This is OUR LIFE!

Christmas 2011

2012-01-11T09:01:00.000-08:00

This year was a wonderful Christmas for our family!!! Braylen was definitely a believer which was so neat. ANd the Elf on the Shelf was the biggest hit of all. Our Elf's name was Artie (not sure where she came up with that) but still to this day she is wanting Artie to come back and visit. She was SUCH a good girl when ARtie was around. Grant made a comment that for every holiday we need a thinger majig like Artie.....lol! It was pretty amazing how good she was when Artie was watching.
So the girls got some fun toys from Santa and TOO many gifts from all their loved ones!!! It was such a wonderful holiday that I look forward to next year...hoping that Carsen is more into the Christmas spirit. Here are a few pictures to look at.

Also....I have added some pictures of Braylen's school Christmas program. She was an angle and loves to sing. And her Christmas party...they had happy meals which made them very happy!!!

We are still here....

2011-12-28T13:06:00.001-08:00

Haven't done this in a while but now I can do it on my phone so I wanted to share the photos of Bodie and Braylen having fun at the mall! Bodie is here for the Christmas break. Braylen and Bodie get a long so great together.

Pictures I have forgotten to share...

2011-11-06T17:21:00.000-08:00

This was last spring....I think right after Easter!

This picture explains their relationship. The way things are going now, they should be the best of friends.

I love this! Carsen has changed so much, Braylen still looks the same.

This was cute but Braylen was having a hard time pulling it because the grass was so thick.

Carsen's first birthday pics. She was loving the icing.

Had to get a cute picture of her ruffle bloomer....too bad you can see some of the diaper....!

She is such a busy body, that I am surprised that we were able to capture any of these.

Are you guys for real....you put me in a picnic basket....lol

She is such a sweet girl but is very needy. Wants to be held ALL the time.

Hope you enjoyed the pics. Sorry, I forgot to post them on here.

Halloween Celebrations

2011-11-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

We started out our celebrations with a FALL FESTIVAL at Braylen's school. They got to dress up in their costumes and play in the jumpies, decorate cookies, make sand necklaces, eat popcorn, and go on a hayride...it was so much fun.

Our next celebration was with our Life Group through church. We meet every Friday night and have a salty/sweet snack and then do our group discussions/lesson. This past Friday was a tad bit different, we did fun food and just got all dressed up and dances with the Wii and the kids hit a pinata and just celebrated being together.

Our next celebration was Pumpkin carving. Elisabeth and her family were in town and they came over to carve pumpkins and so did our good friends, The Cook FAmily. We then went to a nice dinner and came back and ate yummy apple pie.

Our last celebration was Halloween night. Everyone came to our house, we ate wings and pizza and then got the kiddos dressed for a fun night of "trick or treat." It was a blast and the kids all did so good, it just warmed my heart to see them all having so much fun. When we were done, the kids came back....ate some candy, ran circles around the house for about 15 mins and then it waas time to close shop. All the kids were winding down and the costumes were off, the jammies were on, and until next year!!!

Fall Fair

2011-10-26T07:57:00.000-07:00

This year was such a fun year for the fair because Braylen could actually ride some rides. We went on opening night (free admission and unlimited rides for a certain $ amt.) We went with her best bud Georgia and her mommy and daddy. It was a blast. I was hesitant at first because I didn't know how Braylen was going to react on the rides but having Georgia around was saving grace. There wasn't a fear in the world with those two together, they conquered all the fun rides and even did the Caterpillar roller-coaster (i was shocked!) When I was a little girl, I was scared to death of the roller coaster but now of course I LOVE THEM.

(braylen looks like Jackie O here)

(when they are together they are both BIG HAMS)

(of course matching face paints)

The Cumming Fair almost lasted 2 full weeks, so of course we had to go another day. We decided to go with Elisabeth, Dad, and the two boys. Elisabeth and her family were in town for a week because Adam had a conference in Atlanta.....we were so excited to see them and let the cousins have fun time together. So anyways, we got to the fair early evening and were able to do two rides until all of a sudden...it started raining....! It was such a bummer because the kids were all excited about the fair and riding rides together. Well we decided to stick it out and let the rain clear out, but in turn, we were wet and the temperature dropped several degrees....so damp and cold....brrr! It was a great time regardless, Bodie and Braylen had a ball and Bodie has NO fear which helped BRaylen not be scared either....loved it.

(first ride after the big rain...it was very wet and there was no one on it....ha)

(this makes me giggle.....)

(i have a picture of me very similar to this....wish i could find it)

(Poppy and his grandkids)

Fall Happenings..

2011-10-25T10:37:00.000-07:00

We went to Elijay to Hillcrest Farms for some good ole apple pickin'. This has become an annual event with our good friends. At Hillcrest, you can pick your own apples, eat lunch, play on jumpies, play in the petting zoo, ride ponies, just tons of things to keep you occupied. Here are some pics to enjoy and I had to add an OLD picture of the same kids....I believe it was two years ago. Oh...I got TONS of apples....and have made 2 pies, apple sauce and have eaten an apple everyday along with sharing them with my kids. I have had the apples for a month......LOTS of apples....heehee.

Carsen turns 1

2011-10-11T11:54:00.000-07:00

(Going to her party and riding in her new carseat....she is only 19lbs.....but we assumed the cupcake and icing would add another pound. She was itching to face forward.)

Next was Carsen's BIG celebration of turning ONE...or maybe it is an Adult celebration because we survived ONE year of being parents of TWO precious, determined little girls. However you want to look at it, it is still a wonderful celebration.
We chose to combine Carsen's birthday with Coleman's birthday (they are 5 days apart from each other.) We are very good friends with the Cooks (Coleman's parents) and knew we would be inviting the same people to the parties so we thought....why not just combine them....! And the party was SO MUCH fun and a super duper success. Below are some fun pictures of the party....

(We chose to ask guest that instead of bringing a wonderful gift, why not bring a book or dvd that can be donated to the Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta!)

Braylen turned 3!!!

2011-09-21T13:31:00.000-07:00

(Braylen and her very best friend Georgia)

So for Braylen's big day we decided to give her a birthday party with several of her playdate friends. She was able to invite 10 kiddos. We had her party at Menchies (a local yogurt shop) and it was DELISH! They have a side party room....so each kid had their own place settings...with crayons, stickers, tatoos, and shirt with the Menchie man on it (they were able to color him with fabric markers also.) Then the lady at Menchies did a small game with them, pin the topping on Menchie and she interacted with them by helping the kids color and asked them lots of questions.....she was wonderful! After all of that...they were then able to go get their yogurt...however much they wanted with whatever topping they wanted.....YES....the kids were in HEAVEN and it was before dinner time....the parents were going to kill me....lol! After all the sugary treats were consumed...Braylen got to blow out her candle on a single cupcake and then open presents.....she got some wonderful new things to play with...! Her party was a true success and I didn't have to make or clean up a thing....how nice that was!!! Then for her REAL birthday day....Braylen and mommy made cupcakes the night before and then I brought them to school to share with her friends. We made strawberry cupcakes with strawberry icing....she literally asked for this everytime someone asked her what she wanted for her birthday....and I wasn't going to complain because if I had to choose any flavor...that would have been my pic as well!!! Can you say similar tastebuds? Anywho, so I went to her school after their lunch and all the kids sang to Braylen and then devoured their icing....I mean cupcake. It was a wonderful treat for Carsen and i to go see Braylen at school...she was also excited to see us there and share her little sister with everyone!
All in all Braylen's celebrations were great and I can't believe she is already 3. She definitely looks like a 3 year old and acts like one too but I am not so sure I am ready for these years to go any faster! Braylen is so much fun these days, really smart, and has an imagination that I envy. I love how she loves and cuddles, and I especially love how she wants to be JUST LIKE ME! (everytime I turn a corner, she is doing something that I am doing or was doing...lol.) I am very thankful for my blessings and for my Braylen....she is very special to us and will always be #1 in so many ways! Happy Birthday Booger Bear!

(About to sing Happy Birthday)

(She is my first and I love her so much)

(And yes, she is a lefty)

(Enjoying some yummy Yogurt!)

First day of preschool...

2011-09-19T11:36:00.000-07:00

Preschool is in full swing! Braylen is going to First Baptist on M,W, & Th from 9-1. The first day she was timid....as anyone would be....but the second day she was excited to get to her classroom. Love that she is loving going to school. She is lucky to have her 3 other good girlfriends in her class....Georgia, Bella, and Tatem! On the second day of school....after I had picked her up....I asked Braylen what she learned and it was the blessing 'God our Father, repeat, Once again, repeat, Thank you for our blessings, repeat, Amen, repeat! She sang it straight to me...and I was so happy that she knew it and I knew exactly what she was singing. Isn't she so cute in the pictures below....she LOVES her packback (as she says.)

And this little booger is a mess! We are loving out time together while Braylen is at school but it is definitely not a break! She wants to play more with me since she is by herself then if I had Braylen here.....! Carsen's personality is totally starting to shine....she grunts when she wants something and definitely is persistent. She is so adorable and is very good with Braylen! She is almost 1 years old....where did the time go!?!?

Being goofy together!!! Whatever my big sis does, I want to do too!

Seriously caught this picture one afternoon. She must of come out of her room from her nap (but apparently wasn't done napping....lol)

Cuz Time....

2011-08-24T10:35:00.000-07:00

My cousin Julie and her husband Nate along with their two girls Abigail (6) and Maddie (4) came in town at the end of last week for a couple days. They have family on both sides that live here in Georgia so it is always a trip that makes complete since to them....knock out two visits in one trip. We had a wonderful visit and wish we had more time. The girls got along SO GOOD...I just wish Carsen could have played with them.

We were at a play gym called "Catch Air"

Abigail was so very sweet to Braylen and Carsen

Cousin Love

Had to throw this one in the bunch....we were getting ready to go to the pool and she comes out of my closet in this....someone is ready for the FALL! :)

The girls minus Carsen....having a ball!

Family Beach trip 2011

2011-08-23T11:31:00.000-07:00

Our annual beach trip was a really great time. We had an amazing place that we stayed at...thanks to mom and dad, and the husbands actually stayed the whole trip this time which made it very nice. Bodie and Braylen did very good for the most part....but we had our moments. We also enjoyed some cousin time but wish we had more....below is just a few pics of our trip

Carsen is ALWAYS a mess when she eats...

The Fun Slide at the Condo

Bath time with the cousins

They got along for the most part.....we love our Bodie!

The Bray side of the family....(mom's side...hence BRAYlen)

2nd Cousins Reagan and Braylen

So excited to be with each other

Playing in the sand but still isn't a fan of the ocean

I was first....

2011-08-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

Time has gotten away from me, so I apologize for not keeping everyone updated. But I had to share something that is very special and is MUSIC to my ears. Carsen is saying "MAMA!" It is absolutely the sweetest thing in the world and she definitely is saying it with meaning....she calls me and looks at me or pats me on the leg when she is saying it......talk about MELT YOUR HEART. I had to share this....even though....I have so much other stuff to catch you all up on. I will find time another day to do that, but for now, I was FIRST....she said "MAMA" first! YAY :)

***Side note: she has said other babbling words...and sometimes dada but she has never referred to him as dada or the other babbling noises that she makes....it is all unclear but the MAMA....everything is PERFECTLY clear! :)

Carsen's 9 months update

2011-07-07T12:15:00.001-07:00

(This is a picture before we went to celebrate the 4th of July with friends)

Yesterday we finally went to Carsen's 9mth checkup! Everything seemed great and Dr. Khan said she LOOKED FABULOUS!
She is 17lbs and 26.5 inches......she is on the smaller scale but by the looks of her you would NEVER guess that! Carsen is FULL of squeezable rolls....love her!
What I have learned about Carsen in this last month is she is becoming very independent and letting me know when she wants something or when she doesn't! She swats at a spoon in her face. She swats at you trying to wipe her nose. She grabs at anything you are eating. She grunts at you when she wants something. She screams at you when she doesn't want something! I personally feel this has all come about because she has been swatting at Braylen for the last few months.....lol!
Braylen has an attitude but certainly doesn't swat at you and can be very patient when told. Carsen on the other hand...won't have it....it she doesn't want to be pinned down she squirms and wiggles her way through. I am saying this because at the doctor yesterday...Carsen didn't want the nurse of Dr. Khan touching her. Braylen was always VERY okay with it and patient but would wimper because she didn't like it. Carsen...was basically like....UMM NO...don't touch me! Who would have thunk....that sweet little baby Carsen was going to be fiesty....dear lord...HELP! :)

(This picture is of Carsen riding on her toy and Braylen is pushing her around...they were having a blast)

(I posted this because I LOVE BRAYLEN'S hair...she has gorgeous hair that HUMIDITY LOVES....it makes her wavy curls turn into ringlets....now if only I was good with doing hair...ha)

Our FIRST road trips.....

2011-06-13T12:19:00.000-07:00

as a family of FOUR! We hit up St. Simons for a bank conference that Grant needed to attend and he was so kind to invite his family! We had a great time and learned how to be in a hotel with us four...juggling sleep times and all.....! It was a tad bit challenging but once everyone got the hang of it, everyone worked together! Braylen LOVED playing the WHISPER game....and in fact...she wouldn't stop whispering...even when nap time was over....ha! We did A LOT of pool time, fun walks on the beach (braylen found a crab and a jellyfish), eating, working out, and hanging out with daddy and his fellow conference goers! It was a great trip and what was even better was the time we all had in the car as a family...just talking and giggling...love those moments!

From St. Simons, we made a pit stop in Cumming for the night and then headed back out to Adam and Elisabeth's house up in Cincinnati...talk about coming from the South and now to the "somewhat" North....what a haul.....jk...it actually was a great ride and the GIRLS were excellent! Just pop in DORA and Braylen will take car rides ALL DAY LONG! Carsen did great also, I would get in the back and feed her when it was time and play and talk to her while she would just ramble back to me. She also enjoyed a little baby Einstein as well......but she would usually fall asleep half way through it! So we arrived in Cincinnati late on Wednesday night (well actually Thursday morning...ha) Grant, the girls, and I took Bodie to the playground and we all played outside all morning while Elisabeth and Adam worked....it was fun! Then that night Elisabeth hosted a Scentsy party for me and her sweet neighbors came over to enjoy some YUMMY food and check out Scentsy! www.sarahschmeelk.scentsy.us It was a GREAT party and Lis got lots of good stuff since she hosted it! The boys took all the kids out to eat and to play on the playground.....I wish I had a video tape to see how it all went down...but we were told everything was under control....unhuh?

Anywho...the next day the boys played golf and Lis, the kids, and I ran errands and hung out.....then that night we all went out for dinner....it was pretty nasty weather that afternoon and evening. Saturday we hit up the Cincinnati Zoo and it was AWESOME...Braylen loved it and Bodie is a pro...considering they have season passes.....they LOVE the ZOO and we do too....can't wait to go again! Then we had lots of play time that afternoon in Bodie's pool (a birthday present my girls got him.) It was such a great trip and we love being with them.....we just hate being 7 hours away! But maybe one day, one day....that will change!

Carsen is still crawling like a champ and pulling up on things.....so not sure when the steps will come......but she is SO CUTE....sorry I have to brag....she just makes me giggle so much.....love her!

June 1st - 8 mths - and we have a...

2011-06-01T10:21:00.000-07:00

FULL OUT CRAWLER!!!! GO CARSEN GO!!! She has been on all fours for 2 months now but she has a sister that has BLOCKED her from exploring. Last week she was on all fours but instead of being on the knees she was on her toes.....down dog position...lol! For some crazy reason she kept putting herself in that position and then crying because she couldn't get out of it. This past weekend, she started making progress on the crawling but then would belly flop. We had to work with Braylen in order for her to help us with Carsen! Yesterday was the first day she really started moving but today....she is ALL OVER THE PLACE! Time to clean up the house and get it baby proof ready AGAIN! ;) I will post a video next, haven't downloaded it yet...but wanted to document when she started crawling since things on the home front are busy these days!

** Side note: She is also pulling up on her crib rails....time to drop the bed before I go up there and find her on the floor...yikes!

New Beginnings in May

2011-05-09T12:11:00.000-07:00

So some new things have been introduced to us or to the girls.....! Let's start with Braylen...she got her VERY FIRST MANICURE & PEDICURE! I have painted her nails and toes before but have never taken her to the shop with me to get them done. I felt like she deserved a treat so I took her with me! She was VERY hesitant at first, she didn't want the ladies touching her...so she sat in my lap...while I got my toes done (not so relaxing....ha!) But the ladies were super nice to her and she couldn't stop staring at them probably because she was VERY curious to what they were saying...considering all of them talked in another language....it was actually hilarious watching her face while she was trying to figure them out! As I finished up, the nice lady asked her again if she wanted to get her nails and toes done....and Braylen....AGREED! She LOVED it and is still talking about it and wanting to show everyone.....and it happened a week ago!

Next new thing is Carsen has ANOTHER TOOTH on the bottom! She has been teething ALOT lately but I was for sure that the top two were about to come through but it actually was the bottom one. So now she has THREE on the bottom! Funny thing is...we were out of town so it popped through while we were gone but my parents and in-laws said she was good....so I guess it didn't bother her too much! Those TWO TOP ones though...will be in the next week....they are trying to peek through....you can just see them!

And last: I need to brag on my man for a minute! Grant has lost 25-30 lbs since Christmas and we are ALL so very proud of him! He has worked SUPER hard and he isn't done yet! He has a goal and he will get there with continued hard work! So his new beginnings is wearing NEW sizes! Go Grant! Love you!

