The Hill Family

2009-09-09T12:46:00.004-05:00

We've loaded up the wagon and I'm all ready to move! I couldn't resist using this picture from the old school computer game The Oregon Trail. Who didn't love some of that game in computer lab in elementary school. I only hope that during this move no one gets bitten by a snake, or gets typhoid or dysentary.

The time has come. I am changing my blog site because hill-billy4 doesn't really apply to us anymore with our new addition! We are now 5 . So my new blog with be

http://www.takeahillpill.blogspot.com/

which you can gain access to by clicking on the above link! I haven't done any posting on this site yet, but from now on, all my pictures and posts will be there, so keep an eye out. Can't wait to see you all there!!

What you've all been waiting for

2009-09-09T10:23:00.008-05:00

On Friday morning at 7:56, our 3rd son was born at Brookwood Medical Center. He weighed 8 pounds and 6 ounces and was 20 3/4 inches long. His name is Charlie Lane. He is perfection. These pictures are a glimpse into his birth day.

The day started out bright and early for the big brothers to be. Everyone was anxiously awaiting Charlie's arrival as our family filled up the waiting room.

Huett, never one to pose for the camera was especially excited. He was very worried about seeing his mommy and started crying for me about an hour before I got into a room.

Sam loved everything about this whole day! He was bouncing off the walls with excitement.

Once Charlie finally did arrive, Huett wanted to hold him first. He takes this very seriously. He is so gentle and careful with him, just like we knew he would be. He is such a big helper.

Anytime Huett sees someone else holding him he whispers to me, "I want you to hold him." Not jealousy at all, just overprotective. It's really sweet. And whenever Charlie cries he stops what he's doing and gets me to help him until we get him to stop crying.

Sam is a little more rambunctious with him. He said, " I love him so much!" And he'll say " CHaaalllliiiieee" and he'll give him kisses.

notice how someone is having to hold his head back as he gets kisses. He tends to get a little rough sometimes.

Here they all are in their matching 1-2-3 t-shirts that my mom made them. They were so stinking cute!

Our first family photo. Not the greatest in the world, but it is what it is.

This is the first time I got to hold him. He was grunting a lot and we were all really worried about that. Thankfully, the nurse that bathed him was great and she was able to clear his lungs out and he never had any more problems with that.

This was right after his bath. We were all surprised about how much we thought that he looked like Sam. Now, though, it's a few days later and all the people from my side of the family think he looks just like Chad when he was a baby. I just think he is the most handsome little boy.

Charlie and I were snuggling right when I came back from the operating room. I love this picture. He just looks so peaceful and sweet.

Hi everyone!! I'm here! The nurses all kept talking about how strong he was and how they couldn't believe his strength. He was already lifting his head and kicking so hard. I told them I wasn't surprised at all. This is exactly what I've been trying to tell people for weeks!!!

So sweet. He doesn't cry much but when he does, everyone knows about it!!

All in all, everything went off without a hitch. He nurses well, he sleeps better than I expected and we are all making the necessary adjustments that a newborn requires. I am in love all over again, and am so thankful to have such a happy, healthy family! It's amazing how your heart just grows to make room every single time. There is no division of love, it just doubles!

Keep us all in your thoughts and prayers as we enjoy our sleepless nights and all the excitement a new baby brings!

Living Vicariously

2009-08-29T11:37:00.007-05:00

Well, as you all know, I am about to give birth to my 3rd son. So, I have taken it upon myself to use my niece to get my girly fix. We enrolled her in gymnastics this week and she started on Thursday. I got to take her to the gym where I took gymnastics for years and then taught gymnastics when I graduated high school.

Here we are upon our arrival. She was so excited she was almost beside herself.

Here she is waiting in line to go in for her class. There were girls of all ages but the girls in her specific group were her age, or close to it.
She got to pick out her leotard and she chose this one because she liked how soft it was.

Ava had a little bit of trouble staying focused on what she was supposed to be doing when her teacher was helping the other students and this little girl kept trying to keep her straight, telling her where to stand in line and to stay on her own mat. It was pretty funny.

Ava was learning how to do a forward roll, which she already knew how to do, but I think she liked rolling down then wedge mat because it makes her go faster.

Here she is climbing up onto the bar! She was especially excited about this part.

pushing up into a back bend was a breeze for her. She did that better than the rest.

Here she is on the beam. This one lies flat on the ground and she kept running to the higher ones and walking on them. You can tell in her mind she is better than this just like she thinks she is at everything else. She is just too big for her britches. I will say though, when she climbed up onto the other beam which sits about a foot off of the ground, she did it really well, and without falling off so, maybe she's right.

Getting help with her forward roll.

Here she is learning to do a cartwheel over the mat. It's pretty hard to teach a child this age to do a cartwheel, but she was trying.

This was at the beginning of class, when they were stretching. As you can see there is one boy in her class, and Mikey and I were thinking about letting Huett take classes too. He would be great at it, and my brother took gymnastics with me and Trisha when we were growing up, so it can't hurt! I'm going to take him Thursday night and let him watch to see what he thinks about it.

Anyway, I got a little sad talking to the gym-owner Regina because I started thinking about how I probably won't ever have a daughter to take on my own, but I got over it when I wrote that check for Ava's gym fees and started to realize how much money we will save having 3 sons. I mean a monthly fee, not to mention leotards and hair bows and recitals and cover-ups, etc.

I might have to pay a registration fee for the boys to play sports but it is a one-time a year thing, and then uniforms are usually included. And they are only 4 years old.

Oh boy...and girl!

let the countdown begin!!

2009-08-26T17:16:00.001-05:00

Well, I went to the doctor on Monday, and I am starting to have very swollen feet, hands, and face...which I hate. I have actually had to take off my wedding rings which I've never had to do. Anyway, my blood pressure was up a little, so he told me that he would really like for me to quit working, which I was more than happy to do. So I won't be going back to work. I will be going back to the doctor on Monday and the plan now is to have my c-section on next Friday September 4. If my calculations are correct, that makes me have to go back to work the week of Thanksgiving which really stinks. I was hoping to atleast milk the Thanksgiving holiday out of it. Maybe it will still work out. Anyway, I am just taking it easy and trying to get the finishing touches on his room. So, 9 days and counting!!!

BUSTED!

2009-08-26T16:47:00.003-05:00

A few weekends ago, my parents and my sister took the kids camping at Oak Mountain. Everyone had a blast, but as you can see here, Sam got a nasty busted lip, bless his heart. He was just walking down down the sidewalk when he tripped and hit the curb with nothing but his mouth. Mom and Trisha said that had he been running, it would've knocked his teeth out. When he fell, there was lots of blood. When he finally calmed down, they called to tell us about it. I got on the phone with Sam and he said," I fall down, I cry, I need you." Talk about making you feel guilty for not being there. A big part of me wanted to go and get him, but I didn't b/c of My hot date with Mikey, to go see Little Texas, but that's a whole other post. Anyway, once he calmed down( and it took a while b/c he wanted his pacifier, but to add insult to injury, he could use it b/c it hurt too) he was fine and eating again so he recovered well and didn't really need his mommy.

Can I just say that this picture really doesn't do the severity of it justice. This pic was a few hours after it happened and I think it must've continued to swell, b/c when I got there the next day, it looked worse than that.

Archer made the trip too. He's such a sweet boy!!

He just plays all day! I hope Charlie has the same temperament

Sam is just trying to eat a cookie with his new big lip

Going for a ride in the bicycle pull-along / stroller. They love this thing. Problem is keeping the adults in good enough shape to pull them around. Dad does a great job though considering his typical bike ride by himself is several miles around town. Ava made the trip too, but somehow, mom and trisha didn't get any pictures of her. Go figure. Mom and dad are planning on taking the kids camping again the weekend after Charlie's born. Hopefully it will be less eventful.

Let the nesting begin

2009-08-13T12:52:00.007-05:00

Isn't it a little ironic that at 9 months pregnant and after a several day stretch of only sleeping a few hours a night, God instills in a mom, the urge to clean and prepare for the babies arrival? I mean seriously, out of the going on 10 months of a pregnancy if ever there is a time when I should not feel like cleaning and organizing, it is now. But just like I have with every other pregnancy, I have this burst of energy and a sense of urgency to get everything just right for Charlie's arrival. As we speak, my brother/personal contractor on-call is painting the nursery room and trim, as well as painting the trim in Huett and Sam's room which I have been putting off for months. Don't worry,we are paying him :-)... Mikey and I are going tomorrow to buy new ceiling fans and light fixtures for several rooms in the house, not to mention, Charlies special-order fabric has arrived at Hancock Fabric so I can finally put a rush order on his bedding! Also, yesterday, I could be seen at Wal-mart buying outlet covers, light switch covers, and a new digital thermostat to convert our ancient round one into something a little...make that a lot more modern! Now more so than with Huett or Sam , I feel like I have to be organized with everything. I just hear horror stories of going from 2 children to 3 that make me feel a little intimidated. But I also heard the same things when I went from one to two and they were only 17 months apart and I showed them! (I am sticking my tongue out as I write) Anyway, I can't wait to hang his cute wall hangings that I blogged about in an earlier post.
It's all so exciting!
ON another note, I wrote that my c-section was scheduled for September 5. After arguing with my lovely husband about the fact that the 5th is indeed a Friday, I stand corrected. My c-section is scheduled for Friday September 4. Love you honey! Thanks for straightening me out on a regular basis.

2009-08-07T13:09:00.006-05:00

A few days ago, I celebrated my 26th birthday. We had a yummy Strawberry cake from Edgars Bakery. You have to try it if you never have. Best. Cake. Ever. I had lots of help blowing out candles.

I think Sam was trying the hardest.

What do you do with this behavior besides take a picture to use as black mail in the future?

He can turn it on and off in a flash. Even looking at him in pictures like this, I could just eat him up! Oh the drama.

With Ava at the wheel, this picture is a little scary.
Lets just say, it seems like she got her driving skill from her mom.

We piled them on just for these pictures. Huett is a very cautious driver, so it isn't quite as dangerous as it may seem. Notice Sam hiding out if the back.

Aren't they a good looking bunch? It was virtually impossible to get a pic of them all looking at the camera at the same time. I think Huett actually makes a point not to look at the camera just to spite me.

Sad to think that Summer's almost over. It's actually kinda unbelievable. Where has this year gone? I remember adults telling me time will fly once you grow up. Now I get it! And, now more than ever, I want it to stop!

This is something I am learning to deal with on a daily basis. It's hard to cherish the moment when everything is so busy and crazy and messy, but somehow I am trying to slow myself down and do just that. Wish me luck b/c when Charlie gets here, it will only get even harder.

slip and slide

2009-08-07T10:22:00.007-05:00

Huett got a slip-and-slide for his birthday and we got it out to play. Last year, we tried a slip-and-slide and it was a disaster. They didn't understand it and they just kept falling down. This year, however, they took right to it.

Huett understood how to do it right off the bat. He didn't really need too much coaching.

He would run from way back and really get some speed. For a while, he was the only one who could make it to the end.

Ava was just scooting to the end because she couldn't gain enough speed...at first.

She had a much more creative mind when it came to ways to get to the end and after we moved the slide to a little hill, she was set.

Another Ava original. She was the only one that perfected the frogger slide.

It took Sam lots of practice and the help of the hill before he ever even came close to the end. He did a lot of crawling to the end and then jumping into the little pool like you see in this picture.

He was breakin' it down in between slides to his own little beat in his own little head.

Don't you wish you could see this picture from behind. What a sweet little man.

Arch-head wasn't quite ready for the water so we just sat on the sidelines.

Teagan even got into the action with a little help from her daddy. He was her own personal rocket booster as you can see in the upper left hand of the picture.

She takes such a pretty picture.

All three of them were racing for the slide. This looks like an accident just waiting to happen.

Mikey has begun a new exercise regime which including cycling on this particular day. He has a very eclectic workout going on right now that includes a little bit of everything.

It''s tough work.

