Teeth, Teeth, and MORE Teeth!!!!!!!!!

Our poor baby is trying to cut all 4 of his front teeth. He has been pretty fussy, but like our pedi said," well, at least he'll get it all over at once and won't have to worry about having 4 months of fussiness." So, he has his bottom right tooth that has cut through the gums, then the others haven't broken through yet, but you can see some white and swelling. Needless to say, he's not very happy with this happening all at once. :) I wish he could understand, but orajel and tylenol are our best friends for the time being. Hopefully they'll come in quicker than just gradually coming in.

We had a good Thanksgiving with our families. Now, we're just gearing up for Christmas. We have all the presents wrapped and under the tree. Definitely looks like Christmas here.

I bought an alphabet foam tile mat today at Hobby Lobby. I had a 40% off coupon, so I was super excited about that! Zachary loves to sit on the floor and move around, play with his toys, etc, but since the wood floor is slippery, he tends to fall and bump his head frequently. I hope that this will help him out and his falls won't hurt as bad. They are bright and colorful, so that's fun!!!!!!!!!

Les has been hunting on his days off and he did shoot a buck this year and hopes to get at least one more. No pictures of the buck, but our freezer is stocked again for another year.

I guess that's all that's new since my last post.

We hope that you have a GREAT week!!!!!!!

Thanksgiving/Christmas

Christmas music, really, this early?! Thanksgiving is still a little over a week away and Christmas music is already playing. Now don't think that I'm a scrooge b/c I LOVE Christmas time, but I don't want to listen to the music for the next 49 days or whatever it is.

I am excited about Christmas this year b/c Zachary will be 9 months old and I am anxious to see what he thinks of the Christmas tree, lights, presents, etc. One thing that I want to start with our little guy is the importance of Christ's birth and not so much on how many presents you get, etc. I want him to really understand someday about Christ and not just focus on what Christmas has become. I love opening presents, but don't want to ever lose focus of the REAL reason for Christmas. Thank you, God for sending YOUR son to save me from my sins. What better time to reflect on that truth than the holidays.

What I am thankful for:
1. My relationship with my Savior
2. My loving husband
3. My sweet little baby boy
4. My wonderful family who have been such a huge support system
5. All the doctors that have taken care of Zachary
6. That he shouldn't need anymore blood tranfusions
7. My church home
8. All my friends that are there no matter what
9. My home
10. How fortunate I am to be able to stay home with Zachary and not have to worry about tomorrow

There are so many mores things that I am thankful for, but that's all for now. What are you thankful for?

Here are some pictures!!

Here is our boy, he is now a whopping 8 MONTHS old. :) Enjoy our little man, oh, and who do you think he looks like (his daddy or mommy)?

Not sure what Les is doing, but I think that he is about to say something to me....LOL

Here he is during his "nap" time. I walked in b/c I could hear him laughing and he had pulled himself up onto his knees and was right there when I found him. Now, he will be sleeping with all 4 sides up.

Here he is posing for the camera. It's funny, whenever I get the camera out, he smiles at me.

He is working on crawling. Here he is on all fours. He's so cute!

Les dug our pond deeper this past summer. Here is Les and Zachary out in the john boat measuing how deep the water is. I think Les is so proud that he has Zachary out there with him in the boat. I know he'll be even happier when he can take him hunting and fishing. I just love my boys!!

Okay, so totally ignore me in the background. I was making him laugh....hahaha

I hope that you enjoyed the update! It's raining outside, the dogs in her cage (voluntarily), Z's in bed, and Les is out hunting, so I am enjoying updating my blog and I want to go and read my book here in a little while. :)

Pulling Up!!

Okay, so Zachary has really been growing and changing like crazy. I can hardly keep up with him and his new things. I think, honestly, that he is doing something new everyday!!

I had put Zachary in his crib to play for a while so that I could do a few things. I went in a little while later b/c I heard him laughing. I walked in and the first thing that I saw was him ON HIS KNEES holding onto the side of the crib. He had pulled himself up and I was like," what?!" Now I have to keep his crib sides all up. I do have a picture of him on his knees, but I have to download it and then I'll post it!!! He was so proud of himself.

Also, this past Wednesday, our boy turned 8 months old. WOW!! Even though I stay home with him full-time, I don't know where the time has gone. I am with him everyday and yet, it is still going fast. I am so blessed to be able to stay home full-time with Zachary. I love it and so does he. We have fun throughout the day in between naps, eating (no longer eating baby food), and just working around the house.

