Goodbye 8 months, Hello 9 months!

Dear Andrew,

I am a little late in writing this but only because you are soo very active now and it leaves me little time to do anything!  You are amazing!  I love watching you with your independent personality and fearless ability to try new things.  I am on pins and needles everytime you try something new.  I wish I could just follow you around with a pillow so that you have something soft to land on when you fall but I know boys will be boys and I just have to let you learn. 

So let's see where we can start ... you started off 8 months with a bang!  During that time, you learned how to crawl (the for-real kind, not the army crawl), pull up to your knees and them pull up to your feet!  All that was done in between 5 days!  Even your Dr. couldn't believe it.   You also learned that you didn't need Momma to hold the bottle for you, that you could do it all on your own and decide whether you were hungry still or just take it out for a bit for a breather and then put it back in and you get soo mad when I try to help you in tilting it up.  That was and is amazing to see!  Very independent.  You can stand up and sit back down in your crib and you figured out that you can chase after the "girls" (Sophie and Lexi, our dogs). 

One drawback to your getting older is the temper-tantrum.  Oh my!  If you don't like what I am doing or if I take you from a certain spot, holy moly, you let us know about it.  You also got your second ear infection.  This one wasn't as bad as your first but you didn't get fever or congestion so we really didn't know what was going on.  The only sign that we had was that you were not eating like normal.  Very small amounts, especially your bottles.  We thought it was your teeth coming in or usually around this time (9 months) babies get bored with thier bottles/food and rebel.  That was what we were going off of but when we took you in for your 9 month followup, the Dr. said it was an ear infection and that it had been there for a while.   But a new prescription and new toys to play with you were rebounding right back to your normal little self and flying through those bottles. 

Earlier in the month we took you to your very 1st Pumpkin Patch in Medina, TX.  You loved to look at everything!  There was a petty zoo, a puppet show, pumpkins everywhere and even Indians! 

You are laughing at just about everything now and are learning how to make music.  You use anything to bang together.   Your interest in books is starting to grow and you can turn the pages now, a little faster than Momma can read, but I just love that you are interested.  You can never be away from your blankets, always sleeping with at least 2 of them.

More to follow ...

Chucky Cheese ....

one of the many places that we will be venturing to in the years to come.  We took Andrew there this past Sunday to celebrate his cousin Jaxon's 3rd birthday.  He was very taken by all the noise and the lights!  Everything was soo new and exciting to him.  He didn't mind the yelling, loved when the older kids (I say older but they were between 5 and 10 yrs old) would run and jump in front of him and of course when he saw Chucky for the first time.  I only took a few pictures of the day but the ones I got were pretty cute

First meeting

He loved the steering wheel and kept moving
while the car was in motion.



.

I now pronounce you ... The McAvoys

I am a little late in posting this but better late than never.  The weekend of the 7th was a big weekend for us (mostly me).  Our very best friend married his lady love in Austin and since we went to the wedding that meant Andrew had his first sleepover without Mom and Dad.  Oh Lord! 

Since Clay was the best man, he had to leave a day early to perform his best man duties (ie: attending the rehearsal dinner, helping the bride and groom with odds and ends and last minute errands).  No problem, that will give me time to spend with Andrew before I drop him off.  Our night was really good, he didn't give me too much trouble and I was able to pack him up without problems.  The next day (7th), I packed all his belongings up (I mean ALL his belongings) and drove him to Meemaw's house.  Everything went really well, I set up alot of his toys and playpen before I left, answered any lingering questions and kissed my little man goodbye for the night.  I was doing really great until I called Clay driving home.  The first thing Clay asked was if I was doing ok and then the floodgates opened.  I cried all the way home and when I got home I put some of Andrew's dirty clothes away and I couldn't help but smell them.  I know crazy right, not for this lady.  I missed my little man and I just dropped him off.  I couldn't help it.  I had asked his Meemaw to send me some pictures throughout the day just to update me and she went well beyond my request.  He was doing amazing and I didn't have anything to worry about.  This wedding was going was going to be awesome and my little boy was in great hands, what more could I ask for?!  Well, hoping my liver didn't fail me was high on my list as well.  I have not been out and about since before Andrew was born (over a year and a half) so being in a situation that compromised it was a little un-nerving. 

I have been to numerous weddings before, not to mention my own, and I have seen the whole display of love, nervousness and excitement. I have been to the receptions filled with dancing and music and silliness. And I have witnessed the relief and stress of what a day can do to the two people who just want to be one.  I saw all of that with exception of the stress.  It couldn't be less stress-free if you tried.

