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"The guy who wonders how he is going to pay for his kid's orphanage...That guy shouldn't worry about where he is going to park."


THE OFFICE IS FUNNY AGAIN!!!

Mini Milestones

I will be posting more about the CT trip soon, but things have been busy around here. The weather is to perfect not to spend as much time outside as possible. So, the days are flying by. There have been so fun little milestones that I want to document in the blog world.

First, this weekend Jillian officially found her tongue. I don't really remember this with Gage, although I know he did this too. It is just to cute for words. She is constantly sticking her tongue out in all sorts of ways, sometimes pointy, sometimes to one side, then the other, sometimes with just a hints poking out. It makes me smile every time I see it.

The second is that Gage is now saying "Thanks Mom (or Dad or Grandma or Jilly). It comes out more like, "Tanks Mom". I love it. He will even say it on his own, without being prompted. He is also saying "Owww". For example, we are playing outside, in the beautiful weather, near the swings in the backyard. He purposely bumps into them and says "owwwww" then repeats this pattern about 20 times. Each time I smiled and laughed at him. This pretend play stage is so much fun. Yesterday was pot-holder puppets, today it is the attack of the swing. Love it!

The psycho-nighttime-baby syndrome is getting a little better. I enjoyed sharing my hotel bed with Jillian this weekend, but once home, she is back in her crib. She took great naps yesterday and today and only woke up once last night before finally gracing us with her presence around 7:30am....lovely! We are trying to work out the solids issue. I think the rice cereal is giving her gas, so we are just trying squash for now. Lord, bless her tummy!

A few randoms...

I will post more about my CT trip tomorrow, but I wanted to share a few random happenings in our house!


Here are the before/after pictures of the breakfast area! Love Pottery Barn!





Gage and Jilly in their high chairs...Gage is sharing his Little Einstien candies and his juice with her. Such a good brother!

The colors of the high chair go so good with Jilly's coloring! She is so cute!
She is also a spitter! Bibs are a must!

I don't know how Gage did this by himself, but he has this Blue and Dots stuffed animals. Their paws are magnets and he managed to secure both around his wrists. This is how I found him from his nap!

Enjoy the videos...you might want to pause the music at the very bottom so you can hear Gage!

In this video he is using the pot holder as a puppet.


Mama gets no love in this one!

Our CT trip: Friday

I am home. What a blessed feeling! It was so good to be able to go to CT to spend time with Kasey and meet sweet Baby Ethan for the first time. Alicia and I both felt good about everything that happened. Let me give you a recap.

On Thursday night, Dave, Jillian and I stayed at a hotel near the airport while Alicia met me there in the morning. Alicia and I leave on time, no traffic, all is going well. If you have not yet had the experience of traveling with a child, or two, let me warn you: It is work and it takes time! We park next to each other in the expensive parking lot near the gate because we know the feat that stands before us. I am traveling with Miss Jilly, a stroller, a car seat with the base, a large suitcase and my "purse" that is really a diaper bag that weighs 20 lbs! Alicia is bringing one small suitcase, a tote bag and her purse. We both new we looked silly walking to get our boarding passes and enjoyed the looks from passerby's. Security is an adventure in itself. Everything must be stored in its own gray bin to pass through the X-Ray machine. The stroller must collapse and the car seat separated from its base and put upside down. All this while holding a 16lbs baby, in your bare feet. God Bless Alicia for all her help. We made it through just fine, as I always have with Dave, we just take extra time and about 20 bins!

Here we at at our gate waiting to board the plane. We took some time to call home and chat with the ones we left behind.

Jillian is enjoying a little wiggle time on the floor!

Once on the plane, Miss Jilly gets fed and our movie begins. I love movies on planes. They make the time go by so much fast. Plus, since Dave and I don't get out too much, it is like going to the theater, only we are in the sky. For our viewing pleasure, they showed National Treasure. Great movie. Jillian did a mixture of sleep, eat, play and smile. She is such a great traveling baby. Thank you for your prayers on that. Here we are upon landing in CT!

