The Journey Has Begun

Week Three of 52

2011-01-12T18:50:00.000-08:00

Hello! I must tell you about our HUGE snow storm we got this past weekend/week.

Sunday night it was all over the news-we were looking at getting over 4 inches of snow in some areas even 6-7 inches. I got a phone call around 8pm that we would be closed Monday so I knew it had to be pretty serious if they were going to close them gym a full day!

Home Sweet Home

Back porch Hot Tub

This little guy wanted to go outside so bad

So we bundled him up and took him for a walk

I had gone out while he was napping to make him a snow man. He wasn't really excited about-as a matter of fact he knocked the head off the bigger one. lol

LADIES NIGHT

Look at the picture of me-it looks like I have horns growing out of my head!!

MY BIG BOY IS GROWING/WALKING/TALKING

More pics coming soon-pics only!!!

Week 2 of 52

2011-01-09T12:45:00.000-08:00

This blogging thing is going to be tough.

But I am going to try my best to keep it up a least once per week.

Sunday January 2

We went to church that morning then rushed home to have Christmas with Brad's dad and his family. I made spaghetti, salad, Texas toast, and brownies. It was pretty good. We had a great time. By the time everyone was gone-we were all so exhausted-we cleaned up the house and got ready for bed.

Monday January 3

I had to be at work this morning pretty early this morning because it was end of the month. I had so much to get done before 12:00pm. Not to mention my boss was going to be out the rest of the week so I had a lot that I needed to get finished up. I teach this class called Triple Threat Training. It is a 12 week training class for the more advanced. In order to be a part of this class you must be able to run one mile without stopping and under 10 minutes. We do all types of things in this class. We drag weights, throw barrels, carry pallets, and will soon be flipping tires. It every Monday and Wednesday night from 5-7:30pm. It is so much fun. I love doing it with the class-it is one HARD workout! All three of the trainers were here this night to get us started. I got home around 8:30pm-Braden was already asleep-I missed him a lot.

This is the look I get when I want to hold him when his Daddy is around-WANTS NOTHING TO DO WITH ME!!

Tuesday January 4

Brad worked today so I was able to get Braden up and off to Mrs Brenda's. This meant that I had to leave work by 4pm to get him at 5pm as well. Today was an okay day. Just seemed to creep by so slow!!! I was ready to get home and see my little man! By the time I got home-fed Braden, and bathed him-he was ready to go to bed by 6:45pm. I wasn't going to fight to keep him awake so I put him down for the night.

Wednesday January 5

I didn't have to be at work early today-I have to teach TTT tonight-so i waited until Brad got home around 9am and left Braden with him. We didnt take Braden to Mrs Brenda's because he seemed to be coughing a lot more than he has been. Plus Ayden, Cindi's son had just been released from the doctor with croup and we didn't want to give him something or Braden get that from him. Better safe than sorry. I had a pretty busy day-it flew by so fast. With my boss being gone I had to check on all the departments to make sure everyone was ok and didn't have any issues that I needed to resolve. All was well! I taught TTT and went GREAT! It was very tiring-this workout was called THE TWELVE DAYS AFTER CHRISTMAS! I left there around 7:50pm and got home around 8:3opm. No traffic means great timing to get home. I got home showered and got in the bed. Brad had put Braden down so I missed him.

Thursday January 6

I got to work around 5:10am this morning. I trained Kim and went to a class to observe. It was a great workout-I was so sore from teaching TTT that it hurt to workout. haha Work went pretty good. I was able to leave at 2pm and I came home to spend some time with Braden. He stayed at home with Brad again today-so when I got home-Brad went to work out. Braden cried when he left-he is def a daddy's boy! He calls daddy momma-and me momma too! He is so cute!

Friday January 7

Brad had to work so I had to drop Braden off at Mrs Brenda's. He did very well when I dropped him off. The other boys weren't there yet and I was afraid since they weren't there Braden would not be distracted for me to leave but Mrs Brenda is a PRO!! I had to leave work around 11:20am to go to a meeting downtown so decided that I was not going to go all the way back to 119 especially at 2:00pm when traffic starts to get backed up plus I have to leave by 4pm t get Braden. I went to Target and got some stuff and then went to get Braden. We had a GREAT time playing in his trampoline that is full of balls. HE LOVES THAT THING! He was in the bed around 7:3opm. And I cleaned the house and read other people's blogs instead of updating my blog!!

Saturday January 8

Braden woke up around 7:30am so I rolled out of bed and went to get him. He is in such a good mood when he wakes on his own. I brought him down and changed his diaper and fed him breakfast. We went down stairs so he could play in his balls and then around 10am he wanted to take a nap. Brad tried to put him down but he was just wanting to play with daddy. So I took him up to his room and he went to sleep-he slept until 12:15pm and Brad was starving so we got changed and headed to CFA!

We got home and played nonstop! Braden was slap worn out-that was the plan. You see my best friend Meredith was having a birthday dinner at Stix and we were going to go and have my mom come stay with Braden. So by 5pm we fed Braden and gave him a bath-all mom had to do was play with him for about 30 minutes to an hour and then put him to bed. We left at 6:15pm and she called right before we sat down to eat and said he was in the bed. WOW! I loved date night-it was so much fun-laughing with my friends-and just being with adults! Brad was not feeling well-he is fighting off a sinus infection-I had it last week. So he was not really enjoying himself. I think he just didn't want to leave Braden. But we got home around 9:50-10:00pm and let mom go back home. What a blessing to have parents when we need them. It was out first time to actually have a date without Braden-I think I need a few more in the near future.

More later this week!!

** I know he still wears his Christmas pjs after Christmas but they are so cute.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2011-01-01T19:33:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I am back! Well let me tell you what my plans are for this blog this year. Seeing that I can't post something on here every day-I have decided that I will post something 1-2 days per week-I may be able to post more depending on how tired I am lol!!!

12-31-10

I had to work 4:30am-12:00pm. I left and met Meredith at Newk's for lunch. I love me some Newk's. We left there and went to Fultondale to Target and BAM. We just walked around-met Brad and Braden there. We left there and went to pick up dinner-steaks. sweet potatoes, and salad. The boys headed home to put Braden down for his afternoon nap. By the time I got home-I wanted a nap myself but decided to get a shower. As soon as I got out and Braden woke up we headed over to Sarah and Brian's house to give the girls their Christmas gifts. We got back home around 630 and started cooking dinner-fed Braden-bathed him and put him to bed by 800pm. We ate dinner and cleaned up then went to the basement and played Wii Michael Jackson. I never laughed so hard in my life. OH MY GOSH! It was so much fun! I look forward to playing that again very soon!!!

We decided that we had danced enough and wanted to go up and watch the ball drop-well we were 1 minute late! I have decided that this year will be my year of lateness! OH GREAT!! It stormed really bad here all night long-but that did not wake Braden.

1-1-11

He slept until 730am-Brad had to get up and go to work. I cooked some monkey bread-and it was FANTASTIC!!! Go here to get the recipe. I used The Pioneer Woman and will never use MY recipe again. yummy!! Braden went down for his morning nap around 930am and I started taking down all the Christmas decorations. He slept until 1230. I had gotten a shower and was fixing his lunch when he woke up. We ate lunch then got ready and headed to the mall-just wanted to get out and walk around. Then we went to Wal-Mart to get some groceries. Tomorrow we are having Brad's dad and his family over to do Christmas. I know I probably should have left the tree up until tomorrow but I really needed to get it down and get my furniture back in place. Plus I actually was in the mindset to get it done. We got home around 630pm I fed Braden dinner and bathed him and he was in the bed by 745pm asleep.

I will post some updated pics next time-I just have not downloaded any from my camera! So these few from his birthday will have to work until next time.

Hope every one has a WONDERFUL NEW YEAR!!!

GROWING

2010-11-20T14:15:00.000-08:00

My little buddy will be turning one very soon! He has grown up so fast!

Just a few hours old

11 months

My little cowboy on Halloween Night

GIVEAWAY

2010-10-12T18:31:00.000-07:00

REPOSTED FROM HERE

A WORK IN PROGRESS

I posted this on my blog because it gives me more chances to win-

so if you want to try it do the same.

It's time for me to announce my giveaway choice from CSN.

I thought with the upcoming cool weather and time with family and friends...

many of you may need this.....

Doesn't this scream...Make chili in me!?!

And you can't have a new pot without a new spoon. :)

Each item comes in a variety of colors. I'll let you choose which best fits your kitchen when you WIN.

Speaking of winning...this is how you can win!!

1. Become a follower of my blog (1 entry)

2. Re post on your blog about this giveaway (1 entry)

3. Comment about becoming a follower, re posting, and well...just comment! (1 entry)

If you follow, comment, AND re post you get 5 bonus entries!!!!!!!

Don't just do 1 do them ALL!!!

READY

SET

*available to US and Canadian readers only.

Braden 10 month PICS

2010-09-26T19:28:00.000-07:00

LAST BEACH TRIP

2010-09-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

We went with Brad's family to the beach and I wanted to share some pictures.

Enjoy!

BEACH PICTURES

2010-08-13T19:28:00.000-07:00

THE WHOLE FAMILY

Mom and Dad

THE BOYS

Chad, Rylan, Dylan, Dad, Brad and Braden

THE GIRLS

Magon, Mom, Me and Mary Beth

PawPaw and Gran with the boys

Bradens Little Foot Print

My Family

MY BOYS

Me and My Braden

Waiting to eat-LATE NIGHT

Braden is tired!

More later!

BAD BLOGGER!!! GOOD MOMMY???

2010-08-12T19:07:00.000-07:00

I know I know I am such a BAD blogger-but do I get props for taking pictures of my little boy Braden even if I don't post! Guys-- time is flying away from me! I wish I had the time to sit down every night and post things about Braden-I barely can remember to write things in his baby book. He has grown SO much. I just can't believe it. I have lots to tell you about so let me think of how far back I should go-oh wait I don't remember what happened yesterday. lol

We will start around the end of July

Braden's Best Friends

Jayce, Braden and Ayden

Braden is 8 months old

He weighs around 20-21 pounds

Eats anything and everything

Has two bottom teeth-those just popped out one day out of nowhere

Drinks juice from a sippy cup once a day

Holds his own bottle and sippy cup

Sitting up so good

Rolls everywhere

Pushes up on his hands and feet but has not figured out how to crawl just yet

Says Da Da-not sure he knows what da-da is-or so I tell myself that lol

Loves to laugh and giggle-chuckles till he gets the hiccups

Sucks his right thumb when he sees a tag

HE LOVES TAGS! If he is fussy find him a tag and he will hold it in his right hand with his right thumb in his mouth.

If he wakes at night he finds his blankie and goes to town on the thumb

Cant rise up to a seated position yet

Daily routine:

Wake him around 6:45am

Change him and put him in the car

on the road to Brenda's by 7-these days I am much later

In the car he drinks a 4 ounce formula bottle

I sing to him every morning on the way to her house-I know he loves it! lol

Get to Mrs Brenda's around 715 on a good day

She feeds him breakfast which consists of a fruit and cereal

Then he plays and goes down for a nap around 11am

Wakes up for lunch

Eats a veggie and meat, or just two veggies and fruit-if still hungry some yogurt-I try to give him a 6 ounce bottle but he usually doesn't take it all

Plays and then takes another nap around 2 until 330

We get him by 5pm and bring him home-

Sometimes he drinks juice other times he will drink a bottle

He will eat dinner around 730pm

Meat, veggie and fruit

Bath time - lotion and massage time

Then Daddy gives him his last bottle around 8pm 6 ounces

Sleeps ALL night LONG!!! wooohooo

On Saturday mornings I let him swing outside after breakfast-

he is watching the geese in our back yard

Nap Time on the weekends

He might KILL me when he gets older

but you cant see anything

he has found it

He and Daddy practicing baseball

I'M NOT OUT!

I was safe!!!

ROLL TIDE ROLL

We went to the beach the first week of August with my parents. It was such an awesome time. It was our first trip to the beach as a family. Oh it was GREAT! Braden did so well-slept GREAT. He was teething pretty bad the last two nights but he did so good. LOVED riding in the golf cart, swimming and then getting a nap in the garage apartment where it was cold and quiet.

