Living in Paradise

THANKFUL

2011-02-08T19:33:00.000-08:00

Ooh... geez... life has happened... long days have come and I can't seem to keep up with Twitter/blog and facebook.

I have kept up everyday, mostly on facebook, but last week itwas on scraps of paper... I was so busy....

Here is the past week in review... missing the pictures... but hopefully I will catch up this blog this weekend.

Day 37: Thankful for my home!
Day 38: Thankful for my career. I may have long days at the office sometimes, but I love what I do!
Day 39: Thankful for cuddle time with my baby
Day 40: Thankful for old contacts at CSU! It payed off! Because of B.R.A.Y.D.E.N. will be hosting our 2nd annual Water Safety Day at CSU!
Day 41: Thankful for a wonderful experienc at the dentist.. which never has happened to me.. I love my hygentist Crystal!
Day 42: Thankful for my bestie Kristen! Breakfest at IHop!
Day 43: Thankful for washable markers!
Day 44: Thankful for a boys night! So mommy could go to her small group!

Day 08:

2011-01-02T17:13:00.000-08:00

Thankful for Jenny at www.southernsavers.com who help me cut my grocery bill in half every week!

Go here to see what I got FREE on Thanksgiving day! http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/photo.php?fbid=539750330212&set=a.530175667912.2038498.136102586

Day 06 & 07

2011-01-01T17:04:00.000-08:00

Day 06: Thankful for naptime, which translates into Mommy-Time!
(Note: I didn't skip yesterday, I only posted to my facebook account, as I was celebrating bringing in the New Year with my family!)

Day 07: I am Thankful for my small group. This season we are reading The Five Love Languages together.

"DH" and I read this a year before we got engaged. We were at the point in our relationship where we were stuck. I remember meeting my best friend "K" at Caribou coffee, and I talked with her about how "DH" and I were just trucking along.... She asked me to read this book and give it a few more weeks/months.

And, she saved our relationship. Don't get me wrong, DH never did anything wrong, we just didn't speak each others love languages and by not doing that, our relationship grew stagnant. The "honeymoon" stage of dating was over and after a few months of just going along, I think we both knew that something had to change. And did it ever! "DH" learned that I feel most loved when he spends time with me instead of buying me gifts and running to hang out with his friends.
I learned that "DH" needs words of affirmation. By learning how each other feels loves, we were able to grow our relationship and a year later, we were engaged, and a year after that, married.

Now we have the opportunity to read this book all over again and it is a great refesser. It will two years of meeting with our couples small group. And I am thankful everyday for these friends. They are my support system. They hold me accountable, and see things differently, so when I need a boost or even a reminder "Did you pray about this yet", they are there for me. Both "DH" and I were embraced into this group and they are our closest friends now. I hope we never loose touch.

So thank you "K" and small group.... you will never know how much you all mean to me....

Day 05

2010-12-30T18:51:00.001-08:00

Day 05: Thankful for the strong bond my husband and son have together. What a wonderful gift.

Day 04 & Leaving Santa Cookies....

2010-12-29T16:35:00.000-08:00

Day 04: Thankful for my sweet boy who is growing like a weed!

Leaving cookies for Santa :So..... We decided to leave Santa some cookies... But we had to try one first....

And with Cookies... you need to leave some milk....

And then we had to taste the cookies again....

And wash down our bite with some milk.....

So Santa only got a one cookie and a half eaten cookie, with a tiny sip of milk....

Day 03

2010-12-28T18:12:00.000-08:00

Day 3: Thankful for a supporting husband.

Through thick or thin, we have made it through. I can't wait to see what 50 years of marriage look like.

Will it look my my grandparents, who have been married for 52 years? They have the same routine everyday. And believe that time apart from each other is being selfish. So they spend 99% of the time in each others presence.

I wonder if they ever run out of things to talk about.

But they unconditionally love one another.

And that is all that matters...

48 1/2 more years of marriage until we reach 50 years!

Its gonna be a long ride. But I can't wait.

Day Two: Gratitude Project

2010-12-27T17:58:00.000-08:00

Day two: I am Thankful for compassionate patrons at O'Charley's Restaurant today, and for the chocolate milk that finally calmed down "AV"'s meltdown of 2010.

Well... it is official... I think we are banned from fine dinning restaurants until "AV" and future kids turn 18.