In the last few weeks, he has decided that he does NOT like baby food, but wants to only eat table food. He loves cheerios........hahaha..........and he has not been picky. He loves to eat off of my plate and eating with my fork. When I go to give him a bite off my fork, he holds really still and bites it off (still no teeth). You can always tell when he's ready for another bite b/c he will either make a noise or bang on his tray (this is the method used most).

That's all for now, have a great weekend!!!

Coyote Action

So, last night Kodi had to get up at 2 AM to go poop (she has been getting sick from sneaking pecans). I took her out and she was doing her business, but just seemed to be not wanting to go in either. I hooked her up to the chain outside and left her. When she was younger, we would leave her hooked up outside our window and we could check on her if we needed to. She had never had any problems till last night. I had fallen back asleep (FINALLY) and all of a sudden you hear Kodi screaming or yelping. Not sure what that noise was b/c we have never heard her like that before. I quickly jumped up and looked out our west window towards the chain. I saw something out there and she was on the back porch by our window all scared. All of a sudden, I saw what I think was a coyote or bobcat. It was light colored and she was petrified. I told Les that she had broke the leash, but when I ran to her, she had actually pulled the whole stake out of the ground. I was SHOCKED! So, I know that whatever it was, she fought for her life to get away. I checked her really well to make sure that she wasn't bit, cut, or scratched. She looked just fine, but definitely glad to see me. I took her back to our room where her cage is and she was out, safe and sound.

Now, I am a little scared to go out with her at night not knowing what it was that tried. From what I could see though, it was more than likely a coyote.

Pictures............Hopefully!

YAY!!!!!!! I got the pictures to upload.......FINALLY!

These pictures were taken on Zachary's 7 month birthday! This was at the Big Orange Pumpkin Patch in Celina, TX. We had a good time. We fed the animals, road the hay ride, ate hot dogs, sat by the camp fire, took pictures with pumpkins, signs, etc. Overall, the 3 of us had a really good time!

Here we go for some pictures - happy viewing!!!

The little sign that Z is sitting in front of says "Give Thanks" and boy do I give thanks every day that God gave Z to Les and I.

Here is Z in front of a candy corn sign. People were watching him smile and laugh and would say," oh, what a happy little guy!" He was really hamming it up for people when they walked by and would smile at him.

Here is Z and daddy on the hay ride. :)

Here is Z and mommy at the front by the old wagon and LOTS of pumpkins of various sizes.

Here is our family shot; which I think is ADORABLE! I love it - one of the workers took it for us. She saw us over there taking pictures and came over and offered to take one for us altogether.

As you can tell, we had a good time and look forward to going back each year with Z.

Have a blessed day.

7 months!

So, I am a few days behind, but this past Sunday our baby boy turned 7 MONTHS old. He is getting so big and independent in some ways.

Currently, he still loves to be rocked to sleep and of course, I love rocking him to sleep. He wants to feed himself his own cheerios, puffs, toast, egg, ect. He enjoys eating any veggie or fruit - not picky (YET). He sleeps about 10 hours at night and naps about 3 hours or so throughout the day. He loves to jump, go for walks, and things like that. He can roll over, trying to learn to crawl, but not there yet. He will pull his knees up and then put them back down. He doesn't love tummy time, but he'll do it for a little while when he's in a good mood. He loves people, but if he can't see me or Les; then he'll cry. He smiles ALL the time! He is very observant and looks around at everything trying to take it all in. He wants to be sitting at all times over laying down. He enjoys sitting in front of the mirror and playing; which is really cute. When he gets super excited he squeals REALLY loud.

Let's see, he weighs somewhere around 18 lbs or so. He seems to be getting heavier and heavier everyday. He is a great eater and always wants to eat or drink whatever we're eating/drinking. If we have a glass, he'll reach over trying to get it from you.

Here are a few pictures for you to enjoy; these were taken this past Sunday when Les and I took him to the pumpkin patch in Celina.

Well, at the moment, I can only get one picture uploaded, so I am going to try it again in another post, so we'll see what I can do! :)

New Member of the Family

Here are a few pictures of the newest member of the family. :)

Ozzy and Kodiak - he is almost 11 months old (10-23)

Here they are finally looking at me!!!

