From our front porch looking in...

School year jumpstart!

2011-08-17T11:26:00.001-04:00

Its almost time for the first day of school. Evie misses the Kindergarten deadline by a month….but we are homeschooling again this year, so deadlines, schmeadlines!

I had a great meeting with my wonderful friend, Laura last week and got some great encouragement and guidance on planning and taking it all in stride!!

I also found some STEALS in the $$$ bins at Target (or as my old friend would call them, the “suck-ya-ins”)

GREAT number puzzles! They also had matching uppercase/lowercase puzzles-can’t beat $1!

IN OTHER NEWS

Elin has discovered the stairs and gate

We hit the park yesterday before it got too hot! Triple digits don’t get me excited!

Elin spent some quality time in the swing

BigE and babyE dressed a like---OH HOW I LOVE GIRLS!

and I LOVE MY boy! dirt and sweat-OH!

Beckett loves the merry-go-round and has some sweet skill on this thing-his favorite part is running!

baby view

and no swing would be complete without the thumb…delicious!

Our Bright Light

2011-07-12T16:04:00.000-04:00

Can’t imagine our lives without our sweet, sweet baby…almost forgot what it was like without her in it.

8 months ago, I was one day away from my due date and thinking she would make her entrance right on time, but she just wasn’t ready. Our 6 pound, 9 ounce baby has taken quite the growth spurt since her arrival-see below!!!

Talk about GROWTH!

She is still breastfed, taking a bottle only when COMPLETELY necessary.

Favorite food: rice cereal or oatmeal mixed with breast milk-thanks to the Milkie, I have PLENTY!!! (and Lacy Basford for storing it in her deep freeze-good friends!) You also are grabbing your fair share of table food like bread, ice cream, bananas, watermelon, strawberries, and french fries..SHHHHH

(you dressed up as a little calf for your first Cow Appreciation Day-we go every year, so get ready!)

Sleeping Schedule: You are officially moved out of our room and into your red crib in the room with E and B-you have slept from 8-6ish the past 3 nights, so keep it up. You only stay awake about 1 hour after you wake in the morning, then its nap time. Another nap around 1 or 2 and then maybe an early evening one. **You go to sleep SO WELL-as soon as I lay you in your crib, you put that right thumb in and roll over***

AND-you even fell asleep folded over the other night-reminded Daddy and me of E when she was your age.

How mobile are you? You have started pushing yourself up from your belly to a sitting position, even in your crib. You pulled up on the stroller yesterday while we were at the mall play area-that was a first too-you got down and played!

Who’s your favorite?? You are certainly a Daddy’s girl-even when I am holding you, you lean right to him and don’t reach back for me-smart girl, your dada is eating this up!

What you are wearing: Some 12 month clothes that your Big E wore are already fitting. Mostly 9 month tops and leggings (that’s due to cloth diapers)

Something unique about you now: Your feet are still so tiny! You are barely in size 1 shoes---btw, what a perfect little pointed foot.

What I love about you today: How you kick your right foot when you are really sleepy, the way you suck your thumb and put your head on my chest after I nurse you in the middle of the night, how your face lights up and you squeal when Beckett makes you laugh! That boy is always doing something silly!

You even watched Daddy through the glass the other night…time is flying!

You are certainly living up to the meaning of your name and becoming our BRIGHT LIGHT…

what did you do today?

2011-06-07T17:38:00.001-04:00

often I think to myself…what did I do today?

and by stating that question, I mean “what did I do today that was worth anything? what did I do that I NEEDED to do? that really makes a difference?”

A DAY IN PICTURES

spontaneous art project-paper bag Indian vests

Evie modeling hers

Beckett drawing bad guy stripes on his!

spent some time 1-on-1 with Eliebug…look who’s sitting up?!!?

Evie talked on the phone to Mia-AFTER she AND Beckett took a 2.5 hour nap-GLORY!

I did 3 loads of laundry…but the hamper is already filling back up

Wiped sticky fingerprints and messy stains off this table…several times!

changed our first “real poop” diaper-thanks PRUNES!

I rearranged the kids’ room to accommodate Elin’s new crib-SHOCKER, I know…me rearranging!

someone decided to unstuff our sweet sheep…

so she had to be REstuffed.

I tried to find a place for the new plate I made a few weeks ago at DOART with the ladies from our church

I watched the rain fall on our tomato plants and prayed for our neighbors

and the BEST part of it all…

hundreds of hugs, love and kisses from 3 very sweet babies.

Staying at home is hard. but it sure makes life beautiful.

The greatest day of my life.

2011-05-16T12:38:00.002-04:00

While checking out at Publix last week, the cashier asked the guy behind me how his day was going. He replied nonchalantly, "best day of my life." I was thinking he must have become a grandfather or something totally special-the cashier said, "wish my day was going that well."...then he said, "its just a choice."

yep. a choice. I am making a choice to make each day the "best day of my life".

I get to kiss little cheeks and get a hundred hugs.

speaking of hugs and kisses, today my "baby" is 6 months old. 1/2 way to a year. wow! what? she is quite the chunky peanut and even has double buns!

Here are a few of her favorite things:
1. being held in the Ergo (or just being held)
2. nursing...nope, still not taking a bottle
3. waking up every 4 hours at night-she went 9 hours a few nights ago, so hoping she makes that a regular thing
4. her thumb.
5. evie. that sweet girl sure can get her sister to giggle.
6. chewing on ANYTHING!

She is wearing 9 month clothes...need to buy her some new sleepers cause she is pretty long and chubby-have I mentioned that?

HEALTH UPDATE:
Evie finished her antibiotics for strep throat which took 2 weeks to diagnose.

I started having a sore throat (mostly lymph nodes tender) about 3 weeks ago, so last Monday, I called my doc just to check things out. After looking at my throat, she decided I had strep again and started me on a Zpack.

After 2 days of antibiotics and no improvement, I went in for some blood work.

Results: mommy has MONO

I have felt pretty tired some days, but not sure if its from having 3 kids or mono!!

Went in today for blood work to check my liver to make sure there isn't too much inflammation since mono can cause swelling in the liver and spleen (mono attacks the lymphocytes which are responsible for inflammation).

so even through 6 months of sick days in the sutton house...this is still the GREATEST DAY OF MY LIFE.

the faces of my man

2011-04-21T09:00:00.000-04:00

I was looking over some old pictures that popped up in Picasa. Thought it was funny how my husband who doesn’t love change, changes so often!

Oh ye of little sleep

2011-04-20T15:36:00.001-04:00

For the past 2 weeks, sleep has been lacking in a major way at Casa de Sutton. Elin started waking back up in the night to nurse…or just to cry for a few minutes. We are trying to let her “cry it out”, but that can get difficult when she is in a crib 6 inches from the end of our bed and have to lie there awake at 2:30, 4:00 and 6:15 listening to her scream…when all we want to do is close our eyes and drift back off to dreamland!

Evie has been sick with something for almost 2 weeks. Fever, belly pain, and now neck tenderness. We ended up in the ER a week and a half ago on a Friday night because after hours was closed. She was diagnosed with a UTI…although her culture grew NO BACTERIA. She had a round of antibiotics, some pain and mild fever towards the end of the course, but seemed fine by this past weekend.

Monday morning, she started running fevers again and complained of diffuse belly aches and her throat hurting. We saw our pediatrician yesterday, gave another urine sample (that showed white blood cells and red blood cells) and sent that off for ANOTHER culture (not sure its going to show different results). She also had a rapid strep test which was negative, but that was also sent off for further testing.

We should get results tomorrow afternoon and if both are negative, we will do some bloodwork and possibly an ultrasound to look at her belly. She is taking a nap now, which is very rare, so I know she doesn’t feel great!

To top off this mess, Beckett fell asleep at Chickfila last night while we were having dinner and was running a fever…this is how my night went:

7:00-B falls asleep at CFA with a fever

7:45-arrive home, give B Motrin and put him to sleep

by 10:30, Evie is finally asleep as is Elin

12:45-Elin wakes up to nurse…we are letting her cry, but I just want her to stop, so I give in and bring her to bed to nurse.

2:30-Wake up, put Elin back in her bed so I can get more comfortable

4:00-I wake up to a hot little boy leaning over my bed…he climbs in, I get up, give him Motrin and milk

5:07-Elin starts crying

5:08-Make Zach take B back to his bed so Elin doesn’t really wake him up

5:13-Elin stops crying and goes back to sleep

7:06-Zach jumps out of bed thinking he overslept (but he didn’t)

7:10-Elin wakes up, nurse her

7:20-Put Elin back in her crib. I am up now.

7:45-lying on the couch, Evie gets up-WHAT? she usually sleeps in. yes, fever 100.8

Zach left for work at 8:30 and my sweet friend, Mandi brought me Starbucks around noon----oh what love!!!! Made my day!

God has been sustaining me and I have been quite productive around the house despite the sickies!!! Now mama needs shower and a good night’s sleep…or a massage and coffee…a shopping spree to Target…prepared meals for a week…anything along those lines would be great!! Thanks for the prayers!

Happy Birthday Papi

2011-04-01T11:31:00.001-04:00

Since we are a few hundred miles away from our Papi on his birthday, Evie thought it would be great to make a special birthday banner for him-totally her idea and she has been working on it all morning!!! She taped each page together by herself and then we hung it on the wall!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDYA PAPI!!!

this one is of Rapunzel—see her hair blowing in the wind?!

and here is little sweetness…

I LOVE these sweet cheeks!

Crazy days with a family of 5

2011-01-22T16:27:00.001-05:00

Wow! Blogging failure!

We have been super busy, traveling for the holidays, trying to get and stay well, and remodeling our kitchen-WHEW!

Here are some snapshots of the last few weeks and happenings at the Sutton home:

Zach put in NEW counter tops (LOVE) and painted the cabinets white-we have been dreaming about doing a project like this since we moved in almost 5 years ago!!

Elin and Uncle Jeremy celebrating his 32nd birthday in Alabama last week

snuggles with Mia and Papi in Bama

one of my favorite pictures to date-looks like Evie is holding a baby doll!!!

We got to meet up with one of my best life-long friends SC and her sweet girls at the Fun Factory-Evie Kate and Helen Catherine were BFFs from the moment they met!

Beckett “skating” for the 1st time

Aunt MA and Eliebug cuddling together

We found a REAL train in Enterprise and hopped on-Beckett was so excited!

someone snapped a moment of discipline in progress. there are many of those throughout my day!

Elin Faith sleeping on Mia’s bed…pure sweetness!

3 beautiful munchkins

Bright Light of Faith is 2 months old! WHAT?! and getting chubbier with every passing day-LOVE THAT!

Evie and Beckett as pirates at their friend Owen’s 3rd birthday party today-his mama did a GREAT job and the kids had a blast hunting for treasure in their homemade outfits!

…and lastly, e&e relaxin’ together watching Strawberry Shortcake while I clean the bathroom

Thanks for the prayers lately…I had strep throat this week, but am finishing antibiotics and feeling almost back to normal-thanks to my AMAZING mom who came down from Alabama to nurse me back to health!

Sneezes and coughs and fever, OH MY!

2010-12-18T10:50:00.001-05:00

It’s been quite a month since little E arrived. Evie and Beckett both had colds when she was born, so we tried to keep them away, but Elin still ended up with a cold…they all seemed to be better until 2 weeks ago when Evie started out with a fever, cough- which she passed on to Beckett 4 days later—which he passed on to Elin (minus the fever).

I spent several hours last weekend in the clinic with Elin to find out she had RSV. We managed the symptoms at home, revisited the pediatrician during the week and then she passed it on to me!

Zach stayed home from work for the first time ever to take care of all of us!!! No rest for the weary…or the moms who nurse their babies! I slept on the couch while Elin slept in the swing, next to the humidifier-what a mess we had!

We all seem to be on the up and up, with our lingering coughs, but thanking God we are all better (and Zach was spared!) Now, time for Christmas!

Here are some pictures since little E’s arrival:

Uncle Tony, Uncle Stacy, and Katie stopped by to see us after a gator game

milk drunk.

On Thanksgiving…ADORABLE!

With Mommy after Thanksgiving dinner #1

the growing gang at Nana’s house

pure pink sweetness

we borrowed cousin Natalie’s sac, but the lighting wasn’t great for good pictures….

matching outfits with cousin Natalie who was due the day after me, but born on November 8th…what fun to have so many babies (and girls!!!)

we are cloth diapering and I am loving it!!!! no more wasting money on disposables (well, only on Beckett til he is potty trained!) They are a little bulky, but so easy to use!

Elin is still an angel and sleeping a good 5 hour stretch every night. She rarely cries and only gets super upset when she has a poopy diaper. She falls asleep without the aid of a pacifier and for that I am grateful.

She is fitting nicely into newborn clothes, but can do some 0-3 months with the cloth diapers. She weighed 9 pounds 3 ounces at her appointment on Tuesday (but that was not NAKED)…still, she might be our meatiest baby yet! so much for IUGR!

I am loving every second of her and trying to remember each smell, touch and moment of having a tiny one around because it goes by sooo fast…I love these kids and my heart is full!

Elin’s BIRTHday!

2010-11-19T22:02:00.001-05:00

Well, she’s here! Many of you have asked, so here is her story:

As you may know, she had been measuring small on the past three ultrasounds, in the 2nd percentile and there was a questionable diagnosis of IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction). She looked healthy, so we continued to monitor her via ultrasound and non-stress tests every week.

My midwife wanted to induce 5 days early, on the 8th, but my cervix was not favorable and we decided to wait another week. As we entered the weekend, I thought she might arrive on her due date as I was having contractions ALL day on Saturday. Libby, my midwife was out of town Sunday, so I was praying she would wait to arrive!

And she did.

We saw Libby Monday and decided to induce Tuesday morning…40 weeks, 3 days (so much for a baby arriving early in OUR family—cozy womb syndrome )

I was excited to finally get things going, but more nervous than ever about being induced and enduring the pain of childbirth for the third time.

We got to the hospital around 7:30 Tuesday morning, got settled in our room, including 3 sticks to get an IV in me (happens every time!) Libby showed up around 9 and Pitocin was hung at 9:15. At this point, I was dilated 3-4 cm and 50% effaced. Mia, Papi, Yaya and Paw Paw arrived and we hung out in the room, waiting for things to intensify.

Contractions were coming almost every 2 minutes, but were bearable. Thought we would have a baby by lunchtime, but at 1:15, Libby was back to break my water…still only 4cm, 70% effaced! Not a lot of progress…so began the disappointment.

Once my water was broken, things started intensifying. Libby went back to the office and after 1.5 hours, I asked our AMAZING nurse to check me-7 cm, so Libby was called back to the hospital.

Contractions were every 2 minutes, so I got in the shower to help my back pain (found out later that she was posterior---just like Evie, causing my severe back pain during this time!) While in the shower, I started feeling the need to push…Libby got me back in bed and I was only 8 cm!! WHAT?! ! How was that possible? I told her I couldn’t do it, that I didn’t want to. I needed something (that’s what I say every time, but this time I meant it!!! really, I meant it!)

She told me the only way to feel better now was to deliver the baby. NOT what I wanted to hear. She said she thought it would only be another 30 minutes…again, NOT what I wanted to hear. I told her I couldn’t do another 30 minutes of this!

Thankfully, I had an awesome nurse who was massaging my back with smell-good lotion and I would squeeze the life out of Zach’s and Libby’s hand with each contraction. About 10 minutes later, I was pushing, the baby’s heart rate dropped, Libby jumped (literally) into her gown and ran over to the side of the bed…told me to slow my pushing and out came little Elin Faith-all 6 pounds, 9 ounces!

The first thing out of my mouth was, “I don’t ever want to do that again.” No epidural, no pain meds, just pure stupidity. I would call it ignorance, but I knew better! I know we were made to do this childbirth thing, but it’s the labor part that stinks.

I think she looks a lot like my baby pictures, a good mix of Evie and Beckett.

We are on day 3 and so far, NO PACIFIER! She could be our “best” baby yet. She is quite content and only fusses when she is ready to eat. I am totally in love and lacking sleep, but soaking in every sweet moment.

Leaving for the hospital at 7:00

One of the last belly shots…all hooked up and ready to go (can you tell I’m not having contractions yet?)

So glad she’s here but thinking about NEVER doing that again!

Elin getting her newborn check by our good friend Dave who just happened to be on L/D this week!

Papi with his newest little angel…he drove down for a few hours just to see her arrive

Paw Paw and Yaya with their 2nd grandchild born this month…one more to go!

