Warf Party of 4

Going out of business

2012-01-25T18:29:00.000-08:00

Our local Food Lion is going out of business in a few weeks and today was the first day where the whole store was 50% off. So of course I stocked up on lots of items, from paper products, batteries, baby formula, rice cereal, lots of baby supplies and food, toothpaste, band aids, snacks, juices, etc., you get the idea.

I have no idea where I am going to store all this

I was able to get several months supply of Houston's very expensive formula and rice cereal.

His formula is $16 a small can. With 50% off at $8.00 and then I was able to use my $2.50 off coupons. So total of $5.50 a can. Cant find a deal better than that. I have 5 more cans of formula not pictured. haha

Happy wednesday

Still fits?

2012-01-22T09:38:00.000-08:00

Look who thinks he can still fit into his old bumbo play center

Landon 2009

Landon 2012

I LOVE this age!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-18T13:37:00.000-08:00

Baby Shower

2012-01-12T14:25:00.000-08:00

My sweet friends Rebecca and Shauna threw me a baby shower for Houston last weekend. Since we have been home for a few months and I already had tons of clothes and baby items from Landon, we decided to have a baby essentials shower. Super cute idea isn't it? Well I am worlds worse about charging my camera battery so I was only able to get a few pictures before the camera died.

The cake with the invention

The cake table

All the baby essentials

Opening presents

And this is where the camera died...

All the baby wipes we have received over the last few months

All the diapers plus a few more boxes in the floor

Jason and I have some amazing friends, family and co-workers who have been there every step of the way since Houston's early arrival. My work also threw me a great baby shower where he received some amazing gifts as well. We are very grateful for everyone and everything we have received in the last 4 months. I think we are stocked up on diapers and wipes for a while, what do you think?

We are blessed!

Thank You

Look alikes

2012-01-07T16:42:00.000-08:00

I really think my boys look alike, especially when they are babies.

Landon at 3 months old; Oct. 2008

Houston at 3 months; Dec. 2011

Both are bald, have blue eyes and have round chunky faces.

I love looking at old pictures of when Landon was a baby. I cant believe he will be 4 years old in 6 months. ;o)

Happy weekend

Houston is 4 months old

2012-01-03T18:15:00.000-08:00

Today our little man is 4 months old. I know I say it every month, but WOW 4 months already. He has been home for 2 months now and thriving quickly. Today he had his 4 month wellness check-up.

Daddy and Houston at the pediatricians office

We never had a pediatrician for Landon we just used our family doctor, but with Houston being so premature we had to find a pediatrician who has experience with preemies of his age. I asked around and all my friends said the same practice. There are 4 all women pediatricians in this office and we love them all. My friends were right about them and I am so glad we choose them. The whole staff is wonderful, very helpful and aware of our situation with Houston. I am planning on switching Landon over to them as well in the near future. Ok back to the baby.

He had to get four different shots and he showed us that he has no problem with his little lungs. I have never heard him scream that bad before. Here are his stats based on a preemie scale:

Weight: 11 lbs 13oz (90th percentile)
Length: 21 1/2" (70th percentile)
Head circumference: 38cm (70th percentile)

Our doctor said that he is doing wonderful by growing and thriving well. He is on about a 2 month old level. He has started to open his hands up more instead of clinching his fists, he is getting much better head control and making more eye contact. He has also rolled over several times during tummy time. He will start solid foods by spoon in 2 months and we will be able to change his NeoSure (formula for preemies) to regular milk or possibly soy based formula. Now he is taking rice cereal in his bottle every feeding to help with his digestion and with his projectile spit up by keeping his bottle down.

My attempt at a 4 month photo

Big brother wanted in on the action, take 1

Take 2

Take 3

Take 4

Tomorrow I go back to work after being on maternity leave for 4 months. I am excited about seeing my kids again and being able to go to school with Landon and seeing him throughout the day. As well as getting out of the house, catching up with my girlfriends at work and basically rejoining the human race. However I am having to leave Houston. I found a grandmother at our church who is willing to take care of Houston for me while I work until school is out for the summer in May, so I know its only temporary. I have complete trust and faith in her and her ability to take good care of my baby, but its just hard to leave him after all we have been through. So please pray for me tomorrow as I will have LOTS of crazy mommy meltdowns.

I hope everyone had a great New Years. We stayed home and ate chick-fill-a and watch Toy Story. We were all in bed before midnight and DVRed the ball dropping.

Please don't be jealous of our lives. haha! Maybe next year we will have better plans.

2011, A year in review picture style

2011-12-31T19:05:00.000-08:00

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

Happy 3rd birthday Landon

August; one of my last baby bumps before Houston arrived

1st day of school

September; Happy Birthday Houston

First family photo

October

November; Landon holding Houston for the first time

December

Merry Christmas

2011 brought my family and I very many ups and downs. The premature birth of Houston at 26 weeks 5 days was by far the most traumatic, but also the most joyous time of our lives. The miracle God provided for us by bringing Houston home a happy and healthy baby boy in November.

We look forward to and welcome 2012 and cant wait to see what the upcoming year brings my family and I.

Christmas Day 2011

2011-12-28T19:15:00.000-08:00

So I am way behind posting about Christmas. I was a horrible picture taker on Christmas Day and I only got a few good shoots. Both boys slept till about 8am and once they woke up we headed downstairs to see what Santa brought.

Landon's big present was his John Deere Gator. When he saw it he wanted to drive it right away and didn't even bother opening his other presents. So at 8:45am Jason and Landon were out playing with his new Gator

After presents we just relaxed around the house and let the boys play with their new toys. Christmas night we went to Jason's parents house for dinner and more presents with family.

I think Houston's bib says it all. This was one of Landon's when he was a baby.

Houston with his grandmothers, GG and Nana

Landon and cousin Scotty

Landon getting excited about all his presents he's about to open

Nana gave him a portable DVD player

And he got all 3 Toy Story movies

Thats when I stopped taking pictures. haha.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas. I'm kinda glad its all over, I'm ready to get my house back, get back to a routine and back to school.

Merry Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T20:47:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Eve from the Warf's

We started out by making cookies for Santa and breakfast casserole for tomorrow morning

Landon doing all the cookie decorating

Then the boys got bathes and into their Christmas PJ's

Last we laid out cookies and milk for Santa

Merry Christmas!

Landon's Christmas program

2011-12-22T18:39:00.000-08:00

Last week Landon and his friends at school had their Christmas program. It was so cute and they did a great job singing Christmas songs. My pictures were taken from a semi long distance so they are not the best quality.

Landon and his school friends getting ready to sing

Singing jingle bells and ringing his bell. I think his class were donkeys, which explains the hat

Not sure if this is a yawn or he's singing

No Christmas program is complete without the nose picking picture. haha

Merry Christmas!

Houston's first photo shoot

2011-12-19T11:33:00.000-08:00

Houston's first photo shoot

Houston's birth announcement

Family Christmas pictures and Christmas card

2011-12-15T17:20:00.000-08:00

My very talented friend Sarah came over to our home last weekend and took lots of great Christmas pictures of my family of four. We decided to take them at home for Houston's health

Brother's

I love my new family of 4

One of my favorites. I ordered this picture as a canvas and should be here soon.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours

Bouncy Seat

2011-12-12T14:19:00.000-08:00

Landon circa October 2008; 3 months old

Houston 3 months old in the same bouncy seat

Brotherly love

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-07T17:57:00.000-08:00

Happy 3 months Houston

2011-12-03T16:18:00.000-08:00

Today Houston is 3 months old. He is 3 months old and I am still 2 days away from my original due date. I cant believe he entered this world 3 months ago at a mere 26 weeks 5 days. The last three months have for sure been a roller coaster with lots of ups and downs. We are so blessed to have him as our son and for him to be as healthy as he is for being born so premature. I would have never imagined I would be writing his 3 month post and not even reached my due date of Dec 5th, but I am and that is how amazing God is and proof that our plans are not always his plans. After 67 days in the NICU and being discharged with no health problems here is pictures of our miracle baby.

Houston and BIG brother Landon

Here are Houston's stats:

8lbs 8oz.
newborn clothes
size 1 diaper
when he does tummy time he can lift his head up and move it from side to side
he has rolled over once
moves eyes to follow things like light and noise
he still sleeps pretty much through the day
he eats every 3 to 4 hours, 4oz each feeding
he sleeps through the night from 11pm to 4am
A developmental specialist came to evaluate him yesterday and she said he is on a 1 to 2 month level and he did wonderful during his evaluation.

He is truly a miracle baby and a gift from God and we are so in love with him

Santa Visit

2011-12-02T14:26:00.000-08:00

Last week I took the boys to visit Santa. For Houston's health we went right when Santa opened and on a weekday. There were not a lot of people and I didn't get him out till right when Santa was ready for him. I asked Santa NOT to touch him so that is why Houston is wrapped in a blanket. Yes I'm one of those mom's, but he's a preemie so I HAVE to be careful. I was a little nervous about Santa and Landon this year. The last two years he did NOT like Santa, but this year Landon was all about Santa and told him everything he wanted for Christmas. I was impressed. Anyway here is my boys with Santa

I LOVE seeing this picture and what a miracle Houston is. I'm blessed to have two healthy boys. This time last Christmas I was praying I would have this exact picture in 2011. A picture with TWO of my babies.

This is Landon last year with Santa. He did NOT like Santa at all and every picture with Santa he is crying, screaming and trying to get away from him as fast as possible.

His first time visiting Santa; Christmas 2009

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2011-11-30T18:58:00.000-08:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at our house

The tree

The boys new cookie plate for Santa. Isn't it SO cute?

