The last week of school was a busy week preparing for Graduation. Lots of errands to run, lists to make, things to scratch off those lists, etc.
Ahhh, scratching off the To Do List...what gratification!...i'm a "scratcher offer" rather than a "checker." There's just something about crossing each item out completely that is a slight rush for me. Much more than a mere checkmark for goodness sakes!
Moving along, it was a very hectic week that ended with a wonderful, sweet, special, classy Graduation ceremony. After the ceremony, however, i discovered my cell phone had been "borrowed" by one of our sweet angels. i managed to get it back after doing a little Sherlock Holmes, but when i got it back, ALL MY CONTACTS AND PICTURES WERE GONE! ALL 300 SOMETHING CONTACTS AND PICTURES SINCE THE DAY OF MORIAH'S BIRTH! Deep breath. i had a big talk with the young man today about stealing and how it affects the person you steal from and WHAT THOSE PICTURES MEANT TO ME and i may have cried during that little speech and i'm not really sure, judging from the blank look on the youngster's face, if anything got through to him. but at least i got it off my chest!
After Graduation Friday, we took our sweet "baby" Esteban out to eat as a celebration since he had no family show up to be there. One funny moment from that: When Billy handed him the bread (we were at Outback where they serve that delicious brown bread--not sure what it's called), Esteban said "Oh no thanks Dad, I don't like chocolate." Cute, huh?
Saturday morning we woke up bright and early to feed Moriah and then get our stuff loaded for the annual Pate Reunion. It was our first "extended stay" with the baby (meaning more than one day-ha) in a place other than a family member's house. And I have to say it went pretty good. Of course there's always the continual reminder that you are now operating on the baby's schedule, not yours. Our life currently revolves around eating time and naptime and while i wouldn't want to have it any other way, it does take some adjusting to. Especially when you're going to do an activity you've always done before.
i.e. Swimming- we waited till she woke up from her nap to go, then got to the pool later than everyone. After arriving, we really went "all out" sitting on the concrete, holding Moriah on the edge of the baby blow-up pool and letting her feet and legs dangle in the water. i then took her to the shaded area when it got too hot, only to go back to the room about 10 minutes later as she was ready for another nap. Ahh, the life of a 4 month old! I know the Big Slide is in our future here in a few years, but right now we are partying on the sidelines! And having a blast nevertheless! : )
Moriah enjoyed meeting her cousins, aunts, and uncles that she hasn't met and seeing the familiar faces of the ones she already knows. I think all the noise and commotion was good for her, as she's used to living in a quiet house with two (well, make that one) quiet adults. Poor thing jumped and startled so many times the first time she was around Ryan's kids, i thought her nerves were gonna be shot! She became a real pro with all the racket this weekend and hardly jumped at all!
It was a wonderful time had by all and i was reminded once again what an awesome family we have been blessed with. i hope we will continue to have our reunion for many years to come and i've even pledged to find some t-shirts for next year...we are really gonna have some soul with our Family Reunion t-shirts yall!
The only downer was that every food i've ever loved was there (hello Mama's Chocolate Chip Cookies, Yummy Hamburgers, Tons of Snacks, and Homemade Cheesecake) so i wavered a tad from my Weight Watchers points. Not sure my walking and "virtual jumprope" will cover for it but we shall see.
i call it "Virtual Jumprope" because i don't actually have a real jumprope right now, but i jump up and down and do my arms around as if i do. i can jump both feet at the same time or do the running technique. i can crisscross and even do the double jump! don't hate. my virtual jumprope was free, and best of all, it never slaps me in the calves!
On that note, i better "call it a post." More pics to come soon. Gotta fold some laundry before this baby wakes up from her nap!
Jazzy J
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Double Ear Infection and Pics
Well, that "first fever" ended up being a middle ear infection in both ears. Poor baby! You could tell she was in pain and uncomfortable but she would just whimper and it was pitiful! At one time, she and I were both boohooing as I rocked her in the recliner-haha I know I'm a drama mama. Thank goodness I took her to the doctor Monday "just in case." Guess I'll know what to look for next time with her symptoms. The medicine started kicking in and she's been feeling better thank you Lord! Last night (Tues night) she slept through the night for the first time since Friday. What a difference a night's sleep makes!
