Vacation

For Fall break we went to PCB with our family and a group of our closest friends. We had a blast! Days spent on the beach, watching the kids play in the sand and ocean, nights spent on the patio talking and just being together. This was far one of my best vacations. It was my kids first trip to the beach. They loved it. They made memories of a lifetime. How many kids get to go on vacation with their best friends? I hope they remember this trip for a very long time.

 

While we were there Briley Jane turned 8 months old. Hard to believe time is going by so quickly. She's starting to develop her own personality. She hasn't started to crawl-she's not even interested. She loved the ocean and the sand.

 

The only small hiccup we had was Troy got stung by a jellyfish- it was funny in a way.

 

 

To my babies- I hope you had the best time ever. I hope that you enjoyed spending time and making memories with your best friends. That's what life's all about.

 

To my friends- thank you for being a part of one of the best vacations ever. I love you guys and don't know what I'd do without any one of you.

Look who's 6 months!

Whoa, it's been a while, I know.

Our sweet Briley Bear is six months old today.Life with her is amazing.

She is trying to feed herself already!

Bubba trying to help her out

Briley Bear- you are 6 months today! You have made our family complete, Sweet Girl. You have so many people that love you so much. I thank God everyday that He gave me you and your brothers.

Love, Mommy

Briley's Birth story

Tomorrow Briley will be four months old. I wanted to write this while I remember all the small and important details. This story is for her to read someday.

For most of January I was in and out of the hospital with high BP. Dr. Boerner wanted to deliver her as soon as possible, but a group called The Maternal Fetal Group wouldn't allow it until I was at least 37 weeks. I was miserable and on bed rest and waiting.

I took the boys with me to my last doctor visit before I got induced. The funniest thing happened. The room had a baby doll holding a cigarette. It was saying that what you do while you re pregnant is what the baby does. Trace didn't understand. So he ask the doctor why he had something like that in his office. To know Dr.B. He's straight to the point. He's a no nonsense kind of doctor. Dr. B looked at him and instead of saying something like"smoking is bad for the baby'" He says matter of fact" You smoke and get cancer,and die." Wow. The look on all of our faces were priceless.

Fast forward to Wed Feb 1. The boys were with Nanny and Pa. Troy and I arrived at the hospital at 5ish. we were supposed to be there at 5am on the dot, but Troy had to stop and get himself breakfast.mmph. We got checked in and made the long walk to our room. I was so nervous, excited, and ready to it to be all over with. Dr. B came in at 6 am to break my water with no luck and it hurt like crazy.I don't remember it hurting so bad with the boys.Little did I know that was going to be a breeze compared to what I was in for that day. The dr came in after an hour and I begged for his mercy,it finally broke. The nurse had given my potocin to get the show on the road.

About 8am our boys came with Nanny and Pa and we waited. I started hurting by this point. At 10am  I was given my epidural that absolutely did NOT take at all! The only thing it did was bottom my BP out and I thought I was going to die. I got poked for no reason. It hurt. I kept telling the nurse it hurt. She couldn't figure out why. Believe me I kept pressing that epidural button. I wasn't getting any relief. She sat me up, turned me from side to side hoping it would help-nothing. Nothing I did helped and I was hurting.  by 11am I was dilated to a 3 and holding. I had a room full of family and wasn't interacting with any of them. Thankfully they didn't mind.

I kept pleading with the nurse to do something. Having my boys didn't feel anything like this. She wouldn't keep checking me because she was afraid I would get an infection. So about 2:45 something happened. Something was wrong and I knew it. I grabbed onto Troy's shirt-thought I was going to pull it off of him- and begged for him to make the pain stop -now I know he couldn' t have done anything for me, but still I tried. At this point I was sobbing. Troy got everyone out and got the nurse. She checked me and I was ready to deliver this baby!!!