7 mths old on Easter day

2011-04-27T07:56:00.000-07:00

Well ladies and gentlemen.....Carsen turned 7months on Easter! WOW.....we can't believe it has been 7months....she has changed so much but she is still such a little baby to us......and a sweet little baby she is.
Carsen is definitely still sitting up on her own and also rocking back and forth on all fours. I think if I gave her the opportunity she would be crawling already but I don't let her roam around on the floor too much by herself. You ask why, well she has a sister named Braylen and Braylen thinks she is Carsen's mommy and goes and picks her up, rolls her over, plays with her, just can't keep her hands off of her......hence probably why Carsen is sick 75% of the time...lol! Braylen just LOVES Carsen so much and just wants to play with her ALL DAY LONG! She could careless about anything else.....so I have to put Carsen in her jumperoo to keep Braylen away. I don't want to always keep them separated but it can get dangerous and Braylen needs to learn that she can't pick up the baby.....grrr! I am sure you can pick up on my frustrations. I feel like all I do all day long is tell Braylen to keep her hands off.....Carsen gets annoyed at times but then at other times Carsen is giggling so hard at Braylen.....oh well, right!?!
But back to Carsen for a minute, I think she is about to break skin on the top teeth....she has been showing signs of teething pretty bad.....! At this stage with Braylen.....Braylen had just broken 3 teeth on top and she was already crawling and she was about to start taking baths without the baby tub. We are definitely not there with Carsen as far as the crawling goes....she gets picked up too much to browse or explore on her own...ha! Carsen is a babbaler though...she will just go non stop and we always wonder what she is saying. She is so sweet and LOVES to be held! Her smile can light up a room.......!
She got the pleasure of spending time with Grandmommy and Granddaddy over Easter weekend, so that was a treat for all of us! Braylen clued them in on some things and couldn't keep her eyes off of Granddaddy....she would come tell us if he was sleeping (basically resting his eyes,) it was so funny! Braylen also got to read with Grandmommy and show off her SUPER reading skills....!
Easter was a fun day! We did church and then we got to go to my families house and visit, eat lunch and send Braylen on an Easter Egg hunt. It was so cute, she would find the egg, open it and go to town on the jelly beans! She was a very good Egg hunter though! Look forward to her racking up in the future!

Carsen 6 months

2011-03-30T10:43:00.000-07:00

Carsen went to the doctor this morning and she weighed 15.75lbs and was 24.5 inches long! She is in the 36% on the growth chart but if you looked at her you would never believe it.....this girl is FILLED with ROLLS! :)

Here are some pictures of her during her 6mth photo shoot! I will have to say I am pleased with these photos based on the situation! Of course, I would schedule the shoot during her morning nap or if she wasn't napping she would be eating......it just wasn't a great shoot! Carsen was FUSSY the WHOLE time so fortunately we were able to grab a few good ones! And that is all that matters to me....as long as I am capturing each stage of her growth...since it happens so fast in such a short period of time....then I am one happy mommy! Enjoy!

This one below is my FAVORITE!

Crazy how her eyes and the back ground match perfectly!!

MEET rolly polly! :)

Braylen...being Braylen...

2011-03-29T12:06:00.000-07:00

These pictures are of Braylen one day after I picked her up from school! She was just loving life and I had to capture it! Love her so very much! I also had to add a picture of her being such a great 'big' sister!

Where to begin...

2011-03-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

Not sure where to begin but I will just type what I can remember, so much has changed this past month! Well Carsen in now 6 mths as of last Thursday...really 6 mths.....goodness where did the time go! The 6 mth stage is SO MUCH FUN! She is giggling, cooing, trying to talk, sitting up, and completely knows and watches where you go. I am still strictly nursing her 4 times a day and started her on rice cereal at about 5.5mth. Last week, I started doing the rice cereal or oatmel banana twice a day.....one in morning, one in evening! And this past Sunday, I started her with her first veggie (green beans.) I was thinking she was going to gag, just like she did with the cereals but surprisingly, she LIKED it! Today, i will try another veggie....haven't decided which one that will be! She doesn't eat her cereal really good in the morning but I think that is because she is full from her milk but I am sure that will change! We are just in the beginning stages of eating baby food! Her schedule is as follows: She wakes around 5 or 6 and I nurse her....if in 5 o'clock hour, I put her back down...if 6 o'clock hour....I keep her up! She then plays and then she eats her cereal around 7:30-8:00. Then play some more and then she naps between 10 and 11. Then she nurses again around 11:30-12:00 and then takes her afternoon nap around 1:30-2:00. She then wakes around 4:30 or 5:00, nurses and then eats dinner and then bedtime is 8:00 with a nursing! She is doing great these days! We had a hard 4th month....not sure why but things are definitely on the UP! She is sitting up fairly good and she LOVES her FEET! If she could just eat her feet I bet she would be satisfied...lol! Tomorrow is her 6mth check up.....we look forward to those stats!

TEETH

2011-03-08T12:29:00.001-08:00

Carsen got her first TWO teeth two weeks ago which was right when she turned 5mths! They came in together and are SUPER SHARP....trust me...wink, wink!! I was definitely curious if she would get her teeth in early because Braylen did. I am thankful her teeth came in though because this last month...nights have been rough....well not rough, just she is waking up and so I am putting her back down and now I actually just started feeding her around 4:00 in the morning to sooth her! I honestly don't care that I am getting up to do it...., I would much rather go sit up in her room for 10 mins then listen to her for 10 mins...lol! Things are about to change though.....~! I am going to start rice cereal this week...so 5 1/2 mths into it....and with teeth...I think she is ready! I will take some pics and keep you posted on how it goes! Hopefully with feeling up her belly at night with rice cereal and milk....she might get back to sleeping from 8:00pm to 7:30am or so....we will see! Wish us luck!

Valentines Day...

2011-02-22T12:00:00.000-08:00

Braylen and I made cookies for daddy on Valentines day and Carsen just sat in her bumbo and watched! Just wanted to share some pics of my girls and how much they are changing!

Oh....and thank you to Bodie and Lincoln for getting their sweet Valentines the TICKLE MONSTER! It has become a nightly routine!

Lincoln Bray Heick

2011-02-22T11:28:00.000-08:00

So FINALLY....I can actually get around to blogging about my new nephew Linc!! He was born on Febraury 9th 2011 and weighed in at 8lbs (not sure the height) Linc was born with a HEAD FULL of BROWN/BLACK hair and in my opinion resembled more of the Heick side of the family! Poor little Linc had a bad case of Jaundice. Elisabeth definitely got her education on Jaundice and his case had a lot to do with his and her blood types being different! That is another story in itself but bottom line is the lil guy is doing great and gaining weight! They were discharged from the hospital on the 11th and that is the day that Carsen and I flew up there to spend the weekend with Lis, Adam, and Bodie and meet baby Linc! With him being Jaundice, the nurse had to come to the house on Saturday morning and they had to take him back to the hospital Sunday to continue to get checked out and check the Juandice count....but everything seemed to be on the up! Linc did have to come home with the Billa Blanket (sp?) tanning bed thingy.....and be wrapped up in it in order to help his Jaundice count get in check......that was kind of cool! Our weekend was very pleasant and relaxing. It was nice to just chill with my favorites considering I hadn't seen them since September.....so not right! :( Outside of that though, I am blessed that I was able to go up there for a quick trip and visit.....! I am so proud of Elisabeth and Adam and am thankful that they brought another healthy baby boy into this world! I can't end this blog without talking about my first favorite nephew...BODIE MAN! He is a MESS! What a busy little guy he has turned into. It had been 4.5 mths since I had last seen him....and my had he changed. He was a COMPLETE toddler and just as sweet as can be.....with a small fiestiness to him......must be some "BODIE" in him....lol! Enjoy the pics below!!

Blogging HELP...

2011-02-15T10:55:00.000-08:00

Hey Friends,

As much as I would love for this post to be about my TWO precious girls.....it isn't....I need help and thought I would resort to the people who know best!

Okay, on my blogging page, I can click on other friends blogs and check out what they have to say...! Well lately, everytime I click on most of my friends blogs.....a sign comes up and shuts down the friends blog website.....urgh!!! I mean it doesn't even give me time to read it....I have to click the tab (it states something about aborting that page) and then when i click it, that page shuts down!

My biggest thought would be that my anti-virus is blocking them but I am so computer illiterate that I don't know what to do, and that might not exactly be the problem. I also could ask my husband to help but he is in the same boat as I am.....really don't kow how to manuever through the pop up blocks....etc.!

If you all could be so kind and offer some feedback, suggstions, or come over and fix it for me :) I would forever be grateful! I am missing my blog check ups and am feeling very behind these days!

Oh and back to the girls....i will post soon about them and also post about my NEW PRECIOUS NEPHEW LINCOLN!!

Carsen 4 months....whoa!

2011-01-26T08:22:00.000-08:00

Update on Carsen:

She is 13lbs and 23 inches long and has a BELLY bigger than her head....lol! She is the sweetest baby EVER!!! I have put her on her tummy to sleep from the near beginning but forgot that she would learn how to roll over....haha! So now she rolls over to her back in the middle of the night and it freaks her out....IMAGINE.....it is like a dead bug when they die.....they roll to their back...haha...that is how Carsen is! So anyways, she hasn't figured out how to roll back over to her tummy! Usually babies learn how to roll from their back to their stomach but Carsen is different since I started her on her tummy first....oh well....just a couple of nights in a row where she wakes up and we get up to roll her back over!!! Carsen is VERY aware of her surroundings and laughs and smiles A LOT....which completely melts my heart! I can't believe just 4 mths ago...she was 5lbs and sleeping all day...now this chunkster is awake all the time and has to know what is going on....hmmm.....she reminds me a lot of Braylen at that stage! Carsen also LOVES to be HELD.....when you put her down (more so in the afternoon) she decides to get you a crying fit but if you hold her...she is the HAPPIEST baby ever!

Snow Jam 2011

2011-01-11T12:23:00.000-08:00

So we got snowed in with our dear friends Evan and Tara Profeta and their two boys Pierce and Ellis! It was a blast! We got to their house around 5 o'clock on Sunday afternoon (and they only live 5 minutes down the road) and the snow started falling around 10:00 that night.....! It was BEAUTIFUL and was just a pouring!!! Since the kids were asleep we did a little night sledding on nothing but POWDER....it was awesome! Then we woke up the next morning to 6 inches of thick snow! Monday the temperature started dropping and the snow was becoming more compact....which made for some dangerous sledding but it was SO MUCH FUN! My body aches from sledding all day and walking up a MASSIVE/TALL hill just to go right back down! Here are some pictures of our Snow Jam 2011 and being snowed in with our great friends!!

The End of 2010 continued.....but now reflecting

2011-01-05T11:33:00.001-08:00

The Lord blessed us with another beautiful, sweet, healthy baby girl in 2010! Grant and I are in love with our girls and are so thankful for each other and all of our loved ones! Check the photos below......they are almost the same age here give or take a week or two! Crazy huh!!! What are their similarities......wonder who they favor? What will they look like when they get older? I think these things all the time!

The End of 2010 continued...

2011-01-05T11:12:00.000-08:00

Now onto Braylen....who actually understood Santa Claus this year....it was so cool and will be even better next year! Braylen did so good making cookies for Santa, sitting in Santa's lap, going to the Christmas Eve Service, opening presents, and just being sassy Braylen....! She has definitely changed in the last few months with Carsen being here. She fullys understands that Carsen is her sister and loves her so very much....talks to Carsen and wants to ALWAYS pick Carsen up....! We have come a long way so I am very thankful that it has gotten better....it was tough in the beginning! Braylen got some super cool things this Christmas! Santa brough her a rocking horse, a BIG WHEEL tricycle, Elmo and Barney movies. She also got an Easel board, a suitcase, puzzels, and more and more toys.

The End of 2010

2011-01-03T12:57:00.000-08:00

This is going ito be an extended post......

First let's start with Carsen, she went for her TWO month appt. at almost THREE months...lol and weighed 12lbs. She is a HEALTHY baby girl! Carsen is the sweetest thing in the world and is FULL of GUMMY smiles and COOing all day long! She has been such a great baby but KNOCK on wood...not sure what a bad baby consist of considering Braylen was really great also! She has had a couple snotty noses...where when she wakes up in the mornings she is FULL of GREEN boogers....poor girl and it is SUPER disgusting...! But other than that...she is a HEALTHY! She sleeps through the night and may wiggle around 4 or 5 in the morning...but I just put the passey in her mouth and then she wakes to eat around 8:00. So her schedule is GREAT and works well for our family! I moved Carsen to her CRIB January 1st and it was an EASY transition! I just remember being so worried, when I moved Braylen, if she was going to be okay or not, but honestly...of course they are going to be fine....they don't have a CLUE where they are sleeping...as long as they are still on their schedule and it is comfortable and warm....geez...why didn't I realize that the first go around...ha! I am definitely way more relaxed with Carsen than I ever was with Braylen....love that feeling!

Big Sis, Little Sis...

2010-12-07T11:21:00.000-08:00

She is SO Sweet!

Big Sister, Little Sister....!

Braylen telling her to look at the camera and smile.....seriously she was!

Trying out the Bumbo to strengthen out the neck

My precious 2 year old with SOME attitude!

Bath time! They always take together and Braylen loves helping me bath Carsen!

Carsen LOVES bath time....perfect way to end the day! (check out that belly)

Laying in her crib just being happy!

***Life is still busy in our corner! Braylen has been an excellent big sister and has come a long way! Carsen is just the SWEETEST little baby ever.......and maybe I think that because she doesn't say much these days....lol!

Carsen is 10 weeks and her schedule is wake up and feed at 8:00am, stays awake for an hour then snoozes till 11:30 and she eats around 11:45 then plays for a bit, snoozes again and eats around 3:30-4:00....stays awake....fights sleep, then eats again around 7:00 stays awake, plays with Grant and Braylen, get bath, then falls asleep around 8:30 or so then I wake her to eat around 9:30 and then she is put down for the night no later than 10:00. She is still in the pack n play in my room but she is sleeping on her tummy which she enjoys much more than her back! She wakes around 3:30 or 4:00 to eat ( and it is not a lot) then I put her right back down. That feeding could possibly be done away with but I am just going to hold off right now since I enjoy the schedule we are on. Carsen goes for her 2 month appt. next week....i know....it is late....she will almost be 3 mths but I guess that is all they had available....ha! I am curious to know her weight....I think we might be getting close to moving to a 2 diaper....she is growing SO FAST!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Carsen's Newborn Pics....

2010-11-23T12:28:00.000-08:00

Hey friends, here are a few of Carsen's newborn pics....there aren't many but I just wanted to share some! Enjoy!!

When I turned the corner....

2010-11-20T10:06:00.000-08:00

This is what I saw...

My reaction: I wanted to scream but instead I let her know that this is NOT paint, told her what it was and then spanked her on the bottom and grabbed my phone to take a picture

After the clean up, we are still stained!

This is what happened: Grant was at a meeting one night and Carsen was resting....she is an afternoon/evening person, so I actually had a little time to check my emails.....while I was doing that, Braylen got content and found something to play with.....FOOD COLORING! Yep, friends...FOOD COLORING! I heard her in the pantry but I didn't hear anything unraveling, or really I didn't hear anything at all...! I kept calling out to her (while I am on the computer,) Braylen...what cha doing? Nothing...she would say! Then after a GOOD 15 minutes went by, I walked around the corner and peeked in the pantry and I saw her covered in GREEN/BLUE FOOD COLORING.....ahhhhhhhhh! It was on the floor and all over her jeans and her sleeves.....! All I kept saying was DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING....because I wanted to clean the floor up first...which made a HUGE smearing mess as I was doing that...but I needed to clean it up fast because Addie kept licking it....and yes....Addie had a MILD Green snout for a day....lol! After I cleaned up the mess, I then took her up to the bath.....it was quite a GREEN experience....the water, tub, bath cloth, towel, EVERYTHING was GREEN....even my hands were! Oh man, I swear Braylen is so curious!!! Anywho, it stained her hands and she had to go to school the next day with GREEN hands....it was quite funny when I had to explain to the teachers why they looked the way they did. NEVER AGAIN....I guess she thought it was paint...who knows!

And to continue on the story of when I turn a corner....here are a few other stories that I will leave all the DETAILS out of.....POOP on the little potty, big potty, and the wall????? Addie's dog food and water all over the laundry room floor and soaked in water???? A kitchen stool pulled up to the counter in the kitchen and she is drinking my drink????? Crayons on the wall???? A whole roll of toilet paper unraveled on the bathroom floor???? Clearisil Zit Cream rubbed on her face, arms, and legs????? Water from the bath tub poured on the floor of the bathroom, a single layer of water covered the floor??? That is just a few...I guess I should be keeping my eye on CURIOUS BRAYLEN!

So needless to say, our lives are constantly busy but we are still in love with our Braylen and our Carsen. Speaking of Carsen, while all this is going on she is just hanging out, watching and listening....well I guess she has too....she can't do anything else...lol! However, I did want to add a little punch in for her....she is GROWING LIKE A WEED! She has doubled and now I call her my CHUNKY MONKEY....see for yourself!!

Almost doubled....

2010-11-04T13:03:00.001-07:00

Carsen Faith is a whopping 9 pounder...whoa!!! She has almost doubled in size in 5 weeks....!!! i guess the doctors werent kidding when they said she would grow better outside the belly.

This is how Carsen and I finish out the day...in my bed sleeping.....she is a snuggler just like Braylen was...I love that!

***Dont forget to check out the Halloween blog below***

Happy Halloween Ya'll

2010-11-03T10:58:00.000-07:00

I bet you haven't seen a Raggedy Ann as cute as this one! Braylen was ADORABLE and LOVED her costume.....! This Halloween we had our friends over again to all go trick or treating together. Our friend Tara was the only adult that dressed up with the kids...what a great sport!

Carsen didnt have a costume to "sport" but she was there dressed in her (not so girl) Halloween clothes.

Grammy and Poppy came to hang out that night also.

Some of the crew on the Hay ride ready to set out and get some candy!!!

Since Elisabeth doesnt blog, I had to share the cutest doggy ever on Halloween! Check out Bodie, is he just not Adorable....love my nephew and miss him terribly!

Next update will be on our growing Carsen...

Sneak Peek...