This wedding is very near and dear to my heart. You see, Clay and I have alot of history with this couple, Will and Christine. At times it was shaky (alot shakier than I care to admit) but more often it is pretty freaking awesome! We have seen when this couple became a couple, when their affection went from "I really like you" to "I love you" or as one of the groomsman put it "went from immature love to mature love" (I loved that by the way Brad). Will has been in Clay and my lives since we all met at Fox and Hound in San Antonio back in 2001. Our friendship has lasted through the first apartment in Austin and the infamous Jenga game when Clay-came-back-home-with-a-hickey-that-he-swears-was-from-Will (yeah) to the "Frat House of Firewheel Hollow" to being there for me when my "Papu" died to to being the Best Man at our wedding to when Clay's "Meemaw" died to being the Godfather to our baby boy Andrew and now when Clay is the Best Man in his wedding. There are many more memories that I should put in here but those are the main ones. Our friendship with Christine has solidified in the recent years and she is someone I would have in my corner, no questions asked. She is thoughtful, creative, loving and passionate and most importantly she loves Will and will do everything and anything in her power to make him happy and protect him. It wasn't long ago when I had my reservations about her. Yes, yes, I have to admit I was not easy to get along with back when they first started dating (hard to believe, I know). My protective sister mode was on and stayed on far too long.  You see, my friends are very very important to me. I am not one to easily make friends with just about anyone. Clay on the other hand makes friends with strangers in the supermarket. I am more guarded with my feelings and who gets to be in my life. You can call me selective. But once you are in my circle of friends, I love and hold tight. You are my family now and I protect family, something fierce.

And on Friday, my family got married. I was over the top emotional. I have seen these two together many many times and have seen their relationship blossom and strengthen but it wasn't until the actual wedding ceremony that I really saw what their love was all about. I saw the raw emotion from Will, the willing to protect from Christine, the way they meant each and every word of their vows and the promise they made together forever. Usually every ones focus is the bride when she comes down the aisle but I couldn't resist a glimpse of the groom of when he first sees her. His face lit up with such love and emotion when he saw her, it was breathtaking.

Their wedding is definitely one for the books. It was classy and subtle with lots of laughter and sometimes tears (good ones), craziness and cupcakes (oh gawd, they were awesome). Great friends coming together, meeting new people and celebrating the meaning of love.

Will and Christine, I write this in honor of you.  You both are an inspiration to those who believe in fighting for who they love and the "happily ever after" that comes with it.   I wish you all the happiness in the world.  May you continue to support, learn and believe in each other.  Marriage is one tough cookie.  It takes both and as I am no expert, I am still learning everyday.   Everyday with your best friend is a blessing and not one to take lightly. 

I leave you with one of my favorite poems that sums up what I saw on your day perfectly.  I love you guys more than you know and can't wait to make new memories with the McAvoys! 
 

I carry your heart with me

by

E. E. Cummings

 

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in

my heart) i am never without it (anywhere

i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done

by only me is your doing, my darling)

i fear

no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want

no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)

and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant

and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows

(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud

and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows

higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)

and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

 P.S. please forgive the quality of the pictures, this smart girl left her memory card for the camera at home and had to take pics from her phone .. oh, and my liver survived and I stayed awake until 4:00am the next morning!  Uber proud of myself!

The Grooms kicks



First Dance



more of the first dance

Out of the House

I love Andrew being the age he is now (8 months) becuase not only can we get out of the house without worrying about rushing home to have him fed but he is old enough that everything is catching his attention .. I mean everything.

Saturday we made plans to meet my sister for breakfast at The Guenther House downtown.  I kind of winced at the fact that I need to get up early on my day off but did it anyway.  Andrew sleeps till about 7:00 or 7:30 on the weekends so YES my much needed sleep time is what I was missing out on.  Anywho, we were up and about at 6:15 and out the door by 8:00am.  So far so good.  We packed up his food, bottles, diapers blankets (since it was a little chilly) and the stroller and off we go.  We arrived to Guenther House in record time and if you have never gone, I would totally recommend going especially getting there at 8:00am .. no lines and it just feels soo good.  My mother, sister and I went there one time prior when I was pregnant, arriving at 10:00 and had to wait for 45 min!  Heavens!  Being pregnant and waiting are not a good combo for this lady.  Thankfully like I said there were no lines and we whizzed on in.  Andrew sits in a highchair now so that helps a whole lot with us going out to eat.  Breakfast was amazing and filling. 



My guys at Guenther

Since we were downtown already we hit up the Farmers Market at the Pearl Brewery.  This is my sisters domain.  She is all about this place.  I haven't been downtown in I don't know how many years and it all looks so different.  My time downtown was usually spent at PolyEsthers, MadDogs or Howl at the Moon.  At night. Eons ago!  Learning new places to go is awesome .. I mental noted the places we went and sights I saw so I can take Andrew when he gets a little older. 

Did you ask for the small pepper mill?



Passed out

As we were leaving the Market, I asked Clay what time it was and he said "Guess".  I don't know about noon?  He said 10:30a!  Holy Crap!  We have done what felt like alot in only that small amount of time and it is still the morning!!  I gotta get up early and out of the house more often!  To early to go home and Andrew was coming up on his next bottle so we parked it in a parking lot for a few minutes to feed and chill, all the while little man is just taking it all in.  He lets us know when he is fussy/tired and we stop everything to let him rest and nap for a while. 

