Christmas Week!

The Sunday before Christmas, we went down to Beaufort to get together with my pals Jodie and Christie and their families-these 2 have been my friends for as long as I can remember! I can most accurately date our friendship to at least 25 years ago--needless to say, we go way back! Jodie and her husband Bryan welcomed their baby girl, Murphy, right before Thanksgiving. They live in Baltimore so this was the first time we were going to meet her--I was eager to get my hands on her and hold her!

Anderson and Murphy!

Unfortunately, Christie and Brad's 3 children were not there :( I was really hoping to get a picture of the 5 of them, but maybe next time!

Later that evening, we headed over to a drop-in hosted by the parents of some high school friends, Steven and John Bailey. It was a great time and nice to catch up!

On the way to Spartanburg Tuesday afternoon, we made a pit stop at our good friends Stephen and Lindsay's place in Columbia. We all lived in Charleston together for a few years and then they moved for Stephen's job and a few months later we moved for Brad's. It was the perfect time to stop and feed & change Anderson and plus, Stephen had not met Anderson. Lindsay came down when he was a couple of weeks old, but Stephen wasn't able to come with her at the time! We had a quick visit and dinner and we were back on the road to Spartanburg. The visit was not nearly long enough and we really miss them!

Lindsay, Stephen, and Anderson

Lindsay, me, and Anderson

Brad and Stephen

What about that picture quality!! The ones at Stephen and Lindsay's were taken with my new Nikon D40 camera Brad got me for Christmas! It really takes fantastic pics, I do not know how I did without it!

Look Who Rolled into Town....

Aunt Bobbie and Uncle Daniel!! They have been on the road for 2 weeks in their Renegade RV and we were lucky that they stopped by here on their way back to Virginia! They arrived early afternoon on Friday and unfortunately had to leave late afternoon on Saturday :( We were sad to see them go so soon, but were so glad that they took time to swing by here and visit with us. The last time they were here was over Labor Day weekend and Anderson was 2 weeks old. That weekend, Bobbie cooked, cleaned, grocery shopped, tended to Anderson, and ran errands for us while I got a little break and was able to get some good rest. This time was much more relaxing for them! We can't wait to see them again!

Anderson trying on one of his Christmas gifts from Bobbie and Daniel

Aunt Bobbie and Anderson (it was 80 degrees outside!)

Aunt Bobbie, Uncle Daniel, and Anderson

Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus??

Actually, it's Jennifer, Brad, and Anderson!!!!

We were so honored and thrilled to be asked to be Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus in our church Nativity Pageant on Wednesday night! To celebrate Christmas, instead of the usual dinner and bible studies, the Christian Life Center was transformed into Bethlehem! You had to register with the census, there were tax collectors, and you went around to booths to eat the food of the time Jesus was born. There were also stations to get a headpiece (like the one Brad has on), make jewelry, woodworking, and all sorts of other activities. Of course, there was also the Nativity pageant! Anderson was so sweet and did not make a peep for the entire performance. He was just staring at the audience taking it all in. Our friend, Staci, who was taking pictures for us said that he just kept looking around-- I think he was most likely trying to figure out what we were subjecting him to this time :) I was so nervous and just kept thinking that he was going to cry through the entire thing. I am sure people expect that babies are unpredictable, but I really wanted it to go off without a hitch. Well, are prayers were answered because he was just perfect and Brad and I were (and are) so proud of him! He even let us place him in the manger! Mary , Joseph and baby Jesus were certainly big roles to fill and I hope that we were successful in helping to illustrate the true meaning of Christmas!

Christmas Chaos!

