Time just flying by...

Wow, I didn't realize it had been so long since I had written!  Where were all my gals who usually email me saying, "Wake Up!!"? LOL!  I'll have plenty of pics to show ya :)  I took the girls to our nephew's 3rd birthday party, so there will be those pics.  Today we took Katie home to Georgia.  The visit was hard about 3/4's of the time, but she and I actually went out just the two of us (well, we had the most adorable little man escort..lol), and we had a really good time :)  I took her to Kotobuki (my favorite place...she's never been), and she had a blast.  My daughter had been wanting to spend the night with my mom, so she was off having fun of her own :)  She stayed with my mom today while we went to Georgia (at request from Alex, who had wanted a few hours of alone time with me...we had little man, tho...neither of us is ready to leave him yet).  We went to Jekyll Island, Brandon's first visit to the ocean!  I had him super-lathered with SPF 50, a hat, onsie, etc...  He was pretty tired when we got there, tho, so he wasn't totally feeling it.  He had liked swimming at my mom's, but fell asleep pretty quick today.  Alex and I took turns going out to swim, and when it came time for me to go, it started raining as soon as I got out there...lol.  We hurried to get Brandon out of the rain (he was covered in the stroller), and it stopped as soon as we got to the car...ahahahaha!  We had a really good time, tho...haven't had much time with my honey with all these kids wandering around! 

Oh, I forgot, I went with Kim to lunch and shopping on Friday.  It was Kim, myself and 8 kids (3 of those being babies...lol).  It was pretty fun, tho.  Kim's kids are getting so big!  They both stand and "cruise" around the furniture, both have teeth, say mama and dada...seems like she just had them!  We're planning a party for Kaitlynne (she'll be 9 on 8/9) and Danny (he'll be 10 on 8/18)...at first they weren't sure they wanted their parties together, but changed their minds :)

I also told Kim about the probable move.  She had said something that I couldn't respond to without giving it out.  She looked like she was going to cry :*(  No for sure dates, but his father is looking forproperties and other things.

I guess that's about it.  Enjoy the pics :)  Oh, Alex said he wants to renew our vows (we just got married in February..lol) next year...something with family and friends...says he could do it every year...what a sweetheart.  I love you!

Oh, Brandon rolls from belly to back as of 7/21/06, and he's teething already!  He'll be 12 weeks tomorrow :*)

My new favorite color is white

Just a quick note, Brandon's visit went well today.  His test results came back 'ok' (which scared me at first, to just hear 'ok'), but the doctor said his eyes are looking better (the yellow appears to be gone and his eyes are white again).  He's following him closely, but told me he had been really worried when he first saw him since any jaundice from birth should have been long gone by this age.

I do believe little man is hitting a mega-growth spurt...he's been sooooo fussy for the last few days (trying not to pull out my hair...feel sorry for my older ones, I know I'm cranky..).  I did want to say thank you for all the prayers-they've worked yet again :)  *hugs*

Say "cheese" and praising more then God

We went to Chuck E Cheese yesterday (we had promised the girls, and figured it'd be good to take our minds off the lab results we're anxiously awaiting) with Alex's brother and his family.  They've changed it in the last couple of weeks...got rid of alot of the older games, and updated it (with more adult-friendly games), and expanded it out...much more enjoyable for the 'big' kids, too.  Everyone had a good time (pics up top).

We had Brandon baptized today.  The Reverend that officiated is also the man who did Marissa's funeral.  We wrapped little man up in a blanket that has an embroidered angel on it.  It was given to us as a gift when Marissa died.  We thought since there'd be no him w/out her, it was a fitting 'tribute', of sorts.  The service was beautiful, took a few pics afterwards (my brother even showed, go figure...lol).  We asked he and Pete to be Brandon's Godparents and they accepted (Pete actually teared-up at it...he's very attached to Brandon).

On a side note, I had felt nauseous since yesterday (rode this simulated rollercoaster thing and I should have known better...simulator rides and myself DON'T mix).  I woke up today feeling just as crappy, thinking maybe I was nervous (didn't know why, tho).  I lasted thru the service (tho I was sweating to bad-it was nasty...lol), and we went to lunch.  I took 2 bites and ran to the bathroom :X   I was sick all afternoon (I won't share the details..lol), came home and napped after feeding Brandon, only been having one of the symptoms since then (not vomiting..thank God, my throat is killing me).  Alex made me some chicken noodle soup, and I'm hoping to keep that down.

That's about it, I guess.  Thank you all for the many emails/comments regarding Brandon...I'll be calling in the morning for the results...that might be my stomach problem :/  *hugs*

...I can't think of a subject line...

