Summer summer summer!!!

WEll, alot has happened in the past few weeks. I've started potty training which I'm slowly figuring out that it's gonna be a loooong process! Somedays are great and someday I want to give up. But I'm trying my hardest to be consistent. Colt knows when he needs to go. It's just a matter of getting him to go to the potty on a regular basis. We're nowhere near being fully potty trained. I would say we're in the beginning stages but hopefully by the end of the summer, we will have progressed. I am determined to have him potty trained before the average age (which is 39 months!!!)

We've also been working on swimming alot. WE go at least 2 or 3 times a week to our pool. He is not scared what-so-ever. He loves the water. He even tries to make me let go of him and then quickly realizes that he still needs his mama. He has learned to kick his feet. He still doesn't hold his breath under water all the time. So we're working on that. That's kinda important I think.

Colt is really growing up before our eyes. He repeats alot of what we say. Some of his recent words are.... gross (I've been saying that alot when he pees or poops on the carpet), walmart, cheese, more, Ace, and many more. But those are the more recent ones he has learned to say. He likes brushing his own teeth. He has learned how to climb into and out of the bath tub. He's learned to open doors. He has yet to figure out how to climb out of his crib. We're hoping he won't learn that for a while. We're trying to keep him in his crib until after Landry is born. He still takes 3 hr naps (which is wonderful for mama). He loves loves loves his uncle Jakie being at home. He loves playing with both dogs. He enjoys praying at the end of the night. I pray with him and he always concludes by saying Amen as he points his fist to the sky (I have no idea where he got that) He's such a happy boy most of the time. We're having the time of our life watching him grow each and everyday. I know this is the last summer it will be just the two of us so I'm trying to appreciate the time I have with him. (trying is the key word. Some days I want to run and hide!lol)

Our niece was born on June 15th. Lily Kate was born at 3:48 weighing 7 lbs 3 oz. She is adorable. We got to spend some time with her this past Saturday night. It's so surreal how small babies really are when they're first born. Of course, mine was never that small but he was only a few pounds bigger. Can't believe I'll be having one of those in 3 short months. Oh and the little time we've spent with her, Colt has done really well. He's very gentle with her and wants to give her kisses. Besides wanting to put his finger in her ear, he was very sweet to her. Hopefully he'll be the same way when Landry gets here.

Jared went to Chicago with my dad and my brother a few weeks ago. He came back with all pictures of stuff he saw and none of himself. He had a good time but we were glad to have him home. This single Mommy stuff was not fun!

I went to the Dr. today. One of the first things I asked was "IS she still a girl" and the DR. said it was very clear that there were no boy parts! haha. So I was happy to be reassured. I've heard stories of people not knowing until the last minute that the girl really was a boy. Everything looked good. I was measuring 24 wks and 6 days which is a little ahead of where we thought we were. And one of the best things I found out was that I've only gained 4 pounds in the past month. So I've gained 6 total. I have no idea how. This baby feels sooo heavy sometimes. But I'm happy with that. My C-section will be scheduled for October 1st unless she decides to come before then. I'm trying to enjoy my summer as much as possible b/c once August comes, it's going to be non-stop until she gets here. Phew... I'm not looking forward to that.


This is the first picture I've taken of me. This is me at 25 weeks.


Mantha's bday party. Mantha, Colt and A.J.


Uncle Jakie with Lily Kate.







This is probably one of the funnies videos I've taken of Colt. It's a little sad towards the end when Colt beats the dog but up until that point, it's really funny!

It's a GIRL!!

Well, if you know me, you already know that we found out Monday that we're having a girl. We cannot even begin to understand why God has blessed us so much. We have truly been blessed with the most precious little boy that has changed our world completely. Now, in October we will be welcoming a little girl into our world. We went to the high risk Dr. on Monday. He measured every little thing you could think of. WE saw her feet, hands, all 4 chambers of her heart, the brain, stomach, liver, kidneys, diaphragm, and much more that I don't even remember. The best news is everything was perfect. She was measuring right on time. Her head was a normal size. By this time with Colt, he was measuring way ahead and his head was off the charts! So I'm thinking I might not have another 9lb 10oz baby! Unfortunately the reason I was going to this Dr. is to see if we could detect Hirschprungs disease which is what Colt had when he was born. He thought he might be able to detect it at 20 weeks but the baby was not producing enough "poop" for him to see anything. But what he did see looked good. Stomach and intestines weren't enlarged yet but that doesn't mean they won't get that way later on. He said my regular OB should be able to detect it later on in a sonogram. Honestly, I'm not really worried. The odds are really low and the disease is more prominent in boys. I was just thankful my Dr.referred me to him b/c if she hadn't I would still have no idea that she was is a girl. So, we are thrilled beyond words. I cannot wait to start buying girl clothes and find girl bedding and girl everything! She's also gonna have a girl cousin really close in age. Jared's sister is going to have a baby at the end of June. So they'll only be 4 months apart! We are going to name her Landry Faith. I can't wait to meet her! I'll post pictures later. Just wanted to share the news!

