Thanksgiving 2013

This year we headed to Monroe for Thanksgiving with my side of the family. And it was quite the gathering! There were a ton of people and Beau had a blast. And overwhelmed blast. He got to meet his great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. It was a great time with food, family, and fun. It could not be beat! 

The holidays are so much fun with this little guy. Christmas is for sure going to be a BLAST!!

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." Psalm 100:4

Letters to Beau #2

Dear Beau,

Happy 2 months little Buddy! You have had such a big month. It's been half your life and that's nuts. 

Some of your favorite things to do are hang with your family. You love your Nana Sue and Ghee and your Nana Potts and Papa. You also love your cousins and your Aunt Bok. William is your best friend so far. And well, your only friend. 

This month you celebrated your first holiday. It was Halloween and you were Mickey Mouse. You hated your costume. I put you in black tights so you would have black legs like a mouse. And you were a pissed off baby. But, it's okay I put your dad in green tights our first Halloween. He was the grinch. You guys put up with my antics. You are just learning young. 

Another first was your first time at church. You made it halfway through the sermon, but you loved the music! You will get better about listening to the sermon ;). 

We also went to Monroe for a few days. You had a sip and see there and everyone loved you. You were a big hit! You have become such a smilie little guy and it's absolutely adorable! 

I suppose your biggest to do this month was to go to the doctor and get your shots. You handled them like a champ! You gave the nurse the biggest smile right before she stuck you. Poor little guy, you didn't even see it coming!! You are also a big guy that has grown a ton! You were 12 lbs 4 oz and 22 1/2 inches long. You have a huge 16.1 inch head. I measured my head and it's only 20 inches. You take after your daddy with that big noggin. Let's hope it's filled with his brains too. 

I know this next month is going to be so much fun! We will celebrate thanksgiving and see lots of family. I cannot wait for all of your new adventures. 

 

To the moon baby boy,

Mama

 Your daddy loves you so much too. You are his special buddy! 

Beau's Newborn Pictures!

These are just a few of my absolute favorites! Mauri did a fabulous job. And, well, Beau is a pretty cute subject!

Cousins!

Hanging with his best friend. 

My Daddy made this beautiful cradle. Such a special picture.

Looking at these pictures it is crazy how much he has already grown! 

Happy Halloween!!

From the cutest mouse and pumpkin on the block! 

In full disclosure, Beau, you HATE your costume. It could be due to your mother putting you in tights. But I'm unclear. 

Real Life: 

🎃 Happy Halloween Anyway! 🎃

Letters to Beau #1

Dear Beau,

Well, it's the middle of the night and for a change I am the one awake not you. So in the quiet and calm (a rarity since your arrival), I have let my mind wander which is something it is quite good at doing. 

It has been such a joy becoming your mama and a whole lot of fun. Sure there have been hard times, but I attribute that more to the fact that we are just getting acquainted with one another. It's odd to love someone so much that you really have just met. All this getting to know each other has let my mind wonder about the future, specifically your future.

Please don't get any ideas that I want you to grow up too quickly because son the opposite of that is true! J.M. Barrie said it best, "Young boys should never be sent to bed. They always wake up a day older." This truth is already hard and you are only 7 weeks old. 

So knowing that you will grow older, I have to wonder what your little personality will be like. Will you be impulsive and loud like me? Or quieter and steady like your daddy? Or will you be neither and have your very own speed? Will you like baseball or football or piano or guitar or art or tennis or golf? Will school come easy or will you have to have patience to learn the hard things?

As your mama, these are the easy things to wonder about. I look forward to your first jersey. It's silly, but true. But I want you to know that these easy, fun things to wonder about are also so very not important. As much as I will love to cheer for you, if you never play one down, one inning, one game, one song, one anything I will still love you and be so proud just because you are you. 

Do you want to know the most important thing? It's the hard thing for me to wonder. Because it's the big thing that I know the Lord has entrusted your daddy and I with. I wonder if you will grow to walk with God. Not just a Sunday morning every now and then, but a deep relationship with Him. We pray every night that you will grow to know God early and trust Him. We pray you will be a man of courage and conviction. Something that is not always valued in this world, but we are promised and hold tight to the fact that our treasures are not here. 

Buddy, this is my prayer for you. 