Day One at the Beach/Pool

Day Two

MORE PICS TOMORROW NIGHT I AM EXHAUSTED

ALL PICS

2010-07-22T20:11:00.001-07:00

I will add all the comments later. But gotta go for now! Enjoy!

Father's Day and Braves

2010-06-27T19:29:00.000-07:00

Father's Day

We went to watch the Brave's play!!!

Braden did so good!

I am only writing this because I really want to remember this trip. So it might be boring for you to read. I bought Brad tickets to watch the Brave's for Father's Day. We left for Atlanta on Saturday morning when Brad got off work. Braden did sooooo good all the way there-he played and slept and played and laughed. We got to ATL and decided to get Brad a shirt to match Braden's outfit. We then got to out hotel-Hampton Inn and checked in changed clothes and went to the game. The game started at 7pm but we wanted to get there to watch batting practice and find our seats. So we got there and Braden sat in his stroller and every body at Turner Field stopped and said "Ohhh he is soooo cute" of course he is!! lol We ran into one of the stores to get his first Braves ball cap and it was on sale for $2.00!!! Its a little big but one of the best buys!!!

We got some great pics during the game!

He wanted Chipper to sign his ball so bad but we never got to see him. Maybe next time buddy!

I held him the entire game. Before it started I took him and changed his diaper and then he sat with me the entire game. We were four rows behind home plate! He sat and watched the game!! He fell asleep the top of the 6th but then they started getting loud around the 8th ad he woke-and he woke up in the BEST mood. He laughed and just watched the game like he never missed a beat. The Braves ended up winning. We left and tried to make our way back to the room. It took us over an hour and a half to get 5 miles!!! We didn't know this but it was ATL Birthday Bash and that meant rappers were putting on a show and we had NO clue! It was bumper to bumper-girls half dressed and men yelling at women. I mean it was a HOT MESS! I was scared to death! I think you all get the picture! Well we walked to the front desk and said we are leaving and we are leaving NOW we want our money back! Yes we left and no we did not stop to get another room-we drove all the way home. Braden ate supper in his car seat-I gave him his bottle and he was out! And I think Brad and I dozed off a few times. It was the most awful drive home-we were seeing 6 lanes instead of two-thank God we made it home around 3am!

June 17

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY!

Get that ugly shirt off Braden!!! Especially on my birthday! lol

Braden came to 119 and swam with daddy!

Happy Boy!

Sweet chubby hands!

Curled up toes!!

WHERE OH WHERE?

2010-06-14T17:33:00.001-07:00

Where oh where have I been? BUSY BUSY BUSY!!

Let's see between working full time, teaching boot camp every Tuesday and Thursday-rain or shine- and spending time with Brad and my Lil Boy Braden-who not to mention is almost 7 months old!!! WHERE OH WHERE HAS TIME GONE!!! It is crazy around here!

Here are some pics so you can just see how big our boy is getting!!!

BATH TIME

DYLAN AND BRADEN

COUSINS

Talking to Paw Paw

Hey!!! You like my new shoes???

The girls ready to go to SPLASH PAD!

The Girls posing!

Ayden, MaKayla and Maddy at Splash Pad

Cindi and her boys

Ayden and Jayce

Those are Braden's BFF!!!

Braden is just so EXHAUSTED!!

Mommy and Braden

Braden needing to get out of the sun!

Look MOM no HANDS!

Daddy-Mommy is soooo funny!!!

SWEET CHEEKS!!

What am I doing at 6/7 months:

18.25 pounds

28 inches long

Size 3 diapers

Size 6-9 months clothes and 12 months sleepers

sitting up and spitting up

picking things up off the floor-put in the other hand

laughing out loud and trying his best to talk

eating EVERYTHING!

Janice still makes his food. He has eaten the following:

sweet potatoes, carrots, sweet peas, green beans, apples, pears, peaches, and prunes

HE LOVES PRUNES!!

Drinks juice-prune and apple juice diluted with water

I let him drink out of a sippy cup when he has his juice.

LOVES HIS JUMPER and WALKER

He still gets his bath around 7pm EVERY NIGHT and LOVES IT

Almost time to let him sit in the big tub

Then its a veggie and fruit and then 6 ounce bottle-

We will put him down asleep or awake-either way

Slept in his bed for the first time last week!

SLEPT ALL NIGHT! Brad was at work so I tried it just to see if he would-and he did-

I STAYED UP BUT HE SLEPT UNTIL 6:30am the next morning!

When he gets sleepy he starts sucking his thumb and looking for tags on blankets.

They LOVE him in the nursery-they don't want him to leave their room-he was supposed to change rooms when he turned 6 months and here he is almost 7!!

Just when I don't think I could love you any more-I wake up the next day and I do!

Funny story

Last night he woke me up playing with toy keys that were in his bed. He played with them for about 5 minutes then went back to sleep!

MIA PICS

2010-05-23T18:55:00.001-07:00

I have been so busy here lately that I have not had the chance to post pictures or write about all the things that are going on in my life. So what I will post today are pictures. I think it is better these days to just look at pictures than read a whole book of my life! haha! I would much rather look at these cute boys than anything in the whole world.

I came home one day from work and they were talking to each other and the next thing I know it was really quiet and they were both sound asleep.

This is what they got me for Mother's Day!

A BOSE sounddock for my bootcamp class

And the cutest picture frame (that is NOT Braden's pic)

WE LOVED YOU BEFORE WE KNEW YOU

EVEN WHEN THERE WAS JUST THE

HOPE OF YOU-WE LOVED YOU!

Braden loves his Nana! She has made his baby food!

Above is carrots and sweet potatoes-not pictures apple sauce!

Below is green beans, corn, and peaches.

Not pictured: pears and sweet peas

Braden and Nana

Braden and GG

Braden loves swinging

And sleeping in his swing

He loved sleeping in his swing-remember?

Well guess what? He has graduated from his swing and now sleeps in his pack and play in our room. So precious! But he does not normally suck a paci-he is normally sucking that thumb!!!

On this particular morning he was in a good mood! You would never know huh?

And this is what we enjoyed this weekend. OR mommy and daddy did!

Chocolate cake and home-ade ice cream! THE BEST!!!

Before I Was A Mom

2010-05-13T06:45:00.001-07:00

BEFORE I WAS A MOM

Before I was a Mom, I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.

I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.

I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom, I had never been puked on. Pooped on. Chewed on. Peed on.

I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.

I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom, I never held down a screaming child so doctors could give shots.

I never looked into teary eyes and cried.

I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.

I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom, I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down.

I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.

I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.

I never knew that I could love someone so much.

I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom, I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.

I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.

I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.

I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom, I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.

I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

First Mother's Day as a Mommy

2010-05-10T18:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

Braden-

What a special day this is for me. I can't tell you how long I prayed for you to come into my life. I prayed for the chance to rock you to sleep-to tell you stories-sing Jesus loves you and whisper I love you in your ear. When I was pregnant with you, I would sit and think of what you were going to look like. I never thought in a million years that I would have a son as handsome and as perfect as you. Your sweet smile makes me melt-I love it when you hum yourself to sleep and bury your face in my chest. I love it when you watch those chubby hands of yours-that always manage to get in your mouth no matter what. I love watching you in the mirror as I drive down the road-as you look out the window from those sweet innocent eyes. I pray that nothing/no one will harm you. I pray that you will be strong and grow into a Godly man as your daddy has become. I pray that God will use you to do amazing things in your life. I pray that one day you can understand that your mother loves you more than any thing in this world. You have made me realize what life is all about-what my purpose is here on this earth. And that is to be your mother-the best mother and to teach you right from wrong and good from bad. I will do anything for you, Braden. I love you and I am honored to be your mother!!! I love you more than anything and pray for you every day!

Mommy got a day off...

2010-05-10T18:29:00.000-07:00

Yes you read the title right! Mommy had a day off and we enjoyed EVERY second of the day!!!

I had to work last Saturday (May 1) at the Health and Wellness Festival so my boss told me I was able to take Wednesday off. WOO-HOO!

You know what we did-played, slept, cleaned and played in the swing!

We got up around 8am fed Braden some apple sauce BTW he LOVES it! Then we went to eat breakfast-he played all the way there

then fell asleep as soon as we sat down.

Once we got back home I fed Braden and we just played and played!!! And took lots of pics.

Then he went down for a LONG two hour nap-I was able to really clean the house pretty good. Swept and mopped the floors and started on the mountain of clothes that needed to be cleaned. Once he woke up I fed him and he decided that he wanted to help me in the laundry room

I didn't get a picture of Daddy but he was down in the basement cleaning it out and then he washed my car!!! Oh it needed it so bad! So I showered and got ready for church. As always we ate a ChickFilA and headed to church!

We got there a little early and had to have a photo shoot.

After church we hurried home and bathed Braden. He was out like a light. Sweet boy - I wish I could have just one more day on the weekends with him-they are just too short and go by way too fast. I miss him so much when I am at work.

CONVERSATION WITH GOD

2010-05-07T20:04:00.001-07:00

A Newborn's Conversation with God

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending

me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile

to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the small child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

God said, "You will simply call her, "Mom."

5 Months

2010-04-24T17:57:00.000-07:00

What Braden is doing at 5 months:

You weigh around 17 pounds

Wear size 2 diapers-Target Brand is our favorite

Wear size 6-9 months clothes

Your eyes are blue sometimes hazel color

You still have not rolled over-I guess after you rolled off the ottoman you decided you didn't want to do that ever again.

Love playing in your jump a roo thing-not sure what it is called

Drinking 6-8 ounces

Started you on rice cereal but it hurt your tummy so bad so we switched to oatmeal and it was worse so Dr Walley said to take you off for right now it must be too early. I just wish I could nurse you more-that supply is about gone!!!

Sucks on your hands and toes all the time

MUST be in the bath at 7pm-bottle by 7:15pm in the bed aka swing by 8:30pm with his blankie

Sleeps until about 3am - needs a diaper change-nurse for like 5 minutes then back down until 6:30am-I have to wake you at that time to go to Mrs Brenda's.

Laughs out loud a lot

Sits through church with Daddy but goes to nursery on Wednesday nights

Starting to sit up but not quite there yet

LOTS OF PICTURES

2010-04-24T16:04:00.000-07:00

Braden asleep in his care seat after church.

Daddy had to wake him up so he could visit with Nana and GrandDaddy

I just love pictures of his hands and feed. SO SWEET!

He was holding on to Sophia the Giraffe.

Paw-Paw and Gran

You should have been here-Braden was laughing so hard-he chuckles like a little fat boy-

not knocking fat boys he just sounded so cute!! I bet he laughed at PawPaw for 20 minutes.

Getting ready for bed!

These next pictures were taken at One Nineteen (where I work)

He is patting his tummy-saying he should have an interview for the Biggest Loser program!

If he can't get in-then he will just work out on his own...

The one of the left looks like he dropped the weight on his foot-

ATTENTION-he did NOT drop anything on his foot-

The one on the right makes me laugh-he is looking at someone else work out-I know he is thinking-Mommy I want to do that machine over there-this one is too hard.

MORE TO COME!!!

GORGEOUS BLOGGER AWARD

2010-04-24T14:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Kristin for giving me my first award on my blog!!! I have been so busy with work, Braden, Brad, and teaching bootcamp yes you read that right-I am teaching bootcamp-more on that later though. I have not been able to blog as much as I would like.

Here are the rules.

1. Accept and thank the person who gave you this award

2. List 10 things about yourself

3. List 5 additional things you don't like

4. List 10 other fellow blogger

Mandy's Answers:

1. I love reading other people's blogs-my husband says I am obsessed.

2. I love working out, running, training, doing crossfit, and being trained by others-it makes for some good challenges.

3. I love taking naps on the weekend! But that is few and far between nowadays with a 5 month old.

4. I love summer-if only I was a teacher-I would have all summer OFF!

5. I love watching Braden sleep, hearing him laugh, and taking lots of pictures of him.

6. I love going to the tanning bed-that is where I do get my naps 12 minutes. lol

7. I love TARGET and Macys!

8. I love clean sheets! Feels so good getting in the bed at night!!

9. I like watching Army Wives, One Tree Hill, Friday Night Lights-all the cheesey stuff!!

10. I love my life-my family and my friends and my God!

5 things I don't like

1. I don't like watching or hearing about American Idol-that is so OLD now!!

2. I don't like my long drive to work.

3. I don't like leaving Braden every day-but I know he is on good hands-I just wish I could watch him grow!

4. I don't like it when people don't communicate.

5. I did not like being pregnant-ugh hated it!!!

Here are my ten blogs that I would like to award:

Days with the Cormiers

The Byrom Family

suanneferguson.comblogspot

Enjoying the small things

The Francis Family

LOTS OF PICS TO COME!!!

