tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20667659562227196322024-02-20T03:17:01.941-05:00Down Home with the JohnsonsCaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2066765956222719632.post-91332135563467331222014-06-16T23:10:00.000-04:002014-06-16T23:10:53.952-04:00Hug your babies...Hearing the gut-wrenching cry of a woman who just found out her baby was no longer alive is something I will never forget. Tonight made me appreciate the work of our nurses and OBs even more than I already did. <br />
<br />
A common misconception is that labor and delivery nurses have the best job because they get to play with babies and be there for the most exciting time in a couple's lives. There is a dark and sad flip-side to that. We are also the ones that are there for the absolute saddest moments in some of their lives...losing the baby that they have been waiting their whole lives to meet. Whether it is a baby that was only 8 weeks, 16 weeks or one that was 39 weeks, it is the loss of that family's hopes and dreams. This is the most delicate and fragile time in these couple's lives and to be a part of that journey is something that we should be thankful for and use as an opportunity to really make a difference. <br />
<br />
This job and becoming a mother myself have taught me compassion and empathy like I have never experienced before. I can only hope that when it is my turn to care for a family who has experienced a loss, I will embrace it and do my best to help the family create memories of their baby that might help them find peace one day.<br />
<br />
My prayer for that sweet family is that they feel God's love all around them in the coming hours, days and weeks and know that they will forever have a precious little guardian angel watching over them.<br />
<br />
My prayer for parents (myself included) is that the next time you start to get frustrated that your baby won't sleep through the night or that they woke you up before your alarm, just take a second. Take a second to be thankful for that precious baby and their sweet cry. Parenting is HARD, but we all need to just take a step back, enjoy the little things, and be thankful that we get to experience all of these things we usually take for granted. There are people all over the world that would give anything to be up all night soothing a baby or to be woken up by a cry instead of an alarm clock.<br />
<br />
Go hug your babies....tight. Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2066765956222719632.post-14402230590702956732014-03-15T08:20:00.000-04:002014-03-15T08:20:46.516-04:002 Months OldHow is my little 8 week old already a big 2 month old?? 8 weeks sounds so much younger than 2 months. <br />
<br />
I am in complete denial about how fast he is growing up. He is really starting to look like a little boy instead of a baby! Growing some of his hair back is the main reason for this sudden transformation. He had some hair when he was born, lost it all on the top (and looked like an old man), then lost it all except for a strip at the bottom on the back, and now he is starting to grow hair everywhere again. It started out strawberry-blonde<i>ish</i> and now it definitely looks more brown. His eyes are still really blue but sometimes they look more gray. When he looks up at lights, which is one of his favorite things to do, they look very blue.<br />
<br />
He is really starting to develop a personality. He is staying awake more during the day and is content for longer periods of time. He still isn't digging tummy time that much...he'll stay on his belly for a few minutes, then he gets grumpy. After he eats, he likes to just lay down on a blanket on the floor where he can kick and stretch out. Once he starts getting a little fussy, I know he's ready for a nap. <br />
<br />
This boy loves his daddy. He may not see him that much during the week since he is only awake for maybe 2 hours after Clay gets home, but boy does he give him some of the biggest smiles. It's so precious. I can't wait to watch their relationship grow as Brooks gets a little older. Clay is beyond ready for him to be able to throw a ball or hold a fishing pole.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCEq5mLOU0ZHL3ILDOEjqjrZHGqY2e-DSFn563cyfFMZOpJGlX4ftJzhzK1qzag5ahsNsm5ko8xBpnbdU4DZ9-lsQXLZcl7TCGK492jtpktT-DF8xu5I6ivhZRTJjhPfqrZozLNrw_9U/s1600/DSC_0442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCEq5mLOU0ZHL3ILDOEjqjrZHGqY2e-DSFn563cyfFMZOpJGlX4ftJzhzK1qzag5ahsNsm5ko8xBpnbdU4DZ9-lsQXLZcl7TCGK492jtpktT-DF8xu5I6ivhZRTJjhPfqrZozLNrw_9U/s1600/DSC_0442.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhd80ao9OZCelRnfo0qNdLfpkeBxptmYAcqHgAzmzeXVflmorBKiLFNOvzatZNCwlGCiXQ7IArpysiSPhKkyxo5JAo0itMZjEY5DUlQOk0daZ-DYy3BssjxlhZN5KE8c7KM_RIXBvByc/s1600/DSC_0366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhd80ao9OZCelRnfo0qNdLfpkeBxptmYAcqHgAzmzeXVflmorBKiLFNOvzatZNCwlGCiXQ7IArpysiSPhKkyxo5JAo0itMZjEY5DUlQOk0daZ-DYy3BssjxlhZN5KE8c7KM_RIXBvByc/s1600/DSC_0366.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Speaking of smiling, he tries so hard to laugh but these adorable little coos come out instead. His noises and the way he crinkles up one side of his face and closes one eye when he smiles or I am being silly are my favorite things about him. <br />
<br />
Yesterday, in honor of his 2 month birthday, he started sucking on his hands...all day long. He used to only do it when he was hungry, but now he does it a lot, even after he refuses to drink any more milk. Maybe he will find his thumb soon...<br />
<br />
Next week, Brooks starts going to a church daycare. I am trying not to think too much about it so that I can really enjoy my time with him. Luckily, since I am going back to nights, I will be gone while he is asleep. Clay will drop him off in the morning and I will pick him up after I've gotten a few hours of sleep. It's going to be really hard not to want to drive straight to the daycare to pick him up on my way home from work! Luckily he will only go 2-4 mornings a week instead of all day, every day. Once I start orientation in April, he will have to go more often and stay longer, unless I get an evening shift instead of a day shift. <br />
<br />
We are beginning to get into more of a routine each day and I have pretty much learned what all of his cries/whines mean. He loves his new mobile so that has been a lifesaver! I'm able to put him in there for a little bit at a time while I wash his bottles or do laundry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcnnjuA2qbDIweWvNYLSH7FFmQamUtDN_y8RJjV0dianuQQl8Lvgx2bLRA84qBmWpop4Vu_m9ZsKPOMHT_6lnKK_BR48CPKouuspRickl4rhZjHeccm1-2xUzJVKwKLGAZTFyVWgguWg/s1600/DSC_0546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcnnjuA2qbDIweWvNYLSH7FFmQamUtDN_y8RJjV0dianuQQl8Lvgx2bLRA84qBmWpop4Vu_m9ZsKPOMHT_6lnKK_BR48CPKouuspRickl4rhZjHeccm1-2xUzJVKwKLGAZTFyVWgguWg/s1600/DSC_0546.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Even though he is growing so quickly, I know there are so many exciting things to look forward to as he gets bigger! I am just trying to soak up every second with him! <br />
<br />
Here are some of my favorite pictures from the past month...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkPzQNgL9HUy20rkEYPUgQHgKugRkLh560iNpQowjGGjbLW6oRfWCeJiWa66xTq1VKNuUP0VKzPrS4z31CIr9awmIGYPRX_HkZiRB8RQ6rwmnp5rW_GHRpWqurbRGtQPBCCHQqs3-HKo/s1600/DSC_0545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkPzQNgL9HUy20rkEYPUgQHgKugRkLh560iNpQowjGGjbLW6oRfWCeJiWa66xTq1VKNuUP0VKzPrS4z31CIr9awmIGYPRX_HkZiRB8RQ6rwmnp5rW_GHRpWqurbRGtQPBCCHQqs3-HKo/s1600/DSC_0545.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He loves his new mobile!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8u-Nbs2qVlGLP4RobyqPYzU-_XiD7I7C5weFeX6cI81JezyFsEncbC5D3ZtGvEmuMzVioc9-Y1kFjphTBTHbAidPKnIuJV7ldZpQzMWdwxRtJVITEarFqmNtmomZplbaCkjzkMLszMs/s1600/DSC_0242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8u-Nbs2qVlGLP4RobyqPYzU-_XiD7I7C5weFeX6cI81JezyFsEncbC5D3ZtGvEmuMzVioc9-Y1kFjphTBTHbAidPKnIuJV7ldZpQzMWdwxRtJVITEarFqmNtmomZplbaCkjzkMLszMs/s1600/DSC_0242.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_KUDXgoEruJowdJD2uCdvga0m0T3jYEKYCeCFFHZMjbLA-SyACQIf5ISa_qtzv0vQZmV3kv4tTrNgcNBVP5wOw2ssBBvdfBiqQOXN0sAuiTNVbNvdgscNQmyguJvdxEEb8sJe9ajiu5Y/s1600/DSC_0285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_KUDXgoEruJowdJD2uCdvga0m0T3jYEKYCeCFFHZMjbLA-SyACQIf5ISa_qtzv0vQZmV3kv4tTrNgcNBVP5wOw2ssBBvdfBiqQOXN0sAuiTNVbNvdgscNQmyguJvdxEEb8sJe9ajiu5Y/s1600/DSC_0285.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gyMImXACQOnG5weqvHbeqGdSlOacgRx_vT3-pjTWhDMeAShsFr4-CGuCFFw1PwechFkstu8b87gaGy37jRZd2fCu0RasAn26TQCFGWDvrRxmhb36BE23_sae0qOxF6W0LM1IX6m30I0/s1600/DSC_0419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gyMImXACQOnG5weqvHbeqGdSlOacgRx_vT3-pjTWhDMeAShsFr4-CGuCFFw1PwechFkstu8b87gaGy37jRZd2fCu0RasAn26TQCFGWDvrRxmhb36BE23_sae0qOxF6W0LM1IX6m30I0/s1600/DSC_0419.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garland girls- the best friends anyone could ever have</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPu3ypr1B3bgUYX961pqKnYEwbmz8rW8Y92H7LOpTDG5o7pgqr0s1klKDW6D-aTnLzv_3-EWC2wPqTOa_CLInvktRhE9tfUKDw9sxl2O4-78pUbP5nK0hiGC69D2Nv6zTuJiKKHV8c2E/s1600/DSC_0433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPu3ypr1B3bgUYX961pqKnYEwbmz8rW8Y92H7LOpTDG5o7pgqr0s1klKDW6D-aTnLzv_3-EWC2wPqTOa_CLInvktRhE9tfUKDw9sxl2O4-78pUbP5nK0hiGC69D2Nv6zTuJiKKHV8c2E/s1600/DSC_0433.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 generations!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNO88HP4JnDQ4ix51Xshx5QWntfk2gq27AHf8dqwJxImfaqyDM6GUMs9BTzRnNPJx4YtMcYEPi5Xmi00UfHh6Lp8sXMq-vm8fZjkfgv-5KePrjLL_mSfo7Dj-0420Bvbi5kNZvl6l6OFg/s1600/DSC_0472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNO88HP4JnDQ4ix51Xshx5QWntfk2gq27AHf8dqwJxImfaqyDM6GUMs9BTzRnNPJx4YtMcYEPi5Xmi00UfHh6Lp8sXMq-vm8fZjkfgv-5KePrjLL_mSfo7Dj-0420Bvbi5kNZvl6l6OFg/s1600/DSC_0472.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizs7X6N4EYZUxFgjJ7Svg0J00PQLz3f0YP5HLS-r1zOjbIGySAIeCym9g0kzTPWYg3kb5CS_Lg9ARoXmPI3iXLE07tjDmnUy5HclLMk43123Ca8SemVo-ta5qVlHUnTTzSWllzAYcU9dQ/s1600/DSC_0482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizs7X6N4EYZUxFgjJ7Svg0J00PQLz3f0YP5HLS-r1zOjbIGySAIeCym9g0kzTPWYg3kb5CS_Lg9ARoXmPI3iXLE07tjDmnUy5HclLMk43123Ca8SemVo-ta5qVlHUnTTzSWllzAYcU9dQ/s1600/DSC_0482.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nana and Poppa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDftKIy4k9ct9FRvFlURJT1IC75IEtdXg-zttR5LnYrO1kBMfEao6Jr9VhO-bFO-KnVjGjkB54hkUn65HbnNklRNQKynU504e1tymz2QlQcsxjkVLn_c9zWbOfDF9WFmgdSWVNVi1N8Q/s1600/DSC_0489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDftKIy4k9ct9FRvFlURJT1IC75IEtdXg-zttR5LnYrO1kBMfEao6Jr9VhO-bFO-KnVjGjkB54hkUn65HbnNklRNQKynU504e1tymz2QlQcsxjkVLn_c9zWbOfDF9WFmgdSWVNVi1N8Q/s1600/DSC_0489.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEt9iisUXwYBuBwfY4t5PpmWjLTk6LWyNbmo2XJSpvC5CexWymK2LR-cyTUSnqRqE-D2JgQtapcOlI8qldNPHw1l50jeOuiytAYSmoupKoqk8IiDJrU-F_TJLfHIs86-EnBGG4-gndtaI/s1600/DSC_0501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEt9iisUXwYBuBwfY4t5PpmWjLTk6LWyNbmo2XJSpvC5CexWymK2LR-cyTUSnqRqE-D2JgQtapcOlI8qldNPHw1l50jeOuiytAYSmoupKoqk8IiDJrU-F_TJLfHIs86-EnBGG4-gndtaI/s1600/DSC_0501.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brooks & NaNa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0cuPjbS2DbubmX4qPvhazrPqmylmMN2KMK95Y04Wva91ZUR6gknPDcKIYjpmfGTmVmjmwY49tuUiExyEdpmeG7zioN6xZkqRya0ons7iRymBmzruRWCNCIdXtXe3JDUElXbA5Na3Mlo/s1600/DSC_0509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0cuPjbS2DbubmX4qPvhazrPqmylmMN2KMK95Y04Wva91ZUR6gknPDcKIYjpmfGTmVmjmwY49tuUiExyEdpmeG7zioN6xZkqRya0ons7iRymBmzruRWCNCIdXtXe3JDUElXbA5Na3Mlo/s1600/DSC_0509.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Kent!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXzIphTkL1kguxhI8qbi4CIuzNcWKCCSFdzRi0TX1FZj33BVThP45Ps9i2L2FE7WPatU45DYm6QCZ5AgSFaSENVBufDY7Wm5epP0HkxbxjxPKGrYGdcfPXH3byzWO6Sw_aThJt1tAojA/s1600/DSC_0535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXzIphTkL1kguxhI8qbi4CIuzNcWKCCSFdzRi0TX1FZj33BVThP45Ps9i2L2FE7WPatU45DYm6QCZ5AgSFaSENVBufDY7Wm5epP0HkxbxjxPKGrYGdcfPXH3byzWO6Sw_aThJt1tAojA/s1600/DSC_0535.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cousin love- Brooks & Bailey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2066765956222719632.post-662853988365633852014-02-13T14:02:00.001-05:002014-02-13T14:04:01.227-05:001 month old...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My baby is one month old. How did that happen?! Time has gone by <strike>so</strike> <i>too</i> fast. It's amazing how much he has changed in just a month. It feels like I was just going to the hospital to have him, but it also feels like I've known him forever. I guess in a way, I have. I've been dreaming of him my whole life. I never could have imagined a love this deep. Having a baby completely changes everything about you. Life is no longer about you. In an instant, it becomes about that precious life that is yours to protect, love, and guide. I never knew exactly what being "selfless" felt like. Now I do. I would do <i>anything </i>for this sweet baby boy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are a few things about his first month...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He gets cuter every day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He smiles and laughs in his sleep.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He follows our voices.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He throws both arms up when he sneezes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He sticks his tongue out when he coughs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He gets the hiccups pretty much every time he eats.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He usually burps the second you sit him up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He looks like an old man. He has lost all the hair on the top of his head...but not the sides.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He likes when I dance around to country music with him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He likes to look at bright lights.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He goes to sleep the second the car (or stroller) starts moving.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He hates when the sun shines on him in his car seat. He squints his little eyes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He doesn't like when we stop at red lights. He starts squirming around.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When we go under a bridge and it gets darker, he opens his eyes up really wide.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He had his first snow day when he was only 15 days old and another one when he was just shy of a month old.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He only goes to sleep when he is being rocked...oops.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He moans and groans when he is full.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
