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TWO BY TWO Jackson Gabrielle Connor Brady Cooper |
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Stories February 16, 2008 Our computer is still at the doctor so I'm sitting in the library working on our website right now. Brad is on a computer next to me doing some things for work. We brought Connor with us, too. He is pushing the stroller around happy as a lark. Daddy is at home with the other kids. So, who noticed that I said Brad was with me? What's wrong with this picture? He is supposed to be in India but due to some problems with the travel agency and his flight they are not going to leave until this evening. It was a huge huge mess last night but finally after 6 trips to and from the airport they decided that it wasn't going to happen. We thought the entire trip was off but they were able to get another flight today. Let's pray that he makes it this time. He's really excited to do this mission and I know the kids who are waiting on their cleft surgeries are excited, too. Susan told me that I had given the wrong website address for the chairity. I think I sent you to a Chinese site... so sorry, Won Ton! The correct address is www.thesmiletrain.org so CHECK IT OUT! There has been so much happening over the last week... where to begin? Let's start with last Saturday, Jackson's 4th birthday party. He had a blast. It was a Batman party but he decided that instead of dressing as Batman he would dress as a Pirate... WHATEVER. If Bubba's happy... I'm happy. As soon as my personal computer is back I will post pictures. All of the boys that he invited were having a blast. At one point I turned around to find Jackson down to his underwear! They were wild and running free... literally! The party wore me out. I wasn't as into it this year and I couldn't figure out why. Turns out I was about to be hit with the reason... a severe cold. I've been so sick all week. I ended up having to go to the doctor because I got a bacterial infection in my eye. They were red, swollen and I think I very well could have clawed them out. I'm finally feeling better. Daddy came to the rescue on Wednesday. He came from GA to offer help while Brad was gone. Of course I was very happy to see him. The kids are so glad Papa is here. Especially Gabrielle... she now knows that being the only girl of 5 has its privledges. He brought her a pair of 1/4 ct diamond studd earings! I thought I was going to pass out right then and there. They are beautiful. Papa said the boys could go out with him and get a little something, too. Somehow I don't think they will be quite as great as diamonds but oh well. So we are finally on the search for a house in GA. Susan has been looking for us nonstop. We've ben preapproved for our loan and the hunt is on. It's so exciting and so scary at the same time. I just can't believe we're really doing this. Yeah! Well, there is a groundhog special of some kind that Connor wants to so attend. Better go!
February 15, 2008 HEY EVERYONE! Have you missed me? Febuary 9th a virus hit our computer and it's been "sick" ever since. I've had it in the shop and it should be ready to pick up today or early next week. Right now I'm at Heidi's house using her computer to catch up on ebills, email and the website. I can't stay long because I need to get home to the kids. Daddy is watching them for me right now. He'll be in town all week. Brad leaves for India today. Please remember him in your prayers. Hope to catch up more very soon. I miss my computer!
February 8, 2008 Today was a big day because we hit another milestone. Gabrielle is sleeping in a big girl bed! Since our move to Georgia is coming very soon I decided that she needed to start the transition to a bed this month. We have an extra twin bed my brother, Steven gave to us a while back. (Thank you, big brother!) It's part of a bunk bed set and we've only had one of the beds set up for guests. I didn't have very high expectations for Sissy. She's one to resist change. So I did not say anything all day to her and after lots of thought I decided tonight was the night. About an hour before bed we all went upstairs and I just casually pulled out the matress (it had been stored under our bed) and started to "make the bed." They were all very interested in what I was doing. I let them all help put the sheets on and I said, "Oh this is Sissy's big girl bed." She suddenly was VERY proud and excited. I let them jump and play on it for a while then we all laid down and covered up. Then all at once she said "I want my light off." I asked her if she was ready to go to bed and she said yes. So I put Connor down and sent Jackson off. I tucked her in and told her to stay in bed and I would see her in the morning. She gave me a giant kiss and that was that! I couldn't believe how easy it was. We'll see if I'm still this excited when she gets up at 4am ready to go! haha Brad got home right as I had put her down so I rushed him upstairs to say goodnight and see our big girl. She was really proud of herself. Brad and I both wanted to cry. Our little baby girl is offically growing up. If the rest of the weekend goes well then the crib will come down and we'll put the bed on the frame. I took the kids for haircuts today. Gabrielle and Connor were due for a cut. This was Sissy's first haircut, too. We only took off a little bit to even out the "sgraggily" (is that a word) ends. After that we all went next door to Panera for lunch. I looked like Momma duck and all her ducklings. The kids were literally trailing behind me. They were all so good and we had a great lunch. After lunch we went to Stride Rite. Jackson got new tennis shoes for his birthday. GG sent him the money and that was her gift. To convince him that the shoes Mommy liked the best were cool I had to tell him that these were the "fastest running shoes in the whole store." It worked! He ran around the house the rest of the day showing me how much faster he could run than just hours before. Gabrielle was also in need so we picked out a pink and silver pair of tennis shoes for her, too. She's simple to convince. As long as they are pink she's game. Connor has hand me downs from Jackson and was in good shape. (poor middle child). We left there and went next door to Children's Place. I was in need of long sleeve casual shirts for Jackson and some pj's for the babies. We hit a clearance sale and got the shrits for $6, perfect! By that point Brady and Cooper were DONE and ready to go home. To be honest we all were. I got home to find Becky waiting on me. She was scheduled to come over at 1:30pm to watch the kids for me and I was late. What is wrong with me? I lost track of time and didn't get home until 1:40pm. By the time I got all the older kids down for naps and made bottles for Becky it was 2pm when I left. I ran some errands and was home at 3:30pm. It was wonderful to get out and not have to lug around the kids. Thanks so much, Becky. At 9pm I went to the grocery. I was down to Red Bull and coffee creamer again. Neither of which I think the kids wanted for breakfast! I spent $282... (you can take a breath now) can you believe it? Brad and I went over the reciept twice and found about $18 worth of stuff that was not needed and I'd return. Oh my goodness, what will we do when they are teenagers? It's midnight and I'm off to bed. Jackson's birthday party is tomorrow. I LOVE getting ready for their parties. I plan it like a small wedding... it's so much fun. However, if I don't get some rest Mommy's going to fall asleep in the Batman cake!
February 7, 2008 Brady had a follow-up appointment today with the pulmonologist regarding his Larango Malacia. He got an all clear from the NP. He's doing so well and she doesn't see the need for him to come back. He's made a 180 degree change with his eating. I think he still has a slight case of reflux but nothing I'm concerned about. He weighed in at 15lbs 5oz. The nurse couldn't believe he was a premie! My big boy is so healthy... both of them are. I'm so thankful. The older kids had school today. I had another breakdown this morning. We were REALLY rushed getting everyone to school. When I saw all my friends, I just melted! Seems I'm having a few more of these "meltdowns" than I want to admit. All my "girls" surrounded me and assured me that I'm not a terrible Mom and things will get better. I know that for the most part I'm doing great but some days are just really overwhelming; OKAY most days are overwhelming. A very special thanks to all my precious friends this morning for the much needed encouragment... Sarah, Heather P., Christina and Becky. I love you ladies! Becky said, "I am coming to your house tomorrow to watch the kids. You get out and do something!" Thank you, Becky.
February 5, 2008 I just got through making a Basic Daily Schedule and Good Behavior Charts" for the kids. I have really felt like #1 we are turning into complete chaos during the day and #2 all I say is "NO!", "Don't do that!", "Stop!", "Quit!", "What did I tell you?", "You know better!", and "Right Now... I mean it!" So I figure maybe I'm taking the wrong approach. I should try rewarding the good behavior more often instead of always just pointing out the bad. Jackson's good behavior is to be a first time listener, not whine when told to go to bed, be nice to his sister and brother and clean up when told. Gabrielle's is a potty/good behavior chart. Her good behavior is to use the potty, don't bite and don't pitch a fit. Connor's good behavior is to try his best NOT to whine and try his best to use words. They'll get a sticker or happy face for each day they were "ON good behavior" and at the end of the week they get a reward. The rewards were somewhat different for each child. They include going to the pet store, going to Chucke Cheese to play, make a yummy goody with Mommy, have a cup of coffee, play on the computer, paint my nails, sleep with Mommy and Daddy... etc. I also made a schedule for myself. I hope I can follow it. If I can it will really make my life so much smoother. I hosted Mom's group today while the kids were at school. We had a great time, as usual. After everyone left I made a quick Target run for diapers. I forgot to get hamburger meat for dinner and I didn't have enough time to go back to the store. Not to mention I didn't want to lug the kids back inside. So I made a quick stop by the butcher. It's so awesome and a huge timesaver because they have a drive thru! It's more expensive that's for sure but for someone like me sometimes convenience is just worth it. Be sure to check out my pictures. I posted a few pics of Cooper. You can really see the Torticollis on a couple of the pictures. Poor baby, he tolerates the exercises really well. Please pray for him!