2010-10-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

So yes, Braylen is Raggedy Ann this year for Halloween! She looked so adorable in her outfit, the only thing missing is a Raggedy Ann doll for her to hold....! Elisabeth and I grew up with a Raggedy Ann and Andy, too bad Mom didn't hold onto them for us. Anywho, Braylen doesn't know who Raggedy Ann is but the costume was handed down to us and it is too cute not to use.....! It is on my list to get a Ragged Ann doll, hopefully I will have one before Halloween Night. Our family was invited to a Halloween Barn party this past Sunday. I stayed back with Carsen and Braylen and Grant went. Braylen is OBSESSED with horses (she talks about them daily....this might become an expensive Obsession.....) but anyways, she got to ride the ponies while at the party.....she LOVED it!

And Carsen is GROWING and doing wonderful! She had a COLD last week and the doctors suggested she come in since she had a SMALL fever.....! I "NURSED" her back to health but while at the doctor she was weighed and she was 7lbs 14oz., exactly 2 FULL pounds since she was FIRST born.....that is awesome! Carsen is doing wonderful...sleeping and eating great....can't complain....YET.....ha! The picture below doesn't do her justice....ORANGE isn't her color but I have so many Halloween onesies that I am trying to get use out of them! Happy Halloween everyone!

2 weeks down....and she is growing

2010-10-10T09:34:00.001-07:00

Just the other day I couldn't wait for Carsen to be here and now it has already been 2 weeks of her life.....goodness! Carsen is such a sweetie, she just sleeps and observes when she is awake. She loves to cuddle, as did Braylen, and is still just a tiny little bug! She went to the doctor her first week of life and she had gained a few ounces that put her back up to 5lbs 10oz. She goes tomorrow (monday) for a weight check! I am almost positive that she has gained weight because she pees and poops VERY REGULARY and even looks like she has gained!

I keep telling myself that the girls look different but there are times that I look at Carsen and think I see Braylen, as a newborn, all over again! They definitely have differences but I haven't figured out their similarities....but they are there.

When Bray wakes up from her nap, we all go outside and walk Addie and just enjoy the AMAZING weather. THis is good for Bray to get out and run around and play, this is really good for Carsen to get some Vitamin D, and then this is especially good for me because if I sit in the house too much longer, I might have a break down.....ha!

Elisabeth and Bodie came in town and stayed with us the first week of Carsen's life. It was definitely a trying week with the older kiddos....! Braylen is in the stage of everything being HERS and not knowing how to share! And Bodie....doesn't understand yet about others toys and really just picks up toys for two seconds and then is done with it. Elisabeth and I were doing MORE parenting over them TWO than us focusing on the new baby! It was a great week but SUPER exhausting! I love having them around and I LOVE being around my nephew but we ALL needed to get out of the house and it just wasn't as fesible this go around....maybe next time! Anyways, they got a bath together a few times during the week and Braylen LOVED pouring water on Bodie....and Bodie was such a good sport....because every time I looked up....another flood of water was going down Bodie's face! We had to keep reminding Braylen to keep it on his back and on the back of his head! They were super cute though and I have always wanted a cousins picture in the bath tub....well now I got it! Can't wait till all FOUR of them are in the tub!

Last weekend us four had to get out of the house so we went and did our annual trip to the Apple Orchards and then to the Pumpkin patch. It was another BEAUTIFUL day so it was nice to be outside! Braylen loved picking out the pumpkins and sitting on them and she also enjoyed the animals at the Apple Orchard. And well Carsen, well, she just slept the whole time...go figure! We collected our pumpkins and got some baby ones that Braylen picks up on the front steps on a daily basis and we also got lots of apples from the Orchards! I was a baking fool this past week. I made Homemade Applesauce (in the crockpot...who would have thought,) apple cake with sugary iceing, and then an amazing upside down Apple pie....! I am not appled out yet but getting close!
Enjoy the update!

Carsen Faith Schmeelk has arrived...

2010-09-25T06:21:00.000-07:00

So our newest addition arrived yesterday!!! This is how is all went down:

So I went to the doctor on Thursday for my ultrasound and regular doctors visit. I had a feeling I was either going to be induced or she was going to let me go on to my due date but I didn't know for sure it all just depended on if Carsen had grown or not. So in the ultrasound while doing the measurements they realized that she hadn't grown really any since her last ultrasound that they took measurements at....so really in two weeks.....I mean....I had grown but I guess they wanted a significant growth to have happened. Anyways, my midwife said, "well you ready to go have a baby, she hasn't grown any and you are past 38 weeks so we need to go ahead and get her out of you, she will grow better outside the belly!" I actually was okay with it at that point, I was ready to meet her and not be uncomfortable any longer. So I left the doc's office and made arrangments and called all the family. Grant met me at home and we packed out bags and then my Dad met me there also to get Braylen, etc. We left to head down to the hospital around 1:30.....got checked in around 3:00 and then the midwife came to check me out and just decided to give me the cervidal and let my cervix ripen over night. I was already dialated 2 cm, but she felt like the process would be easier if we went that route....we were okay with it considering if she went straight to induction, it would have been a late night. So....my best friend Lauren brought us dinner and Grant, Lauren, and I just hung out Thursday evening.......letting everything sink in.

They woke me up at 4:00am took the cervidal out, gave me an enama and then I did my business, showered and was back in bed at 5:00.....! Grant and I slept for another hour and then they gave me the pitocin in the 6:00 hour. By that time I was awake and ready for things to start happening. Grant left the room around 7:00am to go get breakfast and walk around and do some business (as usual...ha) At 7:00 is when I first started to feel contractions and as time went on they were getting stronger. The doctor came in around 8:30 to check me and said I was 3cm...so I was SLOWLY progressing, so they uped the pitocin. During the 9:00 hour contractions were getting heavy and were every 2-3 minutes....the nurse (who we LOVED...Shanda) actually came in and knocked the pitocin down a little because she said I was contracting TOO much.....I was thankful....because I was starting to debate on when I was getting some meds. I then started setting mini goals in my head....just make it to 10:00 and see how you feel....which then turn to 11:00. The 10:00 hour was full on contractions and I was hurting.....breathing and humming through them. I kept telling Grant, I don't want to be a woose but this hurts and I don't know how long I am going to last....lol. So I waited till 11:00 and they ordered the epidural and it was administered between 11:00-11:30. At 12:00, the doctor came in to check me and break my water....I was 5cm at that time. And the epidural kicked in just in time for her to break my water....which I wanted to be on meds for.....considering last time it hurt SO BAD! But anyways....during the 12:00 hour, Grant and his mom went to lunch and I rested and then my mom showed up about 12:30.......! The nurse then came in and said....are you feeling any pressure and right when she said that I said...actually I am....and she said let me check you, I think you might be ready to have this baby! So she checked me and I was 9cm...she went to get doctor, they set up shop at 1:00 and then at 1:20 she was born.

How the process went down: They told me to do a practice round of pushing during 1 contraction...so I pushed 3 times during 1 contraction and then she said you will have this baby on the next contraction......I was like WHAT.......that quick....so I laughed.....the doctor said.....don't laugh, she is about to fall out. So next contraction, i pushed once and they said...don't push anymore because her head is out...we have to clean her up and pull her out........so all in all....it really was like 5-8 minutes of pushing Carsen out......it was CRAZY! And what was more crazy is that I went from a 5 to a 9 in less than an hour. I will say, the doctor had two surgeries before she came to break my water so we think Carsen would have been here sooner if the doctor would have come in earlier.

So Carsen was born at 1:20pm on September 24th 2010. She weighed 5lbs 14 oz and was 17.5 inches long! She is so cute and we think she has more Bodie in her than Schmeelk but time will tell! We are in complete aww of her and are truely BLESSED. GOD is AMAZING and has given us an amazing miracle who is PERFECT in our eyes! We can't wait to share her with the world!

*** Oh and Braylen did excellent with her....she loved on her and wanted to hold her.....she loves that she has a LIVE babydoll....lol! More updates to come!

HAS IT REALLY BEEN 2 YEARS...?

2010-09-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

Braylen had her 2 year birthday yesterday (Sunday the 19th) and she is SUCH A BIG GIRL! Grant and I couldn't be more proud of her and how she adjust to change and shows us how BIG she is daily! She challenges us daily and we accept with pride, we are so in love with Braylen and she is the BEST thing that happened to us!

A few fun things about Braylen: she loves to have melt downs (throws her self on the floor...can be quite entertaining,) she loves animals....more so DOGGIES, she loves to talk my ear off, she is a complete mini me (when I spray perfume, Bray wants perfume; when I put on chapstick, Bray wants chapstick; anything I do she wants to do too,) she is more of a tom boy than a princess (she loves the outdoors and loves BOYS); Braylen loves to be a mommy to her babies (hoping this tactic will help when Carsen arrives); she is still a cuddler and loves to be held and or loved on; she absolutely loves her daddy; she is obsessed with all the family members but won't leave Hannah's side when she is around; her laugh melts my heart; she is really into Elmo and Barney; she still gets Cheeries (cheerios) and milk every morning; she has small feet; she loves to get dirty; she is my favorite 2 year old in the whole wide world and I LOVE HER MORE THAN SHE WILL EVER KNOW!!!

So onto the BIG Birthday party......

Well since Carsen's arrival is so close to Braylen's birthday date, I wanted to have something low key, at the house, and where we didn't have to feed everyone lunch or dinner! So I decided to throw Braylen an ICE CREAM party.....yay! It started at 3:00 on Sunday afternoon! Grant and I spent most of the day preparing for the party and getting everything ready for Braylen to celebrate with all her friends. Braylen had a special outfit to wear that had a fun Icecream Cone on it...how appropriate.....and she looked very cute in it, might I add. Anyways....so the party begun with everyone arriving, saying hey and socializing. We set up an icecream bar on the inside and all the toppings were outside. So you had a choice of vanilla, chocolate, or swirl in a bowl or a cone (or use both) and then all the yummy toppings outside...which included....SPRINKLES, nuts, cherries, m&m's, butterfinger, oreos, cookie dough, and every flavor of syrup. The kids were in heaven and I think the adults were too....what a nice treat for a HOT Sunday afternoon....and yes it was actually quite toasty. I also provided a few salty snacks to take the edge off of all the sweets.....pretzels, chips, the famous Cheeze Its, and a nut/raisin, m&m snack mix. So everyone helped themselves to icecream and continued to socialize while the kids ran around and played with Braylen's toy or played outside. We hired a BALLOON MAN to come out and do a small balloon show for the kids....he was running late....so we jumped right into Braylen blowing out her birthday cupcake (I made an extra large cupcake so she would have something to blow out.) She loves blowing out candles and singing Happy Birthday....she was a GREAT sport. We then dived right into opening gifts while still waiting on Mr. Balloon Man......while half way through the gift opening, the man arrived....FINALLY...whewwwww....I was getting a little worried. Anyways, he did an excellent job....especially for TWO YEAR OLDS....I couldn't imagine it being any more elaborate or boring.....the kids LOVED it and thought he was really funny, which made it SUPER nice that eveyrone enjoyed it! So once he did his thing, we finished up the gifts and guest either started eating icecream again or collected their partying gift and headed out for the evening. Grant, Braylen, and I agreed that the party was a success and was easy and simple...just what we wanted. We do wish some of her other friends could have made it as well but sometimes things happen and not everyone can come.....it was still nice to have all of our other friends around to enjoy the celebration. Braylen got HOOKED up with the gifts.....she is in heaven and doesn't even know where to begin when she wants to play....! I need to get it all organized for her, but right now.....her toys are EVERYWHERE!

So that is the update on our little girl turning TWO! She is amazing in every single way and we are so excited that we have been able to share TWO amazing years with her. I can't wait to see how she is as a BIG sister. She loves to help out so I hope she will enjoy Carsen and like helping mommy with baby, but we will see! Enjoy the pictures!

Labor Day Weekend...

2010-09-16T11:09:00.000-07:00

This is way late but I wanted to post about it anyways! Labor Day Weekend we decided to take Braylen to Chestatee Preserve (or something like that) up in Dahlonega. She got to see several animals and we especially got to see the Zedonk (Zebra Donkey...it made national news....and he is SO CUTE!) Braylen thoroughly enjoyed herself but was skiddish around certain animals! Below are some pics of our day!

Braylen has also done extremely well with her Potty Training. I am going to have to brag on her because I never thought we would have made it this far or had done this well! On a personal note....she even loves to POOP on the potty....lol! She has started back her Mother's Morning Out program (school) and is doing okay in it. The teachers have really wanted her to be in pullups, and I said NO....so we have all sat down and talked and worked out a schedule where they take her every 30 mins and document whether she went or not. Since they have started to do this....she has had ZERO accidents. In fact, since she started school.....she has only had ONE and that was on the playground.....she didn't know where to go potty at...poor thing! She is the oldest in her class though, which is a tad bit frustrating because we are working so hard with her for her to know that she is a BIG girl not a baby.....! I think she will be okay but time will tell on how quickly she wants to be a baby again when Carsen arrives. Below are some pictures of Braylen just being SILLY!

My next post will be about Braylen's birthday...wahoo! She turns TWO on Sunday and we are having her an IceCream Party that very day.....she is VERY excited and we are too! Then after that.....hopefully I will be posting about our newest addition,, Baby Carsen. Our family of THREE is soon to be a family of FOUR....we can't wait to meet her!

5 weeks left....

2010-08-26T11:41:00.000-07:00

So I went to the doctor today and I am getting routine ultrasounds prior to my normal appt. and everything looked good except her size. Ms. Joyce (the technician) kept saying to me well as long as you can make it full term her lungs will be good but she just might be small. She actually said this a couple of times and I was like....I feel fine, I don't doubt I won't make it full term. And then she mentioned well the only reason they would take you early is if she isn't growing anymore or your fluid is low....fluid is in check....yay...but growth isn't so good. The only reassuring thing she mentioned was that sometimes babies just grow better outside the belly.....I guess that is somewhat reassuring but I think Carsen is going to be okay. So then I went on to my regular appt and saw Dr. Franklin (I am apart of the midwife program but none were available so I saw her)....she looked through my records and the ultrasound that was just done and wants me to go back to the MATERNAL FETAL SPECIALIST....what???? Just when I thought I didn't have to go anymore they want me to go back....no fair....! They want the specialist to monitor the growth again and do a full scan to make sure Carsen is growing right.....! Along with that, since Carsen has only a TWO VESSEL cord....I have to start getting an Ultrasound TWICE EVERY WEEK....what again? TWICE a week....geez....who has time for this....lol! I know it is all for the betterment of Carsen but didn't know I was going to have to be seen this much!

So that is the update on baby Carsen and I. I do feel great.....I had a rough few weeks a few weeks ago but I am a lot better now.....a little tired and uncomfortable but I do feel good! I am ready though....didn't think I would say that now but if she came today, I would be okay with it (minus her not being full term and small.) Well let me take that back....maybe just TWO more weeks so I can nail down the potty training with Braylen and she can start Mothers Morning Out Program again (school!) Speaking of potty training...check the blog below and also I promise to have picturess of Braylen's big girl room soon! It is ALMOST done.....I still want to put her curtian up, a couple of shelves and then find a fun bookcase or shelving unit (which I can wait for...this doesn't have to complete the room) before I get to snapping and sharing the photos. I will say though, she loves her room and LOVES her bed....as do I....it is SUPER comfy!

This is a picture of Grant and I last weekend celebrating our 5 year anniversay. So I am 34 weeks pregnant here....!

This is just a fun photo to share of Braylen on our way to Charleston to visit Uncle Howie and Aunt Jojo! She was very excited!

Potty Training..

2010-08-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

So this is going to be a brief update on Braylen's potty training. I failed to grab pictures but always wanted to but it was the last thing on my mind when she was making such great progress! So it all started this past Sunday.....I wanted to at least have a little help from Grant so that is why we started that day. We chose to do the 3 day potty training bootcamp. You can google it if you want but ours was more of a 5 day bootcamp...lol! So Sunday was pretty discouraging.....you start them out with a bare booty....so she had a shirt on but nothing on the bottom. I would ask about every 5-10 minutes, do you need to go potty? Or let's go sit on the potty? Every time we did it, she never went but she always had accidents.....thank goodness all the accidents were on the hardwoods. But anyways, we ended Sunday with success she actually went potty in the potty and got her first REWARD (a silly band) and actually I was SO EXCITED...she got a sucker too! :) BELOW IS THE PICTURE OF HER SILLY BANDS....EVERYTIME SHE WENT SHE GOT A BAND...not sure the face but she wanted to take the picture....wierd!

Then Monday rolled around....went potty in potty twice that morning and then from there till lunch, nothing but accidents. I called Grant at lunch time and told him...I give up....she just isn't grasping it and isn't ready...! I was really calling to get the okay from him to give up but he really didn't say much except for can you at least just finish out the 3 days? So feeling down and out...we go upstairs to get ready for her nap....and I put her in her pull up and she runs into a corner and just looks at me...I said..."Do you need to go potty" and she said "YES" so we go and she POOPED....it was like a MIRACLE....ha! So when she went down for her nap, I was excited and ready to finish out the day with nothing but good potty stories. So she woke up and pottied and it all just started clicking. We had an accident that evening but I was SO OKAY with that.....accidents are going to happen.......! Then Tuesday rolled around and she was doing FANTASTIC! We decided to get out for a bit to test her in public and we went to Walmart and visited that bathroom 3 times and never went but when we were checking out....she is standing by the candy bars and there she goes to peeing. This is where the challenge is....she doesn't know how to tell me she has to go! So on the way home....we pulled over 3 times with the hatch up and her trying to go potty...it was actually funny because someone even pulled over to see if we were okay....lol! Wednesday....still going strong...except for at gymnastics she had an accident, fortunately I caught her grab herself and so I swooped her up and she couldn't hold it any longer. However, that accident was my fault....I didn't have her go potty right when we got there, I guess I didn't see a need since she just went right before we left. My mistake but mark my word we potty right before we leave, when we arrive, several times while we are there, before we leave, and when we get home. That is the new routine until she fully tells me she has to go or she can hold it. So then today is Thursday and I had a doc's appt (that will be in the next blog) and she went right before we left, right when we got there, I was about to get an ultrasound and I asked her and she said yes...so we leave everything so she can go, the when we are leaving she goes POOP and then I make my appts for next time and then I take her to pee one last time.......the best part about this morning is we didn't have ONE PUBLIC accident....she did such an amazing job and is becoming such a BIG GIRL! She loves being called a "BIG GIRL" or a "BIG KID" like her friends Caleb, Reese, Pierce, and Mason! PICTURE BELOW IS BRAYLEN DOING THE POTTY DANCE.....she loves the dance and leads GRANT AND I BEHIND HER doing a TRAIN AND doing the dance together....too fun!