His eyes are still blue and his hair is still reddish-blondish-brown. No clue what color either will end up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometimes he sleeps 4-5 hours at night, but usually 3.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He always squeezes my arm with both his arms when I am holding his paci in his mouth.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He has me wrapped around his little finger.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are some of my favorite pictures of him from the past month...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJvt1UKaQazQQdUw29lQQLg1WGYmuiYcmkBDaTdKVpStfx_LJo7T1rUmh2w-PGrNc2J_9srT9vhglI3jRnSMZbCtcs0PMdEXegnOjMv6cJf73lM1FcaQnu0k_TmcrDW7NtzHb8MfuYlY/s1600/DS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJvt1UKaQazQQdUw29lQQLg1WGYmuiYcmkBDaTdKVpStfx_LJo7T1rUmh2w-PGrNc2J_9srT9vhglI3jRnSMZbCtcs0PMdEXegnOjMv6cJf73lM1FcaQnu0k_TmcrDW7NtzHb8MfuYlY/s1600/DS.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitood5zVOX3agm02Hkt8xR0n7QO1bc_nDf9ICuU5A5OKh4GQ5NzhaK4J9Wi-gY-tzLbduFdzmOu6Itru60uG4W5jbZ5yXCKwQQ_KBrjY-wQxklNshpz5DCj2nYXILABmZ2gMW7xnVWAfU/s1600/DSC_0815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitood5zVOX3agm02Hkt8xR0n7QO1bc_nDf9ICuU5A5OKh4GQ5NzhaK4J9Wi-gY-tzLbduFdzmOu6Itru60uG4W5jbZ5yXCKwQQ_KBrjY-wQxklNshpz5DCj2nYXILABmZ2gMW7xnVWAfU/s1600/DSC_0815.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyK2kulVnzDZNLFBfBdGn22gGXnVZs8kcx8oY37yrUD94CYgZTT-Az_Cpn4Bx5r8JR1Lcawl597OnUx1hNiEAE-B8GI8opDbMUq4oJcCUBQwZLaIOtE9hx_uXCR4mPQZ12WYNHKiNowNg/s1600/DSC_0868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyK2kulVnzDZNLFBfBdGn22gGXnVZs8kcx8oY37yrUD94CYgZTT-Az_Cpn4Bx5r8JR1Lcawl597OnUx1hNiEAE-B8GI8opDbMUq4oJcCUBQwZLaIOtE9hx_uXCR4mPQZ12WYNHKiNowNg/s1600/DSC_0868.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNLfocG0dR0m9Bic9sRsOXvkkvSHWW6i2yLyP3YL01PXaPJ90NpgckwbgBnejf7Vq20HS86LJU3g7KBTd0cZ8ECuC25eV37PQjpKEIJbamy4I73W7UTtdXh8p8MmTw8Xk2t8Dbul4wG0/s1600/DSC_0920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNLfocG0dR0m9Bic9sRsOXvkkvSHWW6i2yLyP3YL01PXaPJ90NpgckwbgBnejf7Vq20HS86LJU3g7KBTd0cZ8ECuC25eV37PQjpKEIJbamy4I73W7UTtdXh8p8MmTw8Xk2t8Dbul4wG0/s1600/DSC_0920.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4CJpnIO-IlWKEsTUFj6n2x948z-qm7yACyJmIRnh3Rmm-w9lZrHoaUl4u2nd080x0aI5NvmTZNQKIOQ_zHT1fgZ8fCvTK2MJAF7VtjVtWF-wfAlf5Tv_FFrfcofPCUKTvIgNwrCZQAs/s1600/0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4CJpnIO-IlWKEsTUFj6n2x948z-qm7yACyJmIRnh3Rmm-w9lZrHoaUl4u2nd080x0aI5NvmTZNQKIOQ_zHT1fgZ8fCvTK2MJAF7VtjVtWF-wfAlf5Tv_FFrfcofPCUKTvIgNwrCZQAs/s1600/0014.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgQ87LokTQKBKE3m659IIkCFRlj77UJ7UQWk5mHP5fN_Us82VydH_9__9x7S2R6ZTNX-SZgwCk3Q3AUVLy5hy-out4iomA20kSSaz4J_ROmBEsL_HCZjUhQ95o_1jaOOrTg9CeWUT1c0/s1600/0024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmgQ87LokTQKBKE3m659IIkCFRlj77UJ7UQWk5mHP5fN_Us82VydH_9__9x7S2R6ZTNX-SZgwCk3Q3AUVLy5hy-out4iomA20kSSaz4J_ROmBEsL_HCZjUhQ95o_1jaOOrTg9CeWUT1c0/s1600/0024.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ibYhSm3K5DqaY3qebtkjZHFeu__NDrbA-2p63Z-F0tIXlXQMyoxiScP7LjZVHadK_7vzmqVIZNgAY-LksmjZS-3yNSB5FYuLcJUJGZmYBmnDI1TjvIg986HRSe8s8I3qG00yGHUl2Sg/s1600/DSC_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ibYhSm3K5DqaY3qebtkjZHFeu__NDrbA-2p63Z-F0tIXlXQMyoxiScP7LjZVHadK_7vzmqVIZNgAY-LksmjZS-3yNSB5FYuLcJUJGZmYBmnDI1TjvIg986HRSe8s8I3qG00yGHUl2Sg/s1600/DSC_0075.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4bdZ7fl-3yArDSCMHuwU8onYBruRVTvwThpGePrw9okFz_oP1OdRAvF7Hk-inW88ZC2HRWLqO3MUuYh5l7C5oA6gI_IPvHwxPQJRfUDJJOmLt2iQxIrSEQEKThxuG-IOnxCmRO6AZFA/s1600/DSC_0103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4bdZ7fl-3yArDSCMHuwU8onYBruRVTvwThpGePrw9okFz_oP1OdRAvF7Hk-inW88ZC2HRWLqO3MUuYh5l7C5oA6gI_IPvHwxPQJRfUDJJOmLt2iQxIrSEQEKThxuG-IOnxCmRO6AZFA/s1600/DSC_0103.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tHmgGXJEe2IXX3jVQ3ZDjNmXsMXk5UcWYiuKBAFchFQ-8JssG_xyy5hv23eX0SNto-vGgSeO6L7YqtL0dK7mCym3cZSqu6_CHrRohuHsSJmQzomz9l9b1U9TBxLn_0YYpz3CJXr9LRU/s1600/DSC_1010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tHmgGXJEe2IXX3jVQ3ZDjNmXsMXk5UcWYiuKBAFchFQ-8JssG_xyy5hv23eX0SNto-vGgSeO6L7YqtL0dK7mCym3cZSqu6_CHrRohuHsSJmQzomz9l9b1U9TBxLn_0YYpz3CJXr9LRU/s1600/DSC_1010.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60xpK3Fnq1HfLBlmNNo8lwzpmwG8bFsK2qQnAr_SyOXeDDXOf7dPF3HGBoC2kqcZHma6pa2RjaG6tgt7mPJs0UAQA6GNxI-PF3g5F-9w7UuvXLiWe3iNsnJ2mN9do1JQKzDXkjkKEAVI/s1600/DSC_0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60xpK3Fnq1HfLBlmNNo8lwzpmwG8bFsK2qQnAr_SyOXeDDXOf7dPF3HGBoC2kqcZHma6pa2RjaG6tgt7mPJs0UAQA6GNxI-PF3g5F-9w7UuvXLiWe3iNsnJ2mN9do1JQKzDXkjkKEAVI/s1600/DSC_0192.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbn7TyZRyy2wQzWJL4CSArAPWy0Ivte6rxt5knXf8_CD40dm1c6-XkRsyX5Vwghp_zx-ZZeSmMq3GOz3TJCicl6tpNov9rQzmr0YlHbARqBWf7YNO4108lCEaSiLdv3Zxwui-23Eu7zsQ/s1600/DSC_0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbn7TyZRyy2wQzWJL4CSArAPWy0Ivte6rxt5knXf8_CD40dm1c6-XkRsyX5Vwghp_zx-ZZeSmMq3GOz3TJCicl6tpNov9rQzmr0YlHbARqBWf7YNO4108lCEaSiLdv3Zxwui-23Eu7zsQ/s1600/DSC_0197.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiii1fPaUnxaYwq8Ft9_CUx4D62aY6A8noBDBeQjx2b5FQgxaMeC3zb9bgkqFsuL0z4K1oEiJFdNi1LaUg038MsT1vWXMwbPxAS63PjsP411HJT-tvIQWy_KaMGMsqVB6wvAjrzCkPiqiQ/s1600/DSC_0214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiii1fPaUnxaYwq8Ft9_CUx4D62aY6A8noBDBeQjx2b5FQgxaMeC3zb9bgkqFsuL0z4K1oEiJFdNi1LaUg038MsT1vWXMwbPxAS63PjsP411HJT-tvIQWy_KaMGMsqVB6wvAjrzCkPiqiQ/s1600/DSC_0214.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZYQclRG4sbkf_G_bXTrYFqQeXXJdmVhkf13jTsI6BuPW6EQy238HMUGxNaKqjz2nzQKZH5NmD_ZDqApoVUnpwvF1vRXq7FYlaOlwMr07OhB1le-F7Pmv8xEppVmm8w-pow_jSia3Ly0/s1600/DSC_0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZYQclRG4sbkf_G_bXTrYFqQeXXJdmVhkf13jTsI6BuPW6EQy238HMUGxNaKqjz2nzQKZH5NmD_ZDqApoVUnpwvF1vRXq7FYlaOlwMr07OhB1le-F7Pmv8xEppVmm8w-pow_jSia3Ly0/s1600/DSC_0220.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Love you, little man!</div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2066765956222719632.post-55038567472252546042014-02-12T09:47:00.000-05:002014-02-12T09:47:01.649-05:00Welcome to the World, Baby Boy...Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On Tuesday, the day after Brooks was born, I woke up feeling a little sore. By noon, after a dose of toradol, I was up walking around and feeling great. Judging by the amount of swelling in my legs and feet, I might should have taken it easy and stayed in bed. They were HUGE. I had no swelling my entire pregnancy so I was very surprised when I looked down and realized my legs looked like sausages and I had cankles. Gross. Luckily, the swelling went down by the time I went home on Thursday afternoon. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On Tuesday, my two nieces were able to come up to the floor and see Brooks through the nursery window. Unfortunately, they weren't allowed to come to our room to see him. We weren't supposed to take pictures because of the other babies in the nursery, but since there weren't any babies by the window, we were sneaky and took a few anyway. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlCOyXDMv8yAAqNwwxXPJHfyVc_uNze9FeAmRplo7aled1m9tmqsC3qxVMy2I6N3_67UrLSiZoZzZugyzlEN4cEdnrw_vGAxFDiezXtdbCgfzvxQQZX6Xi4ZBjc89cTyCWFLShJPWW3E/s1600/DSC_0794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlCOyXDMv8yAAqNwwxXPJHfyVc_uNze9FeAmRplo7aled1m9tmqsC3qxVMy2I6N3_67UrLSiZoZzZugyzlEN4cEdnrw_vGAxFDiezXtdbCgfzvxQQZX6Xi4ZBjc89cTyCWFLShJPWW3E/s1600/DSC_0794.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPfYBTswdrSObxcNZpsaCh22ggkASokMFXH2zpKhZani_42YSd7ML-QI3_Y6alHGZmgOMRC1bdUvT0McKDWum05vVDRJrXKrqGpw01KoLSbtHRNS9gv3_t1yrwzW7UXxRFb8TZ6leF7w/s1600/DSC_0797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPfYBTswdrSObxcNZpsaCh22ggkASokMFXH2zpKhZani_42YSd7ML-QI3_Y6alHGZmgOMRC1bdUvT0McKDWum05vVDRJrXKrqGpw01KoLSbtHRNS9gv3_t1yrwzW7UXxRFb8TZ6leF7w/s1600/DSC_0797.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
These are some of the pictures I took of him on Tuesday, the morning after he was born. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYwcwEDg81cxkdU13Ot3zn85GGYKsvf8DSNlJzrdP4EArxz4Qtq82w8EEB6OPDIZomtS0hyvTIgEfcxfbK1Onp1al8W9p18hjz-u9i2qO20HyUVC1cVSo85TFVEV6fMigv9zTpBROA9w/s1600/DSC_0804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYwcwEDg81cxkdU13Ot3zn85GGYKsvf8DSNlJzrdP4EArxz4Qtq82w8EEB6OPDIZomtS0hyvTIgEfcxfbK1Onp1al8W9p18hjz-u9i2qO20HyUVC1cVSo85TFVEV6fMigv9zTpBROA9w/s1600/DSC_0804.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQp8_maOvfN6rMosy_HJdgdLZBhDEmrR_ULBxBKY6TKytnnOVk9Qz_f0xh-lu6nRsuXJuH-2gltPuOYE0XinDyFTGIpKzjtwMktdPi214vQO11vSPlHgte20rm-ySeAG-ux_LpOwSkPXc/s1600/DSC_0815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQp8_maOvfN6rMosy_HJdgdLZBhDEmrR_ULBxBKY6TKytnnOVk9Qz_f0xh-lu6nRsuXJuH-2gltPuOYE0XinDyFTGIpKzjtwMktdPi214vQO11vSPlHgte20rm-ySeAG-ux_LpOwSkPXc/s1600/DSC_0815.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRQqp7Z0leXk-bTJuggtIA1g0ILWhCwG4h1Ka4X3yvdg8_K0GKdV3UEX1blqhK51KWZKKxCoryccakf1dNX65WkyprZGD3hXM1PTaQ_jmt6VIB-A5fwMiZDEMiVpPuBpejhnIDy2hVN8/s1600/DSC_0821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRQqp7Z0leXk-bTJuggtIA1g0ILWhCwG4h1Ka4X3yvdg8_K0GKdV3UEX1blqhK51KWZKKxCoryccakf1dNX65WkyprZGD3hXM1PTaQ_jmt6VIB-A5fwMiZDEMiVpPuBpejhnIDy2hVN8/s1600/DSC_0821.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
On Tuesday and Wednesday, some of my sweet friends from school came to visit Brooks! Scott, a friend of Clay's from work, and his wife also came to visit. Katie and Keely came too, but I didn't have their picture on my camera. :) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxdqKEYgn_ZOO_0q2kshXo0FIGGiipxOI8K0ivlWa93O0dcOQhDQ7pBB8uAfA_5ZKEVQdHrmx7w_cImVR0f15afmq2ZiqlYAVLKp39vxBzbrKAjZTJPorDSHQfJztjIBwYbusvLwArMQ/s1600/DSC_0850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxdqKEYgn_ZOO_0q2kshXo0FIGGiipxOI8K0ivlWa93O0dcOQhDQ7pBB8uAfA_5ZKEVQdHrmx7w_cImVR0f15afmq2ZiqlYAVLKp39vxBzbrKAjZTJPorDSHQfJztjIBwYbusvLwArMQ/s1600/DSC_0850.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MJxWQEaNTq0nGyo9YMjYTnoMSApbLUl2T28BXCUq_EPFTW8McMmx-4li61UDnpT8D-B-qRriJrC7QrldGibkp0L1Krjxg-h2A8XkU8qFvH3_J5uVgdIUwRF_LWGeCItWkCB_rZlfJLc/s1600/DSC_0851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MJxWQEaNTq0nGyo9YMjYTnoMSApbLUl2T28BXCUq_EPFTW8McMmx-4li61UDnpT8D-B-qRriJrC7QrldGibkp0L1Krjxg-h2A8XkU8qFvH3_J5uVgdIUwRF_LWGeCItWkCB_rZlfJLc/s1600/DSC_0851.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGBxWnbjrG-Ud-hdbafAkrGX347SK2ylLGg_IFgzoIrkKizDx1Keea3UUSZnEreOu8BUJAnK_rWWgyLkaRj1YDDibNhhIx4oRoPEJ1jdpN3cdRAH_5yNhDKE9gBKRqMPGr6VFR5wmXV8/s1600/DSC_0853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGBxWnbjrG-Ud-hdbafAkrGX347SK2ylLGg_IFgzoIrkKizDx1Keea3UUSZnEreOu8BUJAnK_rWWgyLkaRj1YDDibNhhIx4oRoPEJ1jdpN3cdRAH_5yNhDKE9gBKRqMPGr6VFR5wmXV8/s1600/DSC_0853.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVxFEckiHWHaiVX_Zwry8gw4IQvJ3zTYAoEXjna8sGsfTY1HLB0WOOZQJGaH23_3npemN8dlufSRTxKzRn6j3mpjKSkMPnSN_-Q-f6WYiXFM4R-kKHeI9ocv_e-PRoM0XzS73n9z_ksU/s1600/DSC_0855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVxFEckiHWHaiVX_Zwry8gw4IQvJ3zTYAoEXjna8sGsfTY1HLB0WOOZQJGaH23_3npemN8dlufSRTxKzRn6j3mpjKSkMPnSN_-Q-f6WYiXFM4R-kKHeI9ocv_e-PRoM0XzS73n9z_ksU/s1600/DSC_0855.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
We were really hoping to be able to go home on Thursday, but my blood pressure kept getting higher and higher. In the middle of the night, I had several high readings in a row so the nurse called my midwife and she prescribed a blood pressure medicine. Luckily, my blood pressure reading was just below what they consider high and we were still able to go home on Thursday.<br />
<br />
