The Parmers Have Moved

New Blog Address

2009-04-27T00:55:00.000-07:00

Random Pictures

2009-04-26T22:02:00.000-07:00

The girls still swarm to Brady whenever they can - we really thought the newness and excitement of his presence would wear off with them - but it certainly has not!! They just love their baby brother so much...

I had been feeding Brady and the girls wanted me to take their picture and, of course, I obliged! The top picture is Bella with Brady and the other is Brooklyn with Brady.

There's a Bear on my Bum!

2009-04-25T22:55:00.000-07:00

What is it about baby clothes and things on the bum?!? In this post - the picture is of Bella from September 2005 (she was just over a month old)! When I dressed Brady in this outfit this past weekend - I, of course, had to take a picture of his bum! Cute, huh?

Somebody found their toes....

2009-04-24T22:48:00.000-07:00

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Brady found his toes and he just cannot get enough of them! He is constantly playing with them when he is laying down or sitting in his high chair! I just love his little toes!!!
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Brady's First Newspaper Appearance

2009-04-23T22:33:00.000-07:00

Brady's daycare had their "Easter party" and their picture was in the newspaper. Brady is in the bouncey seat in front!

Mommy and the Kids

2009-04-22T22:42:00.000-07:00

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First Taste of Solids

2009-04-21T22:00:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, April 7th I tried Brady with some Rice Cereal! He did ok with the whole process of eating but certainly did not care much for the taste of the rice cereal! So...Brannon found some cereal nipples and we've been adding it to two of his bottles during the day. I tried him with the cereal again Wednesday night and he was even less interested in it. Thursday I picked up some Stage 1 applesauce, bananas and pears and he's been loving the apples since. I'm keeping him just on one food for about a week or so before introducing anything new. We'll probably stick to just the apples for another few days.

I feel like we are starting him on solids sooo early - but I feel like my supply isn't keeping up with him and I'd rather supplement with a little rice cereal in his bottles and a jar of food at night rather than put him on formula!

Here are a few pictures of his first taste of solid foods!
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Like I said, he was not at all impressed with the Rice Cereal - but he really seems to like his apples - opening his mouth when the spoon nears his mouth and smiling at me while I feed him!

HaPpY bIrThDaY, POP!

2009-04-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

Today is Pop's birthday!

HaPpY bIrThDaY, PoP! We miss you!

HaPpY bIrThDaY, sAm!

2009-04-19T22:58:00.000-07:00

Today is my cousin's birthday!

hApPy BiRtHdAy, SAM!

Update on Pop

2009-04-19T18:42:00.000-07:00

Nana and Pop are still in Texas - tomorrow (Monday, the 20th of April) will be the start of their 4th week there. Pop spent several days in the Emergency Room at MD Anderson this past week. He had been discharged to the Rotary House but then he developed a fever, so they had to go through the emergency room in order to get admitted; however, there were no rooms available. I think it was Thursday night (or maybe Friday night) when they finally got re-admitted to a "real" room at MD Anderson. He still has a fever - but today it was right around 100.5 - which is better than it has been at 102.5! It is my understanding that once the fever breaks - they can go ahead and start with Round 2 of Chemo!

Also in the past week - they've had to give him a couple units of blood because his hemoglobin was low and he shaved his beard and mustache (I've been with Brannon for 12 1/2 years and I have never seen Pop without his beard). The last I heard - they were pleased with his platelet counts and that they were coming up.

Hopefully, the fever will break so that he can get onto Round 2!

My understanding of his treatment plan is 6 rounds of chemo; 5 weeks of radiation (at 5 days a week) and then surgery. I don't know this for sure - and as everyone knows - things can change.

Family Movie Night

2009-04-18T22:47:00.000-07:00

We noticed that the local movie theater was showing Monsters vs. Aliens and we decided to take the kids and go one Monday night. We grabbed a quick bite to eat first and then headed to the theater (it is a tiny theater only showing one movie). Besides our family of five, there were only three other people there (which is why we knew it would not be a big deal to take a 4 month old with us). Bella is a movie-buff - she loves them and loves going to the "moomie feater"! Brooklyn is another story - we learned again that she just isn't ready for the movie theater - she and Brannon went back and forth to the bathroom during the majority of the movie! Brady was pretty content through most of the movie - but did get restless towards the end. I thought the movie was a cute movie! It was fun, but I doubt that we'll be doing it again any time soon!

HaPpY bIRtHdAy, ChRiS!

2009-04-17T22:09:00.000-07:00

Today is my brother-in-law's birthday!

Happy Birthday, Chris - hope you have a great day!

Brady's 4-month Well-Visit

2009-04-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

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We took Brady to the Pediatrician for his 4-month well visit on Thursday, April 16th! Here are his stats:
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Weight: 12 lbs 13 oz --25th percentile

(11 lbs 1 oz at 2 months - gain of 1 lb 11 oz)

Length: 25 1/2 inches -- 75th percentile

(23 inches at 2 months - growth of 2 1/2 inches)

Head: 16 1/2 inches -- 50th percentile

(15 1/4 inches at 2 months - growth of 3/4 inches)

