Cutest Pumpkin in the Patch!

Hello out there! To say we have been busy would be an understatement! Here is the brief run down of what has gone on in the last month. Catherine has had a fever virus, Johnny had a horrible respiratory infection for over 2 weeks, I have been anemic, we put the house on the market, the new house is coming along really well, we got an offer our current house, then the buyers backed out and bought the fsbo down the street, and I have also been working! Whew! I'm tired again! Needless to say, I haven't had a whole lot of time to blog. I have had several comments from many faithful blog readers as to what is going on in the Brown household. I'm so sorry to disappoint, but so glad that you enjoy reading my thoughts! To also answer a much asked question, yes I am keeping up with the Bachelor this season and I do have many thoughts and opinions. However, I have been too busy this season to waste time on posting about the show. Here is the cutest pumpkin in the patch!!!!

The whole day yesterday she was either napping in her pj's or in that pumpkin costume. I took her to my office and to my mother-in-law's office to trick-o-treat. Then when Johnny got home we had dinner and went to a few neighbors homes. She had the best time. It always helps to take her out right after she naps and eats, then she is for sure in a good mood! It was also a lot of fun for the two of us showing her off. Johnny called today and had me e-mail him pictures so he could send them around at work and show her off. We are so blessed to have a father and husband who is so proud! Ok, I make no promises as to when I'll get to another post! I'm cleaning house and working on a million things all day everyday these days. Did I say the word "day" enough in that sentence? So, no hounding me when you see me! Happy Holidays, just in case!

Progress!

Here it is, our new house! They have framed the first floor. Hopefully, this week they will get the second floor and the roof put on. It is not suppose to rain, so there shouldn't be any delays. There are very few times you pray for it to not rain, but when building a house you do. Johnny and I are standing in our new living room. It was so much fun going over and seeing walls and placing furniture! Things are moving along very quick! March will be here before we know it! On the other hand, AT&T is still 6 feet under in our current front yard! Yes, that's right folks! I've told them they can't miss me until they're gone, but that didn't seem to work. They have been here for 5 weeks now. Frankly I could work for the phone company by now. All you have to know is how to dig a hole, how to scratch in certain places, and how to eat lunch on the curb of a street. I can do that without any training. It's almost like working for the government! Does anyone know how much they pay? Where do you get an application? I've made my yard entirely too comfortable for them. I think I brought them one too many bottles of Gatorade. Supposedly, they are going to be done this week. However, we are on AT&T's time table. That means they'll be done next week. As soon as they fill in the hole and give us new grass, then we are putting the house on the market! Lots of changes, therefore lots of prayer!

Lake Weekend!

Catherine is definitely her father's child! She loved the lake! The faster the boat would go and the more it bounced the more she liked it. This weekend we went to the lake with Johnny's boss. We were on the boat for about 15 minutes before it started to thunder. So, the rest of the day we enjoyed the rain and watched football games while Catherine napped. It was really nice to get away and not do any chores around the house and just relax whether it rained or not. I was actually kind of glad it rained. I'm not an outdoor kind of girl. I know that really sent shock waves through some of your computers. Something grosses me out about not seeing the bottom of the lake and swimming with other creatures that carry diseases. Don't get me wrong, I love to ride on a boat and I love to tube and ski!!!!!!! It's just getting out there to do it and then falling and getting back in the boat I don't like. Basically, I don't like the water, just keep me out of the water. I'm like a cat or stuck up or whatever you want to call me, but I don't like lake water. So, for sure don't expect me to go camping and bath in it! That is an experience I don't care to have. Anyways, Catherine loves the boat! Enjoy the pictures!

Catherine Update

A week ago today we went to the Pediatric Cardiologist. We were given good news and some not so good news. The doctor we saw was Dr. Dungan. He is literally 80 years old. He is the nicest man and very funny. Catherine's appointment was at 11:00 and we didn't get home until 3:00. When we checked in the lady at the front desk was asking a list of questions. She asked, "Does the father live in the home"? I replied, "Yes." Then she asked, "Are mom and dad married"? I then said, "Listen, I don't know what other questions you are going to ask. And, I know it takes all kinds, but we're the other kind." She started laughing so hard I thought she was going to fall out of her chair. My way of handling the day was with humor. I started cracking jokes with the EKG tech and Johnny started to get a little annoyed with me. He wanted the tech to focus on his job and Catherine, not on the next line I was coming up with, which he was right. Anyways, Catherine was extremely well behaved, would you expect anything less from my child? No seriously, Dr. Dungan asked, "Is she always this good"? I responded with, "This is because of a lot of prayers." Which is the truth. We could feel the power of God's strength all day. I sat at home during her nap that morning and just read my Bible and prayed. I have not felt God's clarity like that in a long time. Even though we got the news we got, I still felt a peace, which is totally God! Thank you to all who have had us in their thoughts and prayers. It has definitely been and will continue to be a growth experience.