Landon wanted his picture taken

Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-26T20:13:00.000-08:00

I hosted Thanksgiving at my house this year and I only had time to pull out my camera one time. I didn't even get a family photo. O well. Thanksgiving was pretty laid back. My mom came over to eat as well as a few close friends of ours who's son is one of Landon's best friends. Brady got a new 4 wheeler a few weeks ago and he brought it over for Landon to ride.

Brady and Landon

Landon's turn to drive with Brady and his mom Sarah

This is what Landon asked Santa for Christmas. His very own 4 wheeler from Bass Pro Shop. I told Landon when he can buy it himself is when he can have a $7,000 4 wheeler

Houston did a bunch of this on Thanksgiving

I am thankful to have all my boys home for Thanksgiving. When Houston was born the doctor's told us that he probably would not be home by Thanksgiving. They were right about everything with Houston, but not that. God is AMAZING and MIRACLES do happen

Thanksgiving program at school

2011-11-21T19:04:00.000-08:00

Today Landon and his classmates sang a few Thanksgiving songs for their parents. All the kids were so cute in their hats while singing their songs

My little man getting ready to sing in his turkey hat

Singing songs

Shaking it

Landon and daddy

My boys, minus Houston who stayed at home with my neighbor

(sporting the no shower and makeup look today) ;o)

Tomorrow is Landon's last day of school before Thanksgiving break. Then were home together for the rest of the week.

Happy Thanksgiving

Just swinging

2011-11-18T15:09:00.000-08:00

A certain 3 year old decided to be the baby of the house for a moment and wanted me to take his picture

(i wonder what the weight limit is on this thing?)

The actual baby of the house

For fun, here's Landon in June 2009 in the same swing

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-16T18:42:00.000-08:00

Leaves

2011-11-14T10:11:00.000-08:00

The one good thing about leaves are being able to play in them

Takes talent to hang a car on a tree

Happy Fall!!

Houston's Homecoming

2011-11-12T17:51:00.000-08:00

After 67 days in the NICU, Houston was healthy enough to be discharged on Tuesday, Oct 8th. He came home weighing 5lbs. 9oz and 19 inches long. By the power of our faith and prayer from hundreds of people some we know and some we do not, Houston came home perfectly healthy. He came home with no brain bleeds, perfect eye sight, clear echo cardiogram, no respiratory issues and he passed his hearing test. Most babies born as premature as he was usually has a defect of one of these. We are truly blessed and thank each and everyone of you for praying for my family and Houston's health. The power of prayer works and Houston is proof of that. He is our miracle child and we are blessed to have him as part of our family and I would do it all over again for him. OK so here is picture overload

Houston and mommy rooming in at the hospital the night before we went home

Coming home outfit and matching hat right before going home

As you can tell Houston is excited to go home

We arrived home our sweet friends Peyton and Elizabeth decorated our house for Houston's homecoming

Baby BOY!!

Jason picked Landon up from school and when Landon got home he was so EXCITED to hold his baby brother for the 1st time.

1st time doing tummy time

We have been home for 4 days now and adjusting well to having two boys. Landon LOVES to help with baby Houston as he calls him. This is the perfect age difference between the boys because Landon understands whats going on, but he can also grab diapers, wipes, bottles, help with baths and throw things away for me. He is being a real big help and a great BIG brother. Jason goes back to work next week and I am a little nervous about taking care of an infant and 3 year old on my own, but hey if everyone else can do it I sure can.

Houston had his 1st well baby visit Wednesday. He had several shots and did great with them. I guess shots are no big deal after what he went through the last 2 months. Since he is so preemie we cant chart his growth compared to a full term 9 week old, so his doctor charts his growth by a newborn since that is what he would be if he was born this month. Here are his stats:

50% percentile for head circumference

50% for length

25% for weight

He will be behind for about 2 years on average, but only time will tell.

I am so happy to have all my boys home and under one roof. My heart is FULL.

Houston's nursery

2011-11-10T18:55:00.000-08:00

First of all we are home and adjusting to life with two boys. I'll post more about Houston's homecoming soon. For now I wanted to post pictures of Houston's nursery.

I had a good friend of mine make all of his bedding and matching curtains as well as the chair

Another friend of mine painted the sign over his crib

And big brother wanted his picture taken

Rooming In

2011-11-06T17:55:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow night if all goes well, Jason and I will be rooming in with Houston and be discharged Tuesday morning. Hard to believe that after 65 days in the NICU we will finally be taking our baby boy home. Today his doctor called me and gave me the news about tomorrow night and she went ahead and ordered the last few things that needed to be done before discharge. Today Houston had his car seat test and passed with no problems, he also has his boy surgery and he had his synergies shot to help protect against RSV. Tomorrow he will have his hearing test and an echocardiogram to check out his tiny heart murmur before we room in. When he passes all those Jason and I will room in with him about 5pm and hopefully be discharged tuesday morning. We have been very busy trying to get the house cleaned and organized before he comes home. I have tons of pictures, but my lap top is in the shop for maintainence so I'm using the iPad to blog. Keep praying houston continues to thrive and we have a great first night together. Jason, Landon and I are enjoying our last night as a family of 3 tonight. Believe it or not were looking forward to the sleepless nights and the chaois of adding another person into our family. I'm just ready for all my boys to be together and under one roof. I'll have my lap top back next week and will post lots of pictures.

Houston is 8 weeks old

2011-11-01T17:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Houston turned 8 weeks old. Hard to believe he is 8 weeks old and we are still 4-5 weeks out from my original due date. He is truly our miracle child. How he could be born so early and the outcome be as positive as it has been. How healthy he is with no physical or mental issue's due to his prematurity and how hes coming home before his due date. How someone could not believe in God after a miracle like ours I just don't know.

Here is what Houston has been up to these days:

5lbs. 3oz.
19 inches long
He just started taking all bottles (8 a day) and his NG tube will come out tonight or early tomorrow morning
He went spell free for 5 days then he had one on Sunday, Oct 30. So we started the 5 day spell count down again. As of today we are on day 2. He has to go 5 days without a spell to go home.
If he continues to take his bottles well and he is spell free for the next 3 days then the earliest we could go home is this weekend. ;o) OMG this weekend!!!
My mommy instinct says we go home next week sometime. Which is so hard to believe we are close enough to even talk about going home with our baby.
He also has to take his car seat test when the doctors give us the go ahead and bring the car seat in. All the babies in the NICU have to have this test before going home. The baby has to sit in the car seat for the amount of time it takes you to get from the hospital to your house, so for us its 30 minutes. Houston has to sit in the seat for 30 minutes with his monitors on without having any desats in his heart rate or respiratory rate.
Jason and I have one more video to watch, CPR, before we can room in with Houston
Rooming In is where the parents spend the night before going home in the hospital with baby in the room. Gives us a chance to have that overnight stay a normal mom would have after having a full term baby with a nurse on duty.

Houston at 8 weeks old

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T16:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween from the cutest policeman I have ever seen.

Stick them up

Ready to go trick or treating

He can give me a ticket any day

Happy Halloween!!!

Cute Houston items

2011-10-28T19:02:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share a few cute things I have been collecting for Houston

I found these super cute monogrammed burp clothes on Etsy

My talented friend Beth made these H onesis for Houston

My friend Courtney painted this to go over Houston's crib. It's wood and I LOVE it. It's the same colors as his nursery.

I am getting excited finishing up his nursery and having him home with us in a few short weeks.

I will do a nursery tour soon. I am having the cushions from our glider re-upholstered, so I am waiting on them to complete the room.

Lucky Ladd Pumpkin Farm

2011-10-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

This year we visited a different pumpkin farm about 30 minutes outside of our community. It was a great pumpkin farm and will return next year with both our boys. Here are a few pictures from our fun day.

Happy fall yall

Pumpkin Carving

2011-10-23T17:11:00.000-07:00

Tonight Jason and Landon carved the pumpkin we picked out at the pumkin farm.

The best part of carving a pumpkin for a 3 year old boy. The guts!

The finished product

New bed

2011-10-21T18:56:00.000-07:00

Last night Houston was able to be moved into an open crib. NICU babies have to be at least 4lbs. 2oz. and maintain their own body heat for a few days before being moved out of the isolate.

Houston in his new bed

Home away from home

I cant believe we have come far enough for him to be healthy and stable enough to be in a well baby bed. As of last night he weighed 4lbs. 5oz. Today he took his best bottle all week. He took 35cc in 20mins and did AMAZING! He did so well that his doctor increased his feedings to 37cc and up to 2 bottles a day.

This afternoon, Jason and I watched two out of the four videos we have to watch before taking Houston home. His doctor told me yesterday that we probably have about three weeks left in the hospital as long as he continues to take his bottle and has to be spell free for five days. So our list of things to do before going home keeps getting shorter every week.

Just keep praying Houston continues to take his bottle well and our check off list of going home keeps getting shorter.

