Keeping Up With The Joneses

Team BLUE

2011-10-22T08:34:00.000-07:00

Yay!! Jared has decided to stay with us since we just found out were are having our very first little BOY!!!! We are thrilled!!! Jared at one point was nervous that if this happened to be a girl, he might would have had to move out. (Of course, he was kidding)

We had an amazing Gender Reveal, and what made it even more fun was the blue balloons flying out of the box. I will be back with pictures, just wanted everyone to know we will welcome our first son in March!!!

IT'S A BOY!!

Gender Reveal Party

2011-10-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

Hello!!! The gender reveal party is set and ready to go and all I need is a..........husband. Yes, my husband is away on a business trip so therefore I have to go to the Dr. visit A.L.O.N.E!!! So the "plan" is to go to my doctor visit on Tuesday morning, try not to look at what our baby is, have the nurse place the gender in an envelope and then I deliever it to the person who will be blowing up our pink or blue balloons, then on Thursday October 20th at 5pm Jared arrives home and then reveal will take place at 6pm. Excited.....YES, Nervous.......Yes, Scared I will be tempted to look at the Dr. visit......ABSOULUTELY YES. I honestly want to be so suprised but a part of me wants to know so that I will be able to watch my husbands reaction. There will be a thousand emotions going on Thursday night, from the girls reaction, to my husbands reaction, to our families reactions, and I sort of want my emotions to already be prepared so I can take in all the excitement. I know, I am just a weird thinker. But I told my husband I will try every inch of me to also be suprised but no promises :)
Very soon people.........the party is set for October 20th at 6pm. Our 3rd daughter or our 1st son?!?!? Praise the Lord for another life in the Jones household!!! Let's get my husband home and get this party started!!!!

Kindergartens and Disneyworld

2011-09-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

I am so excited I have finally found 15 minutes to sit down and blog about things that have been going on! Life has kinda been in overdrive after we found out we are expecting our 3rd baby and then Sittre Paige started Kindergarten, then Stella started school, and we think we have finally found a routine that is working for us. Kindergarten has kinda rocked our world and we certainly have had to program our bodies to waking up at 6:15 every morning. I never thought this day would come and after a 2 week emotional breakdown I have finally accepted the fact that SP is now in school for the next 17 yrs. (i counted college in there, we are praying she goes)

After we found out we were going to have a 3rd baby we thought we should take a special vacation with our girls before their world gets turned upside down by another sibling. So things fell into place when my dad had a conference in Orlando at the end of August. We decided to take the girls to Disneyworld for their last vacation as a team of 2. Stella and I headed down with my mom and dad in the car and then Jared found this a great opportunity to introduce SP to her first flying experience. So Jared and SP took a flight straight to Orlando and then they got to go to Downtown Disney and shop! Jared said SP absolutely loved flying and I am so glad they got that experience together. Meanwhile, 10 hrs later we arrived by car with a cranky 2 yr old. yay.

I must say though, this was the most pleasant Disney trip yet. My mom and I had more fun than the girls I think. They were just amazed at everything and I think their ages this time made it so fun. We have been twice before with SP so this was Stella's 1st trip and she was most excited to see all the princesses. We stayed in Magic Kingdom for 2 days, being our 3rd trip we knew our way around, and even found some new rides we had never rode before. It was really a great time and I can't wait to go again! In 3 years hopefully.

I am officially 15 weeks pregnant and feel as big as a whale. But our fall has started out wonderful and I am thankful. Enjoy our pictures :)

The day before SP's 1st day of school started our with getting nails painted.

Of course Stella had to get in on the action also. They love going to the nail place. It is a special treat. (Aunt Joy please notice what is in Stella's lap)

Had to get in some jeep time before SP would be gone everyday from 8-3

SP got a hair feather for another special treat before her 1st day of school.

And then the 1st day of Kindergarten had arrived. Jared felt the need to be with me when we dropped her off for the 1st time.

I snuck in the amphitheater to snap a quick picture. I cried for days looking at SP's face in this picture because to me it just said "mom, I am a little overwhelmed"

So, SP is more in love with school than we had planned. I thought she would come home crying and then I could homeschool her and that would be the end. This has certainly not been the case. She begs to be at school, jumps out of bed in the mornings to get ready, has made 3 "best friends" in her class, and the 3rd week of school got the "Good Citizen" Award. I have no idea what this is or what you have to do but SP's definition is "being a good helper and staying on the blue light". Yes, I will say it again, this can NOT be MY child. Certainly Jared's, not mine.

A trip to yogurt mountain was in order for this special award, and again Stella got in on the action.

Then the time had come for Stella's "Meet the Teacher" Day. Yes, she was crying in this picture. No, she is not like SP and would rather be glued to me 24/7. Mrs. Jenifer and Miss Kasey are her teachers.

Her 1st day of 2k. (it is technically "mothers day out" but since her school and class go by the A-Beka program, its 2k to Jared and I)
We had pumped her up about school and she was actually excited. I cried again.

Her 1st backpack. Stella wanted cupcakes.

I have no idea who the other child in the picture is. Apparently it took her 30 times to get the right picture so we snuck in real fast for a picture by the sign.

My school girls

Disneyworld 2011:

Disneyworld started out with meeting Cinderella

riding the train in Downtown Disney

this is what Disneyworld does to a 2 yr old

Peoplemovers ride in Magic Kingdom

Jasmine and Aladdin

Safari Ride, Stella rarely enjoyed this one

Cinderella's evil stepsisters and stepmother

SP wanted to have her hair done at the Bippity Boppity Boutique. She chose hair that not even remotely close matched her own.

riding the shuttle to Magic Kingdom

The magic night parade

my parents watching the parade

My hubby and I watching the parade. SP had complete control over the camera this night

The girls watching the parade, notice their soaking wet hair, this is sweat

It was time for SP's photo shoot

Our cool-down method

Disney 2011

train ride

Teacups

Pops and SP

Enjoying the character parade, sorry I got caught up in the magic

had to visit Tinkerbells house, Jared actually enjoyed visiting Tink as well

Princess Tiana from Princess and the Frog, SP had to show her how to do the twist

Chatting it up with Rapunzel

"It's a small world" (afterall)

In front of Cinderella's castle

Stella loves Sleeping Beauty

and Belle

Me and my baby

Jared and his twin

We stayed at the Pop Century Resort and every morning during breakfast they have a special song that when it comes on all the workers bust out in a dance. this particular morning it was "come on baby, lets do the twist". so you can only imagine who jumped on the dancefloor with them.

Today is mine and Jared's 7th ANNIVERSARY!!! We made it another year!!! Yay!!! We have a hot date tonight and I am off to get ready. Will return.......

Party of 5

2011-08-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

Party of 5? You guessed it, we are expecting our 3rd BABY!! We are thrilled and overjoyed and scared and anxious all wrapped up in one big package :)

I am officially 10 weeks, and ready to be out of the 1st trimester because my energy level has been, well, NONE. I am so tired and just muddle throughout the day, praying for when the clock says 8pm and then fall asleep before my head even hits the pillow. I haven't gotten sick with my pregnancies just want to fall into a deep sleep the 1st trimesters.

So far this pregnancy has started out just like the last 2. I feel the exact same way I felt with my baby girls. Although, I have noticed my hips seem to be spreading alot faster than they did with the girls????? Could this mean boy??? We will NOT patiently wait to find out the gender, as we do cheer for some blue in our household, we are thankful for whatever God has decided to give us. Even though Jared has threatened to move out if we are blessed with another bundle of pink :)

We have nailed down the boy name to Slade Michael and I am not allowed to discuss girl names until we "officially" find out what we are having!

Okay there you have it, our 3rd baby. I go to the dr. next week for another ultrasound and will post some pictures then hopefully. Also, since this is our last baby, we will be hosting a "Gender Reveal Party" for our family to all find out at the same time on the day we find out what it is. I am excited to have one of these since they are the hottest new trend going around!

Will be back.

This is where we have been

2011-08-07T20:42:00.000-07:00

Wow. I am bad. waaaaay bad. Here are some pictures of us and our summer and basically whats been going on since my last post in April :( Please forgive me, I practically dedicated my summer to Sittre Paige since she starts Kindergarten on TUESDAY!!! yes I am very sad. No need to check on me, I'm going to go ahead and let you know now I will be a basketcase. I teared up at Meet the Teacher and Parent Information Meeting and really couldn't even think to much about the process of filling out all the paperwork because I would tear up there too. This is a sad reality, that I now actually have a kindergartener, I'm only 28, shouldn't this be years away for me?!? Bottom line, she is a precious child, she got an amazing K5 teacher, the coolest "back to school" clothing and God is good. Sittre Paige is one of those children that someone like ME doesn't deserve.

Monday will be filled with excitement as we gear her up for her 1st day of school with a dentist appointment, a hair appointment and we are getting her nails painted. I know, I know, this is crazy but she is really excited so we are going to have a good last day of summer!

Enjoy our past 3 months, these pictures are out of order, but just got to get them up for family :)

Scary picture to start out right? This was a kid-free trip to Hilton Head, SC and Savannah, Georgia for my brothers graduation weekend. That is my brother Jacob in the window of a "haunted" house while on the late night Haunted Tours of Savannah. He graduated from college in Hilton Head so Jared and I packed up our bags for the weekend with NO kids and a vow to have lots of fun!!!

Walking in downtown Savannah, look at my sweet husband across the street who made it across but sadly I did not. Wasn't that sweet he helped me get across? sarcasm.
Beautiful church in Savannah

Our tour guide on the Haunted Tour. Okay here is the background info on why we decided to take this tour. First we had no kids, did I mention that?, so we wanted to fit in as much as we could with such little time we had. We took the 10pm night tour, we took this tour more for the history of Savannah and less for the hauntings, even though by the end of the night it does get more intriguiging. This was the most fabulous tour guide filled with information! I highly reccommend this tour if you ever make it to Savannah. It is fabulous.

Shopping in downtown Savannah after eating at Paula Deen's restuarant, which was yummy by the way.

Hanging with my parents in Savannah. My mother-in-law was so precious to keep my babies so Jared and I could get a weekend to ourselves. Thank you Nanny.

My brothers graduation banquet. This was actually a great shot of my dad because the rest of the time he cried like a little baby :) Just kidding dad.

Easter, the girls dying their Easter eggs

Sittre Paige and her friend Bentley at the easter egg hunt at her school, they were scouting out where to run

The girls in their Easter dresses. Mommy went low-key this year and bought the dresses instead of making them with my mother-in-law. I know she was glad since the year before was my first dress sewing project and required lots of help :)

The girls Easter baskets, they got beach bags this year

A trip to Atlanta to see our Aunt Caris and you can't go to Atlanta without having GiGi's cupcakes.

Shrek Ears

Shrek

So Aunt Caris is actually mommy's best friend and she got myself and the girls tickets to Shrek the Musical at the Fox Theater in Atlanta, so we loaded up the girls and had a great time. The girls actually sat still the entire time, this was probably one of my favorite musicals too. We love our Aunt Caris, she gets us in to really cool shows!!

Childrens Theater with SP's 4k class

4k End of the Year program, Superhero's for Jesus was the theme

SP's last day of 4k, making a bear

4k End of the year party. thought this picture was extra cute. Stella had to help SP out with all the games:)

The girls with Mrs. Newberry, SP's 4k teacher

Sittre Paige had her dance recital in May, she did clogging last year and really enjoyed it. She will be taking her 2nd yr clogging starting in a couple weeks

SP and Poppy at the recital

Saturday morning pancakes with daddy :)

Rehearsal Dinner at Big Boltons, my cousin Kaitlin got married in June and my babies were the flowergirls

okay, please don't judge me. I have a problem at weddings. Actually me and my brother have a problem at weddings. When we hear the music start, we flood the dancefloor. Can't help it, its in our blood. we love music. and we love to shake it. I feel better for letting that out.

SP and Jacob at the wedding

My family before the wedding. Stella can never take a normal picture by the way

Stella shaking her booty on the stage

Our summer had begun once we broke out the sprinkler and the umbrellas

Fathers Day, SP made breakfast for her, Stella and daddy. forget mommy, I'm no good when Jared's around. But I had to laugh when he had to eat the cereal that had obviously sat there for atleast 30 minutes before SP was done preparing and then daddy had to eat it up :)

My 10 yr Highschool reunion, had a great night out with my hubby

The girls 1st lemonade stand. and guess who spent their time drinking all the lemonade??? They made 7 bucks with the help of our wonderful neighbors

spent alot of our time at the pool this year. please don't judge me for the swimmies. I know, SP is 5 and still has on swimmies, she has security issues. These did actually come off by the end of the summer and now she is free and bouncing around the pool without them

We visited friends in Fairhope and Daphne this summer

We went to lake a good bit too this summer

This picture makes me laugh. Jared took Stella on a date to Chik-fil-a and if they dressed up like cows they got a free meal, this picture was taken before he put on her cow ears and nose. but hey it was a free meal and a good time for just daddy and Stella

and lastly enjoyed some movies at the theater this summer

I will return with Kindergarten pictures and a few tears.

Alabama the Beautiful

2011-04-29T08:26:00.001-07:00

I am so torn up about this whole tornado situation. I have cried numerous times. My heart is so broken for Alabama. I feel so helpless. Jared has already signed up to be a clean-up volunteer, and we have donated bottled water to the Dream Center at Church of the Highlands, but I still feel completely helpless. We had some friends lose their home in Ashville, and 2 people that work with Jared lost their home and lost their relatives.
Tuscaloosa really hits home with me, I spent 4 years of my life in that town and on that campus. I am a proud Alumni of the University. It is what I would call my 2nd home, I look at the before and after pictures and it makes me sick. I used to roam that town that is now unrecognizable. I used to shop in those buildings that are now leveled. I think about the students that were scared to death, probably wanting to be with their parents, crying, hiding while roofs where being ripped off the buildings they where in. Its just too much to take in, especially now that I am a parent myself. Tuscaloosa and many other destroyed cities will go on, buildings will be rebuilt and lives will start again. But there will always be loss. Of memories, of loved ones, of homes, of history.

I am not perfect and I certainly don't try to be, but I just want to encourage anybody who reads this blog to be in prayer for the people who are hurting and the people who are helping and the state of Beautiful Alabama. I know when I feel like I can't do anything I can always talk to my Heavenly Father. Its time for us to serve. Its an awesome opportunity to come together as one body of Christ and really be like Jesus and serve. I want to serve God, so I serve people.

Exciting Weekend

2011-04-10T18:40:00.000-07:00

Well, this weekend was a little exciting for the Joneses. Well, I guess for Sittre Paige the most. She has been begging the past 2 weeks to get her ears pierced, and I'm not gonna lie, it was me who had the problem with it. Because I just knew it would hurt (only for a minute) but I still didn't want her in pain. This past Saturday (Jared with me) we took her to Claire's and just went for it, she was SO excited, she picked out Hello Kitty earrings and as you can see from the pictures there were some tears involved but once she saw the earrings in her ears she was jumping up and down. I have been cleaning them religiously to avoid infection but she loves them so much and she was so ready for her first pair of earrings!!

Stella and I giving sis a pep talk First Ear (look at her face in this one and then check out the second ear picture)

Second ear was a little out of control as you can tell from her face (we almost left with just one ear pierced)

All done and pumped about her new earrings!

On Sunday, Sittre Paige and Jared were on their way out the door headed to a birthday party and she turns around to tell me bye and says that her tooth hurts. I said let me look at it. We have known for a while now that her two bottom teeth are loose, well today one of them was just hanging by a thread so I took her to the bathroom and gave it a few tugs and it was out!! My first baby has lost her first tooth! Pretty sad day to me. (pictures to come soon)

She practically grew up right before my eyes this weekend.

She's a STAR!

2011-04-02T12:57:00.000-07:00

My daughter made her way onto another blog. I mean of course its because her mom is a shopaholic but lets not get into that.
Click on this link:
http://frenchflea.blogspot.com/2011/04/future-french-flea-shoppers.html

shhh...don't tell my hubby.

Oh my word

2011-03-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

Oh my word, what is wrong with me and my blogging??!! I don't know, I guess life. Yep, life has gotten in the way of my regular updating of the blog. Well, I will catch up since January and then hopefully be back on track of keeping my blog current. Hopefully. Have fun.

One of the million snow days we had this past winter. The girls had a blast in the snow. Sittre Paige got to ride a horse when one of our friends had a birthday party at the farm. She was beyond excited and is looking forward to doing this again!

At the zoo on this rainy day, riding the carousel. This was another friends birthday party. The girls also got to pet a snake!!

Just a picture with my Sittre Paige. The sweetest child on the planet. I don't deserve her.

The girls opening their Valentine's gifts, they got some little goodies and then shared the "moon dough". Which is really cool actually, I mean completely messy, but we have only played with it outside so there is no real clean-up for mommy. Its sort of like playdoh but softer and flakier??

Valentine's Day flowers from their daddy. They will always get flowers from their daddy. On a side note, we were in our pj's.

My baby Stella turned 2!! How sad. We had her party at Pump It Up where she could jump her little heart out!

We celebrated her 2 yr old party with a minnie mouse theme. I am still in shock of the past 2 years, it seems like yesterday when I heard her first cry. She came into this world at 34 weeks and only 4 pds! She completely amazes me everyday, I love her attitude and how both my girls are complete opposites, its way more fun that way!

Most everyone who reads this blog knows that my sweet daddy was suddenly put into the hospital one day and diagnosed with Gullian-Barre syndrome. Haven't heard of it? Goggle it, it will scare you to death. Long story made short, its a temporary paralysis that attacks the nervous system. My dad woke up one morning with tingling in his feet and within less then 24 hours was completely numb in his feet and ankles and it was moving up his body. He was put in ICU for around 21 days I think? It was a long time, this picture was actually taken before he lost feeling his hands and arms. We prayed so hard that God would allow this syndrome to be over quick and my dad was even able to dodge being put on a ventilator, which most people with G-B have to have. He has had a long month of physical therapy with learning how to walk again and building his strength back. I think hospitals always put life into perspective and make you realize the truly important things in life, one which is family. I was very scared I was going to lose my dad and I thank God for his healing.

Circus time. I've said it before, I will say it again, I hate the circus, biggest waste of time on Earth! But when the school goes, we go. Eww.

Okay so January and February, and a little bit of March seem a little boring? We have quite a bit coming up with my brother graduating college in April, SP's dance recital and end of school in May, then my cousins wedding in June with both the girls being flowergirls, then summertime and then my 1st baby goes to KINDERGARTEN in August!!! Do you think I am going to have a heart attack??!!! Yep, pretty sure this will be a week where all I do is cry.

Be back soon.