SORRY

2010-04-21T19:51:00.000-07:00

I have not posted in sooo long. I will get back on the wagon tomorrow night-but dont hold me to it. Kristin-I am so sorry I have not accepted my blog award yet-but I promise that is to come very soon. It seems like as soon as Braden is asleep I am right behind him. I have got a ton of pics to download and even more to catch everyone else up on. All in all we are doing great! Can't wait to show you guys Braden-he is growing like a weed. We are so BLESSED!

PICS

2010-04-12T19:31:00.000-07:00

Daddy feeding Braden his cereal

Aunt Mere Mere and Uncle Lee

No Problem!!!

Jamaica Man!

Take me out to the Ballgame!!

Braden being silly at Target!

Cutie Pie!

Mommy and Braden all ready for church!

My future is so bright I got to wear shades!!!

Bath time-

He is looking at me wondering what on earth I am saying!

2010-04-07T20:37:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patty's Day

4 months!!!

KISS ME!

How could you not just want to kiss this face?!?!?

I look TOTALLY tired in this picture!

Braden is ready for some cereal-but he had to actually wait another week at this point!

I put him here in his Bumpo seat while I am in the kitchen

cooking dinner-washing his bottles-etc

don't worry I would never leave him there unattended!!!

Wednesday March 31

Braden was so sick here-he woke up with the stomach virus!

That day we rushed him to the ER because he would not quit throwing up and

he was severely dehydrated!

Thursday April 1

I stayed home with him since Brad had to work-but then he came home around 6pm-good thing I woke up at 11pm with the stomach virus-that was the sickest I had ever been.

Look at him holding his blankie tightly!!!

But it didn't stop me from running my marathon.

Saturday April 3

Running Wild Half Marathon

Me and Meredith

This is us with one of Meredith's co-workers from Bagley!

It was Meredith's first and she did AWESOME he came in 2 hours and 15 minutes!!!

I finished in at 2 hours and 5 minutes.

Braden was proud of his mommy-showing off her medal.

Easter Day

Sunday April 4, 2010

HE IS RISEN!!

Family Photo

Mommy's Boy

I LOVE YOU!

Easter Basket from Nana and G-Daddy

Easter Walk and Nap

More later-its REALLY late-I need my sleep.

Good night!

Technical Difficulties

2010-03-23T19:22:00.000-07:00

For some reason I cant download pictures so I will have to catch up later. I am off to bed.

4 months and way behind!!!

2010-03-23T18:56:00.001-07:00

Braden is 17 weeks today! Can you believe it-I have taken sooo many pictures but I am not on my computer-I have pulled these off facebook-so I haven't even posted his St Patty's Day pics or his 4 month old pics. Mommy is falling behind!! But I will post them very soon!!!

Not much has been going on the past two weeks. Just getting up and going to work and coming home and taking care of my little man. Here are a few pictures of him-he just makes me smile every time I see his toothless grin!! And he is grinning all the time.

This time last year I was probably in SHOCK! I found out that I was pregnant! I can remember praying every night that I might one day have a child with my wonderful husband. OH I never thought it would turn out like this! I am so overcome with love, joy, and excitement, yet I am so scared. Just pray for our country and for those that we call our leaders. I just need to remember that God is in control just as he was with me and Brad. It wasn't His timing when we were trying to start a family some 5 years ago-He knew that we had so much more to do and wanted us to spend more time with each other and with Him. I can't imagine doing this all on my own-He knew when the time was right for us to have our Lil Boy Braden and just look at this innocent little face-those cute little cheeks make me want to eat him up!!!

I take him as much as I can to jog when it feels good outside. He loves it-it just wears him out-two laps and he is calling it a day.

Braden was so excited here to go out to eat with some of our BEST friends!

His first ride on the escalator! Yes that is right-not elevator-Brad had that boy strapped in there so he would not fall out-we went to the Galleria and walked around after we ate-Braden is enjoying the ride...

Here are some of our BESTEST friends-Cindi-Luke-Jayce and Ayden

They were behind us on the escalator. Jayce had the BEST seat on top of the stroller!!! Look at Ayden holding on for dear life!! haha

Here is Braden in church this past Sunday-he loved listening to our Praise and Worship Team-he just cooed. Then when Pastor Kevin started preaching we gave him a bottle and he was out! If you look closely you can see a sweet little tear coming out of his eye-how precious!!

Braden is learning how to yell and sound like a car (lips sounds like a motor..bbbb) I don't know how else to explain it-ha. He is just growing up so fast!!! Gran says this is a PawPaw face-he is Growling at somebody!!!

What is he doing at 4 months:

your eyes are still blue-I just love them they are so BIG!!

He weighs in at 16.4 pounds

He is wearing size 2 diapers

He is wearing 6 months clothes

He can laugh out loud-did this last week and it made me so proud I almost cried

He finally found his feet-he was with his daddy last week and found those BIG feet of his

He still sleeps in his swing it all starts at 7:30pm and he wakes around 2:30am for diaper change and a feeding but is back to sleep in less than 1o minutes. Gets back up around 5 but then I have to get him in the car by 6:30am if he stays at home with Daddy he sleeps until around 8 or even 830am. Cant wait to start cereal to take out that 230 feeding!!!

I nurse you in the mornings, when I get home around 5/6, before bed-during the day he gets one breast milk bottle that I pump while I am at work and the others are formula

spits up A ALOT

loves to play in bouncy seats, watching lights and listening to music

stayed in the nursery day care for the first time and had fun---

he got HOT so they had to take his sweater off but other than that I am pretty sure he liked it

stay with Jayce and Ayden every week day with Mrs Brenda-she is the BEST sitter ever-I can text her and she gets back to me in no time-and I don't think I get on her nerves-or so she hasn't told me yet-hahaha

He loves to try to carry on a conversation with you!

You are pulling mommy's hair

And you love rubbing daddy's bald head-it feels funny to you!!

He LOVES his Daddy and Mommy!

AND WE LOVE HIM MORE TODAY THAN YESTERDAY!

INNOCENT FACE AND HANDS

2010-03-17T19:22:00.001-07:00

LISTENING TO MOMMY TALKING

THIS IS BRADEN'S FACIAL EXPRESSION WHEN I TOLD HIM

I HAD TO GO BACK TO WORK FULL TIME!!!!

CHUBBY CHEEKS

I FOUND MY HANDS

LOOK AT THOSE FAT LITTLE FINGERS

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!!

Rolling Over, Parties, and Best Buds

2010-03-17T18:54:00.000-07:00

It has been such a long time since I have posted things on here. I am a terrible blogger-there I said it! But once Braden goes to bed I say to myself okay now is the time to clean the house, wash clothes, put up clothes, and blog even if it is a small post or just pictures. But guess what I do-go to bed myself. OH how I love sleep. Braden is such a good boy-he sleeps so good. We start the whole process around 7:30pm-bath-lotion massage-lst feeding put him down around 9 (at the latest) and he sleeps until around 3am on average. Last night for some reason he woke up at 1 but if he does that he goes right back to sleep after a diaper change and a small dose of nursing.

Let me catch you up on what has been happening-

Braden has been trying really hard to roll over.....

He made it but guess what...

He might not ever do it again-daddy accidentally-kind of-not on purpose turned his back for about 5 seconds and Braden ROLLED off the ottoman onto the hard wood floors.

ATTENTION BRADEN IS OK! No scratches-no bumps no bruises! My boy is tough!!! This is actually what he did all the way to the doctor just to get him checked out.

SMILED!

The past couple of Saturdays Meredith and I will go on long runs since we have a marathon in two weeks. So we usually go around 8am and I get back by 10 or 11am. This is what I come home to-

my boys passed out on the couch!

Braden got to go to his FIRST PARTY this past Saturday. His BESTEST friend Jayce had his 2nd Birthday party and we got to go play-well I should say somebody got sleepy and needed to take a quick nap-but we had lots of fun. These are the two little boys that Braden gets to hang out with all day every day. Jayce is two and Ayden is 7 months-they are Braden's BESTEST friends! I can't wait until they can talk to each other-God knows their daddy's will be getting them to flirt with all the girls at the parties--boys will be boys!!! Here is the only picture we got of Braden at the party-it was cold and we forgot his toboggan so we had to borrow Ayden's.

Look at his CUTE train cake-Mrs Brenda made it

(Braden's sitter-Jayce and Ayden's Nana)

This is Jayce

Ayden is behind him in the red jacket.

More later this weekend!!!

MOMMY AND ME MONDAY

2010-03-08T19:20:00.000-08:00

Hosted by Kry styn

Here are a few pictures of just me and Braden. I don't have that many-they are all of Daddy and Braden. But I will cherish the ones that I do have. Next photo shoot is Mommy and Baby photo shoot. I need some good pics. Most of these are when he was 10 weeks or younger.

41 weeks pregnant with Braden Daniel Cox

Less than 20 minutes old.

First bath

First time out in the

jogging stroller-7 weeks old

Mommy whispering,

"I heart you forever!!!"

Don't let your fears about tomorrow steal your joys of today

FULL TIME MOMMY, WIFE, DAUGHTER, MANAGER and FRIEND (i hope)

2010-03-05T19:56:00.000-08:00

The title says it all-I started back to work FULL TIME this week and it has been hard. Well with the exception of Tuesday I had to stay home because Braden was diagnosed with RSV and was not feeling well at all!!! And it has been tough-getting up in the middle of the night to feed Braden, then up at 5am to get ready and feed him before I leave, drive one hour to work, work all day, try to get caught up on all the things that piled up over the course of my absence, drive one hour back home, feed Braden, cook dinner, give Braden a bath and put him to bed, and then me and Brad have some time together. By that time I am beyond EXHAUSTED! How does one do it with more than one baby/child? How do you do it with four children-KIM? I have so much respect for my mom and Janice-three kids each-Kim with four! AMAZING!!! I can't imagine having twins!! Just roll me to the mental institution because I would go CRAZY!!!Look at my precious boy-there could not be a better boy in this world!!! SORRY-but there can't!!!

Even when he is fussy he is the best baby EVER!!!

I have been working out-not every day but I try to do some thing at least 3-4 days per week. I went to ZUMBA yesterday morning and a class that we have called PX119. And when I rolled out of the bed this morning at 3pm to get Braden I didn't think I was going to be able to walk. I hurt so bad! I have also been running a little. Meredith and I are running a half marathon April 3 at Wallace State Community College. I CAN NOT WAIT! We have decided to get together every Saturday morning and do our long runs together. Last Saturday we ran 5 miles out in Fultondale around the Target parking lot. IT WAS COLD! But after the first mile we warmed up quickly! Tomorrow we are supposed to run at least 7-if I can walk-I should be even more sore tomorrow! GREAT!!! Braden will stay home with Brad. I just have to wait until he gets home from Hoover

For those of you who don't understand how a firefighters schedule works it is like this -or so my husbands is like this:

Friday he got up at 5:15am and left for work and will not get off until Saturday morning between 7 and 8am. So he works 24 hours there. He would normally leave from Hoover and go directly to Warrior where he would work Saturday until 6pm. Then come home and not return to Hoover until Monday. But he never works the weekends at Warrior so he will not return to work until Monday morning and start the process all over. When he goes to work-I do everything with Braden-get him up and ready for Mrs Brenda-drop him off-pick him up and get everything ready for the next day drop him off but Brad will pick him up and then pretty much keep him the next day. He might take him to Mrs Brenda's if he needs to do some work around the house-or workout. Especially this summer if he has to do some yard work he will take him to Mrs Brenda's but go get him really early on the days he is OFF!

