3 days ago
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Back to the Norm.
I've been back to work for 2 weeks now and things are going surprisingly very well. I am back to the gym and just love it! Aside from the good feeling you get when you work out - I had forgotten that the gym is an excellent place to "people watch" !! We were having problems with Jade whining and not eating- and since he is doing so much better. And I truly believe it all had to do with our routine. Kids need that. Brooklyn is still sleeping through the night (if I hadn't mentioned that she has been from the 4th day we brought her home from the hospital). Brooklyn is such a good baby. She hardly ever cries-unless it's time to eat! That girl is a pig! Brooklyn is starting to plump up and is really starting to get her own features- she is such a doll! Daddy called her "my gerber baby!" yesterday and I thought that was cute! It's so different seeing Jason with a little girl- any little moment they have makes me smile. She knows how to get to her Daddy's heart! Getting used to being away from Brooklyn has been rough- as expected. I will come home and take her to her room for back and tummy time just to get one-on-one time with her. And I love that time. She's smiling and cooing and melting our hearts! I think I tell her every day that she's the little girl I've always dreamed of having. Jade is so so good with Brooklyn. He'll get sooo excited when she wakes up from a nap, "SHE'S AWAKE!!- HI MISSY GURL"! He's starting to share his toys with her and can't wait til she can play with him. When watching Baby Einsteins with her he'll tell her what every thing is, "That's a dinosaur Brooklyn!" He told me a couple days ago, "Mommy-put her down so she can chase after me!" LOL! And lastly when she finishes all of her bottle (which is just about every time she eats) he says- "she's getting bigger-just like me!" My children are my world! I love them beyond words!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Time for Prayer
As I have mentioned I have become an avid blog reader. Through another blog I came across these 2 blogs. It's so awesome how you can be so far away from someone yet feel so close to them and still never met. These blogs especially touched me because of what we went through with Brooklyn. (To re-cap go to my past blog: http://theloffs.blogspot.com/2008/07/high-risk-dr-appt.html) However seeing these pictures of these Mommy's and Daddy's in the NICU not even being able to hold their precious babies is hard to see. Please pray for these babies, families, and nurses. It's so awesome to see what the power of prayer can do!
Baby Harper: http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/
Baby Brayden: http://www.jennasjourneyblog.blogspot.com/
Since finding these blogs I wake up so excited to see the babies progress- it seems as if everyday these sweet babies are progressing beyond measurable belief! What a blessing!
(I have been trying to get this post up for a couple of days- so to read the full stories and updates you'll have to go back a little)
Baby Harper: http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/
Baby Brayden: http://www.jennasjourneyblog.blogspot.com/
Since finding these blogs I wake up so excited to see the babies progress- it seems as if everyday these sweet babies are progressing beyond measurable belief! What a blessing!
(I have been trying to get this post up for a couple of days- so to read the full stories and updates you'll have to go back a little)
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Family Pictures
Ashleigh with AV Photography took our family pictures 2 weeks ago. And I LOVE'M! We really needed new pics with all 4 of us. I am such a picture person (refer to the addictions post)! I know exactly where these are going! Ashleigh was so nice to do some pictures for me of just Brooklyn too. Both my babies are growing up- Both sad and exciting! I love having "babies" but also can't wait to watch them at there next stage in life. I seem to love everything so far about every stage. Here's some of my favorites:
In this last picture Jade is here with our dear friend's little boy Ethan. They came to visit us from Oklahoma. Ethan and Jade play so well together. They had some late night's all weekend long! I just love this picture- show's what being a kid is all about! Silly boys! And here's my little girl at 8 weeks- I'm so blessed.
Florida!!!
