6 Months...About Time!

Wow, am I behind. Logan's been 6 months now, for oh I don't even no how long...too long and I am too behind. The month of August was crazy busy and September hasn't slowed down any for us either. Let's start with his stats for 6 months:

Weight: 18lbs 13.5oz - 73.93%

Height: 27.6in - 75.78%

Head Circum: 17.8in - 87.58%

So even with the delay during 3/4months, Logan still caught up and doubled his weight at 6 months! This was wonderful news!

What have we been up to - Logan had a month of getting to see lots of family. The first of August my Uncle Bryan and Aunt Julie, along with cousins Taylor, Riley and Garrett all stayed with us for a night. They were on their way to Orlando and took a pit stop at our house. It was the first time for them to meet Logan. It was a really nice visit and we were so glad to have them stay and spend some time with us. Then a couple weeks later the 3 of us went to Chattanooga and met Grandma and Grandpa Clark. They were driving through on their way to Gatlinburg. We spent Saturday morning and early afternoon with them. Logan was 4 months old when they saw him last and he has changed so much so it was fun for them to see him. We of course wish that the visit could have been longer but we are thankful that we had the time with them anyway. That weekend Pete and I also celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary! It doesn't feel like 5 years, it has gone by so fast. The end of the month my mom came to visit for a weekend. We had a great time and she got lots of Logan time in.

Now for the list of what else Logan has been up to (since it is all about him now :)) He is doing more now but I want to try and just recall what he was doing from 5-6months so I don't get confused.

• He sits up like a pro now and needs no help or support
• He gets up on his hands and knees, rocking back and forth, thinking about crawling
• He rolls from his back to his stomach now
• He had his first swim in the lake while we were in Chattanooga. He hung out in a float and was happy as could be
• We are still working on solids with him. He has had the following: squash, avocado, asparagus, watermelon, peach, banana and lemon. He really hasn't loved any of it.
• He does love water and will basically yank the water glass from my hand to get him some. It is really funny how much he loves it
• Still no signs of teeth. I am sure he won't be toothless forever though so I am in no hurry for teeth
• His favorite activity is his Jump and Go. He will hang out in it for a good 30 minutes and jump and jump and jump.
• When he starts crying in the car I can almost always get him to stop by singing my own version of "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands"
• He has gone swinging in the baby swings a few times now at the park also. He acts pretty sober in them but I think he is just really relaxed

That's about all. It has been so long and he is really already more developed but that will be for next time.

Since I am always on the wrong computer to post pictures, here is the link to get all the Logan pictures your heart desires, http://gallery.me.com/plevan

5 Months

It doesn't even seem possible that Logan is now 5 months old, officially on Wednesday. I have to say that this may be my favorite stage so far. His personality is really coming through. I would say he is now 90% happy, eating or sleeping and just 10% (if that) upset. He loves his mama and daddy so much.

So what's new:

• He sits by himself! Still a little unstable and I have to be there to catch him when he begins to fall over but I am sure within a few weeks he is going to be a pro.
• He giggles and laughs at us and with us all the time. We have found his tickle spots and I can't get enough of those giggles.
• He has his own chair at the table and sits with us while we eat. He just stares and smiles at us. It is the cutest thing.
• Every day when Logan sees his daddy walk through the door he gets the biggest smile on his face. It is so sweet that he recognizes us (he has for awhile but now it is so obvious).
• He wakes up at 6:20 almost on the dot every morning. I then bring him into bed with me and we sleep for another hour or two. I am really going to miss this when I have to get up to get ready for class.
• We haven't really started food, but he has now tasted spinach, asparagus, and green beans. The green beans were his favorite and actually swallowed a few pieces. The asparagus and spinach came back out with drool.
• He loves drinking out of my water glass. He has his own sippy cup but hasn't figured out that he needs to suck instead of chew on the tip.
• He talks to us all the time now, lots of blowing bubbles and mmmm's.
• He takes sink baths now without fussing. This is nice because now Pete and I don't have to bath or shower with him.
• His sleep schedule changes weekly, well almost daily, so I can't really say what he is sleeping at night. This week it's once a night, last week it was every hour. Hopefully this week continues longer.
• I have begun to wean him from breastfeeding during the day. He will still nurse for naps and then nurses at night. He gets formula during the day and this will be his schedule after I return to school. I decided I couldn't do another semester of pumping. He still gets the benefits of breast milk and the benefit of me not pumping. I feel it's the best thing for us to do at this time.
• I still love breastfeeding. It's our time that we share together. He loves it to and is always the best soother when he starts getting fussy.
• He can hold his own bottle now. He needs some help towards the end when you really have to tip it up.
• Logan loves his doggies and boy do they love him. They especially love licking the drool of his face.
• 
  