Charlie update

2009-08-05T13:04:00.002-05:00

I went to the doctor yesterday (on my birthday) for my 34 week check-up. Charlie is doing fine as far as we can tell and I actually lost a pound putting my total weight gain for those of you who are keeping up, at 15 pounds! It's a miracle. I don't see how I haven't gained more. God knows I gained 2-3 times as much with Huett and Sam. Must be my healthy lifestyle...yeah right! It will be interesting to find out whether he will weigh as much as Huett (7#12 oz.) and Sam (8#2 oz.) did without me gaining all that weight. Anyway, my c-section is tentatively scheduled for September 5, 2009. That's the Friday before Labor Day. Exactly one month from today. I am more than a little excited. I can't wait. I need to get my $h!t together and get his nursery finished. I just picked out all the fabrics for his curtains and bedding, so now my mom and Granny just need to get it all put together. It's really cute fabric. Pictures to come soon hopefully b/c time is running out. Also, my blood pressure is lower than it has ever been! Something about being pregnant with Charlie seems to really agree with me. Aside from sleeping at night that is. My bed and I aren't on the best of terms right now, but it's not the bed's fault, it's doing all it can. Stir-crazy nights are just part of being 9 months pregnant. I can deal.
I'm a little...make that a lot... sad that this pregnancy is almost over b/c I am pretty sure it will be the last one. I really do enjoy being pregnant. There is so much more good than bad in my eyes about being pregnant. It's so neat to me. Everything about it is cool. Not to mention the end result. Anyway, unless we strike it rich, (keep buying those lottery tickets Michelle), this is it. So I'm soaking it in. Sleepless nights and all. So, I'll keep everyone posted!

Slip and Slide/ 26th birthday pictures and post to come!

naptime with Archer (and Charlie)

2009-07-31T17:00:00.004-05:00

Today, I got the to hold Archer while he took a nap. Charlie wasn't as much of a fan of it, as he was kicking back against Archer the whole time! Still, I think they'll get a kick out of these pictures when they get bigger!

Oh and I must clarify, on my last Charlie update when I said that I had gained 16 pounds, that wasn't in one month, that was throughout my entire pregnancy! Just wasnted to clear that up! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

2009-07-26T06:24:00.000-05:00

I went on a shopping spree for Charlie yesterday at Storkland in Vestavia. After picking out an entire room in pirates, we (me, mom, and Trisha) changed our minds and went for this sports theme. I am glad we swapped b/c I really like this alot and it should be able to carry on for several years.

We're going to get HILL and #3 put on this jersey

We bought the canvas paintings separate from the frames, which was much more expensive, but I think the frames make much more of a statement. And Charlie is worth it.

This clock is just too cute. The "my brother did it" sign is for Huett and Sam's room.

Isn't this stuff cute? And we will be making the bedding and by we I mean Mom, Trisha, and hopefully my Granny. They made all of the bedding and curtains for Huett and Sam's nurseries too. I'm excited!

Willy Wonka Sleepover

2009-07-26T05:57:00.000-05:00

Huett Michael is very into story-telling right now. He is always asking us to tell him a story. He doesn't care what it's about, but if you make one up and tell it to him, he will remember the names and ask you several days later to tell him that story again. Well, since my stories are completely ridiculous and off-the-wall, I can never remember what I told him, so I am trying to stick to real stories that I can remember. So while we were on our camping trip, laying in our tent, I told him the story of Willy Wonka and the chocolate factory. Well, he loved it and has wanted to hear it 100 times since then which is fine with me since that is one of my all-time favorite movies. Well, after some contemplation, I decided to let him and Ava watch it. So we planned a movie night complete with popcorn and all. Huett sat on the couch and watched the entire thing from start to finish. Ava did pretty good too, she only got up a few times. He thought that it was really neat because all of the stuff I had told him in the story kept happening on screen. He has watched it two more times since then and has sat completely still both times. You just never know what a kid will like. I mean a movie from 1971? I guess like mother like son. At least in this one instance.

Anyway, before we came inside to start the movie, it was raining cats and dogs outside. No thunder and lightning though, which Huett and Ava were quick to point out, so how could I not let them play in the rain. I used to love that too when I was little. I can remember lying in the gutters of our subdivision when we were little when they were flowing like little rivers, and mom just standing by watching us. Those are fond memories.

Singin' in the rain, just singin' in the rain!

Ava was trying to dig in a puddle, the rain from the sky just wasn't enough for her and she jumped in every puddle in the yard.

Mikey and his mom were out on the porch with us. I took 4 pictures in a row and in all four, they look like they

1. are high as a kite

2. have lazy eyes

3. are praying

I guess like mother like son...once again.

so, finally, I said OPEN YOUR EYES!! and this is the hilarious picture I get. My husband is such a goob.

Huett kept sticking his toys in the drain pipe and watching them shoot back out with the water!

Needless to say, they were soaked!

Part of me wanted to get out there with them, but I refrained.

Look at all that rain. (my camera lens was fogging up in this picture)

It was a monsoon!

The first annual Huett family Camping Trip!

2009-07-25T05:26:00.000-05:00

So, A few months back, my parents bought a pop-up camper, which we have all just been dying to use, so we planned a camping trip to Point Mallard for last weekend. It was the weekend to go camping because the weather couldn't have been better! It was low 80s all day with a nice breeze and it was mid 50s at night which is perfect for tent sleeping which is what Mikey and the boys and I did.

Chad and Jenny brought Teagan up for the day on Saturday and we all had a blast.

We were nearing bedtime here and Huett was worn out completely!

Once the kids got settled down and watching their video which you'll see in a coming picture, Mikey, Trish and I settled in for a rowdy game of phase 10!

Teagan made herself right at home in the great outdoors!

I know this probably goes against everything a true nature enthusiast stands for, but it sure was good entertainment when the sun went down. And a little down-time for the adults.

They were pretty into whatever they were watching. Either that or they were all about to fall asleep.

Sam and Teagan chatting it up while Huett and Ava pay attention to the show.

We roasted marshmallows, and hot dogs which I think was probably more fun for the adults than the kids, but still, the kids got their first real taste of cooking by the campfire.

Of course we had to take their power-wheels so they could follow behind Dad and Mikey and Chad on the bike trails, and drive themselves to the playground(with adult supervision of course)

Last, but certainly not least, Archer made the trip with us. I know what you must be thinking...A 3 month old camping? Honestly he was the best one there. He wasn't any trouble at all and I am pretty sure that if he wasn't spoiled rotten before our trip, he has come home that way because he got so much good lovin' on the trip. He is just the sweetest baby ever!

Listen up immediately

2009-07-24T18:37:00.004-05:00

For all those who care, Christmas in July has just started on Magic 96.5.and will last all weekend! I know not everyone loves Christmas music, but that is just sacreligious to me. When Trisha and I were teenagers, she had a standing rule that once Christmas music started on the radio, you couldn't listen to anything but that, and you had to continuously scan the dial until you found a Christmas song, which I am pretty sure is still a standing rule today. I had already planned to tell her about it as soon as I heard it on the radio, but she beat me to the punch. So for all you Christmas music enthusiasts, here's the link http://www.magic96fm.com/ Enjoy!!

2009-07-24T17:17:00.002-05:00

It's a Girl!! Chad and Jenny are expecting another sweet baby girl around New Years! That will help balance out my three boys at the family gatherings. Everything looked great on the ultrasound. The baby is healthy and growing a little ahead of schedule. It will probably be a big baby b/c Teagan weighed 8 pounds 5 ounces! I'll post more baby info as soon as they pick a name!

Huett's 4th Birthday Party

2009-07-24T12:21:00.037-05:00

So as I had previously blogged about, we had Huett's 4th birthday party at a place called Storyville Station in Vestavia. It had a superhero theme and was all-inclusive as you will soon see. In typical Huett fashion, he wasn't too sure about the whole thing and really never left my side for a few seconds, but it was still a blast. I know all of the other kids loved it. Here are a several pictures of the highlights.

All dressed up and ready to go. Huett was Robin and Sam was obviously Spiderman.

This is a TV they had with pictures from the party playing on it.

The birthday boy got to sit on his throne. It took some convincing to get him to sit there.

Teagan was the cutest wonderwoman ever! Paw Paw is stealing a kiss!

Sam making good use of his party blower!

So freaking cute!

Huett attacking Papa Hill with his party blower!

Mikey was one of the villains at the party!

Chad tried but I don't guess he could stop smiling long enough to be villainous!

Super Ava! and Ashton (who shares a birthday with Huett)

This was the party host who was dressed up like Batman!

The confetti on the table was edible, which Huett was taking advantage of.

Sam and his MawMaw

Sam warmed right up to the crowd and had no reservations.

Now, it's time for tattoos!

This was an attempt at a group picture before heading down the secret passageway into the BatCave! The bookcase you see in the background opened up to reveal a slide that takes you down to the next floor! So cool!

This is the entrance to the slide which of course Huett wouldn't go down by himself. Mikey went down it with him.

This picture is totally out of order, but the tree had a hidden bubble blower in it that I can say with confidence was the best part of the party to Huett. It was really cool!

back to the secret passageway, this is Sam coming off of the slide. He loved it.

Huett, not so much. He looks a little freaked out! Mikey seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it though.

Next, there was an obstacle course set up in the batcave. The kids had to climb over the rock, jump through the rings, then go under the limbo bar. Once again, Huett wouldn't do it, but he did get to stand on the sides and throw that big blue ball to try to thwart the superheros from completing the task!

We did the hokey pokey, the chicken dance and follow-the-leader!

Sam kinda did his own thing the whole time, but he was definitely having a good time!

Teagan reminds me of Huett so much, personality-wise. She is more reserved and has to warm up to situations similar to the way Huett has always been. Seriously is that outfit not the cutest thing you've ever seen? LOVE IT!

Next was the flying machine which I never expected Huett to try in the first place. He and I sat right to the side and watched all his friends learn to fly super-hero style!

The kids straddled this little bench and were flung across the room on a track that was connected to the ceiling. They loved it. Of course, Ava offered up herself to go first. She knows no fear. Period.

Sam got right on next, but as you can see, he had his doubts. He was giving me a look like

* please get me off of this thing.*

As soon as it started rocking, though, he was into it!

Next, back upstairs for cake, confetti, and presents. They also had a slideshow that came down on a projector that had pictures that were taken by the hosts throughout the party. I don't have any pics of that but it was neat.

This was his cake for the year. And then when he blew out the candles...

confetti fell from the sky! It was really neat.

All the kids were excited.

The cupcakes were yummy!

Everyone got their fill!

More action from the party blowers! Another unexpected hit of the party!

And onto the finale! The gifts! Huett really racked up this year. Don't tell him, but I have still got the gifts stashed in the back of the Durango and We open one every couple of days so it's sort of like the gifts that keep on giving. Seriously, it's much better this way because he can really enjoy one for a few days before he gets the next one. They are more appreciated this way.

His mawmaw got him a batman bike which he really likes. He does pretty good on it, he just needs someone to "get him started" on it!

I hope this post gives everybody the basics of the birthday. It was a party that I won't forget, and by the time it was over, Huett was telling me he wasn't ready to go home yet!

In other news, Chad and Jenny find out what their baby is in approximately 30 minutes, so I'm sneaking out of work to go to the ultrasound. I'll be back to let everyone know what they'll be having!

Charlie update

2009-07-21T17:42:00.002-05:00

I went to the doctor today for my 32 week (8 month) visit. I have gained 16 pounds (gasp!). He measured my stomach like he always does. Typically with most pregnant women, you can measure from the top of their tummy to the bottom and the length in centimeters should be close to the # of weeks pregnant that you are like 28 cm =28 weeks pregnant. Well, I am 32 weeks and my stomach is measuring 38 centimeters. So, according to the size of my belly, I should be due in 2 weeks, not 2 months. Dr. Huggins said that Charlie's growth is impressive and that he wants to do an ultrasound in a few weeks to get a better estimate of his weight (not that it matters, b/c I am having a c-section either way). If one more complete stranger asks me if I'm sure there's only one in there, I am going to scream!!! I want to laugh in their faces and say, "Do you think I haven't had any prenatal care? Do you think it's 1925 and ultrasound machines don't exist? If I have made it to 8 months pregnant and don't realize that I am carrying twins, then someone needs to alert the American Medical Association and turn in my doctor, and, they need to call DHR too, b/c I may not be suitable to raise said twins."
Now that I've vented, I promise there is a post in the works of Huett's birthday, but I am using pictures from several sources so I am having to get it all together. Just to keep you all in suspense, it invoved a real-life Batman, a bat-cave complete with fog, black-lights, bubble machine, and secret passage-way, and confetti that fell from the sky! Pretty freakin' awesome!! But there are pictures soon-to-come! I hope everyone is having a good week!

