Our 1st Visit with Nash

After church today, Mills and I made our way down to have our first visit with Nash. Due to Mills having a head cold when he was born, we've been unable to visit until now. We had such a good visit. I can't believe how small Nash is. His head literally fits in the palm of my hand and his whole body in my forearm. I told Stephanie and Bo that I had never seen a baby so small...I know, I must live under a rock or something, but its the truth! Mills makes 3 of him. I'm sure that Mills is probably about 13lbs. now, so you can imagine what he looks like next to a 5lb. baby. Here are a couple of pictures from our visit.

Here are our 3 boys...Jon Harris, Nash, & Mills

Here is tiny little Nash

Mills LOVES laying in the floor. I put him on his blanket, and he kept wiggling off of it. You can't tell it here, but Steph, Bo, JH, and I almost witnessed his first "rollover." I REALLY thought he was going to do it, but he kept getting stuck on his shoulders. Its only a matter of days before he does it!! I guess I need to keep the video camera ready, huh?

Thanksgiving Day

This year was, of course, Mills' First Thanksgiving. Our little man did not get to partake in any turkey in dressing, but next year, we're sure that he'll be gobbling up (no pun intended) all the turkey and dressing his little belly can handle. Here are a few snapshots from the day.

We always go to Mom's for lunch....

Drew & Mills...

(*notice Mills' face. He has a rash and scratched it in his sleep last night...poor fella!)

Wesley, Mills, and Nana

So, it is true...turkey makes you sleepy!

Rylee & Mills

Jonathan & Mills

We always go to Mama B's and Daddy B's house for supper!

This is "Jilly." She enjoyed reading to Mills

Mills' New Fashion Statement....

FORMULA! Yes, and he often lets mommy and daddy wear it too! As of tonight, we will be starting Zantac in hope that our little spitter's spitting-up will subside. We've been watching it for quite a while now, but it seems to be getting worse. Our new formula has been great, but like I said before, we've traded constipation, tummy-aches, and fussiness, for spit-up. We've started adding 1/2 tsp. of rice cereal to his formula, but honestly, it hasn't helped :( So, we're on to step two. Wish us luck!

Mills' Dedication

Today, Erik and I dedicated our son, Mills Oliver, to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We made a promise to the Lord to do everything within our power to raise our baby boy in a Godly way, prayerfully until he can make a decision on his own to follow God. We as parents made a commitment to God, and are instructed to raise Mills in the ways of God, and not according to our own way. Some of the responsibilities include teaching and training him in God's Word, demonstrating an example of Godliness, disciplining according to God's ways, and praying earnestly for him.

Today, 4 sets of parents, made this promise. Mills, along with Sebastian, Ebby, and Sophie, were all dedicated to our Lord. What a joyful Day! The service was beautiful, and the music was moving. The choir was wonderful, and Nicole sang, which ALWAYS makes me cry. I knew I was in for it when I saw which song the choir would be singing, and she would be doing the solo.

Mills had a wonderful turnout of about 30 family members and friends, and we couldn't have been more blessed to have them there. Not only were they there to show their love for us, but they were witnesses to the words and promises we made to God and our son, Mills. I pray that they will help us hold to our words.

Later we celebrated with lunch at our home...BBQ & cake! We had a very memorable day!

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:6

Show Us Your Life- Pets

An awesome blog I follow, "Kelly's Korner" has a special "Show Us Your Life" edition on Fridays and this week it just happens to be pets. Since my little man is sleeping, I thought it would be a great idea to finally participate.

Here is our Joey!

Joseph Sanford Beasley d.o.b. 3/19/03
*Sanford was Joey's "birth last name" so we kept it in honor of our friends, The Sanfords

Joey is our 6 year old golden retriever. He was given to me on my 25 birthday by my wonderful hubby. I remember the day like it was yesterday. The story goes like this...
It was April 24, 2003. I had to be at school for a small project that morning, but was free for the afternoon. I had returned home to our little house on Fyfe Street around 10:00 that morning. Erik claimed that he had to run to the bank to see if his check had been deposited, so I stayed home enjoying the freedom of not having to study (for once). It was my birthday and so I was going to do whatever I wanted...nothing!
Erik had been gone an unusual amount of time for just "running to the bank," but I didn't really think twice about it. Finally he returned home. As he walked in the door, he was huffing and puffing. I asked, "What's wrong?" He said, "You're not going to believe this, but the console in my truck just broke! It has a major crack down the side of it!" I sat there wondering what in the world could have caused his console to break and thought it to be pretty weird, so I had to see for myself. We both walked outside and I opened the door to his truck, not to find a broken console, but the cutest 5 week old golden retriever puppy with a huge red bow around his neck. He was shaking scared! I grabbed him and was so excited. Tears were streaming down my face. No, literally, I was sobbing! He was the most precious thing I had ever seen. My friend Larissa's dogs had a litter of 10, and Joey was the first to go. Erik had picked him out because he was the lightest of the bunch. Now that he's older he has reddened quite a bit, but is still a beauty! Joey was our only child for 6 years, but is adjusting to being a big brother quite well. Here are some pictures...enjoy!

