Quick update

I have about 5 mins before I have to get ready for church so this has to be quick. Since Jackson's horrible middle of the night ear infection that landed us in the ER desperate for a quick fix Greg got sick. He went to the Dr Wed before we left for Dallas. The Dr said he had a viral infection (fancy name for a cold). Well Friday night in Dallas Ava started sneezing and having congestion. Saturday when we got home I noticed she felt warm and then hot. We took her temp and it was 102.2 which for a little baby is high. They say if they are younger than 4 months and it is over 100.3 you have to get immediate medical attention. Ava is right on the fence since she is 3 and a half months, but the nurse told me I still had to take her in. BACK TO THE ER UGHH!! She had a some blood in her diaper so I thought she may have a UTI. After three long hours and some not so fun tests, she just had Greg's viral infection and a small rectal tear (common in babies from staining). Yesterday was the worst (sneezing, hacking, and tons of green stuff coming from the nose). Today she seems not so congested and has been asleep most of the day. It has been a busy and long week. We some how still managed to get all the Christmas decoration out, tree done, and the outside lights are just about done as well. Off to church. Here is to a happy healthy week!

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Not only do I love all the wonderful food, but it is a a time to reflect in all the blessings in my life. Every year with my family we go around the room and every one says something they are thankful for. I always have so much to say so this year I am writing it down to keep in our family blog/book.

Most of all I am thankful for my husband. He works hard (kind of an under statement) to provide for our family. He unconditionally loves me and adores his children. He continues to work at being the best father he can be. He is the spiritual leader of our family and for that I love him.

I am thankful for my precious first born. He made me a Mommy and I am thankful for everything he has brought to my life including patience. He makes my heart full. I can not imagine life any other way than with him in it.

My precious baby girl!! As long as I can remember I have wanted a baby girl. I am so thankful Ava is not Jayden lol!! I look at her and feel my heart over flowing with love. There is no possible way to explain it, if you are a Mother you know.

I am so thankful I have the opportunity to stay home with my babies. I am hear for every milestone, giggle, and even cry. I am so grateful my husband is as willing as I am to make the scarifies it takes for me to be at home raising our children. There is no pay check worth me missing my days with Jackson and Ava.

My family. I am thankful for each person in it. Most of all this year I am thankful God placed a precious baby girl in my sister's life. She was the most anticipated baby in our family by far.

I could go on, but duty calls. Happy Thanksgiving!!

Jackson

So why is it when you stay up late your kids always need you all night long? I had a spa night with my girl friends last night and it was almost midnight when I went to sleep. Between Jackson and Ava I was up every hour. Jackson was crying that his ears hurt. Finally at 6:30 I bundled him up and we headed for the ER. I can see his left tube. It is in the ear canal and the Dr said it should fall out on it's own since he was not comfortable digging around in the ear. He said I should take him back to his ENT for that. That ear believe it or not is ok. The right ear has a nasty infection. The tube is still down in place, but covered in gunk and not draining. As most of you know this kid has had probably close to 30 ear infections. I am just praying we don't need another set of ear tubes. Well at least if we do we have a little better insurance coverage. It will be Dec 1st before we can get in with the ENT.

Sweet Babies

You both are growing so fast. I grow more in love with you every day (if that is possible).

Our sweet baby girl we all call you Ava Bear (even Jackson). You are so easy going, happy, and adore watching your big brother. You are starting to hold your head up and are getting very strong. Every one has been saying how much you look like mommy lately. You are so sweet I can't help but hold and love on you all day long. You are so irresistible even the ladies at the YMCA hold and rock you. You follow me with those eyes of yours every move I make. Sometimes when you can't find me you stick out that bottom lip and whale. Ahh you love Mommy as much as Mommy loves you!

Jackson Jackson Jackson!! You are one busy boy! You are not as easy to get picture's of these days. How ever you were so good for Christmas pics (more to come soon). I can tell such a difference in you since starting pre school. Your speech amazes me daily. The other day I was telling you how to put on your under wear (make sure the tag is in the back). You told me you could not do it so I said sit down and put them on. Your response was, "Mommy that is a very good idea". I had a little tear in my eye. You are getting so big. You are a big sleeper and if you don't get that sleep LOOK OUT!!! You are such a good boy, but when you don't get enough rest another child is born. You are so fun and I cherish every minute with you. You even let me rock yo today for maybe a whole 2 minutes before your nap. I love you so much!

3 months

My precious Baby Girl you are three months old tomorrow. Where has the time gone and how do I slow it down? You are such a good baby, always happy, and always smiling. You have started to coo and want to talk so bad. You are still exclusively nursing and I can’t bring myself to start pumping just yet. I know when I do giving a bottle will just be so much easier and way to tempting. We have an amazing bond and you love your Mommy so much. You still wake up twice in the night, but when I get you out of your bassinet and you smile at me I melt.

You have taught me so much! With Jackson I did not want him to sleep with us, did not want to hold him too much in fear that we would spoil him, etc. He is almost three and I would do anything to rewind, co sleep, hold him, and rock him any chance I had. It goes so fast that I want to do it all and enjoy every minute of it. You have taught me to slow down and enjoy each step. I was always waiting for the next milestone instead of enjoying the one we were currently in. I packed the rest of your 0-3 month clothes today and just cried. Why does it happen so fast? You may be the last baby as I am feeling very complete so it helps me even more cherish every moment.

Ava I love you so much. One day when you are reading all this I hope you see how much you complete our family.

Lyssie Lou

Her Daddy gave her this nick name and I LOVE it! She is so perfect and I can't stop thinking about her! I am making plans in my head already of ways to see her at least every other month!! I hope Alyssa and Ava will be the best of friends just like Tiffany and I (with out all the fighting). I love you so much Tiff and I am so happy for you and Andrew!!

She is here!!

I got a text message about 11:19 tonight that Alyssa was here!! Tiff had a long 24 hours before they decided to do a c section. The Dr said the baby is beautiful, that she looks like Tiffany, and she has lots of dark hair. She weighed 6 pounds 7 ounces. I could not find anyone to help me with Jackson so I had to bring him. I am so sad I can't be at the hospital. I am sitting in the quite house anxiously awaiting the next phone call. This is such a blessing for Tiffany and Andrew. God knows they went through hell and back to get Alyssa here. I just wish I could be a part of it. I always thought I would be with her when this time came. I will post pics soon.

I will tell you this has been birth control for me! There is no way I could handle more than two kids alone.