This morning Zachary was eating breakfast and he put a piece of bread in his mouth ALL BY HIMSELF!! I was so excited; I called my mom at 7:45 AM. Thank goodness she was up........hahahaha Last night when he was eating his dinner; he noticed for the first time there was actually food on his tray. I can't believe how quickly he is developing his skills and it just excites me to no end....:)

Zachary, I know that you can't read, but I want you to know how excited I am for you. We love you so much and we are so glad that you are part of our life!!!

Love you,
Mom

About Me!

I got this in an e-mail from a friend of mine, so I decided to it, but instead of sending it by e-mail to people who may or may not be interested I'll post it to my blog!!!

Here goes the questionnaire:
1. *What is your occupation right now? * Stay at home mommy
2. *What color are your socks right now? not wearing any
3. *What are you listening to right now? * Zachary's music on his jumperoo and Les talking.
4. *What was the last thing that you ate?* Bacon that Les cooked
5. *Can you drive a stick shift? * yes
6. *Last person you spoke to on the phone? Les, he called me on his way home from work.
7. *Do you like the person who sent this to you? * Yeah, I guess so, no just kidding!! I love ya, Becky.
8. *How old are you today? 29
9. *What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? * can't say that I have any, but I'll choose Hockey.
10. *What is your favorite drink?* Vanilla Coke
11. *Have you ever dyed your hair? yes
12. *Favorite food?* Seafood!
13. *What is the last movie you watched? Gone Baby Gone
14. *Favorite day of the year? New Year's or 4th of July
15. *How do you vent anger? Gripe at Les, or just cry
16.. *What was your favorite toy as a child? * my dolls
17. *What is your favorite season? * I like them all, but Winter would probably come in first.
18. *Cherries or Blueberries? BOTH!
19. *Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? * yeah
20. *Who is the most likely to respond? * If you do want to put this on a blog - LET ME KNOW!!!
21. Who is least likely to respond? Most that read it.....ha
22. *Living arrangements?* In a farm house with my hubby and son
23. *When was the last time you cried?* hmmm.....can't remember off hand.
24. What is on the floor of your closet? * shoes
25. *Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? * IDK
26. *What did you do last night?* Had my parents over for crock pot Lasanga, dessert and it was GREAT!
27. *What are you most afraid of? * Things I can't see in the dark.
28. *Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? * Cheese
29. *Favorite dog breed?* Aussie, Bernese Mtn Dog, Great Pyrenese (BIG and fluffy dogs)
30. *Favorite day of the week? * The day that Les is off!
31. *How many states or countries have you lived in? * 2 states and I stayed in Moscow for 5 wks and worked on my Spanish in Mexico with our friends for 3 wks (does I would say that constitutes living when it's longer than a few days or it's not vacation).
32. *Diamonds or pearls? * DIAMONDS
33. *What is your favorite flower? * Carnations, Gerber Daisies

I find it funny that I can't have just 1 favorite item for the different categories?! HAHAHA I hope that you learned something and if you have a question about something else - just let me know! I am pretty much an open book when asked a question. :)

Bible Study

I am currently involved in this Bible Study with my Sunday School class ladies. I just have to say that I love this Bible Study and boy has it hit some strings for me.

I wanted to share a little bit about tonight's gathering. One thing that the author talks about or should I say asks about is why we risk opening up to other believers. I would say that this can be hard for me b/c I am one who doesn't necesarily open up to a lot of people with deep things or things that are bothering me. Normally, I will go to my mom or a few close friends. Then during the study later on I really opened up (to me at least) about how when we were going through the blood problems with Zachary I did my best to stay focused on the Lord and not "tunnel vision" with the problem. When I would start to feel overwhelmed or couldn't stop the tears; we would pray for me, Les, Zachary, our doctors, etc. It would usually calm me down until I hit my next bout with fear about the possibility of losing Zachary (this is what I think that I struggled with the most until we saw the hemotologist that had worked with Les' niece when she was born). Anyways, my main point in telling this is b/c I want to give glory to God for taking care of my baby and for also directing the doctors and their decisions. There is never once during the last 6 months that I didn't give glory to God. I would cry to the doctors with good and bad news and praise the Lord. Our one favorite doctor at Children's Plano will usually tear up when I cry too and I just tell her that God is the one who has healed Zachary and got him to this point. She is a Christian too; which I have found out after the fact and that is always a neat thing.

Anyways, one thing that I am going to try to do and work on is to be more open with fellow Christians when I need prayer, going through a hard time, etc.