I sure miss my little buddy while I am at work. Especially when Brad sends me cute little pictures like these! He loves his glow worm!!!

I hope everyone has a WONDERFUL weekend! It is supposed to be beautiful. After I run I plan on getting me some more running shoes. But it all depends if Braden is well enough to get out of the house. He stayed at Mrs Brenda's today but he is still coughing and wheezing-and we are still giving him his breathing treatments.

More later this weekend!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAW PAW!!!

2010-03-02T08:41:00.000-08:00

PAW PAW

I LOVE YOU MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW!!!

YES EVEN MORE THAN THE BIGGEST DOE!!!

DO I LOOK GOOD IN MY CAMO

I WANT TO GO HUNTING BUT MOMMY SAYS NO-NO

MAYBE ONE DAY WHEN I GET AS YOUNG AS YOU

I CAN GO HUNTING AND FISHING TOO

ENJOY YOUR DAY I HOPE ITS THE BEST

IF YOU ARE LIKE ME YOU SHOULD GET LOTS OF REST!

IT IS TIME TO EAT AND THEN I MIGHT PLAY

I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER

THIS IS MY FAVORITE PAW PAWS DAY

I LOVE YOU!

MOMMY SAYS SHE LOVES YOU TOO!!

BRADEN

11 and 12 almost 13

2010-02-26T13:58:00.001-08:00

This just slipped away right before my eyes!!!

Here is Braden at 11 weeks old.

He stole the remote from Daddy now he is telling him to pass him the pop corn. haha

Here is Braden at 12 weeks! 3 month! That is right! He is so BIG!

This is our favorite expression ever!!!

What he is doing at three months:

still nursing him but I have to give him some formula because I cant pump enough at work drinks 6 ounces at each feeding 4-6 times per day
not quite in his bed-we always hit a bump in the road-he has been sick
first time being sick- RSV had breathing treatment today at the Dr office yuck!
weighs 15.45 pounds

does not like taking naps when he is with his daddy
he can recognize us now-turns his head to find mommy and daddy when they are in the other room talking
still spits up A LOT
loves playing with Ayden and Jayce-his two best friends ever I will post some pics of just them one day-that deserves a post of its own
wears size 3 and 6 months clothes
wears size 2 diapers
went on his first road trip to Atlanta, GA with daddy and mommy-Daddy got Crossfit certified
found his hands and chews on them- still does not take a paci
has not rolled over yet but working on it
still likes playing under his play station with the bright lights and toys that make noises
likes to watch TV-been watching the Olympics and loves them!!!
hates being in direct sunlight-sneezes like 4-5 times

We will now start posting pictures once a month-the 30th of each month.

My mom took a picture of me and my brother and sister just like this. I think it is so cute! Look at that hiney!!!

Nominee for FireFighter of the Year

2010-02-24T04:43:00.000-08:00

I will post more about all these pics at a later time-for now I need to cherish my last few days with my little boy at home. That is right back to work full time next week. (TEARS)

Brad, you are awesome- you are the best father- you are a wonderful husband. We love you so much and I know you love us so much. I could not be more proud of you. I know Braden is proud of his daddy. Thank you so much for all that you do-you are my firefighter of the year and always will be. Congratulations on being chosen one of the top three fire fighters of the year-now can we use that coupon for a free night at the Hyatt. haha just kidding!

CALL ME CRAZY

2010-02-14T20:17:00.000-08:00

Again I have not posted in a while so I better get you all caught up-why don't I go ahead and change my plans for blogging-1-2 days per week is all I have been able to post-I am constantly busy. Here it is 10:20pm and Braden is sleeping and Brad is at work. I should be asleep too.

Wednesday we didn't make it to Oasis-Church because Braden had his shots and I was afraid we would get all the way out there and have to leave. He slept all day and night. He is getting so good about sleeping. Watch right as I say this he will wake up screaming. PLEASE GOD LET HIM SLEEP! Workout-Jillian's Workout on the Wii.

Thursday I had to get up and go to work half a day. I dropped Braden off at Mrs Brenda's at 6:45am and was at work by 7:45am. I have got so much work to do that I don't even know where to start. YIKES! I was done with my meetings, interviews, and classes by 12:00pm. I went and tanned and picked up Braden. We came home and hung out-Daddy had to work.

Workout today was BOOTCAMP for one hour! I am going to be sore tomorrow!

Friday I had to be at work again-but before I got to work I could barely roll out of the bed! YES I WAS SORE! But I loved it!!! I took Braden to work with me and Brad picked him up around 7:30am and didn't even take him to Mrs Brenda's. I know she missed him-she texted me asking where her little boy was-how sweet!!! He got to spend all day with daddy! It even snowed today-yes like 2-3 inches. I left work around 4pm-wish I had taken a few pics it was beautiful driving down some roads. I love the snow-but hate the cold. Once I got home I wanted to do a quick Jillian workout so I went downstairs and could barely walk back up the stairs to cook dinner. PIZZA! Ha Guess I am glad I did Jillian's workout after eating half the pizza-I WAS STARVING- all I had eaten was graham crackers and honey peanut butter-yes I am still addicted to this. We tried to let Braden sleep in his room-he did okay for about 1 hour but then woke screaming. I think we might have some problems moving him out! Just wonderful!!! Ever since he has had his cold-we let him sleep in the swing for an incline-but now he is addicted to it! I have tried to get up at night and stop the swinging or when he wakes put him back down in the pack and play. But since he is sleeping thru the night as am I then the swing is on ALL night. Must be the energizer batteries cause that thing keeps going and going.

Saturday my mother in law-Janice had a CAbi party. Meredith went with me-I love those clothes they are just expensive. Plus I am still trying to lose weight and I didn't know what size to get in pants-I will try them and if I like them I will keep them if not I will get something else. Brad had another bonding day with Braden-I think Braden is becoming a Daddy's boy. That is ok-I know he still loves his mommy. When I come home he loves for me to kiss all over him. Once we were back Meredith kept Braden while Brad and I worked out. All I have to say is CROSSFIT!! We did the following workout:

REPS 21-15-9

Deadlift 95 pounds

Box jumps/step ups

Ring Dips/assisted with jump

For time then rest 2 minutes and row 500 meters as fast as possible.

When we were finished working out-we went and ate Mexican-not my favorite but I ate it! Braden did so good today.

Here is where I need to tell you why I am CRAZY! You see this time last year I ran the Mercedes Half. I was really upset this year when I couldn't run it-I mean I couldn't train for it-Braden is only 10 weeks and 6 days old that means only 5 weeks to train for 13 miles-impossible right?? WELL NO!! A friend of mine was going to run it but he was too sick so he texted me to see if I wanted to take his place-after all I could walk one mile jog one mile etc. So at 8:00pm I decided what could it hurt? I mean if I needed to walk I would walk-I could test myself to see what I needed to work on-mentally and physically. Well don't tell me nothing is impossible-I DID IT! Yep I got up at 5:15am got myself ready and Brad took Braden to Nana's. But look what I found when I walked out of the bathroom this morning-is this not sweet.

Braden gave me a manicure and pedicure for Valentine's Day. Now how did he know was going to need that after this run today?

OK so here is how it went down. I started jogging and got to mile 2 and was wamring up-it was pretty cold out this morning. By mile 5 I thought to myself WOW you have not stopped to walk at all. KEEP GOING! Well around mile 6 I needed to walk but I hated it so I started back jogging in less than one minute. I did that gain around mile 8 and 9 or 10. I drank water and powerade at each station. GUYS I FELT GOOD! I know I need my head checked-something is so wrong with me-but I love running. I get such a high from it. Last year I was mad at myself for not running the full (my time was 1 hour and 54 minutes last year)well this year-it took everything I had to make it to the finish line under 2 hours and 20 minutes. I didn't hurt I just got antsy that I ran the whole thing and finished but not just that but NO TRAINING and recovering from a C-section less than 11 weeks ago!

And here I am it is 10:50pm and I am still awake! I am putting this computer away and getting some shut eye before Braden wakes. He couldn't even stay awake long enough for me to give him his bath-he wanted his bottle and his swing!!!

Brad and I will celebrate Valentine's Day another time-he had to work-but Braden and I went to visit him today and took him a Cinnamon Crunch Bagel his favorite!!! More about Brad later.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY BRAD and BRADEN! My two best boys in the world! I AM SO LUCKY!!!

Workout 13.1 miles that might be the last workout for a while. HAHA just kidding!!!

SLEEP and DOCTOR

2010-02-10T18:39:00.000-08:00

We put Braden to bed last night around 10:00 and I didn't wake up until 6:00am-that is right 8 hours of SLEEP-undisturbed sleep. I did wake a few times but fell right back asleep. I really thought I was in heaven-that was some good sleep. Poor Brad has not been getting sleep-but it is not because of Braden-he can't quit coughing. Sweet boy gets up and comes in the living room and lays on the couch but the thing is he never wakes me up coughing-crazy I know!! A baby that is trying to cry-because Braden really doesn't cry can wake me up but not coughing. This is what I saw this morning when I got out of the shower--my two buddies asleep-

We got to go visit Doctor Walley today. I am sure Braden does not want to ever go back there. He had to get his shots-ALL 4! Who would have ever thought that my little boy would be a BIG BOY-he screamed for maybe 5 seconds but mommy had a fresh bottle to give him and put him back to sleep in no time.

STATS:

10 weeks and 2 days

Weight 14.3 pounds

Length 24 inches

Head Circumference 16cm

One more month until we can give him cereal but Dr. Walley suggested waiting even until 6 months if I could. WOW! Mommy's milk must be good-he is above average in all categories.

Getting Weighed In

Brad has been teaching Braden to "Get'em Up"

Meaning keep your hands up to protect your face-looks like this boy is going to train to become I fighter-not if his mommy has anything to do with it -he won't!!!

He wasn't liking the nurse measuring him-I think the table/paper was just cold

Getting his oral medicine.

Getting his shots-I had to hold him down-but he really did so good...

although he does not look happy

But we put him in that car seat super fast and stuck a bottle in his mouth-

by the time we got out to the car-he was asleep

We got him home and he slept a little longer but woke up ready to play so we put him on his play mat and he cooed and laughed. Which reminds me Dr. Walley said he was really impressed with his communication-he was talking/jabbering about like a 3-4 month old. He must take after his mommy on the talking!!

This was right before bed-he was in a GREAT MOOD!!!

Looks just like Brad from what every body has said on facebook.

CUTE BOY=CUTE HUSBAND hahaha

I worked out tonight on the Wii-Jillian's workout-can you say ouch!!!

TUESDAY TIPS

2010-02-08T15:58:00.000-08:00

OOOPSS I forgot to post this on Tuesday-

Grocery Shopping

Leave your 10 week old baby at home
Leave your husband at home but be sure you have his wallet-haha
Make a list and stick to it
Never go grocery shopping when you are hungry
Once you are out of an item at home write it down-or you will forget it
Crock pot dinners are the best
Try the store brand-it is just as good I promise!
Go to the grocery store during nonpeak times-not at 5pm or right after church on Sundays! horrible night mare
Prepare your grocery list by the aisle-ours changed and I am still learning where everything is located.
Have a budget.

Braden goes to the Doctor tomorrow for his check up and shpts so stay tuned!!!

10 WEEKS OLD

2010-02-08T14:05:00.001-08:00

MILESTONE, SICKNESS, and BIRTHDAY

2010-02-08T09:36:00.000-08:00

Just when I feel like I am doing really good I fall off the wagon.

Here is what we have been up to the past few days- but first this is why I get to play catch up right now:

He loves his swing-we just have to get him out of the habit of sleeping in the swing!!!

I left off last week around Wednesday.

I had to work so I didn't get to work out like I had planned-we went to church that evening though.

Thursday

I went back to work-this was Brad's last interview for the whole Lieutenant position. I didn't set an alarm clock because in my head I had calculated that Braden would be up around 5:30am for a feeding. *Well to my surprise he decided that he would actually sleep 6 straight hours.* And then on top of that didn't wake up until 7am. But we are so excited he is finally sleeping a tlittel longer than just three hours. So I had to get to work late which means I had to stay a bit later than what I had planned. By the time I got home he was exhausted from his day at Mrs Brenda's but that was okay I knew I would be home Friday with him. Oh and you guessed it I didn't get my workout in today because once I got home we ate dinner-I picked up Jim and Nick's (but it was healthy-I ate a grilled chicken sandwich-they just put it on a bun instead of sour dough bread that I had asked for) to kind of celebrate with Brad-sigh of relief.

