Christmas 2011

Christmas went down in the books as a success...I have to say! We had Christmas Eve dinner with my family at Olive Garden. Then we came home and got Lawson ready for bed. We read "Twas The Night Before Christmas" and then Santa made his appearance. Lawson got lots of fun toys and was not sure what to think when he first came out. He was upset because we wouldn't let him in the bedroom so the first picture I got was of him crying for mommy.

Santa came!

This was the face I got!

We opened our gifts and Mitch did really well this year for me!! He got me an hour pregnancy massage and 30 minute facial and a diamond and sapphire bracelet to represent Lawson and Hudson's birthstones. I was really impressed!!! After we opened our Christmas gifts, we loaded up and headed to my in laws for round 2. It was eventful! As my MIL was cooking her casseroles for breakfast her stove caught on fire. The entire house filled with smoke and the smoke detectors started going off. But what is a Christmas without a funny story, right? Lawson racked up there as well! He got tons of car stuff and the high demand Leappad that has been out of stock since before Thanksgiving! My MIL somehow scored one!! He loves it...he calls it his "iPad" and gives us back our iPad. I got a Kindle and some other things for Hudson's room and Mitch got some Alabama stuff along with a gun safe for his pistols!! We ate breakfast and then headed back to our house to put Lawson down for a nap. Then got ready for round 3!

Wearing his new hat and playing with his "iPad"

My family came over for dinner. We feasted on beef tenderloin, mushrooms, salad, potato casserole and green beans. I even made a white chocolate bread pudding, which I have to say was delicious!! After dinner, we opened gifts from my family ( they had already had their Christmas that morning). Lawson got books, new movies, cars, and tons more! I got some clothes (maternity of course), new shoes and a few other surprises. Mitch got some hunting gear, new shoes, clothes and the big surprise was his new shotgun. He got to use it the next day when they went skeet shooting.

I have to say that we are very blessed! The goodies were great but it was even better to be able to spend the day with our loved ones!! Can't believe next year we will have a new little one to celebrate with!! Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!!!

What's in a name?

Well after much consideration, we have finally decided on a name for Lawson's baby brother! His name is Hudson Mitchell!! I knew right away when I was pregnant with Lawson what I wanted him to be named. Mitch couldn't be pressured so he had to sit and think about it forever! With this one, I didn't have a clue and suddenly the name Hudson popped into my mind. I immediately loved it. Plus it goes so well with Lawson! I told Mitch my name and he said he had to think about it. Of course! His middle name is of course after Mitch. So now onto deciding what color to paint his room!

It's A .....

BOY!!!!!!

We are having another little boy! He is healthy and we already love him so much!! Now onto finding him a name and looking for bedding!!

Turkey Day 2011

We went to my mom's house again this year! Mitch's Uncle Roger had a long layover in Birmingham so he was able to join us for Thanksgiving! It was a day filled with lots of food, love and of course some temper tantrums by my sweet 2 year old!!

We tried taking some pictures for our Christmas card which Lawson wanted no part of. (see examples below!) But he did cooperate for a few so I will just have to make due.

Lawson rode a horse for the first time! He held the reigns himself and looked like a natural! Mitch also rode and I decided to take a gentle stroll around the arena (side note: it was on the most gentle horse we had and I had Mitch near just in case but I couldn't pass up an opportunity to ride even if I am pregnant!)

Mitch is going on his annual skeet shoot with the guys in the family today while I contemplated going to the mall but soon remembered this morning it was "black friday". I am do like dealing with crazies out there plus I know what I'm getting everyone and already finished Lawson's gifts so I'm going to do my shopping next week while Lawson is in school!

By the way....Monday is the BIG day!! Boy or girl??!! I will post when we find out!!!

Here are some pics from our Thanksgiving! Hope everyone had a great day!!

my sweet boy

he posed himself!

trying to get in the pasture but still posing!

my two boys!!

not happy!!

somewhat better!

me and the hubs (18 weeks pregnant here)

Lawson on "Sassy"!

It's a start...

