Planting Daisies

Lily

2012-02-08T10:51:00.001-05:00

Lillian Ruth

Little Sister to Landon & Nixon

Apple of my Eye

I waited so long to have a little girl just like you!

You've been spoiled rotten from Day 1..

I don't think you ever stood a chance.

Your Daddy is already wrapped around your little finger.

You know just what to do to get your way..

With two big brothers, you're as tough as nails...

But also as sweet as sugar (especially when you want something).

My Little Lily Goose, Pumpkin Pie, Chunky Monk, I love you to pieces,

And I can't imagine our family without you in it.

You added a missing piece that seems to complete us.

I love you to the moon and back!

Nixon

2012-02-02T09:14:00.000-05:00

Nixon Asher

Little Brother to Landon

Big Brother to Lily

You've been so full of life since you were born

You were the little boy that rocked our peaceful world!

I remember when you were around 3 weeks old, I put the wrong size nipple on your bottle and you sucked it down in 10 seconds.

We knew at that moment that you would be trouble!

My little colicky baby that would only go to sleep if I drove you around at night.

I would cry while you cried yourself to sleep.

Luckily, you outgrew that phase quickly and we most certainly fell in love with you after that.

You have that little smile that will get you whatever you want.

You have such a good personality that I don't have to worry about you.

I know that you'll go far in life.

You have so much fun everyday, without a care in the world.

I love how you break out into a dance at the drop of a hat.

You've always been my little butterbean and I love that at 4 1/2 years old, you still love to cuddle!

You're my sweet boy that will most definitely always be a momma's boy.

I love you butterbean!

Landon

2012-01-31T15:04:00.000-05:00

Landon Everette

Sweet first-born-baby-boy

Brother to Nixon & Lily

Stick to the rules,

Competitive as they get.

Compassionate,

Always looking out for others.

As OCD as they come,

Lover of all things baseball.

You're the best first born I could've asked for.

You were such a good baby, and still are a good boy.

You loved to sleep from Day 1.

You still do..if only Nixon would let you!

You stole my heart the day you were born,

and I'm honored that God chose me to be your Mom

I love you to the Moon & Back!

Ten Things Tuesday

2012-01-24T11:57:00.002-05:00

I'm on my fourth week of working out and counting calories. So far, I've only lost about 4 lbs, but I guess it's a work in progress. I'm trying to be patient, but it's so hard when you're thinking about the end result (45 lbs.)
We've paid off four debts! We're about to pay off the 5th one in February! I can't tell you how happy this makes me!
Landon got to eat with the Principal and Vice Principal last week. When I asked the reason, he replied, "Because I got ten 100's on my AR tests" (like it was no big deal). He then proceeded to tell me that he was on his third sheet of 2nd grade sight words, even though he's only in 1st grade. I'm a proud momma!
When I checked on Nixon before bed the other night, he had tucked his stuffed animals under his baby blanket at the end of his bed..it was the cutest thing ever!
Chris started working on finishing our bonus room this past weekend. We're going to do the insulation a little at a time so it won't be such a hit to our budget. Once the insulation is installed, we'll do the heating/air system and then the flooring, etc.
Lily does her sign language constantly now. I think it's the cutest thing I've ever seen and you can really tell when she's showing off!
I love my new Kindle Fire. I just finished up my first book and it's so easy to read on it. I don't think I'll ever go back to paper books.
I would LOVE to take the boys to see Fresh Beat Band. Unfortunately, I found out about it too late and the show in Durham is sold out. There's a show in Norfolk, VA which we're thinking about taking them to, but I'm not sure if I want to go that far to sit in the very back.
I have the best husband ever. He's such a good Dad to our kids and he works hard to provide all the things we need AND want. I couldn't have picked a better husband and father. I love you pooky!
You'd think this would be an easy blog post since it's been a while, but I really had a hard time finding ten things to talk about!

What I Learned in 2011

2011-12-31T22:04:00.000-05:00

January - It's amazing how much you can love a little baby. You don't think that you could love someone so tiny so much, but it's amazing how your heart grows every time you have a child.

February - We can survive anything if we're doing it together..we all had the flu, trying to keep all the germs away from a baby is no easy task! We did make it through our flu/cold fog and we've all been much better since then!

March - Good friends are hard to find, but when you do, you'll know that you've found them. We've made some really good friends since we moved to Johnston County, along with ones that we've had all along, and I couldn't ask for a better support group whenever I need them. I hope that they know I'm always just a phone call away.

April - Your life can change in an instant..Luckily, with Nixon, we just had a scare. But, there are families that deal with cancer everyday and I can't imagine how it must feel to know that there's nothing you can do to take away that pain from your baby.

May - There's no one more perfect for me than Chris. We celebrated 8 years this month, 12 years total between dating and marriage and I love him more and more everyday. He's such a good husband and father to our kids. He works harder than any person I know so that we can have the things we want and need. I couldn't ask for a better husband or daddy to our kids.

June - I could never be more proud of my little boy. We had Landon's Awards Day at school and I was one proud momma when I saw my little boy get so many awards. I know it was only kindergarten, but it's amazing how much you can love one little person.

July - The beach is much more fun when your kids get to the age where they can play independently. Our boys are at the age where if you have toys to play with, they're pretty much good to go. I had forgotten how much work it is to have a baby on the beach! Luckily, she's a beach bum and mostly slept, but I was stressing the whole time if she would burn, etc.

August - Sometimes you have to let things go..I just knew I was going to be running marathons after starting my running program, but my body had other plans. I had to stop running all together. I took a break, but I'm starting back after the New Year.

September - Thirty isn't so bad..I thought I would have a really hard time with my birthday, but I ended up embracing it and it wasn't so bad..although I will say that I feel like I'm falling apart since I've turned 30!

October - Missing Trick-or-Treating can be a tragedy when you're little. This year it was pouring, but I couldn't stand the looks on my little boys faces, so off we went. It's amazing how many kids were out in the pouring rain! I guess other parents had that guilt too! The boys had the best time and came home soaking wet!

November - Family traditions are so much fun! It's crazy that even at a young age, my boys know there are just some things we're going to be doing when the Holidays come around. I hope that they continue to enjoy it for a few years before they get to the ages where they think everything I want to do is boring!

December - A year flies by when you have kids..I can't believe my Lily Goose is a year old already! Also, it's never too late to get a plan together to pay off debt. Chris & I finally reached that plan together and if all goes according to plan, we'll be debt free (including the house) in ten years! We paid three items off in the month of December and I couldn't be more excited!

Here's to a Fabulous 2012!!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-28T20:23:00.000-05:00

This year, I was looking so forward to Christmas. Our boys are just the right age and I was so excited! A few days before Christmas, Lily got sick one night, but she was in the middle of a coughing fit, so we chalked it up to that. Christmas Eve came. We got ready, went to Chick-fil-a and let the kids play for a while. Everyone was having such a good time. Then, we went for our annual Christmas Eve Movie. We decided to go see "Arthur Christmas." As soon as we got seated, Lily actually went to sleep. Just about that time, Landon leans over to me and tells me that his tummy feels really bad. Chalking it up to too much sugar, we watched the movie. As soon as we were walking out, Landon said he felt like he needed to throw up. We headed to the bathroom, but he said he was fine. We headed to the mall because I had to get a last minute gift. We had also planned to start a new tradition at Build-a-Bear. As soon as we got out of the vehicle, Landon let it rip. Luckily, we were in the parking deck..gotta love being a Mom! He said he felt better, so we went ahead and did our bears. We made it home and after about five hours, he was asking what he was going to have for supper. It was the craziest thing. Unfortunately, Chris & I were not so lucky. We both got sick right around bedtime. Christmas morning, we were a pitiful sight. Poor Nixon..he was the only one who didn't get sick and he was just running circles around us. Of course, he does most days! After opening the presents Christmas morning, we all took about a two and a half hour nap. Well, except Nixon..who played right on through everyone sleeping. After waking up, we all felt much better. Chris & I still were exhausted and achy all over, but we decided we couldn't stay away from family on Christmas, so we headed back home. It was definitely a Christmas that I'll never forget and I hope no one is sick on Christmas for quite a while! It was no fun at all!!

Landon was missing from our Christmas Eve picture because he was sick :(

Poor little buddy..opening presents wore him out!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T18:54:00.000-05:00

I've got to say..this year has been the best yet! My boys, 6 & 4, are so excited for Christmas. I think it rubs off on Lily too because she's been so excited lately! I can't wait for tomorrow morning to see their little faces after Santa visits! I hope that you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and remember the Real Reason for the Season!

Ten Things Tuesday

2011-12-20T11:20:00.001-05:00

Christmas is only 5 days away!! Craziness!
Lily has learned how to snap..and she knows how to use it..she'll snap her fingers at me to get me to do what she wants..can we say spoiled??
Does anyone else get worried that they have left someone off of their Christmas list? Every year, I get so worried that I've forgotten to buy someone something and it drives me crazy!
I've downloaded a couple apps to my iPhone for debt. One is DebtPayoff Pro which I love but it keeps freezing when I try to see how much I've paid off and the second is Pay Off Debt, which I love, but it doesn't summarize my debts. Either way, according to my debt snowball, we'll be completely out of debt (house and everything) in 10 years!! Can we say excited??
Even with the Christmas holiday, we've managed to pay off two debts the month of December. We're on a roll folks!
Landon is so excited to be on Christmas break. Basically, he's excited to be able to play his DS non-stop!
January is not looking good..I'm starting a diet, workout routine and CPA Review..you might want to steer clear of me until I get a routine down!
I tried something new today..it's called "White Trash" and it is delicious! I think I might try to make it tonight. You can find the recipe here.
Nixon is growing up so fast. I look at him lately and wonder where my little baby went. Seems like just last week, he was a rambunctious little toddler and now he seems so grown! Luckily, he still loves to cuddle like a little baby!
I've been thinking lately about all that my family has been blessed with. We are extremely blessed with health, happiness and freedom to do what we please. I couldn't be happier where I am in life right now (except maybe a little less debt, but we're working on that).

I hope you all have a Very Merry Christmas and remember the Real Reason for the Season!

Growing Up

2011-12-12T11:37:00.003-05:00

It's hard for me to believe that Landon is six years old already. I'm starting to really notice differences that scream to me he's not my little baby anymore. For instance, most nights when I tuck him in, he kisses me on the cheek instead of right in the smacker like he used to. When I drop him off at school, he just runs along and doesn't even tell me goodbye. When we go places (birthday parties, school functions, etc), he doesn't cling to my side anymore..he's off having fun on his own. And the biggest thing is when I look at those baby pictures and realize that cute, pudgy baby face

is gone. Instead I'm looking at a handsome young boy. In one sense, I'd love to have him as my little baby forever..and then on the other hand, I'm ready for him to grow up and see what he becomes. Chris & I talk about our kids all the time and what we think they will end up doing in their lives. We pretty much agree that Landon will do something that involves a lot of attention to detail. He's so OCD about EVERYTHING that we think he'll be an engineer, a surgeon, or maybe even a lawyer with his desire to argue with a wall! Even though it is sad to see your baby grow up, it's also so fulfilling to know that you've given him the tools to feel confident and go out into the world and make something of himself. And in the end, he told me that he would always be my baby (even when he's 100), so I'm okay with that!

Lily - 12 Months!!

2011-12-11T20:37:00.001-05:00

I know..I know..it's been a while again. I love to blog, I really do, but I just can't seem to get into a groove! Onto to the subject at hand..can you believe this little bundle of joy...

is now twelve months old...and looking all grown like this...

She's such a sweet girl, but definitely all girl..with the temper tantrums and attitude to boot!

