Our Life

Survey Edition

2011-06-19T20:04:00.000-04:00

In an effort to post SOMETHING, anything on this blog, I'm going old school with a quiz! A super short one.

Favorite TV show?
Already, I see that I'm going to have a hard time choosing just one answer to each question. Maybe I'll do top three.
The Office, Gilmore Girls, Seinfeld - honorable mention: SportsNight

Favorite restaurant?
In Franklin? hmm...we don't eat out alot, but when we do, we usually like Cafe Rel.
Outside of the sticks? Sweet Tomatoes, Whole Foods Salad Bar ;)

Favorite Shampoo?
At any given time, there are about 4 varieties of shampoo in my shower. I like to switch it up everyday, and cleanse with Neutrogena (the kind in the clear bottle), every 3 days or so to remove the gunk. Right now, I have: Suave Rosemary Mint, Herbal Essences Pure something, Neutrogena and Pantene for Curly hair.

Favorite cereal?
Honey Bunches of Oats (Almonds), Cinnamon Cheerios, Trader Joes Fiber Twigs

Something that happened yesterday?
Travis and I took the kids on a run. He's actually getting pretty good. We do intervals and that helps to break the run up.

Something you are looking forward to?
Our beach trip next week!! We're headed to Destin, Florida.

Something you love about summer?
Lots of things: my sister having time off teaching so she can go walk with me, fresh vegetables and fruits, vacation, a tan.

Something on your wish list?
Again - I have to pick just one?!?
Top three: new vacuum, IPOD, and running shoes.

And a post wouldn't be complete without a picture. This one was taken when Dominic and I ran in his first 5k. I may or may not have made him throw up at the end.

Miss Clara

2011-05-16T08:34:00.007-04:00

Notice the double roll around the knee area. Typically, when a woman eats something, she says, "This is going straight to my thighs". Not here. We deposit our fat in the cheeks and knees.

Trying for some Bieber hair (well, pre-cut Bieber hair). A little thin right now, but we have high hopes.

You can barely make out teeth here. She has 5 total!

Beautiful girl, great personality. Clara - you are a JOY in our lives. Please continue to smile and laugh it off when Mommy makes mistakes.

2011-03-07T08:42:00.001-05:00

fall picture, fall background....
just a little behind.
(sad that when you check back next week, nothing will have changed....I need a blog secretary)

thoughts...

2011-02-26T09:37:00.007-05:00

Random thoughts:

Clara is seriously the best baby ever. Those chubby thighs. Ah, I could eat them up.

P90X is awesome. I thought I would hate getting up at 6AM to sweat beside my husband (who has such focus and drive in everything, but not really at exercising), but I love it. I like knowing that I've gotten it out of the way and can do anything I want with the rest of my day. Just so happens that I usually end up walking or running 4 or 5 more miles later.

Jersey Shore is rubbish. Would you watch it if Jesus was sitting beside you? (cause, guess what, HE IS!). I've been trying to ask myself this question with everything that we watch lately. Sadly, the TV gets turned off alot. Or maybe that's not sad.

I cut Henry's hair and now he seems so old. Like at least 3.

If you eat egg whites for breakfast, you're allowed to nibble on brownies an hour afterwards. Then an hour after that, then an hour after that, then.....

Travis is leading worship now at FCC. He's doing an amazing job IMHO. Hi, my name is Lindsay and I'm a worship team groupie.

Spring is just around the corner. That means I have to order my organic seeds and bioinsecticide....wait, what?!? Yeah - first year gardener and I'm attempting organics? We'll see if the ole brown thumb shows up again (I get it from my mother). If all else fails, I'll just "borrow" from dad's garden.

And last but not least, a picture that will put a smile on that grumpy face of yours....

Some things...

2010-12-08T13:42:00.006-05:00

I'll want to remember about my children at this point in their lives....

Clara (3 1/2 months)-
You sleep from around 8:30pm to 8am, with usually one wake-up time, to nurse, and then you go right back to sleep.

You have discovered your hands. You like to hold them together, suck on them, and wave them about, in the air, like a crazy person.

You are LOUD...very rarely do you cry, but when you do, the volume is turned up to MAX!

You nurse 7-8 times a day. You poop after every nursing session :)

Saying "guh" is your most favorite thing to do right now.

You wear 3-6 clothing. You weigh about 15 pounds and you have fat rolls and cellulite everywhere. Your skin is very fair. Your hands, dainty.

Starting to play with small toys and hold things in your hands.

We swaddle you in a SwaddleMe blanket before every nap or nighttime.

Size 2 diaper

You are very easy-going and relaxed. You only cry when you're tired or hungry. You are a JOY to be around!

Henry (27 months)-
You sleep from 8:30pm to 7am. No matter what time we put you down, you are ALWAYS up by 7am. Sleeping aids: Burny, Bemma, Whaley, Black Eye, and Blankey.

You can be really, really annoying when you get in a talkative mood. (harsh, Momma!)

You HATE for anyone to touch your hair, ears or face. You don't like to have your fingernails clipped, ears cleaned out, or your hair cut. Any attempt to do said maintenance on your body results in spankings and tears.

You are generally a very well-behaved boy.

Daddy recites Psalm 100 before bed every night. You can recite some of it back.

Potty training was a flop, we're going to try again after the holidays are over. You could sit in a dirty diaper all day long if I let you.

Favorite shows: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Yo Gabba Gabba, Wiggles, Handy Manny, Ni Hao Kai Lan.

Favorite movies: Robots, Ratatouille, Kung-Fu Panda (which you call "Hong Kong Panda")

You dance by pointing your finger and moving your arm up and down quickly. You can kinda sorta shake your hips, but it generally looks strange.

Almost every Saturday night = sleepover at Nana's house, where you ride the "wheeler" and take a bath in "colored lader".

Favorite foods: Clif Z Bars, string cheese, Cheerios, Chex Mix, Trail Mix (you pick all the M&M's out first, just like your mother), anything dipped in BBQ sauce, Mac and Cheese.

Can count to 10, when asked what color something is, you say red, always. But you know your colors - if I ask you to point to the blue or green, you can do it perfectly.

You have impeccable manners! You also say you're sorry alot (almost too much, which makes me question as to whether or not you know what that word means).

You ask me to "curry" you and when I pick you up, you hug and kiss me. You never hesitate to tell me that you love me, especially when you think I'll give you something sweet.

"'Tis the Season" by Michael Pearl

2010-12-06T16:32:00.001-05:00

Below is the latest from Michael Pearl - sobering, real and something I needed to be reminded of today.

"‘Tis the season to be jolly, glutinous, wasteful, and covetous, while maxing out your credit cards. According to statistics, suicides will be at their highest in the next two months, more children will be molested in back rooms while parents visit, depression will be the default mood, and accidents from drunken driving and drug use will peak. Church attendance will drop off, and baby Jesus will share the stage with Santa Claus. Angels, who were sent forth to minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation, will become nothing more than decorations on a Nimrod tree.

No, I haven’t lost my joy or become cynical. Just the facts Ma’am, just the facts. Now, the question is, how can we enjoy this unholy holiday and glorify God in the process? The answer is simple, “Walk after the spirit and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.”