Neglected

2011-03-07T08:25:00.000-08:00

Yes, neglected. What I have been doing to this blog. It has been a crazy start of the year already, with my dad in the hospital for 4 weeks, to just being insanely crazy busy with 2 kids. I will be back shortly though. Also, in my defense I think I broke my laptop. When I sat it down one day, it accidently slipped out of my hand and hit the floor probably harder than it should have. Nonetheless, its gone. My husband has promised me the Ipad2, which I don't even feel worthy enough to have so very soon I shall return.

Prayers for a precious daddy

2011-01-21T10:40:00.000-08:00

If you happen to read this, please say a prayer for my dad. On Tuesday, he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, he has lost feeling in his feet to his knees, and his hands. The doctors believe they caught the syndrome in time but he is very weak, needs a walker to walk and has a long recovery. Please pray. He is an essential part of our family and we need him daily. Pray that he has seen the worst of this horrible syndrome and that God performs a miracle and he walks out of the hospital soon. I know God is hearing our cry to heal my dad!!!

Keep fighting dad, you will OVERCOME!!!

Almost January 29th

2011-01-07T08:43:00.000-08:00

My baby is ALMOST TWO!!! Here is a look back at when this precious soul turned 1. She makes my heart melt, I am so in love with this little terror. Let the potty training begin.

Wrapping up 2010

2010-12-30T18:11:00.000-08:00

wow! I am really behind! We have had a wonderful fall and Christmas! It has been a healthy past couple of months and I am so thankful for being able to enjoy life and my family!! Life is busy so here are a few pictures of the past couple of months. The pictures are scattered around, there is no order, sorry but enjoy.

Sittre Paige's 4k class at the Pumpkin Patch

hanging out with her class at the pumpkin patch

Roasting marshmellows for the yummy smores

Rock climbing at the Pumpkin Patch

This is not a great picture at all but it was her dance class Halloween party, she was a cheerleader this year......all her idea by the way. She told me that at school on the playground the boys are football players and the girls are cheerleaders so thats how she came up with that one.

Eating Chik-fil-a with her friend Emma

How cute are these two friends???

Okay, are you laughing your head off right now??? Stella was Dora the Explorer for Halloween. I couldn't think of anything cute this year so thats what she became. We watch Dora probably once a day and Stella loves her. Plus Dora taught Stella how to count to ten so we will give Dora credit. I made her wig by the way, out of brown yarn. I am sure Stella will possibly hate me for this costume one day.

My friend Caris and I took the SP and Stella to see Disney Princess on Ice and while we were there we ran ino SP's friend Bentley from school. We had lots of fun that day!

Stella, SP, Bentley and Bentley's sister Addison before the show.

Stella and I before the princess show started.

Caris and I relaxing back at home after Disney on Ice. Caris was such a trooper. I am sure she never wants kids now after experiencing my diva's at the show.

SP's 4k class had favorite Team day, so of course Roll Tide.

SP turned 5 in November so we made her class some cupcakes for her big day.

We had her a Hello Kitty Makeup birthday party setup in our garage.

She had Hello Kitty cakepops. Easy, easy cleanup and no cutting cake, it was great!

My mom with the girls before the party started.

SP getting her hair done at her party.

Opening her presents

With some of her precious friends, Savannah and Elly

Showing her daddy some love after the party

We took the girls to see Tangled in the theater on Thanksgiving Day. Was absolutely the cutest movie ever!! I am more excited than the girls to get the DVD when it comes out! We are pretty much a movie family, we are all movie lovers.

Stella and I in the theater

Sittre Paige's 4k Christmas/ Happy Birthday Jesus Party

cupcakes. yum.

Waiting in line to "shop". They had a goody bag store set up where the kids could go shop and put items in their goody bags. Apparently my kid was the most excited.

This was her 4k Christmas Program. She is on the 3rd row with a green bow, this is the best picture I could get because my camera doesn't take good pictures from far away.

Pops and SP after the program.

Okay wrong season right? Nope this isn't Halloween. We went shopping one night at the new Leeds outlet mall and my kids find these clearance kitty ears that they just had to have! So a week before Christmas my kids are walking around Christmas trees with kitty ears on. nice.

Jared and I took the girls to a LIVE nativity scene this year. It was really cool, SP really enjoyed chatting with the wisemen. This nativity scene had a camel, a donkey, and some goats! It was awesome.

The girls with Santa

At Bass Pro after seeing the fish. This is actually a very deceiving picture, SP looks cute but actually she is not sharing the popcorn with her sister.

Okay see these pictures are out of order, the was the pumpkin patch on the hayride

Having fun on the hayride

We took some Christmas pictures and I just loved this one of the girls

Our family, Merry Christmas

The sisters, we are all obsessed with boots this season :) I mean girls and shoes just go together.

Hopefully I can get some more Christmas pictures up on here soon.

Stella turns 2 in less than a month so I am currently working on her birthday party. With SP's birthday in November, then Christmas and then Stella's birthday in January makes for a very tired mommy. Stay tuned, our life keeps going.

Weekend in Ohio

2010-10-24T20:05:00.001-07:00

We went and spent this past weekend with Jared's sister who lives in Ohio. We had such a great time! We left Thursday afternoon and stopped in Knoxville for dinner and to stay at our hotel, then we woke up very early on Friday to hit the road and made it to the house by noon. The girls did a great job riding in the car, and were really excited to spend time with their cousins.

Friday afternoon the kids played and then we went to eat at a place called the Pizza Cottage for dinner, we had an awesome BLT pizza!

Saturday we woke up to go to Brady's soccer game, went to a cool general store called Anderson's to shop, went and ate lunch at Culver's (best burgers ever), then Brady had another soccer game, and then we made our way to the Apple Farm to pick us some apples. Had a spectacular and busy day! We made our way home on Sunday. The girls are already missing their cousins.

Just to give you a heads up, you will see a bear in almost every picture and that's because in Sittre Paige's 4K class they have a class bear who is called "Button Bear". Each week a different child gets to bring button bear home for the weekend to take care off and then we record in a notebook what we did with button bear. We just so happened to get the bear this busy weekend, so we took button bear everywhere and he even had to have his own highchair at every restuarant we went too!! It was fun to keep up with my children AND the bear.

When we got there Friday, Abby came home from school and the girls were wearing the exact same outfit! Sittre Paige adores Abby so much, they are 2 years apart and play so good together!

Stella playing peek a boo at Pizza Cottage

The kids at Pizza Cottage

Stella and Button Bear riding in the cart at Anderson's

Eating lunch on Saturday

The girls at Brady's soccer game

Stella eating an apple at the Apple Farm. It was so cool, you just pick your apples off the trees and taste test them!!

The whole gang at the apple farm

Our family picture. I am so glad the girls decided to be cooperative. Don't you just love their big smiles??? (sarcasm)

The cousins minus Stella

He's not finished with me yet

2010-10-10T20:28:00.000-07:00

yay!!! I'm alive!! this is my post-surgery blog by the way. Just a recap, I had my large intestine (colon) removed on August 18th due to Crohns/ Colitis. Doctors still haven't been able to pin-point exactly which one I had. But I am feeling great! I can't believe the life I am living now compared to the one I have been living this past year. I regret I didn't do it sooner.

The surgery was a success and I only had to stay in the hospital for 6 days. The pain however, was a different story. I was extremely sore to say the least. Apparently when you remove something as large as the colon from your body, your other organs have to shift and find a new place to settle, which was weird feeling that. I couldn't stand up straight for about 2 solid weeks. I was really scared that I would never stand up straight again. But I am, thank you Jesus. I was seriously eye-level with my 4 year old. For the first couple of weeks, I couldn't really stand up for longer than 20 minutes without starting to hurt. Therefore, I sat....alot. My actual first trip to Target post-surgery I had to use the motorized cart thing. I almost killed about 3 people, so I am pretty thankful for the gift of walking.

I am so appreciative of the prayers and support. I seriously would have never made it without my family and friends. I am enjoying my life so much now. I still get tired about the middle of the day, but I get to nap with my girls (advantage of a stay-at-home mom). I am gaining weight because food is all of a sudden really good!!! I feel like I missed out on so much this past year and am really ready to enjoy the holidays!!! Fall is such a busy time for us and I am excited to have the energy to do things! Sittre Paige turns 5 in November and my baby Stella turns 2 in January! Then we have a Disneyworld trip planned for February. So we should have some fun the next few months! yay!

Health is so precious. I feel I know what it is like to have it taken away. I have had the opportunity to realize the important moments that truly matter in life. I have never loved my husband more than I do right now because he has shown me how to truly love. I have never wanted to squeeze my kids more than I do right now because I didn't have the energy to a year ago. I am so thankful that God chose to heal me through surgery. He's not finished with me yet.

Here are some picture of things we have been doing since I feel good.

This was our family trip to Homestead Hollow. And this is how my children take pictures now. Look how sweet and loving they are being to each other (kidding)

Sittre Paige's 1st spend the night company. They had such a great time, started the night of at Pump It Up for a birthday party, shopped at Publix for some cereal and then ended the night with a movie.

We took a short beach trip for our 6 year anniversary with the girls. This is our seashell sandcastle.

Stella and Jared. The water was beautiful, probably the most clear I have ever seen it. And look at my stinkin' cute baby!

Daddy and girls.

My first lunch out about 4 weeks after surgery at Jim N Nicks. Yum. My oldest took this picture.

This is what happens when your camera-obsessed child asks you to take a picture of her.

Sittre Paige's 1st day of 4K.

Stella giving my brother Jacob some love.

On our way to "Meet the Teacher" Day. Obviously from this silly pose we started the day off with a cereal full of sugar :)

Sittre Paige's 4K teacher, Mrs. Newberry. Love, love her.

Had to do some posing.

What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man.

2010-10-08T19:08:00.001-07:00

Okay, seriously, I had to sneak this blog. Jared begged me not to do it, but I had to. Its my blog. Not to mention, I am one proud wife! My husband won the 2010 Leadership Award for U.S. Pipe. He is so amazing and derserving of this prestigious award! He works so hard for our family and for his job. He has been with this company for almost 11 years now, and has worked so hard to get where he is at!
This is what the award says in case you care:

Customer Service

Employee of the Year

Leadership Award

Jared Jones

For the Customer Service Team Member that demonstrates the Greatest level of Continuous Commitment to the Mission and Vision of U.S. Pipe Customer Service.

2010

Wow. So proud, so very very proud.

In Sickness and in Health

2010-09-16T21:53:00.000-07:00

Another blog to brag about my man. Sorry, its not mushy just really to say thank you Jared. Thank you for honoring your vows. What a trying time this has been, a flare-up that lasted a year and a half and then ultimately ended in surgery. So thank you Jared. Thank you for loving me, taking care of me, and keeping your words you vowed to me on September 25, 2004. I am forever grateful for your love. You make me the happiest woman alive.

I'm forever yours, faithfully. I love you Jared.

What's been going on

2010-08-15T15:13:00.000-07:00

Hello blog world. Its been a long time! A long time that has gone by entirely too fast! Probably because Wednesday is the big day, surgery day for mommy. If you have no idea what I mean, read the post below this one. I am still extremely scared but I do have a peace. Its what the prayers are doing, giving me a peace I can't understand. Please keep praying. Let's put that aside and see what's been going on in the Jones' household the past couple months.

Jared and his babies watching cartoons one morning. They love when daddy doesn't have to go to work. Mommy likes it too.

I took the girls to the Mcwane Center with some friends and had a blast. My girls and I had never been before and it was so much fun! I really can't wait to go back, the girls were so entertained, they have such neat things there and a little kids area for the younger babies. My girls were dead tired by the time we left! The picture above shows the girls faces.

Basically this was a huge light-brite. We have a small one at home and love playing with it, so this was cool. Jared won't buy us a big one like this. Boo.

The Mr. Potato Head Exhibit

Gus Brown and Sittre Paige checking out the fish.

The babies hanging out at Mcwane. Trust me they got to play alot, they were totally exhausted by the time we left.

The air blows out of that hose and you have to try to keep the ball up in the air. Sittre Paige enjoyed this.

Sittre Paige's 4k school closet. This is at my mom's house. My mom and I began school clothes shopping a couple months ago and didn't realize how much we had aquired. She is certainly set for school. She will start 4k on September 7th and we are excited about her new teacher Mrs. Newberry.

I got a date night with my hubby!!! ALL ALONE!!! We had an awesome time together laughing and enjoying each other. We actually do still enjoy each other! yay!

We went and spent a weekend in Hilton Head, South Carolina with my brother Jacob. We only took this one picture! We were so busy, we couldn't stop to take a picture!! The beach is awesome in SC. Look at the background with all the people and umbrellas! Its incredibly crowded there!!

Jared turned 31 and Sittre Paige thought that he would like the Pretty Pretty Princess game for his birthday gift, and let me tell you, its exactly what he always wanted!! He has been a princess ever since we got the game!!!

My brother and Jared after a ride on their toys. Why do boys love to get dirty? I will never understand apparently.

Jared turned 31 and I made him a chocolate cake with peanut butter icing. HOMEMADE! Yes, I did it myself, and I was so proud because I don't do alot of baking. Okay I do NO baking. But this is my husband's favorite flavored cake so I made his wish come true and made it for him. I got the PB icing recipe off all allrecipes.com and it really was good. Extremely sweet but atleast Jared enjoyed it. He is already asking for another one.

My angel and I out to eat one night.

My little Lady Liberty. We spent 4th of July at the lake and in the boat. With awesome food. With family. Does it get any better?

Jared took a day off one Friday so we could have a family day just us 4 on the lake. Sittre Paige and I rode the tube together for the first time! I love hanging with my girlies and husband!

I got to take a beach trip with just my girlfriends at the end of June. What a much-needed vacation!! Wonderful girl time with wonderful friends. I am already pumped for next years trip!! I missed my family terribly but had to enjoy the quietness and packing just for myself and no sippy cups and getting to take a shower without kids watching me and taking a nap when I wanted to, wow it was nice. Do I not hang with the prettiest moms ever???? I love these girls, we had a blast. I also love the ones that were not able to join us.

Getting ready to head to the pool one day. Showing off her new Hello Kitty cover-up.

My little princess. With her baby that she ruined when she tossed it into the pool.

Look at the twins. Like father, like daughter for sure. Atleast she has my attitude. I guess thats good?

I'll be back soon. I might can get Jared to write an update on the surgery later this week. Please keep my entire family in your prayers this week. God is good.

August 18th

2010-07-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

Well, this is a day I have dreaded for a long time. A really long time. I'm sorry if this happens to be your birthday, or a day you are excited for. To me, this day makes me what to throw up. This is the day I will say goodbye to my large intestine. Yes, there goes my colon. I h.a.t.e. Crohns/Colitis. I had to type both of these losers because the doctors can't seem to figure out which one of these diseases I actually have. I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis when I was 15 but then later rediagnosed around 21 with Crohns because of different symptoms. My doctor now believes that it is Colitis, but the surgeon who is performing my surgery says that what she can see its Crohns. Soooooooo, to say I want to have a mental breakdown would be an understatement. All I can really think about is this life here on Earth is the closest I will ever come to hell. Is that horrible to say? I don't think it is, I just know that this struggle for me on Earth makes me long for my pain-free eternity with the Ultimate Healer, Jesus Christ. I have to remind myself everyday that I can't expect this life to be perfect because God doesn't call my life to be perfect. I am a wretched sinner ONLY saved by his grace. Why should I expect to not have trouble? I want to struggle so that God's glory can be revealed. But that doesn't mean I can't be scared.
I am terrified. 1. because everybody knows I am a big fat baby and 2. because I really do truly want to live a long life, and when I say long that means seeing my great grandchildren get married. If thats even possible?? and 3. because I don't want my mission here on Earth to be complete. I mean if Jesus says its done, then that would be it but I don't want it to be. Can you tell I'm scared of dying? I know this is practically a routine surgery, but in my mind I am calculating everything that could possibly go wrong, and because I am an idiot, I asked the surgeon to tell me things that could go wrong!!! WHY????!!! I don't know, because again, I'm an idiot. So now the hour and a half long surgery consultation of what the surgery consists of and what will take place has now all been forgotten and the only part I remember is the things that could possibly go wrong.
I just want to say that death doesn't scare me, I know the minute I close my eyes and my heart stops I will be in the arms of my Savior. Dying, however, does scare me though because of what I am leaving behind, my husband, my 2 girls, and my family. That is scary. (And yes, to me there is a difference between death and dying, atleast to me, because I am weird like that.)
Okay, thats my spill about whats been going on in my head. I know right, you do NOT want to be in my head!! It is not a fun place to be right now, and probably won't be until I wake up after the surgery.

If you read this, I just ask that you be in prayer for me and my family. For peace of mind (mine), and for the surgeon, for the decision that had to be made and for a very speedy recovery. I really want to get back to life and actually enjoy it.
Thank you for praying for me. I appreciate it more than you will truly ever know. I have so many pictures I want to post from June and July but am just consumed with this surgery. I just can't seem to think about anything else so hopefully soon I will grow up and quit acting like a poor pitiful baby and move on then you can see what we have been up to.

MY Men

2010-06-20T15:33:00.000-07:00

Well its Father's Day and I have ALOT to be thankful for!! Look at these 3 very handsome men in the picture with me!!!! Am I the luckiest girl in the world or what??!! They are all mine and I wanted to take some time to tell you what they each mean to me.

Let's start with my daddy since it is Father's Day. I don't know if you can get a better dad, actually pretty sure you can't. I love this man more than words could ever express. He is a superhero, I am telling you this man is a BEAST! I don't think there is one thing he is afraid off?? He makes me laugh so hard because he is such a manly man yet.........he can go with me to Bath & Body Works and smell different scents with me and loves it!!! He loves candles!! I feel so incredibly blessed that God sent him to be MY dad. I am a very ummmmmm, needy daughter. And he is always there for me, I am NEVER put on hold. To my girls he is known as Poppy. The funniest part about this right now is Stella says PoBBy, which in turn sounds like Bobby. So its a big joke that we are calling him Bobby now! Dad I can't tell you how much you mean to me and my babies, my family is my world and I'm so proud to call you a best friend and my dad and now my Bobby. Not to mention you are a HOT dad, but trust me, you know that!! We can barely get that ego out the door! You are so awesome! Thank you for always taking care of me and loving me so that I never had to look for love somewhere else. I love you sooooo much!!!

Next, my man. I think we all know how I feel about my man. He is my ROCK. I never dreamed that I would have a husband like Jared. I knew I would be married one day, but to have a man like Jared is just rare. GOD PREPARED HIM JUST FOR ME. I had to caps that to stress that God is in control. I know that being married to someone who is constantly sick and in and out of hospitals is probably not something he signed up for yet Jared is perfect for me. I am tearing up writing about him because I don't think I will ever be able to repay him as a wife. Not that he would ever want me too. You are an amazing man Jared, and such a wonderful daddy to our girls!! You make me happier than you will ever know, I can't imagine walking through this life without you holding my hand!!! You are an incredible daddy and husband and have 3 girls that can't get enough of you!! Thank you for being my baby daddy. I have never wanted anybody else but you!!! You top them all Jared and are in a husband league of your own!!! Thank you for loving me for just me. I love you!