Happy Birthday to Shirley came with a surprise trip to Florida! This was so fun. I said surprise trip- she knew nothing about this until we'll... she arrived at the airport. Then we were waiting inside with our bags too along with Jason's sister. She printed out the boarding passes and Surprise!!... Tampa, Florida!! We left last Friday morning on a 2 hour flight to Tampa. The kids did great flying. Jade thought he was Mr. Cool with his DVD player and Daddy's headphones:
We arrived to beautiful sunny 77 degree weather! Lovely! Rented a mini-van and drove out to St. Pete and had lunch. While at lunch we saw Brian Bosworth a retired football player for the Seahawks. (Now just to let you know I had to ask Jason all that info- cause I had noooo idea who he was!) He was spotted by my family before I even knew he was there.... I was in the bathroom changing Miss B and he opened the door for me. And then when we sat down Jason's all like "Hey Brian Bosworth's here" I'm like, "uhhh who's that?" and then proceed to tell him "Well- he just opened the door into the bathroom for me!! So we felt like we were off to a good start. After lunch we drive to this amazing resort in Ruskin, FL (about 20 mins. outside of Tampa) check into our 2 story townhome on the beach. And this cracked me up:
What?? Let's be exact huh? But Lovely. (And great pick Cher!) How beautiful this was and peaceful at that, even with 2 kids. Cherie and Shirley grab some groceries and we are set for the weekend. Saturday we hung out at the resort to play on the beach some. Again another beautiful 77-80 degree day. Lovely. Jade, Dagne, and Shirley played in the water. Me and Miss B. hung out on the sand with Daddy. fun stuff. Just hanging out. 
Attempt of a good family picture; At least this is us at our norm:
Brooklyn's first trip and first time at the beach:
We had noticed that about 5 guys were setting up to what appeared to be a wedding. Green bamboo stems and flowers.... ummm... our minds start running... what time is this wedding?- I wanna see!! Then it was far past nap time. Back to the townhome to nap. Jason, and the kiddo's take a nap and Dagne, Cherie and Shirley and I go checking out stuff. Back to the "wedding spot" they begin to take pictures as if the wedding is about to start.... and well let's just be nice and say that this girl didn't have the same taste in style and color as I do. So we sit in the parking lot observing- quite hilarious especially when they call "Big Mama" who we were expecting to see a "Mama" ohhh no- out of no where comes this 6 foot white gangsta (for lack of better words) wearing all back with just about all the silver jewelry that you could fit around your neck. He was def. dressed to impress. We got a kick outta that! As you can imagine. On to better things- we had noticed there were some brand new homes being built across from our place so we trotted over there to tour. That was fun and so my thing. $2 million beach home. I love to get decorating ideas. Saturday night we went to dinner at the resort restaurant. That ended up last from 6pm until 10pm!! They had a live band and Jade danced the night away!! Yes, Jade. He spotted this couple that was by the band dancing and he joined in. They were a sweet couple celebrating there anniversary. Jade was the hit of the night.... but really no surprise he normally steals the show! 
Sunday turned out to be an adventurous day. This was the day we planned to leave but apparently wasn't meant to be. Lovely. I'll repeat another beautiful 77 degree day. We checked out of the townhome and headed out about 11am to the Manatee view center. Jade as I have mentioned is turning into quite the marine biologist and this was sooo his thing!! He loves manatee, dolphin, sharks, sting-ray, fish... you get it- sea life! 