With Andrew fed and napping we decide to go shop at the Quarry.  Another place that I haven't been to in a


courtesy of Toms shoes

 while.  I forgot how much I loved it there.  First place we stopped into was Whole Earth Provisions.  This place is pretty cool, a little bit too hippy for my taste but Clay likes to check it out, so in we went.  We bee-lined it to the shoes and I found Andrew the cutest little Toms shoes ever!I had to restrain myself from buying him a couple more but seriously, have you ever seen anything cuter than these?!

Clay made his way back to us from checking out the mens section of shoes.  I was in the process of getting the shoes on Andrew to show & tell with Clay when out of nowhere, he asked me if I had farted?  Uhh, excuse me?!  No my dear you are severely wrong! was my response.  Like I would have the audacity to "fart" in Whole Earth Provisions!  Pfft!  But now I smelt it also.  We checked our shoes and nothing.  The only other thing was staring back at us in the stroller.  So I did the mom thing and pick him up and smelt his behind.  Nothing.  Next check was to open one side of his shorts and diaper to make sure there wasn't anything lurking by peeking in.  Well, lets just say I didn't need to peek in.  I had just flipped him over to check when I grabbed the inside of the diaper and my index finger caught the mush.  Jesus, Mary & Joseph, my index finger is covered in poop!!!!!  We were both either stunned or mesmerized by the sight of it .. ahem smell of it.  Holy Crap!! Literally!  Before any other patrons could see what just happened Clay whipped out a wipey and cleaned up the finger.  I, therefore, took Andrew to the restroom and cleaned up much more than the finger.  Lucky me!  Crisis averted and baby is clean again ... so is the finger.  Whew!

We contined on to out window shopping then eating at wonderful P.F. Changs.  We got settled in and started ordering.  In between ordering I was feeding Andrew his lunch.  He was getting pretty tired so we slipped him into his carrier covered it with a sheet to block out the light that was blazing on him and some of the sounds and while he slept, Clay and I had a mini lunch date.  It was amazing!  We hadn't gone out, just the two of us, in a while and even though we had Andrew with us asleep, it still was amazing. 

To cap off the day, we scooted into Old Navy to buy Andrew's Halloween costume which is a secret and then to Babies R Us for some neccesites, I mean toys for Andrew.  Ok, seriously how do people walk out of there and not spend over $150?!!  It's impossible! Even when you are not trying to, you still do it.  

We stopped by the house to let the dogs out, put up leftovers and feed Andrew his bottle.  Then a quick change and we were off again to eat dinner with Clay's family and a couple of family friends.  These family friends haven't seen Andrew since was in hospital when he was born so thier reaction to his was priceless.  Oooh-ing and Ahh-ing all over him.  He loves the attention.  He sat in his highchair for the second time today ... big time deal .. and was eating chicken and peas for dinner.  He kept looking around and sipping on his sippy cup of water.  What I failed to observe was that he was drinking more water than eating and he wasn't telling me that he was getting full.  After one more spoonful of this chicken and peas, his eyes started to glass over and drool began to pour out of his mouth.  I quickly recognized that, see that that is what I do when I know something is not right with my stomach and what went down is about to come right back up.   The rest ... well I will let my husband tell it as I went into panic mode and can't remember the details as well as he.

In the words of Clay ...
So we went to BJ's where my son decided he was too full and unloaded 5 gallons of turkey and peas on my chest and crotch.  No big deal, until I am walking around the restaurant (smelling amazing) trying to find the bathroom (which apparently is a secret) and my wife is running around like a chicken (sans head).   So she gets him cleaned up while I removed my soaked shirt (now down to a wife beater) and he is only wearing a diaper and this is how we make our exit.  I know all those people waiting in line are looking at me and Andrew going "who goes out in just a wifebeater and why don't they put some clothes on their kid".

All we needed was movie-ending music to cue the end of our very "filled" day.

After a bath and a good feeding, both boys were passed out by 8:30p.   To say we had an eventful day is a big understatement!  It was good, bad and ugly but lesson learned.  We will most definantly do it again, just hopefully with out the vomit.  Till next time.

Month 7

Dear Andrew,

You turned 7 months and all of sudden you a learning faster than I could have imagined. There are many milestones that you have conquered this month and every one of them has left momma and dadda speachless. In month 6 you were preparing your little body to start sitting on your own. It was a slow process, one which we had to keep the Boppy behind your little body for fear you would lose balance and topple over, hitting your head on our not-so-comfy carpet. Once your confidence caught up with your balance, there was no stopping you from sitting for minutes on end surrounded by your colorful toys and animals. It was a step that I was hoping for but not yet ready because that meant you were growing up.