Evie and Beckett meeting their new sister. Evie kept saying, “She’s so beautiful” and Beckett just wanted to eat a cupcake.

With our FABULOUS midwife, Libby. She has delivered all of our kids and I couldn’t have done it without her…seriously!

The kids with our labor and delivery nurse, Kristin…she was amazing!!! (notice Beckett using the hospital socks as gloves!)

Mia getting her lovin’

Some of our guesses…Nana was right on the time-EXACTLY! and Jason was a little off on the length-haha

snoozing in the hospital room

one of her few crying moments

waiting for our ride home-nothing we brought fit her, so she ended up in a onesie, but had some CUTE pink bow to go with it!!!

Elin’s first car ride with a really happy big brother and big sister

Evie threw her a princess welcome home birthday party, complete with princess tiaras!

Elin swinging tonight for a few minutes…that was all she lasted

The kids went back to Alabama for a few days to hang out with Mia and Papi while Zach and I get to know Elin! Thank to them for being such a huge help!!!!

Passing the time

2010-11-09T10:12:00.001-05:00

While we wait for the arrival of our sweet little girl, we’ve been quite busy. Last week, our good friend, Michelle took some pictures of us out in Haile. Of course, even though its Fall, the high was 92 degrees that day-needless to say, it was hot and we were all sweating…I was praying we got at least ONE good shot!

But, she worked her magic and some wonderful moments were captured:

We went Trick or Treating a couple of nights and got more candy than we NEED!!

Belle all dressed up!

Beckett, the KNIGHT and Sam the CONDUCTOR…crazy boys!

This morning we made some more banana bread since our last batch turned out so yummy!!!!

We are FOUR days away from Elin’s due date…she is growing, so they are letting her come when she’s ready-which makes me happy, although I would love to be not pregnant anymore!

So while we wait, I am doing my best to enjoy these last few days of mothering 2 little blessings…I know crazy, fun days are ahead!!!

Elin update

2010-10-23T00:19:00.001-04:00

We had a second ultrasound tonight…took forever, but got good news. Elin has grown (estimating her to be around 5 lbs 3 ounces right now). She is still small, but trending on the curve well.

Going in tomorrow after Evie’s birthday party for a non stress test in labor and delivery. Have to have another NST in a week and a 3rd ultrasound in 2 more weeks.

Thanking God she is healthy and just small like her big sister-no complaints from this mama for small babies (especially when it comes to natural childbirth!)

we did get one good profile shot of her on 3D tonight:

for those that need help looking at this shot :):

she is its a profile shot-she is looking to the left side of the screen and has her elbow up by her chin squishing her little face and nose. (almost looks like she is sucking her thumb, but she’s not)

Her eyes were closed..sleeping for a change! but a sweet profile shot of those little cheeks and face that we will be looking at in a few weeks! oh precious!!!

less than 4 weeks

2010-10-17T21:03:00.001-04:00

WAHOOOOO-we’re almost there! Hopefully four weeks from yesterday, we will have a sweet, tiny little Elin Faith in our arms!

I am still feeling great but wouldn’t complain if she decided to show up tonight!! Doubt she will arrive early if she follows in the steps of her big brother and big sister. We will have another ultrasound this Friday night to take a look at her growth, but she is certainly continuing to be a little squirmer in there!

Elin’s Growth Ultrasound

2010-10-09T23:43:00.001-04:00

At my appointment last week with Libby, she found that I was measuring about 4 weeks behind and ordered an ultrasound to check on Elin’s growth.

Mia and Papi were driving down to Orlando for the weekend, so perfect timing to be able to join us for the 2 hour wait at Dr. Buchanan’s office (very typical to wait for hours for the man)…our appointment was at 7:00 (YES! in the evening!!) and we were in the van at 9:08…not bad in my opinion for Dr. B’s history :)

Long story-short. She is measuring around 33 weeks (I am 35) which puts her in the 10th percentile for growth…maybe around 4 lbs 10 ounces or so. He did a biophysical profile on her showing us her breathing, amniotic fluid levels, reflexes, movement and proportions were all beautiful!

We tried to get a 3D picture of her little face, but she was either shy or awfully cunning :) She kept her little hands in front of her face the whole time…and Dr. B was pretty patient just sitting there waiting for her to move.

He did confirm, however, that she is indeed a girl! :) Thanks goodness…

a picture of her fist…that’s as good as it got, folks!

We are scheduled to have another ultrasound in 2 weeks to make sure she is continuing to grow along her small curve. Worst case scenario is she falls off the curve, needs to be delivered to grow outside the womb and we have an early baby. But, he doesn’t said all things (the baby, placenta, etc) look too healthy for him to think that will be the case! PTL!

Lagging behind in more ways than one

2010-10-02T22:09:00.001-04:00

I’ve been a little slacker on the blogging the past couple of weeks.

We have been out of town some, I have been working a few days in the ER and, well, life just gets plain crazy around here from time to time!

Mia threw a “surprise” baby shower in Orlando last weekend with some old friends and wonderful family!

Here are some of my favorite moments:

Evie in her Big Sister shirt just before the shower-she is going to be a GREAT big, big sister! She told me she wants to walk with Elin (like carry her around the house…we will see about that one!)

Three baby girls coming soon!

I am due November 13th, Wendy is due November 14th, and Whit is due November 28th! Its going to be a busy holiday season!

My sweet friends (and fellow ADPis) with our babies…well, only a few of our babies. We have 9 kids between the 3 of us! Amanda was my O-team leader when I started at UCF in 1999 and she also became my ADPi big sister-what a beautiful, long friendship we have had!!! Love this girl-and Katie is one of her best friends from college and AFTER college, became one of mine!

Mom and me opening all of Elin’s monogrammed gifts. The theme of the shower was “Initially Yours”, so Elin got lots of adorable clothes, towels, bibs, bloomers, banners with her name or initials on them!!! I LOVE IT!!! GREAT IDEA MIA!!!

Delicious cake from Maggie in Auburndale…the same lady who made our wedding cake! (and the same colors as our wedding!!)

My hospital bad from Mia…now we just need to finish packing it and have a baby!

Snacking on some bread at BRIO with Nana and Aunt Penny :)

With Yaya…maybe Elin will inherit some “dark” genes from her! But then she really wouldn’t look like my daughter!

MY FAVORITE:

Evie giving Elin a hug!

And now for the other area of LAGGING BEHIND!

I saw Libby, my midwife on Thursday and when she measured my fundal height (or size of my uterus for all of my non-medical friends). A few weeks ago, I was measuring small at about 2 weeks behind-which can be normal variation.

This week, I ended up measuring 4 weeks behind. That is outside the normal range, so I have an ultrasound scheduled for next week to measure the baby’s size and assess her growth in utero.

Will keep you updated on what we find out. She is probably just a small baby down low :)

Here is out latest belly shot at 34 weeks:

I wanna be a prinpressssssss

2010-09-17T10:04:00.001-04:00

This is what you get when you have a big sister! we need another boy…but it sure is funny and they crack me up!!

First trip to the dentist!

2010-09-15T15:12:00.001-04:00

Evie got to visit the dentist today. Our good friend Sam went to the same dentist last week, so we tried to get him to tell Evie all about the fun stuff she would see and do.

When we got there, she played in a ship they have in the waiting room, found a few friends (shocking!) and eagerly awaited her turn.

She acted very shy when they took her picture for her chart, all hugged up against me. Some sweet girls tried to get x-rays of her, but she just wasn’t very cooperative. She didn’t cry, she just clung to me and didn’t want to wear the shield. So, they said they’d try next time and wanted to go at her pace…which I totally appreciated.

Then she got to pick out a new toothbrush and toothpaste. But all they had was Tigger! No PRINCESS toothbrushes?! (my only negative comment about the whole visit!) She did say “thank you” for that!

We went into the exam room and there was a cool flat table to lie on and a flat screen above her head so she could watch cartoons while they brushed her teeth. But, she refused to leave my lap!!

The dentist was AWESOME! Very chipper and great with Evie. She explained a few things about brushing and Evie got to pick out some strawberry flavored foaming toothpaste for her to use. That was there the fun ended. I had to hold Evie facing me and lay her back into the dentist’s lap. I pretty much held her hands the whole time while she fussed and cried. I think it was mostly being held down, but I still felt bad for her :(

She let her floss her teeth real quick and we were done. WHEW!

She got a little bag for her goodies and then got a coin to put in the treasure machine!!! SHE WAS SO EXCITED ABOUT THAT!

She picked a gold ring and was smiling as we left. I think the overall experience was positive. She even wanted to brush her teeth in the car on the way to Chick Fil A (a special treat from Mia and Papi!)

Beckett’s turn is next!

This is the face she sported most of the visit! Notice her beautiful shiner? courtesy of her little brother (I think it was an accident last week and they hit heads, but it was unwitnessed, so we may never know the real story!)

Getting bigger!

2010-09-06T23:26:00.001-04:00

As I guessed from the beginning, small details of the third child are getting lost along the way. One of those being belly shots. I was so good with Evie and Beckett, documenting my growing belly as this little life inside took over my midsection.

I’ve been telling myself to “Take a picture today!” but never get around to it! (I wonder why?!)

So, this weekend, I made Zach promise to remind me to do it before she was in our arms and my big, hard belly was just a distant memory :) (Okay, we still have 9 or 10 weeks left, but it feels like tomorrow sometimes!)

weight gain to date: +14 pounds…went several weeks hold out at 138, but I’ve been on an eating binge (blame it on Elin’s growth spurt or something!)

Sucking in…

And letting it all hang out…

Now that I am looking at those 2 pictures together, I almost look like a different person in the bottom one!

I see Libby again Thursday…gearing up for every other week appointments til 36 weeks, then going in every week. Thanking God that its usually the same old, measure the baby, listen to the strong heartbeat, you feel good, yeah, good. See you in 2 weeks kind of appointments.

We moved Elin’s crib and the glider into our room. Figured the kids play in their room so much that a sleeping baby during the day would cramp their style…at least for now.

Evie decided this weekend that Elin is a beautiful name, but we should call her Ayla. She’s pretty adamant about that. Actually, she thinks we should call her Ayla Horse (cause that’s her favorite animal!) Oh dear!

Below are some hilarious shots we took last week around the house…WHO NEEDS TOYS when you have packing paper?

oh life is sweet.

School Days

2010-08-27T10:57:00.001-04:00

We have started homeschooling at our house. Evie can’t go to Kindergarten for 2 more years because of her October birthday, but she is so ready to learn that we knew we had to do something here! I love having my kids at home and not having to pay for childcare-what blessing!!!

Here we are doing a few activities in our “school room” (yes, its a hallway, but use whatcha got, right?!)

This one cracks me up because they were sorting and Beckett did the blue one…Miss Type A did the rest…OBVIOUS?!

Beckett making something…who knows…probably a gun!

They built houses our of their shapes:

And a cross:

Then we did our coloring activity for the Days of Creation…Day 2, air and sky:

Project complete:

Here is Evie last week on her first day of My Father’s World Co op with our good friends the Basfords and Sides…leaving with her backpack and lunchbox with Daddy:

Thanks to God for giving me resources, wisdom and creativity to teach my children at home!!

Turning 29 and road trip to TEXAS

2010-08-18T23:37:00.001-04:00

Last Thursday, I turned TWENTY NINE…that will be my last official birthday! Saying out loud that I will be 30 next year makes me stop in my tracks. THIRTY?!

We started off our celebration at Mexico Lindo on Wednesday for our annual Danielle and Kristy birthday “dinner”. We usually eat out at the Melting Pot, but since its closed,we had to choose a new place…but we love MEXICAN! We often get asked if we are sisters…blonde hair, big smile, etc. But this year, our waitress asked if we were TWINS?! Mia helped the kids plan a SURPRISE cake party for me on Thursday after moms group and lunch at Chilis. They picked out a Bee cake that was super yummy and we all had to wear birthday hats in true party fashion! Meri Ann and Jeremy got me a gorgeous bracelet and monogrammed sunglasses band! I LOVE THEM! Beckett eating the icing off of his piece of cake…typical messy boy!

Later that evening, Zach and I enjoyed at fn date at Stonewood Grill (courtesy of the Cornerstone baseball team!). I had some tasty steak, baked potato, veggies and tomatoes and mozzarella. We finished with YUMMY chocolate bread pudding and ice cream!! Then we ventured over to the theater to watch Inception…great movie, but it worked my mind out!

Friday afternoon we hit the road for a 16-hour trip to Ft. Worth, Texas for Drew and Beth’s wedding. Zach was a groomsman and Evie made her debut as a flower girl. She was AWESOME and looked beautiful!!

Evie and Zach at our first rest stop just outside of Tallahassee.

Had to take a short detour from a Texas highway during a traffic jam…

but someone had to go potty, so it turned out to be a convenient little trip!

After sleeping in a motel in Munroe, Louisiana for 6 hours, we were on the road again for the last 6 hours of our journey. Evie was so excited to sleep and eat in a hotel!!!!

The 3 (or 4) of us outside the rehearsal dinner-DELICIOUS Mexican food awaited us!!!

Evie in the car on the way to the wedding…trying not to mess up her hair and having trouble opening her eyes in the hot Texas sun! Yes, HOT---it was 103 degrees on this day! (without the heat index)

Evie with Beth, the bride!

Daddy’s girl

sneaking some m&ms before the wedding started!

Sweet baby Claire and I enjoying a good laugh!!

Evie and Jesse (Emily’s little cousin) dancing a slow song during the father/daughter dance!

Emily and VERY tired CJ!

We had such a great time, just the 3 of us. As we were driving through some state between here and Texas, Zach and I were talking about how easy it would be to have just one child…then he quickly reminded me that we were a little late on that one! It IS nice to just be with one kid from time to time and really pour your heart and love into them…

and one day, before we know it, it will be our turn…to give her away. (we’ll just put that off as long as possible….Zach)

back from boca

2010-08-08T22:17:00.001-04:00

We got home yesterday from a fun trip in Boca Grande with Yaya and Paw Paw’s clan. Lots of fun in the sun, swimming and fishing…plus 2 very early birdies each morning, rising at 6:15 or so!!! Boooooo for that!

here are some of my favorite moments captured on film:

meeting a baby Gopher turtle on our golf cart ride! Evie posing by the ocean!

Zach and his red fish!!!!

Evie caught a frog!

Evie scaling the playground rock wall…all by herself! yes, she is a daredevil, but a very agile one! and yes, it was THAT high!

Beckett getting his first taste of touching a snapper!!! He was a little tentative at first, but then he loved it…especially the eyes!!!

and we met a little hermit crab…notice the “lake” behind us! It was GORGEOUS!!!!

Beckett learning to “spiderman” around the pool’s edge

Daddy and Beck “fishing” off the dock!

………………….Beckett went under water with Zach…then there was NO stopping him!!! Also, notice all of the rocks in the pool with him-wonder how they got there?!

"Forced Family Fun” picture on the rocks!

Miss Priss posing again

love…true love :)

comparing bellies…Wendy’s only due ONE day after me! YIKES!

fun times!

and she will be called…

2010-07-27T14:42:00.001-04:00

Elin Faith Sutton.

Elin=”Bright Light”

Faith=”loyalty and belief in”

We wanted another “e” name to join the ranks of our favorite girl :) Now Evie gets to pass on monogrammed bows, shirts, etc to her little sister!!

Although that is fun stuff, her middle name carries the most significance. After having Beckett and going through postpartum thyroiditis, I said many times that I was done having kids, that I couldn’t possibly go through the physical and psychological hell that I endured in my first year after Beckett’s birth. However, after MUCH prayer and patiently listening on the Lord, Zach and I both felt God wanted to continue to grow our family…biologically or through adoption.

We journeyed by FAITH together, spending much time in the Word and trusting in God’s plan. So, this sweet baby girl represents God’s faithfulness not only to me, but to our family and is a beautiful picture of God’s sovereignty.

This was not an overnight decision for us, but we have had peace along the way. God continues to affirm his plan and our obedience in many ways. I am currently in a bible study with a few great friends, reading through the book of Ruth. As Naomi told her 2 daughters-in-law to go back to their families, they each chose a different action. Both wept, but Orpah turned back…Ruth committed herself to her mother-in-law and chose to continue on…not knowing what lied ahead…through her tears, her FAITH was proved.

Past faith is not really true faith…it is now just an experience! We must walk in present FAITH, trusting…really trusting.

So, may this little girl always be a BRIGHT LIGHT for our great GOD, and may she always experience his true FAITHfulness as she follows closely to him!

