Sunny Sunday

Just checking in on this beautiful Sunday! Scott went hunting this weekend, so I have been ridin' solo with all 3 kids in tow! I am ready for Scott to get home...countdown has begun and he will be home soon! And Scott had to work late a few nights last week, plus going out of town- this has been a long week! Wait- tomorrow is already Monday?! Lord, please grant me an extra dose of patience. Ahhhh, good thing these 3 are so precious! It is SO unusual for Scott to work late, and he rarely leaves town. So, he deserved the break.

 

This weekend was a fun one! Faith Ann had her first "all girls party" on Friday night. My niece, Ally, had a Spa theme birthday party. About 30 nine year olds filled their home for manicures and facials!! I was in charge of painting nails. Faith Ann tagged along to be part of the girls party. It was great, and Faith Ann was extremely loved on! Grandpa (Scott's dad) babysat the boys while the girls partied. We spent most of the weekend outside, and I even loaded them all up for church this morning!

I have a busy week as I prepare for my Dads party this weekend. So cute...he wanted to throw a "bash" for his 72nd birthday. He said, "why the hell not?!" He wanted a classic country band, good food, and tons of people. I joke that it is going to be an old man's fraternity party! Haha! He is so excited! We are headed to the Firehouse Saloon, with an old school/classic country band. We are expecting 75 people! Ninfa's Mexican food is being catered, and a steady flow of beer and wine. See what I mean...old man fraternity party! I just know we are all going to have a blast!

On Dad's bucket list is to sing the song "Redneck Mother" on the stage with a country band. I talked to the band, and that will be Dad's big surprise! He will be checking off his bucket list and singing on stage with the band! He will be over the moon! Dad says, "I'm not healthy enough to travel, I don't have a wife to go out to eat with all the time, so I'm going to spend my money on a big party!" Whoohoo! We all definitely have the party gene in our blood- this should be fun!

I will be getting ready for the party all week. Making table centerpieces, sign in book, desserts, finalizing arrangements, etc. My cousin is coming in town from Dallas to stay with us for the party. She has 2 kids (Hunter and Faith Ann's age) so the kids will have fun too. We are getting a couple babysitters to take over while we cut loose! Have a great week and remember age is just a number! A good party can keep us all young, well...young at heart anyways!

My Dad

Today is my Dad's birthday. 72 years old!!! Sounds crazy that I have a father that is 72. My parents had me later in their life. I was an accident, which he loves to remind me of at times! Actually my mom was going in for a hysterectomy appointment. They had to do a "routine pregnancy test" beforehand. Good thing, because yep- she was pregnant!!! They were shocked to say the least! Going in for a hysterectomy and coming out pregnant! Ha!

My oldest brother is 15 years older than me (Beau.) He was going to college as I was going to Pre-K! Now that I am a mom, I can't imagine my life being so spread out like that!! However, my parents loved it because they got to see life from all perspectives...being a young parent and also being an old parent! My dad says he prefers to be an older parent because you just don't sweat the small stuff! My mom agreed. She loved being an older mom. She said that I was spoiled rotten because they just didn't have the energy to do otherwise! They often joke that no one knew I could walk until Pre-K because I was carried everywhere!

The stories I have of being the youngest in my family are hilarious, and some are embarrassingly bratty! If I was thirsty...I would just make a gulping sound and everyone would get up and RUN to get me a drink. They would race and whoever would hand me the drink would get a hug from me! Yall, seriously?! I had all my siblings, their friends, my sister-in-law (who was then like 18) racing to serve me...for a hug! That story is just the tip of the iceberg!

I was held on some high "get away with everything" pedestal! My siblings may say that I still am because my dad has always been the root of this spoiling! Here he is, 72 years old, and he would still run to get me a drink if I gulped! Now, to give myself some credit...I always made good grades, mostly followed the rules, had good friends, and respected my parents...so in my dad's defense, he wasn't spoiling a complete brat!

I LOVE breakfast food, and I always wanted a big home cooked meal in the mornings. It became expected, just part of my day.  There my dad was, day in/day out, cooking me my requested meal. He even served me orange juice in a chilled crystal campaign glass...true princess form! My brothers gave him SUCH a hard time about that dang crystal glass he kept in the freezer for my breakfast the next day! This happened until the day I went off to college! He would even make my lunch and leave notes in my lunch sack...yes notes on my napkin until I was 18 years old!

