time went on Par’s needs evolved but our arrangement always seemed to still work well with our little boy. He took solid naps each day and has always slept through the night—we had no complaints.

A few weeks ago Par picked up a second nap (the second nap that he had dropped a year earlier)…at first I didn’t really care because I could do more stuff around the house—but after a few days it worried me—all his sleeping was pushing lunch later and having an impact on his dinner. After some investigating I discovered that our precious little guy was sleep deprived. Yikes! The remedy? Duh, more sleep.

So…we began implementing a schedule (GASP! I just despise schedules)—and…..A BEDTIME! I really didn’t know how this would work—Par was such a good napper that I never had to put him to sleep for a nap—and bedtime, well—unless he fell asleep beforehand, he just went to sleep when we did…so this literally was brand new to us.

Okay—so fast forward 14 days—as of today—Par has again dropped that second nap and is happily taking his afternoon nap after about 10 minutes of coaching (and lasting about 2 solid hours) and is bouncing into his big boy bed a little before 8 each night—and asleep after 32 rounds of Jesus Loves Me and 120 God Bless Uncle Joe’s (you know, "God bless mama, God bless daddy, God bless Uncle Joe"—except he says uncle Joe over and over and over—he must know something we don’t) ….and they say that sleep begets sleep—does it? Hmmm...not so sure —well, there is no way he is sleep deprived anymore when he starts bounding through the house at 6:30 AM….

I’d like to say he is sleeping in his room through the night—baby steps my friends. We’re taking it slow—keep in mind, he is sleeping in a big boy bed (the kid has never slept in a baby bed) and so there is a certain point of “awakeness” in the middle of the night that just seems safer to let him get in our bed than to leave him upset in a dark room wide awake crying. He has come so far in such a short time—I don’t want to rush anything….so, average night he gets in our bed around 2am….our best night so far….4:30 am….

Speaking of not rushing things…Par has been potty training himself…I’ve seen the signs—I’ve reacted to them cautiously so not to scare him away—but apparently, I’m not doing enough so Par has taken over and just tells me he needs to go potty---we head that way—we sit on the potty---he reads a magazine—I get impatient and think he must not need to go---so I take him off and then….he tee-tees on the floor and looks at me like, “I said I needed to potty, why did you do that”---we had a lot of that this past weekend—patience is not my strong suit—But the same thing has happened to Rusty—and I wonder how much of it Par is doing on purpose…hmmmm…one thing is for sure, the boy loves LOVES to be naked...and M&M's (which he gets each time he goes potty)...

And because he is starting to potty train, I’ve been busy sewing a fall/winter potty training friendly wardrobe for Par (and a few things for the baby)—His Gigi, Boo and Minnie smocked a few inserts for his shirts--I got carried away with making little pants, we have a few t-shirts to match pants, and my favorite--a winter coat!

I love this pattern--it was so easy and quick to sew--I am going to make him a raincoat and light-weight jacket as soon as I get the fabric! Take look—won’t he be precious!!!! And...at the end of the slide show is a hint of Par's Halloween costume--he is going to be precious!!!!

Oh…some not so great news…Par has been denied for Synagis (RSV shot)—he was denied last year too—but after letters from Dr. Kays and our pediatrician, he got the shots. The overall consensus is that it doesn’t help children over 2 years of age without chronic lung issues---and this is probably true—but we are unique (Par is more susceptible and has very small lungs and it could be devastating) and Dr. Kays, our pediatrician and 2 pediatric Pulmonologists that he asked all said that Par should still get it and would still benefit from the shot—but there is just nothing they can do to get it for us. Thankfully, since Par is older, he most likely would fare better if he were to get it—but still, it is very dangerous for him. So…another season of limited contact/exposure to people—and lots of outside play—thankfully we have mild winters (and really cute outfits now)! Par will be getting the flu shot this coming week and he is on the list to receive the Swine Flu vaccine when it gets here in October.

I had my Gestational Diabetes test (all pregnant women get this test) today—and I passed! Woo Hoo! I didn’t have Gestational diabetes with Par and I am so thankful that I don’t have to worry about that this time either. Everything else seems right on track—and everything seems normal! He moves/somersaults/kicks all the time---but especially when Par is near—either when Par is talking or when Par is in my lap. I wonder if this is a sign of things to come…

Par is a talker—he talks nonstop. Sometimes we don’t have any idea what he is saying—and sometimes it is very clear. He repeats everything and can say (or attempt to say) anything. I love listening to him say “dinosaur”—it is so cute…....almost as cute as how he looks in his dinosaur outfit...

And at night, when we say our prayers….we are teaching him The Lords Prayer—we do it one line at a time…this is what Par says—phonetically of course…we are almost there:

Our Father (Are pauper)

Who Art in Heaven (who are heaben)

Hallowed be thy Name (Hallow name)

Thy Kingdom Come (King Come)

Thy Will be done (Done)

On earth as it is in heaven (heaben)

Give us this day (----)

Our daily bread (daily bed)

And forgive us our trespasses (pesses)

As we forgive those (-----)

Who trespass against us (us)

And lead us not into temptation (Tation)

But deliver us from evil (evil). (He says this word with a creepy grin...and I know it is because Rusty and I start laughing when he says it...we are way too immature to be parents!)

In closing...a peak at my latest sewing project that doesn't involve me sitting at a sewing machine...a little something for Christmas time...I just have to sew 144 more of these!!!

Par's Napping Ways...

2009-08-14T13:50:00.000-05:00

Par didn't fall asleep like this...although that would have been
pretty cute...no...Par insisted on this "outfit" and "props" for his
nap...it was even cuter because his milk was on his chest but it
rolled away and I was afraid I would wake him if I put it back.
Needless to say--this is one of the many reasons that I am so excited
we are having another boy.

An Adventurous Spirit

2009-08-01T22:38:00.009-05:00

I often must remind myself that Par is only 1.5 years old--his adventurous spirit is really quite amazing-- Rusty and I know that this will only get more "exciting"...but you have got to watch this--we did not coax him into doing this--he did it all on his own! First he pulled the trash can over and then climbed up (which is where we found him)--Rusty then went to get his camera and Par just walked right back in and did it again! Needless to say, we have moved the trash can.

For a while now I have been taking Par over to Snoozy's Kids in Crestline after we eat at Zoe's to play with the train table. He gets so excited. Now when I pull into the parking lot he starts saying "Choo Choo! Choo Choo!" I'm glad he likes it--I'm even happier that as of right now, it isn't hard to leave the trains behind. I tell him to say "bye bye" and he does and then we leave. Hopefully the trains and train table can just remain a fun outing (meaning, I don't think I want one for the house). Anyway, although Par does seem to gravitate more to cars when given the option of train-v-car, he still gets excited about trains. He had never seen a real one until tonight. We had a pizza picnic in the rain by the train tracks just praying a train would come roaring by. We were there for a while--we ate pizza, Par played in the rain and then just as we were about to leave (because it was literally POURING) we heard a train coming! Par got pretty excited...the conductor even waved his arm out the window and blew his horn as he went roaring past us!

