The Laney Family

Where did my babies go?

2012-01-27T19:42:00.001-08:00

and who are these little kids that are now living in my house???? :)

random

2012-01-27T18:52:00.001-08:00

a few pics of us just goofing around and a few of J and L on their first day of "school" aka Mother's morning out! They are talking up a storm and into everything... I am really starting to wonder if we are going through some of our "terrible 2s" now... they are an extreme handful, and testing me already. But with these passionate personalities come some very sweet compassionate spirits! I couldn't ask for more! (there are a few other new posts below)

nonna and dadaddy

2012-01-27T18:47:00.001-08:00

Nonna and Dadaddy came to visit last week... and man, these kiddos love them, and the feeling is mutual. Glad they made it on a non-sick weekend! haha

Christmas

2012-01-27T18:46:00.001-08:00

Christmas was extra fun this year with these toddlers... too much fun! I could not get over how Lucy went straight to the doll nursery and Jack went straight for the basketball goal... I never once said whose presents were whose, and really they were all for them both! I would love to see my princess shoot some hoops and my little man learn how to take care of babies... it will make him a good daddy one day ;) but they were not interested... so funny!

FINALLY!

2012-01-21T12:46:00.001-08:00

I have finally figured out how to blog on my ipad... just a test post before I get back into blogging much more regularly. Just a few sweet faces before we can really get started on this thing! My parents are here this weekend, so we are taking it easy today and my mom and dad are babysitting tonight so Cal and I can actually have a date!!! SO excited!

for my memory...

2012-01-11T12:10:00.001-08:00

Here are most of the words that J and L are saying at this point... I am sure that there are more... I just can't remember them all... I knew I would be so mad at myself if I didn't record them.

1/11/12

Jack:
ball
duck
quack
baa
moo
OO-OO-OO-OOOOOOH- owl sound
owl
momma
dadda
nananna (banana)
ba-ba (bottle)
nonna
dadaddy
ava- you just started pronouncing the "V"- you used to say awa
hi
hey
bye-bye
ucy- (lucy)
no
uh-oh
1st phrase- "no, nananna"- you wanted a banana instead of the strawberries I was offering.

Lucy:
ball
duck
owl
quack
oo-oo-oo-ooooooh (owl sound)
momma
dadda
paci
nananna
ju (juice)
nonna
dadaddy
awa (ava)
ba (bath)
yay
hi
hey
bye-bye
ack (jack)
baybay- (baby)
uh-oh
you suprised us the other day and said after breakfast "yeah, I'm all done"

Catching up!

2011-12-17T08:44:00.000-08:00

I have a ton to post about! We took a big trip to MS this month and had a blast! It was a hard trip as one would expect, but it was a great time to be around all of our family and friends that Jack and Lucy never get to see. They went to their first Ole Miss football game, went to the square, tons of restaurants, Fighting Bayou (hunting camp), Canton Christmas light show, touring future schools, Ananndale Golf Club, shopping in Jackson, met a ton of new "friends" (i.e. our friends new babies), and did lots and lots of playing with grandparents! They weren't spoiled at all while there (ahem!)

Jack and Lucy started really walking while we were in MS! Lucy started REALLY walking on Nov. 7 and Jack took his first steps from me to Aunt Kiki on Nov. 11! Jack started REALLY walking on Dec. 9. We got him some "Keds" and buddy he was OFF! I know that I have posted about this before, but I seriously cannot put into words the relief Cal and I felt when we saw him gracefully walking across the floor. I have not ever posted this... but the doctors at the hospital when they were born told me that we would really know that his leg was OK when we saw him walking without any problems... I think that was awful for them to say, because you can imagine as parents, we kept that in the back of our heads for so very long. God made miracles happen in both of them.. and I know that it will never get old just watching them walk all over the house! Such precious miracles!

They are both making all sorts of animal sounds. They love to "hoo" like an owl, "moo" like a cow and "quack" like a duck. They repeat tons of things that we say.. they are just like little sponges! It is simply fabulous to see them both progress so gracefully!

They are both eating us out of house and home, but honestly Jack is eating the most now.. what a change? ha! They do still have 3 bottles a day, but the amount of oz depend on how much food they eat. They love bananas, strawberries, eggs, grilled turkey melts, Cheetos, crackers, hot dogs (they are really vegi dogs;) ), meat loaf, pasta, spaghetti, spinach, green beans, ravioli, etc...

They are both still really good sleepers. They still do 1.5 hours in the morning and 2 in the afternoon, and then still sleep all night and sometimes sleep in until 8:30! lovin it!!! I don't know how they are going to handle mothers day out without that morning nap in January! ahh... we shall see! :)

I am now going to start using this blog again as a journal... the monthly stats are sort of "over", I am thinking we are on a steady 3 meal a day pattern now, that won't ever really change that much again! Sort of sad, honestly, but happy at the same time! :)
They are doing and saying so many fun things and I am going to "try" and record it all here when I have some "free time" (what in the world is that??)ha!

We are gearing up now for a fun Christmas week here at home! I am so excited to start new traditions with our family! Just us! :)

12 months!

2011-12-17T08:20:00.000-08:00

JACK:

- you are still taking 8 oz bottles 3 times a day

- you are eating your meals like a champ.

- you are loving your cow's milk from your sippy cup

- you are starting to "toddle" from one object to the other.

- you are starting to say words and point at things with the intent of labeling

- you LOVE balls still... you and Lucy love to roll around together and laugh with our big red ball

- you are obsessed with "dada" and "awa"

- you love bath time and brushing your teeth

- you still nap for 1.5 hours in the morning from 10-11:30 and then again from 3-5

- you still sleep from 7:30 at night until 7:30 in the morning

- You took a big trip this month to MS and handled the transitions like a champ.

- you are starting to experience a bit of separation anxiety

- you love to hold and cuddle anything fuzzy

- you stick your pointer finger in your mouth and chew on it.. like a paci

- you are growing and developing so wonderfully and I thank our God every day for the miracle that is YOU!

LUCY:

- you are still taking 8 oz bottles 3 times a day

- you are eating your meals like a champ.

- you are loving your cow's milk from your sippy cup

- you are starting to "toddle" from one object to the other.

- You are also starting to take steps from me to daddy!

- you are starting to say words and point at things with the intent of labeling

- you LOVE balls now... you and Jack love to roll around together and laugh with our big red ball

- you are obsessed with "dada" and "awa"

- you love bath time and brushing your teeth

- you still nap for 1.5 hours in the morning from 10-11:30 and then again from 3-5

- you still sleep from 7:30 at night until 7:30 in the morning

- You took a big trip this month to MS and handled the transitions like a champ.

- you are starting to get over your feelings of separation anxiety.

- you love your paci- but we have now limited it only to naptime

- you have had a language explosion since we started limiting your paci to the bed! :)

- you are growing and developing so wonderfully and I thank our God every day for the miracle that is YOU!

11 months of amazing!

2011-10-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

LUCY:
- You are taking 8 oz (most of the time you do not finish) 3 times a day. 8, 1, and 8
- You always have a good breakfast, lunch and dinner. You are also really into your snacks!
- You will eat pretty much anything that we eat. I just fix dinner for me and daddy and you will eat anything that we cut up and put in front of you! Baby food is no longer at our house! ha! You want to feed yourself... you will not let me put a spoon toward your mouth any longer! bittersweet!
- You are still sleeping from 8-8 at night and 2 naps during the day... 10:30-12:30 and then from 3-5. You have a snack at 5 and then dinner with mommy and daddy at 6:30 or 6:45.
- You start the whole "bedtime" routine around 7. bath, brush teeth, books, bottle and bed.... (lots of B's haha)
- You are not really into your electric toothbrush... you would rather brush your teeth with the motor off. :)
- You are standing on your own now and took your first 2 steps to me from your daddy this month. We started cheering and scared you and you cried so hard tears started streaming... you really haven't tried to do it again since then..haha... I'm so sorry we scared you, sweet girl!
- funny fact to record: you have ALWAYS done this...and it is hillarious. You are scared to DEATH of a bag popping (i.e. when you pop a new garbage bag to put it in the garbage can) You will watch us do it and then just break DOWN in tears. The noise does not appeal to you at ALL!! haha You started to react this way to a bag popping at around 3 months. You are so funny!
- You are cruising and crawling everywhere and can climb on top of furniture. Much to your avail... you can climb on top of the couch and then you will fall. You are learning how to back down off of the couch using your feet.
- You can climb the stairs and you get so proud of yourself when you get to the top.
- You are "Miss Independent" .... i sing that song to you often. You have such an independent spirit and it makes my heart so proud.
- You love to crawl all over the back yard and play in the leaves. You actually kicked your feet in the dirt and liked it... that is NOT like your momma even one little bit. As a child... I would FREAK out if my hands touched dirt, sand, or leaves! haha
- You are so communicative. You talk with your eyes... it is amazing!
- You can say the words: "ava" (a-w-a), momma, da-da, ball, wa (water), nonna, hi
- You love Jack and watch him all of the time. Ya'll are starting to play together to sweetly and it is already obvious that he is starting to be your protector!
- You had cow's milk for the first time this month and you are not too fond of it! you will stick your tongue out and let it run out of your mouth when you take a drink... it is so funny.. I know you will start to like it soon! :) You usually take about 3-4 days to get used to something new, but you are extremely good with transitions.
- You click your tongue constantly... such a cutie!
- This year sure has flown by... and I have loved every second of watching you grow. There has been so many hard times, but every hard time had it's own reward. Being your mommy is the most amazing, wonderful thing I have ever done.

JACK:
- You are taking 9oz of formula 3 times a day. 8, 1, and 8
- This month... I am utterly sure of the fact that our amazing Lord has worked a miracle in you. You went from not eating one bite of food to now clearing your tray at almost every single meal. Cal and I will always be convinced that God put his healing hand on you... you had a true food aversion, and it is like God just reached in and flipped a light switch. You LOVE food now.. PRAISE GOD!
- You always have a good breakfast, lunch and dinner. You are also really into your snacks!
- You will eat pretty much anything that we eat. I just fix dinner for me and daddy and you will eat anything that we cut up and put in front of you! Baby food is no longer at our house! ha! You want to feed yourself... you have NEVER wanted me to feed you anyway! ha
- You are still sleeping from 8-8 at night and 2 naps during the day... 10:30-12:30 and then from 3-5. You have a snack at 5 and then dinner with mommy and daddy at 6:30 or 6:45.
- You start the whole "bedtime" routine around 7. bath, brush teeth, books, bottle and bed.... (lots of B's haha)
- You are really into your electric toothbrush... you start crying and whining and reaching for your toothbrush when we are finished brushing your teeth! ha
- You are standing on your own now.. but only for short periods of time.
- You LOVE balls... you throw them, catch them, try to dribble them.. and you say the word "BALL" every time you see one! haha
- You are cruising and crawling everywhere and can climb on top of furniture. Much to your avail... you can climb on top of the couch and then you will fall. You are learning how to back down off of the couch using your feet.
- You can climb the stairs and you get so proud of yourself when you get to the top.
- You are mommy's boy lately, but have recently started to become ALOT more attached to your daddy... you go into a DEEP cry when he leaves the room! You are becoming quite obsessed with "dadeeeeeee" as you call him! :)
- You love to crawl all over the back yard and play in the leaves. You started copying "daddeeeee" (of course) and started tossing the leaves into the air and watching them fall. You loved it!
- You are becoming so much more communicative. You have your own opinions and you let them be known! ha
- You can say the words: "ava" (a-d-a), momma, da-da (daddeeeeeee), ball, bok (block), nonna, hi, da (dog)
- You love Lucy and you get so concerned if she is crying. Ya'll are starting to play together to sweetly and it is already obvious you are starting to become her protector! She was stuck in her bumbo the other day, and you crawled right over and helped push her out of it. I actually caught it on video... it was TOOOO sweet!
- You had cow's milk for the first time this month and you really liked it. You love to drink it out of your straw sippy cup. (you rather drink from a straw) :)
- You are really playing with your sounds and words this month... you will just let of strings of consonant/vowel combos.
- This year sure has flown by... and I have loved every second of watching you grow. There has been so many hard times, but every hard time had it's own reward. Being your mommy is the most amazing, wonderful thing I have ever done

makes the teacher in me proud!

2011-09-20T08:51:00.001-07:00

10 months old!

2011-09-20T08:47:00.000-07:00

I'm making this post quite a bit late...so I am going to try to remember exactly what J and L were doing at 10 months (they almost 11 months now) I write every milestone down on my calendar...so I should be able to do an OK job with this...but they are changing so much and doing so much more everyday...so it is so hard to remember!

LUCY:
- You are holding your own bottle now and taking 8 oz 3 times a day and you will eat a ton of baby food but are starting to prefer to feed yourself. You will stick a whole cookie in your mouth and start to choke..so you really haven't learned how to break off small bites that are manageable, so I have to do it for you.
- You are getting a ton better with your sippy cup, but will NOT drink your formula from it. I'm not sure why...I have to switch it back to your bottle every time so you will drink it! ha...we will get there! :)
- You are still sleeping well through the night, from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. You also take 2 naps during the day from 10:30-12:30 and then again from 3-5.
- At this point, you were still eating breakfast in the morning with your bottle, lunch at 12:30 when you got up from your nap and then washing down with your bottle, dinner at 5:00 when you got up from your nap and then washing down with sippy of apple juice, and then having a bottle at bedtime (8:00).
- You are so great with transitions, and have taken everything in stride during this month of changes!
- You are cruising along furniture and crawling EVERYWHERE! You can get wherever you want to go in a matter of seconds!
- You love to read books...You will sit and look closely at the pages and turn them all by yourself!
- You love to swing in your swings outside that your daddy and grandaddy built for you!

- You are always smiling and so happy all of the time!
- You are saying, "mama, dada, a-wa (ava), ba, na-na
- You will nod your head "yes" at appropriate times...so I am thinking that you know what you are doing?!?
- You love to cuddle and read books and sing at night...it is just the best!
- You are growing and learning so quickly...it is crazy to think that you are now my little "toddler" and not an "infant" anymore... You are simply amazing, my princess!

JACK
- I still have to hold your bottle for you... (dr says it is a boy thing)- you are taking 9-10 oz 3 times a day and have still not gotten into solid food. You like to feed yourself puffs...but that is about it :)
- You are getting better with your sippy cup, and will drink better using a straw cup.
- You are still sleeping well through the night, from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. You also take 2 naps during the day from 10:30-12:30 and then again from 3-5.
- At this point, you were still eating breakfast in the morning with your bottle, lunch at 12:30 when you got up from your nap and then washing down with your bottle, dinner at 5:00 when you got up from your nap and then washing down with sippy of apple juice, and then having a bottle at bedtime (8:00).
- You are so great with transitions, but not so great with the food transitions. You are so happy and easygoing with anything else that is going on!
- You are cruising along furniture and crawling EVERYWHERE! You can get wherever you want to go in a matter of seconds!
- You love to read books...You will sit and look closely at the pages and turn them all by yourself!
- You love to swing in your swings outside that your daddy and grandaddy built for you!

- You are always on the go and LOVE to climb all over mamma!!
- You are obsessed with balls! You can throw a ball to bounce it and catch it mid-air! We know for sure that we have a ball player in our very near future. It is just something you naturally like and your daddy couldn't be happier as he is already teaching you how to dribble...AND you actually sit and try to copy him... pretty amazing!
- You are saying, "mama, dada, a-ba (ava), ba
- You will nod your head "NO" at appropriate times...so I am thinking that you know what you are doing?!?
- You love to cuddle and read books and sing at night...it is just the best!
- You are growing and learning so quickly...it is crazy to think that you are now my little "toddler" and not an "infant" anymore... You are simply amazing, my little prince

baby bump

2011-08-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

Guess what...you are not going to believe this, but this post is not about Jack and Lucy! haha...It is about ME! believe it or not!??! I dreamed all of my life about the glorious day that I would see a baby bump on my body. I dreamed and dreamed and stood in front of mirrors and poked out my belly and just imagined of how great I was going to look all cute and pregnant! OH, I just couldn't wait! I even thought about pictures I would take while pregnant and how I would go to the beach, and the pool and just not be at all ashamed of my little bump!

WELL..... "little" it was NOT! At the peak of my pregnancy...it looked like this:

This photo was taken the day before I delivered. I could barely walk from one room to the other without feeling like I was going to topple over or die from pain...one or the other! ha!

I am about to air out some of my "dirty laundry", so get ready....

I have cried and cried and mourned the fact that I was never really able to have the "fun" pregnancy that I had always dreamed of. That is all water under the bridge, though, because I would never trade one stick of a needle or one day living in that hospital for the beautiful creatures that are sleeping in their bed right now.

