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

Marriage Lessons

We're coming up on mine and Brad's 2 year wedding anniversary in a few weeks, so this post is dedicated to some of the wonderful things I've learned, and revelations I've had since becoming a wife :)

1. Separate bathrooms please! 
Forget having two sinks in your bathroom (we have that)...I want two completely separate bathrooms. I want him to have his own shower, toilet, and sink...in it's own room...on a completely different level of the house than mine! Ok, maybe that's a little dramatic (we only have a one story house)...but still, guys are gross, and they do not appreciate that the bathroom can be a wonderful room. You can make a bubble bath, and listen to music, and "escape" for a few minutes...but NOT if your bathroom has about 4 different pairs of boxers on the floor, and little pieces of hair all over the sink left over from shaving, and NOT if your favorite, snuggly, warm, comfy towel has been taken and used by him!

2. An hour is NOT sufficient notice
"Hey babe, I invited (insert name here) over to watch the game, grill out, play PS3, drink beer (you get the  idea) tonight...is that ok?" AHHHHH....pet peeve number (I've lost count...so just pick your favorite
number). I'm all for entertaining and having people over, BUT I do want some notice. A lot more work goes into having people over than guys realize. We have to shower and look presentable, go to the store, and we have to clean up (more than normal) because while I don't care that Avery's toys are scattered about throughout the entire house, and there is a sink full of dishes, and unfolded laundry on the couch...I care if other people see it. At least let me pretend that I can fool you into thinking I'm like Mrs. Betty Homemaker over here and I can keep my house clean and organized, work, and be a mommy all at the same time. Sheesh.

3. Wait! You mean you can't read my mind? 
Who knew that you giving your husband a certain look, or folding your arms a certain way, or ignoring him completely wasn't enough for him to know what was wrong, or what you were thinking! I mean, we're marrriiieeeddd now...doesn't mind reading and telepathy just kind of come with it? No? Dang. I'm still working on this. It's rather unfair for me to expect Bradley to just know what I want, or don't want, or how I feel about something without actually telling him...but, I do sometimes. Whoops :)

4. Sports
To my husband, sports rule the world. Baseball, and football primarily, but, if a "good" hockey/basketball/golf game/tournament is on than he's just as into that too. If the only channels our TV could pick up was ESPN (and all the ones that go with it...like ESPN2, etc.), the MLB network, and the Red Zone channel, that would be fine by him...actually, i'm sure he would prefer it that way. I have learned that when he is standing in front of the TV (like 2 feet away) during a game, that means he's nervous. I have learned that when he is talking (yelling) to (at) the announcers/players/umpires/referees/coaches on TV that everything is rhetorical and he does not expect, nor really appreciate an answer coming from his beautiful wife :) I have learned that yes, the Braves, UGA, and the Falcons really do effect his mood, and if I just ignore him being a baby about the fact that (insert one of the earlier mentioned teams here) lost than he will get over it a little sooner. He is a fan, and he will argue with anyone and everyone about why his team is better than yours...and honestly I would never know if all the facts and stats he throws out are actually correct, but it sure sounds like he knows what he's talking about.

5. Daddy's do things differently 
*I touched on this a little in my last post, but I felt it was important enough to mention again* I have learned that it is ok that it may take twice as long for Brad to change Avery's diaper, and that he might use three times the amount of wipes that I normally would. It's ok that when he gives Avery a bath that there is more water on the floor afterwards than there ever was in the tub. It's ok that he does things a little different than I do when he's putting Avery to bed. Bottom line is, daddy's do things a little different than mommy's. They like to figure things out on their own, and they are quite proud when they do. Brad does not care if the outfit he put Avery in doesn't really match, or really even fit...he's just happy that he was able to get clothes on her. It took me a little while to not want to correct every little thing he did with her, because once you become a mommy, you become a little control freak over that child (can't help it...just happens). Now, I more than appreciate the stuff he does with her. She loves him. She thinks he's the funniest person around, and knows that she can play with him as long as she wants (even if it's past bedtime) because he's always willing to crawl around and chase her, or tickle her, or dance with her, or whatever it is that she finds entertaining at that particular time. I love to listen to him read to her when he's getting Avery to bed...it's super sweet...and I think he's better at it than me. I mean, all the characters have different voices, and accents with him. I'm just glad he's here, and he WANTS to be a daddy. He's very good with her, protective of her and I know she means the world to him...and that's all you can really ask for when it comes to the daddy of your child.

