St. George Island 2012

Today I sadly realized that our vacations are over until next June, when we head to Disney with Brad's family. I'm not sad we're heading to Disney, or that we're going with Brad's family...just that we won't get another vacation for 10 months :( We spent the last week with my family at a beach house on St. George Island. There were 11 of us total staying in a 4 bedroom, 2 bath house, and although the space was limited at times, we had a great time, and the week went by incredibly too fast...like it always does.

"It's All Good"
 

Our car trip down there didn't go as smoothly as our previous beach trip, but it still wasn't as bad as I was thinking it was going to be. I was nervous because Avery no longer has her paci, and she's become much more antsy these days, so I thought her sitting still that long was going to be challenging. Neither of those things were an issue at all, but poor Avery was a little constipated and was in a bit of pain :/ She went through little spouts of crying and trying really really hard to fix her problem, but seriously for the most part, she was great and we finally made it about 6 1/2 hrs later!

Unfortunately, it rained monsooned the first two days we were there...

Driving around with uncle Taylor, in the rain

So, we welcomed the heat and sun on Wednesday with open arms. There's really not much to do on the island, so we pretty much spent the remainder of the week laying around on the beach :)

Avery even warmed up to the ocean and let Rissa, and Brad take her out while she floated on the boogy board, and by the end of the week she was laughing as the water rushed under her feet while she stood on the shore!

 

 

 

The boys fished...

 





 

 

 

And we really just goofed off...a lot :)

 

Avery thought Daddy jumping over her was hilarious

Brothers!

My adorable nephews :)

 

One of the coolest things about our trip this year was getting to see George. George is a local, who we met when we first started going to St. George Island on vacation (I was 12, Reece was 11, and Taylor was 6...George was also 11, and was pretty much on his own from a very young age). Anywho...every summer growing up we hung out with George on the beach for a week, but after he graduated high school we lost track of him. The last time I saw George (before this past week) was my freshman year at Valdosta State (his senior year of high school), when he stopped by campus on his way home from Atlanta (he stopped and visited with my parents and brothers too). That was about 9 years ago!!! Over the years my brother, Taylor, has made friends with quite a few of the locals on SGI, and every summer he asks about George. We had always heard he was doing well, and still around...just not living on the island anymore. Well, this year when Taylor asked around, he was given his phone number. Kinda crazy, but Taylor didn't care. He called, and come to find out, George and his family had just moved back to the area about 7 months ago, and George was working on the island! And yes, George knew exactly who Taylor was after all these years. So, after work on Friday, George came over to the house for a little bit, and that night we met him and his wife at Harry A's (one of the few bars on the island) to hang out and catch up!

 



George & Taylor being...well...boys

 



Even though I think I was in mid sentence here, I'm glad I got a picture of the 4 of us

 

St. George Island is always a lot of fun, and bringing my family back to where I grew up vacationing is kinda neat. Luckily, we had great timing this year, with hurricane Issac and all...but I sure hope Mr. Issac plays nice to the gulf coast so that we have an island to go back to again next year!

BrAiN dUmP :)

It's been awhile, again, so here you go...

• Brad is back to normal, and his heart is all better :) When he went back for his check-up a week after his "spell", all the fluid in his heart was gone! Thank goodness...I know he was dreading the alternative, which would have been to have the fluid surgically drained...Yuk!

• My big girl is officially paci free! It went way smoother than I ever imagined, and it was not the traumatic experience I was worried about. I woke up one Saturday morning, about 2 weeks ago now, and decided that was the day I was going to try and get rid of it. So, while she was busy eating breakfast I took a pair of scissors and cut the end of the paci...not completely off, just enough to take the suction away. She asked me for it a little while later, so I gave her the "broken" one, and she immediately knew something was wrong. She took it out of her mouth and looked at it, put it back in her mouth, then took it out again to inspect it again...this continued pretty much all day. She never cried or asked for another one...she was just confused as to what happened. That next day she said "broken...trash" and threw it away, and THAT WAS IT. She asked for it a few times after that, but I just told her "remember it was broken, so you threw it in the trash. You don't need it anyways because you're a big girl" and that always seemed to be an ok answer for her. By the next night she hadn't asked for it again, and we haven't looked back! I'm super proud of her :)

• Speaking of Avery being a big girl...I think she's ready to start potty training. She tells me, or Nana, or whoever really when she wants/needs a new diaper...and lately it's been right after she has pooped. She also knows what the potty is, and watches Rylan use the potty like a big girl. I think we're going to start that adventure when we get back from the beach. Wish me luck because I have no clue what I'm doing when it comes to potty training :/

• Yep, we're headed back to the beach! Sunday we leave for St. George Island with my side of the family. There will be 8 adults, 1 almost 5 yr old, 1 toddler, and 1 baby staying in a 4 bedroom house for a week...yikes! We're excited...now to just actually pack and get everything ready.