Birthday Cupcakes

2009-07-18T06:56:00.000-05:00

Since none of the kids went to preschool on Huett's birthday, I made his cupcakes for that Friday and I think they turned out pretty darn cute if I may say so myself!

All I did was cut out a stencil and used it to do the sprinkles!
Huett thought it was really neat! And they tasted pretty good too!

2009-07-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

On the actual day of Huett's birthday, we took him to a magic show at the Fultondale library.

This was the magician.

The boys thought it was pretty silly!

They got tickled over a few of his jokes

So far, Huett was really enjoying being four years old!

They were paying attention and acting so grown.

Ava thought his card tricks were really funny!

Then, we took Huett to one of his favorite restaurants. Stix (one of my faves too!) He is finally over being scared of the flames, and he just loves the food!

Archer wasn't all that impressed by the show
(notice his eyes, they are exactly the same color as Ava's in the next picture, which are exactly the same color as Trisha's)

Ava couldn't wait for the yummy rice!

Sam loves it too. Come to think of it, I don't know very many people who don't love Stix.

At the end of the meal, our waitress surprised Huett with icecream and a birthday candle!

I think the loud drum scared him a little but he was tough.

He blew out his candle!

He didn't want to share his ice cream and he ate every bit of it himself. He even resorted to drinking it with a straw when it melted. He had a great 4th birthday!

Fourth of July!

2009-07-16T05:59:00.001-05:00

Better late than never! We had a fun Fourth of July! We grilled out at one of Mikey's friends house from work and went swimming. Then, that night we went to watch the fireworks at the Vulcan in downtown Birmingham. These were the first really big fireworks that the kids had ever seen!

Sam was really surprised about the fireworks, and a little freaked out, hence the wild-eyed look in this picture.

He retreated to the safety of his Gran-Gran's lap for the rest of the show.

Ava, however was totally into it!

We really had great seats. It didn't last as long as I remember it but isn't that how everything is when you grow up?

Ava held her hands to her chin with her little jaw dropped for the first few minutes. She really loved the sparkly ones!

These were our seating arrangements...not shown: Mikey, myself, Trisha and Archer

After the fireworks show we had a spend the night party at our house. We made it home around 10:30 and did a few fireworks of our own...in our pajamas.

Sam still wasn't into it and a little freaked out so he did what he always does...shot basketball.

Huett, however thought the sparklers were great.

Ava loved that too. She said they were so beautiful.

Please don't turn us into DHR for letting 3 year olds play with fireworks. I, being a nurse, should know better...and no, it wasn't my over-protective husband who shot a roman candle out into the yard that hit a tree trunk, bounced off the roof of the very porch Sam and I were sitting under, and landed at Huett's feet while we all screamed in horror. Luckily by the time it had landed, the flame had died out.

After the fireworks extravaganza, everyone was sacked out.

I didn't so much as hear a peep from them the entire night until around 8:00 the next morning!

She slept in the middle. I think she had a blast!

Sam was worn out too! We had so much fun!

At then end of the night, Mikey had to clean up the debris! Nothing like a man that's not afraid to use a broom. Even if that is probably the only time in our almost 5 year marriage that he has used it! Still nice to know he can! Love you honey!!

Alabama Power Charity Softball Tournament

2009-07-15T05:35:00.000-05:00

On the last weekend in June, Mikey and some of his friends from work gathered up a team to play in their company softball tournament. It was an all day event, so the boys and I had to go for moral support!

I know there aren't too many pictures of Mikey that make it to my blog but here are a few of him in action! Ladies , try to control yourselves. This is one good looking guy. Look at his calf muscles in this picture!

I love this picture too. I wonder if our sons will grow to be as good looking as he is? I am sure they will!

Running home for the score! They guys played a total of eight games between 8:00 that morning to 9:30 that night! It was in the mid to high 90's all day. I know, am I crazy for taking a 2 and 3 year old there while being 7 months pregnant? Probably a little, but I would do it again tomorrow. It was really fun. I did have swollen ankles by the time we made it home and I called in to work the next day but I am so glad we made the trip!

This is the team. They finished in third place, which is pretty good considering they only got to practice one time and only a few of them made it to that practice!

Now, more importantly, what did the boys and I do at the ballpark all day? They had a moonwalk and a big slide, a covered playground. face painting, and train rides. It was a blast...ridiculously hot, but lots of fun!

later in the night, they turned the sprinklers on at the fields. I let the boys loose and they had a blast. Don't think I wasn't tempted to jump into the stream myself, but I refrained!

Sam got a snake painted on his face!

Huett went for the Pirate look!

Getting his face painted is the only occasion for which Huett will hold completely still and let a stranger come this close to his face!

Sam goes for the reverse-feet first slide every time!

This shot was at the start of the first game! Notice how clean the boys still are. That didn't last for long.

Huett was sweating like a grown man when he came out of this moonwalk.

Huett goes for the traditional slide, on the back, feet first!

All in all, we had a blast! The boys needed to see their daddy play and I am glad we joined in on the fun! Can't wait until next year...I'm not sure if Charlie will feel the same... We'll just have to wait and see!

Archer's first swim!

2009-07-14T05:28:00.000-05:00

Archer went on his first swim last weekend at my grandmother's pool. Isn't he the fattest 3 month old you've ever seen? He is going to be such a big boy!

He seemed to enjoy the water. It did help that the pool is almost the temperature of a bathtub. I guess that's what you get from an Alabama summer.

I love this sweet little picture of him. I could just pinch his little cheeks off.

Spend the night party!

2009-07-13T17:17:00.004-05:00

Every once in a while Mikey will have a "spend the night party" with Huett and Sam. No girls allowed, which is fine with me b/c if you've seen me lately, you know I am in no shape to be sleeping on the floor in our den. Anyways, the boys have a blast! Mikey even fell asleep with the remote in his hand. Sam insisted on sleeping without his shirt on to be "wike his daddy" These boys are lucky to have such a good daddy!

Happy Birthday Huett Michael

2009-07-08T05:50:00.001-05:00

My baby boy is four years old today. Four just seems like such a big boy age and I guess it is. I guess every birthday that passes will be a little bittersweet because it's one year older. One year closer to adulthood... This post is a dedicated look back at the past 4 years! Amazing how time flies when you're having fun!

This is Huett at his baby dedication. He is around 5 months old here.

Huett's 1st Birthday Party

What a pouty face. We saw a lot of that look during this stage of his life.

Look at that blonde hair!

Aren't those the fattest cheeks? You can still see a hint of that baby face every once in a while if you look closely.

2nd birthday party!

Happy Halloween! 2 years old

I love this picture! Where has my baby gone?

Huett's first snow. We drove all the way to Alabaster to see this snow at my Uncle Mark's house b/c it didn't snow where we lived.

Huett went through a stage where he always wanted to wear a sock as a "glub" (glove) b/c his popeye (Mikey's grandfather) always wore one on his one hand. He fell asleep in this uncomfortable position with glub in place.

Huett's 3rd birthday

Halloween 2008. Lightning McQueen. 3 years old.

Huett Michael now.

I just love this boy.

So join me in wishing him a happy 4th birthday!

To a great big brother and a fun cousin!

Mommy and Daddy love you more than life!

HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY!!!

2009-07-07T17:03:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone!

Sorry it has been so long since I posted...it's just this whole Michael Jackson thing has really had me down...I kid, I kid! I'm doing great, Charlie seems to be growing rapidly as much as I can tell and my first-born is turning four tomorrow...I can't believe it! We had a good fourth of July which I will have pictures of just as soon as I can get to Wal-Mart and have them put on a CD so that I can bring them to work. I do all of my blogging at work in case you all were wondering. Just don't tell my boss. Today is my big brother's birthday too!

Happy Birthday Chad E. Whacker!

I am now 30 weeks pregnant and this baby is (if my memory serves me correctly) the most active baby I've ever had. He makes my stomach do crazy things. I won't even be paying attention b/c he moves so much and girls at work are like...look at your stomach it's jerking around. It never gets old watching a baby in your belly kick around. I've gained a total of 12 pounds which is way better than where I was at this stage with my last 2 pregnancies. I'm a pretty restless sleeper at this point. Lots of tossing and turning throughout the night. Other than that I am feeling surprisingly good!

Huett's birthday party is at a place in Vestavia called Storyville Station on Saturday night. You can visit them online www.storyvillestation.com . I think it's going to be a great party, but as usual, no one has RSVP'ed. No one did for Sam's birthday party but almost everyone I invited got to come so hopefully that is the case this time. This is the first year he has gotten to help with the guest list which is comprised of mostly boys from his preschool since it is a superhero party. I am a little worried that not too many are coming. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. He will be dressing up as Robin. If anyone knows where I can borrow an adult Batman costume for Mikey, a Joker costume for Sambo, or a Maternity catwoman suit for myself, let me know...that's a crazy image to put in your head.

Anyway I will blog soon with more pictures. Hope everyone is enjoying this week's "cool" weather. 80 degree weather is so much better than 90 degree weather. My flowers are so much prettier too b/c they aren't getting scorched.

Blog ya later gators!

wacko jacko

2009-06-25T18:49:00.004-05:00

It's really hard to believe that MJ is dead! I seriously didn't believe Mikey when he called me and told me this. Not that I was the hugest fan or anything, but just listen to my playlist. He had some great songs! Mikey still has a Michael Jackson mixed tape with billie jean on it that he pops into Old Red every once in a while. It's really sad to me. I dread the day that the celebrities that were popular to me like...and don't think I'm a dork for saying this...when guys from nsync or Saved By the Bell, or like Beverly Hills 90210 start dying. That will really be a bummer. He was just so young. It will be interesting to hear the actual cause of his death as everyone knows he hasn't really been on the up and up with his health...remember all the face masks.

I just wonder what Prince Michael I, Paris Michael, and Prince Michael II (yes, those are his kids actual names... not too full of ourselves are we?) will do now. Their mom like gave them up to Michael or something crazy so I wonder where they will end up in all this.

What will he be remembered for? His 750 million albums sold or his alleged child molestation charges? His pale white skin or his amazing shrinking nose? Hanging his toddler over a hotel balcony or being married to Lisa Marie Presley?

What a random life he seemed to have lived from Never Land Ranch to the last several years he spent in hiding at palaces in Saudi Arabia. And remember that weird interview he did with that guy from CNN when he took him climbing in that tree like a little kid? That was creepy.

Is there any way to be so famous at such a young age and not turn out to be a total weirdo? Well, hopefully his strange life won't overshadow his musical achievements...and may he rest in peace.

Also, isn't it a little sad that Farrah Fawcett's death will be totally overshadowed by Michael's? She has already been downgraded from headline to side note status on all of the news websites. It's a little morbid to think about, but what rotten luck to be a celebrity and die on the same day as Jacko. Bummer!!!

2009-06-23T06:23:00.001-05:00

I'll end all of my beach-blogging with some photos of our amateur beach-side photo shoot. Call me cheesy but these are some of my favorite pictures to take. They always turn out so beautiful and classy-looking.

This shot was by far my favorite one. The background was perfect and the boys look oh, so sweet!

I love this little guy.

Family portrait. It's a little hard to get everyone in sync but I like this one.

Huett was more into the grass than me or my camera. Still a pretty picture. He's just growing up so fast!

I really like this picture too.