Wednesday night, I started to get a really bad headache. I thought it was just my high blood pressure causing it. I had ringing in my ears and my head felt like there was a ton of pressure. The next morning, I took a percocet, but didn't have anything on my stomach so I threw up several times, which doesn't feel so great when you've just had a c-section. Luckily, my nurse gave me zofran before I left so I was able to make it home without getting sick in the car.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3PxuV3J-e6kypCsJJ3Avc4cXmpksvXZSVa0dlDlNf9HZ0Ls6y_2WaZlhR1QbJ_-xWy7UI4ps0qy1cfpQMcRtAt1d_7wILwbkOkRQFP6MVBuflhiKsbAI51X0Ng6R77Y8CjPdCzB9kxk/s1600/DSC_0857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3PxuV3J-e6kypCsJJ3Avc4cXmpksvXZSVa0dlDlNf9HZ0Ls6y_2WaZlhR1QbJ_-xWy7UI4ps0qy1cfpQMcRtAt1d_7wILwbkOkRQFP6MVBuflhiKsbAI51X0Ng6R77Y8CjPdCzB9kxk/s1600/DSC_0857.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Clay loading up all of our stuff</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYe_VPfcqxwPXYKPIVhsCs35lIhnzJ2ga8bD791sMeV8sYIiEtWMH6UX_wVpjEAywDUPQg-ozsV3faYXIbxlLQeBL_SF9-F0ljPidRhS9jk4u6NTPgCutquiNK6reeSd8kSphpIQHfF4/s1600/DSC_0858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYe_VPfcqxwPXYKPIVhsCs35lIhnzJ2ga8bD791sMeV8sYIiEtWMH6UX_wVpjEAywDUPQg-ozsV3faYXIbxlLQeBL_SF9-F0ljPidRhS9jk4u6NTPgCutquiNK6reeSd8kSphpIQHfF4/s1600/DSC_0858.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me feeling like my head was going to explode</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBr-5HXDxH77307NnMhsiljTewwGfDLBSGS_jw38ytKjHpRmSg_iuDE6gXeFFJwXv5QULCxSw_U2PlnFGn_EGBj7TvnedOpSsyg1oQNt_lVpNkE_sAzuRe2u750y7KO0qRALUuz3s_E38/s1600/DSC_0859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBr-5HXDxH77307NnMhsiljTewwGfDLBSGS_jw38ytKjHpRmSg_iuDE6gXeFFJwXv5QULCxSw_U2PlnFGn_EGBj7TvnedOpSsyg1oQNt_lVpNkE_sAzuRe2u750y7KO0qRALUuz3s_E38/s1600/DSC_0859.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Brooks wasn't a fan of his new going home outfit</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsu6beinBkVoMODSVy6JRuU4oI2XwEoRqNI-IkGg9BlARPoPUkM6XHsckR5GA00ZQWooFG7LsEFiqQqbZpSe59IcJxvz9LS2TaaT0IrGjhqDrOF_zHi3PpzSuZmnrdVICN5fohv-9LnY4/s1600/DSC_0861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsu6beinBkVoMODSVy6JRuU4oI2XwEoRqNI-IkGg9BlARPoPUkM6XHsckR5GA00ZQWooFG7LsEFiqQqbZpSe59IcJxvz9LS2TaaT0IrGjhqDrOF_zHi3PpzSuZmnrdVICN5fohv-9LnY4/s1600/DSC_0861.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Family photo on the way out</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLwrl6v64oyHpPonWWW2dqpRMd8T4-X51VPN6vb67a6sbIF_psfV5svpoWEZZLYb68IrfWjX_a4Ge5I014oiIr9jgDwItmtKu8fLTKEL4gfu1tke3Ei_zaRqp43UEnts7Nx-UHr7U6Xo/s1600/DSC_0866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLwrl6v64oyHpPonWWW2dqpRMd8T4-X51VPN6vb67a6sbIF_psfV5svpoWEZZLYb68IrfWjX_a4Ge5I014oiIr9jgDwItmtKu8fLTKEL4gfu1tke3Ei_zaRqp43UEnts7Nx-UHr7U6Xo/s1600/DSC_0866.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXInaydxb33B4oZSvXOI7npQ2ONSv2CG81RRRAdYXkHuHTXfGaKcjOlT6QcKCXjySf7hxj-gYDllyhCM4ZFMwjUctbOsiI0DZdUP1JwAnAgLfP8iPHCs9guHD2FQa7RmD6VpNrIKvReU/s1600/DSC_0867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXInaydxb33B4oZSvXOI7npQ2ONSv2CG81RRRAdYXkHuHTXfGaKcjOlT6QcKCXjySf7hxj-gYDllyhCM4ZFMwjUctbOsiI0DZdUP1JwAnAgLfP8iPHCs9guHD2FQa7RmD6VpNrIKvReU/s1600/DSC_0867.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Lt2ifF1GRYoN1SS9HuRcehf6AIdnChmW70oEYmEAGUdLn_qP9JEoRVyggj9OkNKWnA2twSFYEV-Df4LyUPnQ_o4ELDQV-q1AGlq1rXzsFlHvm2w2Hvt8EnSFUVpTMYhL6eL-pScv-7Y/s1600/DSC_0876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Lt2ifF1GRYoN1SS9HuRcehf6AIdnChmW70oEYmEAGUdLn_qP9JEoRVyggj9OkNKWnA2twSFYEV-Df4LyUPnQ_o4ELDQV-q1AGlq1rXzsFlHvm2w2Hvt8EnSFUVpTMYhL6eL-pScv-7Y/s1600/DSC_0876.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First family photo at home</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All day Thursday, I laid around with a horrible headache. Thank goodness my mom and Clay were there to pick up my slack and take care of Brooks. I literally couldn't get off the couch or sit up without my head feeling like it was going to explode. I stayed like this for 3 days before I couldn't take it anymore. I did some research and diagnosed myself with a spinal headache. Turns out I had spinal fluid leaking from my epidural site which caused the pressure in my head to be thrown off. Laying flat is the only relief you can get from it. I had heard from several people that they went back to the hospital and got a blood patch to seal the leak so I called my doctor and he told me to come in. He wanted to make sure it wasn't high blood pressure causing the headache. Once I got to the hospital on Sunday afternoon, I got lab work done which came back fine. I talked to the anesthesiologist and we decided that I did have a spinal headache and that we should do the blood patch. About 10 minutes later, I had the procedure done, which is basically another epidural, but this time they injected blood into my back. It was definitely not fun having 2 IVs and 2 epidurals within a week, but it made my headache go away! I did have a bad backache for about 2 weeks, but it was much better than being stuck on the couch with a headache. My blood pressure kept creeping up so I ended up staying at the hospital another 4 hours after the blood patch was done. We finally got home around midnight. I am so thankful for mom, Coley, and Clay taking such good care of Brooks those few days!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Brooks will be 1 month old tomorrow!! Where has the time gone?!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2066765956222719632.post-35510644433029878762014-01-30T13:51:00.000-05:002014-01-30T13:51:08.554-05:00Welcome to the World, Baby Boy! Part 1...Well, a lot has changed since the last time I blogged. On Sunday, January 12, we went to the hospital to be induced because I still had made no progress at my doctors appointment on Friday and I was past 40 weeks. Since I work in labor and delivery, I knew a little of what to expect so I was more excited than nervous. The next 24 hours were full of ups and downs, but in the end we were blessed with a beautiful, healthy baby boy. <br />
<br />
I thought I'd be able to rest on Sunday night but the medicine they gave me caused me to be up all night with what I thought were just cramps, but now I'm pretty sure they were contractions. I got a shot of morphine and was finally able to get a little bit of rest. On Monday morning, they began the pitocin and not long after, I started having very strong, painful contractions every few minutes. By 11:30 that morning, my water had broken and I was in desperate need for the epidural. I had no idea that pitocin made your contractions so strong and painful. I was definitely not prepared for that. Even after the epidural, I was in really bad pain and I wasn't making a whole lot of progress. Finally that night, I got more medicine through my epidural and was able to relax a little. I woke up to several nurses and the midwife in the room telling me that Brooks wasn't tolerating my contractions and that he wasn't in the position he needed to be in to be born safely. His heart rate was extremely high and then he began having decels (his heart rate kept dropping) every time I would have a contraction. At first they told me his head was sideways and then I heard that he was face up, so I'm not sure which is correct. Knowing him now, I'd say he was sideways because he always ends up on his side when he sleeps! I was barely dilated past 9 cm, but the midwife had me push a few times just to see if I was going to be able to have him naturally... <br />
<br />
So at about 8:30, the doctor came in with the midwife and made the decision that we shouldn't wait any longer and that we needed to go to the OR for a c-section. My worst nightmare was coming true....I was past my due date, had to be induced, labored for almost 24 hours, and then ended up with a c-section any way. But, I was relieved when they finally made the call. I knew that it wasn't safe for him to stay in there much longer and that I would get to meet my precious boy in a few short minutes. So, we prepped for the OR and were on our way within the next 15 minutes. At 9:14 pm, I heard that sweet sound I had been waiting on for 9 months. Our baby boy was here and he was PERFECT.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM41omAEuwubTqqCTYFo_5sEzFIqtqnUqkar16d8uLM849ok8IGGA2FhyNLAUx7h62TeWRlFOJVFDQZu7pMAdWKGKu63gnBkzO3GyxRHF9By83MNUi6d831L1M20KKIlKOikaFAsuoY_o/s1600/DS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM41omAEuwubTqqCTYFo_5sEzFIqtqnUqkar16d8uLM849ok8IGGA2FhyNLAUx7h62TeWRlFOJVFDQZu7pMAdWKGKu63gnBkzO3GyxRHF9By83MNUi6d831L1M20KKIlKOikaFAsuoY_o/s1600/DS.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Clay was beside me so he was able to take pictures of him as soon as he was born. Also, the sweet anesthesiologist took pictures on my cell phone. I'm so happy they were able to catch this moment! Hearing Clay's reaction to Brooks being born, before I could see him, was one that I will remember forever. He was so happy and I could hear the tears of pride in his voice. I was in love before I even saw him.<br />
<br />
Clay was able to go to warmer with the NICU nurses. He watched them clean him off, warm him up, and take all of his vital signs. They took him to the recovery room with the nursery nurses where he got his first bath (which Clay filmed!) while I was being stitched up. Within about 15 minutes, I was in the recovery room with my two boys. This was such a special time for our little family. Usually, in a normal labor room, you don't get a whole lot of time to yourselves as a new family because you are so excited to have your family come see the baby. But, since we had to go to the recovery room first, we were able to spend about 2 hours together, just us, before we went up to our room. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQtZ4tfS2Aj4NS3E7EhwVWCiHUFsWGCQie0WdDt7nGjmwbRctjZI51dHC4f3tZKObxGCc_3OaPIY7gyX4tHPpipjKEfsFSmRa4CcQX5Nj0AiI0NSNtkXLWSiM-6y3nQ5NJYn_jkn03vc/s1600/DSC_0614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQtZ4tfS2Aj4NS3E7EhwVWCiHUFsWGCQie0WdDt7nGjmwbRctjZI51dHC4f3tZKObxGCc_3OaPIY7gyX4tHPpipjKEfsFSmRa4CcQX5Nj0AiI0NSNtkXLWSiM-6y3nQ5NJYn_jkn03vc/s1600/DSC_0614.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGs-6p-sO9CCzNuFEPZFL6WnhqFaEGVXAAL-UqtxENiIBG6S-0yu8QfN6Qc2FxYKJ6zsuKk7X6QWYgEnsWQr4QcgQ4dhXfMhJyFYezyqooKUC6nQOveP7g4oI9irxGEWeN6g32rmYsSpg/s1600/DSC_0615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGs-6p-sO9CCzNuFEPZFL6WnhqFaEGVXAAL-UqtxENiIBG6S-0yu8QfN6Qc2FxYKJ6zsuKk7X6QWYgEnsWQr4QcgQ4dhXfMhJyFYezyqooKUC6nQOveP7g4oI9irxGEWeN6g32rmYsSpg/s1600/DSC_0615.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8FI53jsP8GREERl146hyphenhyphenQPYR_S9Scanc0UkCeANqiGqNtPoCgfwqQQzQUPgN_ajabULR1XQR0x1YLWCGHViSBar6z2EQy18tz2x4UJiBvwr9w955gLkH8eJArEmtd53y_qYrYWUldLUY/s1600/DSC_0619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8FI53jsP8GREERl146hyphenhyphenQPYR_S9Scanc0UkCeANqiGqNtPoCgfwqQQzQUPgN_ajabULR1XQR0x1YLWCGHViSBar6z2EQy18tz2x4UJiBvwr9w955gLkH8eJArEmtd53y_qYrYWUldLUY/s1600/DSC_0619.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our first pictures with Brooks</div>
<br />
It was fun going up to our room because by that time, all the night nurses that I work with were there so it was almost like a parade going through the halls! Everyone was stopping us, saying hello, and checking out our newest edition. The best part was seeing all of our family at the glass waiting for us to come by. I had been waiting so long to see them and I know they were so excited to get a sneak peak of Brooks.<br />
<br />
When we got to our room, our moms were the first visitors. They were in love at first sight. Brooks is so lucky to have these two in his life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jHxVSMa9CxuAJExNS3zqwl5na63BAYrmzZLicdpjFJtwJXlSwPwnz7EsqDJTVSrJhL927OAu3bEgDd_qxcGsdHNt-nP0nRnSnZPjkR1jNLOfaXKkSrJ-QrSJfY4agzujPC83sTuzRys/s1600/DSC_0661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jHxVSMa9CxuAJExNS3zqwl5na63BAYrmzZLicdpjFJtwJXlSwPwnz7EsqDJTVSrJhL927OAu3bEgDd_qxcGsdHNt-nP0nRnSnZPjkR1jNLOfaXKkSrJ-QrSJfY4agzujPC83sTuzRys/s1600/DSC_0661.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Shortly after we got to our room, we introduced Brooks to the rest of the family! My sisters, Clay's sister, and his dad all came to meet him. I'm so glad they were all able to be there!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgac5WiHqlG-KoaMkVObmcldssN80J72IA9npmQUI862cVoo2DgOLExTWHlzQROC4rakE4xeSqAbjWwCzsSAun6Kk_9pgLEnprzlH13q3sMyzq2k66mm__OyCR6lzFdwdbg0sz6TTNb08/s1600/DSC_0670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgac5WiHqlG-KoaMkVObmcldssN80J72IA9npmQUI862cVoo2DgOLExTWHlzQROC4rakE4xeSqAbjWwCzsSAun6Kk_9pgLEnprzlH13q3sMyzq2k66mm__OyCR6lzFdwdbg0sz6TTNb08/s1600/DSC_0670.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACc7OS920PZCH9pGOlFym2ZCPEpkjZ4IlKWcl13oqC1XtiLUob8XtKfO-wiQ8worVBkPMuFX8iXM2LvvKTCyAHDekglPFzNo8LQbk0CS1pCIW2wXztFsiCehZXrj81y5EoatG4dM6NHI/s1600/DSC_0674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjACc7OS920PZCH9pGOlFym2ZCPEpkjZ4IlKWcl13oqC1XtiLUob8XtKfO-wiQ8worVBkPMuFX8iXM2LvvKTCyAHDekglPFzNo8LQbk0CS1pCIW2wXztFsiCehZXrj81y5EoatG4dM6NHI/s1600/DSC_0674.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAO7ZWQw4oMybYyx9p1EoRP1jXVDEnjjF9ix0XyBJbRC8neBN0PG90Xjx-zJCVgt2pRBZIp4VvLXfnKBYZCxtCeeoW6ZqnmynbgiFRillyunt3imtB_QJwqN7ILvq68BOn43IaB1VsDgM/s1600/DSC_0681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAO7ZWQw4oMybYyx9p1EoRP1jXVDEnjjF9ix0XyBJbRC8neBN0PG90Xjx-zJCVgt2pRBZIp4VvLXfnKBYZCxtCeeoW6ZqnmynbgiFRillyunt3imtB_QJwqN7ILvq68BOn43IaB1VsDgM/s1600/DSC_0681.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbgbc8x4ozCxSpQs-p2m_Ds2EovEdGaYZlIpiYnDNskPZrtH5yC3JmyDhmU52Zdlh45XiH6WgrXbpu8o1PkukzdftP6vpUK54467GYmh3hDG9Kreug1p4K3pe2aMWulusNIHqt_XxfAs/s1600/DSC_0683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbgbc8x4ozCxSpQs-p2m_Ds2EovEdGaYZlIpiYnDNskPZrtH5yC3JmyDhmU52Zdlh45XiH6WgrXbpu8o1PkukzdftP6vpUK54467GYmh3hDG9Kreug1p4K3pe2aMWulusNIHqt_XxfAs/s1600/DSC_0683.JPG" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
After everyone left, we went to sleep for the first time as a family of 3 :o) <br />
<br />