He dropped from the 50th percentile for weight at 2 months to the 25th percentile at 4 months. Our pediatrician wasn't alarmed by this, but apparently babies don't start this drop until around 9 months when they are getting more active. We knew that my supply was decreasing as I have not been pumping the quantity that he eats while at daycare. Luckily, I have had a supply in the freezer from his first couple of months, so there has been no problem with him getting what he's wanted. I really enjoy breastfeeding and want to do so for the first year, at a minimum. So the fact that I'm already having a hard time keeping up with his needs is very sad for me. The pediatrician recommended we start him on cereal (which we did about a week ago) and that we increase his food intake (he started apples about a week ago as well). So now - he is getting a minimum of 3 jars of food a day and during the week at daycare - he gets cereal in two of his bottles. He will still nurse exclusively when with me (in the mornings, at night and on the weekends) - as opposed to receiving bottles. We're going to try this and see if he backs off the number of bottles he is taking - if he still continues to want/need the 4 bottles while at daycare (which is what he's done for the past 3 weeks) - then we will supplement that additional bottle with formula. Honestly - we are not that concerned about it - because he is gaining weight and he is just the happiest little guy. He really doesn't cry that often - just when he is ready for his bottle/nursing. My opinion is that if he were not getting enough to eat - then he wouldn't be as happy and content as he is. We're trying the new routine and hopefully all will be well at his 6-month well-visit.

He is doing great at daycare. He is not at the same place that the girls are, as they did not have any space for him. The lady that he stays with goes on and on about how good he is....When I drop him off in the mornings and "MiMi Carolyn" takes him - he just smiles at her. It is very reassuring that he seems so happy where he is!

Milestone-wise - he is doing GREAT! He loves to stand up (assisted, of course). He can sit up with support. We've noticed in the past week or so that when in his carseat - he is already trying to pull himself up...He laughs and smiles and talks to us ALL the time!! He is just such an easy baby. He sleeps well - not all night every night - but on a typical night he is only up maybe once. And as an added bonus - I can just lay him in his bed and he will entertain himself and then just fall asleep!!! I know there has to be more to say - but instead - I will just leave you with this picture from this past weekend.

3 Little Monkeys!

2009-04-16T22:37:00.000-07:00

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It was the best one that I got - two out of three looking at the camera isn't too bad, I guess!
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Happy Friday!

Princesses

2009-04-15T22:20:00.000-07:00

-- Not all Princesses wear crowns!
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Aunt Dee

2009-04-15T18:25:00.000-07:00

Gloria Cox, aka Aunt Dee, February 4, 1928 - April 14, 2009. She was 81 years old. Aunt Dee is my {maternal} grandmother's older sister. I did not know her very well, but she and my mom were quite close. The biggest thing I do remember first hand was her love for animals! She always had Irish Wolfhounds - two, in particular, that I remember are James and Frog. Frog was a white Irish Wolfhound and James was a BIG gray one who did not know he was big - he literally thought he was a lap dog! The biggest thing I remember hearing my mom talk about was Aunt Dee's ability to grow lollipops when my mom was little.

Dee was preceded in death by her husband, Buddy, a son, Bruce and a brother, Ivan. She is survived by two siblings, a sister, Carol and a brother, Garth and his wife Lil, and many others who loved her.

Rest in peace, Aunt Dee - you are already missed!

Left to right: Carol (my Grandma), Pauline (my mom), and Aunt Dee, circa 1999.

Brady's First Easter

2009-04-14T22:31:00.000-07:00

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You didn't think we'd leave out our little guy?!?!?
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As I mentioned in another post - Brady had a basket (well, bucket) all his own! He got a blue puppy dog, a Winnie the Pooh book with teether corners, and a little cell phone type toy with a little mirror on it. He was not too impressed - but he's starting to take interest in toys, so...

More Egg Hunting

2009-04-13T22:22:00.000-07:00

The Easter Bunny hid a few eggs around the living room after filling the baskets! These pictures are of the girls hunting those eggs Sunday morning!

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Easter Bunny

2009-04-12T22:03:00.000-07:00

After everyone was (finally) asleep, the Easter Bunny visited our house! He left lots of goodies for our family - two new movies - Desperaux and Bolt (both of which have already been watched); the girls each got princess microphones, make-up brushes, shimmery chap stick, keys with remote, etch-a-sketch, princess crowns with matching earrings and ring, bracelets, rings and a pair of pajamas!

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Bella is telling Brooklyn about her earrings and ring that match the princess crown!

Brady got a blue puppy dog that barks when you squeeze his belly and a little cell phone toy with a mirror on it (it's hard to buy for a 4-month old - but he did have a bucket, too!)...
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Easter Egg Hunting!

2009-04-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

The girls had such a good time hunting Easter eggs this year! Bella was an old pro and ran off on her own with all the other kids; while Brooklyn stayed close to Daddy! Brady stayed in the sling on me the entire time - even sleeping through some of it! All in all - it was a great time!

Going on an Egg Hunt!

2009-04-12T19:16:00.000-07:00

One of the local Churches in our community hosted an Easter Egg Hunt at Little River State Park on Saturday morning! The girls were so excited about going.

Ready to go!

Time for a quick picture with Mommy!

The sun was really bright! It was a beautiful day!

We actually got there a little early (nothing short of a miracle these days - haha), so the girls enjoyed playing on the swings and slides at the Park.

Bella at the top of the slide!

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Brooklyn at the top of the slide!

Mommy and Brady swinging!

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Who is that behind that tree?

Could it really be??? The EASTER BUNNY!!!!

Brooklyn staying close to Daddy (above) and Bella is so excited to see the Easter Bunny - again (below)!

Getting their goodies from the Easter Bunny (even Brooklyn went up to the Easter Bunny and she even gave the Bunny a hug {this is a huge improvement over last weekend when she was petrified of the Bunny}!

Group shot of all the kids at the Easter Egg Hunt and the Easter Bunny!