All in all we had a great trip. Can't wait until next year when Charlie will get to go with us and we can truly get a complete family portrait.

Teagan and Archer

2009-06-22T06:07:00.000-05:00

I wasn't able to catch a lot of pictures of Teagan at the Beach b/c her napping schedule was completely opposite of the older kids. I did, however, catch a few good ones in the room.

Here is Teagan and Chad. This is such a clear picture.

I am still surprised that she ended up with those blue eyes. At this rate, my children will be the only ones in my family without blue eyes.

Look at this sweet baby. He is growing up so fast. I get the feeling that he is going to be a big boy. He is just getting so big so quickly. He is so alert and friendly. He was totally the best of all. All it takes to illicit a smile from him is to make eye contact and grin at him. He is so friendly. I could just eat him alive.

Teagan and Paw Paw. Is this not the perfect picture. Look at her big girl teeth!

Sweet baby boy. Ooh I just want to bite those cheeks!

2009-06-21T05:57:00.001-05:00

These are some pictures of our visit to Pier Park in PCB!

What a sweet little family.
Mikey took Sambo on a go-cart ride. He had the need for speed.

The kids also rode some carnival rides. They were very excited. I didnt' catch any other pictures of Huett or Ava.

The end of the night at Pier Park we got a cute group picture.

2009-06-20T04:49:00.003-05:00

Splash is known for it's kid-friendly atmosphere. These are some shots of the kids playing in the water areas at the resort.

Ahh the life of a diva poolside at the beach!

Is this not the most beautiful little girl you've ever seen? You truly can't get the full affect of those eyes on a computer screen. She took full advantage of all the entertainment at Splash!

I don't know what she was going for but I think that sticking out her tongue may've helped her stretch a few inches further!

Thanks to this, Ava didn't have to take a bath all week. Just kidding!!

Sam has the biggest mouth...I guess he get that from me according to my dad!

I am just so thirsty.

I think I'll have a drink!

AHHHH so refreshing!
(on a side note, how awesome is my camera? It just amazes me how it can catch the water so clearly in mid-air. Maybe all cameras do that but I am just amazed

Sam rides the turtle!

As Huett commandeers the turtle!

This was one of our favorite spots of the week!

Happy Father's Day!!

2009-06-19T13:50:00.002-05:00

Happy Father's Day Mikey!! The boy's obviously look up to you more and more each day! Thank you for being such a hands-on daddy in their lives. Every morning one of the first things they ask is, "Where's my daddy?" So you are on their minds all the time. It's been a wild ride raising these 2 so far and with Charlie on the way I know there's much more ahead!

So from the boys and myself,

We Love You!

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-19T04:28:00.004-05:00

We took the kids (and ourselves) putt-putt golfing. It was fun. We would let all of the kids have a turn putting and then we would have our turn. It was a beautiful night with a nice cool breeze!

These silly faces were made in the cave behind the waterfall

They are just so silly!

Handsome boy

A little to the left...that's it!!
Go In!! Go In!
Yes!!!
A hole in one!

Oh the excitement!

By the end of this night, all of the kids were worn out!

Sam actually started one shot from the beginning and came within one inch of a hole in one! Mikey and I were shocked! It was pretty cool!

2009-06-18T06:15:00.000-05:00

This entire post is going to be filled with pictures of our adventures in the sand. Huett wasn't terribly fond of the sand, he actually fell asleep in my lap two days sitting at the ocean under our tent. That's why lots of these pics are of Sambo and Ava.

This was the view from our balcony on the 19th floor. Pretty colors huh?? Look at how crystal clear the water was! There literally wasn't a cloud in the sky for 7 days straight. Then when we returned to home to Dora, there was a monsoon waiting for the next 2-3 days!

Somehow, this is the only picture I have of Mikey's mom Regina and it's near impossible to tell that it is her. Huett was biting her with his sand digger. He thought it was really funny!
I think my sister had a little too much time on her hands while she was on maternity leave because she personalized all of the kids sand toys...notice Huett's name on his shovel.

Sam was trying his darndest to blow up Teagan's Strawberry Shortcake beach ball. Look at those puffin' cheeks!

Archer and mom did a whole lot of this while we played at the ocean

Everyone take a quick gander at this picture of Mikey's aunt Michelle b/c as soon as she sees it she'll probably force me to remove it. I think it is quite lovely though.

Mikey shaved his chest the day we got to the beach and b/c he is so hairy normally, this sorta made him look like a scalped cat. Let's just say his chest hasn't been exposed like that in years and he got a lot of sun! He attempted to bury himself in the sand in this pic.

Try to contain your laughter. This is me at 26 weeks pregnant... and NO IT"S NOT TWINS!!
I did love my swimsuit though b/c most maternity swimsuit are tankinis and they float up in the water and show your belly, but not this cute one-piece. I got it at The Swanky Stork in Homewood!

Mikey helped the boys build an inticate 5 way tunnel system in the sand. They had fun making trips to the water and filling up their(personalized) sand buckets and pouring it into the tunnels

They also had a lot of fun playing with the frisbee!

This is my dad's mom, NaNa. She came to visit us from her trip to Grayton Beach.

This was one of Huett's many treasures that were discovered in the sand! Everything is so much more exciting through the eyes of children. Especially when they are your own.

Just before I took this picture, Sam had been rolling around in a sand pit that his uncle Chad dug him. His hair was FULL of sand. It took a good long wash to get all of that sand out.

Hard at work with yet another personalized shovel, and his daddy.

Teamwork!

Isn't he just becoming the little man. So handsome!

Ava was buried in the sand by her pawpaw. She liked the sand the most, by far!

Such a sweet baby boy. I can't believe he is about to be a big brother...I don't know that this transition will go as smoothly as it did for Huett when Sam was born. I get the feeling that Sam may have some jealousy issues. Hopefully not!

Teagan wasn't really sure about the sand either but she certainly did it in style. How cute is her puddle-jumper!

Sam's takin' it easy in the shade.

Huett kept us all cool by spraying us with his water bottle fan. I think it is so neat how my camera was able to catch the fan blades like that.

A golf ball at the beach? Sam's been really into golf-balls here lately. He kept up with this ball most of the trip.

All in all, our time at the beach went 1,000 times better than it did last year! Hopefully each year it will be better than the last!

Leaving for the Beach!

2009-06-17T12:17:00.004-05:00

We left for the beach last Sunday and these are the pictures of our ride down. We started with breakfast at Cracker Barrel in Alabaster. The kids matching outfits were courtesy of my mom! So cute!

Look at how Huett and Ava are holding Archer's toes. We didn't tell them to do that, they just did. Teagan was having her own party in that picture...

Just imagine this time in around January when there are two more babies added!

This starts our ride down to the beach. Everyone started getting drowsy pretty fast.

Mikey snored almost the whole time when he was asleep!

Huett held out the longest but they both finally gave in.

Ava fought it too!

Mikey at the wheel.

back awake for the beach arrival

"Chillin' out max and relaxin' all cool"
in the words of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air **Will Smith**

Oh the joys of the sweet 12 passenger van AKA the silver bullet. Pretty soon, Dad will have to upgrade to a 15 passenger van. Don't be jealous!

2009-06-08T08:00:00.001-05:00

We had a hard day of yard-work last weekend. We are doing landscaping in our front yard. It rained the whole day which was actually great because it kept it cool and kept the bugs to a minimum. But by nap time, Sam was pooped! I turned on yo gabba gabba and 10 minutes later, I come back to find him like this:

using his baby as a pillow. So dang sweet I could just squeeze him to death!

Well, Huett didn't give it up as easily.

He kept on watering our new shrubbery and plants

He absolutely loves to squirt the water hose.

but he didn't hold out too long because after his bath, we were getting ready to go out to eat and he fell asleep just like this

He never does that! It was funny. They had a total blast playing in the mud and rain. Lots of fun!

Is there a doctor in the house??

2009-06-07T08:00:00.002-05:00

Huett got this doctor kit at babies-r-us after a big-boy visit to the doctor where he didn't cry at all. Ever since, they have been taking turns playing doctor/patient.

this is really meant for your ears but whatever works I guess...

then they use the thermometer to do the ears

and the shot to check the temperature.

this is the one thing they actually got right.

I guess I shouldn't sign them up for medical school just yet.

more playtime photos!

2009-06-06T08:00:00.001-05:00

After a peaceful night of yo gabba gabba and backyardigans...

topped off with a little NBA playoffs...

these 2 just decided that they had been still long enough.
and just in time for bed, they got all wound up all over again!

Fun fun fun!

Watch the Belly!!!

2009-06-05T08:00:00.001-05:00

Playtime can get a little rough but it sure is fun. These are some pictures of me and the boys wrestling while Mikey is behind the camera.

Something happened...who knows what...and the waterworks began.

bless his heart.

Sam's baby makes him feel so much better!

And just that quickly, whatever ruined his mood, turned it right back around and he is all smiles again.

one thing led to another...

2009-06-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

One night last week while Mikey was up shooting basketball/throwing the football

and Huett and Sam were coloring on their dry-erase board, the topics converged

and the boys asked Mikey to help them draw which leads us to our next picture

and the drawings began. From baseballs, basketballs, and footballs

to trucks

to the first letters of our names

Sam was taking note...

Then Huett finished the session with a beautiful portrait of the sun. Stunning isn't it? Seriously, not bad for a 3 year old!

You just never know where playtime might take you around our house!

the few (captured) faces of Huett

2009-06-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

If Sam is the "ham" of the fam, Huett is more like the turtle. He shies away from the camera. It's not that he doesn't have much personality, believe me, he does. I just need to be sneakier with my camera. I need to treat him like an animal and hide in his surroundings. I need to mimic a National Geographic photographer so that I can really catch him in his element. He is, after all, the originator and perfector of most of the faces that Sam is making in the post after this one. He taught Sam everything he knows. Every once in a while, I get lucky and catch a shot like this where he is dancing

or like this where he is really smiling big and not faking it.

but more often than not, this is as much as I can get out of him. It's allright for me b/c I get to see him do all of his silly things in person. Hopefully I can catch enough shots that he can look back and get a glimpse of what he was like as a pre-schooler!

The Many Faces of Ava Claire

2009-06-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

One night last week, Mom kept Huett and Sam, and Mikey and I kept Ava. These were the silly pics from that night.

Talk to the foot!

droopy eyes

I'm not sure what you would call this, but she thought it was really funny when she was looking back through the pictures on the camera

Silliness personified.

Look at those baby blues. I mean they are crystal clear.

The many faces of Sam!

2009-06-01T08:00:00.002-05:00

Sambo was really hamming it up for the cameras as he always does and these are some of his specific faces that he will make upon request.

This is his crying face. Look at his vampire fangs!

This is his big smile!

This is a face he makes when he is showing off his muscles

In this pic he had a mouthful of water

This is his Thomas the Train face/ good Grinch face. Grinch?? you say... My boys are very into the grinch. Both the Jim Carrey version and the cartoon versions. Apparently this is the face The Grinch makes when he turns nice at the end of the movies. And yes I know it is June but they insist on watching it in the car and so we've been watching for months.

It's SPLASH BEACH!!!

2009-05-31T16:58:00.006-05:00

Finally our much anticipated trip to the "Big Water" is upon us and we couldn't be more excited. Mikey missed both of our beach trips last year due to work and a hurricane in Texas that will remain nameless. So on Friday, this is what we have to look forward to

sandy white beaches...and SPLASH BEACH RESORT! For those of you who haven't heard of this, it is the absolute best resort to stay at if you have kids! These following pictures will show you some of the reasons why!
this is a cool picture and this is just the crosswalk over from the parking deck!

This is one of the pools and the hot tub

And most importantly the splash pad! This provides hours of hands free fun where the kids can play and the parents can sit back and chill. So yes this resort is a little (alot) pricey, but it is money well spent considering that the normal vacay with a 2 and 3 year old is more work that rest! But not here! I just hope it isn't too crowded. We usually go in September, after Labor Day when school is in session, but because Charlie has scheduled his arrival for that week, we have had to push it up. No matter, It is still going to be a blast. and a much needed one for my hard-workin' hubby! wish us lots of rest and relaxation!

