Thursday, January 12, 2012
Elmo has brainwashed my child
Apparently, there is a huge debate about tv and children. Some people believe that children should not each any tv until they are at least two. We thought about it for awhile, but sometimes, it is just easy to turn on the tv and distract Elijah. We have restricted the shows to educational only and on public television.
I don't know when, but Elijah fell in love with Elmo. We would watch Sesame Street, but Elijah would only get interested unless Elmo would be on. For Christmas, Elijah ended up getting two stuffed Elmo's and an Elmo dish set, which he loves!
Since we started watching Sesame Street, Elijah's vocabulary has exploded. I had already been working on naming body parts, but now Elijah can identify people, food, and all his toys. He also can identify the number 2, but not any other numbers yet. When I mention that we are about to watch Sesame Street, Elijah will now get his chair in position and sit in front of the tv in anticipation. When the credits run, Elijah can name half of the characters.
So, even though Elijah's world evolves around Elmo, at least he's learning as he watches.
On a side note, we are placing our house on the market this week. We have met our real estate agent, started to de-clutter our house, and do some minor repairs to make our house more appealing. We are definitely losing money from selling this house, but we will definitely going to make up for it with our next purchase. I can't wait to move! We will keep you updated as we continue on this journey.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Holiday Cheer
This past month has been a whirlwind of holiday activities. Thanksgiving was hectic. We met with my family on Thanksgiving day. That night, I went into work at Michael Kors in Dawsonville, and worked an eight hours shift from 9:30PM to 6:30AM. Midnight Madness is just that--madness. The store opened at 9:00PM on Thanksgiving, and when I arrived there at 9:30, the store had already hit maximum capacity! I hadn't slept all day, so I was worried that I would be struggling to stay awake. However, amongst the chaos, I had no time to get sleepy! I did capitalize on the great sale the store had and my temporary employee discount to buy some clothes and a purse. This will probably be the most expensive purse I'll ever own.
I didn't get home from work until about 7AM. I crashed for about an hour and a half before showering and heading over to Taylor's parent's house. We stayed there all day, and then we came home so that I could sleep before heading out to the UGA vs Tech game that Saturday.
Boy, I enjoyed that game. I rarely get to sit beside other UGA fans, but this I was surrounded by them. Of course, the win made it extra enjoyable (hee hee).
Let's see, what else has happened since Thanksgiving? I got to see the beautiful, pregnant April at her baby shower. Even though I didn't know a single person there, it was lots of fun. Chris, that shelf you built was really cool, and that changing table looks amazing! I really hope you like the pillow, even though it doesn't exactly match your color scheme. Right after the Barr baby shower, Taylor and I went to his company's Christmas party.
Okay, first, I gotta mention that we got a hotel room so that we would only be 5 miles away from the country club where the party was located. Second, a whole group that we knew were staying at the same hotel. Third, we took a mini van to the party so that we could all just ride together. The reason why I mention all of this was that I ended up being DD for that... and driving intoxicated coworkers was FASCINATING. There was mentioning of hot tubs, Cheetah, Pink Pony, glitter, and Jesus that night. It was one of the best parties I had ever been to. Not to mention that it was also casino night, and I got to place a $1000 bet of fake money and have Taylor lose it all with one throw of the dice on the craps table.
Christmas is just around the corner, and I can't wait for the upcoming new year. 2011 was so much fun, but I'm looking forward to the change in 2012. Hey, perhaps we can have a family/baby get together before the year ends? Anybody has New Year plans? Let's still all our babies in one room and party hardy in the next. LOL. Just an idea....
I didn't get home from work until about 7AM. I crashed for about an hour and a half before showering and heading over to Taylor's parent's house. We stayed there all day, and then we came home so that I could sleep before heading out to the UGA vs Tech game that Saturday.
Boy, I enjoyed that game. I rarely get to sit beside other UGA fans, but this I was surrounded by them. Of course, the win made it extra enjoyable (hee hee).