It happened to be right outside of an industrial plant- apparently the manatee like it there because the water is warmer due to the steam pumped in and out of the water.... so yes, we saw manatee, dolphin, and a sting-ray. Loved it!! Jade didn't see the manatee, but we did. They barely stick there little noses out of the water for air. and every once in a while you'll see a body and fin. But they are hard to see. What sweet creatures. So we got some memorabilia at the gift shop and on our way to the airport we went but the scenic route. It was beautiful and the kids were napping in the car and that was a beautiful thing as well. So we arrive at the airport with a flight out at 7:30ish. (And to note the last flight out to DFW for the day). We check in, get through security (which is no easy task with 2 kids), and sit down to eat dinner at Chili's in the airport just shortly before learning that our flight had been CANCELLED! What?! Yes, cancelled- meaning no way. The aircraft had to be serviced. Grrreat... We all have to work tomorrow- and most importantly tomorrow is my first day back to work. Ummm... So I call my boss and the great one he is- it was no big deal at all and then luckily Jason can work from home and well all in all there was nothing we could do about it. So the craziness begins. (Because we were flying non-rev also). Here's the not so fun part. We had checked in our bags. Well if you didn't know this like we didn't when you check in your bags they take them and put them on the next flight out to your destination. So because we were early.... you guessed it... our bag was on the flight to DFW. I have a 2 month old baby who's formula (only means of eatting) is gone. Well of course I had the handy little formula dispenser so I did have enough for 2 bottles- until 9pm... So now we have turned in the rental car and make arrangements for the night at a hotel. The kids at the hotel:
We had requested a hotel close to a store. Wal-mart was suppose to be close. Cool. We'll walk. So we arrive and Wal-mart is a good mile down this busy road and across the street. Ummm.. so we spot a Target on the same side of the road and think that might be safer. So imagine- Grandma Shirley at the hotel with the kids. Jason and I walking on a major road in nicer kinda clothes and me in heels. And best of all having to walk under a bridge of a major highway. (Ya know the kinda bridges that the bums live under) Grrreat. And we have no idea of what kinda area we're in. We continue to walk get to Target which is a regular Target. No food- which we will need with Jade and Jason. But we did manage to get formula which obviously was the biggest concern. And I decided that sleeping in jeans was no fun and well just like to have clean clothes we pick up a new out-fit for all. So the only grocery store was Whole Foods. Grapes were $7.99, banana's near the same. Jason and Shirley wanted beer. And well we're at Whole Foods. If it ain't organic they ain't got it! So we decide ordering pizza would be best. But still pick up the fruits and some organic beer. Now the hike back to the hotel on the busy street under the scary bridge. And two or three bags of food and clothes. Well the walk back was a little easier after sighting some nice cars in the area. Sigh of relief. Until we see a group of 3 headed towards us. Jason says, "Do you want to walk in front of me or behind me?" Me, "Uhhh... I don't know" Jason, "Walk in front of me". Me, "oook". For the moment scared. The group passes and ends up only being 2 kids and a Dad looking to attempt the same route we did. And this was so not my thing!! We arrive at the hotel eat our pizza and head to bed. Daddy and Brooklyn in there own "Happy land!"
Monday- wake up get a shuttle back to the airport. On our flight and home at 1pm. Home sweet home. And this picture is the result of the hotel not having complimentary straighting irons and make-up. Dang! But hey Miss. B and I got new shirts!
We had a super time. Florida was beautiful and we were so lucky to have pretty weather the whole time. Happy 50th Birthday Grandma Shirley!!
We arrived to beautiful sunny 77 degree weather! Lovely! Rented a mini-van and drove out to St. Pete and had lunch. While at lunch we saw Brian Bosworth a retired football player for the Seahawks. (Now just to let you know I had to ask Jason all that info- cause I had noooo idea who he was!) He was spotted by my family before I even knew he was there.... I was in the bathroom changing Miss B and he opened the door for me. And then when we sat down Jason's all like "Hey Brian Bosworth's here" I'm like, "uhhh who's that?" and then proceed to tell him "Well- he just opened the door into the bathroom for me!! So we felt like we were off to a good start. After lunch we drive to this amazing resort in Ruskin, FL (about 20 mins. outside of Tampa) check into our 2 story townhome on the beach. And this cracked me up:What?? Let's be exact huh? But Lovely. (And great pick Cher!) How beautiful this was and peaceful at that, even with 2 kids. Cherie and Shirley grab some groceries and we are set for the weekend. Saturday we hung out at the resort to play on the beach some. Again another beautiful 77-80 degree day. Lovely. Jade, Dagne, and Shirley played in the water. Me and Miss B. hung out on the sand with Daddy. fun stuff. Just hanging out. Attempt of a good family picture; At least this is us at our norm:Brooklyn's first trip and first time at the beach:We had noticed that about 5 guys were setting up to what appeared to be a wedding. Green bamboo stems and flowers.... ummm... our minds start running... what time is this wedding?