As you shop for gifts, choose those things that the person for whom you are shopping would have purchased anyhow. My mother-in-law, who is now dead, always bought my sons and me new flannel shirts for Christmas. She would wrap them in paper without any box. You could feel the buttons through the wrapping paper. But we would always shake it and listen to it not rattle as if we were trying to discern the content. We knew it was a plaid, flannel, lumber jack shirt, and of course she knew that we knew, but it was part of the family fun that time of year. Just this past week, Nathan was visiting, wearing a worn flannel shirt. I said, “Hey, what are you doing with my shirt?” He pointed to one just like it lying on the furniture, and protested, “There’s yours; this one is mine; Nanny gave it to me.” Indeed she did. In fact, most of the old work shirts I have were gifts from Nanny.

Each year, year after year, when we opened the packages in front of Nanny and tried on our new plaid shirts, I had no idea those shirts would become such a part of the fabric of our lives. But they still speak of Nanny years later.

So when you give this season, make it a gift without vanity and waste. There are enough junk items in yard sales and useless items stored in boxes in the attic or garage. If you choose to participate in this competition of gift exchange, do it in a way that blesses people rather than causing them to lie as they hold it up and enthusiastically exclaim, “Oh, it’s… just… what I needed.” And you say, “You’ve got it upside down; here, let me show you what it does.”

Do not spend money you do not have, and don’t spend money on these nonessentials that will strain your regular budget. The holiday season has its own rules that will sweep you along or make you feel like a scrooge if you don’t cooperate. Don’t be a victim of tradition.

We solved this problem before our children were born by just basically ignoring the entire holiday. We didn’t try to “keep Christ in Christmas.” That would be like trying to keep the US constitution in the United Nations. Never was there and doesn’t fit.

But I urge you to not become a campaigner against the holiday. Don’t waste God’s time bashing other people’s good cheer. Live your Christian life every day and let him be the center of all your conversation and activities."

— Michael Pearl

Like Father Like Daughter

2010-10-30T20:07:00.003-04:00

Remember when Henry was this little.

PC

2010-10-21T15:54:00.003-04:00

I find myself shouting inside lately! There are so many things in my life, choices I'm making, that go against what society (aka the World) would have me believe is right. And I'm succumbing to being PC about it....why? Is being politically correct blatently going against your convictions? Convictions that you know in your heart are right and true...and more importantly are backed by the Word of God. By being silent, am I failing God? Am I choosing the World over the Word?

Bullet points

2010-10-11T09:03:00.005-04:00

My mind has been racing from thought to thought lately - never really completing one before moving on to the other. I feel like someone has the remote controller to my brain and they're flipping through the channels really fast. I gotta get all this out and onto this blog - bullet-point style. I'm not promising anything special...

My feet went searching for Travis' in the middle of the night....and for the first time in three days, they found their target. All is right with the world. He was gone all weekend to on his Emmaus Walk, which proved to be an amazing (and hard) experience for us.
Really, really wanting some sugar!
Somedays, I really want to wear my white, fuzzy robe all day. But something in me won't let myself be that lazy. Travis informed me that I'm crazy.
Is Clara a better baby, or are we just better parents?
Reading the chapter on being chaste in the Debi Pearl book. Oh wow! All of the chapters speak to me, but this one in particular, I felt greatly convicted. Not so much recently, but in the past, I could definitely be accused of dressing immodestly I think. From now on, before I head out, I'm going to look down my body and do a boobs, stomach, butt check.
Did I really just write "boobs" in a post? Sorry, Mammaw.
Not a fan of food poisoning (which is what we both had, I learned that Travis was sick on Friday morning along with me. Not as much as me, so it must have been my dinner that he only had a couple of bites of). But, really, who IS a fan of food poisoning? Someone, I'm sure. Probably a facebook page for it.
Wonder how much tickets to Denver are right now?
Undercooked brownies with Reese peanut butter chips in them.
Loving this new Febreeze battery-powered candle (an oxymoron of sorts)...but I'm too cheap to turn it on..then I'd have to replace the batteries sooner. Travis doesn't think I'm crazy for that - he's just as frugal.
It's the Holy Spirit that convicts, missy....not me!
I'd really love a house that I could decorate for the fall. Maybe will all the money we're saving on that candle...

That's all for now...the fairy will change the channel again and I'm sure I'll have more to post soon enough.

Wobots

2010-10-01T13:57:00.003-04:00

Henry has watched the movie, "Robots", AT LEAST 10 times in the last 4 days! All he wants to do is watch this movie...he CRYS when it's over and asks for it over and over again. Yesterday, Travis told him to play with his puzzles first, so Henry gets out all his puzzles and RACES through them, just so he can watch this darn movie. He'd much rather watch "Wobots" than play with any toys, new or old. Of course, we are in control and there are several times a day that he asks to watch it and we say no. But still, is this normal for a child to pick a favorite?!?

Other Options - Travis

2010-09-26T10:09:00.003-04:00

Who does she look like? - Travis

2010-09-25T08:46:00.003-04:00

Well this is who I think of.

I might be in trouble with Lindsay.

As promised...

2010-09-18T21:21:00.003-04:00

I couldn't find any good pictures to make a post similar to Henry's. She's still beautiful, acne and all.

nooooooo....

2010-09-14T22:46:00.003-04:00

Clara has baby acne and today, I noticed the bald patch starting!! It sounds vain and silly, but I was really hoping she'd just skip this ugly phase and go straight to the pudgy, rolley-poley stage. When Henry lost his hair, he looked like a monk. Clara kinda looks like an Oompa-Loompa. Pictures coming...

Lately...

2010-09-04T21:23:00.005-04:00

Travis brought it to my attention that I haven't posted anything about Clara and our last three weeks and that our grandparents don't necessarily read Facebook. Along with fellow bloggers, I go through feast and famine periods where I'll blog all the time and then nothing for 5 months. Quite frankly, I just don't have as much free time, or really a desire to blog in my free time. I'll try to do better, if only for Clara's sake, so that she feels just as important as Henry.

Lets see...the last three weeks have gone by so fast. I'm going to do this in a sort of bullet format so that it's easier to read. It will be hard not to compare the two children, so I'm not even going to try.

Feeding: Clara came out with a strong sucking reflex. In the time it took Henry to drain one breast, she can do both, have a diaper and outfit change, and be ready to move on to belly time! Nursing Clara is relaxing and easy. She spits quite a bit out when we're finished and has already gained a ton of weight, so I have no doubts about my milk supply. Henry would nurse every hour and a half - Clara, every 3 to 4 hours! Travis and I think back and laugh at how ignorant we were when it came to Henry and nursing...every time the child would cry, our fix was to stick a boob in his mouth (sorry, that's the best way to say it). He was probably so colicky because all he was getting was sugary foremilk and it hurt his belly. Poor boy.

Awake Time: Unless she is overly tired, she doesn't make a peep! She is very alert and strong. Loves the bath. A little fussy when you first put her in the carseat, but once there is movement involved, she is content (or falls asleep).

Sleeping: I think this is the area where the sharpest contrast lies between my kids. Except for getting up to nurse (every 3-4 hours), Clara sleeps from 9pm to 9 or 10am!! With NO awake time. Henry would nurse every 2 hours and also have several hours of awake time, where Travis or I would have to be awake as well. It is AMAZING how much easier it is to take care of my children and myself when I've had some decent sleep. And honestly, since this child has been born, I've had some great sleep. Even naps! We started out co-sleeping for the first week because she was so quiet. Over the last two weeks though, she has started to make loud, but sweet, baby noises. So she's in her crib, swaddled up like a burrito.