Let's see, what else has happened since Thanksgiving? I got to see the beautiful, pregnant April at her baby shower. Even though I didn't know a single person there, it was lots of fun. Chris, that shelf you built was really cool, and that changing table looks amazing! I really hope you like the pillow, even though it doesn't exactly match your color scheme. Right after the Barr baby shower, Taylor and I went to his company's Christmas party.
Okay, first, I gotta mention that we got a hotel room so that we would only be 5 miles away from the country club where the party was located. Second, a whole group that we knew were staying at the same hotel. Third, we took a mini van to the party so that we could all just ride together. The reason why I mention all of this was that I ended up being DD for that... and driving intoxicated coworkers was FASCINATING. There was mentioning of hot tubs, Cheetah, Pink Pony, glitter, and Jesus that night. It was one of the best parties I had ever been to. Not to mention that it was also casino night, and I got to place a $1000 bet of fake money and have Taylor lose it all with one throw of the dice on the craps table.
Christmas is just around the corner, and I can't wait for the upcoming new year. 2011 was so much fun, but I'm looking forward to the change in 2012. Hey, perhaps we can have a family/baby get together before the year ends? Anybody has New Year plans? Let's still all our babies in one room and party hardy in the next. LOL. Just an idea....
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Thanksgiving Wrap Up
This year just keeps going by so fast! I cannot believe that Thanksgiving is next week! I feel like I'm constantly busy, and I can't afford to slow down.
The past couple weeks have been very eventful. Taylor went to Las Vegas for a conference for a week. I finally cut all ties to my old job and decided to stay focused on home. I felt that I was too tired during Elijah's nap to do any work, and that the little pay the company was offering wasn't enough to sacrifice the little down time I had during the day.
Last weekend, I had my sister's youngest kids (10 and 8 years old) stay with me as both parents were out of town. Man, they wore me out. I think having a little toddler is physically exhausting. You're constantly chasing after a toddler, making sure of no physical harm. With older kids, it's mentally exhausting. They have asked a million questions, demanded my attention, or wanted to participate in everything. Between them and Elijah, I was drained. I love them so much, but I was so happy to leave them at their own home on Monday.
On the actual Thanksgiving day, I'll be celebrating with my family, and on Black Friday, we will be eating with Taylor's side of the family. Holidays are all about balancing families. I love this time of the year but also hate it at the same time. There's so much juggling between the schedules, driving, cooking, eating... it's such a hassle all the way up to the point of the meal, and then we can finally relax. I guess it's all worth it in the end, right?
Elijah is growing like a weed. This past weekend, he climbed up the steps, holding onto the handrail. He's almost self sufficient with a fork and spoon now. We're still practicing drinking out of a cup, but there's progress there too. Every week is a new challenge and discovery. I love it!
So, what are you thankful for this year? I'm thankful that I can experience my son on a daily basis, for my husband to have a job that can support all of us and that he enjoys, and very supportive friends and family. There are no complaints here!
The past couple weeks have been very eventful. Taylor went to Las Vegas for a conference for a week. I finally cut all ties to my old job and decided to stay focused on home. I felt that I was too tired during Elijah's nap to do any work, and that the little pay the company was offering wasn't enough to sacrifice the little down time I had during the day.
Last weekend, I had my sister's youngest kids (10 and 8 years old) stay with me as both parents were out of town. Man, they wore me out. I think having a little toddler is physically exhausting. You're constantly chasing after a toddler, making sure of no physical harm. With older kids, it's mentally exhausting. They have asked a million questions, demanded my attention, or wanted to participate in everything. Between them and Elijah, I was drained. I love them so much, but I was so happy to leave them at their own home on Monday.
On the actual Thanksgiving day, I'll be celebrating with my family, and on Black Friday, we will be eating with Taylor's side of the family. Holidays are all about balancing families. I love this time of the year but also hate it at the same time. There's so much juggling between the schedules, driving, cooking, eating... it's such a hassle all the way up to the point of the meal, and then we can finally relax. I guess it's all worth it in the end, right?