First, I forgot to mention that Brandon flipped from belly to back on July 4th...he was getting mad and started rocking and just WHOOP.  Also, he gave his first "real" smile yesterday...to the ceiling fan :/

Today we took him for his 2 month checkup.  He's 12lbs 8oz and 22 inches long (grow, baby, grow).  I mentioned to him about his sinuses and he gave me a couple of meds (I guess he thinks it's a sinus infection).  Now...when the doc came in, he automatically pushed on Brandon's skin.  Then checked his eyes.  Then pushed on his abdomen.  Then checked his eyes again.  Then pushed on his abdomen again.  I knew what he was doing, so I asked if Brandon was jaundice.  He said he wasn't sure, but was sending him for labwork at the hospital tomorrow to check his liver function.  This all is scaring the shit out of me.  I was fighting tears when the nurse came in and gave him 4 shots (which brought screams and big crocodile tears, of course...from him and me).  All I could think of was little Noah who just passed away.  And how I had just mentioned to Alex a couple of days ago about Brandon's eyes looking a bit yellow where they should be white.  I'm so scared.  Unbelievably scared.  I can't lose him.  I can't.  Alex is trying hard to be strong for me, but I know he's terrorified, too.  He mumbled something in the car about finally getting a baby here and now having to worry if he can stay. 

Please pray it's nothing more then maybe needing a bili blanket or maybe not even that.  Please. 

Baby Noah

Rachel came to our May board just a short time ago.  She was originally due in June (where I had originally *met* her), but her little man decided he liked May better.  He was born on May 7th.  Tiny little man, but he was healthy...and his family so happy to have him.  Rachel was constantly doting on her boys...both so precious :)  Baby Noah was diagnosed with Pyloric Stenosis this past Monday.  A simple operation can fix this, and on his way he'd be.  However, his fragile little heart wasn't strong enough to handle the surgery.  Noah went to God on July 5th, passing away on the operating table.  I can't describe how badly my heart hurts for his family...I've been crying all day.  I look at our son and think little Noah was just a day older...

I'm asking that whoever reads this say a quick prayer for Noah's parents and family.  I'm just so sorry. 

Our 4th

Just a quick entry to show the pics from the cookout at Kim's house yesterday.  Had an alright time, kids were a pain, as usual...lol.  Kim was getting over a cold that kept taking her voice away (her kids were happy...she couldn't yell at them).  Alex had to work, but got a goodie plate anyway :)

We got a couple pics of Alex's mom while she was up visiting his brother in Canada...such a pretty lady!  Looks so young, I think Alex should show his dad what he's missing...LOL!

I guess that's about it...I wanted to include this saying that Tina sent me in email a few days ago...I really liked it:

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.

Party of 5

We went Saturday to Georgia to pick up Alex's daughter (also named Kaitlynn, but we call her Katie).  Mom went with us, and we met up with Alex's exwife's new husband, Katie and their baby daughter at our regular spot.  It was, dare I say it, *nice* without his ex there (hell, even her husband agreed).  She makes it so tense...awkward.  We were all chatting like regular folks, goofing with the kids, then off our seperate ways...alot nicer then our other pickup/dropoff times.

Sunday we went to breakfast (a rarity at our house-we rarely move before noon...lol), and then off to wander the mall and Walmart.  I got some cute clothes for the kids at Penney's on clearance (woot).

Today I took the girls, mom, and of course our munchkin man to the park.  It drizzled off and on, but overall, it was pretty nice.  Took a few pics of the girls feeding the ducks.

Brandon is doing well.  Such a sweet and clingy baby...lol!  Just in the last week or so, he wants to be held alot...and isn't sleeping as much (good during the day-hard at night).  I'm pretty sure it's growth spurts and possibly allergies.  He's been clogged alot since he's been with us.  I've been giving saline drops and using the bulb syringe (the antihistamine given doesn't work).  He has his 2 month (already *sniff*) appt Friday-so we'll see then if there's anything else that can be done.

Tomorrow we're off to Kim's for a cookout and fireworks (Alex has to work..but will get his goody plate).  Mom opted not to go-can't say as I blame her, sometimes these things can get boring if you can't keep up with the nonstop chatter of Kim's family.  I think I'll drop the bomb on Kim tomorrow about why I've also been clingy...coming up dingdong reasons to hang out or call.  Or maybe I won't.  Don't know yet.

Anywho, I guess that's about it...I'm sure there's more to update, but I can't think so good right now (sleep deprivation).

*Hugs and Prayers* to Ju and her family, dealing with the loss of a much-wanted pregnancy.  I'm so sorry, honey :*(

*Hugs and Prayers* to Jayme and her precious Elora, born at 25 weeks (she's doing well and oh so tiny!!!).  I certainly hope you can bring her home, happy and healthy, very soon!