Now during my pregnancy I had a plan about who was going to be in the delivery room when I had her, who was to see her first.. well that plan went right on out of the window. At that moment, all I heard were curtains be closed,drawers slamming, and people running around the room. Troy, my mother-in-law, and my granny were watching Briley be born. I remember nurse Lisa telling me not to push I had to wait 18 minutes... 18 minutes really? Dr.B was on his way and that's exact time it takes him to get there from his office.  18 minutes later I was pushing. Briley was kind of high because I was only 37 weeks. So it took a little longer for her to drop down. They had to turn her..which was not nice. After about 15 minutes of pushing at 3:36 pm, Dr. B held up and cute little baby girl and said "Here's what was causing you all that trouble." Oh yes she did, and she was TOTALLY worth it.

I didn't cry. I was still in shock I think. Then I looked up at Troy and grabbed his hand and said "its finally over." I know that was awful of me, but hey it happens.

When Nurse Lisa laid Briley Jane on me, all the pain I felt melted away. I forgot about it. I had this beautiful baby girl in my arms.

I do have to say something about the nurses there at MTMC. They are wonderful. The nurse that helped deliver Briley also helped deliver Trace, so she was extra special.


If I had to do it all over again, I would. My kids are the most precious little humans and I would endure the pain all over just so they could be in my life. God made women strong for a reason.


This was taken as soon as she was born. Already looking at the camera.

Proud Big Brothers.They were the first to lay eyes on her.

A True Man

I don't usually like to get all sappy, but i feel like Troy needs to be bragged on... just a little bit.

Since January our family has had some trying times. I was put on bed rest while I was pregnant on Jan 5th. On Jan 11 th  my BP spiked and I was admitted to the hospital for eight days straight. Each day we didn't know whether the doctor was going to take Briley or not. It was a stressful and trying time for our little family. The boys were taken out of their normal routine and thrown a curve ball. Staying nights with the grandparents and visiting mommy in the hospital. My in-laws stepped up and helped out every way they could. But the most stress was laid on Troy. He had to juggle  me, the house, work, and the boys. And it did it well. Better than I could have ever done it. He did everything for me and never once complained... to me anyways.

The whole time I was in labor with Briley he never left my side.. never. After we got home he continued to Mr. Mom.  I had my tubes tied and there again he was with me the whole time. After getting all that done. i went through a funk. I cried a lot and just felt empty inside. He talked me through my bad days and always listened to me when I cried to him. I think it was just the finalization of not be able to ever have babies again. Although 3 is enough.
Now again, last Friday i had surgery. It wasn't a major surgery but it was enough to keep me down for a while. I have a cut across my stomach and it hurts like .. well it really hurts. Troy was still there and hasn't left me.

I know people expect that husbands are just supposed to do that, but not all do and I know a few that don't.
My Troy is special. He's a special man. He's an active father, wonderful husband, and all around just a great guy. I know most think they have the perfect relationship and that's great, but me and Troy aren't perfect, but we have a solid and strong relationship and to me, that is so much better than perfect. We can have long conversations and we laugh together... a lot. He makes me laugh almost everyday. He's not a husband that comes in from work and just sits. He helps take care of our kids and our house.

I thank God that he sent Troy my way. I don't know what I'd do without him. He's my rock. He's my hero. And whether he knows it or not he saved me from myself. If it wasn't for him I don't know where I'd be.

Troy- you are my life and I'll always love you

Mother's Day

Today is my first Mother's Day with Briley. She's made this day so special just because she's here with all of us. Our little family wouldn't be complete without her. '
  This day can be emotional for some. Some people are having a hard time because their mothers have passed on or are no longer in their lives. We all have a story of some sort.

Today seems extra special because there are women in my life that has stepped in and has taken the place of my mother.

I had surgery Friday. I can't lift anything , and that includes my baby girl. My mother in law has stayed with us the whole weekend and helped me out with her and the boys. I am grateful for her, she has always been there. She doesn't get told enough by anyone how much she is appreciated. She does so much for so many and ask for nothing in return. She has taught me how to be a better mother and I'll always be thankful for that.