"14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father,15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen." 

Ephesians 3:14-21

Although you are much too small to understand this now, one day you will. And one day I (and your daddy) will have many conversations about this. But until then, we will love you. Everyday, all day. When it's hard and easy. And hopefully our tiny amount of love, compared to that of your Heavenly Father, will make you see a glimpse of just how long, how high, how deep, and how wide you are loved. 

Because you are. Loved here on earth and for eternity. Please don't ever doubt that. 

To the moon and back baby boy. 

Your Mama. 

Hello World. We're Back.

So, it is an understatement to say that I have missed a few days (weeks, months) of documenting our lives, but we have a REALLY good excuse! Meet Beau.

Beau came on September 9, 2013 at 3:27 am. His story entering the world is a good one. We woke up the morning of September 8th ready for church. I was an overachiever and even put a chicken in the crockpot because who doesn't want a roasted chicken after worshipping the Lord. I'm gonna tell who does want one and that is Bubba, so much so that he didn't eat breakfast in order to fast for the chicken. (this is important). Well, we went to church and kept the nursery the second service.

Everything was all well and good until I was asked by a precious girl to take her to the restroom. Well, I stood up and then my water broke. Not like in the movies, so I was a little confused. Disclaimer, we failed to take the recommended childbirth classes so for all I know this partial water break could have been addressed, I was just foggy on the whole thing.

Church had 5 minutes left, so I decided to not make a fuss. After we left, I explained to Bubba that we may need to swing by the hospital to see if my water broke, but could we stop at Sonic first I would really enjoy a diet coke.

Picture break.

I mean melt your heart

Turns out my water did break so we were having a baby. Fast forward until the next morning (skipping things like labor. I will save that for a guilt trip for Beau when he is being mean to his mama) and Beau entered the world. We were tired and hungry and crazy but so much in love. But we still didn't get to eat our chicken and Bubba sure was sad he fasted!

The next few days were a crazy blur of getting to meet tons of friends and family that love us and Beau so much. It was such a visit fest and I loved it! 

Just chillin' with my Best Friend Cousin William. He beat me into the world by 6 days

Meeting Cousin Caroline

Even though Beau came 3 weeks early, and his parents didn't have their bags packed, car seat installed, house clean, or really anything else the books tell you will happen, we sure are so glad Beau decided to show up when he did. Because what is life without a little bit of adventure and surprise. 

Five on Friday

Since my brain has turned to mush, I figured this would be a fun way to update on life!

~one~

I cannot believe that I am about to be 31 weeks pregnant. That seems like such a high number of weeks. I guess because I vividly remember being nine weeks pregnant and have 31 to go. Crazy. This maybe will inspire me to start some sort of "nesting" that I hear people talk about. I hope this makes you magically an organizer, because I am just not.

10 weeks, 20 weeks, 30 weeks. Woah.

~two~

This is related to number one, but I had a grand plan to clean out the junk in our house before Beau arrives. How is it possible to accumulate so much random junk in such a short period of time, and store it in such strange places? I need a life coach.

~three~

I just got a text from my best friend asking for an impromptu lunch date. I cannot describe how happy this makes me. Friday, you are good to me! I mean a Friday is always great, but a lunch date on Friday is like a tiny bit of weekend fun preview. Also, referring to the 31 weeks pregnant... I love lunch :).

Susie. I can't wait.

~four~

I think I am losing my mind. Yesterday, I ran some errands at lunch and came back out to my car... Only to realize that I HAD LEFT THE DOOR WIDE OPEN.  I checked for a killer or thief and none were present. So, that is good. Also, if we could keep this one a secret that would be great.  Bubba may start requiring I wear a leash as to not get lost in public. 

~five~

It has officially started. I have the itch for Fall. I woke up this morning and it was actually cool. Which for July in Mississippi is a miracle of epic proportion. But, it made my mind wonder to all of the fun things that are coming up. And well, I also really want a new pair of boots. I got to thinking about football, which lead to me picturing Beau in all sorts of LSU paraphernalia. Which means we will have a BABY!! Then its the fair, halloween, cool weather, scarves, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and all sorts of family together time and friend fun. I think I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. And fall may be on the way. Give or take a few months :).