And last but certainly not least, my brother. No, no he is not a daddy but he is such a outstanding man in my life. (hopefully one day he will give me some neices and nephews :)) But what a great brother he is. We have been through alot together, and he makes a sister soooo proud. One of my most favorite memories of my brother and I is when he was younger I would pester the crap out of him. And he hated it when I called him Jacob Marley. He would cry and punch me so hard everytime I would say it. Where did I get that? I have no idea but he hated it. We joke now that he is going to name his one day daughter Marley. I had to babysit him all growing up and thought he was my son!!! I am that sister that says, "I can mess with him but you can't". If anybody messed with him you can bet they heard from me! I love you baby brother!! You have grown into such a wonderful man and I can't wait to see what other things God has in store for you!! I am ALWAYS here for you, you know that. I love you!!!

Radical Change

2010-06-18T15:47:00.000-07:00

You and I have an average of about seventy or eighty years on this earth. During these years we are bombarded with the temporary. Make money. Get stuff. Be comfortable. Live well. Have fun. In the middle of it all, we get blinded to the eternal. But it’s there. You and I stand on the porch of eternity. Both of us will soon stand before God to give an account for our stewardship of the time, the resources, the gifts, and ultimately the gospel he has entrusted to us. When that day comes, we are convinced we will not wish we had given more of ourselves to living the American Dream. We will not wish we had made more money, acquired more stuff, lived more comfortably, taken more vacations, watched more television, pursued greater retirement, or been more successful in the eyes of this world. Instead we will wish we had given more of ourselves to living for the day when every nation, tribe, people, and language will bow around the throne and sing the praises of the Savior who delights in radical obedience and the God who deserves eternal worship.

Are you ready to live for that dream? Let’s not waver any longer…
David Platt - Radical

WOW. WOW. Everytime I read this, I just get tears in my eyes. Its just so beautiful. So, this is a quote from David Platt who wrote the book Radical. Have I read the book yet? No. Am I dying to read the book? YES. My friend Rebecca bought the book for me at her church and I have yet to pick it up from her but I am literally dying to get my hands on it. Basically its about turning the American Dream upside down. Being a TRUE disciple of Jesus Christ.
I want a radical change in our life, because I know that we don't have time to live our happy American Dream. People are dying and going to hell. I am working for my eternity and boy does it feel good to just work for Jesus and not for Earth.

www.radicalthebook.com

You can visit the website if you like. Pretty cool stuff. Be sure to watch the video.

We got this

2010-06-05T20:40:00.000-07:00

We got this down pat. Sittre Paige was a flowergirl for the 3rd time friday night and had a blast. She is such a little diva. We went to get her hair done and she loved having curly hair, she also loved someone pampering her! It was a beautiful wedding and very stress free. I was able to really enjoy watching her. The other 2 weddings she has been in were my very best friends and I was in those with her. So not only did I have to make sure she was doing the right thing, I had to make sure I was doing the right thing as well. I got to sit back and just watch this time. That was nice. Congratulations Kerry and Danny!!!!

Yes, that is gum in her mouth.

She started being silly but this is actually one of my favorite pictures. I loved her headpiece!

Taking a trip down memory lane. This was the 2nd time she was a flowergirl in Caris' wedding, August 1, 2009.

First time flowergirl! Lauren's wedding, April 4, 2009. Sittre Paige looks so young here!!

Thank you Kerry, Lauren and Caris for inviting my daughter into your weddings!!! She has enjoyed every moment! I appreciate you three allowing my daughter a moment to shine!!!

We get to have a 4th go-round next summer when my cousin Kaitlin gets married! Stella will make her flowergirl debut in this one as well. Should be extremely interesting.

The Giver

2010-06-01T15:33:00.000-07:00

One of my most precious friends, Bonnie, had her baby boy today. Carter Anthony Moore weighed in at 6 pds 9 ounces. I wasn't suppose to actually visit today but could barely contain myself and my baby fever so after I heard he had arrived this morning, I hopped in the car.
I don't know if there is anything more precious than holding a "couple hours old" baby. wow. I just can't thank God enough for life. I mean as I was holding Carter, I looked up at Bonnie and said, "How can anyone look at a baby and not believe there is a living God?" Seriously, I can barely wrap my head around this. Of course, everytime I see a newborn I think of Jeremiah 1:5 which says, a. before I formed you in the womb I knew you.
I mean, you just think about the 9 months of growing, and then birthing and then holding and loving on the angel, all the while knowing that God knows His children even before He forms them. wow. I don't know thats just amazing stuff to me. Today and everyday I praise Him, the giver and taker of life. No matter what, HE is enough. I praised Him today for Carter's life. I also praised Him in January when He called my sweet grandmother home. Because He is worthy of ALL praise, in life and death. HE is enough.

Psalm 127:3 Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.

Thank you God for your truly breathtaking rewards.

Picture Overload

2010-05-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

I have been major MIA lately. I know this. I feel like we have been going 90 to nothing and its already June!!!! I am so thankful for this rainy Saturday morning to sit around the house and get a chance to write and share some pictures because otherwise we would be at the pool. Thats where we have been the last 2 weeks straight!! We have worn out our neighborhood pool already, our everyday routine consists of waking up around 6:30 am, eat breakfast and by 8:30 we are on our way to swim. We are home by 10:30 to get a bath, eat lunch and then nap. Makes for an awesome summer day. I am so fortunate that I can stay home with my babies. They enrich my life so much.
Well, Sittre Paige turned 4 and a HALF, this is very important because she has begun to plan her 5th birthday party, she is a flowergirl next weekend, and then starts swimming lessons on June 7th. We have got to get rid of the floaties!!!
Stella is now 16 months and is a bit of a struggle. She is her own person and knows that this whole family caters to her every need. So she gets everything she wants and if she doesn't, well its not a pretty picture. She can throw a fit like nobodys business. Its a good thing she is so cute with her big bows, otherwise I might go crazy. She is still struggling in the hair department! Can't wait to see her with hair around that sweet face!
These pictures are random and out of order but its just whats been going on.

Stella backstage at Sittre Paige's dance recital. Can't wait till both my girls are dancing!!

4 1/2 and 16 months

Sittre Paige and daddy after the rectial was over. We were so proud of SP. She really did a great job and enjoyed being on stage. Jared's parents took all the pictures of her on stage so once I can get those uploaded I will post some. Unfortunately I couldn't take any because I was running back and forth from the backstage then to see her perform and then back again! Should be very interesting once I have 2 girls dancing on recital day.

Sittre Paige and Lacey before going on stage.

Since SP did such a good performance we took her to get a prize. She wanted some nails so bad! Hilarious!

My brother Jacob and SP after the recital. She had alot of support that day!

SP and her friend Lacey again. Its so funny how your children latch on to other kids. They got along so good and teamed up every chance they could. You wouldn't see one without the other! I really hope they are in the same class next year.

Watching Saturday morning cartoons.

Mrs. Ashley and SP before the start of her 3K graduation program. The theme was 50's style.

Some of the 3k class before the program.

Lovey and SP on the night of her dance recital rehearsal. My mom couldn't make it to the recital due to a planned girls beach trip so she came to rehearsal night to watch SP perform.

SP and Lacey on rehearsal night.

This was SP's end of the year 3K party. They had pizza and ice cream sundae's. I am going to miss this class so bad, SP made so many great friends and keeps asking to go back to school because she is missing them. I have explained that she will be getting a new class with new friends but hopefully she will have some old ones get in her 4K class.

Daddy and SP on bike day.

Please take a look around at who my precious daughter hangs out with??? All boys. She loves playing with boys, it makes me laugh. Maybe because they do what she tells them too?? This won't last long.

Lovey and Stella before we left for Georgia. We spent the weekend at my mom's brothers house for Mother's Day weekend. We had a great, relaxing time.

Stella hanging out one day.

Sittre Paige learning to ride a big girl bike.

I have become obsessed with these! Its a smoothie mix and you just add milk!!! They are sooooo good!! Craving one now.

The girls riding their toys

Taking a walk to pops and Lovey's house one Saturday morning. SP loves to drive Stella and Stella enjoys changing the radio station. I wonder if they are going to enjoy sharing a car when they are older???

This is an old picture from Easter but we had to teach Stella how to hunt eggs and put them in the basket. We cheered her on in the background.

Forgot to post a picture of the "bunny cake" tradition. Its certainly not as pretty as last years cake but I think Lovey got overwhelmed with an extra helper this year. Check out that mess!!! Because this is a "pops and lovey tradition", Jared and I enjoyed a date night!!!

Okay I think I am up to date now? Don't know for sure, but nonetheless, I will be back. Happy Memorial Day, I am so incredibly thankful for the men and women who serve and risk their lives so that I may live freely. Freedom is certainly not free.

Happy Mother's Day Lovey

2010-05-09T05:48:00.001-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to my best friend! Thank you for always being there for me (and my children) Lovey!!! You are such a rockin' mom!!! I love you my FASHIONISTA and your "boutique clothing"!!!! Thank you for your advice, your constant support, your faith in the Lord, my key to your house, babysitting my kids when I need some rest, your food and especially your never-ending love. I don't know what I would do without you!!! I love you will all my heart you little Diva. You are so beautiful on the inside and out!!!

Lately

2010-04-27T15:08:00.001-07:00

Okay here are just a few random pictures hanging around on my camera. Just things that have been going on lately.

This is a picture for Ms. Connie, someone who actually reads my blog!!! A few posts back I wrote about Sittre Paige running into a counter and us having to go to the doctor. I didn't post any pictures at the time and said I would but never did. Ms. Connie reminded me that I still had not posted the pictures of that day. So this is the "after" picture, after SP's gash was glued together. Thank you for reading my blog Ms. Connie!!!

Here was a picture of us waiting for the Dr. to take a look and examine the damage. We would soon have a choice of 2 stitches or glue. I opted for the glue and it stuck perfectly. Thank the Lord.

Sittre Paige's dvd collection. I just feel it has become out of control so I took a picture. I have actually been looking for a storage unit thing of some sort so I carry this picture around to remind me how many dvd's she has. Not to mention the other dvd's that hang out in the car. Spoiled is a good word for this picture.

My sorority, ZTA, turned 100 yrs old at the University of Alabama and they had a "Wine and Cheese" banquet one Friday night so we packed up our stuff and had a girls night. It was awesome to see some old sorority sisters and other almuni. I am so proud of this sorority and what it has meant to me. It was a season of my life that helped me grow as a person. I had an absolute blast at UA and would say majority was due to this sorority and the amazing friends it brought into my life.

This is a glimpse inside the ZTA house. We had many meetings in this room.

This is where I ate everyday. This was the ZTA dining room. Usually not every meal but certainly once a day. I can't even tell you how many laughs took place in the room. I look at this room and so many memories flood my mind I wouldn't even know where to begin. Such a special place.

me, Lauren, Ashley (The Rush Chairman the year I pledged the sorority) and Caris at the banquet. Such a fun night with my girlfriends!

The girls opening their Easter cards from their Aunt Lauren. They are so lucky, SP got 5 bucks and thought she ruled the world. Thank you Aunt Lala for spoiling my children!!

Us playing outside one day. There is a mix of pink sand and water in the pool if you were wondering what that gunk is. Too pretty to be inside lately.

My awesome friend Caris. I got to spend a lot of time with her one weekend. So thankful!!! I miss her everyday.

Sittre Paige at the "Wee Folks" Children's Theater at the BJCC with her 3k class. She got to sit right in front of the stage.

This is the beautiful Kerry, Jared's cousin, who is getting married the first weekend in June and Sittre Paige is the flower girl.

This is my friend Bonnie's little girl, Maci Rose, who turned 2. The girls had a great time at her birthday party and I am thinking I might borrow that outfit for Stella next January!! Too cute!!

Vacation??? I think NOT.

2010-04-27T07:55:00.000-07:00

Let me just first start off by saying that we are so blessed. I feel like a lot of my blogs are sort of "debbie downer". We are just a family who doesn't have the best of luck at times. But we love Jesus and know He is at work in our lives and in our family. We have total faith in Him and His plans for us. Not to mention, we always have excitement in our family, if something actually went smoothly for us I would be nervous because that just wouldn't be our "normal"!

We left for Orange Beach Saturday morning and we were so excited. We had planned to stay until Wednesday. My parents, Pops and Lovey, went down with us and planned to return on Monday. It started off us leaving the horrible weather in Birmingham, it rained the whole time we drove down. Wish I could say this was the worst part.

We arrived around 2, and stopped at the Foley Outlet to do a little shopping, it was sprinkling but there was nothing else to do, so we shopped. We arrived at the condo around 4, ate dinner, mom and I went to target to get some essentials then headed back to go to bed. Around 2 am, Jared woke up and said he didn't feel well. He got up walked to the bathroom and all of a sudden.......well for lack of a better term, lets use the word "purge" for throw-up........so Jared started to "purge", probably everything he ate the whole day. This took place almost the whole night. Sunday morning came and he was in bed the rest of the day.

So Sunday morning my mom and dad and I and the girls take an early morning beach walk. It was so nice and you could tell it was going to be a beautiful day. On our way back to the condo my dad says he doesn't feel well. All of a sudden he begins to "purge" on the beach. Let's just say it was alot. He goes back to the condo to "purge" some more and then lay down.

They were dropping like flies. Just my mom and I and the girls now. We grab our beach chairs and head to the beach. Found out Stella hates the sand so my mom held her the whole time, or she would actually just sit on the beach towel for a while. It was actually a nice day on the beach. My dad came out around lunch and seemed to feel better. Sunday night we went out to eat, dad and Jared were starting to feel better so I thought okay, Monday should be great. We went back to the condo to have cake and ice cream because did I mention it was my birthday??? Yes, lovely birthday huh? We got in bed early to make sure everyone would be rested. Around 11 pm, SP wakes up screaming and "purges" all over the place. This would take place all night. Monday morning came and I was over the whole trip. SP was lifeless, no energy, so for fear of anyone else getting sick we packed up and headed home. SP laid around the rest of the night.

So far Stella and I have escaped what looks like a virus. All is better in the Jones house right now. SP has held down gatorade and a banana. Looks like a 24 hour thing? But nonetheless, we are home, the trip was a, ummmmm, okay it was a bad nightmare but the one good day on the beach was sort of worth it. My sweet parents did everything they could to make my 27th birthday a good day!!! I am so lucky! The best birthday gift of all is that everyone's health is beginning to be restored.

Well, thats a glance at the vacation. If you even want to say, vacation. Glad to be home and see SP up and running around again. Seeing your children sick is sheer torture. Thats the only way I know how to describe it. We will try the beach again in June with lots of prayers. Here are some pictures of our one good day.

The one time Stella actually didn't make anybody hold her. She was standing on the beach towel though.

My mom made SP a mermaid tale. Because this is what Sittre Paige wants to be when she grows up.

SP playing in the sand.

Stella hanging out in the condo. Is she not precious?? I want to just eat her up!!

Feeding the birds.

Feeding the birds. My favorite part of the beach. I love when you throw up a piece a bread and all of a sudden you are surrounded by a billion birds. Stella is obsessed with birds so this was her favorite part too. (Notice in this picture my mothers legs. I mean look at those Tina Turner legs!!! She is a beast, all muscle. She is going to kill me for that, but she is so awesome!)

Stella's first time on the beach. This picture was shot right before she started screaming.

Pops and SP getting water in the princess bucket.

My diva. She is sporting all her Hello Kitty gear. When we were at the outlet we took her into Claire's and let her have a hay-day. She went crazy, picked out some flip flops, Hello Kitty sunglasses and case, a Hello Kitty necklace and bracelet, and of course some glitter fingernail polish. She is so fun, all girl.

My favorite picture of the whole trip. This is what happens when a 4 yr old puts on her bathing suit by herself. Not quite sure what happened here but I think the leg part is around her waist? Either way we were on the floor in tears. SP makes me laugh so hard.

Okay, atleast got a few good pictures. Say a prayer you NEVER have a "vacation" like this. Jared and I are determined to look back on this and laugh really hard. Might be a while though.

Spring has sprung

2010-04-08T17:34:00.000-07:00

I can hear my mother now, in that tone....."Well its about time you did another blog, nobody cares about your weird 20 things anyway"......so here you go mom. You are so pleasant. And yes, she actually asked me why I wrote my last blog 20 things. She found it very uninteresting.

Spring is here and wow this weather has been pretty nice this week! We have been outside everyday this week, well except for today since it rained. Things have picked up and we have begun our busy months. Here are some pictures of March and Easter.

This is a picture of us with my mother in law, otherwise known as Nanny, she spent many hours teaching me how to make the girls Easter dresses. I enjoyed my time with her so much. She is such a wonderful grandmother to my girls, and spoils us all rotten. She has the patience of Job and taught me how to sew while my kids ran around her house crazy and pulling out every toy they could find. I am so thankful for her and hope she will help me take on other outfits..........I mean Nanny if you read this, we can give it a few months before we start another project. You deserve a much-needed break!!! and Thank you for teaching me to sew, I had so much fun!!! Not to mention, I have never been more proud of something I made (with your EXTRA help)!!!

This is a family shot of us on Easter, yes the sun was out and shining bright!!

Sittre Paige showing off her dress. and just showing off period.

The girls in their dresses. They had coordinating fabrics. SP had a turquoise color and Stella had pink, but both the monograms were in turquoise. Jared hates it when I put them in the exact same outfit, but I have finally got him to accept "coordinating" outfits.

Sittre Paige in her dress, we tried to take the picture outside, but she started crying because she couldn't see due to the bright sun so we got a lovely picture in our beautiful garage.

Stella cooperated and the didn't mind the sun.

The girls Easter baskets, poor Stella the Easter bunny brought her Easter shoes!!! How not fun! Atleast she don't know that yet. Tried to stay away from lots of candy because I get tired of telling SP she can only have 1 piece a day. I feel like I am such a warden (staci, pops or lovey do NOT comment) when it comes to candy but I just feel it is such a waste. I just don't want my kids on a sugar-high all day. Well and especially since SP has already had TWO cavities, I just don't like it hanging around our house. But, let me point this out if you are into interesting tid-bits. If you notice in SP's basket a bag of twizzlers. I bought my mom this awesome book for Christmas called "Eat this, Not that", WONDERFUL, tells you what types of foods are a better decision for you over other ones. I love it (purchased at Target, they also have a restaurant edition). Can I just tell you what the worst candy you can eat is..................skittles!!!! The best candy to eat is twizzlers. I mean I guess no candy is good, but they say if you have to have one pick the twizzlers. This house is steering clear of skittles, hey I love them just as much as the next person but being labeled the worst candy on the shelf kinda scares me, especially with the horrible teeth history I have and apparently have already passed down to my first-born.