Even after I got married and after mom passed away, I would stop by my parents house on my way to work to eat breakfast. My dad was retired, and still got up to give me my chilled orange juice! Then, I would drive by for lunch and dad would meet me at the curb to hand me my lunch through my car window! No matter my age, I will always be his "baby girl!!!" He was always the coach for all my sports teams, and he never missed a dance recital or school event. I even wrote the song for our "Daddy/Daughter dance" at my wedding because only I could put into words what a wonderful man my dad is!

As we have aged, our roles have turned into a wonderful dynamic! In some ways, I am the "wife." I do all the shopping for him, most planning, I check on him many times throughout the day, and I even give him a good lecture here and there! He says, "why is my daughter lecturing me?" I am a sarcastic person and some may say that I'm a little 'edgy.' But you know what? My dad loves this most about me! He says, "you may be a pistol, but you're a pistol that I always want on my side!" Well, I will always be on my dads side...supporting, loving, listening, and even tossing him my attitude!

One word that always comes to mind when I think of my dad is...steady! He is steady! Always there. I can always count on him for anything! He is slow moving because of his health...well shoot, he is slow moving in general because he is SO laid back! But, slow and steady wins the race! As each birthday passes, I only grow to appreciate my dad more and more!

I get it now! I understand from a different perspective. Nothing like a daddy and his daughter! Now that I watch Scott and Faith Ann. Scott is in trouble! Everyone says that Scott has many of the same characteristics as my dad...gentle, reliable, patient, understanding! If Faith Ann charms Scott the way I hooked my dad- OH.MY.GOSH! So far, it is looking that way. He is putty in her hands...softer than putty, he is mush in her hands!

And Faith Ann is just beginning! Scott will be waking up to make her lunch before school because she doesn't like the mustard to soak on the bread all night...yep, that was me! And Scott will smile, leave a note on her napkin, and in his quiet subtle way...she will know that Scott is her lifeline! She will know that Scott worships the ground she walks on. She will know that Scott's world revolves around her. She will know that, above all, Scott's happiest moment comes when he sees his baby girl happy!

How do I know this??? Because I am a daddy's girl, and I can spot a man that will melt in his daughters hands. My dad has said that I was born with a magic wand, and I put a spell on him the day I was born! I think my wand has been passed down because Scott is under Faith Ann's spell! Happy Birthday to the best dad. Because of our relationship, I am even more excited to watch Scott and Faith Ann's relationship blossom!

No News

No news is good news. This is the post about nothing! We are still enjoying our weekly Wednesday lunch with Scott. This was always Hunter's highlight of the week, and still is during summertime. He has been in school on Wednesdays- so we go with just Trent and Faith Ann. We decided to let each child have their moment and alone time with daddy! Hunter had Wednesday lunch alone for 22 months before Trent tagged along. Trent had alone time for about 10 months, and now he is enjoying his Wednesday lunches with Faith Ann! Soon enough, Faith Ann will have her Wednesday lunch alone when Trent starts school this August. Nothing fancy...just walking the sky bridge from his office to the galleria, visiting with Mr.P the shoe shine man, eat chick fil-a, and make a few stops at fun stores. Simple and memorable, and by far my favorite tradition that Scott and I have as a family!

Faith Ann is starting to show signs of mobility. She is really scooting around on her tummy, and starting to reach for tables to pull up. She hasn't pulled up alone yet, but she is able to with very little assistance. I suspect that she will be on the move within the month- maybe? Either way, I am fine because I love a stationary baby that you don't have to worry about!

 She does this ADORABLE head tilt that will melt your heart! She turns her head sideways and looks at you with a huge smile! She mainly does it while I am holding her. She will tilt her head so far to the side like she's trying to get my attention, then she smiles so big when I look at her. She does it to other people too while I hold her. Her little flirty gesture has made many people smile! This girl just makes ya feel good!