Catherine has a 7 mm hole in her Atrial Septum. It is called an Atrial Septul Defect. If you go to the American Heart Association website you can learn more about the surgery and the defect at http://www.americanheart.org/ . This is otherwise known as a "hole" in her heart. The size of the hole is of medium size. It is bigger than a pencil eraser, but smaller than a dime to give you an image. Therefore, it will not close on its own. They will have to go in a repair the hole when she is around the age of 4 years old. They will do this with a catheter procedure. They will implant a mesh accordion like material in the hole that will expand to cover the hole. Heart tissue and scar tissue will then grow over it and secure it permanently in place. This should be the only surgery/procedure she should ever have to fix the problem. She will only stay in the hospital 1 night, and in 4 years it may be outpatient who knows? Our Arkansas Children's Hospital was the 2nd hospital in the nation to perform this procedure! However, just 7 years ago this was an open heart surgery procedure. If she does not have the hole repaired her life expectancy is to age 30. The doctors will monitor her once a year until time for the procedure with an office visit and annual tests to make sure the hole is not getting larger and there are no other complications. They have reassured us that Catherine is normal and should be treated as if she were a normal child without any type of condition. We are surprisingly very calm about the situation and making a long list of questions to call and ask the nurse practitioner. If there are any suggested questions to ask, please let us know!

Great New Recipe!

I got this great new recipe from my neighbor, Aunt Sunnee, that I had to share. I come from a long line of women who love to eat, but also love to cook. So, if it is good enough to pass along, then it is really good! This tastes just like the baked squash at a chain restaurant with the name Dixie in it. Enjoy!

Baked Squash Casserole

5 lbs. medium yellow squash (measure it at the store on the scale)
2 eggs, beaten
1 C. bread crumbs, plus more for topping
2 Tbsp. chopped onion
1 stick butter
1/4 C. sugar
Salt as needed
Dash of ground black pepper

Variation: Add 1-1 1/2 C. cheddar cheese and 1 jalapeno pepper diced.

Trim squash and cut into large pieces. Drop into a large saucepan with enough boiling water to cover. Return to a boil, reduce heat and cook until tender. Drain in a colander, then mash.

In a large mixing bowl, combine squash, eggs, 1C. breadcrumbs, onion, butter, sugar, salt, and pepper. Turn into a 3-quart casserole dish that has been lightly greased. Cover with a light layer of bread crumbs. Bake at 350 until lightly browned, about 30 minutes. Serves 10.

This recipe makes a lot! It also freezes beautifully! I usually am able to make 2 8X8 plus another smaller dish size with this recipe, and I'll freeze 2 of the dishes. It has become a household favorite!

Small Yard Project....not so much!

A few weeks back I mentioned AT&T was going to be digging up my yard again any day to remove the box and utility easement in our front yard. Well, kids we are on the utility company's time line, which means it didn't start until 3 weeks later, or so. Here is their artwork thus far in our front yard. I went upstairs and got an aerial shot for you! As you can see they have dug a hole about 8 feet long by 4 feet wide and it is also at least 6 feet deep. When they are down in there you can't see them. When I took the pictures they were at lunch. They have 3 umbrellas they put in there as well as fans they hook up to a generator to keep them cool. It is really quite an operation! They have to wear these little hard hats, all due to Ochoa regulations so I'm told, that they really don't care for. I went to get the mail on Wednesday and peered down in the hole at them. I then made the comment that they looked like the miners on T.V. with their little hats on. They said, "Oh, don't say that!" I then asked if they were doing ok and if they needed something to drink, hoping they would take me up on it so I could get their picture of them drinking lemonade in the front yard as suggested in the previous post. Plus the last thing I need is for one of the AT&T men to collapse in my front yard! They responded with, "Oh no, we're fine. We've just been worried about you in there in all that cool air conditioning." I must admit, they are funny!

This is the 5th time they have dug up our yard! I have evidently created a reputation down at the AT&T office. The foreman came on the job site Tuesday and said, "Oh hi there, I've been hearing nothing but good things about you all day." My response was, "Well, I aim to please." Evidently, the people down at the main office told the foreman that I would help him with the other neighbors and be nice to him at the same time. I can imagine that is not a usual response when they dig burial sites in most peoples' yards like we have at the present. They are projecting this to take another week or so until they start putting the yard back together again. It could always be worse, and it's just less Johnny has to mow right now! However, this is a lesson as to why one should always get a survey! You will never know you have a utility easement unless you get one or until you find AT&T six feet under when you get home one day!

Exciting Times!

We have officially broken ground! This is the backhoe digging our footers for the foundation! The lot was cleared last week, and this week they started digging. It is so exciting seeing progress. We should be moving in sometime in March. We are planning on putting our house on the market within the next month once our yard project is complete, stay tuned to the upcoming post to appreciate this comment! I have been meeting with contracters and trying to stay within the budgets I have been given. All of which makes me very nervous, because I don't handle budgets too well.

Concerns.....

Last Tuesday, August 7th, Catherine was 6 months old. Can you believe it? People always told us time would fly by once we had children, and now I truly understand what they meant. So, it was time to go to the pediatrician for another well check-up for shots etc.... In the days leading up to the visit, I noticed Catherine holding her ears. I thought for sure she was getting an ear infection. She will hold them while I am feeding her. On her 6 month birthday we went to the doctor. Dr. Westbrook is so much fun! I look forward to going to the visits much more so than Catherine! As she checked her she requested another doctor in the group to come listed to Catherine's heart. They found a heart murmur. We have an appointment at Children's Hospital with a Pediatric Cardiologist for him to run some tests on the 23rd of this month. Me being the typical "high spirited" personality that I am, I remained calm. Yes, I was just as surprised as you are. I didn't really get too upset until I spoke with the cardiology clinic to get directions to Children's Hospital. The pediatrician reassured me that 95% of the patients she sends grow out of the condition or just need medication and monitoring. More than likely it is nothing to worry about, but it is still a concern right now for us. Please pray for her little heart!