Alicia and I behind our rental car!

Upon arrival, we catch the car rental van which quickly takes us to our car, a spiffy Volvo. We all head straight for the hospital. Alicia and I spoke on the plane about our nervous anxiety about meeting with Kasey. I played the scene over in my head several times. All scenarios included crying for all the adults. Alicia and I felt as prepared as you could be. We arrive at the hospital and head inside.

We were greeted by a nice lady at the desk asking for our name and the name of the patient we were visiting. Alicia and I were impressed with the level of security at this hospital. They keep those babies under lock and key. With Jillian in her stroller, we get our badges and head to the elevators...


That is when the nerves set in. We did not know what to expect. What type of children would we see? How would Kasey be holding up? How would Ethan look and act? Although the trip to the elevator was decorated with fun paintings and figures, we were nervous. It was a long ride up to their floor.


Once on their floor we passed through more security and we then told where to find their room. We get to her door and see Ethan in his crib and Kasey on her bed, which is really a small chair that pulls out into a bed. We tap on the window and she waves us in. My first impression of their room brought on a depressing feeling. My heart sank with the reality of what Kasey's first experience as a mother is like. Her baby is in a hospital crib with an IV tree next to it, one wall is a dulled orange while the other is a flat gray. It was a bit of a shock.


What you don't see upon arrival is the love that is in that room. Kasey loves that little boy with all her heart. I can't remember ever seeing Kasey so strong and sure of her roll as I have in that room. The nurses are so sweet to both mommy and baby and truly care about them both. On the walls were cards from Kasey's former students, pleading prayers and words of encouragement. We spend the next few hours being updated on the specifics of Ethan's illness, how Kasey is handling it and all the things in between. We all held our composure, not wanting to be the first to lose it, but relaxing in a friendship that has been affected by distance. It was so nice to be there with her. To see her hold her baby, to see the strength and faith that she has shown in her blog in person, face to face. Their live is now a ministry which is reaching more people than any of us know. Ethan is such a sweet, content, lovable little man! From looking at him, you wouldn't know how gravely ill he is. By looking at him the first day, he looked a bit jaundice. His skin was a bit yellow so he looked a little off. It wasn't something that grabbed you and said, "Hey, he is really sick with a rare form of Leukemia." That was a blessing.

Here are Ethan and Jillian meeting for the first time. This was also Ethan's first time to be naked in from of one of his peers! Hubba Hubba!

Ethan is giving Jillian his best grin, but she is only interested in her one true love...her thumb!

After chatting for a bit, Kasey shares some great news she received from the nurses just before our arrival. She got the go-ahead to take Ethan outside for the first time since his arrival. Because of the treatment he is receiving, he is very susceptible to getting sick. His immune system is very week and Kasey will need to keep him fairly isolated for quite awhile. With that said, his blood levels were doing well enough for a trip outside. The first one in 17 days. Man, I have taken my kids out almost every day for the past 17 days. What a luxury I take for granted. It was a special moment for Alicia and I to share with Kasey. I am glad we were there to celebrate with here! Enjoy the pictures of the adventure!

Kasey and Ethan heading toward the EXIT!!!

Yea! They made it past all the security check points and are outside! It is sad that a little thing like deciding to take your son outside becomes such an ordeal, but we all new it was for Ethan's well-being.

I loved this tree. It was so beautiful! Maybe it was because it matched Jillian!

The tulips were blooming! Here are the girls, plus Ethan! I know Alicia was missing her girls, but it was a sacrifice she made so that she would help me with Jillian, who is nursing, and spend time with Kasey! Thank you Alicia!

With the plan to spend more time together tomorrow, Alicia and I headed to our hotel to check in and get settled. During our stay in Ethan's room, Jillian was the best baby ever. I am so proud of her. She allowed us to put our attention on Kasey and Ethan without fussing or complaining. She didn't have all the "entertainment items" she does in our house, but she was content to lay on the bed and enjoy the new environment. She was a blessing.