We went to Bass Pro with our friends Matt and Amanda and their little girl Mattie. This was a hilarious trip because we took the kids to get a FREE picture with the Easter bunny. Well neither one of the babies cared for the bunny and my child especially could be heard throughout the whole shop screaming bloody murder. I actually think she screamed harder with the bunny than with Santa. This girl is NOT into characters!! I wish I could post the pic, I was not able to even hand Stella over to the bunny due to the major freak-out session so I was in the picture holding a screaming child. Another priceless picture.

Sittre Paige's 3k class at the Easter Egg hunt

SP's class showing off their baskets

The girls

Sittre Paige and her dear friend Savannah at the Easter egg hunt

I was in charge of the "special snack" for the 3k Easter party. I chose the cross cookies because this is the whole reason for Easter. I never want to get caught up in the bunny and the eggs. I love my Savior and am so proud to serve a Risen God. Instead of arose, Sittre Paige thinks Jesus "grows" from the grave.

My wonderful Aunt Debra sent the girls these shirts for Easter. I made SP wear hers to every Easter event!! They were so cute!!

One Saturday we had SP's dance recital pictures. This was eventful 2 1/2 hours. enough said.

These pictures are out of order but this was an Easter Egg hunt in Trussville at the ballpark. It was neat because it was a "night" egg hunt. The kids had to bring their flashlights to find the eggs. Although it wasn't pitch black dark, it was such a fun idea. SP found a "prize" egg, and won a tennis ball. Just what we needed.

Stella hanging out in her highchair one day. She was extra smiley so I got a good shot! She turned 14 months on March 29th!! I can't believe how much she is growing. She has become somewhat of a terror with all her teeth-cutting. Her molars are in and not to mention another bottom tooth coming in as well. Fussy is a good word to describe this baby at the moment.

Another picture from her dance recital picture day.

SP had "Tie Day" at school one day and frankly I was like what??? Not wanting SP to feel out of place if she didn't have a tie, I found some extra material hanging around our house and sculpted her a tie. Yes I hand-stitched this thing up at 11pm the night before. Its not too shabby and I will save it for Stella's tie day one day in the future. Although I begged the teacher to make SP take the thing off after a class picture because with her luck she would have likely strangled herself that day.

Okay, a couple big weekends coming up for us so I will be back shortly for the 2 readers that care!!!

My sorority ZTA is turning 100 years old at UA so I will be spending a night in Tuscaloosa with some best buddies next weekend for a fun event and then the following weekend its off to the beach we go!!! Family time is just around the corner and with our crazy schedule lately I have been missing my man. Its hard to believe we actually live together, sometimes I feel like I never see him! Stay tuned!

20 things

2010-03-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

Sooooo, here are 20 things you might want to know about me. Or you might not. Read at your own risk. But to warn you.........I'm pretty much a weirdo. Enjoy.

1. Lets just get the obvious out of the way okay. Yes, my very favorite color is p.i.n.k. can't help it, my favorite place to pig-out is P.F. Changs, my favorite starbucks is a Cinnamon Dolce Frappicino, my favorite movie is Footloose. Okay there are the basics.

2. I secretly crave to be a well-known Interior Designer. I am very indecisive and insecure with all my decisions that involve design so this is probably a huge dream but hey, I dream big. I often read articles and place myself in the designers position and answer the questions out loud like I'm being interviewed when nobody's watching. scary.

3. My junior year of college I became the President of The College of Human Environmental Sciences and the Vice President of my sorority ZTA all in the same month and thought I was the coolest person to walk the stinkin planet.

4. I believe I am married to a genius. I really think Jared is one of the smartest people on the planet. He strives to be smart. If he doesn't know something, he will read about it until he is blue in the face. If I don't know something, I don't care.

5. I secretly want one of my kids to be the Validictorian of their Highschool one day. (Which is not a far stretch if at least one of them gets Jareds brains.)

6. I am a picture freak. Give me a great shot of my family or kids and I am one giddy girl.

7. I cry A.L.O.T. (probably every other day) and not really hard cries but nearly anything will set me off, a commercial, thinking of my kids, thinking of my blessings, thinking of Jesus, well you get the point.

8. I twirl my hair at night in bed. Drives Jared nuts.

9. My favorite t.v. shows are American Pickers and Hoarders on A&E, and Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern on the Travel Channel. Will not miss an episode of any.

10. I have a major fetish for lamps. All my lamps must be funky though. A plain brown lamp with a plain white shade makes me want to pull my hair out. Where's the style???!!!

11. I am currently using Crest Whitening Strips and truly believe my teeth are becoming whiter. Please don't tell me any different. Jared thought they were a waste of money.

12. I am the most insecure person on the planet over my looks. (therefore, #11)

13. I still to this day sit in my dad's lap. I can't help it sometimes I just need my dad. He is a great shoulder to cry on and someone I lean on everyday. On really special occasions he will call me and say, "You want to go to the dollar tree, I'm buying?" I just find this hilarious. He loves to "splurge" on me!! haha! I love you dad, I know you read your favorite daughters blog.

14. I believe everyone related to me spoils me rotten. My parents, Jared's parents, our Aunts and uncles, and of course my grandmother who just passed in January was the worst. I don't know what it is. Apparently I just look like a cripple who needs help. Although not complaining. I am so thankful.

15. I am constantly thinking of ways I can rearrange my house. Constantly.

16. I think the most kissable place on my kids and my husband is their temples. I know weird. Its just my favorite spot to give a big kiss.

17. I consider myself a survivor. Everyday I think, "okay Jesus, thank you for giving me another day".

18. I crave a 3rd child. I have gone so far to even name the child that I don't know if we will have (Jared's approval, of course), if we have a girl it will be Sage Ashton, if a boy it will be Jagger Michael.

19. I can NEVER say no and constantly volunteer myself for things even if I don't want to do it. I once saw a memo pad that said at the top "Stop me before I volunteer" and thought, totally me. Bad qualities.

20. I love being a girl and everything that comes with it. I love wearing my high heels with jeans and t-shirt (although this rarely happens anymore since I chase 2 kids around), I love jewelry, I love fashion (again although I rarely dress the part), if there is a mirror nearby I'm going to look in it, I love a good pedicure, the gaudier the better, I don't cook, I love to go on date nights with just my awesome husband, I have an obsession with hairspray and would permanently spray tan my body if you could actually do that?

Okay, I am weird, this I know.

Seriously??

2010-03-11T20:24:00.000-08:00

Okay seriously!!?? Seriously??!! Thank you Jesus, tomorrow is Friday.
My oldest child has once AGAIN slammed her head into the corner of a counter and landed herself in the doctors office. This time she got way lucky, instead of stitches she got glued. But still, what is wrong with this child???!!! I am really scared to grow up with this kid. She is seriously an accident waiting to happen. She is constantly tripping over her own feet, or running into something, or bumping her head.........I mean whatever accident can happen, this girl is going to find it.
So here's the scoop, I had just picked Sittre Paige up from school, we head to Zebra Stitches, a monogram store, so I can drop off a few items for the girls. We go inside, there is no one else in the store so I put Stella down to walk around, well SP thinks Stella "chases" her so they are kinda playing around the store, I tell SP to calm down, she does for about 3 seconds, then she starts to pick back up her running away from Stella, well I get finished putting in my orders and as I am saying goodbye I hear this huge thud. Well, it was my daughters head slamming into the front counter. I knew immediately what had just happened so of course the next part would be "de ja vu". She's screaming, blood is running down the side of her head, I'm panicked, Tavie (the owner) runs to get some paper towels and water, I'm so nervous that SP is going to just pass out from the hit, I wipe off the blood to reveal yet another gash on her forehead. Again, nothing to be severly alarmed about but you can tell it needs repairing! Hop in the car, call Peds East, they can see her right then at the Roebuck office, go in, the nurse comes and gets us right when we get there, takes us back, the Dr. comes in and says SP needs 2 stitches or we can try the glue. I opt for the glue this time. So far, so good. The gash went back together perfectly, acually looks like just a bad paper cut now. Wow, I see lots of scars in this little girls future. What a Thursday.

Of course I took a picture of us in the dr office and of the repaired gash but those will come later. I am laying in bed typing and just really don't have the energy to get up to go get the camera to upload the pics. So stay tuned.

Also, you know how Jared and I were debating whether or not we explained death to Sittre Paige to early? As we didn't know if she was too young to be told about dying? Well, on the way to Peds East today she busted out crying and I asked her if her head was hurting bad? She said, " no", then went on to ask, "Am I going to go to Heaven mom??" I couldn't help but giggled, and then confirmed in my mind that, yeah maybe she was too young to discuss death. Or maybe we just didn't explain it good enough? Whatever the reason, we have scarred our 4 year old, inside and outside today. Just go ahead and give me the "Mom of the Year " award.

My loves, Jar-bear. Sweet Pea. Beaner

2010-03-06T21:58:00.000-08:00

We had some family pictures taken just last month and I am one proud mommy. I absolutely treasure these pictures, there are many more, this is just a glimpse inside our session. We rebooked this session 3 different times due to the weather but on this one particular Sunday it just worked for us.
The title of this blog is what I usually refer to my family as when we are behind closed doors. Jared would kill me if he knew I just told I call him my jar-bear. I started calling him this in college, my roommates Caris and Lauren also refered to him as this. He is just my little honey. I call Sittre Paige my sweet pea. That girl is total drama but sweet as she can possibly be. I love listening to her play barbies because the mommy barbie calls her baby sweet pea, I am so proud atleast one thing I am saying is sticking in that head of hers. Last but not least is Stella, my beaner. I know, I know, this is a horrible nickname for a girl and if you don't live with us you will probably never hear me call her this in public, usually I call her bean-bean. When we first brought her home and she was soooo tiny I started calling her my little bean and then from there it just got ugly and developed into beaner. I really want to break this nickname but the funniest thing is she answers to beaner. Try it sometime if you see us out and about, say "hey beaner" and she will totally turn around or look you in the eye. I hope she doesn't hate me one day for this.
You are now asking why is she telling us all this? Well these are the loves of my life and this is who I see when I look at these pictures. Of course my own personal nickname is.........mom, well Jar-bear calls me "Kenny" alot of the time and that story is for another blog my friends. Enjoy the family pictures.

Sweetest picture I have ever seen. Makes my heart melt.

this is a sequence picture leading up to the big hug.

my jar-bear. I love him beyond words. This 5 represents our five years of marriage together.

Sweet Pea

My loves.

Last and certainly not least, my bean-bean. Gosh, I want to eat this girl slap up!

A year ago today

2010-02-20T18:54:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to post this blog because a year ago today we brought home the most beautiful angel on the planet. My baby Stella. Just saying her name makes me want to eat her up! She has come so far and grown so much! She is right on track, she didn't want to be labeled a preemie so she stepped up to the plate and caught up with her age!! She is 50% in weight and 65% in height!! She weighed 20pds and 29 1/2 in long at her 12 month check up. She talks, walks and brings so much joy into this family. I looked back at all the blogs we posted this time last year and just........you guessed it, cried. Oh my, the emotions we experienced for our daughter was overwhelming just reading about them. I am so thankful for my husband starting this blog, I have so enjoyed sharing our life and most importantly being able to document my Stella's first year of life! I can't wait to see where we are at this time next year!!

Bringing home baby. Do you realize how tiny she is??! I mean this is a baby car seat and she was too tiny for it!! We had to add extra padding just to keep her from tossing back and forth. When we left the hospital she was barely 5 pounds!! This scares me just to think about it!!! I can't believe I nurtured a 5 pound baby!!!

One year ago, this picture was taken right before we loaded the car to bring Stella home. I love thinking about this moment! I was so ready to get her home! 21 days in the NICU!!

This was us tonight with our preemie! Yes, she has grown up quite a bit, its amazing what a year can do. And look you can see her hair poking out from her head!! She is growing some!! yeah!!! We will be proud of the day she stops getting called a boy! (If you are wondering about the christmas baby that is finding its way into all our pictures, our wonderful Aunt Joy bought this for Christmas and Stella will NOT put it down, this is her "baby" and we can't leave the house without it or go to bed without it. She absolutely LOVES this baby. She actually learned how to say the word "baby" and if its not in sight she will continue to say it until someone finds it and brings it to her. Thank you Aunt Joy for giving us the Christmas spirit all year long!)

Upcoming events for our family:

Feb 27th-Stella's birthday party with her 2 friends Hudson and Clara

March-With the help of my wonderful Mother-in-law I have decided to make the girls Easter dresses this year. I am major excited about my first sewing experience. Pray for my mother-in-law for taking on the teaching.

April-week long beach trip with my precious family. Can't wait to be on the sand!

May-SP's 1st Dance Recital, SP's 3k graduation and Mother's Day Weekend in Georgia at my Aunt Tracy and Uncle Davids house with my entire family (debating with my husband if we are going to take our girls to the American Girl Store or the Cabbage Patch Hospital to get some dolls for them)

June-SP will be a flowergirl in Jared's cousin Kerry's wedding. She is thrilled to say the least, we have this down to an art.

I will stop here, I am already overwhelmed.

Family of Four....snowmen that is.

2010-02-20T18:41:00.000-08:00

okay, wow, I realized how much I love snow last weekend! What a feeling to be snowed-in with your family, drinking hot chocolate and of course, PLAYING!! We took full advantage of our snow weekend, Jared got off early so we bundled up and headed out to play. Stella was down for a nap during our playtime but we didn't forget her. (thats her on the right)

we built our family, yes that is me leaning on my man. I wasn't properly secured, but this could actually sum up our life, constantly leaning on Jared.

Daddy and daughter "cheersing" their hot chocolate after an hour in the snow.

SP and I right before we decided the snowmen couple needed children.

Love Rules

2010-02-11T19:45:00.000-08:00

I love love. I really do. I would certainly call myself a hopeless romantic, I think? I mean if hopeless romantic means loving to be swept off your feet constantly than I guess I am. Gosh, I feel bad for Jared, thats some big shoes to fill. Poor thing. I also love the month of February and walking into stores with PINK (especially pink) and red everywhere and constantly hearing Valentines Day is over-rated. Sure it might be a big ole marketing scheme but think about what this day tries to accomplish.....love. The one thing in the world everyone truly wants, to love and to be loved. Let me tell you my friends, I am totally in love right now. Of course with my hubs, but right now I am deep, deep in love with Jesus Christ, my closest friend.

I had some time to think one day, so I looked back on the past couple of years at some of the trials in my life, when I thought I was all alone, and I see Jesus all over the situations, I am talking from beginning to end. I started crying and praising because He was with me the WHOLE time. Sure its hard to see anything when you are in the eye of the storm but to be able to look back and say, "oh my, look at Jesus' protection", its pretty amazing. Do you ever just want to grab Jesus and squeeze Him? I mean I can't wait for the day I get a hug, I don't think I will ever be able to let Him go. I was driving one day, thinking about what my favorite love song is, and look at the lyrics that popped in my head.

Love is a Cross

And Love let it be

Love is saving you

Love is saving me

The blood and the nails

A body so bruised

A Holy heart was broken

That's how he chose to prove

Love is a Cross

wow. I want to paint these words on a wall in my house (and I just might), to constanly be reminded of TRUE LOVE. This is why love is so important, He loves and so should we, bottom line. As Beth Moore would say, not just love the people who are easy to love, but the ones who are very testy to love. Jesus commands us to love one another (John 15:12), and He loves us with an unfailing love, so unfailing that He died on the Cross to prove it. I love to think about Jesus' love for me, it makes me feel so secure in a world that constantly lets you down and forsakes you, Jesus NEVER will. Thank you God.

I am doing a Beth Moore study, Living Beyond Yourself, exploring the fruit of the Spirit. In Galations 5:22-23 it states, "But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Against such things, there is now law." wow. Coincedence that LOVE is the first commandment? I think not. Love is what its all about people. How can we serve without love? How can we worship without love? How can we do anything in our day without love? Its some powerful stuff. (fyi: During this study I have majorly been trying to have all the fruit of the Spirit all day everyday. Whew, this is not easy stuff, especially might I add with children, and of course since the devil knows I am doing this study, I feel he is attacking all my fruitfulness constantly!!! The devil is such a loser. This study just intensifies my appreciation for Christ and who HE is.)

I on this Valentines am thankful for my earthly loves, my Jared and my 2 baby girls but even more thankful that I serve a God who loves me and thinks I am beautiful, even though I sin and fall short of His glory every single day, He continues to LOVE me. His love paid the price, and I will reap the benefits of it for all eternity. I love love and I deeply love Jesus. On this Valentines Day don't forget about the truest form of love there is, Jesus the One and Only.

I might be scattered, I know this, but thank you for reading my little thoughts.

Circus, One and Beth

2010-02-11T18:36:00.001-08:00

Okay here is an update on our month of January, and a little into February. We visited the Circus with SP's 3K class, Stella turned ONE, and yesterday I met THE Beth Moore.

yes, I know, I am more excited I met her than anything else!! Can you blame me?? She is so awesome! Who hasn't done atleast 1 Beth Moore study??!! I certainly don't place her above our God, but God sure does speak through her ALOT, especially to me!!! She is so real, truly helps women dig deeeep in the Word, and all while being glamorous! My friend Lauren and I were talking about her the other night, and agreeing that she is such an encouragement because she LOVES God with every ounce of her soul but is still a girly girl who is obviously into fashion, gets her spray tans, cares about her hair and enjoys being a woman! Let me tell you, she does NOT disappoint!! She is who she proclaims to be and what an honor to meet her and get some encouraging words from the woman I only get to see on tv!!

I wanted to tell her so much, you know about she has touched my heart, and how thankful I am that she stepped up for all women, and how she has shown me how to walk with the Lord faithfully with kids. But of course I was completely STARSTRUCK!! I mean besides being gorgeous, what has this woman not heard?? So I froze, I told her how much I loved her (3 times) and what an inspiration she was to me, I mean come on.....who hasn't told her this??? Bottom line, she rocks and I WILL be prepared at my next encounter with her.

Stella turned ONE, January 29th. We had a little dinner with just the grandparents, but look at all the gifts! She got much-needed clothes and some great toys! She will be having a party with 2 other friends, Hudson and Clara, at the end of February, who are also turning ONE. Can't wait to post pictures of that!

Playing with the book her sister got her.

My little terror. She is into every cabinet, every socket, the fireplace, loves to put things in her mouth that she finds on the floor, and she doesn't stop!! wow, she makes me tired just typing about her!

We visited the Circus with SP's class. Here is a picture of the elephants, our favorite. (Roll tide, haha)

The clown mask her class made.