So we aren't perfect yet but we have made some HUGE progress and we AREN'T going back to diapers. So as much as it takes out of me to get her to the potty every 10 or 20 mins...I will do it until she has this thing nailed down. I am SUPER PROUD of her and she has made transitioning seem easy breezy....well not so much easy breezy but a lot less stressful than I once thought it was going to be. So TWO THUMBS up for BRAY!

A Lazy Day!

2010-08-02T11:31:00.001-07:00

Wow, TWO post in one day....this is unusual...it is usually TWO post in ONE month....!

Anywho, I wanted to share a lazy morning that we had with Braylen recently. She loves to color, paint or really just do anything that is messy! So we decided to finger paint. She cracks me up because she loves to put it all over her hands and rub it around like it is lotion or soap......!

Grant helping her get paint on her hands to create her master piece

I was trying to teach her to make hand prints but she just wanted to smear it instead.

Her beautiful work of art.....don't you think it is frameable....?!? lol

Beach Trip 2010

2010-08-02T10:51:00.001-07:00

Our Annual beach trip was WONDERFUL and VERY relaxing! This post will mainly just be pictures and small comments to explain, however, the pics are in reverse order so if you choose you can start from the bottom and work your way up....sorry but ENJOY! :)

(Braylen wiped out after a LONG day at the pool and beach. Side note, she sleeps in a BIG Girl bed now but that will be another POST along with pics of her NEW Big Girl Room!)

(Braylen and Mommy playing in the sand......I am not always a fan of sand but I wanted her to be able to enjoy the beach as much as possible....mommy would rather be at the pool!)

(Mom and Sis watching everyone play on the beach and in the water)

(Bodie trying to figure out if he should EAT the sand or not.....love this kid....he is a TRUE BOY!)

(Braylen wanting to throw the ball with the kids)

(Trying to teach her how to dip a hole in the sand)

(Everyone went to Lamberts for dinner.....they are known for throwing rolls all throughout the restaurant.....but here are the little cousins after dinner)

(Bray's new game is RUN from Mommy when we are trying to put our clothes or jammies on....I am not fond of her new game but I love her little naked booty.)

(Another day on the beach....she doesn't care for the OCEAN but she is okay in the sand)

(Bray and Bodie watching Elmo one morning before we left to go down to the pool.)

(Braylen LOVES the pool and LOVES practicing her swimming)

(Bodie just LOVES everything.....constantly on gaurd on what he is going to do next.)

(Braylen trying to put Bodie's shoes on. She also likes to tell him what to do! Boy are we in for a treat on how she treats Carsen Faith Schmeelk---practicing saying and writing it...lol)

(Great Grandkids minus TWO and the ones in the Bellies.....Granddad and Grandmom are the only ones on the Bray side that are GREAT Grandparents. Man do all the Great Aunts and Great Uncles have some catching up to do)

(All the Bray cousins, some of us are first cousins and some are second.....this is a combined picture and there are some missing as well)

(Most of mom's first cousins)

And then of course I don't have the picture of Granddad's brothers and sisters (where we all began outside of his mother and daddy, however, I never met them.)

Hope you enjoyed some of the pics from the beach. This is all of them but I am sure you got the hint of what our vacation was like...workout, pool, lunch, games/naps, beach (or shopping or games), dinner, nightly strolls on the beach.....you know the good life in Gulf Shores.

Activities in the Summer...

2010-07-21T05:07:00.001-07:00

So before we head off on our annual Beach trip I wanted to blog about some of the happenings that Braylen has been involved in this summer.

I will start with Gymnastics! We go every Wednesday morning at 9:30 and it is only 30 minutes. Can you imagine occupying a toddler any longer than that....or trying to teach them....man! We start out in a group circle doing activites then we move on to circuit training learning how to do the balance beam, the bars, front rolls, cart wheels, trampoline....etc. We then end the class in the circle again where they lay on their stomachs and sing a "Bye Bye" song! This has been a fun experience and I plan on keeping her enrolled through the end of August and then taking a break since she starts back Mothers Morning Out in September.

Our next adventure was SWIM lessons! Mrs. Jill is the swim instructor and she is known as the SWIM WHISPER....how funny is that! Anywho, she believes in starting the kids out at a VERY young age and then their progress will be less difficult the older they get. The video I am going to post is Braylen swimming to the ladder. They start out up and down until they can gain control to put their heads in the water and float on their stomachs. She loves floating on her back and is very good about swimming under water and kicking her legs till she gets to the side of the pool or your arms. We are VERY pleased with how she has down and will continue to keep Braylen in swim lessons once a week starting in the FALL....! Grant was a swim baby and did swim team growing up and would really like to see Braylen enjoy that sport! Swim lessons lasted ONE week and were about 15 minutes each day (she charges a $1 a minute,) I think if they are older the lesson last a little longer but it is hard on the little toddlers. Oh and parents aren't allowed in there until the last day...so this is the video I got....and of course she was crying for me to rescue her....lol! Ever since her lesson, when we go to the pool, all she wants to do is practice her swimming. That just blows my mind because Mrs. Jill mentioned not to over do it with them at the pool...just review it a little in the beginning and then just let your kids play like the others.....however....all Braylen wants to do is practice and swim....so neat! And one last thing....every time we talk about the pool, Braylen says "Jill gives suckers" that was her reward after every practice...Mrs. Jill gave them suckers and that sure got Braylen through it....lol! This is a picture before we go into the lesson and then the video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlrWhHrEu9c

I have more videos of her lesson but they are too short to share but once again we were super impressed with Mrs. Jill and look forward to Braylen continuing her journey of swimming with her. Oh and this picture is her eating her lunch after swim lessons.

Outside of going to the pool and playing this summer we have also enjoyed the sprinklers. She is so funny about them....she would rather drink the water than run through them and play. Well whatever floats her boat but she sure was cute doing it.

We also have been with a lot of our friends this summer and the babies below are my best friends from highschool kids. Addie is Nikki's little girl and A.J. is Nicole's little boy, they are only 3-4 weeks apart.....they are about 8-9 mths old. Braylen loves treating them like they are her babies. I am sure we will have NO problem with her playing with our new addition!

Sorry for the long post but lots to share but I also wanted to let my followers know that I am doing GREAT! Went to my specialist appt. last week and there is NO MORE fluid in the kidneys, baby still measures small but not abnormal and everything looks great! They even said I could ask my regular O.B. if I could stop going to the specialist and they could do my ultrasounds monthly to monitor the umbilical cord.......! So I go today and definitely will ask. The specialist did say, don't be disappointed if they say NO...it would only be because of Insurance purposes. So that is that update and one last thing....I THINK WE HAVE A NAME!!!!!

Carsen Faith Schmeelk (we are still working on the spelling of Carsen but I am pretty definite this is the route we are going... can't wait to meet her!)

4th of July Weekend...

2010-07-07T05:21:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July weekend was VERY busy for us! We kicked off the weekend Friday night at the Cumming Fairgrounds where they always have a HUGE firework display.....! We met up with all of our friends, grilled out, socialized and watched the fireworks. Braylen was not a fan of the fireworks this year....they were too loud. She would say, "Firework.....BOOOOM!" It was cute but she wasn't liking them at all. However, she did get to enjoy the evening with some of her favorite friends!

The next morning, Saturday, we woke up and enjoyed a nice breakfast together as a family. I usually teach classes on Saturday mornings so we never get to enjoy it together but I didn't have to this past Saturday so it was nice to have family time. After breakfasts, we all got dressed and loaded up and went to the Cumming Parade, where they had over 20 steam engines to lead the rest of the parade participants. The Steam Engines were SO LOUD......! People were passing out ear plugs left and right and sure enough Braylen did not like the noise. It was SO LOUD that even MY own ears were burning. Not sure if we will be doing that again......! The steam engines are also really SLOW so it took forever and they were loud so we were all starting to get a little miserable.....! We might try it out a few years down the road so she can collect fun candy but definitely not anytime soon....ha! The picture below is us strolling to the parade because all the roads were blocked off and then the one after that was after the steam engines had finally rolled by she was able to sit down and enjoy some NERDS......she is sitting quite lady like, isn't she....lol! After the parade, all she kept saying is "ChooChoo is LOUD".......!

After the parade we went home, ate some lunch, and changed into our swim suit! We all went to out good friends, Evan and Tara's house for more celebration of the 4th of July Weekend. Us Moms/pregnant moms all went to the pool with the kids (their pool is VERY kid freindly) and all the guys and some of our other girl friends went on the boat and hung out on the lake all afternoon. It was a great afternoon of sunshine, swimming, socializing, and relaxing, we definitely enjoyed it. After a long afternoon at the pool we all headed back to Evan and Tara's house for some yummy dinner. We grilled BBQ chicken, roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, every appetizer you can imagine and then an amazing fruit cookie pizza.....it was all SO YUMMY! Pictures below are of all the kids getting bathed after a long day at the pool, Caleb and Braylen eating some dinner, and then them all relaxing trying to enjoy a movie!

Sunday was an even better day for our crazy, busy weekend! I woke up at 5:00am to get ready to head down to ATL to run in the 41st annual Peachtree Road Race. My race time started at 7:35, so I had to get up, drive to Marta, hop on with TONS of people and get in my placement group in time to run 6.2 miles! I love this race, it is such a FUN race and is a GREAT tradition to start with your family. My family is usually with me when I run this race but this year was a little different. This year, the race was on Sunday and at our church, the guest speaker was TIM TEBOW.....needless to say...they all backed out of the race to go see TIMMY! They got to do a personal breakfast with him, which was super intimate and then he spoke in both services. Hannah has those pictures to share. I was able to make it to the last service to listen to him. It was a crazy and fast morning for me. Oh....I must add...that while I was racing.....I was 3 minutes slower this year than last....which was expected.....because I am 7mths pregnant....WOW...what an accomplishment.....! Oh and the weather was PERFECT! So after the race and church, Grant and I came back to the house, showered, laid around and then went down to our pool for a FISH FRY with our neighbors....it was YUMMY food as well and Braylen got to play with some of the neighborhood kids, which was nice.

Monday, Grant had off and we did a lot of things around the house! He also got to play a lot with Braylen. Braylen is also VERY into her babies....so we always take them outside and play with the babies, or bath the babies, or stroll the babies....it is something with the babies.....and she has like 7 babies that she rotates throughout....! So the weekend was VERY eventful but a lot of fun was had.

6 mth appt.

2010-06-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

Hey Readers,

Last Tuesday I went to my 6mth OB appt. and my Specialist appt. Just wanted to update everyone and let them know how the appt.'s went.

The OB was the glucose test appt. and the sugary drink I had to drink was FRUIT PUNCH (YUCK!) It is so sugary, it makes me gag! The nurse kept on saying if you throw up you have to start all over.....well...duh! I wasn't going to throw up but I was definitely making noises about how NASTY the drink was...lol! Anywho, this appt. was very nice and smooth, my midwife came in and checked me out and said she (Carson...this week) sounded good and felt good! She was pleased which made me pleased. Then I had to sit in the waiting room for another 30 mins to let that sugary, nasty drink soak up in my blood so they could draw some blood. I am not sure I have ever mentioned this but I hate getting my blood drawn but if I ever have to, I would want the nurse at my OB practice to do it. She is SO SMOOTH and does an EXCELLENT job.....I compliment her EVERY time......! I have had a bad experience that is why I have always disliked it but this nurse allows me to be relaxed and not worry about it....she is GREAT! So shout out to the OBGYN of Atlanta blood drawing nurse....ha....I don't even know her name....so sad!

My Fetal Specialist Appt. was right after this one so I went straight to this appt. and waited for Grant to meet me there. They called me back and did all the ultrasound anatomy checkups like they did last time. Watching this screen this time from last time was crazy because Grant and I both could tell how much she had grown. Her spine was so detailed and all her body parts....so that was telling me she was GROWING...yay! The technician was very pleasant (I liked her a lot better than the last one) she actually talked to us and made us giggle here and there and she kept saying how pretty everything was on our little girl! She definitely brightened up the mood and made us feel comfortable and good about why we were there, as opposed to SCARED to death, which I was when I first got there. So, she was done and mentioned she was also pleased with what she saw and then she sent us to another room to wait to talk to the doctor. The Doctor came in and mentioned how (CARSON) is still measuring small but that is okay. But at 32 weeks if she is still small then we need to see her more often to monitor her growth more (I was 25 weeks on Saturday.) She then said the umbilical cord still remains/looks the same so we just need to continue to monitor that and make sure (CARSON) is getting enough blood flow and nutrients. And last she talked about the FLUID....she mentioned it was actually looking back to NORMAL.....what, really.......repeat...NORMAL! So after the crazy scare of abnormal fluid last month, now things look normal.....! I sure hope so and felt super relieved to hear that from her! She mentioned I can still continue to go on my everyday activities and that I will do until I feel the need to slow down or they tell me.

And that is the lastest Readers.......! This coming up weekend is the weekend to work on getting Braylen's big girl room ready and putting the nursery (Braylen's room) back to nursery style.....well that might not happen right away but getting the BIG girl room is the first on the list....so I will post on that!

I don't have an update picture of my belly but this picture was taking this past weekend of Grant and I at the Tim McGraw concert.....! I am definitely starting to gain weight....I see it in my face and arms and legs....everywhere really.....but the baby is worth every pound! :)

Nahni is all grown up....

2010-06-10T10:35:00.001-07:00

So I generally just do post about my little Schmeelk family but I just had to post about our Nahni (a.k.a Hannah) and her actually graduating Highschool.

First, let me start out and say how extremely proud we are of Hannah. She doesn't have all the confidence in the world and at times wanted to give up but she put her trust in God and pulled through and was able to graduate and also get HOPE (scholarship for 3.0 and above in GA)

I am definitely emotional about Hannah graduating. It is such a bitter sweet feeling. I am very excited for her new journey in life and know that she will be an amazing young woman but I am also very sad at the same time. Hannah is leaving us! Our family is extremely close as most know, especially the sisters, and having Hannah leave is like losing a best friend. I see Hannah every week and love having our chats. I know we will still be able to catch up here and there but it won't be the same not having her around all the time. Hannah is a very good kid and loves God and loves her family.......I envy that. It took me a good while to realize what GOD/family/friends really meant but Hannah knows and holds onto it tight. And with that being said, I don't want anyone to think that I am not excited for her but she will just be missed in my household.....LOTS!

On another note.....this picture doesn't have Braylen in it...she was very sick.....and that I will touch on at the end of this post but it was SAD for us and for Hannah to not have Bray around. Nahni and Hannah have a one of a kind relationship....! Never knew my little baby girl would love MY sister as much as she does. Braylen wakes up asking for Nahni, Nahni can be the topic of the day for Braylen, and when she sees Hannah, she never wants to leave her side. When Hannah starts her college years ( in August at Valdosta State University....go Hannah....) Braylen will miss her dearly and I know Hannah will miss her Braylen. Their relationship is indiscribable and I get tears in my eyes just thinking how things are going to change....not for the worst, but for the good, but still just change can be SAD. What is even more sad is that this new baby girl (still trying to decide on a name....Carson or Brittan are in the running as of now,) probably won't have the same relationship with Nahni as Braylen does....only because Hannah will now be 4 hours away and won't be seen as much as we see her now. I hate thinking about that but it is true....but time to move on....right!?!?!

Hannah's graduation was an eventful time. It started off with her being recognized at church for graduating....there were several seniors that graduated from the church so the process was lengthy. They were given AWESOME bibles that Dr. Lee wrote....it is such a neat Bible. And then she had a graduation party/gathering on memorial day at mom and dad's house. Her friends were there, neighbors, her coaches, her family (Granddad, Grandmom, Mama, Papa, Lis, Adam, Bodie, Grant, Braylen, and me) and then a few others...that I didn't know.....oh and yes...good ole Roger.....and his parents came as well. The food was yummy and the talking/socializing was nice! Braylen was a treat for us because she got sick at her party which took a funny turn....I will fill in later. Then her graduation day was in the afternoon at the Gwinnett Civic Center....great place to have it! We all went to celebrate her getting her diploma and then went to a nice dinner afterwards. This was wonderful family time and I hope Hannah enjoyed it. She got some wonderful congratulatory gifts from some great people....it just made me remember the days of graduating highschool and college. Loving all the gifts but had mixed emotions....not sure what to think or what is next in the journey of life......just weird thoughts.....do you guys remember the day you graduated or during that time and how you felt?

The picture below is also a bitter sweet picture. I know DAD is super excited for Hannah but I also know that he is SAD at the same time. All his girls are grown up but more importantly his Hannah B. is leaving to go to college. I thought the day that she got her drivers license was tough on him and mom...not being needed anymore, gaining independency but I feel that this experience is going to hit him harder....not so much right now but the day they leave her at College and travel back on the roads and realize she won't be home until she wants to come visit....or in Hannah's case....needs something....lol! Dad and Hannah have also had a VERY special relationship together....well we each have a special relationship with our parents but this one ws different. I never was Daddy's little girl and HANNAH most certainly was. They have a love/hate connection that is very fun to observe. They are like best friends to the extent....on how they talk to each and treat each other....it is crazy....even more crazy to know if I ever talked to my dad like Hannah does or how Dad talks to Hannah....not sure what would have happened. But once again, their relationship is unique and special and it is going to be a SAD first month when she leaves. HOWEVER, at least dad has BRAYLEN and BRAYLEN has her POPPIE.....which is a relationship that will always be dear to my heart. I just talked about how much Braylen and hannah love each other....Poppie and Braylen might have that relationship beat....lol! Anyways.....it will be nice for dad to have Braylen still and also the new little baby girl as well!