I love this time of year, but it can really make your head spin! We have had fun with all of the Christmas cheer and look forward to more to come, but it can be exhausting. I hate to say no to anything that involves celebrating Christmas for fear of being the called the Grinch! Friday night we went to a very nice holiday party hosted by Elizabeth and Randy Lamkin. In addition to being the CEO of the hospital, she also throws a fantastic party! Paige (my sister) came to babysit and Charlie (future brother-in-law) came later---THANKS you two!!! Saturday, for reasons Brad and I cannot explain, we decided to head over to the Savannah Mall---horrible idea. There were no parking spaces, the stores were packed and trying to navigate with a stroller was killer, and the traffic was horrendous. We won't be doing that again. Internet shopping all the way from now on. After church on Sunday was the Christmas Brunch for the young families Sunday school class. Yummy food, I mean delish!!!! Thanks to Staci and Steve for hosting! One funny thing happened at brunch....this is classic.....some of the boys (6/7 year olds) were wanting to be entertained and their dad said "why don't you go outside and look for deer", kinda like "go look for elves". Brad looked out the window playing along and wouldn't you know what was out there......

YES! There were deer in the backyard!!! I am not making this up! And speaking of deer--Brad finally got his buck of the season! If you are interested, go to Brad's blog for all of the details. I would post a picture, but I think the above is enough wildlife for now on my blog!

Also, good news! Anderson gained 5 oz in 5 days! Thursday he was 11 lb, 2 oz.....today I took him up to the hospital and he was 11 lb, 7 oz!!! YAY! And we were able to do it without a formula supplement (we were able to come up with another solution) so I can continue with my original goal!

Time to Bulk up....

Anderson had is 4 month old well child visit Thursday! All is well and he is a healthy boy :) However, there is this issue of weight. I knew it was going to be a discussed point during the visit when the nurse told me he was in the 5th percentile weighing in at an overwhelming 11lb, 2 oz. I was not at all surprised by the weight, as I had just been at the hospital the day before and knew exactly what he weighed. I was also aware that he is smaller than other babies his age but he eats every 3 hours, is not hungry between feedings, and sleeps 7 to 7. I thought that maybe the pediatrician was going to tell me to start him on rice cereal to get some additional calories, which did in fact happen. But in addition, I have to replace one of his nursing periods with formula. That is when I about stroked out. I have nothing against formula, I just had it in my mind that he was not going to get a drop of it until 6 months--at least, that was my original goal and then I was going to re-evaluate. It upset me more than I thought it would-- but, I honestly think it is because I have to give up control and it is not on my terms. Since he is happy, sleeping, and not hungry between feedings the pediatrician said he is getting adequate nutrition. Evidently, Anderson has a serious metabolism and is burning it up! We just need to pump some extra calories in there to plump him up a bit. As for the entire visit (except when they first undressed him and he was cold) my boy was an angel and was smiling, cooing, and moving around like crazy during his exam! He got 4 vaccines and really did take them like a champ--cried briefly and recovered very quickly! He got a clean bill of health and is a happy, healthy baby!

I actually like this stuff! YUM!

I ate the whole serving--well, except what I wore!

No Girls Allowed (not really!)!!!

On Tuesday, Anderson and I went to his first playgroup! Even though at his age (and I guess other ages too) it was more for me than for him, but I think that he had fun and a change of scenery always makes him happy. Plus, he had others to look at other than me who is in his face and at home with him all day! I was nervous about how he would be because it was during the time that he usually takes his mid-afternoon siesta. I felt that he needed to go since I was not able to take him to his friend Jack's birthday party on Saturday due to the hospital Christmas gig (like he noticed--but it made me feel better)!!! Overall, he did great and was only captain fussy britches towards the end. It was cute to see all the babes, and we had a room full of little boys. The male gender appears to be dominant as of now--I have only met a handful of little girls. I guess these boys will have to compete for dates later in life! We had a great time and look forward to doing it again! Thank you Amanda for organizing it!

Playtime

Anderson and his pal Aiden

Anderson, Aiden, Dade (upper left), and Harper (upper right)

Hospital Holiday Party!

On Saturday night we attended the hospital's annual service awards recognition and holiday party. My mom and dad came up from Beaufort and spent the night with us and watched Anderson while we were at the party--THANKS momma and daddy! This event was huge, I mean 828 RSVP's and I would venture to say that all 828 were there. It was a fancy event with a nice dinner, drinks, presentation of awards, and dancing. Everyone gets dressed up in their holiday best for this one and celebrates! Brad presented some of the awards in front of all of those people and did a fantastic job, although it does come naturally to him. He works so hard and I am proud of him and all that he does for our family!

