Tagged - 8 Things

Ok, so I know I've been on a blogging hiatus but here's a quick one for ya. (I will post a Christmas post after we get back from visiting my folks.) My dearest friend tagged me on her blog a while back but I'm just now getting around to it. Hope you enjoy getting to know me a little better. Here it goes:

8 TV shows I am currently watching:

• Gilmore Girls (thanks to my niece, Taylor. She let me borrow all of the seasons.)
• Prison Break
• CSI
• Criminal Minds
• Psych
• Law & Order
• The Mentalist
• Numbers

8 Favorite Restaurants:

• Boudreaux's
• Los Cucos
• Goodson's
• Pappadeaux's
• The Slogar Bar & Grill (Crested Butte, CO)
• Maggiano's
• ok so I couln't think of two more....:(

8 Things that happened to me yesterday:

• We had our very first Christmas alone as a family. Just the three of us.
• I drew a horse head that actually looks good, for the first time. (Thanks to a gift I got from My Love.)
• I watched Cole open every present with awe and excitement, even if they weren't for him.
• I got pegged in the head with a lego (thanks to Cole).
• I stayed in my pajamas until 4pm (by then we all wanted to get out of the house and go for a short walk.)
• I watched The Ultimate Gift. It was very good and I'd recommend it to anyone wanting to see something wholesome.
• ok, I'm struggling here.....you'll have to do with just six.

8 Things I look forward to:

• Watching Cole grow up.
• Getting to ride horses more.
• Visiting my folks next week.
• Going to a horse show with my Dad and Cole.
• Going on a weekend get-away with My Love.
• Seeing beautiful places in the US/world.
• My "sista's" wedding (you know who you are. I can't wait!)
• Seeing what God has in store for our lives.

8 Things I wish for:

• That the people I know and love will know the Love of Christ. I'd really like to see them in eternity worshiping our Heavenly Father right next to me.
• When I think about it, what more can I wish for.

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and have a happy New Year!

HELLP

HELLP Syndrome is what the Doctor said I had during the last few weeks of pregnancy with Cole (which is why I was sent straight to the hospital and a reason for all of the health issues that I endured during and after the birth).

A website stated that "HELLP syndrome is a rare but serious illness in pregnancy. This illness can start quickly, most often in the last 3 months of pregnancy (the third trimester). It can also start soon after you have your baby. HELLP stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzyme levels and a Low Platelet count. These are problems that can occur in women with this syndrome. Women with HELLP syndrome may have bleeding problems, liver problems and blood pressure problems that can hurt both the mother and the baby."

The purpose of us telling you about HELLP is so that we can ask for your help. Please pray for us as we seek the wisest next step. The Doctor says that there is over a 70% chance that this may occur for me in a second pregnancy.

May God's Will be done in this.

12 month heart break...um...doctor's visit

Cole had his 12 month doctor's visit on Friday. Oh it was horrible.....for me......and him. He got FIVE shots, a finger prick (to test his blood) and other torturous procedures. My little boy was so good but was in so much pain and terror. My heart shattered as I felt every muscle in his body tense up and watched his face full of fear scream out to me. Ok, so maybe I'm being just a tad bit dramatic but I seriously will not get over the look my son held in his eyes "Mama why are you letting these people hurt me?" for a LONG time; if ever.

The short of it is:

He is a healthy young boy and is physically and developmentally progressing as he should. PRAISE GOD! He is 31 1/4 inches tall (95%), weighs 23 lbs. 4 oz. (50%) and his brain/head is growing at an average rate (50%, I can't remember the measurement).

The nurse said that the 12 month visit and the 4 year visit are the worst because there's so much to do at these times. I think I'll let Daddy take him when he's 4. :)

I didn't take any pictures of him on Friday because quite frankly I just wanted to forget it ever happened but here's a cute abstract picture I thought you may enjoy.

Bed Head

I know this is completely random but I just had to share. My son is a master hair artist. He can create the best bed head I've ever seen. These pictures are taken a couple of days ago after he woke up from a nap.

You can't really tell how much volume he has in the first picture, but the second one shows it much better.

These pictures were taken yesterday morning. You can tell he really doesn't want me to be taking his picture. I just couldn't help it though. He had the best bed head. What a work of art. I mean that must have taken him all night. Just check it out.

I don't know why I like it when he gets bed head. I think he looks so cute though. Anyhow, this picture was taken after we reworked his work of art into a more presentable do. Isn't he so handsome. I just love this little boy.