Logan has brought so much joy to our lives. It is hard to have a bad day when there is such a sweet face looking up and smiling at you constantly. I am sure there is more but this is a good start.

My goal is to start posting more about our days. We don't do a lot but we do go swimming or on walks, lots of tummy time and batting at toys. He's even been to the top of Stone Mountain.

Quick 4 Month Update

The appointment yesterday went great. The Dr is very pleased with Logan's weight gain now and actually was surprised he starting gaining so well. We just needed a boost and I am glad we caught it soon enough.

Weight: 13lbs 13.5ozs - 21.85%

Height: 26.4in - 84.52%

Head Circum: 17in - 36.85%

We no longer need to supplement with bottles and I just need to keep an eye on his weight. She also mentioned if we want to start some cereal in a month or so we could. Obviously this is not to substitute bottles but just for his interest and to get his refluxes working properly for when we start actual solids.

Our 1st Major Hiccup - Weight

I am with my sweet baby every day and every day you would think I would notice whether or not my baby was gaining weight or not. Of course now that I look back over the last several weeks the signs were there. I didn't notice and I feel awful about it.

While we were in Kansas my parents commented on Logan's weight and that he was looking pretty skinny. So we decided to weigh him with my grandmother's digital scale. The number made my heart drop. He was still the 13lbs. He weighed 13lbs his 2mth appointment. It's the worst feeling when you find out that you have practically been starving your own child. I thought the nursing was going so well. He had all the signs of getting enough to eat except for the part he wasn't gaining weight of course.

The Monday we were home from our trip I called the Pediatrician and got Logan in for an appointment that day. It was confirmed that Logan had in fact not gained any weight and actually had lost some weight. The Pediatrician wasn't going to be able to see me that day and was going to call me to discuss our options. I was so upset about Logan's weight I had started crying and the nurse felt so bad for me she got the Nurse Practitioner in to talk to me. I was so thankful to have a chance to talk with someone and I felt so much better afterwards. We were put on a strict regimen to jump kick the weight gain. Logan was to nurse on each side and he was not allowed to fall asleep until he had nursed on each side really well. Then after he nursed he was to have a 4oz bottle 3-4 times a day. This was to continue for the week until his next checkup on the following Wednesday.

So last Wednesday we went in and he had gained almost a half pound! I was also working on building up my supply. I am taking 4 pills of Fenugreek 3x a day and I also have gotten on a prescription called Reglan, which I will take for 14 days. I have noticed an increase in my supply and have made sure Logan is nursing often. I was also using a nipple shield from the very beginning and I have been working on getting Logan to suck without using the shield and it seems to be helping a lot. We haven't used at all the last couple of days and I really feel like Logan is able to get more milk.

I am so hoping that this all works and I can continue to breastfeed. I feel some of our family doesn't understand how important this is to me and how good this is for Logan. It is the best thing he can have right now. I feel a lot of pressure to give up and give him formula. The Mister and I both agree though that as long as I can we want to continue breastfeeding. It is recommended to breastfeed for the first year and I know that I may not be able to breastfeed for a full year but if we can it's definitely what I want to do.

I am not against formula and he had his first formula bottle just the other day. I have used up my freezer stash so when Pooh and Ogo watched him the other night he had to have formula. I am okay with that but the longer he can have breast milk even better.

Later today we go back to the Pediatrician for his regular 4month checkup so I will update with his 4month stats.