We have been talking to Lawson about how big boys go to the bathroom in the potty. He will actually tell you that he has to poop but of course that is while he is in the act. So we did a little bribing...we put a kit kat bar (which he had been wanting since Halloween) above the cabinet in his bathroom. We told him if he went pee-pee or poo-poo in the potty he could have that kit kat. It was really hard not to give in when he looks at you with those big blue eyes and says "Momma, kit kat please?" but I resisted! Sunday he was about to eat lunch and he grabbed his diaper and said "poo-poo" so we immediately took him straight to the potty. He pitched a fit so we distracted him by reading books. He sat there for about 15 minutes and said he was done so I got him off the potty and low and behold he had pee-pee'd in the potty!!! We were so excited and he looked at us like we were crazy. He finally got that kit kat!!!

We have not gone again but I feel like this could be a start. We are just trying to make it a routine of him going when he gets up in the morning, after lunch, when he gets up from his nap and before bed. I would really love to have him potty trained by the time the baby gets here!! Here's to trying!!

Halloween and Other Things!

I'm a little late with my Halloween blog! I have been sick with sinus stuff that I came down with on Halloween and still battling it! The joys of pregnancy and being sick!!

The Friday before Halloween we went to Boo at the Zoo with some friends and their kids. We had a great time! It was fun watching Lawson holding his candy bucket up and then look in it with amazement at the candy! It was pretty cold that day so we didn't stay too long and then went to dinner at Moe's. Saturday we went over to some friends house to watch the Auburn game. Sunday I went to a friend's baby shower and then after Lawson woke up we went to the fall festival at the church where he attends MDO.

Halloween, he went to school in his costume and had fun at his Halloween party. Then my parents and in-laws came over to tag along trick or treating. Lawson had a blast!! After every house he would run up to us saying "I love candy!!" We stayed out for an hour or so and then he was done. I think he would have lasted longer if his candy bucket wasn't so heavy.

This year his was the mail man! I thought he was adorable and he got lots of compliments on how unique the costume was!!

Last weekend, Mitch went to the AL/LSU game. He was gone all day Saturday so my mom, sister, Lawson and me went to Disney On Ice. I wasn't sure how he would do because getting him to sit still for an extended amount of time is next to impossible! He actually did really well! He got a little antsy but after intermission he was okay. He danced and clapped to the songs! I considered it a success!!!

Today we will be putting together Lawson's big boy bed! If all goes well, he will be sleeping in it tonight! Wish us luck!!

8 Years Ago....

I married my high school sweetheart!!! We have been through ups and downs, twists and turns but there is no one else I would rather go on this journey with!!

Happy Anniversary, Mitch!!

The Little Things

I just wanted to write this down so I could remember it later when my son has me pulling my hair out!!

Today, when I was taking him to school he was in the back seat singing (which is his new favorite thing). When it was our turn for him to get out in the carpool line, I said to him " Have a good day at school Lawson!". He replied "Thank you, Mommy!" Melted my heart!!

And baby makes 4!!

I am sure that you can gather from the title that our family is expanding!! We found out in August that we are having another baby but just didn't want to announce it just yet until we got out of the first trimester and heard the heartbeat! We went to the doctor today and got to hear our sweet baby's heartbeat , strong at 160, and I am 13 weeks!! We feel truly blessed to be having another one. For some of you know it was a bit of a struggle with Lawson and with this one it wasn't as hard! Baby #2 is due April 26th but will more than likely be here no later than April 19th (scheduled c-section). We will be finding out the sex (I wish I had the will power to not find out) on November 28th. I will be exactly 18 weeks on Thanksgiving Day and of course my doctor's office is closed that day and the day after!

I have actually felt ok. I wasn't sick at all with Lawson so I thought I was in the clear but around the 7th week it hit me! I had morning sickness, although I wouldn't call it that because every day was different, one day would be the morning, next day would be afternoon or even all day! But around week 11 I started coming out of it! I have started to get my energy back. I remember being so tired with Lawson and I'm sure I was with this one...but it's hard to think about how tired you are when you have an energy-filled 2 year old to entertain!

We are very excited about this new addition! Lawson is going to make a great big brother!!!

The Grand Ole Pumpkin Patch

Today we went on a field trip with Lawson's MDO to go to the pumpkin patch in Clanton. It is a pretty good one. We took Lawson last year and he was a little too young but he really got a lot out of it this year! He was able to jump in the bouncy house, pet and feed the animals at the little petting zoo, ride the tractor train and enjoy a hayride to the pumpkin patch to pick out his pumpkin. All in all he did well...only a few minor meltdowns but I guess that is to be expected when a 2 year old has to wait in line.

