The Tales of a Big Brother

Cousin Camp 2010

2010-07-18T21:17:00.001-05:00

For the second year in a row, my parents hosted their five grandchildren for Cousin Camp. This is 4 or 5 days of activities just for the kids. Camp began with a trip to Old McDonald's Farm in north Houston. The kids had a great time playing, petting animals and swimming!

Charlie jumped right on the pony. A big change from the panic-stricken child we had with us in Arkansas.

Mimi and her girls!

Headed to the train

Papa and two of his favorite kiddos!

The rest of the week included a trip to the circus, a pottery party and dinner at Chuck E. Cheese, playdate at Noah's Ark swim park and a party at Little Gym! What a special treat for all of our children to be able to spend this precious time with my parents! Thanks Mimi and Papa!

A Special Delivery

2010-07-09T21:10:00.000-05:00

We arrived home one afternoon to a package on our doorstep. Sweet Michele "from New Jersey" had sent a thank-you present to Charlie and Emmy for hosting her at our house. She couldn't have selected more perfect and thoughtful gifts for the kids - dress up clothes and accessories for E and a box full of Superhero goodies for C! As if she hadn't won them over already, this sealed the deal!

4th of July

2010-07-04T15:40:00.000-05:00

We had a great 4th with family and friends! We participated in our neighborhood parade for the first time this year, and then joined Mimi and Papa and Co. for an evening of fireworks fun at MDUMC! Simple and low-key fun! Mommy's favorite!

Bain Family Gathering - Degray State Park

2010-06-29T21:24:00.000-05:00

In late June, Chad and I loaded up the kids for our first real road trip. My side of the family was gathering for some summer fun together. I have to admit, I was a little nervous. We headed to Degray State Park - near Hot Springs, Arkansas. I was pretty sure that Charlie would do okay in the car, but Emmy was a whole different story. She isn't always happy to sit and ride. Boy was I wrong! Both kids did great in the car, and the whole vacation was a WONDERFUL week of fun and family!

All the kids scope out the view, and where all the fun was to be had!

Charlie reluctantly rode his first horse. I don't think cowboy is in our future!

Emmy loved that snacks were always available down by the lake!

First boat ride!

We all had a great time, and can't wait for next year!

Michele from New Jersey

2010-06-12T20:48:00.000-05:00

We were so excited to welcome Chad's friend from Seton Hall to Houston this summer. We had a great time showing her all of our favorite places. The kids LOVED her and she was so great with them!

Going Back in Time

2010-03-01T22:16:00.001-06:00

I can't even remember the last time I sat down and considered adding a post. Well, I guess it was Valentine's Day! How sad is that! Spring is always crazy, but this spring seems to be a blur. School has ended and we are two weeks in to summer vacation. The kids and I are having a ball spending time together! We have been swimming, playing with cousins and most of all relaxing! I am going to work on catching things up in the next week or so, but for now here is a look back at spring 2010!

It started with Charlie taking Emmy to one of his favorite places in Houston - The water wall at Williams Tower.

Then we headed to see Grandaddy Robert, Great Boo and Uncle Joe and the rest of the Cross Family in Louisville, KY for mommy's spring break!

Mimi and Charlie read stories on the airplane...while Emerson played Peek-a-Boo!

Grandaddy Robert, Jackson and Charlie became instant friends!

Emmy did the same with the dogs!

Jackson introduced Charlie to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Charlie introduced Jackson to Superman.

The boys got to go for a ride in Grandaddy Robert's electric car.

Great Boo and Joe have an amazing house.

Fast Friends!

March brought us great times and very special memories! April has alot to live up to!

2010-02-14T21:19:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day from the Goodman Family!

Peek-a-Boo

2010-01-28T22:42:00.002-06:00

Emerson is quite the explorer and super proficient at ducking in and out from under things. The other day I was cooking in the kitchen and realized it had gotten very quiet. That always scares a mommy of two! I headed out to see what was up and this is what I found...

Peek-a-boo Mommy!

Breakfast with Santa

2009-12-22T09:33:00.008-06:00

Seven years ago Mimi began the tradition of taking her grandchildren to Pine Forest for Breakfast with Santa. It is a tradition that I love and that I am so glad my children get to be a part of! Although it was total chaos the whole time, we wouldn't have missed it for the world! Beware...this is a long one!

All ready for the big day!

Bo, Mandy and Abby came in from Dallas to go with us.

Yummy...food!

Papa and Uncle Bo joined us for the first time this year.

Papa and two of his most special grandchildren!

Jessi, Luann and Jamison came back again this year.

Mimi and Charlie

Papa and Gigi

Lacy, Anna Jane and Ally
(This tradition started when Anna Jane was only one!)

Brooke

Paige

Brody and Caroline Leffler were there again this year. Brody was less than thrilled to have to be taking this picture...can you tell!

Caroline and Emerson

Last year we got this sweet picture of the three boys together in Santa's chair.

This year didn't go so well!

We even tried peeking Jamison up from behind. No such luck!

Charlie loved the toys they gave out!

Abby loved the stuffed animals.

But it was really all about the jolly guy in the red suit!

Emmy thought this was a safe distance!

Mimi and Papa with all of their "bugs"!

Charlie gave the day a big thumbs up!

Christmas, Christmas Time is Here!

2009-12-21T21:32:00.004-06:00

Decorating for Christmas was a challenge this year with two sets of grabby fingers wanting to "help" mommy, but I was able to finally get things out to bring the holidays to life for our family!

Newest addition for 2009

The tree!

A beautiful nativity that Mimi gave me.

Kid-safe items!!

Kitchen tree decorated in "cooking" themed ornaments

"Snowville" that Nancy gave me which matches the blue in my kitchen perfectly!

Clarence the Elf came back to see us this year. Charlie and Daddy read his tale almost every night and Charlie can't wait to get out of bed in the morning to see where Clarence is going to be!

Christmas in the City

Emmy supervised from the safety of her exersaucer!

Happy Holidays Everyone! May God bless you and yours with a holiday to remember!

Thanksgiving Day Parade

2009-12-13T16:11:00.006-06:00

It was a intimate Thanksgiving for us this year because my siblings celebrated with their in-laws. Chad and I decided that we wanted to take the kids to the Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade. Mimi and Papa decided to join us, so we got up early and headed downtown. While it wasn't anywhere close to the Macy's parade...it made for a fun morning together!

Georgia turns 3!

2009-12-13T15:53:00.003-06:00

Our friend Georgia turned 3 at the end of November. She invited Charlie and Emerson to her carnival style birthday party! The kids had a great time playing, riding the train and eating tons of candy! Happy bithday Georgia!!