- I wanna see!! Then it was far past nap time. Back to the townhome to nap. Jason, and the kiddo's take a nap and Dagne, Cherie and Shirley and I go checking out stuff. Back to the "wedding spot" they begin to take pictures as if the wedding is about to start.... and well let's just be nice and say that this girl didn't have the same taste in style and color as I do. So we sit in the parking lot observing- quite hilarious especially when they call "Big Mama" who we were expecting to see a "Mama" ohhh no- out of no where comes this 6 foot white gangsta (for lack of better words) wearing all back with just about all the silver jewelry that you could fit around your neck. He was def. dressed to impress. We got a kick outta that! As you can imagine. On to better things- we had noticed there were some brand new homes being built across from our place so we trotted over there to tour. That was fun and so my thing. $2 million beach home. I love to get decorating ideas. Saturday night we went to dinner at the resort restaurant. That ended up last from 6pm until 10pm!! They had a live band and Jade danced the night away!! Yes, Jade. He spotted this couple that was by the band dancing and he joined in. They were a sweet couple celebrating there anniversary. Jade was the hit of the night.... but really no surprise he normally steals the show! Sunday turned out to be an adventurous day. This was the day we planned to leave but apparently wasn't meant to be. Lovely. I'll repeat another beautiful 77 degree day. We checked out of the townhome and headed out about 11am to the Manatee view center. Jade as I have mentioned is turning into quite the marine biologist and this was sooo his thing!! He loves manatee, dolphin, sharks, sting-ray, fish... you get it- sea life! It happened to be right outside of an industrial plant- apparently the manatee like it there because the water is warmer due to the steam pumped in and out of the water.... so yes, we saw manatee, dolphin, and a sting-ray. Loved it!! Jade didn't see the manatee, but we did. They barely stick there little noses out of the water for air. and every once in a while you'll see a body and fin. But they are hard to see. What sweet creatures. So we got some memorabilia at the gift shop and on our way to the airport we went but the scenic route. It was beautiful and the kids were napping in the car and that was a beautiful thing as well. So we arrive at the airport with a flight out at 7:30ish. (And to note the last flight out to DFW for the day). We check in, get through security (which is no easy task with 2 kids), and sit down to eat dinner at Chili's in the airport just shortly before learning that our flight had been CANCELLED! What?! Yes, cancelled- meaning no way. The aircraft had to be serviced. Grrreat... We all have to work tomorrow- and most importantly tomorrow is my first day back to work. Ummm... So I call my boss and the great one he is- it was no big deal at all and then luckily Jason can work from home and well all in all there was nothing we could do about it. So the craziness begins. (Because we were flying non-rev also). Here's the not so fun part. We had checked in our bags. Well if you didn't know this like we didn't when you check in your bags they take them and put them on the next flight out to your destination. So because we were early.... you guessed it... our bag was on the flight to DFW. I have a 2 month old baby who's formula (only means of eatting) is gone. Well of course I had the handy little formula dispenser so I did have enough for 2 bottles- until 9pm... So now we have turned in the rental car and make arrangements for the night at a hotel. The kids at the hotel:We had requested a hotel close to a store. Wal-mart was suppose to be close. Cool. We'll walk. So we arrive and Wal-mart is a good mile down this busy road and across the street. Ummm.. so we spot a Target on the same side of the road and think that might be safer. So imagine- Grandma Shirley at the hotel with the kids. Jason and I walking on a major road in nicer kinda clothes and me in heels. And best of all having to walk under a bridge of a major highway. (Ya know the kinda bridges that the bums live under) Grrreat. And we have no idea of what kinda area we're in. We continue to walk get to Target which is a regular Target. No food- which we will need with Jade and Jason. But we did manage to get formula which obviously was the biggest concern. And I decided that sleeping in jeans was no fun and well just like to have clean clothes we pick up a new out-fit for all. So the only grocery store was Whole Foods. Grapes were $7.99, banana's near the same. Jason and Shirley wanted beer. And well we're at Whole Foods. If it ain't organic they ain't got it! So we decide ordering pizza would be best. But still pick up the fruits and some organic beer. Now the hike back to the hotel on the busy street under the scary bridge. And two or three bags of food and clothes. Well the walk back was a little easier after sighting some nice cars in the area. Sigh of relief. Until we see a group of 3 headed towards us. Jason says, "Do you want to walk in front of me or behind me?" Me, "Uhhh... I don't know" Jason, "Walk in front of me". Me, "oook". For the moment scared. The group passes and ends up only being 2 kids and a Dad looking to attempt the same route we did. And this was so not my thing!! We arrive at the hotel eat our pizza and head to bed. Daddy and Brooklyn in there own "Happy land!" Monday- wake up get a shuttle back to the airport. On our flight and home at 1pm. Home sweet home. And this picture is the result of the hotel not having complimentary straighting irons and make-up. Dang! But hey Miss. B and I got new shirts!We had a super time. Florida was beautiful and we were so lucky to have pretty weather the whole time. Happy 50th Birthday Grandma Shirley!! (Sorry so long- I just wanted to remember it all!)