Over the Rainbow

Logan and I made a trip to Kansas. It was time for Logan to meet his great grandparents, uncle and cousin. Logan did so well on the plane. He only had a few moments as we were landing, pretty sure he was having trouble with the pressure. Everyone thought he was adorable and couldn't believe he was only 3mths old b/c he holds his head up so strong and steady.

We had such a good time and Logan was definitely a hit with the grandparents. It was also great to see my neice again. She is such a cutie. So instead of writing a story here are some pictures from the trip. I am pretty sure the Mister was glad to have his son home too.

Logan with Grandma

My adorable niece Kynslee

Logan checking out the wildlife with Grandpa

Logan with Great Grandma

3 Month Update

Like every post I am a little behind on getting this posted, but I have finally gotten to it. Logan is such a different baby and I suppose no longer a newborn. We made it through the "4th trimester" without any major hiccups and now have an infant who is happy and yet sometimes rather serious.

So what is Logan up to these days:

• From my own calculations it appears he is about 15lbs now and 25ins long. Everyone comments about how long he is when they first see him.
• He fits best in the Carter's onesies for 6-9mths. They are longer and skinnier than most brands. I can't believe that my 3mth old baby is wearing 6-9mth clothes though.
• He is still nursing like a champ and I am actually starting to think that he may be getting interested in solids. I don't think we will be waiting for the 6mth before starting them.
• We have no trouble making him smile or get a giggle out of him. He especially loves it when we make funny noises. He is also starting to enjoy peekaboo.
• However when we are out and about people comment on how serious he looks. I think he is taking it all in and I am sure thinking very hard.
• He rolls over now constantly from his tummy to his back. He doesn't do it when we have tummy time but if he is awake in his crib he is rolling over. I think it's because he knows tummy time in the crib means sleepy time :)
• He is still sleeping pretty good at night. We start bath time around 7-7:30, then he nurses and falls asleep and then I can get him in his crib without any fussing. So he is usually in bed by 8:30. Sometimes he gets up from nursing and wants to play for another 10 minutes. He will sleep usually until 4:00-4:30 and on a good night to 5:30. He eats and then goes back to sleep. Lately though he has been waking in the middle of the night and I get up put the paci in his mouth and he is back to sleep in a few minutes. Hopefully this stops soon.
• He is so strong and sits up with little support from us. We use the bumbo and he does really well in it and also his jump and go that hangs from the doorway. He also loves to stand up.
• He has gotten pretty mobile too. He will start at one end of his crib and will work himself down to the other end in no time. He gets his legs under him and pushes off. I'm not sure if he is doing it on purpose though.
• We are still cloth diapering and have been dealing with a slight diaper rash. It doesn't seem to bother him though.
• He went to his first Braves game on Memorial Day weekend. He did so good. He ended up sleeping from the 2nd inning to about the 6th inning. When he was awake he loved looking around at all the people and was really pretty content.
• He also met his cousin Sam for the first time this past weekend. Sam is his second cousin who lives in Athens, GA and will be 1 this month.

Now for some pictures.

Florida Vacation and Mother's Day

Our week long trip to Florida was wonderful! Logan did pretty good in the car as long as I was sitting in the backseat with him to give him a bottle or keep him entertained. We really didn't do a whole lot on this vacation. It was meant for relaxation and that was accomplished. We did go to the pool 4 days. Logan really enjoyed himself in the water. On Mother's Day we went to dinner and the Mister's parents, who were also in Florida for part of the time we were there, also went to dinner with us. Logan got me a beautiful nursing necklace that he can pull and tug on while he's nursing. It was a wonderful Mother's Day and I am so blessed to have such a great husband and a beautiful, happy and health son!

On this trip we learned just how much we like cloth diapers. We decided to use disposables on the trip and lets just say they didn't hold anything in for us. We went through a lot of clothing changes. Logan also finally started taking a paci. It definitely helps calm him down when he is sleepy and I can now lay him down in his crib and give him the paci and he falls right to sleep, wonderful accomplishment! We also saw him roll over during the trip. Pretty amazing!

So here are some pictures of our trip.

Logan enjoying the pool

He loves to talk and show us that adorable smile

Logan and his daddy having a morning smile and giggle fest

Picture Time

All of Logan's adorable pictures can be seen HERE

Easter

Logan with Grandma Clark

2weeks old - newborn pictures

2weeks old - newborn pictures

Home for only a few days

Where has the time gone...