Elijah is growing like a weed. This past weekend, he climbed up the steps, holding onto the handrail. He's almost self sufficient with a fork and spoon now. We're still practicing drinking out of a cup, but there's progress there too. Every week is a new challenge and discovery. I love it!
So, what are you thankful for this year? I'm thankful that I can experience my son on a daily basis, for my husband to have a job that can support all of us and that he enjoys, and very supportive friends and family. There are no complaints here!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Fall Wrap up
Things have been really hectic the past couple of weeks! We just recently celebrated my birthday, and this past weekend was our anniversary. For my birthday, Taylor got me an iPad. When I first opened the bag, I was in shock, and then I immediately told him to return it! We have spent so much money the past couple of months traveling, I didn't feel right having him spend that kind of money on me. However, he convinced me to keep it, and now it's more of like a birthday/anniversary gift.
We have been trying to spend as much quality time together as possible as Taylor will be traveling more soon. Being married with a spouse that travels for work is rough, but having a kid too makes it feel so... lonely? overwhelming? tiring? Not exactly sure what word to use.
But I have to brag that my kid is great. He still doesn't know how to be gently with kids smaller than him, but he's such a sweetie. We had dinner today with a neighbor and her two kids. He was giving them hugs by the time we were leaving the restaurant. He learns something new every week, and I get a little anxious about him growing up too fast. I keep telling Taylor, "My baby isn't a baby any more."
This morning, I woke up and went to pick up Elijah, and this is what I found.
I have no clue how he got his arm out of the one sleeve of his PJs, but he did it! He is such a goofy. He is a good blend of both of his parents, but he definitely gets his cheese from his mama.
Taylor will be traveling to Vegas the first week of November, so if anybody wants to hang out, let's do it then! :D
We have been trying to spend as much quality time together as possible as Taylor will be traveling more soon. Being married with a spouse that travels for work is rough, but having a kid too makes it feel so... lonely? overwhelming? tiring? Not exactly sure what word to use.
But I have to brag that my kid is great. He still doesn't know how to be gently with kids smaller than him, but he's such a sweetie. We had dinner today with a neighbor and her two kids. He was giving them hugs by the time we were leaving the restaurant. He learns something new every week, and I get a little anxious about him growing up too fast. I keep telling Taylor, "My baby isn't a baby any more."
This morning, I woke up and went to pick up Elijah, and this is what I found.
I have no clue how he got his arm out of the one sleeve of his PJs, but he did it! He is such a goofy. He is a good blend of both of his parents, but he definitely gets his cheese from his mama.
Taylor will be traveling to Vegas the first week of November, so if anybody wants to hang out, let's do it then! :D
Friday, September 23, 2011
Catch up
Lots has happened in the past couple of weeks, and it might be better if I give the run down on everything, bullet point style.
- For those who are interested, my blood test FINALLY came back negative... meaning, I'm in the clear for the ectopic pregnancy. This only took like 8 weeks to get straightened out. I'm looking forward to that insurance bill.
- We took Elijah on an airplane for the first time two weeks ago. We went to visit Alan (Taylor's brother) in San Diego for a week. Elijah did pretty well. He ate a TON (food is definitely the key to a successful flight), and on the way out to CA, he didn't fall asleep until the last ten minutes of the flight. Boo. On the way back home, he fell asleep immediately and slept for about 1.5 hours. If you ever go out to San Diego, the zoo and the safari are the best attractions. To us, Sea World was overrated, especially if you have kids younger than 5.
- We traveled to Savannah to see Craig get married this past weekend. This was our first weekend spent away from Elijah. It was a complete luxury, but at the same time, I spent the whole weekend looking at other kids and wondering how Elijah was doing. He didn't even notice we were gone. He was having that much fun at grandma's and grandpa's. The wedding and reception was fun. It was really nice to catch up with Chris and April and to hang out with the Hansens.
- Elijah and I joined Gymboree classes. Gymboree have classes for specific age groups. We go twice a week, and for 45 minutes, Elijah learns a lesson while playing with different toys. At the end, there's a cheesy singing thing, bubbles, and other stuff, but Elijah loves it. I also like having something to look forward to every week to help the days go by faster.