And here's a few pics from the last couple weeks that I hadn't posted yet...
And here's a few pics from the last couple weeks that I hadn't posted yet...
This is how I found her during her nap a couple weeks ago. Her new trick is to "scoot" to the corner of her crib! She loves to be cuddled up against the bumpers. Cool trick, Moriah, but it scares Mama!
Climbing on her favorite jungle gym- Daddy!
After church a few Sundays ago (we were color coordinated but I didn't even realize it until someone mentioned it to me at church). I'm just glad to get us all dressed and out the door on Sunday mornings! (Moriah has decided that's her favorite time to take a big poop)!
Talking with Tootsie
Tootsie, you crack me up
The 2 youngest cousins- Karsyn and Moriah, with Tootsie
Mo and Pop are Aggie fans! Whoop!
"She's sitting in my spot!!!"
Ok, that's better!
The Cousin Paparazzi!
Kyleigh loves to hold Moriah and does such a good job!
Sweet girls
"Where's Karsyn?" Moriah isn't sure, but she's thinkin about it. Hmmm...
Sunday, May 15, 2011
First Fever
(This is one of those I'm basically documenting for me, so it's not too interesting!)
Moriah started getting a little fussy and I could just tell she was uncomfortable yesterday about 4:30am. She has not woken up in the night since 9 weeks old, so I figured something was going on. She was congested and snorting and whining. She wasn't running a fever yet, but she was unsettled and I could just tell she wasn't feeling well, so I went ahead and gave her a little Tylenol, as well as doing the "snot sucker" and doing some nasal Saline drops. Yesterday afternoon her temp gradually increased, and by last night it was 100.7. I realize no seasoned mother would even bat an eye at that temp, but it was our first fever and I got my first dose of seeing my baby not feeling well and it wasn't too fun! My parents had gone on a date in Tyler and happened to stop by, so I was glad my mom was there with me (and you too, Dad! heehee). Mom held Moriah while I called the doctor and they gave me some good tips, and I was relieved to know I was already doing most of what they suggested. They said I didn't need to bring her in unless her temp got above 102, or if it was lower than that but she was inconsolable or had alot of trouble breathing, wasn't eating, etc. She was still eating ok and although she was uncomfortable and "whimpery," she was consolable. In the night she got fussy again about 3ish, so I went in and checked her and it had gone up to 101.8. She was clammy and not feeling well at all. After changing her diaper, doing her nose drops/snot sucker, and giving her some Tylenol, I snuggled her up with me in the recliner and we both slept until 7:30, at which time she was ready for a bottle. Her temp went down to 100.7 and then at 10:30am it was down to 99.7. So we will see if it keeps going down!
Billy was such a big help. He was just "there" to help or support however I needed and to get something, which is exactly what I needed. I did notice, however, that "thing" you hear about when a baby wants their Mama when they're sick! It's so interesting, because she adores her Daddy! But there was one time in particular he had given her a bottle and she was getting fussy, and when I walked in the room, he was rocking her gently and she was still just fussy and unsettled. I got her and she just stopped. I rocked her and hummed and she just settled in and fell asleep. Billy does such a wonderful job and she loves him so much. But I experienced that moment where she really wanted me when she was sick, and it was a special moment. (Not to take anything away from Billy, I know the day is coming when she'll want only Daddy!!)
All of this was a big reminder that we are so blessed that Moriah has been so healthy these last 16 weeks. I realize many parents go through so much with their babies and childrens' health issues, and I can't imagine what that must feel like. I got a very teeny tiny glimpse of seeing my baby "unhealthy" and it is truly a helpless feeling. What a reminder that God is in control and He has them in the palm of His hand. Our children belong to Him and each day is a special blessing that He's "loaned" them to us! May I be a good steward of each moment, day, and year we have with precious Moriah!