She now claps all the time! So cute! I love to watch her tiny hands as she claps away. She kicks her legs at the same time as she's smiling. Hands down- she is the happiest person ever. Someone told me the other day, "you can tell that her heart is happy." Not only did that make me proud, but it is so true. You can feel her happiness from her inside out!

Scott asked me the other day what my favorite thing about Faith Ann is. Honestly, I couldn't say just one thing! What makes her most beautiful is that her inner beauty shines through her eyes and smile! Gosh, I love too much about her! She continues to be my peace.

She is also tough as nails! Her brothers play with her all the time. This often leads to them pushing her around the house on her tummy, playing football with her, building forts, pushing her in the swing, and so much more! They were playing duck duck goose the other day. They were tapping her head and saying duck. Well the taps keep getting harder and harder. They were running right behind her. I watched closely. She wasn't phased by all the physical commotion! She is just so cool! Speaking of her brothers...Hunter and Trent are thick as thieves! No pun intended- they better not be thieves! But their loyalty, friendship, and admiration runs deep!

Another random thought...Hunter still has those lymph nodes in neck. He has had them for like a year. Dr. Brack says they are not considered "enlarged" since they are under 1 cm, they are just noticeable. So, they are not of any concern to her. I can see them and feel the bumps- so I just don't like them!! Dr. Brack has asked all the other doctors in the practice to feel them over the course of the year, and they all agree that there is no need for further testing...just normal/noticeable nodes on a thin boy. I asked for a blood test a few months ago, and all looked fine. Dr. Brack, along with many other doctors, have told me to let it go! I let it go for a few weeks, then the sunlight captures the bumps, and I worry again. Ugh! Then, I remember what my mom said..."You will always have worry as a mother. Worry and love work hand in hand. Worry can also steal joy. Finding the balance is part of the journey of motherhood!" So, that's that! I'm on my journey- learning along the way!

8 Months

Faith Ann is too dang cute. That really sums her up right now. She is cute as a button, and her little personality is sooooooo cute! We hear two things almost daily....1: "Faith Ann is Trent with a bow!" and 2. "She is even cuter than the Gerber baby!" Her sweet chubby cheeks, beautiful eyes, and huge smile have captured her quiet the fan club!! And, in response to the first comment....here's a split screen shot of Trent and Faith Ann at around 8 months old, and I have to agree. They look a lot alike. They have the same features, but Faith Ann's features have this adorable girly finishing touch!

Speaking of Trent- he just decided that he was potty trained last week!! Whoohoo! He wouldn't let me put on his diaper the other day, so I went along with it. And literally, that was IT! He takes himself to the bathroom, gets on the toilet, flushes, and pulls up his pants all on his own! He doesn't even tell me when he's going. Where did my baby go?! This goes to prove the theory that they will be potty trained when THEY are ready. True! I'm anticipating a few accidents especially when he is busy playing, but he has made a giant big boy leap! So, at 2 years and 5 months old...Trent is wearing big boy underwear, and he is so very excited about it! Hunter and Trent have a blast "peein' in the bushes" everywhere they go...boys will be boys!

Back to sweet pea. Faith Ann, 8 months old and she is just Heavenly. Sounds so cheesy, but so true! She is not crawling yet, so I can count on her staying in one area. She is content with any toy, sock, book, cup, hair clip- anything will entertain her! She is at a wonderful phase, and I am soaking it up! Here's what she is up to...