Oh, and no she doesn't have an ear infection. They are just another body part she has discovered and are therefore a toy during feedings! It is quiet funny to watch her open her mouth while holding her ears!

Angels!

It's official, I have an angel sleeping down the hall! Catherine has started taking her naps in her bed this week! Finally! I was beginning to wonder what we were going to do when she outgrew the swing? She was taking all of her naps in the swing everyday. Sunday night was baby dedication at church and Catherine has now been all kinds of dedicated. She was a little fussy in the hall, but really good once inside the sanctuary. She liked all the sounds and lights, and was very interested in everything going on around her so she was quiet!

All of my closings are just that, closed! Hooray! Things can quieten down for a little while. I do have showings this weekend, so I don't know how long the quiet time will last, but the next few days will be nice. The thought of moving is starting to set in. I think it is always good for me to put myself in the position of my clients so I am better able to empathize. Boy am I starting to feel the pressure and we haven't even broken ground. I have to keep reminding myself "deep breathes". All will be ok, if I will stop worrying about things that haven't taken place yet, which I have a bad habit of doing!

Something that is taking place is the telephone company digging up our front yard again! I need to go take pictures of them, wouldn't they love that! What if I gave them all some lemonade and had them pose? Our front yard has a utility easement and is "luckily" the telephone hub for the entire neighborhood development!!! So, anytime they add another phase to the subdivision or someone moves in or anything changes, they come and tweak the box or dig in the yard. I have visited with 3 guys so far this morning and they are going to be digging for the next 4-6 weeks! But, after they are through, the box and easement will be moved permanently, and there will be no more digging ever!!!!! That is such good news for the new people who will live here after us! Congratulations to them!!!!!

Deep Thoughts, Not Really

Wow it has been a busy week! We finalized the plans for the new house! I would post them, but I don't know how? The system keeps telling me I've made an error. It is an adobe file, so if any of you have suggestions please let me know!

However, I think I have successfully posted the link to Catherine's baby dedication pictures? Dedication Pictures Take a look at how much she is changing! The dress she is wearing was made by my mother. It is so hard choosing pictures of your own child. Without fail, I want to get one of all the proofs of Catherine by herself. Then when I'm in the picture I'm definitely more selective and don't have the urge to buy them all. Maybe I should be in more pictures so I won't buy as many?

Work has been extremely busy! I have had 2 closings in the last week and one has now been moved to Monday. The closing set for the 31st will now be moved up to next Friday! I'm really looking forward to next weekend so I can breathe.

Johnny's high school class reunion is tomorrow night at Cajun's Wharf. I must admit I'm quit excited about going. I am not looking forward to seeing anyone in particular, but I'm very pumped about the food! I could eat seafood all day long, everyday! I am the senior class president of my high school class, so it will be a good learning experience for me to see what we might want to do or not do. Catherine is going to be staying overnight with my mom for the occasion. I'm a little nervous, but really looking forward to a little break. I went to Elle the other day for their sidewalk sale and found the best jacket! Don't you just love finding something you feel good in? It is like the magic jacket. I can put that thing on and feel completely different about how I look. Needless to say, I'm wearing it tomorrow night! I called Johnny when I got it and here's how the conversation went.

Me - Hey I just got the most precious jacket!!!!!!
Johnny - How much was the jacket?
Me - I got it at the sidewalk sale and it was a good deal for a jacket. It was $...... (not important)
Johnny - uuugggghhh. So, I guess that means you now have to buy stuff to go with the jacket?
Me - No, I think I'll just wear heals, jeans and a tank with it.
Johnny - Ok, good. Then I think it's a precious jacket too!

You can tell I'm married to a financial man! I'm so lucky! Because of Johnny, I will be able to retire one day. If I were in charge of the finances, then we'd probably have to work till we're 90! That's it for deep thoughts from Claire today! Have a great weekend!

Here are some of the pictures of Catherine we have taken lately. There is bathtime, the beach, and the pool. Enjoy!

Calling All Opinions!

Well, this week has been soooo busy! God has blessed me with 4 closings this month! Who said the market was slow? So, I've been going back and forth between feedings, to appointments, to taking care of my dad etc.... I think it has all been overwhelming and now I'm getting a cold. I have decided that it is time to turn in on the whole breastfeeding thing. I'm becoming too stressed in order to make it beneficial as a mother. It took a long time for me to be comfortable with that fact. One more thing that people don't tell you about is the physical pain of the whole process! Oh well, what choice do I have? I can't be the dairy forever!

Ok, so I went and got my hair cut and colored yesterday and I'm not too sure about it. I had it done for the first time about 3 months ago and didn't really like the color then either? Sunday a friend that I hadn't seen in a while came up to me and said, "Oh Claire, I didn't recognize you with dark hair." That sealed it, something had to change fast! I told my hairdresser this, but I don't think it sunk in? I look like a tiger! I have dark hair with these gold highlights that don't match. I'm completely open to all suggestions on cut, color and more importantly stylists! I'm shopping for a new guy or gal now, just to audition them. Let me know your thoughts please!