At 12 Months, Lily:

-Weighs 19 lb, 5 oz. (25%); she moved down in her percentile for weight, but Dr. Garrish didn't seem concerned
-Is 29" long (50%)
-Has a head circumference of 44.5 cm (50%)
-Will walk a few steps, but chooses not to on most days
-Will eat any and everything you give her, until you make her stop eating
-Loves to play patty-cake
-Loves her "babies" and "Dougie" when she is sleepy
-Has two little boyfriends at school that she loves to play with...Noah and Lathan
-Loves to aggravate her brothers, especially Nixon, but she loves to chase Landon
-Hates to wear shoes..she didn't wear them until she was 11 months old!
-Still only has four teeth..and so far not a biter like her brothers were..fingers crossed!
-I have to say that she's pretty spoiled, but it's not entirely my fault..she's spoiled by her Daddy, brothers, Grandparents and even the teachers at school
-She hates to wear hair bows and will yank them off of her head while giving me the stink eye

Ten Things Thursday

2011-10-13T10:34:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I've done one of these, and it's actually supposed to be on Tuesday, but I guess there are no rules if it's my blog, right?

1. Landon has finished all 500 of his sight words! I didn't even know he was supposed to be reviewing them every night until around word 300..and even then, if I'm being honest, I didn't make a really big effort to review them with him. He's just naturally smart and I'm so proud!
2. Nixon started his new preschool this past Tuesday and the teacher gushed about how smart he was and how much he knows already! Yes, I'm one proud momma!
3. Lily is finally getting a tooth up top. I was beginning to think she'd only have those two little shiners on the bottom!

4. Chris got another class added on to his load at JCC. Now, he'll be teaching 7 classes I think. We're hoping he can work there as a full-time professor before long.
5. Starting Monday, I'm going on a diet! My goal is to lose about 30 lbs and I have to stick to it this time! First step, quit drinking so many Pepsi's!
6. It's hard for me to believe that in two short months, my baby girl will be a year old! Where does the time go?
7. Lily's last bottle of formula was this morning. She's been drinking whole milk from a sippy cup with her meals, so we'll see how this goes!
8. I love my little family so much that if I think about it too much, I can bust out into tears. We're very blessed and I wouldn't trade it for anything for the world! (Well, except the debt! haha)
9. I've changed my hours at work so that I can pick Landon up from school everyday. He's loving that and so am I! I get to pick the kids up earlier, do homework, and cook supper..all the while not feeling as rushed as I was before I changed my hours.
10. We went to Wayne County Fair last week. The boys love the fair as much as their momma! They rode every ride that they were able to ride on, ate the good ole' fair food and then played about five games each. Everyone left with a tired, happy smiles on their faces!

Dirty 30!

2011-10-04T18:31:00.000-04:00

In September, I turned the Big 3-0! I really can not believe that I'm 30 years old! I know some of you are probably rolling your eyes, but 30 to me feels SO old! I had a relatively low-key birthday where Chris treated me like a queen. He bought me a chocolate/white diamond turtle necklace, along with some diamond earrings that I've been dying to have! That night, I got to relax, while he did homework with Landon, grilled steaks and potatoes and gave baths to all 3 kids! Yeah, I'd say he's pretty great! Now, I'm taking the dirty 30's by storm but I still think that...

Nixon - 4 Years

2011-09-27T06:31:00.000-04:00

On September 1st, my little Butterbean turned four years old! I can't believe it! I still feel like he's my little baby..mainly because he lets me pretend that he is. He still loves to crawl up in my lap, rock, and sing songs..and I wouldn't trade it for the world! At four years old, Nixon is 34.8 lbs (75%), and 3'2" tall (10%). Because of this, his BMI was kind of high, but the doctor didn't seem worried..he's always been our little butterbean, staying in the 10th percentile in height consistently. He's still a ball of energy that will drive you to the point of insanity, but sweet and cuddly at the same time. Here are some facts about Nixon:

Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Food: Cereal
What he wants to be when he grows up: Super Boy
Best Buddy: Ben
Favorite Toy: Army Men, Cows, Space Ship

The Tooth Fairy

2011-09-26T21:16:00.001-04:00

On Friday, Landon lost his third tooth. Seems that a lot of kids must have lost teeth on Friday because the Tooth Fairy didn't even have time to come pick up his tooth Friday night! Imagine the disappointment when his tooth was still in the pillow on Saturday morning!

Luckily, on Saturday night, she had time to come by our house. She left a note for Landon apologizing and even threw in an extra two dollars for not showing up on Friday night.

All is well once money is involved :)

Landon - 6 Years

2011-09-23T19:57:00.000-04:00

In July, my sweet Landon turned 6 years old! We had perfect weather at the park that Saturday. It was a huge blessing to have cooler temperatures, even for just one day, in July. He enjoyed playing with all of his friends and just being a kid. He's always my serious child, so I love when he lets loose and just acts silly. I feel like he wears the weight of the world on his shoulders some days. I know that's hard for some people to believe because after all, he is only 6. But, I'm afraid he's going to be a worrier like his momma and you can already tell it. He is so focused on everything, schoolwork, sports, even his DS so it's not often that he just plays and enjoys being a 6 year old. (We're working on it though) I've changed my schedule at work, so that I can pick him up from school everyday. I can tell a big difference in how he acts at home since then. I think maybe he just needed a little extra tlc from his momma. At six years old, Landon is 44.2 lb and 3'9" tall. It's crazy how much he has grown. I can see that pretty soon he'll be towering over me, but he's assured me that he'll always be my baby!

Favorite Color: Red
Best Buddy: Jayce
Favorite Sport: Baseball
What He Wants to Be When He Grows Up: Baseball Player
Favorite Food: Chicken
Favorite Holiday: Halloween

Man..time flies!

Lily - 9 Months

2011-09-22T07:38:00.000-04:00

It's so hard for me to believe that my baby girl is 9 months old already! When I took her for her appointment, she weighed 18 lb, 10 ounces, is 28 inches long and her head is 17 inches big. I don't know any of the percentiles because the computers were down..you don't realize how much people rely on computers, the appointment was crazy because the doctors and nurses were trying to get all the information (questionnaires on milestones, etc) by memory whereas normally they just do it all by computer.

At 9 Months, Lily:
-Crawls like crazy..she thinks it's so funny to crawl away from you when you chase her
-Pulls up on everything, she actually let go and just stood up for the first time on September 21
-Still only has two teeth
-Has climbed up the stairs in our house (1/2 way up before Landon ratted her out)
-Is eating baby food 50% of the time and table food 50% of the time
-Still will not give kisses if she doesn't want to. She'll turn her head..she completely knows what she's doing when she does it too
-Has started drinking from a sippy cup a little..she still seems to prefer her bottle and will not hold either one if she doesn't want to...what a little PRINCESS!
-Her hair is curling up on the ends

What No One Ever Tells You About Becoming a Mom...

2011-08-12T19:47:00.000-04:00

It's amazing how many things people don't tell you before you become a mom...

*No one tells you how tired you'll be when you first have a child..spending sleepless nights barely awake while your baby eats, but yet when that baby sleeps through the night the first time, you can't help but wake up thinking something is wrong!
*No one tells you that you'll be so excited to see your baby grow and see what they're going to be like, but when they get older, you just want them to be a baby again so that you can protect them from everything.
*No one tells you how having one baby will change everything in your world, two babies will rock your world more than anything, and anything over two is just adding one more to the craziness!
*No one tells you that when your child gets sick, you'll worry like crazy until they're better..no matter how small the illness is.
*No one tells you that when you're away from your kids, you'll miss them like crazy, but five minutes after you get around them, you're ready for a break again
*No one tells you that you'd move Heaven and Earth to make them happy and content and that you'll do anything to make them have the best childhood possible.
*No one tells you that you'll say the things your mother used to say to you and then cringe a little because "you'd never tell your child that"
*No one tells you that you'll enjoy Christmas and all other major holidays ten times more with kids.
*No one tells you that a smile, hug, or kiss from one of your babies can make an otherwise bad day wonderful.
*No one tells you that once you have kids, you might as well be wearing your heart on the outside of your body for the rest of your life because you never really understand true, unconditional love until you've had a child of your own!

Disappointment...

2011-08-12T12:42:00.000-04:00

Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Ever have that feeling that nothing you do is good enough? I've been having that feeling a lot lately! Well, actually it's something I've always struggled with, but there's something about being a wife and mother that brings it out more. It's one of those topics that you'd rather push under the rug and not deal with, but what does that really accomplish? Sometimes you just have to let things out. So..

*I'd love to be able to run a 5k; really, a half marathon is my big goal, but I just can't seem to get past the pain in my legs. No matter how much I WANT to be able to do it, it's like my body shuts down and says, "Nope, it's not gonna happen!" I want to accomplish my goals and enjoy doing it!

*I want to lose weight, but no matter how many diets I try, I can never lose any more than 10 lbs..when you need to lose 30, ten is not much! I want to be someone who reaches that goal of 30 lbs lost so that I can feel confident the way I once did.

*I want to be a good mother and not raise my voice. I miss my babies when I'm not with them, but ten minutes after picking them up, when they're whining/crying/yelling/fighting, I'm ready for a break again. I want to be a mother to children who know they're loved and they remember nothing but good things about growing up. I want them to remember their mom dropping everything else just for a quick snuggle or to play, not worrying about if the house is clean or if my e-mail is checked.

*I want to be a good wife, but honestly, sometimes you can only fill so many roles in one day and that's usually the one to get thrown to the side. I want to be a wife that my husband is proud to have and one that doesn't push her husband into last place because that's definitely NOT where he deserves to be!

*I want to be a good friend. I have a lot of people that I've been friends with for a long time (you know who you are), but if it wasn't for them, we probably would never talk. I love them all to death, but they're constantly the one who contacts me and not vice versa. I want to be the kind of friend who calls for no reason, just to check in and see how things are going.

My goal is to try to change and be the person that I want to be!

Rockin' the Baby

2011-07-11T21:29:00.001-04:00

Not too long ago, we were rockin' the belly over at Shell's Blog..now we're rockin' the babies! I love being pregnant..but I can't help but look at the glow on that first time pregnant mom's face and think, "You have no idea what you're in for!" Sure, it's great being a mom, but we all know it's the hardest job that you'll ever love! So, on a positive note, at least when I'm old and grey, and the teenagers are driving me crazy, I'll have these sweet faces to look at!

Landon at 3 Months..look at those chubby cheeks..he was definitely my good baby..probably why he was first..so I'd have more! He loved to eat and sleep and hardly ever made a peep!

Nixon..my challenge (to this day!)..he is so sweet but 100% boy..who knows why he's my middle child..he didn't do well with his formula..he had colic..it's a miracle we had #3! But look at this face..how can you resist pinching those cheeks?? (5 Months)

Who doesn't love a good oreo?

He's loved his "babies" since Day 1...he still does this with it now when he's tired!

And finally my Lily girl...she's definitely high maintenance like any girl should be..but overall she's been a great baby..especially since she's finally getting her napping schedule figured out..girl loves to eat and sleep just like her oldest brother, which makes momma and daddy happy! Just a couple weeks old here..

My sweet baby girl...

I absolutely love my babies and I love being a mom..even when they're driving me insane..I can't wait to see them grow, but at the same time, I want them to just slow down!

Have One More or Leave It Like It Is??

2011-07-10T19:16:00.000-04:00

Growing up, I always wanted three kids. Chris, being a middle child, was dead set against having an odd number. I knew that I wanted more than two, so four was the next logical number. After having Lily (finally a little girl for me to love on), I feel as if our little family is complete. But the problem is, I'm scared that I'll regret not having the fourth child. I didn't really get to "enjoy" my last pregnancy by knowing it was the last time..if that even makes sense! I know I'll be sad whenever I am done having kids, so I feel like I need to KNOW it's the last time. Plus, Landon and Nixon kind of pal around together, so who will Lily have to be best buds with growing up? I absolutely LOVE having a big family and I can only imagine what it will be like when they're all grown up and come back home for holidays. It will be wonderful!

