Day to Day Blessings: 2009

Monday, May 18, 2009

Where Does Jesus Live?

Several weeks ago, Molly and I were reading her bedtime stories and saying our nightly prayers. She saw a picture of Jesus in her Bible story book and commented on it. So, I ask Molly, "Where does Jesus live?" Molly quickly replies..."At Publix!!!"

I'm still trying to figure this one out!

Summer is Almost Here

Summer break begins this week. WOW! The kids last day of school is tomorrow while I go through the week. Molly has been enjoying several fun activities to end her 3K year. She has had "Pet Day", "Mud and Water Day", and today was "Picnic Day"! I was able to leave work for about an hour today to go on the picnic with her. She was so excited to see me walk in her room at school and to take me to the playground where we would eat.

Here is Molly's second attempt at taking my picture on our picnic. Pretty good if you ask me!

After we ate our lunch, the kids were able to run around and play. I always love watching Molly play. She is a very independent player so to see her interact some (even if it was just the smallest amount of time) with her peers was great.

Molly and her friend, Anna Kate

I was very proud of how Molly acted when I told her it was time for me to go back to work. She waved to me through the fence and then went to play some more on the playground.

It has been a great year for Molly. As I have said in previous posts, Molly has been so blessed to have Ms. Pat for her teacher. It was the perfect match for her. She has challenged Molly in so many ways.

Tomorrow is a very sad day for me, not that it is the kid's last day, but it is the director of preshool's last day. Mrs. Jean will be moving to another state because of her husband's job. Mrs. Jean has been so wonderful to our family; my children adore her. I say that Andrew has a huge crush on her. He truly loves Mrs. Jean. It makes me so sad that she will not be a part of his daily life after tomorrow. I have cried many tears over this special lady moving. I know that God is going to use her in wonderful ways as she takes her ministry up north.

Andrew's First Party

We celebrated on Saturday with family. We had a great time. Andrew was is usual all smiles self during his special party.

Andrew enjoyed smashing into his small cake. Molly really never got into doing this. I guess she didn't like getting dirty! Andrew had fun digging around the yummy icing and loved putting it in his mouth.

After opening gifts, Andrew showed off his walking abilities. He was very brave and took several steps for those who were paying attention. I'll try to get it on video within the next few days.

Happy Birthday, Andrew!

Friday, May 15, 2009

Andrew turns 1

My sweet baby boy has turned one. His gift to me...he took his first steps! Now, did I get to see them? Nope. But that is okay. I was just so excited that he marked this milestone on his actual birthday. The first steps were witnessed by the sweet nursery ladies that love and adore Andrew so much. They shared their excitement with me not knowing he had not taken any steps for me. When we tried to get him to show off for me, he just giggled, fell to his knees, and crawled with glee to me. Oh well. He did show off for me yesterday but did I have the video camera ready? Again the answer is Nope! Hopefully this weekend we can capture the excitement.

We went for Andrew's 1 Year Check-up yesterday. He is doing great! He weighs 22 pounds, 5, 1/2 oz (50th percentile) and is 29 inches long (25th percentile)--at birth he was 8 pounds 8 ounces and 20 inches. While there, we were given more meds for an eye infection and yet again for a left ear drainage. Right when I thought that ear was completely cleared. UGH!

Our biggest information from the appt is that Andrew is now having his 3rd asthmatic symptoms. While they don't technically classify childrens as asthmatic until 2, that is where it is looking like we might be heading. Back in January, Andrew had a slight case of wheezing when he had severe respriratory issues. In April, we had a significant case of wheezing and labored breathing. During this series, we were placed on breathing treatments. It took about 2 1/2 weeks to go through this and he's been doing fine. Just this week, Andrew began coughing some more. I began to wonder, is this the start of something significant again? Or, is it just that--a cough? I knew we were headed for our well-child appt and that was my one big topic to discuss. I received info from school yesterday that Andrew's cough had become worse, he was having some wheezing, and his chest was tight. I was thankful that we had our appt. Dr. Brian listened to him carefully and decided we needed to get back on breathing treatments. We are now taking 2 meds via his nebulizer--one is a preventative med that we will take 2x a day for 5-6 weeks. After this series, we will see how he does. He is also back on his other treatment that he will take every 4-6 hours as he has his asthmatic symptoms. When Andrew is not feeling great, he does not do well with the treatments. He pulls the mask away, screams and cries, and tries his hardest to get away from me. Please pray that this improves. The total time for treatments goes anywhere from 10 min-20 minutes. Pray that I find a way to distract him during these treatments so he won't be thinking about what I'm doing.