Stay tuned for pictures of the actual hunting!
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Happy Easter!

2009-04-11T22:00:00.000-07:00

Meeting the Easter Bunny

2009-04-11T01:19:00.000-07:00

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The Easter Bunny was in Atmore last Saturday. Mi-Mi and I took the kids to "meet" him. Bella ran right to him and hugged him and then had a little chat with him. Brady was fine in the Easter Bunny's arm for a quick picture. Brooklyn would have absolutely nothing to do with him. When he got close to her, she was literally shaking! In order to get a picture of her, the Easter Bunny had to go outside and wave at the cars passing by!
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Update on Pop

2009-04-10T06:56:00.000-07:00

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We talked to Nana and Pop last night and Pop sounded much better than when we talked to him on Wednesday. He said he was feeling better too - still a bit weak, but good. He was not discharged to the extended stay facility yesterday - but is looking to be today. I'm think they just wanted to monitor him for another night inpatient. The doctor that visited him yesterday was pleased with how he was doing. While at the extended stay facility - they will be monitoring him and his bloodwork. His second round of chemo is scheduled to begin on or around April 23rd. --

Today, I will leave you with some pictures of the girls and Nana.

Fixing Mi-Mi's Hair

2009-04-10T02:26:00.000-07:00

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Build-a-Bear had these little "kits" that included a hairdryer, hair brush and mirror! Bella saw these and HAD to have one and of course, Brooklyn followed suit! After supper and getting into their pajamas - they deicded it was time to fix Mi-Mi's hair!
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Brady is 4 months!

2009-04-08T23:28:00.000-07:00

Happy 4-month birthday, Brady!

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At 4 months you have mastered rolling over from your back to your stomach and from your stomach to your back. You love to suck on your fingers - typically your index finger and your middle finger! You have the sweetest smile and you use it to your advantage, already! Your sisters are still very enthralled with you and you rarely get a moment's peace when they are around! You've started to daycare and are doing great! You just smile when I give you to MiMi Carolyn in the morning! I'm sure there is more to say - we just love you to pieces!!

Brady goes to the pediatrician next Thursday for his 4-month well-visit. I will update the scrap page then with his stats and post about the visit then.

Build-A-Bear

2009-04-08T22:48:00.000-07:00

My mom (aka Mi-Mi) came into town this past weekend and we took the kids to Build-A-Bear. Bella decided to "build" a bunny and Brooklyn built a "lamb".

Here they are with their "unstuffed" friends.

Picking out the hearts for their friends.

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Kissing their hearts before they put them in their friends.

Giving their friends their heart!

Stuffing their friends!

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Brooklyn checking her baby for "cuddliness"!

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Bella checking her baby for "cuddliness"!

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Giving their newly stuffed friends an air bath and brush down!
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Walking with their new friends in their new carriers, with Mi-Mi!

Update on Pop

2009-04-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

Updated 4/9/2009: Pop did not get discharged yesterday. He is hoping to be discharged today to the extended stay facility and then to the Rotary House. He is doing ok - a few effects from the chemo - vomitting and he has fainted twice now. All in all - they are saying he is handling it fine.

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We talked to Nana and Pop last night. Pop sounded tired and weak - but he is still doing well (given the circumstances). He finished his first round of chemo yesterday (Tuesday, 4/7) and was expecting to be discharged today. They will stay in Texas so that his bloodwork can be monitored. He begins his second round of chemo on 4/23. In between now and then - he is hoping to come home even if for just a few days. But that will depend on how his bloodwork looks!

I've included some pictures of Pop and his girls - these are from late last year...

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Silly pictures

2009-04-08T02:27:00.000-07:00

Bella

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Brooklyn --

Floor Time

2009-04-07T03:05:00.000-07:00

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Floor time for Brady typically turns into floor time for everyone to see who can smother love Brady the most. On this particular day - Brooklyn was the most loving.

Bella did join on the floor..

Bella - future photographer?

2009-04-06T03:21:00.000-07:00

A couple of Saturdays ago - Bella started arranging her "friends" and she told Brannon she wanted to take their pictures. So he obliged and she took pictures of her "friends".

Later that evening - she was posing a select few again and asked for me to take their picture. So I did.

Then she wanted to pose with them and for me to take her picture with them. So, of course, I did.

Then she proceeded to tell me I should put them on the blog (is it odd that my three year old knows what a blog is?)

Brady

2009-04-05T03:54:00.000-07:00

Hanging out in his crib (it's safe from those crazy sisters - for the most part at least)!

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Yummy fingers

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Trying to swing - Brooklyn felt that he needed babies to play with ...He doesn't look so pleased in this picture.
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Well - maybe I'll keep just one of them...

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He's a good sport and a very laid back little guy!! He puts up with all the girls' antics and love (and let me tell you they have a LOT of love for this little guy)!!!!
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Update on Pop

2009-04-04T19:29:00.000-07:00

We are calling Nana and Pop most every night - if nothing else so the girls can talk to Nana and Pop! You must remember Nana had been at home with the kids full-time since the end of January when I returned to work after being out with Brady! So the girls are missing seeing their Nana every day!

We called tonight and Pop answered and sounded great! I honestly didn't expect him to answer tonight given they were starting the chemo last night (I wasn't sure if the side effects would happen immediately or what). He said they did start the chemo finally around midnight last night and that he slept pretty well and that today had been a quiet day and they had enjoyed that!

