18 months & growing!!!!

I wanted to do this post this past weekend, but I didn't.  I'm sure it was b/c I was lazy....LOL  j/k  I have been helping take care of my mom & not always at my house to upload pics & take the time to post.  However, I would never change taking care of her or just being there with her when she needs me.  :)  I love you, mom, enjoy the pics & videos. 

Here is the poor frog that Zachary wanted to touch and throw around.  We released him into the yard and he was GONE!

Here is Zachary playing with the frog.

Zachary & I were making a few pictures & coloring.  Well, he wrote on his face too....LOL  You can't tell in the picture, but he tried to eat a marker too.  :)

Here he is playing on his coupe - he loves this car!

Getting the new toy set-up!

Almost done & Zachary can hardly wait!!!!!

Here he is getting ready to go down the roller coaster for the 1st time.  He didn't want to stop going on it......so funny!

Playing with grammy after we got it all set-up!

Here he is - he LOVES this roller coaster toy......:)

Walking down to the pond to get in.  Love this picture!

Kodi, Zachary, and daddy swimming with the "kids".

Swimming with daddy in our pond

Now, here are some videos that we have taken - ENJOY!

A few pics before I hit the hay....

We went & got my mom's wig this past weekend, so if/when she loses her hair; then she'll have something if she wants it.  :)  One of my mom's friend gave her a long-haired wig to have fun with, so of course, we had fun with it too.  Enjoy the pics!!!

Here is Zachary in the long-haired wig & my mom in her wig.  He looks HILARIOUS!!!!!

Here is Zachary still in the wig & of course, I just HAD to have my picture taken with him too.  He HATED it at first or scared - not sure which.  Then he got more used to it & let us take some pictures with it on.  TOO FUNNY!!!!!!!!!

Now here is my wonderful mom & her new wig.  I think this was before they trimmed it up some b/c the bangs were driving her CRAZY!  I love the blond & thinks she looks super cute in it!  She was very brave the day we went & picked it up & I was very proud of her.  :)  Mom, you're an awesome woman & I'm so blessed to call you mom.  I love you!!!!!!!

13 wks belly shot!

Here we go w/ a few belly shots that I haven't posted yet - enjoy!

10 weeks

11 weeks

13 weeks (taken this evening)

I need to work on my photographer's skills..........LOL  He either cuts my head off or comes in too close.  So, this 13 week belly shot was taken 3 - 4 times before we got a decent picture.  :)  We'll see what we can do over the next few weeks to get some better shots! 

I am feeling good & just beginning to start growing more.  Nothing major yet, but I have started filling out some.  :)

I am not as moody as I have been, well, for the most part.  It is getting better, so I know Les is happy about that.

I received my blood results today for testing of the downs, trysonomy, etc.  Those turned out great & had normal results.  The measurement the other day of the babies back of the neck turned out normal as well.  Then blood work confirmed a good report.  I go back in about 5 weeks to have another sonogram & more blood work.  I don't know what that blood work is supposed to test, but I trust my Father in Heaven to make everything be well.  Our baby was very active the other day when we got to see it & they think it could be a girl; which was very exciting for me!  I want to make bows once I know & I already have plans for getting her ears pierced as a baby - I have always wanted to pierce my baby girls ears (if I had one).  So, that will be so much fun!

Good news with Zachary today - He has been DISCHARGED from having to go back to the Hematologists' office again.  We went for 18 months & 6 months of that was every single week, so this is such a huge step & I'm so happy.  It was bittersweet b/c I did tear up when hugging our doctor.  She's the sweetest thing & has been so great to us.  Thank you, Dr. Cavalier for all that you have done for Zachary & the support that you have shown me on those really tough days.  We love you!!!

We praise God for all the good news that was received today & know that He is in control over everything!  He has been nothing but good to us; even in those hard days. 

Pray for my mom tomorrow b/c she'll be having the port put in; which is what they'll administer her chemo through; which starts this Monday.  Love you, mom!

It might be a..........

GIRL!!!!!!!!  The doc wouldn't give us a 100%, but he did look the best that he could.  By the end of the appt.; when they were done measuring the baby and checking everything out; then that's when he was trying to see the "parts."  But, by the time we got to that point, the baby decided to take a nap & was all curled up.  He tried to get it to move so that he could see more clearer, but nope, its going to be stubborn......LOL

The baby was very active & was moving all over the place during the rest of it & that was so fun to watch.  Les got to be there to see the sonogram & I was happy about that.  :)  Zachary was sitting in my mom's lap & next thing we knew, he had fallen asleep; which is TOTALLY not Zachary.  It was so cute!  He was just a happy & comfy baby & went out.  LOL

13 wks - YAY!