A few new pieces!

2010-07-25T13:19:00.001-04:00

Some of my favorite things in life include finding great deals and wonderful treasures to make my own…thrift stores and garage sales can get you some awesome finds, but Craigslist is another super place to hunt!!

Here are a few of our most recent additions to the house:

1: Old wood highchair-$20 on craigslist (actually, I paid $30 for the girl to hold it for me…had to outbid someone else on this one! but it was worth it!!!)

planning on painting it, and our other 2 high chairs a fun color to match the dining room decor-PROJECT AHEAD!

2: Solid wood bookcase-$30 on craigslist

we needed a lot more storage in our house, I’m going to find some cute baskets for it, but its more beautiful in person than I originally thought in the pic on CL! I was going to also paint and distress this piece, but I may leave it and get some colorful storage bins.

3: LUV mini crib: $15 at a garage sale!!!!!

this was my amazing find! I’ve been looking at several on craigslist for a few months ranging anywhere from $75-$150 used! This was totally worth the wait, mattress included. Now we just have to find some cute bedding to match the current decor!

4: Twin mattress: $20 on CL

Beckett has been sleeping on his crib mattress on the bottom bunk, and we didn’t want to fork out a huge amount of cash for a mattress—they are NOT CHEAP! so we found this one from a nice young grad who had it on an unused bed (although, I did Febreeze it and put a this waterproof mattress pad on it :) he’s now officially a big boy!

Even though that’s his “bed”, Evie has started sleeping on it with him—they love sleeping together (after the first 5 minutes of sibling rivalry as far as who is touching who, etc!)

finally…did you catch the letter hanging from the crib?

Our sweet baby girl (at 24 weeks) finally has a name…will post later this week her name and the story behind it!!

happy guessing!

rise and shine

2010-07-21T08:10:00.005-04:00

It's only a few minutes after 8:00. We've been up for 1.5 hours, watched the Care Bear movie, had 2 poptarts, 2 cups of yogurt, cereal and 3 sips of coffee. I really want to finish my coffee...you know, sitting in my easy chair, sipping slowly, watching the light change as the sun rises higher, soaking in the silence (who am I kidding, I'd rather be still snuggled in my cozy bed with Maggie (who jumps in each morning as soon as Zach's feet hit the floor :)

But I do long for some quiet moments...ALONE! I also know the beauty of little voices in the morning, calling for their mommy-that's ME! I know the sweetness of soft cheeks and cold toes crawling into bed with me-ON TOP of my growing belly to say good morning. At moments, I dream about the days when they can pour their own cereal, allowing me some more shut eye...or better yet, the days when I will be dragging them out of bed at lunch time. But I do realize these days will fly and then I will long for a moment to snuggle for more than 5 seconds!

Thanking God this morning for ALL things, especially early mornings with toddlers and a new attitude to love, cherish and soak in life...in our pajamas.

Be careful little eyes what you see!

2010-07-13T16:32:00.004-04:00

Today we saw another FREE movie at our local theater. While I do LOVE FREE, I love protecting my little hearts more! We saw All Dogs Go to Heaven Part 2. Seemingly innocent, Beckett said several times, "dis scary". Not what you want to hear from a little person you love. It was a pretty dark movie, filled with a cat disguised as a dog, but was really a "satan-like" character with red eyes and singing songs about how good it feels to be bad.

Some may call me a prude, but I'm proud to hold the title if it means I am shielding my little ones from evil characters and influences, then so be it!

As my journey as a mom continues, I become more and more aware of the details in cartoons, the words spoken, the disrespect from characters to their parents and authority, disobedience with no consequences and outright unacceptable material targeted at MY children.

So, be careful little eyes what you see, for the Father up above is looking down in love, oh be careful little eyes what you see.

Crazy days!!!

2010-07-12T10:12:00.004-04:00

Life is flying by...thought I would blog a moment to at least make me feel like I am doing my part for the blogging world. But then again, who really cares???!!!

my sweet boy fully engaged in something on tv! look at those fat cheeks!!!

last week he told me he wanted to sleep on his rug and he sure did! what a BOY!

we had a little visitor in our front yard last week...a baby gator lost his way between some waterholes-not sure where because there's not much water right around us unless he crossed some very busy streets! We called the animal folks, but by the time they got here, he was gone :(

Around Memorial Day, Zach and I were weekend warriors and repainted BOTH bedrooms and swapped the ENTIRE rooms!!! LOTS of work but definitely worth it! I love the change and the neutral colors.

The kids got a bunk bed from IKEA and they LOOOOVE it! So do we! Beckett made the crib to bed transition seamlessly! He doesn't even get out of bed (hopefully that won't change!) in the mornings, he just sits on his mattress and calls for someone! PTL!

Father's Day!

2010-06-20T15:57:00.004-04:00

We kicked off Father's Day with coffee in bed, followed by a cute little waitress taking Daddy's order for breakfast (although the menu was already set).

Daddy enjoyed a 3-egg omelette with ham and cheese, yogurt parfait with berries, bananas, OJ and milk. We joined him in bed and had a breakfast picnic! YUM!!! Evie thought it would taste good to spread peanut butter on her eggs...she quickly found out that's not a great combo!!

the kids serving up breakfast!

Zach opening his present from me...a really great book-"Cast of Characters" by Max Lucado...I'm sure I will be reading this too-it looks really great! (notice my very special wrapping paper from Gymboree!! busy mom's gift bag :)
He's also wearing one of the shirts he bought with his gift card from MIA! THANKS!

The kids hid his other present under Beckett's pillow and they helped him find it!

Evie made him close his eyes!

Super Sleuth:Beckett Sutton

He found it! "Jesus Storybook Bible"...for Daddy to read to them every night before bed!!! They were sooo excited-and so was Daddy (no more Dr. Seuss!! :) for a while).
Notice the personalities of our children bursting forth in this picture-Beckett was trying to shoot me-SHOCKING!

Need I say anything here???

or here???

Next year, there will be 3 wild Indians running around this place on Father's Day (well, maybe not running, but definitely filing up the bed in the morning...and we can't wait!!).
If you haven't seen or heard yet, we another little GIRL will be joining our sweet family in November. I am sooo excited to bring back the frills and pass down some bows!!
What a blessing she will be!

Happy Father's Day to all the great dad's of the world-especially to the GREATEST-MINE!

Smile for the camera!

2010-06-16T18:13:00.004-04:00

We went today for our level 2 ultrasound at Shands...we also found out what our next little one will be. Can't spill the beans quite yet-stay tuned for a reveal next FRIDAY NIGHT!

We got some great shots of this little bebe. Evie and Beckett came with us and they enjoyed getting to see the baby on the screen. Everything looks fine. We got some great news about the reason we ended up there in the first place! Our OB thought there was an extra sac at our 12 week ultrasound, turns out this specialist thinks it was just the inner sac that grows out that was quite large. He said he should have been able to see it still if there was originally a baby in a separate sac. So, we are thankful that there was probably never another baby that was lost.

He also showed us a spot on the baby's heart that is present in 5-10% of healthy babies. It can also indicate a problem like Down's Syndrome. We have a blood test next week that will give us a better indication of the baby...but this is probably nothing to be concerned about.

Evie wore pink rooting for a baby sister and Beckett sported his blue for a boy!

Just before our appointment...outside our new van! :)

Sweet baby Sutton's face and tiny hand!

Another face shot with both hands and one little arm

Can't believe how fast this pregnancy is flying by now. Some weeks drag, but others speed by so quickly that I'm shocked at how many weeks I am when someone asks!!! We are about a week away from the half-way mark---CRAZY!!!!

Psalm 139

2010-05-14T14:12:00.003-04:00

why every kid needs a daddy!!!

For you created my inmost being:
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be!

I LOVE this Psalm. These verses speak to the very nature of God-who knows ALL things-therefore giving us all the more reason to TRUST him COMPLETELY! I've been thinking some about this baby of ours that we lost in the womb...that may never have been formed in a way that our human eyes could have seen...but God saw! He knit him or her together...HIS EYES SAW our baby's unformed body. How beautiful is that?!!?

We go for our level 2 ultrasound on June 16th...we will be finding out what this little peanut is (I'm pulling for PINK! :) I may be a gluten for punishment in the teenage years, but its worth it to me!!! (I would be just as thrilled to have another little testosterone-filled, dirt-lovin, destroyer in my house too!)

Felt some FLUTTERS!

2010-05-06T17:38:00.001-04:00

So, I have officially felt the baby moving. I thought I had some early flutters a few weeks ago... but definitely felt a strong bunch of movements last Saturday and every other day since. This afternoon it went on for about 15 minutes...LOVE knowing this sweet baby is moving around in his or her great big world inside! And I love being a third-time-mom and knowing EXACTLY what I am feeling so early!

**Big smiles here**

I love a good ultrasound!

2010-05-03T17:46:00.005-04:00

I know many of you are waiting anxiously to see these as I am ready to share them!
I will try to describe the images for you :)

view of little peanut's back (notice spine on left side (the white line))
and right arm and fist in the air!!! We may have a strong child on our hands :)

peanut lying transverse with head on right side of screen, also can see his legs curled up over there
(I said "his"...simply to avoid using "IT" for my child!!)

just what the screen says if you can read it-"sitting"
hehe...no body in this shot, just the little leg with dangling feet!

great profile with legs pulled in, hand in the air and mouth open

I hesitated to put this shot on here, but know most of you reading are our close friends or family...Dr. B thinks there were originally twins-one "vanished". This shot showing 2 large black spots are the 2 sacs. The bottom is the left over gestational sac and the top on is the baby, just can't see him/her from this view. It happens sometimes. So Evie might have been right :) she said there was a brother and a sister! What pure hearts speak such truth sometimes!

We have a referral to see another doctor at Shands and to get a level 2 ultrasound to rule out any complications or another rare syndrome...we will wait and see. Thanking God for this beautiful little life growing strongly inside of me! What a blessing!!

I also have a referral to see an endocrinologist to follow my thyroid through this pregnancy and post partum. I feel great, this is just a precaution due to my history of postpartum thyroiditis.

Even with baby number 3, I am still amazed at how a life can grow inside of me!!!

Horses, Kangaroos and Dolphins, OH MY!

2010-04-26T08:17:00.005-04:00

Our friends, the Cooks, have some gorgeous land and they let Evie come take a horsey ride...I hopped on too!!! Bare back saddle-got a little bumpy!

Evie and Bridgette riding together...PS-she's the GREATEST babysitter!!! My kids love her! (so do I!!)

We met up with the Karl, Jenny and Sarah Ross in Jacksonville a few weekends ago for a zoo trip!

This picture of a chillin' kangaroo just cracks me up!

Playing by the fountain while they waited for lunch

Notice the girls' matching glasses!!! So cute!

Posing with Daddy by a big rock! Think Beckett looks so cool in his shades!

Think she was having FUN!!?!?!?!

Random picture from last night...the kids with their best friend Sam Nugent!!! They LOVE playing together!!

Paying it forward...

2010-04-22T14:54:00.005-04:00

I just got home from MOCHA (mom's group) and a great lunch with Danielle, Laura and my new friend Jen. We had a crazy time at McCallister's...as usual...Owen was pouring the salt out on everything, Beckett couldn't stay in his seat, and Evie was busy eating sugar packets...all in a day's work! funny thing-the last time I was there with some other mama's (we had 9 kids under 4 and 2 pregnant moms) an older gentleman mentioned what a great place this was to have a birthday party and that he never would have thought of having it here---then I informed him, "No, sir, this isn't a birthday party, we are just having lunch!" WHAT A SITE!

As I pulled out of the parking lot and stopped at the red light, I noticed a young lady walking down the street carrying an infant carrier with a 4-year-old little boy in tow. There was no bus stop nearby, so I wondered how long she had been walking and where she was headed. In that moment, I thought, she needs a ride. Was it the Holy Spirit prompting or just my empathy and pity making itself known? I thought of my good friend Rose, who shared a testimony of listening to the Holy Spirit and ACTING in OBEDIENCE when called. She had picked up a sweet lady in the rain a few weeks ago after hearing clearly from the Lord to do so. What followed was a lesson in hearing from Him, trusting and obeying.

As the light turned green and I proceeded to turn left onto the very busy Newberry Road, I had several excuses flow through my mind:
-What if she says no??
-What if someone rear ends me as I stop?
-What if she doesn't fit? (my front seat was full, so was the floorboard...and unless your behind is 4 inches wide, you aren't fitting in MY backseat!!)

Before I knew it, I was upon her, I rolled down my window and asked if she needed a ride. She said YES! just up the street to North Florida. She piled in as I threw bags and books into the backseat. How she fit with the carrier and boy in her lap is beyond me still. She was headed to the hospital to pick up her sister's new baby. She didn't have a stroller and was waiting to get her car fixed.

She was with me for less than 2 minutes. Nothing miraculous unfolded. But as I drove off, I thought of how long it would have taken her to get to her destination if she would have kept going on foot (and how tired she would have been when she arrived).

I wasn't a hero. But I acted. How many times have I been in a situation that needed a quick response and failed to act? What blessings did I miss out on? Who could God have used me to bless?

I am posting this not to puff myself up, but to encourage everyone not only to listen, but to ACT.

So my sweet friends, pay it forward...

Sutton snapshots

2010-04-19T14:12:00.004-04:00

Beckett got a black eye a few weeks ago from Evie and a monster truck (yeah, she hit him). Then, he was doing yard work with Daddy a few weekends ago and was holding the wagon...Zach didn't know and picked the wagon up to dump out the leaves--Beckett ate some gravel, so did his poor eye! The picture above doesn't do it justice!

Papi happened to be driving through town on his birthday, so Evie got to light a candle and sing to him!!

Evie and her silly daddy making faces at dinner!

I love the way he looks at her...melts my heart!!

WHEW!
What an exhausting few weeks this has been! I remember being tired during the first trimester with Beckett, but I just have such little energy lately, and I HATE IT! less than 2 weeks and we will be headed into the glorious second trimester!!!

Tomorrow night will be our 4th MAPP class. We have until the 10th and final class to decide whether we want to adopt or foster. Still waiting to hear clearly from God as to what our next step will be. We could:
A) Do nothing after the class
B) Choose to foster and get our home study, license etc and start fostering kids as soon as this Fall
C) Decide to adopt, get our home study and wait for a child...that could also be as early as this Fall, or we could decide to wait several months until after we get settled with baby #3!

We are trusting God to guide the next step...not give us the road map, just light up the next step for us!

Thanks for praying with us as we grow our family to serve and know a GREAT GOD!

Guess who wears glasses now?!?!

2010-04-06T17:25:00.004-04:00

Today, Evie and I went to see Dr. Khuddus-the ONLY pediatric ophthalmologist in Gainesville!!! It has taken us almost 3 months to get in and we were so excited to finally be addressing the eye squinting problem that has been hanging around. I left Beckett with a neighbor, so it was nice to be able to focus on just Evie for a change. We had a good time together reading in the waiting room and meeting the staff at the office. Miss Tammy (who goes to our church and we didn't even know it!) was AWESOME and Evie was able to do everything she asked. I was sOOO proud of her during the exam.

She did have to get drops in her eyes to dilate her pupils, which she wasn't a fan of.

The final results: EVIE NEEDS GLASSES!We went together this afternoon and picked these out. They are pretty much indestructible frames, are light-weight and come in cute colors!

She looked adorable in all the ones she tried on, but we settled on these as the best choice for her! We pick them up Friday, hopefully!

Evie posing in the chair at the office!

and looking pretty adorable in her new dress from Aunt Missy!

Oh, SPRING!

2010-04-04T20:14:00.002-04:00

What I love about Gainesville: FREE stuff for kids!!
We went to the "Where the Sidewalk Ends" Arts Show a few weekends ago. The weather was beautiful and the kids had a blast! There were balloons, drums, face painting, scavenger hunts, painting and more! We got some yummy ice cream and listened to music for a while. Papa Sutton was in town and went with us.

Some good old friends came into town and came over for dinner. We miss you, Cunninghams!! We got to meet sweet, sweet, Caitlin Beth for the first time and she is a DOLL!!

Forgot to post some pics of Beckett's Chick-fil-a birthday party! It was Thomas themed...go firgure! Sam, Evie and Timothy were there and it was pure chaos!

I LOOOOVE this picture! Beckett praying for his chicken nuggets!

Today was Easter. Mia and Papi were in town and got to go to church with us...then ate lunch at the Fagler's (becoming a tradition :) Thank God Jesus rose from the grave and paid the price for our sins!