Baby Boy #2 as been moving around like crazy lately. Par loves to come pat my tummy and say "Baby! Baby" and then give my belly a kiss. Precious! He had me convinced that he "got it" when it came to me having a baby. I realize that when the baby actually gets here I would have to explain that to him--but for now, I was happy that he seemed to understand I had a baby in my belly. He has had me convinced since May--but then yesterday when Rusty was with him, Par pointed to Rusty's stomach and said "Baby!"--Okay, so he's a tad confused....and then tonight, he started patting his own belly saying "Baby! Baby!" I think we can safely say--Par associates all tummies with a baby. So...do not be offended if when he sees you he pats your belly and says "Baby!"--I'm quite sure it is nothing personal.

Par starts "school" this Monday! While Par won't actually be going to school until next year (because of the continued risk of germs)we will be starting a simple little curriculum based on learning a letter each week. It will be just like what we do already (color, read, go to the library, play outside, etc.) but with a tiny bit of structure. It also incorporates counting, shapes, colors and skills such as tracing (with finger or crayon), glueing and sorting. Again, things we already do, but this will just give us a tiny bit of structure. I'm sad that he won't get to experience school like most of his friends--but we know that it is best for him--with our last year of Synagis shots ahead of us, we don't want to do anything to jeopardize his health. And Dr. Kays said that a school setting still isn't the best idea for him and if we can wait one more year then we should. So until then, we'll make the most at home--and we will still be able to enjoy Mother Goose Storytime each Wednesday at the library and our playgroups. So this Monday we are starting with the letter A. Enjoy this flashback...my favorite part of kindergarten was this show...

Loving the Summer

2009-07-25T21:56:00.005-05:00

My pregnancy is going well--praise God. We had our big ultrasound at my regular OB this past week--still a boy! I am measuring perfectly and everything seems to be going fine. Thankfully, I have had plenty of energy lately as it seems someone slipped our son a new battery--he is faster, happier, funnier, stinkier, etc. This wouldn't be such a big deal if he wasn't so darn independent! We have had several instances when adults (ADULTS!!!) have seen Par coming their way and actually opened a door for him or stepped out of his way---ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?! I guess they didn't notice the crazy mother running after him trying to get him to stop. One such incident could have been traumatic--we were eating lunch at Chick-fila and tossing our trash when Par headed towards the door--you know, the door that opens right into the drive-thru. This woman smiled and opened the door for him. Rusty went running after him and I just stared at her in disbelief. She looked at me in her own disbelief and said "I don't know why I did that--he just looked like he knew where he was going. I am so sorry." Tell me this--how does a BABY look like he knows where his is going when it involves CARS. She felt horrible--and Par was fine...but this happens a lot. And before anyone emails me advice, no--we will not be putting him on a leash.
But Par's independece is pretty innocent. He loves to play outside, and for the most part, there isn't much he can get into outside. Sometimes I'll hear him walk into the kitchen and then the doggie door will make the "swish" sound and then low and behold, there is my baby playing outside. He probably thinks that is how you get in and out--duh! that's how the dogs do it! Lately it has become a bit of a problem if I am doing dishes at night--he'll disappear out the doggie door after a bath and then come in dirty and wet--not cool. So why do we let him do this? I'm not sure...I guess mainly because I can't see the point of not letting him--the child is able to open doors easily and for all I know he can use a key and set the alarm on his way out!
As we have expressed before, our faith is very important to us--we make a point to talk about Jesus quite often. Each night after his bath, Par will grab his crucifix off the wall, say "Nigh-nigh Jesus" and then kiss him right on the head. He'll then shove it into my face to do the same and then put Jesus back on the wall. When we go to mass, he gets SO EXCITED to see "big Jesus" behind the altar and will point and say happily "big Jesus! big Jesus! Hey big Jesus!" I know for sure, this is the child-like love that Christ talks about--and we learn a lot about that from Par. If all of that isn't sweet/cute enough--we have noticed a strange occurrence in our house lately. You see, each time we enter the sanctuary, we dip our fingers into the holy water and cross ourselves. We have made a point to include Par in this from his very beginning. He always smiles--and we pray silently that this holy water may keep him quiet and still for the next hour--but that is a different story altogether. So...lately...our saintly son will wander into a bathroom, lift up the toilet seat, dip his fingers in the water, touch his fingers to his forehead and then walk away. The first few times I saw this I was quick to say "No Par! don't play in the toilet!"--but then I realized what he was doing and my heart melted. No--our toilet water isn't holy--nor do I feel it could ever represent the living waters of baptism--but the act itself is so innocent--so precious that again I praise God for our little miracle. Our friend Father Donohoe was in town recently and we relayed the story to him hoping that us enjoying this childhood act of innocence wasn't a sacrilege--of course, his response--"Sounds like you need a holy water font in your house." Easy enough. But that wouldn't be quite as endearing, would it?

I feel our second son kick more and more--mostly about the time I climb into bed. I feel a certain bond with this child--being a second child myself. I look at my husband who is also a second child--but he and I are quite different. I am more "typical" of the second child...Rusty is more like a first child (could be the larger age difference between him and his brother)--and I wonder--where will this child will fall? Par is far from being a first child with how wild and crazy he is--but he does has 1st born qualities--he is stubborn and quite independent--but this second child may put him to shame ! (Lord, I pray that if this is the case--may you give me strength and patience to tame the wild monkeys).

We don't have a name yet--although we still have a lot of the same ones from when we were deciding on Par's own name. We talk about it--but not in any sort of decisive way right now--we're just taking it easy--I'm sure we'll name him soon enough...and of course, we'll let you know when we do. Feel free to leave suggestions.
Life has been pretty good since we returned from our beach trip--Par was able to spend some quality time with his cousins over the 4th--Boo and Sir had us down for a long weekend--the guys (sans Par) played golf, while the rest of us went swimming or sat in time out for hitting or throwing toys. The food was delicious--and although nothing beats spending the weekend with Boo and Sir--it was also nice to have my sister Sally there too! We miss Sal SOOOO much--or as Par says, Aunt Sassy--which couldn't be further from the truth--Sal is way more crunchy than sassy... (I'm sure I'll get an email about that comment--but my filter has been down these past few weeks-- so I'm just going to leave it and deal with the consequences :) I love you aunt scrunchy!)

It is really hot and sticky here--I'm begging for the fall to finally get here! OH...I almost forgot...huge update....remember when my Aunt Lissy and her family gave us a pear tree for Christmas 2007? Sure you do! Check it out in the slideshow. Well, we are about to have our first harvest--this little baby pear tree is covered in pears! YAY!

We really enjoyed Mary Lynne's baptism...see pictures here.