Part 2...coming soon!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2066765956222719632.post-30123646228358198082014-01-05T17:30:00.003-05:002014-01-05T17:30:39.614-05:00Home StretchI can't believe this is the last week I will be pregnant! I am 39 weeks, 5 days...which will make me 40 weeks on Tuesday! Judging by my December 27 baby birth date pool pick, I obviously didn't think I would make it all the way to (and probably past) 40 weeks. Clay is still in the running! Apparently when he picked January 9, he knew Brooks would want to stay warm and cozy since the high on his due date is in the 20s!<br />
<br />
Of course there have been sleepless nights and more episodes of reflux than I care to remember, but I have absolutely LOVED being pregnant. My two favorite parts of being pregnant are getting to see my family so much for different events and feeling/seeing him moving around. It is still so strange to me that there is a PERSON in my stomach. It seems like it would sink in after watching so many deliveries, but I don't think it will until they lay him up on my belly and I get to see his cute little face for the first time. I can't even imagine the emotions that will be running through our minds and hearts. I am most looking forward to kissing his little cheeks and seeing Clay hold him for the first time. <br />
<br />
I am trying to just enjoy these last few days of pregnancy instead of complaining about having to go past my due date! There are so many people that will never get to experience carrying a baby, so I feel so blessed to get to feel every kick and to share all of it with my family and friends. <br />
<br />
I was a little disheartened when I went to the doctor on Friday at 39.5 weeks and she said I had barely even begun to dilate and that we needed to give it another week. But, when I thought about going through the induction process and still possibly having to have a c-section if we had jumped the gun and tried to induce too early, I realized it was the best decision. I go back to the doctor on Friday to check our progress and make an induction plan if I haven't delivered by then. The doctor doesn't want me to go past 41 weeks, which will be next Tuesday so we should definitely have him before the 14th! I'm hoping to go into labor naturally this week so that we can skip the whole induction process! <br />
<br />
It's hard to believe that my next blog post will be about the birth of our baby boy! Also, I'm going to go ahead and apologize for all the pictures that will be posted of him. Just kidding, I'm definitely not sorry. :o)<br />
<br />
Praying for an easy, uneventful, safe, and healthy delivery! Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2066765956222719632.post-56295347050993793392013-12-11T12:22:00.000-05:002013-12-11T12:22:40.708-05:0036 week update<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, my pregnancy has been pretty uneventful up until now. Other than a little nausea and back pain in the beginning and sleepless nights and acid reflux for the past 3 or 4 weeks, I've had an easy pregnancy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I went to the doctor several weeks ago for my glucose test, I barely passed so they had me redo it. I barely passed the 2nd one, but they didn't make me do the 3 hour test...thank goodness. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I went back last week and my blood pressure was high, especially for me. I usually run less than 120/80 and it was 140s/80s, 130s/90s both times they took it. They drew PIH labs (pregnancy-induced hypertension) and sent me home with a 24 hour urine jug. Yehaw. I tell ya, there is nothing more annoying than having to pee as much as pregnant women do AND having to save it each time. I went back to the doctor today and my 24 hour urine test wasn't completely normal, but not bad enough for me to have to do it all over again...yet. My PIH labs weren't completely normal either, but he said the abnormal values were expected to be abnormal during pregnancy. He checked to make sure I wasn't having any of the preeclampsia symptoms...headache, swelling, blurry vision, seeing spots. I'm not symptomatic, but just to be safe, he wants me to come back tomorrow to do a biophysical profile to make sure Brooks is still growing like he should be and being as active as he should be. Brooks is SUPER active, so I'm not concerned about that. The doctor said I was measuring perfectly so he's not concerned at this point that the baby is having any growth issues related to my blood pressure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Long story short, he is going to closely monitor my blood pressures, labs and Brooks and if need be, induce me within the next couple of weeks. He said he would like me to get at least to 38 weeks...(CHRISTMAS EVE!) but if I started to become symptomatic, he would go ahead and induce me before then. Soooo, we might end up having an early Christmas present! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I definitely went into this pregnancy not wanting to be induced and not wanting a c-section if at all possible. But, of course, I want whatever is best for me and Brooks so whatever happens, happens! Going through nursing school and working in labor and delivery has definitely helped keep me calm about the whole thing, so I'm thankful for that. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just pray for our little family that everything works out how it's supposed to and that we have a healthy baby boy in the next few weeks :o)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span>Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2066765956222719632.post-14366156806984153542013-10-25T08:25:00.000-04:002013-10-25T08:25:54.327-04:00Spread too thin...Never have I thought I "spread myself too thin" until this semester. Nursing school will do that to you. I'm sure my friends feel the same way. Growing a baby, nursing school, working, weekend plans, and clinical is a LOT to squeeze into 7 days each week. <br />
<br />
As I was making my "final countdown" to-do list (yes, I sang the Rocky song in my head when I wrote it), I started to get excited and freak out all at once. <br />
1. I only have 50 days to finish all of these assignments and clinical hours. <br />
2. I only have 50 days until I am FINISHED with nursing school!<br />
3. I'll have a baby in 2 months. <br />
4. I don't know where we are going to live after January.<br />
<br />
My goal for the next two months is to take time and enjoy my pregnancy and stop stressing so much about everything that needs to be done. I refuse to wish away the next two months because that would mean I was wishing away the time I get to spend growing this precious baby. My mantra for the next 50 days will definitely be, "Just breathe." <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2066765956222719632.post-4888889578966370772013-09-26T13:06:00.000-04:002013-09-26T13:06:07.275-04:0025 Week UpdateSorry I've been MIA! I noticed I hadn't blogged since August 15, which was when school started, so I'll use that as my excuse. <br />
<br />
My pregnancy has been fairly uneventful, thank goodness. Aside from the nausea in Mexico, I've felt pretty good overall. Even worse than the morning (all day) sickness, was the stabbing pain I had in my back from weeks 20-21. That was definitely the hardest two weeks of my pregnancy thus far. I'm not sure if it was due to his position or the stretching/growing of my belly and joints, but it was a sharp nerve pain that made it hard to breathe. It would come and go, and some days were better than others. I just pray it doesn't return!<br />
<br />
Luckily, I haven't had to deal with any excessive weight gain or swelling yet. Hopefully, I will stay close to my normal size so I don't have quite as much work to do once he comes! Note to other pregnant women, don't go from wearing sandals/flip flops to cowboy boots when you get weighed at your doctors office. They'll imply that you've gained too much weight by telling you to exercise and eat healthy. <br />
<br />
I was really nervous going into our last ultrasound. At our 18 week ultrasound, his heart wasn't big enough to definitively say that it was developing normal. I wasn't concerned then, but as our next ultrasound neared, I began to run all the "what ifs" through my head. I was also a little concerned because he said my placenta was "low-lying" and I definitely didn't want to have a c-section if it stayed that way or shifted even lower. Luckily, all my fears were put to rest quickly. The ultrasound tech said that his heart was perfect and that all his organs and bones looked great. Also, my placenta has moved "far away" from my cervix so that is another relief! <br />
<br />
The best part of my pregnancy so far has absolutely been watching and feeling him move around. I love the constant reminder that I am growing a little person in my belly. He sure is active! I like to call him my little kick boxer because sometimes it looks as if all four limbs are kicking and punching at the same time, as hard as they can. To be only a pound or two, he is strong! I can't imagine how it will be when he gets a little bit bigger! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwwJLXF6yUPk3a5gPoqD71NBUAYaspfRBIT20JY6zT4S5HblC3frX0BnFkT7JH0Ph4KremRtNLkfk0E3D9l7ADLp83-1bVpfsGhRHZKLerflTqRssUq4q9MXoZmTTkMFv1SkqMd0t2fg/s1600/1175103_647896787976_2053910373_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwwJLXF6yUPk3a5gPoqD71NBUAYaspfRBIT20JY6zT4S5HblC3frX0BnFkT7JH0Ph4KremRtNLkfk0E3D9l7ADLp83-1bVpfsGhRHZKLerflTqRssUq4q9MXoZmTTkMFv1SkqMd0t2fg/s400/1175103_647896787976_2053910373_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2066765956222719632.post-10426706703621123842013-08-15T17:25:00.000-04:002013-08-15T17:25:44.889-04:00It's a Boy!This past Saturday was one of the best days of my life...right up there with my engagement day, wedding day and the day we found out we were having a baby. We found out we were having a baby BOY! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnjfxEZqvrUDYDfUN5qJIhFP7ipCtRanSf4RbKd-BgWDGngtyi7KdDITXTfbFJjucUw8s2ZWgiHokQSaqo1UE1bYvXGNxgdsvc2dQPIhMzK-39BA3GWZsOSO3Uw0uOGk9Qnbu7lpzD38/s1600/DSC_0057+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfnjfxEZqvrUDYDfUN5qJIhFP7ipCtRanSf4RbKd-BgWDGngtyi7KdDITXTfbFJjucUw8s2ZWgiHokQSaqo1UE1bYvXGNxgdsvc2dQPIhMzK-39BA3GWZsOSO3Uw0uOGk9Qnbu7lpzD38/s320/DSC_0057+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEfKFYfmYvDOWQwDsFZgb7sKcg3VN4HWIpsu5CMsn8A__H1vjPCsvQB1DjvniAaFCHNyM66vJBW1q6dJnKvCtplL2mobiBiJ7fi2eLvdXAuZLUfsyWGsldIC33TK5_aqoNiWeZ5QimNI/s1600/DSC_0058+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEfKFYfmYvDOWQwDsFZgb7sKcg3VN4HWIpsu5CMsn8A__H1vjPCsvQB1DjvniAaFCHNyM66vJBW1q6dJnKvCtplL2mobiBiJ7fi2eLvdXAuZLUfsyWGsldIC33TK5_aqoNiWeZ5QimNI/s320/DSC_0058+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Needless to say, we were both shocked. I was 99.9328% sure we were going to see pink balloons, so of course, I had Clay convinced (and everyone else I know). This goes to show you shouldn't rely on the heart rate (which has been above 150 the entire time), or any old wives tales or gender predictor games or quizzes! All of them said we were having a girl, so I just knew we were. I'm kind of glad we were so convinced though, because it made for some very authentic surprised faces! <br />
<br />
Clay and I are so excited to be having a baby boy. We love the fact that his siblings will have an older brother to look after and protect them. I'm so happy that Clay will have a partner in crime that he can pass on his love of baseball, Clemson tiger football, hunting and fishing to. I <i>can.not.wait.</i> to see Clay with our sweet baby boy. I know it will fill my heart with a love that it has never known before. Plus, we know that little boys love their mama. ;o) <br />
<br />
Tons of people have asked how we pulled off the reveal without anyone, including ourselves, knowing. Here's what we did: We had the ultrasound tech write the gender on the back of our gender reveal party invitation. She covered it with a post-it note to ensure we couldn't see through the envelope. The morning of the party, we took the sealed envelope to the flower shop, along with our box. While we were gone they blew up the blue balloons, put them in the box, and sealed it for us. Luckily, they made sure not to put the color of the balloons on the receipt ;o). We took the box home and decorated it. We left it inside until party time so the balloons wouldn't fall from the heat. I can honestly say that no one other than the ultrasound tech and the flower ladies knew what we were having. The same could be done if you wanted to do a cake reveal (pink or blue frosting in the center). You would just take the envelope to the baker instead. <br />
<br />
We are so happy we had a gender reveal party. The waiting was absolutely worth it. We had to go two whole days not knowing what we were having, which seemed like an eternity. It was so much fun to be able to watch the video of us opening the balloons. The best part of having a gender reveal party instead of finding out at the ultrasound, was that our family and friends were all there to celebrate with us. <br />
<br />
My favorite part of the reveal was definitely Clay's reaction. He screamed before I even had a chance to open my eyes! If you get a chance to watch, the video is posted on my facebook page. It's hilarious.<br />
<br />