I asked Nana about the MRI results - I've hesistated to ask too many questions when I talk to them because I know it can be exhausting rehashing everything over and over - but at the same time we really want to know! From what I understand - the cancer could be from his knee to his pelvic area but they aren't sure because they feel there is adema in his leg which might be what they are seeing. She also mentioned that it could be in his lungs and the cells are just too small to detect. Either way - they are optimistic the chemo will do the trick and hopefully be the only course of treatment!

We are so thankful for everyone's prayers and sooo very thankful that things are going as well as can be expected - we can't change that the cancer is there, but it doesn't seem to be a "worst case" situation!

What Kind of Shoe Are You?

2009-04-04T06:20:00.000-07:00

You Are Clogs

You are a solid and down to earth person.

You seek and almost always achieve a really sound balance in your life.

You are stylish yet comfortable. Mellow but driven. Excited yet calm.

You are the perfect mesh of contradictions.

No matter what happens, you have the ability to stay well grounded in your life.

People know that they can truly depend on you.

You should live: In Europe

You should work: At a company dedicated to helping the world

What Kind of Shoe Are You?

Update on Pop

2009-04-03T18:39:00.000-07:00

They have (finally) given a name for Pop's cancer - it is High Grade Pleomorphic Sarcoma. He has had a chest x-ray, CAT Scan and MRI. The chest x-ray and the CAT Scan came back with nothing out of the ordinary. I'm not sure of the MRI results.

As of now - Pop will have 2 rounds of chemo and depending upon how the tumor responds to the chemo - that may be all that has to be done. There will likely be a third round of chemo - but he can likely do that closer to home. The doctor is very optimistic.

As of tonight- they had put the central line in and were planning to begin the chemo tonight. He sounded good and upbeat - so...

Given that we cannot change the fact that he has cancer - we are very thankful of the prognosis right now and are praying that the tumor responds to the chemo as they expect and that he will be home soon!

Pop and Brady

2009-04-03T04:06:00.000-07:00

And a little while later....

Where do the alligators live?

2009-04-02T06:37:00.000-07:00

With all the rain - the ditches in our front yard and our neighbor's front yard have stayed full and the girls are totally enthralled! Everytime they get out of the truck, they run to the ditches saying they have to get the alligators..

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The following conversation ensued Tuesday evening:
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Me: Brooklyn, where are you going?
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Brooklyn: I going to get the alligators!
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Me: Where do the alligators live?
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Brooklyn: In the water.
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Me: Where is the water?
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Brooklyn: In the bitch.
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Me: {trying hard not to laugh} - Brooklyn - it is a ditch.
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Brooklyn: Oh - in the bitch...
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P.S. - I hestitated to post this because of the "b" word - but it was too funny not to post for future laughter! She is so cute saying it as she really thinks she is saying ditch! This morning - she was telling us again and Bella was correcting her saying "No D as in Daddy - Ditch"! Too cute...
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The kids and their Pop

2009-04-02T04:03:00.000-07:00

What comes after Monday?

2009-04-01T08:01:00.000-07:00

Mon-night!

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Bella - 3/30/2009
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Bella Playing with Brady

2009-04-01T04:49:00.000-07:00

Bella loves to play with Brady (as does Brooklyn)...We thought the "newness" of the baby would wear off - but it still has not! The poor boy does not get a moment's peace when the girls are around!!! But don't let him fool you - he LOVES it!!! He is always smiling and cooing and laughing with them when they are entertaining him!

Pop

2009-03-31T07:08:00.000-07:00

Pop (Brannon's mom's husband) has recently been diagnosed with Sarcoma, a rare cancer. Sarcoma accounts for approximately 1% of all new adult cancer cases per year. We do not know a lot other than it has been classified as late-stage sarcoma. Nana and Pop are in Texas at MD Anderson to finalize the diagnosis and to (hopefully) begin the treatment phase. Hopefully we will have more information today after their appointment in Texas.

Please keep them in your prayers!!!

An Early Visit from the Easter Bunny

2009-03-31T05:32:00.000-07:00

The Easter Bunny heard that Nana and Pop probably would not be in town for Easter - so he (or she) made an early visit to their house Friday night!! The girls each got a bucket with a shovel (for the beach, of course) filled with stickers and outfits and hair clippies!! The Easter Bunny hid eggs around Nana and Pop's house and the girls had a great time finding them!

Friday night with Nana and Pop

2009-03-30T07:10:00.000-07:00

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The kids and I went up to Nana and Pop's (Bran's mom and her husband) Friday night. Nana and Pop had bought some beads to make bracelets and necklaces!

Brooklyn hard at work making her necklace!

Pop showing Bella how to do it...
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Brady and his fingers

2009-03-29T04:00:00.000-07:00

Brady is a "finger sucker"!! There have been a few times that I have laid him in his crib and I'd come back to find him sound asleep with his fingers in his mouth. There are also times when you can literally "hear" him sucking away on his fist and/or his fingers!

Sleeping Smiles

2009-03-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

It isn't the best picture because he was swinging and the motion made it blurry - but I love it when he starts grinning while he sleeps!