The birthday girl makes a big wish before blowing out the candles.

Madison looked so cute in her pink tutu skirt.

Charlie was so excited about the horn...

the cotton candy...

the jumper...

and the stickers, stamps and markers!

Little brother Grant had a great time too!

A great time was had by all!

The Syrup Festival

2009-12-11T21:47:00.005-06:00

I have been a terrible blogger this fall, so I am trying to catch up on events that I have missed posting. Back in mid-November we traveled to East Texas to see my dad's side of the family. It happed to coincide with the Sugarcane Syrup Festival. This is a very big event in the small town of Henderson! In addition to our family, Mimi and Papa brought Anna Jane and Ally to join in the fun. Bo, Mandy and Abby came in from Dallas for the excitement! It was a packed weekend of cousin fun and lots of fried food!

Anna Jane is a GREAT help with Emerson!

It was a zoo trying to navigate through the crowds with so many little ones.

Papa, Emmy, Mimi and Anna Jane enjoying the hay ride.

Charlie caught a ride on daddy's shoulders.

Mommy and her sweet angel boy

Aunt Mando was kind enough to take one for the team and escort the little ones on a train ride.

Charlie's favorite part of the whole weekend - a giant, super fast SHARK slide.

Emmy and Abby preferred sitting on the side and bouncing.

ROCK STAR BABY - never fussed the whole day!

Charlie and Mimi fought over the funnel cake...

and Mandy took down a corn dog like it was her job! ;)

The best part of the weekend was visiting with Aunt Ebby

Three generations of Bain girls!

The Fifth Beatle

2009-11-26T21:41:00.003-06:00

Charlie is obsessed with The Beatles. Chad introduced him, and now he is a megaFAN! He listens to them on his headphones, in the car and on the TV (Chad recorded a Beatles special). Chad even rigged his play guitar so that when he was watching them on TV he could practice playing. You should see him jam when he thinks no one is watching. Most mornings I am jerked from a dead sleep to a blaring rendition of Hard Days Night or Yellow Submarine - being played OVER AND OVER AGAIN! I am proud of my little Beatle boy!

Halloween 2009

2009-10-31T17:00:00.001-05:00

This year we spent Halloween with old friends and new. Maryann, Drew and Luke Szilagyi invited us to their house in Walnut Bend for an evening of fun, food and of course trick-or-treating! This was the first year that Charlie was really able to participate, because last year he was one sick pumpkin!

Halloween 2008 - our little pumpkin had a fever!

But this year we were all ready to go!

The "Super" family made a repeat appearance from the birthday party and we all had a great time! We gathered at the house around 5pm for food and playing. Then, once it was dark it was time to hit the streets. Charlie was a little shy at first, but after one or two houses he figured it out and he couldn't be stopped. He and a new friend, "Sammy" teamed up and pretty much RAN the entire night. They were SO cute! I wish I had more pictures, but my camera batteries failed me so I had to depend on other people for shots.

Knock, knock...TRICK-OR-TREAT!!!

After trick-or-treating the kids got to decorate cookies back at Luke's house.

My precious Super Baby had a great time too. She was too little to be involved, which made her perfectly furious! But, she will be tearing it up next year!

Thanks Szilagyi Family for a wonderful Halloween 2009!

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-19T22:22:00.000-05:00

We visited the pumpkin patch at MDUMC a few weeks ago. Between the birthday party and all of the Halloween events, I am a little late posting! Enjoy my lil' pumpkins!

A "SUPER" Day!

2009-10-18T21:53:00.008-05:00

Saturday was Charlie's 3rd birthday. Many months ago he declared that he would like to have a Superman birthday party. He and my dad have a bond over Superman! So, after much hard work (mostly by Mimi), the Superman birthday party was a great success! All of our friends were there to celebrate with our little man. All but Anna Jane and Ally, who had to stay away because of the Swine Flu! A great time was had by all - as evidenced in the following pictures!

Our Superman!

All of the super heroes were there to celebrate - including Super Girl...

Muscle Man...

Wonder Woman...

Batman...

The Big Sister Twins...

Super Mommy and Clark Kent!

Charlie's godparents - Dan and Michele came too!

Other friends were there to celebrate with us as well!

The backyard was brimming with people - and fun!

Of course, it would be no party without Mimi and Papa's jumper!

The boys were a little wild, so the girls watched from afar for a while.

The highlight of the day was the incredible cake that Mimi made! She worked for days on it and it showed. This is just one angle where you can see Metropolis and The Daily Planet. The other side had the barn where Superman is discovered and also Crypton! It was incredible!

When it was time for cake, Chad rigged the outdoor speakers to blast the Superman theme song. As a joke I said, "Charlie, why don't you show us how Superman flies!" and with that he was off! It was priceless. Here is a video of that part of the party. You just have to see it!

Charlie's favorite person - Aracelli - our cleaning lady bought Charlie this lifesize Superman pinata for the celebration. It took Chad to finally pull it apart, but it was a wonderful addition to the fun!

Gathering up the loot!

"Super Baby" Emerson and Grandmother watched from afar!

It was a WONDERFUL day and it wouldn't have been the same without all of our family and friends there to celebrate with us! I can't believe my little boy is 3 already! I love you, Charlie-man. You are so precious to me and you will always be my Superman!

The Powers of Nick

2009-10-02T21:43:00.001-05:00

I probably shouldn't be posting this, but I just couldn't believe that BOTH of them were so entranced by Nick Jr. that I couldn't get a shot! They are pretty cute though!

Just Loungin' Around

2009-10-02T21:38:00.003-05:00

Emerson is getting big enough to engage in "play" with Charlie! They are SO cute together. I missed the shot of them both tucked up under Emmy's changing table. Their new "hideout" is under her bed. It's all fun and games until she takes his first toy. I will enjoy the cute while it lasts! :)

Emmy's Special Day

2009-09-27T09:36:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday, friends and family joined us as we baptized our little girl! It was a beautiful day and a very special one, as we dedicated her life back to The One that gave her to us. Emerson, daddy and I love you and are so proud to be your parents. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus and He will lead you down His path!

This is one of my favorite shots from the day. I will add more when I get them loaded...but I couldn't wait on this one!

Reagan's Birthday Party

2009-09-27T09:30:00.001-05:00

Charlie's friend Reagan - from Ms. Eva's class - invited Charlie to her birthday party just as the summer was ending! The party was held at the Noah's Ark splash pad. What fun!

Drying off after a hard day of water play! Thanks, Reagan, for a great time!