Catherine is starting to teeth a little. I can't see any nubs yet, but she loves to chew. We have started adding fruits to her cereal and so far she is only fond of bananas. It is so fun watching her eat! She gags with applesauce and peaches and makes a sour face, but attacks the bananas. She has started rolling over all the time now, but still not crawling. This week she has also discovered her voice and loves to scream and squeal now. It is hysterical!

For the 4th we went and hung out with Aunt Sunnee and Paw Paw Nic. Catherine had her first swim in the pool. Paw Paw Nic consulted our neighbor ER Doc., and heated the pool to 94 degrees! It was a giant bath tub.

The house is coming along slowly but surely. We should finalize our plans within the next week and construction will start in late August/early September. I'm going to try to post the plans if I can figure that out? I'm usually doing good to post pictures, can't you tell?

That's pretty much all the excitement in our house. I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend between appointments.

Everybody Poops (especially seagulls)!

Well, our trip to Gulf Shores (aka redneck riviera) was interesting! The car ride was great with Catherine! She was such a trooper. Both of our families were down there on vacation, so we split our time between the two. It is always good to catch up with family members you haven't seen in a long time! As a person who has extreme eczema and a 4 month old child with eczema, I really wasn't looking forward to going to the beach on vacation! So, I found the outlet malls and spent a lot of my time and money! The very last day we were there I decided to get Catherine in a swimsuit and take some pictures of her on the beach. They aren't on here because she cried the whole time and hated the whole experience. Probably because she was ready for a nap. Anyways, we go out to the beach and I had just handed Catherine to Johnny when a flock of seagulls came overhead. Then one of them decided to #%*@ on my head!!!!! My entire extended family was sitting in chairs under a tent watching the whole thing. As one might imagine, they all started laughing. I hadn't been on the beach for 5 minutes and a seagull christened me! Naturally, I didn't want to believe that's what happened so, like an idiot, I put my hand on my head to see if it were raining or what? Well, it was the what factor. Needless to say, I was ready to go back indoors immediately. I told Johnny I would really prefer to go somewhere else next time for vacation, maybe where there aren't any seagulls!

Big Changes!

It's official we're building again! Here is a picture of the lot we bought last week. It has a lot of trees on it to make a great shaded backyard! The idea of moving is very bitter sweet for both Johnny and myself. We love, love, love our house, probably because we put so much of ourselves in it. Then we are also going to be moving, though just down the street, away from Aunt Sunnee and PawPaw Nic. When we told them, Sunnee started crying! We met with the draftsman last night and the plans are looking really good!!! I am starting to finally get excited! When we tell people we're building again they always respond with, "What? Why"? Our street is like Brodie Speedway and we have no backyard! In the spring/summer when the house is complete Catherine will be toddling around and will need to have a yard for a swing set!

Speaking of Catherine, here are some new pictures of her having some much needed "tummy time." She is starting to tolerate it better and actually enjoy it, but not for too long. She is getting so big and much more aware of everything around her. I could listen to all the sounds she makes all day long, it is such sweet music!

Memorial Day Etc...

Sorry for not posting sooner! We went down to Opelousas, Louisiana for Memorial Day weekend. All of my mother's side of the family lives in Louisiana, which she refers to as "God's Country." I must say the food and culture down there is the best! I always look forward to going down and visiting. It was Catherine's first time to meet her Great MeMaw! Here are some picture of them together.

Also, our neighbors are like surrogate grandparents. Their names are Glenn and Sunnee, but Catherine calls them PawPaw Nick and Aunt Sunnee. We go over to their house a lot to visit and hang out. They are so good to us! They give us Christmas presents and take us out on our birthdays. We could not have chosen better neighbors! Glenn is a Vietnam Marine Veteran and gave Catherine the outfit she is wearing. We put it on her and she went "ouraw" and then gave a salute! He was so proud of her!

Tessa Baldwin!

All I have to say is thank goodness he chose Tessa! Who knew that he would keep one of the psychos all the way til the end? I don't think his family really approved of Bevin. I wonder if it was the whole "I study women's libido and sexual dysfunction" or "I'm of the Bahai faith." Either way that spells freak! The only think I'll never understand is why any guy thinks its ok to tell a woman he loves her knowing he's not choosing her! You don't do that, especially when their crazy! My mom is all like, "well I really think he broke her heart and it was a difficult decision for him also." Who cares he dodged another bullet and the best woman won I believe. Watching him act like he just lost his best friend makes me wonder what Tessa was thinking watching all of that? I would be having some long conversations with him, that's for sure! My opinion is he had more love for Tessa and more lust for Bevin. Thank goodness a man has his family to help him see that, because we all know how most men make their decisions! You would think that Bevin would have picked a dress to cover up some of those tattoos? She would fit right in at a prison with all those tats! Though I'm disappointed that they are not having "the women tell all" show, I am looking quite forward to the "Andy and Tessa" special on tonight. Hopefully, it will be live and we'll see what she thought about everything!

It's Bumbo Time!

I love my Bumbo!

Here is Catherine in her Bumbo! She loves it! It seems like overnight she wants to sit up and look around. It's like "when did all of you come into my world"? Granted, she won't roll over or push up, but she will sure sit up! She hates to be on her belly and lets you know it real quick! She would probably roll over etc.. if she didn't still love to be swaddled. We only have 1 blanket that still fits in order to swaddle her. It is called "the miracle blanket", and trust me it is a miracle, justfully named! Some friends of ours got it for us as a gift, and it is one of those items I have classified as a "need" when anyone has a baby! I just thought I would share some of her newest pictures and milestones!