I have been blessed with a job that gave me a four day weekend and
"AV" has gotten quite used to being home and having me all to himself.... Last week, "AV" had pneomia so he was home from daycare. We made it though all of the Christmas holidays festivities , and we decided to have a PJ day on Sunday. So today, we were ready to be out and about. "AV" and I went to the Charleston Children's Museum with some friends today. And we both took a late nap....

So since "AV" had such a good day, "DH" suggested that we go out to dinner. And obviously... it was a disaster. "AV" screamed and cried and I think you could hear him in China...

Neadlesstosay... he has reach that age of "independence" and defiance and therefore public places that are not meant for kids, we will only be enjoying by carside food service or on a date....

But I wouldn't have it any other way.....Lets just pray to tomorrow at daycare drop off is smooth...

Day 01 ( Gratitude Project)

2010-12-26T17:21:00.000-08:00

How could I not start our this year of Gratitude by not thanking our Creator.

I am so thankful that God sent His Son for us. And who continually forgives us, even when we do not deserve it.

2010

2010-12-26T11:59:00.001-08:00

I am not sure how I have managed to go through all of 2010 without a blog.... no update.... nothing..... Very depressing.

So much has happened in 2010 and I have had a lot of lessons learned....

2010 has been such a blur... and I (feel that I ) lost a whole year of growth..

As a review for those who have missed...

2010 started out:

Jan: "AV" was admitted to the hospital for brochettes. He has always had a breathing problem it seems like and had been on and off the nebulizor for a while.. Every time he got a cold, his chest would wheeze. Three days on oxygen and intensive inhalers we were released from the hospital and Avery was placed on a preventative medicine until May.

I remember driving to the hospital to meet Brant and thinking... I should be panicking... but I guess as a mom, your instints kick in and you know that you have to be strong. I also knew that his condition was not life threathing as I have watched two of my close friends have "heart" babies and their struggles.

Febuary and March seemed to fly on by..."AV" grew!

April- "AV" turned one! It was a crazy safari weekend! Mimi, Pop-Pop, Uncle K and Gramma came down from MD and we all through a huge party for my boy! A week after that , I (reluctantly) gave up nursing, and a week later had "AV" off of his bottle! At the end of April early May, "AV" started to walk... or should I say ru

May- "DH" and I enrolled "AV"in Infant Swimming Resource. My sister "M" enrolled her daughter, "E" first and I attended one of her lessons and knew that we had to get "AV" involved. ISR gives one-on-one lessons in survival swimming. For more information, follow this link...http://www.blogger.com/www.infantswim.com

Also, in May... "M" and I founded Because of Brayden, a non-profit (still waiting on our certificate) organization to teach our community Water Safety.

June-"AV" was certified in ISR. He can now find his exit in water and is able to float (even in winter clothes) for up to 10 minutes.

July-We took a huge family vacation to NY and MD to see "AV 's great grandparents and grandparents. It was an amazing trip

August- We held our first Water Safety day! It was a huge success and even had a TV spot! The Friday before the big event, "M" and I were running around like crazy! We ended up parting ways to run separate errands... when I got the call to have the two of us interviewed... For those of you who know me, I am very particular about my house.. but the week before, I let everything go because we were rushing to prepare for our big event... So needlesstosay.. I had to run home and clean for the shoot. I found that the oven is a great place to hide dirty dishes! LOL.

On a serous note, we were able to educate over 50 children the importance of water safety. For more information or to request a newsletter: http://www.blogger.com/www.becauseofbrayden.org

September-Our kick off for the holiday season it seems like... Life starts getting crazy!

October-"DH" turned 38 and Halloween! "AV" was peter pan, "DH" was Hook and I was Wendy...

November-"AV" got a great big surprise! he got another cousin (on DH side) ! Cousin N is a great addition to our family!

We had a trip to the zoo

And we hosted Thanksgiving!

December-I turned 26, we took a mini-vac to VA/MD to see the new baby and grandparents. "AV" is truly spoiled by them! We also had a small (perfect) Christmas!

It is also time to reflect on this year... I lost contact with some friends, did not purse my relationship with God as actively as I should.

But...

I did..

get connected more with my small group,
Feel like I can now manage as a new mom. (for those of you who don't know(many don't).. I struggled a bit with the big change of being a mom.)
Grew my marriage
Was blessed each day with my baby boy...

My goals in 2011:

To be more thankful. I will be taking a challenge to find one thing in each day to be Thankful. thecreativemama.com/the-year-of-gratitude/ Hopefully, everyday, I will post either here, or on my facebook, one thing that I am thankful for for a whole year.
I want to run a 5k this year.
I am going to participate in the Daniel Fast www.daniel-fast.com/ with my church www.seacoast.org and hopefully this will jump start me in actively pursuing God everyday.
Keep in contact with friends and family more.