After checking in, we headed next door to a great restaurant, go To Go food and headed back to the room. It was a nice ending to a long day. We got some sleep and were preparing for the events of the following day.

I will post more soon on how Ethan is doing, the things we were able to do with Kasey and more.

"Daddy....shoe...oh no"

That is what I heard right after I heard a big thuddddd! Dave apparently went throw the ceiling while in the attic trying to fix the antenna for his radio. Lord have mercy...I lost 10 years of my life. My mom and I were in Jillian's room cleaning out her closet...I am still trying to squeeze that baby in 0-3 months clothes. It just ain't happenin'. I run out and see Dave's leg, from the knee down hanging out of this whole.

Dave is ok, just a scrap on the knee and a bump on the arm. Holy Moly!

On a happier note, here are some pics of the kids in their chairs, all smiles. I also got Jillian's new high chair. Fun!

I hope to write some this weekend. Please be in pray for our trip.

Girls Trip

From L to R: Amy, Sarah, Me, Kasey, Alicia

Takes at Kasey's Bachlorette Party

I have written a few times about my dear friend Kasey and her baby, Ethan, who was diagnosed with JMML, a rare form of Leukemia. Let me give you a little background on how we all know each other. Alicia, Kasey and I all started freshman year of college together. Alicia and I actually had dorm rooms right next to each other. It was thanks to Alicia that I got my job in the Financial Aid Office. It was a job that I would have from my Sophomore to Senior years and one that paid for the majority of my college expenses. Kasey worked right next door, in the Cashiers office. It was a nice set up. Although Kasey and Alicia were best friends, and even went on to share an apartment together, we were all pretty close.

Kasey, who has a beautiful voice, sang in my wedding. She was also the maid of honor in Alicia's wedding, and I was a bride's maid. After Kasey moved up north, Alicia and I made a mad dash up to NY City, where we stayed all of 24 hours (not recommended). We did however manage to squeeze in mani/pedi, eat at Serendipity, and go to the Regis and Kelly show! After which we drove to Kasey's wedding, where Alicia was the matron of honor. Needless to say, we all have some history together and some seriously funny stories. We shared the good and the bad times since we were all away from home for the first time. We essentially grew up as women together. It was a great support group.

That brings me to now. Right after I wrote my blog about the American Idol Gives Back I got the email from Kasey stating that Ethan was a very sick little boy. After reading, I immediately texted Alicia. Since then, Alicia and I have been talking about how horrible we feel for Kasey and how helpless we feel being so far away. We then decided to get some plane tickets and go for a visit.

I will be leaving Gage here, at our home, with my mom. She knows his routine and I know they will have so much fun this weekend. Especially because she is taking him to her house to feed the llamas. Whenever Gage sees them he says, "Hi Llama Mama, Hi Llama" in a really cute high pitched voice! Dave is going to visit his family down south, and Jillian and I will be flying with Alicia to visit Kasey.

It wasn't until tonight, while talking on the phone with Janelle, that I realized I would be visiting a children's hospital. I have been so focused on seeing Kasey and Ethan, the location hadn't really crossed my mind. It will be tough. I am no stranger to the hospital setting, but I haven't had a lot of experience on this side of things. After Dave's accident, I was the one people were visiting and supporting. Let me tell you, this is a hard place to be too. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. That was the best piece of advice I received several years ago. That, along with what my mom said to me when I called her with the news of Dave's accident, which was to be strong no matter what. Those two things have kept me going forward. I hope to reinforce those to Kasey this weekend.

Man, life can be hard sometimes. It was like I was playing a great hand in poker when, suddenly, I get a new hand dealt to me. I felt that way in October 2002, and I know Kasey must feel that way now. Alicia and I are going to support Kasey this weekend the best way we can...with some good 'ol Texas loving! Please pray that we are a blessing to Kasey. Pray that Jillian is a great traveling baby. That was have save travels and that ultimately Ethan's total healing will force people to turn their eyes to God and trust in Him for their life's struggles...even when your hand of cards isn't what you wanted.