No oxygen

2011-10-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

Look ma no oxygen

Today Houston was taken off his oxygen and his nose cannula came off. So he is going solo on breathing now. When his nurse took his nose cannula off, for me it was like taking the training wheels off the bike and letting go. You wonder if they are going to fall, hurt themselves or balance on two wheels and go for it. That is how I felt when the oxygen came off. I stayed a few hours after the oxygen was removed and he did just fine with no problems breathing what so ever. So lets pray he continues to do well without oxygen.
Also they have started turning the inside of his isolate down in temperature so his little body can adjust to being outside of the isolate and ready for the crib. He will more than likely be in the open crib by the end of the week. ;o)
It's amazing how far we have come compared to the time we have let in the hospital. What a ride we are on, but I would do it all over again for this sweet angel.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

Philippians 4:13

Houston is 6 weeks old; 33 weeks gestation

2011-10-17T18:10:00.000-07:00

Today our miracle baby is 6 weeks old. Really 6 weeks? Have we been on this journey for that long? I'm pretty sure we are more than half way to getting home. ;o)

Here is what Houston has been doing in the last few weeks bullet style

Weight: 4lbs 1oz.
Length: 16.5"
Only 1oz. till he can be in an open crib and out of the isolate. He averages weight gain of an ounce a day
He had an eye exam today and it went so well and his vision is so good that no other eye exam is needed
Takes 35cc per feeding (30cc in 1oz, so hes eating a little over 1 oz every 8 hours)
His oxygen is down to .3 per 1 liter. Only .3 down more to go and hes off oxygen all together ;o)
He has two primary nurses. When his nurses are on shift they will always be on Houston's bedside until he goes home. Jason and I really liked these two ladies and feel the most comfortable with them taking care of Houston. So we asked them to be his primary nurses and they both accepted. We really LOVE them both. It makes us feel better about leaving him with someone we completely trust with his medical care.

And the BIG news today is after 6 weeks I was able to feed Houston his 1st bottle. I walked into the room today and his nurse said "I have a surprise" and she told me that he is doing well enough to eat from a bottle. She probably thought I was crazy because I started crying. This is a BIG deal in the NICU world.

He gets 30 minutes to eat his 35cc. He did amazing!! He ate about 25cc of the 35 without any problems and no decrease in his heart rate or his oxygen levels. It took him the whole 30 mins to eat the 25cc, but for his first bottle he did amazing. I am so proud of him and so proud to be his mommy.

This week he will only eat 1 bottle per day. If he continues to do well this week, then next week he can take 2 bottles per day. Every week they increase the amount of bottles he will take until he is on full bottle feeds and does not require an NJ (nose tube).

And for fun, here is me feeding Landon for the first time in July 2008 during his 2 week NICU stay

Landon; July 2008. Landon and Houston look so much a like

Remembering Maddie

2011-10-14T16:33:00.000-07:00

I have been following this blog for several months now, http://kandjstaats.blogspot.com/. Their daughter died of SIDS in February and today would have been her 1st birthday. My heart goes out to her parents and I just cant imagine what they are going through. So in honor of Maddie, her mother asked her followers to wear pink on her 1st birthday. So today I wore my pink and prayed for Maddie and her family.

I pray for all the mom's out there who have sick children or children who have passed away. A parent should NEVER have to bury their child. Her story has helped me be a better mom and not take our children, our loved ones or ourselves for granted. As a mother who has a child currently in the hospital, I am so grateful and thank God everyday that he is here with us, healthy and thriving and will come home in just a few short weeks. Thanks Maddie for being our children's guardian angel.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-12T15:25:00.000-07:00

Were in clothes

2011-10-11T17:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Houston weighed enough to wear clothes. He weighed in at 3lbs. 7oz. as of yesterday. Here are a few pictures of me dressing him and in his first outfit

Isn't he ADORABLE!! Someone get me a spoon because I could just eat him up.

Landon's 3 year pictures

2011-10-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

Landon turned 3 in July, but I'm just now getting his 3 year old pictures made in October. A tad behind, but do they really change that much in 3 months? haha.

So here are a few snap shots of my handsome boy

Moving on up.....

2011-10-08T16:42:00.000-07:00

to the 8th floor that is. Houston was moved yesterday to the 8th floor, which is also called step down. Babies are moved to step down when they do not require serious medical attention. They call them grow feeders, where all they have to do is eat, sleep and grow. We were so ready for a change and so happy he is doing so well to be moved to step down.

This is where we were for 4 weeks

and now we are here till Houston comes home.

I know not a big deal to an outsider, but the rooms are set up differently and its a different view out the window for Jason and I to look out.

Notice the little green drawers to the left? Those are Houston's clothes I brought from home that he is going to start wearing as soon as he gains 1 more ounce. ;o) I stayed up lastnight and washed several loads of laundry and put his name in them. And today I bought the Rubbermaid drawers to organize them and take to hospital. I cant wait to see him in clothes.

And here is our little man just laying around

Bath time

2011-10-06T18:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Jason and I were able to give Houston another bath

He really enjoyed his bath time

Mommy washing his back

After bath and ready for lunch and a nap

Houston is 1 month old

2011-10-04T18:55:00.000-07:00

Houston turned 1 month old yesterday on October 3rd. This has been the longest month of my life, but also the shortest. I am praying October is a good month for us and we have more ups than downs. Here is what has been going on with Houston in the last few days.
Saturday, October 2nd he required a blood transfusion. Jason and I were both at the hospital when the doctor delivered the news. I just broke down crying thinking that this is such a set back. We have been here for 4 weeks and he's been doing so well and all the sudden he needs a blood transfusion. When you tell someone their baby needs a blood transfusion you immediately think the worst, like this is the worst thing that could happen to him and us. As I am crying, the doctor and nurses proceed to tell us why he needed this. Houston's anemia level was 23, normal level is at high 30's or low 40's. His little body was not producing enough red blood cells which carries the oxygen through his blood. This low anemic level and little red blood cells was causing him to also have more spells (stop breathing while sleeping). So he really needed this blood transfusion to help with his spells and just make him feel better. He had three sets of red blood cells through a 24 hour period. The red blood cells he was given was around 2oz. split up in three separate syringe. So no bags were involved. The last syringe was given last night and when I went to visit him today he was doing AMAZING. His color was back to normal and he only had one spell within a 12 hour period. So the transfusion seems to have worked. During the transfusion they had to stop feedings and give him food through IV during this time. So today they started back this feedings to half and will start full feedings tonight.
So needless to say the last two days have been an emotional roller coaster
Some good news also happened during this time. He had another brain scan and it came back normal with no brain bleeds. His vision screening came back great as well. As soon as his IV is out tomorrow and back to full feedings they are going to move him upstairs to the Lily Pad which is one step closer to going home.

His weight is up to 3lbs 1oz (he lost an ounce during the transfusion) and his length is 16"

Houston at 1 month old

Nana and Houston

Sweet angel sleeping in Nana's arm's

I thank God for this miracle baby and all the good he has done through Houston, but I also still have lots of questions and doubts. I don't know why he brought this sweet baby into the world so early and I am still trying to cope with all the questions I have for him and all the ones I would love to have answers for. During the transfusion I kept asking why us, what did I do, why does he want to punish us? Houstin is just a little innocient baby who did nothing to deserve being born so early and having to go through the weeks and months of a hospital stay. I was MAD, very MAD, but today has been a good day and all I wanted to do was just hold my baby.

3lbs and ready to start a new month

2011-10-01T18:59:00.000-07:00

We had a milestone two days ago with Houston, he hit the 3lb mark. As of last night he weighed 3lbs 1oz. I am so happy to leave September behind and go into October. I feel that October is going to be our biggest month with milestones. When Houston weighs 3lbs 8oz he can start to wear clothes, which at the rate he is gaining weight should only be in 2 weeks or less. When he starts to wear clothes his temperature monitor comes off and the clothes will help him regulate his body temperature. This month he will also start trying to take a bottle. Usually the NICU likes to start bottle's at or around 34 weeks gestation and Houston will be 31 weeks on Monday, so hopefully in 2-3 weeks we can start bottle feeding him. We hope and pray he takes the bottle easily, for most preemie babies the bottle is what holds them back from going home later than sooner. I also think they will move him up to the 8th floor to the Lily Pad which is the last room babies go to before going home.
Next week Houston will get another brain ultrasound. It's routine that babies get one when they are 2 weeks old and then another at 4 weeks old. His first one came back normal. He will also get a vision screening next week which is also routine. So I pray his vision is normal.
His oxygen went down to 1 liter. This just helps keep his lungs open and helps him breath a little better while his lungs try to mature. He is still breathing on his own, but still having little spells, about 2-3 a day which is normal.
I cant believe that September has come and gone and Houston will be 1 month old on Monday. September will always hold a special place in my heart ;o) I am still trying to cope with my emotions, but it gets better every day and were starting to finally get a routine with Landon, hospital and home life. It's getting easier for me to talk about our situation with everyone. I have been avoiding public places in our community just in case I see someone I know that knew I was pregnant and gives me that look of I thought she was pregnant or she doesn't look big enough to be in her third trimester and then I have to explain how he came early while holding back tears. So I have finally ventured out and when people ask I am able to tell them about Houston and how well he is doing without crying and making them feel uncomfortable.
Landon has been amazing and getting excited for Houston to come home. He keeps asking when he is coming home and is looking forward to helping mommy with baby Houston. Cold and flu season started today so Landon will not be able to see Houston till he comes home. Anyone under the age of 12 is not allowed and only parents or grandparents are allowed in the NICU.

Were taking Landon camping tomorrow so were all looking forward to getting out of the house and enjoying the start of fall weather. He are staying local of course, so we can still visit Houston everyday.

For now I will leave you pictures of my sweet boys

Landon's 1st dentist visit and update on Houston

2011-09-27T16:42:00.000-07:00

Today Landon had his first dentist appointment. I had every intentions of taking him, but I was at the hospital with Houston, so Jason picked him up from school and took him. We both were a little worried about today. Wasn't sure how he would handle someone poking around his mouth and brushing his teeth. Jason called me after the appointment and said Landon did awesome. That he could have not been better. He let the dentist count and brush his teeth, he also let them pour the water in his mouth and have it suctioned out. I was completely shocked at the news of how well he did. Since Jason took him of course there are no pictures so I had to get one afterwards.