Here are some more of my favorite pictures from the day!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1SdTosdwzuiwynWI07h7PDspOwVCIUs92AS6v1Wx68FAYuTMDPKx5QgKy4oVIE6zJScXOs4zyHw84-WE2eO0BHI-LAze4wRn3Ndp5-QyBqr6YBZx1sDrhnBxirCqLroLVtU9-twv-3s/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1SdTosdwzuiwynWI07h7PDspOwVCIUs92AS6v1Wx68FAYuTMDPKx5QgKy4oVIE6zJScXOs4zyHw84-WE2eO0BHI-LAze4wRn3Ndp5-QyBqr6YBZx1sDrhnBxirCqLroLVtU9-twv-3s/s320/DSC_0003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkXtGUCXQO9stYXjstsJbSACyc41zNvQ6NZKM7pxZE7HMxbr2_onr0IU2UiwZ2V72qm8Nh1h18gYNY_ogYa51Bbt44yO_omXoMjsSxI00L8vNcmoS25ki9VoPaNQUgQtwA7HW2Mu3vIU/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkXtGUCXQO9stYXjstsJbSACyc41zNvQ6NZKM7pxZE7HMxbr2_onr0IU2UiwZ2V72qm8Nh1h18gYNY_ogYa51Bbt44yO_omXoMjsSxI00L8vNcmoS25ki9VoPaNQUgQtwA7HW2Mu3vIU/s320/DSC_0007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZCBZbpDqzVRSVTmb5CFc5MLfjwzmKEoT2hY_XcAOnXyAPaYuVLOidiZ_tLA5zTR7FUL-yIgPH2RdN_w3qalfpwUGMVkISSKCSv1yRR-PztH_zLGkaCBcz7pTPSyjz0PO3Iapc4tLIP0/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZCBZbpDqzVRSVTmb5CFc5MLfjwzmKEoT2hY_XcAOnXyAPaYuVLOidiZ_tLA5zTR7FUL-yIgPH2RdN_w3qalfpwUGMVkISSKCSv1yRR-PztH_zLGkaCBcz7pTPSyjz0PO3Iapc4tLIP0/s320/DSC_0036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSK5TQrwQRyxHIa9jpeSI9LSGOItFo1zYQmhHDJN-JbMKFPvNJ0ceSWjii89KcD1TzfjAJEYMvjhDp3ecu3sp_pv3mULUZAs-pNnbwBRn02hU72OdXwwJIWmj02PPvu627Jt21Gr8HJew/s1600/DSC_0049+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSK5TQrwQRyxHIa9jpeSI9LSGOItFo1zYQmhHDJN-JbMKFPvNJ0ceSWjii89KcD1TzfjAJEYMvjhDp3ecu3sp_pv3mULUZAs-pNnbwBRn02hU72OdXwwJIWmj02PPvu627Jt21Gr8HJew/s320/DSC_0049+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqG4DvqvFyRbr3L6tJn5vvxf7XAWZu2cOGSzNqMnkIhrr6RIehTARecFiP5rYj_do76nN2g_D9VKR1GRX7kf0dqz1kO_70d3bJtS5FbmC8suNWRTerUclpMYIOMn5WsuJsFybI_WDG7Rw/s1600/DSC_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqG4DvqvFyRbr3L6tJn5vvxf7XAWZu2cOGSzNqMnkIhrr6RIehTARecFiP5rYj_do76nN2g_D9VKR1GRX7kf0dqz1kO_70d3bJtS5FbmC8suNWRTerUclpMYIOMn5WsuJsFybI_WDG7Rw/s320/DSC_0060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbadKDVHWPkiV99k5yODftEGAkQprLwi2qfY2o7TmLrhcZL7wk5f-IXhktKkOVTcqcjgSOfj8IeAulQJPVNdGS3qqsp_HqEvmoim1OHU2obremhLJyde1YuxPIsqxodeIssgs8ny4o8og/s1600/DSC_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbadKDVHWPkiV99k5yODftEGAkQprLwi2qfY2o7TmLrhcZL7wk5f-IXhktKkOVTcqcjgSOfj8IeAulQJPVNdGS3qqsp_HqEvmoim1OHU2obremhLJyde1YuxPIsqxodeIssgs8ny4o8og/s320/DSC_0068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8fp55riu2cqRO6QSvWndfmiez0TvrpDGu880RtdV9DqXyqpw4U7ouiJLzsdKrQO2oS8JZatoLas4RUQAAh2U3AUx2VkDp_I84Fzt-0xTlx9xtpkjN3u5f6tpFnJ4urkMD96MCJn6hIg/s1600/DSC_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8fp55riu2cqRO6QSvWndfmiez0TvrpDGu880RtdV9DqXyqpw4U7ouiJLzsdKrQO2oS8JZatoLas4RUQAAh2U3AUx2VkDp_I84Fzt-0xTlx9xtpkjN3u5f6tpFnJ4urkMD96MCJn6hIg/s320/DSC_0070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1KWfZOJPJjgKdJdoJssO0nCwbmFq5Xx1Ep1p8bGIdS6NqplgMjH4niz_MZI683V3HfgUuh88CikKgyJ2mPzzwbc17vTH8PJccH3RpK33arLSuuWtOKbcngG7Gp8EdOF5U9ZHRiCzUik/s1600/DSC_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1KWfZOJPJjgKdJdoJssO0nCwbmFq5Xx1Ep1p8bGIdS6NqplgMjH4niz_MZI683V3HfgUuh88CikKgyJ2mPzzwbc17vTH8PJccH3RpK33arLSuuWtOKbcngG7Gp8EdOF5U9ZHRiCzUik/s320/DSC_0086.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIEP62BVtMbKBVbC1lBLiD4mXgge_wFq6LGxleGnZLtS-Wkgdsmid3Gvmq0PP5hFaj79iXL44TG3rdPlhhiTjpUuELDxOENavSnuUEf4sEFSf5YYd6aUu0a40H0-4DHoW8nLcUojo1gg/s1600/DSC_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIEP62BVtMbKBVbC1lBLiD4mXgge_wFq6LGxleGnZLtS-Wkgdsmid3Gvmq0PP5hFaj79iXL44TG3rdPlhhiTjpUuELDxOENavSnuUEf4sEFSf5YYd6aUu0a40H0-4DHoW8nLcUojo1gg/s320/DSC_0088.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vM_F5YY1kuf_t3OBvtZ-uMPbnofU79_9BCyVSyIIci5bYYCTAhiD2QpMFzHUSGPGI5pGsooy46um6dsDxEThmPbz8KHiNx0qfS-AzxG45Lvne-pz3TeJweVuPFdQ2t3YU8ovSxsSf0E/s1600/DSC_0107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5vM_F5YY1kuf_t3OBvtZ-uMPbnofU79_9BCyVSyIIci5bYYCTAhiD2QpMFzHUSGPGI5pGsooy46um6dsDxEThmPbz8KHiNx0qfS-AzxG45Lvne-pz3TeJweVuPFdQ2t3YU8ovSxsSf0E/s320/DSC_0107.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQljkl6aFc8yS4tQ44-PFg6_D4tP56qA1I-2EGSitPmFG_2udYc9bCC4BBH1puQmUkJjjNm6E1lt44YVFEWE1Z0I020JfsSsFtkmeB3bOtmNcCn8wSyjAwQPsm_6hREQ-kUSrdAo9QYg/s1600/DSC_0137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTQljkl6aFc8yS4tQ44-PFg6_D4tP56qA1I-2EGSitPmFG_2udYc9bCC4BBH1puQmUkJjjNm6E1lt44YVFEWE1Z0I020JfsSsFtkmeB3bOtmNcCn8wSyjAwQPsm_6hREQ-kUSrdAo9QYg/s320/DSC_0137.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8VlB7WJW401d8nJcz1mF4WnvEBj9AEWpX37F9_k3VKSyvTEQucL5CSyUC-ub9655GHzQAYIjULwkZU74t5ZuNU1P4C-t9dvNLAeg1TbMDZ-pnUSh9w3yaiAMJuO2jGOv90mrIsvlJ6s/s1600/DSC_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8VlB7WJW401d8nJcz1mF4WnvEBj9AEWpX37F9_k3VKSyvTEQucL5CSyUC-ub9655GHzQAYIjULwkZU74t5ZuNU1P4C-t9dvNLAeg1TbMDZ-pnUSh9w3yaiAMJuO2jGOv90mrIsvlJ6s/s320/DSC_0142.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmno8Qkcg4SgnnT5v6hDXJDZKztmuj897PpVC0xQ4hq_X9ia35ps-VXfJDNtvFNldgmpAhUWYqUFPSqrFMXCouWbOV4BtMrelEPMst0fHQGEp-2ZHjAygUhfhzpDT2_dD6V4sACkOIu40/s1600/DSC_0187+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmno8Qkcg4SgnnT5v6hDXJDZKztmuj897PpVC0xQ4hq_X9ia35ps-VXfJDNtvFNldgmpAhUWYqUFPSqrFMXCouWbOV4BtMrelEPMst0fHQGEp-2ZHjAygUhfhzpDT2_dD6V4sACkOIu40/s320/DSC_0187+(2).JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbk3lAEVZ7OpSgIjUBmcCRvFL9YvG2dvbxvKh_ogcfFyfUOI9TlBrobouasjgDGYhIZT-uoT9yjZO5p0D9VdMq4VlAh4MaSWvEYvqY92dHEPl_RmxFO4q60N-8i0ra3GRd9-DIPq3uAM/s1600/DSC_0190+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbk3lAEVZ7OpSgIjUBmcCRvFL9YvG2dvbxvKh_ogcfFyfUOI9TlBrobouasjgDGYhIZT-uoT9yjZO5p0D9VdMq4VlAh4MaSWvEYvqY92dHEPl_RmxFO4q60N-8i0ra3GRd9-DIPq3uAM/s320/DSC_0190+(2).JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjPXhNJ-8qlx_3MjXJ9FGZhu6LtMT4eSCfE1gFQpHf_1KnKawdyESeeC0f6q2FtvucGYJyL4NVSf6OJx5GUzbOqb81hCj-XreBgEpqzOuOuJB_igqxWxQ8DrE_Nr3Enrvx27u0L8hPoM/s1600/DSC_0193+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUjPXhNJ-8qlx_3MjXJ9FGZhu6LtMT4eSCfE1gFQpHf_1KnKawdyESeeC0f6q2FtvucGYJyL4NVSf6OJx5GUzbOqb81hCj-XreBgEpqzOuOuJB_igqxWxQ8DrE_Nr3Enrvx27u0L8hPoM/s320/DSC_0193+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTI047p1jYgpCAWURhZB8pyhI4pf84MytGLOAUo0fkxm_-HoVoV5jKHZ6SLvQgx8eEgytJpBu7hZUD_e5wiihnX65SDuppjRrMyOlAwjU1tYCyPWw3V27DPEmnloA7p4BSf0G-nBdiUI/s1600/DSC_0197+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTI047p1jYgpCAWURhZB8pyhI4pf84MytGLOAUo0fkxm_-HoVoV5jKHZ6SLvQgx8eEgytJpBu7hZUD_e5wiihnX65SDuppjRrMyOlAwjU1tYCyPWw3V27DPEmnloA7p4BSf0G-nBdiUI/s320/DSC_0197+(2).JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
We also announced our name! For the name frame, I took a picture of our girl and boy names in the sand at Ocean Isle Beach. This is my favorite place in the entire world, so I thought it was fitting to take the picture somewhere that is so special to me. I put the pictures in a frame and when we found out we were having a boy, I ran inside and switched the pictures so that the boy name was in the frame. We decided to name our little boy Stuart Brooks Johnson. We've always loved the name Brooks and knew that's what we wanted to name our son if we had one. We decided on Stuart, after my daddy, because we love the name and wanted to honor the man who helped make me who I am. What is even more special about the picture of his name in the sand is that my daddy's ashes were spread in the Atlantic Ocean at Ocean Isle Beach, so I like to think little Brooks already knows his grandpa. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLZCQDTcpbIg22a2rnMNrfXWfhkW7MW1PfZvlcnT8f1klX33jLRZ8MnXY5A-YfK-jIV8jFhEn4k2kcAdDnXDS6SZkzovifdmMbZTIdO3ieJBnPZoulof6zVdeiwjSuxH9sn-E7U5OVRI/s1600/DSC_0149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLZCQDTcpbIg22a2rnMNrfXWfhkW7MW1PfZvlcnT8f1klX33jLRZ8MnXY5A-YfK-jIV8jFhEn4k2kcAdDnXDS6SZkzovifdmMbZTIdO3ieJBnPZoulof6zVdeiwjSuxH9sn-E7U5OVRI/s320/DSC_0149.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlkpSf8IjP2crQrXwA9OBxR87qYBu3OA39JTuUvfkfS4ALDUKHuY4uTqINkOU8B5j3ubPkkO4e_MBhPGRWLdULlvUYvdtGuC_tAOlApzXFZc-pXlUWAYaTj0PdPlkku1pvY73YYajCZo/s1600/DSC_0124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlkpSf8IjP2crQrXwA9OBxR87qYBu3OA39JTuUvfkfS4ALDUKHuY4uTqINkOU8B5j3ubPkkO4e_MBhPGRWLdULlvUYvdtGuC_tAOlApzXFZc-pXlUWAYaTj0PdPlkku1pvY73YYajCZo/s320/DSC_0124.JPG" width="211" /></a></div>
<br />
We are so grateful to all of our family and friends for helping to make our party so special. We couldn't have done it without you! <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2066765956222719632.post-36456919760823939392013-08-07T01:46:00.001-04:002013-08-07T01:46:12.940-04:0018 weeks...almost halfway there!<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since I was lying wide awake in bed and haven't posted in a month, I thought now would be a good time to update everyone on what's been going on in the Johnson household over the last few weeks!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am 18 weeks pregnant today (well, yesterday)! Baby J is about 5.5 inches long and weighs about 7 oz. He or she is going to be doing a lot of growing in the coming weeks! I can't believe that I will be halfway through my pregnancy in just 2 short weeks. What's even more exciting is that we are only 4 days away from finding out if we are going to have a sweet baby boy or girl! It's going to be so hard to go to our anatomy ultrasound on Thursday afternoon knowing we aren't going to leave knowing the sex of our little one. I knew before I even got pregnant that I wanted to have a gender reveal party. I know some parents find out what their baby is going to be and then have the party to reveal the news to all their friends or family. That thought never even crossed our minds. We are so excited to find out at the same time as all those we love. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can't tell you how many times I've thought about what life would be like with a little boy or girl, and how many times I've been asked, "What do you want it to be?" I think everyone has an idea of what they <i>think </i>they would want but of course, all we really want is a healthy baby. Originally, I wanted a girl and Clay wanted a boy. Then, we both switched and he decided he wanted a girl and I wanted a boy...so, obviously we'd be happy either way. (I still feel like it's going to be a girl...mother's intuition?) All of the tests and old wives tales we have done have came out a girl. We'll see on Saturday...if baby J cooperates! Other exciting news...we are revealing our baby name at the party on Saturday. :o) </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today was an exciting day! First of all, baby is 18 weeks today. Secondly, I got to park in the expectant mother's spot at Hobby Lobby!! Did I need to? No. Was it really any closer? No. But hey, I'm an expectant mother, so I just thought I should utilize the spaces they so graciously provided. Now, had it been the only one available, I wouldn't have parked there. I could only imagine the looks I would have gotten from some 39 week pregnant woman who can barely waddle her way out of her car, thinking her water could break at any moment. Finally, Clay & I were lying in bed tonight and it was the first time I could really feel my uterus. Being in OB clinicals this summer, I felt a lot of women's fundi (funduses?)...the top of the uterus...but actually being able to feel your own and know that there's a little life inside of there was amazing and brought tears to my eyes. I've noticed so many changes over the past week and I know there are going to be new discoveries and changes daily from this point on. The thing I am most excited about is feeling the baby move. Everything I've read says it will probably happen between 18 and 20 weeks. I can't even imagine how that is going to feel physically and emotionally. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On the school front, summer semester ended July 24. It.was.awful. I don't know how in the world I made it out with all A's. Going in, I had heard so many horror stories about Complex and how people have failed the class by missing a question or two on a computer test that we have to take in all our classes. What was even more scary is that we had to take it in 8 weeks instead of 16. We also had OB/Peds, which I loved. The worst part of the summer had to be having a test every week and having two big assignments looming over our heads all summer for our Mexico maymester. But, I got through it...hallelujah! It's so hard to believe that we will be finished in December. It seems like we just started! I have more motivation now than ever to finish strong and finish on time! Mama needs to get out of school and get a job! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am trying to enjoy my last couple weeks of summer before the madness starts back. I am working 5 days next week at the hospital, so this is my last chance to relax and get things ready for our party on Saturday. Luckily, my mom planned an amazing Ocean Isle family beach trip last week, so I was able to enjoy time with my family since I won't be seeing them much until pinning on Dec. 14! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My next post will be an exciting one...our gender reveal party post!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">xoxo,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Casey</span>Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2066765956222719632.post-40676742880439125592013-07-07T20:36:00.001-04:002013-07-07T20:36:20.614-04:00Father's Day<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">June 16, 2013<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Father’s Day<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> First,
a pregnancy update! I’m currently 10
weeks and 5 days. Baby J is the size of
a kumquat! Thankfully, I haven’t had very
much morning sickness at all…except while I was in Mexico, but that’s a story
for another day. I’m not having any
cravings really, but I've noticed I can’t eat as much as I used to because I
get full really fast. Also, a lot of
things upset my stomach these days. I
have been eating a lot of pickles and drinking a lot of spicy V8, though! I can’t believe how fast the weeks are flying
by…I’m almost finished with my first trimester!