We sugared her up that day. I mean thats what the circus is all about right? The sugar overload and of course, the light-up things that will cost you around 500 dollars. No not really, but will set you back about 20 bucks! crazy! (no we did not get one, are you kidding??)

Got some cotton candy, it was worth it because mommy wanted it more than Sittre Paige! We were glad that our daddy got to come with us, especially considering that we would NEVER buy tickets to just kill time and go to the circus! Sorry, I'm just NOT into the circus. Since this was a class trip, I am glad SP got to experience it, although after about 2 hours she was restless! The thing started at 10:30 and was over at 1:00! Yes, 1:00. This to me is a bit much for kids. I mean you expect them to sit there for 2 1/2 hours.....not happening. I wanted to run as far away from the BJCC as possible after that was over. Again the best thing to come out of the circus is the sugar overload!

Saying Goodbye

2010-02-07T11:17:00.000-08:00

This is the last picture I took with my grandmother on Christmas Eve.

I said goodbye to my precious grandmother Munner, on January 26th. Well, I actually got to say my goodbye to her about 2 weeks before then. She had a heart attack on Decemeber 31st and had to stay in the hospital, and long story short, her kidneys shut down, she developed ARDs which basically filled her lungs with fluid, and also developed obstructive bowel and the doctors basically told us there was nothing else they could do for her but make her comfortable.

She was so precious to my heart. She loved my girls so much and always called me to bring them to her house. I tried to go often. We talked atleast once a week and I think about her everyday. I find myself wanting to talk to her more and more as time goes on, its one of the hardest things to grasp that I can't. Since she knew she was dying, all her family was able to tell her goodbye. I can't explain how amazing this was. I got to spend alone time with her, we talked about all our times together, she made me laugh, she told me how beautiful she thought I was, she told me "if it weren't for bad luck, I would have no luck at all" (that was for me not her), and she told me she was ready to see Jesus. I knew she was ready to be over her suffering. Although my selfish flesh would have kept her here just for me.

Having to explain death to Sittre Paige has been interesting. We actually had to explain death to her this past summer when my parents cat got hit by a car and died while we were over at their house visiting. She of course got to know Munner, and asks about her alot. I could type all day about her funny questions and sayings. She went through a stage where she kept asking if she was going to die so we realized we might be telling her too much or maybe scaring her. Although we just told her when you die you get to see Jesus, I think when we tried to explain you don't come back she got paranoid. Again, trying to figure out how to be parents and learning as we go!!
She took many pictures with Munner and we keep them out so she will always remember her. Sittre Paige was so lucky to get to know her, I just feel bad Stella didn't get too.

I spoke at her funeral. I wanted to, because she was such a wonderful grandmother to me I couldn't let it go by without telling everyone. I had to type my speech out because the minute I get in front of people I freeze. I didn't think I was going to be able to open my mouth, but of course the peace of the Holy Spirit comforted my soul. He always comes through for me. But I was proud to speak about things we did together and to let people know that my grandmother knew Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. I miss her so badly and there probably won't be a day I don't think about her but I'm certainly glad to know that she is now Home.

Emergency Room and Engagements

2010-01-08T15:18:00.000-08:00

Does the blog title scare you? I know, we have officially started off 2010 with a bang!!! Literally, I guess.
This past Monday we where getting ready for my cousin's birthday/engagement party that night. Well the party was at 6pm so I was scrabbling trying to get the girls ready, because Jared walks in the house everyday from work at 5 so I was going to get him to feed Stella and then we would be off. So I was running behind, of course, and 5:15 I had a clean baby that was hungry and another child with a wet head. Sittre Paige always stands in a little chair in the bathroom that allows me to blow-dry her hair and brush her teeth. So I am finishing up my makeup and Sittre Paige is on her own planet, jamming out in the chair to the music in her head, waiting for me to come over and blow-dry her hair, and out of the corner of my eye, I see her foot slip. I turn my head and she is in mid-air, I leap to try and catch her but too late she falls and slams her head into the corner of the wall. I pick her up, trying to console her while she screams "my head hurts", so I turn her around and all I see is blood running through the back of her hair. Oh yes, many know that I am a "freaker-outer", but I really felt I kept my composure, for my daughter. I knew she was hurt. So Jared threw me a towel and I figured all I could do was apply pressure to the wound until it would stop bleeding then we could see exactly what kind of wound it was. So of course I am praying the whole time, because I don't know, if you have ever experienced a head injury but there happens to be lots of blood. Much, much more it seems than when she just falls and scraps her knee or something. So they towel is soaking up the blood and I finally peel it off her scalp to reveal a very tiny gash. Certainly nothing to be severly alarmed about but it didn't take rocket science to know that it was a gash that needed a couple stitches. Long story short, I refused to go to Childrens downtown e.r. to sit there for 20 hours, so we ended up calling the children's hospital on Acton Road and thank the Lord they have "after hour care" and said to just come on. So we threw everyone in the car thinking it would be a quick trip and we could get to the party. Well, is anything ever quick in the medical world??!! No. We walked in at 5:45 and walked out at 8pm. I know, I was totally bummed out. I wanted so badly to be at the party for my cousin. I tell you, kids. They just can sometimes totally bust up your plans. Anyway, posted some pictures of us in the hospital room.

3 Stitches

hanging out waiting on the numbing creme to kick in. Which took about 45 minutes, but it was worth it because Sittre Paige didn't even flinch when the Dr. was putting the stitches in.

Since we missed the party, I put up a picture of my cousin and her future husband, Cory. We love him so much. He and his Dad own Big Boltons Barbeque in Springville. He is soooo funny and down to Earth. I am really excited about him becoming part of the family!! I hate we missed their engagement party but we are super excited for them and can't wait to be there for them on the big day!! Congratulations Cory and Kaitlin!!!

Jared also had a cousin get engaged this past weekend. Her name is Kerry and she got engaged in Central Park in New York City......I know, amazing right??!! We are super excited for her and her future husband Danny. Congratulations Danny and Kerry!! Looks like an eventful year already for both our families.

South Carolina on my mind

2010-01-03T17:38:00.000-08:00

(Wrote this blog during a very emotional moment this past Sunday, January 3rd)

Today we left my baby brother Jacob in South Carolina.

I knew this day was coming just was never prepared for it. We left for South Carolina Friday morning at 2am so the kids could sleep and so we could have a full weekend preparing my brothers new apartment. Not to mention my brother had to pull a Uhaul behind his truck so we knew it was going to be a long ride. We arrived at 10am central time and walked into an awesome 1-bedroom apartment in Hilton Head, actually Bluffton, right outside Hilton Head, but its all the same, I mean he is 10 minutes from the beautiful beach......does it get any better?? We unloaded all the furniture and it took a couple hours to get everything set up, we then made our way to Walmart to get my brother all his essentials, mostly FOOD, to make it over the next couple weeks. We all fell asleep pretty fast, it was a busy day. Saturday was reserved for shopping and sight-seeing Jacob's beautiful new place he will call home for the next 16 months. We had such a great day, we shopped the outlets, visited the beach, had some yummy food, signed the apartment lease, shopped for more food at Kroger and finished hanging curtains and other things in the apartment. Before we knew it, everyone was in bed and it was just my brother and I sitting on the couch together. We sat there together until 2 am. Granted, he was playing xbox and I was typing a blog but we still talked and laughed. It was an awesome ending to a great trip, just me and my brother hanging out. We woke up Sunday morning, went to see his college, and then said goodbye. A very emotional goodbye for everyone in my family.
I miss him so much. already. Its 8 o'clock right now and I just miss my brother. I took a long shower when we got home and basically can't hold back the tears. I am so excited for him and tomorrow morning at 9 am he will start his new life. He will start a life-long career in a sport he is very good at. Golfing is his life, ever since his middle school days on the golf team leading into highschool, and now as a college student. But really does his new life have to be 2 states away from his sister??!! I mean, he has stepped out on a limb by himself. I wish I could be with him. Certainly not in school, but just be there with him, for support. This is going to sound silly, but I don't feel as complete with him not near. I don't know if its the fact that he is growing up or the fact that in these next 16 months I can't just call him to run up to my house. This is going to take some major adjusting. I mean I know he will always need his sister.....wink wink. And I will always, always, always be here for whatever he may need. He just has to say the word and its done. I love him like I love my own children, he will forever be my baby brother.

Pictures from our trip this past weekend.

Silly Brother-in-laws

Jacob's life for the next 16 months.

His apartment

Jacob and Stella

Our family on Hilton Head beach. Can't wait to be there in bathing suits!!

I love you Jacob. I support you and am so excited about your future! I am always here for you.

New blog post below.

Goodbye Racecar Baby

2010-01-02T21:16:00.000-08:00

A much-needed UPDATE on my angel Stella. We have said GOODBYE to her helmet!!! Yes, it is officially gone and her head is beautiful!! I stare at it all the time. I mean she really does have such a pretty head, probably because it was so bad before I just didn't realize what kind of "shaping up" the helmet would provide. Everytime Jared catches me staring at Stella he says, "look at that $2500 head". Gasp......I know, thank you Lord for health insurance. I don't really know how to explain the whole evaluation of losing the helmet but I will give it a shot if you care to read, this is just in a nutshell, and basically from MY perspective of how the helmet thing works. They measure the head by taking a scan of the entire head and then dividing it down the middle. How they get the measurement number is how many millimeters the right side of the head is off from the left side or vice versa. When we took her to her first head scan her measurement was 10.2 millimeter, meaning her right side of her head was off by 10.2 milimeters to the left side. Make sense? Probably not I am the worst explainer of things!! So if your are reading this and don't get it, its me not you. Anyway, her last head scan on December 31st showed that she was down to 7 millimeters!!!! I mean the best news in the whole wide world, considering a 6 and below is considered "normal" head range. So its still off 1 millimeter, but we had to toss the helmet because actually she outgrew it. We knew this would be a possibility with the helmet, they either get the head in the "normal" range or the child outgrows the helmet before time is up. Stella was suppose to have the helmet until her 1st birthday on January 29th but her growth rate was speedy so we knew the helmet would be off earlier than expected. Still extremely excited about the progress we made and can't believe its actually over. It seems like yesterday I was typing about getting the helmet. We will return at 18 months for another head scan just to see if there has been anymore improving on her own. So, goodbye "racecar baby", as one little boy called my daughter in a store. A funny reaction to seeing a baby in a helmet, I guess. The poor mom was devastated her son had pointed this out, but I couldn't quit laughing, because that was a true reaction from a child and again goes to prove you never know whats going to come out of their mouths.

Another story about the helmet, we were in Bass Pro Shop one day and I was, I guess you could call it rare form, just in an ill mood because it was severely crowded and I just felt everyone was staring at my baby and her accessory. Now almost the whole 2 1/2 months she wore it I didn't get offended at the stares or whispers but on this particular day I was just touchy. I thought okay the next person I catch staring at her I going to throw a punch, okay see, this is just horrible. But we turned down an aisle and noticed a father and son shopping. The father kept looking at Stella and I thought okay, you know what, I've had it. After a couple minutes he finally walked up to me and said "you have a beautiful daughter". I said a not so polite thanks, thinking he was just saying that to make up for all the staring he did. Then he said "I understand this", Jared and I were like "huh"?? He said, "my son here had to wear one for 2 years and it wasn't easy". I wanted to break down (I mean TWO YEARS!!!), I said "I know, and I just feel like everyone is staring at her today and its just upsetting". He said, "don't worry about them, look at my son, its worth it". I almost tackled him with a hug, I know God sent him to me that day. Just confirming once again we were doing the right thing for our baby, bringing the humbleness back, and knowing that God delivers. Always. Always.

Again, its sort-of shocking that the journey is over. I wasn't mentally prepared for it to be over a month early.

It was so short, it was sooooo hard the very first 2 weeks of having it, it was so rewarding spiritually, it was an extra step to my day that is now gone, it was humility as a parent, it was enjoyment seeing Sittre Paige giving kisses to Stella on the helmet like she could actually feel them, it was relief when Stella would fall and hit her head because it provided protection, its security knowing we did what we knew was right as parents, its fulfillment in my Savior for being with me every step, and last but not least, it was worth it.

Other than that, Stella turns ONE on January 29th, she is such a pleasure to us. A stress-free baby is a good way to describe her. She just goes with the flow, completely fine doing whatever we are doing. I am totally in love with her and her personality. A total opposite from her sister, don't get me wrong we love having Mrs. drama living with us, but Stella just brings a beautiful calmness into the family. Her ways are just so graceful, even as a baby. Now, I have been warned about a good baby.................they turn into bad toddlers. I am nervous, because SP was a, ummm, not so good baby but an awesome tot. So we shall see, fingers crossed.

Some of Stella's milestones (to us) at 11 months:

*walking, not perfect, and she gets nervous when she finally realizes she is doing it by herself. We have ordered Stella her first pair of shoes, squeakies, these shoes actually making a squeak every time she takes a step. Some find this highly annoying, I find these shoes hilarious and am actually excited about the noise.

*says mama, dada, and ho,ho,ho

*claps uncontrollably when we say "Yeah, Stella"

*waves her hand to "bye-bye" and we are pretty sure she also says "bye" with the wave, but its high-pitched and very fast

*has crawled up to at least the 5th step on our staircase with no assistance (I swear we are watching her)

*will lean forward with her mouth wide-open when she wants a kiss

*has eaten these table foods (all chopped in baby-fine pieces of course): chicken nuggets, cheese puffs, ritz crackers, vanilla wafers, green beans, carrots, banana, biscuit, spaghetti, toast, cheerios and rice. She loves "our" food. She still gets baby food and 4 bottles a day, but with her 8 teeth she can handle a lot of our food, and actually seems to enjoy just chewing.

*uses a sippy cup

*points her first finger and yells/talks to anyone looking

*lays her head down on a pillow when we say, "Stella go night-night"

wow, this makes me realize how great she is growing and how lucky I am to have a healthy baby. The one thing she is not doing.......will not, not, not, hold her own bottle..........simply refuses. Just has ZERO interest in feeding herself, wants to be held with her arms down by her side and if you even attempt to put her hands on the bottle she will curl up her fingers or simply slap the bottle out of your hand. Apparently she has decided to grow up at her own pace. She is lovely.

Lovely baby Stella, I guess if I could describe her in one word, it would be lovely. I always do that, try to think of one word to describe my kids at the current time. I don't know, I'm weird. (If you are wondering the one word to describe Sittre Paige right now, God love her, she's just like her mom.......................emotional.)

I'm dreaming of a PINK Christmas.....

2009-12-29T09:23:00.000-08:00

Wow. Christmas is over. I sort of already miss it. What a blessing to have another wonderful Christmas with my family. Every year I think it doesn't get any better than this but then the following year brings more great joy. Jared takes 2 weeks off at the end of the year so we get a LOT of time with our daddy and it is much needed!!
This year Christmas took on a different meaning for us, and for many reasons, learning the true value of your health, the health of your children, the love and support of awesome friends and family, and the power of prayer, lots and lots of prayer. I say this because really the only ones who probably read this blog already know I battle Crohn's disease and have been dealing with a "flare-up" since August. I can't seem to get in remission and its been a trying past couple of months. With 2 colonoscopys, 2 blood transfusions, the question of having my large intestine removed, and the realization that when its all said and done health is all you have, has kinda taken a toll on our family. No need to feel sorry for me or our family though, with this being said, we just truly felt the meaning of Christmas this year and have been so grateful to our Savior that we got to spend another year together. I pray there are many more Christmas' with my husband and daughters but couldn't be more thankful for the ones I have already had. I have been clinging to Psalm 34:19, which states, "many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all". God revealed this verse to me during one of my blood transfusions and I know God gave me this battle for His glory. Although I often feel sorry for myself (because I am a crybaby, I totally own that) I believe God has plans to deliver me from this disease. I have always believed there will be an ultimate healing for me, just never know when or really even how, but I fear God enough to not lose my faith in Him. Trust me, my faith has seen some verrry low times these past couple months but I can't give up on my Savior and I KNOW He is not giving up on me. This disease is worth it even if just one person says, "look how God has changed her life, maybe he can change mine too". Because he can change your life, He has been working on mine for the past couple years and I am so thankful He stepped in and began a transformation on me. It still amazes me how he could even want to take such a wretched, selfish sinner and turn my life around. I feel like Paul in the bible, worst sinner in the world turned by the sheer, beautiful grace of God. I love Paul by the way, I have been reading Beth Moore's, "To live is Christ" book and its just such proof that I serve a forgiving, merciful God who WANTS to save. Man, I love Jesus.
Anyway, I went off, sorry, thats the point of a blog right? I mean this has certainly been a journal entry but its so awesome that my family and friends want to know the updates on my health, you deserve to know. So many have been praying and this is where I stand. Still not in remission, but I refuse to give up my faith. Thankful that my children are healthy and my husband is more supportive than my stinkin bra! Seriously!! He is a rockstar.

These are just some pictures skimming the surface of our December, and the sad thing is we were busy but said "no" to many gatherings this Christmas season due to the fact that we wanted lots of family time. Certainly never want to refuse good food and friends but with my lack of energy it just wasn't happening. Nevertheless, made it through another month.

A much-needed dinner with my best girlfriends. We NEVER get to spend time together, well atleast not the kind of time we want too! This was way to great of a night, and just to recap, Caris on the left is in Atlanta and Lauren on the right is in Prattville. We know we will all be together again one day.Stella's first Christmas gift from Pops and Lovey. This is actually a very neat gift because as you can see below, its a Baby Stella doll. This is Stella giving her a big kiss.

I mean she has to have a Baby Stella, they even have the same amount of hair.

Happy Birthday Jesus. You are the reason. Sittre Paige sort of took over the baking this year, fine with me since I am no cook. I mean I am talking hand-mixer and all! She picked out the cake, and thought Jesus would appreciate a pink cake. But we did stress the white icing since Jesus makes your sins as white as snow.

Ahh, my favorite moment of Christmas. My scared Stella. I laugh so hard when I see this picture because she can only take the bearded man from a distance. She was NOT having this. I love it, its such a classic picture of a scared child. My mother taught her to say "ho,ho,ho" this season, which is even way cuter than this picture.

Lovey and Stella before the Santa meltdown.

Spreading reindeer food in our backyard. Apparently reindeer food consists of granola and glitter. yum.

Pops and Sittre Paige at Bass Pro.

Sittre Paige and her friends in 3K, Savannah and Lauren. This was their Christmas party. They had pizza, cupcakes, and did a book exchange.

Of course her daddy had to come to the party.

This was at the Zoolight Safari with her dance class. They performed on stage in their Christmas tutus. Then we rode the train and carousel. I wish I had posted a picture of the carousel ride because Sittre Paige chose the beautiful warthog to ride on. She makes me laugh.

