The Graham Family

The Farm

2012-01-30T09:34:00.000-08:00

My in-laws own some farm land near Hilsboro and over the last several months, they have built a bunkhouse on the land. Let me just say...it's fabulous. It is so peaceful and quite out there and the cabin is just so cozy and perfect for a weekend away from it all.

We took Mason out there for the first time a few weeks ago. We had a hot dog cookout and played outside and on the fishing dock most of the time. I am SO looking forward to taking him out there this Spring so he can run around without fear of streets or strangers!

Every time we go out there we see THE most amazing sunsets!!

Out on the fishing pier...still need some more rain to fill up the tank and of course we need some fishies in there!

Mason with the cabin and sunset in the background. We are out by the fire cooking hot dogs!

Inside the cabin playing!

Daddy and Mason walking down to the tank/pier! Mason loved throwing rocks in the tank.

Having a good time.

Peeking through the gate.

Reminiscing...

2011-12-13T10:20:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking a lot lately about Mason's first Christmas. Sometimes I forget, or block out, our time in the NICU. That was a difficult time, but seriously it is hard for me to recall just how difficult it was. All of the driving (30 minutes each way at least twice a day), the tubes, the monitors, the alarms, the heel pricks, the blood transfusion, the infection scares, etc. Just being away from MY baby for 2.5 months...sleeping in seperate cities.

Obviously, that would be hard ANY time of the year, but Mason was born 2 days before Thanksgiving...so we spent the major holidays and family time sitting by his bed-side in the NICU. We tried to go on with family/work Christmas parties as if we were not completely exhausted and emotionally drained. We opened gifts and I managed to put a fake smile on my face. I was getting only a few hours of sleep a night since I woke up every couple of hours...I had to make sure Mason was fed with the good stuff. Just everything about that first Christmas was so wrong. We had one decoration that year...Brady got it at his work white Elephant Christmas. It was a Nutcracker with the year "2008" printed on it. Funny how some silly little Nutcracker that was supposed to be a funny/gag gift is now treasured in our house as we put it out each year. It is a reminder!!

Anyway, enough feeling sad about our time in NICU or that first Christmas without Mason being home. Sometimes I think it is important to reflect on that time and realize how blessed we are and how much our little boy has gone through.

God is good! Amen!

Oh Christmas Tree...and other fun

2011-12-05T10:03:00.000-08:00

We finally put up our Christmas tree last night! The plan was to do it on Mason's birthday, the 25th of November, but we were too sick to care. I was excited this year because it is the first year that Mason is really in to all the Christmas stuff. I put up the tree...put on the lights...and made plans to have Mason decorate the bottom half. He put the first ornament on with much excitement. The next 4-5 he tried fell to the ground and he gave up at that point. He was still excited for me to decorate though!!

Putting on the first ornament

Lightning the elf sure is a crazy little guy...you just never know what he will be up to when we wake up in the morning. Last night he decided to make a zip line from the upstairs down to the tree. How silly!!

Riding a dinosaur...Mason thought this was HILARIOUS!

We went to the Gaylord Texan yesterday with my parents and family. This is becoming a tradition it seems. We meet for brunch at one of the restraunts and then walk around and enjoy the sites. We even attend the ICE show. This year was Shrek themed. It really is amazing that it is all made of ice. Mason was not a fan last year, but had a super fun time this year. He even went down the slide...and got stuck. I knew it would be a disaster and he'd get upset but no, after scooting down on his bottom he got up and said "I wanna do that AGAIN!" ha.

The boy cousins...buds!

At brunch...these guys came and sang "Rudolph" to Mason.

Cousins

Looking at trains...one of his favorite things to do!

Mason went and stayed the night with Grandma on Friday night. When he got home Saturday we had a SUPER lazy day and stayed in our PJ's. Lightning the Elf had written Mason a note saying that had heard he was a good boy at Grandma's house. We watched movies, did crafts and just snuggled all day!

Lightning the Elf

2011-11-30T15:43:00.000-08:00

So, I fell into the Elf on a Shelf trap...I admit it. Here is the deal for me though, it is a reminder of MY childhood. I know it is WAY more commercialized now, but when I was growing up my Nanny had elves (that looked JUST like the ones now) that would hide in her house and leave us little gifts of candy and books before Christmas. She was ahead of her time I guess...she could have made millions if we had only known to patent the idea and create a cute little name to put on a box!!!