One more week of the 1st trimester & into the 2nd trimester next week.  I'm excited b/c so far it's been a good pregnancy.  I started out with an agitated cervix & that cleared up right away.  She thought that I would have bleeding, but to our surprise, no bleeding or spotting.  She said that it just cleared up on its own - YAY!  We have seen the heartbeat at 7 wks and then at 11 wks we got to hear it.  Of course, the baby was SUPER active, so we didn't get to hear it much b/c it would move away from her pretty much the second that we heard it...........LOL  Zachary was always onery (sp?) too, but would hold still a little bit better.  Oh well!

Tomorrow morning we are going to see the perinatologist to have the baby looked at & see that the organs are all developing like they're supposed to.  Our OB is having us go since Zachary inherited the Thalassemia trait from Les & they want to check this baby.  So far, I have opted out of blood work on the baby; which would be taking blood from the umbilical cord.  Now, our hemotologist & I were talking the other day about it & she said that if for some reason the organs become enlarged; then she would recommend the blood work.  So, for now, we're planning on holding off on that.  I think that the nurse told me that they were going to be drawing blood from me & doing a Level 2 sono, so I'm hoping that we might be able to find out what the sex of the baby is - I'll keep you updated!  I'm so excited for our appt. tomorrow and even happier b/c Les gets to go with me.  :)

Zachary has a busy week too..........poor baby!  He has a check-up w/ his hemotologist to have his blood checked & see how he's doing.  We've had 6 months off & it's been great not having to go and hold him down while they draw blood.  :(   Then the following day he has his 18 month check-up - can you believe that he's already 18 months old?!  :)  My baby is not a baby anymore & looks more grown-up everyday.  While he's very independent; he still likes to know where we are & loves getting the occasional hug.  I'll share more about him on his actual 18 month b'day (Saturday).

Pray for my mom, she will be having her port put in on Friday & then will start chemo on Monday.  We're ready for this next journey & appreciate all your prayers!

Les is doing good - he's been working alot.  He's got his hunting license & is ready for November 6th to be here.  So, 2 months from today, deer season will open!  I'm hoping that I'll get to go, but I told Les that I would wait to get my license until I know how I'm doing as we get closer to opening weekend.  I am pretty sure that I'll be feeling good & I went hunting with him 2 yrs ago when I was pregnant w/ Z, but I'll be more comfortable waiting till we get there.  :)  I'm looking forward to my 1st hunting season as a hunter.  My aim is right on & I'm excited to get out there.  The big question is: Can I pull the trigger on the deer?  I don't know, so, we'll have to wait till I'm out there and in the moment.  :):):)

I suppose that's all for now, but check back tomorrow afternoon/evening & see if we know what we're having!!!!!

Happy Labor Day!!!

1st Bowling Trip

WAS SOOOO FUN!!!!

I wish that I hadn't waited so long to take him b/c we had a great time!  Our playgroup went to Strikz in Frisco last week & Zachary had an absolute ball!!!  :)

Here are some pictures from our adventure!!!

We had just gotten here & we were getting everything all set up (score board, balls, etc).  He was walking around like he owned the place!

Here we are getting our 1st ball rolling - the ball was pretty heavy for him to lift up, so I helped him out.  This ramp was awesome!!!  They also had bumpers in the alley & he did great.

Here we are after our 1st turn - there is his friend Logan in the picture too!  :)

Here's Zachary enjoying some goldfish while his lane mates took their turns.

This ball was pretty heavy, but Zachary still tried to lift it up - pretty funny!

Here he is watching his ball go down the lane!  He did get 1 strike & that was exciting!

Z's turn again!!

Here we are watching the ball go down - thank you to those who took pics for us!

Here is Zachary's game - he got a 70!!  Not too shabby for his 1st game.  I can't wait to go back again, but we want daddy to go with us next time to see the excitement!!

There was a HUGE gameroom, so after we bowled & while we were getting ready to leave; I let Zachary wander around & climb on the games.

Here is Zachary sitting in the car!

Here he is on the motorcycle - he thought this was pretty cool!

After bowling, we went & saw daddy; then went home & crashed!  We both took naps that afternoon - LOL  :)

Hello!