• Finally starting to eat some foods! She is eating lunch and dinner. She has tiny bites of whatever we are eating. She is content with a small amount- unlike her brothers at this age. They were eating entire hamburgers! Faith Ann takes 20 minutes to eat 2 tiny bites of a burger, then she's done!
• Breastfeeding 3 times a day
• Sleeps 7:30pm-7:00am (she will have random nights of waking at 2am, so I nurse her assuming she didn't get enough food since she eats like a mouse!)
• She had her first real doctor appointment last week. 1st visit in 8 months, pretty good considering her older brothers are always in her face! Her eyes were so swollen, crusty and bruised! She was acting, eating, sleeping great- just nasty, painful looking eyes! Doctor said her congestion had backed up in her eyes causing pressure! She had no other symptoms, so we let it run it's course and she was looking back to normal in about 4 days.
• While at doctor- she weighed 18.8lbs. I would think she would weigh more because she has the most scrumptious rolls and chubby cheeks. She is so plump, and I LOVE it! 
• She scoots/slides on her tummy, but not crawling
• No teeth
• Afternoon nap at same time as the boys. They fall asleep around 1:00 or 2:00, and sleep for at least 2 hours! 
• Hits my chest repetitively when shes nursing, and hits the highchair tray when she likes what she's eating- hilarious! 
• Says "mama, dada" all the time, over and over: "mama, dada, mama, dada..." So sweet!  
• Still the most flexible, content, peaceful baby ever
• She likes to sleep on her tummy
• Takes a morning nap in our bed. I feed her when she wakes, then she falls right back to sleep until about 9:00. This is what she looks like when I have to wake her to start our day....she's like "why are you bothering me?!"

We've had lots of cold rainy days. So, we have filled our days with inside play. Lots of building forts, lots of time with they boys pushing Faith Ann around!! Ha! Hunter is trying to 'teach Faith Ann how to crawl.' So, he just pushes her around the house, and she LOVES it as she glides around on her tummy!

Faith Ann- you leave me speechless. How could I possibly love you more? I remember thinking that last month too, but somehow I find a way...I just love you more and more everyday! You are one of a kind. Your sweet, gentle, peaceful heart is such a gift to our family!

Happy Birthday, Scott

Scott turns 32 today. Happy Birthday to the most loyal, genuine, simple man I know. He is my life-line, my foundation, my stability, my laughter, my best friend- my everything! Yes, being a spouse is to be someones partner in life. But, Scott has redefined the meaning of the word 'partner.'

His natural ability to be a father blows my mind! He often loads up all 3 kids and heads out! They go fishing, go look at boats at Bass Pro Shop, look at the animals at PetsMart, browse Academy. He genuinely loves just being with his children! The kids look forward to their outings just as much as Scott does. Scott handles the children just like a mother would! On the weekends- he often prepares their food, bathes them, reads/plays with them, loads them up and runs errands, dresses them in the morning. Amazing! He just steps up to the plate because he wants his children to rely on him, need him, and want him in all areas of life.

 Scott has made a conscience investment....quality of time! He treasures his time with his family. Scott is 100% 'hands on deck' the second his car pulls into the driveway until the second we turn out the lights. He doesn't watch TV, doesn't play on phone...he gives us ALL of him! Let me tell you...this investment has paid off! Our children ADORE Scott and worship the ground he walks on! The kids are at complete peace with Scott. They trust and honor Scott with every ounce of their being!

 Scott is a good good man! He has far exceeded my expectations! Scott is way more than my partner, he is my world! We are two puzzle pieces that have molded into one. We don't know life without the other. Scott is often my better half. He is the most patient man you will ever meet. In the most admirable way- he is soft spoken and gentle. Those are the characteristics that make him so strong and respectable.  

After nearly 16 years of being together...we still laugh HARD often! Just last night, Scott got the kids together on the couch and brought me in the room. He said we needed to have an intervention. You see, I ate all his birthday cookie cake from work- oops! So, Scott said, "Bran, we are all here because we love you. We are going to say what we have to say- then you are free to go." If you have ever seen the show 'Intervention,' you know this is a scene from that show! Scott then had Hunter say, "you need to stop eating Daddy's food." Then Scott said, "see Bran, this is effecting everyone!" We CRACKED up. This is typical for us...we are just silly- or weird! We have our own American Idol auditions, our own language, we make up commercials, so much more! Scott makes life more fun! We just 'get' each other like no one else in the world!

And Faith Ann...you have stolen a part of your daddy's heart that I thought only I could have! ha! I guess I will share that spot of his heart with you!! He holds his "baby girls" on a pedestal...and Faith Ann's pedestal is only getting higher and higher each day! Scott is wrapped around Faith Ann's finger...every single finger and every toe!

Scott- you continue to amaze me. You continue to make me smile and laugh. You continue to make me look forward to the future while also embracing the present. On top of all of this, you are pretty darn handsome! I pretty much hit the jackpot! Happy Birthday to the best husband and father in the world!