When we had taken you to your 6 month checkup, the Dr. told us that we could start you on a sippy cup. That was great to hear. As soon as we got you home, a sippy cup was filled with cool water and given to you to try out. At first you thought it was a bottle and lunged for it, mouth open and hands to the sides. When you clamped down on it, nothing came out and it wasn't tilted up in your favor so you gave up, grabbed the handle and threw it to the ground. What a personality! So we abandoned the issue for a couple of weeks.  We finally decided to try again when you were being fussy and no toy or cuddle could comfort you.  As soon as you saw the cup, you had to have it.  You didn't know what to do with it at first, sucking on the bottom of the cup instead of the sippy, and waving it about like a flag.  But I showed you how to hold it by me doing it and "viola" you did it yourself.  Talk about monkey-see monkey-do.





Month 7 also broughth on your first infection .. the dreaded ear infection.

It started off as a regular old cold that that is how it stayed for a weekend until the next week and it became a full-fledged infection. You were pretty comfortable until we started you on the anitbiotics. Holy moly, was that a new experience for your mommy and daddy. They don't tell you about these things whenever you are pregnant, so we strapped in for the long haul. The moment we gave you the antibiotics, your fever skyrocketed to 103.5! We were scared! We had given you a lukwarm bath, had cold compresses on your little head and on your body to try to cool you off (it barely made a dent) and gave you cold water and Pedialyte to drink to keep you at least hydrated.



You are growing up too fast, my baby.  I can barely keep up sometimes.  Your curiousity is amazing even if it means trying to play with the dogs toys.  You are starting to sleep through the night and your appetite is growing.  Sometimes you get mad that I am not fast enough feeding you your fruit/cereal or your favorite sweet potatoes and corn.  Everyday is a new adventure for you but just watching you go through that new adventure is the best feeling I could ever imagine. 






Your reflection is the best thing.  The way you look at yourself, trying to figure out who that is looking back .. I can almost see the wheels in your brain turningl, learning all about you.



I love you little boy!  More than you know!

Can't believe you will be 8 months on the 26th!  I am ready to see what that month holds for us!

Love,
Mom

Moving on up ...

 All around the majority of Texas and parts of the United States, little tykes are either starting/going back to school.  What that usually translates to is fun, fun, fun for the kiddos and tears and anxiousness of getting home for the parents, wanting to hear all about thier day.  Today I can proudly state that my little kiddo, Andrew, started his new "big boy" class in Nursery 2 at Bright Ideas Daycare yesterday.  His move up date coincidentally fell on the same day that public school started so it was a pretty cool experience, minus the headache of traffic.  He took to his new class like a fish to water and didn't look back and I have to admit, did pretty good with the transition. 

We have come a good ways from when he first started there at 8 weeks old.



First day at daycare in Nursery 1
3/26/11



Starting in Nursery 2
8/22/11

Since his first class only had 4 babies in there, it was relatively quiet.  This class has 8 babies between the ages of 7 and 10 months.  There is crying, screaming, crawling, babbling and everything you can think of.  Andrew was pretty much amused for the most part, just taking it in.  But as soon as it was time for him to nap, the noise became too much and he was fussy-pants.   Needless to say he slept a good while at home, so much so that I had to wake him up so that he would be able to drink his last bottle and sleep good all night. 

My baby is growing up ... too fast, I think.   

Sunday Funday

Our old Sundays used to consist of brunch, mimosas, conversation, bloody marys, friends and more mimosas.  Now its baby cereal and fruit, housework, yard work and family time then heading to bed before 10 o'clock.  My how life changes.

Dear Andrew ...

Today you are 6 months!  Wow, the have just months flown by.  I remember like it was yesterday, the day you were born and the day that my life changed forever.  We had gone to the Dr's office a couple days before your due date and he gave us the option to either wait and see when you would make your appearance (on your own time) or to meet you right on your due date (on Mommy's time).  Well, I just couldn't wait anymore.  I needed to hold you and love you and feel you in my arms.  I just couldn't wait, so we decided that January 26th would be that day.  Both your daddy and I were nervous and excited the night before that we barely could sleep.  We woke up at 4:00am to get ready to go to the hospital.  All our bags were packed (a suitcase for mom and a little bitty bag for dad), your outfits were in their own bag that had your little blankets and hats and teeny tiny socks.  We couldn't believe we were finally going to meet you, Andrew!