My other problem is my husband! He's says he's done for now! The man who was dead set against an odd number! He's ready to be able to enjoy family outings (not worry about taking your whole house with you when you go). He's worried about being able to provide (at a comfortable level) for every child. He's ready to not pay daycare anymore. These are all valid points, but I still want that fourth child (I think). How do you really know when you're done..how do you know, without a shadow of a doubt, that your family is complete and that you'll never regret having just one more baby to love? That, my friends, is the million dollar question...

Pierced Ears!!

2011-07-06T21:02:00.000-04:00

On Friday, I took Lily to the pediatrician to have her ears pierced. When she was first born, I decided I wouldn't have it done until she was old enough to tell me she wanted them. But then, something came over me and I just had to have them done. If the doctor's office didn't do them, I never would have done it until she was older. But, a RN pierced them for us. She was so meticulous. I know she marked Lily's ears a couple hundred times before she was happy with the location. She was so careful to get them just right and I think she looks just precious! You decide...

Couch to 5k

2011-07-01T23:20:00.000-04:00

On May 23, I started the Couch to 5k Program. For those that are not sure what this is, you can find all the information on it Here. I also downloaded the couch to 5k app on my Ipod which allows me to listen to my own playlist and the voice just comes over the music to tell me when it's time to run/walk.

My original reason for starting the program is because I want to lose around 30 lbs and I figure that I've never seen a really obese runner. Running is hard work, so I'm bound to lose weight, right? Well, I can say that with 6 weeks completed, I've yet to lose any weight. I've actually gained 3 lbs since I started. But, in all honesty, I haven't changed my eating habits at all. I'm trying to get an exercise routine under my belt before I go for my diet!

Starting the first week, I was already ready to quit. My biggest motivation has been that it's only 30 minutes for 3 days a week. And, as a mother and wife, if I can't give myself that much time, I have a pretty sad life. We all need our "me time", right? Anyway, week two was even worse and I didn't feel I was ready to move on, so I did that week twice. Moving on, week four, I was at the beach on vacation and for the first time, I actually worked out on vacation! I must say that I'm completely hooked and this is probably the most dedicated I've ever been to an exercise program.

My first goal is to run in our Selma Railroad Run (5k) the first weekend in October. Once I've mastered a few 5k's, I'd like to train for a 10k and my final goal will be to run a half marathon! I want to be one of those moms with a "13.1 Mom" sticker on the back of my vehicle! :) The only thing I would suggest to anyone who is looking to start a running program is to get some good running shoes. I've yet to get a pair and my legs are paying the price! I plan on buying some within the next few weeks so maybe I won't be in so much pain.

To all those out there who are scared to get off the couch, if I can do it, anyone can!

Rockin' the Bump

2011-06-13T12:15:00.000-04:00

I can honestly say that I have LOVED being pregnant all three times. It's the one time in a woman's life where you can eat whatever and still be cute! I'm joining a blog link-up today, Rockin' the Bump, to show off my bump..all three of them!

This was around 30 weeks with Landon..even though it was my first baby, that belly just shot out there right away!

And the day he was born...oh the anxiety/depression that followed..but for this moment, I was in love!

This was around Week 20 with Nixon..Huge, I tell you!..but still happy as can be!

And the day Nixon was born..not as much depression this time..just overwhelmed with two babies to care for!

Week 18 with Lily..one of my all-time favorite pictures!

Week 36 with Lily..look at that giant belly..the more kids you have, the bigger it gets!

The day Lily was born..pure happiness and contentment!

A Letter to Lily

2011-06-11T23:21:00.000-04:00

My sweet little pumpkin Lily,

I waited a long time for a little girl, and Lily, you were well worth the wait. You've had my heart since Day 1. I know you'll be a spoiled little princess one day because you already are!

I love that you're so serious one second and laughing the next. Your eyes and face show exactly what you're thinking at all times.

I love that when I pick you up from daycare, your eyes light up and you smile as big as you can. I love that, in the small walk from your class room to Nixon's, you snuggle so close to my neck like you want to get that little bit of time with just momma. I love that when you get really tired, you just stare at me. It's like you don't want to go to sleep because you'll miss something we might be doing.

I love that when I wake you up in the morning, you wake up smiling. I love that you are already a diva at the young age of six months; and when I put your hairbows and headbands in your hair you look at me like you're saying, "Really Mom?"

I love that you love your baby as much as your older brother Nixon loves his.

I love that you laugh uncontrollably at Landon when he makes silly faces at you. I love that you're a momma's girl more than a daddy's girl (for now anyway). And I love that you dance just like Landon used to when he was a baby. I love you more than you will ever know little pudding!

Love,
Mom

A Letter to Nixon

2011-06-10T20:40:00.000-04:00

Nixon (My Little Butterbean),

You've been so easy to love right from the start. Even when you had colic and were crying uncontrollably, even when I was scared Ms. Connie was going to tell me she couldn't keep you anymore because you cried so much, I've loved you so much. You have a way about you that makes you easy to love.

You can do something you know that you're not supposed to do, look at me, and grin and I can't help but smile with you. I've always said you'll be my politician because you don't meet a stranger. I love that I can take you anywhere and you're going to make a friend. I love that you really think your middle name is "Butterbean." Even though it wears on my patience sometimes, I love that you talk non-stop because I know someday, you probably will not want to tell me all about your day. I love that you carry all your "babies" around and you can't sleep without them.

I love that you sing at the top of your lungs, even though you couldn't carry a tune in a bucket.

I love that you get in dancing moods and you don't care who sees you do it. I love that you still want me to sit down beside you and just be with you. I love that you love your brother and sister more than life itself. I love you Nixon to the moon and back and I love that when I tell you that, you reply, "Well, I love you to the sun!"

Love,
Mom

A Letter to Landon

2011-06-09T21:00:00.000-04:00

Landon,
You are my sweet, sweet boy. We had a rocky start, but you're finally, after 5 1/2 years, becoming a momma's boy!

You have just lost your first tooth and this is a constant reminder to me that you are no longer my little baby. You're on your way to becoming a young man..a wonderful one at that!

You are my child who always looks after everyone, making sure everyone is doing okay. You'd rather sacrifice your own happiness to make someone else happy (kind of like your Daddy). You're cursed with your momma's OCD habits and always being worried about something, no matter how small.

I love the way that you're so persistent like your Daddy even when it's driving me insane! I know one day, that persistent nature will come in handy and you'll do great things in your life. You're going to make someone a great husband and father a VERY LONG time from now! I love that you always strive to do your best, even when you don't feel like it. You don't settle for anything less than what YOU know you can accomplish. I love that you love baseball as much as your Daddy and I do! I love that you always protect your little brother, even though you hate confrontation.

I love that you're slow as molasses just like your Uncle Lucas because you make me slow down and "smell the roses." I love that you sing in the shower and car, but when you realize that someone is listening, you get shy and stop..only to giggle and start right back. I love that you already have a guilty conscious and when you know you've done wrong, you apologize and admit it to me. I love that you always want to hold my hand and that you still have to kiss and hug me bye every time I drop you off and before you go to sleep at night. I love that you're my little boy and always will be! I love you to the moon and back Landon and you'll always be my first "baby"!

Love,
Mom

A Letter to My Husband

2011-06-08T22:01:00.000-04:00

Christopher (Pooky),

Let me start off by saying I love you! More than you will ever know. It's hard to believe that we've been together for 12 years now (married for 8 of those)! Did you ever think that in 12 years, we would have 3 kids, lived in 5 different houses (buying 3 of those), owned 11 cars (whoa!) and both go back to school to get our Masters? We've had a busy 12 years! (That made me tired just thinking about it!) We've had our good and bad times, but you're always there with just the right thing to say. You know that I'm bossy, controlling, OCD, and high maintenance but you love me anyway! I couldn't ask for a better husband or father for my children!

I love that at the end of a hard or stressful day, you'll tell me to go get a pedicure while you take care of supper and baths. It doesn't matter that your day has been bad too, you're always thinking of your family first. I love that you know when I'm going to cry during a movie or a song and you'll make fun of me. I love that you take our yearly "traditions" as seriously as I do. I love that you know I can't eat popcorn or a pizza without a dark soft drink and I love even more that you don't consider that ridiculous! I love the fact that you get just as addicted to these stupid TV series as I do every summer. I love that when we first got married you couldn't sleep unless the room was absolutely quiet but since I'm not like that, you got over it and now you turn on the TV every night before we go to bed. I love that you're just as cold-natured as I am so I'm not freezing all the time. I love that you hear me rant and you can just pretty much tune me out until you know I need feedback. I love that you still act like a kid sometimes and you'll just wrestle and dance with the boys. But most of all, I love you for you!

I love you to the moon and back and I couldn't imagine spending my life with anyone else.

Lily - 6 Months!

2011-06-06T18:20:00.000-04:00

I can't believe my baby girl is halfway to a year already! She's growing so fast and we're enjoying every milestone. Here are her stats:

Weight: 16 lb, 5.5 oz (55%)
Height: 26.75 in (85%)
Head: 41.9 cm (30%)

*She still eats 6 oz every 3 hours, but if there's a lot going on, she'll only eat around 4 oz...she'd rather socialize :)
*She sat up by herself for the first time on June 5
*She loves her babies (blankets). It's a bad day if we forget those!
*She is saying Da-Da like crazy!
*She loves to blow spit bubbles and stick her tongue out at you
*Every afternoon when I pick her up, she gets a really big grin and snuggles me
*Landon can make her laugh more than anyone with his crazy faces, but Nixon loves to look after her and hates to hear her cry
*She finally will take a nap at daycare in her crib (as long as she can make it to her belly)
*We moved the pack-n-play back down to our room for weekend naps and now she'll actually take them!
*I moved her into a "big-girl" car seat today. She loves it!

I love this baby girl more than life itself! She's quite the little princess in our house!

Random Words From My Boys

2011-05-16T21:22:00.000-04:00

My boys say some of the craziest things, so I figured I'd share a few; mainly, I want to be able to remember them when they're older and not even talking to their momma!

*The other day, Nixon informed me, after telling him he needed to listen, that "sometimes he really just doesn't want to listen"

*Nixon calls broccoli "trees" and pillow stuffing "clouds"

*Instead of saying, "the other one," Landon says "the nudder one"

*While sounding out shirt, Landon left out the 'r' and proceeded to sound out that word, thinking he had made up a word and thought the new word he made up was hilarious!

*I told Nixon I loved him to the moon and back to which he replied, "and I love you to the trees!"

*When we were leaving for school one morning, Nixon hugged Chloe (our dog) and told her to "be a good girl, because we'll be right back"

*Landon's explanation of how God created the world. "God said he wanted a sky and BAM, there it was. God said he wanted some trees and BAM, there they were. God's pretty awesome!"

I love my boys..they definitely keep life interesting!

Lily - 5 Months!

2011-05-11T21:27:00.000-04:00

I'm Back!! I know it's been a while, but it's been crazy around the Walters' Household...with no hopes of things slowing down at least for a few more weeks..Lily is now 5 months and she weighs around 15 lbs.

Here are a few things about her right now:

-She still eats her 6 oz every three hours during the day, but she has added 3 containers of Stage 2 baby food a day..What can I say..girl takes after her moma..she loves to eat!

-She is definitely rolling all around the living room..you have to watch what you lay down around her now because she'll roll right over to it.