Mother's Day shouldn't be about gifts, flowers, cards, etc. It should be about taking the time to stop and say thank you for your mother, grandmother, aunt, sister or whoever else impacts your life. It's a special day to let them know how much they are loved and appreciated.

I thank my God that He gave me three little people that call me mommy. I have Mother's Day everyday when i look at my three beautiful children.

So to the special women in my life thank you so much for being there, giving me advice, being my "mom", and being  the best friend a girl could ever ask for. Yes, we've had falling out, but you loved me enough to stay in my life through my crazy pregnancy phase. Thank you for sticking by me. That means more than you'll ever know. You know who you are.

Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers out there. I hope you take time to realize what a blessing it is to have someone call you Mommy.



ApRiL

Happy Birthday Boys

Having two birthdays 3 days a part has proved to be difficult some years, especially as they get older.



But this year was a success! WE had the boys' birthday party at our house. We tried to keep it simple, but fun. So we got a big water slide , cooked hamburgers and hot dogs, and everyone had a blast. WE are so blessed to have a wonderful family and lots of wonderful friends.

They loved the water slide!

Briley and TT

3 months

Where does the time go? Briley Jane is three months!
She is an amazing baby girl. She sleeps through the night and wakes around 6 am. When she wakes up she always has a smile on her face. She's starting to laugh and giggle out loud. I am so in love with my kids. There aren't words to describe how I feel.

Baseball is in full swing. Trev started a new travel team and Trace will be playing travel for the first time this summer. Briley is starting to get use to the yells and cheers at the park.

I am blessed beyond words. This past three months we've had a lot going on and can't imagine what it would've been like without the help of our dear friends and family. They have been amazing. My kids are so lucky to have wonderful people in they're lives and I can't imagine our world without them. Even though I signed up to take food and deliver cupcakes and totally forgot.. what great friend am I?

Having three kids is trying sometimes. Usually, there's blood, guts, and tears.. not really, but you know what I mean.  I have one screaming, the other climbing the walls, and then there's Trevor. He's always the one trying to help with the other two. I'm getting the hang of it for sure. It took me a while to realize that I have to start getting everyone, including myself, ready like three hours before we go anywhere. I've only been caught without extra clothing and milk once. I'd say that's pretty darn good... if you know me personally. So I think we'll all make it. As crazy as our lives are , I wouldn't trade it for the whole wide world. 

And i owe a BIG thanks to my MIL. Without her I don't know what I'd do. She's a very special lady that stays by my side through anything and everything. I'm so thankful to have her in mine and my kiddos' lives.

So to sum it up. These past three months, minus the little bumps, have been SIMPLY AMAZING.

First Easter

Briley spent her first Easter at her nanny's, then onto TT's and Uncle Mike's house..wearing her oh-so-cute-legwarmers.

Our Boys

It all started in 2007. They played for the Dodgers. A lifetime friendship started that year. One was on first base,the other was pitcher. They were both 5 years old. It was Trev and Thomas, the duo had pitcher and 1st  on lock down.

 Our boys got to play baseball together again. Now they are in kid pitch. Thomas is pitcher and Trev is catcher. The friendship is still going strong.

The other night I was watching them play together. Thomas and Trev made a play that only they knew they were going to make. I ask Trev when I got home if he and T talked about making that play and he said "No mom, its just the look we gave each other." It was as simple as that-the look. I realized then what our boys have. They have the kind of friendship that they know each other so well. I hear them encourage each other during the games. It makes me proud to know that my son's best friend encourages him.

Trev and Thomas- if this post ever finds you. I hope you two boys remains friends forever. To have each others backs no matter what. Don't let society's cruelty get in the way of your friendship, and always be true to who you are. And leave them girls alone.Just know that us moms, and probably nanny too will not be too far behind you, in disguise. You are our boys and we all love you more than you know.