I don't know if I have mentioned this before...but I am not afraid to go shopping on the side of the road. My first memory of this was in college when my roommate and I found wood pallets in the garbage of the Physical Plant on campus--to us, they were perfect headboards for our room! Since then, I have kept my eyes pealed for treasures! I found some great outdoor furniture around the corner, when the people moved out next door to us they left us cushions that fit perfectly! About a month ago I took a detour and found a BRAND NEW (okay, barely used...or only used in doors) Cozy Coupe for Par! I also love craigslist--but that does cost money (even if it is still a great deal...I just prefer free. Plus, I change my mind about things (rearrange/toss out) so quickly that it is usually better if I haven't really invested in it. Anyway, I have been wanting a slide for Par. We don't have room in our backyard for a swingset/slide combo--plus, I love going to the park(s) so I really had my mind set on a single slide. But come on! Have you seen them--they are are incredibly wimpy looking--not steep or fast--and I am sure you can appreciate the fact that our little monkey needs more than a 10 degree incline to keep him occupied and having fun. I had told my mom and Rusty in conversation that I was on the lookout (meaning on the side of the road) for a slide. So...as a side note there is a look that Rusty gives that is part of why I fell in love with him--the glance of the eyes and the crook of his mouth in this perfect combination--I love seeing it...but I don't see it very often and I am yet to capture it on camera--but it might be my favorite look that he gives. Well...we were driving down Euclid Avenue and I spot it--A SLIDE! I look at Rusty and THAT LOOK comes over his face! He pulls over and graciously loads the slide-the look reappears a few more times as we continue home...we got Par's slide! The one I had just mentioned to Rusty a few days earlier! Funny thing is, Par's favorite outside toys (other than the rocks on the pathway) are the slide and the cozy coupe--and they were both free! And in case you are wondering, we donate to the side of the road shoppers too. Nothing like putting something you don't need anymore on the side of the road and it disappearing within an hour or so! Enjoy pictures of Par and Violet sliding in the slide show!

OH....and I almost forgot this too!!! I thought I might mention the "outfit" Par is wearing while playing on the slide. THOSE ARE HIS PAJAMAS! The night before Par WOULD NOT go to sleep without his shoes and socks on. I'm not kidding--he was crying HYSTERICALLY--"Shoe mama! Shoe mama!" and when I got them he screamed "No...sock mama and shoe mama!" So I realized he wanted to wear them---to sleep. Whatever. I put them on and he fell right to sleep. So when I went to sleep I lovingly removed them--I can't really let him sleep in shoes--can I? At 5am....screaming for his shoes and socks again. So Rusty put them back on...and he was ready to slide...at 7am...or whatever time--all I know, it was early.

Our little new monkey...

2009-06-22T22:09:00.005-05:00

Father's Day was nice--or I think it was--Church was nice, lunch was yummy, golf was on television, Rusty hung out with Par and me...
But on my mind was today's appointment--thankfully, I slept the entire night--not TOO anxious that I stared at the clock every hour. My night was pretty peaceful--my morning filled with lots of laundry to keep me busy until our 1:00 pm appointment. Had it been a complete repeat of June 2007, I would have been a little more on edge, but the High Risk Clinic has now moved to a different location--so it was completely new for us.
Our appointment was easy--the doctor, having asked about the outcome of our first pregnancy, remarked on how "lucky" we were to bring our son home and that he is now thriving (other than our little weight gain thing)--we have definitely been blessed.

Two years ago this week we received the devastating news about our son--and here we are--two years later receiving great news about our son.

What's that? Are you confused?

Don't be! Today we found out that our son--the one baking in my belly--does not show any abnormalities--the diaphragm seems intact--the heart looks good--everything seems to be there and in the right place!

I know...I know...you thought we wouldn't find out because of a previous post. But come on...if you fell for that then you don't know me at all!

For the record, Rusty called it last night--he said we were having a boy. He is always right.

So...another monkey. Second children are always way worse than the first--I should know---ahem. I have spent most of the day imagining my life in a year and I can't help but laugh...

The pictures they gave us are terrible--but we'll have good ones in a few weeks--so just hold your horses.

So...to sum up:
Par's going to be a big brother.
The baby shows no signs of CDH.
And 82% of you were WRONG, we're having a boy!

Praise God!!! Thank you for your prayers!

Are you lying to me?

2009-06-18T09:45:00.011-05:00

"Roar."

Par was up pretty early playing and then crawled back in the bed and with a trail of stinkyness. I looked at him and asked, "Do you have a poopy diaper?" and he shook his head from side to side to indicate no. I said, "Are you lying to me?" and he replied with a roar, a lying's roar, that is. And for those of you confused, lying= lion to a 19 month old baby. Rusty and I both cracked up laughing.

We have had a really busy summer already! Par's Big D and Minnie came to visit--so of course we headed to the zoo and the carousel (thanks to last time!) We had a great time--and of course, we were able to take our annual picture of the boys on the tractor at the zoo.

Then of course, we celebrated a very important day, my 31st birthday! My sister made the cake--it was DELICIOUS! It was also my niece/godchild's HALF birthday, so she was able to blow out 3.5 candles first!

We headed to the beach in Fort Morgan the next day--the first time in YEARS! The last time Rusty and I went to the beach was on our honeymoon--which we had to evacuate because of Hurricane Wilma--and then we had our 3 month hotel stay while Par was in the hospital--so needless to say this real trip was a long time coming. It was perfect!
We were both able to completely relax and enjoy our little family. We rented the house on pretty short notice so we weren't certain what we were in store for--but we plan to stay there again next year--we loved it that much! We ate breakfast, lunch and dinner on our deck overlooking the water--we definitely felt like we were in paradise. I'm not sure if Tiffany and Violet felt the same way, but I do think they enjoyed the change of atmosphere. Take a look at Par seeing the ocean for the first time...

Par's Gigi got to come for a total of 24 hours (we are so thankful she made the drive) and FINALLY Gigi agreed that our sugar white beaches on the gulf are prettier than the beaches on the Atlantic. That was also a long time coming. Thank you very much.

Par was really funny at the beach--he started making up songs to the tune of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"---like "Crabby Crabby Little Crabby" in reference to his crab float that he fell asleep in while relaxing in the ocean waves. The last morning there, Rusty and I awoke to Par sitting between us shouting at 7:30 AM, "Crabby! Crabby! Crabby!"---all he wanted to do was get in his crab float--so at 8:30 am, we headed down for one last swim before we headed home (aren't we sweet parents!)

After a rather quick ride home (thanks to John Grisham's Associate) we unpacked and rested--or we tried to....
We headed over to Gigi's house to see Par's second cousins (or would they be second cousin once removed--they are the children of Rusty's first cousin--so enlighten me if you know the exact relation) that had been visiting Rusty's grandmother while we were at the beach. Par had a blast running around with the older two (chasing and being chased!)--and we loved meeting their new addition!

So...we have THE BIG ULTRASOUND on Monday. I say "big ultrasound" because it is the first ultrasound with the high-risk doctors at Kirklin Clinic/UAB--and we hope to learn that everything is in the right place (ie- no signs of CDH)...although, it doesn't mean we are in the clear if everything looks perfect because herniation can happen later on in pregnancy--as my ultrasound tech chimed last time "up until a week before you deliver!"--so this may not be a worry free pregnancy, but I'll take it day by day (or ultrasound by ultrasound)--so we would appreciate prayers for our precious little baby...and who knows...we may just know the gender by Monday afternoon....or not....hmmmmm.....we'll just have to see.