My Very First Bow

2009-09-06T08:45:00.002-05:00

Emerson went with us to take Charlie for a haircut and Gitta and Maria, the ladies at the shop, just couldn't get enough of her. Gitta and Maria have been cutting my family's hair since I was in elementary school! We were all laughing at the fact that her hair just stands STRAIGHT up and I mentioned that I couldn't wait to find a bow that would actually stay in. With that, Maria produced this tiny bow and stuck it right in! I was so excited that I bought two!

On the way home Charlie said, "I like Emmy's new beautiful bow. She looks like a real little girl now!" I almost wrecked the car I was laughing so hard!

Updates on the Way!

2009-08-28T20:12:00.002-05:00

I am SO embarrased that I haven't posted since the end of July, but I am back to being a full-time working mom and it is kicking my rear! I have over 400 pictures of our trip to Orlando and over 400 pictures of Cousin Camp, so the thought of picking just a few is a bit over-whelming too! But, I promise something new is coming soon!

A ROE Reunion

2009-07-20T17:30:00.000-05:00

Sunday night we got together with two of my best friends from River Oaks Elementary. Kim and Nancy were on my first grade team back in early the 2000s. While Kim and I have managed to keep up and have seen each other as frequently as possible, Nancy and I had lost touch with moves and new family, etc. However, thanks to Facebook, we have reconnected and managed to plan a dinner date with all of our families! It was a wonderful reunion full of laughter and great memories. Our significant others put up with us...and our dumb teacher stories...and managed to have a good time too!

The crew enjoying dinner at Lupe Tortillas.

Nancy fell in love with Emerson and couldn't put her down!

My boys...and a chip.

Nancy's daughted Peyton wasn't too fond of her mom loving on another little girl, but she smiled for a picture anyway!

Kim and her big boy Gavin.

The men...Chad, Garrett and Todd.

The evening wouldn't have been complete without lots and lots of sand!

VBS 2009

2009-07-15T16:13:00.002-05:00

Charlie and mommy have been enjoying a great week of Vacation Bible School at Memorial Drive UMC this week. Our friend Natalie is one of the directors and mommy just couldn't say no to teaching! The theme is Operation Jesus and the kids have been learning about being in God's Army! Ms. Denise and Ms. Taylor have helped with our class too and Charlie has made lots of new friends! We are looking forward to Family Night tonight. Charlie can't wait to teach daddy his VBS songs! What a fun way to spend part of the summer!

Members of the Yankee Yellow 113 Crew!

4th of July

2009-07-05T14:56:00.004-05:00

4th of July was a series of unfortunate events at the Goodman house. It started on Thursday when grandmother brought Charlie home from a playdate because he was throwing up and running fever. We finally got his fever down early Friday morning and managed to make it all day Friday fever-free. We had big plans for the 4th - that included a trip to Columbus to spend the day with Charlie's godparents, and then hot dogs and fireworks with Mimi, Papa and Grandmother at Memorial Drive UMC. But, at 3am on Saturday morning Charlie woke us and we discovered that the fever was back. After a dose of motrin and four more hours of sleep the fever was gone again, but by that time we had made the call to cancel our trip to Columbus. Chad talked to Charlie about "taking it easy", so they spent the morning hanging on the couch together watching Noggin!

We decided that if he made it through the day with no fever that maybe we could catch the fireworks later that day. About mid-morning I noticed that Charlie was very quiet, so I went over and touched his head and to my disappointment - the fever was back again! At that point we made the call to cancel all plans.

Needless to say, I was bummed! How could this be our 4th of July?! Well, that is what having kids is all about. While Charlie and Emerson napped Chad and I talked and decided that if Charlie woke up from nap perky that we would invite everyone over to our house to enjoy hot dogs. Indeed he did, so he and daddy headed off to HEB to get needed supplies. In the meantime, Emerson and mommy got dolled up in our 4th of July gear and hoped for a fun evening.

Grandmother and Shirley came over to the house about 6 and daddy grilled hot dogs and sausage. Grandmother and Emerson were SO excited to see each other!

In the end I am so glad we did not push it to go out because by 6:30pm Charlie's fever was back up over 103 and all he wanted to do was lay on the couch. More Tylenol and rest and today (Sunday) Charlie seems to be much better. The fever has stayed away for almost 24 hours and I am hopeful that whatever it was that had his little body under attack has moved on from this house!

We hope that everyone had a blessed 4th of July - no matter how you spent the day. May God bless all of you, especially the men and women serving our great nation so that we might live freely!

Downtown Aquarium

2009-07-02T15:13:00.005-05:00

Sunday we took the kids to the Downtown Aquarium. It was a beautiful day - although VERY hot! But, we had a great time going through the exhibits and experiencing all of the rides. It made us all very excited for our trip to Orlando in just a few weeks!

Daddy had the smart idea to do the outside stuff first since it was still morning and slightly cool outside. Isn't it sad that 95 degrees is considered slightly cool.

First stop - family ride on the ferris wheel.

Then daddy and Charlie went on the Lighthouse Dive. It took them straight up and then dropped them down. Charlie LOVED it!

Next was a train ride around the facility, including the shark tunnel!

You can't see it well, but there are sharks swimming above his head!

Next Charlie and daddy rode the carousel while a VERY HOT Emerson and mommy watched.

Once we had had enough of the heat we went inside to tour the exhibits. We saw all sorts of ocean life including an octopus, jellyfish, a python and two WHITE TIGERS! Charlie's favorite part was getting to turn the big wheel like Isa does in Dora's Pirate Adventure!

After touring the exhibits we headed back outside for a hot dog lunch. Charlie wanted to play in the dancing fountains, so we stripped him down and let him go!

Daddy struggled to get the swim suit on over the sweaty body!

Whew...finally cooled off!

Monkey see...monkey do!

Emerson got to splash in the water too!

We couldn't leave without one more ride on the Lighthouse Dive ride!

We had a GREAT time and Charlie can't wait to take his cousins back to the Ah-quarium!

A Week of Firsts!

2009-06-28T18:27:00.004-05:00

Last week was an exciting week of firsts at the Goodman house!

Charlie went to swim lessons!

Emerson tried out her exersaucer AND her high chair!

Charlie helped mommy make muffins!

Emerson went swimming! And...

Tried cereal for the first time! What a MESS!

Discovery Green

2009-06-28T18:15:00.004-05:00

Last weekend our friend Brody turned 3. He invited Charlie to a party at Discovery Green downtown. Charlie had a BLAST, and daddy, mommy and Emerson got to tag along and enjoy some of the fun!

Everbody gathered in the park for a ton of "boy play"! There were balls, waterguns and an obsticle course.