A Reason to be Spoiled

This past week was full of family fun and unplanned excitement. Grammy got to stop by for a visit on her way to a convention. It was so nice. We had dinner together in the middle of the week; which never happens because we live so far away from each other. What a treat.

Grammy and Cole played for a while before his bedtime. She showed him how to play basketball with his feet and how to "cheat" the game by pushing the button inside the hoop to make the game play different songs and cheer sounds. Cole giggled and cracked up the entire time. He loved it. He now presses the button when he wants to change the game song all on his own.

The following day, I had my first chiropractic appointment. My back has been hurting me since June. It wakes me up in the middle of the night it hurts so bad. So I finally gave in and made an appointment to see what is wrong. In short, everything will be fine after they work on me (torture me) a while and give me some physical therapy.

Aunt Nell, Taylor and Tricia watched Cole for me while I was at the doctor's office. We met at the mall. When I got back from my appointment, I had discovered that "Prince Cole" had been spoiled rotten. Aunt Nell bought him a new outfit, a toy and took him to see Santa. He was so cute. I was so glad that they all had such a fun time together. Thank you Aunt Nell, Tricia, and Taylor for treating Cole like royalty. It was great having dinner together and hanging out after the appointment too. I had so much fun with you gals and I know Cole did too.

We were lucky enough to have Taylor spend a few nights with us. It was so nice having her around. She is always a great help when she stays with us and the giggles are endless. We bought a small Christmas tree (Cole's Christmas tree) and set it up in the living room on top of a table. (I am just not ready to wear myself out trying to keep Cole away from the big tree yet.) He is so fascinated by the lights and ornaments. He loves looking at his tree every night.

Afterwards, Cole wrestled with his new toy puppy, Stockin. He was really showing off in front of Taylor. Thank you for staying a few days with us Tay-Tay. Can't wait for Christmas break. :)

One Year

I can't believe that one year ago I laid eyes on the most precious little baby boy I'd ever seen. Time goes by way too fast and seems to only speed up. I could sit here and ramble on and on about how much Cole has changed my life for the better but I'm sure they are only words a mother would love. So I'll leave you with this.

Cole, you have overflowed my heart and life with joy. I am so very thankful God gave you to us. I love you more than you could ever know.

2 1/2 months after Ike...

We got to visit with Papa and Nanny this past weekend. Up until this point they have been busy repairing their house after Ike left a mess for them. Their house looks great and all repairs are almost done. It was so good to see them.

Nanny and Cole fed the ducks. Cole loves watching the ducks.

Daddy went fishing off of the deck and caught a 20-inch trout. You can just see the joy in his face as he shows off his prize.

It was a little chilly this weekend so Papa made a fire. It was the first time Cole had seen a fire. He gazed into the flames with amazement.

After church on Sunday, we drove around the area to see how it looked after the devastation of Ike. It was an unbelievable sight. You could tell that a lot of work had been done but at the same time it was still such a mess. It will take a long time for things to look "normal" again. Cole didn't last long on the "tour". (Ignore the pink carseat; they have a granddaughter too and that is her carseat.) Thank you Nanny and Papa for having us over and being such wonderful hosts. We had a great time.

Laughter

Laughter filled our house last night as Donny and Cole played chase, wrestled, and just joked around. It was a pleasing site that filled my heart with joy. It is moments like these that you just want to slow down time and enjoy every second.

Thanks Love for giving me one more reason to fall in love with you all over again.

A Walk to Remember

Two years ago God called our 18 year old niece, Tracie, to be home with Him. She was heading home from college one weekend and was in a deadly single car accident. Tracie was one of these teenagers that thought ahead. She made it known that her wishes were to be a Life Donor. She wanted to give her tissue and organs to those who could benefit from them after she was gone.

Tracie's former high school put together a Life Donor awareness walk and scholarship program in honor of her. It is our hope that this benefit will continue every year.

Taunt and Cole have fun doing a cake walk. We want the yummy chocolate one, ya'll!

Daddy and Cole tried to win a cake too. No luck. We really didn't need that cake anyway. :)

PawPaw and Cole have a talk. Cole is still thinking about that cake. Me too. :)

We all went on the walk that went around the high school campus.
The crowd of supporters that showed up was amazing. The dance teams from two high schools performed and the drum line played Tracie's favorite beat. There were speakers and other singers too. We had so much fun and look forward to participating next year.

Tracie was full of life and had a positive impact on all she met. God used her to touch lives; while physically here with us and even now that she's not.