Sam's mad sports skillz

2009-05-31T16:23:00.013-05:00

A total dream come true for my husband, Sambo seems to be especially gifted at shooting basketball. I know what you must be thinking...yeah right all little boys like to play with balls. But this is more than just that. We have a 6 foot basketball goal pictured below and it is on it's highest setting. Sam can ring that goal over and over. It really is amazing. His teachers at school always make comments about how good he is at ringing their goals at school. One teacher said she watched him ring it 10 times in a row and she couldn't believe it. She said her son couldn't do that when he was 6 or 7 and Sam is only 2. Mikey is really good at shooting basketball too, so I guess that's where Sam gets it from but as for this post, I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

He aims!

He shoots! Look at that form!

Wait for it! Wait for it!

and while you're waiting, notice how high the goal actually is. That is an eight foot door-frame with 10 foot ceilings. you're impressed right? And Sam is what...3 feet tall!

He scores...and the crowd goes wild!!

He is also a pretty good shot with the football too. Which is what he seems to be more built for right now, big boned baby!

Look at the concentration in his little face

I can only imagine where life with 3 boys will lead. Probably to lots more posts like this!

~Archer's Photoshoot~

2009-05-31T14:20:00.001-05:00

Trisha and I staged an impromptu photo-shoot for Archer last week. It went pretty well. We tried using lots of different props and only one of them turned out really cute. The cutest ones were just of him all by his naked little self.

So freaking cute! Look at those fat cheeks...both sets!

This face was the beginning of a smile!

Look at those tiny little feet!

Sweet blue eyes! (if they stay that color)

This was by far my favorite picture. I just love it! Maybe I should make a living out of this...just kidding! But it was fun!

Name Announcement...I think!

2009-05-15T18:35:00.006-05:00

After much debate I think Mikey and I have settled on a name. I think it's really cute and if you have any objections speak now or forever hold your peace. Mikey picked the name Charlie and his middle name comes from my middle name Elaine. If we had've had a girl, her name would've been Adrianna Laine so that is where the songs you are hearing have stemmed from. So, let the monogramming and personalization begin! Gran Gran start your engines!(embroidery machine that is).
Our third son will be named...drum-roll please!!

Huett pronounces this Charre Wayne...he can't say his L's at all. Let's hope the baby doesn't learn to say his name from Huett.

Also another exciting fact, on the 16th I turn to 23 weeks. For all of you who don't speak medical, If you have a baby before 23 weeks gestation, there is nothing you can do. Babies that early don't survive, period. The doctors won't even try. But once you hit that magical 23 week mark, your baby suddenly becomes viable. Not that I have any reason to believe that I will be delivering anytime before the month of September, but that eases my mind just a little bit.

2009-05-14T16:30:00.002-05:00

We had a peaceful and uneventful Mother's Day. Archer had his baby dedication and he looked so sweet in the gown that Huett and Sam both wore for their dedications.

What a sweet little family

"What you lookin' at?"

Ava's getting a kiss. Look at that beautiful blonde hair!

What a blessing he is!

No I didn't manage to get one picture of me with any of my children or my husband on mother's day or on any of the following posts except one. I am going to try to do better in the future. Not that any of you care to see me, but someday in the future my kids may want to know what I looked like when they were little. I know we always get a kick out of looking back at pictures of my mom. Boy did she have a lot of hairstyles. Anything from a salt and pepper curly mullet to a brown semi-afro. Priceless.

2009-05-14T15:45:00.003-05:00

The whole reason for our trip was to go to a rodeo in Cullman that was to be followed by a Chris Young concert. For those of you who don't remember him, he won the third season of Nashville Star. Mikey thinks he is the greatest thing since me...just kidding. No, but seriously if I have those final episodes of Nashville Star once on our TIVO, I have seen them a thousand times. Huett watched it every night before bedtime for several months. So anyway, these our some pictures from the Finale of our day-trip to Cullman

This is a sweet picture of those big brown eyes. This kiddo was staying hydrated!

The boys both got to ride ponies for the first time. They thought it was really funny when they would have to stop the horses to scoop the poop. Must I remind you that they are both very into bathroom humor right now... much to my dismay.

This little saddle got Huett warmed up to the idea of riding the real pony

Sam, however, took right to the pony-riding. He looks like such a big boy.

This was just a little girl who was decked out in her Wranglers, cowboy boots, and hat. There were tons of kids there that looked like full on cow-kids. Too cute!

This is what the rodeo men were wearing. It was really pretty exciting watching them try to rope that cows, etc. They had this one event where they would let a wild cow loose, bucking and going wild and the man on the horse would have to rope its feet and someone from his team had to run up and milk it and then show they actual baby bottle with the cows milk to the judge. CRAZY! Just to set the record straight female cows with udders can also have horns. I saw it with my own 2 eyes, so just b/c it has horns doesn't mean it is a bull!

This is the actual concert. Mikey wouldn't got down to the stage b/c it was in the dirt and he was wearing his new shoes...who's the pretty boy now?

This was Mikey and I during the concert. Man we don't look like we used to.

The boys got to meet Chris at an autograph signing at Jack's Western Wear earlier that day. Huett was a little shocked that Chris was right there instead of just on TV.

I hope you all enjoy the pictures!

Ave Maria Grotto- Cullman

2009-05-14T15:13:00.004-05:00

Saturday we took a day trip to Cullman. Believe me we saw all that Cullman had to offer. We ate lunch at All-Steak (yummy!!) where I proceeded to drop my expensive sunglasses(the only expensive pair I have ever owned) into a hole behind our booth that might as well have been the Grand Canyon. After several different attempts to retrieve them, we were successful with some kind of long handled squeegee and the little boy at the next booth climbed under the table and grabbed them for me so that started us out with a bang!

Our next stop was Ave Maria Grotto which for those of you who don't know is a monastery/catholic school. There is a candle shoppe that sells the candles made by the monks. Yes, we are talking real monks who walk around in brown hooded capes. Anyway, One of the monks has made it his life's-work to create all of these miniature statues of real-life places and events. There is a little Bethlehem that depicts Jesus' birth, a huge cavern that is carved out of the side of a cliff. It is amazing how much attention he paid to the details. He used everything from broken glass to seashells to decorate and these are a few pictures from our trip.

First of all our tourist trip wouldn't have been complete without Mikey wearing his tourist shorts that I bought him just for the trip. Is this not the cutest plaid print you've ever seen. The only thing that would've made it better is if I could've found these shorts in the boys' size and they could've been three-of-a-kind

This is a picture of Sam with his sucker that he was licking on the whole time we walked through the exhibit. Of course he didn't proceed to drop it on the ground and have it covered in dirt, to which I absolutely did not attempted to blow it off to no avail. Of course I didn't then go on to lick the dirt off myself to prevent him from having a meltdown in what seemed to be such a peaceful and beautiful place. Of course I didn't do any of those things. And no, I am not still cleaning the dirt from my teeth. *( just kidding about that last part)

The boys had a good time checking out all of these neat things that were just their size

This section was ancient Greece and Rome and it was really amazing. There was a tiny road that went throughout the whole thing. I mean it was all so tiny, yet so detailed.

Inside this window is where the manger scene from Jesus' birth was recreated. It was really pretty b/c there were stained-glass windows and the sun shone through so beautifully.
Notice him happily sucking on that sucker...

The boys were really starting to wind down at this point...look how they are in such a daze... I will admit though, it's easier to get pictures when they are in this state

I didn't get as good a picture of this cave as I thought I did but it was really impressive.

I guess I was too focused on tourist Mikey...

The boys were trying to climb the sculptures. We had to nip that real quick. I didn't want any Catholic monks coming after us.

So all in all this stop on our trip was fun. I probably wouldn't drive all the way to Cullman just for that, but it is definetly worth stopping by if you are passing through.

Play-Time 2009

2009-05-14T14:47:00.004-05:00

Ava attempting to venture out to the water park that sits behind the park...It wasn't yet open to the public

April's sweet little girl Briley. If it weren't for that pacifier, I think she may hae tried to eat anything she could get her hands on.

This is a pic of Will, (Adam and Lori's son)He was glad to be out and about with all of these playmates!

One of my dear childhood friends April has organized a play-date that will span throughout the summer! There were alot of girls from high-school that I haven't seen in years who all now have kids of their own. I only got a few pictures of some of the children that weren't mine, but it was a blast and fun was had by all...children and adults. There was an unexpected but exciting visit from the ice-cream truck. It was the first time my kids had seen an actual real-life ice cream truck besides the one on Dora the Explorer.

Sam, as usual, with a mouth full of something...He ate more than he played I think.

Archer was our youngest one by a long shot! He had a nice time too, even if most of it was spent sleeping!

Once again...notice the strategic placement of that pacifier!

Huett was also itching to get to that waterpark! I promised him...soon enough!

This is Will again...look at those big blue eyes!

There were probably about 15 kids total, ranging from 2 weeks to 3 or 4 years old! If any of my readers are interested , leave me a post with your email address and I will forward you all the dates.

2009-05-07T11:13:00.003-05:00

SO I have to give a shout out to all of the moms out there. But, especially to my own. She is no doubt a supermom which has grown into being a super Gran-Gran! She goes above and beyond what any mom should have to do for her 25 year old daughter and her grand kids and we all love her for it!! I seriously don't know what we would do without her. I'll even speak for Mikey and say that I think she is the best mother-in-law a guy could ask for. People often say they don't see how she keeps up with all of us but she does it without batting an eye. I hope I can be as good a mom and grandmother as she is! I love you mom!! Happy mothers day!

On another note, I can't believe I am the lucky mom of 2 sweet boys with one on the way. Anytime I run into someone from a few years back I can see the shock and surprise spread across their face when I tell them I have been married almost 5 years, have a 3 year old, 2 year old, and one on the way. I must admit, sometimes I look at my sweet boys and think...Are they really mine? Why hasn't anyone shown up to try to take them away? And then I come back to life and realize they are mine. Am I really the one of the 2 people responsible for these children. Mikey and me? That's it? Really?? You have got to be kidding! We should still be 21 years old, going out and still worrying our own parents(and in our minds we still are). How will they grow into well-adjusted productive citizens? Then I realize my parents were a lot younger than we are and they probably felt the same way and with lots of love, attention and prayer, we turned out all right so hopefully the apples won't fall too far from the tree.
People always say I don't know if we're ready to have kids. Who ever really is? Will we ever have enough money? maybe not...will we ever have a good enough job? probably not...but once your children are here everything else becomes secondary to them and what is best for them. You suddenly wonder what you ever did without them or why you ever questioned becoming parents in the first place. So I'll end this long post by saying Happy Mother's day to me! But this is absolutely a job I would do every day for the rest of my life even if there was not a day to celebrate it!

Not for the weak-stomached!

2009-05-06T18:00:00.006-05:00

Mikey made it home and we are so glad to have him back! Thank God he was here b/c on Sunday night, the boys woke up within about 20 minutes of each other throwing up in the middle of the night. Sam was in their room and He woke up crying and covered in puke(lovely, huh?). So about the time I get their bed stripped and him all cleaned up and settled watching Yo Gabba Gabba at 3:30 in the morning in the downstairs den, I hear Mikey yelling from our bedroom, " Tiff get in here, Huett's throwing up!!!" (Huett comes and gets in bed with us every night around 3:00 A.M.) Somehow Mikey slept throught the whole ordeal with Sam. Anyway, I run upstairs and poor Huett is covered just as Sam was. Thank goodness the nice salesman at Rooms to Go encouraged us to buy the mattress protectors for both ours and the boys new beds. Money well spent! Anyways I get Huett all cleaned up and settled watching Yo Gabba Gabba and we relax for a few minutes. Then as they are headed back upstairs Huett does it again. Clean-up follows and then back to sleep. They both threw up as soon as they woke up the next morning and then Huett threw up 4 more times and Sam only once. Loads of fun!! Needless to say I was afraid it was Swine Flu but the I came to my senses and by Tuesday they were no more worse for the wear. Kids are so resilient(mommy not so much)But as Mikey (and the guy off of Joe Dirt) would say," You live to play another day!"