February 4, 2008 Happy 4 month Birthday, Brady and Cooper! I took Cooper to see Dr. Wilson today. He said without a doubt Cooper has Torticollis. He gave us the excercises to start doing 3xday. He said that Torticollis and Hip Displasia are risk factors for breech babies and twins. He wants to have a ultrasound of his hips done to rule out the later. I felt much much better leaving the doctor today knowing that Brad and I are not crazy and there was an issue to be addressed. My NC friend, Heather, came to watch the kids today while I was gone. She did it with a very giving heart and made me feel like she wouldn't have it any other way. Even though it was a sacrafice for her own family and there were probably 1,000 other things she'd rather been doing. Not only did I ask a HUGE favor by watching my kids but I topped it off asking if I could use her car, too! Thanks so much Heather... you are a DEAR! Oh happy day... I got my car back.
February 3, 2008 Since we only have the one car we didn't all get to make it to church. Brad offered to watch the TV preacher as we call it and I took Jackson and Gabrielle. Daddy wanted some Connor time. After church I took the two "wild ones" to lunch at Bob Evans. They were really good and we enjoyed ourselves. We ordered pizza for dinner and I drooled over everyones dinner while eating a salad. Life is NOT fair! If I put salad on their plates they would have went nuts. But wouldn't you know they couldn't keep their hands out of my salad bowl? Tomorrow I am taking Cooper for his 2nd opinion. Brad and I are convinced he has torticollis. Some of you may remember Jackson had this. It's basicly tightening of one side of the neck most common from a trauma at birth. When your neck is uneven you naturally "lean" inthe opposite direction. That's what is making his side protrude out. Jackson's was from using a vaccum and all the twisting that occured. With 11 months of physical therapy Jackson's neck is straight. I'm sure we'll have to start Cooper with the same PT regimen. I'll let you all know tomorrow what the doctor says.
February 2, 2008 Well our 10" of predicted snow was more like 10mm! I was sort of thinking that if I couldn't get out of the house for a few days than the rest of the state should have to stay in, also! giggle I did manage to get some cute pictures of the kids and I in the little bit of snowfall we did get. Check them out on my PICTURES page. I keep forgetting today is Saturday. Brad was oncall and didn't get home until 5pm. The day was pretty much just "the usual." Breakfast, clean up, baths, playtime, lunch, clean up, naps (for the kids... not me!), feeding babies, playing with babies and more cleaning up. When Brad got home we just passed each other in the hall with a quick kiss and hello and I high tailed it out of the house! I went to my girlfriends for a while. Jen & Dave are having twin girls this week! They also have a 5 year old daughter, Sydney. I gave them all the advice they wanted and took some hand me downs their way, too. It's going to be a very exhausting few months ahead but after talking with them tonight I think they have prepared themselves for the best and worst of times. After I left there I went to Target and to get Brad's car washed. I was talking to Daddy and he asked "Are you headed home now?" I replied, "I guess I have to go home considering everything is about to close UNLESS I help stock the shelves at WalMart!" Sadly, it kind of sounded like fun! A little humor... I asked Gabrielle to tell Jackson dinner was ready. She stood with her feet firmly planted and yelled to the top of her lungs, "Jasin Hair-Wis, you get down here right now... is time to eat!" She's such a Mommy! She'll tell the boys, "Guys, stop fighting!" and "You go timeout... I said now!" The really funny part is that Connor listens to her and heads straight up the stairs to his room as told. haha
February 1, 2008 I didn't get any rest last night but I made sure to make it a good day anyway. I've had two good nights rest in one month. Once I fall asleep I'm "golden" but getting to that point is torture. Anyway, I promised myself before I went to bed last night that no matter how tired or grumpy I felt the next morning I would do the following things: 1) Apply make up 2) Get dressed 3)Put on clothes that don't look like pj's 4) Style my hair 5) Make it a good day And I'm happy to say, I DID IT! Mindy and I spent the day together and had a great time. She even treated me to Panera (To-Go) after the kids were down for a nap. Jamie came over later in the afternoon and we watched a little Oprah and had a nice chat. In the evening, my friend Kit and her husband came over and watched the kids for a couple hours while Brad and I went to Red Lobster for dinner. I gave Kit a bunch of Gabrielle's clothes she's outgrown. In return, Kit gave us a gift card for dinner and insisited on watching the kids while we redeemed it. I tried to tell her all that wasn't necessary but she said she would hound me until I let them do it. I must say, it was wonderful to look across the restraunt and see someone elses kids throwing french fries across the room! Brad and I finished a coversation without any interuptions AND we remember eating our food... WOW! Thank you Jesus for friendship!