Wow, okay, this turned into a longer post than I thought. Lots of THOUGHTS and emotions flying around but I am glad and thankful that I am able to share this with you all. Hannah is such a wonderful person, she has a heart of GOLD, and she is the best sister, bestfriend, and AUNT, in the world!

Valdosta is in for a treat......Hannah, way to continue the tradition! (SIDE NOTE: Elisabeth, Adam, Grant, and I all went to Valdosta)

***Braylen being sick....she had diarhea for 2 WEEKS.....liquid....bad! She also threw up in her bed a few times as well. Even though this stuff was taken place, Braylen was still happy as can be so I just assumed everything was okay or that she was teething or something....! We went to Valdosta this past weekend for Hannah's orientation and Braylen's sickness went to the extreme. Excessive diarhea and vomitting in her car seat going and coming....it was disgusting/nasty...you name it....but so SAD because Bray didn't feel good and I didn't know how to help...it was tough but I thank my wonderful family for being around and helping me out and keeping things calm....! I did take her to the doctor to at least let them decide what was up...even though she was starting to act normal again....! She FORTUNATELY had an accident there so they took samples and said it smelled like ROTA VIRUS....(what....a virus has a smell....weird!) Anyways, it isn't treated with antibiotics...it has to play it's course but they HIGHLY recommend pumping her with Probiotics, no juices, only the BRAT diet and no dairy. Sure enough....our Braylen...knock on wood.....is back to normal and having SOLID diapers....wahoo! I didn't know what I was about to do with myself....cleaning, changing, gagging, you name it.

Oh and for the mothers of youngens out there....they said that every kid before the age of 5 will catch Rota Virus.....it can be found in childcare centers and them constantly putting their GERMY hands in their mouths.....so wash up ladies!

The fear of the unknown...

2010-05-24T12:27:00.000-07:00

Well it all started last Monday at my 20 week appt. when I found out that the precious baby I am carrying is a BABY GIRL! While most people, including myself, get super excited about finding out the sex, you tend to forget about what that appt. is really for. It is a whole anatomy ultrasound to make sure your baby is growing correctly, in brain size, has all chambers of the heart, all limbs measure normal, has 2 ears, a mouth, and a nose....etc.! Well that appt. was never that important to me until now, until the Doctors told me....BEFORE they told me it was a GIRL......that my baby was measuring small and that the baby has a 2 vessel cord.

The baby measuring small wasn't a HUGE worry to me b/c Braylen did as well and they monitored her the last month based on her size. But the 2 vessel cord was very foreign to me. What it is? The baby normally has a 3 vessel cord- 2 arteries, and 1 vein - mine has 1 artery and 1 vein. Still what does that tell me....? Naturally I was scared and nervous and worried...you name it....didn't really know what to think, especially since they wanted to send me to a FETAL specialist for more detailed checking and monitoring.

So last Monday was a LONG day outside of hearing fun GIRL news.....it was also SAD to me because you want everything to be so perfect. I mean, I try to be such a HEALTHY person...what was I doing wrong to make this baby have some abnormalities?

Well, Grant and I went to the FETAL specialist this past Friday.....the appt. was 4 hours long....NO JOKE! Anyways, you get checked in and they do their routine weight, questions, etc. and then you go back to the ultrasound room. All I could think was, here we go again! And, that is exactly what happened. The synographer did all her DETAILED work in the ultrasound (and of course....this ultrasound was way more intense and detailed and clear on what was what.) She didn't do much talking but it took about an hour and then she left the room to get the doctor. I am assuming they also were dicussing all the photos taken and to confirm why I was sent there anyways. So they both enter the room again, and they definitely confirm the 2 vessel cord, they talked about the size for a while...trying to figure out if the dates were possibly wrong since the baby was measuring smaller.....but figured that wasn't the case, it is just probably because of the 2 vessel cord. Then he starts to chime in....well we also found some urine in the kidney. Supposively the baby already has some urine in the kidney but they felt like my baby had a little more than normal. EKKK.....I am very nervous to hear that because that is just another negative going against this pregnancy.

He then starts to talk about how their are 3 abnormalites going against a normal pregnancy and we feel like we should do an Amniocentesis test. I remember learning about that with Braylen and never wanted to get to that point....and now...here I was. What this test does, is it helps identify the 5 chromosomes that determine whether your child has down syndrome or not, it is a test for chromisonial abnormalties. Hearing this, my heart is melting and I am now crushed because the doctor feels that this is the next step to take to determine if my baby possibly has more abnormalities due to what we have already learned about the baby. As he was talking, I literally CHECKED out....i was crying, sad, confused, hurt, mad...all these crazy feelings......fortunately Grant was still in tune to listen to what was being said and needed to be heard....he filled me in later. So as the time went by, we chose to have that test/procedure done that day....just get it done with so we could have faster results. My heart was telling me to wait but my brain/gut was saying, just do it Sarah! The procedure was small....they stuck a BIG needle in my uterus on my stomach and withdrew some fluid/urine out. This is what they will test the chromosomes with. As they did this.....mild cramping occurs and then they ask for no activity for 24-48 hours as there is still cramping.....but tylenol helped mine...but DEFINITELY didn't help my train of thought.

As we finally left that appt. I was an emotional wreck.....just couldn't pull it together.....which is natural....I would hope, only because I was scared of the fear of the unknown. I know it is in GODS hands and I was willing to accept his challenge and let him guide my family to where he wanted us to be.....but I was also mad and sad at the same time.

The weekend was LONG to say the least....I thought about the results every minute of every hour and tried to stay busy not to think....but it was hard not to. Last night, I didn't get good sleep because I knew I would find out results today...or I was hoping for results! All day today, I was just anticipating their call. It was about 11:00 and they called......to SCHEDULE my NEXT VISIT....urghhhhh....not what I wanted to hear! I mean I know now, regardless of outcome, that I am a regular patient to the FETAL specialist based on the 2 vessel cord but I wanted to HEAR the other stuff. Well, results weren't in....so, of course, I cried....AGAIN! And then....2:00 this afternoon, the nurse called to talk to me about the results. She went over all 5 of the chromosomes and how their numbers came back. They all came back NORMAL.....whewwww! I was RELIEVED beyond belief but still somewhat SAD that my baby still has some abnormalities. So as of today...there is a 99% chance that all is good in the down syndrome department.....that this baby won't have any of those affects, but that doesn't always mean everything is sweet as candy.

There is so much more that I could go on and on about but that is it based in a NUT SHELL. I won't know more till in a couple of weeks at my next appt with the specialist on my precautions etc. but as of today they said I could go on my daily routine and activity...so that is what I am doing! Please continue to pray for this baby that she is healthy and strong and please keep Grant and I in your prayers that we will be able to face any challenge God gives us and will be the best parents to this baby regardless of the outcome.

Love to all!

And the NEWEST ADDITION is.......

2010-05-17T11:47:00.000-07:00

DRUM ROLL PLEASE.........

A PRECIOUS BABY GIRL!

We are so excited to have another little girl! I would have taken a baby Boy in a heart beat but I have always wanted to have SISTERS and only HOPE/PRAY they share the bonds that Elisabeth, Hannah, and I share!

We are also excited because this baby will be right in sync with all of Braylen's old clothes....the seasons worked out just perfect and I can keep the nursery the same and prepare for Braylen's big girl room....which I am THRILLED about....seriously....can't wait to start putting it together! I would much rather be decorating ONE room rather than TWO.....so YAY for TWO GIRLS!

Braylen will be an EXCELLENT BIG sister to her Baby sister.....! I watch her on a daily basis feed her babies, change their diapers, drive them around in her car, stroll them, sing to them, burp them....you name it....she is VERY observant!

Now....off to figure out what to name this baby girl! We HOPE to have a name soon or before she comes unlike we did with BRAYLEN! :)

Photos of Braylen and US!

2010-05-17T11:27:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun pictures that we had done almost 2 weeks ago. We wanted to get a few family photos of us three before the new one arrived and also grab some good ones of Braylen as she has changed so much in the last couple of months!

She did so good.....suprisingly! It was a morning photo shoot and it was HOT.....and the humidity was HIGH. We thought getting out there early would reduce the HEAT but it didn't. I bet we could have had some more good shots and a few outfit changes for Braylen if the weather didn't have us all SWEATING through our clothes. But overall we are very pleased to have some good shots!

Braylen didn't not want to get off this tire swing. I wish we would have saved these shots for last because then it wouldn't have been such a struggle. She was having a blast which made for this part of the photo shoot a lot of fun. Seeing her loving being on the tire swing brought me back to when I use to go to grandmommy's and granddaddy's and granddaddy would push us on the rope swing. It was so much fun because it would go REALLY high........! This is when they lived in Mississippi in the BIG, LONG house! Or at the time, that is what it was to me! Miss that place and love you Grandmom and Granddad!

This family shot is one of the several we all got together and we love this one so much because having her stand there beside us, just made us realize how she is truely transforming into a toddler, little girl stage.....TEARS!!!! She is still our baby though and will ALWAYS be our FIRST BABY and hold that VERY SPECIAL place in our hearts.....TEARS AGAIN!

Bodie's Birthday Weekend

2010-04-27T11:54:00.000-07:00

This trip started out with an EARLY flight that left Atlanta at 7:00am. I woke at 4:30, got dressed, packed the car, rolled Braylen out of bed to the carseat, and was off to pick up Mom in order for us to make it to the airport by 6:00. It was an EARLY morning but fun at the same time. This was Braylen's first PLANE RIDE ever......and we were equally excited....I was also a little nervous. So we were able to load up on the plane right when we got to the gate...no waiting around.....and then we were off into the air. Bray LOVED IT....she stared out the window and talked the whole plane ride there. I am sure the other passengers were like can she be quite.....it was still early....lol! She loved pulling down the window shade and looking in the magazine skymall.......! Our plane wasn't full so she was able to have her own seat....which I LOVED! So we arrived and Lis picked us up at the airport....we were at Lis'a house and settled no later than 9:00am that morning...it was great....we had the whole day to play.

So mom and Lis worked all morning...Bray played then took a morning nap...she was exhausted....so I took one too while everyone was doing their own thing. That afternoon I was able to run errands for Elisabeth to help prepare for the big day....I love doing that kind of stuff. Friday, we all got up and did our morning routines....worked out....worked a little.....and then that afternoon...Adam came home early and we all loaded up and ran more errands to finish preparing for the bid day and then ate a yummy dinner at this pizzaria and then called it an evening....! We came home and each had a task to do for Bodie's birthday. Mine was making all the sugar cookies (these were for the kids to individaully decorate and take home....partying gift.) Mom cut up allt he veggies and fruit and put them all up in order to put in their arrangements the next day! Lis.....shredded the barbeque and did other things by getting the house ready for the celebration. Adam did the vacuuming and cleaning up the house....! So the night came to an end and we were all exhausted. Saturday we woke up and immideatly started working. I had to make a broccoli salad....get the crockpot mac and cheese up and running...same for the bbq. Then slice all the rolls, gather all the food out and start putting it in the dishes they were going to be served in. Adam was off to get the balloons and pick up the cake. We also had to arrange the outside for all the company and get showers and get Bodie ready for his party....and still make more food! I love being in a RUSH....not sure why! So the BIG DAY....

It started at 11:30 and everyone in the neighborhood that they invited started to arrive. As most people were there...Adam thanked people for coming and then the food line started. EVERYONE LOVED THE FOOD....that is always a plus! After eating......they all decided to do Bodie's birthday cake celebration. HE ATE EVERY BITE of his smash cake....EVERY BITE....such a good boy! Then presents were opened. During all of this....kids were decorating their cookies, doing side walk chalk, holding Braylen (playing pretend with her....really) and boys were playing with all the toys! After the majority of the crowd left....we all cleaned up everything and then joined the neighbors and Adam outside to play CORNHOLE...in the RAIN....it was a Wonderful AFTERNOON and actually a lot of fun! By the time this playtime was over, it was dinner time....we snacked on left overs, then put the babies down after their MUCH NEEDED baths, and then we settled down and watched Blindside....what a FABULOUS movie....I could watch it 100 times.

So the party was a success....Sunday was a great relaxing day...ran errands, hung out, and then Monday we headed home via PLANE again....but this time...we missed our flight. Well we actually made it on time but we didn't make the check our luggage part on time.....we were not happy but it was all of our faults. So we stayed at airport for 6 hours until our next flight that left Cincinatti at noon. Entertaining Braylen for 6 hours in an airport, and in her JAMMIES.....was exhausting....but it worked and we were just glad to get home when we did. She slept the whole plane ride home, thank goodness! But was completely wired when we got home....she got to see Poppie (my dad), NahNah (hannah), and Daddy (bray's dad)........she was in HEAVEN.....how could a girl be tired....she was getting to see some of her favorite people!

A little late...oops!

2010-04-19T14:27:00.000-07:00

So our trip to Cincinatti for the start of Spring Break was AWESOME! I love going to visit my sis and her family, we just connect like no other and we all had a BLAST! So....I guess I will start from my trip going up there...

We left on a Thursday...I picked Bray up from school and headed on the road....I chose to leave after her school so I could POSSIBLY gaurantee a couple hours of sleep on the car ride. (and before I forget...this trip was only braylen and i) So we are off and traveling and she eventually doses off within the first 45 mins......I was excited and was ready to jam out to my tunes and just enjoy the ride....UNTIL.......we hit TRAFFIC...yes traffic...mid afternoon right as we have crossed into Tennesse.....grrrr! I guess I was okay with the Traffic until Braylen woke up because naturally when a moving car comes to a stop...your body adjust and realizes and then wakes up. So she is now awake...what to do....I popped in Little Nemo (2 hour movie) and was then going to bank on that for a good while....! Well, that didn't work...she wanted more entertainment....MUSIC...HER MUSIC.....we listen to it DAILY...probably 3 times a day....grrr!!! So here I am thinking...this ride is going to be F O R E V E R! And it was actually! Long story short...by the time we got to Knoxville or through it really...we pulled off...filled up on gas....got an early dinner at Subway, changed diaper, mommy went potty as well, and then back on the road for the rest of the trip. From that stop on, we were GOLDEN...she stayed up for a little bit but then was able to catch up on her lost nap till we arrived at Lis's house. NOW ON TO THE GOOD STUFF....

So that evening was just hanging out and catching up...kids were in bed...nothing really special! Then Friday....Adam had to work and Lis had to work that morning...so Bray and I played with Bodie and then he went down forhis morning nap and then Bray and I did our workout together and then played outside ALL morning with the neighbors little kids....it was actually a lot of fun! Braylen had a ball getting to play with the older girls! We then came in for lunch and Bodie woke up so the kids were able to play again and then it was time for Bray's nap! Lis and I decided to sit on the deck ALL afternoon and enjoy the gorgeous weather and just chat......we never have NOTHING to talk about! Bodie also joined us and was very good....that kid amazes me....just how patient, well mannered, and relax/chill he is, my kid is COMPLETE opposite...ha!

Saturday then rolled around and we were planning on going to the Cincinnati Zoo but the early rain showers held us back so we did the Aquarium instead......this was slightly interesting. I am not going to lie...aquariums to me are BORING and I feel like once you have seen a shark you have seen them all but I know it is fun for the kids...but I swear I yawned about TWENTY BILLION times....! Braylen did fairly well except for she didn't care for the rainforest exhibit....the birds flying and chirping really LOUD and teasing all the other veiwers just scared her to death...I don't blame her though....i was a little annoyed with the birds also. Bodie slepted most of the time so I am sure he will be going back! After we left the aquarium there was some fun entertainment outside....a BALLOON maker and a juggler and just families everywhere enjoying the afternoon.....oh...the weather had finally cleared up! So we did that for about an hour then we went inside another building to grab a picture of the kids with the EASTER BUNNY. Bodie....of course...just stayed there and was a good little BOY...Braylen.....was squeezing me SO TIGHT....and looked at me like if I put her down...she is going to make my afternoon miserable.....so BODIE got his picture....we didn't......there are plenty of EASTERS to come, I guess! Then that evening we went to the neighbors for a pizza party and corn hole party....it was a really good time and once again Braylen was SUPER entertained by all the kids playing with her.

Easter morning was the next day and the kids loved their baskets and fun goodies from the easter bunny....! Uncle Adam made his specialty waffles for us and then we all loaded up and went to church. That afternoon we all laid around and enjoyed each others company while the kiddos slepts....then we went to eat Mexican...yuck for me....ha!

Braylen and I woke up Monday morning and loaded up and headed home. The trip home was awesome. She slept most of the morning and then we stopped to get lunch and take a break....gas, potty, you know the drill and then we both enjoyed the ride back to Cumming. She did excellent on the way home! This was a WONDERFUL trip and we can't wait to go back for Bodie's birthday!

The Cat is out!!!

2010-03-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

Official announcement, Grant and I are expecting baby #2! Yep, 13 weeks and 3 days today! My due date is potentially Oct. 2nd! We are very excited and the sickness is slowly going away...thank goodness!

I had my 12 week doc's appt yesterday and did all the testing for downsymdrome etc. Per measurements...everything looks normal! Not sure what the blood work will say! The heart beat was 144 and they said I looked good. I have gained 4lbs since my last visit and so that will total to be 8lbs in all thus far.....oh my goodness....am I ready to grow again....lol!

I did find out though that my mid-wife who delivered me is moving in May! I am actually VERY sad about it because she helped bring Braylen in this world and I was REALLY looking forward to her doing the same with this one...however...that won't be the case! I get to see her one last time at my 16 week visit....so I am excited and will bring her something special to say we appreciate her being apart of our lives!

So that is it for now, however, below are some post that I drafted during the very beginning if you are intrested in catching up with where we started! Enjoy! (oh, and how I posted them...it went directly to the date that I posted....so it goes back to Feb. 9th or something like that....I thought it would have been in order by just posting them right now....apparently not...sorry!)

OUCH!

2010-03-25T13:07:00.001-07:00

So here is a picture of Braylen's FIRST BIG boo boo! We were playing outside all afternoon and the little busy body just got caught up on the deck steps and tumbled down to the concrete padding! Yes, she cried.....but we didn't realize the boo boo until 5 minutes later when she was playing around again and I was like....WAIT...Braylen, come here....WHAT IS ON YOUR HEAD? OUCH!!! It hurts us more to look at it but I really don't think she knows it is there...ha!