The reason for this post is not to say poor, poor, pitiful me, but it is a way to release some of my emotions and let you know if you see me running around still looking 6 months pregnant (ha)...these are the reasons:

You see, when I had all of those dreams and wishes about my baby bump...I honestly only wanted that bump for about 9 month...nothing more, nothing less. But, mother nature had another idea in mind... I have now had that lovely bump for going on 20 months. I have what is called "diastasis recti" (or what I would fondly refer to as "my own worst nightmare") ha

Diastasis recti is when the stomach muscles pull apart during pregnancy. If you have ever been pregnant, this has happened to you as well, but when you are 5'5" with a short torso and pregnant with "Laney size" TWINS....your abdominal muscles do not slowly pull apart...they RIP...or what my doctor likes to say "Those babies blew your muscles out...like a tire". With all of this being said. I am 10 months post-partum, and I look like I am 6 months ante-partum. So... I went to see about having the muscle repaired, and I was basically told that I would be crazy to have the surgery to repair the muscle separation if I have any plans of having more children. I am completely certain that if the Lord decides to bless us with more children, we would be so grateful (years down the road, of course). My general surgeon told me on Wednesday that if I had the repair done, I would 100% (not maybe) blow it out during pregnancy if I ever were to become pregnant again. So, obviously, no surgery is going to happen until Cal and I have decided that we are through having children. I wanted to have it repaired, not just for vanity sake, but b/c I have an actual hernia...so for safety reasons, we wanted it to be repaired, but not if that means that I cannot have any more children. Now, the plan is to go to physical therapy to strengthen those muscles and PRAY that they will move back together. I am letting go of a lot of my pride by posting this, but I honestly would covet your prayers... I know that only my close friends and family really read this blog anyway, and I know that you, as women (or men) would understand how difficult this is....it could be TONS worse, I know. I do know that in the grand scheme of things, this is NOTHING! Please know that I am not sitting around belaboring this small inconvenience, but it sure does feel good to "let it all out" ha!

moments...

2011-08-13T09:02:00.000-07:00

This has been a fun summer and we are trying to make the most of the very little family time that we have since Cal is working ALL OF THE TIME! He is working nights for the next week and I will be so glad when this "night-float" business is over! We took J and L to the pool and they LOVED floating around in their little floats. Lucy just kicked and kicked in the water and Jack kept hitting the water with his hands. They were so cute...

They are pulling up to standing now and are cruising along the couch...their fave spot is by the gate where they can see mommy and daddy...

Lucy-girl in her pretty bathing suit...

looks like they are plotting something...

Jack-man in his swim-trunks...

Here is a pic of the playroom that I made for the twins... we LOVE having this room here for them to safely play!

bedtime stories with mommy...

GOOD MORNING!!! They sleep in separate cribs, but our favorite thing to do is to put them in the same crib in the morning and watch them play together...they are so happy in the morning! It is just the BEST time of the day!!

They LOVE walking around the couch in their playing room...

They are just doing so many fun things lately...I feel like they are changing every day and I just can't keep up! I am just so proud to be able to watch them grow and change into the people that God has planned for them to be. Cal and I are definitely having the time of our lives!

9 month old movers!!!

2011-08-03T08:46:00.000-07:00

WOW! 9 months have FLOWN by! I think about this time last year with amazement. This exact time last year, I was going into the hospital for my over 2 and 1/2 month stay in the hospital and in the bed (I was only home during that time for 3 weeks). I can't believe that on this very day last year, as I type this, my mom was on her way to Lexington to help me, and little did she know that she would be here for 3 months helping me while on bed rest (keeping me company in the hospital, bathing me, feeding me, getting Jack and Lucy's nursery ready, and keeping my home together while Cal worked), and then proceeding to stay with us another month after Jack and Lucy were born to help us with them. What an act of love and service...I only hope to be half of the wonderful mother that she is! She has always given 100% and I am so thankful to God for such a wonderful role-model as a mother.
Our little angels are 9 MONTHS OLD!!! This is so hard to believe! They are movers and shakers now too! Man, they are all over the place! Now, for the monthly updates...
Jack:
- You are 19 lbs and 2 ounces. You are 29 3/4 inches...ALMOST 30 inches...just one notch above 30~ You are 50th percentile in weight and 98th percentile in height! ha! You are one tall little fella!
- You are still taking 4 bottles a day. You are down to 7 oz. You are getting breast milk and formula.
- You are still doing a TON better with your eating. You are starting to open your mouth and accept some pureed foods, but you are much more into bland and crunchy! ha
- You are taking 2 naps a day now...you finally knocked out that afternoon catnap, with the adjustment of the daytime nap schedule. You sleep from 8p-8a at night and nap from 10:30-12:30 and then again from 3:00-5:00.
- You have breakfast at 8:00 when you wake up after you take your prevacid, lunch at 12:30 and dinner at 5:00. You have one more bottle before bed at 8:00!
- You started crawling on July 23...just 2 days before you turned 9 months old!
- You have started waving at everything and everybody! When we walk in to get you out of bed, you are frantically waving and smiling that big toothy smile!
- You are VERY into crawling. You are going everywhere!
- We made you a playroom out of our dining room the week that you turned 9 months old. It is WONDERFUL! You can crawl all over that room, and I know that there is NOTHING in there that will hurt you...well, I hope not at least! ha
- You went swimming in the big pool for the first time this month! You LOVED floating around in your float!
- You LOVE to splash in water, you will even lean over and put your whole face in the water..you are a very curious little person...it will freak you out a bit, but then you will lean down and do it again! ha
- You like to chew on your sippy cup, but you haven't quite gotten to where you will drink out of it on your own.
- You got you new "big boy" car seat this month. You were to tall to stay in your infant carrier seat. I cried the whole time the car seats were going up to the attic...I am such a sap!
- You are still obsessed with Ava, and will crawl over to wherever she is! You love to bounce in your "johnny jumper" ..you will swing in the thing and literally twist it and twist it and then lift your feet so it will spin as fast as possible and you will just die laughing the whole time...it is hilarious!
- You are truly coming more and more alive and turning into a "little boy". It is such a fantastic journey watching you grow!
LUCY:
You are 19 lbs and 15 ounces. You are 28 inches...You are 75th percentile in weight and 75th percentile in height! Perfect in every way!
- You are still taking 4 bottles a day. You are down to 6 oz. You are getting breast milk and formula.
- You LOVE to eat and will eat anything that we give you! :)
- You are taking 2 naps a day now...you finally knocked out that afternoon catnap, with the adjustment of the daytime nap schedule. You sleep from 8p-8a at night and nap from 10:30-12:30 and then again from 3:00-5:00.
- You have breakfast at 8:00 when you wake up, lunch at 12:30 and dinner at 5:00. You have one more bottle before bed at 8:00!
- You started crawling on July 20...just 5 days before you turned 9 months old!
- You are so sociable. You love people and you love to stare!
- You are not very into crawling... You will pretty much only crawl when you want to get to food, or get to mommy and daddy! ha!
- We made you a playroom out of our dining room the week that you turned 9 months old. It is WONDERFUL! You can crawl all over that room, and I know that there is NOTHING in there that will hurt you...well, I hope not at least! ha
- You went swimming in the big pool for the first time this month! You LOVED floating around in your float!
- You LOVE to splash in water, you were very cautious at first. When we started walking into the pool, you hung onto me with a death grip...you do not like to take too many risks! ha
- You like your sippy cup a little more this month. You still are not into milk coming out of it, but will tolerate apple juice!
- You got you new "big girl" car seat this month. I cried the whole time the car seats were going up to the attic...I am such a sap!
- You are still obsessed with Ava, and watch her all of the time! You love to bounce in your "johnny jumper" ..You like to grab onto Jack in his jumper beside you...you are SUCH a people person. I am SO glad you have Jack to keep you company sometimes... You NEVER want to leave my side! ha
- You are truly coming more and more alive and turning into a "little girl". It is such a fantastic journey watching you grow!

lots going on...

2011-07-24T07:03:00.000-07:00

As I type this, I am watching Jack and Lucy play and laugh together...what fun it must be to have a constant playmate as they do! They have done so much over the past 2 weeks, that I just had to quickly blog about it as to not ever forget! Jack started eating finger food like a champ! As I have mentioned before, Jack is quite the hard little fellow to feed. Once he was able to be in charge and feed himself...all worries are gone! ha! He LOVES puffs, graham cracker, yogurt melts, and will occasionally feed himself stewed carrots. We are trying to stick to things that he LIKES and will melt easily. He has a VERY sensitive gag reflex and really only wants things crunchy and bland. So, in order to make eating a "fun" thing for him, we are giving him the things that he likes!
Lucy crawled for the first time on July 20th and Jack crawled for the 1st time on July 23rd! He couldn't let her get away from him that easily! haha! Below is a picture of Lucy right before she took off for the 1st time! I also caught it on video! I don't like to add videos to the blog, because this blog is going to be turned into a book and obviously videos will not work for the book! :)

We also caught Jack's 1st crawl, and luckily, he saved it for Daddy to be home and able to see this incredible "first"! We both looked at each other with tears in our eyes when we saw him so gracefully crawl across the floor for the first time! I am not sure if I have mentioned this on the blog yet or not, probably not because it has been a HUGE source of worry for our family....but, Jack was born with his right leg literally up beside his left ear. He didn't move that leg for weeks and also would not straighten that leg out. It was SO scary and we went through multiple tests, ultrasounds and physical therapy to help him move his leg properly. I did PT with him at home for months on my own. The leg has been perfectly fine it seems for months now and we had him double checked at Shriner's at the beginning of this month and heard only good news! His joints are fine and the little muscles that used to be so tight are now extending even more than they need to! We are so grateful to God for His healing. To watch this sweet little boy crawl across the floor and walk around holding our fingers is more than just the typical excitement that a parent feels upon watching their child meet these huge milestones. Praise be to God...and he is crawling ALL OVER the place! :)

Also, among all of this exciting news, Lucy is now starting to actually drink out of and LIKE her sippy cup! woohoo! AND Jack willingly took several bites off of a spoon that I was offering him! If you have ever seen him eat...you know that this is HUGE! hahah!
...and for your viewing pleasure...this is what a SERIOUS case of "bedhead" looks like.... hahaha

Babies Don't Keep...

2011-07-17T08:26:00.000-07:00

...and because of this fact,

I just stare and stare...

...and stare, in utter amazement...

What a wonderful gift you are, Jack and Lucy!

8 months old!

2011-07-09T12:44:00.000-07:00

Lucy:
- You are 19 lbs and 26 inches long. That puts in the 75 percentile in weight and in the 30th percentile in height! You are short and stocky...just like your momma was (is)haha!
- You are still taking 7-8 oz of breast milk four times a day.
- You still sleep from 8 p.m.- 8 a.m. with 2 2-hour naps during the day and 1 short cat-nap at the end of the day...you L.O.V.E. to sleep! :)
- You are eating a ton more baby food now and are liking just about everything we put in your mouth!
- You have eaten sweet potatoes, carrots, turkey and chicken dinners, squash, peas, macaroni, pears, bananas, avocados(you did NOT like them) mum-mums, puffs, crunchers, yogurt and cheese.
- You are rolling all over the place.
- You started walking all over the place in your walker.
- We went ahead and lowered your bed because you and your brother were starting to sit up in the crib and it scared me and your daddy...so we lowered it just in case you decide it is a good idea to stand up in there. ha
- You are still quite obsessed with Ava! You even try to say her name...You say "aaaa-W-aaa" with the same inflection in your voice that I use when I call her...haha! amazing!
- words you are saying: ma-ma, brrr (bird), aaa-w-aaa (ava), ba (bottle)
- sounds you are making: your gurgle alot, ga-ga-ga-ga, you do this cute high pitch "ahhh-ya" all of the time!
- You LOVE to jump now...you used to just sit in the jumper and sway, but now you do this little ballerina plie jump...it is just too cute!
- You are very social and interactive..you just love people and love watching them!
- You are starting to show a bit of a sassy side and do a pretty irritated little grunt when things aren't going your way. (I am trying to stop this before it starts...ha...good luck, right?!?)
- This month, you made you 2nd trip to MS and your 1st trip to AL. We went to Birmingham for a friend's wedding.
- Nonna and I baby proofed everything this month. You are both scooting and opening things now...
- This month you realized that you could blink your own eyes (not just involuntary blinking)...and you started to look at people and scrunch your face up and blink at them...it scared me half to death at first because I was (of course) over-reacting and thinking that you were having eye seizures or something, but then realized that you were laughing every time after you did it...ha...you got over it quickly though and have now moved on to new tricks! :)
- just for memory sake...here you are doing your little "wink" at momma with the camera...so cute!

- 1sts this month: swimming, cheese, avocado, road trip for a wedding, got up on knees rocking, finally clipped a bow in your hair, boat ride, Abner's sauce, 1st full night away from momma! (momma went to Memphis for a much needed girl's night)

- Lucy-girl...thank you for being you! We love you so much little princess!

JACK:

- You are 18 lbs and 8 oz and 28.5 inches long. That puts in the 44th percentile in weight and in the 88th percentile in height! You are LONG and lean!
- You are still taking 7-8 oz of breast milk four times a day.
- You still sleep from 8 p.m.- 8 a.m. with 2 2-hour naps during the day and 1 short cat-nap at the end of the day.
- You are a very finicky eater. You have a bit of a food aversion...but with God's help, we will work through this!
- You have eaten sweet potatoes, carrots, turkey and chicken dinners, squash, peas, macaroni, pears, bananas, avocados(you liked eating it yourself) mum-mums, puffs, crunchers, yogurt and cheese.
- You are rolling all over the place.
- You started walking/running all over the place in your walker.
- We went ahead and lowered your bed because you and your sister were starting to sit up in the crib and it scared me and your daddy...so we lowered it just in case you decide it is a good idea to stand up in there. ha
- You are still quite obsessed with Ava! You just giggle and giggle every time you see her!
- words you are saying: ma-ma, ba
- sounds you are making: your gurgle alot, ga-ga-ga-ga, bow-bow-bow-bow, and you do this HIGH pitch squeal that makes your sister cry momma's ears hurt!ha
- You are kind of getting over jumping..you would rather be running in your walker.
- You are such a "guy" and try to figure everything out..you will sit and study a toy for like 30 minutes to try to figure out how it works.
- You are so tough...you will fall over and just sort of grunt, but it takes a LOT to make you cry!
- This month, you made you 2nd trip to MS and your 1st trip to AL. We went to Birmingham for a friend's wedding.
- Nonna and I baby proofed everything this month. You are both scooting and opening things now...
- This month, you started REALLY trying to crawl....you are pushing up on your hands and your feet...your feet have the motion, but your hands aren't quite making the motion for you yet...you will figure it out all too soon, I am sure!

- 1sts this month: swimming, cheese, avocado, road trip for a wedding, boat ride, Abner's sauce, 1st full night away from momma! (momma went to Memphis for a much needed girl's night)

- Jacker-man...thank you for being YOU! We love you so much, little man!

My Heart...divided

2011-06-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

I loved you the minute I heard you were coming. I loved you the minute you were born. Then I saw your face and fell in love some more. You were only a minute old, but I knew I would die for you and to this day I still would. When you choose to have a child, you make a conscious decision to allow your heart to walk around outside of your body. (in 2 directions!) :)

7 months!!! (somebody stop the clock)

2011-05-30T12:15:00.000-07:00

JACK:

-You weighed 17 lbs at 6 month check up and 24 inches long...which put you in the 80th percentile in height.

You are still taking 8 oz bottles of breast milk every 4 hours.

-You're also eating your baby food a ton better now!

- You eat oatmeal and prunes in the morning, a half jar of veggies at lunch, and fruit, veggies and oatmeal for dinner.

- You still haven't gone down too much on your bottle ounces, and that is ok with me :)

- You still sleep from 7p.m. to 7 a.m. (Sometimes you will actually sleep past 7 in the morning.

- You are graduating from your afternoon catnap from 5-6 (you will just do about 30 minutes now)
- You still nap from 9-11 and 1-3 during the day.

- You are sitting up like a champ and starting to pull your knees under you when you are on your tummy. You are still a ways from starting to crawl.

- You LOVE to take baths and giggle every time the water squirts you.

- You also LOVE Ava...You giggle every time you see her.

- You have the funniest little giggle...it is kind of raspy

- You have incredible eye-hand control and can manipulate so many things already.

- You got your FIRST TEETH!!! You got 3 teeth in 2 days...your 2 bottom teeth and your top left lateral incisor.

- Your first tooth was your bottom right tooth!

- You are really traveling around by rolling...it is so funny...you go all over the floor! :)
- You LOVE to be outside. We sat you down on a blanket on the porch and you just sat there and giggled the whole time...at absolutely nothing :)

- You still like your jumparoo, but I can tell that you are starting to get interested in other things!

- Nothing is safe within your reach...you will grab anything that is in front of you, and you are so strong!

- You are such a compassionate little boy...I don't ever want you to forget the sweet kind heart that you were born with. If Lucy cries, you literally brake you neck to get to her to put your hand on her to soothe her. It is the sweetest thing in the world!

- I fall more and more in love with you every day, little man. You are such an incredible little spirit. I am just amazed watching you develop into the loving, compassionate young man that you are!

LUCY:

- You weighed 17 lbs and 6 ounces at your 6 month check up and you were 23 inches long. You were in the 80th percentile in both weight and height!
- You say "ma-ma-ma-ma"...literally ALL of the time! I LOVE it!

You are still taking 8 oz bottles of breast milk every 4 hours.
- You LOVE to eat!! You go "muah muah muah" with every bite...hilarious!

- You eat oatmeal and prunes in the morning, a half jar of veggies at lunch, and fruit, veggies and oatmeal for dinner.

- You are starting to take a little less milk at your feedings!

- You still sleep from 7p.m. to 7 a.m. (Sometimes you will actually sleep past 7 in the morning.

- You are graduating from your afternoon catnap from 5-6 (you will just do about 30 minutes now)
- You still nap from 9-11 and 1-3 during the day.

- You are sitting up like a champ.
-You are still a ways from starting to crawl.

- You LOVE to take baths and giggle every time the water squirts you.

- You also LOVE Ava...You giggle every time you see her.

- You have the funniest little giggle...it is deep and just the cutest thing I have ever heard in my life!

- You have incredible eye-hand control and can manipulate so many things already.

- You can now hold your own bottle!!! (this is bittersweet for mommy)

- You are not anywhere close to getting teeth.