Moriah started getting a little fussy and I could just tell she was uncomfortable yesterday about 4:30am. She has not woken up in the night since 9 weeks old, so I figured something was going on. She was congested and snorting and whining. She wasn't running a fever yet, but she was unsettled and I could just tell she wasn't feeling well, so I went ahead and gave her a little Tylenol, as well as doing the "snot sucker" and doing some nasal Saline drops. Yesterday afternoon her temp gradually increased, and by last night it was 100.7. I realize no seasoned mother would even bat an eye at that temp, but it was our first fever and I got my first dose of seeing my baby not feeling well and it wasn't too fun! My parents had gone on a date in Tyler and happened to stop by, so I was glad my mom was there with me (and you too, Dad! heehee). Mom held Moriah while I called the doctor and they gave me some good tips, and I was relieved to know I was already doing most of what they suggested. They said I didn't need to bring her in unless her temp got above 102, or if it was lower than that but she was inconsolable or had alot of trouble breathing, wasn't eating, etc. She was still eating ok and although she was uncomfortable and "whimpery," she was consolable. In the night she got fussy again about 3ish, so I went in and checked her and it had gone up to 101.8. She was clammy and not feeling well at all. After changing her diaper, doing her nose drops/snot sucker, and giving her some Tylenol, I snuggled her up with me in the recliner and we both slept until 7:30, at which time she was ready for a bottle. Her temp went down to 100.7 and then at 10:30am it was down to 99.7. So we will see if it keeps going down!
Billy was such a big help. He was just "there" to help or support however I needed and to get something, which is exactly what I needed. I did notice, however, that "thing" you hear about when a baby wants their Mama when they're sick! It's so interesting, because she adores her Daddy! But there was one time in particular he had given her a bottle and she was getting fussy, and when I walked in the room, he was rocking her gently and she was still just fussy and unsettled. I got her and she just stopped. I rocked her and hummed and she just settled in and fell asleep. Billy does such a wonderful job and she loves him so much. But I experienced that moment where she really wanted me when she was sick, and it was a special moment. (Not to take anything away from Billy, I know the day is coming when she'll want only Daddy!!)
All of this was a big reminder that we are so blessed that Moriah has been so healthy these last 16 weeks. I realize many parents go through so much with their babies and childrens' health issues, and I can't imagine what that must feel like. I got a very teeny tiny glimpse of seeing my baby "unhealthy" and it is truly a helpless feeling. What a reminder that God is in control and He has them in the palm of His hand. Our children belong to Him and each day is a special blessing that He's "loaned" them to us! May I be a good steward of each moment, day, and year we have with precious Moriah!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
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Monday, May 2, 2011
Please Pray for Baby Thomas's Family
A friend of mine at church named Susan has a friend she asked us to pray for. This precious mother found out early in her pregnancy that her baby had a fatal disease, and that he would either die in the womb or shortly after birth. He was born on April 29th and went to be with Jesus yesterday evening. I cannot imagine the pain they must be feeling. Here is the link to her blog: http://www.thelittlejourneyofbabythomas.blogspot.com
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Moriah at 3 Months
Dear Moriah,
You are actually 3 months and 10 days old today! You are growing and changing so fast that I don't want to forget some of the special things that I love about you RIGHT NOW in this stage of your life. We are having so much fun with you. You already have a distinct, unique personality and I really feel like I've gotten to know you alot better since you were born. Here are some things that come to mind when I think about you...
* Your smile. You truly have such a SWEET, infectious smile! And you've been doing it on purpose for awhile now. You like to smile! You have such a friendly, pleasant personality and when me or Daddy or someone you know is talking to you, you give us lots of big smiles! And I know I'm your mom, but you really do have such a pretty smile! Which makes us smile back and it just keeps going and going. Sometimes if you meet a stranger and they smile at you, you get a little nervous but usually you smile right back. I love your smile and I hope you will always be a big smiler! Smiling IS fun, by the way! You've recently started to do a little chuckle and sometimes you even add a little cough at the end of it for affect. It's so funny! I can't wait for the day when you just let it all go and give us a big hearty laugh!
* Your hair. Girl, you've had wild hair since Day 1. It's getting longer on that little patch up top, but yet thinner in other areas. When it's wet, it gets curly, but usually gets more straight/somewhat wavy in spots when it's dry. I cannot wait to see what it's going to turn out to look like. And I'm just chomping at the bits to put it in pig tails. Right now I like to do headbands with bows or flowers attached, and you seem to be ok with that.