- Speaking of Elijah, he's starting to talk more. He's still shy about it, but it's encouraging to see. He does sign language well, but I feel like it's hard to teach him stuff when he doesn't repeat back to me! In Gymboree, there are girls (who naturally speak faster than boys) who know their shapes and colors. Yeah.... Elijah just got body parts down. I know we'll get there, and I can't compare kids but I can't help it! I will probably always wonder if I'm doing enough... welcome to parenthood, I guess!
- The next two weekends will be spent celebrating my birthday. I look forward to lots of yummy food. I'd rather have a fancy meal than a gift, and Taylor and his family are accommodating me this year. :)
Friday, August 12, 2011
My story
I have been debating if I should share some recent news here, but I feel that family members have already disclosed my story to their friends, so why can't I? Some of you have read from my tweets that the past week or so have been difficult, and I haven't been feeling under the weather. Last week was one of the most difficult weeks I've gone through, and I'll try not to be too dramatic as I recap.
To make a very long story short, I knew something was wrong with my body when I went to Indiana for a family reunion at the end of July. When we came back, I felt compelled to take a pregnancy test, and behold! I was pregnant! Problem is, I had an IUD put in place right after Elijah was born. I immediately called my doctor, who then had me come in to do blood work to confirm. While I was there, the doctor checked to make sure my IUD was still intact, but the strings couldn't be found. I was then scheduled for an ultrasound and a followup blood test two days later.
Two days later, the ultrasound confirms that the IUD is still there. I give blood and was told to wait for further instructions. Next morning, the doctor calls me and lets me know that I need to go to the Diagnostic Treatment Center (DTC) at DeKalb Medical immediately and that the on-call doctor has been notified. I try not to freak out as I drop Elijah off at the in-laws and head over to the hospital.
When I arrive, more blood is drawn. Come to find out, I had an ectopic pregnancy or more commonly known as tubal pregnancy. I was that 1 in 1000 women who released an egg with an IUD, was able to get pregnant, and then have that embryo implant into my fallopian tube. Luckily, I had caught in time to be able to take two shots of methotrexate to terminate the pregnancy as the fetus would never be able to come to full term and would be fatal to me.
Should I remind you that this all happened within a week?
I am currently getting blood work done to make sure that my beta levels go to zero, and I had the doctor remove the IUD while I was in the hospital. This week has been extremely difficult as I physically cope with losing a baby. Even being in the early weeks of pregnancy, there has been lots of cramping and blood. I actually found this experience more painful than what I had to deal with after giving birth to Elijah.
Emotionally, I have been on a roller coaster. Even though I didn't plan on this pregnancy and knew that this baby wouldn't survive, I feel a giant sense of loss and love. My family has been my rock as they have all checked in on me, prayed for me, and given me moral support through all of this. I'm not sure I would have been able to cope without their constant shower of love.
There. That's my side of the story. It has been a long two weeks.
To make a very long story short, I knew something was wrong with my body when I went to Indiana for a family reunion at the end of July. When we came back, I felt compelled to take a pregnancy test, and behold! I was pregnant! Problem is, I had an IUD put in place right after Elijah was born. I immediately called my doctor, who then had me come in to do blood work to confirm. While I was there, the doctor checked to make sure my IUD was still intact, but the strings couldn't be found. I was then scheduled for an ultrasound and a followup blood test two days later.
Two days later, the ultrasound confirms that the IUD is still there. I give blood and was told to wait for further instructions. Next morning, the doctor calls me and lets me know that I need to go to the Diagnostic Treatment Center (DTC) at DeKalb Medical immediately and that the on-call doctor has been notified. I try not to freak out as I drop Elijah off at the in-laws and head over to the hospital.