January 31, 2008 I'm trapped in the house until Monday. Lord, take me now! I took the car to the body shop for repair. They can't have it done until Monday. Since the driver door won't open at all I had to get it taken care of. I look so funny climbing over the seat to get in/out. The kids thought it was hilarious. We are going to get 10" (so they say) tonight so if I have to be stuck in the house for a few days this is a good stretch to have to do it in. I had a major meltdown today. I thought there would be much more of these so I try to think of it in a positive way. At least I don't meltdown more than a every other month or so. At one point I just put the older kids in their rooms, went to the bathroom and dropped on my knees in prayer. "Lord, tell me I can do this? Tell me I can make it one more day, one more hour, one more minute. Remind me I'm blessed. Remind me that this is my duty and privledge to be their mother. Help me to be a good mother. -Amen" The kids did nothing wrong... some days it's just harder to manage than others. A while later I called my girlfriend, Jamie, to see if she could sit for me Monday when I take Cooper for a 2nd opinion. I left her a message and told her to pray for me. She called back and said she was on her way over. She said I had 2 hours to take her car and GET OUT! So precious and such an answer to prayer. Isn't God faithful? He always does what he says he'll do and he really doesn't give us more than we can handle. I was at a breaking point today and my Savior knew it. Thank you, Jesus. Mindy came by today for a while. I'm been in a "funk" for a couple days and I feel so yucky. That's just the best word to describe it. Tomorrow she's coming back over to spend the majority of the day. I am looking forward to getting some rest tonight and starting over tomorrow. PS We've hit a milestone... Cooper rolled over several times today!
January 29, 2007 Today was eventful. I took the older kids to school and then rushed home to host Mom's group. I made an overnight breakfast casserole and others brought muffins and fruit. We had coffee and some good laughs. After I picked up the kids from school we came home and they took naps. My friend, Mindy, is in town this week. She came by to hang out a while this evening. She as boy/girl twins, James and Mckenzie. They are 13 mos old. ADORABLE! Her husband, Jeremy, was in residency with Brad. He graduated last year and they moved to Casa Grande, AZ. She and the kids will stay two nights with us this week. I can't wait to hang out and have some good girl talk with Mindy. Earlier today it was 54 degrees and the sirens were going off in the area to notify us of a tornado watch. Then we had a major storm with thunder and lightning. Now it's super cold (only 15 degrees) with wind gusting 45 mph. Talk about weird weather. We hit 4 seasons in one day! This evening I went to Meijer to make some copies for Brad and pick up a few items. When I went to open the car door in the parking lot, the wind caught it. I jumped out of the car to grab the door and my foot slipped on the ground which was COMPLETE ice. I fell right on my right hip... knocking my knee and elbow on the way down. I got back in the car and cried like a baby! All I could do was think about what I would say to my kids if they fell "It's okay, you're not hurt, stop crying." Only I really WAS hurt and I WANTED to cry. I don't think I'll ever say that to my kids again! Oh my aching back and hip. Since I fell, I wasn't able to grab the car door and the 45mph wind just about took the door off the hinge. It bent the front panel and now that it's shut it won't reopen. I had to crawl over to the passenger seat to get out. Wonderful! The entire front corner panel is going to have to be replaced. That should only cost a couple thousand dollars. ;( Tonight Gabrielle was dancing in the den and holding onto her sippy cup. Evidently some milk dripped out of her cup. She said, "Oh my goss! I