6. Fighting
Fighting and arguments are inevitable in any relationship, and it's going to happen. If anyone tells you they NEVER argue with their significant other they are either lying, or they don't really care for that person. You're two different people, with two different opinions, and two different ways of thinking (especially true of men and women), so yes...you'll disagree. It's how you handle those arguments that make the difference, and one of the most important things is to know how the other person handles fights. It took Brad and I a little while to figure this one out. When i'm mad about something I just want to be left alone. I'll talk when i'm ready (and when it's appropriate), but I need time to sort through my feelings and what I want to say. I can't do that if you're immediately asking "what's wrong?", "what did i do?", etc. Brad is the complete opposite. He wants to talk about it right then and there. He doesn't care where we are, or who we're with, or what time of day it is. Our differences when it came to fighting just made the fights worse. I would be annoyed that he wouldn't leave me alone, and he would be annoyed that I wouldn't talk to him. We ended up fighting more over that, and half the time the reason the fight began was forgotten. Brad now gives me my space and isn't so aggressive about working things out right then and there, and I've tried to be more open to talking things out sooner than maybe i'd want.

Being married isn't always fun and games, because lets be honest...being an adult isn't all it's crack up to be sometimes. But it's worth it to stick through the not so fun times if you've married someone who picks you to go to all the Braves games with (even though he knows he could talk sports more with tons of other people), who can make you laugh even if you are so mad at him that you could run him over with your car, who will go out dancing with you even though he would prefer to go anywhere else on his one night off from work that week, who will work 70 hours a week if it means earning a decent living for his wife and daughter, or who tells you your beautiful even when you're convinced he's absolutely lying through his teeth...because lets be honest, no one thinks their wife is that hot when they're 9 months pregnant, and wearing your sweats because none of her clothes fit anymore. I love you, Bradley :)

All in All...It's a Pretty Sweet Gig :)

Some random thoughts I've had lately about being a mommy...along with some pics!

• I am NOT a morning person...never have been, BUT for some reason I thought having a child would change that. I mean, you have to get up with them (quite frequently throughout the first year) no matter what time it is, so I thought maybe I'd get used to it and it would become easy. NOPE! 15 months later and I would still prefer to sleep until noon if I could...and I will hit my snooze button about 5 times before I actually get out of bed...if Avery hasn't woken me up already :)

• Daddy's will never do things the EXACT same way you do it. Bath time is different, bed time is different...heck, even the way they change a diaper is different! But, it's ok...at least they are participating, and getting the job done.

• I can handle "gross" stuff way better than I ever thought I could. BUT I will never be ok with cleaning up chewed up, soggy, mushy food! YUK!!!

• Toddlers will try to mimic everything you do, so...yes, when you pretend to hit yourself in the head with the remote control, don't be surprised when your child picks up the remote control and actually hits herself in the head with it.

• There is nothing better than a nighttime routine, and an early bedtime. Avery knows exactly when bedtime is and has become such a good sleeper. And I love the fact that by 8pm the rest of the night is mine to catch up on TV shows, clean up a little, take a bath, read, or do whatever I want to that night...including making it an early bedtime for myself as well :)

• Your social life will change...and there's nothing you can do about it. You'll talk to some friends a lot less, and others not at all. You'll see your friends a lot less too, and as much as you'd like to just hang out and "get away" sometimes, that's not really that easy anymore. BUT it does make those nights when you do go out, and those times when you do see old friends that much more fun!

• I've never been a fan of a sloppy kisser, but wet and sloppy kisses from Avery are the best!

Life is different, there's no doubt about it...but it's great. Avery can makes me laugh, make my heart melt, and make me want to pull my hair out all within a 5 minute span...but I wouldn't change being her mommy for anything. Best job ever...but I do need to speak to whoever is in charge about getting a little pay raise :)