God's got greater plans...

2010-03-31T15:29:00.002-04:00

...our family is getting bigger!

Most of you have heard, but baby #3 is on his/her way! To answer some questions: Yes, we were sort of trying...sort of to say that we didn't get pregnant the first month, and started down the road of adoption/foster care-not because we "couldn't get pregnant" but because we CLEARLY heard God calling us there and know now looking back that we might not have heard his voice on this if we would have gotten pregnant right away. His timing is not our own.

Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails!

We are praying that we will continue to seek, hear, listen and obey God's commands for our family as he showers down his provision and purpose on our lives.

We have also started taking mandatory MAPP classes to qualify of for our foster care license. We have 10 weeks of classes, a home study, and lots of paperwork ahead, but are excited as we journey together and watch God create our very unique family!

James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world

Thanks for praying for and with us on this road we are on. We ask that when we come to your mind, you will offer up prayers for us!!

Our house is small, but we are certain that in God's perfect timing, it will be sold. OR we will have to rearrange in a major way to accommodate our rapidly growing family!

God bless you all as we are blessed by you!

2010-03-19T22:01:00.002-04:00

Tonight I took Evie to Target-she needed some new princess lipgloss from the $$ bin (or as Sarah G calls them, the "Suck-ya-ins!"...actually, I think her husband Tim coined the phrase!). Zach and B stayed home for some boy bonding (really Zach isn't feeling well and I wasn't taking 2 toddlers out after 8:00 by myself...I may be crazy, but I'm not stupid :)
...well, I got her out of the car and walked across the road. Once we got to the sidewalk, I stopped and looked at her-I said, "Do you want me to carry you?" This is never really an option since Beckett is smaller and they usually ride. Come to think of it, not sure the last time I really carried her. (insert very pooched out, sad mama face here). She said, "No, I can walk." so just like that, she grabbed my hand and started walking.

You know when you have those moments in life? The kind that stop you in your tracks. The kind that bring tears to your eyes...the ones that make you realize you have the most precious gift and you want to freeze time to savor the sweetness, but can't wait for what the future holds because you know its gonna be so good?

well, I had one.

as I held her tiny hand, I remembered that it used to be so much smaller, but still felt so fragile, with a massive need to be protected. I couldn't let it go. I thought about whether or not I would ever really remember what it felt like to feel her sweet, soft fingers in my grasp.

it goes by too fast. way too fast. yes, tears are streaming down my face as I write this...thanking God for the gift of one amazing little girl. a little girl I never deserved and could never do enough for.

oh the moments that take our breathes away...my cup runneth over...

2010-03-10T08:54:00.002-05:00

Very quick update of picture from the park on a VERY beautiful Florida day!

Beckett whining for the ball back...we're trying to make him a MAN!

daddy-wagon roller coaster!

2010-02-25T14:10:00.002-05:00

I was feeling a little discouraged the other night. Went over a few bucks on our grocery bill for the week. Even though God is teaching me savings (we budget $60 a week for groceries--or anything you would buy at a grocery store like wipes, diapers, etc.)...but Publix is doing a GREAT promo with Progresso right now, so I thought I would borrow from another category and go ahead and stock up on some things at such great prices! I knew the coupon combos would create some good deals, so I set a budget of $7-10 for my splurge.

Here's what I got:
- 20 (YES TWENTY) cans of Green Giant corn (some of which will go to the church pantry)
-2 cans of orange rolls
-1 can of cinnamon rolls
-1 coffee creamer
-2 cans of Progresso black beans
-1 can Progresso northern beans
-6 cans of soup
- 2 cartons beef broth
-2 Muir tomatoes
-2 Muir tomatoe sauce
-and 2 packages of bread crumbs
TOTAL SAVED: $67. 59

................................................................and now for my total out of pocket.......................................

$0.13!!!!!!! Not kidding! THIRTEEN CENTS! Personal best! I was shocked-so was the cashier! God is so good and I am thanking him for continuing to bless our desire to use all he has given us wisely. We are still learning :) but its moments like this that encourage me in the journey!

I actually did a bell kick(old dance jump) in the parking lot!

2010-02-17T20:21:00.004-05:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY...

Zach and I in our young BLISS! Didn't know what God had in store for us. I love you, babe. Even when I don't feel it, I choose to love you-now and forever! Thanks for choosing to love me too!

Valentine's Day is special...for most folks, its a day to share just how much you really love each other. For us, its a day that reveals the most beautiful picture of our love-our son. For us, he is an awesome portrayal of our desire to create an object of our affection, something for us to POUR out our love upon...Hey babe...we're having this baby...FINALLY!
Happy Valentine's Day 2008--Happy Birthday Beckett Paul!

Never laid my eyes on something more BEAUTIFUL-do you see those lips??

Who needs cards and candy? We were so elated to get such a special v-day gift!

2 years ago today---at home with our new baby BOY!

I pray Beckett grows to be a man who knows and searches for God with his whole heart.

the face of pure sweetness

mama love

2 days before V-Day (aka D-day) he didn't want to come---already living up to the meaning of his name=SATISFIED!

a few reasons I looooooooooooooooooooooooooove my son:
-he has a need to be touched
-he has sweet morning breath...not really, but love is blind (and anosmic)
-his little hand still fits into mine
-he has a gentle and sensitive spirit
-his lips are so plump you can't help but kiss him
-God made him JUST FOR ME
-I know plans for him are mind-blowing
-did I mention he has a need to be touched, held, loved, snuggled?

I love you Beckett Paul Sutton!

2010-02-09T18:06:00.002-05:00

Our life now!

I am in Bama for a week. Visiting Mia and Papi for a few days, then up to Montgomery to lead a group for Disciple Now at my friend Matt Andress' church. Can't wait.

Beckett will be 2 on Valentine's Day?!?! That was a statement and question. The other night at church, someone said, "give me five", he turned around and slapped their hand. In that moment, I say him as a toddler, not my little baby. Don't get me wrong, he's still a mama's boy. Mama's Boy! And I love it (except at 6:00 when he's clinging to my leg while I cook dinner!) Every day he gets smarter and smarter-all this wisdom IN SPITE of my lack of ability to school him!

We are following God's leading to grow our family through adoption!! FUN NEWS. We have orientation with the State this month and start a 10-week class that is required for all families that foster or adopt in March. We are anticipating GREAT things from God as we will need a minivan for more kids (this excites me!!! this is a big dream for me :) Our house is still on the market (going on 10 months...) But we believe Ephesians 3:20...NOW, to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we can as or imagine...Please pray with us for our home to sell.

Evie is her usual spunky self. Always surprising us with things she says..her insight still amazes me. Brilliance!!

2010-02-01T09:02:00.001-05:00

PARTY IN MY CRIB!

the following post is from my MOCHA blog...rough night.
DAY 2

When you feel the prompting of God to say, oh, spend a little extra time with him at night before bed...you might want to be obedient!

Last night after Zach and I talked and prayed, I stayed downstairs. Took a little extra time to spend focusing on some verses and just listening to God. As I got into bed around 11:30, my acid reflux was acting up--(my fault-gave in and had sweet tea for dinner...CAFFEINE=BAD). So I tossed and turned and dozed a little...then...

Heard retching coming from the other room! NO!!! Beckett was puking all over the place. After one bath, a change of clothes, we were back in bed. At this point, it was 2:20. I prayed God would allow him to rest and fall asleep. He laid right down. I did however break 2 cardinal rules of mothering:
1. As a nurse, I should know better. Don't give your toddler fluids for the first hour of vomiting...it WILL come back up...and don't give Emetrol either!!!!!
2. NEVER, I repeat, NEVER bring a puking toddler back to YOUR bed!

So, 10 minutes later, we were back in the bathtub rinsing off...2 more towels saturated!
I moved our party downstairs and sat awake for 2 more episodes and 2 more hours!

I ended up sleeping on Evie's bed and moved her in with Zach. No more puking-THANK YOU GOD!

All this to say, I did NOT rise early! But God did use his word to encourage me through the night and I was so grateful that I had spent a little extra time with him before bed-he knew I would need it!

Love you ladies and praying for you this morning as you raise up little blessings!

2010-01-28T17:09:00.001-05:00

For those of you who don't know, I lead a mom's group at our church...MOCHA-Moms Offering Comradery, Hope and Affirmation!

I have a blog, listed in friends blogs column here. Feel free to follow along in the current 31:15 Challenge!
www.tfcmocha.blogspot.com

love you guys!

2010-01-25T22:16:00.000-05:00

WHOA!
What a month January is turning out to be!! We didn't have much of anything on the calender when we returned from Haiti, and good thing! We have been so blessed over the past few weeks (especially me since I don't work like my amazing husband!) by time with so many great friends!

Danielle and David Smith (some of our GREAT friends) welcomed little Cori Belle to the world on December 28th--we were gone, so I am still in need of making up some love time, but we have gotten to hang out and Evie and Beckett loved holding her and meeting their new little friend! Evie keeps telling me she wants a baby sister...and that Beckett can have the baby brother?!?! Crazy girl!

Our SUPER DUPER friends, Scott and Paula Koss (and Harrison and Everett) from Wisconsin flew to Florida this past weekend and we drove down to see them in Orlando for the afternoon. It was such a fantastic time to catch up...feels like they never left! Hoping we get to WI one of these days to see them!

Evie being the GREATEST big sister ever--helping Beckett Man (that's exactly what she's been calling him these last few weeks!). She made him lay down so she could take his shoes off! Turning out to be quite the little mama!

We hit the park on Sunday with our family group and it was GORGEOUS!!!! Beckett dominated the swings and had to share some...so he hit the field with Daddy for some football tossing-I love how he looks so chunky in this middle shot! Only a few more weeks til our valentine turns 2!

2010-01-13T14:45:00.006-05:00

www.ourmissionispossible.org

WE ARE HOME!
Haiti was amazing. God moved in some serious ways as only he can! I wish I could show you EVERY moment and the hundreds of photos we took, but I have posted a few favorites that stood out in the week.

Actually, its crazy timing that I am posting this today. As you all know, a huge earthquake shook the nation of Haiti yesterday, leaving thousands missing or dead. This country is shockingly poor...with very little government control. It will take miracles to rebuild what took mere seconds to completely destroy.
We arrived home on January 2nd, but another team departed on January 9th and is currently at the compound in Lanzac (about 1 1/2 hours from Port au Prince). They are safe, but seeking the Lord for new direction with their resources since many plans are now unable to be completed.
Please continue to pray for these people and the devastation they are facing today.

The second night there, I had some massive anxiety, trouble sleeping, reflux. Though my thyroid might be acting up again (all tests are normal since I have been back home-Praise God). This drained me. The next morning, my amazing husband led the devotion and spoke about confidence. God totally filled me and I was put in the "hot seat" as Mark prayed for me and Herve, our Haitian pastor, interpreted in Creole. SO awesome to hear people pray to the same God in a completely different language!

Zach, Heather and Melanie Atkinson and I with a guy in La Hatte who spoke Spanish (EVERYONE else spoke French or Creole, so we were excited that we could toss a few words around with him that we knew!)

My 26 lb baby! This was the last day at MPCA...each patient had a slip with their name, age and weight on it by the time they got to me to be seen. Her slip said 8 months old---26lbs?!?! I told Zach that couldn't be right! He weighed her again, sure enough, it was RIGHT!! Eat it up!

So as a nurse, I rarely look in ears...just don't do it. No need to traumatize kids twice in the ER, so we leave it up to the doctors. But, I saw enough ears in Haiti to satisfy my lifelong quota!! Did I mention I saw patients...assessed, diagnosed, treated? 3rd world country style! Lots of learning, growing and fun!

Gwen-do-lyn...this sweet little girl grabbed our hands and walked with us for a few hours as we visited the disciples homes in LaHatte.

Boy in LaHatte

Jumped off the truck for a second to teach some Haitian kids the Gator chomp!!! HELP...I'm falling to the dark side!!!!

Zach, Mark and I outside the school in LaHatte

One of the disciple's moms in LaHatte

Zach with a little girl that we think has Downs

Mission Possible Christian Academy (MPCA)--vocational school that our construction team helped complete the second floor on

Another picture with Carol and Gwendolyn

Zach, Kurt and Mark riding on the back of our flatbed truck after a long day's work in Dupin

Go KNIGHTS! (see the Bulls shirt this kid was wearing?!)

Hiking in to Dupin...about a 30 minute walk into this first village/school

2009-12-22T16:37:00.002-05:00

Christmas Arts and Crafts...

Zach and Evie decorating our Christmas angels and stars

Beckett in serious concentration mode!

Zach tried to help B glue some paper on his star--toddlers and glue--bad combo :)

I let Evie use scissors for the first time. She actually did quite well. I just hope she doesn't get a hold of them and try to trim some hair like our little friend Kate did!!

AHH-the finished product of our 8-minute craft moment! Aren't they beautiful???? Beckett made the stars with lots of help from Daddy and Evie colored the Angels, she even had to make skirts for each of them. What sweet memories!

2009-12-10T15:33:00.003-05:00

Here is a little Sutton home recap of the past few weeks!

Evie being a great big sister and helping Beckett take a picture with the Elmo camera. She is very sweet with him...sometimes

Had to take this picture of him playing in their room last night...look at those curls!!! It was pretty humid in Gainesville and his hair soaked it up!!! I love it!

We tried to capture a kid Christmas tree picture Sunday before church. Beckett is wearing a little outfit from Aunt Meow--Zach almost didn't let me put him in it, but I said he is still a baby until he turns 2 in a couple of months, so I won :)

LOOOOVE this one!

Trying to capture a Christmas decorating moment. Beckett was way more interested in putting Tinkerbell in the box than helping!

Annie, Whit, Wendy and me at Yaya's house-which girl doesn't fit? (maybe the pale blonde?)

Beckett with Yaya and Uncle Sid...he looks really white in this picture. A little like Casper!

Part of the gang that ended up in Orlando for Thanksgiving dinner and desert. I actually helped make the turkey this year. Stuffed him with apples and onions, yum! Everything was delicious..except for my traditional deviled eggs that got left in the fridge!

E and B enjoying a good old bubble bath at Yaya and Paw Paw's house...there is even a tv in the bathroom! What a life!

Mia, me, Nana and Meri-Ann after dinner...this picture got really funny. I should include the 50 shots Zach took of us laughing and talking. too bad I can't include the hilarious "derogatory" comments nana was making during this photo shoot!!! :)

We had a very blessed Thanksgiving. Yes, we did end up doing our traditional Black Friday shopping. I went to Toys R Us at midnight with Jer and waited in line outside the store for an hour, then in line inside the store for another hour. We got home around 3 and headed out to Kohl's and Target at 4:00 and 5:00-needless to say, I DID NOT SLEEP until we got back home around 7:30. We slept for a couple of hours and went back out to get our $5 box of wipes and diapers from Babies R Us and ended up at Macy's. WHEW! Exhausting, but always fun.

Zach and I are getting ready to head to Haiti as many of you know. We will be spending the night in Ft. Lauderdale on the 26th and flying out early on the morning of the 27th. God is showing himself so faithful in many ways and we are excited to see him continue to work as we minister to the people of Haiti.

promise I will be a better blogger :)

2009-10-28T00:31:00.001-04:00

Oh what a day it was!!! A pixie adventure in our own backyard! We may go overboard on birthday parties, but its soooo much fun!! We had another Gainesville party and Mia came down to help us out---can't pull this kind of this off without her! We had star sandwiches, pirate grapes, green and purple pixie juice, home made purple pixie cupcakes...and lots of other yummy treats. We set up the tailgaiting tent on the porch and decorated the inside with tablecloths, lanterns, ribbon, boas...pretty much anything girly and tinkerbell colors!

Papi started her party morning off with Krispy Kreme (aren't you sad you missed that, Yaya? :) She ate breakfast in her birthday hat from Grandma Nancy. It's such a cool crown hat because you change the number to match the birthday each year!!!! Daddy rigged a really awesome pirate pinata--the first year we have used a pinata. The kids each took a couple of turns. Then it was obvious they needed a little slugger help. I told Zach to tap it a little so it would bust and they could break it open with their next swings....NOOOO! Mr. Baseball gave that pinata a whooping...candy went flying EVERYWHERE. He also busted up some of the party favors! :(
Aunt Danielle came over a little early to help us celebrate and get things set up. Mr. Dave joined us later after his loong hospital shift! We can't wait for Cori Belle to get here to party like a princess with us!