Big Brother: When Henry met Clara for the first time, he wanted nothing to do with her. Just walked right by and kept playing. The first week was ROUGH - he acted out and started to wake up multiple times at night, calling out for me. He would also be very jealous when I was nursing or had to stand with her. He'd say, "Me, me" or "Up". Heartbreaking to say the least. The hardest part about having a newborn was HENRY ;) Slowly though, he has been back to normal. He loves Clara - tries to give her his toys and kisses. Two times, I've caught him trying to feed her pretzels on our walks..lol.. I told him she only drinks Mommy's milk. I have to watch him because he will try to pick her up or lay his body on hers and give her hugs. He gets a kick out of burping her, even going so far as to burp Travis and I (we let out little fake burps and he has a good belly laugh). He's going to be an amazing big brother.

It is impossible to know if Henry really was as bad as we remember OR if we are just better parents with Clara. I'm sure a combination of both (read this post, or this one to see just how much of a monster-baby Henry was). I do think that Clara is an angel, so beautiful and very laid back. She is growing like a weed - the last three weeks have flown by. Travis and I aren't just surviving, but we're actually enjoying this time with our newborn!

Birth Story

2010-08-21T10:40:00.020-04:00

I've just finished reading Henry's birth story to get an idea of how to write Clara's. The difference between the two is night and day - their birth stories and the children themselves. As I type, Clara has just finished nursing and is laying on her belly on the floor. Chilled out, relaxed, cooing. Henry never let us put him down...but that is an entirely different post in and of itself.

Clara's story actually begins a week before her birth. I started having very intense contractions, each lasting a minute, but they would never evolve into a pattern. Family and friends were on high alert for days and after nothing happened, I started feeling a lot like the boy who cried wolf.

On Friday, the 13th, I saw my doctor. I was 3cm dilated, 50% effaced. She stripped my membranes and said, "See you this weekend". Again, everyone was on high alert (Katy even took Henry to the lake for two days in case I went into labor). Nothing happened all weekend and by the time Monday rolled around, I was hoping that Clara would wait until the next weekend.

On Monday night around 11pm, my contractions evolved into a pattern - every 4 minutes, 1 minute in duration. This was it!! I called Katy and she came to stay the night with Henry. I figured I'd call the hospital and tell them I was coming. But when I talked to the charge nurse, she discouraged us from coming until the contractions were 2 minutes apart (NOT what my doctor had instructed us to do) but we heeded the advice because the last thing I wanted to do was lay around the cold hospital when I could labor on the futon (Katy was in our bed :) ).

I labored all night but the contractions weren't getting closer (again feeling defeated). I called my doctor and she said come in and she'd check my cervix. We left Henry with Mom and headed over to Sylva. When I got there, I was so sure they would send us home, but alas, I was a 5, 80% effaced with a bulging bag of water. My midwife, Betsy, said to head over to the hospital and that she'd come break my water on her lunch break!! YEAH! I'm not crazy - this was true labor!

We checked into Harris at 10AM. At around 10:30, I was dilated to a 7! Mom arrived at 11AM with cookies and trash magazines - I had NO interest in either, I was in "GO" mode ;) Around noon, Betsy came over and broke my water. After this, there was no turning back - we would have a baby, one way or the other, within the next 24 hours. If the baby hasn't been born within 24 hours of your water breaking, they'll take it by c-section because of the risk of infection.

Not long after my water was broken, the contractions got SUPER intense!! I never got to this stage of contractions with Henry - the epidural took all the pain away. Travis and I had decided that this time, we were going to try to have a natural birth - no meds whatsoever. We read Dr. Bradley's "Husband Coached Childbirth" together and were as prepared as we could be for bringing Clara out without any meds. I give props to him for making me do my exercises every night for weeks leading up to the due date and for making a GREAT coach during the actual event!

As I transitioned from a 7 to a 10, I labored on a birthing ball and in the water-tub. When I got into the water, it felt fabulous - all of the pressure was off of my joints and the warm water helped me relax. It was during this time that I began to push, in various positions, but I could never get into a good position. My midwife suggested we move to the commode (I asked if she'd be sure to catch Clara :)). Again, I couldn't push Clara past my pubic bone. The last suggestion worked - moving to the bed. It was there that I could really bare down and get her out. She was "sunny-side up" so Betsy had to hold her neck and twist her in the birth canal. The nurse pushed on my belly and with one last contraction, Clara greeted the world. They placed her on my chest and she was perfect. Black hair and a cute button nose.

Baby Update

2010-08-15T07:37:00.002-04:00

For all of you blog stalkers ;) :

As of 7:30AM on Sunday, the 15th, baby Clara has decided to remain in the womb. I must have made it a pretty comfy place these past 9 months.

Having about 10-12 contractions per hour, all intense, BUT no pattern. I know they're doing something but it's not yet time to head to the hospital. So very frustrating to get my hopes up that the contractions are coming closer and closer and then they will skip for like 15 minutes and mess up any pattern.

I'll try to keep the progress posted on here and/or Facebook. Please pray for a swift, natural delivery!

Adventures in Potty Training (or not)

2010-07-29T13:55:00.003-04:00

Well - Tuesday was the day. Marked it on the calendar, told everyone about it, bought special drinks and snacks. Tuesday was the day to potty train Henry. Tuesday was a bad day.

We used the book, "Toilet Training in A Day". It had worked successfully for my mother-in-law for her nine kids so I figured Henry would take to it. The premise is that you stay in the kitchen ALL DAY LONG (with no toys, TV, phone, distractions) and you talk about pottying - ALL DAY. You stuff the toddler full of juice, milk, water and any snack that they want. It's supposed to be fun. Enjoyable. A day to remember.

I'm still trying to block it, as I'm sure Henry is as well.

The child just did not want to do this - didn't want to stay in that room, didn't want to potty, didn't want to pull down his underwear. He drank alot but only peed three times in almost 7 hours. I was consistently excited - my face is still sore from the fake smiling.

I peed more often than he did.

Travis came home and I'm glad that he was able to see how frustrating it was. I was seriously worried that he'd show up at 5 and say, "You must have not read the book".

Ever since Tuesday, we've been prompting Henry to the potty every 30 minutes or so. I even put the potty in front of the TV yesterday and waited for him to pee for like an hour. Imagine me sitting beside him, just staring at his wee-wee, waiting for a drip. If we could only get a couple of times in the potty, and reinforce it with treats, I think he would start to understand. Five minutes after I pull his underwear back on, he pees in them. Since Tuesday, Henry hasn't peed in the potty once. He is perfectly content walking around in a wet pull-up.

Ugh.

Why on God's green Earth did I think that potty training 3 weeks before having a baby would be a good idea?!?!? From all the articles I've read since Tuesday, most toddlers revert back to diapers when a new child comes home. I'm a masochist, I guess.

Should I keep at this? Should we wait another 3 months? Next summer?

P.S. Hollywood stars actually HIRE minions to do this type of work...how much do you think a professional potty-training coach costs?? I'm pretty frugal but....

Watch out for the crazy pregnant lady!!!