Lt. and Mrs. Baldwin!

I was sorry to see Danielle go! She seems so sweet and innocent. On the flip side, Bevin seems like she just came out of a Bar or something? Did you see all the tats she has on her body!!! I mean it's like she just came out of prison or something with all of them! I bet she is really wild outside the TV show! I'm anxious to see what his parents think of her! I just don't think Bevin the party girl is marriage material, at least until she gets all those tattoos taken off! I know there are some of you thinking, what's wrong with tattoos? One isn't bad, but when you go into the parlor and choose to get one of everything then it just a little nasty. Of course, this is always my own humble opinion! I also think he is a little hung up on her being married before. Come on dude, dodge another bullet and get rid of this one! I could go on and on about her, she just too whinny for my taste! So, I guess my favorite is now Tessa. I think she is his favorite too! Besides, I heard on E! News, yes I know its tacky but everyone needs a little tackiness right, that she spilled the beans and he does pick her. I am led to believe that they aren't going to have the "Women tell all" show next week? That really disappoints me! I needed some more juice! We'll see what happens, "next week on the Bachelor, officer and a gentlemen!"

Bachelor Update!

Well, my girl Amber let me down! I must eat my words and admit he probably made a good decision. They kept saying the word "mature" over and over. I have news, that if you have to continually reinterate something, then it usually isn't true. She and her roommate are straight off of sorority row! I did feel bad for her with her family not being too supportive? It was just very clear that she has issues! Who doesn't have issues at 23? We all have to go through that whole identity crisis thing sometime. Thinking back it is hard to imagine that I was only 20 when we got married! I've never been so happy about the decision to marry Johnny, but what was I thinking at 20? I had not experienced a lot of things that I probably should have, like dorm life, sororities, etc... Again, I am able to happily say that I have been married for 5.5 years and have loved all of it! Now, Danielle reminds me of Amber Fry from the whole Peterson case. They look just alike! It just hit me when I was watching. Oh, and I went to my neighbors house to watch yesterday afternoon. They were kind enough to feed my addiction, as Johnny says. I agree with Stephanie, he had to beg Tessa to say she even liked him! Why wouldn't you tell that guy you liked him? Hello? As much as she gets on my nerves, I think Bevin is the best fit for him. And what was up with the whole belly dancing thing with Danielle's family? She seems really nice, but just different? I am most looking forward to the "women tell all" show now that I really don't have a favorite in the running.

Pictures and Misc.

Here are some of the latest pictures of Miss Catherine. She is starting to really laugh and make lots of noises. It is so fun! She really gets going when we change her diaper. Here she is with Johnny after church yesterday. My mom made the dress she is wearing. Yesterday was her first Sunday to go to the nursery. I must say, she did better than I did. Enjoy! Also, our satellite has fried! They are sending us a new box that won't be in until Wednesday! This means that I can't watch the Bachelor tonight! I think my neighbors might tape it for me? We don't have any rabbit ears, so our network channels don't work either? It is kinda nice to not have the TV going all the time, but I still need to see my shows!

Then there were 4?

Well, I have decided that Andy, the bachelor, is reading my blog. Because, he seems to have the same opinions as me, or he is just taking my advice? My favorite is still Amber from TX! She seems to be very honest about liking him and everything else in her life! Not easy to do on television I'm sure! Again, that girl Bevin made a fool of herself! She's from Seattle and that explains a lot. Those west coast people are just out there sometimes! Come to find out she's been divorced, and I don't think that is going to fit the "Mom, pie and fourth of July" picture that Mr. Andy has in mind! What I can't understand is if she "loves" him so much, why hasn't she discussed this already? What is up with her commenting on how younger girls aren't ready to be married and how that is an insult to her that he is considering them??? Whatever! She's only 28 herself. I would understand if she were 40 and the clock alarm was going off or something, but it isn't hunny so act your age and quit making everyone suffer from the manners your momma didn't teach you! Ok, now I feel much better after getting that out! I'm glad to see Tina go. She's very nice and very smart, but is also just plain weird. I still can't figure Tessa out? I think she is very nice, but I don't think she is really into Andy. This is just all about her being on TV I think? If that is not the reason, then she's also weird. Next week will be interesting to see the girls take Andy to their parents....tune in to more Deep Thoughts according to Claire!

Pictures!

Here are the pictures from Miss Catherine's first photo shoot! They turned out better than I even expected. We are doing a "Watch Me Grow" package with the photographer. So, she will have her picture made again in a few weeks. I kept forgetting to scan these in and just now am getting to it. Enjoy!

Zipper troubles, or whatever!