What would you think...

2009-06-05T17:46:00.000-05:00

...If you had to wait 181 more days to find out if our precious baby
is a boy or a girl? Could you handle it?

I went to my OB today...whether or not we are having a boy or a girl--
we know one thing for sure-- we are having another monkey...this baby
was literally flipping so fast that getting the heart rate was a
challenge...
As for any CDH signs...so far so good!

Sent from my iPhone

Must...find...toy!

2009-05-23T20:39:00.000-05:00

The pool opened today...

2009-05-22T15:33:00.000-05:00

But the water was freezing, it started raining and the only people
there can be seen in the picture! Yay summer!

Tiffany got a new crate...

2009-05-18T20:24:00.000-05:00

So can you guess why I am frustrated?

he keeps going...and going...and going...

2009-05-12T19:03:00.000-05:00

Yep. Par is like the energizer bunny. He doesn't stop for a second during the day. Although, he has fallen asleep for an afternoon nap as I type this--but naps--or at least, long naps) are becoming rare these days. Yikes.

Mother’s Day was wonderful…but to be honest…my husband spoils me daily…and I am sure it has nothing to do with the return of my mantra “Honey, I’m pregnant, can you…?” He never complains—he happily gets up to get me some water or let the dogs in/out, see what Par is climbing on, hand me the remote control…
I know…I should feel bad, right? Nope…because although Rusty works very hard to provide for our family, he is rarely (meaning, possibly twice at this point) asked to change diapers. This doesn’t mean he hasn’t or won’t change a diaper—I just don’t ask him to—it just isn’t a big deal to me…now getting up from a comfy position to get the remote control…that is a big deal. So now that I am baking another heir for him, I’m going to let him spoil me (although I’m sure there is a breaking point) and hopefully just as soon as my energy returns I’ll be back to my old self…until the 3rd trimester comes…then I KNOW my mantra will return.

So obviously I am feeling really tired right now…and Par doesn’t seem to care. I don’t want to nap, I just want to rest—but for some reason, Par wants to do anything but rest or nap. He is running around like a crazy monkey on speed most of the time—he sings Happy Birthday about 30 times a day—actually, he sings ALL OF THE TIME!!!! He sings songs from music class, songs we sing to him and some that he makes up on his own. He talks a lot too…some of his words are difficult to understand…but I think most would agree he is VERY polite…his favorite word: Please. (Paweeze) Enjoy the video below—this is how he is all the time…but it was late, so he is a little tired in the video.

We took the video a few weeks ago...and he has since perfected the Happy Birthday song...he says almost every word and it is more obvious what he is singing.

We went to a party at the zoo--Par begged to ride the carousel over and over again. Rusty was a good daddy and got on it lots of times. Check out him trying to climb the barrier to the carousel. What you don't here is him crying (yelling) "Please! Please! Please!" It was pretty pathetic...and has definitely ruined subsequent trips to the zoo.

I had a OB appointment today...everything is going fine...we saw the little baby. He/she was moving around with a heart rate of 167...we find out in about 5 weeks if we are having a girl or a boy....please cast your vote in the upper left hand side of the screen....here is some information to help you with your decision:

I thought Par was a girl--he clearly is a boy--but I was 100% sure he was a girl until the ultrasound. I don't feel quite as strong about this one, but I do think it is a girl.
I have had morning sickness this time--none with Par.
The pencil test says girl.
Chinese calendar says girl.
I crave fruit.

While waiting to see the doctor this morning I saw that there is an early gender detection home test--80% accurate I think. (I can pick one up at the local walgreens)...I am SO tempted to do this...but as I think about my friends who have had children, I have been about 80% accurate on predicting their genders too...so it may be a waste of money...if you've done it, please let me know if it is worth it. Hmmmm.....

Par's music class is over--we won't go again until the fall. Our story time at the library doesn't start up again until June...finding entertainment for a child on speed is a lot of work--but we seem to be doing just fine. It is amazing how long water keeps him occupied! A few of his friends are now "out of school" so we hope to be playing with them more often--and of course, we look forward to a summer full of swimming!

Sometimes....

2009-05-12T14:21:00.000-05:00

It is tough being a monkey.

We just got....

2009-05-06T21:54:00.001-05:00

A king size bed!!!! We slept in it for the first time last night...all
three of us! It Is wonderful! So now I am watching tv and par is
reading...we are both enjoying the new bed this evening...

Live music

2009-04-26T20:58:00.000-05:00

Our boy loves it live...he is so cute dancing and yelling...we took
him to the art show downtown today...he had a blast with the band,
dogs, art and....Belly dancers...because what is an art show without
belly dancers..hmmmmm

Chillin'

2009-04-18T10:49:00.000-05:00

See....

2009-04-18T09:44:00.000-05:00

Eating breakfast...

Something is different about Par...

2009-04-14T16:26:00.014-05:00

Does Par look bigger?

We did just find out that our little monkey is a hefty 20 pounds! Woo Hoo!!! Thanks to Oscar Mayer bologna/hotdogs and sausage pancakes on a stick! So maybe that is why he looks bigger….hmmmm….
Is there something about Par that makes him look older?

He did just have his VERY FIRST haircut! Although I was fond of the traile’ -trashe’ rat-tail that was developing—it was quickly loosing the cuteness…and it was time for a teeny tiny trim. Par loves scissors, so he was a perfect customer! His haircut does give him a more mature look….maybe that’s it…maybe that is why he looks older….hmmmmmm…..
But I don’t know…it just seems like there is something about him that looks…hmmm…different.

Maybe it is because he has a natural glow about him now that Carolina won the National Championship! Par is their #1 fan and he and his daddy have been on cloud nine since the big win…so maybe that is why he looks different….hmmmmm……
But…there is just something else about him.

What? What is that you say? Ah yes…it must be that….it must be because
HE’S GOING TO BE A BIG BROTHER!!!
We are so excited! We found out at the end of March---and I am just about 7 weeks pregnant today! My due date is December 3rd and as you can imagine—WE CAN’T WAIT!!!!!!!!!! It was probably best that our internet was down for so long because I have wanted to post this before now…but today is the perfect timing because Rusty and I saw our baby today and we were able to listen to the precious heartbeat.
For those of you wondering, but too polite to ask—we have about a 2% chance of having another child with CDH. We’ll know about that at my 16 week appointment with the high risk fetal care team at UAB (or at 11 weeks if my regular OB sees anything suspicious at that checkup).
So, being completely optimistic—we praise God that we will be bringing a precious child into the world at the beginning of December—and completely turning Par’s world upside down. I am excited about the idea of having a “normal” pregnancy—my pregnancy with Par carried a shadow of impending doom over me the entire time—I am prayerful this one won’t. We are so humbled that God has given us another child to take care of—unfortunately, Tiffany is not as thrilled about the news. As for Violet, she doesn’t seem to care.
I’ve been feeling fine—just tired and a little nauseous at night—but that is it so far.
Par has been doing great! We have really enjoyed the beautiful weather and we play outside ALL THE TIME! He loves to pick flowers, grass and sticks to feed to the dogs. He had a great time this Easter—he did well in the BCC Easter Egg Hunt—and then he LOVED the Easter Bunny—which is odd because he was TERRIFIED of Santa Claus…he kept trying to go up to him while the other kids were getting pictures. He just seemed so in awe of him—and we really had not even talked about the Easter Bunny…hmmmm.

