Red Wagon First Birthday!

I remember having dreams when I was pregnant with Miller that something was wrong. In my dreams, I never knew what was wrong with him, but it always ended up being ok in the end.  I thought the dreams were just the aftermath of the previous miscarriage.  Even after Miller was born, and they told me he scored a 9/9 on his Apgar test, that uneasy feeling that something was wrong did not go away. I think early on God was preparing my heart for what was to come.

You cannot even imagine what a milestone his first birthday was to us. I remember sitting beside his hospital bed in the ICU, and the numerous doctors and nurses telling us this first year would be the hardest. We knew there were multiple surgeries, possibly multiple complications, hospital stays, sickness, trouble feeding, trouble growing, the list went on and on. The doctors kept telling us to just take it one day at a time and get through this first year. I remember Brian and I talking about how joyous his first birthday would be. We dreamed of having this big huge celebration, and having a healthy baby boy to show off.

On this day, his birthday, we had more than we ever dreamed of. All of those things that were supposed to happen, never did. He ate good, he grew good, he met all milestones, and with very little complications! This year has been the hardest year of my life, but the very best yet. I am telling you...God knew exactly what he was doing when he prepared this amazing journey for us. 

We celebrated with good friends and family and it was exactly what we dreamed about. It was an incredibly special day. I can't believe we have made it to this day, and I can't help but give every.single.bit of the glory to GOD. We chose a red wagon theme for several reasons. First, when he was released from the ICU and taken to the 5th floor to recover, they wheeled him up there in a red wagon. I have a picture of him with his little scar showing and he is smiling ear to ear, just full of joy. It is by far one of my favorite pictures of him. Second, we go on a red wagon ride almost every day and it is our special time. He loves it!

Praise God for our healthy Miller Man!! Happy First Birthday baby boy. Here's to many many more!!

I got this little wagon as part of his bday present, and put all of his toys and gifts inside. I figured he could pull all of his toys around in it. WRONG. He climbs inside every time and screams until someone pulls him really fast around the house!

11 Months Old

I am home today with my favorite little man, who turns 11 months old today! I'm busy planning his first birthday, which we plan to make a big celebration out of it! We are full of gratitude for our little guy, and for the amazing journey we have been on. I have grown as a wife, mother, and faithful follower of Jesus Christ more this year than any other year in my life. God always uses these storms for something way beyond our comprehension, and I'm just starting to see a glimpse of what is in store for us and our family! And it is AMAZING! I have truly learned to give all worries to him, and trust him above all else. I can't say I've always done that my whole life, because I have the personality of being the "do it myself" kind of girl. Well...I'm not anymore. Because truth be told, I couldn't do any of this without HIM!

Miller may have half a heart, but I can assure you, he has twice the JOY. He is the happiest little thing. He smiles all day long and is a total BLESSING to our family. I have been rather emotional lately. As the holiday season approaches, I can't help but remember last year, the emotions, the smell of the hospital, the longing to spend time with Maggie, the sleepless nights, etc etc. When I tell you we CANNOT.WAIT until this Christmas, that would be a huge understatement. Not to give Miller extra gifts, or decorate the Christmas tree fancy, but to celebrate the birth of our LORD from the safety and comfort of our own home, making precious memories with our precious children.

*on a side note, flu season has started in full force. several friends have already had it. please say a special prayer for Miller that he remains well and healthy this season. the thought of another hospital stay is just too frightening. and if you come visit, don't be surprised if I make you bathe in hand sanitizer. thanks:)*

Election Night, George Washington showed up!

This is my view all day every day. "Mom, I'm down here. Pick me up. Pick me up pleeeeeease."

As soon as he wakes up, this is where he goes. Boy wakes up starvin like marvin, just like his Daddy!

He has learned to brush his teeth and it might be his new favorite past time!!

Pumpkin Patch 2012, he was all smiles while watching his sister do everything!

We have nicknamed him "Miller the Destroyer." Just lately, he has torn up several sets of blinds, shredded all my old Southern Living magazines, dismembered my Roomba, got a pencil stuck in the electrical outlet, ate a bar of soap, the list could go on!!

A recent doctor check up. He was all smiles until he got the flu shot!

He LOVES this kitchen. He cooks me up some good snacks all the time!