*Your chunkiness! You've been putting on the weight lately, my dear! And your little rolls are the cutest, softest, sweetest things! I'm afraid you've inherited your mama's thighs. They are so chubby (and cute). And your poor little toes look like little sausages that are about to pop! I don't know how else to describe them. I have to be careful what socks I put on you, because some of them are too tight and cut into your cankles! Poor thing.
* Your personality! You are such a unique, sweet, expressive, pleasant, inquisitive, precious little soul. You definitely have an opinion and you let us know what you'd like, but it's hardly ever over the top or too pushy. You're an effective and polite communicator! Like I mentioned before, you smile a ton and you're usually very cheerful. You really prefer to stay on your schedule and feel a little off kilter if we get off of it. After you eat (which usually takes awhile-you are funny about eating sometimes), you stay awake and play for about 1 1/2-2 hrs. Right now, your playing/wake time consists of: laying on our legs and "talking" with us, looking at a book, "chatting" with your "friends" (the fish and seahorse) in your bouncy seat, sitting in your bumbo pillow and looking at your bear mobile, being held, swinging, going on stroller walks, riding in the car, etc. (You really like Kohls). heehee. When you get tired, you'll yawn (with a slight growl at the end of your yawn, like a tiger cub), or you'll do a little (quite pitiful) whine. You used to go down without so much as a whimper, but in the last couple days you've gotten smart on us! It's like you know you're going down for a nap, so when we put you down, you do this genuinely sad sounding cry. It usually lasts about 5 mins at the most and then you're out. Sometimes you sleep for the whole 1 1/2 - 2 hrs but sometimes you like to wake up mid-nap and see the sights in your cribs (grrr) : ) You get up on your forearms, raise up your head, and look around, sometimes grunting when you start to get tired. When you're done with your nap, you just lay there and coo and look around and wait on us to come get you. I love to come get you after a nap or in the morning, because your whole face lights up in a huge smile when you see me. I talk to you and pick you up and you coo back and are in such a good mood. (This is one of those things I didn't know about before I was your mom that is just so fun)!
* Your eyes - oh those big blue eyes! You didn't get my little squinty eyes. You've got your Daddy's and Tootsie's sized eyes. Big and beautiful! So many people compliment you on your eyes, and I'm sure they will for years to come. It's so funny because you're so curious and inquisitive that you'll open them SO BIG and look around the room or at the person talking to you. Sometimes you'll furrow your brow and get a serious look as well, then open up those big blues again like you're so surprised. You are quite expressive! You've recently started looking at your hands and sometimes your eyes will cross if your hand gets too close. It's pretty funny. You turn your hand around and examine each part like it's just the most interesting thing you've seen.... I pray you'll fix those eyes on Jesus one of these days and never look back!
A few other random things...
- You still like baths, although you prefer to be submerged and you definitely prefer warm water. You and I have recently taken a couple baths together and you really liked that. So did I--it was fun!
- Sorry to put your business out there, but you poop only about once every 2-3 days. We still have to put a teaspoon of Karo syrup in every bottle, as well as gas drops. We've got it down to a perfect little cocktail, but hey, we do what we have to do to keep you regular!
- You're a big talker...sometimes you'll surprise us with a sudden loud yell, but most of the time you use this sweet little voice and you furrow your brow like you're trying so hard. It's the cutest thing. And for some reason you tend to use the "guh" sound alot. I continually work with you on "mamamama" but that hasn't come yet.
- You're OBSESSED with ceiling fans! Sometimes we have to move you in the other room to take your bottle if there's a ceiling fan in the room, because you lock onto it and completely stop eating. It was really tricky at Tootsie and Pop's because they have a ceiling fan in almost every room! ha.
- You HATE the sunlight. I mean it's serious. Sometimes I'll take you with me to go check the mailbox, and if there's even a hint of sun outside, you'll throw yourself backwards, arch your back, grimace, and turn your head. It's pretty dramatic. As much as you don't like the sun, you still manage to have a pretty good tan. (For some reason your legs and body is more tan than your face. Actually I'm like that too, so I guess it's not such a big mystery).
- You really love Elizabeth, your cousin/nanny/special friend. You light up and smile when you're with her and it makes me feel soooo good to know you're in such good hands when I have to work. I don't know what we're going to do without her when she leaves!