Once we got down to the pumpkin patch, we searched for a small pumpkin. There was not many little ones to choose from so we got one the next size up. Lawson got upset because he didn't pick out the pumpkin and stood in the field crying. We then headed back up to take the hay ride back to the top where he saw a small pumpkin. He picked it up and said "Mine". So because he wouldn't have it any other way....we came home with a small pumpkin that is pretty beat up. Oh well!! Guess I will be purchasing another one at Wal-Mart! His "umptin" now sits in our living room because if you move it he brings it right back!!

After picking out the pumpkin, we enjoyed a nice picnic lunch and then headed home for a much needed nap....for both of us!!

This is the only picture I got with Lawson and a pumpkin...he refused to take a picture with his pumpkin.

Lawson's 2nd Birthday Party

Ok...so I am just now getting around to writing about his party. With him being sick and just life, I haven't had time to sit down and write.

We had his party at our local park. Theweather was GREAT!!! We rented a bouncy house and the playground equipment was there for kids to enjoy! We had a train themed and it turned out perfect. I got some really cute table ideas from Pinterest and the rest fell into play! We had a great turn out! Quite a few of Lawson's friends were there as well as family and close family friends! We could not have asked for a better day and better people to help us celebrate our little man's 2nd birthday!

I still can't believe he is 2!!! He has really come into his own lately! Talking a lot and singing songs...which ironically all have the same melody as the ABC song or Itsy Bitsy Spider! He is VERY independent and does not feel bad when he tells you "No" when he doesn't want to do something. He loves to jump...on everything!! So weare really enjoying his trampoline his Poppy and GiGi gave him. It is just the right size and he stays in it forever!!

Here are some pics of the big bash!!

The birthday boy!

Lawson's worst birthday present??

Last week, Lawson had a runny nose and running a low grade temp but I chalked it up to the fact that he has all 2nd year molars coming in at the same time. He never missed a beat at his party or never acted like he wasn't feeling well. Sunday after his nap, he woke up crying. I normally let him sit in there a few minutes after he wakes up because if you get him up too early, it is not fun for anyone. But this day, his cry sounded weird. So we went in there, and he started coughing and gagging. The cough sounded like a barking seal, which I knew right away was the croup. I went to call the on call nurse, because he is my first child and I have no idea what to do. In the meantime, Mitch kept calling my name and said he needed help. I leave a message for the nurse, run into the bathroom where they were and saw that Lawson had thrown up everywhere. He was crying and coughing and Mitch was gagging! A few minutes later the nurse called and told me to go sit in a bathroom with the hot shower running for 20 minutes to see if it got better and she was going to call back in 30 minutes. So there we sat in his bathroom...or should I say steam room. He seemed to have more ease breathing when he was in there. I told the nurse that but she said she wanted us to go to Children's South to have him checked out since it was respiratory. So off we went with a 630p appointment. We got back fairly quick...but that was the only thing that was quick. Lawson was so tired that he fell asleep. I swore he was running a fever but waited for the doctor (because he always feels warm to me). The doctor finally came in after 8. We had to wake him up to get poked and prodded. He was NOT happy! Final prognosis...the croup! The nurse came in to give him a dose of steroids then said she'd be back to discharge us. I asked if he felt like he was warm because by this time his whole face was red. She said he felt like he was burning up and got a thermometer. She took his temp and it was 98.2. As she finished, Lawson threw up all over me and him. Since they had just given him meds, they had to find out from the doctor if he needed another dose since he just threw everything up. They came in and gave him another round of steroids just in case. Three hours later, we were leaving!! We get him home and ready for bed and I check his temp.....102.8! Now I guess he could have spiked a fever that quickly (45 minutes) or they weren't checking it right...but a mom knows, right?! So this week we have been at home. It is day 3 and his cough is still bad. He has already missed one day of MDO and I was really hoping he could go tomorrow. Now I'm not sure. His pediatrician has called in more steroids since the cough is getting worse so maybe he will be better tomorrow. So for Lawson's 2nd birthday, the worst gift he got was the croup! At least he enjoyed his party!! (pics and post of that later)

Happy 2nd Birthday Lawson!!!