Revertigo...Innuendo-ing

I am sure you are puzzled by my title choice. Let me explain. In our house, the kids are on a schedule. If the kids are happy, mama's happy. I find that by having my kids on a schedule, we are all singing a happier tune. Jillian goes to bed around 7 and Gage follows shortly after, usually around 7:30. After they are snug in their beds, Dave and I enjoy the shows on our TIVO.

Let us have a moment of silence for the greatness that is called TIVO...

Alright, so first we watch "How I Met Your Mother" It is a great show, one that hasn't disappointed me like some other shows...the office...(I am holding out for the writers of the office to get their rears in gear and get me rolling off the couch laughing my butt off soon). So, in this episode they were talking about "Revertigo" A phenomenon that happens when you hang out with someone from your high school and, although we have grown as adults and most certainly changed in more ways than one, we revert back to the good old, awkward days of high school.

What would my revertigo look like? Hmmmm...that is a good one. My last 2 years of high school I went to a small private school. Seriously small...like 50 people in my graduating class. It was so much fun. There was a group of 6 of us girls that hung out quite often. We wrapped houses (aka TPing), we danced to the "ghetto" music, we hung out with our guy friends and we were just silly. I had some great memories from high school. I am sure you would see me in my 87 Toyota Camry, I lovingly called Lucas. Did ya'll see that movie? It was great and the main character, Lucas, reminded me of that car! I would have some loud rap type music playing while driving to a friends house. We were just silly girls back then! What would your revertigo look like?

The next word of the night is from High School Confidential. I am not sure if you have seen this show. It terrifies me to be a parent of a girl. Some of these kids stories include multiple pregnancies/miscarriages/abortions. Some come from broken homes, others from loving, caring, Christian homes, but neither seem to protect them from the temptations of high school and the repercussions that follow. This episode was about a Persian girl who is in love with her high school sweet heart. She meant to say, insinuating, but said innuendoing. It was great. Maybe you had to be there, but Dave and I got a good laugh.

In high school I said "cool" a lot. My step-dad made fun of me and would ask if things were "hot" instead of "cool". As a product of growing up in the 90's it is a word that is still in my vernacular and has made its way into Gage's as well. It is so cute to hear him say. It comes out more like cruel, but it is none the less super cute.

I don't really know the point of this post, but this post is indeed what I meant in the title, "And the random thoughts that follow."

Peter Cottontail has been busy, and so have we!

The bunnies are running rampant in our neighborhood. It must be that busy time of year. I have seen at least 3 bunnies per day for the past week. Gage is loving it. Because the weather has been so nice, in the 80's and not too windy, for the past week, we have gone on several walks. Always keeping my eye open for those fluffy white-tailed creatures, I point them out to Gage as soon as I see one. The bad thing, once the rabbit sees a sprinting little person running towards them, panic sets in and off they go. Poor Gage! Today I went for a walk with my neighbor while Gage was still napping. Her little girl, who is 3, saw the rabbit I pointed out in the yard. She calmly walks up and the rabbit is off! Channing said, "The rabbit didn't like me!" Poor thing. I, on the other hand, expect the rabbit to hop like the wind when it sees me coming. If it lingers to long, I am afraid it might be rabid and will attack me. I'm not much a nature girl!

We too have been busy like the bunnies, just not the reproducing way...we are done with that for awhile. Life with two babes is equally fun, rewarding and exhausting. This newest phase has it ups and downs. First, Jillian is eating solids. It is a fun, yet totally mess stage. Being the finger sucker she is, every bite is followed by the thumb in the mouth. I am attempting to make all of her purees. Right now, we are on peas...easy enough. She is actually loving them. But here is the kicker. How do you explain to a 2 year old that their baby sister is going to sit in their BELOVED highchair while you get to stand around? And I do mean beloved. Gage can sit in that highchair for over an hour and be totally happy. He eats in it, plays with playdoh in it, reads, colors, watches TV in it. He loves it. So, I have order a new highchair just for Jilly. It is so cute and girly, you can check it out here! Jillian is so happy when she gets to sit in the chair, so I know she will love hers as much as Gage loves his. By the way, Chicco products rock!