- You adore your daddy! You respond and interact with him in a noticeably different way than me, and it's so cute and interesting! You laugh and yell louder with him and get more boisterous. I can't wait to see yall's relationship continue to grow over the years. Daddies are very special people. Trust me , I know : )
Moriah Grace, I never knew how much FUN I'd have being your mom. The more I get to know you, the more I LOVE and LIKE and ENJOY you! You're like my little buddy and I love to spend time with you, talk to you, and love on you. It's so weird how I get up at 6am on Saturdays and Sundays now, but I really don't mind! I still get nervous/anxious sometimes, because I want to be the best mom I can be for you and sometimes I feel overwhelmed. I continually surrender you to the Lord, and in just saying your name I am reminded that you belong to Him first, and you are in His hands. I'm thankful for every single day that He allows us to spend with you. I'm having the time of my life being your mom!
You are actually 3 months and 10 days old today! You are growing and changing so fast that I don't want to forget some of the special things that I love about you RIGHT NOW in this stage of your life. We are having so much fun with you. You already have a distinct, unique personality and I really feel like I've gotten to know you alot better since you were born. Here are some things that come to mind when I think about you...
* Your smile. You truly have such a SWEET, infectious smile! And you've been doing it on purpose for awhile now. You like to smile! You have such a friendly, pleasant personality and when me or Daddy or someone you know is talking to you, you give us lots of big smiles! And I know I'm your mom, but you really do have such a pretty smile! Which makes us smile back and it just keeps going and going. Sometimes if you meet a stranger and they smile at you, you get a little nervous but usually you smile right back. I love your smile and I hope you will always be a big smiler! Smiling IS fun, by the way! You've recently started to do a little chuckle and sometimes you even add a little cough at the end of it for affect. It's so funny! I can't wait for the day when you just let it all go and give us a big hearty laugh!
* Your hair. Girl, you've had wild hair since Day 1. It's getting longer on that little patch up top, but yet thinner in other areas. When it's wet, it gets curly, but usually gets more straight/somewhat wavy in spots when it's dry. I cannot wait to see what it's going to turn out to look like. And I'm just chomping at the bits to put it in pig tails. Right now I like to do headbands with bows or flowers attached, and you seem to be ok with that.
*Your chunkiness! You've been putting on the weight lately, my dear! And your little rolls are the cutest, softest, sweetest things! I'm afraid you've inherited your mama's thighs. They are so chubby (and cute). And your poor little toes look like little sausages that are about to pop! I don't know how else to describe them. I have to be careful what socks I put on you, because some of them are too tight and cut into your cankles! Poor thing.
* Your personality! You are such a unique, sweet, expressive, pleasant, inquisitive, precious little soul. You definitely have an opinion and you let us know what you'd like, but it's hardly ever over the top or too pushy. You're an effective and polite communicator! Like I mentioned before, you smile a ton and you're usually very cheerful. You really prefer to stay on your schedule and feel a little off kilter if we get off of it. After you eat (which usually takes awhile-you are funny about eating sometimes), you stay awake and play for about 1 1/2-2 hrs. Right now, your playing/wake time consists of: laying on our legs and "talking" with us, looking at a book, "chatting" with your "friends" (the fish and seahorse) in your bouncy seat, sitting in your bumbo pillow and looking at your bear mobile, being held, swinging, going on stroller walks, riding in the car, etc. (You really like Kohls). heehee. When you get tired, you'll yawn (with a slight growl at the end of your yawn, like a tiger cub), or you'll do a little (quite pitiful) whine. You used to go down without so much as a whimper, but in the last couple days you've gotten smart on us! It's like you know you're going down for a nap, so when we put you down, you do this genuinely sad sounding cry. It usually lasts about 5 mins at the most and then you're out. Sometimes you sleep for the whole 1 1/2 - 2 hrs but sometimes you like to wake up mid-nap and see the sights in your cribs (grrr) : ) You get up on your forearms, raise up your head, and look around, sometimes grunting when you start to get tired. When you're done with your nap, you just lay there and coo and look around and wait on us to come get you. I love to come get you after a nap or in the morning, because your whole face lights up in a huge smile when you see me. I talk to you and pick you up and you coo back and are in such a good mood. (This is one of those things I didn't know about before I was your mom that is just so fun)!