Brad presenting service awards

Santa Baby!

On Friday, the hospital pediatric rehab sponsored a holiday celebration/carnival for the special needs children in the area. Some of the administration team from the hospital came over to show their support and get in on some of the fun so I dressed little Anderson up in his Santa Suit that his Aunt Bobbie sent him and we met Brad there. It was such a nice event and there was plenty to do for kiddos of all ages. Everyone seemed to have a great time and really enjoy some of the holiday spirit. Of course, the most popular guest was Santa himself! I was able to get a few shots of Anderson with the jolly guy before he gathered up the reindeer and got on his way (poor Santa was VERY hot in his suit---sweating bullets hot). I had to take the pictures quickly because there were kids running between me Santa!

Santa and Santa Baby

Santa's Helper

I tried so hard to get Anderson to give me a big toothless grin, but he was done partying and ready to call it a day!

Seriously??!!

Recently, I went to the makeup counter at a department store, that is to remain nameless, to purchase some much needed staples in my makeup bag that were getting very low. Now, I do not have a lot of time at the moment and Brad and Anderson are in the car waiting for me---not so patiently. I tell the lady behind the counter exactly what I need. She asks me, like they always do, if I would like to try some of the new products. I, of course, decline because of the boys waiting in the car outside. Then she proceeds to say "are you sure?" "how about some concealer for those dark circles under your eyes?". No kidding. Before I said anything, I had a few responses that entered into my mind that included: "is this your new sales pitch", "do you have children", "I am a new parent with an infant", "I am wearing your brand concealer, that obviously does not work", " I could get rid of these dark circles if I had a live-in maid, cook, and nanny", and "a day at the spa would work better than your concealer". I often speak before I think and hurt others feelings when I do not mean to at all. So this is something that I have been working on sincerely. What did I say.......a simple "no thank you". I will say; however, that Bobbi Brown does have a challenge now to create a miracle concealer.

7pm to 7am!

My little boy is growing up so fast---everyone told me it would happen, but I just was not prepared for exactly how fast. He is already 3 1/2 months old! Brad and I had gotten used to him being up until 8:30 or 9:00pm then dozing off until I woke him around 10 or 10:30 before we went to bed for his last feeding until morning (he started sleeping 10pm-7am at 11 weeks). Well, on this past Saturday night (11/29/08) my mother-in-law woke him up for his last feeding--as we were out at Wild Wings. Anderson took less than an ounce and went right back to sleep and slept until after 7 the next morning. Sunday night, I fed him at 7 and put him right down and he did not wake up until 7 Monday morning. Seriously. And that was that and it has been that way ever since. No scaling back the feedings, nothing. He just dropped it like a bad habit. We are thrilled, but I would be fibbing if I did not say I miss him. Now don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the 3 to 3 1/2 hours of time in which I have discovered that I do, in fact, have a husband and 2 dogs. But, it is very evident that something is missing---We are proud of you little buddy and your momma misses you something awful!

Already 3 1/2 months old!

I am getting ready to sleep 7 to 7!

Nona and Grandaddy's Visit!

Brad's parents, Nona (Kathy) and Grandaddy (Tap), came to stay with us over Thanksgiving. We were lucky enough to convince them to stay from Wednesday until Sunday! It was a fun, laid back visit. Friday was spent resting up from Thursday's activities--I sure needed it. Saturday we watched football and I took Kathy to this children's store called Sweet Beginnings. She got some of the most adorable clothes for Anderson for Christmas--he will be a well dressed little man. Sunday it was church, out to lunch, and then they had to head on back to Spartanburg. While they were here, Tap and Kathy insisted that we take advantage of free babysitting and go out and we sure took them up on that offer. Brad took me to the movies on Friday night to see "Four Christmases"--cute movie if you have not seen it. Saturday night we met Paige and Charlie at the Wild Wing for a couple of drinks. FUN, FUN!