*****How could I forget to address the garbage pail kid puking at the beginning of my post. That is so funny b/c the boys are so into spiderman and since I didn't think anyone would want to see a picture of my 2 sons actually doing the deed themselves this is definetly the next best thing. And in a nod to the 1980s how many of us actually did have our own Garbage Pail Kids cards. My mom hated them and I guess now I can see why, but we sure did think they were cool.*****

2009-05-06T16:59:00.006-05:00

Pregnancy Tickers

Confused Anyone?? Baby Huett?? What does this mean?? Well, to end the suspense, I will come right out and tell you! My brother and his wife are expecting their 2nd baby on December 31! That is exactly 2 years from when their first daughter Teagan was born.That means that there will be three babies born into my family this year making a total of 7 kids between my brother, sister, and I. Huett and Ava will be 4 and 1/2 when Chad and Jenny's baby is born. 7 grandkids four years and under. It should be an exciting Christmas...or New Years Eve! Anyway, we are all very excited about the next new arrival!! And can't wait to find out if it is a boy or a girl! Congrats Chad and Jenny!

2009-04-27T11:39:00.006-05:00

It's lonely in our neck of the woods. Mikey has been gone to Macon, GA since Saturday and will not be home until Thursday...I don't like it. So Mikey, if you are reading this, somehow, the boys and I hate this just as much as you do. They miss you at bedtime and in the afternoons when you usually come home from work. They ask are you going to be home tonight and I say not yet. We have been watching basketball at night after yo gabba gabba goes off because that is what they always do with you when you are home. I am so thankful that you are at a job where this is a rare occasion and not the norm. Not that we won't take full advantage of this nice paycheck on our beach vacation...but right now, it just stinks!

It really gives you a new appreciation for parents who do this all by themselves on a regular basis. The boys have been perfect angels...of course...but still, it's just a lot to handle. And I can't imagine this being forever(and God-willing, it never will be). But anyways honey, sugar pie, light of my life, we love you and miss you dearly---and I am seriously counting down the nights alone in my bed until you come back home. When you are gone I realize how lucky we are to have you! I need you back and the boys do too! WE LOVE YOU!!

---side note--- no, Mikey does not drive an 18-wheeler, he works for Alabama Power but if you know Mikey, then you know this song couldn't be more appropriate while he's away! Turn up your volume and enjoy!

2009-04-27T11:21:00.002-05:00

I can't even believe I am complaining about this, but it is 80+ degrees outside and I am in a newborn nursery that is approximately 400 square feet with 14 babies, 2 doctors, 3 nurses, a nursing assistant, and a secretary and our air conditioning isn't working!!! It is sweltering and I feel like there should be steam rising off of me! We are on the fourth floor so imagine all the heat that is rising from below. It's all I can think about. I don't actually even mind the heat...that's when I am at home and in shorts and a tank top or even better yet, in the yard, in my bathing suit by the kiddie pool which is where we spent all weekend. But when I am stuck in this sauna, in my scrub pants, tank top, scrub top, socks and tennis shoes (which is the worst part b/c my feet can't breathe) it is almost to the point of unbearable. So all of you sitting at your desks or at home in a wonderful cooling air conditioner think of me... 5 months pregnant, and packed in here with screaming babies and say a little prayer b/c as the temperature rises outside, the trend will follow in here. Even worse, think of my poor husband or dad who works outside all day everyday...maybe I'll stop complaining now.

i believe in you!

2009-04-17T18:57:00.004-05:00

With the lazy days of summer fast approaching, I thought this song would put everyone in the right mood to read my blog for the next few weeks. So turn up the volume and enjoy!

--Update--

The reason this song reminds me of summer is because it is so slow and easy. It just makes me want to sit out in the swing and watch the boys play in the sprinkler, or even better, lay out at the pool while they swim.

on a side note, if you have small children, you MUST buy one of these floats for them. Seriously! Best Pool accessory we ever purchased, and trust me we have tried a lot of them. They can be found on Amazon.com, or you can just google them. They are call Stearn's Puddle Jumpers. They don't use any air so you don't have to worry about them popping. They snap in the back and are sizeable. They really do keep the kids from floating face down(if god forbid, that ever happened).

And they are made really well so it should last you a while. Happy Swimming!

Precious

2009-04-17T18:15:00.002-05:00

These handsome men just couldn't go without mention.

I think this may be the best picture of Sam that I've ever taken. Or that's been taken period. I just want to squeeze him. Maybe I'll enter this into some kinda contest or something. Anyone know of any good ones?

Huett is equally as handsome, but in a different way. And he's a little harder to catch a good picture of, but I think this is a pretty good one.

2009-04-17T18:08:00.002-05:00

These are just some random pictures that I thought were too cute to go unnoticed.

I think this is the sweetest picture of him. His hands are almost as big as his face.

Huett was sneaking a kiss

So Sam had to have one too.

Did I say the other pic was the cutest? This one puts up a good fight!!
Did I mention that my new camera is the best thing I have bought in a long time and totally worth the money.

Sweet tiny little baby hands!

Easter

2009-04-17T17:47:00.005-05:00

Happy Easter! These are our family Easter pics.

The boys were handsome little men but Sam had an accident in his khakis before we could take pics. That is why he is in shorts. I think I need to take some lessons in posing a picture because I don't know what in the world made me think I needed to sit my big self next to these 2 tiny boys and let Mikey's big tail hide out behind us. I look like a giant.

Here is a picture of Chad and Jenny and Teagan!

I believe this is the first pic of mom and dad with all of the grandkids since Archer was born. It turned out pretty good.

Sam abandoned the egg hunt to play with this frog.

Ava and Archer. So cute.

By the time we met up with Mikey's family, we were all worn out and in our play clothes. I'm gonna take some pictures with them soon so that you all can see the other side of our family too.

So Mikey and I explained the Easter Bunny to Huett and Sam. Huett didn't like the idea of the Easter Bunny coming into our house. He kept on asking me about it so I told him that I would lock the door and leave a note outside telling the easter bunny to leave their surprises on the porch. He is still asking me a week later if the easter bunny came in our house. For some reason that really freaked him out.

2009-04-17T17:28:00.006-05:00

Archer had tons of visitors. First and foremost, his big sister Ava.

She wasn't exactly sure what to think of him at first.

but soon thereafter, she warmed right up. At one point we asked her if she wanted to hold him and she said yes, so she went and washed her hands and climbed up in her chair and said,

"Gimme that sweetheart!" It was so funny and sweet.

Huett and Sam were very hands-on right off the bat. Huett is very gentle and probably pays more attention to Archer than the other kids. He loves babies. Sam is just a little too rough for my comfort level, but he does good. Our baby better watch out!

Huett thought this was really exciting! A few seconds later he was helping to give him his pacifier when Sam stole it and put in his mouth just like it was his paci. Maybe now would be a good time to take away his pacifier.

Sam looks really mischevious in this picture. He does come by it honest, however. For those of you who didn't know, I was voted most mischevious in my nursing class. Try not to be jealous!! haha

Notice the roughness that is about to take place in this picture... oops!

Teagan was another very important visitor. She wasn't the baby for long. She had to come meet her new baby cousin! Look at those big girl teeth!

Ava is loving on what she refers to as The best baby brother in the whole wide world.

Aunt Jenny (who has never graced the pages of my blog until now) came to visit too! She looks natural with a baby boy doesn't she...hmmmm maybe this is a sign from the future!

Archer Blaine's big arrival!

2009-04-17T13:29:00.008-05:00

So I know these pictures are long overdue, but here it is, the story of Archer's birthday from start to finish! First of all, mom, Trish, and I had to be at UAB at 5:30 AM. We arrived promptly, shortly after a questionable and possibly dangerous stop at the Pilot Truck Stop on Finley Ave. (This pregnant girl's gotta eat!) Anyway, upon arrival and check-in we find out that all of the pre-op labs Trisha had drawn were going to have to be redrawn and sent. So this leads to our first long wait(of many). They take Trisha back and leave mom and I in a nearby waiting room. About an hour later they tell us we can go visit Trisha one at a time. Mom went first for about 30 minutes. At this point it is around 7:00. I finally go back and poor Trisha is sitting on this ridiculous stretcher whose mattress looks like a puzzle with so many separate pieces that it was impossible not to fall into the cracks. I will not insert a pic b/c I don't think she wants that image surfing around the internet. Anyway, a friend of mine happened through the operating room, and I asked her what the hold up was b/c the admitting nurse gave us the impression that we would be seeing the baby in about 1 hour(now it is approximately 8:00). She told me that Dr Joiner(Trisha's doctor) was in L & D waiting for a patient to deliver and then after that she had to go see a patient in a clinic at the VA hospital and that then she would be back to do Trisha's c-section. GRRRRRRRR! We were already anxious and then all of this waiting. So long story short, 4 and 1/2 hours after we got there, Baby Archer was born at a healthy 8 pounds 9 ounces at exactly 9:52 AM!

I got to go in the operating room and take pictures! This is his first one and boy did he come out screaming! He looks just like Ava in this picture. I got to go into her delivery too and got almost the same shot.

This picture was just seconds later on the bed. He cleaned right up. He also pinked right up too which is a great sign. His apgars were 9 and 9 for all of you medical personnel out there.

This is his first picture after his first bath. I got to give him his first bath! That's just one of the perks of working here! Cool huh?!? These pictures taken during this time were the only ones with eyes open for about the first 3 days.

This is the first picture of mommy and baby when she returned from surgery. So sweet!

Finally, a ragball update!

2009-04-17T13:16:00.002-05:00

So, Ragball is in full-swing. For those of you who aren't familiar with that, it is actually a step down from t-ball. Yes they hit off of a tee, but there are no strikes, no outs. The whole team bats around each inning and a parent stands with each player out in the field. We usually play around 3 innings. It's interesting to say the least. The boys aren't really into it this year. They sure do look cute in their uniforms though. They do a lot of filling their gloves up with dirt, etc. The following are a few cute pics of them before their first game.

To all of you who said Mikey and I were crazy for having 2 kids so close together, I have to say, look at these 2 in this picture and tell me that we made a mistake.

Sam's hair just doesn't work in a baseball cap. It's too long, but I thought this was a funny picture of him.

Let's just say that Ava Claire put both of my boys to shame on the ball field, not that I ever had any doubt that she would. And who knew that My Little Pony was a necessary piece of equipment for baseball?

Baby Archer is here!!

2009-04-08T10:27:00.001-05:00

Birth Announcements

Silhouette Family

2009-04-02T16:34:00.000-05:00

My Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Inquiring Minds Demand to Know!

2009-03-31T12:04:00.006-05:00

Well, the results are in! Mikey and I are having another. little. boy. Yes, you read correctly, no it is not a typo. The tiny baby growing in my tummy that Huett has been referring to as a little guwl (girl) is actually a baby brother! Although I am a little shocked, we are all very excited and not very surprised. God obviously didn't see fit to give my any girls which I am starting to think may have been for the best. Maybe I am too warped into the rough and tumble world of little boys to reshape my mothering tactics for a dainty little girl...and maybe Mikey really would've developed an ulcer 15 years down the road from worrying about all the boys that may have been lurking outside her window. Nevertheless, I can't wait to hold another son in my arms and to see Mikey's face when he brings him to me to hold for the first time. I can't wait to watch Huett try to explain the intricacies of Spiderman to him or for Sam to try to show him how to shoot a basketball. 3 built in best friends for the rest of their lives. I think that is the best gift Mikey and I could've ever given them. Will it be a little crazy at times? Absolutely. But I can't think of a better father or 2 big brothers that any kid could ever ask for. Or any mommy either.