Easter was wonderful—it was great seeing family—although we missed seeing Rusty’s Dad and Mary—we hope to see them sometime soon. Par was a little prince in his Easter outfit—Boo made the shirt and I made the shorts—obviously Boo had the more difficult part—it is absolutely gorgeous in person!

So sorry...

2009-04-13T22:23:00.001-05:00

So...the Internet was up this morning but the pictures were on rusty's
computer...so I was waiting...and now it is down again....but I
promise, an update is coming...

Sent from my iPhone

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T15:27:00.001-05:00

Our Internet has been down for 3 days now (grrrr) and I really want to
update with pictures and other fun things...but I am forced to wait
patiently...so...check back later tonight..they say they are working
on the problem.

Sent from my iPhone

Tiffany=Trouble

2009-04-01T07:06:00.003-05:00

UPDATE:
Yes, this was an April Fool's Day post...although I had a few emails and comments that weren't quite sure.

Well, yesterday was quite frustrating as I spent most of the day with Tiffany at the vet. A few weeks ago Tiffany escaped out the front door and made her way around the neighborhood. She had never done it before and has never done it since--I often wondered what she did on her little hiatus.
Now I know.
Tiffany delivered 2 little puppies yesterday--they look like golden retrievers, not like Tiffany at all (she is a Cavalier). It was a difficult delivery but Tiffany is doing fine. I am suspicious that my neighbor just down the street knew about this--but what can I do?
I'll tell you what I did! I left the puppies on her doorstep this morning. I put them in a dog carrier and sat them right on her door step. Tiffany acts like nothing ever happened and has been running around like normal.
As you can imagine, Tiffany is in big trouble right now.

Happy CDH Awareness Day!

2009-03-31T07:29:00.007-05:00

Although we will not be celebrating this year as we did last year...we do ask that you take a few minutes today and pray for those precious babies afflicted with CDH. Pray for the mothers carrying a child with CDH unsure if their baby will live or die. Pray for the fathers--I can imagine how helpless they feel on so many levels--pray for their peace and strength for their family. Pray for the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and all the staff that they may be able to make the best decisions regarding the care of these children and be guided by our Father above.
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia is a devastating birth defect--read Par's story here--or learn more here. We appreciate everyone who has chosen to support CDH research by giving here.

I can't stop crying!!!

2009-03-30T18:23:00.001-05:00

Because I want my daddy! Seriously, Par has been screaming for his
daddy for 15 minutes...I am not sure what I said...you better believe
I am going to figure it out so I can do it again when I need some
alone time...but I will wait until rusty is home of course!
(ok...kidding about doing it again...sort of)

Such the gentleman!

2009-03-27T15:28:00.000-05:00

Par and Izzy playing...

Small Successes Vol 10/3

2009-03-26T07:11:00.004-05:00

So celebrating small successes can be good for anyone--but especially a mother of a monkey on speed-ahem...a little boy named Par. Join me over here and celebrate three of your small successes with us each Thursday!

1. I have started to get up at 6:15am for quiet time and then walk with my friend. "Started" is the key word here--hopefully I'll have the small success of "continued" next week!
2. I have kept a clean/dry sink for 3 weeks now! This is amazing to me--my entire kitchen has stayed very clean/neat and I know it is because of this small success--it makes all the difference!
3. I made the appointment to have Violet "fixed" and I am taking her this morning. I will admit, I was supposed to have them both fixed, but Tiffy went into heat last week--which was a wonderful reminder that I needed to do it. So we'll have to wait on Tiffy.
4. Okay...so there are only supposed to be three--but the outfit for Par was definitely a small success! Actually, a rather large success--but I am so excited about it (see previous post)and I am so thankful for Gigi's smocking fingers!

Yesterday I saw the Easter outfit my mom (Boo) is working on for Par--it is BEAUTIFUL! There was a bit of a thread issue--but I believe it will be or has been resolved. Either way, Par is going to look like an angel this Easter--which will definitely help to balance out his behaivor recently. Some of the more "precious" things he is doing include: slapping me repeatedly in the face, hitting (open hand) other children--preferably infants in carriers, saying "no"--but really he just shakes his head and says "nah nah nah," running away from me--which happens most often before he gets in the bathtub and when he stops running he looks at me and starts to tee-tee on the floor (or rug, he's not particular)--this always ends in giggles on his part--not so much mine. If there is one thing for sure--even though many people think he is a girl because of his flowing locks, petite frame and contagious grin--this kid is ALL BOY!

Loving Life

2009-03-22T20:48:00.004-05:00

Par's Gigi has been working very hard learning to smock so Par can be the cutest little boy EVER! After just a few weeks of "instruction" Gigi has perfected the art of smocking and finished her first piece ever! I love it (as does Par) and I immediately crafted an outfit for it--a little button-on shorts and shirt--doesn't he look adorable!?! For those of you who do not know what smocking is...the smocking is the needle work part on Par's chest--Gigi did that--and I did the rest of the outfit. We collaborate well, don't we! So this is definitely a dream come true for me--Boo does all the heirloom sewing, Gigi smocks, and I do the sewing/putting together for the outfits with smocking! Once again, our own little sweatshop!

We have LOVED this weather and spend many hours outside each day. Although I have some allergy issues, it isn't too bad yet...and hopefully the rain coming later this week will keep it under control just a tad longer.

Especially today, the weather was perfect and Par was happy running around in his diaper cover! He loves to be semi-naked--so today was no different and he had a ball in the yard exploring barefoot! Our only issue is rock eating--he loves to eat rocks and is constantly putting them in his mouth. It is so frustrating! So, in an effort to curb the rock appetite, the ice cream man came to visit...Par had his first push-up pop...I used to love them--they only came in orange sherbet before--now they come in rainbow sherbet. Not the best idea--with the colors mixing and melting, it looks like Par has been in some sort of accident. But there is something so precious about him dripping ice cream all the way down his tummy!

Small Successes: Vol 9/2

2009-03-18T22:45:00.003-05:00

So celebrating small successes can be good for anyone--but especially a mother of a monkey on speed-ahem...a little boy named Par. Join me over here and celebrate three of your small successes with us each Thursday!

1. I have continued to get up at 6:30am each day this week without snoozing...I won't mention that several times I have jumped back in bed after about 45 minutes...
2. I have kept a clean/dry sink for 2 weeks now!
3. I have kept the house straight AND finished a book (Chosen & Cherished by Kimberely Hahn) this week!!!! YAY!!!

By the way...my next book is The Temperament God Gave You by The Bennetts...I'll let you know how it is!