2010-07-22T14:07:00.003-04:00

WOW! The nesting has officially begun. Last night, I HAD to come home and pick blueberry's at 9pm. I HAD to clean Clara's room and wash her new quilt. I HAD to wash our sheets. I started crying when Travis looked at me like I was insane for wanting to organize some papers (at 11pm, and stuff that could easily be put off). Today, after cleaning Mom's house all morning, I came home and scrubbed the kitchen floor on my hands and knees. All of these things just HAD to be done. There was no other way around it - completely irrational, completely crazy. Miss Clara CANNOT come home to germy house!!

Good thing T wasn't completely caught off guard - the crazy cleaning lady came around when Henry was in womb too. He just held me and let me talk it out. Then I went back to cleaning...

Bittersweet

2010-05-13T14:30:00.002-04:00

Had you asked me a year ago (maybe even 6 months ago) whether or not I wanted a weekend away, all by myself, I would have said, "Where do I sign up". Ironically, someone did ask me just that question and I jumped at the chance. Now the weekend is here and I'm having mixed feelings about being away.

Starting tonight through Sunday night, I will be in Hayesville, NC on a Christian retreat, called "Mountain Top - Walk to Emmaeus". The purpose of the "walk" (bummed that there is no actual walking involved) is to offer a time of meditation, seminars, worship and fellowship with other Christians. I'm super super pumped about what God has in store for me. I feel quite confident that this weekend will give me even more direction and purpose - to be a better wife and mother.

It's bittersweet, however, because I don't want to spend ANY time away from Travis and Henry lately. My marriage is strong and the weekends are spent making it even stronger. Henry is fun now and he is becoming this affectionate little boy that I always wanted. Any time spent away from my boys seems like it will be second-rate. That being said, I'm still going, I'm still planning to reap and sow, and I plan to make the most of my time away.

Pray for Travis please. I've been prepping the house all week so that he won't have to do much. I've left him with clean clothes, a clean house, chili and ice cream. There is no telling what might happen when men are left to their own devices.

Boys vs. Girls

2010-05-02T22:38:00.002-04:00

Question for all you mommas: If you have had a boy and a girl, what were the differences between the pregnancies? Did you carry a certain way? Gain more or less weight? More emotional?

Just curious because I am definitely seeing some differences between Henry and this little girl.

Henry: Basketball under shirt, carried low, craved sushi, hamburgers and fruit.

Clara: Carrying much higher, weight gain all over, severe morning sickness, craved steak - now nothing really.

It's A...

2010-03-31T10:26:00.002-04:00

GIRL!! Henry's going to have a baby sister! We are just thrilled.

I kinda had a hunch that it was a girl, just because of the difference in the way I'm carrying and my severe nausea. We've decided not to name her until we see what she looks like - so that should make things a little exciting.

Travis has the ultrasound pictures at work, but he's supposed to bring them home tonight and we'll post them.

Good thing God has promised to never give me more than I can handle.

2010-03-25T19:17:00.002-04:00

Mommy needs a drink. Or some chocolate. Or just a change of mind.

This weekend can not come soon enough. I need an extra pair of hands.

Henry has been clingy, angry, needy, and just all together, a not-so-great child this week.

I have been emotional, uncomfortable, tired and just plain tired.

How will I be able to take care of TWO of these people? Barely managing the one.

TGI (almost) F

I love being a princess...

2010-03-07T09:41:00.002-05:00

If you've ever watched the children's show, "The Backyardigans", you might be familiar with this addictive song that they sing - "I love being a princess". The whole episode tries to teach kids about how not to be selfish, but all I took away from it was this ridiculous song. It kinda applies to my life in the past 3 weeks.

The last 3 weekends, Travis has taken me out for a steak dinner. In our budget - NO. A MUST HAVE- YES! The only defense I have is that I CRAVE the steak. I love the steak. I want to eat steak for dinner every night. Getting it once a week is a compromise, because I want it so badly. More than anything, I crave the marinade and "blood" of it - yes, I know it's odd.

The thing I feel guilty about is that Travis has been so amazingly great about letting me indulge in this craving. We've driven to Asheville twice JUST to eat at Outback (shout out to Outback, your steak is amazing).

There is no justification for this behavior. I don't think that I'm always a spoiled person (or is that something that only a spoiled girl would say?). All I can say is this: I need it and my husband will give it to me. Fine - I love being a princess.

Still...

2010-01-21T10:45:00.002-05:00

sick. But hopeful.

pregnant. And THANKFUL!

in need.

I had a 6 days running, "no throw-up" trend going. Until last night. I always read the Verse of the Day online and ironically, yesterday's verse was James 1:2, the "consider trials pure joy" verse. Out of all of the verses in the Bible, I know that God wanted me to have that one bound around my neck yesterday.

The truth: I'm done with this. I can't take it anymore and I'm ready for life to return to normal. I'm ready to do my housework without wanting to puke. To have enough energy to really play with Henry. Ready to start working out again. To WANT to eat food again. And so much more.

I have such mixed emotions about all of this. I'm tired of being sick, but I know that the reason I'm sick, is because I'm PREGNANT!!!! So many women would kill to be sick if it meant that they were going to have a baby! I know this. I am so thankful that God has given me this blessing - and really just handed it over without much trying on our part. This is a blessing. BUT...

I don't want to be sick anymore. And I know that God can and will heal me. I WILL NOT lose my faith. Job didn't. Man, can you imagine? And now I feel bad for the "BUT.." above.

I'm talking in circles. The point is this: I need prayer. Not only prayer for healing, but for perserverance and for joy in suffering.

P.S. If you've seen the TBS commercial for Family Guy where Stewie says "Mommy, Mom, Ma, etc" then you'll find this funny. Travis has taught Henry that whole skit and he does it several times a day. So cute...and a bit tiring.

Not my brother, not my sister, but it's me, Oh Lord...

2010-01-04T11:00:00.003-05:00

Standing in the need of prayer.

Oh man...the last three weeks have been a struggle, to say the least. But it all culminated this morning into a huge mess. Henry woke us up at 5:30 - Travis goes in there to give him his water and lay him back down in hopes of getting another 30 minutes of sleep. HA! As soon as he enters the room, he runs back out and asks me if I have a strong digestive system this morning. I think, "oh gosh, why is he asking me this?" Then the smell wafts through the air. Vomit.

I'll spare all of the details, but they include a couple more times of throwing up, some "death" poops, and three baths!!! Ah the joys of being a mother! I do have to commend Travis for cleaning up the vast majority of the mess - he has been such a great helpmate to me in these last 3 weeks.

And speaking of the last three weeks, well I just want to block them out. As you all know from our brilliant shirt idea, we are pregnant (well mostly me). I have had some pretty horrible ALL DAY sickness that I can't seem to shake. I was sick with Henry but not to this degree (girl??). My weight has plummeted to an all-time low, due to the excessive nausea and vomiting. My midwife prescribed me Zofran - that didn't touch this stuff. Basically, I'm pretty miserable to be around.

So where do you turn when things are down? GOD!! Let me tell you - I've kept in constant communication with Him these past weeks. At first, I was praying for complete healing - a miracle of sorts. Nothing happened. I start feeling doubtful and hopeless. Poor poor me. Then a revelation. I need to be praising God for this miracle, praising Him for this time of suffering because of what it will bring. James 1:2 says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance mush finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

WOW! Talk about an attitude change - a HARD one at that! Morning sickness is pure joy?!? YES - because it's making me stronger and more complete. Just the type of mother I want to be to this new life.

