Friday, June 27, 2014

Good People

We have some very good people in our lives- more than I can write about. But, here's to name a few that have touched our lives lately...
Mr. P!! We eat lunch with Scott every Wednesday. We started this when Hunter was born. We meet in the lobby of his office (Williams Tower), then we walk the sky bridge to the Galleria. We usually eat Chick-fil-a in the food court. Such a simple lunch, but the impact is HUGE. The boys anticipate Wednesday lunch with daddy. A sweet man, Mr. P, is the shoe shiner that works in the lobby. He has seen us every Wednesday from day one. He has watched our family grow! Part of our Wednesday lunch is to visit with Mr. P. He usually has a treat for the boys and always gives hugs! Last week he took the boys to the candy store and let them pick whatever they wanted. Mr. P will be a cherished childhood memory. He has a sweet soul, and he loves my children and our family. We love Mr.P! 
My niece, Ally! My boys adore her. She lives down the street from us, and we see her often. She is 8 years old. Her "summer job" is to be my nanny! She comes over twice a week for a few hours to help me out. She really is a great help! She plays with the boys while I have alone time with Faith Ann. She helps me get dinner ready. Basically, she is another set of hands. I pay her with clothes! I bought her bathing suits and cover ups for the summer. And, I am buying her back to school wardrobe at the end of summer. She is ecstatic about her "pay," and I am very appreciative for her help. She brings an extra dose of love and laughter in our home!
My Aunt Sandra. My dads sister, Sandra, helped my dad clear out his house when he moved. She came across some of my moms pink seer-suckered placemats. Mom used these often, and I especially have memories of her setting the table with these for Easter! Sandra took them home with her. When Faith Ann was born, Sandra decided to use them for a blanket! She made a quilt using these placemats and she monogrammed nursery rhymes on the blanket. On the back of the blanket she monogrammed a sweet message, Faith Ann's name and birthday. Sandra just surprised me with the blanket, and I LOVE it! So very special and thoughtful! 

This list could go on and on. We are very blessed with many good people in our daily lives. Faith Ann is a lucky little girl to be welcomed by so many people that loved her before they even knew her!!

Sunday, June 22, 2014

6 Weeks

I can remember being in school, and we got a report card every 6 weeks. Well, those 6 weeks seemed like forever! I have a whole new perspective on 6 weeks. Faith Ann is 6 weeks old and it has flown by! Mom told me that time moves faster the older you get. That is a true statement!!
Faith Ann is still a peaceful, sweet, and gentle addition to our family. Peacefulness exudes from her. From day 1...Hunter was joyful, spunky, and full of life. Trent was cool, calm and collected. There is one perfect word for Faith Ann...peaceful. From day 1, she has brought a peace to our home and family! It definitely feels "full circle" in our home these days. The chemistry has a great balance. It feels good- it feels right!
This picture makes me laugh! Can you spot the "attitude" in the pic?

When Faith Ann was born RIGHT when school ended, I thought "oh my, long summer days at home with all 3 kids will be tough!" But this has been the perfect way to start Faith Ann's life. Our life is pretty simple right now with walks, play dates, a few summer activities for the boys, outside play time, long meals, slow moving mornings, and time just being together. School brings rushed mornings, shuffling in the car, etc. So, this timing has worked out beautifully for us to slow down and enjoy Faith Ann.
Faith Ann continues to be a good eater and sleeper. She is still breastfeeding, and things are going smooth with that. She has been my best sleeper! The boys were great sleepers, but Faith Ann puts them to shame! She has only woken once a night since birth (usually between 3:30-5:30.) There have been a few nights that she goes all the way to 6:00am. Now, it could be that I wear earplugs so I don't hear every grunt and moan!! She is still in the cradle next to our bed...mainly because it is so easy! We have our system. I roll over to feed her, then she is asleep 15 minutes later. I don't have to get up, so this system is working and I hate to change things up! I honestly don't want to put her in her crib...maybe because things are so smooth right now- or maybe because she could be our last baby, and I don't want to rush it?? Either way, we are all happy campers!

The thought that she may be our last baby has changed my perspective on many things! I feel like I am enjoying the newborn phase so much this time around. I actually lay down on the couch and have her sleep on me! For those that know me...it is rare for me to lay down. A few years ago I was laying down on the couch when Scott walked in, and he asked me "are you okay, do we need to call an ambulance?" He says that he was only slightly kidding, but point is that I am not a "relaxer." Faith Ann has made me want to relax, lay down and feel the calmness of a newborn! I'm telling you...she is so darn peaceful that she makes me want to lay down and just be in the moment!! To me, this is a whole new feeling and experience and I am loving it!
Happy 6 weeks to my little girl! Each child has changed me, each child has made me a better person, each child has brought a new purpose and perspective to my life. I can't help but feel like God has wanted me to slow down, be in the moment, and embrace simplicity...Faith Ann has given me those gifts!