Lets roll 2011! Hopefully this time next year will be more progress!

Macaranna~

2009-10-26T18:53:00.000-07:00

Are you feeling guilty for avoiding making a dentist appointment for just one more month because you hate going there so much? Hope that no one saw you pick your nose while you sat at the traffic light? Overcome with shame because, in your house, cleaning for guests just means shoving stuff into drawers and closets? Well don't be! Not Me! Monday was born out of my desire to admit some of my imperfections and reveal a few moments I'd rather forget. You may find it therapeutic to join in and do the same thing! Just make your post and add it to McMama's blog! This week, I did not leave work early with a headache and heard the Macarana song and crank the music up loud and dance to this oldie. No, that was not me you saw making a fool of herself at the stop light doing that old song and dance. No, not me. I did not eat icing out of the jar all week long. I know better and am trying to stay away from cavities. And I know that eating out of a jar leads to weight gain.. which I haven't had.. not at all... I also did not throw myself a pity party as I cleaned out Avery's closet because my little boy is growing up. I also did not leave my screaming child under the chair so I could take a picture of him and how he got himself stuck! I am also NOT going to grab a bit of icecream out of the container before I go tobed. I am not a pig like that. Good nite!

I hit the hubs with the car...

2009-10-19T16:30:00.000-07:00

Are you feeling guilty for caving in at Wal-Mart and buying candy for your children just to keep them quiet and happy even though you never buy them candy? Hope that no one saw you pull your infants diaper waaaaaay back in the middle of the sermon at church to see if it was dirty? Overcome with shame when you sleep in at morning until after your children wake? (And, trust me, this week I wouldn't know anything about any of those examples.) Well don't be! Not Me! Monday was born out of my desire to admit some of my imperfections and reveal a few moments I'd rather forget. You may find it therapeutic to join in and do the same thing!

This week I certainly did not hit my husband with the car. I mean, I know how to drive and know that I need him to wait until he moves away before I back up. Therefore the mirror won't hit him I also did not think.. oh what a great not me monday story it would make. Meanwhile, I also did not almost hit my sister with the car the exact same way a few days later. This past week, I didn't stand in front of my work's sink and just put my hands out expecting the water to just turn on. And then sign about how the automatic sink doesn't work every. Then realizing that the sink wasn't automatic. This week, I also did not almost burn the house down when I left a pot of beans simmering on teh stove as I watched tv for three hours. Nope I am completly careful and remember to always check on my cooking food This week, I also didn't let my child fall and tap I mean bang his head against the floor resulting in a piercing scream from my sweet boy. No, I am always careful and would never let my child fall over and hurt themselves. I also didn't beg my husband to take our little one to the store so I could catch up on couponing and instead took a nap. Nope, I always take advantage to my babyfree time to catch up on things around the house!

Not me Monday

2009-09-21T15:55:00.000-07:00

Not me Monday!

I will always know what day it is because I am the organized freak of this family and having a baby would not have changed that. So today at the stop light, I didn't realize that it was Monday and that I remembered that its time to do a Not Me Monday post. ... because I never forget you see. And I also, didn't scold myself for thinking McMama was wrong earlier today about it being Monday and being a day late with her post... Cause I'm always right you know.

This week, I also didn't forget Avery's precious lion that he takes everywhere. I yell at Brant for doing it so I would NEVER do the same thing i get upset over, and not realize it for two days.. then go begging our friends to scour their house for it... Nope Not me.. I always guard that lion for Avery!

This past week at work, I also did not wave my ID card in front of the hand sanitiser and not the key pad. I also didn't' sigh and do it THREE more times while complaining that my card doesn't work... No Not me, I know how to work security doors!

I also and the most organized ninny on earth and would never forget numerous things in the morning, making me run in and out of the house so many times, waking the boys up... I remember everything the first time. I also still don't get to work and realize I left something else at home... I bring everything with me the first time!

Last night, I also didn't put Avery to bed and run for a bowl of ice cream and while savoring said ice cream, my little man didn't wake up and I waited to get him, then as I knew he wouldn't go back to bed, began nursing him and eating ice cream at the same time. I am completely in tune with Avery and would certainly put the ice cream away to tend to him... Nope not me.