-She likes to watch you talk and she'll move her mouth, without making any sounds, in the same motions..it's the funniest thing because she gets this really serious face while she's doing it

-She likes to "sing" herself to sleep..it's so sweet..she'll just murmur those sweet baby sounds until she's fast asleep. She also wakes up "singing" and will sometimes sing herself right back to sleep on Saturdays and Sundays!

-She loves her "baby" so I guess she's going to be just like the boys with all the animals/blankets/pillows in the bed

-She's becoming more of a Daddy's girl..she gets the biggest grin on her face when she sees her Daddy first thing in the morning.

-When I pick her up in the afternoons, she likes to lean right towards my face and give a big open-mouth kiss..and of course I eat it up! Then, she snuggles my neck until we get out to the car and I put her in her seat..Love it!

She's a really good baby..but becoming a bit of a Princess already..she definitely knows what she wants and knows how to get it..even at daycare!

- She especially loves her feet..she sucks on her big toe every chance she gets!

The Scariest Week Ever

2011-04-12T22:43:00.000-04:00

To tell this story, I need to take everyone back to December 30, 2010. We have 3 bar stools at our island in our kitchen. Landon and Nixon are always climbing up there to eat breakfast, color, you name it. The bar stools are those rectangle shaped seat ones with the really sharp corners. Anyway, that night, Nixon was climbing up one of them and lost his footing. When that started happening, he grabbed it even harder and ended up pulling the bar stool on top of him, with the corner hitting right underneath his right eye. It swelled up and turned black immediately and his nose started bleeding. This is what it looked like within 5 minutes of the accident.

We applied an ice pack and the swelling went down. This is how it looked the second day.

The swelling and scrape went away, but there was still a hint of a bruise underneath his eye. I talked with Chris about it and he said he just thought he was tired and had bags under his eyes because it was underneath both eyes. I agreed that maybe that was it, but if we went in for a sick visit to the doctor, I would mention it then.

Fast forward a month, Nixon is sick so I take him to the doctor. Unfortunately, I didn't even think about his eye until we got home. As luck would have it, or not, he got sick again two weeks later. This time, when the doctor came in, she was shocked. She said, "What happened to him?" At first I was confused because I was so used to seeing it, but then I told her the story. She was amazed that it wasn't gone yet, and wondering why he had a little bubble underneath his eye, but she thought it was fair to wait another month to bring him if it wasn't gone.

Fast forward to Month 3. This was last Monday. The bruise is still there, so I take him into the doctor when I take Lily for her four month well check. The nurse pricks his finger to do blood work. On Tuesday, Dr. Garrish calls me and lets me know that all the blood work came back okay, but that she had consulted with a hematologist in Chapel Hill and he thought that Nixon needed to be seen.

It's hard to see the bruise in this picture, but it's definitely still there.

To this point, I'm still okay. I call Chapel Hill to get directions and the secretary answers the phone, "Pediatric Oncology." I literally felt the floor cave beneath me. Good thing I was sitting in my office by myself. Somehow, I made it off the phone before I started crying. My mind immediately went to what I would do if my baby boy had cancer. It seemed like the day dragged on forever, but somehow we made it until Wednesday at lunch when we're at Chapel Hill Cancer Hospital. Of course, right in front of me checking in, is a 16-18 year old boy who obviously is undergoing chemo. Then, on the way to the patient room, we pass a room full of recliners where patients receive their chemo. It's a very humbling experience and makes you not worry so much about the petty things we all tend to worry about. The doctor comes in and asks me to tell him the story to how we got to this point. After telling him the story, and doing an exam which consisted of feeling out Nixon's face, throat, etc. he tells us that the possibility of something major being wrong is between zero and squat. I've never felt more relieved in my life! It was like the weight of the world was removed from my shoulders. He did say, to make everyone sleep better at night, he wanted to do more extensive blood testing and a urine analysis to check for a tumor that mirrors Nixon's symptoms with the exception of things slowly getting better. He also chose to do a facial x-ray to check for any fractures that could have slowed the healing process.

With results the next day, the doctor called and told me that everything was fine! He thinks that Nixon just got hit that hard and it's taking an extra long time for that blood to reabsorb. I've never been more scared in my life, but we had a lot of people praying and I felt those prayers every step of the way. The morning of his appointment, I was crying on my way to work and Nixon wanted to hear Veggie Tales. Next thing I know, I'm hearing, "God is bigger than the boogeyman and He's watching over you and me!" It's so funny how God knows just when you need some peace and the way that he chooses to show you!

Side note...the tension was broken in the doctor's office when the doctor asked Nixon how many brothers and sisters he had..to which Nixon replied "1 Brother, 1 Sister"..check out how he says one. For some reason, with his left hand, he points with his middle finger. We've tried over and over to correct him, but he just can't comprehend it. So the doctor kind of chuckles and I'm right beside him saying, "No, Nixon, point with your other finger." The doctor then asks, what about cats and dogs. Same thing, "1 Dog, but no cats" and he shakes his middle finger at that last statement. By this point, the doctor can't hide his laughter anymore and he tells us, "You know what, that just made my day!"

Lily - 4 Months!!

2011-04-07T21:53:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe..but my Lily is four months old!! At her well check, her stats are as follows:

Weight: 13 lb, 14 oz (50%)
Height: 24" (75%)
Head: Don't remember the measurement, but it was the 45%

At four months:
-She's still a morning person..she's a happy girl from around 6 am - 4 pm..after that..she just gets grumpy! She also loves her "babies"

-She's eating cereal first thing in the morning at daycare and a fruit or veggie at night. She still eats 6 oz every 3 hours (she's a hungry girl!)
-She goes to sleep around 7:30 pm and will sleep until I wake her during the week and around 8:30 on the weekends (LOVE that!!...if only Nixon would jump on that bandwagon)
-She absolutely ADORES her brothers...especially Nixon..she just smiles constantly when he's around..although Landon is the one who can make her stop crying just by talking to her.
-She loves to be held, rocked, and sung to
-She loves to sit up, as long as you're holding her hands or her hips
-She rolled over for the first time tonight..only more of that to come I'm sure!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 30

2011-03-30T04:00:00.000-04:00

A picture of someone you miss...

The "me" I was before I was a mom. I didn't have a worry in the world (little did I know it then!). Afternoons were spent doing whatever I wanted to do, nights were spent relaxing and spending time with my husband (we stayed up until midnight most nights for no reason at all). I had all the free time in the world and I couldn't tell you what I actually did to use all that time! Shopping trips were spent buying clothes for me. It didn't seem like I was ever happy with how I looked in them, but what I wouldn't give to have that body back! I love my babies to the moon and back, but sometimes, I want a little piece of the me before I was a mommy back for just a few fleeting moments.

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 29

2011-03-29T04:30:00.001-04:00

A picture that can always make you smile...

Landon at 3 weeks old

Lily at 3 months

Nixon at almost 2 years old

My 3 Boys

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 28

2011-03-28T05:34:00.000-04:00

A picture of something you're afraid of...

Something happening to my kids that's out of my control..long-term illness, etc, etc. I don't know what I'd do without my little munchkins and I can't stand the thought of them being sick and me not being able to do a thing about it. I don't know that my heart could take it and it's one of my biggest fears.

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 27

2011-03-27T10:18:00.000-04:00

A picture of yourself and a family member...

A bunch of them.... :)

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 26

2011-03-26T08:37:00.000-04:00

A picture of something that means a lot to you...

I know I've used my kids a lot in this 30 day challenge..but seriously, I don't know what I'd do without these three little boogers!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 25

2011-03-25T14:41:00.000-04:00

A picture of your day...

I pretty much stare at this all day (doing work of course) and when I need a break, I look out the window...

Then, when I get lonely...I look at my table with my babies all over it and it makes me smile :)

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 24

2011-03-24T04:00:00.001-04:00

A picture of something you wish you could change...

My debt total...eventually, I'm sure it will be gone..but right now, I feel like it's never going to be gone! What I wouldn't give to have all of it gone right now so that I could enjoy being at home (at least part-time) with my kids!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 23

2011-03-23T05:37:00.000-04:00

A picture of your favorite book...

I don't have favorites when it comes to books because I like to read so much and I literally LOVE every book I've ever read. However, I do remember that after I read this book when I was in school, I thought to myself..that was the best book I've ever read! I don't remember ever thinking that after reading a book again...maybe I should check it out at the library and read it again. (that's another problem of mine..about a week after finishing a book, I couldn't tell you what happened..I forget that fast!)

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 22

2011-03-22T05:00:00.001-04:00

A picture of something you wish you were better at...

Handling stress. I'm pretty good with handling things at work and time management. But when it comes to my kids, especially when they get sick, I just can't seem to get a grip. I get overwhelmed very easy and I always think the worse possible outcome. It's something I'm definitely working on, but I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to change it..it's kind of who I am.

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 21

2011-03-21T05:47:00.000-04:00

A picture of something you wish you could forget...

In 7th grade, I tried out for cheerleading. A cheerleader was something I always wanted to be. Well, long story short, I didn't make it. But the worst part is I never tried out again. Every year, I regretted not doing it, but I just couldn't go through the humiliation of not making it again and I couldn't shake that fear. I'm not really a quitter, so it bothers me that I just gave up that easily.

This might seem kind of a small problem to some of you, but to me it was not. It's still something that bothers me to this day, so I wish I could just forget about ever trying out. Believe me, I have plenty of other bigger, more serious things I wish I could forget, but they're kind of personal and not "blog material".

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 20

2011-03-20T04:00:00.000-04:00

A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel...

I already covered this one on the thing I wanted to do before I die..oh well, I want to travel to Australia..I've wanted to go forever and I can't wait for the day that I finally make it there!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 19

2011-03-19T05:00:00.000-04:00

A picture and a letter...

To My Sweet, Sweet Babies:

You three are the light of my life. I don't know what I would do if anything ever happened to you guys. My life would definitely not be the same if I wasn't your mommy. I love this picture because it personifies who you are.

Landon, my serious one...always worried about what's happening, what kind of mood everyone is in and always quick to give a hug and/or kiss to make someone feel better. You'll make a wonderful, caring husband and father one day!

Nixon, the life of the party...my butterbean, always looking for the fun side in life. I know that you'll make someone very happy one day because you can always make me laugh on the worst of days. You bring sunshine and fun into our lives. You help us to not be so serious all the time!

Lily, my little pumpkin...you're not quite sure where you fit it yet, but I think you're making yourself the Princess of the House. Both of your brothers adore you and I feel sorry for anyone who ever wants to date you because they're going to have two jealous brothers to get past first.

I feel like my family is complete (for now) with you three in it. Most days, I want to pull my hair out, change my name, drive far, far away...but then I look at a picture of you three and I can't help but smile and think about how blessed my life is to have you in it!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 18

2011-03-18T05:00:00.000-04:00

A picture of your biggest insecurity...

My weight..more specifically my stomach. It's always been one of my biggest insecurities and something I complain about constantly--even before I had 3 kids. What I wouldn't give to have that pre-baby belly back now. I didn't know a good thing when I had it! I can tell myself that it's not what's on the outside that counts, it's whether or not you're beautiful inside. I know that to be the truth and I know my kids love me for me..but still..that one insecurity hangs on. I'm hoping that one day I'll be able to accept me for who I am.

Side note..the picture above is definitely not my belly..if mine looked like that, it wouldn't be my biggest insecurity!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 17

2011-03-17T05:36:00.000-04:00

A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently...

Having a baby..and finding our new normal!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 16

2011-03-16T05:36:00.000-04:00

A picture of someone who inspires you...

JD. He's a man I've known since I was a little girl and I've always thought he was such a good man. He goes to my old church back home and you'll never meet a man that's more Godly or gentle to everyone he meets. He knows the Bible back and forth and is so soft-spoken when he talks to people. You can tell that he genuinely cares about everyone he meets. If I can be half the Christian that he his, I think I'll be doing pretty good!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 15

2011-03-15T02:00:00.000-04:00

A picture of something you want to do before you die...