This was yet another performance at Sittre Paiges 3K school. This was their Christmas Program. They had to wear their pj's. The songs were so cute and my daughter went big at this particular part.

A picture of us at the Zoolight Safari after the dance performance. And yes, this is how Sittre Paige prefers to be carried all the time. Poor daddy. Stella was enjoying her puffs.

Okay, we have been hearing since SEPTEMBER, that Sittre Paige wants a "stage, microphone and guitar". So we searched the web trying to purchase a stage. We realized early on this wasn't going to happen, because well, they just don't make stages. So just wanted to share the beautiful work of a very dedicated daddy. Please also note the pink stand-up mic, and somewhere in the gifts is a pink guitar. Yes my friends, we have pinked out the house this year.

A side note, if you really care? Of course, we do "santa" (if we didn't our kids wouldn't get any toys EVER) but we tried to make him very unimportant this year, because really......who cares? Sure I want my children to have this tradition, its just not going to be the emphasis. This year, Sittre Paige actually understood the whole Santa thing, so everytime she mentioned his name we stressed how he was not important, the real reason for Christmas, Jesus' Birth, and how you better be good because "Jesus" is watching you. Now listen, we are NOT perfect parents, we AREN'T trying to be, we don't even know if we parent correctly?? We are actually pretty sure we don't parent correctly, haha, everyone raises their children differently. We just had such a stress-free Christmas putting emphasis on our Wonderful Savior and not the gifts. I highly recommend it.

I will post some more pictures with Jareds family. I haven't uploaded all the pictures, these were just the first.

Sweet November

2009-11-29T17:44:00.000-08:00

I wish I could write more blogs but with this life and these kids, I can really only get one in a month! So you get a glimpse of our life in monthly increments. Speaking of months, where did November go?? I just can't believe its over, it was a semi-busy month with trips to the pumpkin patch, Christmas Village, a long awaited movie came out, 3K Thanksgiving Feast, UA football trip, a special girl turned FOUR and another very special girl turned 10 months. Life is flying by and I'm trying to take in as many moments as I can.

Sittre Paige turned 4 this month. I still can't wrap my head around this. I mean I remember the day we brought her home. This is so bittersweet, I am so proud of the little girl she has become but at the same time I get sad that she is actually growing up.

We had her birthday party at Pump It Up, an inflatable jumping zone. This is a camera she got, I might upload some pics from her camera because it is soooo blog worthy! She has taken pictures of everything from our Christmas tree to the fans on our ceiling. It is very interesting and hilarious what a 4 year old considers picture-worthy.

Her party room.

Opening gifts.

Ready for the presents.

Sisters.

Her birthday cake.

Having jumping fun.

Her friends.

Stella at the party.

Thanksgiving Day after all the family had left, I should have taken more pictures of all the aunts, uncles and grandparents. opps.

my brother, jared, me, cory, and Kaitlin after an awesome thanksgiving meal.

Roll Tide. These are the girls in their game day attire. Jared's mom made their matching skirts.

The grandkids on Jareds side of the family.

My 10 month old. She is so sweet.

Daddy and daughter.

This was Sittre Paige's 3K Thanksgiving Feast.

Her friend Annie.

Daddy and Sittre Paige eating.

Her super cute shirt her class made.

The placemat they made.

This was a trip to the Pumpkin Patch at Camp Coleman with Sittre Paige's class. This would happen to be the only picture I would get that day because my camera ran out of battery!! I was upset but they had a great hayride, walked on the nature trail, got to pick out a pumpkin, roasted marshmellows and ate lunch together. It was a good trip and I got to hear funny stories about my daughter from other moms. Apparently my daughter has TWO boyfriends. Wish she would tell us.

Okay, here are the Twi-Moms. This is what they call moms who are obsessed with the "Twilight" series. We proudly accept this name. We are a group of women who have read every chapter in all 4 books. We got away from reality to watch "New Moon" and it was amazing. Every second of the movie was incredible, of course nothing compares to a book but it was everything I wanted it to be. We didn't make the midnight showing but you can bet when the 3rd movie "Eclipse" comes out in June of 2010 we will be there! Great girl time!

And last but certainly not least, my brother is moving to Hilton Head, South Carolina at the end of December. I just wanted to post a picture of him on the beautiful beach of where he will be living. I can't think about the thought of him being in another state, it brings tears. Although it breaks my heart and I will miss him dearly I am so very proud of the man he has become. He will attend the Professional Golfers Career College for 16 months and earn an associates degree. We are making the trip to Hilton Head for a few days on Jan 1st to help him move in his apartment and I am so excited to see the beach, watch my brother start his new life, and help with the "decorating" of the new bach-pad. Hopefully this will be a quick 16 months and he will start his career in Alabama because he has a sister and 2 nieces that really can't live without him.

Pollination

2009-11-06T15:42:00.000-08:00

Well, Halloween has come and gone, really I was already over it by the time it got here. I am usually so excited about getting my girls dressed up but this year I was kinda just over it. I know, I know it is super fun seeing your kids in costumes and my camera hog a.k.a. Sittre Paige loves to dress up in anything so I guess it was entertaining. Anyway, I tried to "coordinate" the girls for Stella's 1st Halloween and couldn't really come up with anything just brilliant, so a bee and a flower it was which resulted in "pollination".......this is coordinating, right? Sittre Paige really didn't want to be a bumble bee at first, she prefered Hannah Montana but after some begging from me she agreed. Jared chose Stella's outfit because to us she is just such a sweetheart, reminded him of a flower plus we loved the big petals on her head!!

Okay, hope everyone had a great Halloween! If you're like me you have already consumed about half of your childs candy and gained some pounds in the process.

our bumble bee

our flower

my baby and I

the girls.....notice Stella's FOUR top teeth! Not to mention she has her bottom 2 as well, this child is chewing on everything including alot of our table food!

sweetness

camera hog

the sisters

Okay, bring on Thanksgiving! I am ready for some turkey and dressing and some good family time. Also my Sittre Paige turns 4 on November 28th! I can't believe I have a four year old! This is crazy! Hopefully she will have a birthday party......if her mom will start planning it!!

Stella had her 9 month check up this week, and basically she is right on track, pulling up on all our furniture, crawling, eating our food, and growing 19pds and 27 in long. The helmet is going good, it has basically become an accessory to her wardrobe. We have again been very blessed by the people we have met, stories we have heard and the humor when we hear kids say stuff about it. Even through our daily struggles, God continues to shine His light on our family.

We will be humble

2009-10-23T16:22:00.000-07:00

Well, this is a blog I never wanted to post, actually never wanted to think about. But Jared and I have decided to be so incredibly thankful for this upcoming experience, and most importantly thankful that God chose our family to share this journey. We will humble ourselves before the Lord and commit in these next 90 days to share God's love with anyone who is curious about our Stella.
Trying to make a LONG story short, if you keep up with our family, or even our blog you know that precious Stella has been in Physical Therapy since she was 5 months to correct "torticollis". Basically this in greek means "twisted neck". She was diagnosed with this because as an infant she has only turned her head to the right. We noticed this at her 4 month check up and by that time she was bad enough to require therapy. I didn't go into the whole therapy thing on the blog because I thought it would be something easily treatable. Well during the therapy time her physical therapist noticed her head shape. She was becoming flat on the side she laid on the most and sort of "bulging" on the side that she never turned her head, so we took Stella back to her peditrician who then diagnosed Stella with "plagiocephaly". This in greek means "flat head". We were then referred to a specialist at Childrens Hospital. So thats where we were 3 weeks ago. We saw a wonderful doctor at Childrens who recommended we have Stella's head scanned to see if she was in the range that required a helmet. Soooooo, are you keeping up?? I feel scattered trying to type the whole story......anyway, Stella went for the scan and of course, she was HIGHLY recommended for a helmet. Thats where we are at.

You might be asking what has caused all this?? We don't know for sure, we blame ourselves alot of the time for not noticing alot of signs early on, and then we have been told this is also a side effect to premature births or "trauma" births, which Stella had both being born at 34 weeks due to my preeclampsia. We are literally tired of trying to figure out the cause and now are focused on the solution, which is giving Stella the most beautiful, roundest head out there!!

I have had my pity party for my baby. It's OVER. Stella has to wear this helmet for the next 3 months for 23 hours a day. I cried alot during the 2 weeks we waited for her custom helmet, and today was my first day out of the house with Stella and "the helmet". Alot of stares, alot of abnormal looks, and I even had a man come up and ask me actually why she had a helmet on. Not to mention he called my baby in a pink helmet a BOY!!! Seriously, I am laughing. I have a feeling this next 90 days are going to probably be very interesting. But look what God has given me??!! An opportunity. wow. Our God has given my family an opportunity to shine His light. I am so thankful. It brings tears to my eyes to think that baby Stella can be a conversation starter to share the good news. Jesus saves. We said in the "about me" section of our blog that we wanted our blog to be inspirational.....its time to LIVE it. So we will, we will step out of our little all too comfortable comfort zone and get the word out. God gave us this journey and we will humble ourselves, knowing that we are faithfully working for the King. I hope to share stories that we encounter on our blog. But in advance thank you to all who support our family. We are so beyond thankful for our loving friends and family, there is nothing greater on Earth!

Here we go, on a journey that won't last long but will prayerfully make a big impact in someone's life. To God be the Glory.

Stella- turns 9 months October 29th

Truly an angel.

Fall Fun

2009-10-04T19:14:00.001-07:00

Fall is here! You can feel it in the air! I think I am going to say this is my favorite time of year......yeah it is. There is just something about wind blowing your hair, leaves falling off the trees, the smell of wood burning from fireplaces, wearing jackets, sitting outside with a blanket watching SP ride her bike and even turning my dial from air to heat in my car, I love it!!!! This past week Stella enjoyed a playdate with just her friends, Clara and Mattie, and then we went to Homestead Hollow in Springville. Which I guess is really just a outdoor craft festival with great food. We had great family time and got a much-needed pumpkin sign for our front yard. Fall decorations are up and we are spending as much time outside as possible!

At Homestead Hollow, just finishing up some good food.

Our pumpkin sign for our front yard, SP picked it out.

SP was dying to have a real pumpkin, the fake yard sign would not please her so her daddy bought the DIVA one.

my precious family. thank you Lord for allowing me to be a wife and mother. Truly I feel so unworthy to hold these positions.

Stella's friend, Clara came to visit this past week and the girls had some much fun together. They played so good together, just extremely pleasant babies.

Can anyone say......teething???

This is Stella's other friend, Mattie. The girls love to go walking around Trussville and the Trussville Antique Mall. Sittre Paige is in school when we go walking so this makes for an easy trip out.

All she wants to do is DANCE, DANCE

2009-09-23T20:54:00.000-07:00

Will somebody please get this girl some MUSIC!!???! Its official, Sittre Paige started dance class a couple weeks ago and we haven't been able to get her to sit still since. She is shaking that hinny 24/7! We laugh so hard at her coordination, because well, lets just call her a "free spirit". I am nervous about her class though, she is in the 4-5 yr old class, and she doesn't actually turn 4 until November, so she could possibly look like she can't keep up? Jared thinks I'm a nerd and who cares? But I would rather her look awesome in the 3-4 yr class then look like a goob in the 4-5 yr class?? Am I making sense? Okay, I'm over worrying about that, here are some pics from her first night going to dance class. Jared took her and he said he was the only dad/male in the building, what a great dad!! (Although he complained, he said it was interesting listening to all the lady gossip going on.............and then said all women are freaks)

Showing off her dance bag, she is loving carrying this thing around.

Had to post a picture of my bald-baby Stella......still no hair but still more precious everyday. There is some fuzz, if you look really close! She turns 8 months on the 29th. We have had a major accomplishment, she is finally in her crib!! After 8 months in our bedroom, in a pack-and-play, I come home one night to find my husband has laid her to sleep in her own room. I did want to strangle him, but truly it was the only way she was going, he had to do it. This would not have worked if it had been left up to me. I missed her the first couple of nights and then realized the awesome sleep I was getting due to the fact that I am not being woke up at all hours of the night by her "talking". Nonetheless, the girl is stinkin amazing, wonderful baby.

Sittre Paige and Daddy

I thought I loved you then....

2009-09-15T09:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, well, I said it was coming, atleast I warned you but I wanted to write about my man. He is so deserving of a good, sappy blog. Our anniversary is coming up on September 25th, and I have pretty much been excited about this day for the past couple of months, I don't really know why, but its our 5 years and I just feel that is sort of exciting?? 5 is just such a good number to me, its a stand-out number, anyway, I met Jared on October 26th, 1996...........yep, that long ago. We were in youth group together and we had never met until this night. We went to Judgement House at some church (I can't think of the name...Crestview?? I don't know) and we were all sitting in the pews waiting to go through and my friend Leah and I were being girls and decided we needed some gum, so we went around asking and Jared just happened to be who we bumped into. He was sitting with a couple other guys. Of course, Jared had some winterfresh gum, and pulled it out of his pocket and gave us pieces. Now, this next part could be laughable to some, but from the bottom of my heart the minute I laid eyes on Jared.......I knew. This is weird, I know, but seriously at the time, being so young, I felt so connected to him, again like I just knew this was someone who was going to be in my life. I can remember everything about that night, from what Jared was wearing, to how I immediately felt toward him and being on the bus going home thinking how weird I was for thinking this way. Am I sounding psycho yet?? Its okay, when I talk to Jared about that night, he thinks I'm weird too. Anyway, thats how we met and I haven't stopped thinking about him ever since. Of course we wouldn't start dating for about 3 years after that due to age, which is a whole other very long and complicated story. But I can remember a couple years later before we started dating, praying one night, saying to God how I knew there was something special about Jared and I just couldn't put it all together but I was asking Him to prepare us for each other if we were meant to be husband and wife.
Its funny now when I look back, because I will run into other girls I was in youth with back then who I haven't seen in forever and they can remember how I used to say I was going to marry Jared Jones, and that I actually did. Love is just so funny sometimes, you grow up thinking you have to date all these guys to find the right one, and some people do, and then there are others who meet one person and thats it for the rest of your life. God is so good in all situations.

Anyway, 5 years after we had dated we decided it was time, so we got married and the rest is history. Jared and I look back on our first year of marriage and remember how easy it was.....you know just us two. I don't think I could have gotten any happier our first year, life was just easy, I got a million butterflies in my stomach driving back from Tuscaloosa everyday just thinking how I get to spend the night with Jared, living in our very first house, washing Jared's clothes as a wife, cooking dinner together, all our first holidays, grocery shopping together, our emergency room trip when Jared damaged my foot during a game of "trust", sleeping in every Saturday and then waking up and going to eat breakfast, and finding out we were pregnant with our first baby girl. Jared and I never struggled with that "adjusting to living with another person" thing. We had a blast and were glued at the hip. I owe him the biggest hug for making all my dreams come true. When your a little girl, you picture a fairytale and I truly got mine. From the moment I met him, to our wedding day, our amazing honeymoon in NYC and even 5 years later I look at him and think......is he really MY husband?
I haved loved Jared for 13 years, and I thought I couldn't love him anymore than I did on our wedding day, but I do. Now, don't get me wrong here, we have had our times when we have wanted to put each other in a choke-hold but I can say that our marriage is at its finest right now because God has complete control over our marriage and our lives. He is center of attention and that makes this marriage so sweet. Praying with my husband at night is one of the things I look forward to the most during the day. We are so rich in blessings, and give all credit to our Maker.

To the sweetest man who walked the planet, who understands me and yet still loves me, who I have 2 precious daughters with, who makes me laugh so hard I cry, who goes to EVERY Dr. appt with me, who scratches my back, who has given me a reason to be excited about growing older.............Happy Anniversary, I love you Jared with all my heart, I truly always have.

okay, everybody can go barf now :)

School Day, School Day

2009-09-12T06:11:00.000-07:00

Okay, I posted a blog back to back, but hey I actually had some down time so why not? Well, Sittre Paige started K3, I am okay with this, I teared up a couple times her first day, it was just a bittersweet feeling. She is now going to be in school for the next, 15 years. Of course, she can't get enough of it and asks me everyday if she can go to school. I don't see this happening alot as she gets older. she goes on tuesday and thursday from 9-2, which gives me great time to spend with the baby. I am excited about her learning, making new friends, and trying to stay on the green light. Yes, the discipline system is the red light- green light. Red of course means, she didn't have such a great day, and green means she is doing what she is suppose to. As of right now she has remained on the green, but my dad has informed me that when she does happen to get on the red light to not be too upset since, in his words, "I owned the red light". Again dad, I apologize for being a social child.

First Day of K3, she was ready to start posing for the camera. When she got in the car after her first day I asked what she did that day, and she responded ever so excitedly...."we played and went to the POTTY.....they have red, blue and purple POTTY MOM!" I am assuming these are the colors in the bathroom??? I don't know for sure but apparently she enjoyed her bathroom break.

With her backpack and lunchbox. we love pink.

another pose

This was her "Meet the Teacher Day" We went to meet her teacher Mrs. Ashley. She is so super sweet and Sittre Paige says she is beautiful! She got to meet some of her classmates this day and they made ladybug cookies and played with playdoh. Her class theme is "ladybugs". I signed up for Head Room Mom.....I know I am a dork, I can't help it.

On Labor Day, we went to visit our friends Lauren and John and have lunch, they got married in April and they now live in Prattville. We decided it would be a good day to visit the newlyweds. It was nice to talk with my best bud in person and not over the phone. I think we could talk for days!! She took these pictures of the girls in the collage. I personally think she is missing her calling and should totally be a photographer. She is an amazing picture taker. We had such a great time with them, I miss her so much and wait for the day she is back in Birmingham....fingers crossed.

On our way down to Prattville, we stopped by Peach Park and got some ice cream and enjoyed the outdoor swings. Stella also got her first taste of banana ice cream.....she almost took my hand off.

Swinging with my baby.

This is Stella in Sunday School, just thought I would post a picture of the princess in her sweet dress.

Goodbye Summer

2009-09-12T04:45:00.000-07:00

Well, summer is over and personally I couldn't be more excited about fall, leaves changing colors, Alabama football and pumpkins and some good feeling weather! I posted some pictures of things we did in August to wrap up our summer. Enjoy~

Okay, this is a preview of Halloween, we still haven't decided for sure, but as of right now Stella will be a flower. Sittre Paige is still up in the air of what she wants to be?? Of course whatever she will be it will be MAJOR girly. So I can almost bet she will be some sort of princess, shocker I know.

Stella hanging out in her stroller, she was about 7 months here.

This was a random Friday night hanging out with my brother and his girlfriend, Bre. My brother often feels I neglect him now that I have children so I have to show him some love every once in a while. oh how i love him.