When they couldn't take the heat any more, the kids made a break for the dancing fountains!

Brody's little sister is a month younger than Emerson. The girls lounged on the towel while the boys played in the hot sun!

Cupcakes AND watermelon! This boy was in heaven!

After a while, Emerson had had enough!

HAM

2009-06-28T18:10:00.004-05:00

To most, Charlie is a very reserved little boy. Like this...

But, at home he likes to ham it up!

Practicing being a clown!

"Safety first!"

Emerson - 4 Months - A Little Late

2009-06-18T15:59:00.005-05:00

I waited until I was out of school to take the kids for their well kid check-ups, so now I am really late with a blog update! Em is growing like a weed and is the happiest, easiest-going little girl in the world. She is eating 26 ounces a day and usually takes two good naps a day. For the last two nights she has slept 11 hours uninterrupted...and mommy is hoping that that is a trend! She finishes her last bottle around 9pm and has been sleeping until 8am or so. I think she would sleep longer, but once she hear's Charlie's voice she starts talking! :) She is crazy about her big brother and he is crazy about her! She smiles all the time and really the only time she cries is if we are WAY LATE feeding her! At her check-up she weighed in at 13 lbs 10 ozs (50%) and was 26.5" long (90%)! She jumped from the 50% to the 90% in height! WOW! We had noticed that her eyes were still crossing when she brought things close to her face - something that should have corrected itself by 2 months - so we took her to see a pediatric opthamologist. At this time she is showing a slight far-sidedness, but is still within the normal range. We will go back when she is 1 and at that time they will determine if she needs GLASSES! Can you imagine glasses on a 1 year old! :P She has turned over some, but isn't consistent. She likes to sit up in her Bumbo chair, but after a while of sitting she is slumped over eating her toes! We are working on having more tummy time. She loves having a bath - and Charlie is quick to offer her up to "go first". She went swimming at Mimi and Papa's house the other day and loved it too! She enjoys the sound of her voice and gets quite loud at times. If we are in public people will look around to see who is screaming...and all I can do is smile and tell them how much she likes to "talk"! I love being at home for this stage! It is fun watching her grow and change every single day! Here are a few shots of our sweet little angel!

My little TV Junkie!

Happy Birthday Grant!

2009-06-18T15:44:00.004-05:00

Our little friend Grant turned 1 this past weekend! He had a "Trucks and Construction" backyard play party that was so much fun! All of our favorite friends were there! It was hot, but we survived thanks to yummy snowcones! Thanks Emily and Mike for including us in the fun!

Birthday Boy Grant checking out the balloons!

Grant's big sister - "Little Georgia"

Charlie was in heaven...Cheetos and Watermelon!

Emerson's first time in a swing. Kennedy did a great job pushing her.

Madison going for a ride on the Barbie princess car.

Peek-a-Boo!

Poor Emerson! She is drug around so much that she will pretty much take a bottle or go to sleep anywhere! It was SO hot, too!

Cool guy! Construction hat and shades...what more does a boy need?

Yum Yum Yum

2009-06-18T15:40:00.001-05:00

I didn't think we could have a child that put more in her mouth than Charlie did! I am praying that this is just because we are going to get teeth soon - and not what I can expect once she starts crawling. She leaves a trail of drool...and if you aren't careful...she will eat your fingers too!

Watch out daddy...here she comes!

Doodle Bug

2009-06-18T15:33:00.002-05:00

The other day I spotted a doodle bug in our hallway. I didn't know if Charlie had every seen one, so I called him to come take a look. He was facinated by it! I managed to scare it and it rolled up and froze. Chad was finally able to coax it out of a ball and Charlie had a ball watching it crawl all over daddy. We tried to get him to hold it, but he backed away and said, "You want to hold him, daddy?"

Forget the doodle bug...check out my husband's farmer tan! ;)

Taking a closer look!

Chad tried to pass him off, but it was a no go!

I am not a total loser!

2009-06-04T10:10:00.004-05:00

I had mentioned in an earlier post that we did not get a shot of the family all dressed up for Easter. Well, it turns out we did, just not with my camera! Hooray for David for taking the shot- and Natalie for sending it to me! I present Easter 2009...

I love my little family!

What can I say...

2009-06-03T15:39:00.003-05:00

He and his daddy are kindred spirits...creating their own personal style every time!

Rocker, Prince, Super Hero, Drag Queen...one can never tell!

Bubble Fun

2009-06-03T15:33:00.003-05:00

Charlie LOVES to blow bubbles. He has finally learned how to blow soft enough to actually make the bubbles himself. For Easter he got a great assortment of bubble wands. The summer will be filled with hours of bubble blowing fun I'm sure!

Miss Giggles

2009-05-25T15:55:00.004-05:00

Emerson has discovered she can make noise and so it is her favorite thing to do. She is so loud that most people think she is unhappy because it is a full on scream! Today I discovered that she is VERY tickelish under her neck! She is getting so big and she is so strong too. I caught some cute shots of her on her tummy today too! Enjoy!

She put on quite a show for me today!

The Big Water Fall

2009-05-25T15:47:00.002-05:00

Chad took Charlie to see "The Big Water Fall" near the Galleria a few weeks ago. It is called the Water Wall and it is outside of the old Transco Tower building that Chad and I would always visit for a picnic when we were in high school. Charlie had a great time and points out the building every time we are driving around town. (He will see it from miles away and say, that is where the big water fall is!)

Marching to the Beat of His Own Drummer

2009-04-30T22:12:00.001-05:00

Charlie decided to explore his feminine side the other day!

I couldn't help but laugh!

A Trip to the Zoo

2009-04-19T19:48:00.000-05:00

Chad had a great idea to take the family to the zoo last Sunday. It was a beautiful day and we had a great time...until we went to go home and realized that our keys were missing! After calling Grandmother to come rescue us - and an hour and a half wait time - we finally got in the car to head home. That is when we found the small note tucked in the front door window telling us that our keys were inside the gas cap door!!! In my rush to get everyone in to the zoo I appearantly dropped the keys or set them down on the back of the car. I am so pleased to know there are still good samaritans in the world!

Our sweet little family

My boys were looking cool in their shades.

"Look at that big lizard mommy!"

There was a baby giraff that was Emerson's age!

Emerson was asleep when we got there, so I covered her up with the burp cloth to prevent sunburn! :)

It is tradition that Chad and Charlie take this picture. We have one every year since Charlie was about 8 months old.

I told Chad he HAD to take this one too, so Emerson would not feel left out. He was annoyed!

You just can't beat blue cotton candy!

Emerson did wake up for a few minutes to eat.