It has now been 11 weeks since Catherine was born. Yet, still nothing in my closet fits unless it is maternity or has an elastic waistband! This is one of the most frustrating parts of post delivery! So, I decided to go to the mall and see if I could fit into anything there as opposed to in my closet. I was in Ann Taylor, which I love, trying on a dress. The dress fit! However, I didn't really care for it once I got it on? As I was getting it off the zipper got stuck over the seam. Girls you can relate to this, zippers don't like to go over seams very well whether the dress fits or not. Then the handle on the zipper came off!!!! I said out loud in the dressing room, "Oh my God!" The lady next to me goes, "Are you ok in there"? I was now stuck in the dress! My dressing room neighbor went and got a sale associate for me since I was pretty much topless in the dress that was stuck on me! The sales lady couldn't get it off so she went to get a pair of PLIERS! That still didn't do the trick! Ok, so at this point I have Catherine with me in the dressing room, who is crying because she's tired, and a dress that won't come off that I don't like! The sweet sales girl says, "do you think you could pull it off over your head"? That would have been a fabulous solution had I not grown watermelons for breasts 3 months ago! The manager then comes in, who is always a barrel of smiles anyway, and she couldn't get it off with the pliers either! What else was there to do but cut it off of me! You got it, they tried for about 20 minutes and finally decided to get the scissors and cut the dress off of me! It seems as though I am still don't need to go shopping, much less try anything on for a while!

Drama, Drama, Drama

It's down to the final 6! Don't you love how they say "the final six", then it will be "he's down to the final four, then two." Things on TV are just so "original" sometimes. I must say I wish he could eliminate more girls at one time. I'm really ready for only a couple of girls to remain. He dodged some more bullets last night! I am so relieved to see Stephanie, SC gone! She is crazy, psycho, weird, and any other adjective you can think of that fits someone who applies for an insane asylum! Then there was Kate, who is just like the girl from high school who is always talking about someone and then gets caught and confronted in a cat fight. I was glad to see her go as well, so long nut jobs! I still like Amber, but I'm not sure she is going to make it all the way yet? I tell you who really got on my nerves this week was that Bevin girl! She acts like a sprained ankle is a brain tumor! Get over it already no one cares about your ankle etc... This show is such a Saturday Night Live skit waiting to happen! Then there is Tessa who I think I like, but she is just very serious and doesn't play around much? The jury is still out on her really. Tina seems like the candidate he just keeps for sanity purposes, because she is really smart and is the only one who doesn't talk to him about other girls. However, she isn't the prettiest of girls on the show and they don't make out? I am assuming their relationship is more asexual. Again, don't misunderstand my criticisms. There is no way I would be able to go on that show without some medication, and it is my humble opinion that these girls should have done the same before filming started! I must go now. Catherine and I are going to let an appraiser in a house!

Bachelor Update!

Well, I think our boy is wising up! He really started to question Stephanie from Carolina! She may be an organ transplant coordinator, which sounds warm and fuzzy, but I think she is nothing but a snotty gold digger! He did get rid of Malibu Barbie! Yahoo!!!! My favorite to win is still Amber! She's a teacher, so I have to like that, and is also training for a marathon. The cliffhanger for next week seemed to be Drama, Drama, Drama. Surprise!!! What else are you going to get when you have a bunch of gorgeous women "dating" the same guy, and then living together! That is just a breeding ground for a pulling hair/slapping/clawing girl fight! I love how men operate, I find it so comical! Johnny razzes me about watching "The Bachelor." However, every once in a while he makes a comment about one of the girls that he either likes or doesn't like. I just keep my mouth shut and laugh hysterically inside! Or he'll say, "If you did that, then I would......" Or he'll say, "Why don't you wear something like that." I don't think I dress or don't dress maybe appropriately to be a contestant. Plus all of my body parts are original, so that definitely would eliminate my eligibility. More "Deep Thoughts" next week!

The Bachelor

I know it is shallow, but I love to watch "The Bachelor" television show! I am really liking this season so far! He is such a catch, at least so far? I must say, his voice kinda gets on my nerves and I don't know if I could live with that "for the rest of my life." I really like the girl who won the challenge and had time with him on the beach. However, I hate the girl who he has picked for his one on one time! But, the people who screen these girls need their heads examined! Who ever let the girl on that was so crazy the first episode needs to be fired or at minimum questioned! Thank goodness he dodged such a bullet by letting her go! I can't believe he kept one of the Barbie twins! I really thought he would have let both of them go since their so stupid! I am ready to see what happens tonight and who he lets go and keeps tonight! More deep thoughts to come I'm sure!

Easter

Here is Miss Catherine on Easter Sunday at her Mimi's house! I must say it was a very special Easter this year! I always look forward to Easter, but this year was extra special! By becoming a mother, I now have a whole new respect for people with infants who get out in the world! I firmly believe that there should be designated parking places for those pregnant or with an infant under 6 months of age! It is such a hassle! I was so anxious about everything on Easter that this is the only picture I have of Catherine in her Easter dress, much less the whole outfit! I am so disappointed. I am almost inclined to dress her up again and just take some pictures? The dress she has on was made by my mother. She also had on a green mohair shrug with matching booties and bonnet that was made for my mother by Catherine's great great grandmother! It is definitely wonderful having her around, I'm more thankful everyday that we have her!

Religion and Politics?