Beckett took an early nap and pretty much missed the ENTIRE party. But, alas, he couldn't get out of dressing up like a little pirate. He was soooo adorable! Evie got lots of fantastic gifts from her friends!! A rockstar dress up outfit (pics to come in a future blog!!! hilarious), snow white, 101 dalmations, sleeping beauty, her OWN camera, totally cute clothes (from MIA, of course!), a tinkerbell pillowcase (from Alexander, Jer and MA...we missed you guys!!!), cool pop up flashcards and a counting book, Rosetta fairy (which she sleeps with now), another round of gymnastics and matching sweatshirt and leotard with her name embroidered!!! SO much fun to see her open them all! She gets her genuine enthusiastic spunk honest!! Every present was JUST WHAT SHE WANTED. She also "read" each card...she actually made up something like, "Evie, have a really great birthday, love Lauren" for example! :)

Oh what a beautiful fairy that lights up our hearts and lives EVERY SINGLE DAY! Thank you God for such a glorious, sweet gift!!

PS...and we took away the Nuk that night...it was rough at first, but things seem to be going well without it now!!! Thanks to Zach for sticking it out with her!

2009-10-16T17:46:00.003-04:00

Evie's birthday celebration is already beginning at our house!

Her sweet BFF, Sarah Ross, came into town today and her mommy dropped Evie's present off to us since they won't make it to her party next weekend!
so priceless!!!

This is my favorite--genuine SURPRISE!!

THANK YOU SARAH!!!!!

Evie reading her card from Sarah...she had just woken up and saw the present on the table and said she couldn't wait to open it!
(Please excuse the bed hair!!!!!)

Us before Zach's baptism this past weekend at The Family Church. Atleast some of us were looking and smiling!
His baptism was really special. Pastor Patrick, one of our dear friends and role models, got to walk through this journey with Zach and baptize him!

2009-10-06T12:29:00.002-04:00

We have had a busy few weeks...Evie started gymnastics again and is in the 3-4 year old class. She is STILL 2 and keeps up with, if not ahead of, the other 2 girls who are 3 and 4. She has been practicing being a good listener, following the teacher's instructions and getting stonger with each skill she learns.

Her favorite thing to do is "Monkey Toes"..hanging on the bar with her toes up. She is AWESOME at that! But she also loves "Listen and Move" time on the red square where they do what the music says!
Here she is at one of the stations in the circus. This one's called "Spiderman"...maybe we will be trying a real handstand soon!

I participated in the Gainesville JBF sale last week. Mia came down to help get everything tagged and ready. I consigned lots of toys and clothes...even though you can't really tell at our house!! It was a huge success and made almost $200!!! YEA!!
I did some shopping too and found this cool teepee, homemade, but adorable. The kids had a blast playing in it!!
Beckett still loves books and will sit and read pretty much ANY TIME!! He looks like he is sitting on the potty in this picture...and he actually has been saying, "pee pee" and walking into the bathroom lately. I don't think we are anywhere near ready for that!

Beckett has taken a growth spurt. Creeping into size 24 month clothes, size 5/6 shoes. My baby is looking more and more like a little BOY every day! boooooooo
We are pretty much off the bedtime bottle (I know, a little late!) He drinks some milk from a sippy cup before bedtime now. He was sick a few weeks ago, so he was waking up in the middle of the night!!! But, we are back on our routine and life is somewhat peaceful again.

No one can believe that Evie is still 2!!! The other mother at her gymnastics class always says how advanced she is. It's true. I try not to compare her to other kids, but she really has been blessed with agility, "smarts", and an amazing conceptual thought process---real gifts from God! WE ARE NOW DIAPER FREEEEEEE!!! Even at night. Mia forgot to put a diaper on her a few weeks ago, and she woke up dry!!! YES!

Perfect example of her crazy little mind...she just came downstairs while I was typing this and asked me, "can you hang that back up?" (beckett pulled something off the wall earlier!)...she said, "because I want your house to be beautiful!" oh puleeease! :)

cracks me up!

Its gonna be a fun Fall in Gainesville. Planning a trip to the pumpkin patch, fall festival at church, Evie's 3rd birthday party...

FYI:
1. Zach is getting baptized this Sunday at church
2. We are flying out to Haiti on December 26th for 7 days of missions, medical and construction!!

Love to you all!
-kb

2009-09-02T20:26:00.002-04:00

No pictures, no exciting events to relay...just me. An overworked mama trying to love my kiddos, my husband, my God and my life! Zach is at youth group tonight. He started back this Fall with the high school boys and I know they are being blessed by him. I am home alone with the kids and just put them to sleep...well, in their beds--AWAKE! After I read them both a book, I rocked them for a few minutes (had to because as I was picking Evie up, I hit her head against Beckett's and had 2 crying kids!).

I laid them both down. I can hear Evie on the monitor, "Are you awake?...Helloooo...Are you awake?...Hello...Are you awake?" Hilarious! I don't really care what they are saying, as long as they are in their beds. This may be a turning point in our bedtime routine. Two kids that go down AWAKE at the same time.

I am sitting here thinking about my life and how totally exhausted it makes me--and how nothing in life compares to being a mom! I recently posted "A day in the life of a mom" and I laugh at how that might have scared some non-parent friends (heather :) away from having kids for a few more years!

Sometimes I want to shake them, they frustrate me, they push the buttons, get on the last nerve, irritate, push, hit, disobey. But the beautiful side is most often seen. The moments when they can't get enough of me...(I call it the MOMMY MAGNET) can be endearing. Or when the three of us are walking into Publix...hand in hand. When Beckett wakes up in the middle of the night, I stumble to his room, and as soon as I scoop him into my arms, his little head falls right into the crook of my neck, as if it were made just for him. OHHHHH--such sweetness of life!

That got sappy, quick! see how easy it is to swing on the emotional pendulum of motherhood?!

The kids are still in their beds...I hear incomprehensible sounds every few minutes, but I think I should snag this moment of bliss and sit in the quiet comfort of my living room. Alone.

Ahhhh..............

2009-08-19T14:42:00.005-04:00

Sneeeeeeeky Susie...

Last week, a couple of days after my birthday, we put Evie to bed...twice. After the third time, I went into our room to get something. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a box sitting in the closet. After a second glance, I realized it was MY BIRTHDAY CAKE!!! She had snuck downstairs without us hearing her and somehow crawled on the counter, got a fork out of the drawer, and tiptoed back upstairs for a little sneeky snack!!

About an hour ago, I put her down for a nap, which is hit or miss these days. She sleeps in our room for a nap, so she doesn't wake Beckett up. I heard her walking around up there for baout 30 minutes and finally decided to check on her to see what she was up to. When I opened the door, I saw what EVERY MOM DREADS---a 2-year-old sitting in the middle of our bed with an EMPTY lipstick tube in her hands!!!!
She was obviously upset that I made her sit down while I cleaned. I know you are thinking it would have been a good time to teach her responsibility and make her clean it up, but I think it would have been a much BIGGER mess after she got done cleaning!

She hit pretty much every wall in the room. I had to pull myself together not to scream and laugh at the same time!!!! I made her sit in the bathroom while I ran downstairs to grab the camera.
Notice the beautiful lipstick painting on the closet doors, the matress--THANK GOODNESS it is sheet washing day and she didn't get anything that you can see!
The blinds needed a little color, too. You can't see it here, but she ran the tube along the entire top of the headboard...there were clumps here!

OHHHHH---motherhood and all the glorious moments that tagalong!

So...I literally hit post on this when Evie walked up behind me saying, "I can't seep rewy well"...I said ok and was just going to let her stay up and play...after all, it had been 2 hours of mischief!

When I first looked, I thought she had painted her toes and fingers with lipstick---but why would a REALLY smart toddler do that? She must have snuck in my bathroom and rummaged through my makeup back and found FINGERNAIL polish--PINK polish...sticking with the pink theme for the day!!!

I didn't even realize it was polish until I had put her in the sink and started washing her toes with Dawn!!! NOTHING was coming off and the lightbulb went off!

But she is pretty darn cute, huh?

2009-08-03T14:49:00.004-04:00

COUPONING FUN!!!

Great deal on razors, shaving cream--which cost WAY too much by the way!

Total=$22.59

Savings=$21.37

ECBs (estra care bucks)=$4.00

(can use ECBs on ANY next purchase!)

This was a time it paid to clip the coupons I usually DON'T use...the items ended up on sale, and that makes it worth getting!

I had coupons for $$ off and got the Gillette shampoo, shower gel and Satin Care shaving cream for FREEEEEEE!

So, I have jumped back on the coupon train and am having so much fun saving money! Here is a peak at this week's savings!

The BEST deal by far is Post Cereal Trail Mix Crunch---It is BOGO at Publix this week. Go to the website http://www.postcereals.com/trailmixcrunch/ and get your coupon for $2 off of one box. You can buy 2 boxes and use 2 coupons!! I did it last night and got 2 boxes for just $0.19!!!!

INCREDIBLE!!!

Publix trip #3 for the week

(the 2nd trip, I only bought my 2 boxes of Post for $0.19!)

Total=16.48

Savings=29.52

YEA for saving more than you paid! I had Food Lion coupons for Tysons chicken nuggets, stacked with manufacturer's coupon, and they were on sale this week! DEAL!

This was my last purchase from Dollar General. Not a GREAT buy, but still good deals on a few things.

Total= $11.66 Savings=$6.85

2009-07-30T23:43:00.002-04:00

Evie at gymnastics last month...she was super independent and agile...she can't wait to go to the 3-4 year old class without mommy in a few months!

Introducing.....MISS TP QUEEN!! Seriously, Evie dressed HERSELF up in this getup a few weeks ago while Danielle and I were talking in the other room!! HILARIOUS!

I think she did a pretty great job!!!

Beckett on the back porch enjoying a jam session with mommy. He loves to throw stuff and in typical toddler fashion, he also enjoys hitting things really hard and making lots of noise...sounds like the start of a great resume! :)

On to other news,

I saw Dr. Barhdwaj today (the GI specialist) and he told me some good news. My colonoscopy and endoscopy results and biopsy were NORMAL! Praise God! I have had no pain since then and I am feeling well. However...he also told me that my spleen was "enlarged" again according to the doppler ultrasound I had a couple of weeks ago. So, long story short, he is referring me out to see a hepatologist (liver specialist) to further evaluate my "prominent portal vein" and enlarged spleen.

My spleen was pretty big back in December on a CT I had when I had my gallbladder out...I am beginning to think I am some medical mystery, or just high maintenance!!! :) A large spleen always needs to be evlauated and determined WHY it is large..or on the high end of normal, as mine is this month. I am now waiting on the Shands hepatologist to contact me with an appointment and we will see what they say!

Thanks for the prayers...I am really at peace about this all, but would like some FINAL answers so I can put this craziness behind us...and I would really LOVE to stop seeing Explanation of Benefits and doctor's bills showing up on a weekly basis :)

2009-07-16T19:52:00.003-04:00

So, another saga unfolds in the Sutton home...beginning to think its just me, but health issues continue to arise. Most of you know, but I was having belly issues that started about a month ago while coming back from vacation. Some other family members had some GI issues, so I just thought the pain and stuff would pass. On day 13 of worsening symptoms, I headed to my primary doctor who ordered some blood tests, stool samples...ended with negative results.

When the pain continued for another week, getting worse with each day, I saw her again and was referred to the GI specialist. He promptly set up an upper endoscopy and colonoscopy...which I had done this morning. It went well. Colon is fine. However, I had some irritation/inflammation in my stomach that was biopsied and sent to pathology to eval for bacteria, etc. Who knows where that will lead.

The most concerning fact for Dr. Bhardwaj (my GI specialist who is AWESOME!) was my enlarged portal vein and enlarged spleen from previous CT scans and ultrasounds. So, Monday morning, I am having a doppler ultrasound of my belly done...this may seem like a lot of medical blah for most of you, but its an odd finding in a healthy young girl (like myself :) or should I say woman--most people who have enlarged portal veins have liver cirrhosis, or pancreatitis...my liver enzymes were normal on my last blood work. So, who knows why that is enlarged?!?!! puzzling...but you know the Sutton family--if there is a rare diagnosis, we could have it, ie. hypotonic hyporesponsive episode from pertussis :) I rest my case.

I have been feeling better, with a few bouts of belly pain and nausea. Continuing to take the Prilosec and Lactobacillis for reflux...which I don't feel like I have, but was evident on the endoscopy this am.

Evie has a brewing ear infection with low grade fever the past 2 days...she is really crying about it tonight. Praying this isn't the start of a bad infection again for her.

Zach is back at work after vacation. He is trying to get back into the swing of things. Much desired for Mr. Routine himself :)

Beckett continues to say new words every day. "Daddy shoes", "taco", "downstairs", "Evie", "sister", "shine" (its all he screams when we sing "Rise and Shine and give God the Glory, Glory". Still my little clingy cuddlebug, but becoming a little more independent. Spends most of his play time with his true loves-books and shoes!

Evie is my compassionate lionness. While I was sleeping off the drugs today, she came in my room unprompted 3 times and "checked on mommy". I love it!

2009-07-13T16:19:00.000-04:00

Fourth of July family pictures...

We just got back from our annual venture to Panama City Beach at Mia and Papi's beach house. We had a blast!!! Will share stories in another post, but wanted to get some pictures up before I got too far behind!!!

2009-06-15T22:52:00.003-04:00

We just got back from a little vacation in Boca Grande with Paw Paw, Yaya, Aunt Whit Whit, Craig, Wendy, Missy, Andrew, Sid, Annie, and Grandma. Lots of fun, but also sleeplessness with our little rountine rooster who woke up EVERY night and slept in the pack and play in our room!!! Call it what you want, but vacationing with 2 toddlers takes on a whole new meaning if your name is mommy!

Just some thoughts from the mouths of babes...

Tonight Evie was in the bathtub and made a bed for the toy lobster with washcloths...she was singing, "Go to sleep, go to sleep..." and I said, "Evie, you're such a good mommy!"...to which she replied, "I not a mommy! I being a Mia!"
Evie has been obsessed with the Barbie movies about princesses and goes around saying, "I gotta be honest"...a line she derived from the movie
As we pulled into church today for music camp, she yelled, "We at the FAMILY CHURCH!" (the first time she actually said the name of the church)
"its just a yittle icy"...talking about the salsa at "welcome to moes"

Beckett's personality is starting to bloom! He is bulking up a bit too...FINALLY! Words he says at 16 months:

BALL
golf cart
mama
dada
papi
papa
YEAH!
cracker
trash truck
"goldfish"?
juice
baba (bottle)
Mia
waffle
book

He also growls like a lion, and knows the sounds for duck, dog, cow, and bird. He learned to howl at the moon last week and knock knock on the door...even though he knocks with his finger instead of his fist!

Zach and I were talking last week and realizing that last year when we brought Beckett home from the hospital, Evie was his exact age!!!! WHAT?! I can't even IMAGINE bringing home a newborn today! Beckett seems like such a baby still! He is still hanging out in the nursery at church, which only goes up to 15 months old...his nursery director said, "Can he run without falling?, No!, he stays!" :)

2009-05-28T15:39:00.002-04:00

"NOTHING"...

so, at the marriage retreat, we talked about the different dictionaries that men and women have...for example, the word "FINE" means something very different to the sexes...its a 4 letter word for most women!!! So, men, try not to use it...especially in the context of "how do I look?" BAD IDEA!

We also talked about the word "NOTHING"--to men, it means...NOTHING! To a women, it means...there's a major issue that we need a few hours to talk about and cry over!

That being said, Evie has shown me this week that women don't have to be taught their dictionary, we are just born with it!

In the picture below, I asked her, "What's on your face?"

To which she replied..."NOTHING!"

love my little artist!

2009-05-26T14:11:00.003-04:00

We just got back from our annual marriage retreat...what fun, growth, intimacy and relfection we had! Certainly glad we have started this tradition so early in our marriage! We are blessed to have each other and to be a part of the Family Church! We certainly have our share of conflict, but God continues to equip us with the essential tools to resolve turmoil and celebrate each other for our differences! God made us sooo different...not just as men and women, but as Zach and Kristy! I love that my husband wants to do what is right, is a hard worker, is patient and thinks decisions through! I feel so safe with him and know he will never leave me. I am thankful that every day he takes up his cross, dies to himself and chooses to love me...love is a choice!

Evie loves coloring and now that she's potty trained (YES! she is officialy potty trained) we keep extra pairs of panties with beckett's diapers downstairs. He took a pair out and signed for HELP to put them on...so I did! HILARIOUS!!! He looks like a little super hero in heart panties!