I also, this past month did not take a picture of my last clock out at Chick-fil-A. I wouldn't take a picture documenting the end of my years at CFA.. nope not me...

My sister and I also didn't go to Duncan Donuts on Friday and hide the evidence from her husband. We would never not offer to pick him up anything from his fav place...

I also, didn't beg Brant to let us go out to eat after church to IHOP. Since nobody ever wants to go there. Nope.. not me.. I don't beg not to cook for my family. I always cook and stay home and save money....

I also didn't go to through jury duty's security line and when asked what was in my bottle, gave them a blank stare and stated what bottle... ?!?!? I always know what is in my purse and take security seriously. Nope not me.

I also did not call Brant on the way to jury duty this week to see how Avery takes his fruit for the first time and asked for a minute by minute play by play of his actions... Nope not me

So hopefully this starts the week off right ! :)

Avery 4 months and 5 months

2009-09-05T11:42:00.000-07:00

Our sweet boy is 4 months old... well actually he was 4 months old a month ago... now he is 5 months old and this post will document the two months and Avery's accomplishments. I have been very bad at posting.(Obviously) We still decided to have him sleep in our room for another month in his pack in play, but... well.. mom kept putting him in their bed. However, toward the end of his 4th month, we did manage to put him in his bed every night and then starting putting him in is crib upstairs! (with mom sleeping in the room across from him) This past months he has:

eating rice cereal and oatmeal (well for mommy not so much for daddy)
sitting up in his bumbo seat
sleeping through the night more
loves jumping in his jumparoo more
loves to reach for our months
smiling more
was 15lbs at his 4 mo. check up
started in daycare
get his first fever
loves being on his tummy and pushing up
loves playing peak a boo
loves mommy singing to him
becoming a daddy's boy more and more
... but still needs his mommy for hard moments
plays in his crib by himself
is more aware of himself and others...loves playing with his cousin Ellie
PLAYS WITH HIS FEET.. mommy is so excited about this one !
Sleeps in his crib most nights all the way through

Sadly, I cant upload pictures for some reason, so I will try again later....

Vent

2009-08-02T10:01:00.000-07:00

I hesitate to post this as I am not sure if any family members read this. But then, they don't control my life, I am not posting anything evil or negative about them, and then again... its MY blog. A place where I can document our family, my thoughts and feelings whether happy or sad. This post is a vent, so to any who don't want to read a vent, stop reading here...

We have a great person in our life, that is truly important to us. We love them with all of our hearts and know that Avery will grow to love this person as well. The problem arises in how this person acts: Which is very selfish, rude, and they do not guard their tongue. Feelings are continually hurt, boundiers crossed and fights and they do not bring out the best in my husband and I . Of course I want to guard Avery from actions that are bad behavior. But I WILL not keep Avery from this person as they hold a key relationship with our family. When we speak to this individual, it in turn creates another problem. So we have kept our mouths shut for so long. But as a mother I can not just let bad behavior be in front of my child. Even though he can not understand now, in a few months he will. And I am tired of hearing from other family individuals and this person that its "just the way they are" That is a bunch of Bologna! It is not hard to think before you speak. And its time for this person to let go and not be so selfish. Sharing is a great thing, especially people. (sharing Avery for example) AND the words please and thank you are magic words that make everything seem better and not demanding. It is getting hard to bite our tongues and I will not keep doing it. I need people in Avery's life that are positive and a good example as how someone grow up to become. If I have to limit the relationship, I will in protection of my son. But this person seriously needs to put on their big adult underwear, and realize that its not about them, let go and grow up. I know their mother has taught them all of the rules of society, and magic words of please and thank you. And my favorite saying is "YOUR NEVER TO OLD TO CHANGE!" Just put your mind to it. You won't be perfect at first, but the effort does go along way. I will no longer accept that "its just the way I am "excuse anymore.
Vent over...for now....

Nathaniel's words of wisdom...

2009-08-02T09:51:00.000-07:00

Nathaniel is my sweet adorable 5 year old wise nephew! He is about to start kindergarten this August and had some wise help for me the other day.... Along with being the most adorable 5 year old helper, who loves to make Avery laugh and give him his bottle and to make presents for us, he decided to help me out yesterday. While pretending to vacuum, he started on my knee. When asked what he was doing, he said :"I'm vacuuming all your hair off your legs..." And that my friend is when you know you need to shave your legs! No excuses, even if your a tired mother of a newborn.. people will notice... especially your 5 year old nephew!