Life Lately

Oh my goodness where is time going?? This summer is FLYING by which is both totally exciting and totally terrifying as we are 10 weeks away from baby Beau. Woah. We have been in and out of town the last few weeks. Celebrated the 4th of July (but failed to take pictures). And have been just getting ready for baby.  Bubba is one week away from his big test for the CFP, and I think we both can't wait until that is behind us. There has been a whole lot of studying going on and I for one am thankful its not me studying. Unless you count watching Psych on Netflix then I have been studying hard.

Some pictures from the last few weeks. First up: Our trip to Bubba's parent's house. We had a blast swimming and eating and hanging out with the family. Our youngest niece loves her Bubba. In fact, I saw her yesterday, and as soon as she saw me she said, "Bubba???" And I told her he was at work.  She then looked disappointed and asked, "Gunnar??" Well, I didn't have the dog either... Fail.

Pure Love

Trudy loves to go swimming.  She chilled on this raft and loved ever second of it!.

Next, Emily came in town and we got to have a fun Girl's Night dinner. Much needed visit time!

Sara, Em, Susan

This picture took an insane amount of takes. Me, Les, Whit.

Friends since 1st grade. Friends for life.

On to Baby Beau update! We have very slowly begun working on Beau's nursery! We got in the furniture, and haven't put the crib together yet, but have the dresser and chair in the room. So, here we are at like 10% progress haha.

Dresser/Changing table

Incredibly comfy chair!

Sweet baby clothes!

Gunnar and Gertie love my big belly and their little brother already.  Look at this sweet puppy.  She constantly rests her head on my belly and gives a funny look when she gets kicked.

Lastly, and most fun! Is Beau in 4D. Looking just like his Daddy. Also, for my remembering some stats. I was 28 weeks 4 days. Beau was in the 90+ percentile and weighed 3lbs 9oz at the time.  He is a big baby. Love the cheeks. It was so crazy to see him in 4D and it look so real. It was voodoo.

Sweet nose and lips.

Baby foot

Beau on top and his cousin on bottom.  Looking just alike haha

Well, those are all the big updates and what is going on. We are enjoying summer and having fun! Hope y'all are too.

Father's Day Weekend

Yesterday was Father's Day, and this weekend I got to see 2/3 of the best dad's there have ever been.

 My Daddy:

This guy is just the best ever. I am a daddy's girl through and through and was so happy that I got to see him Friday night, even if it was just for a quick dinner. I had had a pretty rough day at work on Friday, and my dad rolled through town and took me out to eat. You know that you have a good daddy when on a weekend to celebrate him, he takes YOU out to dinner. Love you Pops. PS your present is in the "mail."

My Father-in-Law:

This is quite possibly my most favorite wedding picture

This man will make you laugh till it hurts and is always prepared for anything. He is such a great man, and I am so blessed to have married in to this family. I know Bubba will be a great dad in large part to the example that his dad has set for him. Love you Mr. Andy!

My Baby Daddy:

Oh Bubba, it is crazy that this was your first Father's Day. It will be so fun to celebrate next year with Beau. I cannot wait to see you be a dad. If its anything like your relationship with Gunnar, I think we will be just fine! Love you. 

A night that may never be topped

Tonight was just such a fun memory. I think that it's very important to note that I am writing a summation of this epic night at 8:50 pm. Meemaw status secured.

My most favorite blogger ever, BooMama, just released her first book "A little Salty to cut the Sweet." When I tell you it's fantastic that is no lie. And I would know as I have read 10 whole books in my lifetime. But let me tell you it's truly great. If you have family, you can relate. But if you have a Southern family, you not only can relate but you will think to yourself oh thank goodness my family is normal. She has a delightful way of finding the Holy in the everyday. The blessings in the people around you.

Well, being from Mississippi, she did a book signing in Jackson and we went! Y'all. It was just delightful. Between my nervous talking and Whitney's high adrenaline, hot flashes, I am quite positive we were one crazy sentence away from security being called and a short trip for an evaluation at the mental institute. I totally kid. BooMama or Sophie Hudson her real name was absolutely delightful and I hope everyone I know reads her stories because I promise you your heart will be blessed. In fact, you can order it here. And you should.