2009-05-05T16:04:00.002-04:00

Just heard it on the Oprah show...
go to www.oprah.com/kfc for FREE meal for you family!!! I LOVE IT!

2009-05-04T14:11:00.000-04:00

Well...its been a while! Seems like am often saying that on the blog. Life has been crazy and fun and sometimes its hard keeping up wiht email, facebook, blogs, and babies!

UPDATE: Our home is on the market and so far we have had ONE inquiry in 4 weeks. We are thinking about putting it up on FSBO in Gainesville and see what happens. We don't really have to move right now, but are looking to have a bigger place in the next year so we can start expanding our family of four...NO I AM NOT PREGNANT! :)

The kids are actually sleeping on the sort of same schedule. Beckett goes down around 8 and Evie hits the hay around 9ish...Beckett is still a little rooster riser and crows between 7 and 7:15--like clockwork! Evie is sometimes stirred by him and gets up at 7:30, other times she gets that beauty sleep in until 9!!! We bought some new blackout curtains last week for their rooms since there is a large window that lets in the morning light...(trying to trick our rooster!) but he still rises early--however, the trick has worked for Evie!!!!

Beckett now has about 20 teeth...I dare not try to acutally count them because he is a BITER!!! We call him our little shark. When he gets tired, he still turns his nuk around sideways and chomps on it. Trademark move! He is still a little on the small side, but certainly catching up. At his checkup last month, he weighed in at 22 lbs!!!! YEA! But he still wears 9-12 months shirts and can wear 6-12 pants...some 6-9 month pants for his really short legs!!!! That is a genetic factor from mommy and daddy!

He is pretty clingy at home and loves to be picked up. We are trying to cut back on the NUK time during the day and reserve it for desperate moments, car rides and night night time. He is addicted to say the least! He copys most of what Evie does, including running around the house squealing. She keeps him entertained a lot, but still has some difficulty with the taking the toys away thing!

On to Evie...she got put in time out last week at the YMCA for taking another child's toy away. (noticing a pattern here?) When I picked her up, she said "I really wanted to take that toy, but that boy said "NO!"..."it made me sad"...(mild theatrical perfomance here) we are working on the idea that it is OKAY for someone to say no...she does ask nicely, "can my have that please?". No, not a typo, she does say can MY, instead of can I--who knows?!

She has suddenly outgrown her 2T shirts, long torso, again a genetic trait. Long body, short legs. She is still taking naps and goes down with Beckett around 1:00.

Funny thing about this whole stay-at-home-mommy thing...
see if you other moms out there can relate!

Zach gets up around 6:30...I hear him and doze on and off between him getting in and out of the shower, clanging his cereal bowl and him kissing me goodbye (which I LOVE)...somewhere around 7:04 I really don't want to drag myself out of bed, but I know Beckett will be awake in a matter of minutes...actually, I already hear him! I need to pee, put my contacts in and make the bed, but what if he wakes Evie, OH, I am up and off to grab him before he wakes her up with his joyful morning squeals. I feed him some breakfast while I try to read my bible and eat something for myself. He's done, Evie's up, feed her...now my coffee is cold! BOOOOO...put on some morning cartoons, check my email, break up a little toy fight..put a load of laundry in, forgot to turn on the dryer last night, so the clothes are still wet---wait a second, those are clothes from 2 days ago--EWWW, need to rewash (YA WITH ME HERE?!)
Beckett is pulling at my legs, "where is his nuk?", "is he still hungry?" snacks on the back porch (goldfish, a necessary food for all toddlers)..."did I eat breakfast?" I really want to go to the Y to work out, but yoga isn't until 11...try to balance the checkbook and distract the kids with stickers...works for about 1 minute. Laundry is piled up on the chair..
Off to the Y and back home 2 hours later for chicken nuggets and cheese lunch. The kids eat while I nibble on some Wheat Thins and cream cheese (and juicy juice). is that even lunch? (correct answer-NO!)

By the time the kids go down, Beckett in his crib, and Evie in my bed, I am so exhausted I don't have energy to fold the clothes, sweep and mop the floor, which really needs it, by they way. Shoot, dinner, I forgot about dinner...must thaw something. I also need a shower, but think, what's one more day of dirty hair? Plus, with Evie sleeping in my room, the WHOLE upstairs is pretty much off limits!
I pray they both sleep for a couple of hours, but I hear Beckett whimper...did he lose his nuk? this time is valuable, but its like a timer counting down the minutes before they both wake up and I am back to the grind...don't get me wrong, I love it, but its work--THE HARDEST WORK IN THE WORLD!

Its like we moms always have to be on, ready to teach a life lesson in kindness, humility and obedience in a moment's notice. We can't just be lazy...like Proverbs 31 says, we should not eat the bread of idleness...we have to teachers, modeling life as we want our children to live it...loving Christ and putting others before themselves...there is always something to be learned...by them...and by us!

Beckett being silly in the morning...

Evie getting ready for her gymnastics class

Mommy and Beckett at the UCF/UF baseball game a few weeks ago

Daddy and Beckett...Touchdown???
(that's the new sign for grand slam :)

2009-04-14T09:08:00.000-04:00

We spent Easter in Gainesville again this year...we went to see the Easter Bunny on Saturday at the mall. This year's bunny was much skinnier than last year's!! And the good news is no one FREAKED out--not even one tear! Evie wore a cute purple buny smocked dress that was MINE when I was 3--mom made it for me! It looked brand new and she was adorable in it!!

After church, we headed to the Fagler's house for Easter potluck lunch! It was YUMMY! We had lamb, squash casserole, deviled eggs, asparagus, and lots of yummy deserts. Aunt Danielle got caught teaching Evie how to do the Gator chomp!!! :)

We tried to get a family picture...good luck with that, right?! Of course there wasn't one that EVERYONE was smiling in...atleast we were all looking at the camera in this one! Notice Evie sitting ON Beckett in the picture below. I told her to sit with him...guess I should have been more specific in my instructions!

We are continuing our potty training saga...seriously, this is getting old, already! Is it possible for her to be the first kid to go to college in diapers?! During her attempted nap on Sunday, she took her diaper off and peed on the floor! Then she wanted to sit on the potty and get her booty wet!? WHAT?! And she rounded her activities out with a naked airplane ride from Daddy...

We are on our way to Evie's first gymnastics class this morning and will post some pictures...also, I bought a full size crib for Beckett last night and sold his mini crib...he is getting so big!

2009-03-30T13:29:00.003-04:00

A few pictures of out Bama trip...DOWN ON THE FARM!Evie feeding the donkey a carrot. We had so much fun here!! Thanks for the Simmons for always showing us such hospitality!!

I love Evie in this picture-looks like she just fits here!

They LOVED the horses and donkeys!

Beckett swinging like a big boy! HE looks so serious!

So my kids are trying me...my heart needs some changing..everyday. I was doing my QT this afternoon and came across this little note from Beth Moore---my FAVORITE speaker. Its worth reading...may we all have mercy

Patience? Have Mercy! Scripture Reading: James 5:7-11
Today’s Treasure: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22).

Have you ever known a serene person who never passed judgment on others? How often do failures, emotions, or outright sins of someone else ruin your peace of mind? What would it be like if you refused to allow the behavior of others to spoil your day? There exists a precious commodity called patience, a characteristic of the fruit the Holy Spirit desires to bear in your life. Patience is inspired by mercy, devoid of condemnation, and evidence of the presence and power of our Holy God.

Some people might think patience is a dangerous thing to pray for. They might fear God would build the quality in them by causing every line they stand in to be outrageously long, every freeway they drive on to be grid-locked, and for their internet connections to be especially slow until they could tolerate anything. While patience would be necessary in any of those situations, this is not the same kind of patience spoken of in Galatians 5:22.

Two important Greek words translate into the English word patience: hupomone and makrothumia. Both words are vital in the life of the believer, but only one is a quality of the fruit of the Spirit. Hupomone is most often associated with patience. It is perseverance, endurance, and bearing up under difficult things or circumstances inspired by a beneficial expectation. It is inspired by hope.

Job was one Biblical character who possessed hupomone. James 5:11 says, “As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.” Have you ever wondered why Job remained faithful? Job 23:8-10 indicates that Job had the hope that even though he could not “find” God, he knew God had not lost him. He also had hope in a very precious promise: “when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”

According to The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament, makrothumia, the other word that translates into patience, means “to be long suffering.” It means “forbearance…self-restraint before proceeding to action.” It is “the quality of a person who is able to avenge himself yet refrains from doing so. Makrothumia is patience in respect to persons, while hupomone, endurance, is putting up with things or circumstances.”*

Hupomone, or endurance, is inspired by hope; makrothumia, or the fruit of the Spirit called “patience,” is inspired by mercy. Everywhere you discover the word, you find some form of mercy. The Greek word for the kind of mercy found in makrothumia is eleos, meaning “mercy, compassion, active pity, with the sense of goodness in general, especially piety.”*

Now you’re about to see why this kind of “patience” requires being Spirit-filled. When it comes to prioritizing between circumstances and people, God is obviously going to choose people. How we respond to circumstances is important, but how we respond to people is critical.
Wouldn’t you agree that to be patient with circumstances is far easier than with people? Consider why this might be true: we need to respond with hupomone when someTHING is trying us. We need makrothumia when someONE is trying us. With hupomone we have no one to blame! When it comes to dealing with trying people, we have someone to blame, so we need all the help we can get! Amen?

Patience is the release of the fruit of the Spirit; it is the supernatural outcome of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Makrothumia is impossible except when expressed by God through us.
Heavenly Father, I have suffered great frustration as I've tried to practice makrothumia in my own strength. Please manifest in me the patience that requires mercy and help me show compassion and goodness to trying people around me. Lord, let me be genuine, just as You are genuine in Your patience and mercy toward me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

*Spiros Zodhiates et al., eds., The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1992), 939, 564.
Adapted from Living Beyond Yourself, by Beth Moore, pages 107,111-112. Nashville: LifeWay Press, 1998. Used by permission.

2009-03-26T14:21:00.002-04:00

It's been a while!

I am blogging from PCB. Mia and I left last Friday after I got off work--by the way, I worked every day last week, some 10-12 hour days at the infusion center and one in the ER--I NEVER want to work full time again!!!!! I don't know how sinlge moms do it! Shout out to the BEST MOM EVER! I am so spoiled and blessed to have her helping me. I mean, I don't think I have gone more than a few weeks at a time without her up in Gainesville or me in Orlando.

I have taken lots of awesome pictures here. We went up to Enterprise for the weekend. Katie and Ben Nelson, some of our dear friends who live in Mobile, are having twins in May and we went to a baby shower for her in Etown. Got to see some old friends like Crystal, Shane, Miss Karyn and Linda Simmons. Sunday, I drove down the road to the Big/Little and got us some down home cooking. Beckett ate it all up! Had some Cutt's sweet tea and chili dogs---world's best, by far!!!!!! Being there, on the land with the horses, donkeys and pig made me miss the deep south and the beauty of small towns.
Will post some great pictures of those when I get home this weekend!

Evie is saying the funniest things lately. She has such a perceptive mind. Miss Linda has a pot-belly pig that we got to meet. Evie was just talking to the pig and said, "Hi Molly, I'm Evie Kate Sutton...this is my friend, MOMMY"! hehe

Last night she got up from bed and wandered into the living room and was just standing at the edge of the carpet hugging the wall. I saw her and told her to come here. She crawled up in my lap (this was around 10:30) and out her arms around my neck, "I love you, mommy" so sweet. She really wanted to stay up and play--little manipulative mind!

Beckett is still pretty mute. :) He knows what we are saying, though. He is really into shaking his head, and the rest of his body, YES and NO when we ask him questions. He is still taking morning naps and another one in the afternoon. I think Evie was about 14-15 months when she started to drop the monring nap. He will say, "mamamama" when I leave the room. He has said a few other words by chance once or twice, like "bird", "water", and "more". No where near where Evie was at this age, but I don't think he can get a word in hanging out with her!

She is such a sweet big sister...usually. She has gotten so good at asking, "can I have that please' before she takes something from him. And she is always sooooo excited to see him when he wakes up in the morning. I am so glad they are starting to play together some---giving me hope for the return of my sanity and giving my hips hope that they won't be toting a baby around forever!

I LOVE my babies and my husband so much and am soo blessed. Zach and I were talking about the American dream last week...a topic spun from the plan to put our house on the market next week. Sometimes I think that what starts out as a dream, a beautiful plan to obtain happiness is often spoiled by the desire to have so much stuff, or to BE something to others that is nothing close to what we originally wanted. Our God has given us so much and our prayer is that we are so satisfied in him and in his provision. Things are nice and even good, but there is so much more to this life...

2009-03-04T20:45:00.002-05:00

CALLING ALL UNITS!

We thought the health boogies were going to be left behind in 2008...but they are still lingering.

Evie is over her ear infection...or atleast looking that way. Just finished some very yucky antibiotics-Vantin-and follows up with Dr. Carter in a couple of weeks...

THEN-this morning we were going to get Beckett's pictures done and mom was coming up to meet us, then take the kids back for a few days to visit with Papi. I put them in the tub and let the water run at a trickle, as I do most mornings just to have 20 minutes to actually get ready without toddlers hanging at my feet! It keeps them occupied and contained!

After about 15 minutes, Beckett started fussing, so I knew he was probably ready to get out. As I picked him up, I noticed that his little legs and bum were pretty red. I knew the water was warm (Evie likes it hot!), but she was in there with him and her legs weren't pink at all and she never once said anything about it being hot.

So, I sat him in the sink, he was still crying, and ran some cold water over his legs. he started screaming like he was in pain and then he got really pale. (sound familiar?!?!) I called Zach and told him to come home because something just wasn't right with him. As soon as I hung up, Beckett threw up everywhere...then he was really limp, lethargic and gray. His lips were bluish and I immediately called 911.

I sat on the floor with him in a towel and he was barely arousable, pretty incoherent. I was on the phone with the operator trying to keep him awake. After about 10 minutes (still no ambulance) he started opening his eyes without stimulation...but he just laid in my arms, still pretty colorless (but beginning to pink up a little) with his mouth hanging open. His eyes were open, but he had what I call the "I'm not really on the planet" stare going on...almost as if he were having a seizure or had just had one.

The fire chief and paramedics arrived---FINALLY---it seems like an eternity when you are waiting for them to get to you! He was still a little out of it, but his vitals were great and his lips started turning pink. After they had been here for about 5 minutes, he sat up and started interacting with one of the medics. I decided against taking him into the ER. And everyone was okay with that.

Zach got to us right as the medics were pulling off. It took about another 20 minutes or so, but Beckett did come back to baseline. We called our pediatrician and she saw us at 3:00. Beckett was his normal self, laughing and running around the room. Such a precious sight!! Our doctor agrees with my inital thoughts:
A) Maybe he had a febrlie-like seizure where his little body temp just went up too fast...
B) Maybe he had an abscence seizure...although he is probably too young to have them??
C) who knows?!

We are so thankful he is doing well, has recovered from whatever it was and that God was covering him through it all...to Him be the glory!

seriously...?

2009-02-26T01:43:00.002-05:00

It has been a long week here at Casa de Sutton! Brief history of our current situation:

Evie and Beckett both took a visit to the pediatric after hours clinic in Orlando the weekend of his birthday...I think the nurses and doctors there think we don't really have a pediatrician :) they were both started on antibiotics and finished their 10-day course. Evie had double ear infections.

Both got better...until Saturday night. Evie didn't get her nap out and woke up crying and was clingy, irritable and had a fever. I thought she was just worn out from the long week and weekend we had with GIC at the church. But, Sunday was worse and she cried for almost and hour straight. I ended up at the peds after hours clinic at UF and she ended up on Omicef (another antibiotic) for double ear infections. Sometimes the infection gets cleared up, but the fluid doesn't drain, so it just sets the kid up for another infection on top of the first one!

Well, to make a long story short...and you know I can make a long story even longer :) wink wink! (that is genetic, by the way!)---she hasn't slept through the night (meaning she has been up every 30 mins-2 hours since Sunday) and today saw Dr. Carter in the office...her left eardrum is perforated and we stopped the Omnicef. She got 2 shots of Rocephin (another antibiotic) one of which I had to give her because there were no other nurses available at the time!!!!

We are starting her on Vantin...(ANOTHER ANTIBIOTIC) tomorrow afternoon. Thank God my mom came up Monday afternoon and took Beckett back home with her! I don't know how single moms do it...seriously!!!