Please keep us in your prayers. I'll keep you and yours in mine!

Henry's Christmas Shirt

2009-12-26T21:01:00.002-05:00

Becoming one of THOSE moms...

2009-12-01T15:43:00.002-05:00

Before I had Henry (ah, how much I took for granted), I would make these really stupid and undeserved judgments on others. Honestly, I still do this and I ask God for help in that area everyday. I was especially harsh when it came to judging moms. I laugh when I remember a conversation I had with Katy, pre-baby - we once witnessed a pregnant woman eating her weight in mashed potatos at a buffet. I said that I would NEVER let myself do that...the baby is only like the size of a acorn! HA! What a hypocrite! Travis can attest to the fact that I WAS that lady at the New Moon Chinese buffet in Chattanooga, on at least 5 different occasions!

Moms who can't take the time to dress their babies. What else could you possibly have to do all day, staying at home?? We all know you just sit on the couch, watch your stories and eat bonbons. HA!! What a hypocrite (except that I don't eat bonbons). Henry has definitely been caught out in public in his pajamas and bed-hair. Who really cares? Obviously not me.

I also did not think that it was ok for parents to give there children those free cookies at Ingles. Pure sugar - they don't need that! HA! What a hypocrite! When Henry and I pulled up at the store today, he said, in his little adorable voice, "TOOKIE". WHAT!? My son can LOOK at the outside of Ingles and know that he is getting a cookie.

When did I become one of those moms?... One of those moms who doesn't care what other people think. One who knows that the value of her son will surely not be measured by the clothes that he wears or how he looks, but by the Godly man that he will become. A mom who labors 24 hours a day and gets no pay. Yes, my son gets a cookie...he also gets broccoli and carrots. And pregnant women can do whatever they want - they are playing host to God's miracle.

Hello! My name is Lindsay and I am one of THOSE moms.

Oatmeal

2009-11-12T10:00:00.003-05:00

I start every day off with a bowl of hot oatmeal - complete with egg whites, cinnamon, and flaxseeds. I love to eat this steaming hot..Henry is another story. Every SINGLE morning, he comes over to me as soon as I sit down and begs for some oatmeal. No, I say, it's too hot. He still doesn't get it. So, I give him a spoonful while blowing on it and saying "it's hot". He eats it and cries. Then he wants MORE. What is wrong with this sadistic child!?!

I Confess...

2009-10-12T20:05:00.004-04:00

Today was a rare treat that I seldom allow myself: We stayed in jammies ALL day long. I usually make myself go go go..but today, Henry needed to rest and it took very little to talk me into it. Tomorrow, I'll take my 6 mile walk, clean the house, laundry and lift weights at the gym. Tomorrow will be a regular day but today, today was for laying around.

We did go to Walmart (in our pj's), which I kinda felt bad about, especially when the checkout clerk asked if I was having a rough day. Geez, didn't think I looked THAT bad. As moms, we don't always do what is "expected" of us; we take shortcuts whenever we can, will do practically anything for a few more minutes of sleep, and we might not even eat all of our recommended vegetables in a day (or week). I felt the need to air out some of my less than stellar parenting moments - thus, the confession thread.

I CONFESS:

that I almost always opt for foods that Henry can't make a mess with, even if they are boring and really have little nutritional value (i.e. Teddy Grahams).
that I love it that Travis gets up with the baby in the morning and I get to sleep in - even on the weekends when I know that Travis could use the extra sleep more than I could.
that last week, I INTENTIONALLY chose sleep over going to my doctor's appointment. Luckily, I was able to reschedule.
that I HATE dressing Henry (or any baby). Most mothers like this, right?!? I can't stand it and have no interest in putting outfits together, thus, pj's to Walmart.
that sometimes it's just easier to nurse Henry than to make a meal for him. (Although, one could argue that I am "making a meal" for him).
that a couple of times, Travis and I have acted like we were going to the gym and gotten a babysitter, but instead, stayed home and held each other on the couch in silence.

I'm sure there are more, but I'd rather let Travis play with my hair right now. What do YOU confess?

Uh-Oh

2009-10-09T09:43:00.002-04:00

Henry has discovered the trash can!! He has always played in the recycling, toting cans and paperboard around the house, but today I found him in the trash! I looked into the can and found 2 pairs of socks, some nose strips and a bandanna!?!? Now I'm wondering what all Henry has "thrown out" before...no wonder Travis has socks with no match!

Let Him Eat Cake

2009-09-28T21:57:00.002-04:00

New Blog!

2009-09-21T15:33:00.003-04:00

My new "old" friend, Bekah Wilkins Lail and her husband, Zac, have a blog! Bekah and I were friends in Middle and High School and have recently been spending some great time together on our long walks. Her new blog is a refreshing tale of how God can truly give you the desires of your heart!

Happy Birthday Henry Cole!!

2009-09-06T09:40:00.005-04:00

Henry and I are up and getting ready for church. I'm sitting here eating my oatmeal and egg whites, while Henry is pulling books off the shelf. Just a few minutes ago, I had to clean up all of the tupperware scattered about the kitchen - a morning ritual that Henry thinks is funny. He comes to me and offers me a drink of water from my Camelbak, then takes one himself.

It is AMAZING how much he has changed and grown over the last year. Henry was born at 12:43pm after a scary delivery (the birth story is in one of our older posts). He came out with those sweet little dimples and stole my heart, partly because he looks JUST LIKE his father. The first few months were, well..HELL! I definitely questioned whether we would even have more children. Travis and I became PRAYING PARENTS - we prayed around the clock and reallyrecommitted our lives to Christ. Around 3-4 months, God's grace was shown and things got better. Henry started sleeping through the night and I embraced breastfeeding. Now, every day seems to be an improvement, as we are now so much more mobile and flexible. We have our routine down and I know what to expect from him.

At one year old, Henry is a joy. He smiles all the time and laughs at everything. He isn't very vocal but he knows what he wants and will let you know. He is walking pretty well now and is into everything. His favorite "forbidden" thing to do is to try to sneak into the bathroom and play in the toilet water (we now keep the door closed at all times). Henry still nurses 7-8 times a day, which I love because it is OUR time together. He also eats whatever he can get his hands on. Some of his favorites are spaghetti, prunes, watermelon and green beans. He loves reading his books and playing peek-a-boo. Ma-ma, da-da, and dog are his go-too words.

I look at him and praise God for the blessing that He gave us. God has been ever faithful through this new journey and has been the stronghold when we needed Him. Children truly are miracles and I'm so happy because of the light that Henry brings into our home.

Happy Birthday Henry Cole! Mama loves you!

Latest Video

2009-08-20T10:05:00.004-04:00

I'd like to call this first steps but I didn't have the camera ready so I guess this is second steps. This was last night at the Kristian Stanfil/Charlie Hall event at the new Smoky Mountain Performing Arts Center.

This morning just to be sure he didn't forget in his sleep.

27 Years

2009-08-03T12:10:00.006-04:00

Well, it's official - I've been given 27 years on this earth so far. Not alot of time to some, but to others, more than they were ever given. I've learned some things over these past few years, most of my knowledge not coming from my education but from life. Without a doubt, the biggest, most life-changing lesson learned has been to live for God. Making daily decisions that put you one step closer to Him. Choosing to cast aside the expectations that the WORLD has of you, and living a life that would bring honor to His name.