The ride to the hospital was very calm, we were ready.  The nurses brought us into our room, showed me where to put all the things I would need, gave me a glamorous night gown to wear and showed where Daddy and our visitors could sit while we waited for you.  Soon after we got there, Mimi and Papa (mommy's parents) and Mamu arrived, then your Aunties arrived, then Meemaw and Grandpa (daddy's parents) arrived.  It was a full house and it was all for you.   We waited all day for you, very patiently.  It wasn't until late in the evening the Dr. told us that if you didn't show up soon, he would have to go and get you.  I think you heard that becuase not long after, you wanted to come out and see us.  It took a few minutes but at 10:09pm on January 26th, you were born.  It was amazing!  You came out and immediatly let us know you were alive with a great big cry!  Mommy and Daddy were crying also.  The Dr. put you quickly on my chest so that you could see and smell me and know who I was but don't think you had any trouble knowing who I was.  As soon as I held you, you look me right in the eyes and you just knew.  That was the best feeling.  I am your Mom, I told you, and I love you very much.  You squinched up your face and blinked your eyes.  Right then I knew you would be trouble.  Oh, how can you love something you just met.  I heard alot of other mommy's saying that and never quite understood what it meant but now I do.  I really do!  My heart just explodes everytime you smiled or looked at me or even when you slept.  It is unbelievable!  Alot of visitors came to see you.  You were just taking it in.  Seeing everyone and getting to know thier faces.  You are loved little boy ... you are very loved. 

From the time we brought you home to now, everyday has been an adventure.  You were growing in leaps and bounds and it was amazing to see.  From the first months of cooing and smiling to tummy time and starting daycare (that was harder on mommy and daddy than for you) you amazed us.  Then you were laughing!  I think it scared you a little bit becuase it was new and it came out of your mouth.  You didn't do it again for a couple days but when you did, you enjoyed it.  Now you laugh all the time and at anything.  It is wonderful!  You have your own little personality and it includes lots and lots of talking, blowing rasberrys at the dogs or mommy and rolling over, trying to sit up on your own and eating solid foods (you hate carrots and squash but love peas and green beans).  When you get bored, we got outside and look at all that God has blessed us with.  You love the feel of the breeze when we go on our evening walks, you love them so much you sometimes fall asleep. hee hee.  You are too cute.



yes ladies he is available, carrots and all!

 You are the light of my life, little boy and the joy of my heart!  I love you with every fiber of my being.  Everday with you is a gift and I cherish you every second, even when I am away. 

You were really telling me how much you love me and need me.
I need you too little boy, more than you know.

Happy 6 month birthday, Andrew!

Thank you for choosing us to be your parents!

Love,

Mommy xoxoxo

Brave Soul

http://jamescamdensikes.blogspot.com/

I am hurting for this family right now.  They have had to do the unthinkable as parents.  I have been following thier story just recently but have been crying with them and praying for them.  I do not know them personally but thier brave little boys story has touched my heart in more ways than one.  As a new mother, I cannot even know what this pain feels like.  I am scared to be away from Andrew for a day!  Please say an extra little prayer for this family ... they are buring thier son today.  

Super Star

Happy Birthday to my best friend, sister and partner-in-crime!

Her birthday was July 8th and I know its a little late but I needed to acknowledge your day in a seperate post.

Steph, you are the best and I couldn't imagine the world without you!

I love you to the moon and back!

Reassuring Sisterly Love

I saw this post on a great blog called Marvelous Kiddo and I am re-blogging it becuase it reminded me of the love my mother and my aunt share for each other (they too are identical twins who were born prematurely).

This picture is from an article called the “RESCUING HUG"

The article details the first week of life of a set of twins. Apparently each were in their respective incubators and one was not expected to live. A hospital nurse fought against the hospital rules and placed the babies in one incubator. When they were placed together, the healthier of the two, threw an arm over her sister in an endearing embrace. The smaller baby’s heart stabilized and temperature rose to normal. 

Read more about the story, here. 



To my mother and my Aunt CC -- this article made me think of you .. you both started out like this, together first and foremost the best of friends, sisters.  Your undenying love for each other is very apparent even when the one twin can feel what the other is feeling (which is still very creepy and cool at the same time) or when ya'll are at odds with each other.  What you have resonates to your daughters and nieces and we can only strive to achieve the love and closeness you have together with our own sisters.  I call you "Mom" and "Aunt" only as titles but in my heart you are both my best friends.   I love you!

The Lizard King

Photo via MSNBC

Tribute to this handsome man on what would have been his birthday weekend.

He was born on July 3rd.



Photo via MSNBC



Bye Bye Birdie

He won't take a pacifier but he'll devour his pet bird



The Victim
Note: the top little feather is made of felt and the wings are his handle bars




Got It!




Look Ma, no hands




The bird is toast!

P.S. he doesn't neglect his other toys, no way, but as soon as he can see his bird in his peripheral vision he turns towards it and in the mouth it goes.

A Hard Lesson to Learn ... Twice

Babies need to come with manuals. Period. 

Read what you need to read and skip what you need to skip but right before you leave the hospital after you have that love-filled butterball, the staff needs to do give you one so you won't go insane by assuming all that can happen and then some.

I know, I know, parenting is a learning experience but please, I have learned and I don't like making mistakes twice which I did this past weekend.