ABCs

2009-03-25T04:46:00.000-07:00

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A -Age: 30
B - Bed size: king
C - Chore you hate: floors
D - Dad's Name: Jim
E- Essential start to your day item: shower
F - Favorite actor(s): Patrick Dempsey/Matthew McConaughey
G - Gold or Silver: Silver
H - Height: 5' 6"
I - Instruments you play(ed): none - took piano lessons at one time
J- Occupation: Accountant
K- Kid(s): Bella, Brooklyn and Brady
L - Living arrangements: husband and 3 kids and a dog
M - Mom's name: Pauline
N- Nicknames: Bug
O - Overnight hospital stay other than giving birth: yes - broken arm and meningitis
P - Pet Peeve: lots of them
Q - Quotes you like: It is what it is.
R - Right or left handed: Right
S - Siblings: Jennifer, Angie and Michael
T - Time you wake up: 6:00 or earlier
U- Underwear: big
V - Vegetable you dislike: most
W - Ways you run late: children
X - X-rays you've had: some - mostly arms
Y - Yummy food you make: spaghetti
Z - Zodiac: Taurus
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Bowling

2009-03-24T04:37:00.000-07:00

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We went bowling this past Saturday!! This was a first for the girls and the first time we've been bowling since we had kids...
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Brooklyn became disinterested pretty quickly and had more fun climbing the stairs and the rails!
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Brady was unimpressed and slept for the majority of the time!

NieNie

2009-03-24T03:26:00.000-07:00

Stephanie and Mr. Nielson were in a plane crash in August 2008. Their flight instructor and friend, Greg, was killed as a result. Stephanie and Mr. Nielson were severely burned in the accident. They spent months in a burn unit but are now home - still recovering.

I don't remember how I happened across Stephanie's blog, The NieNie Dialogues, but I did as well as her sister's blog, cjane. CJane updated her blog faithfully regarding the Neilson's recovery and she, along with other siblings, took in her sister's children while her sister and brother-in-law recovered. I've become "hooked" to both of their blogs...Yesterday's post by Stephanie, as most of her posts do, caused tears to well up in my eyes! Have a look - but you might want to grab a tissue...Yesterday's post was titled "A Mother"...Click here to read

New Pajamas!

2009-03-23T04:32:00.000-07:00

The girls got some new pajamas that came with tu-tus!! Bella is always more than happy to pose for the camera but Brooklyn is usually too busy to stand still....I think they wore these pajamas every night for a week (don't worry - they were washed in between)!

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p.s. - Bella is in the top picture and Brooklyn is in the bottom picture.
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Pay It Forward!

2009-03-22T04:00:00.000-07:00

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I'm participating in a Pay It Forward Swap, and I need three people to sign up to play. I'm hoping to encourage my creativity! To each of these three participants, I will send out a handmade gift within the next 12 months. In turn each of these people agrees to 'Pay It Forward' and send out a handmade something to three other people....and so on....and so on. There is a lengthy sending window in that you will have 1 year to send something to your three sendees. So I'm hoping to be able to find 3 people who would like to receive something from me.

Any takers??

If you are interested, leave a comment on this post with a way that I can contact you to get your email address and mailing address.I'm so looking forward to making something just for you:).......so come on and play....please!

Just for Fun!

2009-03-21T19:26:00.000-07:00

Anyone who really knows me - knows I LOVE LOVE purses!!!! I saw this post over at Life With My Special Ks and even though I wasn't officially tagged - I wanted to do this post!!
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1. Post a picture of the bag/purse/handbag/pocketbook {whatever you call it!} that you are carrying! Now, don't you even think about going back there to your closet and getting that cute little clutch that you carried before you had children or the last time you went out ;-) I want to see the purse that you carried today!

It looks small - but it really holds a lot! I have a Filofax planner, camera, brush, powder, lipstick, checkbook, tylenol, keys and even some mail!

2. Tell us how much it cost! Oh my, I know what you are thinking - a Southern Belle neva discusses matters of money, darlin'. Well, yes, but today we are gonna break that rule and tell! Yes, tell how much it cost. We won't judge! This is for entertainment purposes only! And if there is a story that goes along with this purse, tell it!!

$9.95

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3. Tag some other girls. It will be fun to see what everybody else posts :-)
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Lesley

Julie
Melanie

Anyone else who wants to do it!
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Happy Birthday, Barbie!

2009-03-18T05:35:00.000-07:00

Did you know Barbie is turning 50!?!? Happy Birthday, Barbie!

p.s. - you'll have to pause the music - I moved it to the top for easy access!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T05:47:00.000-07:00

Trying to get one with all three....

2009-03-16T05:41:00.000-07:00

Just the girls...

2009-03-11T23:10:00.000-07:00

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More of Mi-Mi's Visit

2009-03-11T04:30:00.000-07:00

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Just a couple more pics of Mi-Mi's visit! Here they are riding the horses at the outlets!
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A Visit from Mi-Mi

2009-03-10T05:52:00.000-07:00

Mi-Mi came into town for a quick visit - she came down Saturday morning and went back Sunday morning!

We headed to the outlets in Foley when she arrived. We stopped at Mellow Mushroom for pizza before hitting the shops!!

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Here is the best group photo I could get of the kids and Mi-Mi!
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Brooklyn and Mi-Mi
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Brooklyn and Mi-Mi coloring together..

Missing!

2009-03-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

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I seem to have lost my babies and they've been replaced with:
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A 3-month old baby boy who is already wearing some 6-9 month clothes!! No longer considered a "newborn" but now is an "infant"!
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A 2-year old little girl - not a baby, not even a toddler - a little girl! A mischievous little girl, at that!

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A 3-year old who is writing and spelling her name and who will start kindergarten in one short "school" year!

Brady is 3-months!!!

2009-03-09T03:12:00.000-07:00

Click here to read Brady's THREE MONTH post!

Local Celebrities!?!

2009-03-04T07:26:00.000-08:00

The kids and I went to a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner at the local Episcopal Church. The girls were in today's paper (it is a small town and the paper only comes out once a week!!!) from that night. Here they are all decked out in their "Mardi Gras finest"!