Showing me his clean teeth

Silly boy

The dentist did ask if Landon sucks his thumb or still takes a pacy. We said that he still takes a pacy (boo). He noticed Landon's front teeth are starting to stick out and get an overbite due to sucking on a pacy. He only takes it at nap or night, but i guess it still effects his teeth. So I guess we are starting cold turkey tonight and taking away his boo. Going to be a LONG night. Pray for us. ;o)

I visited Houston this morning. He is still doing AMAZING. As of last night he is 2lbs. 13.5oz. and is up to 24cc's a feeding. No new changes all he has to do is sleep, eat and grow.

When I left him this afternoon, this is the position he was in

All your prayers are working. His progress has been amazing so the power of prayer works. Keep praying prayer warriors!

And congratulations to our friends John and Heather. They welcomed baby girl Sula Elizabeth this afternoon. Mom, baby, dad and big brother Colt are all doing well. http://wineanddiapers.blogspot.com/

Houston is 3 weeks old

2011-09-24T18:10:00.000-07:00

Today Houston turned three weeks old. I cant believe we have been on this journey for that long. The last three weeks have been the longest three weeks of my life and also the fastest. The last three weeks have been the happiest weeks of my life, but also the saddest and most defiantly the most challenging. Like any mom who just had a baby and especially a baby who was born very premature, I have my ups and downs or what I call them my mommy moments. It's still hard to leave the hospital without Houston and I really don't think that will ever change until I actually get to leave with him in my arms. I still have to believe that he was born at 26 weeks 5 days for a reason. A woman who I have never met, but have mutual friends had a premature baby at 30 weeks last year wrote me a very encouraging email. She said that everything that happens to us and our children always passes through the hands of God first. I have to believe that all we are going through is for a reason. We may not know the reason today or tomorrow, but one day the answer will come to us somehow. Its just very difficult when I want answers now.
I want to leave you with a few pictures from today and a few stats on Houston up until today.

Just chillin'

Weight: 2lbs. 11oz. (over birth weight)

He had to start a high calorie formula for a few feedings a day. I am just not producing enough milk for the amount of feedings he is taking.

I am able to hold him for up to 1 hour a day; o)

Moved to a different isolate today for babies that are not in critical care ;o)

Feedings are up to 23cc (30cc in 1oz)

Happy 3 weeks Houston. We LOVE you!!

Bath time and rock star

2011-09-21T18:05:00.000-07:00

Today Jason and I were able to give Houston a bath. This was not his first bath, but the first time we are there for bath time.

Loving his warm bath. He just fit right in the bucket perfectly.

Drying off. He was so awake and alert during his bath time. I think he really enjoyed the warm water ,getting out of his isolate and hanging out with mommy and daddy.

He kept looking around and wanting to see everything that was going on around him

This picture cracks me up, because it was right after bath time. He got a clean diaper and clean leads (heart monitors on his chest) and I think he was just wore out from all the excitement. He slept for the next 3 hours and did not move one inch. haha ;O)

The doctors made their rounds early today while Jason and I were both at the hospital. I really like this doctor and she was super sweet, great personality and seemed to be very smart and knew what she was talking about. Anyway, after she looked at his charts she came to us and said "Houston is a rock star". She said that his lungs are still clear along with his belly and heart. He's breathing on his own, mild spells and taking feedings like a champ. She was very impressed how well he was doing with only being at this point 29 weeks gestation. She just told us all he needs to do right now is grow and gain some weight. That's our little ROCK STAR!

Speaking of weight, as of last night he is past his birth weight and now weighs 2lbs. 9oz.

LOVE HIM!!

Keep the prayers coming, prayer warriors!!

Houston is 2 weeks old

2011-09-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

Just a little update on Houston's progress from the last few days.

Last night they weighed him and he is back to his original birth weight to 2lbs 7oz. In the last 2 weeks he has grown 1/2 inch so his length as of last night is 15 3/4 inches.

Today when the doctor's made their rounds one of them mention to me about giving Houston 22cc's of high fat/calorie formula twice a day. One 22cc's in the morning and one 22cc's at night. He eat's 8 times a day (every 3 hours) so 6 of those feedings are my milk with fortifier in it and the other 2 feedings are going to be the high fat/calorie formula. Since breast milk is like drinking skim milk he needs something more high calorie to plump him up. Im not a fan of him having formula this early in his life, but it makes since and we really want him to gain the weight he needs to come home. Since he missed out on all the 3rd trimester growing he needs the extra calcium, iron and fat that I cannot provide him. So I guess we are going to start the 2 formula needs soon.

Emotionally today was an ok day. I did have one little mommy meltdown moment as I was leaving the hospital. It just does not get easier to leave him behind everyday. It's just not natural for mommies to leave their babies in the hospital. I hate that he is there and I hate driving downtown everyday in traffic, but I know he needs me and I need him.

Another day closer to taking him home. Hopefully in November!

First family photo of 4

2011-09-17T18:17:00.000-07:00

Today Landon was able to see Houston for the first time. He was so interested in him and wanting to hold his hand and give him kisses. Landon was so well behaved in the hospital and was proud to be a BIG brother. This will probably be the last time he is able to see Houston before he comes home. Since cold and flu season is from October thru April no one under the age of 12 can visit the NICU. We show Landon pictures of Houston everyday and he understands that he is not in my belly anymore and is in the hospital, but will be home very soon.

Landon seeing his little brother for the first time.

Holding hands with baby brother

First family photo of 4

Emotionally today has been a good day. I have not cried today, just because I know Houston is in good care and healthy. His doctor came by this afternoon and checked his lungs and belly again. All was clear and all his little organs are working like they should. He is digesting my milk very well and was upped 20cc's of mommy milk today. He has gain a few ounces in the last few days. As of last night he was up to 2lbs. 5oz., only 2oz. away from being back up to birth weight. Every Sunday they measure his length so I will be excited to see how much he grew this week.

It's still a hard drive to downtown and takes a good 45 mins or more with traffic and then back again. When I am with Houston I feel guilty about not being with Landon and when I'm with Landon I feel guilty about not being with Houston. I have not found a good balance yet between dividing my time with both boys. I don't think any of this will get easier as time goes on in the next few weeks and months.

I'm still having a hard time realizing that I am not pregnant anymore when I should be. It's still very hard seeing women come out of the hospital with their babies while I have to leave mine behind. It's still hard to see women who are having baby showers, baby bump pics and weekly updates.

This month has been the best month of my life, but also the worst. The best because my 2nd son was born and the worst because I had to deliver him at 26 weeks and have our lives turned upside down.

I am still working through my emotions about this whole experience we have been put on so suddenly. I just keep thinking how I have a tiny little guy who is HEALTHY, who needs me to visit him everyday, who needs me to hold him everyday and who is coming home to a family that LOVES him more than anything.

Happy 2 weeks Houston!!

Daddy time

2011-09-16T18:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Jason was able to hold Houston for the first time. I think they both really enjoyed their daddy and son time.

Houston is doing AMAZING!! The power of prayer is working. Tomorrow he is 2 weeks old. I cant believe we have had 2 boys for 2 weeks now and have been on this journey for that long.

Sitting at the hospital and lots of progress

2011-09-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

Houston as I'm sitting here by your bedside I can't believe you are 11 days old. I can't believe you entered our world 11 days ago and we have been in the hospital for almost 2 weeks. Some days seem to be flying by while others are going so slow. Your daddy went back to work Monday, but luckily I have had my parents here to help. Your progress over the last few days have been AMAZING! Here are a few things you have done just this week.

Yesterday you were moved out of critical care and over to the other side of the hospital in the section they call the pond. The pond is the second to the last step before you go home.

Today your IV came out and now your fluids are going through your mouth tube.

You brain scan came back yesterday and all was clear. No brain bleeds or signs of damage. Praise the Lord!

I saw your doctor today and he checked your little lungs, all clear. He checked your little tummy and yet again all clear.

Your taking 17cc's of mommy's milk and they started adding fat/calories to it to help plump you up. You seem to be taking it well.

Your spells are coming and going and are pretty sporadic, but that's to be expected at your age. (a spell is when he forgets to breath when he sleeps)

Since your IV is gone the only fluids you are getting is mommy's milk, fat/calories (fortifier) and caffeine through your mouth tube. The caffeine is for brain stimulation.

I still can't believe we are here again. Seems like yesterday we were here with your brother. His short 15 days does not seem like nothing compared to the many weeks we are going to be here with you, but that's OK. You are here, healthy and in the best care. You are a fighter and we love you very much.

Mommy is having better days this week emotionally and physically. My csection is healing nicely and I can start back driving on Friday. I'm still having why us and what did I do wrong moments, but as your progress continues to improve so is mine. It's going to be a healing process for both of us for the next few months.

I love you very much Houston and as I sit here at the hospital watching you sleep my heart is filled with love because I'm blessed to have 3 healthy boys in my life.

My new monkey hat. Just a little big for me, but Ill grow into it soon enough.

Sleeping on my mommy

Kangarooing with mommy

Offically a soccer mom

2011-09-11T17:53:00.000-07:00

Landon started soccer for the first time on Saturday. He is on the 3 to 4 year old team named Thunder. We got there and he was so excited to put on his soccer shirt, shine guards and socks. Jason got him suited up and away they went to kick his soccer ball a little before their session started. As soon as their "game" started Landon wanted nothing to do with it. We tried to bribe, use reverse physiology and even went on the field with him and he still didn't want to play soccer. So we sat on the side lines while his new friends played. Maybe this Saturday he will warm up to the idea. I know his whole world has been rocked since the early arrival of Houston, but we are trying our best to keep his world as normal and on a schedule as possible.