Back in April, Easter weekend, we took Andrew to a luncheon at Clay's step-sisters house.  On the way there Andrew hadn't quite finished the bottle he had started so since he was in the sitting position in his carrier, I just assumed that it would be alright to let him finish the bottle that he had started, which he did.  Of course I was not able to get him out of the carrier to burp him as the vehicle was in motion so I just made myself a mental note to burp him once we get there.  After about 20 min. we arrived and with everything going on, saying our hellos, getting his stuff all set up etc. etc. I forgot to burp him.  He was doing really well, napping and just being Andrew when all of a sudden he started wailing!  I mean WAILING!  This was not any "I am wet" cry or " I am not being paid attention to" cry.  This was "THIS IS HURTING ME!  WHAT IS IN MY BELLY" cry.  We knew all too well what that cry meant, with him just going from one formula to another for his milk allergy.  It was not easy to hear him cry like that and it makes you powerless to know that you can do nothing for him but just be there, cuddle him and pat him so that he can burp out that gas.  After about an hour of crying (the longest hour ever!) he finally did burp out the gas and began to feel better.  He was 3 months then. 

Fast forward to this past Saturday.  All was going well, we were on our way to the 1st birthday party of Andrew's cousin, Bella, and he didn't finish his bottle while we were at home so I brought it with us.  We had just gotten onto the highway when he started to act hungry.  Against my better judgement and recollection of what we went through at 3 months, I fed him in his carrier.  It think it was me trying to convince myself that he was older now, he turns 5 months on Sunday, and can handle the gas because sometimes he burps on his own.  WRONG!  He drank the rest of the bottle and fell asleep until we arrived at the party.  It was deja vu all over again.  Everthing was great for the first 30 min when we got there then all of a sudden the wailing started.  We had to leave the party early because he was soo miserable.  We got maybe 5 min into the drive back home when I asked Clay to pull over so we could assess the problem and see if he needed to burp.  Mind you the whole 5 min we were driving, Andrew is letting out this blood curdling painful cry.  I have had gas bubbles in my belly and they are not fun nor is it a pleasant view.  The only way I know how to get rid of them is to lie down on the bed or couch with my butt in the air.  I told you the view is not pleasant.  I tried that with Andrew and nothing.  We tried to give him Colic Calm, gripe water drops, to see if that would help subside the gas but when we gave it to him he started to cry and almost CHOKED on the drops!!  It freaked me the blank out!!! (Insert whichever word you choose).  Oh Lord, we are trying to help our child and all we are doing is choking him!!  He finally swallowed a bit of the drops and it was starting to help.  We put him back into the carrier and got back on the road.  About 10 min after we left, we had to pull over again because during one of his crying spells he threw up and was starting to burp out the gas.  I pulled him out of the seat, sat him on my knee and patted him.  He burped about 5 times in between cries and felt better.  A little throwup on mom and the truck but who cares, he is better! 

The rest of the way home he was all laughs and coo's like nothing ever happened.  He got extra playtime in the tub and slept like a champ that night.  I think I got more grey hair during that experience!  Hopefully they are just buried where I/noone can't see them.  

Lesson #452, NO MORE FEEDING IN THE CARRIER IF YOU CAN'T GET HIM OUT TO BURP!!!!

You got it!  Lesson learned the hard way for both Andrew and myself. 



It is black as tar but it helps sooo much!
Relieves the gas in baby's tummy very quickly.



Just Another Day ...

Yesterday I turned the big 3-1.  I am officially in my 30's.  So far ... not feeling too bad.  Give me a couple weeks, then I'll get back to ya. 



What my office looked like when I came in this morning




Mums from a Dr. I take care of and Roses from my wonderful husband
The candle is Bali Sunrise and just smells delicious, from my best girlfriend MaryBeth.




Lemon Bars (my favorite) from my co-worker/friend Betty
the candle is too cute but couldn't light it due to policy




One of the roses in the arrangement .. so beautiful

My mom and dad called yesterday to wish me a happy birthday and ask what I wanted to do.  I told them not too much and don't worry about it because it's just another day, no biggie.  No sooner had I said that, my dad stated, Don't say stuff like that, you're starting to sound like your mother!  Have I become my mother?  In some ways yes.  And in others, not so much.  I think my birthdays have become a little lax in the celebratory area but 1) I just had a baby and 2) I just had a baby!!  By this time next year, I will be back to crazy Jenn again, out celebrating like I just turned 21 and acting stupid (maybe not too stupid).  For right now, being at home and doing the routine that we have settled into is fine with me. 

P.S. I did, however, get my birthday dinner courtesy of my parents.  It wasn't at a restaurant or fast food place.  It was a nice home cooked dinner of Egg Rolls a-la-daddy, Fried Rice and Chicken Stir Fry.  Mmm mmmm!  It was soo good!   