- You can travel by rolling. You will start crying on your stomach now, for some reason...You know how to flip over??
- You LOVE getting dressed up! You will just pose for the camera... it is hilarious!
-You started doing this fake smile when you see the camera...it is like you already know what you are supposed to do with a camera! ha

- You still like your jumparoo, but I can tell that you are starting to get interested in other things!

- You stare at EVERYBODY! When somebody really strikes your fancy...you will stare at them for the longest periods of time. You would win a staring contest for sure! You don't even blink...I am talking 30 minutes time periods here! ha

- You are such a obedient and compliant little girl. You have such a spirit that aims to please and I want you to always remember the way that you were programmed at birth. If you do something that you are not supposed to do (i.e. squeal at the top of your lungs during dinner) and I tell you "No" with a stern face...You will just stare at me with such an apologetic face, and you will NOT do it again. I need to always remember, as well, that I do not need to go to extreme lengths to punish you...You have an extremely receptive spirit!

- I fall more and more in love with you every day, little princess. You are such an incredible little spirit. I am just amazed watching you develop into the loving, compassionate young lady that you are!

White Flag....

2011-05-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

When Jack and Lucy were about 3 weeks old, I screamed "UNCLE"!! I threw in the proverbial "white flag" and called my friend Lisa about advice on getting a night nanny! She had someone that helped her with her twins and her nanny had a daughter that was looking for work as a nanny and had several previous experiences with twins. She came several nights a week so Cal and I could get a few full nights of sleep! I had to do it...my milk production was going down and I was trying to heal from 5 months of bed-rest and a C-section...it was just the only other option since we have no one here to help us! Susan came in with a huge smile and a lot of love! She saved my life, literally, during those first few months! Once the twins started sleeping through the night at around 8 weeks, we started using her during the day to come help every now and then. Susan is now pursuing another career, as her life is just starting and she is searching for the right career path! We were so blessed to have her help! She still comes over to love on the twins from time to time and I just wanted to document this and pics of her for our memory book...

Now... we have been blessed with another angel! Her name is Kristen! She is simply fabulous! She helps out on Wednesday mornings and Thursdays...just to give me a short breather! She swoops in here and goes straight to work! She washes and makes bottles, loads and unloads the dishwasher, washes and folds all of our laundry (that is HUGE), sweeps, cleans the kitchen, restocks our supply drawers, etc... She is such a sweetheart and she LOVES Jack and Lucy! She is just amazing with them! I come in the door to find her reading to them, playing games with them, and singing to them (she is an amazing singer by the way!) We thank God for Kristen!!! She is such a life-saver!!!!

night out on the town...

2011-05-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

ready for a date night with mommy and daddy!

1st time in a highchair at a restaurant!

Lucy-girl was OBSESSED with staring at a little boy at the table beside us! She seriously did not move a muscle for like 20 minutes...just stared a whole though the poor boy LOL (maybe her 1st crush?) haha

Jack-attack and daddy! We are doing some serious teething! Jack now has 3 teeth...his bottom 2 and his top left lateral insicor! He has been a really good baby through all of this though! :)

My 2 favorite guys!!!

Lucy and mommy!!!

family pic...(Lucy is staring at the keys and Jack is trying to get into the salsa....typical)

pure love

2011-05-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

the truth...

2011-05-14T07:43:00.000-07:00

I have, in the past, been a bit put off by blogs that only talk about the writer's children, but I am at a point now in my life where if I am going to do anything in my spare time, it is going to be for my children. This blog is for them...a way to capture moments...but good and bad. I want to turn this blog into a blog book for them one day and I feel that they will cherish it when they are older.

I have also always used this blog to channel my feelings and emotions as I step through the phases of life. By no means do I want to air out all of my dirty laundry on here, but I also don't want to act like life is always a bed of roses!

Parenting has it's ups and downs...mostly ups...but those downs are pretty intense! There are moments when I am not sure if I will stay sane. Moments when I feel like I am the only person in the world. When I am here by myself and Cal is gone day and night working at the hospital, and I have simply no one to call to come help me in this foreign county...I feel like losing it! Granted, I do have some very dear friends here, but they are mommies too, and are probably at home feeling the exact same way.

There are moments of sheer ecstasy...when these sweet angels laugh at me and look at me like I am the queen of the world, and then there are moments of sheer torture...like when I am trying to pump and I am not making enough milk and both babies are screaming and Ava is barking and it is raining or cold outside and I still have to get dinner on the table and babies bathed and fed and bottles made and clothes washed and (oh yeah) MYSELF bathed and looking decent for my husband to come home! ha

I have battled with breastfeeding like never before...and I am so determined to make it to their first birthday! I will do it if it kills me...but I am so over it! Please pray that keep the strength to go another mile! I have made it half-way! I can do this!!!! Cal keeps telling me that I have made enough milk to feed one baby for over a year...and he is right! That freezer would be full if there were only one baby...but to my avail...there is only 15 oz in the freezer..and I am a pumping FOOL! These TWO babies eat me out of house and home...and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Yesterday was one of those days where I felt like I could not go on...then I looked at these sweet little faces...

...and I remembered what it was like when they were not here. Dark, sad days when I had no idea if I would have the joy of the trials of motherhood! Days when I had no idea that I would be able to see my reflection in the child lying on the living room floor...but now I do!

Sweet moments like this.....

They keep me sane!

See how Jack and Lucy have grown! :)

2011-05-14T07:08:00.000-07:00

I see the biggest difference between 5 and 6 months! I LOVE this age!

Easter and Mother's Day!

2011-05-12T06:31:00.000-07:00

My pretty babes...ready for Easter Sunday!

This photo shows their personalities so well...Lucy, so daintily peeling back the paper and Jack, rustling through like crazy! They are so different, and I LOVE it!

Our first Easter as a family!

Handsome Jack-attack!

Pretty Lucy-girl!

My mom and dad were so sweet to make the trip to Lexington to be here on their first Easter! We so enjoyed you being with us on such a special day!

Mother's Day:

Cal had a "mother's day" spread ready for me downstairs when I woke up. He was on -call the night before and I had no idea that he was already home. I was expecting to go down and heat up bottles and pump before the babies woke up. He was downstairs waiting with a bunch of surprises! He had the whole day planned out! First, McDonald's, Starbucks, a card and a GORGEOUS Pandora bracelet with 2 booties (one with a blue sapphire and one with a pink sapphire) and a separator link with the twins birthstone (pink tourmaline) So glad my babies' birthstone is pink...you all know how I love pink...it IS my signature color!!! LOL I can't wait to add to this bracelet for years to come! What a sentimental and thoughtful gift! Cal, you are the best!!!

We took the twins to church and apparently, according to my cousin, the TV camera guy liked us...Haha...She said that we were on the TV at least a dozen times during the sermon. She said I was waving my hands around like a fool trying to get the babies to laugh... hmmm....should have been paying attention to the sermon, huh? haha

Then we went to have brunch at the Crown Plaza! It was a yummy Mother's Day buffet! It reminded me of being at home and going to the Country Club or the University Club for Mother's Day! :) The above picture is classic! Cal and I were just dying laughing, because everything was going array...Lucy had just "you know what", and had to be de-clothed, and Jack-attack was just ready for the show to be over! haha.

Mother's Day pic with my angels! This will be a tradition...I can't wait to see what they look like next year in this picture!

(Lucy is shoeless b/c she decided that while she was sitting in her car seat at the brunch, it would be a good time to go the bathroom bigger than she has EVER gone before! Let's just say, her car seat will never be the same LOL!!)

After brunch, we took two very tired, but good, babies home and put them down for a much needed nap, while Cal and I took a nap ourselves! ha! Cal was so sweet and planned a carriage ride at Shaker town..but we were all so exhausted that we opted for a nice afternoon at home with some steaks on the grill! What a fantastic first Mother's Day! I will remember it forever!

6 months!!!! Time flies when you are having fun!

2011-05-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

JACK:
- You are such a mover and a shaker! You are always on the go!
- You still sleep from 7p-7a and you take 2 naps from 9-11 and from 1-3 (it is lovely) You still lie down in your swing from 5-5:45 for a short cat-nap in the afternoon!
- You still take 8 ounces every 4 hours (mostly breastmilk)
- You are extremely hard to feed! You would much rather be jumping than eating! Eating is surely not the highlight of your day LOL!
- We just started you on some Prevacid and we are saying prayers that maybe you can now relax and eat!
- You are going in for a swallow test this week because I am certain that there is something going on with your suck and swallow reflex. You just have the hardest time swallowing. Your eyes will get all red and start watering...it is so sad!
- You are really not into baby food either! You will close those lips as tight as possible even before the first bite. I am thinking that you might be our picky eater ha!
- You REALLY don't like bananas...I have never seen such a reaction from you when we gave you your first bite of bananas. You pursed your lips like we had given you the most sour lemon around! :)
- You LOVE to watch this certain part of Baby Einstein where the duck and the horse are sharing 2 balls and 2 airplanes. You will stop and just smile during the whole part (I know...I am bad mother...allowing my children to watch Baby Einstein...shame on me)
- You are super long!!! You are in the 75th percentile in height! Somebody is tall like daddy!! :)
- You love the jumparoo and now are loving to scoot around in the walker.
- You are sitting unassisted and reach and grab toys that you want to play with.
- I was so proud of you for making your 1st choice the other day! I held 2 of your favorite toys in front of you and you looked them both over really good and thought really hard, and then grabbed the teething ring! Your 1st thought out choice! :)
- You can roll in both directions: back to front and front to back
- You are such a happy baby! Your laugh is contagious! You will just crack up laughing at Ava! It is hillarious!
- We love you more and more every day, my sweet little man! You are just gorgeous!

LUCY!

- You are such a dainty little lady- you are very slow in all of your movements
- You still sleep from 7p-7a and you take 2 naps from 9-11 and from 1-3 (it is lovely) You still lie down in your swing from 5-5:45 for a short cat-nap in the afternoon!
- You still take 8 ounces every 4 hours (mostly breastmilk)
- You are extremely easy to feed! You will finish an 8 oz bottle in 5 minutes flat! It is nice that I can feed you first while your brother plays...he doesn't give two hoots or a holler about eating. haha
- You have had your first little cold this month. You just had a little bit of a runny nose and a small cough...you handled it like a champ!
- You are starting to get some more hair! Such pretty blonde hair!
- You like to eat baby food! You started blowing bubbles in your food a lot, but after I told you "No" and gave you a stern look...you looked at me with such a sad face and you NEVER did it again! You are already showing such an obedient spirit!
- You really like squash and sweet potatoes!
- You and your brother LOVE to watch this certain part of Baby Einstein where the duck and the horse are sharing 2 balls and 2 airplanes. You will stop and just smile during the whole part (I know...I am bad mother...allowing my children to watch Baby Einstein...shame on me)
- You are in the 75th percentile in height! Somebody is tall like daddy!! :)
- You love the jumparoo (you just stand there and sway mostly) and now are loving to scoot around in the walker.
- You are sitting unassisted and reach and grab toys that you want to play with.
- You get SO excited when we get you up from your bed in the morning and up from naps. You just giggle and wave your arms around!
- You can roll in both directions: back to front and front to back
- You are such a happy baby! Your laugh is contagious! You will just crack up laughing at Ava! It is hillarious! You and your brother are both just loving Ava!
- We love you more and more every day, my sweet little princess-girl! You are just gorgeous!

Spring/Easter photos... more posts below

2011-04-10T09:42:00.000-07:00

catching up...

2011-04-10T09:27:00.000-07:00

We have really been enjoying these pretty days that are finally here! We felt land-locked for so long after the twins were born, and now we can get out and about! They LOVE to swing together at the park!! Jack just kicks and laughs...it is hysterical!

They are getting really good at sitting up supported and are working on sitting for short intervals by themselves! I can't believe that they are 5 and 1/2 months old! It is crazy!

Enjoying Spring days in the back yard! Such fun with these little bundles!

Uncle Brad came to visit and we were SO excited to see him! Thanks for coming, Uncle Brad...we love you!!!

I know everyone thinks that Jack looks like me, and I think so too, but I really do see some of the "Turner" family in him...and Brad looks just like the Turner's (Cal's mom's family)...I see Brad in Jack sometimes...and so does Cal! It is amazing how their looks pass down!

5 months! wow this is flying by!

2011-04-10T07:07:00.000-07:00

Happy 5 months, my sweet angels! It seems like this time is flying by way too fast for my liking. I want to keep you little forever, but yet, I want to see you bloom and grow into healthy, happy young man and woman. You are both just blossoming in front of our eyes!

LUCY:

- You are around 15 pounds.

- You drink 8 ounces of breast milk every 4 hours (I pump the milk for you)
- You still sleep all night from 7 to 7

- You still take 2 long naps from 9-11 and from 1-3

- You are very in love with your momma...you ALWAYS have to keep your eyes on me...and I love it!

- You will whine until I look at you and then you will just smile so big!

- You have just started using your hands so much more.

- You have really bloomed into a little social butterfly! You are a people person!

- You can roll from front to back and back to front!

- You will roll all over the floor, so we had to break out a much bigger "tummy time" blanket!

- You are such a happy and good baby.

- When you smile, you smile with your whole body... you just shake all over when you smile!

- You still like to be swaddled to sleep (I know..I know...I am trying to break you of the swaddle)

- You are IN LOVE with your daddy! You just stare at him with such love!

- You have a deep voice like your Nonna, and your little giggle is so deep and cute!

- You love your jumparoo and we have already had to bring it up a level. You had to stand on a little wooden cutting board for a while, but within a few days, your feet touched the floor- you are growing so fast!

- Your nickname is "Lucy Ladybug"...and you are SUCH a little lady. You hold your hands so daintily together and when we pick you up, you throw your left hand out in this prissy little position and just look all around and take everything in!

- You have started eating oatmeal cereal with a little prune juice every afternoon.

- You like to blow bubbles in every bite of food (we are trying to stop you from doing that- but it is so cute) You are really a good eater, though! :)

- You have stolen my heart, little princess!

JACK:
You are almost 15 pounds.

- You drink 8 ounces of breast milk every 4 hours (I pump the milk for you)

- You seriously take your time to eat...it takes you FOREVER!
- You still sleep all night from 7 to 7

- You still take 2 long naps from 9-11 and from 1-3

- You are very into everything around you. You just get intrigued with little things and you have such a long attention span.

- You love to jump and jump and jump...you are very active!

- You have just started using your hands so much more- you want to literally touch everything!

- You are starting to bloom more and more into a people person.

- You can roll from front to back like a pro!

- You are such a chill and happy little guy!

- You smile and giggle when you are tickled and when you are jumping!

- You still like to be swaddled to sleep (I know..I know...I am trying to break you of the swaddle)

- You are IN LOVE with your daddy! You just stare at him with such love!

- You love your jumparoo and we have already had to bring it up a level. You have such long legs...you didn't need anything under your jumper to help you touch the floor..You are super long!

- Your nickname is "Jackerman"...and you are SUCH a little boy. You get dirty so much sooner than your sister, and you are only 5 months old...I think that this much be a foreshadowing for the future! ha

- You have started eating oatmeal cereal with a little prune juice every afternoon.

- You really like to eat your oatmeal- you are getting REALLY good at eating!

- You have stolen my heart, little man...I am so glad to watch you grow!

Testing Testing 123

2011-03-26T07:15:00.001-07:00

ok folks... -I have finally stepped into the 21st century... I have a phone that i can blog with! haha so this is my test post. And something that is just the most delicious thing I have ever seen...

4 months!

2011-03-14T07:05:00.000-07:00

The twins are going to be 5 months before I finally make thier 4 month post..geez..I am behind!
Happy 4 months Jack and Lucy!

LUCY!

You are so smiley all of the time!
You are eating 8 ounces every 4 hours. You are still taking breastmilk.
You are sleeping from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
You are still doing great with naps from 9-11 in the morning and from 1-3 in the afternoon.
You still take a little "cat-nap" in the afternoon in your swing from 5-6
You can roll over from front to back (when you want to)
You are experimenting with your voice a LOT lately... you make this funny sound like you are gagging and you think it is so funny.
You have a DEEP voice like you Nanna
Your little giggle is simply to die for
You like to jump in your jumparoo (the Dr. told us to only let you touch with the balls of your feet, so we are going to have the raise the jumparoo soon)
You love to be out and about...you LOVE to smile at everyone you see!
You are not fond of being kept up any longer than your expected naptime and bedtime.
You can reach and grab objects and bring them to your mouth.
You have not yet discovered how to get both legs jumping at the same time. You just sort of sway from one foot to the other.
You are extremely laid back and lady-like. You will just sit and stare and are not very hyper.
You will go to sleep wherever you are if you are kept up past the time you are supposed to go down for bed-time or nap-time.
You are SIMPLY amazing and we LOVE to cuddle you...you are our little chunky monkey! JACK!
You are sort of a serious little guy...but smile every time we talk to you!
You are eating 8 ounces every 4 hours. You are still taking breastmilk.
You are sleeping from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
You are still doing great with naps from 9-11 in the morning and from 1-3 in the afternoon.
You still take a little "cat-nap" in the afternoon in your swing from 5-6
You can roll over from front to back (when you want to)
You are experimenting with your voice a LOT lately... you scream at the top of your lungs...not in a mad way...just trying to see what your voice can do, then you bust out laughing.
You have a deep little laugh, that sounds like a boy.
Your little giggle is simply to die for
You like to jump in your jumparoo (the Dr. told us to only let you touch with the balls of your feet, so we are going to have the raise the jumparoo soon)
You love to be out and about...you just stare at everything!
You are not fond of being kept up any longer than your expected naptime and bedtime.
You can reach and grab objects and bring them to your mouth.
You have discovered how to get both legs jumping at the same time. You want to jump constantly!! haha
You are extremely hyper... you want to constantly jump and be on the move.
You will not go to sleep wherever you are...you HAVE to keep an eye on what is going on around you. haha You are JUST like your momma!
You are SIMPLY amazing and we LOVE to cuddle you...and give you kisses...you always open your mouth and smile when kisses are headed your way!