* Your eyes - oh those big blue eyes! You didn't get my little squinty eyes. You've got your Daddy's and Tootsie's sized eyes. Big and beautiful! So many people compliment you on your eyes, and I'm sure they will for years to come. It's so funny because you're so curious and inquisitive that you'll open them SO BIG and look around the room or at the person talking to you. Sometimes you'll furrow your brow and get a serious look as well, then open up those big blues again like you're so surprised. You are quite expressive! You've recently started looking at your hands and sometimes your eyes will cross if your hand gets too close. It's pretty funny. You turn your hand around and examine each part like it's just the most interesting thing you've seen.... I pray you'll fix those eyes on Jesus one of these days and never look back!
A few other random things...
- You still like baths, although you prefer to be submerged and you definitely prefer warm water. You and I have recently taken a couple baths together and you really liked that. So did I--it was fun!
- Sorry to put your business out there, but you poop only about once every 2-3 days. We still have to put a teaspoon of Karo syrup in every bottle, as well as gas drops. We've got it down to a perfect little cocktail, but hey, we do what we have to do to keep you regular!
- You're a big talker...sometimes you'll surprise us with a sudden loud yell, but most of the time you use this sweet little voice and you furrow your brow like you're trying so hard. It's the cutest thing. And for some reason you tend to use the "guh" sound alot. I continually work with you on "mamamama" but that hasn't come yet.
- You're OBSESSED with ceiling fans! Sometimes we have to move you in the other room to take your bottle if there's a ceiling fan in the room, because you lock onto it and completely stop eating. It was really tricky at Tootsie and Pop's because they have a ceiling fan in almost every room! ha.
- You HATE the sunlight. I mean it's serious. Sometimes I'll take you with me to go check the mailbox, and if there's even a hint of sun outside, you'll throw yourself backwards, arch your back, grimace, and turn your head. It's pretty dramatic. As much as you don't like the sun, you still manage to have a pretty good tan. (For some reason your legs and body is more tan than your face. Actually I'm like that too, so I guess it's not such a big mystery).
- You really love Elizabeth, your cousin/nanny/special friend. You light up and smile when you're with her and it makes me feel soooo good to know you're in such good hands when I have to work. I don't know what we're going to do without her when she leaves!
- You adore your daddy! You respond and interact with him in a noticeably different way than me, and it's so cute and interesting! You laugh and yell louder with him and get more boisterous. I can't wait to see yall's relationship continue to grow over the years. Daddies are very special people. Trust me , I know : )
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Easter Weekend 2011
Here is Moriah right before we headed to Gilmer for Easter weekend. Notice she's about to bust out of the 0-3 month Ballerina Onesie she "borrowed" from cousin Kyleigh. But doesn't she look so cute?! And I just love the silver shoes. They look tiny compared to her chunky legs!
Such a sweet smile and a sweet baby girl!
Memaw, Tootsie, and Karsyn visiting with Moriah
Karsyn just had to reach out and touch her! So sweet!
The Book Club: Memaw, Brayden, Granny/Mawmaw, and Karsyn
Granny and Karsyn playing on the kitchen floor
Karsyn feeding Ryan a plastic vegetable!
This girl's new favorite hobby (besides hollering) is pointing!
Horsing around with Daddy
Cousin Kyleigh making Moriah smile! So sweet!
Moriah somewhat startled as Karsyn tries to "attack" her with love. Kyleigh is getting a kick out of these two!
Well, our visions of a picture perfect grandkid pose didn't exactly happen, but they are still so cute! It was about 12:30 and Moriah was wanting a bottle at 12 sharp! Plus the preacher kept interrupting her nap so she was wanting some sleep-haha! Kyleigh and Brayden did a great job. Karsyn was happy, just all over the place! Gotta love it!
Poor Kyleigh had to hold the screaming baby but she kept her smile the whole time!
Four Generations: Memaw, Tootsie, Jess, and Moriah
Brayden the Bunny
After the egg hunt - Kyleigh
Brayden
It was a great Easter. Thanks for hosting all of us, Tootsie and Pop!
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