Joey was just 6 weeks old in this picture

Puppy mischief...chewing the azaleas (8 weeks old)

a beautiful shot in the kitchen...but in desperate need in a trip to the groomer!

One of my favorite pictures of Joey...He loves snow! We had over a foot of snow this year and it was very hard for him to maneuver through. This is him leaping through the deepest snow we've had in years. It took all of his energy just to get through it.

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Joey's sleeping quarters. We ordered this bed for him last Christmas. Yes, its camouflage...against my will. The hubby insisted! The bed ended up being much bigger than we had thought, but we ended up keeping it anyway. Next time, we'll know better. Oh, and notice the "blankie"...he carries it EVERYWHERE he goes!




This is Joey in Mama and Daddy's bed. No, he is not allowed in our bed, but during a morning shower, he decided to take it upon himself to enjoy the comforts of our supreme pillow top mattress and our ultra soft pillow and sheets. I had to snap this adorable picture, BEFORE I made him get down.

Our Joey relaxing

Joey is the best dog ever and he's been our baby for a while. We are so proud of him for being patient with us as we adjust to our new little one. He's the best and our best friend.

Our 2 boys...how sweet!

THE END

Nash Thompson Weaver

...another one to call me "meme," and I couldn't be more excited.

Nash Thompson was born yesterday, November 18, at 4:16pm, weighing in at 5lbs. 10oz, and 19" long, to my best friends Stephanie & Bo Weaver, and my Godson, JH! I couldn't be more exicited, but due to a rapid onset of a sinus infection, my hacking cough and well..."nasty nose" did not allow me to visit the hospital :(. I know that what I have is not contagious, BUT I know how it is having a newborn baby, and wouldn't want ANYONE touching him. Especially my newborn baby. Too many gross germs! Hopefully after my antibiotic kicks in and my doctor's appointment today at 1:30, I'll get up and running. I can't wait to see him! What a tiny little fellow...and I thought Mills was small! LOL Congratulations to you all! Meme, E, and Mills will be there soon!

Baby on the Way...Literally!

This "meme" sure is excited and wants to wish my B/F/F, my Godson, and "Bo-Daddy" a happy, healthy delivery. That's right, my bestie, Steph is in the hospital as we speak getting ready to deliver her baby boy, Nash. Come'on Nash! Meme wants to meet you! Nash's mommy's water broke this morning, so hopefully, he'll be here soon! We love you all and can't wait to see you!

True...So Very Very True!

I found this graphic online and thought it to be nothing but the truth. Thought I'd share.

Fever

Today, is another day. I am so thrilled that its Friday and I get to spend the day with my little guy. The house is clean and the clothes are washed. I always do those things on Thursday afternoons, because I only work half a day. Erik and I usually leave Mills with Aunt June, so that we can get those necessary things done around the house without having to tend to him if he's fussy. Then, we can't get to him fast enough once we're done.
Erik was nice enough to go and pick him up for me yesterday. When he brought him in, around 4:15, he was asleep in his carrier. Erik said that he was asleep when he got there. Mills' normal routine doesn't usally consist of a long afternoon nap. He usually takes a good morning nap, and then very small cat-naps in the afternoon, if any. Good for me, because he'll sleep all night. Erik took him out of his seat to put him in his swing. The poor thing had a nose full of "stuff," so I got out the aspirator and put him in my lap to suction. As I did, I felt heat radiating from his little body. I told Erik, "he's hot!" Erik said that it was a little warm at Aunt June's, but his warm and my warm are totally different. I freeze. He burns up! lol. Mills was being very fussy and irritable, so I took him upstairs for a diaper change. Mommy's instinct told me too take his temperature, it was 102, so of course, being a new mom, I called the doctor, popped him with Tylenol, and took him down to G'town to the night clinic. When we got there, his temp had gone down to 100, he was happy, cooing, and smiling. They told us that congestion for a baby at this age is normal and that the "stuff" still had not gone to his chest. His ears looked good, his nose looked good, so the only thing they could do was do blood work. Note for future reference: Mills does NOT bleed easily, even after 3 sticks. I felt sorry for the nurse trying to milk blood out of his heel. She had to stick him twice in the heel, then they tried his finger. He was a pretty good boy. The passy makes all things better! :) So, after all of that, we still did not give a good blood sample. They think all is well, but just for clearance. This mama has to take him back down this afternoon for another try. Poor baby. He is still asleep, well, sort-of. The last temp reading before bedtime was 97.2 and I've checked him throughout the night. He hasn't felt warm at all and seems to be feeling well!

Just to Add a Few Memories...

Here are some pictures of our Mills...our 12 week old 12lbs. and 4oz. Mills.

When I got home from work yesterday, Daddy had picked him up from Mimi Junes's and put him in his bumbo. It was the cutest thing to see him sitting there watching "Wonder Pets"...this is sewious!