Andrew is my sweet, very happy boy. He makes me smile, smile, smile. I love him oh so much. Thank you sweet Jesus for my precious son. I praise you for his laughter and for his personality. I am so thankful that despite his breathing issues, he is a healthy little guy.

We will celebrate with family tomorrow. I'll be adding pictures for sure.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Playing with Baby at School

I picked Molly up from school the other day when they told me Molly has been playing a lot with the baby dolls (I've noticed an increase in baby doll play at home lately, too, so that was not too shocking for me). Mrs. Jean informed me that while Molly was playing with the doll she began to smack at her. The teacher in the class told Molly to be gentle with the baby. Molly then informed her that Baby Something (unable to be understood the name Molly called the doll) was trying to pull off Molly's glasses so she needed to hit her. The teacher asked Molly what the baby's name was since she could not understand her the first time. Molly quickly replied, "Baby Naughty". She named her Baby Naughty since the doll was being naughty trying to pull off her glasses.

Where do kids get these things????

Thursday, March 26, 2009

What's for Breakfast?

Molly usually eats her breakfast in the van on the way to school in the mornings. On most mornings she prefers to eat what she refers to as a "strawberry bar", otherwise known as a Special K Cereal Bar. She loves them! On the way to school this morning, we were passing the cow farm. Molly made a comment about the cows. Here is how the rest of our conversation went:

Molly: What are the cows doing?

Mommy: They are eating breakfast.

Molly: They eating strawberry bars??? (said with quite excitement!)

Mommy: No, cows don't eat strawberry bars. They eat grass and other foods the farmers give them. These cows are eating grass right now.

Molly: Cows eat grass? That's silly, Mommy.

Mommy: Yes, baby. The cows eat grass for the food.

Molly: I not eat grass...

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Welcome Laura Cate!

Tonight we were able to meet the newest addition to Jeff's family, Laura Cate! She was born yesterday at 2:41. She was 7'5 and was 19 1/4" long. She slept the entire time we were at the hospital, even though she did peek at me once! Molly played with Cousin Cameron while we were there. She came to look at the baby a few times but did not want to kiss her or have much to do with her while we were there.

Molly talked about Laura Cate the entire time we were on the way home. When I told her that Laura Cate had to stay at the hospital until tomorrow, she said, "Oh, no, Mommy. What hurts Laura Cate?" She was very concerned that Laura Cate was sick since she was at the doctors. She asked if we could go visit her soon; I'm excited to report that we will be going again soon!!!

Friday, March 20, 2009

Spring Has Arrived!

We have had a great Spring Break week. The kids and myself have enjoyed playing at the house, going to the zoo, playing at the park, playing in our backyard, and just being together. I have treasured every minute of my time home with the kiddos. I am more than excited about the upcoming summer. I can make it until summer arrives!!

We stayed home towards the start of the week more because the weather was rainy and a bit cooler. We were able to enjoy our new playroom a lot the first couple of days. Also, Shannon and Cameron were able to come over and play on Monday. I was thankful that the weather did get much better by mid-week. We really enjoyed getting to go outside several times. Molly really enjoys blowing bubbles so we did just that several times. We also went on a few wagon rides down the street. Such fun!

Thursday we were able to go to the zoo in the late morning/early afternoon. We met Laura and the boys. It was not overly crowded while we were there but man, by the time we left...it was more than crazy. I have never seen the parking lot at the zoo that jammed packed full of cars. Even during Zoolight Safari!!! I am glad we went when we did. The weather was more than perfect.

Today, Jeff took off of work. I was so delighted when he told me he was not going to work today. We took advantage of yet another glorious day (the first official day of spring!) and went to Cahaba Lily Park. We ate a picnic lunch (quickly since Molly was more than ready to play!). It was music to my heart listening to both kids giggle with such excitement while they were swinging away. Then, to see Molly having fun running around and going on the play equipment...oh how I smiled! Andrew went down the slides a few times -- with my help of course! When we told Molly it was time to go, the look of such disappointment came across her sweet face. So, we told her that we would return tomorrow. That satisfied her...and you know Molly--she has asked me a gazillion times about returning.