Anyway, we have started the tradition this year to have "Lightning The Elf" in our home every Christmas. Yes, the idea is to have him report to Santa every night, BUT I think the most fun is just looking for him each morning. A fun little game for Mason to play when he wakes up.

We started this on Tuesday night since we were all too sick after Thanksgiving. After nixing the names "mommy", "T-rex" and "iahobgouabgoueavfgbaoiuvgfai" we settled on Lightning (taking off the Original "McQeen" last name ;) )

Lightning is a silly elf and Mason is not quite sure of him just yet. We are just having fun with him so far and not emphasizing the threat of bad behavior meaning a dissapointing trip to see Santa. I think that might be too much for Mason to handle. And we all know that a fit here and there is perfectly normal AND that Santa will still visit for those that do the whole Santa thing. So, he'll just be a fun game for us this year.

Here is Lightning on his first couple of hide-outs:

And of course...more important than any elf or Santa or gifts or anything else this holiday season...the TRUE meaning of Christmas. Baby Jesus.

Tis the season...

2011-11-28T20:06:00.000-08:00

To be WAY behind on my blog. :)

I was last here before I went on my cruise...IN SEPTEMBER. December starts this week. My oh my where have the days, weeks and months gone? It's gone something like this...

September:
Cruise to the Bahama's for our 5 year wedding anniversary

October brought Pumpkin Patches, State Fair of Texas visits, Halloween parties, Trick or treating, family gatherings, etc.

November was our 5th anniversary, my birthday celebrating, mini-vacation, a big 3 year olds birthday and cowboy party, Thanksgiving traditions and more parties, and a ride on the North Pole Express. And the sickies...I am so over being sick in our household.

So, looks like I have some catching up to do, but I probably won't. That would be like 15 seperate blogs...so here are a few pictures from some of our events. Hopefully I can remember to blog more throughout the Christmas holiday. It is such a magical time of the year!

SEPTEMBER:

Atlantis Resort- Bahamas

Such a beautiful island!

On the cruise ship before dinner one night

Freeport, Bahamas...we did some kayaking and some snorkeling. The storm coming is was crazy!

OCTOBER:

Field Trip with Mason's school to the pumpkin patch

State Fair of Texas

Little Hands on the Farm at the State Fair

Halloween party at school- my cowboy

Just playing dress-up after trick-or-treating

Graham Family gathering in Grapevine- Mason and the balloon artist

NOVEMBER:

Mini-vacation- Fossil Rim Wildlife Reserve...feeding the deer out of the car

Scenic view in the middle of the drive at Fossil Rim- Glenrose, TX

Dinosaur World- Glenrose...Mason suddenly LOVES dinosaurs

Dinosaur World museum

Thanksgiving party at school

Friends at Mason's cowboy birthday party

My birthday cowboy

Family photo at Mason's birthday party

Mason and Cowboy Pappy...my dad is crazy sometimes!

Gifts from mommy and daddy for a big 3 year old

Making an ornament before riding the North Pole Express

Mason and Frosty

On the train ride...Mason and Santa Clause

Week 11- Update

2011-09-13T08:30:00.000-07:00

I missed week ten...I just forgot to update, but there was NOTHING to report anyway. No weight loss, no weight gain, not much working out and nothing exciting on the food front. Plus, I have just been too busy to think about it.

So...eleven weeks...eleven and a half pounds lost. Still averaging right at 1lb. a week so I guess I can't complain. It is just going slow...verrrrryyyy slow. I hit a plateau around 9 pounds and it has been so tough to get over the hump. At lest my goal is now in the single digits...8.5 to go until I reach 20 pound mark...I can do it. I will just set a new goal date! ha.

This week I go get blood work done so lots of salad and oatmeal and fish this week. :) Plus lots of working out. I want to be down another pound or so when I go back to the doctor on the 25th.

Week Nine- Blah.

2011-08-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

The title says it all. Sometimes eating what I want wins out. So, that is about it for this week. HA.

I did not track ONE BITE this week. I ate as I wished, not thinking about the consequences. I had some good eats as well, but not consistently.
Sidenote: I do have to say that my eating as I want is different than it was 9 weeks ago. I still skip the sweets and chips and such for the most part. And I do think my portions are smaller even when I do splurge.

I worked my cardio twice this week, I did 2 personal training sessions, and I swam one evening.