Go to Australia...this is my dream vacation!!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 14

2011-03-14T05:00:00.001-04:00

A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without...

I can't pick just one, but I can definitely pick four..Even though all four of these drive me crazy at times (yes, even Lily), I know for a fact my life would not be the same without them in it. I love you guys!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 13

2011-03-13T04:00:00.000-04:00

A picture of your favorite band or artist...

I'm not a big music person so I don't really have a favorite, but I LOVE everything that Toby Keith sings...

Joey + Rory are one of my new top picks..I love everything I hear from them also.

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 12

2011-03-12T08:34:00.000-05:00

A Picture of Something you Love...

I absolutely love baseball..especially the Red Sox. But, I'll watch any game..no matter how big (Major League) or small (T-Ball). I'd like to buy Season Tickets one day, whether it's to the Mud Cats or the Pelicans when we retire and move to the beach :)

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 11

2011-03-11T02:00:00.001-05:00

A picture of something you hate...

I can not stand for someone to lie to me. I have a hard time trusting people so when someone ruins that trust by lying to me, it takes a long time to be able to trust them again. Why not just tell the truth?

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 10

2011-03-10T09:09:00.000-05:00

A picture of a person you do the most ****** up things with...

Not really anymore..but in college..oh my goodness...let's just say, I'm sure we'd both like to know that our girls don't do some of the things we have done :)

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 9

2011-03-09T03:00:00.000-05:00

A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most...

I don't know how many times I've stayed up praying at night because of a sick child or a stress/problem in my life..but I do know that those prayers are what have calmed me and gotten me through those tough times.

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 8

2011-03-08T01:00:00.001-05:00

A picture that makes you laugh...

(side not...I'm obviously not good at choosing only one thing in this whole blog challenge)

and finally...

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 7

2011-03-07T09:17:00.000-05:00

A picture of your most treasured item...

My planner..this thing is with me 24/7. I get overwhelmed easy, so it helps for me to make lists..well, that and I'm OCD. There are some weeks that I even write "shower" on my day..not that I'd forget to take one, it just helps me to know exactly the order that I need to do things in. :) There is a new one of these in my stocking every Christmas!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 6

2011-03-06T08:06:00.001-05:00

A picture of a person you'd love to switch places with for a day...

Even though I love my life, it would be fun to switch with someone famous to see what it's like to buy whatever you want without thinking about it and laying out on the beach while every normal person works everyday. I picked Jennifer Aniston because she actually seems like she has common sense and she's so pretty to me!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 5

2011-03-05T08:49:00.000-05:00

A Picture of Your Favorite Memory...geez..I have a hard time choosing a favorite also..but I can choose 4 of my favorites...

Our Wedding Day...

The day Landon was born...

The day Nixon was born...

The day Lily was born...

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 4

2011-03-04T06:00:00.001-05:00

A Picture of Your Night...

Most of our nights revolve around Lily these days :)

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 3

2011-03-03T09:58:00.000-05:00

A picture of the cast from your favorite show...

I have so many favorite shows..in fact (sad, but true) we had to get two DVR's to record all our shows that we watch..I know, great example to my kids, huh? But on a side note, I also read...A LOT..so at least they see that too!

All time favorite...Grey's Anatomy

Favorite Comedy...Modern Family

Favorite New Show...Off the Map

Favorite Cancelled Show...Life on Mars

Favorite Guilty Pleasure...Teen Mom 2

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 2

2011-03-02T08:33:00.001-05:00

Day 2 is supposed to be a picture of me and a person that I've been closest to the longest. I have friends that I've been friends with since 3rd grade and even kindergarten, but the person I'm closest to would have to be my wonderful hubby. He knows everything there is to know about me and when I have some exciting news, he's the first one I want to call and tell..

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 1

2011-03-01T08:09:00.000-05:00

Well, I've seen this on Facebook quite a bit lately and now I'm joining a Blog Friend in her 30 Day Challenge. Usually when you see 30 Day Challenges, it has something to do with diets and I'm just too tired for that! But, on the other hand, I think I can handle this one..

Day 1 - A picture of yourself with 10 Facts

I know this is picture is from when I was pregnant, but I'm honestly not in front of the camera much and this is one of my favorites :)

I'm a Virgo...and a true one at that...very OCD and detail-oriented about everything!
I never actually thought I'd have a little girl..I wanted one terribly but never really thought it would happen..that was actually my first question when Lily was born even though I had multiple ultrasounds telling me that already!
I have a brother that is 13 years younger than me and I love him to death..he used to drive me crazy with his slow ways and constant talking when he was younger..now I'm getting paid back 10 times that with my own boys!
I wanted to be a forensic pathologist for the FBI for like 10 years..one Biology lab in college and those dreams were gone
My longest relationship other than Chris was only 2 months long..I guess that's how I knew he was the one..he was willing to put up with me!
I won a trophy in 2nd grade for reading the most books..I think I read over a 100 in that school year.
In 4th grade, I was voted "Sweetest Girl" in my class.
I was in a Sorority in college and loved it! I served in a couple of different leadership positions but the main one being Treasurer.
I'd go back to college in a heartbeat if I could..I'd enjoy it a lot more and not rush to be a grown-up!
If I could change one thing about the direction of my life, I think I would've moved to Boston right after me and Chris got married..got season tickets to see the Red Sox and just enjoyed being a married couple. After about 10 years, I would've moved back down here and then started our family, debt free!

Twins..If It Wasn't for the Big Age Gap!

2011-02-14T09:01:00.000-05:00

This past week, I was going through some old pictures and I was shocked by what I saw...Nixon and Lily could be twins!! Well, if it wasn't for the whole 3 years apart thing! I always said Nixon would make a pretty little girl..now I have proof :)

From the Land of the Sick

2011-02-06T21:23:00.000-05:00

Starting on January 14th, our home was invaded by the sick bug! (any and every kind) Nixon was the first victim, ear infection with possible strep/flu. They didn't do a test for the flu since he was past the fever stage and couldn't get any medicine to help that. They did put him on an antibiotic for the ear infection/possible strep.

He seemed to get better, but exactly one week later, Lily started acting weird. She had been in daycare for one week by this point and when I took her to the doctor, she had RSV and thrush. The only good thing to come out of that week was I got one more week at home with my baby and she actually slept through the night the whole week she was sick, weird as that may sound.

Exactly one week after that, Landon started acting funny. One more test at the doctor and he was diagnosed with the flu. He was completely wiped out for a good 3-4 days. He did nothing but sleep and drink his water. He wasn't eating, but at least he was hydrated!

This is an old picture of him sleeping..I didn't get a picture of him sick and he's the one that slept the most!

Get him well, and lo and behold, one week later, Nixon tests positive for the flu.

Needless to say, we're tired of Old Man Winter and all the sickness that he has brought to the Walters' household. And I'm sure my employer is ready for me to be back at work..I haven't worked a full week in 9 weeks!

Lily - 2 Months

2011-02-06T20:36:00.000-05:00

It's so hard to believe that my baby is already 2 months old! That's 1/6 of the way to her first birthday!! When we went to her well check, she was 11 lb. (50%) and 22" long (50%). Her head was in the 25%, so she has a little head like her daddy. :) She got her shots and I think Nixon cried more than she did. He can't stand to hear his baby sister cry. He takes his job as a big brother very seriously! She's getting more and more of a personality and we love her more and more every day!

At two months, Lily:

can follow you across the room with her eyes
can roll halfway over; she kicks with her left toes and rolls about halfway onto her tummy and gives up, but I think she'll be there before long
coos, she makes a lot of vowel sounds like ooo and aaa, which seemed to impress Dr. Langdon
has slept through the night for a week straight, but has since gone back to waking at least once a night
eats 6 oz at a time, every 3 hours
has tried bananas and loved them!
still loves to take a bath..it's the one thing that can calm her down when she's fussy
has taken on the nickname 'Pudding' and 'Pumpkin'
smiles a ton and her whole face lights up
is definitely a morning person..that's when she is at her happiest state
is wearing 3 month clothes, 3/6 month in some pi's

A Letter to Tiny

2011-01-25T21:06:00.000-05:00

Dear Tiny,
Ever wonder where that nickname came from? Well, when me and your Daddy went to our first ultrasound at 8 weeks, you were 6 days smaller than Landon was. From that moment on, you were "Tiny" and Landon was "Bigun." I was so excited to be pregnant with twins. It's one of those things that I always wanted, but never really expected to happen. So, when Dr. Mellon asked, "What would you do if it was twins?" and I responded, "I'd be ecstatic," he was definitely shocked!

I'll never forget, when he started the ultrasound, he paused a little and wasn't saying anything. I started to get a little worried, when he finally gave us the news that it was twins! I was on Cloud 9, immediately brought down by the warning that you were much smaller, so we'd have to keep and eye on things. What this meant at the moment was that I'd have to come back in two weeks, which was fine with me. I never once thought that something would be wrong.

Two weeks later, back in that same office, I was devastated to find only one heartbeat on the ultrasound. I've never felt pain like that in my life. Dr. Mellon informed me that it happens to a lot of people, but of course I felt so alone. It's definitely one of those things in life that can only be truly understood by another woman who has had that same misfortune. People might be able to sympathize, but they can't truly know the pain that's never-ending. It's just one of those things that you can never forget.

One thing is certain, not a birthday of Landon's goes by without me thinking of you, not a holiday that I don't think what it would be like to have you here, being a part of our family. I know that I'll see you one day and that gives me some comfort. But I'd be lying if I didn't admit that a little piece of my heart breaks every time I see a set of twins. For some reason, I just knew you would be a little girl and that's the way that I think of you. I know that everything happens for a reason. I have complete faith in that, but this is the one thing in my life that I don't know what that reason was. Maybe one day I will, but for now, I just rely on the fact that you're in Heaven, watching over our little family and knowing that your momma loved you, and loves you still, more than words.

Ten on Thursday

2011-01-13T08:22:00.000-05:00

I haven't done one of these in while..so why not?

This is my last week of maternity leave..actually I have 4 more days before I have to go to work to be exact. Not that I'm counting! I really am ready to get back into the groove of things because I get stir crazy not having a routine..but then again, I hate to leave my little chunky monkey. She's so sweet and such a good baby that I haven't been stressed really at all on this maternity leave like I was with the boys.
I really, really want the new iPhone when it comes to Verizon in February. Unfortunately, I still have time on my contract, so I'd have to buy one straight out. I still might..I want one that bad!
I'm so ready for Lily to grow up a little so I can see how her personality will shine..but then again, I want her to be my little baby forever!
Chris told me this past week that he might not want four kids after all. Apparently, he's tired..not sure why..I mean I know he has like 3 jobs and a demanding wife, and 3 kids..but what's the problem? Haha..he'll change his mind!
After 5 months with one vehicle, we finally bought a second one again. I feel like we probably could've went a little longer with only one because it really wasn't that bad, but we found a good deal on a truck and Chris really wanted a truck to be able to pick stuff up when we need to. For instance, we tied the Christmas tree to the top of the Yukon "Griswold style" the past two Christmas', we had to take our brand new tv out of the box just to get it home from the store, and the list goes on and on since we haven't had a truck for 5 years now!
I'm so over this cold weather. I'm ready for pools, beaches and baseball games!
Landon read me a book last night. Their class has to bring a book home twice a week and do a worksheet on it after they read it to a family member. I can't believe my baby boy is reading already!
Nixon has been a little sick this past week..fever off and on, headaches off and on, and just not feeling good. I'm taking him to the doctor this afternoon. I hope he feels better soon. It stresses moma out when her babies don't feel good!
We're planning a trip to Atlantis in June 2012. I know it's a long way away, but I'm already excited!
I really need to find some cabinet pulls for my kitchen and bathroom cabinets. They're so expensive, but I'm afraid I'm going to mess up my cabinets if I don't get some soon. :(

What's My Name Again?