pilling my milk, Mommy! It make a MESS!" Jackson was laying on the couch with me. He put his hand on my belly to push himself to a sitting position. His hand was buried about a foot into my belly when he turned to Brad and said, "Mommy, you guys are getting squishy. You're almost growing another baby in your belly!" Hmmmm, maybe today is a good day to start that diet I've been talking about. ;) Connor... oh my sweet Connor! I put him to bed, covered him up and told him all the I love you's I could in 1 minute. I started to walk out the door and he said, "Ate Mommy, I kiss shew!" (wait mommy, i kiss you) He wanted one more kiss for the road. Brady is giggling now. He talks all the time. He makes the most adorable "oooh" sounds and repeats them over and over and over. I could sit and listen to him do that for hours. He's so precious and such a happy baby. You'll never hear a peep out of him unless he needs a diaper or bottle. I took baby boy Cooper to the doctor yesterday. He weighed 15lbs 11oz!!! I couldn't believe it. He's huge! The reason for the visit is we've noticed that his left side from his armpit to his hip is very distended (protrudes out). His pediatrician said we would just "watch" and see how he does and if there are any changes. Brad and I didn't have a lot of peace with that answer so I called a very respected family physican and friend for a 2nd opinion. I'll take him on Monday.
January 27, 2008 It's after midnight and I'm still awake like a big dummy! What am I doing on the computer? I just finished a movie which I was able to watch completley by myself... it was bliss! Not to mention that the movie was so very good. I watched "Waitress" with Kerri Russell... if you have not seen it then rent it. It was a reccomendation from my girlfriend, Melinda. Thanks girl, you were right. As I was watching it I thought "who directed this? I'm going to start looking out for their movies." In the end I noticed the director (who also acted in the movie), Adrienne Shelly, was murdered in 2006. So sad to see a life full of such potential ended so soon. She went to ask a construction worker in the downstairs apartment to quiet down the noise... he punched her which in turn killed her and he made it look like a suicide. This is probably old news to some of you but it was a real surprise to me. Brad worked today. He had to take a "mock board" exam. Residency is horrible right now. I am so very sick of these hours I could honestly throw myself down on the floor, kick and scream and pitch a 2 year old fit. And believe me I know how those fits work. I get really excited about birthday parties for my kids. Every single party I've said "We are just going to make this a small affair... only a few kids invited." And every single year I end up inviting a small army. This year I planned the party for Nov 10th because Brad was told he was off that day. After I ordered the invitations he found out he is on call that day after all. I cried for about 10 minutes and Brad ever so understanding just held me and let me act like a baby. I got my composure and all is well. It's really not a big deal. I'll just tell everyone who gets the invite that the date has been moved up. No big deal but you know how it's the small things that just make you crack. On the bright side, I get to have the party on a Saturday like I wanted in the first place.
January 25, 2008 A little humor... Last night when I was getting the kids ready to get in the bath I left them standing by the tub (naked) while I went to get a towel. When I came back Jackson said with a really pitiful tone, "Mommy? Does it make you so sad that Sissy doesn't have a penis?" (Ha Ha snort giggle) I mean almost everyone else in the house has one so why shouldn't she! He thinks she was left out... poor dear! It was so very funny. I thought you would get a kick out of it. Have a great weekend everyone. Happy Birthday, Papa! Daddy turns 66 years old tomorrow. I love you so much.