I lost zero, but I gained zero. That is a win for me because I figured I did gain. :)

Anyway, this week is BUSY BUSY BUSY. hoping that I don't turn to fast food instead of cooking as a result. This weekend we will be with many friends that are NOT in to losing weight...there will be LOTS of cookies, desserts, chips, dips etc ALL. WEEKEND. My goal is to BE STRONG!! :)

Week Eight- Double Digits

2011-08-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

It has been 8 weeks since I started my weight loss and healthy eating journey and I finally lost into the double digits!! I am at 10.5 pounds lost now...9.5 pounds to go.

Food:
Eating has been fine minus a couple of meals out. Even then I didnt go too crazy, but I enjoyed myself. I take that back...the chips and queso at Fuzzy's Taco Shop was a little crazy! ha. I made a commitment to cook at home all last week (week days) and I did. It is nice to know what is actually in my food.

Workout:
I worked out 7 times last week...4 Jazzercise sessions, 2 personal training sessions, and a swim in my parents pool. I actually feel stronger and less out of breath!!

Goals:
My goal this week is to just keep doing what I am doing...cooking at home, working out, recording my food intake, staying positive. I have felt a little discouraged at times because I am not losing as fast as I would like to. BUT, I need to keep reminding myself that at least I AM losing. That number IS going down on the scale slowly but surely. I may not be down 20 pounds by the time I go to the doctor in a month, BUT I will get there. I will!!

Side Note:
I will be taking a short break from all of this for about a week in the near future, but after seeing the doctor. My husband and I are going on a cruise and I am sorry but I will be eating a dessert here and there AND I will be eating pizza at midnight AND I will indulge on steak and lobster and who knows what else!!! :) I did plan some excursions where we will be kayaking, swimming and walking a lot. I might even use the workout room on the ship, but that is highly unlikely. ha

Week Seven- Birthday Outings

2011-08-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

Week Seven-

This update will be short because I don't have much to report. I tracked my food this week, but that did not keep me from eating too much. You see, it was birthday week for my husband and my brother. This included meals out and no self control apparently. So, I didn't do awesome on my eating this passed weekend.

Workout was a bit better. I started a personal training session last week. Um, wow I was sore. It was much tougher than I expected. I am trying to make 4 group cardio classes this week plus my 2 PT sessions. Gotta kick the workout up a notch!!

I officially only have 35 days left before I head back to the doctor....that is 5 weeks if I am doing my math correctly. I was hoping to be down 20 pounds and I really dont think that will happen, so I am just going to see how close I can get. I lost a big fat ZERO this week. Still holding at 9 pounds lost. Maybe I can at least reach 15 lost by then?? I know I can, if I just get back on track.

Hoping to have a good report next week!!

Fun Family Day

2011-08-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

We both took the day off to do something fun with Mason. We went to the Children's Aquarium and Children's museum at Fair Park. We had a fabulous time, mostly. Mason did get scared in the dark part of the aquarium...the deep sea fish. He also was not a fan of the HUGE mechanical real looking dinosaur at the museum that "ROARED". It was a little much for me too! He did have a great time a majority of the time, though. I want to start doing trips like this more often with him. It is so fun to see him experience new things.

By the way...I was a little disappointed in the Children's Aquarium. Maybe from a kids perspective it is really cool, but from mine I thought it was very small, a lot of the aquariums said "Coming Soon" with whatever fish, and there was not as many interactive things I thought there would be. But we made the best of it and at least Mason was FREE.

Week Six- A new decade

2011-08-09T08:42:00.000-07:00

-Week 6 Update-

Eating:

Well, hmmmmmmmmm...what to say? I did not track ONE bite this week. I really just slacked on it. However, I feel like I did pretty well as far as portions and foods this week. There were a couple of slip-ups but not a huge over-eating session or anything like that. I think I am getting the hang of making healthier choices without really thinking about it too hard.
BUT, this week I am back on my tracking...ALL week. It really helps when I can see it all in writing.
Work Out:I got back on track a little bit this week. Brady had an "early" schedule which makes getting to my group classes much easier. I finally got back to Zumba which was a lot of fun. Going with my friend Amanda makes it double fun. I also made it back to Jazzercise a couple of times. Last night I started a personal training class through Jazzercise. It is 2 days a week for 8 weeks. They gurantee results...we'll see. I figured since it was through Jazzercise it would be okay, but not a big deal. Ummmm...let's just say today I am SOOO sore and it was so tough that I got the whole "everything is going black, I am going to pass out" feeling. I had to sit down when we stretched at the end. My heart rate monitor was going nuts. Yeah, next time I will drink more water. Yikes.