Happy 2nd birthday to the sweetest boy I know!!! You are such a blessing in our life and every day you amaze us!!! We feel pretty special that God chose us to be your mommy and daddy!! We love you sweet boy!!!!

Mother's Day Out!!

Lawson started Mother's Day Out this past Monday. He will go Monday and Thursdays from 9-130p. We went the Friday before to meet his teacher and for him to see his classroom. He immediately went in and started with playing with the toys so we thought that was a good sign. On Monday morning, I got my little boyall dressed and packed ready to go to school. I talked it up the whole way telling him he was going to get to play with new friends and have so much fun. He even was saying in the car "yay kool". When we walked in he started jumping up and down in excitement then pulling me down the hall. He went right into his room and started playing so I made a quick exit. His teacher said he did great and that he cried off and on but that was to be expected for a few weeks until he gets adjusted. I SOOOO enjoyed my free time. I went to Wal-Mart and got my car wash....ALL BY MYSELF!!!!!!!!

Well, Thursday didn't go as great as Monday...which I expected. He realized that when we goes to school, mommy leaves for a while. So as soon as we walked in the door he started crying and then went into hysterics when I dropped him offin his room. I just kissed him bye and left. I waited out in the hallway for a few minutes just to make sure he calmed down, and he did. I went to pickhim up and much to my surprise he was in the hallway with one of his teachers playing. He decided instead of nap time it was dance party time. The teacher said he was yawning and wiping his eyes and soon as they laid him down and turned on the lullaby music he jumped up and started dancing. Oh well, at least he was happy. They had Kona Ice day at school so he came home with a nice red mustache so maybe he was just hopped onsugar to sleep!

Hoping every week gets better and better!!

Melts My Heart

The other day I gave Lawson a ball to play with and he looked at me and said "Thank You Momma!" I almost cried because it was so sweet. Then today I gave him his milk cup and he did the same thing! What a joy he is in my life!!!

Lately....

So I realized it has been over a month since I blogged. So I will just give a quick recap of what's been going on with us.

Right after the 4th of July, we got some bad news that my father in law has lung cancer. So after numerous tests they confirmed that is was a tumor in his lung but that it was the least aggressive and most responsive to treatment. They biopsied his lymph nodes and while doing that they said it had moved to his liver. So now it is considered Stage 4. He just received his 1st round of chemo, Friday, and will receive treatment once every 3 weeks for 9 weeks. After that, he will have another pet scan and confirm that it has not moved anywhere else. Then he will begin radiation. So needless to say it has been quite a stressful few weeks of just waiting to hear what the next step is. Any prayers are appreciated because this is going to be a long road.

We took our annual trip to the beach. We had a lot of fun but most of it was waiting to hear what was happening with my father in law. Lawson and Cole had a blast together. So all in all it was a fun trip!

The next few weekends were filled with a company party, family reunion/wedding shower and birthday party.

We don't have any travel plans for a while but are weekends have been filled with all sort of things to do. We have a birthday party this weekend, Mitch turns the BIG 3-0 on the 20th, then next thing I know, it will be time to celebrate my little one's 2 year old birthday!! Can't believe he will be 2 next month!

That's about it with us. Hope everyone has had a good summer and getting ready for football season and cooler weather!!!

Fourth of July Weekend

We went to the beach for the fourth of July. I was so glad to see the beach back in business, especially since the oil spill last year and the recent fire in the state park. It was so crowded and the water was great! Lawson loves the beach! He had all the necessities...toys, juice boxes, and a baby pool. We ate in every night since we knew the restaurants would be crowded. Saturday night we took Lawson to the Track. It was so weird being back there. We used to go there every year as a kid and now we were there with ours. They have a little kiddy area there with rides for his age. He rode the carousel twice, the train and the swings. Unfortunately the only pictures I have are from my BIL's phone because my camera was dead and my phone was in the car. He loved riding the rides. He kept saying "WEEEEE" on every ride. Sunday we just went to the beach and then ate dinner at the house. Mitch and I took him to the ice cream shop after dinner.

We left early on Monday to try andbeat the traffic. It was a fun and relaxing weekend at the beach!!

Lawson on the train

Lawson on the carousel..the 2nd time!