But with a full tummy and clean clothes, she was out again in no time.

Riding the carousel.

AND the train!

I'm not sure what had him so interested here, but I love this picture!

YEAH! What a great idea daddy!

A Very Belated Easter

2009-04-11T17:00:00.000-05:00

So, I keep thinking I am going to have time to sit down and update this blog, and time keeps slipping away! This is why neither of my children have scrapbooks of their lives. UGH! Anyway, it occured to me that I never even posted Easter pics, so I thought I would start there. However, in the chaos of Easter day we never even took a family picture in our church clothes! How lame is that!!! Oh well, I will "blame it on the rain" since it was actually POURING DOWN when we arrived at Mimi and Papa's house on Easter day for lunch. I was able to capture the late afternoon egg hunt and gift giving at Grandmother's house. Charlie had a great time with Easter #2. Thanks Grandmother!

Yeah! It's Easter Time!

Learning about confetti eggs from Grandmother!

He couldn't eat the candy fast enough!

Hi pretty girl!

Handsome big boy!

A Month's Worth of Catch Up!

2009-04-06T21:40:00.007-05:00

As many of you know I have gone back to being a full time working mommy! It makes keeping up with a blog quite difficult. I have been good about taking pictures, but not so good about posting them! Here are the highlights from the last few weeks. I will try to be better about posting in the months to come!

Bubble Bath Fun!

Charlie and Emerson "playing" together!

I see you mommy.

Friday nights at Sweet Mesquite. Who knew Charlie would be a dancer!

The weather has been gorgeous, so we have been outside as much as possible. Chad and Charlie took Emerson and I to their favorite park this weekend - and then to a fancy dinner at Chick-fil-a!

In His Own Words...

By the way...I can't seem to post my videos correctly. Maybe someone could give me a suggestion! ** They are right-side-up on my computer**!

Texas Pride

2009-03-21T10:57:00.004-05:00

It is tradition that we take the kids for pictures in the bluebonnets every spring. It worked out that we could do it while Jackson was visiting. We struggled to get everyone to smile at the same time, but got some cute shots none-the-less! Happy Spring!

Let's Rodeo

2009-03-16T10:00:00.004-05:00

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is underway and this year we decided that Charlie was old enough to enjoy it. We met Anna Jane, Ally and Jackson there and had a great time!

We began the day with a pony ride.

Checking out the baby chicks.

"Look at THAT big tractor, mommy!"

The kids had the most fun on this "grassy hill" that was where the audience sat to watch the cow milking demonstration!

Carnival rides!!

Emerson was too little this year, so she watched from the sidelines. But, mommy has a pink cowgirl hat and some boots already picked out for her for next year!

Cupcake Party!

2009-03-15T17:00:00.002-05:00

Grandmother hosted a get-together for all of us to see Farracy and Jackson and to celebrate Ricky's birthday! It was a ton of fun - especially watching all of the kids play! My how our clan has grown!

From left: Madison (1 1/2), Kennedy (4 1/2), Emerson (2 months), Charlie (2 1/2), Jackson (9 months), Georgia (2 1/2) and Grant (7 months)

Upside down chicken-fights. Only daddy and Ricky would come up with a game like this!

Megan and MaryAnn

Jackson

Emerson loved snuggling with her special godfather Ricky!

Happy Birthday Ricky

2009-03-15T12:31:00.005-05:00

Tonight we will celebrate our friend Ricky's birthday with a little party at Grandmother's house. This morning, Charlie and I were talking about it and this is what he had to say:

All Smiles

2009-03-15T12:22:00.004-05:00

I captured Emerson's first smiles and coos this morning! What a true blessing from God! She is growing and changing every day. With only one more week at home before returning to work, I want to see as much as I can, because I know these next 8 weeks before summer there will be so many "firsts" that I miss! Enjoy!

Cousin Pictures

2009-03-13T12:14:00.000-05:00

When Farracy comes to visit we try to get a portrait of the cousins together. It is always an adventure, and this time didn't disappoint! We got a few shots between Emerson screaming, Jackson crawling away and Charlie looking anywhere but AT the camera. After the session was over, Charlie discovered this block and had a great time. Next time we know to request the block! Jackson and Emerson were glad to be back in their strollers, free from anyone touching them!

We even took "Baby Chickipoo", Charlie's stuffed Chick head in hopes that he would add to the Easter theme - and keep the kids interested. NOPE!

All smiles AFTER we were done!

Rodeo Round-Up

2009-03-12T17:30:00.001-05:00

Thursday was Rodeo Round-Up at Charlie's school. They had games set up in the gym for the kids, a big silent auction and a bar-b-que dinner for everyone. Charlie invited all of his family to come and have a great time at his school!

Charlie was a ring hog. He just wanted to collect them all, he didn't get that you were supposed to toss them!
Ride'm Cowboy!

Most of the kids wanted to throw the hay all over the gym. Not my child. He spent the whole time CLEANING IT ALL UP!

Clean up, Clean up - everybody clean-up

Our friend Ricky was recruited to make balloon animals. He was a hit!

Charlie waited patiently for his turn.

Finally, the blue "wand" he had been waiting for!

Showing off his blue wand to his teacher, Ms. Iva!

Jackson wasn't sure what to think of the whole thing.

But, Charlie had a GREAT time!

Aunt Farracy and Baby Jackson are here!

2009-03-12T14:17:00.005-05:00

Aunt Farracy and Baby Jackson came to visit from California this week. Even though he isn't the youngest any more, Jackson will remain "Baby Jackson" for a while in Charlie's mind. The boys hit it off right away and had a great time playing with each other. Grandmother says that Great Grandfather use to say that "kin knows kin". I guess he was right, because the boys were friends from the start. Emerson was too little to get down and play, but she was smothered in love by Aunt Farr and Grandmother. Won't be long and she will be ordering the boys around.

The boys took to one another immediately!

Charlie LOVED that Jackson would crawl around behind him!

Finally getting to meet Aunt Farracy!

Covered in LOVE!

Puppy Love

2009-03-03T17:30:00.000-06:00

Our friend Jamison, who is just a few months older than Emerson, came to visit today. We are grooming them for a relationship now. Both his mom and I married our childhood sweethearts!

Don't they make a cute couple!

The happy couple.

Check out Emerson's crossed eyes! We could not get her to focus on us!

Emerson was playing "hard to get"! That's my girl!

Charlie humored us by joining the photoshoot long enough to get one picture. When he moved, both of the other two fell over! It was hilarious!

