Our First Outtings

After a week of a slow recovery, Saturday we ventured out for a couple of hours to Granny's house to eat and visit with the family. Sunday was Mom's birthday, we surprised her at Ralph & Kacoo's. It was great Nanny, Christina, MawMaw, Aunt Pat, Aunt Linda, Uncle Paul, Melissa, Pete, Chris and I w/the kids, and Christi and the girls along with Hanna were all present. She was so surprised and excited. I believe she had an amazing birthday. Thanks to all in attendance - special thanks sent to A.Linda/U.Paul for picking up Mom and to Nanny for bringing MawMaw.

Yesterday, Mrs. Delores and I decided to take the kids to the zoo for our first outting. It was hot, but there was a slight breeze to help alittle. After the zoo, we were off to Chick-Fil-A to eat and play on the indoor playground; then to see MawMaw and my brother. We had a slight change in plan when we had to take Annalise to the doctor for a reaction that she was having, but all is well.

The day was great, the kids were great and all slept well last night. Thanks again DeDe for coming to help. As always, we love your visits.

Home Again

We made it home on Sunday at mid-afternoon. After arriving at home, Chris and I unpacked the bags from the hospital; while the girls doted over there new little brother. It was not long after being home that Joseph, Lauren and I settled in for a nice long well deserved nap. It was so refreshing. Thanks to Christi and the girls for bring supper over. It was delicious and so nice not to have to worry about cooking.

Joseph is a great baby. He seldom cries and loves to lay in his bassinet. He is not a lap baby (yet). He likes to stretch out and look around. The second night in the hospital, he had a rough night with his formula. Last night, his first night at home was good. He slept from 12midnight until 5 this morning, took a bottle and right back to sleep until 9 a.m. No complaints from Chris nor I. I pray that he continues to do so well. We have truly been blessed with great children. Thank goodness, because I know I like and need my sleep.

We thank everyone for the visits and kindness that have been received and offered. We could not have done it so easily without your help.

Special thanks to Christi and Aunt Linda/Uncle Paul for taking care of Mom. Just for the record, if given the choice of a family - I would choose mine.

Welcoming Joseph...

Annalise and Lauren welcoming Joseph Christopher into the family.

He weighed in at 6 pounds 3.9 ounces and was 19 3/4 inches long.

I am recouping and doing well.
Chris, Lauren and Annalise are also adjusting well to our expanded family.

Thanks for all of the visits, gifts, support and well wishes:)

Preparations

Two more days... Friday morning we are scheduled for an induction; Chris and the girls know the plan for their weekend and are excited about their activities. The house is as ready as it is going to get for a new baby and we are still working on a name. Packing of the bags will come tomorrow. Special thanks to Elaine & Matt and Brady & Shannon for taking time to make special days for our girls. I am not sure if they are more excited about their brother or their planned adventures.

What has been going on?

Sorry, I have not posted in awhile, but work has been extremely busy.

Mom's test results came back and they are changing her to a new medicine. The test were okay, but did show signs of her cancer counts increasing slightly. They will re-test in one month to determine if the new med is working to reduce this count. Mom is in good spirits and takes it all in stride. She is a miracle and thankful for every one's prayers and continued support.

Baby Boy Leep has turned again and is cooperating. He is scheduled to make his entrance on May 30. I will go back to the doctor on Tuesday for further testing. We are praying and have started to get his room ready for his arrival. The girls are beside themselves with anticipation and counting down the days.

School is out for the girls and their summer has officially begun. Special thanks to Granny for keeping them this week. They have enjoyed her doting over their every move.

Chris' new toy

This is Chris' New Toy...

and to think there is still bigger.

Special Thanks!!

I would like to thank everyone for all of the great gifts for our baby boy. Lauren and Annalise enjoyed opening all of the presents. My friends and family never cease to amaze me at their generousity. Special thanks to Elaine and Marty for giving the shower and for all in attendance. Also to Christi who took lots of pictures that I hope to be posting later this week.

Cara and her soldier...

One of my Baton Rouge co-workers, Cara, as most of you know her husband just recently left for Iraq . He is there with his brother. One of our local news stations surprised Brian and Michael by having them interviewed. Cara, her boys and the Steven's family were all at the TV station and were able to talk to them. I know Cara and I know just how much she misses Michael, so being able to see him and see that he looked wonderful meant the world to her....and also for Brian's wife and their parents to be able to talk to them...how awesome! Please keep their families in your thoughts and prayers. We need them to make it back home safely and I know you join me in saying we THANK them for what they are doing to serve our country and fight for our freedom. Thank you Brian & Michael...we love you! Of course when you see the clip, you'll see why I got even more emotional. www.nbc33tv.com

Cute Things Kids Say

When I picked up Lauren today, she was deep into telling a dramatic story when she kicked out a "Well Holy Cat Tails!"