Let's see, where to begin?!

I am going to be 11 wks prego tomorrow & we have our check-up to see how I'm doing.  I'm excited b/c I think that we get to hear the heartbeat - that never gets old to me!  We won't get to see the baby again until October; that's when we're supposed to find out what sex it is.  I can't wait!  I would like to have a girl, but a boy is good too.  :)  I am just praying that the baby doesn't have the trait f/ Les.  That is very stressful in the beginning & will make for a long few months; especially since Zachary will be going with me to the doc. appts/transfusions.  Zachary has a 6 month blood check in about 2 wks & I can't wait to tell his hemotologist that I'm pregnant.  :)  They're going to be so excited, but of course, I have questions!

Yesterday, my mom received a call from her Oncologist & the cancer is the exact same from before, so now they're ready for treatment to begin.  However, 1st they need to put in her medi-port; which is where they'll infuse the drugs that she's going to be receiving.  She is going to be taking 1 of her drugs for over a year & we're not sure how she'll be receiving that particular drug.  Her & I went to look at wigs today just to see what we thought.  Well, I sure wish I had had my camera b/c I was laughing (she was too) so hard that I had tears in my eyes & it made my mascara run.  The 1st 2 wigs were not so flattering on her & the laughing helped to relieve some of the stress that had built up.  She has a very cute wig that should be arriving in about 1 week or so.  It's kind of blondish & short w/ some jazz!!  I'm so proud of how she did b/c I think that I would have cried through the whole thing if it were me.  The lady that worked with her is a 5 yr cancer survivor & she was so good with us.  She was very patient, understanding, caring, etc.  Thank you, Cathy!  Her & my dad are going to be going out of town for about a week or so before all this "fun" starts.  They're going to MS to visit my uncle Larry & travel with him on his boat.  They're excited & I'm sure that they'll have a good time!

This afternoon my mom & I went to go get pedicures.  It was so nice & my dad stayed with Zachary while he slept.  I got HOT PINK on my toes & they're bright, but I love it!  She's playing with Zachary the rest of the afternoon & I'm enjoying some time alone & by myself.  Les is going to be picking him up on his way home.  :)

We visited a new church this past Sunday & really enjoyed it.  The pastor is very dynamic & there is no denying that he's on fire for the Lord.  It's very contagious!  They do visitations on Tuesday night, so we're looking forward to them coming over & visiting us this evening.  :)  However, I didn't realize that there was a back part of the visitor card, so I hope that they come despite me not filling in that part.....LOL

I guess that's all that's going on right now.  I hope that you have a great rest of the week!  Let me know how I can pray for you - there is POWER in the prayer & in the blood!!!!

Update!

My mom had her surgery last Friday to have some lymph nodes removed so that they can test it, figure out her stage, decide what the best course of treatment is, etc.  Tomorrow she has an appt first thing in the morning to have her stitches removed (they're VERY fine & I can hardly see them!).  Then after that, she has an appt with her oncologist (who she's seen before) to find out all the above answers.  I know she's nervous, but despite everything - doing GREAT!  We can feel the prayers & they are keeping us all cool & calm.  Well, for me, my emotions have been CRAZY with this pregnancy.  I told her," I think I cry more than you!"  LOL  I'm doing great besides being hormonal.  Poor Les has to deal with my moodiness & I think I remember it being like this with Zachary too.  :(  Oh well, it WILL get better - I know it!  Thank you, Les, for being so patient & putting up with me.  I love you!

Okay, back to my mom.  She had been told that she would have a drain put in during surgery to help with the "seeping" lymph nodes, but since they only removed a few; then they didn't need the drain.  My cousin, Heather, was the one who was praying for no drain & it worked!  A drain wouldn't be too bad, but not fun either. 

That's all for now & I will update more once we have the appts tomorrow.  Thank you for the prayers!

Mom, you're just a great inspiration & I love you so much!  Thank you for the example that you're setting for me & others with your strength (in the Lord), dependence (on the Lord), courage, etc.  I can't say enough!  You are in HIS hands & He has control over whatever is decided.  LOVE YOU!!!!!!

I know, FINALLY!!!!