Friday

Brad worked and we just hung out at home ALL DAY LONG! We were going to go visit my mom that evening but she called and said she had gone to the doctor and was sent home with the flu! So going to Gran and Paw-Paw's was out of the question for the weekend. I really needed to go to the store-was in desperate need of a Diet Coke but it was rainy and I did not want to get Braden out in the cold because he still has a bit of a cold. We got dressed and pretended like we were going somewhere fun.

Saturday

Brad came home from work today not feeling well at all. I had already made plans to go with Cindi, Brenda and her boys to Carter's and Osh Kosh so we headed out around 10am. OH MY IT WAS COLD! Brad stayed home with Braden in hopes that he would take a few naps-well every time I called he was awake. Poor Brad-I know he needed some rest!! On our way back home we stopped by my favorite-CFA and ate lunch then to Target to pick up a video monitor. Braden will start sleeping in his own room this week-or so we hope!!! I got some very cute outfits at the Carter Outlet. Take a peak-

I got home and Brad left to go to a Doc in the Box-thankfully he does not have the flu. I think he was just worn down from all that studying he had to do and stress from the past few months. We were planning on going to Nana and Grand Daddy's house for supper but with Brad getting sick we just decided to stay home. Once Brad got home I quickly changed into some workout gear and headed downstairs-I needed a quick pick me up workout.

Here is what I did-

0.25 miles at 6.5mph

100 squats

0.25 miles at 7.0mph

75 squats

75 jumping jacks

0.25 miles at 7.5mph

50 squats

50 jumping jacks

50 sit-ups

0.25 miles at 8.0mph

25 squats

25 jumping jacks

25 sit-ups

25 push-ups

I quickly came upstairs jumped in the shower and we caught up on some of our DVR shows. Looks like Daddy was showing somebody how to play on the computer.

Sunday

We got up and went to church then met Nana and GrandDaddy, Joshua, LL and Lane at McCormick and Schmidt's to eat brunch. It was so GOOD! I had french toast and Brad ate shrimp and grits. We left there and went to J and S house for some Birthday Cake. It was yummy-I don't like chocolate that much but I must say Janice's made from scratch chocolate cake might be my favorite now! IN MODERATION!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAND-DADDY!

10 week post coming soon!!!

9 weeks old

2010-02-02T18:46:00.000-08:00

HE IS GETTING SO BIG!

This outfit is especially for PAW PAW!

Can you see him-I wasn't sure if anyone could see him in his camo-but he is there!

BATH TIME

I'm loving it...

2010-02-02T16:54:00.000-08:00

NO NOT MCDONALD'S!!!

I AM LOVING THIS:

being a mother to my wonderful little boy

our church-it is the best I PROMISE!!!
working out when I can (Day 2 workout posted at the bottom)
working 1-2 days per week
my new body wash and lotion from Bath and Body Works

Aromatherapy

Stress Relief - Eucalyptus Spearmint

watching the Biggest Loser
my iPhone
and MY HUSBAND

WORKOUT Today Meredith came over and I had signs posted everywhere upstairs. Braden couldn't sit in the basement since he had a cold so I propped a bottle up-thanks to Cindi for teaching me this WONDERFUL trick-and we worked out. Here is what we did:

One minute at each station:

walking lunges

tricep kickbacks

hammer curls

shoulder press

step ups

push ups

bicep curls

dips

jumping jacks

chest press

mountain climbers

Then we did 30 reps at each station

Ended with some ABS.

Nice job-tomorrow is a workout on the treadmill.

Sick Lil Boy

2010-02-01T12:35:00.000-08:00

My little boy is not feeling well today. He is fighting a horrible cold-we have been using saline and a humidifier so that should help. We have not gotten out of our pj's all day-kind of relaxing really. I have been able to catch up on all my blog readings because all Braden has done is sleep.

Brad went for his first interview today-I must say I did a lot of praying during this time-he has another one Thursday- so keep praying.

Here are some pictures I forgot to post from this past week:

Brenda Ladun Conquer Cancer Run on Saturday at STV One Nineteen-over 1000 people there!

Braden ready for church Wednesday night

Bumbo time- he only sits in this for like 3 minutes right now- he is a little young but it helps him build up those muscles in his neck and back.

So today is my January 1 haha! I will start posting my workouts for everyone-just in case you want to try them out-but most important;y to hold me accountable for doing something every day.

Run one mile under 10 minutes

100 air squats

Run 0.75 under 8 minutes

75 air squats

Run 0.50 under 5 minutes

50 air squats

Run 0.25 under 2 minutes

25 air squats

That was pretty tough-I never ran under 6.5mph. Tomorrow I will do a weight circuit in my house in case Braden is not sleeping-Brad is at work or I would go in the basement to workout-I think Meredith is joining me.

Braden's Baby Dedication

2010-01-31T13:48:00.000-08:00

WARNING

LONG POST-LOTS OF PICTURES

PS notice who is holding him in EVERY picture- and he says I spoil him!

Brad is trying so hard to make sure he is daddy's boy and not momma's boy-

he has got a lot of work to do-boys love their momma's,

If you keep up with my blog you know that I love taking pictures with blocks.

Only bad part-I can see the shadow of my camera on the glass.

Me, Brad, and Braden

Braden has a really bad cold-his nose is stopped up and he wasn't really feeling 100% this morning when he woke up-well let me rephrase that we didn't sleep

we took 10-15 minute naps all night-poor boy. Notice I have a bottle and burp cloth with me in case he started crying in front of the congregation. He did so good-fell asleep in Brad's arms-and we didn't want to move him or he would have woken up screaming.

So this is the best picture at church

At home after his nap-we got a little grin out of him. He is so CUTE!!

After church we had lots of good food

And we didn't forget the yummy cake from Edgar's

1 Samuel 1:27

For this child I prayed and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of Him.

Paw-paw and Gran GrandDaddy and Nana

Grandmother and Grandfather Cox, Grandpa, DD Uncle Coleman and Aunt Elizabeth

Aunt Ma-Ma and Rylan Uncle Harry and Aunt LauraLee

Maw-Maw Grandmother Chris-GG

Aunt Mere Mere Mrs Brenda and Johnny Cindi, Ayden and Jayce

We had so much fun-we are so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends.

We missed Mary Beth, Chris, Chad and Dylan.

Braden is so loved-he is an awesome boy-God has great plans for his life.

Can you believe my little boy will be 9 weeks old tomorrow?

I will post those pictures tomorrow. Until then-have a great day and I think I am going to take a nap or at least lay down for a minute before I have to feed little man.

8 WEEKS OLD

2010-01-27T07:21:00.000-08:00

MY LITTLE BOY IS 8 WEEKS OLD!!!

HERE IS WHAT HE IS UP TO THESE DAYS!!!

Baby Dedication this Sunday-we are so excited
He went to his sitter- Mrs. Brenda- for the first time this week
He loves his swing
Fights sleep
Eats 5-6 ounces at each feeding -when fed a bottle
Smiling at mommy and daddy a lot now
Recognizes our voices more and more
Likes playing on his play mat and watching the music box with bright lights
Wears size 1-2 diapers-we love pampers
Wears 3 months and sometimes 3-6 months clothes
Tried out his Bumbo seat and will work on liking it
Daddy still likes giving him his last bottle of the night
Spits up A LOT
Makes all kinds of noises in his sleep-I call him my lil Dino!
Can't stand being hot, a wet diaper and the sun in his face
Eyes are still blue-I hope they stay
Not sure how much he weighs at least 12 pounds I think

There is a FIRST time for everything

2010-01-26T10:06:00.000-08:00

FIRST WOUND

Last Wednesday we took Braden to Sarah Pharris's to have his pictures made again. I posted his pictures last week. So let me tell you what momma did- I had a cute Feltman outfit-- I put it on him and we put him on the blanket for his pictures-he smiled and cooed and was doing GREAT! We got some great photos and then Sarah told me to change him in his next outfit---that is when the chaos started. Before I had put the outfit on him I found a straight pin and it did not click for me to look on the other side well guess what-the other side had a straight pin and momma did not take it out. I was taking off his outfit and he starts having a screaming fit-I mean you would have thought I cut his arm off. Thankfully that didn't happen but I did cut his side just a tiny bit. I felt HORRIBLE! I mean what was I thinking or better yet not thinking-why didn't I check the other side for a pin!!! What was so bad was that this was the FIRST outfit. And we had three more outfits to go--that made for a long photo session. Thankfully I had a bottle and his daddy there to help me out. The pictures turned out great-oh for his little cut on his side-we cleaned it off and I could not even see it by the time we got home that night.

TRIP TO THE MALL

Thursday I decided to get up and get us ready to go to the mall. I was kind of scared of how he would act since his last trip to the mall was a very quick trip. Brad was at work so I didn't have him there to help-I got us both ready packed the diaper bag and was out the door by 10:15am. We got there and he was sound asleep-I was able to pick up a few items but nothing exciting. He was so good the entire time-around 11:45am Mom called and said she would meet us at Brio to eat lunch-YUMMY that was the best sandwich ever-I could eat one right now. I fed Braden a little bottle and headed to Brio-he slept the entire time we ate and then at the end he decided to wake up and let Gran hold him. She had to go back to work so we went back to shopping. Well I shopped while Braden slept. We decided to get in the car and go visit daddy at work. He slept the ENTIRE time there. Cindi had asked us to come over for supper so we headed back down 280 at around 5:15pm-that was the most horrible decision of the day. By the time I got half way down 280 Braden was crying so I pulled over an the poor boy was HOT!! I just cant get the temperature right with this boy. He stays HOT-not a fever but just body heat hot. SO I took off some of his clothes-fed him in the parking lot and then headed to Cindi's. We ate pork chops, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls! It was yummy! Braden did really good-I had to feed him a little before we left i order to make it home in time to give him more and put him to bed.

JUST A SWINGIN'

Friday we hung out at home-Braden is LOVING his swing these days! I needed to sweep and mop the floors and he just took catnaps in his swing while I did housework.

READY FOR THE WEEKEND

Saturday we just hung out all day. We did go eat at Nana's house.

Sunday Brad had to go back to work so I got Braden up and ready for church-IT WAS POURING DOWN RAINING! Brian, Sarah and the girls met us there and Brian was so sweet to go park my car and go back after church and bring it to me. We just went and hung out Gran's all day and had some visitors. Look at Dylan holding Braden-Braden looks scared to death!!

FIRST DAY AT MRS BRENDA'S and MOMMY'S FIRST DAY BACK TO WORK

Monday was Braden's first day at Mrs Brenda's. He will be staying with her while mommy and daddy are at work. I have decided to go back to work 2 days per week until March. So that should give me practice getting Braden up and do everything I need to do to get to work on time. I will be going to work the days that Brad gets off at Hoover. So Braden will ride with me to work and Brad will swing by and get him and take him to Mrs Brenda's house for the day. It really was not that hard for me-I just felt like I was giving him to Brad to keep all day-Brad had the hard part-dropping him off. Braden got there around 8:30am -he went down for his nap around 10:30am and woke-up at 1:30pm. That is GREAT! He never naps that long at home! Brad picked him up around 3pm. Mrs Brenda keeps Cindi's boys and Jayce was at Mommy's Day out from 9-1pm so she really didn't have all the kids all day-but the test comes Thursday. Oh and by the way-I only texted her once to check on him. haha Here is a picture of Braden Monday morning at 6am-he is such a HAPPY BABY in the morning!!

Today we are just hanging out at home-I am REALLY tired! I am trying to nap but it is so hard when he grunts like a dinosaur the whole time he sleeps.

OK his 8 weeks post will be up soon....

7 WEEKS PICS and more

2010-01-21T19:57:00.000-08:00

Seven Weeks

ROLL TIDE BABY!!!

I LOVE MY MOMMY!!!

I LOVE MY DADDY!

It has been a good week.

Here is my new toy--

Might I say I LOVE IT! Man I have really been missing out!