Thank you, God for the ladies in my Bible study and for what they mean to me so far. I know that this Bible study is just going to get better and better - too bad it's only 6 weeks long!! ;)

Baby Dedication

Today, Les & I dedicated Zachary to the Lord. We promised to raise him in a Christian environment and to teach him the ways of the Bible. Les and I were both raised in a Christian home, so that helps that we have an example set for us.

We had a great time in Branson last week, but it's always nice to be home too. Zachary has been recovering from the trip the last few days, but he had a GREAT time and was a GREAT traveler. He didn't sleep much in the car, so him and I played constantly while driving. When we were at shows, he would sit in someone's lap and just watch the show. I couldn't believe how well he did on trip. I am extremely proud of him and I know that Les is too. I couldn't have asked for a better baby last week! He went and went AND went like the energizer bunny!!!! HAHAHAHA

I hope that everyone has a GREAT week!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pictures Only!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope you enjoyed all the recent pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As the rain ceases for a little while

Here is a poem that just came to mind as I made it up......LOL

Rain, Rain, come and stay;

Please don't go away;

We're becoming fond;

As you fill our bigger pond;

The dogs can swim;

On a whim;

Please don't delay;

We're not ready to pay (for the water).

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha................I am in a silly mood!!!

We leave for Branson in 6 days!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH, I'm so excited, I just can hide it, I'm about to lose control and I think I like it.

Off to check on Zachary now.....BYE!

Zachary

His blood work went very well today and he did awesome! He, of course, cried when they stuck his arm, but he didn't start crying up until then. He was such a big boy! As soon as Annette (his normal phlebotometist) starting putting on the turniqut; then he started to tear up. Then it was over before he knew it.

Anyways, his red blood cell count (hemoglobin) was 9.4; which is great for him! He gets 3 months off now and I couldn't be anymore happier.

His weight was 16 lbs and 2.2 ounces. He was 25.28 inches long - grown an inch in a month!

He is doing great. He has his 6 month check-up tomorrow and will be receiving 3 shots - he received 2 of them this past week when we were there for his ear infection.

He is currently jumping away and having a ball - he has been jumping now for about 45 minutes and STILL having fun.........hahaha

Till tomorrow...............can't believe he'll be 6 months old! I took some really cute pics of him yesterday and they are cute. :) I'll post some pics once I download them from my camera. I have a few more ideas of some pics, so maybe Z and I will go and try to get those pictures now! :)

just a few things.....

* I get my stitches out THIS Friday...YAY I am so excited b/c my hand is starting to pull more with it healing. It feels weird!

**Zachary had a MUCH better night last night. He started waking up around 4:30 AM, but went back to sleep on his own and then started crying around 6:15 AM. I got up and he was crying, but he looked like he was still sleeping, so I grabbed his boppy and paci and put him and those items in the middle of our bed. Which by the way didn't leave Les and I much room....hahaha....we have a full size bed. :) Zachary was able to sleep from 6:15 - 7:45 AM or so. I got him up after that and gave him a bottle. He was then ready to JUMP JUMP JUMP!!!!

***We leave for Branson in about 1 week, so excited! We're starting to look at things that we want to do this year. We saw a few shows last year, but we'll try a few new things this year. :)

****Friday night is Homecoming at my high school (Allen!). I think that Zachary and I might try to go - we'll see!

*****I started reading a new book and I am so excited. I have been wanting to read this book for well over 2 years now. It is "My Sister's Keeper." Yes, that is the one that has a movie made to it. I am borrowing it from my friend, Kristy. So far it is good and I am enjoying it, but saddened by the events of the book too. How can a mom and dad treat their daughter like that?!

*****On October 24th at 9 AM, I am going to be walking in a Memory Walk in honor of my mother-in-law, Doris. If you would like to join me or donate - please e-mail me or leave me a comment and I will send the info to you.

I guess that's all for now, but I'll write more tomorrow. Zachary has his blood work in the morning to check his red blood count and I will give everyone an update on his results.

What a night!!!!!!