January 24, 2008 The day started by dropping off the older kids at Mother's Morning Out then I headed to the dentist for my 6 mos cleaning. I took Brady and Cooper with me. They were so good... I was very proud. Cooper sat on my stomach facing me/leaning on my knees and Brady stayed in his carset just looking around. A little rock with my hand did him just fine. Turns out I have a cracked tooth (molar) and need a crown. I thought the tooth felt sharp but thank goodness I've had no pain. I'll get that taken care of when Daddy comes to visit again. 2 hours would be too long to take the boys with me. After the dentist I met Lisa for lunch at Panda Express. We had a good time together and she helped me feed the boys. Gotta love an extra set of hands at feeding time. Then she followed me to WalMart and sat in the car with the boys while I grabbed some things for supper. I was in the store for only 10 mins... I'm a super fast shopper! We came home and ALL of us took a nap! It was heaven and I felt so good when I woke. I cooked dinner and gave the kids baths. Brad didn't get home until 7:30pm so I missed my girls night and bible study. I was really bummed about it but what can I do? I know he wants to be home as much as I want him home so I try not to get mad at him. But I have to admit, sometimes I feel sorry for myself! BooWho... :( I'm so upset with my oldest son!!! Jackson disappointed me beyond words today. Gabrielle has been going through a biting phase. Today she bit Connor and was punished for it. Later Jackson came to me and said, "Mommy... Connor bit me on my arm!" I couldn't find a bite mark but Jackson was adament about the injury. I asked Connor if he bit Jackson and Connor looked at me with those puppy dog eyes and nodded his head YES. Those of you who know Connor know that he would comply with most anything. I asked Jackson again and he swore that Connor bit him. So Connor recieved punishment. After Connor started to cry, pitifully I might add, Jackson says "Mommy... Connor didn't bite me." Oh my gosh, I was so upset. First of all I cried and hugged Connor. Then I turned to Jackson and asked why he would say that. He said he knew Connor would get in trouble. I made him apologize to Connor, gave him a swat and sent him to his room. He wasn't allowed to watch tv the rest of the day and he had to go to bed early. I felt so sad that he lied to me. Has the sweet innocence left my boy or is he just testing the waters with my trust in him? Maybe I put too much pressure on him being the oldest? It's going to take a lot of prayer. Maybe it's just something big brothers to do their little brothers but I want my kids to have such a special relationship. I don't want them to be typical fighting siblings. Parenting is such great responsiblility and I hope we are doing it right because you only get one shot!
January 22, 2008 We woke up this morning to about 1" of snow. I still get really excited about the snow. I guess growing up in the south does that to you. But my kids being native mid-westerners (that sounds weird) are used to it. Everytime it snows I'm glued to the window and they are like "Yeah yeah, it's snow." They will change their tune when we head south. I'll really miss the weather here... I love it! Jackson is getting all excited about his birthday party. We are having a very small party on Feb 10th. We have to celebrate early because Brad will be in India during his birthday. We went last night and picked out party supplies. The chosen theme this year is BATMAN! It should be a really cute party. Jackson gets so into the whole party thing. He's very dramatic. Wonder who he gets that from? (giggle) Gabrielle is doing great with the potty. She'll use it several times a day. She wears panties most of the time we are at home and has only one or two accidents. I'm super pleased with her progress. I love to see her excitment when she goes pee pee. She raises her voice at least 10 octives and says "I pee pee, Mommy!!!!" as she runs to me for a big hug. It's precious. Jackson will say, "Sissy I am so proud of you. You are a big girl!" He's a very supportive big brother. Connor gets excited too but he doesn't want to participate in the festivities. He's happy on the side lines for now. That's just Connor... laid back, easy going and in no hurry! Today was Mother's Morning Out for the older kids... yippee! We had Mom's group at the church today. We made prayer journals out of small spiral notebooks and decorated them with scrapbook paper and stickers. Mine turned out really cute with some help from my craft guru, Lisa. My creative energy doesn't flow well these days. And Lisa, well... hers is bursting at the seams. It was fun getting to "play" for a while. We laughed and carried on over coffee and breakfast. I love my girltime! I hope I meet some Georgia Girls that like girltime as frequently as I do. It's the most theraputic thing ever to stay sane! Doc (i.e. Richard) is still in the hospital. Looks like he's going to be there at least another 2-3 days. They are not letting him leave until his blood levels are just right. It's a slow process but he's doing really well. Please continue to pray for his recovery. It's going on 10pm and I've promised myself to be in bed by 10:15pm the rest of the week. I'm getting behind on rest and this Mommy doesn't do well without sufficient shuteye!