Ok, I think that's good for today...here are some random pictures too.

the HEART...it's important!

First off, thanks to everyone that has been keeping Brad in their thoughts and prayers this past week. It's been greatly appreciated! For those of you who have no clue what I'm talking about, let me fill you in...

Last Friday (yes, Friday the 13th), I got a phone call from Brad's uncle (who NEVER calls me...he's a texter). I knew something was up, and after he began with "I don't want to worry you...", my heart immediately sank to my stomach. Long story short, Brad's mom called 911 after Brad collapsed in her living room from severe chest pains. He had been up at Nana's house with Avery when he began to not feel well. He decided to drive down to his moms because he said he knew something wasn't right. After a short evaluation the paramedics decided to transport him to the hospital to see what the heck was going on. Insert me being called, kinda freaking out, and rushing to the ER.

I beat the ambulance there by about 10-15 minutes. Nervous wreck? Yep. Once he arrived he was immediately put into a room, and I was allowed back to be with him. It was terrible y'all. He was in so much pain, and scared because like everyone else, he had no clue what was going on. They ruled out a heart attack almost immediately (like before they transported him), but they still did an EKG and blood work to confirm it. They said because the pains were sharp, stabbing pains and not consistent, that a heart attack was unlikely the culprit. Brad was given pain medicine pretty quickly, but it took a few doses and a few hours before he was anywhere near comfortable. They took 2 rounds of blood (about 4 tubes each time), did a 2nd EKG, did a chest x-ray, and did a CT scan of his chest & head. After all that, which took about 6 hours, the doctor came back in his room to tell us he didn't know what had caused the severe chest pains.

WHAT?!?! What do you mean you don't know? I think Brad got a little irritated by me at this point. The doctor went on to explain that his job in the ER was to rule out anything emergent, that needed immediate action, and that was what he did. He said all he could do, at this point, was refer him to his cardiologist and prescribe him some medicine to help in the mean time. Me, being the calm, cool headed wife that I am, was NOT ok with that. I appreciated everything he had done, but seriously...a 25 year old, healthy man, does not just collapse with chest pains for no reason. I was wanting answers, and I wanted them then...I didn't want to have to wait. Guess what? I didn't get my way, and we left the ER with prescriptions. I was not a happy camper. Brad was just glad to be on enough pain medicine to finally be comfortable.

Saturday morning Brad woke up feeling better than he did the day before, but still not ok. He was incredibly sore, and had zero energy. Simply walking around made him out of breath :( Since this had happened on a Friday, and it was after 9pm by the time we left the ER, we had to just wait out the weekend before we could call his cardiologist and schedule an appointment.

Monday morning Brad called his regular cardiologist and they told him they couldn't see him until Friday. WHAT?!? Nope. Not ok. So, I called the cardiologist that the ER doctor had written the referral to and got Brad an appointment for that afternoon :) He assured me that he would be a good patient, and pay attention to what was said so that he could relay the information back to me, so that I wouldn't have to miss any more work and his sister could take him.

The cardiologist told Brad that he wanted to schedule an echo/ultrasound for him the following day, because he thought (after doing his evaluation) that there was some inflammation of his heart and that there was some fluid gathered in the sac that surrounds his heart. He assured Brad that it was all treatable, but he needed to see how much fluid was there to decide the best course of action. Me panic again? Yep.

Tuesday morning was his echo, and it was confirmed that there was some inflammation and some fluid, BUT that the fluid was a small amount that could be treated with antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medicine. The doctor said this was all likely caused by a viral infection, and the inflammation is what initially caused the chest pains.