So, pray that the kids will get over these ear infections and that this round of antibiotics will work! I feel horrible for her when she wimpers in my arms while I rock her. But, we have had sweet moments cuddling on the couch or in bed watching cartoons and movies, geting ice cream and taking baths together...just us, just girls :)

okay...its 1:52 am and I just got home from working in the ER...going to bed now...I promise!

2009-02-16T10:54:00.000-05:00

Evie just told me...she didn't want to go potty...pee pee on the potty is for mommies...to quote my 2-year-old! Seriously...any tips are welcome!

While we were in Orlando for Beckett's birthday, we also attended the 25th Miss UCF pageant. I presented the Legacy Award and scholarship that my parents and I sponsor every year and Evie joined me on stage. She was a riot! Certainly on her way to the Broadway stage soon...We also got to visit with Jenn Hartzler and Becky Dedo, 2 former Miss UCF's.

We spent Monday at Sea World with Aunt Meow and Alexander. So much fun watching Shamu each time. Just watching the kids watch him and get all excited is worth every penny...good thing we have season passes!

sooooooo excited....here comes SHAMU!

2009-02-14T14:31:00.000-05:00

THE BEST VALENTINE's DAY GIFT EVER...
Can't believe my baby boy is one today! Seriously, I have heard it said ten thousand times..."They grow up quick", but it never sinks in until days like this come around! At first, their little lives are measured in days...remember when he was 6 days old? it seemed like he was getting bigger with every glance. Then he was ONE month! WOW--he was already looking like a new baby...not like the little pale raisin that flew into the world that evening. Then came the marking of each month, with new milestones and priceless moments of joy!

Then I found myself saying, (when people would ask his age), he's ALMOST one! People are usually surprised because they think he is about 8-9 months old!!! My little tiny boy! Last night, when I looked at him sleeping in his crib, almost in a moment, he looked like a little boy---not like the chunky baby he was, but like a real little man. MY little man.

Hard to believe all of the things we have gone through this year. I was looking at the picture of us the night he was born...our first picture as a family of four. I thought about the last 12 months and if I had known then the craziness, the scary moments and rough days that were ahead, I would never have chosen to walk through them. But God is so FAITHFUL. He has carried us through---

...through Beckett's reaction to the pertussis vaccine, being hospitalized for 4 days, through my battle with postpartum thryroidits, my countless trips to the ER, the lab, and doctors offices...even a few nights in the hospital...through heart monitors, ear infections, antibiotics, falls down the stairs, skull fractures, xrays, fever, more visits to the ER, through my emergency gallbladder removal and the everyday moments of being a mom...God is FAITHFUL!

I have always daydreamed about how my life would turn out, what my kids would look like, and who I would marry. As I sit in this moment, I realize that God has planned every beautiful step and I am more than blessed to be who I am. I am more in love with my husband than I ever thought possible...and on this day, 365 days after the birth of our amazing, tiny, sweet, sweet, happy, baby boy,
my cup runeth over...

We celebrated Beckett's birthday in Orlando at Mia and Papi's house. The monkey theme went over well and we had so much fun decorating, preparing and enjoying the festivities!!!

He has WAY more fun in his cake than Evie did!

Our friends Jenny and Jack were the to celebrate, along with the rest of the family gang!

The bounce house was a hit! And a good time was had by all! Thanks to everyone for driving to celebrate with us and for all of the books, toys and other gifts you gave to Beckett!!! He is a very blessed little boy to be loved by you!

2009-01-28T15:29:00.005-05:00

TAG...YOU'RE IT!

tagged by Kim

Rules: Write 6 random things about yourself, link the person who tagged you & post the rules. Tag six people...

1. I LOVE Miracle Whip---I could lick it off the knife!!! And if I have a banana sandwich, I CANNOT substitue MAYO!!!

2. Speaking of bananas, I HATE the veins on them...YUCK! And speaking of veins, I CAN'T stand eating a shrimp that hasn't been deveined!!!!! barforamma!!

3. I also hate white tiles floors, but love it when i finish mopping them!! AHHHH

4. I ran out of gas the first time I EVER drove alone---on my 16th birthday---should have been a sign of things to come!

5. If money was not an issue, I'd have 10 kids! seriously!

6. When I am sick, I crave chocolate milkshakes from McDonald's-my dad always brought me one when I was little...thanks dad ;)

I tag Emily Hurst, Em Sorgius, C. Buman, Crystal Compton and Danielle Smith

Just looking through some old pictures on the computer...this one brings back some memories...evie and alexander meeting Santa last year!!!! so sad, but still kind of funny!

2009-01-22T10:13:00.003-05:00

A few moments in our lives this week...

FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS----HAPPY BIRTHDAY UNCLE JEREMY!!! THE BIG 3-0!
WE WISH WE COULD BE THERE IN COLD KANSAS TO CELEBRATE WITH YOU OR YOU COULD BE HERE IN ALSO COLD FLORIDA TO DO THE SAME! CAN'T WAIT TO VISIT! LOVE YOU!!!!!

The newest member of our family group and friends...Adalyn Anne Gordon!! She arrived a few weeks ago and holding her reminded me of just how small ours were not long ago!

Beckett with Aunt Danielle at the smores party on Sunday night. Chauncey and Rose hosted us for some marshmellos roasting and hot chocolate! Fun times, except we had a fussy boy still and had to cut our time short! Boo for sick babies!
For those of you who knew my brother as a baby (that eliminates just about everyone except for a few of our uncles that read this! and my parents!) I think this picture looks a lot like my brother! Hard to get pictures of BOTH of them together! This was the best I could do for the moment! Of course, no one is looking!

Apparently, someone (mia?!?!) showed Evie a picture of breakfast from Burger King and put the coupon on the fridge. So, last night, Evie kept saying, "I want a orange roll..." try telling a 2-year-old that we don't have any orange rolls in the house!!!
Here she is after she realized that I was actually telling the truth...THERE ARE NO ORANGE ROLLSSSSSSS!!! She did look realy cute in her new hot pink tutu, though!
I love these little people!

2009-01-17T22:34:00.003-05:00

After many months of debating on redoing the kids nursery, I gave in and painted it all when they were out of town for a few days. We finally got Evie's bed in from IKEA (LOVE THAT STORE!!!) and changed the room to a more inviting "unisex" orange instead of the very girly pepto pink it was before.

I still kept a little garden theme and so Beckett lives in the swamp with his leaf canopy and Evie is in the flower garden with her really cute flower wall lamp (both from IKEA---did I mention I LOVE THAT STORE?!)

The wardrobe separtes their "sides" of the room...and they will have to settle for that space for now until we get a bigger house...one day.

When I arrived back from my trip from Texas, I came home to some very needy babies. I thought Beckett was just not feeling well, but Tuesday night, he spiked a fever and continued to run it well into Wednesday evening. I had Hillary look at his ears and they were pretty flaming. We started him on antibiotics that night, and by the next morning, I though the fever was gone.

However, he contined to have fever into Friday (pretty high, up to 104) and we saw Dr. Carter, who is the world's BEST pediatrician, and got a urine sample thinking it was not his ears since they were no longer red, only filled with clear fluid. He slept for about 4 hours when we got home from the pediatrician and woke up looking more like himself.

I talked to his Dr. today and the urine came back normal. So she said it was probably just viral. She also threw in "if he gets a rash, we will know it was Roseola". So, sure enough, tonight I noticed a little rash on his face...started looking him over and his poor little chest and back were covered too!!! So, she was right...Roseola it is! But, he isn't contagious anymore and I am hoping that the rash will subside by tomorrow! Seriously----I mean, seriously...enough with the medical malfuntions for the Sutton fam! :)

Evie was watching her new favorite movie tonight, Horton Hears a Who...which is on loan from Lala. I just couldn't help myself and snapped a few shots of her adorable face watching the movie. I think she looks so grown up all of the sudden in the picture. She has been totally addicted to string cheese lately and it blows my mind how a toddler can thrive on goldfish and pink milk!

One final picture of their room...this is the little kitchen Mia and Papi bought for her at the AWESOME Goodwill in Orlando for $7--I LOVE a good bargin!

2009-01-12T09:22:00.002-05:00

We are all back together in Gainesville. I flew back from Texas on Saturday night...had a little delay on the flight from Atlanta to Gainesville. As we were taxiing down the runway, a gentleman a few rows back started feeling dizzy and I had to intervene with my super nursing skills (haha, I just assessed him per the flight attendants request--all I could do was take his pulse :) she asked me if I thought he could fly, and I emphatically said NO! So, we turned around and headed back to the gate, where I gave report to the medics who met us and came on board to get the gentleman. so, we were a little late taking off!

I was so excited to be back on the ground and back in the arms of my husband---whom I missed a great deal!!!! We got the kids back from Mia and Papi the next day. I don't think I can ever be away from my babies that long again!

I had a horrible tension/migraine headache last night...so this morning, when Evie came to the top of the stairs, I picked her up and she laid her head on my shoulder and asked, "You feel better, mommy?" Oh, what a thoughtful and sensitive little girl!

Beckett is walking now and giving high fives to everyone he sees! We can't wait til he starts drinking whole milk and we no longer have to buy formula every week!!!! Now we just have to get them both pottytrained and out of diapers!!!!!!!

2009-01-09T02:14:00.002-05:00

Almost back together again!

I am sitting in my hotel room, watching the Weather Channel, looking for new blogger templates, and yes, it is almost 1:30 here, deep in the heart of Texas. I am really looking forward to getting back to Gainesville tomorrow night! I am all packed and ready to head to training in the morning, just until lunch. I should be at the airport around 2:30 and leave here just after 4:00. I will in ATL for a couple of hours before I fly out and arrive in Gainesville, into the arms of my amazing husband, just after 10:30.

I don't know how people travel and are away from their families! This is killing me. Mom sent me a video on the phone of Beckett walking and it made me so happy, but sad to see him doing things without me there! And when I talked to Evie the other night, I asked her if she wanted me to come home...she just held the phone up to her face and started breathing really fast and hard...she sounded soooo pitiful and had such a sad voice. I know they miss me, but not as much as I miss them!

I think that I am realllllly going to enjoy my new job with Healix. Everyone here at the corporate office has been OUTSTANDING. I can't wait to work at the site in Gainesville.

We are looking forward to a happy, healthy year and are ready to settle into a "routine"--if that is possible around our house. We don't have any trips planned in the next few months...except we will be in Orlando Feb 7th for the Miss UCF 25th Anniversary pageant and gala. Also, we will be celebrating Beckett's 1st birthday in Gainesville the weekend of the 14th...can you believe he is weeks away from turning ONE?!?!?!?! We are also looking forward to attending Heather and Paul's wedding in Ocala in March!

YEA for some peace and quiet in our home...well, atleast a little peace!

2009-01-06T00:25:00.000-05:00

thoughts from the lonestar state!

...just after 11:00PM and I am sitting in my hotel room in Sugar Land, Texas...thinking about my husband, missing him, wishing I was hugging him tight right now. also missing my sweet baby girl and hearing her ask, "whachu doin, mom?" and getting to kiss the soft, chubby cheeks of my very handsome baby boy...don't know how some people are away from their families for such a long period of time...

for all who are wondering, I am here till friday going through training for a new job I will be doing in gainesville for an infectious disease doctor. its still per diem (1 day a week or so) and its 8:30-5:30. I will still be working in the ER, but this gives me something a little more low key to do. and yes, I did arrive in houston safe and sound, but didn't get to rent a car because I found out when I went through security in gainesville that my driver license is expired...rather I say HAS BEEN expired since AUGUST 2007!!!! yes, a year and a half---who knew! I guess I can blame having 2 kids in 15 months for that little oversight---so needless to say, I wound up crying my eyes out sitting in the Thrifty car rental place while the clerk called me a taxi, then Jose, the SWEET cabbie, assured me that everything would be okay and proceeded to drive me the 45 minutes to my hotel in Sugar Land---oh yeah, and we made 2 ATM stops along the way and it cost a WHOPPING $100 for the short ride (don't worry, the company is reimbursing me!)

on to other news...

took the kids to see Dr. Carter on the 31st...Beckett got some shots updated, his first flu shot and ended up in the 25th percentile for his weight...head circumference and length are in the 50th...he's a little man, but there's still plenty to love!

evie, on the other hand, is in the 75th-90th percentile for height...Dr. Carter said that she is developmentally at the level of a 3 or 4 year old! I usually don't brag on my kids (well, ok, maybe a little) but I am exceptionally proud that she is so smart...something we all have known for a very long time. she kept dancing around the room singing "jingle bells, jingle bells..." and "silent night"...she also took a peice of paper (because mommy and Dr. Carter both had one) and mumbled something under her breath and diverted her eyes, the way she does when she is about to do something she knows she probably shouldn't do and she opened the door, "I be right back, mom..." she said as she walked into the hallway! what a mess!

she was sooooooooo good for her exam. I held beckett as dr. carter listened to his heart, etc., and evie would say, "my turn". she was using her "doctor bag" as she calls it, the other day at home and listened to my heart with her stethoscope...I asked her how it sounded..."bom, bom," she replied! hilarious!

the sweetest part of the visit was after she got her shots and bandaid...which she only cried a few moments for, it was beckett's turn. she sat on the table beside beckett, and as I was holding his hands down and kissing his cheek so the nurse could give him his shots, evie goes, "iss ok buddy, your mommy here..."----talk about a heartwarming moment!

we took some of these shots a few days after Christmas in a park in Lake Wales...man, God made some beautiful kids for us to love!

beckett is still all smiles....such a joy and always giggling...

2008-12-30T01:01:00.005-05:00

Just a few pics to start...

You don't have to teach Evie how to open presents!

Chunky face with his pretty bow!

Christmas morning...happy as usual!

Evie wasn't happy that her little pet shop toys weren't lining up exactly as she wanted. We think she looks like Cindy-Loo-Whoo from The Grinch in this picture! hehe She's even cute when she's upset!

...more to come when I get another second! Blogging takes time, ya know! We did have a wonderful Christmas. We spent Christmas Eve with Mia and Papi in Orlando. Got pictures with Santa at the Mall at Millenia...waited in line for 2 hours!!!! YES!! 2 hours!!! But he was the BEST Santa and the decor was beautiful! We also went to the UCF campus and watched the lights along with the music at the outdoor ice skating rink. Zach joined us Chistmas Eve and we ate breakfast casserole (YUM! a Christmas tradition at our home!) and opened gifts...Santa (AKA-Papi) even stopped by with his bag full of goodies! Lots of fun, but the kids were pooped.

We spent Christmas morning opening gifts with the Sutton/Merson/Motis kids...Evie and Beckett got way too many toys, but had fun opening and playing with them all. We had Christmas dinner that was sooooo yummy. Lala and Paw Paw's friend, Mary even cooked a goose! YUM! Papa Sutton and Gigi came in later that night and we got to visit for a little bit. Lots of playing, eating and talking took place and we had a blast being away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, tucked away in Babson Park.

We went to see Nana on Friday and also got to spend a little time with Jason, Rhonda, Lexie, Gage, Morgan and Penny. Evie mostly played on the slide in Nana's backyard! She loves it there!

Sunday, we loaded up our new toys and were seriously jammed into Mia's 4-runner. The 2 1/2 hour trip back to Gainesville turned into almost 4 hours due to Turnpike/I-75 traffic jams. But, the kids held up, even without the DVD player. It was soooo nice to get back home and take down all of the Christmas stuff... I am still trying to get the kids clothes unpacked and get all of the new toys tucked into their new homes! This is exhausting. next year, we everyone gets to come see US for Christmas :) wink, wink

US

2008-12-30T00:36:00.001-05:00

Get your own Family Sticker Maker & MySpace Layouts.

2008-12-17T15:11:00.004-05:00

The 12 Days of Christmas---Mommy style!

my version of what the 12 days of Christmas should be:

12-hours of sleep each night!

11-binkies always within my reach

10-diapers I didn't have to change each day!

9-bites I wish Evie would eat at each meal!

8-"I love you, MOMMY!"s

7-precooked meals

6-mommy timeouts a day

5-minutes with my husband

4-phone calls with friends

3-hours to do what I want

2-glassses of wine

1-looonnnngg hot bubble bath.....with candles and music, of course...

...............oh yeah and uninterrupted by Evie!