Gearing up for the big game

At least he was happy before the game started.

I am offically a soccer mom and I LOVE it.

Houston is 1 week old

2011-09-11T01:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Houston turned 1 week old. It's hard to believe that he is 1 week old and this has been our new lives for 7 days already. Let's hope the next few months go by this fast so we can bring our little boy home. As of now Houston has been doing AMAZING!! All his little parts are in place and so perfect yet so tiny. He is healthy as of right now and just needs to grow and gain weight.
In the last seven days, they have stopped the ventilator and he has been breathing on his own since Sunday Sept. 4th. Since he has been born he has gone from eating (through a mouth tube) 1cc's of breast milk every 6 hours to 5cc's of breast milk every 3 hours, because he is taking my milk so well. He has lost several ounces and as of last night weighed in at 2lbs. 2oz. So we are hoping with his milk increase he will start to gain weight. His jaundice light is still on and will probably be on for the next day or two. His belly rubine has gone from 5.8 down to 5.3, but the doctor is more comfortable for him to be in the 3 or 4's before his little goggles can come off. Last night at the hospital I noticed a little infection behind one of his ears, so the nurse cleaned it and put ointment on it to help it heal. For the last few days I have been able to hold Houston with skin to skin contact or they call it kangarooing for 30mins. We both love this time of day and as he gets bigger I will be able to hold him longer periods of time.
Jason has been AMAZING through this process and so supportive of me going to the hospital everyday. He has been so strong for our family and has planned out our days on who, what, when and where goes to the hospital and with Landon. He has been off work this week and goes back on Monday. I can not drive till Friday so I am having help getting around and taking Landon to school and going back and forth to hospital through my mom and dad this week till I can start back driving.
My staples came out on Friday, thank goodness those are gone. A c-section is no joke and I hope to never have one again.
I am still having mixed feelings about the events we are in and are facing in the months to come. I know I cant turn back time and cant question myself on the whys and what ifs and what's wrong with me. I have to look at the positive going forward because this is something God has decided we must go through. I am blessed to have a baby who is with us and doing phenomenally well. A baby who will come home in just a few short months. A baby who is so perfect in every way yet so tiny. And I am blessed beyond measure to have a healthy and perfect family who I love SO much and is so supportive and understanding. I keep praying along with hundreds of people, some who we don't even know, on my little family. I have to look at the positive on all the things that are going right and not dwell on the things that went wrong. I am still an emotional wreck, but it gets better everyday as I process it and get a grip on our new lives at the moment.

Trying to balance 2 boys for sure is pulling on my heart strings. I want and need to be there for both boys in so many ways. So when I am with Landon I feel guilty for not being with Houston and when I am with Houston I feel guilty for missing out on things with Landon. That is where Jason has been amazing through out this week and spending time with Landon while I am at the hospital with Houston and making both boys feel special and loved.
I know this is a lot to read, but I am really doing this for me so in 6 months, 1 year, 2 year I can look back and read what we have gone through and how far we have come.
For now I will leave you with a few pictures of our miracle boy.

On a side note: Houston's nurse for the past 3 days has a son also named Houston and a husband named Jason. When I walked in his room 3 days ago the first thing she said to me was I have a son named Houston who is 5 years old. She has been working there for 13 years and never had a Houston. Shes been great with him and we really like her. We have never heard of anyone with the name Houston (thats why we named him that) and it took us to the NICU to find one person with that name.

Houston's Arrival

2011-09-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

What a very emotional week my family and I have had. Houston arrived Saturday Sept. 3rd, 2011 at 2:50am at 26 weeks and 5 days. Weighing in at 2lbs 7oz and 15 1/4 inches long. Here is our story of Houston's arrival.

Friday Sept. 2nd was like any other Friday. I was feeling great, Landon and I went to eat lunch and did just a little shopping in Murfreesboro. After lunch we came home took naps and waited on Jason to get home. When Jason arrived home Friday night about 6pm we all went back out to Murfreesboro to eat dinner and look for a rug and football items. At this point I was still feeling good, rested and no pain or signs of pre-term labor. We arrived home about 8pm got Landon is bath and down for bed. Jason and I layed on the couch till about 11:30pm. At this point we both were ready to go to bed and layed down around midnight. At 12:15am (I had not even fallen asleep yet) I started feeling contractions, but only in my lower abdomen and they did not hurt. Well after about 10 mins of me lying there and them not going away I woke up Jason to time them. They were coming every few minutes and lasted about a minute apart. We called the doctor and then called my mom to come over to stay with Landon. At this point we were getting dressed and going to the hospital because they were getting stronger and hurting. I don't even know what time we arrived at the hospital, because at this point time was a blur. I would say around 12:45 or 1am. Checked into the ER and I was wheeled up to the maternity ward. At this point I was in horrible pain, shouting, screaming labor pain. The nurse asked if I could give a urine sample so in between contractions I got up from the wheelchair and sat on the toilet. As soon as I sat down I felt like I had to push. Push something out, I didn't know what, but just push. What I thought I was pushing pee out, my water broke right into the toilet. The nurse immediately got me to the bed and checked me and I was already 4cm dilated. My OB was on call that night and was already on his way to the hospital. I was pushed into the labor and delivery room where they continued to check for Houston's heart rate. They were having a hard time finding his heart rate and when they did it kept going down, which means he was in distress. So they prepped me for an emergency c-section. There was no time for an epidural so I was given a local anesthesia basically to knock me out. Jason was not allowed back in the operating room with me so I was alone and scared to death for my baby and myself. When I woke up I was back in the labor and delivery room and in more pain that I ever thought possible, emotionally and physically. Houston was born at 2:50am and ambulanced to Centennial Medical Center where they are equipped with a NICU. The same place Landon spent the first 15 days of his life. As I am typing this I am crying my eyes out. Just re-living this moment and what just happened to us only 5 days ago and the road we have ahead of us with a very premie baby.

I still cant believe this has happpened to us. I am trying to be strong for Landon, Jason and Houston, but just emotionlly and physically I am breaking down. I am going to use this blog as my outlet to express my emotions and feelings for the weeks and months to come.

I know our plans are always not God's plans and I have to believe that there is a reason he took my baby out of me so early. I am blessed to have a healthy husband and son as well as a preemie baby who is doing AMAZING since he was born.

It was hard to turn off my weekly emails I receive about what week of pregnancy I am and what's my baby doing. It's hard to see my friends who are pregnant right now go on to have healthy pregnancy's and carry full-term babies. It's hard for me to wrap my mind around why a 29 year old healthy woman can not carry a full-term baby. I have so many what if's and why me questions?

I have to go on and say that Jason has been AMAZING through this process and couping with our "new" normal. Landon is doing AWESOME and understands that Houston is not in mommy's tummy and in the hospital. Our family, friends, church family and commuity has been AMAZING and praying for us, bringing us food and watching Landon for us while Jason and I are in the hospital.

Tomorrow I will start blogging his progress from day 1 up to today and more pictures of our miracle baby that we LOVE so much.

Sept. 8th; 5 days old; Holding Houston for the first time

Houston is here!

2011-09-04T13:11:00.000-07:00

Houston Perry was born on September 3rd at 2:50am via emergency c-section. He was only 26weeks. He was rushed to our local NICU. He is doing well and vitals are stable. We are at different hospitals, but I hope to be released tomorrow so I can see him for the first time. He weighed in at 2lbs 7oz. and 15inches long. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we go through this difficult journey. I will update at a later time with the whole story and pictures of our sweet little boy. Big brother is doing great and being spoiled at his grandparents. Again thank you for your prayers and encourging words. We are blessed

Good mail day

2011-09-02T14:58:00.000-07:00

Today was a good mail day because I received 2 special items in my mailbox this afternoon.

First the thing I opened up was Houston's coming home blanket and outfit

Here they are together and match perfectly. I found the set on etsy and LOVE them.

The second package I opened was my new necklace I blogged about a few days ago. Cant wait to wear this when our second boy gets here.

Earlier this week I picked this cute and soft blanket up from a local store that monograms.

Yesterday a sweet friend gave me this super cute crocheted hat. Houston is going to look so cute in this for the fall/winter months

Lastly, my mother-in-law found a brown shag rug for the nursery. I really like it, but I think I am wanting one or two sizes bigger. I'm still thinking about that one.

It's getting so real with all these baby things coming into our home.

Have a happy weekend!!

New necklace with both my boys name

2011-08-31T17:50:00.000-07:00

In March, I bought myself an early mother's day present. It's a necklace with Landon's name and birthstone on it from http://leelynncrafts.com/ When it arrived I LOVED it.

When I received the necklace in the mail I was pregnant with baby #2, but had no idea.

Last week I sent back the pendant with Landon's name on it so she could add a pendant for Houston and his possible birthstone. If he comes early or late she is going to let me switch birthstones. She added a picture on her FB page of the finished product and I will be getting it back this week.

I am so happy with my necklace and still cant believe I will be having 2 boys in just a few short months. If you are looking for any super cute personalized jewerly, clothes, bags, drinkware, etc.. check out her website or like her on FB. She is great to work with and super talented.
http://leelynncrafts.com/

Same shirt, BIGGER belly

2011-08-26T17:36:00.000-07:00

May 2011

August 2011

I have not worn this shirt since I was 13 weeks pregnant and today I am 25 weeks 4 days.