Attitude:
Honestly this week I didnt really think about it a whole lot. I didn't dwell on a chicken nugget guilt or not being able to make it to the gym one day. I just went when I could and ate the best I could. I think that really helped to not think about it ALL THE TIME.

Weight Loss:

- This week: 2.5 pounds!!!
- Total: NINE pounds ( I made it to the next "decade" on the scale!!)

Week Five Update

2011-08-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

-Week 5 Update- Not so good...

Eating:
Hmmmmmmmm, not awesome!! I didn't completely lose control...mostly. Wednesday was NOT GOOD. I caved to my fried chicken craving, luckily added green beans and not fried corn nuggets to the order, and skipped the gravy. Sunday I went to Outback and apparently forgot that I was trying to eat healthy at all. Wow. Not pretty. Other than those 2 meals things were just okay, but not great!! I didnt even record points on a few of the days. I am sure I went over my allowance.

Work Out:
Just Tuesday. During that work out I hurt my back and started having back spasms early Wed morning (part of the reason I think I found some "comfort food" for lunch). So one work out and literally had to sit/lay down the rest of the week. Thank you degenerate disc. Blech!!

Attitude:
You can probably guess from the Food and Workout that I posted, my attitude was not good. When I am hurt and can not work out I sort of lose my willpower on eating right too. I had a melt down Friday and called myself a failure. Yeah, I was pathetic. Today is a new start!!
Weight Loss:
- This week: .5 pounds (how? I do not know...)
- Total: 6.5 pounds

Posted by DeBrady

Week Four- Another Update.

2011-07-27T08:54:00.000-07:00

-Week 4 Update-

Eating:
This week was pretty good (besides Tuesday). Again, I had a lot of salads and tried to eat more veggies/fruit. Same ole thing during the week. The weekend was tough!!!! Let’s just say these words…Olive Garden, The Tomato Pizza, Chili’s, and Fuddruckers. That was my weekend in a nutshell. We had a date night and a lot of invites to lunch and dinner with friends and family. It was GREAT hanging out with people, but hard to be “good”. Here is what I had though…I was pretty proud of myself overall.
Olive Garden-
The Good: Apricot Chicken with zuchinni and squash. Not a bite of pasta. It was THE healthiest thing on the menu and tasted awesome.
The Bad: The regular salad. I psyched myself up to get dry salad and a side of light dressing. BUT I was at Olive Garden and just could NOT do it.
The Ugly: I had a breadstick which I told myself I wouldn’t do.

The Tomato Pizza- The one that used to be on Fry street is now in Sanger
The Good: I drank water while everyone else had sodas.
The Bad: I had some pizza instead of a salad this time, BUT I only had 3 little square…about the equivalent of 1.5 slices. It was thin crust, so that was helpful.
The Ugly: There was no A/C in there and we waited forever. Oh, and no water due to a water main break, so I had to PAY for a bottle of water instead.

Chili’s-
The Good: I had the Margarita Chicken with rice and corn. Again, the healthiest thing on the menu that I could find on Weight Watchers. It was yummy.
The Bad: Nothing really
The ugly: I tested Mason’s chicken strips (I always taste his food first…just to make sure it is done) and then decided I needed a couple of more bites because they were SO good. Oooops!

Fuddruckers-
The Good: I ordered the Grilled chicken salad with Fat Free Dressing. I even ate the tomatoes because they were cut up too tiny to remove.
The Bad: Someone ordered Fried Pickles and I ate one with Ranch dressing…almost two, but I stopped myself.
The Ugly: I ate the garlicy, buttery toast that came with my salad. I couldn’t stop once I took a bite. Ha.

Work Out:
I had a minor toe surgery on Monday which bothered me enough that I could not work out until Thursday. I did go to Jazzercise once and then I swam 12 laps Sunday night. Brady’s schedule this week is baaaaaad for me to make regular classes, so last night I worked out in my parents “gym”. I have not done a stairmaster or stationary bike in so long. I was pretty bored honestly (even with TV on), but I am a different kind of sore today, so that is good.

Attitude:
I am getting more in a routine where this is just what I am doing. It is becoming more of habit rather than dread. I did have a meltdown Tuesday after I weighed in and lost NOTHING. I didn’t go over my points with WW, BUT I ate all the sodium I could find, I think. Immediately, I puffed up and felt terrible. Glad that is over with! Ha.