Daddy's Day and Water Baby

This Father's Day was extra special for us here in at the Ochoa house, Clay got to really celebrate Father's Day.  This time last year we already knew we were expecting and for us, it doesn't count to celebrate the day until you actually have your child in your arms and can squeeze and snuggle him until he squirms to let loose.   We are very blessed and grateful that we get to celebrate with all the dads in our lives: Bill, Dan, Clay and my daddy, Roger and we remember those amazing fathers and grandfathers that have gone to look over us in Heaven.  We miss you Papu, Papo, PawPaw and Grandpa Ochoa! You are always in our hearts!

Father's Day started with Clay waking up to Andrew laying close to him on the bed (which is becoming a regular occurrence) and smiling at him. 

 

Happy Father's Day Daddy!  Nose pinch!

After a breakfast of champions from Shipley's (Sugar/Chocolate glazed doughnuts and Kolaches) we headed out to Sam's to pick up a few needed items.  Of course I was on cart duty since I tend to wander off and it didn't help that my sister Stephanie was there with us because when we are together we also tend to cause problems, amongst ourselves not with others. 

A full shopping cart (meaning whatever we could place around Andrew's carrier without falling) and a few samples of food later, we were on our way home.  If you haven't been to Sam's on a Saturday or Sunday, I would recommend you go.  Not only will you have achieved your quota of toilet paper and paper towels for the year but they have little food sample stations every other aisle.  You don't even have to eat lunch after that they have everything you need to eat ... your entree, sides, fruits and even dessert.  I know, I know, I am tacky but hey if it shuts my stomach up for at least an hour I will keep doing it.

We got home just in time to greet Clay's dad, Dan and Ciera, Clay's half-sister.  A few minutes after they arrived my parents and sisters arrived.  Full house and everyone wanted to dote on Andrew and he was just eating it up.

It was a beautiful day, HOT, but beautiful and breezy so we decided to make the most of it and head out to the community pool in our subdivision.  Not too many people were out there, surprisingly.  Andrew was out there with us but didn't get into the water, at least not yet.  My mom had offered to stay out with him while Clay and I along with my sisters and dad got in the water.  I cannot tell you how long it had been since we were in a pool last.  Too Long!  It was amazing.  I heard Andrew starting to get a little fussy so I asked my mom to bring him to the edge of the pool where the steps were and we sat him there in the water, shaded so the sun wouldn't beat down on him and he loved it!  Splashing and kicking his feet, he sometimes splashed the water in his face and would look around at us to see who the culprit was who did that to him.  He didn't stay in too long since it was hot and the chlorine was starting to dry out his little skin.  But I think its official, we have a water baby.  Soon after we got him out, Clay and I took him home and gave him a warm water bath to wash off the chlorine and sun. 

My parents stayed until around 9:00p in which we enjoyed ice cream and cake for the special day.  My mom and I catching up on the patio with Andrew and everyone else inside watching a movie.  I asked Clay at the end of the day when we were already laying down if he had a good day, and he said it was great!  It wasn't much but spending the time with your family makes it all worth it. 

I love you Clay, you are an amazing father and husband.  I can't wait to see you and Andrew growing together and creating trouble together, even if I am the guinea pig.

A Lesson in Shaving



I knew I was doing it wrong all along!

This is Megan Mariah Barnes, Florida's first bikini line shaving traffic offender. Read the article below (hilarious!) for more info on this gift to mankind with a face (and root regrowth) that only a mother and or at least two Floridian men could love.

From Popstar.com

Have women become so pressed for time that they can't even shave in thier own bathrooms? 
Good Lord!  I wonder if she at least finished the job?  I would hate for her to go to jail with it half done.

Celia Rivenbark, you are hilarious!  You are my favorite now for using HooHah in the newspaper!

Target Time

Yesterday I had the pleasure of going to Target by myself and Clay stayed home with Andrew.  I really didn't know what to do with myself.  I told Clay that I would return soon and left, no looking back because if I did I would get sucked back into the mainstream of "the home".  It felt great!  I walked in with a purpose because I was just there to get items for a friends birthday and nothing else.  Yeah .. right!  First place I stopped off at was the baby section.  I have to see what new things they got in ... it is a moral imperative.  After about 20 minutes browsing, I finally came to my senses and needed to focus on the task at hand.  And I did it, not only did I just get things I originally came in for (+/- a couple items) but I left in record time, something I have never done when Target is involved.

I came home and as soon as I opened the front door, I see Clay and Andrew like this ...

only not so happy and standing in the living room looking exasperated with his hands on hips.  I ask him what is wrong and he says he and Andrew have been strapped together for a while now.  I asked him how long is a while and he said An Hour!  AN HOUR??!!  Apparently Andrew didn't want to play with any of his toys and he only wanted to be held facing outward so he could see his surroundings.  Well, the only practical thing that Clay could think of was to put him in his holder so he could see and so Clay's shoulder could get a rest.  That worked for about 10 min. and when Clay tried to get him out ... no go.  He tried sitting with him in the holder .. nope.  He tried to lay with him in his holder .. nope.  Everything he tried didn't work ... that is what I came home to.  So to rectify my being away, I made Clay his 2nd favorite cake ... The Watergate Cake.