We also had a fun visitor this past weekend. UNCLE (HOWIE) Derek! He was so good with Braylen and I really think they enjoyed their time together! While Braylen and Derek played....Grant and I were able to eat dinner without interuption....it was so nice! She wanted to be whereve Uncle Howie was!

And one last fun happening.....I was upstairs working and doing stuff in her room while Braylen was downstairs playing! Sure enough when I came downstairs she had taken her diaper off and was running around with a BARE BOOTIE! I was like Braylen...."where's your diaper?" "did Addie get it?" I looked everywhere and still couldn't find it finally I went to the kitchen trash and low and behold the wet diaper was in there. It cracked me up because she must of wanted to change her diaper but didn't come and get me so she decided to be a BIG GIRL and do it herself. Introducing the POTTY in the next couple of weeks! She is already interested so I look forward to seeing how she reacts to it.

words, hobbies, etc.

2010-03-08T11:32:00.000-08:00

Braylen is just about into everything these days....she is an extremely busy little girl and keeps me moving! Below is a run down of some new things that are going on in Braylen's life:

1.) Braylen tells us she has gone (TeTe) which means...poopoo or pee but she is telling us that she has gone to the bathroom which is WONDERFUL.....first step to potential potty training...ha!

2.) Braylen LOVES to color.....and to that, she loves to COLOR ANYTHING....the floor, the table, the carpet......!

3.) Words or Phrases Braylen speaks: Come on Addie, Banana, Tete, Apple, Cheese, BABY, Hot, Cold, Bath, NO, Yea (need to turn that into Yes Mam....still working on that), Book, Bunny, head, Mama, Dada, Mimi, still working on the other names, Nana (hannah) G.G. (mom and dad's dog), Gold Fish, Movie, Kitty Cat, and many more....just can't think right now because I am ready to move on to tell you other things.

4.) Sounds Braylen makes: She clicks her tongue to get Addie's attention (hilarious,) her laughter is the most AMAZING sound in the WORLD! She moo's, she quacks, she neigh's, she baaaa's, she doesn't bark like a dog but she licks like a dog and makes a slobbering noise, she sings but it sounds like (lallllaaaaalallllaaaa), she SCREAMS, she CLAPS all the time, she LOVES to blow bubbles in the water to make the bubbling noise.

5.) Braylen loves to HUG you and KISS you when you are trying to put her to sleep....she starts to do this so she doesn't have to go night, night! It is awful sweet though. She loves to blow kisses and that kiss sound needs to go to #4 because she makes that SOUND so good!.

6.) Braylen's favorite SONG is "if your happy and you know it, clap your hands" she is so good at all the motions, she also enjoys "head, shoulder, knees and toe"

7.) Speaking of body parts...Braylen knows all bodyparts except for "leg, arm, and back" but hey...knowing everything else is Pretty good to me!

8.) Braylen loves to watch movies.....and they have to be certain type of movies....she is pretty picky!

9.) Braylen loves to HOLD YOUR HAND....I know that won't last so this is super special to me....she always wants to hold my hand so I never want to let go....ha!

10.) Braylen will eat anything you are eating but when it is time for her to sit down and it....it can be a struggle. She is getting sick of sweet potatoes but has learned to love apples....so somewhat of an even switch...ha!

11.) She loves to walk ADDIE....she looks for to that EVERY afternoon and giving Addie her TREAT!

12.) Braylen loves to take things out and then put back in...example...all her books....takes them out of the bend and then puts them all back. Her drawers...takes all her clothes out and then puts them back in....! Our laundry basket....takes it all out and puts right back in.

***So much more but all that is on my mind at this moment...! Enjoy!

Confirmation Visit

2010-03-03T05:34:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, March 2nd was my first of many visits to the doctors to confirm the pregnancy! It went well and I got to see the little babe. The heartrate was 165 and I am 9 weeks and 4 days! My due date is potentially October 2nd.

Still super nausous, so the doctor wrote me a perscription to take but not sure if I will get it filled considering this stage SHOULD HOPEFULLY be done soon! I will see how I feel next week!

baby mullett is gone.....

2010-02-15T10:55:00.000-08:00

I have debated on getting Braylen's hair cut since this past summer....yes....I know that was a while ago. But I just kept putting it off...obviously and then I put it on my calender....Braylen hair cut this weekend.....so we did it. It was a last minute thought....because part of me kept on telling myself...no rush....but then we had some time to spare on Saturday so we just did it.

Braylen was an EXCELLENT sport.....! She sat in my lap and Grant just entertained her from the sides.....! I definitely believe it takes two people at a young age. So the lady just did her water squirts here and there and then took off the mullett in the back...trimmed it up to where it was all even. And then she gave her some bangs that swooped to the side (and they already did) but they needed a REALLY good trim. And then before you know it we were done. So we got theVERY first haircut at ALMOST a year and a half.

Oh....and I forgoot to mention that I LEFT my CAMERA at home....who does that on such a BIG moment...ha! Fortunately we have those cell phones with cameras.....! So sorry if the pics are fuzzy but at least we captured something!

Not feeling so hot...

2010-02-15T10:47:00.000-08:00

So I am on my 7th week and I just started feeling all the nausousness that comes along with the first trimester. It is funny how things happen during your pregnancy and giving birth and raising a child that you SO EASILY forget about this SICK/THROW UP feeling (sorry to those that don't like to hear about this.) However....since last Friday my mouth has been watering...my stomach queasy, the feeling that justs sits in your throat, and my taste buds acting crazy. I am not neccessarily hungry, I am just trying to figure out how to get this feeling to go away. So lot's of Saltines and some sips of Gingerale.....ewww! I felt like this with Braylen......and now that I am feeling like this again....it is all coming back to me. I remember....I couldn't chew gum....always wanted to gag. I couldn't eat my favorite chicken salad...the smell was AWFUL and there were several other things. As far as this go around.....Tomato Bisque makes me want to vomit....and or anything I ate that day that I got full on. I am just wanting carbs....for some odd reason...I think it is making me feel better...not really....but a good thought...ha!

So I just wanted to share with you that the nausousness is BACK......geez! But with that being said....I am going to make AN EARLY and out of the ordinary prediction that I am going to have a GIRL....reason being....is my sickness is the same....so why not assume same gender!

Starting the Journey...???

2010-02-09T12:40:00.000-08:00

Yep! That's right we are starting the JOURNEY with BABY #2......wahooo! Here is the low down...! Today is Tuesday (feb. 9th) and I took a test last Friday and it came out positive......very excited but still all those rushing nerves...hit me like a ton of bricks. I had mentioned to Grant the week before that I was late with Aunt P. and he didn't think anything of it b/c I have been late before so it made me not think anything really. Until last Wednesday, I was about to leave to teach my Body Attack class and I had the sudden THROW UP feeling.....I was like...HMMMM....am I still hungry or could it be...? So I grabbed a SPRITE (and those who know me, know I don't drink anything carbinated...only water or wine....or some fun drinks...ha) and took a few sips and then felt fine....so I ignored the thought. Then Friday...it was now 6 weeks of being late....I thought...just do it (take the test) and I did and the POSITVE lines came up faster than I could even get up and wipe and button my pants...no lie!

So I called the docs office yesterday to schedule the 8 week appt. and they are booked out till March 2nd (almost 10 weeks.) So I have to wait almos 10 weeks to find out if this PEANUT has a heart beat and is doing good. Oh and not to mention not saying anything to my friends and family. I know that is awful but MISACARRIAGES are just WAY too common these days and I want to know for sure if this baby is breathing before I share our WONDERFUL news and get excited. I know there are people in this world who can't keep it in but I would rather not say anything and spare our feelings if something happend. However....on a POSTIVE note (i like POSTIVES...ha) we ONLY HOPE for good things with this baby and look forward to sharing the GREAT news but for now it is on the HUSH, HUSH!

Speaking of HUSH, HUSH, Grant and my mom are the only people who know. Grant is for the obvious and my mom ....is because we were talking about Aunt P. and it just kind of came out that I thought I was PREGO and she was like....NO....too early.....and so I agreed but then sure enough I took the test and I was....so I had to finish the full story and let her know.

And about the timing issue. This should be an early October baby.....interesting. Braylen and the babe will be 2 years apart. I always thought I wanted a baby in the Spring but I guess GOD had different plans for us......! NOTE: we were not trying....like really trying.....! But it happens and we are OKAY and EXCITED about it. We were more hoping to start trying end of summer but I guess our plans got changed. NO biggie though because I might end up with my Spring Baby one day....so I say! Grant thinks we should get through baby #2 before we dicuss baby #3...I guess I agree!

So this is my update and I will post it in about 6 weeks but I wanted to start sharing our journey with you all and not forget what it felt like in the beginning! So until March.....?

Still a changing.....

2010-02-02T10:10:00.000-08:00

Braylen is still changing daily as you can only imagine! She LOVES to eat.....really....I am wondering if she will ever become that true toddler that doesn't care about her food. Grant calls her a CARB baby.....I think it is just natural for toddlers to eat that kind of stuff, goldfish, cheerios, animal crackers......! She loves blueberries, bananas, sometimes apples, is not a Veggie fan at all. Likes beans, edamame, turkey dogs, chicken nuggets, sweet potatoes, raisin toast, cheese, turkey pepperoni, and cereal bars! I try to explore new things daily but sometimes she just won't budge.

This past weekend, we had some of our very good friends over to visit. It was so much fun! They usually come stay with us in the Fall during her fall break and the early Spring visit was unexpected.....we hope that can become a tradition also. Katie and Scott have a little boy named Maddox and boy is he a sweetie. He loved on Braylen, and kissed and hugged her all weekend. They were literally two peas in a pod. When one did something, the other did something. More like Braylen followed Maddox around the whole time....but Maddox was such a good friend and was VERY kind to Braylen. They always wanted to watch movies, play on the stairs, or throw the ball. Here are some pics below with the two of them.

In talking about food earlier. I like to make a protein shake about 3 itmes a week. I am addicted to them and they are VERY good for you and TASTY. Braylen watches me make them and not sure when I did, but one time I gave her a sip......so now everytime I make them she wants one also. So I make just enough to fill up both of our cups. The picture below clearly explains that she really enjoyed her Blueberry smoothie!

Ever since Braylen started sleeping in her own room, I have always played relaxing music in there.....my thought was because when we would have people over (which we do often) that the music would drown us out downstairs....however....kids these days are such HEAVY sleepers that she probably wouldn't wake anyways. Speaking of her music though....she loves to turn on the CD player and start dancing....so we like to go to her room and turn on the music and sing and dance....it is fun...you should try it!

Braylen is also into SUPER WHY! What a great show, and I swear she will start singing her ABC's from that show....! I never thought I would see the day that she actually sat down and really watched the show....! Her cartoons have always been on in the background but she has never really paid any attention to them until lately. So I was excited to see her watch Super Why......most of you might not agree....but I do think the kids can learn from some of the educational programs....!

So Braylen was all dressed and ready to go to school this day and I had to grab a snap shot of her outfit. I thought it was so cute. The vest was given to her by her favorite friend Lauren.....and she lOVES it. ANd then the shoes....that you really can't see.....are hightop CONVERSE....yep....that's right.....these were given to her by her Aunt Lis, Uncle Adam, and Bodie. Converse are a big deal in my family....if you know my dad at all...you know that the only shoes he wears are converse.....so this was exciting to see his grandbaby in Converse shoes.....! They do look pretty darn cute as well!

Well....that is all the pictures and what has happened throughout the month. She is speaking a lot more words....no sentences yet but words are cominig. She is definitely understanding me more and knows what is right and wrong....KIND OF! :) She is interacting with all of our closest kid friends a lot more also. That is very exciting because we do things with them often so it is nice to see her wanting to be a part and play along. Braylen is still obsessed with reading books....which is WONDERFUL....! You can do anything to excite her but the minute you say "wanna read" she gets tickled to death. Hope you enjoyed the update!

A wrap of of the Holidays!

2010-01-10T07:21:00.000-08:00

Our Holidays were filled with EVENTS as usual! We started off with celebrating Christmas with Grant's family the night before Christmas Eve.....Grant's brothers wife Jodi, is a nurse and had to work on Christmas day....so we celebrated with them while they were in town. That was a wonderful visit but TOO SHORT....we do wish we had more time with them. I don't have any pictures of that night....Grant's parents do though....so if I ever get them...I will share. Christmas Eve is a BIG tradtion day for the Bodie side of the family. We always go to the Olive Garden, then a movie, then Church, and then we do a certain activity after church....sometimes it has been looking at lights, others times it is just hanging out. This year, however, we switched it up since there are two kiddos in the picture now. We decided to do away with the movie and come back to my house after church and make ginger bread houses and enjoy some appetizers. That was a fun evening.....it got competitive at first but then all of our houses's roofs started falling off.....it definitely takes patience which I have little of. Suprisingly Dad and Mom's house ended up holding up and making it to end, which shocked us because they had the most problems putting it together in the beginning...haha! Below are some pictures of that night.

Christmas Day was WONDERFUL! Going to get Braylen out of her crib to find what Santa left her was more exciting for us than probably for her this year! A lot of our photage is on VIDEO but below are some pictures to share! We opened at our house first...then got dressed and quickly made it over to Grammie and Poppie's house (my parents) and ate breakfast (traditional monkey bread.....delish) and then spent the next couple hours opening gifts. We then cleaned up...relaxed....munched on food as always, and layed around and watched a movie. Grant, Braylen, and I then loaded up and headed over to his Aunt's house for his side of the family Christmas celebration. We did dinner over there and watched Grandmother open her gifts.

Our day was jammed packed while bouncing around from house to house but it was wonderful and Braylen sure did enjoy her day and all the FUN GIFTS she got!

Our Holiday was FULL of JOY, FAMILY, and FRIENDS and we hope yours was as well! There was so much more that we did but this is just a small wrap of it.

***Side note**** I am posting this late but as I speak we are dealing with one of Braylen's worst sickness. She hasn't been sick a lot but this time...it has been pretty good. It started off with coughing, nasty boogery nose, and very clingly.....then turned into FEVER on and off and throwing up. About that time she threw up is when I called the doctor and scheduled her an appt. When we FINALLY made it to her appt. (that is another story in itself) and they said she had RSV. That is a THICK cold for you and I but for her it is pretty bad....and it is deep into the Lungs....which means....it could lead to Pnemonia (sp?) They put her on an Antibiotic and just as I am thinking she is getting better....she starts this screaming bloody murder on and off episode and waking up for 2 hours in the middle of the night....just unusual behavior. Braylen hasn't woken up in the middle of the night since about 3 months old....no lie! Anywho, I want to blame the Antibiotic but I called the nurse and they said that shouldn't be it, Grant swears it is her BACK MOLARS (the final teeth coming in.) That theory doesn't suprise me since she has been a VERY early teether. I didn't believe that that was causing the extra screaming waking in the middle of the night until yesterday afternoon she woke from her nap and started doing the jaw back and forth action....as if she is rubbing her gum next to the new tooth that broke threw. Who knows.....but she is still doing the jaw thing and she woke up last night. She does go in for a follow up check up on Monday.....usually I wouldn't go...but since she has had this extra screaming and criyng....I just thought why not. At least they will be able to confirm to me that she is getting better or it is a combination of her sickness and teething....? I do want to give a shout out to my dad who helped me everyday last week so I could go teach my Body Attack class or go to meetings at work. It was definitely a tough week but I only pray that we are on the UP and UP.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!

NIghts of Lights

2009-12-21T10:51:00.001-08:00

During the Holiday season, Lake Lanier Islands always host a Night of Lights tour! This has been going on for years....we use to go all the time in Highschool....just to give us something to do! It is actually quite amazing how they can generate some many lights...it is crazy! When you get done with the tour of lights....there is a BIG gift shop and TWO HUGE fire pits where you can roast mashmellows and drink Hot Chocolate. There is also a mini carnival that most kids enjoy doing....pending the weather! We haven't been in awhile and went with a group of friends in an R.V. and toured the lights. It actually was pretty cool because the kids were able to sit at the windows and look at everything while the adults were in awe as well or just relaxing!

Picturessssss!

2009-12-11T09:27:00.000-08:00

Hello Blog Family.....I posted pictures per your request.....ENJOY!

I have more to come but I will share those at Christmas time. Love to all and Happy Holidays!

Thanksgiving

2009-12-08T08:46:00.000-08:00

Hello, I know it has been a while and Braylen has changed so much but I/we have been so busy with her that I keep forgetting to document it....ugh! She is in a stage that is A LOT of FUN! All those crazy teeth have come through and she isn't as grumpy anymore. The chick...is very independent....loves to run and go up and down the stairs.....loves to walk Addie and LOVES to boss her around...ha! She is still very much a cuddler and has just entered the stage of saying "Mine"....not good...right? I am assuming she learned that word at playschool but we are definitely working on that! I have TWo favorite parts of my day with Braylen...when we wake up....she is really fun for the first two hours and then when she goes to bed, she gets really restless and wild and wants to do summer saults on the bed....just wants to goof off...but I LOVE it. I am considering putting her in gymnastics somwhere around town.....(if any of you have suggestions)....she just loves to jump and crawl on anything so I think gymnastics would be an excellent way to release some energy.

So...on to Thanksgiving. Our whole family went up to visit Elisabeth, Adam, and Bodie....it was WONDERFUL! Mom and Dad left the Sunday before and Hannah, Braylen, and I left the Monday before and Grant had to work so he flew up Thanksgiving morning....it all worked out perfectly! The kids really enjoyed playing with each other and that is where Braylen didn't want Bodie to play with her toys. Braylen is so use to playing with older kids and having them take toys away from her that when she realized that she could control lil Bodie....she did and would pull the toy right away from him. ANywho, us girls went shopping a couple of days....we all ate amazing food, and really just relaxed and enjoyed each others company! Elisabeth and Adam were wonderful HOST....she cooked us meals and took us out to a famous BBQ restraunt....Montgomery Inn....and we got to tour Cincinnatti! It really is a cool city.....!