Man, this guy totally melts my heart. My heart is overflowing with gratitude, joy, faith, and love.

A few facts about him...
He wears a size 4 diaper.
He wears 18mo-2t clothes.
He has 4 teeth.
He weighs 24 lbs.
He doesn't like to sleep. AT ALL. He doesn't nap much or sleep through the night.
He is a Nosy Rosy. He will about break his neck to see what someone else is doing. He can't stand to miss a thing!!
He doesn't like his bottles much anymore. He wants real food! He is a good eater. Obviously;)
He can say mama, dada, ball, more, bye bye, and dog. I swear the other day he said Maggie too! He looked right at her and said it.
He is pulling up on anything and everything. He crawls around the house in lightening speed.
He always has his fist clenched bc usually there is something in there he is saving. A piece of cheese or cracker, a bug, a wad of dog hair, a wad of Maggie's hair, a piece of carpet, a bar of soap, a Barbie shoe that he is going to choke on later, you name it! He is a MESS.

Recently I have caught him playing in the toilet several times, or unrolling the whole roll of toilet paper then proceeding to eat it. He is obsessed with wires and electrical outlets. Or pulls on cabinet drawers. Or books that he can rip the pages out. He is going to give me a run for my money and I wouldn't have it any other way! So thankful he enjoys life so much!!

5 Years!

This past Saturday, Brian and I celebrated 5 years of marriage! I know this blog is mostly about the kids, so I thought it was time ya'll get to know the man of my dreams a little better!!

Most of you probably don't know this, but Brian and I dated 6 months before we were engaged. Yes, 6 months. When you know, you know, right??!!! We started dating in September of 2006, engaged in April of 2007, and married in October of 2007. Fast track huh?!!

We both went to State but didn't know each other there. Then we both moved to Memphis after graduating college. We met each other because his best friend was dating my sister! We also worked for the same company in Memphis, Wells Fargo, but in separate offices, so we became friends that way.

The night my sister and his best friend got engaged, he called me to go have dinner and celebrate, and well...it was all history after that!

Brian is an amazing man. He is a man of honor, integrity, and loyalty. His Bible is nearly always sitting on his nightstand because he has either read it before going to bed or plans on reading it first thing when he wakes up. I have always admired that about him! He strives to be the best husband and father that he can possibly be.  He is your average all American good good guy, and I am blessed and lucky to call him mine!

Now on to the funny stuff about him. He likes fast cars and 90's rock n roll. Yes, I think his dream car is whatever year camero with racing stripes down the center. He likes flashy colors so I could see him getting bright orange or neon yellow. I will NEVER understand his love for fast cars. He also loves motorcycles. He has his motorcycle license, and currently doesn't own one because his wife won't let him. :)  His love for sweets and oatmeal cookies isn't far behind his love for cars. He is either watching sports center or ESPN, and whatever game is on each night is always "THE BIGGEST GAME" of the season.  He watches football, basketball, and golf mostly. He LOVES golf and has been playing quite a bit lately, thanks to my Dad who has picked back up the sport recently. He is the worlds heaviest sleeper. His snooze button probably goes off on average 10 times each morning. When we first got married, I would keep a squirt bottle of water beside my bed. On the 10th time he would hit his snooze button, a fresh little spritz of water in the face would usually do the trick to get him out of bed!! I have never met anyone who sleeps as hard as he does.  He is a gadgets guy. Loves electronics, speakers, etc. etc. All of which I have absolutely no interest in. He also loves to run. He is one of those that can not run for a few months and then decide to run 7 miles one morning and is able to. Makes me SO jealous of that mental ability!  He is always looking at the positive side of things, and rarely makes a negative comment about anyone or anything.  He loves to start new projects. In fact, he starts so many at a time that sometimes he forgets to finish the one he is working on before he starts another. :)

This was our engagement night, on top of the Madison hotel rooftop in downtown Memphis. I thought I was going to a work function with my sister, and when I walked out on the roof, there he was. These pictures make me smile ear to ear. My ring was in the CD case. I had a dream months back that I got in his car and found an engagement ring in his CD case. I told him about it the next day and never thought anything about it again. This night, he told me he wanted to spend the rest of his life making all my dreams come true, and this was just the first of many. He then told me to open his CD case. And got down on his knee and proposed! It was very romantic!!