Weight Loss:
This week: 1 pound
Total: 6 Pounds

Week Three

2011-07-20T07:27:00.000-07:00

Week Three Update:

Workout- I did A LOT of cardio this week. I went to Jazzercise several times and then swam almost every night. I am up to 11 laps in the pool now. Pretty good --up from ONE lap three weeks ago. I also went to a Jazzercise weight training/abs class one day. And I signed up for an 8 week personal training session. Still no word on Crossfit and I am starting to be more unsure about attending. We'll see. Still have my Zumba punch card that I need to use up too!! :)

Eating- I had a LOT of salads!! I am sort of on a salad kick right now. I really want to put full fat ranch on them or go for a ceasar salad, but have done well refraining so far! During the week I did a great job of portion control and staying within my points easily. I ate very sensibly and had some fruit and lots of veggies. The weekend I sort of "messed up", but I didnt go over my weekly point allowance. I made Mason a pasta casserole taht he loves and went a little overboard eating it ( I did use whole grain pasta and reduced fat cheese, but still). Then we got Which Wich sandwiches and I KNEW the healthy way to go and chose not to. My bad. I have to keep telling myself that I can't be perfect 100% of the time or I will give up fast!

Fun Facts-I am starting to notice that I don't feel tired as easily and I have more energy. Sad, but I would breath hard walking up the stairs in our house to put Mason to bed. Not so much anymore. Amazing what 3 weeks can do!!
I have forgotten to take my blood pressure medicine twice this week. Generally when this happens I get VERY tired, VERY VERY headachey, and dizzy. My body definitely reminds me to go find the pill bottle. This week, I have felt ZERO side affects from not taking it. I am not saying that my BP is under control or anything, but the fact that I didnt even realize I had forgotten is big time!!

Weight Loss- A big Fat ZERO. Not what I was expecting or hoping for this week. I thought I did really well at balancing my eating and my working out. I hope that maybe I am growing some muscles or something?? I think the inches are melting away, so I should just dwell on that this week. Boo! :(
Week 4- I had a minor toe surgery on Monday evening. Minor, but not comfortable in a tennis shoe, so I am not sure about the workouts this week. Hoping to be able to by tomorrow!!!! :)

Water Water Water

2011-07-15T12:55:00.000-07:00

Mason LOVES the water so it gives us something fun to do on these HOT summer days. This is how we have spent our summer............Granny's pool, Mason's kiddy pool, our friend Max's little pool. Anywhere that we can find water is where we want to be!!!! :)

Week Two- Update

2011-07-12T07:35:00.000-07:00

It has been TWO weeks since my commitment to losing weight and getting healthy began. Time for a check-in!!

--I worked out a lot...lots of cardio through Jazzercise and swimming laps...lots of laps. IT is something new that Brady and I have been doing and I feel it working.
--I counted points every meal for the week and did really well.

--I added lots of veggies...still working on fruit, but doing better.

--I went out to eat twice with a slip up each time. Once I ordered a sandwich that would have been really healthy only I didn't realize it had mayonnaise on it until I was pretty much done eating it. Then we went out for Mexican food. I had accounted for chips, just not as many as I ate. :)

Overall, according to the WW points system I did fine staying within range even with slip-ups.

Total lost this week: 2 pounds
Grand Total Lost so far: 5 pounds

Yummy Salad

2011-07-07T20:10:00.000-07:00

I just had to share my yummy dinner for TWO reasons:
1. Brady and Mason wanted pizza for dinner and I was on my best behavior and declined for salad instead.
2. It is the most beautiful salad I have ever seen. It had strawberries, blueberries, feta, almonds, mixed greens, advacado and tomatoes. Then a couple of slices of some sort of smoked cheese. Interesting mix, but it was FABULOUS!! :)

P.S. I did not eat the advacado or tomatoes...I know, I am weird like that. I did eat one tomato, but just couldnt eat the rest of them. ha

Day Four in July

2011-07-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

We had a fun 4th!! Busy day. Long Day. Fun Day!

It all started with a parade and ended with fireworks. In between there was consumption of burgers and brauts, family relaxing, suprise out of town guests, and swimming. I still have not caught up on sleep!! :)

Quote of the day: "That was fun mommy! Let's do it again sometime" This was what Mason said after the fireworks. Sounds about right... EXCEPT that he closed his eyes, fell asleep and had me cover his ears the entire show. he did not see one firework. That is what made it hilarious to me. HAHA.