Sorry so busy:(

Hey all! Just wanted to drop a quick note to let you know what all is going on.

First, Mom is doing well. She had her 3 month scans done today. She is tired, but in good spirits. She will go to the doctor next week for the results and her monthly checkup with the oncologist.

Secondly, I am busy at work and at home. Weekends seem to be packed with school activities, birthday parties, yard and housework, cutting trees, shopping and preparing for a new baby. We still have been getting Mom at least one day a weekend. It is a break for both Mom and I, it gives her a chance to get out and me a chance to stay home.

The baby doctor visits are going well. About 5 weeks left. I am finally starting to slowly get over my chest cold and congestion that I have had for two and a half weeks now. Still no room painted, no bed up, no name, no godparents; but we will be ready when our little guy decides to come into this world.

On the 19th, Lauren was in a beauty pageant at her school. We were so proud that she did it. She won a metal. And got lots of flowers from all of her "fans" (Thanks Nonnie!). We were so surprised that she walked on stage and did her twirls and occasionally gave a smile and a little wave to me. My sweet little angel ~ I am so proud of her. She is just getting so big - so fast. From there, Chris and the girls were off to Landon's Birthday Party; while Mom and I came home to get some housework done. It doesn't sound like fun, but was great to clean (really clean) my house in 2 1/2 hours. What a great treat for me!

Last weekend was not as productive, I was in slow motion and had a hard time getting going. With so much going on and a busy next couple of weeks and weekends, I will do my best to get some pictures of our activities and scoop posted as soon as possible.

Take care to all and sorry for those of you who I haven't gotten around to emailing back.

What a Great Weekend!

On Friday evening, we did not do much; but, oh how nice that was. Saturday, I decided that I needed to start getting ready for the baby. Therefore, where else would I start but off to the mall with Granny and Marty. Thanks to Marty our baby boy will have some clothes to wear. This eased my mind enough that shopping for the day was over. From there, we went back to their house where Chris and the girls met me.

Chris had a great day, he was at their neighbor's house trimming trees and splitting wood. He was so in his element; plus the bonus was the kids were not around. Lauren and Annalise were playing with Nicholas and Landon; and eagerly awaiting the arrival of Kylie (Lauren's BF) and Brant (her brother and Nick's friend). The kids played and played. They could not have been happier. And me either, Chris was in the trees, the girls were playing outside with their cousins and friends, and I was sitting outside on the swing watching everyone so full of life and happiness.

Mom spent the afternoon with Christi and David at Caitlyn's gymnastic meet. In which, I understand she did great (as always). Keep it up Caitlyn!

Although, I did not get anything that I had planned done... I had a remarkable weekend.

D.C. Update

Dodie came home last night from the hospital. Kyle says she is doing better.

"The Big Sisters" Get Prepared

This past Saturday, Annalise and Lauren both took separate classes on how to be a big sister. Annalise was a little apprehensive, but later in the weekend showed she was listening. She was all eyes in the hospital tour and loved all of the books about babies and siblings and what she could do. Her favorite part - the certificate, big sister sticker, and pin "I'm A Prepared Big Sister".

Annalise with her pin.

Lauren was in a large class and was very active. She listened, answered and asked questions. She knows her role and that she will definitely have to learn everything so she can help Daddy when Mommy and Baby Boy (still no name) are in the hospital for those 2 days. She has the details worked out for her, Annalise and Daddy until I get home and then some.

Lauren feeding and diapering her anatomically correct baby boy.

Update on Dodie

She was moved to a room yesterday and is feeling better. Her throat is sore and she is coughing alot. She is getting lots of rest now; which enables the fluid in her lungs to break up and come out. Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes.

Thanks to my California Cousins!!

Special thanks to two of my cousins on my father's side who came from California and stopped by today for a visit with Mom and lunch with us. It was such a welcoming break. It is amazing when you begin to visit with someone you have not seen in 15+ years. They had not changed much from what I remember. It was so good to see pictures of my Aunt Voncile also. I remember going to her house after my father passed away and listening to all of the stories that her and my Uncle Eddie told. Those are such great memories to have and pass down to my girls.

Mom was thrilled and so in her element with their visit. I have heard from her numerous times about how nice it was and how glad she was to have that visit with them. Special thanks to them for the visit and lunch! Especially making Mom so happy:)