Now these are just a few of my favorite pictures! If you were to ask Brian what his dream job is, he would tell you the lead singer of a rock band. How funny is that for those of you who know my clean gene, suit wearing husband!

Notice these pics were pre kids. Our eyes look so well rested and full of energy!  I wouldn't trade these past 5 years for anything! We are truly blessed beyond our wildest dreams!

THREE and BIG As Can Be!

Tuesday was Mags actual birthday, the 16th. We started out the day with party hats and birthday sprinkle pancakes!

Happy Birthday to you!!

 And yes, she almost caught her hair on fire. 

Miller loved the pancakes too!

Then we met her best friend, Anna Caston, at Chick-Fil-A for lunch, per Maggie's request. We topped off lunch with some much needed outside time at the Bent Creek playground!

Miller had a ball rolling around in the grass and searching for every ant bed he could find.

We got some good afternoon naps then headed over to YaYa and Pop's house for a birthday dinner and cupcakes!

 I'm trying to incorporate more family photos bc I am never in the pictures. This is our best attempt.

Miller loved the cupcakes, but really, what doesn't Miller LOVE??

Jack did too!!

Big as Can Be!

Maggie is full of JOY 99% of the time. She is neat and tidy like her mamma. She likes her hands clean and shoes on at all times. She gets that from me. She plays very well with Miller and shares most of her things. She tells me she loves me at least 20 times a day. She hugs Miller at least 20 times a day. She is very independent, and I hear, "I DO IT" at least 20 times a day. She likes to pick out her own outfit now, which is a battle each and every morning. She is the world's pickiest eater, but we are working on that as we speak! Her favorite food is mac and cheese, like her daddy. Her favorite things to play with are barbie dolls, baby dolls, and playing princess dress up! She also loves to color and use stickers. I think Miller chokes on at least 5 stickers a day, so I have to watch these 2 with their arts and crafts!!  She has just the sweetest and caring heart, and God certainly knew what he was doing when he gave Miller a big sister like Maggie! She makes my world go round and I thank him everyday for her!

I have to document some things so I remember them one day.
I have started praying with Maggie each morning before school. We always do it while we are in the car line, and we hold hands and say a special prayer for her that day. That she will make new friends, or be nice to her teachers, play well on the playground, stay safe and healthy, etc etc. Maggie loves the prayer time. The other day she was getting out of the car before dance, and she said, "Mommy, can we pray every time before dance class too?!" The excitement in her voice over praying made my heart swell. I wish we all could be that excited. I can tell it makes her feel so safe and loved. Thank you God for allowing me to have these special moments each and everyday!

Now on to her funny statements...
Maggie- "Mommy, why do I have to do what you say, when I'm a big girl?"
Me- "Because I am the boss, that's why!"
Maggie- "Well who is your boss then?"
Me- "My mommy was my boss when I was a little girl, but now that I am a grown up I don't have a boss."
Maggie- "But Daddy is a grown up and he has a boss?"
Me- "Well yes he does sweetie, but only a boss at work."
Maggie- "Oh, well I thought you were Daddy's boss."
Me- hahahaha, "well yes honey, I am Daddy's boss, but that's a whole different story!" ;)

We got Maggie a swing for her birthday and it was on backorder so it didn't arrive in time. She was a sweet heart about it and is super excited for it to come in next week.  After we showed her a picture of her new swing, she said, "Daddy, I sure hope the swing set comes with directions!"  haha. She has heard me fussing a time or two about a certain someone not following directions when he puts things together!

Her new phrase is "matter of fact." She throws matter of fact in before everything she says. Matter of fact, I'm hungry mamma. Matter of fact, I want to go outside mamma. Matter of fact, it's cold outside!

On the morning of her 3rd birthday, I asked her if she could do anything in the world today, what would it be? She screamed with excitement in her eyes, "Go to Chick-Fil-A, then Target, then Corner Market!!!" hahaha. poor kid doesn't get out much I guess. You can tell the places we go on a regular basis. I had no idea she likes Corner Market so much.  So Corner Market it was, where she picked out her cupcake mix.

I'd say it was a very special birthday. Now PLEASE sometime stop the clock.