Another, less exciting and joyful phase, is what I lovingly refer to as the psycho-nighttime baby phase. Little Miss Jillian is waking up 1, 2, 3 times a night. Goodness. I thought solids would help her sleep, but it isn't working. I am at a total loss. Does she need to eat more, does she need to eat less, is it gas, hunger, teeth?!? I tried to let her cry a bit, but that turns into a (literal) scream!!! I don't want her to wake up Gage, which thankfully hasn't happened yet. It is exhausting. I am going to attribute it to a growth spurt, mind you, this girl has some thickness to her, and that it will end soon. It has too. I remember, albeit, groggily, that Gage went through the same thing around this time. Now he is an ideal sleeper. So, pray for Jillian to sleep all night like she was a few weeks ago. Mama needs her sleep! It makes me appreciate the fact that Gage can actually tell me what he wants now, and 90% of the time I know what he is talking about! God bless those two!

Here is a picture of Jillian eating her cereal, pre-highchair phase! Feel free to leave comments. I would love to know who my readers are!

Thankful Thursday

It has been a nice day in our house. Upon waking, I check my blog buddies and find that Baby Ethan, although had a tough night is having a better day. You can check out their blog for more info. Then we had a nice morning with Mawmaw and Grandad who drove in on their way up north. It was nice for them to love on the kids and catch up on each others news. I also put Jillian in the highchair for her morning meal. We are having to go to 2 feedings a day because, even though my supply runneth over, she is a hungry girl. She looks so cute in the highchair! Check out these pics!

Jilly and Grandad!

Mawmaw and Grandad with the kids.

Mawmaw took request for what we wanted her to bring. I asked for these haystacks. They are made with milk chocolate, the bark kind, melted and stirred with pretzels, marshmallows and peanuts...so yummy!

Then I made my purees for Deceptively Delicious. Y'all, they are so easy. You don't need much. Just a steamer device, a food processor, a measuring cup, zip lock bags and a sharpie. Here is my carrot puree.

Here is my pea puree. Aren't the colors pretty? You really can't taste the veggies in the food. It doesn't take the much time either. I spend an afternoon making the purees and then freeze them. I will probably start giving them to Jilly when she starts solids...besides the cereal she is already on.
I then went to wake up Gage and found this:

Fun Pictures of the Day

We had a nice day here at our house. My mom was here this morning, as she is most weekday mornings to help me out with the kiddos...she is like a nanny but better! Although we had a bit of running around with Dave's appointments, I managed to get some fun pictures in. Hope you enjoy!

Gage decided that he needed to try on the boxers I sleep in and my t-shirt...he loves to dress-up!

Jilly's tutu pictures...she loves that thumb!
So Cute. I decided that she needs a tutu in every size!

I have been trying out recipes from Deceptively Delicious. Tonight I tried the Chocolate Chip Cookies, which have chickpeas in them.
I gave them to Gage and he actually ate them...this is big coming from the kid who doesn't eat birthday cake!

Then I think he got a little chickpea flavor! Ha! I really enjoyed them, however, I have been on a "diet" for several months, so anything tastes good. If I make them again I will mash up the chickpeas and then add them. Just don't tell people what is in them before you give it to them. It is like they sense the flavor because they know it is in there, even though you really can't taste it. Like, Dave says he doesn't like mushrooms or onions...however, they are in most of what I cook. As long as he doesn't know about it...he loves it!

Mom and Jilly Kisses! Do you notice my post-baby hair loss and my new baby bangs!
To read exactly what baby bangs are, go here and scroll down to the post on "Baby Bangs? Seriously??My neighbor, Cindy, was parenting solo tonight so her two daughters came over for pizza. Channing and Gage enjoyed a little flirting! Gotta Love it!