Out the window, that's where. My baby boy is now almost 11wks old! I just can't believe it. We had his 2mth checkup on Monday (just a few weeks late). He is doing so well. Here are my bullet updates:

• He now weighs 13.3lbs - he wears mostly 6-9mth clothes. He is too long for most 3mth and the cloth diapers do give him a nice big booty.
• He has been smiling and cooing for weeks now. I love his smile and he loves talking to anyone who will listen.
• Sleep has been wonderful. Since about 4wks he has been going to bed around 9:00 and gets up somewhere from 4:00-6:30 and then usually falls asleep again until 8:30 or so. There are a few nights every once in a while where it's not as good but for the most part he sleeps great at night.
• He is not a big napper though, but what do I expect, he gets all of his sleep at night.
• We are still breastfeeding and I am little concerned my supply can't keep up with him now that I am feeding him during the day.
• Why is that you ask - b/c I am finished with the semester!! We did it, we managed to have a baby and three weeks later go back to school full time, breastfeed, get assignments done, and not go insane!!
• Logan had to have 3 shots on Monday. He only cried for a few minutes. I handled it pretty well.
• Grandpa Clark came to visit a few weeks ago. He was here for a week and I think Logan and grandpa were sad to see the week end...I think they really bonded.
• He rolled over yesterday! I missed it though of course. He was on his stomach (yes, he sleeps on his stomach...sshhh) and I go to check on him and he is on his back looking up at me smiling. Little stinker!
• Tomorrow Logan will see the ocean (gulf). We are taking a week long vacation to PCB. We rented a house on one of the lakes, just a mile or so from the beach. The dogs are going and they are going to love having the lake to swim in, well Dusty will...Dakota not so much.
• Pete and I are doing great and we still manage to have dinner together every night...sometimes that does mean Logan is eating with us, but that's okay.
• I am so looking forward to the next 3 months at home with Logan, unfortunately before I know it classes will be starting back up.

Well I am sure there is a ton of other things that have happened but I need to be going, lots of packing still to do. And finally just a post with pictures, up next!

Time for an Update

• Logan will be 4 weeks old on Sunday! I can't believe it has been over three weeks since he arrived.
• I love being a mother! Logan has fit right in to our family and Pete and I were able to adjust pretty easily. We are both totally in love with him.
• I can't complain about the lack of sleep. Fortunately Logan had his days and nights correct. He is usually only up a couple of times in the night and goes right back to sleep. "Knock on Wood"
• I really enjoy nursing and Logan is a champ. I swear he gains a pound every day...okay maybe not really. He did however weigh 10lbs at his 3week appointment. He also has no problem using the bottle also, which I was really worried about. He can actually wear most 3mth clothes and even some 3-6mths.
• We introduced the bottle when he was 2weeks old and haven't had any confusion. I pump every time he eats to get my supply up and already have a pretty good stock pile in the freezer. I really don't mind pumping. I also pump once or twice while I am at school.
• Pooh (grandma L) has been watching him since Monday, which was my first day back in class and although it hasn't been perfect, I think Logan and Pooh are adjusting well.
• Grandma C was also here the end of last week and watched Logan a few days so I could make up some placement days. She will be back the end of March for 10 days and then Grandpa C will be here for a week to help out with the little dude.
• Logan is already changing so much. He already seems so aware of his surroundings and loves staring in the mirror above the changing table. He will just stare at things and remain content for some time. I think that first week and a half I was beginning to wonder if he would ever just lay there without crying.
• His umbilical cord finally fell off and I was so excited about giving him his first real bath. Well the sink bath didn't go so well. He screamed the whole time. Last night I decided to try showering with him and he loved it...I assume he loved it since there was no crying and he seemed very content.
• Right now Logan looks most like his daddy. He doesn't have much hair yet but what he does have is pretty blond. Even though he weighed 9.25 he doesn't look it. He is so long and skinny.
• He enjoys car rides and will fall right asleep or just hang out. He also likes going on walks, either in the baby bjorn or in the stroller.
• We are 100% using cloth diapers and it is going great. It's really not any harder than disposables and even Pete doesn't mind it. We have gotten really good at diaper changes and we can both say that we have had the pleasure of being sprayed by pee.
• We think he is pretty perfect and although I don't want these days to go by to quickly I look forward to every new day with him and watching him grow and change.