Thank you Lord Jesus for the beautiful week off from work. I am more than thankful that I have had such an enjoyable time with my sweet babies!

Friday, January 23, 2009

I KNOW...I KNOW...I KNOW

Yes...I have been MORE THAN TERRIBLE in keeping up with my blog. I could give you a bunch of excuses as I have to those who've asked why I've been such a MAJOR slacker...but I won't put you to sleep...It really just comes down to it didn't happen. I really do hate that I've not posted in almost 2 months. WOW! I love blogging and so for me to go that long really shocks me, too.

A few things...my camera broke. Oh so sad. I did cry when it happened. So, because of this, I'm sorry to say that I am unable to post the many cute pictures that I wanted to go with my many December events that follow. I do have my "old camera" so I will try to get an updated pic of the kiddos within the next few days. Andrew really is growing up so quickly.

Speaking of Andrew...he's been sick for a week now. Started off with a cold. I took him in on Monday after him getting worse over the weekend. Our wonderful doctor was not working on Monday and my 2nd choice of docs had no available appts...so I went with my 3rd choice. He says all is fine...just a cold. Well, that just a cold turned worse. Andrew was not himself on Tuesday. I was up with him most of Tuesday night. I ended up putting in for a sub in the middle of the night when I noticed he started running a fever. I called first thing to the doctor's office. I was able to get an appt with our main...our most favorite...our most trusted doctor. Ends up that Andrew has another ear infection and a respiratory infection. This is Andrew's 4th infection in 5 months so we are headed to the ENT next week to discuss tubes. I know how wonderful tubes are, but I'm still not looking forward to my 8 month old having to have surgery to get them. I'll keep you posted on how this goes. Our appt with the ENT is on Thursday afternoon. Andrew has been miserable this week with his sickness. He's run a fever since Tuesday and his cough is terrible. I'm thankful that he never started wheezing...we would have had to bring him in for breathing treatments if we had crossed that path. Today he finally started to perk up some and the fever finally broke. He's still not himself. You can tell it in his eyes. He still is ultra clingy. I'm hoping that tomorrow will be a bounce back day for him. I've said that once this week though.

Enjoy reading of our many December events. Use you best visualizing skills to picture the cute pics you would have seen!

Again, to my many loyal blogging checking buddies, I do apologize. I will do better...I will.

December Events

Well, I've pulled out the ole' calendar to help me remember the many excitingly (not sure that really is a word, but it sounds great!) fun events we did in December.

Saturday the 6th: Wow! What a busy day that was!

Alabaster Christmas Parade: Gracy, Papa, Aunt Shannon, and Cameron went with us. Daddy was working at the start of the parade while Uncle Alan was at home with a headache. It was cold but we bundled up and stayed warm. The kids all were able to get lots of candy. This year's parade was slower than usual. It kinda got boring. Alabaster's parade is said to be the largest around...boy do I believe it.
Christmas Lunch at the Heads: Alan and Shannon would be leaving soon to head for Christmas celebrations with her family so we celebrated with them early.
Sunday School Christmas Dessert Party: It's always a lot of fun with Sunday School friends!

Sunday the 7th:

I went with Andrew to Cousin Liz's annual Christmas Brunch. I always enjoy this event. Such yummy food!
Both kids ended up coming down with a fever that day. Turns out to be a fever virus. No fun at all.

Monday the 8th:

I went with friends to Sips N Strokes (www.sipsnstrokes.com). This was so much fun. We painted a "Retro Snowman". The kicker for the night...I won the grand prize giveaway! I won an Unlimited Pass for THE YEAR!!! WOW!

Thursday the 11th:

My work party at the Comedy Club. This was a lot of fun. It was a Mystery Dinner Theater.

Friday the 12th:

Zoolight Safari: Gracy, Papa, and Cameron went with us. It was SO COLD that night. We really had to bundle up.

Saturday the 13th:

Thompson's Christmas Party: MY FAVORITE Christmas party each year! Laura really knows how to throw a Christmas party! The food is more than yummy and her house is decorated to perfection. I think that Southern Living needs to come take some shots...cover worthy for sure!

