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Baseball, Fish and Food!

Last summer, we were stuck in the NICU with a preemie. This summer, we've not been at home very much! I guess we're making up for being cooped up last year.

We spent a few days in lovely Cincinnati, Ohio for a little family getaway and we had so much fun! Although we did so many different fun things, I still think Luke's favorite part of the whole trip was exploring our hotel room and enjoying his meals - as usual.

Friday night, we went to a Reds game. Luke hasn't really taken to clapping like other babies we know, but once he saw everyone else cheering the team on after a home run, he was all about the clapping!

The next day, we had lunch at a famous little place, featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, called Blue Ash Chili. The food was fantastic and it was so neat to be in a place that had been a hit on a show that we really like.

That afternoon, we went to the Aquarium. HUGE hit! They have a no-stroller policy on peak days, so we shared carrying Luke in the Baby Bjorn the whole time. We got quite a workout and got to see lots of cool fish.

Sunday, we had breakfast at a local bagel shop and took a long walk through downtown Cincy. We took our time heading home and stopped at IKEA for an overload of all kinds of home stuff. I love that place, but it's overwhelming, even for someone who loves shopping - like Luke! (Ha! And you thought I was talking about me!)

Vacations are wonderful, but there's nothing quite like coming home.

Pink or Blue?

When expecting, it seems that the questions and advice are just part of the deal. Everyone has a better way, a different opinion, and more experience. We've already gotten lots of unsolicited advice about what we should do differently with this baby, that we should try not to have a c-section this time (trust me - I didn't want one the first time!), and even advice on where to put the new baby's room and moving Luke into a big boy bed.

After the drama with Luke's pregnancy and the struggle to even have a baby, I'm used to stuff like this, and usually, I can just smile and nod. But what has really begun to rub me the wrong way is the questions and comments about boy vs. girl, and whether or not we will find out the gender with this baby. I'm am thrilled that Eric agreed not to find out this time. We're both totally cool with that decision and have no preferences with what we "get" either way. Seriously, none. Others, however, get pretty worked up about it. "Well, since you have a boy, you'll want a girl this time.", "If you get a girl this time, you can be finished.", "You're not finding out? That's dumb! How will anyone know what to buy?", "Oh, I hope it's a girl. You need a girl." "Oh my, can you imagine if you have more boys?" Actually, I can imagine it and I think it would be wonderful!

I didn't realize that having a girl was so important. If we have one, great! If we don't, I'll have two beautiful boys and I'll be over-the-moon thrilled about it. I also didn't realize that the size of my family was anyone's business but mine and my husbands.

I've still got about 22 weeks to go - so I guess I'd better man up. Or maybe lady up?

The fastest year of my life!

Our sweet boy is now a full year old! I am amazed, quite shocked really, at how quickly this went by. I was warned, but it still surprised me. I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this sweet boy's life from day one!
We had the sweetest, most special little party on Saturday with our closest family and friends. Luke was certainly his charming little self and entertained us all quite easily. I am humbled by how sweet and generous our family and friends are and by how much they love us and our Luke!

A picture for every month!

His birthday cupcake lasted all of two minutes!

His new fire truck!

Later, Lily...

When we lost Daisy back in January, we were aching to have a dog in the family again. We probably jumped the gun in getting another dog so soon, and a puppy at that. Then we flat out lost our minds when, a month later, we added ANOTHER puppy to the mix.

Lately, I've been on the verge of a serious and quite real nervous breakdown. All...because...of...dogs. I've cleaned up more poop than Luke can produce diapers per day, and I'm quite certain I've done enough yelling to permanently scar my child for the rest of his life. He's never sure if "NO!" is directed at him or a dog. After breaking down in hysterical tears to my mom this week over the situation, "there's not enough of me to go around" and being terrified of losing it completely when the new baby comes, Eric and I decided that one dog had to go.

My parents had been seriously considering getting another dog after losing our family dog of 14 years in February. So, as luck would have it, my dad was totally interested in keeping Lily. I can't say that I had too much trouble driving away without her.

So now, we just have Pete. He's pretty depressed without Lily and I'm feeling horribly guilty for letting her go; like I gave up on one of my kids. But, I keep telling myself that it's a win-win. My parents get a new puppy, we can see her when we visit, I get a little of my sanity (and clean floors) back, I can focus on my sweet son instead of worrying about a neurotic dog.

Surprise, Surprise!

After a very exciting, and surprisingly drama-free appointment last week - I am thrilled to report that Baby Miller #2 is on his/her way! God is so good!

A life well lived...

My Grandpa Turner passed away on April 29th. He had been battling some health problems for a long time, but they were well managed. We were not expecting to lose him when we did. My grandfather was a faithful Christian man, and it is a comfort and a joy to know that he is whole and restored with his Savior.

I have to say that I am crazy blessed with an incredible family. I love them with all of my heart, and I am so grateful for the time we had together for this celebration of my grandfather's life. I miss them!

My family at the luncheon following my grandfather's funeral



My handsome brothers at the street sign for the beautiful home my grandfather built over 20 years ago. He named the street Winton Woods.



Luke is so lucky to have 3 uncles who love him to pieces. He is well entertained when he's with his Aunt Rachel and his uncles.

We live a very blessed life and I am so grateful!

Dogs

What a charmed life...

Wee Bit Wednesday...

 

{one} what is one food that, as an adult you love, but as a child you said you’d never touch?

artichokes - I would put them in everything now

{two} did you go to college? if yes, what was your major?

Yes, Music Education

{three} what’s the most wild animal you’ve seen in real life (not counting the zoo)?

I saw a couple of foxes messing around outside of our apartment in Carmel a couple of years ago, I also saw a gigantic moose standing in the road when I was driving through Tennessee a few years ago

{four} have you ever been to a fortune teller?

Nope

{five} can you juggle?

Not well

{six} hardwood floors or carpet?

I prefer hardwood, but I have carpet

{seven} is it called “soda” or “pop”?

Soda

{eight} what was your first car?

A 2002 Chevy Cavalier

{nine} what is the most decadent dessert you’ve ever eaten?

I have had a few "decadent desserts" that I really didn't care for because they were so over the top, but I'd have to say that the carrot cake with cream cheese icing that I had for my birthday a few years ago was amazing.

{ten} how often do you rearrange your furniture?I would do it at least once a month if Eric would put up with it, or if the room would function well - I wish I could re-arrange our living room, but it really only "works" the way we have it now.

Oh, to be carefree...

I'm one of those "moody", swim-around-in-my-own-head-pondering, impulsive, creative people. A bit of a free-spirit. At the same time, I have some Type A, OCP tendencies: I can't stand for things to be crooked or scattered, I love to make lists and cross them off in a particular order, I will start all over on something handwritten if I make a mistake, and I am a grammar-phile. Some days, I have to convince myself that, even though Luke only spit up on his shirt a little bit, his whole outfit doesn't need to be changed. I wouldn't say that I'm a planner, but I get a vision of things in my head and sometimes, I can get a little bent out of shape when life plays out differently than my vision. And, boy do I worry.

Something that is totally redeeming about this is that God knows this about me. He made me who I am and knows what is best for me. So, it would figure that my husband really is a planner. He makes lists, he crunches numbers, he researches, and he spends time weighing the pros and cons...sometimes for months. He even takes his time weighing his options when we eat out. I don't know that Eric has ever done something impulsively. This is why we are perfect for one another. Eric grounds me and helps me to slow down and live in reality. I like to think that I help Eric to appreciate the creative, not so planned parts of life and to communicate in a way that really gets to the heart of what we're trying to talk about. We have come lightyears in our communication with one another since we first met, and we have both learned to value our different gifts and talents.

As I look back over the last 5 years of my life, I realize that NOTHING has gone according to my plan. But oh, am I glad that it didn't. I'm simply reminded that I am not supposed to worry and I need not hold so tight to my hopes for my future. God has proved to me again and again that His plans trump mine. I am not the one in charge, and I do not know what my future holds. Every heartache, every joy, every frustration, and moment of mystery has had a purpose, and my life is richer for it.

There are days when I watch my sweet son rolling around on the playroom floor, chewing on whatever prize he's just gotten his hands on and squealing with joy, and I wish to be that carefree. But then, I get down on the floor and roll around laughing with him, and I realize that I can be.

So today and every day, I am thankful my longed for and oh-so-perfect baby; his incredibly good-natured personality, that he lights up when he sees me, that it takes so little to make him deliriously happy, and that he is healthy and thriving.

I'm thankful for two crazy puppies. They never worry about anything! They're nuts, they keep me on my toes and bent over cleaning up after them, and they make our life and home so happy.

I am incredibly greatful for the treasure of my husband. He knows me - all of me - and adores me anyway. He is patient, understanding, and sensitive to hurts, needs and desires. He would do anything for me. He is selfless and the kind of father that I always wanted for my children.

God knew better, and I am so blessed.

Wee Bit Wednesday...

{one} what was your first job?

babysitting, at 12 or 13

{two} have you ever seen a stand up comedian?

not in person

{three} when was the last time you played mini golf?

probably years ago at Hilton Head on a summer trip with Eric

{four} what was the last picture you took?

I'm guessing it was one of Luke

{five} burnt food: yes or no?

no, although food on the grill a little bit "charred" isn't bad

{six} if you have a pocket full of change, what do you do with it?

put it in Eric's change cup, then turn it all in for cash later on

{seven} can you touch your tongue to your nose?
ew, no

{eight} do you scrapbook?
I made one fabulous scrapbook for my parents' 25th anniversary, after that I've never wanted to touch another piece of scrapbook anything. Once was enough to last the rest of my life. It's funny though, I receive scrapbooking gifts every holiday and birthday from people who must think it's a consistent hobby. I did however, get a "ready made" d-i-y scrapbook that was super easy and had everything already cut and ready. I loved that one.

{nine} do you buy lottery tickets?

no, but I should probably start

{ten} do you prefer to be in front of the camera or behind it?

depends, I love pictures of my family, but I love taking pictures of my son

Crawling, Babbling and Big Boy Food...

This whole "growing up" business is for the birds! My big boy is now 17 pounds, can crawl through entire rooms, eats "real food" (and LOVES it) and is pretty darn close to some real words. It is so exciting to watch this process and I'm usually the first person to do the Crazy Mom happy dance when new developments occur. But, it is also so bittersweet; my tiny boy is not going to be a baby much longer.

Mom guilt...

Mondays are hard. Eric doesn't come home until 10:30 because he has class, and I'm usually coming off of a weekend that threw everything off. I have to try to re-group in the midst of what feels like a little mountain of chaos. I'll admit that I'm not entering in to this Monday with a good attitude, but even on days when I'm ready to face whatever it can throw at me, Mondays are still hard. This morning is no exception. The weekend was just awful: I have a puppy who won't go to the bathroom outside unless it's perfect weather, I have a baby who is going through the "please don't put me down" phase which makes dealing with said puppy pretty difficult, and I feel like my responsibilities are piling up with no end in sight.

Don't get me wrong. I signed up for this and I am so grateful for the ability to be at home full time. But some days (Mondays) I desperately need a break. Just 30 minutes. I need for someone else to change the next nasty diaper, to clean up the next wet puppy mess on the kitchen floor, to take a shower without a baby sitting in the bouncy seat watching me through the shower door, to fold the laundry, to vacuum the floors, to make dinner.

This morning, Lily (our puppy) was not happy about being shut in her area of the kitchen behind the baby gate. So, she broke the gate. I heard her making lots of noise, and was pretty baffled when she was sitting on the other side of a bashed up baby gate chewing on one of Luke's toys. All the racket she had made knocking it down woke Luke up from his nap. I nearly lost it. I feel like I can understand why women shut themselves in a dark closet just to get some peace and quiet. And yet, if I were to say that I needed a break, or I was having a tough day, I suddenly feel unbearably guilty. I feel like I'm calling my son a burden and that I need a break from him.

What's the answer?

Fast friends...

Generations...

 I had the opportunity to take Luke to Maysville to see my grandparents. This was only the third time they had ever seen him, and they certainly made up for lost time.

Luke sitting on a quilt that belonged to his Great-Great-Great grandmother.

Can I have a do-over?

My baby got locked in the car today. I have no idea how it happened. I have a theory, but it doesn't really matter at this point. Once I realized what had happened, my heart dropped. I felt like a horrible parent and had to collect my emotions before calling my husband to get a phone number or two for help. I tried and tried to reach Eric on his cell, and since he just started a new job last week, I realized that I didn't have his office number yet. By this time, Luke had become hysterical seeing me through the window and knowing that he was in the car by himself. By some miracle, I remembered the 1-800 number for AAA, and was told that they had a truck 4 miles from my house and could be there in 5 minutes. Perfect! 10 minutes later, my son is still hysterical and AAA called again to say that they couldn't find my house. What the? I told them to forget it, I was calling 911.


I called 911 and 3, count them 1-2-3 minutes later, two fire trucks, two police SUVs and 2 ambulances showed up at my house. To say that I was humiliated wouldn't be enough. I'm sure my neighbors won't soon forget it!

Lily...

We have been talking about getting a boxer puppy for a couple of years now, and after we lost our sweet Daisy, we decided that it was time. Our home just wasn't as happy without a dog!

Meet Lily!

Lily is a pure-bred, fawn and black mask boxer. She is 9 weeks old, and weighs about 10 pounds. She is spunky, is a "lap dog" and learned how to sit and potty outside (only 1 accident indoors) in about 24 hours! She prefers to be cuddly and close, and is incredibly gentle and affectionate with Luke. She is so special that we're just sure that she was handpicked for us by Daisy.

Sweet Daisy...

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

We had to say goodbye to our sweet Daisy last night. After several months of decline, and the inevitable loss of control, we decided that it was best for her if we let her go peacefully. Our hearts are broken today. We came home to an empty house, and for the first time, we weren't greeted by her sweet face.

I am sad for so many reasons. I wanted Luke to grow up with Daisy; learning to walk while leaning on her, learning to say her name, and going for walks to the park in our neighborhood. Luke loved Daisy. He lit up and wiggled furiously whenever she was around. She had the same affection for him from the moment we brought him home. She cried whenever he did, she'd check on him constantly, and any chance she got to kiss his hands and face made her so proud. She was my friend. She was always there when you needed a pick-me-up, a kiss in the face or just some company. She protected us and our home, even when it wasn't really necessary. She was so much fun to play with, and even into her older age, she could play and pounce like a puppy. She accepted me into her life with Eric from the very moment she met me. I've been her mama for nearly 6 years.

I feel like I've lost a child. But, I know that someday, we'll see her again, whole and so happy. Until then, there will be an emptiness in my heart that is Daisy shaped.

Happy Anniversary!

 A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.

~Mignon McLaughlin

If you had asked me on my wedding day what my life with Eric would be like 4+ years in the future, I'm not sure I would have painted quite the pictures that I am able to today. The last 4 years have been full of loss, heartache, hard decisions, blessings and incredible joy. There have been many moments when we could have so easily given up; gone our separate ways. But, with each new endeavor, each trial and each joyful moment, we've clung to each other and God, fallen in love over and over again, and that has made all the difference. Marriage is hard, but it is so totally worth it. I am so honored and blessed to be Eric's wife and Luke's mama. If the best is yet to come, then we're really in for a treat!
I love you Eric, and I am so looking forward to the rest of our lives!

Photo issues...and Wee Bit Wednesday!

If anyone who reads can give me any insight on disabling the right-click and save function for the pictures on this blog, I'd be very grateful. I know several of you have done that and I'm very interested to know how.

{one} if you were granted three wishes, what would they be?

ooh… that would be hard. 1. to never have to worry about money, 2. that I'd never have to live without my husband or children 3. that i could be at my ideal weight without having to worry about what i eat.

{two} who is your favorite author?

i used to be crazy about Nicholas Sparks, but most of his books are the same.  

I recently read a book called "Wrestling with an Angel" that was superb. Made me cry.

{three} what crowd were you involved in during high school?

hmmm, i wasn't really into belonging to a "crowd". had lots of friends, but only a handful of really good friends.

{four} what is your favorite thing to do when you have time to yourself?

lately, a hot shower. but, most of the time, it's cooking, or some reading.

{five} do you have any hidden talents?

i can do the crossword in about 15-20 minutes, and I can change a blow-out diaper without getting any of it on me or the surface my son is on.

{six} can you fake any accents?

Uh, no. And those who think they can drive me crazy! I can spot a fake accent from miles away.

{seven} have you ever been mentioned in the newspaper?
Yeah, a few times.

{eight} have you ever been arrested?
nope.

{nine} what is your favorite job you’ve had?

being Luke's mom and the U.S. Senate

{ten} do you have any scars?

oh yes. many on my hands, one in my bellybutton from a surgery years ago, and a nasty c-section scar from Luke's birth.

Happy Wednesday!