Hopefully the 2<sup>nd</sup> trimester will be just as easy as the
first!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I
knew I wanted to write this blog for Father’s Day but I knew that it would be a
tough one to start. This post is
dedicated to all the fathers in my life:
my daddy, Clay’s daddy, my uncle Kent, and of course, our sweet baby’s
father-to-be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I
want to start with my daddy. My daddy,
Stuart John Ross grew up in Miami in the 50s.
From the stories I've heard, he led a very hard life, beginning with his
childhood. These hard beginnings helped
shape him into the man he became. He was
one SO smart. He had more common sense
than I will ever have. He was an amazing
welder. He was so talented. I remember him yelling up from the basement,
asking me to come downstairs and help him on one of his latest art
projects. He made belt buckles,
bracelets, and stained glass. He never
did anything halfway. He put everything
he had into everything he did. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Unfortunately, life never got
any easier for him. He worked hard for
every dime he made. He tried his best to
give us girls what we needed and wanted.
I’ll never forget how happy I was when he’d come home with candy from
Jerry’s Neighborhood Store after work.
He was always thinking about us, whether we knew it or not. My sisters are 8 and 11 years older than me,
so I got to experience my daddy pretty much as an only child for many years. There were times I wanted nothing to do with
him. It’s amazing how your perspective
on things change as you get older. All
the bad times seem to fade away and all you are left with are the good memories
you choose to hold on to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When my mom and dad split up,
I honestly didn’t know if I would ever want to see him again. When he got sick a few years later, when I
was in college, my mom invited him to move back in so she could take care of him. It makes me tear up just thinking about how
selfless my mom is. She loved him when
he didn't love himself. I’ll never
forget those years that allowed us to reconnect. He even got to see my cheer at one of my
college football games! I will always be
grateful for that short time. Those were
the last times I got to spend with him.
The summer after I graduated, he got really sick and was admitted into
the hospital. He died a few days later on
June 27, 2008. One regret I will always
have is not calling him back that summer when I got back from Italy at the end
of May and had a voice mail from him.
That was the last time I heard his voice. I like to think he knew I was there at the
hospital with him though. I <i>have</i> to believe he did. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was hard when I got
married and he wasn't there, but it was even harder when I found out I was
pregnant and realized he wouldn't be here for that either. I just pray every day that he knows how much
I love him and miss him. I think about
him in everything I do, hoping I am making him proud.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whenever I get sad, these
lyrics give me comfort…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes,
I feel my heart is breaking<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But
I stay strong, and I hold on because I know<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
will see you again,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This
is not where it ends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
will carry you with me…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love
you, daddy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Even though my daddy is gone, I have no lack
of amazing men in my life. My uncle Kent
is one of the most amazing, generous, and kind men I've ever met. I spent the first 10 or more years of my life
afraid to even go near him because I was so shy. When I would have to walk by his chair, I
would stay as far away as I could. After
a few years, that all passed and I got to know what an unbelievable man he
is. I will never be able to thank him
enough for stepping in and being a father figure to me and helping our family
out when we needed it the most. He has
always been there for us, no questions asked.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kent, you have helped to shape me into the
person I am today, and I am so honored to be your niece and I love you to the
moon and back!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Clay’s
daddy, Karlie is the sweetest man you will ever meet. I could not have hand-picked a better
father-in-law. He would do absolutely
anything for us and I can see so many of his qualities in Clay. He is so gentle, caring, funny, and
generous. I am so lucky that our baby
will have such an incredible role model to grow up with. If Clay is half the daddy you are, this baby
will be the most loved little thing in the world. Love you, Karlie! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Lastly,
to the father of our sweet little baby…
First of all, thanks for choosing me.
I know things haven’t been easy the last few years with me totally
uprooting us and changing careers. Thank
you for letting me follow my dreams. You
will never know how much I appreciate your support and selflessness. When I picture our little baby, I see a
perfect mix of you and me…my tender heart, your sensibility. My book smarts, your common sense. My need for attention, your
independence. You are going to be the
most amazing father. Watching you with
Bailey and Zoey made me long for the day you would be able to play with our own
little baby. I am so thankful that our
baby is going to grow up with a daddy who will love him or her more than life
itself. I am so excited to start the
next chapter of our lives with you! I
love you more than you will EVER know.
xoxo <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2066765956222719632.post-66457335658400459232013-06-30T16:10:00.002-04:002013-06-30T16:10:44.024-04:00176Here is my first baby blog post from June 6, when I was 9 weeks.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">176. That’s the number of times my sweet baby’s
heart beats in one minute. It’s crazy to
think that something so small can have such a powerful heart already! She (I’m going to refer to the baby as a
she…much better than “it” J)
is only an inch long right now…about the size of a grape. I am 9 weeks and 2 days. The weeks are flying by! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
had my first ultrasound yesterday.
Luckily, Clay was able to come with me to see our sweet baby for the
first time. My friends and family can
attest to the fact that I was an absolute nervous wreck before the
ultrasound. Besides a little nausea at
times, I didn’t really <i>feel</i>
pregnant. I know that’s normal in the
beginning, but when something is growing inside of you, you at least want to be
able to tell it’s there! We waited for
about 20 minutes and then the nurse came and took us back. Within minutes, I was on the table and a
picture of my baby was up on the big TV.
I can’t even describe the emotions that were rushing through my
mind. As soon as the baby popped up on
the screen and she said there’s the heart, I just lost it. All those worries just slipped away and I was
overcome with joy and awe. Tears
immediately started streaming down my cheeks and Clay squeezed my leg to let me
know he was there, as always. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
always wondered what it would be like to hear your baby’s heart beat for the
first time. I can say it is like nothing
else you will ever experience. I
remember hearing my niece Zoey’s heart beat for the first time. Now I know how my sister felt. It all becomes real. I am growing a PERSON inside of me. How crazy is that?! I never thought I could love something so
much. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It
all started a couple months ago. Clay
and I walked up to the pool and sat one evening and started talking about when
we thought we would start trying to have kids.
As my friends know, I've been ready for a baby for so long, but with
school and moving around so much, the timing just never seemed right. I knew if I could at least wait until
March, the baby would be born after I
was finished with school, so any time after that was fair game for me…not so
much for Clay. He wasn't so sure about
having a baby yet but finally gave in and said we could start trying late
summer. When we got back into our
apartment, Clay was using our living room as a putting green. I said if I made the ball between the two
quarters, we would start trying sooner.
Well, of course I missed the first time.
How about 3 tries? I miss the 2<sup>nd</sup>
and made the 3<sup>rd</sup>. Then, we
did the quarter flip. I won, twice in a
row. Looks like we weren't going to have
to wait til the end of summer! Well, two
months later, here we are! I never
thought I’d be able to get pregnant so fast.
I always worried that I would have trouble. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">God’s timing was so much better than mine
ever could have been. My due date is
January 7, so I’ll have my last month of pregnancy off from school to relax and
the first two months after she’s born to spend with her (or him) while I study
for NCLEX. Yes, being pregnant during
nursing school is going to be hard, but the majority will be during my 2<sup>nd</sup>
trimester which I hear isn't so bad. The
best part is that I feel so much more prepared for the pregnancy and what to
expect because of all the experiences I've gotten at Northside working in labor
and delivery. Also, I’m in my OB/Peds
rotation this summer…good timing, huh? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Besides
hearing our baby’s heart beat and seeing her for the first time, telling our
families and friends was one of our favorite things so far. Their reactions were all so different, and
each one was precious. That will be
another post…with videos. J <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank
you all for taking this journey with us.
Please pray for a healthy mama, daddy, and baby! </span><span style="font-family: Century Gothic, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2066765956222719632.post-89257965700660271682013-01-25T20:27:00.000-05:002013-01-25T20:27:57.979-05:00It's a 'God thing'...This past year has been full of what I like to call "God things". I am so used to saying, "that's just my luck" when something doesn't go my way. This entire year has made me realize that those times have to happen because something even better is yet to come.<br />
<br />
On Valentine's Day 2011, we closed on our first house house in South Carolina.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEnPGStTXb9tBNzlDnVYCRBlhKHyRAAv0xP8hUsCVf3ELdx47OYo_Qc6ySuBkxvDklrKlgJkhFKoIiWNYPuZhnyBApd2kqgKJi18dqLwbRlkcA2KdH5XcMOtd6lubFNaF0nRClGoPTTY/s1600/180377_535474228686_49500056_31378627_1929191_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEnPGStTXb9tBNzlDnVYCRBlhKHyRAAv0xP8hUsCVf3ELdx47OYo_Qc6ySuBkxvDklrKlgJkhFKoIiWNYPuZhnyBApd2kqgKJi18dqLwbRlkcA2KdH5XcMOtd6lubFNaF0nRClGoPTTY/s320/180377_535474228686_49500056_31378627_1929191_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zIFDdiiywKzXa_sFHzyg93Bn1YkofigdpukaISdlZpMRYiMv48VJ8pSWDcMQyouk-oD1fTJBrP_sxJ_kl2TBFLLSaHVGjSk7qY3EOyWtIhrYAzNGf90Lap62brgkW_Gv6s7Ip28t8B4/s1600/227225_546229574886_49500056_31429896_3837615_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zIFDdiiywKzXa_sFHzyg93Bn1YkofigdpukaISdlZpMRYiMv48VJ8pSWDcMQyouk-oD1fTJBrP_sxJ_kl2TBFLLSaHVGjSk7qY3EOyWtIhrYAzNGf90Lap62brgkW_Gv6s7Ip28t8B4/s320/227225_546229574886_49500056_31429896_3837615_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Two days later, Clay got a job in Georgia. Great. Newlyweds, just bought a house with a nice piece of land, a fence, shop, and pool...and we don't get to live together. It was tough coming to terms with the thought that the house we just bought wasn't going to be ours for long. Little did I know, but Clay getting a job in Georgia would turn out to be the first of many "God things". <br />
<br />
Since I was so unhappy teaching, I started looking into going back to school for nursing since that was really what I wanted to do after my daddy died. So...fast forward to June and I don't have a job, my husband lives in another state, AND we are going to have to sell our house. Perfect.<br />
<br />
Then, Clay & I are in the pool one day and he says, "Why don't you go to Kennesaw State?" My response was, "What the heck is that??" He said, "It's in Georgia and I think they have a bass fishing team." Oh, Clay...you <i>would </i>know that. So, I look into it, and sure enough they have a second degree nursing program. Hmmm....this is when things start to fall into place. <br />
<br />
I decided to start taking my pre-reqs and worked it out so that I could have them all finished in time to start school last fall. I applied to Emory & Kennesaw and I was so shocked to learn that I had gotten into both programs. I never in a million years thought I'd be one of the 120 chosen out of the 900 applications KSU received. If I had known there were that many applicants, I probably would have talked myself out of applying all together...but, I didn't, and I got in. God thing number 2.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to 2012. So, now we have a house in SC, aren't living together, and I got accepted to a program in Georgia. Time to sell the house! We listed our house in March and had an offer by the end of May. Who the heck sells their house in less than 2 months in this economy...in Pickens?? God thing number 3.<br />
<br />
Then, Clay and I find the perfect apartment in precious Woodstock and it is in our price range and is available as soon as we need it to be. God thing number 4.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSypumlPyy8EBeJiwMEVJzV6wSQ6X3aiyzqnAc8mNSUbmjmMoC8csLnEjcaX48XNBvJcO1JTwMcrTlhuI4g5HvMOe8bi109jmwEG3gc2rtNUWpPXulhUlHEcWCzy-ZdvViglLd1gx1Jk/s1600/Around+Woodstock+And+More+6.7.09+065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSypumlPyy8EBeJiwMEVJzV6wSQ6X3aiyzqnAc8mNSUbmjmMoC8csLnEjcaX48XNBvJcO1JTwMcrTlhuI4g5HvMOe8bi109jmwEG3gc2rtNUWpPXulhUlHEcWCzy-ZdvViglLd1gx1Jk/s320/Around+Woodstock+And+More+6.7.09+065.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3j8it7LLd-6qL7QMNIrRdB2LMbKsMm-878T79U-pjUk1SAJF3VQmIa4hAPgx2lr-20-Rrb7C40VHpgRRQsTrVoToHgL9E6fA4Qo7TgNXUVc8vS26_v8EqX-qNLmOQYM1cTC6gq8ksR8/s1600/20111109075756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht3j8it7LLd-6qL7QMNIrRdB2LMbKsMm-878T79U-pjUk1SAJF3VQmIa4hAPgx2lr-20-Rrb7C40VHpgRRQsTrVoToHgL9E6fA4Qo7TgNXUVc8vS26_v8EqX-qNLmOQYM1cTC6gq8ksR8/s320/20111109075756.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We knew it was going to be tough with me going to school full time and living off of one salary, so I needed to get a job ASAP. Kohl's offered me a job two hours after I arrived in Woodstock. God thing number 5. <br />
<br />
Last semester was a whirl wind! I was working 20-30 hours and I'm in the accelerated program, so I had an extra class. It was hard work and the entire semester I was just praying that I would do well to validate my choice to change careers...I got all A's, so I'd say my first semester was a success! God thing number 6. <br />
<br />
I am lucky enough to be going to Mexico for two weeks in May to work in two hospitals and live with a Mexican family. This will be such a great experience to be able to work on my skills and learn more about healthcare in areas that aren't as fortunate as we are. I am SO excited about this amazing opportunity to serve others. God thing number 7.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ug-Raw85u8zyV6ntOK8G54knqAjw7kzKBuxi54ii7rkML_SsoDbVafRWT5Lpxg8BhC-hfyHi7aFw1AbeadN9XLFmU5v2SuiKfUx0VlMlrTB84H-CClsGiiEFHq90oBK6j_YV4O950IM/s1600/monte-alban.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ug-Raw85u8zyV6ntOK8G54knqAjw7kzKBuxi54ii7rkML_SsoDbVafRWT5Lpxg8BhC-hfyHi7aFw1AbeadN9XLFmU5v2SuiKfUx0VlMlrTB84H-CClsGiiEFHq90oBK6j_YV4O950IM/s320/monte-alban.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I applied to participate in Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's college volunteer program and I start on February 2! I will be at an urgent care center every Saturday hopefully making sick children smile :) God thing number 8. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="185" data-width="273" height="185" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRlbFmDTVGAE8AiMlvtmqHMn7GAuD25AKxXbbhmpFMbMYOeNXor" style="height: 185px; width: 273px;" width="273" /></div>
<br />
<br />