It is the best thing since sliced bread! haha

I have a story to tell about his photo shoot-some might say I am an awful mother...naah! Just got a lot to learn!!! To be continued....

Just the Two of Us

2010-01-18T15:13:00.000-08:00

Here are few pictures of just the two of us! I have so many pics of my two boys because I always have the camera- these aren't the best pics but they are some of my favorites.

yea I took this picture!

My little boy!!!

Gettin some kisses

So what did we do today...

well we tried out the jogging stroller for the first time. What am I doing in a tank top you might ask! I did one lap in the neighborhood and had to lose the sweatshirt. HOT!!! It was a beautiful day- I should have spent more than 45 minutes out there but we got out there too late- I was going to go see Nana but by the time I got everything ready Meredith was able to put Braden down for his nap- that he fought all day!!! So I just went and picked me up a grilled chicken sandwich and came back home. It is almost 7pm and he is drifting off again- I sure hope he will sleep for me tonight.

Busy week this week

Monday

Brad works at Hoover

Tuesday

I go have my IUD put in-no more babies for us!!!

Wednesday

Brad works at Warrior

Take back a TON of diapers to Wal-Mart

Pictures at Sarah's again- and pizza for my girls-MaKayla and Maddie

His seven weeks post is coming soon too..

6 WEEKS OLD

2010-01-14T07:20:00.000-08:00

Braden turned 6 weeks on Monday. He is growing so fast-here is a look of the things that he is doing or things that we have learned about him:

22 3/4 inches long

11 pounds 7 ounces

hates when the sun is on him in the car- will scream bloody murder
fights sleep -first nap of the day and bed time
wears size one diapers
wears 3 month clothes
loves bath time-Daddy gives him baths every night he is home
loves his Gran, Nana, and Maw-Maw-something about those ladies helps me sleep
still gets the hiccups at least 3 times per day
Mommy has learned that every time I wake up at night I don't need to be fed I just need a CLEAN diaper
he is a very gassy baby
still will sit in his bouncy seat when I am in the shower- this is the only time- oh and the bathroom fan must be on
eats every three hours on the dot- last feeding is formula 3-4 ounces
loves listening to Praise Baby CDs in the car or when mommy sings to me
he looks just like Mommy and Daddy both-
still sleeps in his pack and play in our room
must have the white noise sound machine on when sleeping
registered for Baby Dedication for January 31 at 9:30am

We are THREE peas in a pod

Mommy, Braden and Daddy

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2010-01-13T19:09:00.000-08:00

I will have so much more to post but am really tired-so here are a few pictures from this week-6 weeks picture to come as well.

SUNDAY NAP

Sunday

GAME NIGHT

Little Maddie holding Braden

MONDAY

Dr Visit

Tired from Doctor and visiting Nana

LOOK I will hold my own bottle from now on cause I am a BIG BOY!

Now off to bed...

I AM SECOND

2010-01-09T14:33:00.001-08:00

New Year's Resolutions 3-2-1- GO!!!

2010-01-08T15:40:00.000-08:00

Hello! As you all know this has been the longest battle for me-having a c-section and not being able to workout! OH but guess what!!! That battle is about to be defeated-I have been able to workout in our basement for the past week. That is right-I am not released from the Dr but last time I went in she said to walk and not lift anything over 25 pounds. So I have been lifting 10 pound dumbbells=2o pounds and walking/jogging on the treadmill. I decided last night to go for two miles. OUCH is all I can say-the first mile took me 9 minutes and 22 seconds and the last mile took about 10 minutes. That is 2 miles under 20 minutes. I must say for being 5 weeks and 5 days post op that is pretty darn good. It is not my best time by any means but it certainly is a start. Needless to say this morning I am sore! It is the good sore!!!

Braden had a tough night-I had chili for lunch and it did not go over well with him last night. He was up until 12:30am screaming with a tummy ache. I finally got him settled and slept on the couch with him-I have got to put a stop to this couch thing-he sleeps so good on his tummy though.

Today my mom is coming over to keep Braden for a minute while I run to eat lunch with Meredith. Her birthday was Tuesday and I have not been out of the house so I told her I would take her to lunch one day. I don't want to get Braden out so Mom will keep him. Janice your time is next-I already have the date set. January 21-I have my 5 year recognition for working at St Vincent's so I need a sitter then. THANK YOU!!

This is so random but I have been craving this every night for a snack-it is so yummy

GRAHAM CRACKERS AND PEANUT BUTTER-I just ate one for breakfast!!!

Diet Coke-Caffeine Free- of course

I would really like to stop by Starbucks on my way home today and get a Caramel Frappucino-I know that is a cold frozen drink but oh I love them!!!

AND I WANT TO GO SHOPPING!! I said I was going to do some online shopping the other day but I would so much rather go try on the outfits and be sure they fit so I don't have to send them/take them back. Plus I need something for January 21st.

You know my checklist from Monday-

workout-this will be an every day thing-even on the weekends!!!
send out some thank you cards
fill in some of Braden's baby book
finish organizing the closets upstairs
maybe do a little shopping online-I need some new work clothes and from the crash course Saturday I will NEVER be able to go shopping with Braden-he is like his daddy-hates and I mean HATES shopping!
Take a NAP!

Here is what I HAVE done

workout
wrote out most of my thank you cards-now to just mail them
Nap got a small nap yesterday

I feel pretty good-now off to shower-hope Braden will rest quietly in his bouncy seat for me.

Have a great day!

I've come to realize...

2010-01-08T06:25:00.001-08:00

Ok, I can't think of anything thought provoking so I stole this from another blog. (Well stole the questions and filled in my responses.)

1. I’ve come to realize that my body. . . will take a bit longer than I want it to get back to "normal" after having a baby-but I only have about 2 weeks and I will be hitting the gym harder than ever-and running again!!!

2. I’ve come to realize that my job. . . is so far from home-and I don't want to leave my little Braden in 5 weeks to go back. But then again I am thankful for a job. So if anyone knows how I can make money from home-please call me or email me ASAP!

3. I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving. . . I tend to day dream. I sing out loud with Braden's Praise Baby CD and I am sure everyone is laughing at me...Beautiful one I love-beautiful one I adore!!!

4. I’ve come to realize that I need. . .another SUV!!! I love my car because of question number 2-GAS is much cheaper in my car-but now with a baby-jogging stroller, diaper bag, and my bag-I NEED MORE ROOM!

5. I’ve come to realize that I have lost. . .all concept of time-I can't make it on time any where these days.

6. I’ve come to realize that I hate it when. . . my husband is home all day from work and when I come in from work he asks me what is for dinner-ugh.

7. I’ve come to realize that if I’m alone...I can get so much more done-can't we all?!?!?

8. I’ve come to realize that money… is very useful these days-cant live without it-well I could but it would be very hard.

9. I’ve come to realize that certain people. . . are disrespectful and selfish.

10. I’ve come to realize that I’ll always. . . be competitive. Doesn't help to have a competitive husband either! And I will always LOVE working out!

11. I’ve come to realize that my sibling(s). . . are totally different than me.

12. I’ve come to realize that my mom… is the best friend in the whole world-I love her so much-she knows everything!!!

13. I’ve come to realize that my cell phone. . . needs to be thrown in the lake-a swamp-somewhere because it NEVER works!!!

14. I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning. . . I tried to pretend that Braden wasn't fussing.

15. I’ve come to realize that last night before I went to sleep. . . I tried to calculate if I could stay off work longer than 12 weeks-nope not gonna happen-darn it!

16. I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking. . I should have taken a nap when Braden slept-because he slept all day and will be up all night! GREAT!

17. I’ve come to realize that my dad. . . is a great Dad/Paw Paw. He loves his children and grandchildren!!!

18. I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook. . . I check the status updates and appreciate the ones that took some thought and show some wit. If you are asking for help tell us what you want or don't leave that as your facebook message. Messages such as "I got good news today" and then not tell us. What? don't post that to facebook if you are not going to tell us.

19. I’ve come to realize that today. . . flew by way too fast-again no concept of time!

20. I’ve come to realize that tonight. . . is almost gone-sure wish I would have taken that nap.

21. I’ve come to realize that tomorrow. . . will be a cold cold day. SNOW!!!

22. I’ve come to realize that I really want to. . .lose 15 pounds then go shopping for some clothes!

23. I’ve come to realize that the person mostly likely to repost this is. . . no one.

24. I’ve come to realize that my life. . . is in God's hands.

25. I’ve come to realize that this weekend. . . will be here before I know it and gone again-time flies when I am home with Braden.

26. I’ve realized the best music to listen to when I am upset. . . is nothing-silence.

27. I’ve come to realize that my friends. . . are great friends! I love them all and appreciate all their help.

28. I’ve come to realize that this year. . . will be the best year-my family of three is complete!

29. I’ve come to realize that my husband. . . is the best daddy in the world-he makes my heart melt when he holds our son!

30. I’ve come to realize that maybe I should. . . eat more fruit and veggies and less bread. I would be able to lose those last 15 pounds!!!

31. I’ve come to realize that I love. . . my husband more today than the day I married him. I love my Baby Braden more today than the day he was born. My love grows for them both every day-they are awesome! God is so Good!

32. I’ve come to realize that I don’t understand. . . men!!

33. I’ve come to realize my past. . . is the past.

34. I’ve come to realize that parties. . . are not for me-late nights are for my little boy now.

35. I’ve come to realize that I’m totally terrified. . .of losing a loved one.

36. I’ve come to realize that my life. . . is what I make of it.

I will leave you all with a picture of my chunky monkey!

BRADEN IS A BAMA BABY BOY!

2010-01-07T19:36:00.002-08:00

ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!

Here is my precious Braden-he is officially a BAMA BOY-or so his daddy has said it is okay for him to be. You see Brad is an Auburn fan and I of course am a Bama Girl. So Brad said the beginning of this football season-if Alabama wins the National Championship I will let him go for Alabama. Well guess what-it looks like we will have us a BAMA BOY FINALLY! All my other nephews are brainwashed and pull for Auburn. yuck!

He made it to half time and decided he needed his bath and bottle. Now he is sleeping in his daddy's arms. Sweet little boy!

More to come tomorrow-got to watch the Tide win this game.

My lil Fireman is 5 WEEKS

2010-01-05T09:34:00.000-08:00

Good Morning-

It has been a L O N G day already! Braden was up a lot last night-this schedule thing is not working-he wants to eat every 2 hours and I am not kidding. That gets kind of hard when each feeding lasts at least 30 minutes. He woke up this morning so I went ahead and took his 5 week old picture-well I am a day late.

Here is my Lil Fire Buddy at 5 weeks old

He is saying, "Mommy- I love you this much!!!"

Aren't these the cutest little pants you have ever seen-Thanks Magen!

Hanging out with Daddy watching some football Monday night

Going shopping with Mommy

In his car seat-thinking of how he can make the shopping trip QUICK!!!

I know throw a HUGE temper tantrum-that's it!!!

Cute little outfit

More to come-I still have that list of things that I posted last night to do-but I think I will start with a nap!!

BUSY BEES

2010-01-04T19:36:00.000-08:00

I forgot to post Braden's 4 week picture last week. I will post his five week picture tomorrow-I am tired. It has been an exhausting day-here is what I got done today:

cooked breakfast for Brad
prepared supper so all I have to do is throw it in the oven
clean out my closet-summer clothes going upstairs
clean out Braden's clothes-he is out of newborn clothes now
worked out-I think I may be sore tomorrow-it has been too long since I picked up some weights!
showered
cooked dinner
put the tree in the box-now Brad has to put it all in the attic. Ask me this time next week where it is-might be in the dining room still. haha
bathed Braden
cleaned up kitchen

Now what is on the schedule for tomorrow-

workout-this will be an every day thing-even on the weekends!!!
send out some thank you cards
fill in some of Braden's baby book
finish organizing the closets upstairs
maybe do a little shopping online-I need some new work clothes and from the crash course Saturday I will NEVER be able to go shopping with Braden-he is like his daddy-hates and I mean HATES shopping!
Take a NAP!

Now lets see how much I get done.