Little Church Princess

2009-03-01T14:18:00.003-06:00

Today was Emerson's first time to go to church. It was very cold outside, so I almost left her in her fuzzy pajamas, but I could hear my mother in my ear telling me to put her in one of the 400 Feltman dresses she has hanging in her closet. So, I did! She did great in church. She cried a little during the sermon, but it was a long one and I would have cried too if I could have gotton away with it! :) Here is my little angel all dressed up for her big day out!

Rock Star

2009-03-01T08:40:00.002-06:00

Charlie has resisted bath time lately, so I suggested a bubble bath one day and we made crazy hair the next time. Anything to get him in and out without a total meltdown. Little boys who play hard create a serious stink!

Victory!

2009-02-28T13:52:00.001-06:00

By the way...we did end up finding feet pajamas! CARTERS - the only place I will ever shop again! (and they have a block table which keeps Charlie entertained and not climbing through the clothing racks!

The Failed Hunt for Feet Pajamas

2009-02-28T13:34:00.004-06:00

Charlie loves to sleep in feet pajamas, but he has outgrown the ones that we have at home. So, after nap on Friday I decided we should go to the mall - to the one store that I know has feet pajamas up through our size. I loaded Emerson and Charlie in the car and headed to the mall. Of course, taking a toddler to the mall alone is no small feat, but add an infant to the mix and it was a wild ride. I decided that it would be easier to have Emerson strapped to me, because then I would have free hands. So, I put her in the Baby Bjorn and Charlie walked and we made it to Children's Place, only to find that they had NO feet pajamas in a size bigger than 24 months! YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! Don't these people know the effort I had made to come to THEIR store!? So, of course we couldn't just turn around and leave. So, here is what we did do!

Charlie has to check out all of the riding toys outside of Children's Place.

Poor Emerson - the plight of the second child!

I know it well!

Riding the carousel!

We ended our adventure with a cookie and rest while we watched the ice skaters.

Brother and Sister

2009-02-27T09:27:00.002-06:00

I put together Emerson's cool mat and Charlie has taken more interest in it than Emerson has. He loves to lay in it and play with the toys. Usually, he gets in there when she is not in there (because I choose not to put her down on the floor when he is anywhere near!), but on this particular day I was feeling brave. Charlie loved it - and Emerson didn't know not to love it! :)

Charlie shows Emerson all of the cool toys!

Cheese!

"Hi baby sister!"

Bath Time!

2009-02-21T12:12:00.002-06:00

Aunt Farracy gave Emerson this adorable towel! It is the highlight of my day to get to wrap her up in it. Charlie has had fun watching Emerson take a bath in "his" bathtub. It's all fun and games until she wants to play with his bath toys! :)

So maybe she isn't THAT crazy about bath time!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2009-02-18T18:40:00.001-06:00

Charlie helped plan a special family birthday celebration for daddy. We had chocolate cupcakes with pink icing, presents and goody bags. The trip to Michael's to get the items for the goody bags with an experience I will not soon forget! Emerson was strapped to my chest in the Baby Bjorn and Charlie was running through the aisles saying, "need this, need this". I was so relieved when we got out of there for under $30!

Blowing out the candle on his cupcake!

A chocolate cupcake with pink icing, just like Dora has!

Chad had Charlie CRACKING up as he blew up the ballons from the goody bags!

Grandmother and Emerson enjoyed the fun too!

Let me try daddy!

My Son The Domestic Engineer

2009-02-11T11:55:00.000-06:00

There are two people in the world that rank as high as mommy and daddy as far as Charlie is concerned. One is Coach Jeff - Charlie's teacher at The Little Gym. The other is our cleaning lady - Aracelli. He adores Aracelli and lives for the days that he gets to "help" her clean. She comes to my house and my mom's house, so it is possible for him to see her twice a week. He talks about her almost every day and when he doesn't get to see her, he will call her on his "cell phone" and leave her a message. It is one of the cutest things that he does!

Aracelli is so patient with him and loves to have his help!

Vacuuming daddy's office

A Day at the Park

2009-02-09T16:00:00.000-06:00

Charlie and daddy love to go to the park. Usually it is their "boy" thing to do, but on this special occasion, Charlie invited mommy and Emerson to tag along. Emerson watched carefully from the sidelines and took notes on all the fun things to do there. It was a little cold, so we had to stay bundled.

Whoa daddy!

Meeting Uncle Bo, Aunt Mando and Abby

2009-02-09T13:20:00.003-06:00

Uncle Bo, Aunt Mando and Abby came to see us this past week. It was wonderful to have them here and Charlie loved having a playmate! Emerson can't wait to join in all the fun when she is big enough.

My Purpose in Life - to be photo object for Mimi and Mommy!

2009-02-01T15:19:00.001-06:00

Displays of Love and Affection

2009-02-01T15:07:00.005-06:00

We were overwhelmed by all of the goodies sent to us at the hospital!

Some of the gifts even got to be with Emerson in the NICU. It was so nice to make that sterile bed a little brighter!

Cookies from Mrs. Barra, a cookie bouquet from Aunt Sarah and Uncle Gerald and flowers from Charlie and Papa.

Flowers from Ebby, The Mandery Family and Bo, Mandy and Abby.

A Big balloon from Charlie and tulips from Aunt Lacy!

More flowers from The Sperandio Family and from

Aunt Farracy, Uncle Justin and Jackson.

After a huge mix-up with a cookie bouquet for a boy, the right one finally found us at our house!

Aunt Lacy brought us our first doll, Ricky and Megan gave her a soft snuggly pig and rattle and Rev. Shelby from church brought us a beautiful cross that was in her bed from the first day! Mimi also brought Emerson a bunny that says a bedtime prayer.

My First Week at Home

2009-02-01T14:57:00.004-06:00

The past week our family has spent time adjusting to all of the changes to our life. Charlie is adjusting to life as a big brother, and has been frustrated that mommy still can't do everything that she used to do. Mommy is seeking advice from friends on how to handle a two year old with all of these changes! Daddy stayed home with us Monday and Tuesday, and Grandmother and Mimi have been wonderful help as well. Aunt Lacy spent the day with us on Wednesday and Emerson's godfather, Ricky, came to visit and bring us dinner as well this week. Jessi and her mom Luann also paid us a visit and brought food. It has been wonderful being surrounded by so many wonderful friends!

Charlie introducing Emerson to her godfather Ricky!

Proud - and super helpful - Big Brother!

Being a bum with Aunt Lacy!

While Charlie is go-go-go most of the time, but every once in a while he stops by to say hey to Emerson and her "teeny, tiny toes"!

Visiting with Papa!