~Beach Bum~

2009-08-02T09:36:00.000-07:00

Summer is almost over and I needed to get our sweet boy to the beach! The beach is one of my favorite places. I grew up on Long Island and we spend almost everyday at the beach. My mom grew up sailing and being a beach bum and she wanted the same for us. The beach is a place of prayer and healing for me as well as the years have gone by and I wanted to introduce our boy to the pleasures of the beach. So with granma, Mimi and daddy, Uncle Tom, Aunt Dana and cousin Tammie in tow, we finally made it to the beach. I was a little apprehensive since he is so young. But he LOVED it. I think he must take after my mom! He felt entirely at home in the sand and loved the waves touching his feet! After the beach we headed to the Trumbles hotel to swim in the pool, which I was completely nervous about. Avery wasn't so sure about the water, I don't think he really liked his feet dangling about but we splashed and played for a short time. I wanted him to kick alot since that is all he likes to do in the bath tub, but he didn't. Although he was all kicks once we put him in the bath at home to rinse off, go figure!

Dedication

2009-07-25T08:31:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, we dedicated Avery to the Lord. It was an amazing experience. Since we had the serivce on saturday night, we held a party here to celebrate Avery's special day with our close family and friend. Here are some pictures:

Avery in his dedication outfit. The sweater was knitted by his great grandmom Moylan

Getting prayed over

Mimi and Gramma made the trip from MD!

With his Nana and Grandpop

Our family

Pictures of Avery's first 4th of July

2009-07-05T08:29:00.000-07:00

We met my sister Michelle, her husband Jake and kids at the park for some yummy chicken and fireworks...here are some moments of our night!

Avery with his cousin Nathaniel, who is holding his cousin's Brayden's pinwheel....

Family Photo

Trying to reach the fireworks

Pretty fireworks

Just chillin out on the blanket

My fav photo of the day!

The day was amazing! He was an angel all day long. But we wore him out. We finally got home around 11 and he went straight to bed, only to be woken up by the neighborhood kids lovely fireworks show that went on for and hour or more. So Avery is currently sleeping again! He slept through the night, got up around 5:30am, ate and went back to sleep until 9:30 then went down for a nap around 10:30 and he hasn't moved! Poor kid! We wore him out with our first fourth of July!

Avery is 3months!

2009-07-05T08:11:00.001-07:00

Our Avery Bear is 3 months! I can't believe it. The time has flown by! And, for the first time, Avery has slept through the night. (actually two nights in a row) It has been amazing to get 6 hours of sleep uninterrupted. I have handled the sleep deprivation really well over the past three months. Probably because for years I barely got any with going to school and work full time! At this point Avery can:

Play under his playmat and grasp and pull the dangling toys
He has found interest in his hands
Can lay on his belly and hold his head up for a while
Smiles non stop
Talks non stop
Still loves to cuddle!
Loves singing and dancing together
Will sit through us reading him a book... he seems to focus on the pictures...

His three month picture next to the bunny ( i take it every month to track the growth)

His three month picture.

At the same token, 3 months also marks a huge change. Its time for me to go back to work. I love my job. But I LOVE spending time with Avery. I have gone back to work twice a week in June, but now, I am going to be away five days a week! Eight hours at a time. I just hope we adjust well. Avery is really comfortable with Brant and other of our family members down here. But I know it is going to be a new adjustment. Even though I am nervous and honestly not happy with the timing of Brant's real estate appraising class, I am hoping that for this short season of life, I will only have to be a working mom, and in two to three years, he will be established to where I only have to work part time if any. Not only am I going back to work, but for July and August, Brant is leaving us for five weekends (thankfully not all in a a row) to go up to Columbia (2 hours away) to take his classes. After August he will hopefully get an internship and will have to take 4 more classes. After the classes, two years and 2000 hours he will be a certified real estate appraiser. I just hope that the two years (it will probably have to be more actually since he has to still work full time) goes by fast and as less stress as possible. I just pray that we all fair well in this transitional time.

Daddy has a secret..

2009-07-05T08:04:00.001-07:00

Daddy loves to talk with Avery. Avery is so talkative lately. And Avery tries to mimic what Daddy is saying. I caught a couple of the moments on camera at the park this week!

Talking to each other!

Avery has a secret to share....

And Daddy does too!

Our First Wedding Anniversy!