Birth Story

I figure it is about time that I get this posted, especially since Logan is going on 4 weeks.

Saturday Feb, 20, week before my actual due date
4:45am - I woke up feeling wet in my underwear. Went to the bathroom and I was definitely wet but couldn't tell whether or not I had just peed a little or it was actually my water. So I decided to go back to bed and see what happens. At 7 I wake up to more wetness and I start thinking this must be my waters leaking. I called the Insurance Nurses Line first to see what they thought and the nurse said to call my Dr. Well first Pete had made pancakes so we had breakfast and then I called my Dr. He said I needed to go to the hospital to be checked. I really thought we would be coming right back home and told Pete not to worry about the bags, fortunately he didn't listen and grabbed them anyway. At 8:50 we arrived at the hospital and the nurse checked for amniotic fluid and sure enough I was leaking fluid. Now we are stuck at the hospital. They timed my contractions at 5 mins apart at this time and I wasn't feeling any pain with them. By 10:50am we are in our room. The Dr wanted me up and walking so that is what we did. We walked and walked and walked. I got a blister on each of my little toes we walked so much. I had no idea what I was dilated to since my Dr didn't want to do a check yet but I was still having regular contractions, but they were not painful. Pete snuck me a grilled cheese at noon and this is the last thing I eat (besides jello) for a very long time. At 4:45pm my Dr finally decides to do a cervical check. HOLY HELL the PAIN!! No contraction I had hurt as bad as those cervical checks. Each time he did one I wanted to kick him to make him stop. My first check I was at 3cm, 80% effaced and Logan was at a -2. So the walking wasn't doing much for me but we continued to walk the halls. 9:45pm I get my next cervical check and I am at a 4. So in 5 hours I have only dilated 1cm. 10:30pm the Dr decides to give me a 1/4 of a pill (can't remember what this was called) to help soften my cervix, this keeps me stuck in bed for 2 hrs to be monitored. This brings on much stronger contractions and mostly in my lower back.

Sunday, Feb 21
2:00am I am given another 1/4 of the pill. This leaves me stuck in bed again and the contractions are constant and mostly in my lower back. I am really not able to sleep at all. I am using every breathing technique I have and Pete is trying to apply counter pressure but it really doesn't work. At 6:30am the Dr checks me again and I am still at 4cm however I am now 100% effaced. My water actually broke during this cervical check. Even though I was leaking amniotic fluid when I came in the Dr could still feel a full bag of water so he was not too concerned about it causing infection and lets me continue unmedicated. Not once did anyone ask me if I wanted anything for the pain. The nurses were wonderful and they all respected me wishes for an unmedicated birth. After going through 10 hours of pretty painful contractions that never really let up I decided I had done everything I could and needed some relief. At 9:00am I tell Pete it is time for an epidural! The Dr needs to do a cervical check before giving me anything and of course there has been no progress. He recommends Pitocin and an epidural. The epidural is started right away and it was perfect. I had no side effects and it didn't hurt like I had expected it to. I felt so much better and was able to enjoy the last several hours of my labor and able to take a little nap. At 12:00pm I had another cervical check, so thankful for the epidural and that I didn't have to endure that pain again! I had finally progressed to 6cm. He said he would check again at 2:00 to see where I was. At 1:30pm I told Pete I was feeling like I needed to have a bowel movement and that I was feeling pressure. 15mins later I told him he better go get the Dr. Sure enough Logan's head was right there. I had a mirror to help push but unfortunately it didn't really help. Because of the epidural I wasn't able to push correctly. Logan's heart rate would drop to 90 during a contraction. Even though I had only been pushing for about 10 mins the Dr. decided that the baby had to come out and with the help of forceps Logan was born at 2:13pm! Thank goodness for that epidural because I also had a 3rd tear that I didn't have to feel.