Anyway, here are a couple of pictures from the day.

Week One-Update

2011-07-02T19:18:00.000-07:00

It has been one week since the heart health post. Since last Monday, I have made some changes...but nothing earth shattering.

-I made a contract with myself which mostly included food changes and workout changes and goals that I will try my hardest to abide by in the next 3 months.

-My eating was MUCH better. I am tracking everything I eat through WW online program. I was already paying for it and not really using it for the WW program, so I thought that would be a good way for me to make sure I am not eating too much.

-My workout life was non-existent pretty much. I made ONE Jazzercise class, one family walk/jog, and one pretty hard-core swim at my parents house. With Brady's schedule and both my mom and mom-in-law out of town I really had no place for Mason to go while I worked out. Luckily that will change...Brady gets off early the next 3 weeks so I can make Jazzercise and Zumba. Also, I am inquiring about a Crossfit Training here in Sanger...just waiting for a spot to open. Probably soon. Yikes!

-Water Water Water. I drink a lot of it. And besides one cranberry juice breakdown this week that is all I have had.

-No sweets, no sodas, less bad carbs is the goal and this week I did fine. We did have spaghetti one night with whole grain pasta...I jsut cut back.

So anyway, one week down...many more to go. Today was week 1 weigh in and I am down THREE pounds. Hopefully week 2 will be successful as well.

Heart Health

2011-06-28T07:46:00.000-07:00

Well, I went to my doctor yesterday for a follow-up on new lab work...I have to do this every 3 months until it gets straightened out. First of all my blood pressure was 110/65. This is unheard of for me. The lowest it has been in YEARS!!!! Generally it runs 140/85ish on a good day. Also, my cholestorol levels were in the normal range, not even on the "high normal" side, but more middle/low. Some of that is due to medication and some due to eating better. My triglycerides were down a lot, but still higher than they should be. The fear of developing diabetes is down quite a bit!!

It really hit me yesterday that there was real concern by my doctor. Last time he went over the numbers and gave me my assignment of getting those numbers down, BUT he never expressed fear or concern really (other than the borderline diabetes). Yesterday he told me how worried he was and explained coronary artery disease and the risk I was putting on my heart. He told me he was VERY concerned for my heart health. I am sorta glad he didnt say anything until the numbers were more manageable and less scary, but then part of me thinks if he would have, maybe I would have gotten my rear in gear a little faster than 1 week before my follow-up appointment, ya know??

The passed week I have been reading a book that a family friend wrote about his FOUR hearts. He had heart failure and had 2 artificial hearts and then a transplant and is now living life to the fullest. He told his horrific story in detail. Mostly the story is about his faith in God to pull him through it all. It was really intense. But it made an impact on me. Then listening to my doctor yesterday I realized that I too could be headed in that direction if I don't change my life ways...FOREVER.
FOREVER...that is tough to swallow. But, I have to think about not only myself, but my family. I want to be around for them.

Anyway, I am planning on blogging my progress once a week for a while so I can keep track for myself of how things are going. I hope that on September 20th when I go back to the doctor I can walk in 15 pounds lighter, normal triglyceride levels, get off of my cholestorol meds, and lower my blood pressure med dosage. That is the goal I am setting today ---> 06/28/2011.

I am writing down mini-goals and will post those soon. It is silly, but I am making myself a contract and I am going to sign it and carry it around with me. Hopefully it will make me think twice.

I. Heart. Food.

2011-06-22T14:09:00.000-07:00

The title says it all. I love food. Only there is a catch to that...I love UNHEALTHY food. There, I said it. I have been trying to motivate myself to eat healthier and the last few days I have been doing well.
*Baby steps though*
I know if I go all out, I will get sick of the change quickly and go back to my old ways even quicker. Is that a word?? It doesn't sound right. Hmmmm.

Anyway...here a few of my favorite things:

Chick-fil-a Fruit Cup-I eat out way too often. Generally I pick up a chicken biscuit or chicken minis any mornings that I drop Mason off with Grandma in Denton. Well this has now changed over to a fruit bowl...I get the LARGE. I like it because it does not have melons. Ew.
Salmon is a cholestorol fighting food and I happened to see these packets for $1 each at Target the other day...a quick snack and not too bad.