This was at a birthday party for one of Sittre Paige's friend, super cute, at the Trussville Playstation and this is Jared trying to teach her to putt-putt. We are thinking she doesn't really understand the concept of this game due to the fact she carries her ball to the edge of the hole and then proceeds to knock it in......sometimes.

Here are the girls hanging out at home one day, Stella is 6 months here. Sittre Paige loves to hold Stella.

This was the Princess Dance camp she attended for a week at Beverlys. This was the deciding factor that she will dance in the fall. She absolutely enjoyed herself so much, we had a blast watching her.

Princess Dance Camp again

Sister Love

We took Sittre Paige to see Beauty and the Beast play at the Leeds Theater and Art Center. It was a great play, she very much enjoyed watching Belle and then being able to meet her.

Jared and the girls, well Stella showing off her cute bloomers

These are the girls cousins, Jareds sisters kids, Cory, Brady, and Abby. They live in Ohio and when they come to visit Sittre Paige gets extremely excited. She loves them so much, we only wished they lived closer.

Best Buds.

Stella

And last but not least, Jared turned 30 this summer. He was totally okay with turning this age, didn't even phase him. And why would it? He has 3 girls who love him more than he can ever imagine!

Okay, well theres the last of our summer, Sittre Paige started K3, which calls for another blog soon, so I will try to get on that! She did some major posing for the camera on her first day.

Stella is close to 8 months old!!! I can't understand where the time went?? She is trying so hard to crawl, we are constantly on the floor with her trying to help, she is in that stage where she has one leg propped up and is rocking back and forth so she is close. The question is, am I ready for her to be doing this and getting into everything??

Other than that I happen to be very excited about September 25th. This is my 5 year anniversary to my Jared. I plan to write a very sappy blog about my man so if you want to barf stay tuned!

ROLL TIDE!!!

Another one bites the dust

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

On August 1, 2009 my very best friend got married, it was an absolutely gorgeous wedding and so much fun. We had a blast the entire weekend and it was certainly a family affair. I was a Matron of Honor, Jared was a groomsman and Sittre Paige was a flowergirl. We were so honored to be apart of Jeff and Caris' big day and excited about their future together. They will live in ATL for a year and hopefully we can get them back to Birmingham to live near us! Our dream is to be neighbors eventually!!

Another bites the dust was the song they were announced to as the new Mr. and Mrs. Fairfax

Here is a glimpse inside their big day......

My brother Jacob, and his girlfriend Bre with us at the reception.

Got to dance with my baby brother. Is he not so handsome??

Losing our straps at the reception, this is a typical pose for us.

Is there anything better in the whole world than to dance with the person you are madly in love with? I would marry this man all over again, we actually celebrate our 5 year anniversay in September. Truly, the best 5 years of my life.

Our family minus Stella

Pops and Sittre Paige dancing at the reception

My gorgeous best friend

My college girlfriends, Caris, me, Jodie, Lauren, Ashley and Bonnie. You are looking at the reason I stayed in college. They always say your college friends are your friends for life and this statement couldn't be more true with us. Although we all live in different cities and states these are the girls I will grow old with.

The flowergirl, shes becoming quite the pro at this, which is scary how much she loves the attention. I never would have thought my daughter would have walked down the aisle by herself with the biggest smile on her face. She truly makes me want to cry. She is such a big girl.

My favorite part of the outfit, the monogramed sash

Can a bride get any more beautiful??

Taking pictures

loving the camera of course.

Okay, there is some pics of the big day, I will upload more pictures of our summer soon, we have been major busy and the sad thing is the calendar is still full. We thought our life would slow down after the wedding but we are sadly mistaken. Our calendar has become never-ending.

Stella is now 6 months old, eating baby food, sitting up on her own, has her 2 bottom teeth, and growing like crazy. I can't not believe she is halfway through her first year of life! Her physical therapy for her neck is going really well, she only has 1 more appt and then she is finished. She is a new baby and is now able to hold her head up with no trouble. Its time to start crawling!

Sittre Paige starts K3 in a month, and we register her for dance next weekend. We put her in a Princess dance camp this summer to see if this is something she would enjoy doing before we signed her up for a whole year. Well, soccer is certainly not her thing but dancing is! She shined, and I actually cried when we got to watch the class perform. She truly LOVES to dance, and learned so much during this time. Poor baby has my coordination...which is hardly any....but its just so cute to watch your child twirl around with no care in the world. I can't wait to watch her at the dance recital next May! I can't believe she turns 4 in November. Time is unfair.

As far as for us, we are looking forward to fall, Alabama football, and taking our girls down to Tuscaloosa to tailgate wearing their crimson and houndstooth. Actually going to a game would be really nice too!

Our Life Through Pictures

2009-07-04T06:10:00.000-07:00

Since I am not able to blog very much lately, here are some pictures taken of us this past month! We are enjoying watching Stella grow more and more everyday and are excited that Sittre Paige starts 3K in the fall. But until then you can find us at the pool!

Stella hanging out in the stroller. She loves to go on walks.

This is Sittre Paige's new best friend now that Stella needs more attention.

Sittre Paige during the VBS program at our church.

Sittre Paige and her best friend Kenley Grace at the beach.

Stella and Hudson hanging out.

Stella floating in the pool.

Sittre Paige on the beach trip posing in her new swimsuit that Lulee bought her.

Stella and Jared hanging out in the pool, Stella loves floating and we love the pool, so it works!

This is my best friend Caris who will be getting married on August 1st. Caris is truly the most beautiful person on the inside and certainly out! I can't wait to stand beside her as her matron when she becomes Mrs. Fairfax!

Stella at 5 months. I still can't believe how fast time has flown.

This is us on Fathers Day, the sun was a little bright for all of us. The candid shots are great but we are having professional family pictures made at the end of the month!

This is how the girls play during the day. Sittre Paige loves to entertain Stella and Stella enjoys watching.

Stella at 4 months. Her dr. appt went well, she is now weighing 14 pounds and 23 1/2 in long. She came off of the preemie formula and is now on a regular Similac. She is doing everything a 4 month old should be doing, reaching and sitting up. She has started Physical Therapy to correct a neck problem. She was never really able to turn her head to the left and it became stiff so she is working with a therapist to correct it and so far we have seen tremendous improvement. Her neck has become more straight and certainly stronger. We will continue this for a couple more months. Other than that she is awesome, actually cutting her 1st tooth, you can see it breaking through the gum, makes us want to cry, our baby with a tooth, too sweet!

Sittre Paige at her 1st movie in a theater, we took her to see UP, it was super cute and she really enjoyed, this also turned out to be Stella's 1st theater movie too since all babysitters were booked. But she slept the entire movie, she is awesome.

Mother's Day

2009-05-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

I don't have any pictures to post this time, but I will get some up soon, I just didn't want the thought to get away from me. Mother's Day was this past Sunday and it was awesome. I absolutely love being a mommy, its kinda funny because growing up I never had the desire to have kids or be a mom. I wanted the career, the money, the material things. Now that I look back I praise God for answering my prayers differently than want I had wanted. Because I can see now that what I had wanted was selfish desires. Today I am so proud to call myself a mom, and pray that my girls actually grow up with the desire to be the same. Because to me being a mother is one of my proudest accomplishments aside from becoming a child of God. I pray everyday that I am showing my girls how to be strong Christians and no matter what life throws at them to always praise our Maker. My prayer is that one day my children rise up and call me blessed, Proverbs 31:28.
I also wanted to share how proud I am of my own mother. She is truly my very best friend. She's is such a little firecracker, I love her! I call her my drama queen, because now that my brother and I are grown, she has become this little hot mama!! She has lost lots of weight, is dressing like she is 20, she has such a cute blonde bob haircut, she wears funky shoes, and now everywhere she goes she always has to look way better than me!! She knows it too, she wants to look better me! She is an amazing grandmother and my girls wouldn't have cute clothes if it wasn't for her! She is so much more than my mom, she is my lifelong friend, an ear when I need to talk (and I do this alot), my encourager when I need to cry (I also do this alot, thanks to having kids I am now an emotional basketcase), and 2 more hands when mine are full! She is such a amazing mother and I am so thankful that she didn't kill me growing because I know I wasn't the easiest teenager, but I also understand that I will go through the same things with my girls one day, I just am saying alot of prayers now so that hopefully they will be smooth, atleast smoother. I can't imagine my life without my mom and I hope one day I can be as cute as her, and be what she is to me to my own kids. I love you so much mom, you are wonderful and a blessing in my hectic life! Thanks for always being there, I guess it will be okay if you move in with us when you get old and gray and I have to take care you. jared and I decided that if you buy our groceries for the next 10 years we won't make you move into the nursing home! just kidding. I love you Lovey! Hope you had a great Mother's Day.

Easter

2009-04-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

The girls Easter baskets.

Lovey, Sittre Paige,

the bunny cake and Pops

The camera hog.

My handsome husband and beautiful girls.

The SISTERS.

Here are some of our Easter pictures. The girls were beautiful in their dresses made by my awesome Aunt Debra. We had a wonderful Sunday and even left Stella in the nursery so we could worship. Jared and I really wanted to be able to sit in church, after nearly 3 months of not being able to go, and just worship. Plus its a lot easier to let the second one go.....I mean, that sounds horrible but with Sittre Paige we were so cautious and always wanted to have our eyes on her and I guess you just know with the second one that they are fine and your just in the other room if they need you but we still missed her and ran to get her after church was over. Actually I ran to get her after the message, didn't make it all the way but maybe next week. Anyway, we hunted eggs all day, had a great Easter lunch and ate the "bunny cake" that Pops and Lovey helped Sittre Paige make. Supposedly my mom made my brother and I this cake every Easter but I can't seem to remember it??? Sorry mom. But I trust that you say you made it with us? It was good, and we just had a day of family time which was much needed during this very busy time in our life. Hope everyone had a lovely Easter.

Certainly a Good Friday

2009-04-10T21:45:00.001-07:00

What a Good Friday it truly was.
First today I am so thankful for Good Friday and what it commemorates, the crucifixion of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the suffering and His death. But the exciting part of today is that 3 days later he arose from the grave. He's ALIVE!! He was sent to die so that a wretch like me can live and I will forever praise His holy name. I am a whosoever......John 3:16
Second, our Stella had her 2 month Dr. visit today! Jared was off work so he got to go with all his girls today. God is doing some wonderful things in our baby right now. She weighed in at 9 pds 11 ounces, in our eyes our preemie is huge!! She is certainly catching up fast! Her sister weighed around 11 pounds at this age so Stella is right on track. Her length is 20 3/4 inches. Stella is finally on the charts and in the 12% range. Which is awesome considering last visit she wasn't even on the charts! The dr. asked us all the questions he would a regular baby at 2 months and she passed with flying colors!! Well as much as they can do at 2 months, which would be staying awake more, becoming alert, holding the head up, smiling, and some cooing. She is doing all those! Praise! The prayers are working, and I never once doubted the wouldn't! We are not giving Stella the chance to be remotely behind! The Dr. also said the true test to see how caught up she is will be her 4 month checkup because she should be doing lots more then, so we shall see, but we know she's in God's grasp and we couldn't be more proud of this baby! She will continue to be on the preemie formula, Neosure, until her 4 month visit. She needs the extra nutrition that it gives a little longer. She is still on a vitamin daily and the Dr. put us on Zantac to help her acid reflux and some of the heartburn she is possibly feeling. The saddest part of the visit was the shots. FOUR! I mean if that doesn't break your heart! Jared and I both had tears in our eyes. For a baby that only cries when shes hungry, if even that, we were feeling her pain! We haven't even heard her cry that hard before! She's so sweet, it was really hard! Our sadness was broken when Sittre Paige started laughing???? What??? I said "why are you laughing at your sister crying, I mean do you want 4 shots"?????? I said "we do NOT laugh at sister crying, because when she cries it means shes HURT!" Sittre Paige stared at me and said "oh". Jared and I came to the conclusion that since Stella rarely cries, that Sittre Paige apparently didn't know what reaction to take to that???!!! She does now. She's hilarious and couldn't be more funny at 3 years old! She cries on the soccer field and laughs in the Dr. office.....should that not be turned around?
Well, I am off to bed, getting ready for an "exciting" soccer game in the morning. Thanks for the prayers!! If you don't mind sending one out for SP in the morning.....as stated in the previous blog, this isn't really her "thing".

Soccer-NO, Diva-YES

2009-04-07T20:08:00.001-07:00

Okay, it has been a major chaotic couple of weeks for us yet VERY exciting as well. The past 2 weekends I have been a bridesmaid in 2 wonderful friends weddings, and in one of those, Sittre Paige was the flowergirl, and also Sittre Paige had her first soccer game. Now, I should mention, we NEVER thought that soccer would be her thing, but we thought it would be a fun thing she could do with her friends to run around and just get out of the house. So we signed her up and long story short, Jared became the coach......yep. Jared is the soccer coach. I am very supportive of my husband, but had to laugh when he turned to me and said, "wait I don't know anything about soccer". So its been a learning experience for both he and Sittre Paige. Well, back to the first game, yea, we found out quickly that Sittre Paige is NOT an athlete. Poor thing, she inherited that from me, her mother. She cried the WHOLE game and stood in the middle of the field saying "they won't give me the ball"!!!. She did finally start running when Mrs. Kim, the OTHER teams coach held her hand!!! Now, at the time I couldn't have been more frustrated with her. I didn't understand, why she just didn't run back and forth down the field. I didn't care if she kicked the ball or even scored a goal, I really just wanted her to run around. But apparently thats not her thing. Now my friend Staci's daughter, Kenley Grace, is on the team and Staci found all of my frustration and Sittre Paige's crying very funny. She was laughing the whole time and I was upset the whole time. So needless to say, soccer is NOT something we will pursue with Sittre Paige. And coaching is NOT something Jared will pursue atleast not coaching his own daughter! But I posted a picture of the team right before Sittre Paige had her meltdown. That same day, Sittre Paige had to be a flowergirl in one of my best friends wedding, Lauren. I had prayed so hard all week that she would cooperate. There was another little girl who was also a flowergirl, so I knew she would do good with someone else walking down the aisle with her. After a long day of taking pictures, it was time for the wedding and she did great. Although she didn't throw her flowers because she held the other flowergirls hand, they both did so good. I posted pictures of them together. They were so cute together and got along great, her mom, Lori Mercer, is a photographer and took some fabulous pictures of Sittre Paige for me. So to wrap this up, I have embraced what my child is.........a major DIVA who can't play soccer!! She is ALL girl with little to none athletic skills, and who can blame her......look at her mom!

Lastly, both Lauren and Melissa were truly 2 of the most beautiful brides I have ever seen. It was an honor to be in both weddings and have such wonderful friends.

Stella has her 2 month Dr. appt on Good Friday so I will update her progress then. But so far she is still growing and doing great. My friend Staci brought over her new baby, Hudson, over to the house so we could compare size because I am obsessed with knowing if Stella is catching up with other babies so I posted a picture of them together. They are 5 weeks apart and I would say that Stella is holding her own for being a 34 week preemie! They are pretty much the same size and were both pretty much not happy about having their picture made!!

Sisters

2009-03-29T20:06:00.000-07:00

Well as promised, here are some pictures of Stella that were taken around our house. Sittre Paige had to get in on some of the action and get her picture taken as well. She LOVES the camera and gets upset if she isn't in a picture! Stella is doing really great, growing everyday, staying way more alert and its so unreal to think that today she is 2 months old!! We are so ready to introduce her to the world on Easter. I have a wonderful relative, Aunt Debra who made the girls matching Easter dresses to wear. We are excited to all get out together! We do have another Dr. appt on Good Friday and should update then. Thanks for the prayers, we are all staying healthy.

Special Times

2009-03-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, for those of you who watch TLC, I am a "Jon and Kate plus 8" fanatic and on a recent episode it showed how Jon and Kate give each of their kids a special day for just that one kid with the mom and dad. Then I started thinking of how even though we only have 2 kids, our life has pretty much been about Stella, so we are beginning to make an effort of setting aside special times just for Sittre Paige to show her how much we love her. Tuesday night we decided to take her to the carnival in Trussville and she had a blast. She rode everything....twice.....even the alligator rollercoaster. I think my heart was in my stomach because I am a little nervous about some "pop-up rollercoaster" but as jerky as it was, she loved it. When I was watching her last night, laughing and having a great time, she is just such a joy to me. Sittre Paige is certainly my comfort zone child, its just been me and her for 3 years. She has really done a good job of transitioning and having to share her mommy time with another little person! She is such a mini-me and my little helper, and is just so deserving of these "special times" with her mom and dad and her grandad, Pops (which by the way if you notice in one of the pictures, Jared and Pops looking a little to old for the carnival but decided ride anyway? and to top it off raced each other on the big slide). I am hoping her next special time will involve earrings!! She is excited and actually wants her ears pierced like mommy. That should be an interesting event!

Also, today Stella had a Dr. Appt and another RSV prevention shot. She will get this shot through RSV season, so hopefully next month will be her last one for a while. She weighed in at 7 pounds 13 ounces and 20 inches long! I can't believe how big my preemie is getting!! She is filling out in the face so much and staying awake more. Still a great baby, and will turn 7 weeks old on Thursday. The Dr. said she is looking great and we will just continue to do the preemie formula with cereal and hopefully soon she can start regular formula. We go again in 2 weeks. On a side note, we have a friend who is starting out in the photography business, so she came to our house this past weekend and took some random "artistic" newborn pictures of Stella around our house. Hopefully I can post some of those soon but she did a great job and we finally have some good pictures of Stella. From the pictures its hard to believe Stella is 7 pounds because she is still so tiny? The more she grows, the more we realize she might not be looking like me, total bummer. However, the pictures do resemble her Uncle Jacob (my brother) so maybe there could be hope that I look like my brother, and so in return Stella will look like me! Who am I kidding? Stella will probably end up being another girl Jared! How is this fair? Anyway, you decide when I post the pictures!

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers, God is good and so is life at the Jones house.