So, Brad is home (well at Nana's while I'm working) and he has been given orders to not do anything. Basically, bed rest. He has a follow up echo next Tuesday, and if the fluid is still there than it will have to be surgically drained :/ Yikes. Not being able to get out and run/walk around is killing Brad. He can't drive, or work, or anything. Thankfully, his pain is gone (which makes me think the anti-inflammatory meds are doing their job), but he still gets winded very easily. Hopefully, we'll get good results at his appointment on Tuesday and he'll be allowed back to work, and back to his normal self.

Please continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Getting that phone call, and seeing him in that much pain was terrible. It really only confirmed how much I love that crazy, obnoxious, funny, lovable man!

Don't Go Getting TOO Excited

Hello blogger world :) <--- yes, I like to pretend I have a MILLION people view and read my blog every time I post! I really don't even know where to begin, since it's been a while since I've written anything...so, I'll try and catch you up to speed before I get to the point of this post.

This little girl has kept her daddy and me on our toes lately! She gets into absolutely EVERYTHING, all the time. Thankfully, we were blessed with a happy kid (most of the time), who keeps us laughing. *WARNING: I'm about to go into bragging mommy mode...bare with me* I know I've said since the beginning that we had a talker on our hands, but I AM SERIOUS...this kid talks non-stop...and she's got a very good vocabulary, especially for her age. I tried writing down all the words and phrases she knew, but I stopped after 60! She'll probably get in trouble in school for her excessive talking...no clue where she gets that from ;)

Last month we went to the beach with Brads family. There were about 30 of us (give or take a few), spread out in about 12 hotel rooms. It was a great week...a much needed vacation for us. Avery WAS NOT a fan of the ocean, but she did enjoy playing in the sand, and bossing people around at the pool. We got lucky with Avery and her naps, because the last 4 days we were there she napped on the beach...for like 3 hours each day...it was wonderful :) Luckily, we get another beach vacation next month.  We'll be packing up and heading down to St. George Island for a week with my family!

Speaking of Brad (ya know, I mentioned him in the last paragraph), he took his GM certification test last week and passed!!! Woohoo!!! Now, he is certified and ready to take over his own store when one becomes available! He's moved up very quickly and has done so well since beginning with Taco Mac. I'm very proud of him :)

Is everyone sitting down? Good! Yes, I'm STILL running! I haven't been as consistent as I've wanted to be, but I haven't given up. I mean, it's HOT outside y'all. It's actually become a time for me to clear my head, and it's become more enjoyable. My goal is to run in a 5k this fall sometime...and by run in it I mean, actually run the ENTIRE distance. I know I'd be able to finish the race, but I want to be able to run the entire distance, and still not want to pass out and die when it's over. We'll see...I'll keep you posted on that.

Now, don't go getting all excited and everything, BUUUUUTTT I think I'm ready for baby #2. I'm not sure if i'm really ready, or if this little chunk-a-lunk (see pic below) has given me baby fever, but I've thought about it...A LOT lately.

Wesson is almost 8 months old already, and he is the cutest, squishiest, most adorable little baby (even if he does look EXACTLY like his dad). Avery's even gotten to where she doesn't care when I hold him, and willingly shares her toys with him...especially if he starts to cry...it's the cutest thing. I probably just need to borrow Wesson for a weekend. I'm sure my want for another baby will disappear afterwards :) Don't worry, I'm waiting it out (I've got a time frame in my head as to when I want to begin trying)...BUT after my experience with having Avery, I really thought i'd never be ready, and I would have to be convinced to do it again. So, i'm making progress!

Well, I think that about sums up the last few months for us. Thanks for toughing it out and surviving my scattered brained, random post. Have a great weekend :)

Love,
LG

I did it!

Are you sitting down? Ok, good. This morning I did it. I got up early and I went for a run! I know, I know...I'm awesome. I've been thinking about it and wanting to get started for a few weeks now, and today I FINALLY did. AND, I didn't die, or get kidnapped. I thought I was going to pass out a couple of times...wanted too...but didn't. Mainly because a lot of my neighbors were out and about this morning and I didn't want to completely embarrass myself :)

Don't worry, I'm not running out to buy new running gear or anything...we'll see if this sticks first, but I have to say, I feel great! I'm more super proud of myself than anything It wasn't long, and I didn't go far, but I DID IT. I have been reading other blogs, and googling a lot, trying to settle on a good beginners running app to use, and after reading reviews upon reviews I chose Easy 5K with Jeff Galloway. It's supposed to be able to get you ready to run in your first 5K in just 8 weeks, by running 3 days a week and alternating between walking and running. Day 1 wasn't so bad. It began with a 3 minute warm up walk, and then a 10 minute run/walk, alternating every minute, then ended with a 3 minute cool down walk. It tracks your time, distance (I went just over a mile), and all kinds of other stats I don't really care about. The alternating pattern was perfect for me today, because during the running minutes I just kept telling myself that I could do anything for a minute! Sometimes those minutes went by quickly, an other minutes seemed super long.