2009-03-19T18:58:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to drop a quick line to say Hi! We have been so busy lately with T-ball and getting ready for Trisha's Baby to arrive that I haven't had much time to post. She is going to have a scheduled c-section on April 6th in the afternoon! Her diaper shower is this weekend! Very exciting! I also just wanted everyone to know that there is a comment button after every post and I would love to hear from you! I know our families follow this blog but I am interested to know who else does. Obviously someone else is reading it because I have only had a ticker for about a month now and already over 1,000 people have visited our site! I welcome everyone to visit and I would love to hear from you all! I also hope you all like my cute little signature I have adopted for my blog!

In other news, the boys just started practice for their Easter play (Huett hates it and couldn't care less, but Sam really seems to enjoy it), and Mikey, Trisha and I start the adult Easter play practice tomorrow night. That should be interesting. I am sure Mikey has some mad acting chops that he has kept hidden for the last 6 years. I know I do! (Thanks Mr. Manning who taught my horrendous drama class in the 9th grade)

Also Kids market is Thursday and I CAN NOT WAIT! I will have pics of all my cute buys next week!!!!! These are just a few pictures of what awaits us when the doors open next Thursday... I already have my whole game plan laid out!

I could do a whole other post on the inner-workings of Kids Market and I may in the near future just to explain the phenomenon that is consignment sale shopping(kids market is the mecca of all consignment sales BTW!) And no, you are not too good for consignment sales! They are great and kind of addictive and even a little competitive! Anyway I will explain this all in a later post right now it is time to clock out and head home to a 2 and 3 year old who have been at t-ball practice and a husband who is no doubt frazzled from coaching said practice! Have a great weekend!

Snow Day!

2009-03-12T15:29:00.006-05:00

So I know it is weird to read about our day in the snow when it is 70 degrees outside, but thus is the Alabama weather!Sunday snowsuits, Monday shorts and t-shirts!

This picture is of my dad pulling Mikey and Sam on a tarp hooked to the back of the 4-wheeler. It was a blast!

Ashton, Sam and Ava are riding on the tarp. They had a great time!

This pic is Mikey and Sam and paci. Sam wants to be such a big boy...but he won't give up his paci(and I don't really want him to!)

Mikey started out riding the boys on the 4-wheeler but it was snowing too hard and it made their little faces too cold.

Sam was bundled up so tight that I don't think he ever got cold. If he fell down, he couldn't get up on his own. I am pretty sure he couldn't bend at the waist.

This is a cute pic of Huett Michael

This pic gives you a good idea of just how hard it was snowing when we first went out.

This is Ava and Blacky. Blacky(Such an original name) is the sweetest cat. She lets Ava haul her all over creation with not so much as a hiss.

This is another pic where it is really coming down.

Handsome Huett

Sweet Sam

Huett and Sam hugging to stay warm.

Ava and her Blacky again.

This is a picture of the untouched snow in my parents backyard.

Huett, Sam and Ava hugging in anticipation of running out in the snow! They had so much fun.

pregnancy update...

2009-02-27T15:15:00.003-06:00

So I went for my ultrasound/ dr. appt. on Thursday. Everything went well. I have somehow managed to lose three pounds since my first visit which the doctor scolded me for. I assured him that I was not losing the weight on purpose, and reminded him that if I was purposefully trying to lose weight I wouldn't be successful. The culprit must be my constant nausea. I gag at random all day long. It doesn't matter whether I have an empty stomach, or terribly full. It doesn't matter if it is 6:00 A.M. or 8:00 P.M. I will be nauseous. He reassured me that this should pass sometime in the next few weeks. So while I am apparently shrinking(yeah right) The baby is growing right on schedule...actually a little bit ahead. I also told Dr. Huggins that I have been crazy tired the past month or more to which he replied...and I quote,"Well, you are getting older." To which I quickly reminded him, "I am only 25 and will turn 26 only a month before the baby is born! Anyway, I go back to the doctor in a 4 weeks exactly! I'll update everyone then!

The soundtrack to my blog!

2009-02-23T19:51:00.003-06:00

So I know the Dixie Chicks have their faults, but I think that this is by far the sweetest lullaby for little boys that is out there. I know one day when they are grown and gone I will listen to this song in tears because it so embodies where our lives are at right now. I try to enjoy every moment because I know they are fleeting. That's enough sentimentality. Tonight the boys are having their first "rag-ball" practice with daddy as their coach. Say a prayer for Coach Mike...this is going to be an adventure. Updates to come! Blog ya later

Smile for the camera... I know they're gonna love ya!

2009-02-23T19:24:00.004-06:00

So I really feel like this entry needs no explanation. These are absolutely the 2 sweetest little boys any mommy could ever wish for. They are a blessing everyday and Mikey and I couldn't be more proud or in love with them. I know it's cliche, but you just can't imagine loving anything or anyone as much as you do your kids...until you have them. These were taken just before bedtime which is when the boys are at their silliest. I hope you all enjoy!

One wild Night!

2009-02-23T16:14:00.010-06:00

So when Huett and Sam's rooms were torn apart, in between furniture deliveries and painting, we had a slumber party in our den. Initially Mikey and I were going to be sleeping on our huge sectional...at separate ends...and the boys were going to be in the floor, but as you will see in these pictures, that is not how it ended.

I woke up around 1 AM and this is how Huett and Mikey were laying...so sweet!

This is a picture of how Sam just flipped and flopped all over the pallet!

This is how the night all got started out. Don't they look peaceful...

After things started to get a little rowdy between the boys Mikey decided to climb in the floor with them to separate them

I woke up around 3 AM and this is how Sam was sleeping. He had turned almost completely upside down and was snuggled up to the couch.

Mikey was able to calm the boys for a few minutes by laying in between them and then this began...

There were alot of wrestling moves going on before we finally got them settled down. All in all, it was a blast. I didn't sleep much at all as proved by all of the late nite pics, so I ran away to our bed around 4:00 AM, but we will totally do it all over again. It was fun fun fun!

Mikey's 27th birthday!

2009-02-23T15:52:00.008-06:00

For Mikey's 27th Birthday we took a little drive to Oakman, AL to go eat at Bullpen Restaurant. It was delicious and we had a blast! These are the pictures from that night.

This is a picture of Sam trying to help Mikey blow out his birthday candles! Bless his heart, I don't think any air was coming out of his mouth at all.

Huett took a little ride on an antique rocking horse at The bullpen.

This is a picture of the boys helping Mikey blow out his birthday candles.

Sambo and Mikey...like father like son

this is such a good picture of Huett and his Maw-Maw.(Mikey's mom...as if you couldn't tell.)

This is Sam's biggest smile

This is a picture of our little family after dinner. A spend-the-night party followed, which I will address in my next post.!

Teagan's 1st Birthday party!

2009-02-23T15:19:00.002-06:00

This cute slideshow is of Teagan's 1st birthday party! She had a Strawberry Shortcake birthday and it was a blast! She wasn't too sure about diving into her cake but she liked it! She got lots of great toys and had a blast playing outside with the kids! Happy Birthday Teagan!

Turn up your volume!

2009-02-12T18:12:00.002-06:00

In honor of Valentine's Day I have made a playlist of the music that Mikey and I had at our wedding. So I am taking everyone back 4 years in the romance department. Funny enough I still love all three of these songs. I got a little sentimental when I was listening them through for the first time! Anyways I hope everyone enjoys them.

Happy Week of Love!

2009-02-12T14:50:00.001-06:00

So if I may brag for a sec, my sweet husband has gotten me a 1 hour prenatal massage, a facial, a manicure and a pedicure for Valentine's day! I am so excited...and a little surprised! We just don't usually do big gifts for one another for things like V-day, anniversaries, etc. which makes me look like a bad wife b/c I haven't gotten him a thing. I'm sure I can think of something that I can give him for this "Day of Love!" ;-) Hope you all enjoy your Valentine's Day festivities!

Exciting baby news

2009-02-10T16:48:00.002-06:00

So just a little update on our newest little project. Friday I had another ultrasound and I took Huett Michael with me. That's right, just he and I. It was very fun and I think I will take him from now on. He was so into it. I sat him in a chair next to me and he sat on his knees. As the chair leaned me back and raised me up, he was a little nervous, but I promised him it wouldn't hurt and that they wouldn't be touching him and so he was okay. The ultrasound tech asked him was it a boy or a girl. He told her that it was a girl and she asked him how do you know. He told her we already got a boy and he was just so matter-of-fact that it was cute. He really believes that...maybe he's right. The tiny baby in my belly was wiggling around and Huett got to see that. He keeps rubbing my belly. He will poke it and when I tell him not to hurt the baby he says that the baby likes that. Then he got to meet Dr. Huggins and I told him that he was the doctor that took him out of my belly so I could hold him and he was really interested in that. He said, "when I was a baby?" I told him yes, then he said,"and Sam too?" and I said yes and the doctor told him that he cried when he came out. Huett told him that he is bigger now and no more crying. It was a lot of fun. Sam is still clueless as to what is going on but that's okay. He will not be the baby for much longer :-( Post ya later!

Tacky Christmas Party

2009-02-10T16:01:00.006-06:00

So this slide show is just a little something I threw together so that everyone could get a good laugh at our expense... In our defense, to be grown adults, it sure is fun to dress up like nuts every once in a while. Like last new years we had a black and white party, for Mikeys 26th birthday we had a cowboy themed party and then this one. Everyone gets really into their outfits and it is a blast! This will probably be a slow year b/c of the bun in the oven but that's okay, I am sure we'll have some good ideas for the next holiday season.

Better late than never!

2009-02-10T15:50:00.005-06:00

These pictures are from late December/early January. Somehow they just didn't manage to make it onto my blog.

This is a picture of the Preschool Children's play at church...Huett would have no part of it, but Ava stole the show. She took to that microphone even though she didn't have any solos. It was like something off of America's funniest home videos. Priceless.

This is a picture of Huett and Ava's Christmas program at The Ivy League. Huett once again wouldn't participate at all, but Sam made sure that he was right in the middle of all the action...even though he wasn't in their class. Ava did great.

This sweet picture of Sam is from Nana's Christmas party at my parents house and he is riding the swing with his big cousin Hannah.

Movin' on up!

2009-02-02T18:45:00.002-06:00

So as you scroll down you will see pictures of the new furniture Mikey and I bought Thursday night while we were out for our anniversary. This first picture is a picture of the armoire that we bought to go in the boys room. Huett and Sam will be sharing a room to prepare for the new baby. I have actually been wanting them to share a room for quite some time now. My sister and I shared a room when we were little and I enjoyed it as much as I can remember.

These are the bunk beds that we bought them. Their new furniture is "Pirates of the Caribbean" theme which we will not be carrying into their room. The beds actually look a lot bigger in person. It is a full on bottom and a twin on top and there is a trundle that pulls out with a twin on the bottom. We will not be putting the ladder up for quite a while as they will be sharing the bottom bunk. Mikey and I painted Huett's room a tan color and now all that is left is to find some cute bedding for them that doesn't cost an arm and a leg as we have already spent those on the actual furniture.

Now, for the really exciting news...Mikey and I are finally getting ourselves a king-size bed!!! We have been desperately needing this for quite some time and we've finally given in! Lets just be blunt...neither of us are small people. Add in a 3 year old every night around 3 AM(Sam still sleeps like an angel in his crib which he is almost too big for) and another baby growing in my belly...I think this is a necessity! You guys should've seen Mikey's 6'4" frame piling up on those beds to try out mattresses. I bet we walked around that store 3 or 4 times. The furniture will be delivered on Friday. Pray that everything goes well because I will not be there to supervise. I have a doctor's appointment. I am leaving it in Mikey's capable hands. What will we do with our old furniture? Our bedroom furniture will either be sold or given away to some of Mikey's bachelor friends who desperately need furniture. Sam's nursery furniture will be used by Trisha's new baby until Sam gets his own room again in a new house and Huett's nursery furniture will be moved into Sam's old room which will be the new nursery. Exciting stuff. It will be interesting to see how the transition from crib to big bed will be for Sam. Overall I think that they will enjoy each other and maybe it will help Huett be less afraid of the "bad guys" he is always telling me that might get him at night. I will keep you posted.