Grandaddy, Nona & Anderson

Paige and Me at Wild Wings

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year we were lucky to have all of our family come to our house for the holiday. Brad's parents came from Spartanburg on Wednesday night and left after church on Sunday. My parents, my grandmother, and Paige & Charlie all joined us on Thursday for the festivities. Brad fried a turkey, made most of the sides, and my dad smoked a turkey. It was a feast--for a complete menu of what we had visit Brad's blog. We did have one small interruption when disposal backed up and was not draining and thus backed up the dishwasher! Which meant hand washing MANY dishes. Fortunately, when we were all done eating, Brad did some magic with a plunger and we were back in business. Problem solved. It was wonderful to spend time with all of our family and enjoy Anderson's first Thanksgiving--he was an angel and soaked up being loved on by everyone. All in all, a fantastic Thanksgiving and we certainly have a lot to be thankful for!!

Dad and Brad-- Smoked turkey on the left, fried turkey on the right

Social hour!

Charlie and Brad try their luck in the saltwater pond

Weekend-Wrap Up IV: To Grandmother's House we Go!

This is the series finale! My intentions were to have the series completed before the next weekend came around, but with family in town and us hosting Thanksgiving (will be a post of its own) time just got away. So, the last stop that we made on the way home on Sunday was to my Grandparent's house-- meme and papa. It was the first time they had seen Anderson! My dad decided to ride up from Beaufort and join us for the afternoon. We had a great visit and Anderson got lots of sugar from his great meme!

Meme and her great-grandbabies!

Meme and Anderson

Weekend Wrap-Up III: Ladykillers!

On the way back home on Sunday afternoon, we had just enough time to make a couple social calls. First stop was to visit with our good friends Rob and Ginny and their son, Ford. Mine and Ginny's due dates were 4 days apart--Ginny ended up going the long haul to right before her due date (Ford was born 8/26/08) and Anderson came a bit early (8/15/08). We had not been able to get together since the boys were born and were anxious to have the boys meet---as if they would remember anything!! Brad and I were so glad to see them, and I think Ford and Anderson enjoyed themselves as well!!

Ford and Anderson--BFF

Ladykillers!

Weekend Wrap-Up Part II: Let's Hear it For the BOYS!

The guys looked so handsome they needed their own posting......really, I did not get this shot on my camera so I could not post it before! I thought they at least deserved a cameo!

Brad, Pete, Will, and Andy

Unfortunately, Melanie's husband (another Andy) was unable come. He is a resident and his schedule changed at the last minute!

Weekend Wrap-Up Part I: Bringing Down the House (sort of)!

We had such a great weekend filled with so many blog worthy posts that I am going to have to have at least 2 or 3 parts to the posting! My OT girls (by best buddies from occupational therapy school) all rented a house at Wild Dunes on the Isle of Palms over the weekend for our friend Holly's wedding. Usually it is just us girls, but this time the husbands and Anderson came along for the festivities (a friend of mine, Stacy, watched him on Sat. night--thank you Stacy!!) We come from all over--Charlotte, Boston, Columbia, Hilton Head, and Winston-Salem--so getting together is not an easy feat. As usual, every time we all get together there are many things to talk about on Monday morning. But, it was apparent that our days acting as if we were at Mandalay "cause its ladies night and the feelins' right..." in downtown Charleston were over. That bar is not even there anymore if that tells you anything and we were all more interested in a good night of sleep--thus the bringing down the house (sort of) title. Wonderful laid back weekend chatting, laughing till you cry, shopping, and watching football. Only one crisis popped up.....wardrobe malfunction....Rachel's zipper broke on the dress she was going to wear to the wedding about 15 minutes before we were to leave. Pete, being the super-husband that he is, tried his best to fix that blasted thing. He might have just passed the bar exam, but that zipper got the best of him! Luckily, Shelley remembered the code to Melanie's car from our MUSC days and broke in to get the dress she wore the night before (Melanie was a bridesmaid and was already at the wedding). The dress looked great on Rachel and the show went on! Can't wait until girls weekend!!!

Melanie, Me, Shelley, Holly, Rachel, Kasey

Rachel, Kasey, Shelley, Melanie, Me

Shelley, Kasey, Me (w/Anderson), Rachel, Melanie

Congratulations Jantz and Holly!!! There was a great shot of the guys....I did not get it on my camera but will post it when I get my hands on it!!