For me, that means being a helpmate to my husband and a full-time stay-at-home mommy to Henry. The WORLD would have me think that I should be working in my "field", going for promotions and amassing gobs and gobs of stuff. It makes me sad to think that if I had not met Travis, my life would be centered around those beliefs. But, alas, God had a plan, and a man for me.

The life that God wants me to lead is one of service and selflessness. A life that might not hold anything more than what I have right now. And that would be far more than I have ever deserved. Blessings upon blessings have been poured out to my family and I, all by someone who asks nothing in return. I pray that I might use my next few years to live my life in a way that is acceptable unto His eyes. To show God that I do cherish His gifts and that I'm living for Him. That is all that I can ask of myself, to give His all!

Maybe the best picture I've taken - Travis

2009-07-17T07:16:00.003-04:00

Gross/Tantilizing Website!

2009-07-11T17:28:00.004-04:00

Oh man! I've wasted almost an hour looking at the pictures of food on this website and it's making me crazy hungry!! One that I might make for Travis and Henry is the Meatloaf Cake with Mashed Potato frosting. Yummo!

Here you go!!!

2009-07-03T16:47:00.002-04:00

Beach Pictures!!!

One more day, promise

2009-07-01T19:22:00.000-04:00

till pictures are up. Sorry! Apparently now that we're parents, we're allowed to blame things on our children, so it's all Henry's fault.

Beach Trip Recap - Coming soon!

2009-06-29T15:12:00.001-04:00

I'm going to post something about the beach when I have pictures from Mom. So just be a little bit patient.

2009-06-17T16:41:00.001-04:00

I'm sure you've seen this but I saw it again again and remembered how touching it is. Your cry for the day.

Beach Trip

2009-06-16T09:41:00.002-04:00

We leave THIS Saturday for a week of beach time in Destin, FL!!!! Travis and I are giddy about it! We can't wait to walk on the beach and eat lots of seafood. Panama City/Destin holds a special place for me because that is where we vacationed almost every year when I was younger. My family took a few years off and now it seems like we may make it a yearly tradition once again!

We took this same trip last year when I was pregnant and it was so relaxing. Add Henry into the mix (outside of the womb) and I'm guessing this trip will be a little different ;) In order to make the drive down as easy as possible, we plan to leave at 1AM and drive while Henry sleeps. I'm a little apprehensive about that part. Oh, and about him eating sand or hating the sand and wanting nothing to do with it.

Pray that everyone going gets at least some relaxing "vacation" time. I've never had to be responsible for anyone else while at the beach - typically, I wake up, lay out, walk, etc. whenever I want. I've come to terms with the fact that this will be the same week that Henry and I usually have, just in a different place. A beachy place!!! So excited!

Trot Trot Trot my Pony - Travis

2009-06-11T07:04:00.003-04:00

There is no one holding the camera it is just an inanimate object sitting ontop of the couch. Yet he knows that's where he's supposed to smile.

Crawling! Eek!

2009-06-09T10:01:00.002-04:00

Well, it's official! Henry can now crawl! Like really crawl. At first he started army crawling and dragging one leg - it was really funny to watch and he was pretty slow about getting around. Within a week though, he learned the real crawl.

He is in to EVERYTHING!!! We are definitely going to have to buy some gates. Just when I get to sit down to eat my oatmeal in the morning, he is across the room, trying to play with a cord of some sort. Oh, and he hates to be in his walker now because he can only go around in a circle. People warned us about crawling and I think I should have headed their concerns. This is going to be a long stage for me.

Date Night!!!

2009-06-05T21:50:00.003-04:00

Travis and I just got back from our first date night since the baby was born. We've gone out to eat a few times without him, but tonight was the first time that we've left him for longer than like an hour. We ate dinner at Chef and His Wife (best burger in town, hands down!) and then went to watch "Up". Mom and Dad watched him for us and he did so well!! When we pulled up to pick him up, Mom was walking with him in the yard. I thought, "Oh great!". But they were just enjoying the full moon - he smiled the biggest smile when I got out of the car to get him.

We were celebrating our 4-year anniversary!! Sometimes I can't believe that we've been blessed with 4 years (6 altogether) - we are still so very much in love, definitely still newlyweds.

Oldies - Travis

2009-06-02T07:25:00.002-04:00

I was just looking through the archives and found these pictures of someone I don't recognize. Who is this?

Preoccupied

2009-05-16T12:26:00.002-04:00

I find myself not blogging as much lately. I think that is due to the fact that I'm addicted to Facebook. It's so much faster to put a status update and be done. Except that I waste so much time on there, that I'm sure a simple blog entry would take far less time.

Life around here is just amazing. Henry is, of course, the center of our universe. He is a little over 8 months and is a joy to be around. He is either very happy or very angry, there is usually no in between. Luckily, he is only angry when he is hungry or tired and those two things have gotten easier as well. We were so anxious about when and how we would stop swaddling him and then one day, he just kinda fell asleep by himself. So the next nap, we said lets see what happens and it went great from there. We are still going strong nursing and I don't see that stopping anytime soon. He will not eat most baby food. I think that's because he's tasted table foods and he just wants to eat what we eat. Also, he loves feeding himself, so we just cut up really small pieces of what we eat.

Travis is doing well - now is the slow time at work so most days, I have no idea what he does there :) They won't start programming for a while so I think he is correcting his old code? Other than work, he spends his time with me, at the gym, mowing, or at worship team practice. He is THE best daddy I could ask for Henry.

My days are spent with Henry. I love staying at home with him. I can't imagine taking him to daycare and going to work. His smiles and babbles are for me, no one else. We have a schedule down - he takes two naps a day and in between we leave the house to walk and run errands. He is definitely a "Momma's boy". When he looks at me, it's like I'm the greatest thing he's ever seen. Who wouldn't love that?!? :)

The summer should be fun. Katy and Adam have access to a house at the lake, a speed boat and Sea-doos. Last summer I was pregnant so I couldn't water ski, so I'm definitely trying that this time around. We also have a beach trip to Destin, FL planned with my family. I'm a little nervous to see how Henry will do on the 7 hour trip down and how he will sleep in his pack'n'play. Also, Katy has the whole summer off so we should get to spend some quality time with her. She may just win the coveted "Henry's Favorite Aunt Award". Oh and Travis and I will be celebrating 4 years as a married couple on June 4th!!! He never thought we'd make it this long :)

Henry's First Haircut - Travis

2009-05-08T22:12:00.003-04:00

He is used to the motor in the toothbtush so that is there to distract him. Just stare at the guard on the clippers.

Some recent pics

2009-05-06T22:17:00.001-04:00

Still trying to figure out this swing stuff - Travis

2009-05-02T11:18:00.006-04:00

Facebook

2009-04-22T10:13:00.002-04:00

This is what my status read for the entire day yesterday. I got such a great response from my friends that I thought I'd share. I also got two emails that encouraged me even further. My life is in God's hands and he is directing me down this path that I didn't think I wanted. Boy, has He changed me!!

Lindsay Mashburn Wright: knows that staying at home is one of the best gifts I can give Henry. I understand that there are circumstances that prevent this sometimes BUT for those of you who want to stay home, just make a budget. yes, you might have to give up your HD tv and shop at thrift stores, but the return is so worth it!!!
11:37am
Sara Mashburn Shope, Misty Ford Gouge and 2 others like this.