Boiled shrimp- low fat and lots of protein and tasty too. I was never a shrimp person until I got pregnant with Mason and now I love it. Random. It is a good snack, meal, appetizer...whatever

Yoplait Light Fat Free Yogurt- Okay, so this has some sugar in it, but trust me...the Red Velvet yogurt is better for me than the huge slice of red velvet cake I would normally eat. My one question...how on earth do they get these yogurts to taste so much like the actual dessert?? This is my new go-to when I am craving cake/cookie/etc. I actually crave yogurt now which is way weird. Cracker Barrel 2% Milk Sharp Extra Sharp Cheddar- so maybe cheese is not a good healthy choice, but this stuff is amazing. I actually buy the snack size so it is under 100 calories and has a good amount of protein. I limit myself to 1 every couple of days. Oh so good though. Sometimes I eat it between 2 whole grain crackers. Yummo.Bumble Bee Tuna- I have always been a tuna eater. and always solid white albacore...my mom spoiled me with the "good stuff" growing up. And my Grandmother spoiled me with the Bumble Bee brand. It's expensive!! But I love it and sometimes I splurge on it. Generally I go with a cheaper brand, but why does this one taste sooo much better??

And I am learning to embrace the side salad...replacing chips with lettuce is hard, but it is working out fine and I still feel full.
Some other things I love:
-Zuchini sauteed in a little olive oil and oregano and a sprinkle of low-fat feta on top
-Boiled squash with a little seasoning
-Any kind of baked fish...tilapia with lemon, salmon cooked any way. I have some Mahi mahi that I am going to try soon.
-BallPark 99% fat free all white meat turkey franks...these are delish with some relish and a few sprinkles of cheese. I used to eat them on Weight Watchers and they were 1 point a piece.
- Extra lean Ground turkey- I cant really tell a difference except that my tummy doesnt hurt when dinner is over.
- Mixed Berries with cool Whip FREE

Anyway...things are going pretty good right now. I still have a long way to go, but it's a start. :)

Just words

2011-06-15T10:18:00.000-07:00

- Why do people have to make everything so difficult when it is really just so simple?

- I was supposed to have my "swimsuit" body by now. Oooops. Didn't happen.

- My child is SO hilarious. Where does he come up with it all??

- I need to learn to speak my mind more often...it feels good to things off of my chest!

-It's HOT

-I learned this week that starting that healthy eating by inhaling WAY more veggies than you are used to gives a not so nice tummy ache.

-I want to be in a swimming pool right now, sporting that swimsuit body...I'll just settle for the pool.

-Why does everyone get a summer vacation but me? No fair.

-One of my insureds is cancelling because I never called him and said "Go To Hell"...his words, not mine. I am serious...this is real ya'll. What??

-When your child says "oughta", "this a-way", "that a-way" and "me-ulk" (milk) it is time to evaluate your hickness as a parent.

-How come when there is not a local professional sporting event going on that means "there is nothing to watch on TV" according to your husband?

-Why are women out to prove themselves to other women with money, power, makeup, hairstyles and jean size. Why can't we just be ourselves?

-I wish I was not so nervous about another child. I want one. I am just scared to have one. Dang preeclampsia!! Adoption is scary too.

-It is HOT in case you didnt know!

-I really wish that I could go to the Mavs parade tomorrow. Maybe shake Dirks hand for being so classy and realizing it is a TEAM sport.

-I need a cleaning fairy. A dusting, vacuuming and laundry fairy would be fine...I can do the rest.

-It is 12:31 and mom is 31 minutes late with Mason. I need him to be here so I can leave work and go to a playdate. Hurry!!

-That is all for today. :)

The Path

2011-04-28T13:36:00.001-07:00

My husband's family owns some land near Hilsboro, TX and we go down every year to a cemetery meeting. I know, I know...sounds WEIRD and CREEPY. We eat by the cemetery and talk about it and all that fun stuff. But see, this is a historical cemetery (declared by the state of Texas with a marker and everything). It is the GRAHAM-MASON cemetery. Where Mason's great-great-great-(maybe great?)- grandparents are buried. And Mason...well maybe you get a hint there into his name. A Graham married a "Mason" (maiden name) and there you have it.

My husbands family found the cemetery a few years ago, cleaned it up, repaired stones, put a gate around it to keep the cows away and started a board and association to up-keep the grounds and such...thus the meetings. See, it really is NOT that creepy after all...it is history.