When I arrive, more blood is drawn. Come to find out, I had an ectopic pregnancy or more commonly known as tubal pregnancy. I was that 1 in 1000 women who released an egg with an IUD, was able to get pregnant, and then have that embryo implant into my fallopian tube. Luckily, I had caught in time to be able to take two shots of methotrexate to terminate the pregnancy as the fetus would never be able to come to full term and would be fatal to me.
Should I remind you that this all happened within a week?
I am currently getting blood work done to make sure that my beta levels go to zero, and I had the doctor remove the IUD while I was in the hospital. This week has been extremely difficult as I physically cope with losing a baby. Even being in the early weeks of pregnancy, there has been lots of cramping and blood. I actually found this experience more painful than what I had to deal with after giving birth to Elijah.
Emotionally, I have been on a roller coaster. Even though I didn't plan on this pregnancy and knew that this baby wouldn't survive, I feel a giant sense of loss and love. My family has been my rock as they have all checked in on me, prayed for me, and given me moral support through all of this. I'm not sure I would have been able to cope without their constant shower of love.
There. That's my side of the story. It has been a long two weeks.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Lively thoughts
Today, I heard some upsetting news about a very good friend's sister who had passed away last night. I knew the sister as we met a couple of times, and I knew that recently she had been struggling with alcohol abuse. I don't know the details of her death, although I fear that it might be overdose related.
This death, unlike death of family members (those are the only ones that I know of), is haunting me very differently as she was my age. She had three beautiful children and a loving family. However, in the past couple of months, she seemed to be lost, unhappy... unsettled. It was like she was searching for something to fill her up, and the only thing that made her feel was alcohol.
All day, I have been thinking about my friend and wondering how she must be feeling. I've written to her, and she has thanked me for her support. I don't want to overcrowd her as I know she has family coming in from out of town today. All of this has reminded me of how thankful I am for my life and the lives that surround me.
Even though some of you that read this are not Christians or even "religious," I hope you don't get offended with what I am about to say next. I have joy in my heart even in times of sadness because I know that my God loves me. He completes me. My delight is in the Lord. I don't have to search for other sources of joy, fulfillment, direction... even though the Lord has blessed me with a loving husband, a wonderful son, and a supportive family. I try not to take anything for granted, and today, I am reminded that life is a gift. I struggle every day to be positive, to find the gospel in everything that I do, and it's only through God's grace that I have been able to find peace in my life. My only hope is that my son and other unsaved family members and friends will one day find this same love for my Lord as I have.
I pray that my life is a living example of how great of an impact the Lord can be in one's life. I've always felt a little shy about sharing, but as I am reminded of today, time is of the essence, and we do not know when we are called out of this world. Don't you want to be sure you know the right message when you leave it? Just some thoughts for today...
This death, unlike death of family members (those are the only ones that I know of), is haunting me very differently as she was my age. She had three beautiful children and a loving family. However, in the past couple of months, she seemed to be lost, unhappy... unsettled. It was like she was searching for something to fill her up, and the only thing that made her feel was alcohol.
All day, I have been thinking about my friend and wondering how she must be feeling. I've written to her, and she has thanked me for her support. I don't want to overcrowd her as I know she has family coming in from out of town today. All of this has reminded me of how thankful I am for my life and the lives that surround me.
Even though some of you that read this are not Christians or even "religious," I hope you don't get offended with what I am about to say next. I have joy in my heart even in times of sadness because I know that my God loves me. He completes me. My delight is in the Lord. I don't have to search for other sources of joy, fulfillment, direction... even though the Lord has blessed me with a loving husband, a wonderful son, and a supportive family. I try not to take anything for granted, and today, I am reminded that life is a gift. I struggle every day to be positive, to find the gospel in everything that I do, and it's only through God's grace that I have been able to find peace in my life. My only hope is that my son and other unsaved family members and friends will one day find this same love for my Lord as I have.
I pray that my life is a living example of how great of an impact the Lord can be in one's life. I've always felt a little shy about sharing, but as I am reminded of today, time is of the essence, and we do not know when we are called out of this world. Don't you want to be sure you know the right message when you leave it? Just some thoughts for today...
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