It just amazes me how our bodies can adjust to growing babies

3D picture

2011-08-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

It's a picture of a picture so its not the best quality, but this is our 2nd son's sweet face.
See his eyes, nose and mouth? O I cant wait to kiss that sweet face

Wilson Co. fair

2011-08-21T17:33:00.000-07:00

Last night Jason and I decided last minute to head to a neighboring county to the Wilson County Fair. It was the last night for the fair and we didn't have anything else to do so we decided to take Landon and see how he would like it.

Jason and Landon on their 1st carnival ride

He was the happiest on the carasoul

and the tractors

Riding the tractor to the car

Overall we had a great time and will go back next year

It's blue

2011-08-18T18:05:00.000-07:00

Jason finished painting Houston's nursery and moved the furniture back in and I have to say its BLUE

Waiting for bedding and baby

It's a blank canvas right now, but I hope the color calms down a bit once the brown and green bedding, curtains, rug and chair comes into the room. The mirror on the floor I bought at a yard sale like 5 years ago and never did anything with it, until now. I bought a can of chocolate brown paint and I am going to paint it this weekend and have Jason hang it over the dresser.

Clothes I bought at consignment this month waiting to be washed and worn by Houston

So what do you think of the color? I'm on the look out for a shag brown rug this weekend and a few other goodies.

24 weeks

2011-08-15T06:03:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe I am 24 weeks pregnant today

A certain someone had to be in the picture this time

I have an ultrasound tomorrow afternoon and then I get to drink this lovely drink. I passed with Landon so let's hope I pass this time as well.

I am feeling pretty good. I started back work last week and I found it challenging with my back. I am on my feet most of the time I am there so my back was sore pretty much all week. Nothing a little Tylenol could not help. Sleep is also challenging with constant potty breaks during the night and my hips being sore from sleeping on them. Men have it easy don't they?
Cant wait to see my little man tomorrow on ultrasound. I will let you know how it goes. Have a great week!

Painting has begun

2011-08-13T17:31:00.000-07:00

Today Jason started painting Houston's new nursery. I have been back and forth on what color to paint the walls, between brown or blue. Landon has a green room so that color was out. I went into the store looking for brown, but changed my mind and went with blue. I just liked the blue colors the best. It took pretty much all day to tape off the trim and cut in around the edges with two coats. The walls will be done this week and then moving the furniture in its right place.

The colors I am going with are brown, blue, lime green and white. Stripes and polka dots as well. The color blue I picked is called Rushing Stream.

Inside the closet

Up close view of the blue

On another note: I cant believe I am buying diapers again. Landon has been out of diapers for over a year. It seems so real to be clipping out coupons, looking for deals and buying size newborn and 1 diapers. I know when I start washing clothes and putting them in his closet it will hit me, but I cant wait. ;o)

When the walls are done and furniture is in place I will post more nursery pics.

Back to school

2011-08-08T14:40:00.000-07:00

Today Landon and I had our 1st day back to school. We both had a great day and look forward to a new school year.

Cookies Landon handed to his new teachers this morning

1st day of 3 year old class

Showing me his new lunch box and tennis shoes

Going into the doors for his 1st day of school

He gave me a kiss, walked into his classroom and told me bye. He is such a BIG boy. I walked right down the hall to my classroom thinking how it just seemed like yesterday I was coming back from maternity leave after having Landon and dropping him off in the infant room. Also hard to believe that I will taking another maternity leave in 4 short months or less with baby #2.

I am 23 week pregnant today.;o) Next week 5 month baby bump post.

I have converted

2011-08-03T17:08:00.000-07:00

I have converted over to the mother of all coupon holders, the coupon binder. You know the one that holds hundreds of coupons with baseball card holders. haha

I have been wanting to do this for awhile, but never got around to sitting down and organizing it all. And since all binders are on sale right now, I said why not and went for it. I have it sorted out by categories and need to get some dividers so I can flip to that section quickly.

This is what I was using. It worked for awhile, but I hated having to flip through all the coupons in that category just to find the one I needed. I have been couponing for awhile, but never used the binder system. Any advice for keeping it organized?

On another note... It's consignment time ;o)
I was so excited because I was able to shop for two boys this time. I found lots of great things in Landon's size and for Houston. Shopping in the baby section made me even more excited about bringing a new baby home in 4 months.

I found this highchair for cheap. I was not happy with the one I used for Landon so I'm giving that one to my mother-in-law. I bought this Graco that has wheels, very light, reclines and has 3 different tray selections. All we need is a baby to put in it. ;o)

Only 4 more days of summer. We are back to school on Monday morning. I'm so READY!

3 year doctor visit

2011-08-01T19:22:00.000-07:00

Today, Landon had his 3 year doctor visit. He was such a big boy going to the doctor's office.

I told him if he was good during the trip I would get him a treat. We waited about 20 mins in the lobby and he did wonderful. Then they called us back and he got weighed, measured for height and had his temperature checked. He continued to be a good boy.

His doctor came in and asked him to draw a circle and a cross.

I helped him write his name

Ready to go home

His doctor just went over the basic of what we should be working on with him and what to expect from him at his age. Here are some stats:

Weight: 38.8lbs 95% percentile

Height: 38 1/2" 75% percentile

He can ride a bike with training wheels

He can say his whole name

He can draw a circle and a cross (kinda)

He knows all his body parts

He knows a few colors (red, blue, green)

He knows his age and can hold up 3 fingers for his age

He knows Jason and mines full name

He is NOT a picky eater and eats ALL foods

He's potty trained (PTL)

He can dress himself and put his own shoes on

He can unlock all doors and has learned how to open the garage door

He is very independent

He can brush his own teeth with a little help. Dr. recommend we need to take him to dentist at this age

This is just a few things we went over today with the doctor. I know its boring, but I want to remember these things.

After we left we headed over to the pharmacy and he picked out Skittles for his treat. ;o)

Over all it was a great experience for the both of us and I'm happy and blessed to have a healthy, smart and active 3 year old.

Bowling

2011-07-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

Our local bowling alley lets kids bowl for free during the summer. With it being so HOT outside and being FREE I took Landon bowling for the 1st time.

Showing me his bowling shoes

That's so heavy!

Waiting on my bowling ball

Ready to go

Pushing ball down the lane with GG's help

I guess he had a wedgie. BOYS! ;o)

Organization

2011-07-24T10:26:00.000-07:00

I love back to school time because all of the organization items are on sale. For some reason I really like organizational bins, baskets, crates, you name it. Landon received lots of great gifts at his birthday party last week, but all of them laying in the floor was driving me crazy. So I made a quick trip to Wal-mart and bought a new book shelf and several storage bins.

New book shelf to get toys off the floor and storage bins

I wonder how long it will stay this clean?

Back to school in 2 weeks. I get to start setting up my room this week, Im getting a little excited. ;o)

Swim lessons

2011-07-22T06:07:00.000-07:00

Last night Landon completed his 2 week long swim lessons. This year he was old enough to go in the pool without me and the last night parents are able to come and watch what the kids have learned.

Landon and his swim friends

Landon and his best buddy Brady

Blowing bubbles

Jumping in the water

Then he saw his daddy and it all went down hill from there

Floating on his back, but still not happy

Getting his certificate and silly bands

I passed!!

This was us July 2010 when we graduated the Parent and Child class.

Until next year! Happy Friday!

Landon's 3rd birthday party

2011-07-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

We had Landon's 3rd birthday party at our local bounce house; Jumpers Playhouse. He LOVES this place and thought it would be just ideal to have his birthday party here since they do all the work all I had to do was provide cake. So worth it for this pregnant mama.

We were able to rent the entire room just for L's guest

The party room

Birthday boy and his school friends

Ready to open presents

Landon and Colt

Cupcake table

I had Cars cupcakes made with personalized cupcake toppers

For party favors I wanted something simple so I had our baker make Cars cookies. The kids were able to pick which character they wanted to take home.

We had a great time and I know Landon did. We are very blessed to have great family and friends who came to his party and loves him as much as Jason and I do. I still cant believe I have a 3 year old and this is his last birthday as an only child.

20 weeks; Half way there

2011-07-18T06:17:00.000-07:00

Today I am 20 weeks pregnant and half way to meeting Houston. I cant believe we are 20 wks, just seems like yesterday I found out I was pregnant at 5 weeks. This pregnancy is going way faster than I expected. I'm sure raising a 3 year old has something to do with it. ;o)

I am feeling very good at this point. I have been taking naps when Landon naps during the afternoon. That is about to change when we go back to school in 2 weeks so I am taking advantage of my time off to rest when I can.
About two weeks ago I started weekly ultrasounds. At 19 weeks with Landon my doctor found pre-term contractions which irritated my cervix to cause it to shorten and thin out, basically preparing it for labor. I was put on medications and bed rest up until I gave birth to Landon at 33 weeks. Since I had those complications with my first pregnancy my doctor wants to keep a close eye on me every week for the next few weeks to monitor my cervix and make sure I am not having contractions. The last two weeks I have had no signs of contractions and my cervix has been 3.5mm and closed. A 3.0mm cervix length and above is average, if a cervix is under 3.0mm its something to worry with. I was 2.5mm with Landon at 19 weeks. So far so good and things could not be going better. I go this Wednesday to check things out again. Although going to the hospital every week and trying to find a sitter for Landon can be difficult, I want to make sure Houston stays in there as long as possible and I get to see his sweet face every week.
I am in all maternity clothes at this point and some of my elastic workout pants. I have no idea how much I have gained and I really don't want to know. Not going to get to hung up on weight this time around.
Sleep is ok. With Landon waking up in the middle of the night and my 6 times a night potty break I get a few hours here and there.
Going back to work in 2 weeks. I cant wait to see my sweet kids and my co-workers, but I'm going to miss my daily naps. haha. I'm sure my kids will have questions at why I have a large and in charge belly.
Have a great week!!