January 21, 2008 Mom and Aunt Cathy left today. It made me so sad to see them go but all good things must come to an end I suppose. We had a good time together on Saturday. We went shopping for new pj's at Old Navy and had lunch at Olive Garden. Last night I went to a movie with my girlfriend, Jamie. We saw "Mad Money." I wouldn't reccomend it at all! Horrible, really. It was as if Diane Keaton and Katie Holmes had never acted a day in their lives. I've recently seen "Juno" and "PS I love you." Both of those were really good. After my family left a friend from church, Mrs. Ruth, came to visit. We had a nice chat over a diet coke. The kids played while we did some catching up. Mrs. Ruth sent me the sweetest "thinking of you" cards while I was on bedrest. She calls me her "adopted daughter." Having friends of all ages and stages of life is wonderful! It's helped me to realize that I have things in common with people I assumed were so different than me. It's also encouraged me to "step out of my box" and try new things or meet new people when I otherwise wouldn't.
January 18, 2008 Wow! A lot has happened the last several days. Brad's father, Richard, had his knee replacement on the 9th. His recovery started out fine. He had to stay in the hospital one extra day due to blood loss but they sent him home on Saturday the 11th. By Wednesday the 16th he was back in the hospital with shortness of breath, fatigue and feeling very weak. Turns out he had bilateral pulmonary embolisms... both lungs were full of blood clots. He was admitted into the hospital and given blood thinners. Around 9pm he had a heavy nose bleed. Nurses worked around the clock trying to stop the bleed. ENT (ear, nose & throat) was called at that time and did not respond with the urgency that was necessary. Brad and Aaron started working on Richard's behalf and FINALLY at 11am the NEXT day got an ENT to stop the nose bleed. He ended up having two units of blood. The doctors also placed a filter in one of his veins to catch any further clots. It was a very scary time for all of us. My mom and Aunt Cathy were on their way to Indy for a scheduled visit on Wednesday. Brad has been on vacation all week. He and I decided to book a last minute flight to ATL to check on his Dad. At 3pm on Wednesday we booked a flight to depart Indy at 6pm. My Mom and Aunt took care of the kids. Turns out our flight was canceled due to snowy conditions in GA (go figure?) so we came home and left out Thursday. We flew back in tonight at 9pm. We are so thankful that God worked out all the details by providing childcare, time off work and transportation. I am glad to say that Richard is doing MUCH better. He looked so good today and was able to get out of bed for a short time. God has provided and proved he is sovereign. Please continue to pray for his recovery. My Mom and Aunt Cathy need prayer, too. They are slightly exhausted (understatment) from my children! I just can't understand why? (giggle) Tomorrow we will leave the kids with Brad and go have some fun. They deserve a nice lunch and some shopping after all their hard work. What would I do without family who loves me and my family so very much?
January 16, 2008 Brad is on vacation this week. It's been so good having him home, too. I love it. To top it off, Mom and Aunt Cathy are coming to vist. They are on their way now. We are really looking forward to seeing them. Jackson is so excited. He's supposed to be napping but he keeps jumping out of bed saying, "Is GG and Aunt Cathy here Yet? When are they coming?" Brad and I are going to take advantage of having 4 extra sets of hands. We're going to clean out the garage, go to dinner one night and another night we thought we'd go to the bookstore to have coffee and just read. Sounds great, right?