Happy 4 months my sweet angels.... we seriously thank God every second of every day that you are in our lives and that we get the opportunity to watch you grow!

One Year...

2011-03-03T18:25:00.000-08:00

On this day, one year ago, Cal and I saw this...

One year later, we are blessed with this...

Evolving...

2011-02-08T07:11:00.000-08:00

Wow...Parenting is just an evolving process, and things are happening so fast, my head is spinning.

Jack and Lucy are really easy babies, to say the least, and every step of the way gets easier and easier. I am loving every minute of being able to stay at home with these babies. I want so badly to keep up with all of the firsts and new things on this blog so I can turn it into a book for them one day. I promised myself that I would not make this blog only about my children...but right now that is the only thing I have to write about, because, my life IS my children. They are way too much fun. Yes, I am still taking time for myself. I have help every Monday, Wednesday and Friday so I can go to the gym, grocery shopping and to my Junior League meetings and such...but other than that...Jack and Lucy are center focus!

I am so amazed at how everything evolves.... 2 weeks ago, they started taking a 7.5 oz bottle every 4 hours and started a nap schedule. They nap from 9-11 and 1-3. Those naps were taken together, all snug as a bug in rug in their little swaddlers side-by-side in their pack and play. It was my favorite site to see...those little chubby cheeks, usually turned in the same direction, sleeping soundly with the comfort of the other beside them. Well, we are getting older now, and starting to notice each other, and wake each other up. So, Jack started yesterday napping in his own bed, and Lucy followed him today. They are still swaddled and cute as can be, but they are UPSTAIRS in their OWN beds for nap time...just like big kids! :(

Why, oh why, did I want to cry when I looked at that empty pack and play during nap time today...it is supposed to be this way, right? They are moving into a normal schedule, and "POOF" my "newborns" are GONE...!

3 months!!!

2011-01-30T14:19:00.000-08:00

Lucy

You are such a happy little girl
You are eating 7 oz every 4 hours
You still sleep 12 hours at night from 7-7
You made your first trip to Mississippi this past month.
You were Christened in Jackson, MS on January 16 at Christ United Methodist Church. It was such a special day as we committed to raise you in Christ.
You started a nap schedule this month. You nap from 9-11 and 1-3, then take a little cat-nap in the afternoons from 5-6
You still love to be swaddled to sleep
You will sleep in your swing unswaddled.
You walked around the square for your first time in Oxford this month.
You have just started to be able to hold your head up a lot better.
You are talking a lot more and you smile literally all of the time!
You stare at your brother a lot...but he hasn't really started to notice you as much as you notice him.
You can roll over from your stomach to your back if your arm in under you
You love to pull on the chains on your playgym.
You can sit up in your bumbo so good now!
You L.O.V.E. Baby Einstein and really anything that is on TV ha
You are not very fond of the car
You are really starting to let us know your opinion a lot more lately! ha
You smile this bashful smile- You smile and then turn your head to the side like you are showing a bit of a timid side. haha
You are such a bundle of sunshine and I am so blessed to have you in my life.
and you have just the cutest little feet.......Jack

You are such a talkative little boy- you smile at everything
You are eating 7 oz every 4 hours
You still sleep 12 hours at night from 7-7
You made your first trip to Mississippi this past month.
You were Christened in Jackson, MS on January 16 at Christ United Methodist Church. It was such a special day as we committed to raise you in Christ.
You started a nap schedule this month. You nap from 9-11 and 1-3, then take a little cat-nap in the afternoons from 5-6
You still love to be swaddled to sleep
You will NOT sleep in your swing unswaddled.
You walked around the square for your first time in Oxford this month.
You can still hold your head up really well and are turning from side to side looking around a lot.
You are talk ALL of the time and you smile literally all of the time!
You have noticed your sister a few times, but have not really realized she is there.
You can roll over from your stomach to your back if your arm is under you
You love to pull on the chains on your playgym.
You can sit up in your bumbo so good now!
You L.O.V.E. Baby Einstein and really anything that is on TV ha
You are not very fond of the car AT ALL
You are really starting to let us know your opinion a lot more lately! ha
You love to coo and gurgle and your favorite game is to have someone copy your sounds...you think that is SO funny!
You love to be lifted into the air!
You are such a bundle of sunshine and I am so blessed to have you in my life.
and you have just the cutest little feet.......

2 months!

2011-01-02T19:40:00.000-08:00

Happy 2 months, Jack and Lucy...I am loving you more and more every day!

Jack:

You are the cutest little thing...I swear you get cuter every single day!

You love to be swaddled and nap in the pack and play
You smack on your paci before you will finally start sucking and will do this gagging thing when you don't want it.
You are almost 12 lbs
You drink 5 oz every 3 hours- all breastmilk
You started sleeping through the night a couple of weeks ago- you will usually do a 12 hour stretch.
You laugh constantly- you laugh while you are eating, sleeping, and awake.
You really laugh on the changing table- coo and talk to me and the ceiling (we say that you are talking to your guardian angel)
You really love to stare at your daddy. Wherever he goes in a room, your eyes will surely follow! I'm glad you have a man like him as a role model.
You LOVE tummy time. You are really good at too, and will push your feet against our hands and move slam across the other side of the playmat.
You are REALLY strong. You can hold up your head and "superman" on the playmat while you are on your tummy.
Your feet are starting to "practice crawl" while you are on your tummy and you just love that you can move yourself around a little bit.
You LOVE Baby Einstein...mainly the "numbers nursery"- you will watch it for 30 minutes or more. We are always amazed by your attention span.
You had a little issue with your tummy this month and had to go see the doctor. She perscribed Zantac, but we hope we have cured the problem with probiotics and not the medicine. You are doing much better now.
Your eyes light up when you see me, and you will go from a cry to a smile when you know that I am coming to pick you up.
I am in love with you....we just fall more and more in love every single day. Lucy:
Lucy-girl is your nickname around here...or "pretty princess"
You are full of love and laughter...I have never seen a happier baby
You smile constantly and will even smile at the camera- I think you are our little "ham"
You are so cuddly and love to nuzzle up to our necks
You have this funny position you get in while in your swaddle in the bed and you will stay that way all night long. You turn your head facing out of your crib and get sideways in the bed with your face pointing way up....and you do not move for almost 12 hours hah
You started sleeping through the night last month. You were about 6 weeks old when you made your first 12 hour stretch. Mommy and Daddy were so proud!
You eat 5 oz every 3 hours during the day- all breastmilk
You have discovered your brother and will stare at him and smile
You love to be swaddled and put in your pack and play for naps. You will literally smile and coo on the way to the pack and play b/c you love it so much. Your eyes will almost automatically shut when we lay you down in it and a smirk will still be on your face.
You LOVE LOVE LOVE to sleep...you are like your momma!
You love to watch Baby Einstein. You love the numbers nursery too!
You really aren't that into tummy time. You would rather lie on your back and look around
Your head is a little top-heavy, but you are holding your head up a lot better now!
You like to watch TV and sit in your jumparoo.
You are very particular about your milk. You will not drink a bottle of straight frozen breast milk- you do not like after it has been frozen- you will literally snurl your nose...it is hillarious.
You prefer your bottle to be warmed. You will take forever if it is not.
We have to use prune juice sometimes to get you to go to the potty, but other than that you are not having any tummy problems like you did last month.
You are such a ray of sunshine and add warmth to our family that we didn't even know existed. We love you more and more every day, pretty princess!

30 is the new 20....right?

2010-12-11T16:08:00.000-08:00

The BEST 30th birthday present a girl could ever ask for...

Mommy and Daddy had our 1st date night out using a sitter. We left the twins with my parents before, but this time, we used our nanny that has been helping me some nights. She knows the twins and what they like, so we felt really good about leaving them with her. We felt like grown-ups leaving our house with a sitter staying with our children..ha.
Still looking pregnant...but I am working on it. It will just take some time LOL.

All of my babies on my birthday morning....

I woke up to snow all over the ground, 2 beautiful babies, the cutest dog in the world and Cal was home! What a magical morning!

My birthday presents!!!

Cal also gave me a David Yurman ring that I have been wanting for years. It was a push present/ 30th bday! I am still waiting on it to get here from the jewelers. I can't WAIT to see it in person!

I had a fabulous 30th birthday~ thanks to my sweet hubby for making such a monumental birthday so special!

There is a first time for everything...

2010-12-02T10:31:00.000-08:00

Sitting in our Bumbos for the first time. Jack actually likes them more than Lucy...although this picture doesn't really portray that fact...ha. Lucy was done with the whole situation way before him. Jack just really likes to look around and take the whole world in...so I think he liked the way things looked from this vantage point.
Lucy loves her Nonna! I just love that smile...

Jack's first snow!

Lucy's first snow!

I guess that all of my posts have been about these sweet babies...but they are my life now...

We have been adjusting really well. I am healing and feeling about 95% myself again. They are almost exclusively fed breastmilk. They have 2-3 bottles of formula just at night. They have both gone up to about 4 oz. of milk every 3 hours.

And here is the BIG news.....

drumroll please...

Lucy is sleeping EIGHT hours at night!!!! Jack made a FIVE hour stretch last night too. They get their last nightime feeding at 9:00. Lucy sleeps until 5:00 in the morning and Jack wakes up at about 1:30 or 2:30 to eat again. I let Lucy sleep and feed them both at 5:00 a.m. We (Cal and I) finally feel like we are able to get some rest!

Cal and I are taking shifts from night to night and that is working out great. He gets up one night and then I get up the next. So...there are not 2 tired people in the house and we are getting several good nights of sleep a week. We were both getting up for every feeding and that was getting exhausting.

I just have to say that God could not have created a better man for this job. Cal has been so dedicated, patient, loving and supportive through all of this. He has truly amazed me daily. I am just so proud to call him my husband and so happy that he is Jack and Lucy's daddy! He is an amazing father!

Feeding time approaches...duty calls!

Really?!? Has it been 1 month already?

2010-11-22T17:30:00.000-08:00

Jack and Lucy...I can't believe it! You are 1 month old today!
I will always treasure the above picture because you are both looking straight at me. You both stayed like that for the longest time...just looking at me! I just love you both so much it hurts.

We will put you beside this bunny each month, so we can see how you grow in comparison to the bunny. I can't imagine you outgrowing the bunny...but I know you will in such a short amount of time!

I am going to do the normal "blog tradition" of stating what you are both up to these days!

JACK:

~ You were 6 lbs 14 ounces at your last check up at 2 weeks. I am guessing that you are close to 8 lbs now- you took a huge growth spurt last week.
~You drink 3.5 ounces of milk every 3 hours
~ You are always the one that wakes up first and lets us know that it is time to eat....and buddy you are usually right on the minute to 3 hours. It is hilarious...you must take after your daddy on promptness. ha
~ You have the cutest little thing you do right before you cry each time...you breathe in and out of your nose really fast then make this sound like a goat before you break out into a cry.
~ You had a fussy spell last week (during your growth spurt), but now you are as content as you can be.
~ You LOVE your swing.
~ You do NOT like the TV flashing in your eyes at night. We have to put a blanket up on the side of your swing to block the TV
~ You really like tummy time and lying on your back on the floor- kicking and looking around.
~ You love the Baby Einstein lullaby DVD- you just sit and stare forever...You sat content for over an hour today watching it.
~ You are eating really well now- you did NOT eat well at first. It used to take forever to feed you, but now you eat pretty fast. When you are done..you just start to blow bubbles to let us know that you are done.
~ You are beautiful and we love you more and more every second of every day!

LUCY:

~ You were 8 lbs 3 ounces at your last doctor's visit at 2 weeks and I am guessing that you are knocking on 9.5 lbs now.
~ You drink 3.5 ounces of milk every 3 hours.
~ You would probably keep sleeping if we didn't have to get you up to eat every time you brother eats just to keep you on the same schedule. You are a heavy sleeper.
~ You just now started to cry a little more than normal the past couple of days... maybe you are going through a growth spurt like you brother did last week.
~ You have the cutest little cry...you pucker you mouth into the shape of an O and do this "oooooo" sound...SO cute
~ You already know how to "work it" with your pout. You have know how to stick out that bottom lip since you came into the world.
~You LOVE your swing and the "white noise" sound while you are sleeping.
~You love the Baby Einstein DVD too..you really like to stare at things and people.
~ You smile a LOT! You have been cracking smiles since you were 2 weeks...and you do it at just the right time..which makes us think it truly might be on purpose! :)
You are gorgeous...and we love you more and more each second of every day.

Lead Me!

2010-11-20T15:58:00.000-08:00

Wow...what a fun-filled month this has been! I can't believe that Jack and Lucy will be a month old on Monday. Time flies when you are having fun ha ha. I do know that there is no possible way to prepare yourself for the challenges of twins, nor the joy that you feel while caring for them. It is extremely hard...but extremely rewarding! They are changing daily and their little personalities are making their appearance. It is just the most amazing thing to watch. Two little people...with their own mind, their own opinions and their own lives yet to live. I just get to facilitate for such a short time. Lord, please lead me as I lead them... Sweet, handsome Jack
Precious, beautiful Lucy

2 weeks in review...

2010-11-09T08:43:00.001-08:00

On October 25- we arrived at the hospital at 6 a.m. We were so excited to have the time moved up- my original time was at 1:00 in the afternoon. I don't think we could have waited all day- we would have gone crazy!

Here we are at the hospital, getting ready to go into the operating room prep area. Yes...there were 2 big babies in that huge belly! ha

getting ready to see our babies for the 1st time! So nervous/excited!

Here comes Jack!!! Jackson Turner Laney- born at 8:04 a.m.

...and here is Lucy!!! Lucille Adair Laney- born at 8:05 a.m.
I get all emotional when I see this picture because during my 2 month stay in the hospital, I kept invisioning this scene. I kept picturing 2 healthy babies- strapped in their carseats, ready to come home with us on the day I was discharged. God did it for us- He made it happen! Praise HIM!
Jack- meet your sister, Ava!

Halloween was extra special this year- It was grandaddy's birthday, and he got 2 little pumpkins for his present! He was more excited about this present than any other present I have ever given him...ha! Nonna also had a birthday just 5 days before the twins were born...so she also got this amazing birthday gift! Happy Birthday Mom and Dad!
TWO peas in a pod for Halloween!

snuggling in bed~ the most beautiful babies I have ever seen in my life.

These past 2 weeks have FLOWN by. I can't believe they are already 2 weeks old. They will be teenagers before we know it. We sit and stare at them a lot! We are just overwhelmed by this amazing gift from Heaven.

I have to add a small sidenote... I want to remember all that it took to get to this point. I never want to forget the struggle to get pregnant with these angels. I can't understand why some of my very dear friends are reading this post right now wondering why God hasn't granted them the baby that they desire. I will never understand why some have to wait longer than others or why the pain is so extreme that it literally hurts every fiber of your being while you are waiting. Please remember that if you are reading this and you are still waiting- miracles do just happen- silent prayers are answered and God has an AMAZING plan for you.

They're HERE!...and they are perfect!

2010-11-03T17:26:00.000-07:00

Jackson Turner Laney "Jack" born at 8:04 on October 25, 2010- 6 lbs and 2 oz/ 19.5 inches long

Lucille Adair Laney "Lucy" born at 8:05 on October 25, 2010- 7 lbs and 9 oz/ 19.5 inches long

SIMPLY AMAZING!

Sweet, sweet babies!

Last...

2010-10-22T18:37:00.000-07:00

Last...

...weekend to not be a mom

...Friday to sit in silence

...3 nights to not sleep with one eye open

...few times to feel hiccups and kicks

...few times to struggle getting in and out of a chair LOL

...times to look at empty swings

...few days to not be able to smell and kiss my sweet babies

Last time before A LOT of firsts...

A Miracle...

2010-10-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

36 weeks!!!!

I am HOME!!! I have been here for a week. I was in the hospital for a grand total of 8 weeks, including all of my admissions. I was there for a running 6 weeks this time before I was finally discharged to come home! I wish that I could have journaled this experience a lot more than I have...but with the I.V.s and magnesium...typing with a level head was just out of the question. I am so happy to say that our God is still in the "miracle working" business. I mean...I have been contracting in a labor pattern since I was 23 weeks pregnant! At 33 weeks, when I became 3.5 centimeters dilated and 100% effaced, the contractions literally STOPPED! If that is not a miracle...I do not know what is. I still have the normal "braxton hicks" contractions a few times a day, but definitely not every 5-10 minutes anymore. I am now 36 weeks and 1 day!!! As Cal says..."That is just crazy talk"! I will NEVER forget the night at the hospital at 26 weeks when we were told that we were going to have to be transferred to UK to have our babies.....I will never forget looking up at Cal and seeing the fear in his eyes. It was the most sobering moment of my life. A nurse came into my room and put her hand on me and Cal and began to pray. I will never forget that prayer, and I will never forget the way that it made me remember who was in charge. Our God is such and amazing God. He has a reason for everything. If the only reason behind why we had to go through what we did was to be a testament for His glory and for His ability to work miracles...then this has been worth it all.
I know when I see these little faces in a week and 4 days...I will see another reason why this has been worth it! As of now, I am LOVING the little kicks and hiccups and literally cry when I think of how I only have such a short time to have them all to myself like this. Although, this has been a very challenging pregnancy...it has been the best experience of my life. I have looked forward to this all of my life, and nothing can steal my joy!
I will leave with a few pictures of how our house is changing and turning into a home ready to "bring home babies":
I am a little obsessed with these car seat covers! Love them...