2011-01-08T22:21:00.000-05:00

I love having nicknames for people..maybe because I've had so many myself. I was always my moma's Sunshine, my grandma's Tootle and my grandpa's Ertle May. I asked Nixon today what his middle name was..to which he replied "Butterbean!" That little boy kills me sometimes..He's always been my Butterbean since he was born and Chris' Tubby. He's just one of those kids who nicknames stick with. Chris, since Day 1 of us dating has been my Pooky, much to his displeasure I'm sure! Lily has many nicknames also (even though she's only 5 weeks old!) like Chunk, Bunny, and my favorite (which seems to stick with me the most) Pudding. Don't ask why, because I'm not really sure! Chris calls her Turtle because of how she loves to stretch and turn her neck at the same time when she's sleeping. But Landon, my first born, still doesn't have a nickname. For some reason this really bothers me, but I just can't make one fit for him. He started out as Boo Boo, which didn't last long. The only other one I've ever called him is Babycakes, but that's not something he's really going to like when he's a teenager! Why this bothers me, I'm not sure, but I have to find a nickname for him...any suggestions??

A Mother's Love

2011-01-07T11:54:00.000-05:00

It's crazy how strong a mother's love can be..and how different. I have three very special babies that I love in completely different ways. Landon asked me last night who my favorite was. And while I don't have a favorite, I love them all the same for different reasons.

When Landon was born, I had postpartum depression so bad that it took me a few weeks to really feel any connection to him at all. I was so overwhelmed from the depression and being a new mother that I really just wanted my life back the way it used to be. I know that sounds bad, but it's the truth. But after the depression fog lifted, it was like he had always been there and I couldn't imagine life without him! I love the way that Landon knows exactly when you need a hug or a kiss. He's one of the sweetest little boys you'll ever meet. I've even had teachers tell me that he's very intuitive to his friends feelings. He'll always make sure that his friends are happy and that no one is being left out. He's a great big brother and always taking care of Nixon and now Lily. While Landon doesn't like to cuddle, you know that he loves you and wants to make you happy.

When Nixon was born, I didn't have the depression, just overwhelmed going from a parent of one to a parent of two. There was all this pressure to make sure that you were taking care of both kids' needs and making sure you pay enough attention to both and love them the same. I love Nixon because he loves to cuddle. He loves to climb right up in your lap and he's content to just sit like that forever. To this day, he doesn't like to be in a room by himself. He wants someone to constantly be with him. While he can drive you crazy with his constant mischievous ways, he'll then look at you with the cutest little grin and you can't stay mad for long!

Once Lily was born, I felt an instant connection. I don't know if it's because I've always wanted a girl, because I had absolutely no postpartum, because I actually found out what I was having before I had her (so I had more time to connect while I was still pregnant), or a combination of all of these. All I know is that I can't get enough of her and I can't wait for her personality to shine through and see how she fits into our family dynamic.

I love all three of my babies in completely different ways and until you become a mother, you really don't know what unconditional love is. You'd do anything for them, anything to make them happy. Your first priority is always on your children. I love you Landon, Nixon and Lily...with all my heart!!

My Goals for 2011

2011-01-04T14:07:00.000-05:00

I'm choosing not to call them "New Year's Resolutions" on purpose. Seems if you call them that, they automatically don't happen! So, I have 3 goals for this year.

1. Lose 30 lbs. I know this sounds like a lot. But, if I lose 30 lbs, I'll be back at my college weight, the weight I was when I got married, the weight I still was when I found out I was pregnant with Landon, the weight I got back to 2 weeks after having Landon and the weight I haven't been since that 2 week period after Landon was born! This has been a goal of mine for a while. I've gotten about halfway there and then I lose my motivation and gain it all back. This time, Chris and I are trying to "get healthy" together, so I'm hoping this is something that I can achieve in 2011!

2. Pay off $6000 in debt. Why this amount? Well, I certainly have more than that in debt, but goals are supposed to be something that you feel you can achieve and with tax refunds, Chris's salary from the community college, and just plain sticking to a budget, I feel that $6000 is a very attainable goal.

3. Read my Bible/do a Bible study at least 3 times a week. I know, I know, I should do this everyday but with three small kids, a full-time job, and a husband with 3 jobs, it's hard to always find the quiet time in our house. Right before Lily was born, I was doing this every morning before the kids got up, so I hope to start this again once she's on a more normal sleeping schedule. I got a new Chronological Bible for Christmas and I can't wait to dive into my Bible study again!

So, those are my 3 goals for 2011. I'm hoping by putting them out there for anyone to see that I feel the pressure to actually do something about them, instead of just letting them go a few months into the year.

Lily - One Month Old!

2011-01-04T13:30:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe my baby girl is already one month old! We went for her well check today and at one month, Lily weighs 10 lbs (75th percentile) and is 21.5" in length (60th percentile). Here are some of her milestones thus far:

*Loves to smile at you, especially when she's eating her bottle in the middle of the night! It's hard to be mad at her for waking you up when she's looking so cute!

*Starting to coo a little.

*Moves her arms and legs like crazy! It's hard to change a diaper already and she's only a month old!

*Makes raspberries with her mouth, or blows spit bubbles at you.

*Loves to be rocked to sleep, especially by her moma! :)

*Cries every time her daddy kisses her.

Newborn Photo Session with Emilee Beth Photography

2010-12-20T14:09:00.000-05:00

Friday, Lily and I headed to Raleigh to have a newborn photo session with Emilee Beth Photography. To say I'm estatic with the results would be a huge understatement. You can view the sneak peak that's posted on her blog here. If you leave a comment on her blog, I get some free goodies. I also get free goodies by you liking her page on Facebook and commenting on her album she has set up with Lily's pictures. Why not help me earn some free photos?

For These Things...I Am Thankful...

2010-12-13T22:01:00.000-05:00

Welcome Lillian Ruth

2010-12-11T20:16:00.000-05:00

Lillian Ruth Walters was born on December 3, 2010 at 3:49 pm. She weighed 8 lbs, 12 oz and was 21" long. We went into the hospital at 7:30 am to be induced. They started my Pitocin around 8:30 and I was feeling good all day until around 1:00 pm when they checked me and I was 6 cm dilated. By that point, I was ready for something to start happening. Unfortunately, Dr. Bruton got called into an emergency surgery with another doctor and the nurse said it was not a quick surgery. For that reason, they wouldn't break my water until she was out of surgery. At 3:39, she was finally out of surgery and came around to ask if I wanted my water broken. I quickly agreed and she said we'd have a baby within 30 minutes. I told the nurse that I thought I was ready as soon as the doctor walked out. She checked me and I was dilated 10 cm already. She called the doctor and told her I was at 10 when she finished up my paperwork, we'd be ready. I told our nurse, "No, I think I'm ready right now." She looked down and saw part of the baby's head. She told Chris, "Hit the alert button." When he did, Dr. Bruton said, "Did you change your mind?" Her response, "Get in here now!" Needless to say, the baby came out with one push once they finally got the table dropped. It freaks me out now to think that the doctor almost missed it, but then again, it was an easy birth!

38 Weeks

2010-11-29T21:29:00.000-05:00

I went for my 38 week appointment today. I had gained 3.5 lbs bringing me up to 29.5 lbs. gained total. Dr. Bruton asked me if I was ready to have this baby and I told her I was mainly scared of how big she was getting. She didn't seem too concerned until she measured my baby and then she said, "Yeah, I'd say you have a big baby." I tried to get her to guess, but she didn't want to until she checked me to see how low the baby was. When she checked me, I was still 3 cm dilated, but now I'm 70% effaced. After she did that, she informed me that she thought the baby was at least 9 lbs, which is exactly what I thought. She told me that after Friday, I could choose to have an elective induction if I wanted to, which of course I did, so she sent me to her office to schedule it. But, when we got to her office, she informed me that she really thought I had a large volume of fluid so that if she could prove that with an ultrasound, she'd be able to induce me Friday morning. Of course, I was all for this! So, back to the room we went and she did an ultrasound. The level had to be at least 25 to be induced Friday morning and mine was 25.11! But, upon doing the ultrasound, she was better able to get a measurement on the baby and Lily is estimated to be around 9.5 lbs!! She also said she's not that big because of length. She would guess she's only around 20" long, but that all her weight is around her mid-section! My little chunky monkey already! So, unless I go into labor before then, we'll have a brand new baby girl on Friday! Friday can't come soon enough!!

37 Weeks

2010-11-23T22:07:00.000-05:00

I went back to the doctor today..same old news..still 3 cm dilated and 50% effaced. But on a good note, I didn't gain any weight, so I'm hanging steady at 26 lbs. Plus, Dr. Trollip okayed me going back to Lumberton on Thanksgiving Day! She just told me to be prepared to head back home at the slightest sign of pain. The baby has completely dropped and the heartbeat was a steady 145. Luckily, since this isn't my first baby and since I've had the other two early, if for some reason I do make it to my due date of December 10th, she assured me that they wouldn't make me wait until I'm 41 weeks to be induced. While I'm so ready to meet Lily, I'm very excited that I can be with my family for Thanksgiving and that I'll be able to go shopping on Black Friday. Chris & I really look forward to shopping all day on that day. That's the day that we pretty much do all of our Christmas shopping! Then, it's time to put up the tree on that Saturday! I absolutely love Christmas time and it would be wonderful to have everything done by the time Lily arrived. I'll keep everyone updated!!

36 Weeks

2010-11-15T20:15:00.000-05:00

I went for my first weekly appointment today. Luckily, I had gained zero weight, so I'm still at 26 lbs. gained. The doctor told me that I had a belly full of a baby..definitely 8 lbs already! So, needless to say, I definitely was hoping he'd say that I wouldn't go the whole 4 weeks that are left! On the very bright side, when he checked me, I am already dilated 3 centimeters! He said he is pretty sure she's going to follow in her brother's footsteps and come early. Yea!! Can't wait to meet you Lily!!

34 Weeks

2010-11-02T21:33:00.000-04:00

I went for my doctor's appointment today and I had gained 4.5 lbs. in the past two weeks! That brings me to a total of 26 lb total! I still have 6 weeks to go! I only gained 25 with Landon and 20 with Nixon so I was hoping to keep it in that range, but it's not looking good! Lily just loves her weekly milkshakes too much and I can't deny her!:) On a positive note, everything else was good. Measuring at 35 weeks, which I will be in a couple of days, so she was happy with that. Baby was definitely head down, her backbone on my right side, which explains why I'm always feeling knees and elbows on my left side. I have to go back in two weeks and then I'll be on my weekly appointments. Next appointment, I have to have the Beta strep test and my platelets checked again since they have continually declined. As long as I'm still over 100, she says I'll be fine. But if they fall below 100, it's possible that I'll have to take steroids to help with the delivery. Other than that, everything's fine except my nesting. If I don't get that under control, I might have to find a new baby daddy!

A Letter to My 20-Year Old Self

2010-10-19T18:21:00.000-04:00

Ever wonder what you would say to yourself if you could go back to a certain period in your life. Well, here's how mine would go....

Twenty-Year Old Erica,
Hope things are going well..even though you probably think they aren't. These are the best times of your life..no worries really. Sure, you feel like the weight of the world is on you when you're deciding on a major or in your case whether you should switch for a fourth time. But you know what you should do, take a step back..think long and hard, and decide what makes you happy. You know you'll make the right decision..you always do..though you'll regret not trying harder at that whole medical profession, one day you'll realize local government is actually a lot of fun..you'll realize that in local government, anything goes and you can meet all kind of crazy, fun, smart, dumb, weird people! They make life interesting!