Diedre Breeden at 1:17pm April 21
amen sister!

Jennifer Keener at 1:19pm April 21
I sooo desire to be a stay at home mom!

Sarah Richardson Wilkins at 1:36pm April 21
definitely worth it, but so hard sometimes, too!

Sara Mashburn Shope at 1:48pm April 21
Being a stay-at-home mommy IS awesome!! Best job ever :)

Lindsay Mashburn Wright at 4:33pm April 21
yes it is def. hard at times...when anyone who says, "yeah but you get to stay home", like we don't do anything all day, I just want to let them trade places during the screaming and the poop :) Gosh, I love it though. Jennifer, maybe now that your house is rented, you can run the numbers again and make that possible?

Many more faces - Travis

2009-04-16T21:30:00.003-04:00

I'm too lazy to comment on them all so you will have to. I will just point out this Thunder Thigh. I wish my arms were that big.

Many more faces - Travis

2009-04-16T21:28:00.002-04:00

Many more faces - Travis

2009-04-16T21:27:00.002-04:00

Many more faces - Travis

2009-04-16T21:25:00.001-04:00

Many more faces - Travis

2009-04-16T21:24:00.002-04:00

Many more faces - Travis

2009-04-16T21:23:00.002-04:00

Many more faces - Travis

2009-04-16T21:17:00.003-04:00

Many more faces - Travis

2009-04-16T21:13:00.002-04:00

Ransomed

2009-04-10T09:53:00.003-04:00

Right now, it is 10AM on Good Friday. The rain is pouring, thunder sounding and the wind is blowing the rain sideways. Very fitting for today, don't you think? Jesus was on the cross, carrying out His Father's plan. His blood has ransomed me, bought and paid for my salvation. His blood has given me access to the Most Holy Place. Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

What did he say? - Travis

2009-04-08T07:11:00.002-04:00

Huh? Did anyone catch that?

Andy's Party

2009-04-07T21:33:00.003-04:00

Andy got to come home today!!! So, we threw him a surprise party, complete with cupcakes, balloons and a welcome home banner. Everyone was over at the Wright's, waiting in the living room. Jerry carried him in and we all yelled, "Welcome Home." His smile was huge. He was a little out of it and didn't even want a cupcake or ice cream (which is very unusual). His head looks better day by day and he even got to wash his hair tonight. I'm just glad to have him home and sleeping in his own bed. Welcome Home Andy!

Andy

2009-04-04T11:02:00.003-04:00

So hopefully everyone knows who Andy Wright is, but if you don't, he is a brilliant little boy that Travis' parents adopted from China last August. He had Cranial Vault surgery yesterday in Chapel Hill to adjust a problem with the shape of his head. Please keep him in your prayers and click on "Catherine and Jerry" on the left to see pictures and updates.

Sick - But with my partner

2009-04-03T11:26:00.003-04:00

I haven't been this sick for as long as I can remember. Not even when I was first pregnant with Henry, and no, I don't think I'm pregnant :) Wednesday night around 1:30AM, it started! The vomiting! UGH! By the time that Travis had to get ready for work, he decided to stay home and take care of Henry because I couldn't take care of him with my head over the toilet. The whole day was a bust and I just wanted it to be over. Travis did SUCH a good job taking care of Henry - I didn't change one diaper all day and he didn't complain about it. It is so comforting to know that I have someone that I can always count on to help me, who I can rely on no matter what. Travis is just the most amazing father and partner to go through this life with.

This morning I woke up still feeling nauseous but no fever or chills. God will never forsake me.

Moment Captured - Travis

2009-04-01T07:30:00.006-04:00

Henry laughing wonderfully in his walker, Lindsay got the camera to try and film this:

Instead she got this:

More - Travis

2009-03-20T21:09:00.002-04:00

Anyone recognize that cute little boy?

Who looks like who - Travis

2009-03-20T15:54:00.003-04:00

Biggest Loser

2009-03-17T20:32:00.003-04:00

Does anyone else watch the Biggest Loser and wish that you hadn't eaten all those chocolate-pb-oatmeal cookies? I'm sure it's just that my body is craving the Vitamin E from the peanut butter..yeah that's it.

SEUSSICAL!! (Copied from Scotti's blog)

2009-03-12T16:57:00.002-04:00

March 12, 13, 14 at 7:30pm March 15 at 2:30pm
Fine Arts Center
Every Who who is any Who will be there.

Swing - Travis

2009-03-12T16:54:00.001-04:00

If you are savy you can save this file to your phone and it will play much better there. I am going to try to convert it later tonight

TOOTH!!!

2009-03-11T10:19:00.003-04:00

I spy a tooth! Well the tip of one. This explains the constant night waking and extreme fussiness. I'm almost relieved because at least there is an explanation. I'll try to get a picture soon. All moms - after you felt the tip of the tooth, how long did it take to fully break through?

Delicious - Travis

2009-03-05T06:42:00.003-05:00

Doesn't that look so tasty.

Nightly update - Travis

2009-03-03T21:09:00.002-05:00

Morning Routine - Travis

2009-03-01T07:38:00.002-05:00

Henry and I are really borring. Every day we go through the exact same steps. When he gets done eating I change his diaper and then set him in the corner of the couch with a toy to play with (with which to play.) Then I go into the kitchen and put my oatmeal into the microwave and start my coffee beans grinding. As a tradition Henry always jumps a little when the grinder start and looks around to see what it is and I walk into the living room to see how big his eyes are. Then I bring my oatmeal and coffee in and sit on the couch with him, and we watch the morning business news.

When I'm done eating, I take him back into his crib as he needs his diaper changed again. Then I put him in his walker(pictured below) and he walks around and around eating trying to eat things untill he gets fussy. Then I pick him up and we quitely/slowly/peacefullly walk him back to his crib and strap him down like he's in a silver chair. He sleeps another hour and a half for a total of almost 3 extra hours of sleep for lindsay. Definently worth it.

WOW

2009-02-28T21:15:00.002-05:00

I'm such a nursing fan, but this is taking it just a little too far.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29441879/?GT1=43001

Havin' Fun - Travis

2009-02-26T19:16:00.002-05:00

Little Miles McClure

2009-02-18T20:38:00.004-05:00

This is my cousin, Miles (Heather and Byron's son), preaching the love of Jesus. So cute - I think he knows what he wants to be when he grows up.

It's a Boy

2009-02-18T11:24:00.002-05:00

Zack and Kristine were over here last night and we did the very scientific "hold the wedding ring over the belly" experiment. It went in a circle, so she's having a BOY. Little Zack will be playing with little Travis in July.

Spoiled

2009-02-16T09:42:00.002-05:00

I hope that anyone who reads our blog gets a sense of the love that Travis and I share. We have these moments where we are SURE that no one else has ever felt this way about another person. Mushy, I know,but true. God created Travis to be my mate.

I've come to expect a little bit of nothing from Travis on Valentine's Day, its just not his kind of day :). Except for the one year where we both decided to not get anything and he deliberately got me this Taebo set just so he would have a story to tell about the time when he got me something and I didn't get him anything. Anyway, this Valentine's Day I wasn't expecting anything and he blew me away. I got a romantic dinner at the Boiler Room, a handwritten love letter, and - drum roll - a gift certificate for a massage!!!! I am so spoiled. Thank you darling.