Lawson on the swings

Trip to Atlanta

The weekend after father's day, we went to visit Poppy and GiGi for the weekend. Lawson had a new cousin that was born in April so we wanted to visit her as well. We left on Friday afternoon and got stuck in a horrible storm the entire way to their house. It didn't let up once. Then on Saturday, we had a big day filled with the aquarium, playing in the park, lunch at the CNN building and dinner at a pizza place. Lawson had a blast at the aquarium. He would get right up next the glass and just say "wow" the whole time. He saw quite a few turtles, which are his favorite right now. He kept say "yook atutle"! He had so much fun playing at the playground in Centennial Park with his cousin Makenzie. He was a trooper too and conked out on us on the way home. Luckily he wentdown easilyonce at the house for a few hours. After his nap we headed back to the second park. Right by my dad's house, they have a great park area. Lawson played, went down the slide and played on the swings forever. Sunday, my grandmother came over for lunch. We visited with her a while and headed back after having lunch. It was a great weekend!!!

Lawson looking at the fish

he just told us he saw a turtle

Poppy showing Lawson the sting rays

playing with Poppy at the park

Like A Fish

So Lawson started swim lessons on Monday. I enrolled him in them a month ago and have been kind of curious to see how he would do. I had wanted to put Lawson in lessons because he is fearless when it comes to water and I thought that he would learn some of the basics. He has done really well. He goes under water without a problem. He walks in the water fine and has even starting kicking his feet. He definitely LOVES the water!!

The only problem I have had with the lessons, is I am not sure what the end result should be. The teacher is really sweet....but young. And all we really do is sing songs and push a noodle around. Most of the other stuff is me doing it with him myself. Some of the other mom's starting talking about it today. I don't want to get the teacher in trouble but I am spending $90 on lessons for two weeks and I want him to learn something other than how to do the hokey pokey. Anyone else put their kids in lessons around this age? Suggestions on what to do??

Water, Water EVERYWHERE!!!!

So about two weeks ago, Lawson was at my mom's. I had gone to the doctor that day and was just going to rest. Mitch got home from work and we were getting ready to go get him and run some errands. I decided that before we left I would start a load of towels. It was not even a large load but I put the dial on medium-large just to make sure. I went on about my business and walked into the kitchen to see if it was done. What I walked into was standing water! I started yelling for Mitch and probably said a few choice words. I ran to the laundry room and opened the door. When I did that, it was like the flood gates opened. Water started gushing out and now I was standing in ankle deep water. Mitch grabbed every towel in the house and we started trying to get it up. We used the shop vac to try and get up some water. Unfortunately it was a small shop vac so it took us quite a few times of sucking water up and then dumping it out. After about 30 minutes we were able to get all the water up.

We called our insurance company on Sunday, because by this point all the floors in the kitchen began to buckle. (We have laminate wood floors throughout the kitchen and living room.) Our insurance adjuster called on Monday and sent out ServPro. The put 3 huge fans and a de-humidifier in kitchen to try and dry up the moisture. Tuesday they came back out and ripped up all the floors in my kitchen. Luckily when we laid the floors, we left the original linoleum underneath so it didn't look too bad. They came on Thursday to pick everything up and I was finally able to get my house back in some kind of order. Friday we got a call from the adjuster and they gave us a really great estimate on what it was going to cost to re-do everything....kitchen and living room!!!! So we have now decided, it was going to be too tough to match the floors in the living room....so we are going to tile the kitchen. We got a great price on some tile and a really good estimate from a contractor to come and install it. This new project begins Monday!

It has been such a headache dealing with this! Last week I had someone at my house everyday looking at the washer, ServPro, ect. I will be so glad when this is finished! Even though it has been stressful to deal with, I get a brand new floor!!

Pictures from the Wedding

Bridesmaid Brunch/Lingerie Party

Flower arrangements

the bride and her bridesmaids

my mom and us girls

me, Corky and Courtney

Courtney at her lingerie shower

the gift my mom got her

The Wedding Day

the beautiful bride!

Mr. and Mrs. Schlotec

after the wedding

me and my handsome hubby

me, Courtney and Mitch

me and Corey

our new brother in law

me and my sister

the brother in laws

Chelsea and Corky

my parents