 True friendships see no color

2 months

I've decided to make this blog my diary of being a mother. It'll be nice to look back and see how much my kids have grown and the little things they do that we sometimes forget. My friend has a blog that she keeps to keep up with her precious little boy. She's an awesome blogger you can check her out here.

briley went for her 2 month check up on Monday. She got 3 shots..tear. Here is how much this gal has grown

         weight- 11lbs 13oz
          height - 22.1/4 long.

I can't believe it's been two months already! I have enjoyed this little girl more than anything in this world. I'll share her birth story in a later post.

I thank God everyday for giving me my precious babies and my wonderful husband. 

Back to the same old thing

Today's my last day of being a stay at home mom. I'm not ready to leave my sweet baby girl and spending extra time with my boys. I loved every minute of it. When Briley wakes up its me that she sees, when she cries I'm the one that comforts her and feeds her. Tomorrow will be very hard on me. Thankfully she'll be staying with someone that we trust and love and I know that will love and take care of her. But its still hard.

 I am thankful that I have a job that I like... some of the time. I have great friends that make working there so much better and I miss them terribly. But as much as I love them, I want to stay at home and be with my children. It breaks my heart when I hear other SAHMs complain about it. I know its not for everyone, but they really don't know how blessed they are to be at home with their kiddos. I understand being at home all day and all week is boring. I know. I've been there and done that. To get to watch you children grow up is priceless and something that you can't get back once they are older. I wonder if I'm going to miss Briley's mild stones? That terrifies me that I won't get to see her firsts.

I know once I get back to a routine, I'll be ok. I'll miss her and I'm sure my days will drag by. I'll miss picking up my boys from school and being with them. Our life is crazy with homework, supper, ball practice and everything else that comes our way, but I absolutely love every minute of it.

So to all you SAHMs,- be thankful that you get to be with your little ones. Watch them grow and enjoy every second of it.

And to all  working moms- We so need to play the lottery and win, so there's no more work for us!!

Her name is Briley Jane...

It's been a while, I know. I want to share with the world our new little girl Briley Jane. Troy and I welcomed her into this world on Wednesday Feburary 1, 2012 at 3:36 pm weighing 7lbs 6oz and 20 1/2 inches long. She is beautiful. She has dark brown hair and blue eyes. She has her daddy's eyes and her momma's nose. God made her perfectly, He made her just for us.

When we found out we were pregnant, there were a lot of emotions. To be honest, we were finished having kids after Trace. Then God had other plans for us and now that she's here I know now why.

If you know me and you know my history, you know about my relationship with my mother. It's a story that no child should ever have to explain. Growing up I had a good childhood because of my dad and my dad's parents. My mother wasn't a mother. My grandparents gave me a good life. But a girl should have her mother to raise her, to teach her how to be a strong woman, a mother, and a wife. She didn't. I believe that not all women were made to be mothers. My insecurities with my mom has caused a lot of heartache and pain. I've almost lost a couple of amazing friends because of my issues with trust and people wanting to be close to me. Thank God, they love me and wanted to stay in my life. I know that God has put them in my life.

 We found out on October 11th that we were having a little girl. I was scared to death. How was I going to raise a little girl? To be honest I was afraid that I wasn't going to be a good mother to a girl, just because of my history with my mom. What if i didn't connect with her? I was worried, then I layed eyes on her and my whole world changed.

I love my little girl, she and her brothers are my world. I love them with my whole heart. I want to be a role model to her and raise her to be a strong woman, mother, and wife... someday in the far far far future. I will be a good mother to her. All my fears are gone now and I love that little girl more than life itself. So now I want to thank my mother. Thank her for showing me how not to be, thank her for making me want to love my children like there's no tomorrow.

God gave me a gift, a gift to prove to myself that I can be different, that I can be a good mother to a little girl. That I'm not like her. He gave me a gift to fill the emptiness of a mother/daughter relationship. He gave me Briley Jane.