The kids...

2009-03-04T04:33:00.000-08:00

The Girls

2009-03-03T06:29:00.000-08:00

A Typical Evening

2009-02-27T04:30:00.000-08:00

My friend Lesley posted this POST almost a month ago and I could totally relate to the pictoral of her morning! I thought I'd post a pictoral of my evenings...not every evening - but the below can be found occurring at our house at some point each evening!

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Brady crying....

Brooklyn crying...

and Bella crying!
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I, like Lesley, often do not see the humor in this - but perhaps you will!

Digital Scrapbooking

2009-02-25T19:26:00.000-08:00

I have not kept baby books for any of the kids - one reason is the blog - I try to keep it updated with all that we are doing and all the information about the kids that would go into a baby book. BUT...I decided I would try my hand at digital scrapbooking! My goal would be to have at least one page per month per year for the kids - we could print these out and then they'd have a record (or I could just leave it on the computer and they'd still have the record - which is what will likely happen!).

I started with Brady because I can get his up to date pretty quickly since I only have 3 months to "catch up" on!

Here is my "scrapbook page" announcing his arrival with all his stats!

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Be sure to check Brady's page for other scrapbook pages and updated posts...
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Wordless Wednesday - Sweet Sisters

2009-02-25T04:46:00.000-08:00

You blog too much when...

2009-02-24T19:50:00.000-08:00

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your 3-year old sees pictures on the computer and asks when you are going to "set up the blog"!
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Mischief

2009-02-24T04:55:00.000-08:00

Bella fell asleep while I was cooking supper this past Saturday, so Brooklyn and I ate. While we were eating Brady woke up, so I went to the couch to nurse him and left Brooklyn at the table. I heard her get up, but didn't think much about it...I then heard her in the kitchen and knew she was doing something with Georgia's bowls (which she is notorious for doing) - I just wasn't sure what she was doing this time...It turns out she was putting her leftover spaghetti into Georgia's bowl! I, of course, snapped a few pictures before saying "Brooklyn!", to which she turned and flashed that smile of hers (which coincidentally she thinks will take her very far in life - because she is constantly flashing it to get her way).

BUSTED!!

The Smile that she believes will take her everywhere in life!

A Sunny Sunday

2009-02-23T04:49:00.000-08:00

These are from a few Sundays ago - but....we had a really nice day and decided to go out for a walk to enjoy the weather and get some fresh air! Brady was in the Maya wrap and the girls wanted to take their strollers along!

Brooklyn got tired of pushing her stroller and wanted Daddy to push her instead!! We stopped by our house and picked up her-size stroller for the rest of the walk!

Napping kids...

2009-02-19T03:48:00.000-08:00

For some reason, the girls will nap for Nana at our house (and when they are at her house), but no matter how stern we are about nap time at home - they just won't do it! For instance, on Sunday, I fixed them lunch, we ate and then I told them it was time for a nap! Of course, they both looked at me and said "no" but I took them to their rooms and told them they needed to nap. I tried closing the door - to which they just opened it back up (and I've tried putting the safety things on the back and they just take them off - please note, we do not lock our children in their rooms - it is just a tactic to try and enforce bedtime/naptime - the door is opened shortly after being closed). So I put the baby gate up thinking that since they were in their room, they'd eventually give up and go to sleep! HAHA - I let them out of their room declaring nap time over at 2:45....Oh well - just means it will be an early bedtime!

Here are the girls one day last week napping for Nana!

Wordless Wednesday - When kids don't nap...

2009-02-18T03:05:00.000-08:00

Just another picture of the kids...

2009-02-17T03:04:00.000-08:00

Thank God for Kids

2009-02-16T08:03:00.000-08:00

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I heard this song over the holidays and I love songs that pull at my heartstrings and this one certainly did! It is a song by the Oak Ridge Boys - you can go to ww.wyoutube.com and type in "Thank God for Kids" if you want to hear it - but the lyrics are below...
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If it weren't for kids have you ever thought

There wouldn't be no Santa Clause

Look what the stork just brought

Thank God for Kids

We'd all live in a quiet house

Without Big Bird or a Mickey Mouse

And Kool-aid on the couch

Thank God for Kids

Thank God for kids there's magic for a while

A special kind of sunshine in a smile

Do you ever stop to think? or wonder why?

The nearest thing to Heaven is a child

Daddy how does this thing fly?

A hundred other where's and why's

You really don't know but we try

Thank God for Kids

When you look down in those trustin eyes

That look to you, you realize

Its love that you can't buy

Thank God for Kids

Thank God for there's magic for a while

A special kind of sunshine in a smile

Do you ever stop to think? or wonder why?

The nearest thing to Heaven is a child

When you get down on your knees tonight

To thank the Lord for his guiding light

And pray they turn out right

Thank God for Kids

Up dos

2009-02-15T06:23:00.000-08:00

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We went to the mall in Pensacola on Saturday and the owner of a local Children's Boutique had a booth set up and she was doing "free" up dos for little girls (this was really just a tactic because after putting their hair up, she would put 2 of HER bows into their hair, which you then bought because there was no getting them out of the girls' hair at that point)! Bella was all for this - telling the lady her name and everything. Brooklyn followed suit as well and go her hair done as well!

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T07:39:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Just a quick snapshot of, what else, but the kids!!

Isn't this so true?

2009-02-13T07:51:00.000-08:00

You'll need to pause the music player on the left hand side bar so you don't have two songs playing at once.