Emerson's Homecoming

2009-02-01T14:45:00.003-06:00

As mentioned in my note in the last post, we were thrilled to bring our baby girl home last Monday after a six day stay in the NICU. Mom and I went for a visit on Monday and were caught off guard when the nurse met us at the door with the news that the NICU doctor had just written the orders to release her. We had a scramble to get Chad and Charlie home from the playground to get the car seat and meet us at the hospital. I didn't even have her going home outfit. Oh well, in the scheme of things, I guess coming home is more important than the coming home OUTFIT! Once we were home Chad's mom, Grandmother, came right over. It was a busy afternoon of settling in, but one that was well worth the wait!

My first ride in the carseat!

I was worn out from all of the activity!

Finally I got to see Grandmother.

She had been sick for a few days and couldn't visit me.

Meeting all of my friends that were waiting for me in my bed!

Hanging out with Mimi and my big brother, Charlie

BEST NEWS OF ALL!

2009-01-26T18:53:00.001-06:00

Emerson got to come home today - Monday January 26th! HOORAY! I will post pictures and more of the story once things calm down around here! Ha Ha!

More Great News - Sunday Night

2009-01-25T20:56:00.008-06:00

Mimi and I went to see Emerson this evening and when we arrived we found her in her brand new crib! She has graduated to a regular nursery crib because she no longer needs to have her temperature regulated by a warmer. She also got moved to the other side of the room with a lovely view of Houston.

My room with a view!

I am quite a fashion icon!

************************************************************************************

While we were visiting, Nurse Jean decided that Emerson was ready to try feeding from a bottle. Up until now her breathing rate has been too fast to have a bottle. For this she had to remove Emerson's feeding tube that had been in her mouth. Once the tube was removed, I got to change her diaper and then got to feed her! It was a great moment. Emerson took the bottle easily and had no problems eating and breathing at the same time. She downed the 2 ounces quickly and burped. Then she promptly went sound asleep!

Total Contentment!

Sunday Morning

2009-01-25T13:50:00.003-06:00

Emerson and mommy having some girl time together!

****************************************************************************

Before we left the hospital yesterday, Chad and I went for one more visit with our little angel. Grandmother had woken up with a cold, so she wasn't able to go in. She did, however, get to watch through the window.

Emerson was facinated by daddy's hat.

Grandmother peeked in through the window in the hallway since she had a cold.

***********************************************************************

Charlie and daddy woke up with the crud this morning, so I called on Jessi (Emerson's godmother and one of my best friends) to take me to see her at the hospital. We arrived about 10:30 and Nurse Jean reported that she had been a naughty girl in the night. She had pulled out her IV twice! They had replaced it in her arm, but Jean said that it was looking irritated so she might have to move it. I got her snuggled up in my arms and she calmed down for a little while. But, Jean quickly came over and said that the IV seemed irritated so she was going to remove it. To my surprise, she said she was going to leave it out! This is great news because that means that they feel like she is able to get all of her nourishment from the milk! They still can't give her a bottle because she is breathing too fast, but that is improving too. They gave her an ounce and a half through the tube while I was holding her and she immediately calmed down. My little piggy was just hungry! Once she was fed she immediately went to sleep. Jessi and took turns holding her and loving on her. We gave her instructions to continue making good progress so that we could bring her home soon. With Chad still feeling bad, he is passing on going to see her today. The last thing we want to do is expose her to any germs. I will see who I can convince to take me over there later today - since I require a chauffeur!

Holding hands with mommy!

My godmother Jessi and I are going to be very special friends!

Weekend News

2009-01-24T23:00:00.002-06:00

Hey everyone! I wanted to give you an update and let you know how things were going. Emerson has had a great day! She went the whole day without any help from the oxygen machine. She was fed several ounces of breast milk too and tolerated it perfectly! They still have not tried to feed with a bottle because her breathing is still very fast and they don't want her to choke, but this is huge progress. Chad and I had two long visiting sessions today. The first one happened about noon just before I was discharged from the hospital. Charlie was able to watch through the NICU window, too. This was the first time he was able to see her! While he was excited to see his new sister, he was more excited to see Nurse Jean's blue gloves. :P After we got Charlie down to sleep tonight, Chad and I went back to the hospital for another visit. It was awesome! We stayed almost an hour and just held her and sang to her and loved on her. I can't wait to get her home so that I can do that all day long. While we still don't know when we will be able to bring her home, I am confident that it will be soon and that she will be healthy when we do! As always, thank you for every prayer being lifted up in Emerson's name. We feel so blessed to know that God chose us to be the parents of this precious angel!

More updates to come!

Bonding with my Mimi

2009-01-23T22:51:00.002-06:00

Mimi stayed with me tonight and we went for a late night visit to see Miss Emerson. She had just woken up and was ready to be held. She started to get upset and the nurse gave her her new favorite drug - sugar water! She is a junkie for sure! Mimi was delighted to spend some quiet time with her newest little "bug"!

Face to Face with my Mommy

2009-01-23T16:48:00.003-06:00

Eskimo kisses!

Once I was bundled up and in my mommy's arms, I settled down, finally!

I talked to the NICU doctor today at 1pm and she told me the best news I had heard since we arrived here Tuesday! She said that Emerson was being removed from the oxygen hood. She said that I would be able to hold her this afternoon! Thank you Lord! This was what I had been hoping and praying for all day. I wanted so badly to get to hold my little girl before I went home. Of course, then everyone convinced me to stay at the hospital one more night so that I would get to see and hold her several more times before I went home. So, that is what I have decided to do. We hope that this huge turn will mean that Emerson will get to come home soon, but even if she needs to stay, being able to hold her makes all the difference!

Good Morning Sunshine

2009-01-23T11:29:00.002-06:00

Hi, my name is Emerson Grace! I just wanted to say good morning!!!

Emerson is doing great this morning! Her oxygen support is down to 24% with 96% saturation in her blood. We are getting close to her hood being removed. At that time we will get to hold her! There are still other obsticles we have to overcome - like avoiding jaundice and gaining weight - but we are seeing great improvements. Please continue to pray for her little lungs to dry out. The pediatrician came by this morning and said that one of the reports is showing that she has high pressure in her lungs. (pulminary hypertension) This is unusual for full term babies and he doesn't know why this is showing up in her report. We will try and see the NICU doctor before we leave to see if we can get any more information as to the cause. The good news is that she continues to make progress in the right direction!

Thanks for ALL of your prayers and your calls! We look forward to seeing everyone soon!