Early Celebration

I meant to post this a few days ago, but Cole and I have both been sick. It was not fun. Anyhow.

We celebrated Cole's first Birthday with his cousins on my side of the family last Saturday. It was so much fun seeing all of the little ones have a blast. We didn't have anything fancy, no jumping gyms, clowns, or expensive prizes for the kiddos; just an old fashioned birthday party. Good company, good food, cake, balloons and bubbles for the kids, and a funtastic time.

Cole watched me make his cake all afternoon. I'd give him a sample of the whipped icing every now and again. It kept him coming back for more. I think he liked his cake, he sure is admiring it in this picture. Or he wants more icing. Ha. :)

Grammy sure can cook. We had fried chicken (ok, so we cheated and bought that), scalloped potatoes (one of my favorites), green beans, grapes, strawberries, cheese and sweet tea. Oh is was a southern home cookin comfort meal. Mmmm.

After dinner, the kids played duck-duck-goose. It was so cute to watch them. Some knew the game like they'd been playing it for years and some were just figuring it out. (They played this game until it was time to eat cake.)

I thought Cole was crawling out to join in on the fun.

But, I was wrong. Little guy passed up the playful kids and was going out to the barn where his horse Ace, and the dogs were. I've never seen such determination.

Pa and Grammy to the rescue. Boy, you can't leave your party. Come back and play with the other kids.

It's time for cake!

Mama, are you serious? Is that whole piece for me?

Oh, thank you Mama. This cake is soooooo good. I love cake.

Not one ounce wasted. My boy loved his cake. I was so proud of him. Not one bit of icing on his shirt or face. Unbelievable.

After all the kids got hyped up on cake, they ran around chasing each other with their balloons. It looked like so much fun.

I lost Cole's attention after we opened up his very first present. After that, all the kids were more interested in playing with Cole's new fire engine. I thought is was so cute how one of Cole's cousins would push him while the others would "cheer" him on and wait for their turn. So cute.

I don't know why we thought we could get all of these youngens to sit still and smile at the same time. It was a challenge but I think I caught a pretty good one.

Everyone seemed to have a great time. I know Cole did. Can't wait for the next party. :)

Weekend at Pa & Grammy's

We got to spend and extended weekend with Pa and Grammy this past weekend. It was so much fun. Friday morning while I was fixin' Cole breakfast, this is what I turned around and saw:

The boy must have been hungry! No, poor thing is cutting two more teeth and is biting on everything.

After breakfast we called up the horses. Cole looked out into the pasture and pointed to the horses and yelled, whoooooo. That along with a bucket of feed; the horses came running. It was such a beautiful sight. Excitement filled my chest as they came closer. Today, I'd finally get to ride. Maybe.

While I was getting the horse ready, Pa let Cole "drive" his truck. Cole loves pretending to drive and jump up and down on the seat. The joy my little boy finds in the simplest of things makes me smile. I love that about him.

Cole got to ride a horse for the first time. His Pa took real good care of him. Cole loved it and didn't want to stop.

In fact, every time Pa would stop the horse, Cole would kick his legs and call out as if to say, "Pa, let's go!". It was very cute.

In this picture, Cole is waving to me. He's my little ham in front of the camera.

FINALLY, I thought I'd never get to ride. (Ha, I'm only kidding.)

I find that this is a place where I can get the best view....horseback. It is a place where I do some of my best thinking. A place where I can be alone with God. A place where all my troubles melt away. A place where I can feel like a kid again. A place that feels like home.

I thought this was a cool picture to take. Something you see all the time while you're ridding but never take a picture of.

As I was ridding through the pasture, I looked toward the drive way and this is what I saw. Pa and Cole are taking the lawn mower for a spin. Curious, I rode my horse over to where they were and had to laugh. Cole was having so much fun, smiling and giggling the whole way. The simple things.

After lunch, Cole and I went to see Grammy at work. She was working hard and had lots to do, but it was Friday. She welcomed the break and a chance to show off her grandson.

That night after dinner, Cole and Grammy had some time to play together. He got spoiled rotten. I love it.

Cole's checking out Pa's boots. Hmmm what's in there? You think they'll fit?

After wrestling with Pa, Cole takes one look at me with the camera and decides to come get me. I love his mischievous "I'm gonna get ya" face.

Cole's giving Grammy his "sweet" eyes. He sure does love her.

Wow, we sure did do a lot in one day. You'll have to watch for the next post to see what we did on Saturday. More fun.