I have been changing some things around on the FoR blog...for some of you it may seem like things are missing or links don't work...well, I am working on it! But...thanks to the idea of another blogger...I have made FoR my own now! No longer do you need to type "blogspot" to get to our blog...just type www.familyofriches.com! This makes it much easier to remember--and now I don't have to worry about someone else snagging it out from under me! If you use the blogspot address, it should redirect you to the new one!
So...hopefully I can add "Finished updating/beautifying blog" to my Small Successes list next week! Stay tuned!
And don't forget to stay up to date between blog posts with Twitter...I can't guarantee it will be anything interesting...but who knows!

Magic Mile 2009

2009-03-12T15:35:00.002-05:00

A note from a special friend of mine (She and her daughter Angela lived down the street from me when I was younger) Please visit her link here.

Just a quick note to explain to you a wonderful opportunity to help many deserving children. Twenty-five years ago, due to my daughter Angela, I formed a wish-granting board serving children of Alabama with life-altering or chronic life-threatening conditions. Since then we have granted 3,871 wishes in all Alabama counties.
We are taking on a very exciting email campaign which is very easy to do. I am not asking for "big bucks"--just anything you feel comfortable doing. More importantly, I am asking you to forward this to your family and friends. You cannot begin to imagine the lives you will touch. Please begin your Magic Mile by making a donation online. Or, if you prefer to make a donation by check, mail it to:
Magic Moments--Magic Mile
1600 7th Ave. South Birmingham, AL 35233

Thank you for your help.

Shelley

Tweet Tweet

2009-03-12T11:26:00.002-05:00

Okay...okay...I'm twittering. Tweet tweet.
I'm not sure that anyone really cares about my tweets...but they are to the left...random thoughts during our day...go ahead...follow my tweets...or as Par says in reference to birds..."twee twee"
I'm hoping Char will start twittering...she is my only blogging friend that is also a texter...surely she will tweet with me...right? Come on Char...tweet tweet!!!! If you won't do it for me...do it for Miss B.

Small Successes: Vol 8/ 1

2009-03-12T11:17:00.003-05:00

So celebrating small successes can be good for anyone--but especially a mother of a monkey on speed-ahem...a little boy named Par. Join me over here and celebrate three of your small successes with us each Thursday!

(Why Vol 8/1? Volume 8 for F&F, but 1 entry for me!)

1. I have been up at 6:30am each day this week without snoozing.
2. I have washed all our clothes already (I plan on folding them today...don't i?)
3. I have kept a clean/dry sink for a week now--thanks to FlyLady!
Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Violet learns a lesson

2009-03-09T22:56:00.000-05:00

Lesson: Dont wake a sleeping baby...he might just fall back asleep and
leave you trapped!

Someone didn't get the memo...

2009-03-09T08:28:00.000-05:00

About the time change! Get up already!!!! It is time to play!!!!

She's here!!!!

2009-03-06T18:29:00.002-06:00

Mary Lynne is BEAUTIFUL!!!! Strawberry blond hair and absolutely precious in every way!!! Sandner and Rhonda are doing great--of course, Rhonda looks perfect--you'd never know she just had a baby--hair and make-up looks like she just had a photoshoot!
For those of you confused, Sandner is my cousin (married to Rhonda) and they just had a baby girl today--Mary Lynne--Par's new cousin--and he can't wait to play with her!

Touch my baby!!!!

2009-03-06T17:47:00.000-06:00

Still waiting on the baby...Gov. Riley just walked by and touched
Par...of course, it is hard tell...but I promise...see in the way
background!!

Waiting on Mary Lynne...

2009-03-06T15:17:00.000-06:00

To make her entrance into the world!

Hello Crazy Weather!!!

2009-03-02T18:39:00.013-06:00

We've had a lot going on...and I wish now I had updated a few times before because I am sure I have forgotten some details...but we'll pick up from Valentine's Day...
We celebrated Isabelle's 1st birthday that night (precious little valentine baby!) and so Par enjoyed being her pseudo-valentine date...really, he just wanted to play with the present we brought her and eat the cupcakes...and then steal her little piano...and thankfully, he didn't seem to be in any pain (you know, down there...from healing and stuff).
Well guys...it seems that my sister is now officially on the market--yes...Sally the debutante has begun the debut process--starting with a mardi gras ball here in Birmingham. It was a lot of fun seeing her presented and all the hoopla that goes along with it--not to mention meeting her close friends (all 22 that she brought home--RIDICULOUS!!!) Sal was beautiful and curtsied just right (although I claim to be the professional curtsier in the family). So...like I said, she's available--please email me a resume, a family tree and your W-2 from the past 2 years if you are interested in courting her. PS- She's great with children!
(oh please!!!! calm down...I am kidding....your most recent W-2 will do just fine) :)
Our little monkey has his first interview with Barnum-Bailey Circus--he has perfected the art of riding his rocking horse while standing.
Of course, everyone knows we had some snow showers here in Birmingham on Sunday--what is so funny is the contrast of Saturday and Sunday...these first pictures were taken on Saturday with Isabelle and Par in our front yard. FYI- Par picked that flower himself and started posing like that--seriously--isn't that precious!?!

And see...same front yard, not 24 hours later...
We loved playing in the snow...although it was not too long...

...and then we got dressed and headed to church--and then afterwards, we took some more pictures.

Par has been fighting an ear infection and a cold on and off since before we left for Gainesville--so hopefully we will be rid of it completely by the end of the week. Rusty has been working super hard (as usual!) and I have been playing with my precious baby and making lots of fattening stuff for him for dinner--and trying my best not to taste test it....yikes...
Tiffany and Violet have caused a raucous in the neighborhood with their barking...we hope it is just a phase with Violet and that they will simmer down ASAP...otherwise we might have to let her go to the circus with Par...not that Tiffany is being an angel... but to be fair...as you can see...we have someone that taunts them on a regular basis!

What is this?

2009-02-22T17:48:00.000-06:00

Ok...so Par broke his baby bed back in July and then again a few weeks
ago...after some persuasive emails, Bellini sent us a new side rail at
no cost (and nearly 2 years later) so now I have this random side rail
that I can't bring myself to toss...well...voilà! Here stand my new
fabric organizer! Obviously I do not need to buy any more fabric until
I finish some outfits for Par...I hope to update in a few weeks with
some new outfits ( and an empty holder!)

Story time...

2009-02-20T11:19:00.000-06:00

Is over...so now we are at the park..and we are the only ones here...

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2009-02-14T00:00:00.000-06:00

Par's Procedure

2009-02-13T11:02:00.005-06:00

As you may have figured out--there is always a comical twist with FoR.

We arrived at the hospital bright and early ready for Par's little procedure. We were admitted back almost immediately and prepped for surgery. Par had a little trouble settling down--as you can imagine. As I held Par the anesthesiologist started to take down information from me and Rusty about Par. As he was asking questions, Dr. Kays' nurse practitioner Terri walked up behind him. This is what happened:

Anest : Do you know why you are having the procedure?

Me: Uh, yes.

Anest: Why are you having the esophageal something something?
Me: Huh? (accompanied with dumb look)

Anest: Why do you feel it necessary to have this procedure? (in a softer yet more condescending tone)
Me: Uh... (even dumber confused look)

(Nurse practitioner loudly begins to crack up and whispers something to him)

Me: I don't know what you are talking about, we are having the circumcision because we want him circumcised.