Logan was given to me right away and we tried to get him to latch but he was having trouble breathing so they put an oxygen mask on him. They were also concerned about his weight and that he was too heavy for his gestational age and concerned about infection so he was taken to the nursery pretty quickly. Pete went with him while I was stitched up and delivered the placenta. Pete was able to bring him back to the room and he had a great chance to bond with Logan. Logan had to have an IV and was given antibiotics b/c his white blood cells count was elevated and they were worried about infection. Fortunately there was no infection.

Logan weighed 9lbs 4oz and was 22in long. His apgars was 8 & 9.

Updates, Updates, and More Updates

I don't really even know where to begin since I, of course again, have been slacking on keeping up with my blog.

As a glance over at the countdown for TBone's arrival it informs me we have just 30 DAYS left, yes that's 30 DAYS!!! Wow, I just can't believe that is all the time we have left...give or take a few. 30 days, that's a month! Thankfully I think we are as ready as we can be for the little guy to arrive. And since my last post I have had two Dr's appointments and everything still looks great. Logan makes sure he reminds me he is still here with all of his movements, which is a great reassurance. Sometimes a little uncomfortable but I will take it. I just think it is so amazing and I actually love sharing it with anyone who is around when he does start moving :) The movements are usually large enough that they can see it, so no I am not having all these random people touching my stomach.

I am still feeling pretty comfortable and although I am ready to meet him, I am not ready to get him out. I could use some more sleep but it could be worse. And some nights are worse than others. I have resigned to the couch a few times in the last couple of weeks, it's easier to stay inclined on the couch and the acid reflux demands it some nights.

We have also had two baby showers! The first one was a couples shower on Jan 9th in Chattanooga. We had a great time and we received wonderful gifts and it was just nice seeing those we hadn't seen in awhile. The other shower was at the Mister's office on Jan 18th. It was a little awkward for me since I had only meet most of the people there once but we had a nice time and it was really thoughtful of them to have a shower for us. Again we got some great gifts and one of the girls made an awesome 3 tier cake for us which was really nice of her. One of these days, not promising when, I will have a post of just pictures since I really want to get some pictures up of all the activities and fun we have had lately.

I have also started classes again. I have three traditional classes and then two days when I am in a 1st grade class. This is just my second week in the 1st grade class but so far so good. It is definitely a different experience from my Kindergarten school but I am looking forward to having some different opportunities. It is going to be a crazy semester but the Mister and I are very thankful to have our families available to help during the time I go back to school. My plans are to have Logan and then return back to classes after taking 3 weeks off. I get some crazy looks when I tell people this, but I was assured by a professor, that they had someone do it last semester and took off the same amount of time and was able to do it.

The Mister and I also had a birth class on Saturday and it was so helpful and I still am not too anxious about labor/delivery. The class provided breathing techniques, positions, and some other great tips for having an unmedicated birth. The Mister is a little nervous about how much support he will be but I think once he is there in the moment he will have no problem stepping up and being a great birth coach/partner.

I know I am missing things that I wanted to talk about but I am at a loss as to what those things were so I am going to leave you now with my most recent belly picture. Which is another thing I have been slacking on, I was doing so good get a picture taken every week and well I missed some weeks in there...oops.

A New Year and A New Decade

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe New Year's Eve. This pregnant lady actually managed to stay up until 2:00am! I know I can't believe it myself. We had four very great friends come spend the evening with us and we all had such a good time. The fellas went to the Chick fil a Bowl and us girls stayed at our house playing dominoes and catching up. When the guys got back we had a very small fireworks display in our backyard to bring in the New Year.

I thought it would be fun to do a recap of the decade instead of the year because I really can't believe where I started at and where I am in such a short amount of time...well it sure feels like a short amount of time anyway.

So lets begin....

2000 - I was just a Junior in high school, spending my summer lifeguarding and my spring and winter cheerleading.

2001 - Graduation! Moving out on my own and starting my first year at Fort.Hays.State in Kansas.

2002 - One year down and starting my next while thinking Marketing is the way to go.

2003 - Finished my sophomore year and decide I need a change of scenery for the summer. Become a live-in nanny for a family in Chattanooga. To get to Chattanooga I take my first trip on a major jet. Meet my future husband and by the end of the summer I have decided to not go back to Kansas and stay in Chattanooga. A year of many first because it is also the first time I step foot on the beach.