Deciding on where to go on Saturday night won't seem nearly as stressful when compared to deciding on where to send your newborn to when you have to go back to work. Finding the money to pay for that shirt you just HAVE to have doesn't seem nearly as stressful as finding the money to pay for said daycare. It's all in your perspective, really.

I really think you should go to more football games and stay in Greenville a few more weekends a month. There's no better time to be carefree and have fun than when you're in college. I know Chris thinks he has to work 40 hours/more a week, but convince him to take off..tell him there will be plenty of time to work once you start having kids, mortgages..then you'll really need it.

Tell those credit card companies on campus that you don't need their free shirt..trust me, you'd be better off to go to the store and buy 10 than to open up that credit card for the free t-shirt that you only wear to sleep in anyway! But I do know you're stubborn, so if you just have to have the free shirt, at least pay off the cards before you have kids. Life is so much more easy and enjoyable without debt! You should actually go ahead to www.daveramsey.com to see what kind of money you'd have saved up in 11 years if you don't pay those monthly credit card bills. You'll be debt free, except for the house, and loaded by 29!

After you get married, think about moving away. You and Chris should really get out and make some time for yourself before you have kids..maybe even move to somewhere like Boston so that you could have season tickets to the Red Sox. Imagine working and then going to see ball games all summer long! You won't be able to do that again until retirement, so might as well enjoy it!

Definitely don't buy that first house that you guys set your sights on. Though you'll make money on it and it'll be a good investment, you'll go even deeper into debt trying to fill it up. You know how you are..you have to have things when you want them, in your time frame!

I know you probably won't listen to a word I'm saying and that's okay. Life is full of things we would've done different. And just think, if you don't go through trials and tribulations, you definitely don't appreciate the joys and accomplishments, such as seeing your baby smile the first time, walking that baby into his kindergarten class and having that teacher tell you that she's impressed with how well he's doing. Now that's what makes it all worth it..that's what makes your heart smile!

32 Weeks!!

2010-10-19T17:21:00.000-04:00

I had my normal check-up today, but things were much better this time around. I had only gained 1 1/2 lbs. since last time for a total of 21 1/2 and I was measuring right at 32 1/2 weeks, which is the point I'm supposed to be at. Dr. Campbell said it was very likely that the baby had just had a big growth spurt last time and that's why I measured a little off. He thought the baby's head was down like you would expect it to be at this point but since the last doctor had said she was breech, he decided to do an ultrasound. Don't get too excited though..all we looked at was the head! Boo to quick ultrasounds! I wanted to know how big she was and if was definitely a she (you can't look too many times!), but no luck. He told me that all my contractions are normal and unless they're changing my breathing pattern, not to worry about them. I say that's easy for a man to say! Other than that, things are just fine and dandy. Chris still says that I'm going to deliver on November 15th, but I'm holding out for November 28th..that way I can go shopping on Black Friday and get my tree up on Saturday like we always do!

30 Weeks

2010-10-06T22:33:00.000-04:00

Just went to the doctor yesterday for my last monthly appointment. I gained 5 1/2 lbs in the past three weeks! This makes for a total of 18 lbs. I guess that's not too bad, but those milkshakes are catching up to me! The doctor was telling me that I'd probably have another big baby because of the 90th percentile measurements in my last ultrasound, when she went to measure my belly. I'm 30 weeks, but my stomach measured 32 weeks. She said that if that changes any, we'd do another ultrasound. I told her that was perfectly fine with me, but she wouldn't bite! I'm kind of scared how big this baby might turn out to be. Landon and Nixon were both early and 8 1/2 lbs at that, but my belly always measured right on target. The fact that this baby is already in the 90th percentile and my belly is measuring big makes me a little nervous.

Do these stripes make me look big??

2010-09-28T13:02:00.000-04:00

No wait..don't answer that..me at 28 weeks!

27 Weeks & Counting

2010-09-14T22:26:00.000-04:00

I went for my last monthly appointment yesterday. I had a busy day, with my glucose test, platelet check, regular appointment, and 3-D ultrasound. I had gained 2 1/2 pounds, putting me at a total of 12 1/2 lbs gained. I guess I can go with that! I still have 13 weeks, so we'll see how it goes. I haven't found out anything about either of my tests yet, but usually no news is good news! The appointment and lab was pretty routine. I'm measuring right on target for my due date and I've got my next appointment in 3 weeks and then I'll start every two weeks. I think that's when things really start to speed up. After my appointment, I ran some errands before I picked Chris up and we went back for the 3-D ultrasound. We confirmed that it was still a girl just for my peace of mind and then moved on to get some good pictures. Lily is a little camera shy. She had a leg or arm or both in front of her face the entire time. It's crazy that you can actually count the number of toes and fingers during one of these ultrasounds. Her heartbeat was steady at around 130. She's actually weighing around 2 lbs, 12 oz, which puts her in the 90th percentile! That's okay..there's nothing like a fat baby with lots of hair! Enjoy the pictures that I have attached. I think she's beautiful already!

See her foot right up there at her nose? Seems so uncomfortable!

It's like she's saying..no more..this is all you get!

and here at the end, she was all rebel and stuck her tongue out at us!

Landon's 1st Day of Kindergarten

2010-09-05T15:30:00.000-04:00

Friday, September 3rd, Landon went for his first day of Kindergarten. His teachers are Mrs. Lassiter & Mrs. Batten. He was so excited, he had been counting down the days! I packed his lunch, complete with a homemade letter from me..

Chris & I took the day off so we'd be able to both take him on his first day and pick him up. He walked right into his classroom, put his things in his cubby and sat down in his spot and started coloring. He was all business and barely looked up to tell me bye. I'm glad he was like this. I don't know that I could've left him if he was crying!

I almost cried twice, but I actually held it together. Chris & I took Nixon to Build-a-bear and to lunch for the day. I think that was a good idea because it helped to keep my mind off of Landon beginning this new stage in his life. You know, you start to lose some of that childhood innocence once you start school. You have things you have to worry about, from making friends to homework. When we went to pick him up, he was all smiles, but as usual, we had to drag the information out of him. He did say that he had a good day and that he wanted to go back, so I guess that's a good sign!

To Set the Record Straight

2010-09-02T13:08:00.000-04:00

Heard this on the radio this morning and I thought it would make a good blog topic..

I'd like to set the record straight...

To my precious dogs...I'm glad you two get along so well, but I'd appreciate it if you waited at least until 5:00 am to start playing. When you wake me up, playing, at 4 because it sounds like someone is breaking into the house, moma is not a happy camper and you're going to go outside at that point.
To my wonderful husband..I know you don't understand why I'm so emotional about Landon starting kindergarten, but I am, plus I have pregnancy hormones on top of that (I know you're tired of me using that excuse, but when you get pregnant, then you get to tell me there's no such thing) so this adjustment is not going to be easy..just get used to it...I'm going to dwell/stress on it A LOT.
To my Street Nazi Neighbors..if you're going to turn me into the Homeowner's Association for something, please turn everyone in so that I don't have this complex that I've been carrying around..also, just because you think I'm speeding, that doesn't necessarily mean that I am..I know you're retired, so you're not in a hurry to get anywhere, but some of us actually have jobs and kids to take to daycare before said jobs. Give me a break once in a while.
To my credit card company..I know you put the little payoff chart on there to encourage people to pay more than the minimum balance, but do you realize how depressing that is?
To the creators of that show, "I didn't know I was pregnant,"...Really, you didn't know you were pregnant?..I don't see how this is possible considering I feel like someone is doing water aerobics in my stomach everyday. On top of that, there's no way I could go without wearing maternity clothes..do you think you gain weight that quick without there being a reason?

Anything you want to set the record straight on??

Happy 3rd Birthday Nixon!!

2010-09-01T08:01:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe that it's my butterbean's 3rd birthday!! He's getting so grown on me. He's completely potty-trained now, not using pull-ups since probably June I think (even at night). I think he's only messed up at night once which is way better than I could've asked for (much better than Landon..I remember getting up multiple nights and changing sheets with him!). His favorite thing right now is anything Toy Story. He knows all the character names and he will act out little scenarios with them. It's the cutest thing in the world when he runs through the house and yells, "To Infinity and Beyond!" He loves his mama all of a sudden. He'll pat the couch when he's watching cartoons and will say, "Come Sit by Me." Of course I do! He's much more "Boy" than Landon could ever dream of being. He will wrestle and fall and get hurt and hardly ever cry. But say something mean-sounding to him and he'll crumble like a cookie. He likes to test his boundaries. I think it's because he knows he's so cute, he can get away with it. I'm sure to have my hands full with this little ball of energy for a long time to come!

We love you Nic-Nac Paddywhack!

Decisions, Decisions

2010-08-27T11:19:00.000-04:00

After much thought and taking Financial Peace University twice, I think I've decided to sell my car. I love my Camry and I have absolutely no problems with it, but I'm getting to the point where I absolutely HATE paying two car payments. Especially since Chris does Driver's Ed and usually only one vehicle gets used for weeks at a time. (Unless I decide to switch around for some reason) I hate to pay a car payment for something that just sits in the garage on most days. So, anyway, we have it listed on Craigslist, 4042.com, and Carolina Trader right now for free and I hope it sells fast! Then, we're going to do what Dave Ramsey would be proud of..make that car payment to ourselves until we can afford to buy a used vehicle strictly with cash. It'll be so nice to only have one car payment for a change..I can't wait!

This one will make you cry!!

2010-08-25T08:46:00.001-04:00

I Trust You'll Treat Her Well

Click Here to Have it Read to You

World, I bequeath toyou today one little girl in a crispy dress.. with two blue eyes...and a happy laugh that ripples all day long, and a batch of light blonde hair that bounces in the sunlight when she runs. I Trust You'll Treat Her Well.

She's slipping out of the backyard of my heart this morning and skipping off down the street to her first day at school.
And never again will she be completely mine...
Prim and proud, she'll wave a young and independent hand this morning, and say goodbye and walk with little-lady steps to the nearby schoolhouse...
Gone will be the chattering little hoyden who lived only for play, and gone will be the delightful little gamin who roamed the yard like a proud princess with nary a care in her little world.
Now, she will learn to stand in lines...and wait by the alphabet for her name to be called...
She will learn to tune her little-girl ears for the sound of school bells, and for deadlines...
She will learn to giggleand gossip... and to look at the ceiling in a disinterested way when the little boy across the aisle sticks out his tongue.

Now she will learn to be jealous...and now she will learn how it is to feel hurt inside...and now she will learn how not to cry.

No longer will she have time to sit on the front porch steps on a summer day and watch while an ant scurries across a crack in the sidewalk...
Or will she have time to pop out of bed with the dawn to kiss lilac blossoms in the morning dew.

Now she will worry about important things...like grades...and what dresses to wear...and whose best friend is whose.

Now she will worry ab out the little boy who pulls her hair at recess time... and staying after school...and which little girls like which little boys...And the magic of books and knowledge will soon take the place of the magic of her blocks and dolls.

And she'll find her new heroes. For five full years I've been her sage and Santa Claus...her pal and playmate...her parent and friend.
Now, alas, she'll learn to share her worship and adoration with her teachers (which is only right).
No longer will her parents be the smartest, and greatest in the world.

Today, when the first school bell rings, she'll learn how it is to be a member of the group...with all its privileges, and, of course, its disadvantages, too.

She'll learn in time that proper young ladies don't laugh out loud...or keep frogs in pickle jars in bedrooms...or watch ants scurry across the cracks in a summer sidewalk...
Today, she'll begin to learn for the first time that all who smile at her are not her friends. That "the group" can be a demanding mistress... and I'll stand on the porch and watch her start out on the long, long journey to becoming a woman.