Sunday the 14th:

Rockette's Christmas Spectacular!!! Gracy and Papa arranged for Molly and I to go with them, Alan and Shannon, MoMo, and Laura and Ella. It was wonderful. This was the first Mommy-Daughter event to this extent for Molly and myself. When the performance began, I did begin to cry...tears of thankfulness that I was able to do something so neat with my daughter. Molly did very well. She needed to go potty twice but besides that she sat very still and stayed pretty quiet. What a neat experience for us both.
Christmas Muscial at Church: This is an annual event that Jeff and I attend every year. 10 years ago, this is where Jeff took me for our very first date. It is a special memory that I recall every year.

Monday the 15th:

A day I won't forget for a while! I fell at work!!!! I was just walking down the hall talking to my friend, Shannon...and down I went. I managed to make my way towards my classroom so that I would not have a bunch of 2nd graders be amazed that a teacher was on the floor flat. The nurse came to my rescue. Jeff ended up coming to get me and took me to an orthopedic doc. Ends up that it was just a severe sprain...but I did get to bring home a beautiful accessory...a massive boot. Oh, I was in so much pain. It really took a lot for me to even get around with the boot on. Doctor wanted me to stay home for the week, but that just wasn't possible.

Wednesday the 17th:

Molly's first performance in church. She sang her Christmas musical songs with her Wednesday night friends. She did pretty well. She was a bit distracted at times, but she did sing for the most part. She looked cute up on stage.

Thursday the 18th:

Molly's Preschool Musical: "Christmas Step By Step"...well, it step by step was a DISASTER! Molly came right in with her class...she waved to me and sat down on stage with her friends. Well, all of the kids were waving and calling for mommies and daddies. Molly really never spotted me once she got in her spot. But once she did...oh man...it went downhill quickly. She started crying for me and when I say crying, I mean crying. She ended up having to come sit in my lap during the performance. At one point she did say she wanted to go back up. After hesitation, I did attempt to take her up there. I think she thought I was going to sit my not-so-preschoolerish sized body up there. When she realized I wasn't going to, she started to cry. So, I swoop her up and head towards the back of the sanctuary. What does she do during the performance...she sings her songs and does the hand motions...all from the back row! Oh well, she looked more than precious and we always have next year.

Friday the 19th:

We drove around the town to look at different Christmas lights. I love doing this as a family.

Wednesday the 24th:

Candelight Service at church
Christmas Eve gathering at Grandmother Head's house

Thursday the 25th:

Santa arrives! Santa brought Molly a DORA BIKE! Just what she asked for! She was so thrilled!!! The look on her face was one of true joy. It took her a bit to get over to it...I think she was shocked.
Nana and Grandy, Gracy and Papa, Uncle Bob and Aunt Patti all came over for brunch.
We opened up family gifts and then let Molly ride her bike outside. This is when my camera broke...so, so sad.
Progressive Meal with my family: Apps: Moms Soup/Salad: Julie Main Course: Laura's Dessert: our house. I love this tradition when mom's family is all in town. It is a great way to catch up with everyone and wow...we alway end up so stuffed!
Molly and Andrew both were very blessed with lots of wonderful gifts this year. Molly, in addition to the bike, received games, clothes, puzzles...oh and she won't let you forget that Santa brought her chocolate. Andrew got some fun toys and some clothes. He just enjoyed the bows!

Sunday the 28th:

Christmas gifts exchange with Nana and Grandy. The big gift of the night was a red wagon. Wow...Molly loves this so much!

Monday the 29th:

Gracy, Papa, and Aunt Amanda came to Helena. We went to The Depot for some yummy burgers. They then came over to play with the kids for a bit.
DATE NIGHT!!!! Miss Hillary came to babysit (Molly LOVES Miss Hillary--a teacher from her school). Jeff and I went to eat and to the movies. It was great getting to have a Date Night. I wish I could have these weekly.

Wednesday the 31st:

Jeff and KayKay came over to celebrate the New Year. We ate, ate, and ate...once the kids went to bed we played the wii. We actually stayed up til after midnight. WOW! All 4 of us couldn't believe we made it. What a fun night!

Day to Day Blessings