Well, it has always been said never to mention 2 subjects when you are in a sales position, Religion and Politics. I make it a point to never discuss Politics with clients unless I agree with their stance. I just can't bring myself to stay away from my faith, not necessarily my religion as a general practice though. There aren't many people, especially my age, who enjoy politics as much as I do! I would love to run for public office of some sort some day! In our house we make a practice to not discuss much about politics! When Johnny and I got married my mother said, "Well, Johnny has one flaw. He's a Republican." Needless to say, I come from a very politically minded, Democratic family. My father was chairman of the Democratic Party when I was growing up and held local offices. I in fact spoke at the state convention when I was 3 years old. My father had taught me to say a phrase, of which only one party would find funny that I won't share. However, I did shared the phrase at the convention in front of thousands of people. I am so excited about the current Presidential campaign! I hate that Arkansas' primary election isn't sooner in order for us to be one of the first to make an impact on the campaigns. Surprisingly, I haven't decided which candidate I favor just yet? In the view of furthering feminism, I would love to see a woman president. But, I'm just not too sure Hillary is the best woman to be the first? I seem to align more with what Obama says and stands for, for the most part. However, I really like Edwards! He seems like such an honest, humble man. Don't misunderstand me, I'm not one of these who is completely to the left. I also don't like all the advertising on TV during the campaign season. But, the biggest inconvenience for me during the political season is the signs in peoples yards. As a Realtor, the signs get confusing as to what's for sale and what's not sometimes! I do hope that you all, despite your political preference, will go to the poles this year and exercise your privilege to vote, and get excited about being an American!

Swing, Swing, Swing!

Here is a picture of our new front porch swing! I am so excited! I went out and ate breakfast on the swing, and we took Catherine out there at least 3 times just today! Last summer Johnny put up a martin bird house in the greenbelt behind the house. So, this year the martins have moved in and are eating all of the mosquitoes! It makes it so nice outside since your not being carried off by our state bird, the mosquitoe that is. Johnny got the swing up yesterday afternoon and we have really been enjoying it! I am so fortunate to have such a "handy" man for a husband! He took down the siding, reinforced the beams in order to hang the swing, and then he hung it! We are very lucky to have a neighborhood where people are constantly walking, jogging, strolling their kids, or just playing in their front yards. Consequently, we "people watch" while on the swing now. We have nicknames for certain people in our neighborhood. For example, there is a lady who has a bird that she puts on a leash, yes a leash. Then she attaches the leash to her wrist and walks the bird around the neighborhood? We have named her "crazy bird lady", I know real original but it fits I promise! Then there is "crazy walking lady". This lady parks her minivan down on another street in the neighborhood everynight around 9:00 or later. Then she gets out, sits by the curb and smokes her cigarettes. While doing this pleasant habit, she talks on her cell phone. There have been some nights where she has set her car alarm off or fight with someone on the cell phone? We know this because we are friends with the people whom she parks in front of their house! Oh, occasionally she will go walking while parking, hence the name.

Husband Withdrawls and Surprises!

With Johnny's job come a lot of blessings....BUT, he has to do a lot of travel. This week he is in California starting Monday and he won't be home until Friday! It is the first trip he has taken since we have had Catherine. Needless to say, it has not been easy having him leave this time. I am always very nervous when he travels without me, or at least when he has to fly. It's like, if something happens to him, then I want it to happen to me too! He is able to call very frequently during the day, but I can't wait until Friday! Johnny's birthday is Saturday, so I'm working on a Birthday dinner for him. I don't know what to get him this year? He is always difficult to buy for, because he goes and buys everything he wants before I have a chance. I think all men love gadgets and I may just go to the Sharper Image and see what I can find.

Johnny knows how much I love a surprise! Before he left this weekend he ordered me a front porch swing! We have been in our house for 3 years now, and since we started building I wanted a porch swing. There is something about being outside that calms Catherine when nothing works! I made the comment of how nice it would be to take her outside and swing. So, my wonderful husband is having a swing made for our front porch and it will be here this weekend! I am so excited! I overheard him on the phone with the man that is making it, and I overheard, "No, I don't think I can have anything over 48 inches, and I have the tools to hang it myself." I thought he had bought a flat panel TV without consulting me! We have always had a rule, that we discuss large purchases with each other before we buy them. When he got off the phone I interrogated him! Eventually, I figured out that it was a swing instead of a TV. I am much more excited to have a swing! But still, I don't think he would be too happy with me if I went a got the TV for his birthday without consulting him!

Picture Perfect!

Today we went and had Catherine's first photo shoot with the photographer! I have never been the sentimental type, but there are certain traditions one must pass along. Her picture was made in a dress that my grandmother made by hand that my mother's picture was made in at 6 weeks. My picture was then made in it at 6 weeks, and now Catherine's was made in it! Then there was the dress that my mother made that she wore in some more pictures. Finally, my favorites were the naked pictures! There is just something about a naked baby that is just precious! I wanted to make sure we captured all of her little rolls, since she is finally starting to get really juicy! My biggest fear was her pooping on us during the pictures. I never knew my thoughts would center so much around bowl movements! Miss Catherine likes to poop anytime you take her diaper OFF, but not when she has it ON. I can't count the number of times we have now had to dump out the bath water due to her pooping. Of course, there was also the morning of projectile poop that went to the other wall in the nursery while she was on the changing pad! As luck would have it, she refrained from pooping during the pictures. Back to the nakedness, she really doesn't like to be naked. We first learned of this at the doctor's office when they weighed her. The nurse turned to Johnny and said, "Dad she doensn't like to get naked, and you'll be glad of that when she's older." Needless to say, she didn't cry at all until she got naked. Hopefully, there will still be some good shots. I know what you're thinking, where are the pictures? We won't get the proofs for another 2 weeks, and I am sure to share them then don't worry!