Finally, back in December a hiring manager in labor and delivery at Northside Hospital in Atlanta got my resume and sent it to HR. Last week, I got a call to set up an interview on this Wednesday. Today, I got the call that I had received the externship position! I feel so blessed that I've been chosen for this position. I can't wait to start working with all those sweet mamas and babies (and poor, sleep-deprived husbands). I have been praying that I would find an opportunity to get into a hospital and gain some experience and finally, I am getting that chance! God thing number 9.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="192" data-width="256" height="300" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSO6LtkxK_zJZT_NIwWDnFm8ZLcA_7L6waGio6PCH59tooisd1I" style="height: 192px; width: 256px;" width="400" /></div>
<br />
This year has really made me look back and reflect on all those times I was selfish and mad that things weren't happening the way I wanted them to, when I wanted them to. I am finally able to step back and see that everything happens for a reason. I finally feel like all the tough times we faced the past couple of years are starting to pay off. It's amazing what God will do in your life when you stop sulking about all the things that aren't happening. These next 12 months are going to be so much work, but it will be totally worth it. I'm so excited to see what other 'God things' He has in store! <br />
<br />
I just want to say a special thank you to all my friends and family for being so encouraging and always rooting for me. It's nice to know that you are all in my corner when things get hard!<br />
<br />
To Clay- you are amazing. I don't know how in the world you have handled all of these changes like you have. You are the most unselfish person I've ever met. Love you to the moon and back!<br />
<br />
To my nursing girls- Lord knows I couldn't have made it this far without all of you...I love you all and I am so thankful for you! <br />
<br />
This time next year, I'll be Casey Johnson, RN, BSN! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2066765956222719632.post-62006070625188490512012-01-04T15:34:00.000-05:002012-01-04T15:34:17.639-05:00New year, new me...Since resolutions are meant to be broken even more than rules are, I didn't make any 'resolutions' this year. Instead, I set a 'goal' before Christmas. Clay and I (and hopefully all the people I am trying to talk into doing this with us) are going to do the Savannah half-marathon in November. Yes, I know. I hate running. I am hoping I can coerce everyone I know...literally...into doing it with us so that we have people to hold us accountable. Lord knows if I was doing this alone it would not happen. Acknowledging and accepting that fact is my first step in succeeding. I feel like I made a lot of big girl decisions in 2011 and actually stuck to them, so I want to do the same in 2012. I have so much more motivation than I thought I would (mainly not being able to fit into any of my clothes). My sister read that if you do something for two weeks straight, it will usually stick. This week is the start of those two weeks. I'll let you if the two week rule is true. Clay & I started the Couch to 5K program before Christmas but once Christmas rolled around and we were in our car more than we were anywhere we went, running got put on the back burner. So, yesterday was the start of several things:<br />
<br />
1. <u>Special K Diet</u>- The Special K brand foods are actually pretty tasty!<br />
My Special K choices: Fruit & Yogurt cereal, Chocolate Delight cereal, Cheddar cracker chips, Southwest Ranch cracker chips, Chocolate Delight protein bars, and Chocolate Pretzel snack bars. I have pretzels & yogurt as snacks, too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSR8-3dbzDQfaVH3Pc6T5wHmNFitzmKBan8RKGtPnI11wUNdbBQQiEMm6t2jmuzhE2_OGbtgweohopUbtOjzLtsWCecKGjm3RZQ9nscZ92KBeMBusNaIx2cu4SGgXFddD1JohREkGDoHQ/s1600/special-k-picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSR8-3dbzDQfaVH3Pc6T5wHmNFitzmKBan8RKGtPnI11wUNdbBQQiEMm6t2jmuzhE2_OGbtgweohopUbtOjzLtsWCecKGjm3RZQ9nscZ92KBeMBusNaIx2cu4SGgXFddD1JohREkGDoHQ/s320/special-k-picture.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
2. <u>No.more.soda!</u><br />
Instead of soda, I am drinking Spicy V8, orange juice with extra calcium & vitamins A, D, E, and flavored Aquafina. If you know me well, you know I hate water. I know those of you who didn't know this about me are saying, "How do you hate water? It has no flavor!" Well, I do. It makes me gag. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmHJ6JI014zQlOZA8RHmkV8tNKEpaw8g8Du17S0ZAOtu87YlK1GEfV9yJ9VqfrmRyK5slRmlPtKJioYUQEMJjVsXfEDFrkWuuWgf4EFTn6QhvfAmDH623wf7DRNZcv64ECyjg3kXH1Lw/s1600/soda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmHJ6JI014zQlOZA8RHmkV8tNKEpaw8g8Du17S0ZAOtu87YlK1GEfV9yJ9VqfrmRyK5slRmlPtKJioYUQEMJjVsXfEDFrkWuuWgf4EFTn6QhvfAmDH623wf7DRNZcv64ECyjg3kXH1Lw/s1600/soda.jpg" /></a></div><br />
3. <u>Working out:</u><br />
Running at least 3 days a week and doing a leg workout & abs at least 3 days a week. By November, I want Carrie Underwood's legs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAQz5uMPL5X9mPWfLA0hM9HH_0j2lUOJErhSjjMMYyW2qJ3be16HZvTxp5Yk89K-tKEAjvUCTNjNXueYHyIt8HAVL32omFNaufTFia-jkx8X5q2rNDgWHNq1E57ChS25wwpJNk5TJ5mk/s1600/carrie-underwood-workout-fitness-198x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAQz5uMPL5X9mPWfLA0hM9HH_0j2lUOJErhSjjMMYyW2qJ3be16HZvTxp5Yk89K-tKEAjvUCTNjNXueYHyIt8HAVL32omFNaufTFia-jkx8X5q2rNDgWHNq1E57ChS25wwpJNk5TJ5mk/s1600/carrie-underwood-workout-fitness-198x300.jpg" /></a></div><br />
So there. Now, you all know my New Year's goals...I don't want to let anyone down or look like a failure, so I fully intend on sticking to them!<br />
If anyone wants to run a 5K in March-ish, a 10K in May-ish, or the Savannah half in November, let me know! Or if you know of any good races around those times, please share!<br />
<br />
PS- Coley is going to do the Couch to 5K program & Special K diet, too...so go over to her blog & show her your support!<br />
<a href="http://coleybarrier.blogspot.com/">Coley's Fab Blog</a><br />
<br />
Happy New Year & Happy New You!<br />
<br />
xoxo,<br />
CaseyCaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2066765956222719632.post-34099944503038527012011-09-18T19:09:00.000-04:002011-09-18T19:09:58.929-04:00Paranoid?Okay, so maybe I've watched one too many episodes of The First 48, Criminal Minds, CSI, and Dateline. While making me super paranoid, they've also taught me to be observant and aware of my surroundings. For example, if I see someone sketch, I try to remember everything about them...just in case.<br />
<br />
Well, today, I had a little experience at Ingles. Yep. I thought someone was going to kidnap me...at Ingles...in Pickens. Hey, it can happen, right?<br />
<br />
So, I'm sure this is me just being completely paranoid, but this man was acting SUPER sketchy when I pulled in the parking lot. He was walking across the lane, returning his cart and I had to stop to let him pass so that I could pull in the spot (no, this isn't the sketchy part.) I think the look on his face was what made me a little weary of him. Well, I pull in and he just stands there at the cart return behind my car for an awkwardly long time. So, I don't get out of my car. Then...he goes back and gets in his car that was parked one car down from mine. I decide to wait until he pulls off to get out of the car. He doesn't pull off. So, I do the whole 'act like I'm on my cell phone' thing (I know, I'm a loser). Anyway, he STILL doesn't pull off after like 5 minutes of a lot of 'fake talk' on my cell phone. I'm thinking, "Who acts this awkward in an Ingles parking lot?? I know, I know. I'm acting pretty awkward myself. At this point, I was not about to get out of my car because I'd have to walk by him. After he refused to leave, I decided I'd just leave and go somewhere else. Oh, but wait. As soon as I pull out of my parking spot, HE pulls out behind me. Totally freaked out at this point. Luckily, I get to pull out of the parking lot quickly, and he gets stuck by traffic. I drive really fast so that I can get out of his sight, and I turn down some random road so that he won't know where I went. I just kind of drive slow to give him time to go past, then I turn around and head back to Ingles. I know this sounds SUPER lame of me, but hey, better to be safe than sorry, right?! <br />
<br />
For those of you wondering, "What would you have done if he had followed you from the parking lot?" Well, he would have followed me right to the police station...just like my mama taught me! <br />
<br />
So, for all you home-intruders out there in blog land, you should be warned, I have a shotgun and a knife within reach at all times, and...if I just came from work, I may even have a box cutter in my back pocket. WATCH. OUT.Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2066765956222719632.post-26571003926144342782011-08-18T11:49:00.000-04:002011-08-18T11:49:02.561-04:00Gone too soon...You never think something bad is going to happen to one of your friends. You always hear about bad things happening to people, but it is always someone that you knew of, but didn't have any real connection to. That wasn't the case this morning.<br />
<br />
I was online this morning and kept seeing posts about the Stephens family...and if you are from Morganton, one family comes to your mind. I was praying that it wasn't Lee's family. Worse. It <i>was </i>Lee. After doing a little more researching, I found out that he had died in a car accident early this morning. My heart started pounding so loud I could hear it and my eyes flooded with tears. There is no way this happened to such an amazing guy is all I kept thinking. That, and about his unbelievable smile. He was the type of friend that you can go a year without talking to, then see him at a Freedom basketball game and pick up right where you left off. I can honestly say, he was one of the most genuine guys I have ever met. We are all better for having known him. He will truly be missed.<br />
<br />
To the Stephens family- my prayers are with you. I hope you find comfort in the fact that Lee touched so many people's lives and will continue to do so as we carry his memory with us every day. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPZQJHqMSLbJJalVnV3ZSwcvx8wrqPWDJTRIG3z15B-9T3qliOlzHLSVUfoPabamtYLctzBqwqY_MzJtJSJI42d-lulhW9znZDr9CXzHsGciqgI3wcFeF0SeOzQcOUFLlXyK_DPfYCz0/s1600/lee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPPZQJHqMSLbJJalVnV3ZSwcvx8wrqPWDJTRIG3z15B-9T3qliOlzHLSVUfoPabamtYLctzBqwqY_MzJtJSJI42d-lulhW9znZDr9CXzHsGciqgI3wcFeF0SeOzQcOUFLlXyK_DPfYCz0/s320/lee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Love you, Lee.</div>Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2066765956222719632.post-69913530354734302542011-07-27T12:22:00.000-04:002011-07-27T12:22:39.608-04:00Forever FriendsHow did I get so lucky to find such a strong and loyal group of friends? <div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AQnOnuq39WEyJ_STIcek8hmKOsFCjGUFtnmRK0YpvPel537Wdscw2fC8cNXgtgbDbABuF5Y3RX_caU2NpRkkQf_Rqd-mmp4Gsu4keb7qh-brIphog-REsIzEeSS3IGsuKFqgIjIAYTw/s1600/ggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AQnOnuq39WEyJ_STIcek8hmKOsFCjGUFtnmRK0YpvPel537Wdscw2fC8cNXgtgbDbABuF5Y3RX_caU2NpRkkQf_Rqd-mmp4Gsu4keb7qh-brIphog-REsIzEeSS3IGsuKFqgIjIAYTw/s320/ggs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Two weeks ago, I went to the beach with these girls, and of course, had the BEST time. I hate that my favorite twins, Emily & Carrie, couldn't be there. We missed you so much! </div><div><br />
</div><div>These six girls are the best friends any one could ever ask for. They are so kind, funny, loyal, and honest. We are all each other's biggest fans.We don't have to talk every day or even every week. We know we are here for each other and we can always pick up right where we left off. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I think what makes our group of friends so special is that we all have very different personalities.</div><div> </div><div>Coley is the 'glue' that holds our group together. When it comes to being loyal and loving with every ounce of you, Coley's got it down pat. She is best friends with each one of us and we can always count on her to bring us all together when we haven't spoken or seen each other in a while. If it was possible, she would be every one of our maids of honor. So far, she's 2 for 3. Not too shabby. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9CgomRq37AGN4deq3USIXIdZ28vmtUcnP19P7PDbwKsMP9oS6s7WQwz35Ku3Cn8ItJPeXUMWcthje3ghy8zmolBXvQyyyw505-nGSDr6NJ2CixgNTOBFcfzZDdyosg_K0XLj98hcfBpM/s1600/coley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9CgomRq37AGN4deq3USIXIdZ28vmtUcnP19P7PDbwKsMP9oS6s7WQwz35Ku3Cn8ItJPeXUMWcthje3ghy8zmolBXvQyyyw505-nGSDr6NJ2CixgNTOBFcfzZDdyosg_K0XLj98hcfBpM/s320/coley.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Kelly...oh Kelly. She is the funniest person I've ever met, hands down. We always know we will probably end up being sore from laughing when she is around. There is never a dull moment. She brings such a brightness and excitement to our friendship. What I love most about her, is she's not embarrassed or ashamed to talk about ANYTHING, which makes for some very <i>interesting</i> ocean-side conversations. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEwVtY4KSmu4goKsuqV6bXXB0NFNef_ibzmv2lmn2AQiz6GT6bfWjckt-RcDRkPD8w9DOMhRVEFzEA4DcN8FjiRnRWBu-d0B1jBYnuw9Npic4Gp2SAg26tytqCEE19lS2h0ze1mp9A48/s1600/kelly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEwVtY4KSmu4goKsuqV6bXXB0NFNef_ibzmv2lmn2AQiz6GT6bfWjckt-RcDRkPD8w9DOMhRVEFzEA4DcN8FjiRnRWBu-d0B1jBYnuw9Npic4Gp2SAg26tytqCEE19lS2h0ze1mp9A48/s320/kelly.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Lindsey- our 'smart' friend. She is the kind of girl that all high-school teachers stress about having in their class, because chances are, she's going to be smarter than you. Lindsey is so kind-hearted and has such a positive outlook on life. You can't help but be happy when she's around. She is so down to earth and everyone who meets her loves her instantly.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjYnaICCEHSrC8vxXVFeDnFTpIUZ1vp-lSQnK5jRQk1_lgRQSba0pgbDINxQzPuTMir8w3fh3LkIQ6RXt6nZo8CLkL0ooBVn7Zaw-_3yD5y8W_nb9bSLvrApN__GYbaamwiD-aHNJ-qY/s1600/lindsey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjYnaICCEHSrC8vxXVFeDnFTpIUZ1vp-lSQnK5jRQk1_lgRQSba0pgbDINxQzPuTMir8w3fh3LkIQ6RXt6nZo8CLkL0ooBVn7Zaw-_3yD5y8W_nb9bSLvrApN__GYbaamwiD-aHNJ-qY/s320/lindsey.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Carrie amazes me daily with her strength. I love that she does not let her diabetes define her. She never complains and she takes on every struggle with that beautiful smile of hers. My favorite thing about Carrie is how she makes you feel when you walk through the door, waiting with her arms wide open. It's like she knows you are there before you even knock.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4z8VP-vXKiwYDgXCnt9o0a6vLyXKG8nhSIm1kVnBkyiGwO1TeQgAojwu2huD_piGZg5fXd7qBwArMbKMMCzVIRueNeYuQhW8-t05uZ-Ch7rtq8Vqab6YzyuJxOg-XNloRMVVjjkSyOOo/s1600/carrie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4z8VP-vXKiwYDgXCnt9o0a6vLyXKG8nhSIm1kVnBkyiGwO1TeQgAojwu2huD_piGZg5fXd7qBwArMbKMMCzVIRueNeYuQhW8-t05uZ-Ch7rtq8Vqab6YzyuJxOg-XNloRMVVjjkSyOOo/s320/carrie.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Caroline...aka Shannon Miller. Caroline and I have been friends since we were five. We spent a lot of time in my back yard digging holes to China and doing gymnastics. I like to give her all the credit for my successes in cheerleading. She taught me everything I know, since Forest Hill wasn't cool enough to have sports and Oak Hill did. Caroline is my partner in crime when we are together, especially when we call Coley out...(sorry Coley!) She is our most 'worldly' and 'independent' friend. Her brave adventures always make for some great stories.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JwSiTqEksLZY48_lzfID40uvPDfKFXH19LTgb6i2mHbmnFJQcWYlGUkrBJyATYCZMJ2_e9AbjDqP_pjTB_OqVHP4JlI47_tYuKFQ0goGCK3-3SLD7zHoU8yxl8xXTzTvNFTbosbZyjA/s1600/caro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JwSiTqEksLZY48_lzfID40uvPDfKFXH19LTgb6i2mHbmnFJQcWYlGUkrBJyATYCZMJ2_e9AbjDqP_pjTB_OqVHP4JlI47_tYuKFQ0goGCK3-3SLD7zHoU8yxl8xXTzTvNFTbosbZyjA/s320/caro.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Emily, sweet Emily. Her strong devotion to God is so admirable. She is such a strong person and handles everything with her faith. She makes us all want to be the best people we can be. Whenever we email the group with a problem, we can always count on her to make us feel better and let us know she's praying for us. My favorite thing about Emily is our friendly banter...got rice?</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FDXXCVii9_YHtpICm-NtAUoFycg0vXoT-xiyZiJ1sbcDl09dXBBB1-8xc3nalCaTz2st479F0IO6JrXpnZqW3wn86lTfFjgcjQahBq7-8QR1qwVlMz_Tgd9EzjpXf1e3xhoiGnFnLTg/s1600/em.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FDXXCVii9_YHtpICm-NtAUoFycg0vXoT-xiyZiJ1sbcDl09dXBBB1-8xc3nalCaTz2st479F0IO6JrXpnZqW3wn86lTfFjgcjQahBq7-8QR1qwVlMz_Tgd9EzjpXf1e3xhoiGnFnLTg/s320/em.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>I want these girls to know how much they mean to me and how much they've helped me through some hard times the past several years. It is my wish that everyone in this world finds friends as true as you all are. We've made it through many years of ups and downs and our friendship never once wavered and I know it never will. I love you all to the moon and back! </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWY6s3dQ3DVOPYEgcpuKpm9IvJhIL13uA5A_QU-h3VGi0GWwgGFdjUioIIrf1qEDRL3IO_noTztBD81VVLaA3Ts7mkFB4aFthbbnlQ6yQCHuBVWiTbPMQrQDzJ-EZFNUnOBqB2cXpFwI/s1600/ggs3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWY6s3dQ3DVOPYEgcpuKpm9IvJhIL13uA5A_QU-h3VGi0GWwgGFdjUioIIrf1qEDRL3IO_noTztBD81VVLaA3Ts7mkFB4aFthbbnlQ6yQCHuBVWiTbPMQrQDzJ-EZFNUnOBqB2cXpFwI/s320/ggs3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdB5asweRR4qJuCmD3jnfZE6iBDT4yY35j1rXgPe1nIscNzc7C28ukcYS-VCe65rRj8q2_zn2pvF-91oFY2EAG3bm7NwYZxwXUTLmljJfQacK9XHo_SYO6TsAxEC7vJE56ziOOiUFfXQo/s1600/ggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdB5asweRR4qJuCmD3jnfZE6iBDT4yY35j1rXgPe1nIscNzc7C28ukcYS-VCe65rRj8q2_zn2pvF-91oFY2EAG3bm7NwYZxwXUTLmljJfQacK9XHo_SYO6TsAxEC7vJE56ziOOiUFfXQo/s320/ggs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>"Best friends are the real fairy tales of life. They've been there since once upon a time and will stay there until forever after."</div><div><br />