Need Suggestions

2009-02-13T17:03:00.002-05:00

So tomorrow is Valentine's Day as most of you ladies know (and men, because who are we kidding, we've been dropping hints for the last two weeks). For some reason, Amanda can't wait to get her babysitting hands on our son, so she is watching him. She is under this delusion that he is a good kid...I'm thinking that he will set her straight tomorrow night. Anyway, Travis and I have been wracking our brains, trying to figure out what to do. It's almost like we are forcing ourselves to do something romantic, when really we'd both be perfectly happy to snuggle on the couch. BUT, we don't want to lose face with the Valentine's crowd. Soooo we need suggestions as to what to do with this childless time we have. Post your comments below.

The Many Faces of Henry Part 2 - Travis

2009-02-08T17:38:00.003-05:00

Lovely Day

2009-02-07T20:16:00.003-05:00

Me oh my! Today was just so lovely! For those who don't live in Franklin, the weather has been pretty cold as of late and it was starting to wear on my nerves. I like to be able to get out and MOVE, freezing cold does not help with that. Today, the high was in the 60's! We were able to take a walk as a family (another awesome thing is that Travis had today off) and we went to the park. Travis also babysat while I went to the gym. Oh and we got his hair cut - I always do it and believe it or not, it is hard to work that in when you have a 5-month old. Oh and that brings us to the fact that yesterday was Henry's 5-month old birthday. His new accomplishment is sitting up all by himself. I feel like this post is all over the board so I'll continue the trend and just post some pictures of Henry.

More Walker - Travis

2009-02-02T11:18:00.002-05:00

New Walker - Travis

2009-02-02T11:07:00.002-05:00

Nightly update - Travis

2009-01-27T20:56:00.003-05:00

See if you can tell which one is more recent.

Rereading - Travis

2009-01-27T07:18:00.003-05:00

I didn't make it obvious (or even hint at it). The reason we were able to afford those moccasins is my mother hand made them for Henry.

Recent Gifts - Travis

2009-01-25T08:12:00.005-05:00

One of the nice things about being a baby is that people feel like giving you gifts even without a special occasion.

You could not afford these cute little moccasins if you were to try to buy them. They took nearly 15 hours of skilled labor to make. So until we get a cheap Malaysian sweat shop to mass produce them, they are out of your price range.

Amy gave us that blue bouncy chair a while ago and Sherry gave us this walker just this week. The funny thing about this walker, Henry is not yet familiar with the toys on it so he spends most of his efforts getting to the side with the blue chair and reaching for the toys on that which he is familiar with.

hello there

2009-01-22T18:31:00.002-05:00

i know i haven't updated in over a week...not really busy, just nothing interesting to note. please keep coming back and i promise i'll update it with something worthwhile in a day or so.

What a big boy!

2009-01-13T21:19:00.002-05:00

My big baby boy had his 4 month checkup this morning. He is in the 80th percentile for weight, height and head circumference! I hate to admit it, but I am a little proud that I am the reason that he is so big, that my milk has made him that way (is that bad?).

A couple of highlights from the appointment:

The doctor did say that by the looks of his gums, he'll be cutting teeth in the next couple of weeks! I'm NOT looking forward to that!
He cried so hard when he got his shots but smiled a few seconds later at the nurses who gave them to him. Ladies man, just like his daddy.
Dr. Berger said he is a very strong baby and looks very very healthy.
He also has a wicked cold right now, complete with coughing, gagging, mucous, and a fever. Ugh. He just smiles through it though. He is over in his swing right now, smiling through his coughing fits.

Nan taught him how to "blow bubbles" last night - Travis

2009-01-08T19:59:00.003-05:00

See if you can tell if Henry likes Peas - Travis

2009-01-08T19:50:00.002-05:00

It's 2009 - Travis

2009-01-06T07:07:00.001-05:00

Still no Flying Cars. Or any of the other wonderful things Hollywood promised we would have.

Wallace Gap

2009-01-04T20:35:00.006-05:00

Travis, Camila, and I took Henry for his first hike yesterday. He (and we) loved it! For Travis and I, it was a reunion with nature and a long-time coming. When we lived in Colorado, before all of this baby stuff, we would hike every week, sometimes twice. We logged many many miles, one day we hiked 20 miles total. It was our bonding activity and a wonderful way to reconnect after his long work weeks.

When we moved to Tennessee, our time was consumed with buying the house, being pregnant, and managing his store - we never even attempted a hike. So yesterday was the day. We bundled Henry up and packed the hiking pack (complete with peanut butter - a good source of protein for a nursing mother should we get lost and need to keep Henry alive :)). The weather looked grim and dreary, but it wasn't supposed to rain until later at night. We hiked at least a 1/3 of the way in downpour. Travis, who carried the baby on his chest in a Kelty pack, held an umbrella over him for most of the way. Henry loved every minute of it. He is sure to be an outdoors-man. The hike took right at 3 hours - I nursed the baby right before we left and as soon as we arrived at Camila's house.

My legs have that great kind of soreness that I've been missing. It's been decided - a weekend hike is now a family priority.

Nightly update - Travis

2008-12-27T21:47:00.002-05:00

Just not so nightly anymore.

That's so Funny - Travis

2008-12-21T09:02:00.002-05:00

And the little one said "Roll Over"!

2008-12-18T21:00:00.002-05:00

He did it! Although we aren't sure he can replicate it, but Henry rolled over tonight! What a big boy!

Singing - Travis

2008-12-13T07:51:00.002-05:00

I think he's singing in Italian because I can't understand him. Not that my french is that good but I think I could at least recognize it.

hey there

2008-12-11T14:38:00.003-05:00

Someone asked me why Travis was doing all of the posting lately and was something wrong with me. I laughed at the thought. For the first time in a while, there is absolutely nothing wrong in my life. In fact, all areas are pretty much amazing. Sure, I could hope for perfection but right now, I feel the blessings of the Lord so much that I couldn't ask for more than what He has so freely given.

So anyway, some updates on our life. We are loving Franklin. Being this close to family and friends is such a blessing that I feel spoiled. Henry gets to see his grandparents on a daily basis, I have help when I need it, and this small town seems to suit all of our needs.

Henry is doing so well. As you have read, during the first month of his life, he was not fun to be around. Now that he's 3 months, he is so smiley and animated. He has gotten into the habit of sucking his bottom lip (so cute) and he has a fake cry already (his bottom lip curls under - we can't help but laugh at him when he does it). He can hold his head up really well. I'm trying now to sit him on my hip and he is good for about 5 minutes, then his back gives out. He is still sleeping through the night (10pm - 6/7am)! We are still breastfeeding - an accomplishment in my eyes considering I wanted to give up almost from day 1. I enjoy our nursing time now and when he looks up at me and cocks a grin out of the side of his mouth, it melts my heart.

We are settled into my grandparents old house - living rent free! Still haven't rented our house in Chattanooga but I wasn't really expecting to until after the new year anyway. Travis absolutely loves his job - he actually said he was excited about going in one Monday (a huge change from his past job). My days are consumed with taking care of Henry, doing things to the house, and lunching with friends! The holidays are here and that makes being around family all the more enjoyable.

I don't expect things to always be this amazing - BUT I know who to turn to when they aren't.
And that gives me such peace.

The frog is too fast to eat - Travis

2008-12-09T07:19:00.001-05:00

He looks disappointed that he missed it again.