Every morning when we put him in his carseat to head to Mimi June's we sing the "car car" song (for those of you who know Elizabeth Mitchell). He LOVES it. Our little man smiles from ear to ear, making us think we're the coolest parents ever!

Stuffy Baby

Poor Mills has had nasal congestion for 2 weeks. Sad thing is, there's nothing they'll do for you when he's this young. Saline and nasal aspirators are just about it. He seems better on some days than some. He gets very mad when he can't breathe and is constantly rubbing his nose (aka. clawing his nose) trying to get relief, and although I file his nails every other day, they grow so fast. He looks like he's been in a cat fight.
Yesterday morning he woke up with a cough. All of the congestion is running down in his throat, so in fear that it may have been running into his chest, this scared mommy called the clinic this morning and got an appointment for this afternoon. We were already going to Memphis, so we took him by, just to have him checked out. He has been a pretty happy baby otherwise, and has run no fever at all. All checked out good today as far as chest congestion, so I was relieved and will continue to monitor him in hopes that he'll get clear soon. We are using a humidifier and are using the saline and aspirator, but he gets so mad when we use either.
On our way home tonight we stopped by our good friend's home in Lakeland. They had not seen Mills, so we made a quick drive by. While.
we were there, Justin pulled out a pretty neat gadget, told me to hold Mills and for Erik to hold his arms. This gadget, a "Bebe sounds nasal aspirator," which works off of a battery, removed a ton of...well... you know, "stuff" from Mills' little honker. It's pretty awesome Since their baby is now 2 years old and growing like a weed, she can now "blow" on her own and doesn't need the aspirator anymore, so, they were nice enough to send it home with us. I have used it again, since we've been home, and I didn't realize that it also plays music. There's nothing like sucking snot out of your baby's nose to the tune of "Three Blind Mice" - ha! Justin and Melissa, THANK YOU! I'm sure we'll be using it a ton. It's much easier and faster than the old "bulb."

Summer '10

I know what you're thinking. Its November 6, chilly out, and she's thinking about summer vacation? Erik and I are not big "beach goers." Crazy, I know, because I LOVE the beach. We've been married for 7 years, and have yet to go to Florida OR the beaches of AL. We usually head to the mountains, but next year I intend to change that. I have told him, "I'm going to the beach!" We took a trip to Riviera Maya in the Spring of 2008 and had a blast. Erik isn't to keen about just "laying on the beach." I think he gets board, but this time, I intend on getting my way. We want to take a vacation next year, and since we will have a 10 month old going with us, I think the beach will be more appropriate. I will have to admit, that last time I went to gulf shores, I was not impressed, but hey, I'm looking for nice, but cheap. Having a baby, we'll have to forgo the much wanted re-visit to Mexico. lol! So, to get a head start. Please send me your recommendations. I will be on vacation the week of June 14.

My Sweet Lips

See these? I love'em, and love giving them sugar!

Nightly News

The ole' comfy rocking chair, has now become the ole' evil rocking chair. I am beginning to think that it came with a built in sleeping potion. Recap of last night.
Mills goes down at 10:30...
Mills wakes up at 2:30 for a feeding...
Mommy gets up to feed him and put him back down...
Mommy wakes up to the sound of the alarm clock with a sleeping baby in her arms.
Time for me to get ready for work!
Daddy is still asleep and sawing logs.

I'm surprised I don't have a crick in my neck!

Mills' First Halloween

Well, Mills' 1st Halloween went off with a bang! Here's the story....in pictures.

We started off at Nana's house. She had a special trick-or-treat gift for Mills...since he can't have candy. Notice he is not in costume. Nana had already seen Mills in his costume and....note to self, bunting costumes and carseats DO NOT MIX! There is no way for the seat belt to go between his legs when they are confined inside a bunting costume.

Here are Mills' "treats," a wonderful soft Jungle book, and a sweet little Lion. Looks like he likes them.

Here we are loading our baby boy back up for our next destination...notice the sucker.

This sucker, that I can't believe he is holding, was tied in the adorable tulle bow on Mills' gift and

we decided to see if he would hold it for a picture. Hey, what's Halloween without candy?

Next we were off to Mama B and Daddy B's house on Main Street. This is a Halloween tradition. This is Mills and his "Gammy."

Now aren't these two the cutest? It's our man Jon Harris holding our little lobster, Mills. We were so glad we got to see him. Isn't he the best Jack Sparrow you've ever seen?


And finally, our last pic with Jon Harris, right before we stripped Mills of his costume. Note to self #2...
A.lobster bunting costumes in 65 degree weather are too hot
B. Buying a Halloween costume for an infant one month before Halloween is not smart. He has already outgrown it. It was a little TOO snug! Poor thing!

Our last stop was at the Hanson's. They too have tons of trick-or-treaters and Amanda's dad is a pro at wearing a mask and scaring all of the kids. Too fun. We didn't last long before Mills had had enough. It was bottle and bedtime. I guess all of the excitement wore our little crustacean out!
Hope your Halloween was spooky!