This is a very special picture in the nursery of the other set of twins in our family... my grandfather Edward and his twin Edwin:
Lucy's side:
Jack's side:
Below is Lucy's "coming home" gown. On top of the shelf are shoes and books that were mine and "Chuck's" (Cal's dad) silver baby cup. Also, her "coming home" bonnet that I had made for her. It is appropriately called the "Ava" bonnet by the company...ha
Jack's "coming home" gown and bonnet. On top of the shelf is a blue glass carriage that was Cal's, his little shoes and silver baby cup, along with a set of fairy tale books that belonged to me:
The changing station is one of my favorite things....I love that it is sunny and has a good view too. This window was just a bay window and my dad built the shelves to turn it into the changing station.... I LOVE it! My mom made all of the lamps in the room! How talented is she?
Cal's mom did the glazing on the nightstands and chest of drawers! They match PERFECTLY!!! I am just in love with the nursery!!!

...and last but NOT least....here is our 1st baby trying out some of the "baby gear"....she is having mixed emotions as this is her last week of being our "only child" LOL:

Trust or Sink?

2010-09-21T08:52:00.000-07:00

We are doing great here.... we have a plan of action and a DATE for the C-section!! I will be taken off of the magnesium I.V. right at 34 weeks, which is next Wednesday. I am so excited about getting this I.V. out of my arm. I have had to get the I.V. re-done ever 4 days, so I am going to be so glad to not have to be stuck again.
Also, our Doctor gave us a C-section date of October 20~ we are so excited to have a plan and a date! She just talked to us about this last night. She seems to think that there is no reason that I wouldn't make it 4 more weeks. I sure hope I can- then we will be taking these babies home with us! That was an unheard of dream to us about 4 weeks ago. We toured the NICU and got our minds prepped to see our sweet little angels in those incubators. We knew that God would provide and take care of these babies that He loves more than we do...but it was an extremely hard pill to swallow to think of these helpless babies being poked on and prodded on. We know that now at 33 weeks, these babies would be the "growers and feeders" in the NICU if God decides that they need to come on into the world...what a blessing!

I have been clinging to the story of Peter....do we Trust or Sink?

"And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water." Matthew 14:28

If you've read this account before, you'll remember that the disciples were in a boat and Jesus came walking toward them on the water. The Bible tells us that Peter called out to Jesus and said, "Lord, if it is you, bid me to come to you on the water." Jesus told him to come and Peter walked on the water for a while. Then he began to look at the boisterous winds around him and when he did, he began to sink. The next thing we see happening is Peter crying out to Jesus to save him.

As I thought about this account, I noticed that Peter had the faith to call out to Jesus and ask Him to let him come to Him, and at Jesus' word He stepped out onto the water. When Peter began to sink, he had the faith to call out to Jesus to save him. But if you'll notice, he did not have the same faith in Jesus when he looked at the "storm" around him. We are no different than Peter- we have faith in the Lord to step into the water, and if we get in trouble and start to sink we have faith in Him to save us, it seems that our trouble comes in the "middle" of the storm. That's when we have trouble believing and trusting Him. I trust Him to get me out there, I trust Him to save me when I sink, but can I trust Him when I'm in the storm and it's raging all around me? Do I have the faith to believe that He can keep me afloat? Do I forget Who is with me on the stormy sea? Most people find it hard to walk "with" Him in the storm.

This is where our problem lies. When Peter was sinking, Jesus asked him why he doubted? In other words...why did you doubt that I would take care of you while you were out here? We must learn to trust Him while we are in the boat, when we take that first step out of the boat, when we are sinking... and while we are going through "boisterous" times.

a day in my life

2010-09-06T12:37:00.000-07:00

For memory keeping sake....here is my 30 week picture at the hospital. I am starting to look like "octomom"...sheesh.... Please ignore the swollen face from the IV of magnesium....I can't even put on my rings. ugh

I hope that it just gets bigger! :)

I will be 31 weeks on Wednesday, and I just can't stop thanking God for this miracle that He is allowing to occur. I don't know of very many stories where a woman has contractions non-stop every 5-10 minutes for 2 and1/2 months and nothing happens. We are very grateful that we have gotten this far.
My days up here are pretty good. I have made friends with everybody here at the hospital...I am even getting some special treats from the kitchen...like Snicker's icecream bars! yum! I really am not having a bad time up here...the bed is comfy, my meals are good, and the nurses will remain lifelong friends. There is always good in everything...and I am determined to find the good all day long! Also...Ava got to come visit on Saturday. She nearly bit a nurse for giving me a shot, but besides that, she did really well. She was sooooo sweet- she curled up by my belly and slept all day. I miss that little dog so much! :(

Cal and I are dreaming of watching babies in bouncy seats in about a month or so while watching Ole Miss games in the comfort of our living room....ahhhh...the little things sound so amazing right now!

We're Still Truckin'....

2010-09-02T16:48:00.000-07:00

So....here I am at 29 weeks prego. Do you see why my body thinks that I am full-term? ha Jack and Lucy have grown even more, and we are taking pictures at the hospital, but NO, I am not putting up those awful pictures LOL! My eyes are just about swollen shut from the magnesium IV that I am on. We will look at these pictures and laugh one day I am sure. The picture above was taken right before I was admitted back into the hospital this time around.

In all seriousness, the twins could come any day now. They have me on meds to stop the contractions, but I am already dilated (1.5 centimeters last week) and my cervix is already changing. We know that at 30 weeks, the twins could do really well, but I know that each day that I am in the hospital, I am saving them from 2-3 days in the NICU, statistically. I keep telling myself this fact and each time that I am poked with a needle or IV, I remind myself that it is one less needle that Jack and Lucy will have to be stuck with.
The doctor told me today that I will be here until 34 weeks unless, the twins decide to come before then.

I believe in the power of healing through prayer and I know that God can stop this pre-term labor if it is His will. But, I also want to pray that if it would be safer for the twins to come out due to some unknown infection or something of the such, then, I want God's will in that as well. I have stopped praying "God please keep them inside", and started praying, "God...your will be done". He knows the reason this is happening and He will keep Jack and Lucy safe.

At this point, I just need prayers for sanity and resolve as I sit in the hospital for this undisclosed amount of time. I am just so grateful that the babies are still safe and sound.

2 hearts beating wildly

2010-08-17T06:53:00.000-07:00

Have you heard the song "One Boy, One Girl" by: Collin Raye....

well, I have cried my tears for the day~ ha~ what great lyrics

.........................................................................................................

He was holding her hand when the doctor looked up and grinned,
"Congratulations, twins"

One boy, one girl
Two hearts beating wildly
To put it mildly, it was love at first sight.
He smiled, she smiled, and they knew right away
This was the day they'd been waiting for all their lives,
And for a moment the whole world,
Revolved around one boy, and one girl

...........................................................................................................

(and I believe our world will continue to revolve around this little boy and girl....we already love them so much it literally hurts)

By the way...I am at HOME now from the hospital. I was there for a week and a half. My cervix has still not changed at all, so they feel certain that Jack and Lucy will stay put for a lot longer. I am on full-blown bed-rest now. I can't even go downstairs...I had to pick a floor and stay there...so I picked the floor with a shower! ha My mom is here helping me set all up and Cal is such an angel....everyone is helping so much! I am just so glad to be in my bed with my sheets and pillows....no more plastic pillows! woohoo

Please pray that these contractions continue to do no harm!

One Wild Ride!

2010-08-10T15:38:00.000-07:00

I want to post this, not only for your prayers, but also for my memory. Our little family has been through a whirlwind the past couple of days. I know I posted this before, but I have been having contractions for about a month now. On Thursday, August 5th, the contractions did not make thier usual stop after about 2 hours of having them...they just kept coming. They were not painful, just uncomfortable and my belly got really hard. I called Cal at work and told him that I was going to have to go in to the hospital. They put me on the monitor and immediately tons of people came rushing into my room with needles, steroids, IVs, catheters, and so on... my contractions would NOT stop. They put me on the HIGHEST possible levels of magnessium sulfate and they STILL would not stop. There was talk of moving me to UK, because Central Baptist NICU only accepts babies 28 weeks and above. I was only 26 weeks and 1 day. Cal and I were the most scared that we have ever been in our lives.
The contractions finally started to loosen up and my cervical length was still good and long. I sat in this room on an IV of mag, fluid, antibiotic, catheter, pulse monitor, blood pressure cuff, and scuds on my legs for 2 days...there was no window in the room- Cal and I were literally going crazy! I am not even sure what we did with our time. I think we just stared at the wall. I was moved over to the ante-partem unit on Saturday- which is like a "graduation" from labor and delivery. A big nice room with a WINDOW, computer, refrigerator, DVD player, shower, and all of that fun stuff. ha
It is now August 10 and I am still here and probably will be until mid-August or more. They want to keep me here for sure until I am 28 weeks. I will be 28 weeks next Wednesday....so ONE MORE WEEK! I will be 27 weeks tomorrow!!! BIG celebration!
Jack and Lucy are doing great...they are still playing around- great heartrates and they look great on the ultrasound. The ultrasound that we had on Monday proved that my cervix was still good and long with no changes. PRAISE GOD> the Dr. called my contractions, "worthless contractions"- so that made us all feel much better. We are now playing around with meds to stop them...well, not stop them ...but slow them down a bit. So far, I am still having them pretty regular and they are wearing me out- literally! I am exhausted at the end of the day, even though I sat in the bed all day.
I just keep telling myself that I would much rather be the one hooked up to monitors and IVs than Jack and Lucy. They are as happy as they can be right now, and that is the way it needs to stay. Each day that I am here hooked up to all of this junk is one more day that they will not need to be! That is re-assuring.
Please pray for us- pray for our determination and strength, and that God continues to do His will in all of this.

Prayers...

2010-07-29T08:37:00.000-07:00

For this reason we never become discouraged. Even though our physical being is gradually decaying, yet our spiritual being is renewed day after day. And this SMALL and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble. For we fix our attention not on the things that are seen, but on things unseen. What can be seen only lasts for a time, but what can not be seen lasts forever. 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18

We are fixing our attention on things unseen. God's plan is the ultimate and I KNOW with all of my heart that HE will provide and take care of us.

I have been having a LOT of early contractions and had to be admitted into the hospital twice during the past week. I am on meds that are somewhat controlling the contractions. I am on bed-rest and will be until these little angels arrive. I am trying to stay focused and controlled and non-emotional, but it is hard. I know that the more I am on an even-kill, the better it is for the babies. I am trying to be solid and calm. I take that back....God is being solid and calm through me, because without Him, I would be a total mess. I have a feeling that this whole situation is harder for the people around me than on me.

I am just asking for your prayers. Please pray that Jack and Lucy stay safely inside until they are full-term and healthy. I am 25 weeks and 1 day today....my Doctor is setting short-term goals for me- so the BIG goal as of now is to get to 28 weeks. So, 3 more weeks, then when we get to that point, we will set a new goal, and so on.

On another note: Here are some new pictures of the nursery in progress.... I obviously can't work on it anymore, so I am so thankful that we have gotten done what has already been done. Check out the furniture that my mother-in-law glazed for us. Isn't is gorgeous?!? I am LOVING the nursery! I love to go in there and just sit and stare. The curtains will be in next week. I am covering lampshades in pink toile for Lucy to match her bedding, and one in blue toile to match Jack's bedding. My sweet sorority sister, Christie, is painting canvases for above their beds with thier "master circle" monograms. Also, I am looking for some little hanging coat-racks to hang above their night-stands and lamps for thier "coming-home" outfits. Also, we (Cal and my mom and dad) are putting an extra shelve under the changing to table to put slide-in baskets for all of the changing equipment. I am so excited to see it all coming together!

mini-Cal and mini-Adair

2010-07-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

I know that this will be an ultra boring post for most, but for my memories, I want to record all of these special moments... (tons of ultrasound photos ahead)...
Cal's mom, Suzan was able to go with us to the 1st ultrasound here in KY. It was fun to see Lucy and Jack moving all around and watch as they measured so perfectly in every area. I was 21 weeks and 1 day and they both measured right at 21 weeks and 1 day on pretty much everything- EXCEPT- Jack's legs literally measured 23 weeks long HAHA... guess he is going to take after his 6'6" daddy! Also....take a look at their feet! These pictures do not do it as much justice as seeing it in person. The tech was even laughing about Jack's BIG feet! She was using the same zoom on both photos...I hope that the difference is as noticable in these pictures as it is in person...

Above are Lucy's skinny little feet (both in the picture- left foot resting on top of right foot)
and here is Jack's BIG foot! It is hillarious! this is Lucy's face- she is looking straight at the camera- her chin and facial bone structure is exactly like mine! :) and here is Jack looking straight at the camera- his chin and facial bone structure is exactly like Cal's! :) This photo was at 23 weeks- the top of both heads. They are both side-by-side and breech. All FOUR feet are on my bladder! HAHA I know it is hard to see- but here is the proof that Jack is all BOY! and the proof that Lucy is all GIRL! Above is Lucy's profile- I hate that it is so blurry. She has her little arm up by her face. Look at that cute little button nose! :) and here are 2 shots of Jack's profile- in the above photo his mouth is wide open. mouth is open in this one as well, just not as wide. He has the cutest little button nose too! I just can't wait to squeeze them both!!! They are starting to become real people in our minds- it is so surreal.

I just remember so vividly wondering if I would ever be able to feel this miracle happening inside of me, and I can't stop praising and thanking God for the opportunity to have this awe-inspiring experience. Cal and I want to thank each and every one of you for all of your continued prayers and support during this whole process! We feel so blessed!

10 things I have learned about being a resident's wife:

2010-06-26T06:29:00.000-07:00

I saw this on my friend Kim's blog this morning and HAD to re post/edit! I was dying laughing reading! I thought this would be a great thing to put up on Cal's LAST day as a resident! He is heading up to Kentucky to start the last leg of this adventure. He will now be a Cardiology Fellow...but I am certain that these top 10 things that I learned about being a resident's wife will still apply! ha

Here is My Top Ten:

10) 9-5 does not exist. (EVER)

9) Never put out dinner when he is says he is leaving the hospital. Wait at least 2o minutes, call him back and make sure he really did escape, then put it out.

8) Whatever time he says he will be home, add at least 2 hours.

7) He can fall asleep in less than 2 seconds even if he is eating, talking, showering, or even watching a major sporting event that he has been dying to watch!

6) It is okay to sleep in the guest room when he is on take-home call or you will be up every five seconds listening to pages and orders that will leave you dreaming of hospitals, orderlies and nurses.

5) Family comes first...HA...yeah right! Your wife is having surgery at 10:00 a.m.? Oh, OK...see you at 1:oo. Oh, and good luck.

4) An 80 hour work week is normal and is the limit residents are allowed to work. HA! SOOO not true!

3) There is no such thing as time off to help your family. "Your wife is 20 weeks pregnant with twins and you are moving to KY this week? Tell your wife good luck as she moves by herself....we will see you every day this week at 6:30 a.m. sharp!"

2) You go to everything by yourself! You get really used to sitting through couples dinners, weddings, supper clubs, and family reunions BY YOURSELF! You become VERY independent!

1) If he really loves what he does, then you can live through 3 tough years and even make it through 3 more as a Fellow!

Cal, I am SO proud of you! You have done such an amazing job as a resident. I never once heard you complain. You are such a hard worker and I could not be more proud of you and excited for you as you move ahead in this journey to fulfill your dream. I can't believe that this chapter in our life is over. It is amazing to me. It seems like yesterday Ava and I were standing beside the "Alabama" sign with you taking our picture on our way to Birmingham! You are such a strong and dedicated man and I am so proud to call you my husband. You are going to be such an amazing example for our children! I can't wait to see you this Sunday! HURRY UP AND COME HOME!!!! I love you!

Happy Anniversary, My Love!

2010-06-21T08:44:00.001-07:00

On June 17, 2006- we both made one of the biggest decisions of our lives. We chose one another to spend the rest of our lives with. Every day, I realize more and more what an amazing decision that we both made. I love you, Cal, more and more each and every day! I have no idea why God has blessed me the way He has with you, but I am thank Him every day for allowing me the honor to be your wife. You are the most amazing man that I know, and I am SO glad that Jack and Lucy get to have a father like you. They really lucked out in the "daddy department"! Jack will have the most amazing role model in the world...and you will be Lucy's idol! They are both some really blessed kiddos to have you for their daddy! That being said...Happy Father's Day to you too! I love you!!

2 new posts below...

Nursery in progress!

2010-06-21T08:30:00.001-07:00

We got the cribs on our anniversary, and started the process of decorating the nursery. It is SO much fun thinking about the details. It is no where NEAR finished...but the furniture is pretty much taken care of!

Here is Jack's crib~

and Lucy's crib~
the whole room~ Dad made a higher shelf in the windowsill where we put the changing station...it is so pretty...I need to take more pictures.
putting everything together :)
the black furniture behind me is a HUGE chest of drawers and 2 nightstands. My sweet mother-in-law is coming next week to help us paint the set to match the nursery! I can't wait to see it all together!
Jack and Lucy...growing like crazy:

I am LOVING this whole process! It is most definitely one of the best times of my life!!!