2004 - The Mister and I adopt two dogs, Dusty and Dakota and buy our first house together. I have gone back to school to get my Associates. In December the Mister proposes on top of the Empire State Building.

2005 - August we are married and spend our honeymoon in Jamaica!

2006 - Graduate with my Associates in Paralegal Studies and begin working as a Paralegal at a law firm. I love finally having a 9-5 job and can't fathom the idea of ever going back to school. We spend our first anniversary in San Fransisco. The Mister's grandfather also passes away this year.

2007 - The Mister and I make a big move...we pack up our house and move to Atlanta. I am working in a law firm and not loving it. Second anniversary is in Nashville.

2008 - Not one for the memory books. I decide the corporate/legal world is not for me and yes I go back to school for my Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education. The Mister loses both grandmothers and his best friend, Foster, a 15yr old Australian Shepard and on top of that is laid off but fortunately is picked up quickly by another company. We decide for the third anniversary we would spend it in Atlanta. However for the Mister's 35th his parents take us all to DisneyWorld, the highlight!

2009 - Although a bad year for the economy, the Mister and I feel like it's been one of our best. The Mister gets a job offer he can't refuse doing what he has always wanted to do. I am loving my classes and looking forward to being a teacher. And the best part...Father's Day weekend when we found out we are expecting! Spend the fourth anniversary in Charleston.

I am looking forward to 2010 and the next ten years. I have so much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to especially in the next couple of months and I am sure the next ten years will bring about just as much change as the last ten and I can't wait.

Christmas Blizzard

Happy New Year! but before I get to all of that I thought I should at least do a post on our Christmas...and only a week late.

For the last 5 or 6 Christmases the Mister and I have switched back and forth between staying home and traveling to Kansas to see my family. This year was a Kansas year and I was really looking forward to it, mostly because I would get to spend several days with my 6 month old niece and share in her first Christmas celebration.

The years this occur we have an early Christmas with the Mister's family. This happened on the 20th and although small it's always a good time. This was at his parents house who have recently moved about 3 mins from us! His brother was there with his soon to be Mrs and she had her niece and nephew, which was fun to have some younger ones running around and keeping us entertained. I am grateful that we can do an early Christmas and although it is a little different than having it actually on Christmas it is still such a blessing to spend the time together.

Now the weather for Christmas was not looking promising for the plain states and they were calling for a blizzard throughout all of Kansas. My dad was very concerned we would not be making it out there but I remained hopeful. Our flight was set to leave on Christmas Eve morning and was landing in Wichita. That morning the first thing I did was check the weather and things were looking good. Our flight took off and landed without any trouble, no snow in sight. However before we even got out of the airport the snow and the wind had picked up. My mom picked us up and we were on our way to Salina (where my dad's parents live). We planned to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Salina with my dad's side. My brother who lives in Wichita also left for Salina. My parents had had my niece for the week so she was already in Salina with my dad and grandparents. By the time we got there the snow had stopped and things were looking pretty good. Well...for us anyways. The rest of Kansas was getting hit pretty hard. My two uncles and my cousins we all coming in from Kansas City, well this did not happen. Many of the main roads were closed and one uncle was completely snowed in and stuck.

So Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with my dad's side was very low key but nice. Now the day after Christmas our plan was to have Christmas with my mom's side at her parents' house. Well as you can imagine they too had so much snow they didn't want anyone making the trip and possibly getting stuck or worse. So Christmas with my mom's side was canceled. Salina quickly became our home away from home for the weekend. It was nice and I know my grandparents loved to have the extra time with us. And usually our trips to Kansas during the holidays means spending numerous hours in the car driving from place to place so it was nice we didn't have that but I do hate that we didn't get to see my aunts, uncles, cousins and their little ones.

I am very thankful that the blizzard didn't keep us from getting to Kansas and I am very thankful we all remained safe; however the Blizzard of 2009 (which will now be referred as) really put a kink in our Christmas plans. I did have a blast spending two days with my niece and I have some great pictures I will post (hopefully before the next week passes).