After we thoroughly met and got books signed, it was time for the early bird special at Bravo because we are high rollers like that. We sat and talked and chatted and greatly enjoyed the company. Lifelong friends just can't be beat. They are the cheapest form of therapy there is. We had a ball and laughed till it hurt.

I think it's appropriate to end this post with my favorite quote from the book because it says so beautiful how I feel about a good fellowship with friends, family, friends who are family, and food.

"For the first half of my life, probably, I thought that the whole point of the table was the food....But now that I am older, I know better. And it's comforting, somehow, to recognize that while the food may be what brings us to the table, it's not the main course by a long shot. More than anything, I think, the food is an invitation to see what the Lord is doing, 'to taste and see that the Lord is good' (Psalm 34:8). Because when people gather round the table to break bread, the Lord gets to work. He knits together our hearts, strengthens our bonds, and connects our narratives. The table is where He links the generations, where he prompts us to join hands and now heads and remember and laugh and pass our stories back and forth to each other." A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet by Sophie Hudson.

I sure did appreciate the table tonight. And while the food was great, the company was better. The Lord used a couple hours with best friends to strengthen the heart and soul. And that my friends can't be beat. So thank you Sophie for reminding us of just that little nugget of truth!

Those Summer NIIIIGGGHHHHTTTS

I hope with all my person that anyone reading this read the title in the tune of the Grease song. Specifically, the magical ending of the song. Because that will make me happy. (I'm looking to you Mama).

Being a grown-up without an official "Summer" is truly the pits. I guess I keep thinking it will be easier to not have one, but who am I kidding. When it is roughly the temperature of the surface of the sun combined with a humidity so dense that the air is essentially a liquid, it is hard to stay motivated in the day to day grind. But such is my cross to bear (a similar cross to millions of people but please go with the drama! feelings! angst!)

Last night, however, it felt like the good ole times and truly like summer. Rebecca, Will, and the girls came over to swim. We braved swimming in possible thunderstorms, but the lightening looked off in the distance so risks were taken. Then we ate my favorite meal on earth: hot dogs, mac and cheese, beans, and corn. I swear should I ever have a "last meal" it will be hot dogs and mac and cheese. Please no fancy mac and cheese. I prefer velveeta from a box. No need to mess with perfection.

Then, we sat out in the drive way and chatted and laughed and played for hours. The weather was magnificent after the rain and rather being a steamy hot mess, the Lord gave us a cool night with no humidity. And if you don't consider that a true miracle, then you have never yet been to Mississippi in June. It was delightful. My most favorite activity is the inactivity of "porch sitting" when you talk and drink lemonade and visit with neighbors. Basically, I want to live in Mayberry. Is that so wrong? 

It gave me the Summer activity that I needed to feel the rest and slow pace that the season offers. Summer makes the hours and minutes seem longer as the light stretches deeper in the night, but rather than being monotonous, its magical. Even though it has lost some of its magic, as I don't get the season off to play, nights like last night will always remind me of why I love Summer.

Summer is for friends, family, food, fun, and sweating to death with those you love. And you just can't beat that.

Memorial Day 2013

After we wrapped up at the beach, we headed home for some Memorial Day festivities. Waiting on us at home were three MORE of my favorite people. My brother, Emily, and Baby Caroline! It was like I got to hit the family favorites jackpot! We hung out Saturday and ate some YUMMY Mexican food, which makes sense on an American holiday weekend. 

I wish I could see this sweet face every day. Love my C.

Sunday, we hung out in the morning and went to Strawberry Patch Park to play a little before our cook out that afternoon. C loved the walking trail and the bell. We saw a cute, yet mean, family of geese. But, in their defense, it was a Mama and Daddy protecting their babies. Which were adorable.

I mean. NO. WORDS. So precious.

Our parents were on the way home from ATL so they got to swing by too on Sunday. We grilled out and watched LSU beat Vandy to be SEC Baseball Champs.  GEAUX TIGERS!!! After we all ate, and I finished off almost a whole watermelon... Em and the Parents and C headed to Monroe.  John stayed the night Sunday night and we watched a patriotic movie... Star Trek Into Darkness. HA. It was good and scared me. But, we had a blast.

If only these two would move closer!!! It really was so great to see them and spend some quality time. Unfortunately, something that happens not often enough. We love our family, and we are so blessed to also be genuinely friends with them.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!!