The Saturday after Thanksgiving....we went to the City and went to a Pub and got to enjoy the downtown life....we did it in the afternoon with the kids and then came back and watched football and hung out with their neighbors. Elisabeth and Adam are truely blessed to have such fun loving neighbors.....it waas a GREAT time!

More pictures to come! We kind of had a photo opp in Kentucky but I want to wait just a little bit in case some of us choose to use them on the Christmas card.....I don't want to be the spoiler...ha! I still need to share Braylen's photo session with Santa...i will do that next as well!

Apples and Pumpkins

2009-11-05T10:54:00.000-08:00

S0 I still needed to post pictures of our trip to the Apple Orchards! That was such a wonderful outing and us friends plan on making it a yearly event! Braylen ate an apple, rode her first pony, and got to look at the animal zoo...oh and she tried a Salt and Vinegar Pork Rine....her face was priceless.So for Halloween we have everyone over to our "hood" and all the kids get dressed up and go trick or treating and this was the first year we did a Hay Ride....it was so wonderful and so GOOD TO THE FEET! So the day started off with everyone coming over to Tailgate for Ga/Fl, we decided to make cookie cutouts for the kids to decorate to give them something to do while football was going on. By the time we were done with the cookies it was time for all the kids to get dressed up in their costumes. There were several other kids but I only got this one photo of the little crew... Braylen was a kitty cat and she did very good by keeping the hood part on. When we practiced with the costume she wanted the hood off, so I was so excited that she didn't even bother with it (even though it looks like she did in this photo!) So Halloween was a GREAT success minus the cold and misty weather! We look forward to next year....hmmm....I wonder what she will be? I also have to add in a picture of her and Hannah and her and Grant.....she is just getting so cute and personality.....man is she going to be a HANDFUL! We look forward to Thanksgiving, we are all going up to Kentucky to visit with Adam, Elisabeth, and Bodie....we are counting down the days! Hopefully I will have a POST before then though...!

Braylen's stat's

2009-10-21T12:40:00.000-07:00

I so forgot to let you know what Braylen's stats were when she went to her 1 year check up. Our fierce Braylen is 20lbs 10.8 oz. and is 30 inches tall. Girl is growing so fast and changing like crazy! She walks everywhere and sometimes wants to turn it into a run...which is funny because her little feet just get swept right out from under her....and yes...she really does have little feet. Anyways, that doctors appt. was good, she did well with the shots and the doctor checking everything out but what she didn't do well with was the doctor getting her to open her mouth. I had asked them to check her teeth because on her upper left gum she has had this bruised looking spot (still there) and we were concerned about it being infected by the tooth/molar trying to come through. They said it was fine and gave her a NASTY persription to help push it through. Speaking of the persription...it was so gross....it was taking BOTH of us to hold her down and just quirt it in her mouth...it was awful and I ended up not giving it to her for the whole length of time because we couldn't handle it...ugh! Anyways....so as I said previously her left Molar has not come in but her vampire (I9) teeth are coming in along with the upper right and bottom right molars have broken skin. So I am thinking that perscription pushed all the other teeth out except for the one we wanted...haha! Braylen has a mouth full of teeth...I hope they turn out pretty one day. Oh and since I am touching on the teething...I can honestly say we had a ROUGH, ROUGH...and did I say ROUGH....3 weeks or more of teething. I just didn't know if we were going to make it. It was tough on her which made it tough on us.....shhishhhh....I am glad we are somewhat done with that...she was a MONSTER.....not exaggerating!

On another note...Braylen is a wonderful little girl and deals with people VERY WELL! However, she is fiesty and can throw a temper tantrum like no other....she is definitely testing me.....for sure! Sometimes I feel like I don't have a sweet little kid or a chill kid (and I don't) but I just want her to be fun, calm, loving (and she is)....I guess I am just having a hard time explaining it! I know she needs dicipline and we are trying...trust me....and I know she is a SUPER BUSY BODY....but why can't she just be content sometimes....?!?! Hopefully this is just a stage and when she can talk more and tell us what she wants or needs...it will become less stressful.

Geez...I feel like I have just unloaded on all of you and I know I have so much more....but I will hold off till next time! My next post will be on the fun Apple Orchard we went to (with pictures) and the Pumpkin patch which we are doing this weekend...so readers....much to look forward to! :)

And the pictures: the one is the chair is at her friend Pierce's house....all he kids love his rocking chair and the second one is why I HAVE TO KEEP MY EYES ON HER AT ALL TIMES.....at least I didn't take a picture of her drinking it...not good!

Braylen's 1 year pics

2009-09-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

Our normal photographer was on a leave of absence due to her just giving birth to baby boy Asher.....so we were referred to a lady who was coming to take Baby Asher's photos from out of state. After looking over her info, which is amazing, Grant and I both decided that we just couldn't afford it so we decided to pass. After several weeks passed by, the photographer ended up contacting me because she was in need of a toddler/baby to do a session for her while she trained up in coming photographers. I had to jump on it because I knew how wonderful her work really was and she wasnt' going to charge me a sitting fee or a minimum order...! So I arranged for my mother in law to take her down to Buckhead for her photo shoot since Grant and I had already planned on being in Athens that day for the fist UGA home game....Go Dawgs! Anyways, it wasn't a full shoot but they managed to get just a few that were okay. Keep in mind this shoot was dead smack in the middle of Braylen's nap time so she wasn't 100% but all in all some of them turned out! Oh and SUPER GREAT NEWS....we definitely have a FULL TIME WALKER...she is EVERYWHERE! I will post videos of that next!

Happy 1st Birthday Braylen

2009-09-19T11:50:00.000-07:00

Well...it is official...our little girl has turned ONE YEARS OLD TODAY...whoa! This past year has been full of life changing memories and a beautiful, wonderful, special little baby! We are so blessed to have her in our lives and to be able to have familyand friends around to share our little joy with. So as I promised I would post some pictures of Braylens birthday party! I don't have many, my sister Lis has those so I am waiting for them because I don't have a camera anymore....I know, I know....it is on the list to get! I also have several videos of her birthday party...but those take a little while to upload so I will post those in another blog. So the birthday party was at Central park...a park close to our home....and Braylen invited all her friends to come play with us. The weather was perfect....we played on the playground for a while then we came back to the tables and had a picnic. Braylen asked me to make all her friends, PB &J's that were in shapes of flowers or butterflys and then they had goldfish, animal crackers, swisscake rolls, and a fruit cup...yum, yum! After lunch was eaten up, we then decided to sing Braylen Happy Birthday and let her dive into her smash cake. At first I don't think she knew what to do but then once she realized Grant or I weren't stopping her...she went for it....and I think she LOVED it! WHile she played with her cake....everyone else had a piece of the big sheet cake....which was DELICIOUS...or at least the icing was...which is my favorite part!

So after Cake, we then cleaned up Braylen and started opening all her fun gifts from her friends and family! She helped a little but wasn't super interested in just sitting there. Who could blame a child who is now all sugared up...geez! All in all the party was a success and I think everyone was pleased!

Since today is the real birthday, Grant and I decided to take Braylen to a pottery place and paint some pottery with Braylen...we plan to make this a tradition.....we will see how long that last. Since it is raining that is truely the only reason we chose to do it but I think we all enjoyed our time there and will do it again. I left the fun plate at the pottery place so they could fire it....when I pick it up I will take a picture and share her birthday tradition with you all. We then had some icecream at coldstone.....I thought to get the birthday cake flavor...but she didn't really go for it and neither did Grant or I....it was floury tasting...no lie!

So much more to share but I will have to do it later when I have more pictures to post....you know everyone would much rather see the picture....! HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRAYLEN......love you!!!!

Overwhelmed

2009-09-11T05:23:00.001-07:00

Braylen's party was a SUCCESS....I was so excited how it all turned out and Braylen had so much fun with all her friends. I will share all the pics and details in a later post. But first, one of HER favorite, I mean, OUR favorite gifts that she received is her FOWARD facing Carseat...wahoo! Grammie and Poppie (my parents) gave that to her along with some fun clothes and books! This picture completely explains how she was feeling about it...overwhelemed...confused.....scared......! She just stares at me and watches everything I do. I think she has adjusted to it now but at first I am not sure what she was thinking....I think she was like "whoa, this is a whole new world!" We are excited about her getting to see the world facing forward now and I think she is getting excited about it too...especially not being mushed in her other carseat.....her feet were touching the seat.....it was definitely time!

The pictures below was Braylen's first day at PLAYSCHOOL! She was so cute with her bookbag and all....I just wish it would stay on her shoulders so I could get a picture! I think she likes playschool and having the teachers love on her. She loves to sit in laps so I am assuming she has already got the teachers doing that for her. I have had good reports on her except she crys every time they vaccum after lunch....I think that is so weird because I don't vaccum....so I guess just a new noise that scares her.

It just seems like in the last two weeks Braylen has transitioned into a Toddler. Her hair is longer and she just looks like a toddler and not a baby anymore. I just am completely amazed! Her REAL birthday day is this coming up Saturday....wahoo! I will post her party on that day! This past week her new thing is walking back and forth...about 8-10 steps and then she falls down. She is so funny....she gets so excited when she is doing it and then that is why she collapses. The walking phase is almost here....it has to be. I feel that her balance has completely changed! I will keep you all posted on that though. I do have videos but will post them later!

Almost 1 years old...

2009-08-31T05:15:00.000-07:00

Well the time is almost here....Braylen is about to have her 1year birthday and we are celebrating her party this coming up Saturday! We chose to have it a little early because my side of the family all would not be able to attend on her actually birthday date....bummer! However, I would rather change the date to have everyone come....so we can't wait! More details to come on that!

The day Braylen turned 11 mths was the day I started the weaning process from breast milk! At that time I was only nursing twice a day, morning and evening. I decided to drop the evening feeding first, based on the fact that she usually falls asleep while I am nursing her and has become dependent on that putting her to sleep....most of the time she hardly even finishes her milk. So the process wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. I tried putting her STORAGE milk in bottles and give it to her before she goes to bed but she wouldn't take it from me at all and then we learned quickly she didn't want the bottle at all either no matter who was feeding it to her. So then I switched the STORAGE milk to her sippy cups and started giving it to her before dinner and let her have it till she finishes.....this has WORKED WONDERFULLY and has been a success! As for me, it only took about a good 3 days for my breast to realize that I didn't need milk in the evenings anymore!

So I do still feed her in the mornings and plan on dropping that a week before she actually turns the BIG ONE! I think it will be more difficult on my part than hers but I am SO READY to be done! Once I run out of my STORAGE milk then I will start giving her Whole Milk...well actually I am going to start putting a little in her sippy cup with the breast milk so the taste isn't a complete shock to her.

That has been the big change thus far, still no walking....just pushing items and standing....she might take a step or two but that is it! She is defining more words and definitely is starting to mimick what we do. She holds the phone up to her ear, she trys to brush her hair with the comb, she just copies me or Grant....it is hilarious! We look forward to her party and I can't wait to tell you all about it!

Pictures from our Beach trip!

2009-08-12T11:46:00.001-07:00

Just a few photos of my sweet family! I love them all so very much!!

Bray Reunion/ Beach Trip

2009-08-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

This Beach trip was SO WONDERFUL! It intailed lots of RELAXATION, EATING, LAYING OUT, and BEING TOGETHER AS A FAMILY! LOVED, LOVED, LOVED EVERY MOMENT OF IT! Grant, Braylen, and I arrived on a Friday evening and we hung out with the cousins and their families and the sisters and just played catch up and ate pizza! Then Saturday we all got ready and went to the ANNUAL BRAY family reunion! It was so good to see everyone and sad at the same time because everyone is getting older. We aren't the little kids anymore running around....it is now our kids doing that. I know Grandmommy and Granddaddy and all the aunts and uncles have felt that for years! Anywho, we decided to play a little "Current Events" Game so everyone could get caught up with each other. It was a success but not sure if everyone loved it or not. Oh well, at least I walked away with some NEW "NEWS" on some distance family members! So then that night, my aunt and uncle and their families were the host of dinner...it was Italian and delicious. Then, everyone called it a night because it was such a LONG DAY! Sunday was Bodie and Braylen's first day at the BEACH....it was "somewhat fun." I am not a fan of SAND up the butt and all over you and not sure if Braylen was either....! She liked the water and the sand inbetween her toes but she also wanted to eat it. Our day at the BEACH was super funny though b/c Grant insisted on having the BIG tent out there and the little small one. Well we set up the BIG tent and it was NEVER used.....and I mentioned to him that it would be pointless to bring down....he didn't think so! The little tent worked for BODIE to fall asleep but Lis and Grant couldn't seem to get the tent folded back up....it took them a while but Hannah, Rodger and I were sitting on the side lines giggling....this was a moment you just had to be there! Then we headed to the pool to enjoy the afternoon and then that night was OUR NIGHT to host dinner....we did a TACO BAR...and boy was it YUMMY and SUPER FRESH! Homemade guacomole and salsa....YUM! Anyways, that night was also our FAMILY PICTURES night.....they turned out GREAT minus the WIND blowing all of our hair. All in All they were wonderful pics! The rest of the trip just consisted of...getting up REALLY early (she was always awake) so Grant and I would rotate on who would stroll her for the hour while the other worked out and then we would come in around 8:30 or so and someone would eventually be up! Then, we would all eat breakfast and then get suited up for the POOL.....come in for lunch and Bray's nap and then Grant or my mom or dad were so kind to stay up in the Condo while I went and relaxed by the Pool! Next, up to shower, eat dinner and then just hang out! Nothing to overly exciting on this Beach trip but it was wonderful and just how we wanted it to be....laid back, and stress free!

A 10 month old with a lot of attitude

2009-07-20T09:35:00.001-07:00

So some of these pics are a little over a month old but I still wanted to share. Below is pic of Bodie (2 months) when Elisabeth came down the week before 4th of July....he is growing so fast. It is so cute how he has found his fingers and follows your voice......love him! Braylen hasn't changed much since the last update.....still into everything as always and she is very close to walking, I think! She stands up by herself and still pushes things to support her walking but hasnt' done it by herself.....but no rush! She is so funny though.....whenever I open the Refridgerator, the dishwasher, the cabinets....all I hear is SMACK, SMACK, SMACK, (that is her crawling really fast) she is hauling bootie to get over the the appliances before I close the doors....it is hilarious.....check out her below......!

Braylen has really enjoyed the pool which has been wonderful! She doesn't mind water one bit which is a plus....I am sure she will take after Grant and be a WATER BABY!

She loves running water in the bath tub so this Mushroom device thing at the pool was so much fun! We don't have one at our pool but our friend Sabrina does and we got together a while ago for a play date at the pool, along with Katie, Maddox, and Haley...it was a grand ole time!

We leave for the beach this Friday...can't wait! This will be the first time Braylen has ever touched SAND.....we are so curious how she will react considering she thinks the feel of grass is so weird. I look forward to sharing our trip with you all!

Poppie and Braylen

2009-07-08T08:55:00.000-07:00

Dad comes over and watches Braylen once a week....usually on Tuesday afternoons....or he might swap with Grant's mom for Thursday afternoons. Anywho, I came home yesterday from the office and this is what I found

They must have wore each other out! LOVE IT!!! Braylen is still the same....still standing on her own for about 20 seconds and still uses the walkers to walk......ate a hotdog for the first time on Sunday.....and she LOVED it......! I will be back soon with some other pictures!!!

9 months and growing!

2009-06-22T15:45:00.000-07:00

Braylen's 9 month check up was a success! She weighs 19 lbs (rounded up :) and is 28 inches long. They observed her and asked a lot of questions, basically inquiring where she was, and right when we were about to leave...they told me that Braylen was ADVANCED......wahoo! What mom doesn't like to hear that! I am completely satisfied, happy, and blessed that Braylen is one healthy, growing, little girl!

Ladies and Gentlemen....we have a WALKER!!!

2009-06-16T16:40:00.000-07:00

Okay.....so we somewhat have a walker......! She uses this assisted toy thing with wheels and she walks with it. She saw her friend Mason do it at the pool this past weekend with his toy walker and what do ya know....she was doing it all day today! AMAZING!!!

I apologize....I don't know how to flip it...I recorded it on my camera b/c my flip was upstairs!

A typical day...

2009-06-14T09:47:00.000-07:00

Here are a few videos of Braylen playing....these have been over the last month and a half

Cousins

2009-06-14T06:09:00.000-07:00

Here is a video of Bodie and Braylen. I can't wait for them to grow up together and be close cousins.....! Quick note: Adam had some buisness he needed to do here in Atlanta and so Elisabeth and Bodie decided to join them for the ride...so we got to visit with them for a few days. It was such a good time but we wish it was longer....miss you guys!!

Water Baby

2009-06-14T06:02:00.001-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted in the last few weeks....things got busy! Braylen is still that busy body....! Not sure if much has changed except for small things....eating a lunch now and doesn't like being away from Mommy. That use to not be a problem, when I would leave her with someone she was good to go but now she crys and doesn't want to be held by someone else...separation axiety, I guess....ha!

Anywho, Braylen LOVES the pool! She has been with Dad a few times and loves to splash around and she goes with us to our neighborhood pool and likes to play with toys on the edge while she sits in the water. Or Grant likes to twirl her around and she just giggles the whole time

Next week is her 9 month appointment....I can't wait to see what her new STATS are....be on a look out for that update.

8 months already....geez!!!

2009-05-19T10:57:00.001-07:00

Today Braylen is 8 months....where has the time gone!?!? She changes on a weekly basis that I forget that it has only been 8 months....it seems like my life has always had her in it. Time has sure flown by but at the same time it seems like she has been with us forever! Braylen amazes us each and everyday. She is one smart chic with a lot of attitude...hmmm....I wonder where she gets that :0) I guess I could fill you guys in on what is going on in our lives and more of our daily routine.