3 girls + Dr. appt = All day event

2009-03-09T20:05:00.000-07:00

Well, today was eye-opening. Not only with getting out for the first time with both my girls ALONE, but also Stella's 4 week check up. Technically she will be 6 weeks on Thursday but since we were in NICU we are a little behind. Okay, let me start off by saying that getting out of the house and getting somewhere ACTUALLY on time could pose a challenge. I realize I only have 2 and hope that it gets easier to get all of us a bath, get dressed, feed the girls, put them in carseats, make sure we have Stella's essentials and then get to our destination. wow. I mean I am laughing right now writing this but it literally took me from 10:00 - 2:15 to do these things.....and Stella's Dr. appt was at 2 by the way - 15 minutes late is nothing right??!! Now having Sittre Paige around has really become the biggest help, she is so much the "big sister" and wants to help me do everything which is working to my advantage, she is really great. So half the day was exciting and I haven't even got to the Dr. appt yet, which went very well. Stella is 6 pds 13 ounces, she is still 17 1/2 inches long. The Dr. said her weight gain is excellent, 2 1/2 pds in 6 weeks is a milestone. He confirmed she does have acid reflux, although we figured this out ourselves when the formula started coming out her nose after a feeding. Speaking of feedings, Stella has been getting 2 ounces every 4 hours and now apparently we have to drop back to 3 hours. Jared and I find 4 hours in between feedings VERY convienent for us, but he said a preemie shouldn't go more than 3 hours without being fed. I found this very confusing, considering the NICU sent us home this way?? But he said it might make for a bad sleeper later on? So he wants her to get 2 ounces every 3 hours now and then just letting her do her own thing at night and wake me up whenever she is ready to eat. So, I guess we will try this, even though I thought Jared was going to cry when I told him. You really don't realize how nice that 1 extra hour is to sleep or get something done because it takes us about 30 min to an hour to feed. Jared said we shouldn't ruin a good thing, but for fear of posing a problem later on, we are going to do it. She will continue on the formula "Neosure" for preemies with about 10 cc's of rice cereal to help with the reflux. He said not to compare Stella with other babies that are 6 weeks or anytime because since she is "preterm" she will be behind. I was discouraged by this because nobody wants their baby to be behind, but for example he said at 4 months when a full term baby should be rolling over, Stella probably won't until 6 months. I really wanted to remind him that I serve a higher power and that would be something a little time spent with my Savior would cure. But I do realize that he has to give me all the medical facts and thats fine. But it is something that Jared and I are in prayer about and hopefully will correct itself. Thats about it, she is still a great baby, and overall the Dr had nothing but good things to report. The prayers are essential and really appreciate them, so thank you all!

The pictures are of us hanging around the house, and then we took one of Stella next to a wipes container so you could get a feel of how big she is.....or how tiny she is. This was all we could think of to compare her size to?

Praying for Baby Hudson

2009-03-07T14:51:00.000-08:00

Hello! Haven't blogged in awhile but found a good reason too. Please send your prayers to our precious friends the Evans. Staci is one of my closest friends and was there for me the whole time Stella was in NICU. They had a baby on March 4th, Hudson, and he is having some complications and he is now in the NICU at St. Vincents. We have amazing prayer warriors praying for Stella and now ask you pass those prayers to Baby Hudson. We totally understand what they are going through and know they would appreciate any prayers for their baby. She has also started a "journey blog" to let everyone know what is going on, www.evansfamily5-hudson.blogspot.com
On a side note: As most of you know, having a precious baby is a little time consuming, we are so sorry we haven't done a good job of updating. But Stella is doing really good, she is growing so fast, its hard to believe she is over 5 weeks old.....although she is still the size of a newborn! We are thinking she is now somewhere around 6 pounds, we have another Dr. appt on Monday and will know where we are at then. We will blog that. Thank you for your prayers...please pass them on to Baby Hudson. Love to all.

Baby Pictures

2009-02-26T18:46:00.000-08:00

The hospital baby pictures are up on the website www.our365.com, you can put Stella's birthdate in- January 29 and pull up her pictures! The password is 73441259181636....let us know if this one looks like MOMMY!!!
Also, things are going good, now we are just trying to get some sleep anytime we can!! Stella is doing wonderful, still a fabulous baby, eating every 4 hours and getting bigger everyday. We have another Dr. appt next week so I will update then!

Welcome Home Baby

2009-02-21T08:40:00.000-08:00

We are home. Friday was busy from leaving the hospital to getting settled in our house, Saturday we were tired from the first night alone home with our baby and explaining to Sittre Paige why her sister came home....apparently she thought Stella would live at the hospital and today we hung out with our 2 girls. We are adjusting to having 2 kids....balancing attention can be hard, but Sittre Paige has been awesome. Being 3 years apart is a good thing, she loves looking at Stella and feeding "her" baby when I feed Stella but also she is old enough to play by herself. Right now, its good. On another note, having a preemie is a little different, we are struggling with some of the feedings, Stella won't stay awake, or she has massive spit-up from reflux.....I mean we are talking coming out the nose...yuck. So feedings are sometimes tough and extremely messy but other than that she is pretty much asleep. I think the longest we have seen her awake is probably 20 minutes. She can sleep through anything, they say that NICU babies adapt to alot of noise and she certainly has. Nothing wakes her up, not even sister's singing...a.k.a...screaming. We have Stella's first Dr. appt in the morning at 8:30, which should be interesting because we have lots of questions. But other than that, we are doing great thanks to all our family and friends. I posted a picture of our beautifully decorated door with a welcome home sign and a basket with diapers, wipes, and some great goodies! There was no card that said who did it. So I just wanted to take time to thank the "anonymous", it really is such a wonderful feeling to have friends that give all the glory to God and truly do things from their heart.....Matthew 6:3-4. (although I did find out....thank you Crys and Abbie!) One of the biggest blessings that God has given me is my precious friends. I am truly grateful and hope one day I can be the same kind of blessing that they are to me. Also we have an Aunt who constantly goes above and beyond for us, Joy, brought us some groceries and her homemade lasagna so that we wouldn't have to get out. We love her more than she will ever know and are so thankful for her!! I really want to be just like her, she is one of the most giving people I have ever known!

I also posted some pictures of our closet, a.k.a. "the family room" we stayed in Thursday night, and then a picture of us leaving Friday morning with our baby Stella.

Okay, its been a looong 3 1/2 weeks but we made it!!! It felt like we would never get here!!! So now we sit back and watch Stella grow. Our Savior and your prayers got us here, we can't say thank you enough!

About to leave...

2009-02-20T08:49:00.000-08:00

Okay, Stella is all set to leave. We have taken her hospital baby pictures, done the routine discharge information, got the monitors turned off and now we wait for the Dr. to officially come tell us we can leave. The night went great, she slept and ate, and we slept with one eye open and proudly got up to feed her when it was time. Something we learned about our baby.....she is not a cryer.......when shes hungry, she grunts and makes ALOT of noise (its sounds like we do when we are stretching). Interesting. As of right now, she is a wonderful baby, things could be different when we get home with sister!
Thanks for keeping up with us, the journey home is almost over, we can't wait to get home and be a new family of four!

IN the family room....

2009-02-19T19:37:00.000-08:00

We are here. The night has finally come. We are in the family room actually taking care of our baby. We got here around 5 and were literally thrown into a room not much bigger than a closet and told "here's your baby". So we sat on the bed looking at each other and then Stella, then each other and then Stella. Believe it or not, we were nervous. We were told she should eat again at 8:30 and other than that she's all ours. So since we haven't been with her 24/7, we sat there and watched her sleep for 3 hours, she makes lots of noises but sleeps so peacefully. She is still on the monitor just to make sure there are no heart rate drops.
At 8:30 we got the nerve to pick her up, so we changed her, kissed on her, and then gave her a bottle. She took the first 30cc's great and then we had to get the nurse to help us with the next 30cc's. She really had to work with Stella, I'm talking pinching cheeks, taking off blankets, lifting chin and basically bugging her. The nurse said she can just get way to comfortable and needs to be woke up during feedings. So we will try again at 12:30 to see if we can work on that a little better. We have taken pictures of the room but forgot to bring the proper tools to be able to upload them so we will post those later. As of right now, the night has started off really good, its 10pm and I have been holding my baby since her feeding so I might TRY to put her down and get some rest before her next feeding. Thanks for your prayers, as much as we are loving this room, we are certainly ready to be in our own house! We will update later!

Day 5...preparing for homecoming

2009-02-17T20:24:00.000-08:00

Well the nurses have officially started to prepare us for Stella's homecoming. So Friday is still the day that we are suppose to bring her home. We learned this week about something called the "Family Room". This is a room that the mom and dad stay in with baby the night before the baby comes home. So we have plans to be at the NICU on Thursday at 5:00pm to begin the journey home. They do this in case the parents have questions throughout the night and most importantly to monitor the baby's vitals every 4 hours. The nurse told us we do all the work just like we would at home they are just there for support, in case something happens or we need them. We are excited for this night to come. We have watched 3 of Stella's roommates go home this week and can't wait for our chance!! Also, Stella weighs 5 pounds tonight!!! The Dr. put her on rice cereal with her formula to help her gain weight, and this also helps prevent heart rate drops and helps with acid reflux. So as of right now it seems to be working. She is eating about 60cc's every 4 hours, so schedule-wise the nurses have done a great job getting her ready for us. The Dr. has also talked with us about Stella getting a shot to prevent RSV, a respiratory virus that can sometimes be fatal. Since she was a preemie and has an older sister, she is a high risk to get this and this also means we are pretty much home-bound until April. Thankfully we can take walks around the neighborhood to get some fresh air, but malls, stores with lots of people and being around other kids is a big no-no. So needless to say, we are pretty excited about Easter, this should be about the time we venture out as a family. Well, that is all we have learned. The next blog, hopefully will be written from the family room, we are pretty excited to journal the first night with our baby. We are certainly praying for God to prepare us as we bring home a baby that is truly not much bigger than one of Sittre Paige's babydolls.

Day 3

2009-02-15T16:40:00.000-08:00

We made it to Day 3!! Tomorrow we will be half way there and we are so excited. Stella is 4 pds 9 oz today. She is eating so much, they moved her feedings to every 4 hours instead of 3 and she is eating between 55cc's to 75cc's. She is growing and we really pray that by the time we bring her home she is 5 pds! Basically she is eating and sleeping and pooping....what every baby should be doing at 2 weeks old!!!

Most importantly, NO heart rate drops. Praise Jahweh!!!

Also, we want to THANK OUR WONDERFUL CHURCH FAMILY!!! Although we weren't able to attend, we were given a suprise baby shower last Wednesday night. We recieved so MANY awesome things....especially much needed diapers and wipes!! The love and support of our church has really pulled us through these last couple of weeks and we can never thank you enough!! Most importantly for the prayer lifting up our baby. Spring Valley Baptist is an anwser to OUR prayers!! Thank you!!! We love you!!!

We have added a picture of the most AWESOME diaper wreath that we recieved!! It is soooo cute!!! I might cry when I take it apart!!

The countdown is ON!! Day 1

2009-02-13T20:52:00.000-08:00

We were told today that Stella's countdown home has started!! Today is day 1. If there are no heart rate drops she will come home on Day 8, that is next Friday!!! This was such exciting news, she is really doing great, her weight today was 4 pds 7oz, she is eating 55cc's every 4 hours, and she is keeping up her body temp perfectly. All we can do is praise God for the work He is doing right now. Again, please pray these next days are easy and Stella is at her healthiest. The only thing that would stop this countdown is a heart rate drop and the only thing that would stop the heart rate drops is the healing from our Ultimate Physician. No matter the outcome of these next days, we will never stop praising our God. In sickness and in health, He is most Holy.

Heart Rate Drop Prayer Request

2009-02-12T15:34:00.000-08:00

Okay, we missed yesterday's blog, been a crazy week. We have started to realize we are getting a little exhausted, driving back and forth to the hospital, but still totally thankful for God's work in Stella's life. She has been doing really good the past 2 days. They took her out of the incubation unit and moved her to a regular NICU crib! Which was such great news, because that is the last "bed" she will move to before she comes home. The biggest concern in the crib is Stella keeping up her body temperature, this can be hard for babies, especially under 5 pounds, and they could start burning calories if they are having to work to hard to keep up the body temp. But our Stella is doing quite well with this, she is staying right at 98 degrees. Her weight is progressing, she is up to 4 pds 4 ounces, back at her birth weight! She seems to be putting on about 2 ounces a day. She is up to 45cc's a feeding and the Dr. put her on a bottle every feeding!! I got to feed her for the first time last night but we got soooo excited we forgot to take pictures!! We enjoyed the moment and Jared got to burp her. (He was jealous that I got to feed her but I reminded him that burping was just as important! haha)

We did have a minor setback last night that we are asking prayer for. She had a heart rate drop at 1:40 am last night, her first one since last Friday. We are trying not to be discouraged. Her last caffeine shot was Monday at 4pm, and they say that after 72 hours it is completely out of her system. They should start a 7 day countdown home tomorrow but we are not sure what the decision will be since she did have this drop. They could possibly hold off a couple of days now. We learned last night also that if she happens to have a heart rate drop during the 7 day countdown then they have to start the countdown all over!!! The nurse told us last night that even if they are on day 6, if they have a heart rate drop it starts over at day 1. So our major request now is for NO heart rate drops. As much as we want her home, most importantly we just want these to stop! It is crucial for these to stop in order for her to come home. We want her healthy but we selfishly would like her home with us as well.

Today Stella is 36 weeks old, if she happens to have anymore heart rate drops after 37 weeks they start to do other tests to see exactly what the cause is. With most babies they should just go away now and we hope our baby is one of these.

Good News....

2009-02-10T05:43:00.000-08:00

Since Saturday there has been a lot of good things happening. For the past few days the nurses have been giving Stella 2 bottles a day and the remaining feedings have been with the tube in her nose. Sunday night I got to burp her after the nurse gave her bottle to her. That was really cool for me. We found out last night that they are going to start giving her a bottle every other feeding since she is doing so well with the feedings. We were also told last night that they have decided to quit giving her the caffeine since she hasn't had a heart rate drop since Friday morning. So it sounds like she should be going home Thursday or Friday of next week. We are very excited and can't wait to get her home. Lastly is her weight gain, she has been gaining wait very good. She is now up to 4lb 2oz and growing everyday. Thank you so much to everyone for the prayers and the things they have done.

Jared

Bottle Time!

2009-02-07T19:35:00.000-08:00

Saturday has been a great day for baby Stella, and for us. Our wonderful friends and family gave us an awesome baby shower filled with much-needed things!! Thank you, thank you to all who came!!! We are so fortunate to have you in our lives and support us through this time!

Now to baby Stella, first she did have a heart rate drop yesterday, friday, at 10:50 am but that has been her last as of right now, remember 4 days after her last heart rate drop they start a countdown home so we are very prayful that this was her last one. Last night and today we were able to watch her being fed with a bottle!! We can't do this yet because she is just learning, once she gets the hang of it we will be able to feed her. She is able to get 2 a day only right now because fear of her burning off to many calories. So she typically has one in the morning and one at night and her other feedings are through the feeding tube, which is now down her nose to her stomach. Friday she took about half of both bottles in 20 minutes, which is about 15 cc's. Jared and I were nervous because yesterday we thought....this could be a really long process of her catching on but today we were amazed!! At her 5:30 bottle feeding she took all 33 cc's out of the bottle in 10 minutes!!! We couldn't believe the progress that had happened overnight! Of course this can only be explained by God's mighty hand. So bottle feedings are moving right along! We are anxious to watch her again tomorrow, it was very exciting to see our baby eating on her own! Probably starting Monday they will give her 3 bottles a day and then so on throughout the week until as last all her feedings are by bottle, this is also the only way she can go home as well. She is tolerating the feedings so good, and keeping all the formula down so we are thinking she is really hungry and ready to be home too! Her jaundice count is still normal so the lights are still out. Her weight is slowly BUT surely going up, she now weighs 3 pds 14.6 ounces. And really I told Jared tonight, just that little bit of gain is starting to fill out her face. We really hope by Monday she can be close to if not 4 pds!! She is still breathing just fine on her own and oxygen levels are staying just how they should! Other than that all she is doing right now is eating and sleeping, just what she should be doing the nurses say!

On a side note, we heard some nurses talking today about an NICU party and we said, wait they really have that? And the nurse said that every Christmas they have an NICU party for the babies that have been there the past year and they invite them back so the nurses can see them and see how they have been doing and growing. We thought this was major cool. You really do get attached to these wonderful nurses who take care of your baby everyday. So needless to say, we are super pumped about the party and can't wait to show off God's creation and miracle at the Christmas NICU 2009 party!!!

We posted pictures of the shower and big sister, and the bottle feeding and Stella trying to burb!!! (which she did by the way)

Love-Kristen

Happy 1 week Birthday!!!!

2009-02-05T20:00:00.000-08:00

God is in control....the motto for Stella's first week of life. This is Kristen, I have decided to write the blog tonight. I don't feel deserving of all the prayers going up for baby Stella. She is just such a little miracle of life and God's awesome work.....the Ultimate Physician. She just continues to get better, she is up to 31cc's for her feedings, which take place every 3 hours. She has a feeding tube for right now, but soon she will switch to a bottle, which we are told could pose some problems since she hasn't learned to suck on a bottle and then swallow the formula, all while breathing. All she knows right now is that she is getting satisfied. So this we are told will be the next step. She has not had a heart rate drop since yesterday at 2:10pm! Praise God. This is such good news, she will still recieve the caffiene shot until she can keep going without the drops for a few more days. The IV in her head came out today, which hopefully she won't need another one. They won't start another one, unless she needs one. The jaundice light is completely out, her count was normal again today so she will no longer have to sit under that. The last issue that is concerning is her weight. She is down to 3 pds 10.9 ounces. The weight does take a while to put on so please be in prayer that she starts to gain (why can't this be my problem?). She is just 35 weeks, but she seems to be at a stand still on the weight so we really want to get those lbs on her. The incubation unit should also help this, it might just be a slow process.

I got to change her diaper today for the first time and have never been so nervous. Her legs are like twigs that you think one wrong move could make them snap in half. Her hinny is literally as big as setting two quarters next to each other, the preemie diapers are huge but they do the job and needless to say I actually felt like her mom being able to change her diaper finally! So who knew changing a diaper would feel so good?? She is also wearing gowns so we are posting pictures of her with some clothes!!

Again, I can't express how thankful we are for your prayers, love, support and concern. We are so blessed by all who care and continue to check on our family. We thank God everytime we pray. This life is filled with hard times, but its so much easier to go through with support. I hope that we are doing a good job keeping the updates and I hope you see how your prayers and our God is healing my daughter. Truly from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Happy 1 week Birthday my precious baby Stella!

Lights out...

2009-02-04T20:34:00.000-08:00

The jaundice lights are out, which is another big step towards getting better. Stella had another good day....she is up to 25cc's of formula and should be up to 29cc's after the night is over. That is almost 1 ounce of formula every 3 hours. She also had her nasal oxygen tube removed, which means we can see more of her precious face. They told us that when her IV goes bad next it will not be put back in, but they didn't want to remove a good IV until it went bad. So whenever that happens she will only have a few monitoring wires left on her. Today she seemed much more alert. Kristen got to comb her hair after her wipe down and also put baby lotion on her. The next thing that we need to make progress on is her heart rate drops. She is still having at least 1 heart rate drop every 24 hours. Once she can go several days without having one, then we will be on an 11 day countdown as I had mentioned in a previous post. We got to put her in a gown before we left her tonight. I will post pictures of those sometime Thursday. We appreciate all of the prayers which have helped us be strong in this tough time.

Jared