2009-07-05T07:46:00.000-07:00

I know it has been over a month since our first wedding anniversary, but I wanted to update our blog. I created this blog for family members far away as well as to document my family. Hopefully many years later, it will help us keep the memories! We spent the day together as a family, then dropped Avery off with his Nana and Grandpop so we could go out to eat. We ate at this authentic Italian restaurant called Tomatoes. And the food was to die for! Then we came home before getting our boy! Brant had me sister come in and leave a trail of rose petals everywhere, a dozen roses and some chocolate! Needless to say, I was really surprised at Brant's creativity. I love him so much!

Our cake and topper one year later

The trail of rose petals...

Husband and wife. My outfit is actually the dress I wore when I left the reception! I can't believe after a month and a half from giving birth, that I could fit. It was snug tho!

Fourth of July

2009-07-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 4TH of JULY

We are just waiting for Daddy to get home from work, then its off to Church to thank God for our country and our independance, then we are going to the park for a picnic under the fireworks!

Happy First 4th of July Avery!

Not me Monday

2009-06-29T19:51:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

This week I certainly did not leave the dirty dishes in the sink for three days till the sink overflowed. And there was Not a leftover cereal bowl with milk left in it which did not curddle. I would never let my kitchen be that bad.

I also did not kick my husband out of bed to change our darling son's poopy diaper. While I played as if I didn't know he had a big time poop. I would never try to get out of changing a poopy diaper now would I?

I did not have the biggest blonde moment of my life and stared at the OJ bottle's clear fill line and then ask my brother why it was made that way. Then saw the words underneath the line which would have told me all that I needed to know without looking as a fool.

I also did not call my darling son Avery , Nathaniel (my nephew) the other day talking to my sister. I know my own son's name!!

So what else did you not do this week!

For the second day in a row....

2009-06-25T09:24:00.001-07:00

Avery took a nap in his crib!
For those who don't know... Avery never used to let us lay him down for naps. So, we would cuddle and nap with him ALL the time. But yesterday, I tried again to lay him down (this time on his tummmy) and he stayed asleep! And again today! This months goal is to get him used to his crib at nap time for a month, then begin switching him there at night. He has so many milestones its crazy! This morning I caught him reaching for his star toy on his play mat. Next month we are also purchasing a jumparoo for him so he can finally jump around as he likes. He was ALWAYS a kicker in the womb and now even more so! Here are some other great pics of this month.

TUMMY TIME

HE LOVES BATHS

My Little Man

With His cousin Ellie!

Life changes

2009-06-11T05:36:00.000-07:00

This past week has been memorable, tearful and emotional. It has marked 13 years that my mother has passed away. It marked 13 years of my growth that she has missed, the grandson she never got to meet, the momemts that see missed. It marked the journey that I have taken through grief, acceptance and now goal to still make her proud and be like her. And just when I thought I was okay with it and know that God has plans for us and our time here is limited, God threw me and my family into a loophole. Not only did this past weekend mark 13 years for my moms passing, it marked the 1st year of my sweet newphew, my sister and brother in laws son passing away and entering heaven. At 18 months, Brayden Russell was so much fun. Fearless, he loved music, obsessed with pinwheels and for some reason his belly button, walked around sticking his toungue out and overall oneof the happiest babies I have seen. God had a plan for Brayden to eb with us for a short time here on earth. But it is so much more harder to swallow that concept because he was so young. And the passing of a child is the most tragic event for a parent there can be. And probably nothing more painful. It hurts to see my sister and brother in law ache for their baby. I want to fix it for them. But not matter what I or anyone does we cant change God's plan.
And even though in each instance, I wanted life to stop. And how it didn't seem possible that it could, we still grow, days come and go and we grow each day. My baby sister finally graduated high school. She is 18 and driving. It really does seem like yesterday, she was a curly haired little girl running around like a 4 year old girl should. Now she is a graduate and headed to the Navy!
And crazy as it sounds, I am a MOM! A year ago, Avery wasn't even a thought in our minds, now he is my every thought! Life continues and as we all learn, God has a plan and we may not be able to understand the why's and everything, we have to still keep going. We need to grow and hold on to the memories.

Okay... next post will be fun.. I keep writting all this serious sad stuff!

AVERY IS TWO!

2009-06-02T18:40:00.000-07:00

I can't beleive my baby boy is two months old!
Avery can:
*coo and mimick you
*smile
*laugh
*hold his head up while on his tummy
*his eyes follow you around the room
*swats at objects
*turn over
*sleep 4 hours at night
*Weights in at 10.55lb
*Stands at 22in
*and is the cutest baby boy!