Recipe below:
 
WATERGATE CAKE
1 box yellow cake mix
1 box instant pistachio pudding
4 eggs
1/2 c. oil
1 can 7-Up
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend all ingredients together in bowl until well blended, about 3 minutes. Pour into greased and floured tube pan. Bake for 1 hour. Let cool and frost.

WATERGATE FROSTING:
1 tub of Cool Whip
1 box instant pistachio pudding
1 c. milk
Beat all ingredients well until thick. Frost cooled cake.

Read more about it at www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,176,144172-247192,00.html
Content Copyright © 2011 Cooks.com - All rights reserved.

The day flew by very quickly and soon we had two cakes, a sleepy baby and a full daddy ready for bed.  I think back at days prior to Andrew and at what might we be doing if we didn't have him with us and it looks boring.  A day like yesterday would have been like this for example, getting home, having a quick dinner, making the trip to Target (both of us, which is fun but not fun because Clay keeps a tight reign on me in the store so I won't saunter off), coming home and watching TV until it was time for bed. 

Andrew makes everyday more exciting even when he is screaming in your ear that he is hungry and you better feed him now or he's gonna grab you by the face and pull your skin off.  He'll do it, he tried the other day but didn't succeed because I had already filed his nails down.  Vicious!  He gets it from his Momma .. so I can't really blame him, I know where he's coming from.

I cherish the days we have with him so tiny because I know the days of him running around and telling him "No" and "Stop that" are not too far away.

Sun-Bathing Beauty

Every chance Sophie gets to stay out in the sun, she takes advantage.

She loves her some sun.

Eureka!

We have finally found it .. I think.  This shampoo/body wash is the best we have found for Andrew's ultra-sensitive skin.  It is automatically foaming once you pump it out the bottle which is A-mazing!! 



yes and it comes in a 3 pack



Austin Engagement

For the past 4 months we have had Andrew with us everyday, all day, all the time.  When you have a free pass to attend an event that only consists of you and your husband, your initial response is "YES"!!  That was the case with us this past Saturday and I think it lasted maybe a whole 15 minutes.  We went up to Austin to attend an Engagement Party for our dear best friends Will McAvoy and Christine Rivas.  We had known about the party for some time and were basically back and forth in deciding whether to take Andrew or not.  The party would be at a local park under a pavillion (shade!) in the Texas 115 degree heat.  Needless to say our deciding factor was the heat ... not even we could stand the heat and it would be a nightmare if we would have taken the baby.  My parents had graciously volunteered to take care of Andrew and told us to "just go enjoy the day" on a mini-date.  Easier said than done!  We left Andrew at about 12:30p and started to make our way up IH35 and 5 minutes in, I couldn't help but start to think about our little boy.  I had to continuously tell myself the he is fine, and that yes, at 1:45p he did eat his bottle and he is probably taking a nap right now, hopefully in the same postition that I do it becuase he likes it that way, yada yada yada .. on and on.  Clay did his best in distracting me with brief converstation but as soon as it ended my mind went right back to Andrew and what is he wearing now (my mother is notorious for changing his clothing, not because he is dirty but because she can ... I think its cute), what is he doing now, is he playing in his exersaucer, has he been fussy, etc etc.  Finally I just couldn't handle it anymore and I called her as soon as we entered Austin (a whole 2 hours).  The first thing she said was "Wow, I can't believe it took you this long to call and check on him".  If you only knew Mom, if you only knew.  She said he was doing great and at the moment was asleep on Papa (my dad).  Good to hear, now I could relax .. kind of.

We made our way to the party and arrived right at 3:00p.  They were just setting up so we arrived right on time to help and unwind from the trip.  Gawd, I have missed our Austin family!  It had been a few months since we had seen them last and it had been a few months too long.  Big bear hugs, catching up, bringing out the photo brag book (IPod) to show pics of little man, and having a great time with everyone was the order of the day.

The Couple of the Hour

Chrisine Rivas and Will McAvoy

Binky, Kim, Scotty C

Look at those dorks

The Food Table

Will and his momma, Debra

All designers except my mom bag ... SMH

Cutie girl with her first water pistol

 

Sarandy and Kelly

Scotty C, Eric, Kim

Kara and Brad, Will's sister and brother-in-law

All the guys

The gals 

The gift table

The couples awesome engagement photos

We decided to leave at 5:30p to get home but leaving was hard.  Saying goodbye is always hard when you haven't seen your friends in a while.  The wedding is in October and I am sure that will come faster than we know it but its the in-between that we miss.

Love you and Congratulations Will and Christine!  We are soo happy to see you starting this new chapter in your lives together.