Whew, glad that last night is over and I'm hoping for a MUCH better tonight. Zachary's ear infection didn't go away with the meds and last night he woke up close to 11 PM SCREAMING. It wasn't his "hunger", "sleepy" cries, but of one that we haven't heard much. I knew something was wrong and told Les that he must be in pain. Well, Les was changing his diaper and he started grabbing his ear. It was a pretty rough night b/c he would only sleep 1 1/2 - 2 hours at a time and then wake up crying. Him and I eventually moved to the couch and he slept on his boppy pillow on one end of the couch and I had my legs propped up on either side of the boppy so that I could feel when and if he moved. Les and I took him to the doc this morning and he started on a new/stronger med this afternoon. We're using tylenol and olive oil in his ears too and that has seemed to help with some of the discomfort. He is still trying to smile despite the pain. He wanted to jump, so he jumped in his jumperoo several times today for about 20 - 30 minutes at a time. :)

I get my stitches out THIS Friday and I am excited about that. I wonder what it will feel like once they're out. Will it still be a little uncomfortable if I move it weird or will my middle finger still be restricted and not able to open my hand 100%?! I am nervous b/c I don't know if it will hurt or not, but definitely ready for it to me done.

Well, I am going to bed to try to hopefully sleep better than last night. :)

GOODNIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!

Quick Update

Surgery went well and was over within 45 minutes. They knocked me out around 7:15 AM and my first memory was seeing Les and drinking apple juice at around 8:35 AM or so. Soon after that, I was on my way home with my hand. I have to say, I was rather surprised by the incision because it is a good inch long. The way that he ended up cutting, it has pulled some of the skin from my middle finger and I can't straighten it all the way yet. I am hoping that when the stitches come out Friday - that it will relax some and I will be able to straighten my hand.

I found out yesterday that it is NOT cancerous. I was very relieved by that b/c that thought was in the back of my mind, but I tried to just not even think about that. There is a scripture in the Bible that talks about not worrying about tomorrow b/c today has its own worries. I just kept that in my mind.

My parents have been great to help us out by keeping Zachary. I am getting there with him, but I can't put him in the car seat, change his diaper, and things like that. THANK YOU, MOM & DAD!! WE LOVE Y'ALL VERY MUCH!!

I hope that everyone has a great Labor Day weekend!!! Les is off on Sunday and Monday, so that's exciting to have him on a holiday - I hear the lake calling our names......hahahaha

As someone said recently, "she's always at the lake and that's why she's so tan." Well, definitely NOT entirely true b/c we go at night to keep Z out of the sun, but I love the outdoors and don't sit inside just watching TV all day. :) Z and I love going to the park, Les and I enjoy hiking this newly completed trail (we hiked 6 miles of it last Monday night and it was great!). So, that's why I am so tan; not b/c I spend all my time at the lake. :) No biggie though, but before people make comments that sound not so nice when they come out, make sure you know the person you're talking about and what they do. Anyways, that wasn't supposed to turn into a rant, but it's out and I feel better.....hahahaha BUT, I'm glad that you noticed my nice tanned skin.....LOL

Pyogenic Granuloma

Yesterday I was diagnosed with THAT on my hand. If you want to see pictures of what those growths look like; then just google that. On Tuesday morning I am going to be having surgery to have it removed. The doctor said that surgery should take around 30 - 45 minutes. I am so relieved to be having it removed. I was VERY scared that it was going to be cancerous before I found out what it was. One thing that scared me was what it looks like and how fast it grows. My husband and I my mom will be at the surgery center with me. My dad is going to be taking care of Zachary. After surgery, my parents will care for Zachary for several days. The doctor said that my hand will be very sore. He also said that the incision will be fairly large because he has to have room to take the thing out and have skin to stitch up. I am picturing a scar of a good inch long, but we'll see once I get home. My plastic surgeon said that he could do it in office, but he is worried that it will bleed too much and that I would be very uncomfortable during the procedure. He wants to be able to make sure that he can get it out without having to worry about me. I am happy about that because I know that it bleeds very easily and I don't want to have to worry about pain during the procedure.

I appreciate your prayers and that it would heal quickly with no problems, that it would be a very quick and easy surgery, and that Zachary does good a few days away from us.

Otherwise, that is really all that is happening around here. We're all doing really good and just moving right along. :)

Arnold the Scratchy Pig

This is probably one of the funniest videos that I have taken this summer. This is Arnold, the pig. He is my MIL's pig, but we're trying to get rid of him, so if you know anyone that would like to buy him - send them my way ASAP.

Anyways, Arnold is very itchy (supposedly, they all are) and he was scratching and scratching one day when I was over there, so I, of course, had to take a video of it for my blog. :)

Hope you enjoy Arnold!!!