Crazy Bird!

As a real estate agent I encounter many interesting people and things! For example, once I was showing property and walked in on the seller's smoking pot in their home! Needless to say the buyers and I left very quickly and didn't stay to look around much. I get asked quite frequently if I am going to continue working now that we have Catherine. The answer to that is definately Yes! I love my job and love my clients! It is rare to find something you enjoy so much that is so flexible. There are many days that I just work from home in front of the computer. I have a scanner/copier/fax/printer that my husband just got for us, so I won't have to go to the office for much of anything. The only time I will need someone to keep Catherine is when I need to meet with clients. We are fortunate enough to have someone to keep her on an as needed basis. When Catherine was 2 weeks old I listed a house while Johnny stayed with her. This listing appointment was very unique. The seller's own a bird that talks. It is a makah bird and is extremely vocal! I rang the doorbell and I could hear the bird saying "yoohoo" repeatedly. When I walked in the bird said, "oh, who invited you"? repeatedly. This bird was hysterical! As I stayed at the house going over paperwork etc... the bird became more comfortable and therefore talked more! The bird only repeats what it hears from the owners, no one else. It makes a fart noise and then says, "Ok, who farted"? in a very disqusted tone and of course does this repeatedly! The bird also says, "I don't want you, I'm gonna take you back, I don't want a bird that bites." Evidently, the bird use to bite and that is what was said to her. At which point I posed the question of does the bird curse? The owners assured me the bird didn't have a foul mouth and there was no need to worry about that for showings. Then on cue the bird cussed! It was so funny. I have never laughed so much on an appointment in my life! The feedback from every agent that has shown it is nothing but laughter due to the talking bird.

Daffodil's

This past weekend we took Miss Catherine to the Wye Mountain Daffodil Festival. It was mine and Johnny's first time to go as well. The weather was so nice, and it was great to get out of the house! My cabin fever is getting somewhat better. It is hard to believe that Catherine is already 1 month old! She had her check-up last Wednesday at the pediatrician and now weighs over 9 pounds! She eats so well and is now starting to sleep just as well. I am proud to announce that we have slept thru the night for the last 2 nights!!!! I have never been so excited and so proud! She is really starting to fill out and now more of her clothes fit! No one ever told me what a baby would do to your feelings toward your husband. There is just something about seeing a man with his child. Johnny is a wonderful father, and is better than I could have ever imagined! He is so good with her and gets up with her during the night on the weekends so I can sleep. It takes my love for him to another level!

Birth Nightmare!

Ok, all through my pregnancy I dreamed of the "ideal" delivery. Well, that was definately a dream, because labor and delivery was a nightmare! Tuesday night February 6th, my water broke while I was making grilled ham and cheese sandwiches for dinner at 7:20 p.m. So, of course we ate dinner before calling the hospital! I knew they wouldn't let me eat once we got there, so I was fueling up. We were at the hospital around 8:15. In the "preparing for birth" class they told us to go to the ER if it was after 8:00 p.m. due to the hospital doors being locked for the night. So, Johnny took me to the ER entrance and then he went to park. By this time I'm having contractions, which by the way are a little painful. The security guard at the ER stopped me and made me leave the ER! She told me the doors were still open and I had to go through the other entrance. I was not a happy camper as you might imagine. One would think to offer a woman in labor at least a wheelchair. Nope, not this broad! I had to walk out of the hospital then down what seemed to be a never ending halway to the elevators in order to go to Labor and Delivery! When a wonderful woman who was there visiting a family member saw me and grabbed a wheelchair and took me upstairs. Once at Labor and Delivery we were admitted by our good friend Dr. David Nelsen! My nurse was also a good friend. I babysat her eldest son when I was in high school! The staff at UAMS was absolutely wonderful! I couldn't have asked for better care! Everything was going great until I got my epidural. I made a huge mistake by asking for "staff" to perform the epidural instead of the resident. Who knows how long it had been since the staff member did an epidural. Consequently, the epidural only took on the left side of my body!!!!! I was in labor a total of 13.5 hours, and feeling every bit of it (at least on the right side, which was enough). I was cut, then I tore and was completely pain free as soon as our little Catherine came out! It was amazing!!! Now, have I forgotten the pain like everyone tells you happens? To an extent. I now have a whole new reference for pain. I will say, despite how bad labor and delivery was, there is nothing I went through that I wouldn't do all over again. About an hour after delivery, Johnny came to my bedside and said, "I think we need to have a lot more." My response was , "Maybe so, but now is not the time to discuss it!" He was so excited ! We were so blessed to have a healthy baby girl! As a bonus, God made her the most beautiful baby I have ever seen! Of course, I'm a little partial! Thanks to all our family and friends who have prayed for us the last year, brought meals and have helped in so many ways!

Well, we have finally stepped into the blogging world! So many of our friends were already bloggers and I never felt the urge to have one myself until we had Catherine. I don't want to continually e-mail the latest pictures of our child, whom we think is precious and beautiful, to our friends and family every week. So, we'll just post them on our blog and people can check them as they wish instead of us being obnoxious parents who are annoying by sending pictures all the time! I make no promises of how up-to-date this blog will be in the future! I have always viewed blogging as one thing I would really enjoy doing but never had the time, kinda like scrapbooking.