Braylen is now waking up at 6:30, I nurse her and we are up for the day, we eat breakfast about 8:00-8:30 then after that we have play time or go to the gym or go on a run or we do something. Braylen then gets nursed again sometime around 12:00, maybe a little before and sometimes after. She then goes down for her nap for about 2 hours....sometimes if I run errands, her nap ends up being in the carseat...which is NO FUN! She is black and white...sometimes she will tell you she is ready to go down for a nap and then there are other days that she will fight it and just want to play but have hissy fits here and there....weird! Anwyho, so she wakes up...we play more, go for a stroll or a walk in the red wagon, or we do something, then she eats dinner about 5:00-5:30. She is still loving her vegetables and eats her chicken/rice or some other combo and then some fruit. Not sure why, but dinner time is her best time to eat. She eats OKAY in the morning but eats EXCELLENT at dinner....interesting....and speaking of eating...she still HATES the BANANA taste....too funny! I LOVE BANANAS!!! So then after dinner, sometimes she watches her Einstein or plays with us or cruises all over the house and plays or pulls up on all of mommies decor...ugh! Then she goes to bed 7:00-7:30....and I nurse her before bedtime. I should get out of that routine....but it is always nice to put her to sleep that way...it calms her....heehee!

So that is the routine in a nut shell. Next week she starts getting watched by Poppie (my dad) and Mimi (Grant's mom) on Tuesday's and Thursdays! If it all works out the way I am hoping, she will be with Ginn on Tuesday afternoon and Dad on Thursday afternoon. This will then give me the afternoon to go get lots of work done....I can't wait and am super excited to have some mommy time and focus on making some money honey!!!

So I have put two videos up.....the first one is of her napping today....check out her position....seriously....not sure if I was ever that flexible......as long as she is comfortable right?!?!

And this one....well this morning....I just got done feeding her and I put her in her down in her play area....I cleaned up breakfast, went to brush my teeth and get ready, came back out and couldn't find Braylen...all of the sudden, I heard some munching going on where Addie's bed is.....I GUESS SHE WAS STILL HUNGRY!!!

Lots of updates!

2009-05-11T12:03:00.000-07:00

So this update will mostly be pictures...since I haven't posted in a while! When Braylen was 6 1/2 months we got several photos taken of her from my good friend Audrey who is a photographer...she does such a great job and loves children. If you are ever in need of photos....please consider using Audrey.....she does excellent work!If you are interested in seeing more, let me know and I will direct you to her website and give you the password! So on another note....Braylen is EVERYWHERE....she is a TRUE crawler and is PULLING UP on everything.....EVERYTHING! She has 7 teeth and I have just seen the signs of the 8th tooth coming in on the bottom. She loves to be outside and people watch or really babble to anyone.....so I guess she has gotten her talking skills from me.....I hope that is a good thing!Mother's Day was a special day for us because Braylen got dedicated at First Redeemer. The minister that is over the Family Ministries is also the minister who married Grant and I. He is thrilled to have us apart of the church and be apart of our families lives. He is also very excited to see the plans God has for Braylen and us as a family! I only have a picture of Braylen and I but the dedication is on video...so when I get that I will post it! More to come on the church and what plans he has for us....that will be in another blog!
Braylen is almost 8mths and growing so very fast that it is hard to believe! She has changed so much this month that I am having a hard time keeping up! I will be back with her 8 month post.

I'm an AUNT to Bodie Wagner Heick

2009-04-30T08:46:00.000-07:00

This was such a wonderful moment for me....first I have never been an Aunt before and second because I got to helpy deliver my favorite nephew Bodie.....I love him so much! He came into this world at 6:21pm on April 29th 2009. He weighed 8lbs 3oz and was 20 3/4 inches long. He has a head full of RED hair.....he is a TRUE Bodie...ha! Elisabeth and Adam are doing wonderful and Elisabeth did such a great job during delivery...I was one proud sister! I look forward to all the many memories to come with our kiddos....! More pictures to come!!!

Dada, Dada, Dada....

2009-04-24T08:59:00.000-07:00

Braylen has definitely been a busy body lately. She jibber jabbers all day long and says Dada, Dada to anything. Braylen is definitely on the move these days...she crawls about 4 times and then plops to her belly and pulls herself everywhere. I put her down in one spot and the next thing I know, she is across the room...she is constantly keeping me on my feet. She is very close to sitting up on her own....if I am right there, she puts her hand on me and pushes up to sitting position but she is having a hard time doing it by pushing off the floor.....we are so so close though. As far as the eating is and nursing.....well...Braylen is still not a fan of fruit....I think she is slowly starting to take on Applesause...but is isn't her fav. She still hates the banana taste....haha...I love bananas. She eats her veggies very well and now I started giving her those rice puff cereal things... and she likes those so that is good. She also loves her sippy cup...she yells out at times when she can't get the water out but all I have to do is hold it up sometimes and then she is in heaven. Still nursing her 4 times a day...I could probably get that down to 3 times but just not ready to change up the schedule yet. Speaking of nursing....my girl has 2 teeth on the bottom and 3 (that's right folks) 3 teeth on the top...they have all broken skin and slowly coming through....well I am now feeling it while I nurse.....something is going to have to give....she has bitten me and I even showed Grant...it bled...ouch! I told him, if this doesn't stop, no more nursing for me. Well it has gotten a little better but we will see! For those of you who never nursed....what it feels like is someone pinching you under your upper arm...that oh so sensitive skin.....doesn't feel so good! This past weekend was our first road trip with Braylen and it went very well. We left at 7:00 on a Wednesday night (which is her bedtime) and she slept the whole way there. She did very good in her pack n play all weekend and did fairly good being on a crazy schedule, etc. ON the way home...she did okay...slept for the first part and then I put in Baby Einstein and she watched that and then I had to entertain her for a little while until she ended up dozing back off for the remainder of the ride....I must have been boring her...haha! Hannah went with us to Charleston (Grant's brother's wedding) and she was our in house sitter....it was super awesome to have her there to help out but to also be able to have Braylen there with me but still be able to go out in the evenings.....we loved it! And one last thing...Braylen now takes BIG GIRL baths and SHE LOVES IT! She is a natural swimmer....must take after her daddy....she just splashes around and loves to be on her stomach and her back in the bath.....baths are no more get fresh and clean quick....that is play time for Braylen....but it is awesome....I love that she loves it! There is so much more to update and several more events that are coming up...so I will keep everyone posted. Right now, we are all just PATIENTLY waiting for our LITTLE GUY to come into this world....my first nephew....and Braylen's first cousin....we can't wait! Once again, I will keep everyone up to speed along with some pics. XOXOXO!!!

Bye Bye Braylen

2009-04-02T11:42:00.000-07:00

So my trip to Vegas was a blast but YES, I missed Braylen terribly! I knew though that she was in excellent hands but I just missed her. I am with her everyday so not having her around made me sad at times. My wonderful family and husband did send me photos of her through my phone and I was showing everybody...I was one proud Mama! Those pictures that were sent definitely got me through my day and made me very happy! On the Friday that I was gone, Braylen spent the day with "Poppie" (my dad)...we call it Bodie Daycare and they had a blast...singing and playing and just being goofy. Grant told me he went to pick her up and she was naked, (view the photo above....!) Dad said that him and Braylen played in the sink and with the sprayer....needless to say her clothes were soaked and there wasn't a clean pair around...oh well...fun, fun! That Saturday, she got to go visit with her Great-Grandmother...Grant said that meant alot to all of them that Braylen was able to spend time and get some photos with Grandmother. So I guess Braylen had a fun packed weekend and got to visit with lots of people....but when it all comes down to it, Grant still never had Braylen all day long and night by himself....sucker!!!!!

6 Months....

2009-03-21T17:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Braylen's 6 month birthday...wahoo! We went to her 6 month check-up and she came out perfectly AVERAGE. She weighs 16lbs and is 26 inches long. She is my healthy, growing cupcake....I could just eat her baby rolls up!!! She is learning very quickly how to master sitting up and being on all fours. She cracks me up making her way all over the floor trying to grab certain toys....at times I look over and she is completely under the coffee table.....she goes everywhere and is pulling/sliding herself to whatever she wants. We started some solids....and the sweet potatoes went well and the carrots did also. The peas...were NO GOOD....I couldn't even taste them....they looked and smelled aweful! Watching her eat the new foods is hilarious! She reverts back...as if she has put a handfull of chopped raw onions in her mouth....it makes me laugh so hard (she is probably thinking...what is so funny!!!!) Anywho, her POOPS have definitely changed now....! I know all of you will think this is gross but her breastfeeding POOPS....have never bothered me...in fact...I enjoyed the smell....well....ya know what I mean....but these SOLID poops (solid to some degree) is GROSS!!! I mean....that true saying of what goes in must come out....well it is...and is smells FOUL...to say the least. We will be getting Braylen's 6 mth pics in 2 weeks.....! We can't wait...I am so excited to get them done....! I leave for a Vegas trip next week....3 days away from Braylen....VERY SAD...hard to think about! I know I need this break but I will miss her and Grant so very much. The other annoying thing about my trip though is I will be pumping the whole time out there.....ugh...! But she is SO SO SO worth every annoying part of that. I will let you all know how we do without each other. I also had to throw a pic of my sis's baby shower.....not many have seen her pregnant so here is a shot of here at 7 1/2 months prego. Doesn't she look great!!!

Breaking Skin....

2009-03-13T13:14:00.000-07:00

So Braylen has broken skin with this one bottom tooth. You can feel it...it is so sharp....still not very visable but dang it is sharp and definitely there. It has bothered her here and there and she has woken up during the night a few times but it isn't as bad as some people have said. We have all been super busy lately....so sorry for not posting...but I just wanted to give everyone a quick update before her 6 MONTH doc's appt. at the end of next week....wahoooo! I have already bought her first solids (outside of rice cereal) and am so ready to start. I am waiting to do it after her doc's appt. but I don't know if I can wait another week....I am just ready to see if she likes....! Maybe I will switch her Rice to Oatmeal....maybe that will help me feel like she is getting something new....ahahaha! Braylen also (this week) just started pushing up on ALL FOURS.....ladies and gentleman....she is soon to crawl I am sure....I know it will take awhile but being on all fours is a huge step in my eyes. She rocks back when she is on all fours and then colapses...it is too cute! She is sitting up very good by herself...still needs assistance but doing good. I also just started today putting her in the restaurant high chairs and pulling her up to the table....it was a first but she did excellent...I guess she was already ready for that and I didn't even know it. My precious little girl is growing way too fast...GOD IS SO GOOD!!! and AMAZING!!! This was just on my mind so I had to let you all know....but...there is so much more to tell...so I will be back in touch....! I will post pics tomorrow...hopefully ;)

5 MONTHS......

2009-02-20T15:22:00.000-08:00

Okay...so Bray baby turned 5 months yesterday.......I just can't believe it. As I said I was going to do, I started the RICE cereal at the beginning of the week. It was a mess/disaster the first day......all she wanted to do was hold the spoon and the bowl....and she would cry if she couldn't.....and not to mention she was VERY hungry. (probably the wrong time to try RICE cereal...ugh) So then Tuesday, I gave it another run, this time I nursed her like I normally would at her 4th feeding of the day...but I decided to cut it short. So after nursing I got her in the BUMBO seat and gave her a spoon to play with as I also fed her with my spoon....it was alot better....still didn't finish the bowl. Wednesday, was a hectic day...so we skipped it. Then, Thursday...we tried it again in the Bumbo seat and it went very smooth....finished the whole bowl and she was doing so much better opening her mouth and letting the spoon go in and sucking the food off the spoon. And, today....was WONDERFUL! I put her in her highchair this time....and put a little less water in the cereal (too make it thicker) and she ate it up (with of course it all over her mouth, hands, and the tray.....NO ONE SAID THIS WAS A CLEAN JOB....I need to relax on that part. I was wanting to clean up every drop that went down.....I know, annoying! So the first week of her fifth month, we accomplished her eating Rice cereal...every week I am going to change it up a tad....by adding more cereal, thickening it up, or adding a a flavor to it....so we will see! I also need to tell you guys that Braylen is rolling back in forth, back in forth.....I may have already mentioned this, but it is now a huge deal...b/c everywhere I turn she is somewhere different...tummy or back....and across the room or the bed....so I am definitely more on my toes now. I am also piling pillows around her so she doesn't bump into things or roll off the bed. Speaking of piling pillows around her, I am working on her sitting up. She does a very good job sitting up and holding onto something but she isn't quite there by herself....I know it is soon. MAN TIME FLYS BY! A new thing for us that I haven't shared with you all is Braylen also slept in her CRIB today for her NAP. Her nap time is usually in her swing or Bobby seat and she falls asleep to music or Baby Einstein....today I said it is time for NAPs in her crib....so we did it and she did very well. I think she slept for about 1 1/2 hours....YAY Braylen.

Braylen also always gets to see all of our friends....we are very blessed that everyone loves Braylen, 1/2 as much as how we love her. I also had to throw in a pic of us strolling around in the jogging stroller...I love it and she is going to learn to love it....lol!

Braylen got into PLAYSCHOOL...YAY!!

2009-02-10T09:48:00.000-08:00

I forgot to mention last week when I was updating the blog that I registered Braylen for Playschool and she got in...yay! She will be attending the Mothers Morning Out Program at the Cumming First United Methodist Church here in Cumming. Mrs. Hope is going to be her teacher....we have heard wonderful things about her. Braylen will be attending on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00-1:00. This will be great time for me to get meetings and work done. She will start this schedule in the Summer with Grant's mom....I think....it might be a little different but that is what we are planning on. She also is still LOVING her Bumbo seat and everywhere I go she turns her head and follows me...so I had to grab some shots of how far she will actually turn her head....hahahahah! Next week she turns 5 months so I am exicted to blog then....oh and SHE HAS FINALLY ROLLED FROM HER BACK TO HER STOMACH!!!! She did this this past weekened while I was out of town....wahhhh! However, I managed to see her do it this morning also....and the best part is, she fell right back to sleep....thank goodness. This picture of Braylen makes me giggle...the hair piece is hilarious and she didn't understand why I was laughing so hard....i just haven't seen something like this on Braylen's head so it was hysterical in my mind. ENJOY!!!

Just having some fun!

2009-02-03T09:10:00.000-08:00

Just a small update on Braylen and how much fun we can have during the day! She loves her Bumbo seat (look at pic) and I use it a lot in the kitchen while we are eating, cooking, doing dishes, unloading the dishwasher....she just loves to sit in it and watch or play with her toys. Braylen loves playing with everyone's faces, she is now focused in on everyone and their features. Braylen also loves that mirror and still trying to figure out how we are both in the mirror (or at least that is what I think she thinks.) I love talking to her through the mirror and pointing things out....she just sits and babbles or laughs mostly. Braylen has come to really love being on her TUMMY....she is doing so well and hopefully she will be rolling from her back to her tummy very soon....she is so so so very close. She does however, roll from the tummy to the back but that is nothing new....we are just waiting for her to roll from her back to tummy and then I am sure she will enjoy sleeping on her tummy more. Hannah and I ran a 5K the other day.....I have been in the big running kick...for Hannah it is just a jog but for me, I love challenging myself. Grant and Braylen decided to join us.....it was 26 degrees this day...probably shouldn't have had baby out but everyone wanted her to come so they could see her....so she made her apprearance. Braylen also had a very special visitor come and play with her, my friend Lauren. Lauren loves Braylen so very much and will be an excellent mother one day. That evening Braylen was super tired and was in need of a bath...however....we put it off so she could play longer.....you can see the tiredness in her eyes and her greasy hair...lol! There are days that just fly by because Braylen and I will just play, or we will take pictures, or pick up the house, or run errands, or I will just sit an watch her....and then the next thing I know the day is over....where does the time go??? So at the end of the day, Braylen is USUALLY all tuckered out and will sometimes fall asleep in her daddy's arms.....her bedtime is 8:00 but sometimes she just doesn't make it till then.

4 months of growing

2009-01-20T10:53:00.000-08:00

Braylen is 4 months old as of yesterday....MLK day! She has changed dramatically and it amazes me each and everyday. We went to her 4 month check up and Braylen weighed in at 14 lbs and she was 25 inches long......I couldn't believe it.....they said she is in the 70th percentile and is proportioned all over......I liked hearing that! The best part about her growth is that it is all because of me.....that makes me one proud Mama!

Braylen has reached a few milestones since my last post. She holds her bottle when given one, she rolls onto her back from her stomach, she blows rasberries with her mouth constantly and she trys to do the "spitting sound" with her tongue.....it is hilarious. She is also sleeping through the night and only getting 5 feedings a day. Braylen will babble all day long if we would all listen and she loves putting anything and everything in her mouth. She has become more interested in the books we read her, and she loves to always be on the go.......she hates to sit still. That is probably my fault from running with her the whole time in the womb.

Our family is doing wonderful and always staying busy. We have a lot of fun things going on in the next several months and I look forward to sharing that with all of you!

On a side note.....as a new mother and having my body/hormones go back to normal...I am losing my hair and it is thinning out...dramatically. I googled about it and they said that after pregnancy, usually in your 4th month, this happens. Well this morning, after my shower and all, I noticed I am balding right about my temples.....I have FREAKED out....what do I do? I have immediately started taking my Prenatals again and I am going to get some volumizing shampoo...does anyone have suggestions......I MIGHT HAVE TO GET MY HAIR CUT SHORT....AHHHHHH! I love having long hair but it is starting to look too thin and I am having a bald spot......I am disgusted with myself. I also am breaking out a little here and there....I have never had skin problems....why now? I am back on the "MINI" pill but would that make my skin react funny! Any suggestings would be greatly appreciated before I go CRAZY!

Now, back to Braylen.....I forgot to mention she loves Baby Eienstein....I put her in her Bumbo seat and she just sits there and chews on her rings and watches it....it is ADORABLE! I have contemplated over starting RICE cereal with her...however...the Pediatrician recommends to hold off unless I thought Braylen was unsatisfied......Braylen seems content with the feedings she is getting, I just wanted to try something new. So I will probably introduce it in the next few weeks....just to do it.....all I want to do is see her reaction....ha! Braylen also has been able to visit with lots of people who love her...here a just a few who love Braylen

Hope you have enjoyed the update...more to come and sorry for the delay.