I have finally decided to write an update.  I always retreat to my family & stay there in a crisis.  For ex: when Zachary was born & he was sick - I didn't answer phone calls, hardly responded to e-mails, did not do networking sites, etc.  I just focused on him, my Lord, my family, etc.  Admitting this lets you know why I haven't updated & why I have seemed distant on my blog.  I love my blog, but, I neglect it on ocassion.  At least it forgives me........LOL

Okay, so for some updates:

I AM PREGNANT!!!!!!!!!!  I am due March 16th - Zachary was due March 24th........LOL  So, I'll have the same time period being pregnant & that's fun b/c the clothes, well, the ones that I kept, will still fit & I should be about the same sizes as I was 2 yrs ago.  We're very excited & can't believe that another one is on the way!!  I knew within a week of conceiving (didn't experience that w/ Z) that I was pregnant w/ Baby C #2.  I was immediately experiencing morning sickness & very emotional right off the bat.  I told Les, but tried not to jump to conclusions.  I took a pregnancy test when I was feeling sick and it was negative.  However, I still knew that I was pregnant.  So, I waited till I missed my period and took another one and it was POSITIVE!  I was somewhat shocked, but so excited too!!  :)  We saw the heart beat a little over 2 wks ago and that was so exciting.  I go back on Aug 25th for another check-up and we're supposed to find out what it is in October.  Oh I can't wait for that!!!

Zachary is 17 months now!!!!!!!  He turned 17 months yesterday & he's getting so big!  He hasn't really gained that much weight since his 1st b'day b/c he's moving & grooving so much.  He's so active & I would never guess that he was anemic b/c it doesn't slow that boy down one ounce.........HA!  He weighs 21 lbs and 4 oz.  He eats pretty well & tries everything.  It's funny, the other day he was wanting a bite of my taco, so I let him bite off of it & he got some lettuce in his mouth.  He kept chewing, but had the funniest look on his little face.  He eventually pulled it out of his mouth!!!  So funny!  He babbles ALL THE TIME!!!!!!!  He knows what we're saying & responds to what we ask of him, what we tell him to do, etc.  When he starts talking - watch out b/c he will be talking our heads off.........LOL

My mom was diagnosed with cancer again about a month ago.  Tomorrow is the surgery to remove the biggest spot of cancer in her right breast lymph node.  There is a spot on her breast bone (sternum) & another smaller spot in the left breast lymph node.  The doctor said that her type of cancer is very responsive to chemo, so that's good news.  They also said that she has very low volume disease; which means that there isn't a lot of cancer, so that's another good result.  We KNOW that God is in control, but I am only human & I have my moments too.  I love my mom very much & she's definitely my best friend.  I hate that she has to go through this again, but hopefully it will be a quick battle & she'll be on her way to recovery before we know.  She went with me to my 1st OB appt & she was able to see the heart beat too.  We didn't know how many or if she'd be able to go with me, so she was there.  It was neat having her there b/c she was with me almost every doc appt when I was pregnant with Zachary.  She was looking for a pink bow, but the baby looked like a little blob with a heart beat! 

A few ways to pray for us:
- health for the baby on the way
- quick recovery for my mom
- total dependence on God
- the medical staff who will be taking care of my mom through this journey

Branson Trip

This time last week me, Zachary, my mom, Caleb & Caitlyn were on our way to Branson, MO.  We had a great time!  Here are a few pics that I took of our trip:

Here are the kids with the Saloon Girls!!  :)

This is one of Les' fave comedians at Silver Dollar City - he has been here for about 2 yrs or so and is soooo funny!!!

Caleb bought a handmade wooden bat at Silver Dollar City & this is the man that wrote his name on it & put a cross on it for him.  It was very cool & Caleb thought it was really neat that he got to watch him write his name on the bat.

Caitlyn wanted to dip candles at the candle store at Silver Dollar City.  I used to LOVE doing this as a little girl & I still have some of my candles that I have dipped in the past.  Caitlyn dipped hot air balloons & made them a rainbow color....very cute!

Here are the kids when we were leaving SDC - Zachary was out in minutes....poor baby was so tired & ready for his nap.  ;)

This was at the Dixie Stampede; which is owned by Dolly Parton.  If you ever go to Branson; then you have to go to this.  It is awesome & the food is Wonderful too!

This was on our drive up there - you have to pass through a mountain, so here is the entrance.

This is at SDC - it's a huge marble that is floating on water & you can turn it.  It's pretty cool & the kids enjoyed pushing it.

Here was one night when we ate at Red Lobster.  We had a few minutes to wait and the hostess got a lobster out & let the kids touch it.  They were very fascinated by it!!