January 13, 2008 "Oh, I'm back in the saddle again!" Girls weekend is officially over. It's back to poopy diapers, whiny kids and a demanding husband. Oops did I say that outloud? Just kidding, honestly. I had a wonderful time with Susan and her family. However, I missed my own family very much and am glad to be back where I belong. Brad did a fabulous job of taking care of the kids and he managed very well. The kids had a good time with Daddy, too. The weekend started on Friday afternoon around 5pm. Heidi picked me up to take me to the airport. On the way she said, "I'm a little nervous about girls weekend... you are really serious about this getting away thing." She pointed out I didn't have my wedding ring on! We laughed so hard... I had forgotten to put them back on the previous day after applying some lotion. Look out, honey! I don't think anyone is interested in this tired ole' mother of 5... not one person even noticed! I had a nice quiet flight to Atlanta. I read my book and just sat there listening to complete silence. Thank God the gentleman sitting next to me was not in a talkative mood either. Susan was waiting for me at the curb in ATL. With a "hoop and a holler" we headed off to a coffee shop in downtown Lawrenceville that has karyoke. My Mom and Larry met us there. Susan and I decided that we were going to grace the audience with a duet. We sang Patsy Cline's Walkin' After Midnight. We cleared the room, literally! For some reason everyone decided that was a good time to take a potty break. (giggle) Saturday morning started off great! I was able to sleep in and chat with the family over a couple nice hot cups of coffee. Grant and I sat in the floor and played with his Thomas train collection. Ryan talked my ear off and showed me all his little favorite toys, too like Harold the Helicopter. I enjoyed every minute off being with their family and having the opportunity to love on her kids a little. Grant's 4th birthday party was at 11:30am. It was a small family affair and just perfect. I was able to see her parents (Jim and Mary Ann) and Susan's sister (Sheri) along with her kids (Katie and Colton). I had not seen any of them since Jackson's 1st birthday party. It was awesome to catch up. Mary Ann was like a second mother to me growing up. Susan and I used to spend EVERY waking and sleeping moment together in middle and high school. We alternated eating at each others house depending on who cooked what. We stayed together constantly. We had and still have truly an amazing and blessed friendship. After the party we hung around the house until 4pm. Susan and I headed off to Atlantic Station in Midtown for some shopping. We strolled the streets and did a little window shopping. We settled in at Rosa Mexicana for dinner. We shared a bunch of laughs over wild mushroom quesidillas, the best and freshest guacamole I've ever had in my life and shrimp and skirt steak served with black beans, rice and warm corn tortillas. It makes my mouth water just thinking of it. After dinner we headed towards home. A wrong turn took us right by my old apartment (where I lived when I first met Brad) in Collier Valley where Melinda and I used to live. On our way home we stopped for Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. They were HOT and delicious!!! When we got back to Susan's I played with Grant and Ryan before they went off to bed. Dennis, Susan and I watched "The Nanny Diaries." Dennis bailed out on us and went to bed when Susan and I busted out high school yearbooks. She and I laughed and giggled as we took a walk through memory lane. Wow! Life has changed quite a bit for us both. Thank God we didn't marry one of those stupid boys. (haha) We hit the sack around 1am with thoughts of the past swimming in our heads. Today was uneventful. I headed off to the airport by 10am and was home by 2pm. The kids were estatic to see Mommy and Brad was just plain relieved! I felt rejuvinated and am anxiously awaiting the next GIRLS WEEKEND! Thanks for a great time, Susan. You are truly my very best friend and I love you so much. Your family is beautiful and ya'll treated me like royalty. I can't wait to live closer to my sister!!!
January 10, 2008 The older kids had preschool today... oh happy day! After I dropped them off I went to my friend Heidi's house. She took Brady and Cooper's 3 month pictures. The boys were in a fairly good mood and I think the pics will turn out really well. Heidi somehow makes my family look fabulous when we all feel frumpy. Thanks Heidi! After pics we went to get formula. I emptied a can of formula this morning and reached for a new one only to discover we were OUT. OH NO!!! It seems we've used 8 extra large Sam's Club size cans of Enfamil since Thanksgiving. (Money Money Money Money $ $ $ $ $ $ $) The little darlings are little piggies. I found enough formula in my diaper bag to make 2 bottles. Crisis avoided... I'll have to do a better job of taking inventory. Tomorrow is the BIG day. I leave for Georgia at 7pm. Oh thank you Dennis for this wonderful gift! I'm going to take a book with me and READ on the way. Can you imagine... actually reading a book that has no pictures! It will be my luck to sit beside the only mother and child on the plane. Maybe I'll upgrade! I will try to update tomorrow but it's going to be kind of hectic getting ready. My friend, Megan, has offered to come over tomorrow and help with the kids so I can take a shower, fix my hair, put on makeup and actually look presentable. This is like a wonderful dream come true!
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