Thursday, June 19, 2014

Faith Ann's Nursery

This room is made with love. It is filled with memories. This nursery tells a story, and you can feel the history when you walk in! I love everything about it. Scott was laying on the floor and said, "It is so calming in here!" My sister in law got tears in her eyes when she walked in and said "your moms spirit pours out of this room!"  It really is amazing how much you can feel the history and warmth in the details.
The quilt hanging on the wall was my moms. She saved it for my daughter years ago- way before I even got married. She loved the details and the Southern charm to this quilt. She tucked it away in a closet and told me "remember that quilt is for your future daughter!" As I was packing up Dads house when he was moving, I saw it and my heart sank! I was about 4 months pregnant at the time, and I said a prayer that I would be able to use that quilt one day! So, I hang this quilt with much love!!

The mirror above the crib was in moms "Princess room." She LOVED her grandchildren, and she had a grandson and granddaughter room in her house. She worked hard to make the rooms special. She called the grandson room "the Buckaroo room" because it was cowboy theme, and she called the granddaughter room "the princess room" because it was such a frilly room! Well, this mirror is pretty frilly with the scrolls, angels and all pink! I didn't know the gender when Dad was moving- so I saved all these items in my garage just in case God gave me a daughter. It is so special to know that mom lovingly picked this decor for her granddaughters- especially since I have no doubt that she and Faith Ann have already intertwined in the Heavens!
The dress hanging above the crib was one of my Feltman Brother dresses that mom saved. I found a box while moving Dad that said "for Brandi's daughter." It was filled with dresses, baby bracelets, and a few other treasured items. Mom loved rosebuds, she thought they were so delicate and girly. That is why I chose to hang this dress for display...the rosebuds remind me so much of mom! Mom never told me about this box, she probably forgot about it. It was such a surprise when I came across it...proof that Gods timing is perfect!
Also hanging above the crib are ballet slippers that mom hand painted in 1956!! Her name and date are printed on the back. This is my most treasured item in the room! I adore these ballet slippers! Just knowing that mom painted them as a little girl warms my heart. She painted these with her whole life ahead of her. Now they hang above Faith Ann as HER whole life awaits! I can almost invision my '10 year old mom' painting these slippers, with her hair braided and smile trying to make them perfect! That image is in my head!
The ballet slippers and dress are hanging on a shelf that was in my childhood room. Mom used to read me a book called "Amy the Dancing Bear." We loved that book! I still have the book- it's like I can almost still see her hands turning the pages! She bought me this shelf because there are bears on it, and it reminded her of our favorite book!
The curtains and valence are so beautiful! I had boy and girl fabric picked out. I ordered the girl fabric the night Faith Ann was born, I was too excited! I made the curtain valence!! I got her initials monogrammed on the center. It is such a classy focal point to the room!
I got the bumper pads and crib skirt made. The ties on the bumper pads match the curtains and the trim matches the trim on the valence. I tried to make the crib somewhat neutral so that the other items were highlighted! I LOVE the bedding...girly and simple! The pillows are also from the "Princess room." I love knowing that mom picked out those pillows with her granddauthers in mind! The lamp on the white table is from the "Princess Room" and it matches one of the pillows. I got the "Keeping the Faith" pillow made for my mom- it was the last Christmas present I ever gave mom (year 2005.) It meant the world to her because that quote is what motivated her throughout her sickness. The trim on that pillow is from the silk nightgown that I still sleep with to this day...my "na-nas!" ha! I have slept with my "na-na's" since I was about 3 years old! She laughed when she saw the trim on that pillow. She knew immediately where that ruffle was from and was shocked that I would ever cut my "na-na!"
I sanded, painted and distressed the white table. It was hard work- totally worth it. I really love the table, and know I will use it for many years. The little white vase and yellow antique bird cage are also from moms house. The books under the table are in my old doll bassinet. I remember rocking my baby dolls in that bassinet for hours!! I even put my dalmatian puppy in there and tried to give it a bottle! I have many memories with that doll bassinet! I love the way the books look in it.
I used to collect cats when I was a little girl. Not sure why, I don't even really like cats!! But, I have always thought they are cute! I started my collection when I was about 5. My grandfather (mom's dad) used to buy me a cat every birthday. I saved a few of my favorite that really bring back memories. I put those cats on her dresser. My parents bought me that cat towel hanger (on the wall) when they went to Italy when I was a little girl. I remember thinking that was the best present in the world! I still think it is beautiful!
I also saved my American Girl doll....Molly! Man, I was obsessed with Molly! I giggled when I pulled her out from under my childhood bed while moving Dad. I knew I had to save it! I think it is a perfect touch to this room! The other items on the dresser are from the "Princess Room." The baby book that I made is also displayed. I just love that moms nightgown is wrapped around that baby book. I can almost still smell my mom when I hold that book! I made the bow holder from an old mirror that was in my childhood room. I took out the mirror and just kept the frame. I put rosebud fabric in the frame with thick ribbon to hold the bows. Again, I chose rosebud fabric because it tugs a heart-string for me as it reminds me of my mom and my childhood.
Of course, I put the "Faith coin" up in a frame with a picture of mom. The "Faith coin" is displayed in honor and admiration of my mom! The story behind the coin is on the back of the frame. I also came across my parents wedding invitation while moving dad. I loved the antique frame. Their wedding, their love was the start of everything. There is so much symbolism behind that wedding invitation...that was the start of our family journey, the start of God putting our plan into action, the start of MY children. 
My aunt handmade the small quilt. It is made out of moms old clothes. Each piece of fabric brings back memories! She put a picture of mom on the back with "Guardian Angel" above her picture. That is so true! I don't know all the details about spirits, angels, etc...but I do know that moms love is pouring over Faith Ann and will continue to do so! I have never felt so close to my mom. It's like I know her on a whole new level, even though she is gone. That's the power of the spirit!! Her aura, soul, and spirit are overflowing my heart- and this room! I am beyond grateful for the power of God...that He is able to make a spirit so powerful, so real, and so present!
Faith Ann, your room was put together with Zsa-Zsa at the core! She loves you so much. Even though you may not have an 'Earthly' relationship with Zsa-Zsa, I pray that your relationship is much deeper! I have no doubt that this room is just the start of you and my moms soulful connection! The two girls that I love the most...combined into one room! I just love the room, I love Faith Ann, and I love and honor my mom more than ever!





Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Dermatologist & Beach Visit

We went to the dermatologist, which we are grateful that we got a last minute appointment! But first, we went to the beach last weekend. Faith Ann enjoyed her first time on the beach. The boys played in the waves with daddy while Faith Ann and I relaxed in the shade. She sat in the bouncy chair and dozed on and off. I fed her on the beach- I tucked the blanket into my bikini straps and it worked like a charm. It was windy, but my bathing suit held down the blanket and no one even noticed! We ate lunch on the beach and had a great day. Faith Ann was in the shade 90% of the time, but she still got a little pink in the face. I felt guilty, but that is just a reminder on how sensitive their baby skin is!!
Speaking of skin, we had our big dermatologist appointment! It was 6 weeks away, but my cousins husband is the Senior Vice President of Texas Children's. He sent a picture of Faith Ann's birthmark to a few of the pediatric dermatologist asking their opinion. Well, I got a phone call from one of the doctors the next day! She offered to see me that day on her lunch break! This made me nervous...thinking, "she saw the picture and wants to see me today- what is wrong?!" She assured me that she just wanted to see Faith Ann before the mark made any more changes to establish a baseline. Grateful that we didn't have to wait the 6 weeks!!
Scott came home from work to watch the boys because the appointment was very last minute, and I had to take advantage of the opportunity. Faith Ann and I headed to Texas Childrens...I really dislike the medical center! Parking was awful- I valeted at the wrong building, ugh! Anyways, we made it on time and I really liked the doctor!
She immediately gave a diagnosis, her confidence was reassuring! It is a "Segmental Superficial Infantile Hemangioma." That is a mouthful!! Let me explain...it is totally cosmetic, nothing serious and will fade or go away in the coming years. Segmental means that it covers a larger area instead of a small cluster. This also means that it is a 'thin' hemangioma...meaning it should not form a raised cluster of vessels because it is just below the skins surface. It covers a larger space, but is thinner than a typical hemangioma. She says this is good in terms of it fading, but it tends to look a little more "unsightly" in the meantime.
It shouldn't get much worse than it is now. She suspects that the fading process will begin around 12 months old. She said "it should disappear or greatly improve between 1-3 years old." My main concern was if this was a sign of something more serious....no it is not! AMEN! My other concern was is there something we can do if it causes her insecurities later in life...yes, a minor laser treatment will completely remove it. Good to know that she will have that option is she wants it!
She wants to see Faith Ann in one month to check the progress. Then, she will see me a couple more times before her first birthday. She said, "enjoy this part of her baby years because it will be a distant memory one day." She encouraged me to take pictures and embrace this part of her body. She was a very sweet doctor. Great doctor appointment with good news. We all agree that the upper inner arm is a great place for something like this, and I will deal with the question "what is on her arm??" I know I will hear that, but now I know SHE won't have to hear that question her whole life! I pray for health over my children. I also pray for confidence, and this is one less thing that she will have worry about as she is going through those tough teenage years.
As I talk about praying- let me say a prayer for all those sweet children I saw while at Texas Childrens! My heart hurt! I got tears in my eyes and a frog in my throat! The pain and worry on the parents faces, speechless! I saw a few children with limp and tired bodies...I can't even type without my eyes filling with tears! God Bless those families!
I will keep taking pictures of her hemangioma to document changes. I feel good about the prognosis. I hug Faith Ann knowing how special life is. Life is fragile, life is so so special. I love my children. I adore my sweet Faith Ann, and I will kiss this hemangioma a million times before it becomes part of our history! By the way...she now 9.4 lbs!!! Gaining weight at a fast pace, you go girl!!

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Happy Fathers Day

Happy Fathers Day to the most gentle soul I know! Scott is a wonderful man, a great husband and the best father. Our children admire him. Our boys look up to him as a role model. I know Faith Ann will have him wrapped around her little finger. He adores his little girl. We had a simple day- just the way Scott likes! We made breakfast for Scott, went to church, my dad (Pardner) brought over James Coney Island for lunch, he hit some golf balls during the kids nap, and now they are going fishing in the nearby neighborhood lakes (Sandalwood.) Scott holds a special places in our hearts. We love you!