Can't wait to see what he does this month!

A new Perspective...

2009-06-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

It is crazy how your perspective changes once you are a mother. Things that I have heard in the past may made me feel one way or another, hearing them now I feel a completly different way. This past week, I heard of a a tradgey that occured in my old neighboorhood in Crofton. A 14 year old boy was beaten to death while he was riding his bike home. I am completly saddened. That poor guy died by himself, probably hoping that his mom and dad were there to comfort him in those last minitues. I hear prayer requests on another blog of termoil/pain/and hurts occuring in certain families, and my heart goes out to those in need of a miricle and healing. I know I can not protect my son and family from hard times and hurts. And it seems that some families have it harder than most. Its a scary thought knowing that sometime in my life, Avery is going to face some hard truths about the world and some hurts in his life that I am not going to be able to protect him from. Life is going to take its toll. Its a fact. No matter what. I just pray that God gives me the wisdom to raise Avery in a way that he can handle life situations. And I pray that Brant and I will always be able to help him through it. That he will never have to face it alone. I can't imagine what the parents of that boy are feeling right now. And I know they probably can't imaigne going on. Even this past year, I have had to watch and even expierence learning to have new normals in my family. I know God has a plan for all of us. And we always complain that life isn't fair. Its not fair for a mother/father to live without their child. Its not fair to have a family member in sickness. etc.. Its not fair to have a boy beaten to death... These times when faith becomes hard. But not impossible. I pray that I can be an example to my son. Teach him the ways of the Lord and he will lean on God ultimetly. Because God has a plan for all of us even when we think its not fair. He is God after all.

I am sorry if this blog is a little mixed up and doesn't flow perfectly....It just kinda all came out.

My first not me mon

2009-05-25T08:57:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

This week I didn't get excited about Social Security checks( i thought they meant to say Stimulus checks) and then aksed when do we get them... all to find out that I will not be getting a SS check for quite some time.. No Not ME!

I did not sit at our fancy dinner table at tomatoes glued to me phone in case my parents needed to tell me something about Avery. And I did not try to sneak text under the table to check on him later when brant told me to put the phone away.. No NOT ME!

I did not steal a lick of our wedding cake eairlier this week. I always tell me newphews not to do that... so why would I??

I did not scary my Avery into tears when I jumped on the bed to play with him. No NOT ME... ( in my defense, I though he saw me comming)

I did not organize half my dresser only to shove everything back in it tomake my room look cleaner.. NO NOT ME!

I also did not eat left over wedding cake for breakfest twice this week either! No NOT ME!

So what have you not done this week?

~ A year Later~

2009-05-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that Brant and I have already seen one year of marriage! Its unbelieveable to me! A year ago today, we were packed up and heading to Gatlinburg for a week of relaxa-ing and honeymooning! :) This year of marriage has taught us SO much

how to face a crisis and learn how each other deals with the wake of it
Brant learned how to do Laundry the RIGHT way
communication seemed harder at first even tho we were living together ..we learned neither one of us has ESP.
We learned how to care for a house/stay on budget
We grew in our relationship.. Everyone should read "Devotions after I say I do"
Lauren learned new receipes
We grew in love... its an everyday thing :)
We learned how to make a baby.. haha. and now we have Avery Dillon
We learned how to be parents... the lesson isn't over yet :)

Those are just a glimpse of the lessons we have learned... and we can't wait for other lessons that are in our future. Some days/weeks were hard, some easy. But through it all, marriage is great for us!

To celebrate, we dropped Avery off at Nana and Grandpop's and we headed to a great Resturant called Tomatoes! Yummy homemade Italian food and wine! Then Brant surprised me with a trail of rose petals around the house, long steamed pink roses, and white chocolate. We ate our wedding cake and ended the night with Avery, thankful for a great year and hopeful for what is to come.

Here are some pictures of the year. Pictures of this past week ill upload later!

Our perfect wedding day

Downtown Charleston

Showing off our prego bellies

Welcoming Baby Avery!

Gasp.. Daddy and Avery time!