GOALS FOR 2010

2010-01-03T05:52:00.000-08:00

I have always had a New Year's resolution but I am not sure I always pulled through with it-so I decided this year has got to be different. Here are a few things that I really want to hold myself to doing this year.

Be a better mother/wife. I have the best husband in the world. He is great-he helps so much with Braden and tells me every day that he loves me. I know no one's relationship is perfect-but I can find ways to be a better wife. Being a new mom is a challenge in itself-but I know there are so many things I can improve on-like packing enough diapers when we go to visit Nana and G-Daddy. haha
Get back to working out- I will be there in two weeks-after having a c-section it is going to be even more of a challenge to get my flat tummy back. But I want to run a marathon again-whether it be a half or a full-I just want to get back to my old ways-I guess I am like any other person I need to stay away from Chickfila. haha not sure that will happen.
Be a better Christian. I think every one person should always strive to be a better Christian. I want to be more active in church-join a small group, volunteer in the nursery, write more notes to those in need, and just spend more time with God. I think if I can be a better Christian I will be a better mother and wife.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

LOOKING BACK on 2009

2009-12-28T12:20:00.000-08:00

January

Preparing for the Half Marathon-ran in a race every weekend with two of the greatest people in the world-Amy and Chief Trautwein-I miss you guys!

February-

Ran my first half marathon with Amy- 1 hour 54 minutes!!!

MY BIGGEST FAN!

Lane was born-Josh and LauraLee's first son

March

Found out we were pregnant on March 20, 2009

April

Trying to keep pregnancy a secret for the first trimester

May

Announced on Mother's Day that we are 12 weeks pregnant

June

Found out we were having a "BOY"

I turned 28 this year!!!
Celebrated 6 year anniversary!!!

July

WEDDING- Lee and Meredith Kilgore
Got Braden's furniture for his room

August

Lane's Baby dedication
Lawrence beach trip

Rylan turned ONE!!!

Brad turned 34 this year!

September

4-D pictures of Braden

October

October 4th Baby shower in Birmingham-Amy Reece and Kim Parsons

October 9th Race for the Cure Breast Cancer Walk - Team HEALTHY HOOTERS
October 18th Baby shower at my house-so much fun

October 24th Hannah Home Run at One Nineteen-I was one of the race coordinators again this year.

November

Thanksgiving yummy!
Maternity pictures

Braden Daniel Cox November 30, 2009 1:49pm 7 pounds 10 ounces 21.5 inches long

December

Braden's First Christmas

Stayed at home this month with Braden-loved every minute of it! Have tons of pictures of our cute little man!

We have so much to be thankful for this year! God is so GOOD! I will post my GOALS for 2010 in the next couple of days.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

2009-12-27T18:35:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!

Go see the three week post! I love that outfit-Janice's sister Anita got it for Braden-LOVE IT!!!

His outfit says BIG GUY!!

I hope you all had a wonderful CHRISTMAS! I know we did! Since my last post I have so many things to update you on so here are a few days of updates-more to come later.

Tummy time while Maw-maw ironed-Mommy was napping too.

December 22-I didn't feel well at all-Brad had to go to work after he was sick the day before. My Maw-Maw came over and stayed with me-I cleaned the bathrooms and showered. By that time I was exhausted-so I laid on the couch and when it was time to feed Braden Maw Maw would wake me up. I would feed him and then she would come get him, burp him, and put him down for his nap. It was the BEST nap day ever!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAW-MAW!

December 23-Happy Birthday to the BEST MAW-MAW in the WORLD! I have been the luckiest grand daughter in the world-she has been over here every day that Brad works at Hoover-not that I cant do it by myself but because she loves her Braden. She has helped me cook, clean, iron, and take care of my little boy. She might be spoiling that little boy-he goes right to sleep with her-she and my mother have that "special" touch. They can just hold him and he is off in la-la land in no time.

Brad and Braden-Mommy was getting ready for our first shopping trip as a family.

Brad came home and we were off on our first shopping trip as a family of three. Sure we had been before but this time we were going to attempt to take him to a few stores-if he acted - maybe I should say SLEEPS! Our first stop was Chick Fil A bet no one could have guessed that! We went through the drive through. Next was Target-we got there he was sleeping-but 15 minutes later he was getting fussy-I checked out and Brad headed to the car-by the time I got there Braden was crying-no he was screaming-I had to run to pick up a few gift cards in the stores near-by so I ran and did that-by the time I got back in the car- he was in a full blown temper tantrum!! I told Brad we had to go park so I could feed him-he was hungry! I got him out of his car seat and he was sweating SO BAD! We had it way too hot in the car and was over heating our child-please do not turn this in to DHR! But we got him cooled down and fed him and headed to a few more stores-WAL-MART! OH it was TERRIBLE in there! But we enjoyed getting out. I held Braden until he went to sleep and then put him in the car seat and walked around some more. He did fine. We got in the car and forgot something in Fultondale so we headed back to there- by the time we got what we needed it was time for supper-so we stopped at Arby's! DISGUSTING! Remind me to never eat there again! Or if I do then it is only to get a Jamocha shake. I gave Braden a bottle there but it was not enough so we had to go park again and let me feed him. We got to Brian and Sarah's house around 7:15pm to give them and the girls their gifts. I will post pictures of what I got and Braden's birth announcements at a later time.

Braden looking at the Christmas Tree

Braden and Daddy

Grand-Daddy trying to get Braden to sleep

Uncle Harry (Josh) and LauraLee

Lane eating dinner

December 24-Today we went to Brad's mothers for Christmas. We got an early start but ended up getting there later than what we wanted. But with a baby you have so much more to pack-even if you are only staying one night! We had a great time. We ate so much food, drank lots of apple cider, and watched old Christmas family videos and opened lots of presents. Braden had a great 1st Christmas at his Nana and GrandDaddy's. I think they spoiled him rotten too.

Braden and Daddy at Work

Braden on Daddy's Fire Helmet

Mommy and Braden

December 25-MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!! Brad had to work today. So I got ready, packed the car and finally headed to visit daddy at the fire station-oh how we miss him already! We got a few pictures with Daddy! We headed to Gran and Paw-Paws house around 1pm. Once we got to their house around 2:30pm mommy and Braden were both exhausted. Braden slept until 3:30pm and I was falling asleep on the couch too. Everyone started coming in around 5pm. We ate and opened Christmas gifts-but before we opened gifts we had to take lots of pictures. We stayed at Gran's house-Maw-Maw and Gran fed Braden his bottle and got him to sleep-I somehow managed to fall asleep myself on the couch. They both woke me at 11:15pm and said got o bed-Braden is in his pack and play sleeping! Wow that was EASY! I got in the bed and woke up at 1:30am wondering if I slept through Braden crying -he was still sound asleep-until 2:30am. He is able to sleep after his last feeding for 4 hours max-I cant wait until that increases-after that it is every 2-3 hours.

SICK DAY

2009-12-22T05:39:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!

I will not be able to post anything today-due to sickness. Brad was sick all day yesterday and had to go back to work today--and now I feel like I have been hit by a train.

What do I feel like-my joints are hurting-I am tired, nauseated and my incision is killing me from Braden kicking it last night. We were up until 3am last night-not sure what was wrong with him but he was not happy. I will post his 3 weeks picture soon. Not to mention find the time to finish my Christmas shopping. I still have like 4-5 people to buy for!!! They might be getting money this year!!!

OK so really I have to go-lil man is waking-again.

Much love,

Mandy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANA!

2009-12-21T19:00:00.000-08:00

Today is Janice's 60th Birthday.

We love you, Nana!

3 Weeks

2009-12-21T06:40:00.000-08:00

Our little man is THREE WEEKS OLD! Time is flying by so quickly-please slow it down. I am not looking forward to work in just 9 weeks. OH NO- I may cry!

Here are a few things about little Braden.

You get the hiccups all the time-just like you did in mommy's tummy
You do NOT like the swing right now.
You get terrible tummy aches at night-the past week has been terrible but we still love you.
Daddy is so in love with you-he can't get enough of you. he tells me not to hold you all day but when he gets home you are not put down. haha
Gran and Maw-Maw helped mommy and daddy give you your first bath. You don't really like bath time right now.
When we are home alone you like sitting in your bouncy seat while I shower-you just look around.
YOU LOVE THE HAIR DRYER-it puts you right to sleep.
Every time we get in the car and it is moving you go to sleep too.
You will have your first Christmas in 4 days!!!

BUSY WEEKEND

2009-12-20T19:04:00.000-08:00

BRADEN LOVES LOOKING AT THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!

This week has been very busy! Pictures will be posted tomorrow.

Thursday

Brad and I went shopping-well I did Brad drove Braden around while I went in each store. I don't think I have ever done my Christmas shopping so quickly-I had a list of things to get and what store-I would run in and run out. Record time for shopping. But I still have lots of gifts to get-oh I am not sure I will ever get done!

Friday

Pretty boring day-I wrapped gifts and Brad worked at Warrior until 3pm. Huge thanks to Nancy-she made me a Chicken Divan that I froze until we needed it-and tonight we needed it! It was so good! Thank you Nancy-Brad loved it and we appreciated it so much! I made some chocolate covered pretzels and tried to get things packed for Saturday-we have so much planned...

Oh and Braden's belly button came off!!!!

Saturday

Started out with a late night-Braden is not feeling well- he has some tummy aches-lots of gas. Not sure what it is-maybe the broccoli in the chicken divan. But I sure loved it! I got up at 7am and started getting ready-we had a surprise birthday party to go to for Janice-Brad's mother. She turns 60 on Monday! We met Anita, Jimmy, Larry, Diane, Amy, Josh, Grandmother Chris, LL, and Lane and then headed to Janice and Sam's. She was quite surprised when she saw all of us at her door on a Saturday morning. We hung out at her house until 12pm and headed to Brio for lunch. It was so much fun. After lunch we headed back to their house and atw birthday cake and talked. At about 4pm we started baking Christmas goodies. That was our plan anyways-was to meet at her house to bake cookies. We had so many things to bake that we didn't get them all baked cause we were all so exhausted. But we did bake Snicker doodles, chocolate chip cookies, Monster cookies, and sausage balls. While we ate supper-we watched some of Janice's old Christmas movies- I laughed until I hurt-Brad was the funniest little kid ever. I told Janice I wanted a copy of that DVD. Because if I ever need a good laugh I could just pop that DVD in and laugh until I cried. It was great! We didn't get to watch them all because it was getting late-but we plan on watching them again Christmas Eve. Oh I cant wait to watch them all!

Janice got the best birthday gift ever-JOSH GOT A JOB!!!

Amy was so excited to see Baby Braden.

Amy-thank you for my first Alabama toboggan-cant wait to wear it.

Sunday

Braden decided that since he was such a GOOD boy all day Saturday that he would be a BAD boy that night. We were up until 1am. OH I WAS TIRED! We slept until 9am and I loved it. Once we got up and got Braden fed again and put him down for his morning nap Brad and I were able to clean the house a little. Amazing at how dirty my house gets in just a few days. I needed to go to Wal-Mart for some things so we loaded up and headed to Gardendale. Of course Brad drove Braden around the parking lot and I dashed in trying to make record time and I did -15 minutes ha! We got home and put up everything and fed Braden and actually laid down for a nap. I felt refreshed once i got up. Mom, Dad, and Maw-Maw came over to visit Braden and brought us supper. It was YUMMY! VEGGIES!! Moms are the best - especially mine! Thank you so much! Once we were done with supper it was time for our first lesson on bathing! Yep Braden go this FIRST BIG BOY bath. So exciting-not really -he hated it! But loved the way he felt once he was dried and lathered up with lotion and ready to eat!

Now it is time to go to bed-it is 9:30pm and Braden will be waking very soon for his next feeding in about 30 minutes! I pray he eats, burps, and goes right back to sleep. Because this headache that I have is not going away as quickly as I would like...

NIGHT NIGHT!

PAW PAW holding Braden for the first time!

I LOVE YOU-PAW PAW

BRADEN'S FIRST BIG BOY BATH!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2009-12-16T08:04:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE COX FAMILY!!!