Here are the next Mary Lou Retton and Paul Hamm

We had our annual Christmas party with our family group from church and the white elephant gift exchange. Its always a blast! We had chili, chicken cassarole, cookies, pies and lots of fun!! The gift exchange is a great event and this year Zach and I ended up with a santa toilet seat cover and porcelain chilis to hang in our kitchen!!! hahaha! There are always a couple of really good gifts. This year, Bob and Lisa ended up both getting the best gifts! A Gator sweatshirt and a cool orange coffee mug with 2 free Opus cafe tickets inside!

2008-12-12T22:26:00.003-05:00

Evie may have OCD...seriously, she lined all of these fish up in the giftshop at ICE!
Beckett just wanted to eat Rudolph's nose!

Evie trying to slide down the ICE slide...poor thing...it took forever--not quite slippery enough!

The 2 bambinos in their Christmas pajamas!

YUMMY! Carrots...or sweet potatoes...or something orange!

It has been quite a week, month and year for us! We are feeling tired, but so blessed!!!! We have been through some trials, but know that God has given us so many blessings that we don't deserve. These trials have molded our character and strengthened our love for Christ and for one another! Our faith is stretched through these hard times!

I am feeling better today for the first time since the surgery. Still a little tender, but off pain meds. Zach just got into Orlando tonight to join back up with the kids and me. We will stay here for the weekend then are back on the road to Gainesville Sunday. We are certainly looking forward to getting back to "life as usual"--whatever that is!

Beckett will be 10 months old this weekend---WOW! He took a few steps last week, but knows he can crawl faster than he can walk, so he chooses that route. He says, "MA", not sure if he means "mama" or "more"! He still only has 8 teeth. I know, that's still a lot, but no new ones in over a month!

Evie is as lively as ever!!!! She says the funniest things! I need to start videoing them more so I can capture all of those priceless moments! She has been sleeping on my daybed at Mia's house. She is really starting to be such a big girl. She is constantly keeping Beckett in check and letting me know when he is getting into something. Such a good big sister!

2008-12-07T22:09:00.002-05:00

Another update...

It is sunday evening and we are recovering in our room after a long day. I had surgery to removed my gallbladder this morning around 9. I was really groggy and nauseated for a while, but after a couple of hours, I felt better. I have been up for a few walks around the floor and had my fair share of jello and chicken broth!!! YUCK for clear liquid diets! My night nurse did let me have some pudding, which was DELICIOUS!!! Zach tried to get me some Wendy's mashed potatoes and a frosty, but made the mistake of asking our nurse first and she said, "absolutely not" because it might make me sick...which I totally disagree with! I mean, they do this surgery outpatient, and I am over 12 hours post op with no complications! Seriously, I hate this being a patient thing sometimes!! :)

So, the plan is for us to see the GI doctor and surgeon tomorrow morning. If everything is looking good, I get to go home, I think. The only thing is that my spleen is enlarged and that was a little concerning to theh ER doctor yesterday. The surgeon also made reference to that being a possiblity of further testing. The GI doctor didn't seem too concerned...so that ball is being tossed around. Will keep everyone posted through the blog.

Love you guys!!!!

2008-12-06T21:15:00.002-05:00

Quick Update!

I had another test done a few hours ago, a HIDA scan, which takes a close look at the blood flow through my gallbladder. The surgeon saw me around 3 and she makes it sound like my gallbladder will be coming out tomorrow. My pain was better for a while, but now is starting to return. Zach is making his "bed" for the night on the fold out recliner...he is a pro at this by now! I am about to get some good IV drugs and hopefully settle in for a good night's sleep.

Thanks for all of the prayers, calls, and messages. I know that I have not talked to each of you, but your support makes us feel so loved. We are blessed by your friendships and by our family!

I think I will probably stay overnight again tomorrow, but will be discharged Monday if all goes well with surgery. Keep the prayers coming, OUR GOD IS SO GOOD!

2008-12-06T10:26:00.002-05:00

Oh what a year this is turning out to be!!!!!

I am writing from the Florida Hospital Celebration ER. It's Saturday morning and I have been here since around midnight. I started having right upper quadrant abdominal pain yesterday around 4. I drove to Orlando for Meri-Ann's farewell dinner at the Melting Pot (which was very delicious, by the way!)...and continued to have pain. I went to a walk-in clinic and the doctor recommended that I go the ER for a workup.

My mom drove me and we got right in (around midnight)...got some blood drawn and some pain meds, a CT scan and ultrasound. The first doctor I saw thought it was for sure my gallbladder...but the ultrasound and my labs were NORMAL--praise God, but that wasn't the answer I thought we were going to get.

I got a CT scan around 7:00 this morning and saw a third ER doctor. Zach drove up with the kids and got here a little bit ago. My mom, who is certainly exhausted as she spent the entire night with me in the ER, took the kids back to her house. The CT scan looked pretty normal--EXCEPT for my large spleen. He isn't sure why my spleen is enlarged and isn't comfortable sending me home with a generic diagnosis of abdomial pain. So, we are now waiting for the admission team to come see me and write some orders. Looks like we are spending the weekend in Orlando, but this hospital is really awesome and so far all of the doctors and nurses have been super!

Please pray that God will continue to provide me with excellent doctors and nurses and they will have the knowledge to orders the correct tests that will provide answers. God has prepared us for situations like this and we know he is our healer and protector. Also pray that I will not be in as much pain as I have been in. I cannot lie flat without being in horrible pain.

You can always call us, prayers are more than welcome...will update the blog as we know things!
God is so good!

2008-11-17T20:58:00.002-05:00

Skull fractures, socks and silly kids....OH MY!

So, I am up for "Mom of the Year"--I was watching Beckett last Wednesday while he was climbing the stairs. Actually, Zach had him, but I asked him to go upstairs and get my tissues (since I was sooo sick) and that I had Beckett. Well, of course, I turned my back for .01 seconds to get my water off the table...as I was turning around, he started to fall. I wasn't quick enough and he fell straight back onto his head from the second step...right onto the tile floor!!!! I cried more than he did and I felt HORRIBLE!!!!! I see kids with head injuries and falls quite often in the ER, so I wasn't worried that much about him because he didn't have any neurological issues.

...Fastforward to last night--I felt a small mushy spot on the right side of his head. I figured it was a hematoma or CSF fluid that had built up and would just be reabsorbed...but decided to go see our pediatrician this morning just to get her opinion. We ended up getting an xray of his head and Dr. Carter called us back this evening with the news...
He has a minor parietal skull fracture!!! Seriously, I feel awful!! Just glad Beckett doesn't! He acts just fine and we don't think he is going to have any complications from this! Praise God!!!!

We just have to be careful with him over the next few weeks. Thank God for making their little heads so pliable!!

On to better news--Evie put her own socks on this morning for the first time! What a great acheivement! So proud!

And, when she got up this morning, she came out of the room with 2 of Beckett's socks on each hand and said, "good morning, mom"! HILARIOUS the things she does!

We weighed the kids at the doctor's office:
Beckett weighs in at a whopping 20 lbs and Evie was 27 lbs! I love growing, healthy kids!

2008-11-16T22:47:00.002-05:00

It was really cold in Gainesville tonight...brrrrr...so we fired up Zach's new birthday present--a great fire pit and toasted up some smores. We got out our hats and scarves and blankets and had fun in the backyard.
Evie word Beckett's sweater since he had already gone to bed---it is a 6-9 month sweater, but fit her, go firgure with sizes these days!

It was a bit smokey on this side of the fire. Daddy showed (and helped) Evie toast her first marshmellow!

Taking a bite of her first smore....acutally, she didn't even take a real bite. She licked it and then just ate the crackers and marshmellows by themselves! She is wearing my scarf---so cute!

My little drama queen! She came outside and started singing "twinkle, twinkle little star" and dancing around in a circle. She loves to sing "like a diamond in the sky" over and over! She also practiced saying BIG words like, onomatopoeia--which she said quite well. She'll be enrolling at Harvard next week! (she acutally said "onopoopoopia!")

Isn't she just the cutest little bundle of love you've ever seen?!?!?

2008-11-07T16:35:00.002-05:00

FUN IN GAINESVILLE...

Zach and I took Evie (thanks for Mia and Papi for the tickets) to see Seseame Street Live and ELMO last week! She had soooooo much fun! We enjoyed the show too! She wore her cute Elmo shirt and is now wearing her hair in little pigtails since it is finally JUST long enough!

Evie's new little boyfriend, Harrison---Paula and I took them to a little pumpkin patch in Newberry and they played with the hay and ran around outside for a bit. There wasn't anyone there, so they had free reign! Like how Evie is wiping her nose with one hand and holding Harrison's with the other?!

We went to the fall festival at our church and Evie did this little bowling activity...the adults in charge said they liked her because she didn't let go of the ball when she bowled, so they didn't have to chase it!!!! She was soo funny! Maybe she has invented a new game!

We also went to Boo at the Zoo--a little Zoo in Gainesville. The weather was perfect, just cool enough! Evie got lots of candy, and we ALL dressed up like little bees...isn't Beckett just too cute?!

2008-10-30T23:51:00.003-04:00

A few updates...

Evie and her friend, Sarah Ross (and Dog) at Evie's birthday bash
I mean, seriously, isn't he the cutest?!?!?!?!

Evie and Aunt Whit Whit---notice Whit's button, "I'm voting for the OLD GUY and the HOTTIE!" GO MCCAIN!

Evie getting her FIRST haircut (first hairTRIM should I say...we just cut a little bang!) Trippe, my hairdresser, cut a little bit for her...it was always getting in her face! She was EXCELLENT!!! She sat sooo still in my lap and didn't move a muscle! She was in a trance!

Beckett and Evie going for a wagon ride with Mia. This was Beckett's first wagon ride! What a big boy!

So much is going on...its late and I am up...as usual. still suffering from a bit of insomnia, but things are sooo much better with my health! I saw the electrophysiologist on Tuesday and she gave me GREAT news!!! My 21-day monitor was perfect. No arrythmias or irregular heart stuff going on. I am praising God for that news. This means no cardiac catheterization or any further testing. I have gained 3 pounds, which is a blessing---never thought I would be saying that! I think my thyroid is getting back to normal. They say it can take up to 18 months for it to regulate itself...so I am praying I am completely healed before that! I did stop taking the Ativan last week and am so thankful to be off so many meds. I am still taking Zoloft and will be on that until at least December. I have been back at work every week and am feeling pretty much back to normal!!! God has been so good to me!

Evie turned 2 and we are beginning the "terrific twos"! (that had a very sarcastic undertone if you didn't get it!) She is using sooo many words now and calls me "Mom" and zach, "Dad" like she is so grown up! She is pretty dramatic sometimes, which I do love. The other night, she woke up crying, so I went in and was sitting with her in her bed. She suddenly looked up at me and said, "ohhhh, my kneeeee...it hurtsy, i need medcine..." excuse the spelling...those were her exact words...binky in and all! SO I had rub "medicine--aka vaseline" on her knee and then she said, "Oh, dis knee hurtsy, too", then "my neeeck hurtsy.." what an achy girl!

She has been using her imagination and loves to play "kitchen". We took her to a little farm and pumpkin patch today with her new friend Harrison, who she loves to play with! Harrison's mom, Paula and I have loved getting to know each other.

I feel like sooo much is happening and I have trouble keeping up. Beckett got 2 more teeth 3 days ago, both of the bottom ones came in at the same time...so his tooth count is up to 8! He said "Mama" for the first time last week when he woke up. He is still not sleeping through the night, but has been consistenly going down around 7:00 and waking up around 4-5 for a bottle...he goes back to sleep, sometimes till 6:30-7:30...I am praying that he will start sleeping 12 hours straight. Its making me very weary. Especially with my little night owl and insomnia!

Zach is still loving his job at Magnolia Park--Shands outpatient rehab clinic. He is going to start picking up some extra shifts at the hospital for some extra money---those loans payments are right around the corner!!!! OUCH!

2008-10-21T16:25:00.005-04:00

MY BABY is 2!
She was sooo excited when she woke up Saturday morning to see all of the streamers and balloons for her!

Time sure does fly. Seems like only yesterday we were celebrating Evie's 1st birthday. And the day before that, that we met her for the first time! My heart just wants to explode with pride, love, protection and joy each time I look at her sweet little face. I love so much about her---ok, pretty much EVERYTHING. She is such a people person. God has really given her the gift of a great personality that I hope she uses to bless others with.

There is so much about her that sets her apart. She says things every day that melt my heart..."thanks, thanks momma." that one gets me every time! I love how she needs me, and at the same time, I am drained when she only wants ME. I know these times are fleeting, so I try to embrace them, moment by moment.

She got her first haircut yesterday. WHAT?!?! Is she really old enough for this? We acutally only snipped a bit of bangs in the front. The rest of her hair is that toddler scragly mess that takes forever to grow! But, her hair was bothering her when it was down and she constantly pushed it out of her face. She's growing up...

We celebrated her birthday with some good friends and family in Gainesville. Our backyard was turned into a jumping carnival...literally! We had a bounce house, cotton candy, hot dogs, kettle corn, animal crackers, cupcakes, balloons, and ice cream. It was so much fun!!! She wasn't much help opening her presents, but the other kids took up her slack. There's not much you can make a toddler do! Maybe next year she'll be interested in opening up a few, but until then, I will do my motherly duty and open each bag and say thank you for her!

Aunt Whit, Lala, PawPaw, Aunt Meri Ann, Alexander, Mia and Papi all traveled in from out of town to take part in the festivities. Aunt Emily (sorgius) came over before the party and helped us get everything out and in place. We put Whit to work the night before making all sorts of crafts and signs. And of course, Mia made it all happen. SHE ROCKS!!! Always a super party when she is involved! Our friend Bonnie called her Super Mia!

2008-10-16T15:21:00.002-04:00

Beckett finds himself in the mirror...

2008-10-14T14:28:00.002-04:00

Friday night, we went to Sun Country Family night and had a blast! Evie wore her Bucs cheerleading outfit and was so much fun climbing all over everything. She didn't want to leave!

Beckett got in on some action too! Look how adorable his little cheeks are! He has taken to crawling and is on his way to mastering that skill. He also likes to pull up on EVERYTHING!
After church on Sunday, he got into some cupcakes we were given...he is a chocolate lover! hehe...He is learning how to bake with his little bowl! I love this picture!!!! He is soooo cute!

He got chocolate icing on his face--okay, I got chocolate icing on his face! But from the side it looks like he is a little football player!

Uncle Drew came down from Atlanta for the UF-LSU game and stopped by for a few hours to catch up. Evie kept asking, "where unca dew go?" when he left. She loves him! And he loves her, too!

2008-10-07T15:48:00.002-04:00

Several of you have asked (Mama V) about how we are doing since I haven't posted in a couple of weeks. You know, you get on one of those great kicks and are super mom---then you become a slacker and allow the busyness of life to get in the way!

Things are looking better here at home. I am almost done with my 21 day montior and haven't have anymore "events" since being on it. PRAISE GOD! I follow up with the electrophysiologist in a couple of weeks and am praying that she gives me a definitive suggestion on what to do next...hoping that a cardiac cath is not in my future! God has given me great peace about this situation and I believe that this season in my life is coming to a close. He has grown me closer to Him and strengthened my faith through this process.

The kids spent about a week with Nana and Mia and got VERY spoiled in the process...imagine that! I went on the annual women's retreat with our church and had a BLAST hanging out with 2 of my best friends-Emily and Danielle...will post the funny stories and pictures on here as soon as I get them. What a blessing to be able to get away for the weekend and just be ME--not Evie and Beckett's mommy or Zach's wife (not that I don't LOVE that)!

We went to the UCF-SMU game Saturday and cheered our Knights on to victory. Such fun memories being made. Morgan was in town for the weekend since Belmont shut down for the presidential debate that is tonight. (GO MCCAIN!!!!!)

Beckett has started pulling up on everything and giving crawling the ole college try. He almost has it...Evie didn't crawl until 8 1/2 months...I think he is going to have her beat! He will be 8 months old next week---holy cow, where does the time go? And Evie will be 2 next weekend!!!!

He still doesn't hold his own bottle---such a LAZY boy! He did sleep for 12 hours Saturday night and this morning he woke up at 6:45 , but slept all night! What a welcome season coming to our home.

We went to SeaWorld Sunday and Evie got to pet "haffy feet" (as she calls all penguins). We had a blast and will post those pictures soon, too. I didn't take any, so I have to wait for Mia to send them.

until next time...

2008-09-19T11:19:00.002-04:00

SEPTEMBER 18, 2008

Beckett pulled up all byhimself on the couch this week...although he isn't an expert at it just yet, he gets better and better every day! I love watching him as he gets soooo excited about standing and moving. OH-I LOVE HIM!