Well, I guess I'm not too good at blogging anymore. Maybe I'll be better in the summer. I was actually waiting to blog so I could announce what the sex of the baby is. But our little one is a little stubborn and/or modest and did not want to show us the goods. So we wait 3 more weeks until I do the 3D sono at the high risk Dr. Surely they'll be able to tell then. Jared and I are on opposing teams. I'm on the girl team of course and he wants another little boy for now. But honestly at the end of the day, I just hope this baby is healthy and we get to bring him/her home from the hospital with us.

So, Colt's growing so much everyday. He's starting to say more words and do more things. He understands alot of what we tell him. Here are some of the words he can say. daddy (his favorite, the one he says the most often), dog, milk, ball, uh oh, ouch, more, mama (only when he's whining) quack quack, woof woof, baby, and there might be some more. He's not a huge talker yet. Might be a little like his daddy. So far, most of his qualities are like his daddy. He doesn't like to be dirty. If he's walking barefoot and there's the tiniest piece of dirt on his foot, he'll stop and brush it off. He can find the smallest little things in our carpet and brings them to us. He's very meticulous (just like his daddy) and aware of details and his surroundings (again like his daddy). He is such a good little boy everywhere he goes. (kinda makes me nervous about the next one). He has been a bit more clingy. I'm trying to not pick him up as much and let him walk even if it takes a little longer. I know when the baby gets here, there's no way I'll want to carry both of them!

Speaking of baby, every thing's been great so far. I only felt sick until about 12 or 13 weeks. I'm now almost 18. This part of the pregnancy is pretty good since I'm not sick and not too big yet. The only time I really feel it is when I lift something heavy (including my son) or walk too much, my lower back starts hurting real bad. I had the same thing with Colt. My sciatic nerve doesn't agree with a baby growing in me. But it's something I'll just live with for another 4 1/2 months.

School is going good for the most part. It gets a little worse everyday b/c the kids are done with school. The weather is so nice outside, nobody wants to be in school anymore, including me! But the countdown is on. We have 20 days of school left. I cannot wait. Colt is gonna be so much fun this summer. I'm hoping to potty train and continue with swimming lessons (from me of course).



Motherhood is so much more than I could've ever imagined. It's hard, tiring, worrisome, but also the best thing that anyone can ever do. I honestly don't know what Jared and I did without Colt. He is our world.

On a side note:Jared is going this weekend to help move Jake back. He'll be living with us until he finds a job. Although Jared doesn't show it, I know he is so excited about having his brother back at home. We're all excited. Colt loves his uncle Jakie so much.

After a long day. He screamed and yelled in his crib so he got to fall asleep with daddy.


At Grammy and Grandad's taking a break after hunting easter eggs. He thought it was funny to throw the eggs at A.J.


Hunting eggs is serious business!



We went to my Uncle's a few weeks ago in Edgewood for a family reunion. Colt had the best time being outdoors all weekend.


These are two of his cousins, Lexie and Ella keeping him entertained.


He loved getting on Uncle Charlie's Harley. (I'm sure daddy would too)


Just Colt and mama


He loves dogs


A little out of order. This was from Easter. He was taking a drink break. Hunting eggs is tiring!


Wow, there's actually something in these eggs!


Hunting with daddy



He was not a fan of the Easter Bunny


We ate at Ihop before the Hunt and saw a good background for pictures. Unfortunately, I couldn't get all 3 of them to look at the camera at the same time.

Baby # 2 is on the way

WEll, I've actually known for quite a while but wanted to wait until I was far enough along to make the announcement. Colt will be a big brother in October or possibly the end of September. My actual due date is October 9th. I've had 3 sono's so far and everything looks good. Yesterday my ob told me she was going to ask her Dr. friend who does sono's for high risk pregnancy's if he would be able to detect Hirschsprungs in a sono. Apparently he said he could b/c she called me today and had already made me an appt. I have to wait until I'm 20 weeks when the baby's bowels are functioning. So I'm very excited about that. I really don't think anything is wrong but it will be nice to rule it out.
So my next appt is April 27th. I will be 16 wks so I hope to find out the sex. If the baby is cooperative we'll be able to tell but if not, we'll definitely be able to tell on the 3D sono at 20 wks. I can't wait!
Other than that, we are really looking forward to summer. I want to savor every moment I have while it's just Colt and I. A part of me is a little sad that he won't be the only child anymore, but I know it will be what's best for him. Jared and I both enjoyed having a sibling so close in age. Colt is growing up so fast. He has started saying words. It's crazy how he can communicate already!
Well, please keep us all in your prayers as we begin this new journey (again)