Thank you for your prayers

2009-01-22T11:51:00.002-06:00

I want to say thank you to everyone for your continued prayers for our little girl. She was awake and alert this morning when I went to see her. They were unable to lower her oxygen support yesterday, but we are hopeful for more improvement soon. Aunt Lacy is coming over this afternoon, so I am sure she will have a long talk with Miss Emerson about how to be a Drama Queen the right way! Most of all, we want to make sure that she is healthy and comfortable. With my time at the hospital drawing to a close, the reality of going home without our little girl hit me hard. Balancing Charlie, healing my own body from surgery and getting back up to the hospital to see Emerson on a regular basis seems like it will be so hard. I just pray that God gives me wisdom on how to do this in the best way for everyone! I will continue to post updates as we know more. Thanks again for all of your love and support.

Meet My New Sister

2009-01-21T19:37:00.003-06:00

Emerson Grace, my little sister, joined the world yesterday morning - January 20, 2009. She weighs 7 pounds 15 ounces and is 20 1/2 inches long. She has been having a little bit of trouble breathing, so the doctors and nurses decided that it would be best if she went to the NICU to get some oxygen. She has been making improvements each day and we hope that she will be lots better very soon! It doesn't look like she will get to come home with Mommy on Friday, but as soon as she is better she will get to come to stay at our house for good. I can't wait for that day to come - and neither can mommy and daddy! While we wait for her to get better, mommy is going to help me keep you updated on her progress!

Here is a picture of Emerson just to give you a peek:

She looks like a little space cadet with her oxygen hood over her head.

There are lots of lines and tubes, but they are all helping to make Emerson better!

Today's update: Emerson is needing extra oxygen through the hood to help saturate her blood fully. Right now she is needing 37% assistance - while normal rooms give off 21%. This is a big improvement from Tuesday when she was needing 52% and more. Once her blood oxygen level is stable, they will remove the hood and will let us hold her. At that time, they will also move her to a regular bed and will begin feeding her normally. Right now she is being given food (sugar water) through a line in her belly button. Everyone assures us that she is moving in the right direction, she just needs time to allow her lungs to fully mature. It could take up to two weeks. I will be in the hospital until Friday, and then I will go home but Em will stay here. She is in great care and we want her to be 100% healthy before she comes home. We will keep you posted on her progress!

Playing With the Boys

2009-01-19T22:43:00.004-06:00

On the eve of my little sister being born, my daddy and his friend Bob invited me to have a little boy time with them. We grilled hamburgers and played Guitar Hero. It was awesome! Check out my technique!

Trying to hold my guitar just right.

Me and Bob - Future Rock Stars!

Daddy gave me some pointers.

Jam Time!

I need some practice, but I'm getting it!

Bedtime Tradition

2009-01-15T20:00:00.002-06:00

Nightime is my favorite time of day. After dinner and a bath, my daddy and I snuggle up with Big Bear and read. Right now, my favorite book is The Cat and the Hat Comes Back. I have heard it so many times that I can even fill in the blanks if daddy stops reading! I love my daddy - and story time!

Big Work Day

2009-01-02T20:18:00.006-06:00

Mimi and Papa came over to help mommy finish Baby Emerson's room today. I was a BIG helper! I crawled under everyone's feet and played with all of the baby's toys. After working all day, here is the almost finished look! A few minor additions remain, but you get the idea!

The picture on the changing table will hang in the middle of the dark pink dot on the wall.

Emerson's name will hang on the wall above her bed. You can see some of the letters resting on the back of the crib. They were out of Os, so we are on hold until we can find one!

Baby Emerson is almost here!

2009-01-01T21:03:00.002-06:00

Mommy and Daddy have been working hard to get baby Emerson's

room ready for her! Today I helped daddy build her crib!

It was hard work, but we did it together!

Happy New Year

2009-01-01T20:55:00.003-06:00

I went to my first New Year's Eve party at my friends Alex and Emma's house. Their mom Ms. Nicole and mommy work together. It was a great time! Ms. Nicole went all out - she even had balloons drop from the ceiling! Cupcakes, horns, and a disco room - what more could you ask for! They even had a wand so that I could turn mommy into a frog when I wanted to! Happy New Year Everyone!

I got to decorate my own cupcake at the "Chef's Corner".

"Turn mommy into a frog...whap!"

More Christmas Fun!

2009-01-01T20:49:00.004-06:00

This is my cousin Grace. I don't get to see her very often, but she was fun to play with!

Hanging with my cousins Abby and Anna Jane.

Poor Abby, no alone time even to take a bath.

Gracie and I had a great time playing in Mimi's castle!

Dinner time!

My great-aunts Ebby and Sarah came to visit and brought with them more cousins. It was fun, but seriously, I would love another boy to play with. I am surrounded by GIRLS! I am holding out hope that my aunt Mando and Uncle Bo will give me a boy cousin sometime.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-26T21:45:00.003-06:00

Christmas was a blast this year! Charlie "got it" a little more and so it made things fun! Mimi and Papa had their annual Christmas Eve party. We saw all of our best friends and celebrated the most wonderful time of the year with the people we love the most. Grandmother came over Christmas morning to our house and then we all went over to Mimi and Papa's house for lunch. Charlie was on complete overload by 10am! He slept through lunch and had only a PopTart to eat the whole day, but it was all worth it! Here are some of the highlights from a fun-filled day!

Breakfast with Santa

2008-12-13T14:13:00.006-06:00

Check out the BIG nutcracker!

Ally, Charlie and Anna Jane

Brody, Jamison and Charlie

Watching Santa sing!

I went to Mimi's club today to have breakfast with Santa. My cousins Anna Jane and Ally came with me. I also invited my friend Jamison. He is kinda little, but he had fun too! When we were there we also saw my friend Brody. Mommy, Jessi (Jamison's mommy) and Emily (Brody's mommy) have been friends since they were little kids. It was so fun to have so many special people there together. I loved seeing Santa too! I sat in his lap and I wasn't even scared! I hope he remembers that I want blue presents for Christmas!

Cousins Galore

2008-12-05T22:44:00.002-06:00

All of my cousins came to visit me for Thanksgiving! It was a wild week! I had dance parties at Mimi's house with all the girls and I got to be a part of Baby Jackson's baptism. It was a wonderful celebration of family for Thanksgiving! I am a lucky boy!

I Knew This Day Would Come

2008-12-02T20:45:00.000-06:00

I have been watching all of my friends fall victim to the blogger world, and I swore I would never do it. Never say never. With the clock ticking closer and closer towards the arrival of our newest addition, I figured why not! I thought I would keep track of Charlie's life through a scrapbook, but quickly learned that was a joke. So, maybe I will be better at chronicling the next life I am responsible for if I do it this way! Let's see!