Clearly MORTIFIED, the anesthesiologist makes some lame excuse of why he HAS NO IDEA WHAT PROCEDURE PAR IS HAVING and then continues on with the questions--all of which we answered the day before. He wasn't very much fun after that happened.

Thankfully, we weren't worried--we know Dr. Kays had it under control--but with all the joking about the procedure--it just wasn't the best time to get it wrong!

Because Par was still upset as they were needing to take him back they gave him a dose of Versed up the nose. Within a few minutes, he was WASTED and acting so funny. He had this funny smile and he was waving to everyone--just very slowly. It was easier to see them wheel him away in that state and so Rusty and I headed to the waiting room easier than I thought. We waited about an hour and then we had a phone call. It was Dr. Kays--apologizing that it took longer--but he had to redo it. (Huh!?! I immediately imagined redoing my Barbie's haircuts as the hair got shorter and shorter each time I tried to even it up). What Dr. Kays meant was he wasn't happy how the ring looked (used instead of stitches) and decided to use stitches instead. Thank goodness. He said we could come up in 5 minutes...so we waited and headed up to see our son.
We arrived to a sleeping baby with a plastic thing in his mouth which was used so they could put a tube in his mouth to help him breathe. This was necessary because of the general anesthesia---babies send to have a harder time breathing. We had our first peak at the site--not as bad as I imagined--and we just watched him sleep. Dr. Kays came by and we were able to finally get a picture--even though Par was sleeping and we gave Dr. Kays our gift--a book about Par's journey with CDH--basically, Par's blog put in book form. He seemed touched--we were glad we could touch him in that way--Dr. Kays will never understand what he has given us and how thankful we are of him--so hopefully this book gave him a glimpse of our gratitude.
It took Par about 1.5 hours to wake up--and he did with that same funny smile and drunk look. He was so flopsy that Rusty and I accidentally allowed him to fall to the side--all while beaming this silly smile and waving to nurses in the room. It was comical. We managed to dress him in his comfy outfit which does have a little monkey face on the hood--so it sort of looks like a costume, but it isn't and Par loves it.
As we headed to discharge we ran into Dr. Kays one last time and got another picture! We left the hospital and Par was asleep in just a few minutes. Our ride home was easy--Par only had one little painful episode, but slept most of the way.
So far, I've been able to stay on top of the pain and he is doing great. I know he looks forward to his bath this Saturday (one of his favorite things!)
Thank you for your prayers!

New Pictures...

2009-02-12T11:33:00.002-06:00

I have updated the slideshow just above this post....I had to do it quickly, so they aren't really in the right order, but I will fix it later. I also have some funny stories about yesterday that I will share...right now I have to feed this monkey lunch and run to the store...but check back later this evening.

And we're up!

2009-02-11T10:50:00.000-06:00

We will update later with pics...like in 10 hours when we are
home...but Par is doing great! Woo hoo!!!!!

Still a boy!!!!!!

2009-02-11T08:13:00.000-06:00

He's out...sleeping...but doing fine...

Hello old friend...

2009-02-11T07:26:00.000-06:00

As you can see, Par was reunited with his friend Versed this
morning...and now he is high as a kite...he was just wheeled back and
he should be out of the OR in an hour....saying prayers for our little
man (and that he remains our little man)

Our Precious Little Girl?

2009-02-10T19:19:00.008-06:00

Yep. Here we are...back at Shands...so proud of our son and all of the progress he has made....yet over and over again we have been greeted by smiling faces exclaiming, "What a precious little girl!"--this happens in Birmingham already, but not EVERY person...needless to say, we are starting to wonder if this is foreshadowing in some way....
You see...Par is having a special little procedure done tomorrow...ahem....ahem...
He is going to be circumcised. Now before ANYONE comments on their own feelings about the procedure--this was not a decision we made lightly--and we are VERY aware of both sides--still, we have chosen to proceed--so regardless of your feelings on the issue, we ask for your prayers tomorrow at 7:30 AM...Par will be put under general anaesthesia which is always a risk--and then there is the healing process...a little different than for an infant--mainly because Par can reach it....
But all of that isn't as important as our meeting with Dr. Kays...
Although he was 2 hours late...we didn't care, we were just thrilled to be waiting for him with a little boy to show off! When Terri the nurse practitioner came in for vitals, Par started to cry but calmed down...then Dr. Kays came in and Par was all smiles. I'd like to think he remembers Dr. Kays--or at least his voice. Dr. Kays seemed pleased with how his lungs sound, he does not show any signs of scoliosis yet, his brain development seems fine, his walking and other motor skills are fine and his heart sounds fine...these were the good things...
Unfortunately, our little Par is still not on the growth chart and we need to fatten him up...well...of course, we already know this...and Dr. Kays knows we know this...but now, we need to really focus on fats/high calorie foods--more precisely, more fats and less veggies. (Uhhh...I can do that... I had special training in college and while pregnant....hee hee hee)...Dr. Kays seemed stunned when he looked at his measurements plotted...but we all know it is because he is so active...so we are going to get right down to business...feel free to drop off cheesecakes by the caseload to our house!
Dr. Kays commented on Par's pectus excavatum (a common outcome of CDH babies)but said that nothing needs to be done now (or ever really). Dr. Kays also ordered a chest xray but decided to hold off on the echocardiogram until he is 2 since he sounded fine. We skipped on down to radiology with our precious sleeping baby thinking we could just lay him down for the xray and he would remain undisturbed....we are such idiots...no chance...take a gander at this torture chamber...

Afterwards, we thought we would introduce Par to our favorite restaurant at the hospital--get a jump start on the high fat diet...Wendy's!!!! Par enjoyed his french fries and frosty (don't worry, I know that isn't exactly what Dr. Kays meant)then we went up to the NICU III. We were able to see many familiar faces--and 2 of our favorite nurses--one who helped save his life and the other who helped get us home!!! It was a wonderful reunion--and it reminded us how thankful we are to ALL of the nurses who loved on our baby a little over a year ago.
We also got to visit with Elayne...the amazing OT who is responsible for my success in breastfeeding Par...I am so grateful to her--I was so excited to tell her that Par is still breastfeeding--she is a gift to Shands--I only wish every new mother had the opportunity to meet her!

We had the opportunity to talk to 2 families currently in the NICU with CDH babies. I so remember being there and I was happy I could offer encouragement to them about the near future by allowing them to meet Par...both of the little girls are SOOOO precious and are on the road home now (well, near future).
After our great hospital visit, we stopped by St. Augustine (our church while we were here) and hurried in to see the Funkhousers before they left for the day. Of course, we were unannounced since we never posted on the blog that we were going to Gainesville...but we were a joyful surprise for Bob and Anne and we had a wonderful visit. As you may remember, the Funkhousers were a warm welcome to us when we first moved to Gainesville and always checked in on us--invited us for Thanksgiving--visited us in the hospital--showered us with beautiful gifts (I'm sure you have seen Anne's handiwork--her blankets have become Par's favorites)--we loved letting them play with Par--more importantly, Par got to meet Cameo--their Sheltie. Par gave Cameo about a dozen treats and just giggled.