Random fun

Well, I'm on Spring Break this week so I thought I'd have some extra time to post. There's not too much to share but I thought I'd post some cute pictures. I celebrated my 29th bday last Friday. Jared gets an A+ for planning a great night out. I thought we were going to Edohana which is a Hibachi grill in Rockwall that we enjoy going too. He totally threw me off. We went to Shananegenz instead. He also invited several of our friends who were waiting there. We ate dinner and played a game of bowling. It was a great night with some great people. Unfortunately Jared is going out of town for his bday so I won't be able to surprise him with anything. But he'll be doing what he loves best. He'll be fishing on the lake with his brother and cousin.
So Colt is growing so much. He's 18 months old now. I can't believe he's 1 1/2 yrs old. He's starting to say a few words. The one he says the most is "hot". It's crazy how much he understands. Since he can't talk yet, I guess it's just hard for me to believe he actually understands what we're telling him. He does though. I can tell him to go put something in the trash and he will. He does have a very stubborn nature. When he wants something, he is very persistent. I guess that can be a good thing or a bad thing as he gets older. Well, we don't have any plans this week. I just plan on spending time with Colt and going to lunch with a few friends. The count-down until summer will begin as soon as we go back next week. With all this beautiful weather and being home with him, I'm getting really excited about summer and what fun it will bring.
He loves sitting with the dog


The look on his face is priceless


Me and Colt at Iron Chef


Jared and I before my Bday surprise


Jared thought it would be funny to not take his shirt off all the way. Colt thought it was pretty funny too.

Cruises, snow, anniversary and everything else in between

Well, I have put "blogging" off for a while and so I have so much to catch up on. We have had a very busy year so far. I'm definately not complaining because we've been fortunate enough to get alot of much needed vacation time. We decided about a year ago that we would probably be to the point of needing a vacation by the time we celebrated our 3rd anniversary. We celebrated our anniversary on the 13th of January and we left for our cruise on the 17th. We started off the weekend by taking colt to my parents. It was VERY hard to leave him knowing we wouldn't see him for another week. We both just tried to keep our mind on other things. We left very early Sunday morning. We picked up some friends in houston and began our journey to Galveston. We went to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. It was a wonderful vacation. We went with our friends that we actually met on our honeymoon 3 years ago. They live in Kansas so we don't get to see them very often. It was so nice to spend time with each other. It was also nice for JAred and I to get some alone time. Don't get me wrong. We missed Colt terribly. In fact, by Friday night I was wishing is was already Sunday so I could be holding my sweet boy. We all survived the seperation though. Colt had a great time with my parents, Uncle Zach and Aunt Margie, Grammy and Grandad and Uncle Joe and Aunt Jaime. I'm not sure he even realized we were gone. So, we had a great time and are thrilled that God has been able to bless us enough to enjoy a vacation every now and then.
Well, I felt that one cruise this year wouldn't be enough for me so I decided to go on another one 10 days after we got back. Okay well, it was planned. My mom told me several months ago that she wanted to take me and my sister in law on a "girls trip" and the first weekend in February was the only weekend we could go. Wednesday night, we flew to Orlando. We stayed at the Airport Marriot. Thursday, we drove down to Port Canaveral. We boarded the ship. We had a great time. I will say I have never felt sick on a cruise until this one. Thank goodness our room was in the middle of the ship so once I got to our room, I felt fine. It was a smaller ship and the waters were really rough. We still had a good time. We went to the Bahamas. Once we got there, we went to the Atlantis hotel. We had the most amazing experience of swimming witht he dolphins. I've always wanted to do this but it is so expensive for 2 people. Well, this time i only had to pay for me, so we were able to experience the dolphins close up. It was amazing! While I was on this cruise with my mom and sister in law, Jared was at home playing mommy and daddy. I think it was a really good experience for both of them. Jared really did a great job being a single parent. He did tell me I couldn't go away again for a long time. LOL.
Well, I haven't even been home a week and we had a snow storm here in Texas. I have never seen so much snow in Texas in my lifetime. We have 11 inches in our front yard. It was so much fun playing in it this morning. Colt wasn't really sure what to think of it. He could hardly walk in it since it was up to his waist! Schools were closed today. Jared went in a few hours late. The only bad part is now we have to make it up at the end of the year. Boo! Oh well, we made some great memories today.
Well, I hope I haven't bored you too much. I'll try to not wait so long until the next post.

The roses Jared sent me on our anniversary.

me,mom, margie

us again leaving the Bahamas heading back to the ship

These aren't in order. This was in the big Golden Chair at the Atlantis

me being silly looking like i'm kissing the fish.

At dinner

Jared and I getting heading back to the ship in Cozumel

Our friends

Notice there's only a picture of me with the Sting Ray. Yes, I look a little scared but it was fun. You won't find any pictures of Jared b/c he was in the water less than 5 minutes. And he certainly didn't get near any sting ray. Maybe he was the smart one!

After we left Sting Ray City in Grand Cayman, we went to a private beach. It was great. Not crowded at all. Beautiful!

Our professional picture taken on formal night



















At school, trying to not get too wet!