He didnt have to wake up

He'd been up all nite

Lay'n there in bed listen'n

To his new born baby cry

He makes a pot of coffee

He splashes water on his face

His wife gives him a kiss and says

It gonna be OK

It wont be like this for long

One day soon we'll look back laugh'n

At the week we brought her home

This phase is gonna fly by

So baby just hold on

It wont be like this for long

Four years later bout four thirty

She's crawling in there bed

And when he drops her off at preschool

She's clinging to his leg

The teacher peels her off of him

He says what can I do

She says now don't you worry

This will only last a week or two

It wont be like this for long

One day soon we'll drop her off

And she wont even know your gone

This phase is gonna fly by

If you can just hold on

It wont be like this for long

One day soon she'll be a teenager

And at times you'll think she hates him

Then he'll walk her down the isle

And he'll raise her vale

But right now she up and cry'n

And the truth is that he don't mind

As he kisses her good night

And she says her prayers

He lays down there beside her

Till her eyes are finally closed

And just watch'n her it breaks his heart

Cause he already knows

It wont be like this for long

One day soon that little girl is gonna be

All grown up and gone

Yeah this phase is gonna fly by

He's try'n to hold on

It wont be like this for long

Just a picture...

2009-02-12T07:48:00.000-08:00

Not sure....

2009-02-11T07:39:00.000-08:00

What they were doing other than playing with the dishes I had in the sink. Bella used to LOVE to wash dishes with me when she was younger...

The Kids

2009-02-10T08:12:00.000-08:00

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The girls just love Brady and if we lay him down anywhere - they swarm towards him! I had him on the couch and first Bella climbed next to him and then Brooklyn had to join them as well!
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Don't Forget...

2009-02-09T09:12:00.000-08:00

to check the kids pages!!!

Click the links below:

Bella

Brooklyn

Brady

We need a bigger play mat...

2009-02-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

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Tinkerbell and a Princess

2009-02-08T08:04:00.000-08:00

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The girls found a crown, a pair of fairy wings and a fairy skirt as well as their boas and decided to dress up! Luckily - we had a second skirt from an old halloween costume - we must have two of everything these days! We went over to Grannie's for lunch today and this is how the girls went- Bella was Tinkerbell (notice the wings) and Brooklyn was Princess Cinderella!
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More of Move over American Idol

2009-02-07T07:53:00.000-08:00

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Bella is so funny sometimes - she really put on a show for us!! Brooklyn was not quite as into it as Bella - but she did join in occassinally!
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Move Over American Idol

2009-02-06T07:43:00.000-08:00

Stay tuned for more pictures from the "show"!

Lazy Day

2009-02-05T05:54:00.000-08:00

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These were from a couple weekends ago...Daddy, Bella and Brady all fell asleep on the couch!!
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Obviously from these pictures, the girls never even got out of their pajamas that day! Brooklyn decided she wanted to be in the picture too - obviously she wasn't napping!

Trip to Anniston - Part 4 - Zach's Birthday Party

2009-02-04T04:54:00.000-08:00

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It happened to work out that we were in town for Zach's (my nephew) 2nd birthday party!!! The kids had a good time playing with all of DJ and Zach's toys!
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Bella playing with the goggles.

Aunt Angie and Brooklyn!

Bella on the dinosaur - she loved this thing!

Drew and Bella drawing on the chalkboard.

The birthday boy opening his presents!

Brooklyn playing with the goggles.

All the little ones playing in Zach's room!
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Trip to Anniston - Part 3 - Playing at Da's House

2009-02-03T04:50:00.000-08:00

There were taken at my dad's house - the kids are Bella, Brooklyn and Whitney (my niece). Brooklyn and Whitney are 2 weeks apart (Brooklyn being the older).

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Trip to Anniston - Part 2 - DJ's Basketball Game

2009-02-02T04:38:00.000-08:00

While we were in Anniston, we were able to go to DJ's (my nephew) basketball game! Here are the pics! They played a great game - it is Upwards basketball, so there is no score - just a good time! Bella had a blast "cheering" with the cheerleaders! I see ballgames in our future!

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Trip to Anniston - Part I - Brady meets Da and Granny Jackie

2009-02-01T16:15:00.000-08:00

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About 3 weekends ago - we made a "surprise" trip to Anniston! And by surprise- I mean no one in Anniston knew we were coming until we were about an hour out! You may remember, my dad had open heart surgery back in October and he wasn't released from the hospital until New Year's Eve - 66 days! He had a pretty rough go of it and while we were there the day of the surgery, we hadn't seen him since (I was too far along pregnancy wise to be travelling that much, especially by myself). Here are some pics of our trip and of Brady meeting his Da and Granny Jackie for the first time!
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Our attempt at a group shot!

The kids

2009-01-23T17:42:00.000-08:00

The girls continue to be great big sisters to Brady! They have not shown any signs of jealousy or meanness towards him (wish I could say the same about their behavior towards each other sometimes)! They just won't leave him alone - always wanting to love, hug or hold on to their brother! We, of course, do not discourage it at all - if they ask to hold him, they get to hold him! Here are a few pics from recent weeks!

Missed us?

2009-01-23T16:47:00.000-08:00

So I know at least one of my blogging buddies has missed my posting over the last 10 days - thanks Laura!!!

I've actually been meaning to post but just haven't gotten around to it. We seem to be staying quite busy! It seems I'm feeding Brady alot - he is definitely a good nurser! Plus there have been a couple of days where I've actually gone into the office and Nana has stayed with Brady.