Jack and Lucy's cousins come to visit!

2010-06-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

We had our first visitors in our new home this weekend! Mark, Becky, Collier and Cadyn came to Lexington to visit! We had an amazing time. Mom and Dad were here too (they had been here helping me move in). It was a great Father's Day weekend!

Ava and Collier made friends...after a few discrepancies, ha!

Cadyn eating his breakfast...

Collier and Dad

Dad and his little twin, Cadyn... (or fondly referred to as Dad's "mini-me")- kind of spooky isn't it?!?
sweet Collier cuddled up with Nonna~

Pretty boy! Just look at those eyes...they will melt your heart!

My brother, Mark, and Cadyn

Collier and Mark on the back porch~

catching lightning bugs in my backyard~

Grandaddy and Collier catching lightning bugs~

sweet boys...

climbing a tree in the back yard...I hope Jack and Lucy are old enough in this house to climb trees...there are some REALLY good climbing trees back there! :)
exploring with Ava~ she knows where all the animals hide...LOL

So glad they came to visit! It was a wonderful weekend!

And Then...

2010-06-13T13:52:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a SUPER long post. I am catching up on this month, and BOY this month has been a doozie! whew! We have been soooo busy!

In May, these lovely ladies threw Cal and I a surprise Going Away/Baby Shower! It was a "Mexican" theme...and yes, they had a virgin margarita waiting on me! ;)

The cute diaper cake that Areta made...so cute!
a few of my school friends made it out to the party... CUTE margarita cupcakes
YUMMY Mexican food from Cocina Superior...my FAVE!
AND THEN...
I had a LOVELY shower at work. My friend has yet to email me the pics from that shower...I will make a new post with those pictures.

AND THEN...
Cal and I were in Waverly and Micheal's wedding in Jackson, MS! It was beautiful!

...all of the bridesmaids at the Bridesmaids Luncheon. Waverly, the beautiful bride, and I

aren't they super sweet?!?

she was just breath-takingly gorgeous! I'm so happy that I was able to be a apart of their special day. The WHOLE Laney family (Cal, me, Jack and Lucy ha)

AND THEN...

I had an AMAZING shower in Jackson at Cal's parent's home.

Lucy got some really cute bloomers :) (don't worry...Jack racked up himself) :) The lovely hostesses...Nicole, me, Christina, Kate, and Suzan my sweet friend, Christina, made these diaper cakes! How talented is she? They are beautiful and were the first things I sat down in Jack and Lucy's nursery! The amazing spread of food! several of the my sweet friends that made it to the shower.

me and the proud daddy!

opening the gifts from my mom that she bought when I first found out that I was pregnant! She just knew that we were going to have boy/girl twins...mother's intuition never lies! ha

Aunt Leigh Anne MADE these hats for Jack and Lucy. I was SOOO impressed! Thank you Leigh Anne!!! (sorry your eyes are closed girl...this is the only one I had! ;)

AND THEN...
We packed up our house....

and moved to Kentucky....

Now, I am doing this...

and hanging out with these cool kiddos...

my cousins...Jake,

...and Macy!

My mom is still here, thank God! She and my entire family have been SUCH a huge help. I am just so thankful for them! I do not have a clue how I would have done this without them. Cal has to stay at work to finish up his residency and will be up here in 2 weeks. I am missing him so much it hurts. I am SO ready for him to come "home"!

I will update soon with pics of the new house!

NEWS!!!

2010-05-29T14:31:00.001-07:00

So.....we went to the Dr. on Thursday and were able to find out that we are having a ...............................

BOY!!!!!

and a.....

GIRL!!!!!

We are beyond excited!

We were able to immediately see the little boy parts on baby A...but baby B gave us a run for our money. She just wouldn't turn right so that we could see her parts. FINALLY, she did a little flip, and low and behold...girl indeed!!

We are still working on the names. We will formally announce the names at a later date. We pretty much have it narrowed down though.

We are moving on the the 8th of June and the moving trucks will be here on the 7th. We are both in a wedding next weekend as well in Jackson, MS- so we have a full week and a half coming up! I am trying to get some stuff done this weekend and also rest at the same time to get ready for the big move!

I don't have ultrasound pictures to post b/c all that they gave me were shots of their privates. There were not good profile shots this time...but I can tell you that they both have the cutest little button nose, chubby cheeks, ten fingers, ten toes, and full little bellies! They were the cutest, sweetest things I have ever seen in my life!!! I just love them to pieces!

I will update again after the move. I am going to be a busy girl for the next little bit!

Movin and Shakin...

2010-05-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

Well folks...we are moving in a little over THREE weeks! oh my!

No, we still haven't sold our house. Yes, I am frustrated. Yes, we have a place to live in Lexington. Yes, we are SO glad that we didn't buy in Lexington...God blessed us with a great house in a great neighborhood that is established and close to everything.

We are now working on trying to rent our house here. We have gotten a lot more bites with it up for rent as opposed to it being on the market...so maybe this will be the best way for us to go. There has just been no showings at all. This economy is just awful.

I never thought that I would do this...but I am gonna. This is our family's way of journaling our lives...and that is exactly what I am going to continue to do.

So...here is what a person looks like when there are TWO babies in thier belly! ha

12 weeks:

13 weeks:

14 weeks:
I do NOT like the last picture...but oh well.... I am trying to be good about taking a weekly picture. I love to compare. I look like I could be 20 weeks pregnant. Those Laney babies are growing fast! :)

Show us your life...

2010-05-07T16:10:00.000-07:00

Kelly's Korner is hosting a "show us your life" day with the theme of "Your kids....or future kids names)

I thought this sounded like too much fun to pass up....since there are 2 little people on the way to join our family!

I have ALWAYS, to a point of obsession, worked on names for my future children. It is funny that as a teenager you don't think about the fact that you have to AGREE with someone else on the names that you pick for your children. haha

So....this is probably crazy, but I remember sitting on the back porch of my house in college talking with Cal about what we would name our future children....LONG before we were even engaged. We just "knew", I guess...so here they are, in no particular order:

We have 2 boy names:

Jack Turner Laney

Jack was my papa's name. I have always loved the name, but in college, I decided that I wanted to carry on the legacy of this great man that I never "really" met. He was such a strong and honest man from the stories that I hear. The story of his name is so cool too....Jack was the the 7th son, and back in the day in "back-woods" Mississippi, the 7th son was some sort of special "omen". His parents never named him and even took him to people homes when they were sick, thinking that he was a healer of some sort. ha...They called him "son". When he got to 1st grade, the teacher asked him his name and he said, "son". The teacher insisted that he MUST have a name, so he thought of the poem "Little Jack Horner"...and he then named himself "Jack".

Turner is Cal's mother's maiden name. It is also Cal's brother's middle name. I just love the name. The Turner name is also a strong name that we want to pass on to our child.

Reid Allen Laney

Reid is obviously my maiden name and carried on the legacy of my father, and his father. I was always told by my grandpa Edward (whom by the way was also a twin) to always, "Keep the Reid name and keep it good...always keep your commitments and keep your word". What a great name and lesson behind it to pass on to our child.

Allen is Cal's middle name...and we all know how awesome he is!!! :)

Our 2 girl names:

Kaler Marie Laney

Kaler is my grandmother's maiden name. There is also a VERY little town in KY named after her family. My grandmother was an amazing woman...and she spoiled me to death LOL. I would be so proud to pass her name on to our little girl.

Marie is Cal's grandmother's name and she is just the most amazing woman you would ever want to meet. She is strong, determined and such a classy, southern lady. I would only hope that our little girl has some of the qualities that she possesses.

Lucille "Lucy" Adair Laney

Lucille is Cal's great grandmother's name. Cal's dad's grandmother. I am not sure the whole story of Lucille, but I know that she was someone special to Chuck (Cal's dad). I want to sit down one day and really hear about this wonderful woman.

Adair is my mom's middle name and my middle name...you can't break tradition! :)

...and I am sure you are wondering, if these twins are a boy and a girl, what would there names be....I will have to be honest and say we are not sure.

The boy would definitely be Jack Turner, but the girl name is still between Kaler and Lucy???

What do ya'll think???

This was fun...thanks for humoring me! LOL

Growing like crazy!

2010-04-30T10:58:00.000-07:00

We went for our final weekly ultrasound yesterday. We have seen the twins every single week since I was 5 weeks pregnant. We will not go back for another 4 weeks...it will be the longest 4 weeks of my life! LOL At 5 weeks, we saw the sacs before we could even see the babies. We went back and they were tic-tacs, then gummy bears, then teddy bears...then real, live babies! They were sucking their thumbs yesterday and we were able to turn on the doppler and actually hear their hearts beating. It was SUCH a cool feeling. I lost it as soon as I heard it the 1st time...cried like a baby.
Here are the pictures from yesterday...and a short video.

Baby A

Baby B- sucking his or her thumb...

both baby's profiles:

What more could you want?

2010-04-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

The Tooth

By: Anna

It is the 154th day of school and I do not have a...
Wiggly Tooth! The perfect place to loose a tooth is school because...
(note the thought bubble telling her to get-up out of bed and go to school) haha I can show it to my mom! I already have lots of money, but I want more for...a place called Heart-Wood. Their people are very weak and poor. That is why I want the tooth fairy to come.

Wouldn't it be nice if we all had this kind of spirit for giving?
What more would you want as a parent? Lord, please help me to instill in my children a spirit for giving that surpasses their desire to have things for themselves.

With every good there is a bad, and with every bad there is a good!

2010-04-17T05:50:00.000-07:00

The bad-

Well, I will start with the bad. It looks like our house is no longer under contract. Something happened with the buyer and all of the details are a bit shady. I do know that MY GOD is able and I know that all will work out in the end. God is just waiting for the perfect time. We will know all of the answers one day.

NOW, on to the more important things...

THE GOOD!!!

these little guys are doing GREAT! growing like little weeds!!!

SOLD!

2010-04-14T15:28:00.000-07:00

Thank GOD!!!!! Our house has sold! There are TWENTY ONE houses on the market in our neighborhood....and it SOLD!!! We are beyond excited! The inspector came yesterday and the appraiser in the morning...and it looks as if things are moving along smoothly. Anything could happen- so please pray for a smooth process.

We went to KY this past weekend and found several homes that we really like- and are still in a decision making process about which one to make an offer on. I know that everything will all work out in the end!

I am SO excited...my Mom is coming to Bham tomorrow to come to my ultrasound on Friday morning! I can't wait! She will get to see her grand babies for the 1st time! Maybe they will do something really cute...but to me, just their little beating hearts is the most GORGEOUS thing I have ever seen in my whole entire life.
I will post some pics on here tomorrow!

of tattoos and such...

2010-04-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

During restful reading today, Jack and Anna were behind me having an all too consuming conversation. It was truly hillarious and Jack had the most sincere tone in his voice while retorting his opinion to Anna. I had to cover my mouth and look away. I then decided to transcribe what I was hearing. Reason number 1,000,991 why I love my job:

Anna: My dad tricked me and said that he wanted to get a tattoo.

Jack: He didn't really though, right?

Anna: No, a permanent tattoo is something that has needles and requires ink.

Jack: I would NEVER get one of those.

Anna: Yeah, me neither.

Jack: I would never get one because that would be disobeying God.

Anna: NO, it's not...it's not disobeying God.

Jack: Yes, it is, it says it in the Bible. It does, really, it does.

Anna: It is not a "God rule" to not get one , it is a "government rule".

Jack: No, God doesn't want you to get tattoos.

Anna: It is not God's rule, but I wouldn't get one.

Jack: Nope, me either

...and that was that.

FUN!!!

2010-03-31T12:32:00.000-07:00

Cal came home on Saturday and surprised me with THIS!I was so excited...I literally started crying and shaking! I have been wanting a Nikon D90 for soooo long! My student teacher last year wet my appetite for it. She is taking a day with me soon to show me the ropes on how to use it! I am SOOOOO excited!

Here are a few snippets of my amateur photography....I was just practicing! I need all of the advice and instruction that I can get! This camera has so many gadgets! If you have advice on ANYTHING to do with photography...PLEASE leave a comment and give me pointers!!!

Now Unto HIM....

2010-03-25T11:31:00.001-07:00

...who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21
~Meet the Laney Twins~

due date: 10/10/10

We just can't stop praising HIM!

Pray!

2010-03-23T10:31:00.000-07:00

My god-daughter, Madyson, whom I wrote about in my previous post, has been having unexplainable seizures. She just goes blank and her eyes just pop up and down. Madyson is autistic and has had a lifetime battle with the everyday challenges of autism. She is now fighting a new battle and it is one that her mom and dad were completely surprised by. They are running an EEG this afternoon and we are hoping to get some answers. She has had 3 of these episodes in the past 6 weeks. The doctors are going to put her on a 48 hour watch with a cap on her head monitoring her brain waves soon, and hopefully if no answers are given today, they will get some answers then. Please just pray for her mom and dad as they make decisions for Mady and that God reveals the diagnosis soon.

Spring Break!

2010-03-20T07:55:00.000-07:00

This past week was my Spring Break! I SO love that I still get a spring break...ahhh the joys of teaching ha!
It has been a great week. I have just taken it easy, relaxed, and hung out with friends.
Wednesday night, we had supper club at Elizabeth and Walt's. They served the BEST fajitas. We had the best time sitting and chatting.
Thursday, my best friend, Ashley (Kenzo) and my god-daughter Madyson came over to visit. Mady has grown up so much! Ash and I sat and chatted for a while, then took Mady to the Homewood park and then to eat at O'Charlies. I have never eaten at O'Charlies...but it was pretty good. The rolls were sooooo good! It was so nice to spend some good, quality girl-time with Kenzo (Ashley). She and I go waaaaay back. We were in elementary school together, and she used to torture me about all of my crazy outfits. Believe me, I had some doozies...[picture neon colored MC-Hammer pants with matching tops]....this is no joke folks. haha Kenzo and I hung out Friday morning and made omelets before they made the track back to Memphis. I am so glad you came to visit Kenzo! :)

Friday afternoon, Cal and I went for a long lunch at Dave's pizza and sat on the porch with Ava (they let dogs on their porch). It was the perfect afternoon. We sat for a while and watched some of the basketball games (or shall I say, Cal watched some of the basketball games) while Ava barked at every passer-by. My oh my...what are we going to do with her? We then went for a long walk around Homewood park, where every single child asked to pet Ava...she was the star of the show! ha She wouldn't have it any other way!

We are just going to spend the next few days doing the same thing...just relaxing...until I go back to the "real world" on Monday. I only have 2 more months at Riverchase Elem. I am going to enjoy every last minute of it! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Update on the Laney Fam

2010-03-07T14:58:00.000-08:00

Well, the past couple of weeks have been semi-uneventful. We are still trying to sale our house and have had the same people come by 3 times. They came by today and rang the doorbell...shady! We were glad to let them come in and look, but my dad told me I was NOT to leave while they are there again. They seem rather harmless....but you never know!

Cal has been working like mad and school seems to be winding down...one more week before Spring break....and all of you teachers know that after Spring break it is all downhill from there! woo hoo! I am not teaching in Lexington...so I am sort of sad to know that this is my last couple of months in the classroom for a little while. We just made the decision for me to sub for a while next year. I am also going to be working on a few other ventures that I will disclose at a later time. We are looking diligently online at houses and think that we have narrowed down our neighborhood. My cousin, our realtor, has gone by and checked out a few of the houses. After doing this quick move once before when we moved from Jackson to Bham...I know that going up to Lexington any sooner than late April is really just a waste of time. We can't do anything as far as buying until we sale this house. I have my cousin on the hunt in the meantime! We are getting more and more excited about our move!

This weekend has been FABULOUS! We have enjoyed time out in the sun...finally!

I will leave you with a recent picture of the cutest dog EVER!!! :)

I have also updated my Project Portfolio with some new items! I am not monogramming at the moment- but will begin again this summer after the move. click HERE to see some of the latest.

Count your Blessings!

2010-02-26T08:08:00.000-08:00

I started a group a year ago called "Turning Pain into Praise" at my church. That group is now called "Hannah's Friends". It is a group for women that are experiencing infertility and loss. I am so grateful that God prompted me to do such a thing. Cal and I had only been trying to get pregnant for 8 months at the time and I was scared, embarrassed, and humiliated to try to start such a group. It had only been 8 months, were we really infertile? Are people going to think I am crazy? Are there really any other women that would seek comfort in a group like this? I couldn't stop thinking about it though...I knew that God was leading me to do this. Although, we had been trying for what seems now like such a short time- the pain was still the same. The longing was still there, and surely other people had that same longing. I struggle with the group now, because it seems that some people are afraid to come. When people do come it is only about 4 to 5 of us. But- I am starting to see through numerous new emails from ladies that are developing the courage to join us and the friendship and bond that has formed now between the ladies that have been coming for a while that this is something that God truly had his hand on. He gave us this group. I am leaving in about 4 months, and I am hoping and praying that someone will want to take over and continue this group at our church. I think it will be so important.
That said...I was thinking about the 1st title that God brought to my heart "Turning Pain into Praise". Isn't that all that He really wants from us...just our praise? It seems that everything in my devotional time with Cal and my devotion time by myself is pointing to this fact: Praise first...then prayers will be answers...everything else will fall into place when Praise is put first. Cal and I sat the other night counting our blessings. It was surely an uplifting feeling- we put everything aside and just started thanking God for things in our life.

Count your Blessings...count them one by one. Count your Blessings...see what God has done!