</div>Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2066765956222719632.post-84498436778422741322011-07-13T18:10:00.000-04:002011-07-13T18:10:39.168-04:00All quiet on the Pickens front...There hasn't been much happening here at Pickens Plantation recently...<br />
<br />
Clay and I have been adjusting to him staying in Atlanta during the week and leaving me here to hold down the fort. Thank goodness he came home one night this week to change my oil and mow...I hate to think about what would have happened if he had let me use our "new to us" riding lawn mower. I would have ended up in a ditch, the woods, or through the shed or fence. I'm glad he knows me well enough to know better.<br />
<br />
Last weekend we went to Heath Springs to stay with Clay's family. His sister, Kelly, had her baby shower on Sunday. Baby Bailey will be making her appearance in just a few short weeks! I am so excited to be an aunt for the 4th time! Every time I go visit his family, I realize how truly lucky I am to have such an <em>amazing</em> 2nd family. <br />
<br />
On the school front, everything is going well. I am about a week and a half away from being finished with 2 of my pre-requisites. They have been tough, but I've learned a lot! I'm sure my family is sick of hearing all of my "facts of the day" that I have learned in my nutrition class! Although it is tough cramming 2 classes into 5 weeks, I am so thankful that I don't have to drag out statistics for 3 months! Awful.<br />
<br />
Moving on to more exciting news, my sister, her husband, and Zoey have moved back from California! I know you all know how happy I am to have them back. Donna and Zoey flew out to stay with me while Matt and his dad drove all their stuff back from Santa Monica. Zoey is just the sweetest little girl, with so much personality. Everything she does makes you smile. It is a great feeling knowing they are now only a car ride away, instead of a flight away! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome back Matt, Donna, and Zoey! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We love you!</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2066765956222719632.post-25882068410918630452011-06-22T00:40:00.000-04:002011-06-22T00:40:05.985-04:00Exciting times...Coley is here for the week (to save me from my boredom) and she ran across this great article that gave me the last little "you're doing the right thing" nudge I needed: 11 Things to Know at 25(ish).<br />
<br />
Of course it's hard to go to back to school, become jobless, and change careers at 25ish, but apparently I'm not the only one and it just might not be as scary as it seems. <br />
<br />
This was my favorite part of the article:<br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #646464; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Now is the time to figure out what kind of work you love to do. What are you good at? What makes you feel alive? What do you dream about? You can go back to school now, switch directions entirely. You can work for almost nothing, or live in another country or volunteer long hours for something that moves you. There will be a time when finances and schedules make this a little trickier, so do it now. Try it, apply for it, get up and do it.</span></blockquote>Pretty insightful, huh? <br />
<br />
Even more exciting than going back to school is the fact that my sister, her husband, and my niece are moving from California to Raleigh in 6 days! I haven't seen them since Thanksgiving so needless to say, I am ecstatic. It is going to be bittersweet to see how much my sweet little Zoey has grown and changed over the past 7 months, but I am so happy that I am going to get to be present in her life now. Not only have I missed my niece terribly, but I've missed my sister more than you could imagine. It has been so hard to have her so far away through some of the most important times in both of our lives...going off to college, graduation, cheering at college football games, new loves, babies being born, wedding showers, holidays, birthdays, deaths, and all the every day things that you want your family to be a part of. Even though we couldn't always be together<i> in person</i> because of the distance, there is no doubt our hearts were <b>always </b>together. I can't wait for all the fun times that will most certainly be had now that my family is back together on the east coast! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2066765956222719632.post-87888472223210795612011-06-01T21:35:00.000-04:002011-06-01T21:35:37.433-04:00Bittersweet...Tomorrow is the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. I will make that 40 minute drive one more time, pack up my things, and leave my classroom, some of my best friends, and 17 little lives that I hope I've made a difference in.<br />
<br />
The way I feel is nothing less than the epitome of <i>bittersweet</i>. I am happy, relieved, sad, and scared all at once. I am so sad to leave what I've grown to know the past 3 years. I am even more sad to leave the amazing friends I've made...Susan, Megan, Keri, and Adrienne. Without those girls, I couldn't have done it. I know this isn't goodbye, but I'm sad I won't pass them in the hall or 'live' beside them anymore. On the other hand, I am so excited to start the next chapter in my life. I pray for strength, courage, and guidance as I switch from teacher to student. I pray for the opportunity to learn the things that will lead me to a job that I <i>love.</i> <br />
<br />
With this change, comes many goodbyes. I <i>hate </i>goodbyes. I hate saying bye to Clay when he leaves for work. I hate saying bye to my mama when I leave home. I hate saying goodbye to my sister and my niece when I know I won't see them for another 6 months. I hate saying goodbye to my girls after an amazing weekend together. Today, I got a little taste of 'goodbye' as I had to tell one of the sweetest little boys I've ever met goodbye. This same little boy is going into surgery tomorrow morning to have biopsies taken to confirm the doctor's diagnosis of Crohn's Disease. As I hugged his mother with tears streaming down both of our faces, trying to console her and tell her that everything will be alright, I looked at that sweet little face beginning to walk down the hall, and thought "THIS is why I became a teacher." At the same time, I also thought, "this is why I'm going to be a nurse." What I would give to be the nurse that gets to hold his hand and comfort him as he gets ready for his surgery. Students like this, and students like my sweet girls from last year are exactly why I did this for three years I did it for them. Not for the state department of education, not for the administration, not for anyone but <i>them</i>.<br />
<br />
So, it is with a slightly heavy heart that I say goodbye to education and hello to the amazing opportunities that are to come. <br />
<br />
Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2066765956222719632.post-28275495383288832142011-05-26T19:59:00.000-04:002011-05-26T19:59:49.855-04:00You've got to be kidding me...On Inside Edition tonight, they said that 4 out of 10 men have a "gene" for cheating. Seriously? Clearly, the doctor who discovered this gene is a cheater and just looking for an excuse. If this is true, can cheating be cured or managed with medicine? Does anyone else find this as completely absurd as I do?? Let's not give men an excuse to be idiots. How about we just call it like it is and blame it on their selfishness and ego instead. :o) <br />
<br />
<br />
Inside Edition also said these are signs your man might cheat: <br />
-SAT scores- studies show that high intelligence is linked to monogamy...duh- smart men know better than to cheat on us! ;o) <br />
-Middle aged men are more likely to cheat.<br />
-Guys who are adventurous tend to cheat.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Moral of the story</u>- Date a guy that is smart, old, and boring. <br />
<br />
Hope this gives all of you single ladies some renewed faith in men! :-/ Yikes!<br />
<br />
<br />
PS- I'm glad I found a good one. ;o)Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2066765956222719632.post-37610570919961727112011-05-16T18:49:00.000-04:002011-05-16T18:49:46.071-04:00THIS is why I hate bees...So, my knee is scraped, my head is throbbing, and I'm <i>pretty </i>sure I broke a bone in my hand. <br />
<br />
What happened might you ask?<br />
<br />
Well, I had a run-in with a wasp, or a "wost" as my sweet husband calls them.<br />
<br />
I went out to the shop to get Hank, like I do every day. Only today, there was a wasp building a little hive on the door. If only I had seen him before he saw me. I go in, no problem. Come out, shut the door and suddenly I feel something (a wasp) in my hair and something that feels like a bite (a sting). Yep, I got stung on the top of my head, all while trying to hold Hank by the collar because I didn't have his leash. I am in a furry, panicking, trying to get the bee out of my hair. Then, I start running, get ahead of my feet, and fall...HARD...with Hank's collar still in my hand. I scrape my knee and my hand and I'm pretty sure I have a broken bone because my palm is super swollen and in pain. So I put Hank in the car and try to figure out what to do next because my keys are still in the lock, I can't get in my house, and I am not about to go near that door.<br />
<br />
As if you aren't amused enough already, it gets better. Better than me falling? Oh yes.<br />
<br />
I stand there, by the car, looking in at Hank wishing that he could help me out somehow or give me some advice. Round 1...I walk up to the door and try to sneak up and its as if the bee sees me coming. So, he swoops down off the hive and tries to sting me again. I run back to the car. Round 2. I see a water bottle in the car....grab the water bottle, hide behind the door with one foot in, and throw it as hard as I can at the door. Of course, I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn, so naturally, I missed the nest. Round 3...I see a stick. I throw it. Miss. I see another one, throw it, miss. Then I debate whether or not to get close enough to the door to grab the stick and bottle and throw them again. Nah, too scared. Round 4...I grab a rock..throw it, ding the door and knock the black paint off. Oops. No more rocks. Round 5....I grab the floor mat, yep. That's right, the floor mat. I put it over my head (go ahead, laugh) and sneak up to the door. I get scared, and go back to the car. It's like the bee is waiting on me. I look at Hank, still nothin'. He's so confused. Round 6...I go back...and my heart is beating a million beats a second. Anyone that knows me, knows that I am <i>deathly</i> afraid of bees. I FREAK out (obviously). So, I put the floor mat back over my head, stand with my back up against the shop, as if I'm a navy seal or FBI or something, and inch towards the door. Of course, I couldn't get the key out. So, I have to turn it every which way because I had left it mid-lock when I was being attacked the first time. I can't get it out with my left hand so I switch the mat to the my left hand, trying to keep it between me and the bee. After a couple hard tugs, I get the key out and what does the bee do? Swarm at me again. What the heck is up with this bee? I just want to get my key and leave you alone! So, I get the key, try to fight off the bee with the floor mat, breathe a huge sigh of relief when I get away...without falling, and PRAY that I'm not allergic to wasps.<br />
<br />
All I can say is, it's a good thing I got Hank out before I got stung, because he would have been staying in there until Clay got home. <br />
<br />
First up on the agenda when Clay gets home...pick up the water bottle that I was too scared to get and KILL.THE.BEE.<br />
<br />
You're welcome. Go ahead and laugh, I would too. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2066765956222719632.post-4501734698428977522011-05-09T19:52:00.000-04:002011-05-09T19:52:00.898-04:00Mama...On Sunday, we celebrated the most important women in the world...moms. <br />
<br />
For those of you that know my mama, you know she is the sweetest and kindest woman in the world. She puts others before herself, always. As I've gotten older, I've come to truly appreciate the amazing woman she is. She is the most selfless person I've ever met and would do anything for anyone. She loves her family and sticks by us through thick and thin. My mama has had more heartache than anyone deserves and she meets every challenge with style and grace. I admire her more than she could ever imagine. <br />
<br />
Mama, I hope to be HALF the woman you are one day. I love you so much and I hope you never forget how much you are loved, admired, and appreciated by everyone who knows you!Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2066765956222719632.post-27946470193246709902011-04-12T19:46:00.000-04:002011-04-12T19:46:33.427-04:00Big changes...Since Clay and I have been together, there have been tons of changes. New jobs (x4), new cities, getting married, a new dog, buying a house, etc. Well, what fun would it be if we didn't throw one more change in the mix?! <br />
<br />
Some of you already know this, but I am not going to be teaching next year. I know, I know. (Insert gasp here for some of you.) I made the decision a while back that I wanted to go back to school for nursing. In college, I initially wanted to go into nursing, but PC didn't have that program. Anyone who has went to PC knows, once you get there, it is really hard to leave. So, I didn't leave. Instead, I stuck it out in a major I wasn't so sure about. I taught for 3 years but now it's time to find out who I am really supposed to be. My family and friends knew that it would be just a matter of time because all along they thought I was meant to do something else. To all those who told me this years ago, here ya go..."You were right." Never doubt what your mama tells you...she's going to be right. Period. <br />
<br />
I'm sure some of you are asking, "Why nursing?" Well, obviously the desire to help people. Also, science was the only thing in school that I was interested in and actually <i>learned </i>instead of just memorizing for a test. The main reason for my career change, which I don't think anyone knows, is the nurses at Grace Hospital that took such good care of my daddy when he was dying. I watched as they came in, gave him his medicine, and did EVERYTHING they could to make him comfortable. They were so reliable and they quickly became a constant in a situation that was ever changing. I remember my sister asking them what they would do when we were faced with the choice of switching over to Hospice care. They were straight-forward and honest and gave us the advice we so desperately needed but hated to hear. Let him go. We trusted them and knew how invested they had become in our family and what we were going through. I want to be that for someone one day. Someone that a heartbroken family can cry with when things go wrong and rejoice with when things go the way they had hoped. So, to those nurses, thank you not only for treating my daddy as if he were your own, but for helping me see who I am meant to be.<br />
<br />
Love you daddy...<br />
11/15/56-6/27/08 Caseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10626818086224317470noreply@blogger.com3