TURN UP THE VOLUME ON YOUR COMPUTER BEFORE YOU READ THIS

2009-01-26T14:51:00.005-06:00

4 YEARS OF MARITAL BLISS

So maybe that is a little bit of an exaggeration, but we both agree, Our first four years have been better than most. In fact, we get along better that most of our friends who aren't even married yet. Throw in 2 kids and one on the way and the fact that we haven't pulled each other's hair out is quite an accomplishment. The truth is, we are friends first and so when everything is crazy and the house is a wreck and the boys are out of control the fact that we can still laugh about it and not take ourselves too seriously is why we are able to be so happy. So like my song for the day says," I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend" Like Mikey said...Here's to 4 years and 400 more!

2009-01-26T12:48:00.002-06:00

Hi Everyone! There is some big news that my family has to share with everyone! Mikey and I are expecting our 3rd child!! Can you believe it? I am due September 13th. We have known for about three weeks. Trust me, it has been an impossible secret to keep, especially for Mikey, but we did a pretty good job of it! We just wanted to wait until I got to go to the doctor for an ultrasound. Mikey and I went Thursday and the baby's heart rate was 129 which the nurse said was really strong for 6 1/2 weeks pregnant! Everyone is excited and we feel incredibly blessed that we are getting the chance to do this all over again. I have been much sicker this pregnancy than I was with Huett or Sam. So maybe it will be a girl. If not though, I will just be the queen of the house.(I will have to be a "tomboy" though to fit in with all the guys). We should find out what the baby is sometime in April. Well, keep us in your prayers as we prepare ourselves and the boys for this new little miracle...and pray for our sanity! Pray most importantly for a happy, healthy baby!

2009-01-19T14:31:00.003-06:00

Saturday night, Mikey and I and several of our friends went to Gadsden to eat at Top of the River(delicious and totally worth the drive). Then we went out to a place called Chestnut Station and heard the best country cover band called " Trotline". Usually when we go to hear a band Mikey has to drag me away. That was not the case with this band. I tired out way before Mikey and had to beg him to leave or risk me passing out in my chair. They were really great though. It was funny to see Mikey get into it so much. He hasn't stopped talking about it since we left. If any of you ever get the chance to see this band you definitly should take it.

Divalicious Ava Claire

2009-01-16T17:52:00.004-06:00

This little drama mama deserves a post all her own. She is a mess...She's got more attitude than most grown women. She has also got a touch of the genius bug. She is almost 3 and 1/2. She has an imagination that is unbelievable. She can count to 100, she knows the alphabet and can recognize most letters when she sees them. She will say something crazy funny and people will ask her mom,"Where did she hear that?" And we have to inform people that she doesn't have to "hear things" from us anymore. She comes up with these things all her own. Needless to say she keeps it interesting.

Sam's baby

2009-01-16T17:15:00.002-06:00

So as many of you have probably heard, Sam has this little elephant stuffed animal that is kind of like a giant beanie baby. One of the girls I worked with at Brookwood gave it to me at Huett's baby shower and Huett never laid a finger on it. Sam, however, is extremely attached to it and always requests it when he is tired. He says," Want paci, want baby". The elephant has little one inch tusks that he likes to flick constantly when he is holding it. I just wanted to put this up so that everyone could see it because people are always asking me what he is talking about, so now you know. I am holding on to this one little thing to stop time in it's tracks and keep him a baby for a little longer, even if it is just at night time. The pacifier however has got to go...that is a battle that I don't think I am prepared to fight. Depending on which pediatrician you ask, it really isn't that big of a deal to most that I work with. He only has it at home and will be off of it soon, so nobody panic. Just don't judge me unless you are willing to spend the sleepness nights at my house while he is crying for it.

Yes, you have come to the right spot!

2009-01-16T16:40:00.004-06:00

This is his "Hello Ladies" look
this 2 year old loves stuffed animals and rolling around on the floor

As you are reading this, preschooler girls all over Alabama are swooning

Uncle Mikey is already worried about those baby blues and the effect

they will have on young men in...oh say 15 years

I don't want anyone to be confused. This is not a modeling web site for beautiful children. My family just happens to have been blessed with some of the prettiest kids out there. And I am not just saying that because they are mine(even though if I did have an ugly child, I would never know it).

2009-01-16T16:33:00.004-06:00

I have to add this very handsome picture of Huett Michael at the birthday party. Most of my pictures are of Sam since it was his birthday but I did catch a few great ones of Huett.

This is Sambo on a shoulder ride at the party. (Mikey is showing off his impressive camera skills on this one, notice my half head) I can't believe that I love this little guy so much!

This is just the sweetest picture of Sam while the teacher was blowing bubbles in his face. Their bubble blower made the tiniest little bubbles that just floated up to the sky so that the whole ceiling was filled with bubbles.

Happy Birthday to Sam!!

2009-01-16T16:20:00.007-06:00

This is my niece Teagan and her mommy Jenny. She was just learning to walk at the party so it was fun watching her walk around on all the mats. She has the prettiest blue eyes.

This is a picture of the giant parachute which was by far one of the coolest parts of the party. The teacher had all of the kids get on top of it and we waved the edges. Then she had all of the kids plus me and Mikey get under it and the parents waved it up and down. After that she had all of the parents raise it really high and then swoop under it and we were all inside of it and air was caught in it so it was like we were all in a giant bubble. After the parents got back out they raised it up and on the count of 3 all of the parents let go and the teacher snatched the parachute back and it was almost like that huge parachute just disappeared. I was impressed...maybe even a little more than the kids.

So let's face it... my baby is not a baby anymore! He is officially two years old. He had the greatest birthday party at Gymboree and I would absolutely recommend that place to anyone with a young child. The teachers were great, the equipment was a blast, and much to my surprise, it was so clean in there. Almost like we were the first people to ever set foot on the toys. Look at his big puppy dog brown eyes. I know his hair has gotten so long but I just can't bring myself to cut it because it is so silky and shiny.

No Rough-housing(yeah right)

2009-01-16T16:05:00.003-06:00

So my mom has often said that God never gave her two sons because she couldn't have handled all of the wrestling and fighting(no matter how playful it may start out). Well low and behold I have 2 rowdy rambunctious sons and a niece that can hang right in with the best of them and my mom seems to be doing a pretty good job of holding her own in these pictures. I have to brag on my new camera again because these were taken obviously while my targets were very fast moving and yet they are as clear as if the kids were posed and frozen. It does make me a little anxious when the boys start getting really rough. Sam used to beat up on Huett pretty badly, but now Huett is usually the instigator. The really love each other though and the wrestling usually begins with a strong hard hug. Stay tuned. My next post will be Sambo's birthday pictures!

Back In Business

2009-01-16T15:50:00.002-06:00

Okay, so I am writing alot of these posts in retrospect. These pictures are the very first pictures I have ever taken with my new camera(a Nikon D40 digital SLR) The first one is of my beautiful Christmas tree that we have in our den. It is the pinnacle of all of my Christmas decorations. It is a 9 foot pre-lit tree with white lights. My mom and I added all of the colored lights. My granny made the pretty bow that tops it. Doesn't it look like something out of a Martha Stewart catalogue?? Okay maybe I am a little biased. The boys wanted to take the glass balls off of it and throw them like basketballs so I had to rearrange some of my favorite breakable ornaments out of their reach. Christmas will be here soon and I have succesfully done some of my "Santa" shopping for the boys online...why didn't I start doing that a long time ago?? Someone told me that all of the sales that everyone goes bananas for after Thanksgiving are all online like at walmart.com or belk.com and if you just log on when the sales begin you can avoid all the madness like getting trampled to death in an aisle at wal-mart and often get free shipping as part of the sale...WHO KNEW!!

one terrible blogger

2009-01-15T19:29:00.000-06:00

Okay so I know I am way behind with the updates but I promise I will be out soon with pics of Sam's birthday party at Gymboree, Christmas pictures and everything else that I have neglected over the past month! Stay tuned, I just have to figure out how to get my new Digital SLR camera uploaded(shouldn't be hard at all)! Stay tuned!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2008-12-11T18:59:00.004-06:00

Happy 29th Birthday Trisha

Well...the holidays are here! This is our first year to have actual present requests from the boys. Well, actually just Huett. Sam seems to just want whatever Huett gets. I am trying to shield Huett from commercials because with every new ad comes another Santa request. They definitely want the Disney Pixar movie "Cars" Piston Cup 500 racetrack and a spiderman costume.
Sam's birthday party is this weekend at Gymboree Play and Music. His actual Birthday isn't until the 29th but we wanted to celebrate his birthday outside of Christmas so we are having it early. I am getting a great new camera from Mikey and my parents as an early Christmas present so hopefully I will have some good pictures of the party to update the blog. Mikey and I are going tomorrow to finish up our Christmas shopping. We are also going to Kingwood Church in Alabaster to watch their Christmas play "The Gospel According to Scrooge" We went to see it last year and really loved so we are going to go back. I recommend anyone who has the chance, to go see it! So Trisha and Ava have moved into Mom and Dad's basement apartment. They are all settled in and Ava is very excited about it. Now we just have to wait for Baby Huett to arrive.
Well, I will update everyone soon with details from Sambo's birthday and from Nana's Christmas party on Sunday. Have a great weekend!

Gobble Gobble!

2008-11-28T11:45:00.002-06:00

Thanksgiving has come and gone, and it is time to usher in the holidays! We had a great time yesterday. I actually had to work but I was able to leave around 1:00 so I made it to all of our family gatherings. These pictures are of the boys in their Thanksgiving best. This was our final stop of the day and they were getting tired. Sam ate lots and lots of food. He tried everything we put in front of him. Huett's favorite thing of the day was the sugar cookies his mawmaw cooked with him. Anyways, we've got all of our Christmas decorations up and are full steam ahead for Christmas! Sam's birthday is coming up too so I will update soon!

The Results Are In!!

2008-11-20T16:27:00.001-06:00

The ultrasound results are in! My older sister Trisha is having a precious baby boy! Myself, my mom, my sister-in-law went to see the ultrasound. I am going to try to post some pictures of the baby whenever I can get them scanned. He was a very active little man. He was hiccupping and flipping. At one point he was smacking his lips and then he put his arms and hands over his face like a little boxer. He weighed approximately 10 ounces. We are all very excited! No certain name ideas just yet.. I am pulling for Blaine because that is my dad's middle name and I really like it. He will be arriving sometime mid-April! Ava Claire was a little disappointed to find out that it is a boy because she kept saying that she wants a baby sister, but she is coming around. Well, that is all for now! I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and I will update soon!

Can't a kid get a decent nap?

2008-11-16T11:04:00.005-06:00

Yesterday Huett and Sam stayed at their Aunt Michelle's house while I was at work and Mikey was tiling our kitchen and dining room. Huett fell asleep watching cartoons and Sam didn't want to let him sleep. These are 2 pictures of Sam trying to wake Huett up. He slept right through it. He must've been tired!

Just Getting Started

2008-11-15T13:27:00.002-06:00

Hi Everyone,

I am starting a "Blog". For those of you who aren't familiar with this, it is simply a website created by someone to keep family and friends up on current events for that person or family. I hope this will be a fun way to keep everyone up to date on what is going on in our busy little world. As the boys are growing so fast, I think this will be a great little place for people to go and look at pictures and read about our latest adventures.
So let me update everyone to what is current with us. Mikey is still enjoying his relatively new job with Alabama Power. He has just taken a position with an underground crew. He really seems to like the work and his new co-workers. I am still a nurse at UAB in the newborn nursery which I still love. Huett Michael is 3 years old and Sambo is almost 2. They both go to The Ivy League which they really seem to enjoy. They are both learning so much everyday. It has been bittersweet seeing Huett growing from a baby to a little boy. I think this realization has made us all try to hang on to Sam's "babyhood" even longer. He still has his long hair and still likes his pacifier. They play so well together and I am so thankful that we chose to have them so close together. I know they will be lifelong bestfriends... even better, they are brothers.
That brings us up to current day events. I will up date as often as needed hopefully with holiday pics and holiday stories. Until then...