Today was the girls' last day at "school" - starting Monday, Nana will be at our house with them while we are at work! I start back to work full-time at the office on Monday. I've been keeping up with all my work at home during the past 7 weeks - but Monday is back to the real world! I think the girls are excited to be getting to stay home with Nana and I am glad for them to not be in daycare anymore. The daycare they were attending was good and the girls enjoyed it but as soon as we told them they'd be staying home with Nana - that's all they've talked about!

I apologize for the blogging absence - but I cannot guarantee that it will get any better with my returning to work!

National Delurking Day

2009-01-13T17:03:00.000-08:00

So apparently yesterday, December 12th (updated: National Delurking Day was actually JANUARY 12th - thanks Michelle - obviously I'm more sleep deprived than I thought), was National Delurking Day. What is "delurking" you ask? Well - a lurker is someone who reads a blog but doesn't comment - much like a stalker perhaps (just kidding)! Since I missed the "national day of delurking" - just leave me a comment if you read the blog but don't normally comment or leave me a comment even if you normally do! I know I've been a bit slack on the posts lately - but I a bit busy with 3, 3 and under and working from home...Perhaps if I get lots of comments, I'll go back to my posting every day (see November and December)!

Click the picture...

2009-01-09T17:39:00.000-08:00

Playing Together

2009-01-04T08:25:00.000-08:00

The girls play really well together - most of the time...Here they are in our den playing ball!

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Roll Tide - oh well!

2009-01-03T08:28:00.000-08:00

On Friday, I dressed Brady in an Alabama sleeper given we were playing our Bowl Game that evening. I took some pics of him showing off his enthusiasm for the game - haha!

Out to Eat!

2009-01-02T09:51:00.000-08:00

The weekend before Christmas we went out to eat with Nana and Pop at the new casino in Atmore - they were having an "Employee Appreciation" dinner at the new buffet for employees. I dressed the girls in their Christmas dresses and they looked quite cute - if I say so myself!

It was a nice buffet but I think Bella's favorite was the chocolate cake for dessert!!!

They had people making balloon characters and the girls each got a poodle puppy (which were late confiscated by mean old mommy because Brooklyn would not keep it out of her mouth - I don't like kids and balloons - I'm okay with the mylar balloons because they don't pop as easy as the "regular" ones)! Here the girls are patiently waiting for the puppies. Brooklyn really enjoyed talking to the lady making the dogs!

2008 - A Year in Review

2008-12-31T22:00:00.000-08:00

WOW - another year has come and gone -- out with 2008 and in with 2009! I didn't think I could sum up a whole year in one blog post - but here is my attempt!

January: Bella fell, fractured her arm, wore a cast for 4 weeks. Both girls had their yearly check-ups and both were GREAT!

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February: Bella got rid of her cast after wearing for 4 weeks! Beth got a job! Girls started to "school" - first week was hard - but they adjusted!
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March: Quiet month - busy with work and girls at school. Brannon still working 2 jobs! Bella went to her first movie in a "moomie feater" to see Horton Hears a Who!

April: Brooklyn had her first ear infection but we treated it with garlic drops, adjustments from Daddy, and some TLC from Nana! We got the news that we're expecting again!!!

May: Beth turned 30! Brooklyn hit 18 months - all was well at her Check-up! Quick trip to Anniston for Dalton's baptism. Not much else going on - just work, work, work and play play play!

June: Beth got to hear the new baby's heartbeat for the first time! We are wondering if Bella will ever be potty trained (or at least if she will be before she's three???). We took a quick trip to Atlanta!! The girls got a "real" swingset!!!

July: Not much going on this month - just busy with work and school; Bella is finally showing interest in potty training - YAY!!! Beth is growing, growing, growing! Happy 4th of July!
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August: We got to see the new baby on the ultrasound - all is well, no idea as to girl or boy! Bella turned 3!!! Bella saw another movie in a "moomie feater" - Wall-E!! We had an unexpected visit from the Moeckels!! Beth is growing, growing, growing!
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September: Not much to report from September - girls had School Pictures, we visited the library. Mi-Mi visits! Beth keeps growing!!

October: Happy Halloween!!! We had 2 "mean" witches for Halloween! Went to the local Fall Festival - girls had a blast! Beth keeps growing!!

November: Brooklyn turned 2 - in lieu of a birthday party - we went to the zoo! Fuel pump went out on the truck on the way home from zoo! Beth keeps growing!! Happy Thanksgiving!
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December: Beth keeps growing - but not for much longer!!!Daddy turned 34! Brady Flynn was born on his Daddy's birthday (12/9) at 1:53 am - 8 lbs 1 oz! Merry Christmas!
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

How much do you remember 2008?

2008-12-31T17:49:00.000-08:00

You Remember 90% of 2008

You were paying attention during 2008.

And you remember what happened really well.

You'll be able to talk about 2008 for years to come...

Even when most people have forgotten what went down.

How Much Do You Remember 2008? Click here to find out!

Little Toes

2008-12-31T06:54:00.000-08:00

Comparison

2008-12-30T11:05:00.000-08:00

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Here are pictures of all three kids when they were (are) newborns!! Do you see any similarities? Personally, I think Bella and Brady favor the most as newborns...
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Bella - 1 month_____ Brooklyn - 3 weeks_____ Brady - 2 weeks

Daddy and the Kids

2008-12-30T06:52:00.000-08:00

We tried to get a picture of just Daddy and the kids...Here is the result (we take as many pictures as we can until they become disinterested/uncooperative and then we say enough - they (really Brooklyn) were reaching their end at this point)!