2009-05-22T09:25:00.001-07:00

So pretty much I have never left Avery's side since he's been born. Unless it me taking a quick shower or being a room away from him. Oh and once when my parents watched him for a half hour so I could run home to let the dog out. But pretty much I havent been away from him for more than 30 min! And last night, just as I was about to driff off into sleep brant says,

"btw, I want to take avery on my earrands tomorrow" My first reaction was "its ok, its easier to leave him here... " but after some prodding and thinking/sleeping on it, I gave in this am. Its hard to beleive that my leave is almost over! And brant and Avery will need tolearn how to get by without me when I start going back to work.. And Avery also has to learn how to deal when its not mommy/daddy with him either... Breaks my heart! :) Im sure all is fine... brant has it all under control, but I miss my little pirate! I also don't know what to do with myself. I was told no cleaning or organizing while brant was gone since this is him "giving me a break" sooooo... I guess Ill just blog, facebook, take a bath. Although I do have to admit that I did straightenup a little bit! Maybe brant won't notice! hahaha!

I just can't wait for my boys to be back! I think I drove brant crazy this am when I was telling him what not to forget... including... dont forget that you have avery and don't forget him in the car... (its happened toothers before...) anyway.. Im sure all is fine! :) Just another step in parent hood! Tomorrow the grandparents have him so brant and I can celebrate our first wedding anniversy! Hard to believe that its been a year!

~Our Boy~

2009-05-17T11:42:00.000-07:00

Its hard to beleive that Avery is already 6 weeks old! It is really true that time goes by fast! These past weeks we have learned so much about ourselves and Avery. He was born April 2nd 2009. My little boy decided to turn breech on me at the last possible second so I needed a C-section. The c-section was a breeze for me, but poor Avery got stuck in my stomach for about 5 minutes. The doctors placed in on Oxygen for the first 24 hours, and then monitored them the second 24 hours in the Level II nursery. It was hard for me the first day because I wasn't able to see him. It got a little easier the second day when I could visit him, and then on Saturday he joined us in the hospital room! We were realeased to go home on sunday! But by wednesday we were back in the dr.'s office because we suspected that Avery had a bad case of jaundice. Unfortunetly we were right and he spent the next 48 hours on a home phototherpy bed. And four days of getting his poor heel pricked! But he was a trouper! Parenting is hard, in the sense that you never want your child to get hurt or be sick and in the first week of his life, i felt so worried and helpless for him. But I guess it comes with the territory! Avery is so sweet and perfect! He even knows to give me the good diapers and daddy the messy ones! :) Even more special to having Avery is watching Brant and him bond. Brant hasn't really been around babies his whole life and was scared to hold any baby. But once Avery came,he knew he couldn't hide forever. I love seeing brant learn to care for him, and become so excited to see him. The look of wonder on brant's and Avery's faces are so adorable and melts my heart. They love to talk to one another, cuddle, and its only daddy that can give avery a bath. If I even try, Avery cries as if I cut off his arm! But Ido have my cuddle time too, and the smiles and I swear he cuckles! Avery is now into his moblie I set up for him and even tries to grab the bears as they swing by! And he loves his belly mat! He has pretty good control of his head too! But all in all, this past month and a half my have flown by but all the sweet memories we have made, the lessons learned and cuddles and kisses given are just a tiny glimpse of what we have in store. Im cherishing today and hoping for many great tomorrows!

Beginning...

2008-09-30T15:34:00.000-07:00

Well, with all of the family around the U.S, I decided it might be a better way for people to know what is going on with us! To recap since May when we last saw most of you:

The wedding was beautiful! Everything was perfect. The weather, my dress, the entire day. It was the most amazing experience of my life. I wish it could happen again ( to Brant still of course) We were so blessed to have that experience! Honeymoon was great! Gatlinburg was so much fun. I just wish our pictures developed better. The mountains were so beautiful and it was so relaxing. I had been going double time with my finals and graduating then planning the wedding all at the same time so we definitely got some R&R. Brant even got me to go up on this sky lift thing to the top of the mountain. We are hoping to one day go back and hopefully it won't be so foggy. On the way home we visited the Biltmore Estates which is the most amazing piece of history! I personally want to go back again. Brant... I'm not so sure. He isn't the history buff! The move to SC and into our new house went smooth. We are learning to work as a team. Brant has finally learned how to do laundry the right way! I am cooking alot, and the rule that we stole from my parents house was if you cook, the others clean... poor Brant... he is washing dishes alot...But the house is almost finished decorated. The house is currently torn apart because we are finally getting our 30 day list finished and they had to repaint. But soon, I will post some pictures of the house. I hope all of you can one day visit it! We are currently still seeking a new job for Brant and I have transitioned into my marketing position. But we are truly happy! Married life is great! I hope that through this blog helps keep everyone up to date on our lives and what is happening with the Sheldon's!