Landon's birthday party post coming this week

Happy 3rd Birthday Landon

2011-07-14T14:26:00.000-07:00

Today my sweet red headed boy turns 3 years old. WOW!! 3 years where has the time gone? This morning we went to Chuch 'E' Cheese for games, then Chick-fil-A for lunch, Publix for cake mix then home for naps. Tonight we have swim lessons and then the grandparents are coming over for a pizza party. Busy, but very FUN day spending it with my birthday boy.

The first time I was able to hold Landon. He was born at 33 wks and 4 days; July 14, 2008

1st birthday; July 2009

2nd birthday; July 2010

3rd birthday; July 14, 2011

Landon,
You have rocked our world for 3 years. You came into this world 6 weeks early, but that didn't stop you and you have never looked back. We love more than anything in the world and are very blessed to be your parents. We look forward to seeing you in the next few months when you become a big brother to Houston. I know you will love him as much as we love you. You are our world and we live life everyday just for you. Landon, you have so many qualities that we love and some we don't at times, but we will always love you and continue to walk this path of life with you. We love you!
Love,
mom and dad

Never a dull moment

2011-07-13T09:56:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you leave a 3 year old alone for a few minutes. Never a dull moment at our house.

Jason's article at work

2011-07-11T19:40:00.000-07:00

Jason's company post a weekly online newsletter that is just targeted and seen by Ferguson associates. This week my awesome hubby was featured in an article. Out of thousands of employees he was chosen to be interviewed about his position as Inventory Manager of a large branch. This is a huge honor to be asked to have an article written about you and post online.

This is the link to the article along with his picture

Title

The actual article

This is a huge honor and I am so proud of Jason with what he is doing and where he is going with his career.

Congrats babe!

Slip n' Slide

2011-07-09T19:23:00.000-07:00

Today we spent our saturday at our friends house. Their son, Brady turned 4 years old and had this slip n' slide for the kids and adults.

Jason had to get in on the action

All the boys with their tow mater suckers

As soon as I took a few pictures my camera battery died (of course).

We had a great day and really enjoyed the food, fun and friends.

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-04T14:25:00.000-07:00

We are having a great holiday weekend and enjoying Jason being home for three day's. Here are a few pictures from our 4th of July weekend.

Landon's 1st firework

18 weeks pregnant

Pool time

This boy LOVES the water

Happy 4th of July everyone!

We are blessed to have our freedom. I want to thank all the men and women, past, present and future for defending our freedom and our wonderful country.

Happy 4th of July!

Houston's "new" dresser

2011-06-30T11:28:00.000-07:00

Well I am in full nursery decorating mode. I feel like my nesting has already begun and I have to get a thousand things done by tomorrow, even though I still have 5 months till Houston arrives. Well I have been looking on craigslist for a nice barely used white dresser to match Landon's baby furniture. After looking for a few months, I finally found one I really liked and was in excellent condition. The people I bought it from were super nice and glad to see it go to a good home.

Our guest room aka Houston's nursery

Right now his room is just a storage room of Landon's baby furniture and our college diplomas ha ha

Notice that someone HAD to be in the picture

Ready to be a big brother

Since Jason is off for a 3 day weekend we are going to start painting the trim and walls. I cant wait to see it all come together.

You will be missed

2011-06-27T17:30:00.000-07:00

Well I am back from Chattanooga. My mom and I attended my sweet friend Brooke, who passed away last week visitation and funeral today. I try to think of someones passing along with their funeral as a celebration of their life. You see people you have not seen in years, you see pictures of us as children, you visit with the people that is like a second family to you and talk about all the great memories you had with that person. That is a celebration in itself. Brooke was loved my many and missed by all. She may be gone physically, but not spiritly and she lives on in our hearts and our memories.

Rebecca Brooke Winslett

1981-2011

Introducing...

2011-06-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

Houston Perry Warf

Houston is a perfect healthy baby BOY!!

Prayer Request

2011-06-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

I have a special prayer request. I'm finding it hard to believe that I am even having to write about this request. I had a childhood friend, Brooke, suddenly pass away while on a college school trip to Rome and Greece. She passed in Greece 3 days before she was to return home. She was my first friend at the young age of 5 years old. I will never forget that day 25 years ago, when she walked to the home my parents were building at the time and introduced herself. She was my new neighbor and a life long friend. After being neighbors for 10 years we lost contact when my parents and I moved to a different city. A few years ago through the power of the Internet and FB we found each other again and started to catch up with each others lives. Two years ago her and her family came through Nashville, after not seeing each other for 12 years and had lunch together.

April 2009

When I heard the news I immediately called Brooke's mom to see if what I was reading was true. She just posted on FB about how excited she was to leave for Rome and Greece. When her mom answered I just started to cry uncontrollably. I was just in shock and disbelief that this happened to someone I know and all the way in another country. Brooke's mom was on a plane to Greece in less than 24 hours. I know she arrived to Greece safely, but that's all the info I have at the time.

I have attached a link to Brooke's obituary
Brooke's Obituary

As soon as they make funeral arrangements I will be traveling to Chattanooga to attend something I never thought possible.

Please keep Brooke's family and friend in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. And for her mother who traveled to Greece to bring her daughter home.

16 weeks

2011-06-20T11:30:00.000-07:00

Today we are 16 weeks and counting with baby boy #2. I have started feeling him move, little kicks and some shifting in the last few days. I didn't feel Landon way into week 18 or 19. I have been told you feel the baby quicker the 2nd time around. I am wearing all maternity bottoms and a mixture of maternity and regular tops. We have our next ultrasound on Thursday and cant wait to see our little guy.

Since we found out we were having a boy I have been searching the internet for baby bedding. I just didn't find much that I liked that was not way over $300 for just a bumper, crib skirt and blanket. The ones I did like I thought I could have that made way cheaper and more specific to my liking. So my good friend and great seamstress is going to make all my bedding and curtains for little mans room. We went out this weekend to look at fabric and this is what we came up with..

The colors are going to be brown, green, blue and white. The small polka dots is going to be a crib sheet, and the large dots and strips are going to be a mixture in the bedding, lamp shade and curtains. We have so many cute ideas and I cant wait to see what she comes up with.

Come back on Thursday to see ultrasound pictures and the announcement of our little guys name.

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T17:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Fathers Day to the best husband and daddy a family could ask for.

July 2008

May 2009

June 2010

June 2011

Happy Father's Day!!

Friends

2011-06-17T15:26:00.000-07:00

I am watching my friends son a few days a week while school is out for the summer. This was our 1st week together. Landon and Brady get along very well, but it is challenging at times with a 3 and 4 year old. I guess it's just practice for me when baby boy #2 comes in December.

LOVE these sweet boys!

Canvas of L

2011-06-15T10:48:00.000-07:00

Look what was on my front porch this afternoon

my canvas of Landon. ;o) A few months ago our local Groupon's daily special was Canvas on Demand. This is from his 2 year old pictures and he turns 3 next month. haha. I am so happy how it turned out. Its huge, 16x20 so I have to find the perfect place to hang my sweet boys picture.

Baby #2 is a.....

2011-06-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

Baby #2 is a BOY!!
We are having another boy and could not be more excited that Landon is going to have a little brother

Arm and hand waving at his big brother

15 weeks pregnant with another BOY!

We have a few names picked out that we like, but I'm not monogramming just yet. ;o)

Starting my 2nd trimester I am feeling very well. I am glad L and I are on summer break, we really look forward to our daily naps. haha ;) I could not tell you how much I have gained with this 2nd pregnancy. I am still continuing to workout on a daily basis which helps with my energy a lot. The 3 B's (boobs, butt and belly) are noticeably getting bigger every week.

Landon knows that there is a baby in mommy's belly. He loves to kiss the baby and give him hugs. He also tries to give his baby brother his night night's (his blankets) and his boo (paci) and stuffs them under my shirt. SO CUTE!! If you ask L if he wants a baby brother or sister he still says sister. Sorry Landon not this time around.

Our next doctor appointment is next week!

Just a little TV time

2011-06-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

While I was cooking dinner last night I went in to check on Landon and I found him watching Elmo like this

I am going tonight for an ultrasound with my mom just to see our little one. We actually found out the sex at the doctors office 2 wks ago at 12 weeks. Since I am high risk I get ultrasounds every few weeks at the doctors office and a few with my mom during those weeks. Most of our friends know what we are having, but I did not post on here just in case, but from what I saw and previous experience it looked like what she saw. HAHA!! We should be able to tell for sure tonight. We found out Landon was a boy at 15 wks with my mom scanning me. I am 14 wks 4 days today so we should get a clear shot as long as baby corporates. I will post pics and what were having over the weekend. So check back soon!

Summer has begun!

2011-06-07T05:25:00.000-07:00

Happy 30th Birthday Jason

2011-06-02T12:22:00.000-07:00

While we were in Florida Jason turned 30 years old. We celebrated by cooking out ribs and all the fixings. For dessert we had red velvet cake with cream cheese icing, Jason's favorite. Here a few pictures from this birthday.

Happy 30th birhday Jason!!

Landon and I love you very much!

13 week baby bump

2011-05-31T11:31:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I am already 13 weeks pregnant and have started my 2nd trimester. I defiantly feel and look pregnant much faster with this pregnancy than I did with Landon. I am wearing both maternity and regular tops and maternity/elastic bottoms.