So WORLD, I BEQUEATH TO YOU TODAY ONE LITTLE GIRL in a crispy dress, with two blue eyes, a happy laugh that ripples all day long, and a batch of light blonde hair that bounces in the sunlight when she runs.

I TRUST YOU'LL TREAT HER WELL.

AUTHOR: Dan Valentine

Nixon's First Trip to the Dentist

2010-08-24T16:38:00.000-04:00

On August 18th, we decided to take our first trip to the dentist. I always schedule Landon's the same day as mine to make things easier. This would be Landon's third trip and Nixon's first. I was a little hesitant. I mean, Landon, at five years old still is a little uneasy sitting in the big chair by himself. I should have known my little butterbean would be the complete opposite of his big brother. He didn't even want to hold my hand! He's such a brave little thing. He picked out the zebra polish head and did the whole exam right down to flossing and putting the fluoride on his teeth! We only got reprimanded about giving him tea since he had a little bit of tea stain on his front teeth..I know, I know..I'm probably not going to get the Mother of the Year award, but he just loves it so much! On the other hand, the hygienist commented on how pretty and white Landon's teeth are and they had absolutely no plaque build-up on them. Overall, it was a good first experience and I was one proud moma of BOTH my boys!

A Whole Lot of Sweetness Rolled Up Into Two Little Boys

2010-08-23T11:29:00.000-04:00

Chris & I have been talking lately and we realized that we don't record the boys like we used to. There's so many cute things that they still do/say and you wonder how long all that cuteness can last and if you'll remember it forever. So, I figured a blog post was in order so that I know I won't forget it!

Nixon loves to pull the stuffing out of pillows or stuffed animals. The stuffing that he pulls out, he calls "clouds." You can say, "What have you got Nixon?" and he'll reply, "That's my cloud." He doesn't like to throw the clouds away. You can usually find them stuffed into one of our cabinets in the living room.
Landon & Nixon have an armoire in their bedroom full of books/games. Landon, from day 1, has called it his "counter" instead of cabinet.
I've never been able to find a nickname to stick with Landon. But the other day, I was trying to explain what a nickname was for a baseball player and he said, "Oh, like Nixon is butterbean and I'm your baby cakes." Guess that one must get used more than I thought!
When Nixon was younger, it was the funniest thing to hear him tell you what an elephant said because he'd put his whole hand up at his nose like a trunk and then make the noise. Now, when you ask him what a horse says, he can make his whole voice shake when he says, "Neigh."
Trying to describe what a President was, Chris told Landon it was kind of like a king. Now, Landon asks all the time when we're getting a new king b/c he wants to go to a Red Sox game. He thinks the new king takes all our money. Haha..
Landon has always had a hard time saying his "L's". They always come out as "W's". Nixon, on the other hand has never had this problem, but for some reason, he still calls Landon, "Nandon". I think he'll probably be "Nandon" forever.
Nixon has always been "Nic-Nac Paddywhack" since he was a baby. But Landon didn't understand it all goes together. He's been known to call him "Nixon Paddywhack".
Every night, without fail, when we tuck the boys in, they have to use the bathroom as soon as they lay down. They could have just gone right before they laid down, but something about lights out makes them have to go again.
As soon as you pick Nixon up from his classroom at school, he'll proclaim, "I didn't go to the sad seat today!" However, you can't always trust this statement!
Both of our boys are very equal with their love. If you ask, "Do you love me?" they'll both reply, "Yes, I love you, Daddy, Landon (or Nixon, depending on who you're talking to) and Ellie.
Nixon, just like Landon at this age, will sit on the couch, pat the seat beside him and say, "Come sit by me Mommy." Melts my heart every time!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-18T05:40:00.000-04:00

23 Weeks Now!!

2010-08-16T20:56:00.000-04:00

I went for my monthly OB visit today. I saw Dr. Bruton for the first time and I loved her! She's very down-to-earth and honest when you ask her a question. She asked if I had decided what to do about the MRI. I told her that I had declined it for now because no one would really give me a clear indication on what the risks were. She said there were really none after the first trimester, but that if the vitamins were working, she was fine with me waiting. She just said it as bluntly as possible that "those radiologists are just hyperactive about working on pregnant women" and "I really don't think you have a tumor, they're just trying to cover their woo-hoos." She was so funny. I think I was laughing the whole time I was talking to her. On a bad note, my weight gain finally caught up to me. I gained five pounds the past month! But I'm only up to 10 lbs total which I don't think is horrible.

On a side note, I guess I'm not sure which is getting bigger..my boobs or my stomach because Nixon has started asking, "Is the baby on top or on the bottom?" when he wants to kiss and hug the baby!

Landon's 5-Year Well Check

2010-08-16T20:22:00.000-04:00

I took Landon for his 5 year well check today. Luckily, we opted to do all his kindergarten shots last year at his 4 year checkup, so it was pretty much just a physical with his assessment for kindergarten. He gets so nervous going to the doctor. But he didn't cry, even when they did the finger prick. He just squeezed my hand as hard as he could! He's 44 lbs now, only gaining 4 lbs in the last year. He's also grown 4 inches in the past year. Mr. Chris (our P.A.) was pleased that he had thinned out. Last year, his BMI made him a little on the chubby side, although I've never considered him chubby a day in his life. Mr. Chris said that he's much happier now with his weight/height ratio. Overall, I think it was a positive appointment and we're all set for kindergarten next week!

One amazing OB Visit

2010-08-09T09:49:00.000-04:00

I went in on July 19th for my regular scheduled appointment, along with the big anatomy scan. Nixon had an ENT appointment right after my doctor appointment. Since his doctor's office is right down the road, we decided to take both boys with us. We didn't let anyone know we were going to find out what we were having, except the boys. They love a good secret! We had the ultrasound first and to say I was nervous is an understatement. I'm actually not sure who was more nervous, me or Landon! He wanted a little sister so bad!! Anyway, right away the tech found the girl parts and I immediately started crying. I think I asked her like 10 times if she was sure it was a girl. The baby weighed in a whopping 3/4 lb. (the weight of a canned drink) Nixon, who wanted a brother, kept insisting that it was a boy and that maybe if it was a girl, that there was a boy in there with her. I think he's coming around though because he told me the other day that it was okay that this baby was a Lily. He said, "When Lily gets out, you can put Cooper in there." Haha! Kids say the cutest things sometimes. A couple of days after the appointment, Landon looked at me one day and said, "Mommy, I'm glad we're having a Lily because I was kind of nervous that it was a Cooper." Me too Buddy!

On a side note, I have continued having really bad migraines and the prescription that Dr. Trollip put me on was not something that Dr. Campbell felt like I should take as often as I had been taking. He referred me to a Neurologist. They determined that I definitely was a migraine sufferer and that after my pregnancy, they wanted to put me on some preventative medicine for them. She thinks that my hormone levels are probably what is causing me to have daily migraines and wanted me to have an MRI. I declined for right now because I'd have to sign a waiver. In my opinion, if they're making you sign a waiver, it's either not good for the baby or they don't know enough about it to determine if it would be okay. Anyway, she told me that she was comfortable with me waiting on that right now, but to take the vitamins (B2 & Magnesium) that she had told me about. I scheduled a follow-up for 6 weeks to determine how that was working. It actually seems to have helped, and I'm happy about that!

New Baby News

2010-07-25T21:25:00.000-04:00

We went to the doctor on Monday and I must say, "We're.....

Happy 5th Birthday to Landon!!

2010-07-13T17:22:00.000-04:00

I can not believe my first born is five!! I have a five year old?? I remember, right after he was born, in my postpartum depression state, thinking, will this baby boy ever quit crying? I couldn't wait until he was old enough to talk and not be so dependent on me. Now, after the fact, and after having one other child, I realize that was simply the postpartum talking and being so overwhelmed from being a new, first-time mom. Now, what I wouldn't give to keep him my little boy forever. The little boy who always knows when I need a hug, the little boy who still kisses me bye when I drop him off at school, the little boy who still reaches up to hold my hand when we're in a parking lot or simply somewhere new, the little boy who is not embarrassed by my dancing (he just laughs so hard), the little boy who still melts my heart every time he smiles. I know there's not that many years left until some of those things start to fade, so I'm just going to cherish every moment that he's still my little boy.

Landon's 5th Birthday!!

2010-07-11T15:41:00.000-04:00

This past Saturday, we had Landon's birthday party. It's still hard for me to comprehend that I have a 5 year old! He'll be starting kindergarten next year and he can hardly wait. Me, on the other hand, would love to keep him my little baby forever! Anyway, I was really nervous about having this party. We've always had outdoor parties for him, but at our house. So, if it rained, we'd at least be able to go in the house. This time, he wanted to have his party at a local park. This meant, if it rained, there was nowhere to go. I was constantly looking at the weather online, which was not making me feel any better about the party. Turns out, the morning of the party, I looked online and from 11 - 1 (party time), there was only a 10% chance of rain! I was ecstatic! It was a beautiful day with lots of sunshine and fun just for my baby's party. It literally poured rain within five minutes of us getting home and getting all the presents in! Enjoy some pictures from the day!

Just Like Me..For Better or Worse...

2010-06-28T21:57:00.000-04:00

Landon, though he may look just like his Daddy, unfortunately gets most of his personality traits from me. The older he gets, the more I seem to notice it. For example, he'd rather spend most of his time with a few close friends, rather than a large crowd. If one of his closer friends is not at school or doesn't want to play, he'll settle with playing alone instead of venturing out and making new friends. Another not-so-great characteristic he received from me is that he's very shy and unsure about himself when trying new things. He'd much rather do things he used to doing and not try anything new. Chris will push him to try new things, such as swimming without his floaties on, and he always loves it...it's just getting over that fear of the unknown. Despite all these traits, I love my oldest boy...he's got a lot of little quirks, just like his momma!

Baby Walters Update

2010-06-09T21:32:00.000-04:00

I realized that I haven't done a baby update post yet. Because of that, I'm updating on my two pre-natal visits in this one post. My first appointment was on May 3rd. We did the routine things..confirming my due date..December 10th..the bloodwork and of course the ultrasound! Look at that little ball..I don't remember Nixon and Landon ever being that little on the ultrasound, but I'm sure they were. I had gained 3 lbs in the first 8 weeks, which I was not at all surprised about. I had been eating like crazy!! It was really hard to keep it from everyone those first 4 weeks simply because I was so hungry ALL the TIME!!

On May 27th, I went for my second doctors appointment. We got another ultrasound since we're doing the Early Screening Testing. It still amazes me how the whole pregnancy process works and I get teary-eyed every time I see that little heart beating strong. Luckily, at that appointment, I had gained zero weight, so I've only gained about 3 lbs in my first twelve weeks which I was excited about. My whole eating frenzy hasn't really slowed down. I still feel like I'm always hungry and I have headaches everyday. Other than that, I haven't had any real problems which makes me feel really fortunate. The only difference between this pregnancy and my other two is how exhausted I am. I feel like I haven't slept for days pretty much everyday. It makes it really hard to function at work, but Chris has been great, giving the boys baths, cooking supper, etc. I'm hoping that's something that won't last too much longer! Also, when I went to that second visit, I had to have my blood drawn again. My platelet levels were 140 and they're supposed to be 150 from what the doctor said. When those results came back, they were at 135. Even though it was lower, Dr. Trollip said that we would just monitor those levels every trimester to make sure they don't drop to around the 100 range. If that happens, I'll have to be put on steroids. Since I've never had a problem before, she informed me that more than likely, it was just a gestational case of Thrombocytopenia (yeah, I had to look up the spelling of that!).

Post-It Note Tuesday

2010-05-18T20:40:00.000-04:00

This will be my first time doing this..tell me what you think: