Things I'm Thankful for Right Now

I'm feeling extra thankful since it's the holidays.
1. My husband, who is so very good to me & our kids. He does stupid things, but overall good! :) He is coming to the gym with me & takes all the classes with me, even if he's the only guy in there!
2. My new baby who is just as perfect as Baylor was when he was a baby. She sleeps all night, has to be in her bed with her blanky to go to sleep, and is so happy!
3. Baylor who makes us laugh all the time and is so strong. He wanted to start growth hormone shots, so we did today.
4. My family & Adam's family & all of our close friends who were so good to us at Christmas. It was so nice to see everyone!

Growth Hormone for Baylor

We started growth hormone shots today for Baylor. A nurse came out to our house and showed us how to work the shot pen. We practiced on fake skin a couple of times, and I gave him his first shot tonight. It takes about 2-3 months to start working, if it works at all. So we're keeping our fingers crossed. Baylor didn't even feel the shot. I think we are going to try to do it while he's sleeping tomorrow night. He is dead to the world when he's asleep, so we're guessing it will be fine.

Funny Marriage Story

Let me preface this story with the fact the Baylor loves, loves, is in love with his baby sister! So Baylor and I are in the car with Adeline (where most of the funny stories happen--don't know why), and he is asking about last names and why we (me,him, daddy, adeline) all have the same last name. And why Uncle Justin & Uncle Wes don't have our last name. So I'm explaining that my name changed to Janese when I married daddy. I told him that when he gets married, that girl will change her name to Janese, too. Baylor says, "Well mom, I'm marrying her (pointing to Adeline) and her name is already Janese." It was said like duh, how could I not know that! hahahaha! I told him he couldn't marry his sister and he asked why, so I just left it with an "I don't know". That's my answer lately for all the things I don't want to get into great detail about!

Adeline's Baptism

Adeline had her baptism yesterday. Uncle Justin & Aunt Theresa came as her godparents & all the family came. She got some really neat gifts. Mom gave her a baby ring that belonged to her 50 years ago, a bracelet from aunt Theresa & Uncle Justin, a charm from Grandpa Lulue, a bible with her name engraved on it from Grandma Liz, and a knife from Papa Johnny & Nanna Perky with her name and baptism date engraved on it. The knife was really neat because it came with a little poem & you are supposed to use her Christening knife to cut her cake & then birthday cakes each year up until her wedding cake! Sooo cute!
She wore the Janese baptism gown. How old is that thing? 30 years? I'll have to find out.

Adeline 4 Months

More Yo-Yo

Haha! He still loves it.

Ear Piercing

We took Adeline today to get her ears pierced. She cried more than when she got her immunization shots! Poor baby. Baylor was so sweet. He said he would get his pierced next weekend. Haha

The Flu

Baylor has the dreaded H1N1 flu. He tested positive this morning. I told him he wasn't allowed to touch anyone or anything. He's wearing a mask & he can only sit in one leather chair that I can spray with Lysol! I've washed all sheets, blankets, clothes & will do it again tomorrow and every day. It's a mess, but we are trying very hard to not pass it around the family. I'm so worried about Adeline getting it. This is what the bar looks like where he is sitting.

Adeline is rolling over!

So all in one day, yesterday, Adeline decides she's going to roll over, both to her stomach and back over to her back, and that she is going to dictate how she sleeps. Right now that seems to be on her stomach. I woke up all night last night rolling her on her back only to wake up again and find her on her tummy!

Halloween Fun 2009!

Me, Melissa, Adam, & Baylor all carved pumpkins. Usually Uncle Wes & Sarah participate but he had to study this year! Too bad. We had some awesome pumpkins. I drew the pictures on the pumpkins & everyone carved their own.
We went trick or treating at Justin & Theresa's this year. It was nice to have Halloween on a Saturday so we could drive down.

Adeline 3 Months

Bone Marrow--This is Where We're At

So after a couple of tests, we found out that baby Adeline is not a perfect bone marrow match for Baylor IF he were to ever need that. Bummed, but only for a day because his fabulous doctor ran his blood type through the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry (now called Be The Match) and found 119 perfect matches! Thank goodness. We are blessed that all of those people are willing to donate from their hearts. So if Baylor ever gets into that situation, it looks like we won't have trouble finding someone.
Register to donate bone marrow, people! http://www.marrow.org/

Went to see Mary Poppins Musical & Look at that New Truck!

We went to see Mary Poppins on stage this weekend. It was a really good show, and Miss Melissa came with us, also. Baylor got tired right around intermission, but he powered through!
We took Adam's new truck that he got last weekend, and it's so nice! He loves it and insisted that we put a picture on the blog! :)

Pumpkin Patch 2009

Baylor picked out a pumpkin for himself and 2 little pumpkins for Adeline. We are going to carve sometime this week hopefully with Wes & Sarah.

8 Hour Day at Texas Children's Hospital

Baylor had another yearly bone marrow biopsy today to check the condition of his bone marrow production. It's been low for some time. He still gets put to sleep for these procedures thank goodness. I hear they're pretty painful. Adeline had some things done today too. We had to take blood & do a cheek swab to see if she matched her big brother for bone marrow transplant if that is ever needed. Whew these days are tiring. Got here at 8:00. Baylor goes back for his anesthesia at 2:00. We're all starving because Bay can't eat. Except for Adeline who eats to her heart's delight & now weighs 14 pounds at 9 weeks! haha
Baylor was a trooper today. They have to put the IV in his hand always, but today the nurse missed the first try & had to do it over. That sucked. Can't wait to go home.

Cracking Ourselves Up!

We were trying to get Adeline to laugh tonight, but ended up making ourselves laugh more!

Adeline 2 Months

Baseball Time Again!

Baylor is back to playing baseball. This is actually our first year on pitching machine because he had to skip all of last year with his arm surgery. He's on a team with his friend Kanon this year. So stinkin cute!

Fun Bath Time

Who doesn't love a bath? :)

Adeline Almost 2 Months!

She had her 2 month doctor visit today. I can't believe it's been 2 months! She is a chunky 13 pounds, and, yeah, I mean chubster!! She isn't very long so double chin & leg rolls galore. I love it. And here I am calling the dr office every couple of weeks because I'm not sure she's getting enough breastmilk! I don't like that I can't measure. Her doctor today told me to quit calling about that..haha!

Forgotten Video of Baylor

This is for all of those out there that don't get to see Baylor talk much. He does, believe it or not! Ughh so painfully shy. This was in February when we told him I was pregnant. We also thought the baby was boy back then because I say baby brother in the video. Oops we were wrong!

We Needed a Campfire!

Aunt Shirley


Aunt Shirley and Uncle Win


Johnny, Win and Uncle Mick


Adam even tried to get in on the guitar playing. Maybe it would have been helpful if he knew a song. For those of you who were there.... who can name this tune in 9 notes???? Oh, "leaving on a jet plane"! No, "every rose has it's thorn"! hahahaha! Oh, Adam. I love him! :)

Fun in Lake Charles

We went to Lake Charles this weekend for Adam's Aunt Shirley's 70th birthday. It was lot of fun.
Baylor, Adeline & I got to sleep late and lounge around most of the morning with Perky while Daddy with much determination tried to wait out the rain to play golf! No luck!
Everyone listened to the talented ones in the family play guitar & sing. We got to see some friends and everyone got to meet Adeline.
Aunt Shirley & Uncle Win sang a duet (video to come) & Adam's dad even got in on the singing!

Visitors

Little Adeline has had many visitors! Some are pictured here, but of course we love everyone who came to see us & forgot to get pictures of all of them!

Adeline 1 month

One Month

Adeline is 1 month old! Dang it goes by fast. Here are a few things that make me happy...
1. Baylor adores her & really acts his age when he's around her. No silly shyness & very loving and responsible! I love him more than ever!
2. Nursing her is suddenly a breeze after much, much frustration. Hallelujah!
3. My husband is wonderful hubby, but, more importantly, a wonderful dad. He always has been, just proved it even more this month!
4. I have the most thoughtful, loving friends and family. Everyone has been so helpful and showed so much love through all of this pregnancy & new baby business. I still can't believe it :)
5. I have learned I get more relaxed as I get older--a good thing. I don't want to go back to work, just stay here with Adeline. And I don't get quite so stressed if I can't put her down to clean something up. It's OK! And holding her is more fun anyway!

This is the Life

I've decided I was too young when I had Baylor. Why, you ask? I just didn't appreciate it anything like I do now with Adeline. I love sitting here with her and doing nothing else. We go for walks around the neighborhood and take naps. It's so nice. I guess it would be totally different if I had bad babies. haha I definitely want to do this again now. Poor adam-- he's not too sure about a third kid!

First Day of 2nd Grade

Baylor started 2nd grade today! whoa, where did 7 years go? Now he's starting to make fun of me because I say, " I can't believe you're (fill in blank)". Like when I said I can't believe you're starting 2nd grade!
Here is a picture of him & his 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Scott.
And, we decided Adeline was apparently bored with this school business as you can see in the picture!

4 Wheeler Safety Lesson

Baylor has been riding his 4 wheeler that we share with his cousin, Braden. We haven't been able to ride in a while because of his arm surgery, so he wants to ride it every day. Mom says he needs to wear his helmet because it really looks like he's going to flip every time he turns. Daddy insists he is not & there's no need for a helmet so I can't watch. Adam always, always realizes that I'm right in due time. Yesterday, Baylor didn't flip (thank goodness), but he did run into the mailbox & fell off. Now he has a little strawberry & bump on his head. No harm done, except that they now have to listen to me and wear the helmet. Thank you very much :)

It's Been 2 Weeks

Adeline is 2 weeks old already!I can't believe it. She is getting sweeter and sweeter, of course. Yesterday Adam protested bows on her head when I tried to buy one. I bought it anyway, and she wore it today. And what does he say when he sees her? He said "Aww she looks cute!" Crazy daddy!
Baylor is in love with his baby sister. I can't wait for her to know who he is.

Adeline's 1st Day

Adeline finally made her arrival! She came out with a healthy set of lungs. 8 lb 7oz and 19 inches long. Adam said he was in love immediately. It took Baylor a while to warm up because there were lots of people in the room, but then he couldn't get enough of her. More pictures to come!

Baby Adeline's Birthday is Coming!

Well, we certainly didn't think she would hold out this long, but she did. Adeline is scheduled to be here tomorrow morning. I have the strangest feelings about it, which I thought was weird, but then Adam told me today he felt weird so I felt better! haha I'm afraid to see her. I have this fear that something will be wrong. I wish now we had done the 4D ultrasound. I would be more at ease I think. I wonder how people did this long ago with no technological equipment. Nerves, nerves, nerves!!

Great Friday Fun

We had a great night with Nichole & Pat and Kindal & B.J. last night. We don't see them enough. You would think we live hours away (no, 40 minutes)! We grilled homemade pizzas & Kindal made ice cream in her ice cream maker. Yum! I miss hanging out. Lots of kid talk for the girls-don't know what those boys chatted about, but it was a great time :)

Adam and the Annoying Guitar

Here's the story.
1. Adam decides he wants to learn an instrument.
2. Adam buys a guitar & a BOOK.
Does he know music? No. Does he get lessons? No. Do we know anyone who plays? No. Does he drive the family crazy? Yeeesssssss!
Here's the part that's the MOST fun (sarcastic).... He realizes why Nicole is a teacher.. because she can read the book & figure things out and teach him. duh! So now he drives Nicole even more crazy!
**Sigh** I now hate the guitar. I can't even talk to him. I say put it down so I can tell you something & he says I promise I won't play. I start my story & then "pluck", say a few more words, "pluck", then I get mad and stop talking. Haha, I'm not kidding :) I just read him this post & now we're both cracking up!

2 Weeks to Baby!

Adam & I were out again last night with friends, but we ate alone first and got on the subject of the new baby. We realized we have only 2 weeks or less! Yikes! I think we already knew this, but just making sure of it in our minds was kinda weird. Plus, he was folding clothes this morning & I had thrown some baby clothes in the wash that I'm bringing to the hospital. He picked one up to fold and said "oh my gosh". Which is the exact same reaction we had with Baylor's first little clothes, but we've forgotten! Haha. It's so sweet.

Just a Baylor Story

I'm just posting to prove that my son can be quite funny (which I know is unbelievable to those of you who have met him and uncomfortably sat through his silent treatment)! He wants to do karate so I told him today that we could stop by Bushi Ban (local studio). And while he normally is not listening to me & just sitting in the back seat in his own world, he looks up with a raised eyebrow and says "Bushy what now?" Hee hee, I cracked up while his innocent comment brought not so nice pictures to my head!

Will We Ever Ride?

Baylor's feet FINALLY touch the ground when he sits on his bike so he feels comfortable trying it without the training wheels (and, yes, we're 7 yrs old)! Also, all iron, casts, & braces are off his arm so he can steer. So we've been practicing in the afternoons. He's almost got it, and I can't wait.

Flag Football Sounds so Easy!

So Adam plays in a softball league and has for years. Well a couple of weeks ago, one of the guys on his team calls him to see if he wants to join the flag football team & he, of course, is all for it. So I tell him I'm a bit worried because although he LOOKS like he is in impeccable shape, he is not, by far! haha Flag football has kicked his booty. They play 2 games each night (they didn't mention that tidbit)& he comes home and soaks in a bath and complains that he's getting too old for this shit (I guess I can write shit). I wish I could post a picture! :)

Rock-A-Bye Baby

We picked up the new rocker yesterday & I can't get out of it. I really don't know why I haven't had a rocker since Baylor was little! I love to rock & I knew it, but I just never thought about buying another one for our living room. So this is now my spot while watching tv & playing online. Adeline will be getting plenty of rocking time in the next couple of weeks before she arrives!

Baylor reads to Adeline

It's the cutest thing. We've been going to the library a lot and getting these cooky Captain Underpants books that Baylor loves! They're very boyish. Anyway, he sits by me and reads a chapter to Adeline, and she'll move around in my belly. He thinks it's the coolest :)

Adeline's Arrival is Scheduled!

My c-section is scheduled for August 5th! Adam and I don't think she will make it that far, but we shall see! We have most everything ready. Her room is ready & we ordered the glider rocker. So we are waiting on the rocker and the baby! I can't believe this is happening sometimes. Baylor is still very excited to meet her, and Adam said the other night that he's excited about having 2 kids but maybe not the lack of sleep! haha

Summer Fun!

I love summer! We kept Braden & Carter for a few days this past week & went to swim at Uncle Wes and Sara's. It was a lot of fun. Baylor is taking swimming lessons again this summer since he got his arm fixed. Carter was so funny in the pool. He belly flopped in over a dozen times! We were in pain just watching him :)

Winnie Baby Shower-35 weeks!

My friends gave me a baby shower in Winnie on June 28. It was perfect. It was so nice to see everyone & spend time with all of the kids. Adeline got tons of great gifts, clothes, & a new stroller! Thank you to everyone for making it so special!

Water Aerobics-32 weeks along

So I started water aerobics this week because I could no longer stand the heavy belly on the eliptical machine. Plus, it's awesome to be weightless in the pool! I have about 8 weeks left. I'm in a class of old women, but I work really hard & it really gets me tired. It's funny, though. Adam's working out in the gym area & you can see the pool through a huge glass, so today he stood there making fun!! :) I would attach a photo, but thought I'd spare you all!

Pirate Show, Orlando, Florida

On the last night of our trip, we were invited to a Pirate's Dinner Theater show. It was great. There's about an hour of mingling & pirate skits and interaction with the people there. Then you go in an find your table for the show. We had front row seats & Baylor got to be in the show with some of the other kids. The actors interact a lot with the audience & get lots of audience volunteers. They also encourage you to drink A LOT!! Boy I wished I could have drank! Haha :)

Universal Studios

Well, we just got back from Baylor's "Make a Wish" trip to Orlando, Florida. We had tickets to Universal Studios, DisneyWorld, & a Pirate Dinner Show. The first park we when to was Universal Studios. It was a lot of fun. Our favorite ride was the E.T. ride where you sit on a bike & it takes you flying over the city like when they return E.T. to his spaceship. Baylor got to meet Shrek, Donkey, and Spongebob. It was E.T.'s 27th birthday when we were there.

Disney Magic Kingdom

On the third day of the trip we went to Disney's Magic Kingdom. Baylor says his favorite part was meeting the characters. Pirates of the Carribean was his favorite ride. We rode a little boat through all of the scenes of the movie, and then bought a Pirates sword and t-shirt. It was tiring and hot, but fun!

Christmas In May!

We got home this afternoon with a huge box in front of our door & of course Adam immediately started complaining that I ordered something. When I told him I wasn't expecting anything and the box had Baylor's name on it, then he started accusing Baylor of ordering stuff! haha We brought the box in and opened & just couldn't believe all the stuff. There was no return address & it was full of toys. 3 Nintendo DS games, a Wii game, lots of action figures, an Indiana Jones Monopoly game, spongebob tent, scrapbook stuff, puzzles, 2 large cars. Just all kinds of things like Christmas morning. Well we finally got to the bottom of the box & found a Kids Wish Network t-shirt. This is the network that is sending Baylor to DisneyWorld this summer. They also had all of our trip accomodations, tickets, complimentary dinner tickets & all kinds of other things. Plus a check for spending money! We couldn't believe it. Every time I talk with them, I just can't believe how generous they are & how lucky we are to have this stuff. I really wanted to bring some of the toys to needy children, but couldn't talk Baylor into it. Hopefully when he gets a little older, he'll become a better giver! :)

Faculty Baby Shower for Adeline

My faculty at school gave me a baby shower & we got lots of goodies. Clothes, a beautiful blanket, soaps, and diapers & wipes for months! We went to BJ's restaurant and celebrated while we ate & drank. It was a great time. I felt so special.

1st Grade Field Day

Baylor had field day at school where they just play a bunch of games and activities they learn in PE. I can't believe 1st grade is almost over!

Baylor's Favorite Book for Now (video)

Oh we heard Green Eggs & Ham at least once per day for about 3 weeks! He kept the book in the car so he could read it to me every day! Oh my!

26 Weeks

So here's my theory from the beginning. My stomach got big really fast but then maybe it will just hold steady for a while & not continue to get bigger at an alarming rate. The pictures from 23 weeks & 26 weeks look about the same. We shall see....no stretch marks, no stretch marks......!

Baylor's YoYo Career (with video)!

So a professional yo-yo guy came to Baylor's school & he wanted a yo-yo. Of course, I got him one knowing full well that it would end up in the bottom of his toy box with everything else. Well, to our surprise, he plays with it every day. He's gotten really good. He even wears through string & it took me forever to figure out where to buy new yo-yo string! See him in action

Missing New York!

Well we were supposed to be in New York this weekend & week. Adam won another trip, but we decided not to go because we had been going out of town so much lately & it TAKS testing week at school (boooo!). Well, now that it's finally here, I'm really regretting not going. We were supposed to stay at the Waldorf. But it's probably a good thing we were home because Baylor had all the pain this weekend & we ended up in the hospital. I don't think anyone would have been able to handle him while we were gone.

Hospital Again

Tuesday, April 28th
We are at the hospital again with Baylor's arm contraption. He was supposed to get it off April 21st but they postponed it to the end of May because his bone wasn't quite strong enough. Well we spent this weekend in terrible pain & found out yesterday that one of his pins had come out of the bone & was just hanging in there. No wonder! So we had to come in and put him under anesthesia again to just take that one pin out.

Good News on Baylor April 7, 2009

Baylor had a Dr. appointment on April 7 with a new hematologist who is a transplant specialist. We got transferred to this new dr because his bone marrow test from January show that his bone marrow production fell to the lowest category. They wanted us to start getting things lined up in case his bone marrow failed and he needed a bone marrow transplant.
The new Dr is wonderful. She checked all of Baylor's blood counts and said everything looks great. She said she didn't feel like he was at any major risks right now, and we don't have to see her for another 6 months, which was great news. But even better, she contacted Viacord for us and they are banking the new baby's cord blood for free since Baylor has a medical necessity for it. So the new baby's cord blood will hopefully provide all we need for a bone marrow transplant if Baylor were to ever need that. Good things have been all around us lately. I don't think we could be more blessed right now!

23 weeks pregnant-Ultrasound April 15,2009

Today we go for another ultrasound. We haven't seen the baby since 14 weeks so I'm excited. We are bringing Baylor today, and this will be his first time to see her. My stomach is really big this pregnancy and has been since before 3 months! It's just weird & very different from Baylor. I've gained only 12 pounds so far & I just started back to the gym. Here's a picture of my stomach at 22 weeks.

Baylor Granted a Wish Trip March 2009

We found out in March that Baylor was granted a trip to DisneyWorld in Orlando, Florida. All expenses paid through Kids Wish Network. We go on our trip June 10, 2009. He's so excited. I'll be 30 weeks pregnant on the trip so I guess I'll be driving myself around in a little cart while we're there! It will be fun to do one more big exciting thing before the baby comes.
The Kemah police & fire dept. found out about his trip and decided to donate to Kids Wish Network in his behalf. They also invited us to visit the police & the fire dept. We got to ride around town in a fire truck with the fire dog! It was really cool. Baylor's Kid Wish link:
http://www.kidswishnetwork.org/wishes/wish-kid-details.aspx?i=1478

We're Expecting

Here I am at 15 weeks! We waited until all tests were clear to put the word out. The baby is perfectly healthy & it's a girl!! Baylor is so excited. We don't know what we're doing. It's been 7 years!

Baylor's Surgery December 2008

Baylor had surgery on his arm on December 19, 2008. The surgery is to lengthen the bone in his arm. Dr. Gugenheim cut his bone and put in lots of pins. He has these 2 steel rings on the outside of his arm, and we have to turn the screws three times a day to slowly pull the bone apart. It looks very interesting. Baylor loosens all the bolts and turns the screws himself. He has to wear the arm contraption for 3 months. We spent 4 days in the hospital to manage pain, but Baylor's a trooper. He had the pain medicine machine where he could pump the medicine himself.