13 week baby bump

Baby bump on the beach

12 week ultrasound

2011-05-26T12:16:00.000-07:00

This morning Jason and I had our 12 week doctor appointment and ultrasound. The baby looks great and is perfectly healthy. We could not be happier. Even though we have been through this process before it's still hard to believe that we are having a second child. It's just as exciting seeing him/her on the screen as it was with Landon.
I go back in 4 weeks at 16 weeks pregnant for another ultrasound. I had early cervix dilation with Landon and went into pre-term labor and he was born at 33 weeks 4 days. I found out about my early contractions and shorting cervix at 19 weeks and was put on bed rest till I have birth. This time around we know I have this issue so we will have more frequent ultrasounds to check the cervix. This morning my cervix looked nice, long and closed.

Here is a picture of baby #2 at 12 weeks 3 days

Last day of school

2011-05-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Landon and I had our last day of school and we started summer break TODAY!!

His teachers invited the parents to come and watch the kids sing songs and get their goody bags

Landon's class singing song

Our last day of school

This was our first day of school back in August

We have our 12 week ultrasound tomorrow morning. Check back for baby #2 post tomorrow

Happy summer everyone!!

Tumbling Medal Day

2011-05-20T11:38:00.000-07:00

Tuesday Landon had his final tumbling class at school and received a medal. Parents were allowed to come and watch all the tumbling they have learned since August. It was by far the cutest thing I have seen in awhile watching 2 and 3 year old's tumble. Landon and his friends were so CUTE! Jason took the morning off and since I work just down the hall I was able to leave my classroom to watch.

Landon and his tumbling teacher, Mrs. Jamie

Going backwards on the balance beam

Rolling over on the balance beam

Handstand

Landon and his tumbling class

Receiving his medal

Playing the "drums" as their finale

Proud daddy

Proud mommy

Landon and Josiah

He really enjoyed tumbling this year and we will enroll him when we return to school in August.

Only 2 more days till we are on SUMMER BREAK!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

I guess Zoey needed stickers too

Does this kid come with a manual?

2011-05-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

We have had a pretty busy and semi-rough weekend. Busy because we have had some activities planned for the weekend and rough because of Landon's behavior. We are certainly in full swing of the terrible two's, but now we are moving right along in the terrifying three's. Everyone has been telling me that 3's are worse than 2's. WORSE, how can anything be worse than the typical 2 year old lay on the floor kicking and screaming, its mine, I want that, NO, cant go to a restaurant, heck cant go out in public without a tantrum 2 year old behavior. Saturday was my breaking point. I came unglued and lost my cool. Landon had a bad day. I don't now why he was just not in a good mood. I told him no on something and of course he did not like that answer and he began to retaliate. Throwing toys, telling me no and then proceeded to hit me on the leg. I LOST it. This is only about the 1,000 time he has done this. I said that's it, I need help on how to control this child and a better discipline tactic, because what we are doing is NOT working. Does anyone elses kid do this? Does this phase past? Does it get better? I went to our local library and picked up this book our doctor recommended

I'm going to start tonight and hope I can learn something from the book. I keep thinking this to shall pass.

On a happier note saturday we were able to get an ultrasound and see our baby.

It's a picture of a picture, so not the best quality. All looks great and we could not be happier

I am 11 weeks tomorrow. This time around I feel like "things" and when I mean "things", I mean belly, boobs and butt are starting to stick out faster and larger the 2nd time around. Was it like that for anyone else on their 2nd baby?

This morning Landon came and woke me up and said "I kiss mommy" and he gave me a kiss and then he said "I kiss baby" and kissed my belly. This melted my heart with happiness, but also made me feel quilty about yesterday afternoon with my meltdown.

I cant blog without a picture of my little man who is having a better day today ;O)
Even though you push ALL my buttons at the same time I LOVE you more than you will ever know

I do have to brag on him. Landon has been in underwear for 2 days and has gone pee and poo and he is telling us when he has to go. I think we are offically over pull-ups.

Only 6 more days of school till Landon and I are on summer break ;o)

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T17:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day everyone! Our mother's day weekend didn't turn out the way we planned. Landon became sick yesterday afternoon and is still running a fever today. We are going to stay home from school tomorrow to give him another day of rest and to get better.

Poor guy he has not been able to keep anything down since yesterday and has only ate a banana today. Notice the throw up bucket. He has used that several times in the last 24 hours

Tylenol does a sick baby good

Since Landon has been sick, Jason and I have been taking turns going out and doing errands over the weekend.

I went to Kirkland's yesterday and found a new charger to go behind my kitchen sink. I heart Kirkland's

Then I went to Lowe's and bought a new flower for our front porch flower urn

Jason painted all our shutters

Yesterday before Landon got sick, he decorated a cake at Publix for his mommy and GG

Since Landon was still sick this morning, we stayed home from church and I cooked home made lasagna

and Jason made my mom and I a strawberry cake, my favorite. YUM!!

My mom came over and ate lunch with us

The Tylenol kicked in and Landon came out to take a picture

Then my mom and I went to get our toes done

We ended the day with more napping...

10 weeks pregnant

Even though Landon is sick I still had a great day of watching movies, eating and just being a mom. Happy Mother's Day

Mothers Day gifts

2011-05-06T05:15:00.000-07:00

Landon made me some super cute mothers day crafts at mothers day out this week

A finger painted card and a picture magnet

Its a magnet and hanging on my refrigerator

Super cute hand print plate. We are going today to find a plate hanger to hang in my kitchen.

Have your kids made any cute mothers day crafts for you?

Hodge Podge

2011-05-02T17:22:00.003-07:00

Sorry I have been MIA for the last few days. It seems that my "morning sickness" is at night right after dinner and I have just been to plain tired and sick to blog. We had a pretty uneventful weekend. Friday I was glued to my TV all day watching pre-coverage of the royal wedding then watching the actual wedding and all the post wedding news. Saturday Jason got up with Landon and I was able to sleep in till 9:30am. Jason did yard work and the only time I went out of the house was a quick trip to Kohls to look for new tennis shoes and a pair of shorts for Landon. Sunday only time we left the house was the grocery. So as you can tell we were pretty boring over the weekend.

I never was "sick" with Landon, never had headaches, nausea or vomit. This time around I am extremely exhausted, headaches and nausea. I did vomit once last week right before we went out to taco Tuesdays. After I did my business I felt like a new person and went on to eat 3 tacos. HAHA!!

I am 9 weeks today and so far so good. Our next doctor appointment is not till May 26Th, but I cant wait that long so were going in for a scan this weekend and letting my mom scan me so we can see the peanut.

I will probably start the weekly updates and baby bumps first of June after I hit the 12 week mark.

Sorry no pictures, just to tired to get the camera out.

Please pray for all the victims of the devastating tornado our neighboring states had last week. My grandmother just got power back yesterday after having none for 3 days. She is about 3 exits down from the Ringgold, Ga damage. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who became a victim that day.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-27T11:41:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter 2011

2011-04-25T17:25:00.001-07:00

Easter morning. His favorite gift besides the candy is his new "um-bra-la"

Candy for breakfast

Our town has an old farmhouse from the 1800's that you can tour. Every year they host an egg hunt for all ages on the farm. They also have all sorts of games and face paint for the kids.

My boys going to the egg hunt

Outtake

I forgot my camera on Easter Sunday and my father-in-law has our family picture on his camera, along with other egg hunt pictures at Landon's great grand mothers house. You know what we look like so your not missing much. haha ;o)

My Heart's in Haiti

2011-04-21T17:34:00.000-07:00

Our really good friends, Elizabeth and Peyton are adopting a handsome 4 year old boy from Haiti. Their story is quite remarkable and is all at the hands of God. Back in February they both went on a mission trip with our church to Haiti. There they meet a little boy at the time name Junior and both feel in love with him and knew at that moment he was going to be their son. They came home the next week and started the adoption process. Peyton and Elizabeth are very successful and happily married for 6 years with no children of their own. They love kids and have lots of nieces and nephews, but having kids of their own was something not in their plan, but God had other plans for them. So when they came home and told us about Junior we were shocked, but could not be more proud and happy for them. So we have started helping them with the adoption process and bring him home. Last weekend they were able to rent a booth at the Southern Women's Show to help raise money to bring Mathieu (they changed his name) home by selling t-shirts, bracelet's and taking donations. I was truly honored to volunteer with them and tell people their story.

This is Mathieu. Isn't he a cutie?

Peyton and Elizabeth at the show

Me at the booth

Peyton and I

Women's shirt

Unisex shirt

I am so EXCITED about this sweet couple bring Mathieu home. They have a website where you are able to check in on their adoption process and order these super cute shirts. One hundred percent of all the proceeds go to their adoption.

http://mhih.org/

My heart's in Haiti is yours?

And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.” Matthew 18:5 (NIV)

New due date

2011-04-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

Jason and I had our 2ND prenatal visit for baby #2 this morning. Everything looked wonderful and baby had a great heartbeat. We are about a week behind from when we first thought. Our official new due date is Dec. 5th, so that puts us at 7 weeks and 1 day. Your continued thoughts and prayers are appreciated during our journey to become parents again. ;o)

1st Easter egg hunt of the year

2011-04-17T07:15:00.000-07:00

Landon had his 1st of many egg hunts last weekend. Our friends host an Easter egg hunt at their home. There were TONS of kids, food, bounce house, egg hunt and of course an Easter bunny. Here are some pictures from our day

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-13T12:55:00.000-07:00