I still need to play with the app to fully figure out how to use it. It says you can sync your music with it and it'll change with the tempo of your run, but i haven't figured all that out yet. Today I just listened to the pre-programmed music it came with. During the entire run Jeff, my new friend, told me when to run and when to walk, and gave me little words of encouragement along the way...it's really thoughtless, and perfect for the early morning.

Ok, you can stop applauding me now :) I'll let you know how it goes.

Scatter Brained

I don't think "pregnancy brain" ever left. I have felt all over the place, and like I've got a million different things going on at once lately... hence why I haven't blogged. So, here are some updates and random thoughts...plus PICTURES! I'll get it together one day...I hope :)

• A few weeks ago we got the news that my uncle had a 3" malignant brain tumor and had to have surgery to have it removed. Surgery was a success and he is now back at home! (Thank's for all your prayers). He will know soon what his next course of treatment will be, but we're hopeful that the original diagnosis from the doctors is true...that after a few months of chemo therapy, he will be completely cancer free.
• We leave for the beach in 45 days!!! I can't wait...we need a vacation.
• Speaking of beach...I need a tan...and a magic bathing suit that doesn't make me look old, but that makes me look super skinny, and hides my stretch marks! 
• The last week or so I've seriously considered getting up about 45 minutes earlier than I normally do to go run...I know, I laughed too when the thought first crossed my mind. BUT, I want to be in good shape before we decide to try for baby #2 because (1) I don't want to gain nearly as much weight as I did with Avery, (2) i'm hoping that will help with the high blood pressure issue I had last time, and (3) I want the weight to disappear quicker the next time. The biggest thing that's stopped me from actually doing it is the fact that i'm a HUGE scaredy cat, and I watch too many crime shows...so of course I think someone will be following me and try to kidnap me and whatever else my genius mind comes up with at the time. Also, I'm pretty convinced I'll fall out and die of exhaustion on one of my neighbors front yards, and that would be a little embarrassing. I could bring Max, but let's face it...he doesn't exactly scream "mess with her and I'll eat you". If this crazy idea of running keeps popping up in my head I might just have to give it a try...I'm sure after 1 morning of it, it will be out of my system :) 
• 15 months old is by far my favorite age of Avery so far. Yes, I loved the sweet cuddly little newborn, but she's still super cuddly and affectionate. Now, she talks to you and she thinks she's hilarious. She does get into everything and she never sits still, but she's a lot of fun and she is constantly making us laugh.
• At her 15 month check-up she weighed in at 25 lbs (81%) and was 32.5" tall (94%)
• Avery talks NON stop...I have this cute video of her in the bathtub, that I took on my phone, but I can't figure out how to turn it. When it loaded on the computer it loaded sideways :/ If anyone knows how to fix that issue, that'd be great!
• Work is still going well...I'm ridiculously busy all the time and I feel like I never have enough time in the day, but I'm still enjoying it.
• Brad and I just celebrated our 2 year wedding anniversary on April 24th! We went to dinner at Maggiano's, and just enjoyed a quiet night together.

Avery and Wesson hanging out

after Avery's 15 month check-up we went to visit Brad at work for lunch...she LOVES oreo cookies!

date night at Turner Field...too bad the Braves lost

We did have AWESOME seats though...thanks to Taco Mac

besides oreo's....Avery also LOVES spaghetti

Yep, that's her...on top of the table

look how big little Reece  Wesson has gotten

This picture makes me laugh EVERYTIME I  see it

I hope everyone has a great rest of the week. Next time, I'll actually blog about something :)

Easter

I hope everyone had a great Easter weekend. We did, and as usual, Avery was spoiled by her grandparents :) Here are some pictures from yesterday...our attempt at a family picture is kinda funny since Avery was too busy trying to eat candy!

Avery's Easter Basket 

Family Photo Attempt #1

Attempt #2