*a wonderful relationship with Christ
*an amazing husband
*wonderful family- a mom and dad that would do anything for me and I for them
*cutest and sweetest Yorkie in the world
*amazing friends! A girl simply could not ask for more when it comes to my friends
*a roof over my head
*food to eat
*an amazing job
*wonderful co-workers
*fabulous principals
*nice cars to drive
*both of us employed
*great job in KY for Cal to look forward to next year
*an opportunity to not frantically look for a job next year
*a beautiful home and backyard- our little swing overlooking Shannon Valley
*a cozy bed
*warm water
*closet FULL of clothes and shoes....that C would LOVE to see me empty (ha...he can keep dreaming- my mom can attest to that )
*opportunity to relax this week and not have to work while still being paid.
*support system for infertility
*support system for being a resident's wife.
*an AWESOME supper club (we sure will miss them in KY)
*opportunities for "girl's nights" weekly
*a great education
*the ability to read all of these wonderful books that are just waiting on me to read them.
*a healthy body
*last but not least- lots of accessories!!! Accessorize Excessively! LOL
(To clarify....this list could keep going on for ages)

Perfect...

2010-02-13T14:17:00.000-08:00

Perfect song for all of my single girlfriends out there. Please know that I KNOW that it is hard to wait...although we are waiting for different things. I pray for you daily. I love you so much

...and you know, this is a perfect song for me and Cal too! :)

random thoughts...

2010-02-04T13:13:00.000-08:00

So...this is how little Caroline (now a 2nd grader) does her work in the morning. Her 2nd grade teacher was walking around the room and looked over to see THIS sitting on Caroline's desk. Ahhhh the little things that make you smile. Our school has a silent auction every year and the teachers do things like: "Lunch with Mrs. Laney", "Pancakes with the Pattons", "Dine with Mrs. Dempster"... and so on. The parents then bid on the item that their child wants the most. Well, this little girl, whom I taught when she was in Kindergarten, stood post by my auction item, which was obviously "Lunch with Mrs. Laney", and made sure that NO ONE else out bid her. Her poor parents were then forced to pay the fee in order to have their dear daughter be able to have lunch with me! ha! Along with the bid item that she won- she was also given the photo that accompanied the auction item on the table. She obviously loves the picture and keeps it on her desk while she does her work. Maybe she hears me saying, "Do your best! You are the best!"...I hope so at least! ha

I haven't posted in a while- January has been a crazy blur! You can see some of the projects that I have been working on HERE. Also, we put our house on the market and are slowly packing and getting ready for the big move to LEX! I have been finishing up my final projects as a provisional in Junior League, we hosted supper club at our house, hosted bunco at our house, went to Jackson and went to 3 showers, had some crazy Memphis girls come visit me and had an Open House last Sunday. Like I said, our month has been SUPER crazy! :)

I know that I already "put it all out there"...but now I am going back into the proverbial "closet". Yes, yes, I am aware that when you come "out of the closet" you can't ever really go back in the "closet"...but I can keep things private again. You all now know where Cal are in our journey to become parents, and all that I would ever want from you would be for you to pray that God does His will in our situation. That is all that I want...just His will. I want His will done more than I want anything else~ so that is where we are. Any procedure that is done from this point on will be private- between Cal and I- like it should be!

We truly appreciate all of your prayers and support! God knows the specifics and He will handle them in His time! What a great, peaceful feeling...to truly know that! :)

I can't believe that I don't have more pictures to post- obviously a lot has gone on that should have been photographed. Friends- if any of you that were at these said events took any pictures- please email them to me ASAP!

Have a great week!

A Great Surprise!

2010-01-23T09:02:00.000-08:00

I had the sweetest surprise this weekend. I was sitting in the middle of my pitty party after Cal left for the duck camp yesterday when I hear a lot of giggling outside my door. I hear a light knock and then a doorbell. I opened the door to see 3 of my very dear friends standing on the porch (with wine bottles in tow, of course). :) I think that I screamed so loud that all of Birmingham heard me. I do want to share a song that they brought me on a CD....this is one of the sweetest things that anyone has ever done for me.

Lots of pictures to comeand Lord I lift MY friends to you! I am so thankful for such AMAZING friends. What more could I ask for?

An Award!

2010-01-13T12:07:00.001-08:00

A sweet sorority sister gave me this blog award! Thanks so much Natalie! Natalie is really the neatest person. I didn't have the chance to get close to Natalie in college, but feel like I know her so very well now. I have followed her family on facebook for so long and watched her children grow on her blog over the past year. Go check out her blog at The Stickes Family {the blog}. Natalie also made my Christmas cards this year. She is so talented. Thank you Natalie! :)

Here are the rules for the Award:

Here are the rules:
-Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
-Copy the award & place it on your blog.
-Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
-Tell us 7 interesting things about yourself.
-Nominate 7 bloggers.
-Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.

7 Interesting things about me!

1. I can fly an airplane (sort of)

2. I can drive a boat.

3. I LOVE avacados and asparagus.

4. I LOVE LOVE LOVE to have my hair brushed.

5. I used to be a blonde (some of you already know that) hehe

6. My husband is 6'6" (I think he is still growing) ha

7. I cry everytime a students reads or writes for the first time.

7 beautiful bloggers that I would like to nominate:

1. Jill @ Beginnings

2. Ale' @ The Sproule Family

3. Nicole @ The Hayman Family

4. Caroline @ Blog Ballentine

5. Ashley @ Welcome to the Neighborhood

6. Ashley @ The Pollan Family

7. Bethany @ The Hembrees

A Decade in Review...

2010-01-03T09:42:00.000-08:00

I started my second semester as a freshman at Ole Miss.
I met this cute boy in a psychology 101 class.

I pledged AOPi at Ole Miss
I met the women that were in my wedding and are still the best friends that a girl could ask for. (some were in my sorority- some were not)

I was majoring in Child Psychology
I changed my major to marketing
My god-daughter, Madyson, was born
I moved in with my big sister in my sorority to help her after she broke her neck in a car accident
My grandpa Edward went to Heaven.
My parents purchased my first home my junior year of college.
I changed my major to Elementary Education (maybe this one with stick) ha
I got a black cat named "Tasia"- she was CRAZY
I lost my black cat named "Tasia"
I learned a lot of life lessons through dating a few serious boyfriends.
Re-connected with Cal our senior year at our last swap.
Started dating Cal.
He told me that he was going to marry me on our 3rd date
I got scared and ran away. (hey- i was ONLY 21) ha
My nephew,Collier, was born.
I called Cal after not being able to get him off of my mind. :)
We immediately became inseperable.
My parents sold my chidhood home and moved to Oxford. lots of tears
Cal started medical school
I student taught 1st grade
I got my Masters in Education- Curriculum and Instruction.
Cal and I travelled in Europe for a month.
Cal and I got engaged!!! April 25, 2005!!!
I bought my first home in Madison, MS!
I taught Kindergarten and 1st grade in Jackson, MS
Cal and I got married!!! (June 17, 2006) Best day yet!!!
We got our little fur bundle of joy, Ava. She is the best dog in the world! :)
Cal matched at UAB for a residency in Internal Medicine.
We moved to Birmingham, AL
My nephew, Cadyn, was born.
We bought our first home together
I got a job teaching K in Hoover!
We met a lot of people that will be our friends for the rest of our lives.
We decided to expand our family.
On our 3rd anniversary, we found out that Cal got a cardiology fellowship at UK in Lexington, KY.
Started fertility treatments.
bought our 1st new car together.
I started my new hobby of monogramming!
I am learning to sew.
Cal enjoyed his last few times to be within driving distance of the duck camp- Fighting Bayou.
We are learning the true meaning of God's sovereignty and the importance of trusting the plan that He has for our lives as opposed to our own plans.

Happy new decade!!! I can't wat to see what this next decade has in store for us! I would love to see your decades in review! It is neat to see how much happens within the course of 10 years.

Free

2010-01-01T10:50:00.000-08:00

It is 2010...HOLY MOLY...I am going to turn 30 this year....we won't talk about that yet! ha

Cal's mom gave us this little figurine upon moving to Birmingham. We didn't know at the time how apropos it would be for our time in Bham at the time. "Holding onto Hope"!

I am so happy that I am now free to write about my feelings on my blog... I really wanted to start of this New Year with a heartfelt THANK YOU!!!! I cannot put into words how grateful we are for the outpouring of love and acts of service done by our friends and family during this trying time. We have had sweet friends bring over food for us during the time of my bed-rest after transfer. We have recieved multiple phone calls and even flowers from friends letting us know that they are thinking of us. I was also humbled by the friends that took time to write us sweet letters, comments and emails of encouragement. My mom and Cal's mom have supplied us with enough food that will last us for the next month...ha! We thank you SO much! All of this is really opening my eyes even more to the amount of love that people can show. It makes me want to be a better friend and a better person. Everything that is going on is making Cal and I grow so much as Christians and it makes us want to reach out more to others. Kind actions truly do have a ripple affect. All I can say is that I hope with all of my heart that I can be as good of a friend to you as you have all been to me. Humbling.....that is all I can say.

Cal has been such an amazing support system and I wanted to add some of his words to the blog. He sent me this email yesterday. What a strong man he is!

I LOVE YOU SOOOO MUCH, AND I WATCHED A DEVOTION THIS MORNING, and all it was talking about was faith, and that if we continue to do good and do God's will, he will bless us beyond all belief in his time, and she made a good point that we should not question while some prayers are answered in weeks and others are answered in years, but it is not our job to figure it out, follow his rules/commandments (including tithing) and we will be blessed !!! I AM SO PROUD OF YOU !!

(I think I'll keep him..ha)

A sweet friend sent me this poem today (thank you Anne) and I want to add it to the blog to have as a "scrapbook" item. I know that God has our little angels in His arms and I know that one day when we get to Heaven- we will see their sweet faces.
Jesus is he with you?

I wonder every day

I sit and wonder why he's gone

And why he could not stay.
Every part of me is empty

I feel I can't go on

But then I look to heaven

I hear this beautiful song:
"Mommy I am with Him

He holds me in His arms

When ever I am with Him

He keeps me safe and warm.
He says you shouldn't worry

I am safe and loved right here.

With all the other baby angels

that passed within the years.
We have a special place up here

He thought that you should know.

Where the Blessed Mother takes

your place for now until you show."
When I hear this precious little voice

From the heavens above

I know that all the angels

are showering him with love
For everyone that wants to hear

their babies voice so innocent and sweet

Just close your eyes and begin to pray

and embrace them in your sleep.

putting it all out there....

2009-12-31T06:57:00.000-08:00

Well, I have not been very open about all that Cal and I have been going through on this blog, because at the time I didn't feel like it was something that I wanted to air out to everyone. Now, this has become a part of me, it is a part of who I am and a part of who Cal and I are. I haven't been posting because my mind has been on this certain thing that I didn't want to talk about. Not talking about this now is like not talking about the color of my hair...it is just simply part of me now. I am understanding now that this is MY blog....a way to scrapbook our life together. If I can't be honest, then what is the point in even having a blog. This blog is a place where I can let my feelings out, and I haven't been able to do that for not wanting to talk about what Cal and I are going through.
OK....so here it is....

For 19 months Cal and I have longed for a child only to be slapped in the face each month with the sad reality that yet again, we will not be parents month after month. We knew that something wasn't right after about 6 months. We just felt it in our bones. We had our 1st test run one year ago TODAY. (how ironic) Here is a run-down of what has happened from the beginning:

June 06- Cal and I got married.

2 years later....
June 08- made the decision to become parents! We were so excited!

July 08- looking at nursery furniture...haha

August 08- started taking my temp every morning- AWFUL

September 08- thought it would happen anyday

October 08- has it really not happened yet?

Nov. 08- visit to OBGYN- he told us not to worry....HA

Dec 08- started to worry- not having normal cycles.

Dec. 31st, 08- HSG (dye test run)- all was clear :)

Jan. 09- taking temp. every morning, doing ovualtion predictor tests

Feb.09- 2nd visit to OBGYN- blew me off- told me it would happen

March 09- finally visit Dr. Long at ART fertility clinic

April 09- did the clomid challenge with artificial insemination (or IUI) (negative)

May 09- natural cycle with IUI (negative)

June 09- Gonal F with IUI (negative)

July 09- break

August 09- natural cycle with IUI (negative)

*diagnosed with morphology issues, retroverted uterus, endometriosis, and annovulation

September 09- IVF appointment

October 09- controlled cycle due to annovualtion

November 09- started birth control for IVF

December 5, 09- started drugs for IVF

December 19, 09- 2 perfect blastocysts were transferred

December 28, 09- recieved positive pregancy results~ but levels are really low- praying hard

December 31, 09- miscarriage- the babies are in Heaven now...

And, now you can see how this process has now become a part of me- this is who I am, and I will no longer be ashamed of this. We have been very hush hush about it for so long, but now I simply cannot act like it is not happening. We have lost 2 babies now, and we can't act like they were never here. They were VERY here....I could feel it in my bones....I KNEW that I was pregnant, and I was. I also knew in my spirit when that baby or babies left me and went to Heaven. I tried so hard to say positive, but I just KNEW. I think it is so cool that God lets us women just know these things. I can say now that I was pregnant....I know what it felt like for only a fleeting moment, but I know in my heart that God will bless us with a pregnancy that will go to full term and we will give birth to a healthy, happy baby.

I do want to acknowledge the fact that we have 2 babies in Heaven now, and we are parents, no matter what. We will never forget how God has held us during this time. His Grace is sufficiant.

still clinging:

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3: 20-21

Christmas Card Carousel

2009-12-16T14:11:00.000-08:00

I am participating in "Walk with me by Faith's" Christmas Card Carousel. So, here is The Laney's Christmas card this year~ Don't you just LOVE Christmas cards?!?

My sweet sorority sister, Natalie, from Sweet Lemon Designs, made these for us~ aren't they precious! They are ever cuter in person! They finally went in the mail today. This week has been crazy. I had a small procedure done on Monday and have been on the couch for most of the week. I can't wait to get back to school tomorrow and see all of the sweet smiling faces!

Let me know if you participated in the Christmas card carousel! I want to hop over to your blog and see them!

Happenings...

2009-12-07T10:06:00.000-08:00

Saturday was my birthday, and I woke up to this beautiful site:

Snow just takes you back to child-hood, you know. That same giddy feeling goes from head to toe and you run downstairs to get a better look! What a great little birthday present from God. Cal was at the hunting camp, so I was by myself with God. I sat in front of the window with my cup of coffee and my Bible and just had the BEST time! It was an amazing morning.

Cal left an envelope for me before he left for the hunting camp that read on the front, "Do not open until Sat, Dec. 5th, A.M.

I actually waited to open it!!! VERY unlike me! I usually would have had that thing torn open by the time I got it in my hand.

I'm glad I waited, because I opened it with the pleasant surprise to see a gift certificate to have a massage. JUST what the Doctor ordered. (no pun intended)

Cal got home from the hunting camp at around noon and we had a great, relaxing day and went out for a GREAT meal at Flemmings.

Onto another note:

I'm sure most of you know about these amazing pieces of art:

I am obsessed with this stuff....if you have ever been to my house- you have seen TONS of it everywhere! It is called McCarty's pottery and is special to me because it is made from Mississippi mud. As we make our trail all over the U.S.- we take a piece of MS with us!

I got of set of 12 of these glasses!!! I am SOOO excited! Cal's parents gave me 6 and my parents gave me the other 6! Thanks Chuck and Suzan, and Mom & Dad!!!!! I LOVE them!!!!!

Just a funny picture to leave you with: This is what happens to "Mr. Cal" when he comes to visit my classroom....he is literally attacked! It is absolutely hillarious! He is a trooper! We LOOOOOOOVE Mr. Cal! We write about him, talk about him, send letters to him. Well, I have to agree, he is pretty amazing! :)

clinging....

2009-11-16T08:25:00.000-08:00

...to this verse:

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20

We have had a crazy weekend! Cal and I have packed up all clutter, pictures, cleaned carpets, etc...this weekend to get ready to put our house on the market! We are officially putting it on the market in January, but if you happen to know of someone in the meantime that is looking for a home in Bham with a great view....this is the house!

Getting excited about our move...but of course sad about leaving our friends...and Bham!

a few thoughts...

2009-11-08T10:08:00.000-08:00

Happy Sunday! This week has been a great one...very busy, but very productive. I have had a couple Junior League things to do this week and met a lot of new friends. Cal and I had a cook-out on Thursday night...and it was another "meat-off"....would you like a little meat with your meat? kind of meals! ha! Cal loves to cook out on his Big Green Egg (thanks Chuck/Dad!)

I am continuing to try to minimize things in my life, but it seems like every night I have some kind of a meeting! ha!

I am just having a few thoughts on this lazy Sunday, while I monogram! ha! I am just thinking about how great our God is and how the plans that he has for us are far beyond our feeble minds to grasp. I am stepping back and looking at all of the wonderful things he has place in our lives....an amazing family, a sweeeeet puppy, incredible friends and support system. Above all, I am so very grateful for the love and the bond that is between Cal and I. We can sit and talk for hours on a daily basis and NEVER run out of things to say! He is truly my best friend and I couldn't ask for more! Yesterday, he held me while I cried and never once asked me why, or what he could do to make me stop....he just simply understood!

I turned on the T.V. yesterday to see a program on the Christian channel about abortions. There was a ticker at the bottom of the screen that was counting each abortion that was taking place in the United States at that moment. When I turned on the TV, the program had been on for about 30 minutes, and in that 30 minute time over 700 abortions had taken place in our country. Where is the respect for life? What in the world in God thinking when Christian, loving, stable couples are forced to science in order to bare their own child, while millions of babies die daily? The answer to "What in the world is He thinking?" is simply....HE is not of this world! HE has great plans, and the people that are taking those lives will ultimately have to answer to HIM! We, as Christians, have to keep holding our heads up high and know that the plan HE has for us is immeasurable MORE than we can immagine!