Addictions...
I must admit I have a few addictions... and as of lately there are more than just a few.
To start-since I was on maternity leave I am wayyyyy addicted to blog reading. You'll see off to the side there are a few blogs that I read religiously. I love it. I love that they trust me with their life stories as I trust you with mine. There are others that I read here recently that I have not yet added to my list. Check out http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/ (on my list Bring in the Rain) She is a very strong Christian and writing is amazing as well as her love for her family, friends, and God. My husband thinks I'm crazy sometimes with all the time I spend reading others blogs and writing my own. But I think this is important- I can write whatever I please just as I would talk it and not feel judged. My life-My story.
Secondly addicted to taking professional pictures. I strive for perfection. And the most perfect thing to me is my family. So what better than to capture that. It's becoming expensive but I have found a very awesome local photographer. http://myavphotography.blogspot.com/ (for my records and if your interested)- But of course when we're in Houston- my favorite Amy http://www.getaglimpsecreations.blogspot.com/ . I know some of you who read live in Houston- so keep her in mind. Not only do I call her my photographer but her in-laws used to be my next door neighbors when I lived in Kingwood. Take a look at her work- she's also on my blog reading list.
And thirdly shopping for baby girl clothes for Brooklyn. Let's call this one a major addiction!! Shopping online is extremely fun for this. Yes, it is suggested but with caution. My husband wishes I was warned! Let see: bows, tutu's, custom clothes, ribbon oneies, diaper bags, monogrammed items that are on all items listed above... there's more but you get the idea. Luckily Jason is so far ok with my shopping frenzies. He always tells me that he's ok with it cause I never go "over-board" Ummmm... my reply, "Really? Great!!" Alot of times I find stuff and debate it- again I'm kinda picky.
To start-since I was on maternity leave I am wayyyyy addicted to blog reading. You'll see off to the side there are a few blogs that I read religiously. I love it. I love that they trust me with their life stories as I trust you with mine. There are others that I read here recently that I have not yet added to my list. Check out http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/ (on my list Bring in the Rain) She is a very strong Christian and writing is amazing as well as her love for her family, friends, and God. My husband thinks I'm crazy sometimes with all the time I spend reading others blogs and writing my own. But I think this is important- I can write whatever I please just as I would talk it and not feel judged. My life-My story.
Secondly addicted to taking professional pictures. I strive for perfection. And the most perfect thing to me is my family. So what better than to capture that. It's becoming expensive but I have found a very awesome local photographer. http://myavphotography.blogspot.com/ (for my records and if your interested)- But of course when we're in Houston- my favorite Amy http://www.getaglimpsecreations.blogspot.com/ . I know some of you who read live in Houston- so keep her in mind. Not only do I call her my photographer but her in-laws used to be my next door neighbors when I lived in Kingwood. Take a look at her work- she's also on my blog reading list.
And thirdly shopping for baby girl clothes for Brooklyn. Let's call this one a major addiction!! Shopping online is extremely fun for this. Yes, it is suggested but with caution. My husband wishes I was warned! Let see: bows, tutu's, custom clothes, ribbon oneies, diaper bags, monogrammed items that are on all items listed above... there's more but you get the idea. Luckily Jason is so far ok with my shopping frenzies. He always tells me that he's ok with it cause I never go "over-board" Ummmm... my reply, "Really? Great!!" Alot of times I find stuff and debate it- again I'm kinda picky.
Monday, January 12, 2009
On my mind
Jason always tells me that while looking at me he can see my brain spinning... and it's so true! So let me write it all out. Main reason I can't go to sleep tonight- I start back to work tomorrow and really bummed about it. (It was suppose to be today- but go stuck in Tampa, FL- new blog about our amazing trip coming soon with pics) I felt this way with Jade too so I know/hope this feeling will pass. I keep striving for things to "Get back to normal" and I think this will be the next step to get that accomplished. But by no means does this make it easy. This time unlike last I have soooo enjoyed staying home just being the best wife and Mom I can be. I think Jade has enjoyed me being home as well. His first comment to me as we got in the car last Thursday to take him to school was "Mommy, me stay home with you?" I have my fears of leaving Brooklyn; though I know she'll be ok. I just hate not being able to hold her whenever I want to. Or for that matter know that she is being held everytime she cries. I hope that I find happiness and fun in my adult conversations but I will surely miss the gooo gooo's and gaga's and smiles. Tomorrow I expect to be a rough day (And to mention Jason will be out of town to Pensacola, FL overnight) So to bed I go.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Still my baby boy!
Yesterday Jade got sick. After he woke up from his nap he feel asleep on the couch... first sign things weren't right. Then he became feverish. All the way to 102.9... scary! (There is nothing more scary to me than when my kids are sick) Well we went to the Dr. and they ran flu and strep test as well as a chest x-ray. All were negative. Awesome... so we were sent home with antibiotics for the beginnings of an ear infection and bronchial issues. My poor baby was so sick and didn't feel good that last night we let him sleep on the couch so I could watch him. He did very well. Dosed him up every 4 hrs with Tylenol and he was back to sleep. Now tonight things turned back to normal. Yelling, playing, and finally eating! Jade just being Jade. But when he's sick I'm reminded that he's still my baby boy! Jade loves to play rough with Daddy so much that sometimes I feel like I'm boring and no fun.... so I had my 2 days of glory. Jade wanted Mommy. I was soaking it all up!! And now that he's all better when I tucked him in to bed tonight he said, "Mommy- will you hold me like I'm your baby" And though he weighs 34 lbs and is growing up he'll always be my baby!!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Gaming Systems...
So Jason really wanted a new "toy" for Christmas. I suggested the Wii so we all could play as a family. So for Christmas with all of Jason's Best Buy gift cards and money he debated and finally went to Best Buy with Jade to pick out the gaming system that he wanted. I got about 4 phone calls from Jason while at Best Buy- he really wanted the PlayStation 3. I said that it was his gift cards and his money that he could get whatever he wanted. So Jason comes home with the PlayStation 3 and it's obvious that he loves it so I am happy for him. I had originally told him to get whatever system that he wanted but I did eventually want the Wii for the family. (They are sold out of the Wii's for a while-by the way) My theory: if and when I have time to play a game I want to get something out of it. With the Wii I can be at least somewhat active therefore having the satisfaction of perhaps working out?! Because there is always laundry to wash, clothes to put up, a child to feed, a kid to play with, dishes to do, sleep to be caught up... etc. I don't just have time to sit. Right? And an interesting side note... Jason used to go to sleep right after Jade did- not anymore! I have someone to talk to at mid-night now!! It's nice not being the only one awake once the kiddo's are asleep! I do have a very cute picture of Jason and Jade playing video games together but ummmm.. can't find my camera??! I will look hard tomorrow. It's bedtime.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Experienced Bloggers-HELP!!!
I want to change up my layout to something cutesy and more my style than what they have on here... I know there is a way- a side from layouts I know that you can make your title bar cute too. Lots of you have cute layouts- so lots of help is needed!
Welcome 2009 with a SMILE!!
Brooklyn is smiling now! She really has been smiling for about a week- but definitely its more constant now. She- like her brother-has the cutest smile! Brooklyn got my dimples and though I hate them on me... they are so beautiful on her!! Look at those baby blue eyes! She is everything perfect to me!!
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