Here is Zachary goofing off in our timeshare.  He climbed up under the coffee table thing & sat in this basket......HAHAHAHAHAHA

Here is Zachary at the splash pad.  Caitlyn, Zachary & I went to ride the train & play in the splash pad.  Caleb & my mom were touring the Marvel Cave.  It was SOOOOOOOo hot & we were roasting.

Here are the kids posing before the Silver Dollar Saloon Show - Zachary got kissed...LOL

Here is Zachary & I during the Silver Dollar Saloon show - he was so tired, but was too excited during the show for a nap.

Splash Pad in Fairview

Well, I don't know if I would exactly call it a splash pad, but there are these fun little fountains & music going.  If you haven't seen the show at night; then you have to go for the showing at 9 PM.  It is so pretty & very colorful!!

Okay, as usual, I'm not the best at taking my camera and when I do have my camera - I forget to take pics!!  LOL  Thank you Sarah for taking some pics of my little man.  :)

Here you go:

Have a great weekend!!  I won't be posting any next week b/c I'll be out of town, but I promise to try to take more pictures of my almost 16 month old (on the 11th).  :)  Love you, Zachary!!!!!!

Busy Busy

We've been doing great!  It's been a little crazy busy around here the last few days.

We had a great 4th of July & enjoyed 2 firework shows (1 in Allen & 1 in McKinney).  Now, the McKinney show wasn't the best that I've ever seen, but it was still fireworks & I love fireworks.  The Allen show rocked & was very good.  We enjoyed them with several friends of ours.  :)  Zachary was only 4 months last year and did watch, but had no idea what was going on.  This year, he watched them, pointed, and clapped the whole time.  He was trying to talk about them, but we didn't understand what he was saying.  He definitely enjoyed it though!!

We have a new member to our family for about 1 1/2 wks - Atlas.  Kodi is so excited to have him staying with us!!  She LOVES playing with him, chasing him, swimming with him, etc.  It's hilarious!  He's been great so far and we only have a few more days with him, but we look forward to more fun with him in August.  :)  They have been swimming in the pond & don't like to get out........HA!  They have been chasing the frisbee, playing in the yard, barking at the horses, etc.  They're definitely having fun together.

My niece & nephew from MD are in town and we have enjoyed having them around.  They're going to spend the night with Zachary tonight again and they love it!  They should be over here in a few hours to play.

I haven't taken any pictures, but today, Sarah took pictures of Z for me today at the Village of Fairview splash park area.  THANK YOU!!!

I'll post pictures once I have taken some......LOL

Oh, one of my very good friends is working on having her baby today!  She was induced last night & last that I heard from her she was a 4 and waiting on the epidural.  Christy, good luck & we can't wait to meet Miss Ainsley!!!  Love you & praying for all of y'all!!!!!!!!!!!

A moment to rest......... :)

I have honestly NOT stopping running since last Thursday.  I have made 3 cakes, been to 3 b'day parties, had 2 pampered chef shows, spoke at a new mom's tea at the hospital about pampered chef & some family friendly recipes, drove to and from Houston, played in several pools between yesterday & today, wow!!!!!!!!!!  It has been great and busy all at the same time.  :)

I am resting this evening now that Zachary has gone to bed a little while ago.  Les had to stay at work late, so it's nice & quiet.

 Here are some pictures - enjoy!!!!!!!

Here is a picture of my nephew and his cake. I did a truck for him for his b'day cake.

Here is my niece and her b'day cake - she got Ariel.  ;)  She LOVES Ariel & I thought that she would really like the cake and she did!!

Here is Zachary eating Garlic Hummus - he loved it.  He would just suck it off the cracker. 

I found a BRIGHT orange froggy apron at Dollar Tree.  I thought it was so cute & that he would be cute in it.  AND, he was definitely cute in it.  :)

This piggy towel has been passed through the family.  My brother's 2 kids both used it (we've had it in the family for 9 yrs).  I have a video of Zachary walking around in it and that's really funny to watch.  Makes me laugh when I watch it.

Here is Zachary playing with his phone toy and chewing on his burp cloth - so funny!

Here we are swinging at the Celebration Park in Allen.  We met our new friends Julie & Jack there.  We played at the park, swung, played at the splash pad & then had a picnic.  So fun!

Here is Zachary eating cake - he had it ALL OVER!!!!!  His cousin Railey is holding him.  She played with him at the Allen Splash pad & he loved it!