Archer Blaine's big arrival!

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!

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!!

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Inquiring Minds Demand to Know!

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.

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!

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.