We hurried home (or to the Homewood Suites) to get ready to meet Doug and Jacy (parents to Olivia, a current CDH baby in the NICU) for dinner. They also brought Olivia's twin brother Mason--he is precious! We enjoyed dinner and talking about our experiences and how to move forward with supporting the CDH community.
So....now we are back in the hotel...playing with Par...he has no idea what is going to happen tomorrow morning...and I am so glad he doesn't...please pray for good sleep for all of us and that we arrive in time!!!! We'll keep you posted!
By the way...I'm sure you are wondering about a picture of Par and Dr. Kays...would you believe the with all the excitement we forgot to take a picture? Hopefully we'll get one tomorrow!

Hold your horses....

2009-02-10T19:18:00.001-06:00

update coming!

Tired of waiting on dr Kays...

2009-02-10T11:53:00.000-06:00

Where are we?

2009-02-10T10:44:00.000-06:00

Well...gainesville of course! Waiting to see Dr. Kays for our yearly
check up!

Four baths and three outfits later...

2009-02-06T18:58:00.000-06:00

He's resting again while watching Horton Hears a Who...
He went about three hours and then had a rough time this evening...

Feeling a bit better...

2009-02-06T15:17:00.000-06:00

He's not monkeying around...taking a little nap...

Mama...I don't feel so good

2009-02-06T09:16:00.000-06:00

Par has been throwing up since 7am...with 15minute snoozes in
between....I thought he might feel better all clean...he did until he
threw up in the bath...so this is our second bath....poor liitle guy....

At first I could not find par...

2009-02-05T10:35:00.001-06:00

And then I found him here.
All of this on the span of a minute.

Swinging

2009-02-01T16:52:00.000-06:00

Is it me? Or does this seem like the last thing you would do while
swinging?

We woke up from our nap a little cranky...

2009-01-28T17:28:00.000-06:00

And this cheered him up...go figure!

We love bath time!

2009-01-27T19:44:00.001-06:00

Does this border on child neglect?

20 years later...

2009-01-24T15:43:00.000-06:00

And it is even more fun!!!! Thanks again Santa!!!

I got a bike for Christmas...

2009-01-24T15:41:00.000-06:00

Yep! Back in 1989...and I pulled it out last night...I have not been
on it in over 10 years... And I have no idea why I have kept it for so
long... Would you believe the tires are still good!?!

Date night

2009-01-20T20:03:00.000-06:00

Par had dinner with his friend tonight... They held hands, played with
knives and choked on food...a perfect night!!!!

Monday!

2009-01-19T16:20:00.002-06:00

We started music class today! Par LOVES music--he loves to dance and loves to make noise--so it seemed like the perfect start to a week! We will attend for the next 8 weeks at 9am on Monday mornings--I must admit, it was difficult getting up and going--but we made it--and Par had a great time! there were 5 other children in the class with their moms--Par loved yet another change of scenery!

It is getting cold here--but Par insisted on swinging--and as you can see, Par has a new friend with him. I admit this is in response to seeing him love on his cousin's baby doll--I felt that an animal would be more appropriate for Par. So...We let him pick from three different animals (elephant, monkey and dog--all very different looking). He picked the monkey and the dog simultaneously. We kept encouraging him to choose one---but he kept holding both of them...then I realized the monkey made noise--thus, Par chose the dog! ;)
So...he loves his puppy--he has played with it off and on today--we'll see if he REALLY loves him as time goes on. As for a name--we just call him puppy.

We were restless at church...

2009-01-18T13:35:00.000-06:00

So we are working on disposing of excess energy at the park now...
But be keeps going.. And going ... And going...

Note to self:

2009-01-17T20:00:00.000-06:00

Don't give a baby Cajun fries...oops...

Five Guys

2009-01-17T19:39:00.000-06:00

The three of us just got here...par is hungry for a "little burger"

Our little monk...

2009-01-14T19:08:00.005-06:00

Not monkey...monk--or that is what I thought he looked like from the picture--but Rusty thinks he looks more like Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star Wars.. and he also noted that Star Trek/Vulcan thing he's doing with his hand...

We stepped outside before lunch to enjoy the gorgeous day before the frigid weather comes tomorrow...Par headed straight down the sidewalk and across the street--up to the front door of his friend Julia's house. I was a good distance back (but still safe just in case mom)as he climbed there few steps and knocked on their door. Unfortunately they are sick, so we just spoke through the window--but how cute is that--he went to play at his friends house!!! (Not sure Julia's dad would think that is so cute...but I do!)

As usual--we ate lunch with Boo--who complimented his sweater not realizing she bought it for him on her trip to Mexico! He loves his sweater--because of the hood and the pockets--although he doesn't quite get the idea of putting things in them--he just likes to look in them.

Okay...so what would you think if I told you this is where I found Par later this afternoon?

Okay...so this hasn't happened yet...but he was upset and would stop crying only if I held him on my shoulders--my shoulders were tired, so I put him up here...I couldn't resist the picture. And to think he stayed there while I ran to get the mail--such a good boy! (put down the phone, I'm kidding)

So the real reason I wanted to update was to tell you about a product that I LOVE! I am very loyal to products that work--and I have enjoyed proactive for many years now--but it is pretty pricey and I have to order it, I can't pick it up at the grocery store. Anyway, I have found a face wash that works BETTER than proactive--St. Ives Apricot Scrub (please note, the Scrub is what I have tried--not the cleanser). I love it!!!! I can't believe I didn't discover this sooner!!!!!!!

Tuesdays...

2009-01-13T12:16:00.004-06:00

Tuesday mornings are now really busy for the FOR! Rusty goes to work ( and I am now going to Sales Meeting--and I need to get Par to his Gigi's house and then to the office before 9am.
Okay...okay...I realize that many of you do this every single day...and much earlier...but it has been a long time since I have--and well...I have a lot of respect for those of you who do it every day!
Because we have lots of Starbucks gift cards from this Christmas (which we LOVE!)we do stop by and get coffee for me and pumpkin bread for Par. So far--so good! I haven't been late yet---but I've only done this twice now.
After Sales Meeting I pick Par up and head to the library for StoryTime--something we only discovered last week--and we LOVE it! Today was very special because we saw a fellow blogger Ole Miss Mom in the flesh! It is sort of surreal--you read about someone and their family for so long and once you see them--well...it was just funny. Thankfully, she reads FOR too--so it wasn't too weird--and we've known each other for years (I used to babysit her and her brother and sister)but I haven't seen her out in real life in a VERY long time. Anyway...Par and Lillian got to meet in person--he was very loving towards her--he gives everyone a hug now--it is precious...but my camera on my phone wasn't quick enough to capture it.

Par's friend Isabelle was also there with her grandmother--he tried to drag her away...

Last week Par did great listening...today he didn't have a very long attention span...but he had fun still!

So...now we are home and he is napping...now some good down time for me!

Still celebrating...

2009-01-12T19:36:00.000-06:00