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

Hope is the belief in things unseen. HOPE: is the confident, joyful expectation that God is working, both NOW and IN THE FUTURE, for my good and for His glory.
Our biggest duty as Christians, and the hardest thing, is to have FAITH and trust that God is performing His will, even if we are unable to see it yet....that is HOPE!

We will wait on God expectantly!
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! (I will see God work in my lifetime...but it may not be OUR plan)
Wait on the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; WAIT FOR THE LORD!!! Psalms 27: 13-14
We look forward in eagar expectation, but chose to live each day like it will be our last!

REMEMBER whose hand is on the wheel as we drive up this winding path!

Jimpkin, Jumpkin....We all got a PUMPKIN!

2009-10-26T15:41:00.000-07:00

We had a fun filled day at the Pumpkin Patch today! The K kids LOVED every minute of it!

oh...the cuteness is just too much! Don't you want to just squeeze these little cheeks!Climbing the "hay mountain"...they made a slide and had OH so much fun!

JIMPKIN.....

JUMPKIN...

We ALL got a PUMPKIN!!!

In Dixie Land...

2009-10-25T15:55:00.000-07:00

So....my BEST friend told me that she was about to take me off of her blog list because I have been so pitiful about updating. All I have to say about that is "NULL and VOID"! (although...she NEVER posts anything on her blog...hmmm...we might need to work on that) ha...so I am going to TRY to step it up and get better about posting!

Cal and I went to the ARK game this weekend...SO much fun. I guess the fact that we won helped with the excitement. It was such a beautiful day...just a PERECT Grove day!

ain't that the truth...

Charlie had enough Grovin' for the day...she said it was nap time! so cute!

me, Nicci, Julie, and Lindsay

Nick, Nicci, me and Cal
Amanda, Brynnen, me and Kristen waiting for a table at Old Taylor. Old Taylor Catfish is the neatest little place where you go knowing that you are going to wait for at least 2 hours before you sit down, and you are OK with that. Everyone sits in the parking lot with their coolers and just walks around and talks to everyone there. Just a little social hour...or 2! ha The fried catfish is wonderful too!

We have a field trip to the Pumpkin Patch tomorrow...so expect a post about that soon (Nicci)!

10 years…

2009-09-30T12:56:00.001-07:00

Well…not only has it been 10 years since I last blogged, but it has also been 10 years since I graduated high school! How does time fly by so quickly? I remember the day that I graduated like it was yesterday. I even can remember the smells, the sounds, the laughter from the huge family of mine gathered together to watch that special moment when a child becomes an adult…(or at least the child "thinks" they are an adult). I will always be grateful for my wonderful friends that I made while in high school. There are a few that are still very big part of my life. I know that I am the person I am today because of these lovely ladies. Here are a few of those very people before we left for the reunion. Me, Waverly, Tori, and Lana

Also…this is an interesting story: This is Cal and Michael

Cal and Michael grew up together and Michael was in our wedding over 3 years ago. Waverly(pictured above) was also in said wedding. Being that Cal and I had 12 attendants (ahem) a piece… Waverly and Michael never officially met. Well, about 1 year later, Michael and Wave were set up on a blind date. During dinner they made the Cal and Adair connection! So, needless to say, Cal had a buddy during our Lee Academy 10 year reunion! He was so happy to have him there! Here is the best pic I could get of our itty-bitty class of 99! There were only about 20 that didn't make it. I graduated with 60 people in my small, delta, blues-lovin town of Clarksdale, MS! Fun times! And this…folks….was my elementary class at PDS (Presbyterian Day School) minus 2 people- Faith and Grace were not there. Yes…only NINE people were in my class!
On to another topic…I wanted to sort of explain my blogging hiatus. I have been on a proverbial "break" from a lot of things lately. I am trying to train myself to relax, let things go, and weed out things in my life that may be stressful. I have been thinking in the past that I was an octopus with eight arms, and with those eight arms, I could juggle up to 20 things! Well…I have come to the disturbing realization that I, my friends, only have 2 arms. I am trying my best to only hold one thing at a time in my 2 arms. I believe that this endeavor is not only helping me, but it is also improving the relationships that I have with the people that are the most important to me. I have invested too much time doing things that are not building those relationships and I am glad that I am having this opportunity to relax and realize this it is OK to say NO!
Also, I have spent a lot of time working on THIS while Cal is busy watching football and such! I am glad to be back to the blogging world...I have missed it!

winner winner...chicken for dinner!

2009-09-04T08:08:00.000-07:00

WOW- this week has FLOWN by....I have had some sort of a meeting or something to do every single afternoon after work! It has been a crazy, but fun and productive week!
OK..... so I asked Cal to pick a number between 1 and 12 (the number of comments on my blog) and he said EIGHT....and drumroll please....the winner is ALE'!!!!!
So....Ale'....I need you to send me the color, font, etc. that you would like on your new robe! YAY!

I hope everyone has a great labor day weekend...I will be catching up on a TON of monogramming orders and relaxing!

What are your plans?

100th post! (and a give-away)

2009-08-30T12:41:00.000-07:00

After yet another blogging hiatus...I'm back...and realizing that this is my 100th post in the blog world! ha! And YES...I am going to do a 100th post giveaway! I am going to give a white monogrammed robe to one of you that leave a comment on this post! I will do a random number generator to decide the winner. It could look a little something like this:of course...font and color will be your choice!

And speaking of monogramming....

Here is a slideshow of most of my Fall designs. They will be on the right side of the my website if you need them in the future.

Last, but not least, we threw a baby shower for our sweet friend Shanna at my friend Lissette's home this weekend. She had a great turn-out and went home with a lot of cute things for baby Elana Grace! Here are a few pics from the shower:

Here is the proud soon-to-be mommy Shanna- she just opened the gift that I made for baby Elana Grace!

Hope everyone has a relaxing Sunday! Can't wait to see who wins the giveaway!!! :)

LOL

2009-08-20T12:36:00.000-07:00

So... i saw this photo on Mck Mama's blog and laughed so hard i cried.. is this not the most amazing thing you have ever seen. LOVE it!

Anyway.... school is going GREAT!- here are a few pics of my classroom:

GOSH....I am going to miss this school.... (not going to think about it yet)

I have the SWEETEST group this year.... God would have it so that I could leave with a bang! I am loving every minute of it!

OH....Cal decided to cook out literally EVERYTHING in our deep freeze the other day....

we were up until midnight trying to do all of it haha!Look who is SOOOOO in thier element! ha- like a kid at Christmas~
How cute is he?

So...we cooked all of the meat (deer, duck, lamb) in our house, and are STILL eating it- 1 week later....but hey, I'm glad because the less I have to cook during the 1st week of school the better! :)

Hope everyone is having a great week!

If you have a chance- read Psalm 13- great chapter during times of adversity- a constant reminder to ALWAYS sing unto the Lord- How GREAT is our God! (always)

a confession....

2009-08-15T15:23:00.000-07:00

ok...no pictures...just a confession about why the blog has been left un-edited for so very long....

I am feel like I am just coming up for air from a VERY long time of being held violently under raging water. Actually...we both feel that way, Cal and I. We are coming up for fresh air, and it smells oh so nice. God has such an amazing way of giving us grace right when we need it.
Lots of things going on around here. Cal and I are stronger in our bond than ever....so no worries there. :) We just need lots of prayer. LOTS of decisions to be made...
I am so sorry that I cannot go into detail right now, but I will when the time is right. I am just asking for you (all 2 of you that read my blog ha) to PRAY- please pray for the Laney family.

Just a few things....

2009-07-30T12:41:00.000-07:00

...ON Sunday..... Lissette and I were the decorations committee for our annual JCRMA (resident's wives club) new member brunch. I had a GREAT time decorating and hanging out with everybody!

before...

after...

Welcome Bags that we made for the new members

The planning committee:

me, Katie, Areta, Leah, Elizabeth, and Lissette

onto another topic....

Could my "purple" thumb be turning............."green"??I dunno....we shall see........ ....if these plants stay alive....then maybe we will have hope! :)
Tuesday....Ale' and I went to eat at SUMO! Ale' was my student teacher last year. I really miss seeing her daily and all of our talks. It was wonderful to see her and sit and chat the other day!
On Monday (yes...I am going backwards in the week)....I hung out with these two cool little people!I am sure you have heard of Caroline already on this blog....I taught her in Kindergarten....I can't believe she is going into 2nd grade this year! wow! time flies when you are having fun! I babysat Caroline and her little brother Trevor on Monday morning and had a BLAST!

TODAY....

I am relaxing....getting pumped up to start on my classroom this weekend...and finishing a few monogramming orders!

If you are a teacher....when are you starting back? are you doing anything different to your classroom this year? Anybody have good ideas for making EASY curtains for the classroom?

Kelly's Korner: show your wedding dress!

2009-07-24T08:18:00.000-07:00

Kelly's Korner is hosting a "show us your life" blog carnival...and I decided to join in on the fun!
Today is "show us your wedding dress" day! I will gladly oblige! ha! I LOVED my wedding dress! :)

click on Kelly's link below to see other people's wedding dresses:

Give thanks!

2009-07-24T07:21:00.000-07:00

Nicci and Natalee came through Bham on their way back home to Memphis from the beach! Oh how I miss my time with old friends. I forget how hard I laugh when Nicci is in the room. Can we just go back to that couch in Shiloh (my old college house)...just for ONE more day! :) GREAT memories...and many more in the making! We caught a few pics outside of Zoe's...it was a very short visit...much needed....and I wish it would have been longer! :)

me and Nicci

This is Natalee...her twin brother Nick is also a good friend of mine! He just finished his masters of law and is heading back to Memphis! ahhh home sweet home!

Girls Night Out:

Last night, we had a BIG crew of girls go out for mexican at Cocina Superior! It was yummy and, of course, the company was excellent!!! I love these girls and I am so grateful for the lifelong friendships that have been formed during our short time here in Bham! BIG crew huh?? ha

just wanted to put up a picture of my new little plant outside! I am so proud of it! I am not a big horticulturalist...but I am learning! I love the bright green sweet potato vine... does anybody have any other suggestions for potted plants???

verse for today:

1 Thessalonians 5:18

~give thanks in ALL circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ for YOU.

more projects and a visitor!!!

2009-07-23T08:47:00.001-07:00

I put up pictures of a few more projects: http://oopsiedaisiemonogramming.blogspot.com/
let me know if I can make something for you!

Also....my BEST friend Nicci is coming by to see me for a few minutes today on her way back to Memphis from the beach! I am OH SO EXCITED to see her if only for a few minutes! I miss her and the rest of the "monkeys" oh so much!!!!

I am going to girl's night out tonight at one of my fave mexican spots: Cocina Superior! I'll post some pics later on! :)

"stay-cation"

2009-07-22T08:16:00.000-07:00

one picture added :)...I was awful about carrying my camera around with me this weekend! We had a GREAT weekend with friends and Cal and I spent a lot of time relaxing! The end of our "stay-cation" was on Sunday. We had such a great time all week long...we sat by the pool most every day and went to eat at yummy restaurants every night! It really did feel like a vacation! We ended the week with some time with great friends.
On Friday night, we went over to Brynnen's apartment and just sat around and talked for literally hours! We always just love our time with Adam and Brynnen! Man...I wish I had my camera with me that night...fun times!
On Saturday, we went over to Sarah Flannagan's for a pool party with a lot of great friends and LOTS of babies! Cal and all of the boys grilled out hamburgers and hot dogs, and everyone just relaxed around the pool! Saturday night, we went over to Brynnen's friends' house for a cookout. Elizabeth Anne and her husband Steve were both SUCH amazing cooks and hosts! We had grilled grit cakes(to die for), fish, chicken, green bean bundles, and Brynnen made a YUMMY salad (I need the recipe..by the way)! It was all WAY too yummy!!!
Cal started back to work on Sunday...so no more "stay-cation". boo! We are still getting to spend a lot of time together since he gets home early (sort of) and I don't have work...yet! School is starting back in 3 weeks...so I have a lot to do in the next couple of weeks!
I've got to be better about taking my camera with me everywhere! I hate pictureless posts!ha!

I will end with a verse that really touched me this morning during my devotion time. I am always struggling with how people perceive me as a person. I have always struggled with that. I read this quote this morning and it really hit home, I just had to share:
"Find FREEDOM through seeking to please God above all else. You can have only one Master. When you let others' expectations drive you, you scatter your energy to the winds. Your own desire to look good can also drain your energy."
Mathew 6:1 says: "Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in Heaven."
I think it is always so important to remember who we are here on earth to please...it most certainly isn't man!

catchin up...

2009-07-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

yes, i have been a bad bad blogger lately! Lots going on around the Laney house lately and not a lot of computer time!
A month in review:

Jazz on the Porch:

A jazz band plays at an old antebellum home and traditional southern cuisine tapas were served. It was really fun, and of course, there was good company!

4th of July:

This was our last 4th of July at our little "house on the hill" that overlooks downtown Bham. We can see the Vulcan fireworks from our backyard!

Areta and Allen
Amanda and Majure Adam and Brynnen Everyone before the fireworks
good ole all-American 4th of July BBQ :)
SUMO girls night out:

OH...and this picture has been in my camera for a while...but I just had to post it. This is a pic of all of the AMAZING girls on my Kindergarten team. I do not know what I would do without them. I know we have found lifelong friends in each other! This pic was taken in May at Katie's wedding (Katie was on our team a year ago...before she had to go off and get married and move to North Caroline ha)
Cal and I are enjoying our "Stay-cation" this week! Cal is having his vacation week this week and we are LOVING it! We have been getting up whenever we want, having coffee until noon, sitting and talking on the porch for hours and just enjoying each other's company!
I promise I will be a better blogger from this point on! :)

Happy Bday America!

2009-07-06T11:45:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to share with you the a few pictures of the cutest little boys in the world...Cadyn and Collier. They are my brother's boys and live in KY. I'm excited that I get to be a LITTLE closer to them next summer when we move to Lexingon! I made these little 4th of July shirts for them and I was happy with how they turned out...and aren't they the best little models!

Summer, Summer!!!

2009-07-01T06:20:00.001-07:00

I love summer, but I don't love that I am teaching summer school every morning! I am really enjoying the children, but I am ready to have a few days to sleep in before the madness of the beginning of the school year kicks in.

Cal is now officially a 3rd year resident and is starting a new rotation today that will have him up and out of the house at 7:30 each morning with me. I have had a hard time getting up to leave while Cal slept in during my summer "break". ha!

I have been doing monogramming projects everyday for the past week...and now I think I am caught up...well I think I am...I JUST had a lady walk in my classroom and order 5 aprons as I was typing.

I am heading to the POOL this afternoon!!! All I want to see is THIS

ALL afternoon....well....minus the ocean in the backgroud, but I could always pretend! right? ha!

Check out the new SPA items that are added to the embroidery blanks section of my website! Let me know if you would like to order anything!!!!http://oopsiedaisiemonogramming.blogspot.com/

Have a great Wednesday!!!!

Fine Girls go to Ole Miss....

2009-06-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

This is awesome!!! I am CRACKING up!!! Hotty Toddy!

Why?

2009-06-25T07:20:00.000-07:00

For some reason..I can't get the picture any bigger...but in the 1st picture- there is a guy saying "Lord protect me" and then gets up to walk away and a pebble pelts him in the back of the head. He then starts screaming "WHY ME???"- then ultimately looks up to see that all of the BIG rocks that could be hitting him are being blocked my the infinate Grace of God. Jesus turns around in the last picture saying, "Are you alright, I might have missed a small piece."

I believe though, that He means to miss that small peice, because my God does not make mistakes!

Sometimes we understand a message when it is simply illustrated...

...and you question God - 'why me?'....always look at the bigger picture....

What a beautiful picture of God's love. He is always our protector, even when you feel like your world is crumbling around you, you never can see the BIG rocks that could be falling on you without the Grace of God. He is our sheild.

Cal's 10 year reunion!!!

2009-06-22T10:04:00.001-07:00

Taking a break from working on a few more projects to write about this weekend!

We had a great time at Cal's Jackson Academy class of 99, 10 year reunion! It was so great to see everyone! Here are some pics from the weekend!

Jennifer, Leslie, Lauren and BrynnenBrynnen and Adam
Leslie, me, and Waverly

Cal, Bobby, and Adam

sweet Brynnen and I

Waverly and I

(Wave is my best friend from high school. She met Cal's best friend Micheal on a blind date...they were both in our wedding and never met....small world!)

Elvis and Elizabeth

Cal and I (we were a little matchy matchy...oops) ha

Cal and his best bud...Bobby

(more affectionately known as "Booby")

Bluegrass...here we come!

2009-06-19T07:08:00.000-07:00

Oh yes....ladies and gentlemen...THIS

is what I will be doing next year! I forsee big hats and mint julips in my future! Cal matched for his fellowship at UK in Lexington, KY! We are so proud of him and VERY excited about this new exciting town that we will be moving to!

Cal will be working at the Gill Heart institute! Amazing hospital!

I am also very excited that I have family there! I have 5 cousins there and I know that I will need thier company on the many nights alone that I will have...with my husband starting his 1st year as a fellow in cardiology! I'll be single for a while...ha! We have been getting excited looking at real estate and thinking about this fun new adventure.
Now...I am off to go purchase one of these: YAY!!!!