NEW BORN PHOTOS

2 weeks old

2009-12-15T07:59:00.000-08:00

Today we are at home relaxing. Tonight we have our newborn pictures! OH BOY! Let me just tell you-I did a dress rehearsal last night and he does NOT like it at all. SO I pray it goes well. Maybe he will just sleep the entire time. And open his big eyes every once in a while. Here are a few pictures that you can enjoy today:

I am tired-GOOD NIGHT!!

HIS WEIGHT AND MY WEIGHT

2009-12-11T11:15:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures - his first little bath-we cant give him a bath yet because his navel has not come off but we sponge bathe him for now. Too cute!

He LOVES his Daddy. He is giving him a BIG hug!!!

Many of you know that I am not the type to sit around and be lazy. But since I had a c-section I have been unable to do workout. I can walk around the house-but I am not even supposed to walk up the steps. So here are a few pictures of my progress without any exercise:
THIS IS TWO DAYS AFTER HAVING A BABY!

THIS IS TWO WEEKS AFTER HAVING A BABY!

I have such a LONG ways t go-I have lost about 20 pounds but would like to lose another 20. Here is why- I gained about 10 pounds while I was on fertility meds for 6 months-and then I gained 30 during my pregnancy. The 20 pounds have come off so far just by breast feeding. I eat just as much because breast feeding makes you so hungry. But I am trying to eat more fruits and veggies and not pig out on sweets like candy or cookies!!!

OK enough about me let's talk about BRADEN!! He really is a blessing. I was home by myself yesterday and it went great! He was such a good baby! Meredith did come over to let me shower-thanks Meredith. Other than that we just hung out and he slept. I was able to do a few orders on the Internet for Christmas and write all my thank you cards-well most of them. Last night I slept on the couch and let him try to sleep in his pack-n-play instead of the bassinet-reason being is he rolls around all over the place in that bassinet-I found him the other morning with his head against the wooden spindles and looking all uncomfortable. So since Brad was at work I tried the pack-n-play and he did wonderful. He loves music and cant sleep without it-so every time the timer would go off I knew it! He would fuss but go right back to sleep once he heard the music again. So doctor appointment was this morning here is how my morning went:
Got up at 5:45am to shower-put Braden in the bassinet in my room.
By the time I got out of the shower he was all turned sideways and moaning to get out of that bed.
So I put him in the bathroom with me in his bouncy seat. Turned the music and vibration thing on and he stared at mommy while she attempted to get ready. He did GREAT-I on the other hand-was mad cause I still cant fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans! So back to my maternity jeans! URGH!
I fed him once I was ready and let him lay in the pack-n-play for a little while and then called Daddy to see where he was-he was almost home so I got Braden and put his clothes on him really quickly. We learned last time to put his clothes on right before you leave the house! OR ELSE!!
Brad came in and we got in the car by 7:55am. We made it to the dr appmt by 8:40am-just 10 minutes late-AWESOME!!!

Dr appmt went GREAT! He weighed 7 pounds 3 ounces at one week.
Here are his stats for week two:
Weight 7 pounds 14 ounces 25-35%
Length 21 1/4 inches 75-95%
Head Circumference 14 1/4 inches 50%
Mommy and Braden at Dr
Two week check up

Mean face he got from Daddy-not happy about being pricked in the foot.

He had to have his heel pricked and note to self he did NOT like that. Mommy held him and he just cried but when she finished he was ok. I don't think he likes people messing with his feet but then again I really don't think I would want a shot in my foot either!! Once we got in the car-I was able to give him a little bottle and he was off to sleep. My plans were to go to the Mall after his appmt but I am just too tired. So I begged Brad to take me by Wal-Mart and let me pick up a few gifts that I knew I could get there. So he drove around the parking lot while I shopped and then picked me up at the door. I got a few things I needed-but also forgot a few things. But there is always tomorrow. I go to see my doctor-Sarah Davis at 2:15pm today. So I get to see what my stats are but I am sure I will not post them for everyone to read. Once they get to what I want them to be then I will-maybe!
Well-little man is still sleeping and I really need to get him up and feed him. But then again I could go snuggle up on the couch and sleep too-I think I may catch up on some of my blogs that I follow! I haven't been keeping up since Braden was born.
Have a great day- Here is one more picture though:

I MISS MY DADDY

2009-12-10T12:00:00.001-08:00

Brad had to go to work today and Braden sure does miss his daddy! Braden has been able to bond the past few days with Daddy. He heard daddy say goodbye this morning and got REALLY upset!!!

First Doctor's Visit

2009-12-10T11:15:00.000-08:00

We went to Braden's first doctor visit on Tuesday- he was such a good boy-well once we we got in the car...I got up and fed him and put him down so that I could get a shower and get ready for his 8:30am appointment. Yes 8:30am is early but I want to get in there and get out before all the sick children start coming in there. I changed his clothes and had the cutest little outfit on him-we were putting him in the car seat and he let it rip-I could not smell it for the next 30 minutes in the car so we got him out and changed his diaper. In the meantime he sprayed his mommy and daddy every where-forgot to cover that little thing up. So I ran upstairs and got his going home outfit-I wanted him to be extra cute for his first appointment. We got it on him and apparently Mommy didn't burp him good enough he spit up all over the outfit. I could have cried. Guess what I did-yes I confess I wiped it all off and said deal with it-we were already going to be 15 minutes late PLUS it was raining something awful!!! So we got in the car and he was out like a light. He slept the whole way there. We checked in and they called us to the back-they said to undress him down to his diaper-and bring him to get weighed. I though oh great-he absolutely HATES being naked-he gets so cold. OH YEAH! He let it rip again right before he was weighed-so we had to change him before he got weighed I know what he was thinking- "I got in trouble for losing too much weight the last day in the hospital so I better put on as much as possible now." Well at birth he weighed 7 pounds 10 ounces. The day we left he weighed 6 pounds 14 ounces and on his first doctor appointment he weighed 7 pounds 3 ounces. GREAT!! He passed this test and guess what he is not even crying! I feel so good at this point-man all the other babies are crying and Braden is just chilling out on the scales looking around. We get back in the room and Daddy gets him all bundled up in his blanket to keep him warm. Dr Walley comes in and exams him and said that Braden was doing GREAT! He sounds great-his little navel will come off soon-his manly parts healed perfectly and looks to be a happy baby. Mommy and Daddy had a few questions-why does he get the hiccups so many times-yes he gets them at least 3-4 times per day-as many times as he did in utero- is it really possible for babies to get their nights confused and a few other questions. He said we are doing everything right-or so he can tell. haha We go back to see him next Monday at 8:30am-we hope he is at least up to his birth weight. He has been eating very well-I KNOW!!!
Here are a few pictures of his first doctors visit.
Mommy and Daddy with Baby Braden

Braden and Dr Walley

The ride to Dr Walley's office

ONE WEEK and 100th POST

2009-12-07T16:37:00.000-08:00

Braden turned one week old yesterday! Can you believe it? One week ago I held this baby boy in my arms for the first time. I cant believe it! Here is what our lives have consisted of the past week.

Monday- Braden was born 1:49pm. You were circumcised late that evening and Dr McKee did a wonderful job. Braden stayed in the nursery because I couldn't walk-morphine was working well.

Tuesday- had lots of visitors- had to take my bandage off around 3:00pm-OUCH! I think I had an emotional breakdown I hurt so badly. BAD GAS PAINS!!! Braden stayed in the nursery again-I got a little sleep. Just kept waking up wondering when Braden needed a good feeding.

Wednesday- Met Dr Walley-your pediatrician and had more visitors- Mom came to stay with me Wednesday night-Brad went home to get some rest before his big test.

Thursday- Your weight has dropped from 7 lbs 10 oz to 7 lbs. We missed Daddy! He got to the hospital around 1:30pm. When he got there we hung out and had the best evening just relaxing. We had a few visitors today. Braden stayed in the nursery again. Those nurses love our little boy-everyone is wandering if we are ever going to leave the hospital. HA! Janice and Sam visited us and we asked the nurses to watch him while I got out and walked around- we went down to the cafe and they ate dinner.

Friday- OH NO! TODAY WE ARE TO GO HOME. We got the nurses a small gift but missed Teri-she left work early today. We got your pictures made and I got my staples removed. Dr Walley said you have lost down to 6 pounds 14 ounces. I sure hope I do better at this feeding thing when you get home. We finally left the hospital- yes we LOVED it there. The nurses were AWESOME! Not to mention I have the best doctor in the world!!! We got home around 2:30pm and I was a little sore-Brad had to go to Warrior to get my pain meds and I was left at home with Braden-I wasn't tired but as soon as I fed him and he fell asleep so did I- I DIDN'T EVEN HEAR BRAD COME IN THE HOUSE! We were exhausted. Mom, Dad, and Maw-Maw brought supper to us and it was very yummy! Braden slept in the bassinet and loved it-he was up a lot but we have to get him on a schedule very soon.

Saturday-LONG DAY! We had so many visitors at home. Braden got to watch his first Alabama football game and it was the best game for him to watch!!! They really put a beat down to Florida!!! ROLL TIDE! He wore his Alabama outfit! Too cute. Janice and Sam brought over dinner and it looked like the biggest feast! I have the best parents and in laws- EVER! Josh and Laura Lee and Baby Lane came over to visit as well. We had lots of fun.

Sunday- WOW it was a bad night! you slept all day and pretty much stayed up all night! We tried to watch church on TV-we had seen the same service three weeks ago at church but we just could not stay awake-Braden was sleeping and both me and Brad fell asleep with you beside us. That is a kind of morning I love!! We finally got up and I called my mom and asked her to come get me out of the house! I had not been out since Sunday night. So she took me to Wal-Mart-Dylan tagged along-he is such a good boy. I picked up a few things that we needed. It felt really good to get out of the house. When I got back Janice and Sam had brought Grandmother Chris over to see Braden. And Magon was there with Rylan. Magon fed Braden his FIRST breast pump bottle. He really liked it ALOT.

Monday- Daddy had to work today so we just chilled out at home and you got the hiccups every other hour. Braden only had one visitor and it was the City of Hoover's administrative assistant. Donna brought us a meal from Cracker Barrel-it was yummy. Brad will be sure to eat that tonight. OK so enjoy some more pics of our precious lil boy. He is already growing so fast.

2009-12-07T14:44:00.001-08:00

"Before you were conceived, I wanted you
Before you were born, I loved you
Before you were here an hour, I would die for you
This is the miracle of love."

The Journey Has Begun

Week Three of 52

Week 2 of 52

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

GROWING

GIVEAWAY

Braden 10 month PICS

LAST BEACH TRIP

BEACH PICTURES

BAD BLOGGER!!! GOOD MOMMY???

ALL PICS

Father's Day and Braves

WHERE OH WHERE?

MIA PICS

Before I Was A Mom

First Mother's Day as a Mommy

Mommy got a day off...

CONVERSATION WITH GOD

5 Months

LOTS OF PICTURES

GORGEOUS BLOGGER AWARD

SORRY

PICS

Technical Difficulties

4 months and way behind!!!

INNOCENT FACE AND HANDS

Rolling Over, Parties, and Best Buds

MOMMY AND ME MONDAY

FULL TIME MOMMY, WIFE, DAUGHTER, MANAGER and FRIEND (i hope)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAW PAW!!!

11 and 12 almost 13

Nominee for FireFighter of the Year

CALL ME CRAZY

SLEEP and DOCTOR

TUESDAY TIPS

10 WEEKS OLD

*MILESTONE*, SICKNESS, and BIRTHDAY

9 weeks old

I'm loving it...

Sick Lil Boy

Braden's Baby Dedication

8 WEEKS OLD

There is a FIRST time for everything

7 WEEKS PICS and more

Just the Two of Us

6 WEEKS OLD

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

I AM SECOND

New Year's Resolutions 3-2-1- GO!!!

I've come to realize...

BRADEN IS A BAMA BABY BOY!

My lil Fireman is 5 WEEKS

BUSY BEES

GOALS FOR 2010

LOOKING BACK on 2009

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

SICK DAY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANA!

3 Weeks

BUSY WEEKEND

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2 weeks old

HIS WEIGHT AND MY WEIGHT

I MISS MY DADDY

First Doctor's Visit

ONE WEEK and 100th POST

MILESTONE, SICKNESS, and BIRTHDAY