Well a couple of weeks ago we went down to the meeting and I looked up and just happened to see that Mason found a stick from a very old tree and started walking down a path. I also just happened to have my camera around my neck too. SO I snapped away. Then I "tried" to get creative in Picnik.com and make it more vintage looking and I think it turned out pretty cute. My mother-in-law said that Mason is the 7th generation Graham to walk that path. Gave me chills.

Anyway, here is the photo...enjoy. :)

Preeclampsia Promise Walk

2011-04-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

Here is my story:

As most people already know, I was 30 weeks pregnant when my blood pressure shot up to around 170/110 and I developed preeclampsia. I was in the hospital for a few days and they got it "under control" at around 150/95ish and sent me home on bed rest and basically told me to attach a blood pressure monitor to my bed and watch closely. About 2 hours after we got home I had a panic attack...a big one. I was on the verge of hyperventilating and could not stop shaking. After being on monitors where I heard Mason's heartbeat for 3 days and then suddenly off of them, I FREAKED. Then I took my BP and it was back up to around 170/120 (with blood pressure medication in my system) and I FREAKED even more. We rushed to the hospital...I was 29.5 weeks pregnant and was told upon arrival "you are not going home this time."

The next morning the doctor came in and told me that I would be on hospital bedrest and hooked to a monitor for the remainder of my pregnancy. I was given steriod shots to help Mason develop his lungs at that time. Everytime I went to the bathroom it was in a cup and was measure for protein. It was multiplying rapidly. I had a constant dull headache and felt VERY dizzy anytime I stood up (although I would say "nope, not dizzy" not realizing how serious that was-duh). My blood pressure RISING still. They came in and told me that Mason would be born in the next 2-3 WEEKS and I needed to be transferred to a hospital with a NICU that could handle a baby that early in gestation. So, 2 days later they moved me.

I was told that once the move took place, I would be monitored for a couple of weeks. No big deal, I was becoming a pro at this. I brought an egg crate from home to make my matress comfy. I was on ambien to sleep. I had WONDERFUL AWESOME friends and family that would bring me activities to do. No big deal, right? Wrong.

I called Brady and he decided he would take off work and come get me settled and then go back in. I arrived and not 1 hour later I was on the phone with a specialist from the NICU waiting on teh arrival of Mason THAT DAY, a few hours later. The nurse came in and said the anesthesiolgist would be in shortly for signed waivers. A few minutes later the doctor that would be delivering Mason walked in, he said something like "your preeclampsia is progressing quickly. We might have another day or 2, but the chance you take is that your placenta will rupture and we will have to perform an emergency miracle to save your baby. Do you want to take that chance?" Uh, no! Not like 2 more days would make a huge difference in his development anyway. So, that quickly I went from thinking I had a good 2 weeks to veg and watch TV all day to being prepped for c-section.

I was told not to expect him to cry. He was 10 weeks early after all. His lungs not fully developed. Mason was just way too small to put forth such effort as to cry. They told me he would be immediately taken to NICU on oxygen. I would not see my baby except for a glimpse as they wheeled him out for intubation. I was on a magnesium sulfate drip so that I would not have a seizure or a stroke---and out of it I might add. That stuff is NOT fun! So, I would not see him for over 24 hours.

5:25PM. 11/25/2008. He cried. He screamed. They were able to work on him right in teh room with me. They brought him over to me for a few pictures before taking him to NICU. Best moment of my life. He was purple, but he was screaming. He was mad at this cruel world. And so was I.

That night the sweet nurses wheeled my entire bed down to NICU so I could see my precious baby boy. Wires, tubes everywhere. Alarms sounding. Nurses rushing around. But there was my little baby boy...all 3 pounds of him and he wrapped his fingers around my finger. That was the moment I was hooked to that little boy! :)

The NICU journey was a long one for us. Another story for another time. Luckily Mason remained healthy during that time, but other issues caused him to stay a long while- he didnt want to eat.

I just wanted to share what Preeclampsia did to us. And to think we were SO fortunate that we only had to stay in the NICU 10 weeks. Many times there are 3, 4, 5 months stays. Many times baby does not make it. Many times mom does not make it. Sometimes BOTH. It is a horrific disease. No known cause. No known cure but to deliver the baby. We need more research. We need more awareness for pregnant mom's. Most have never heard of it.

For once in my life I can truly be thankful for a history of high blood pressure or I would have not known to be watching for it either. It could have turned out MUCH worse.

Photo Day 30- A photo of me and THE END.

2011-04-05T09:55:00.000-07:00

Day 30- A photo of me

Today is the LAST day of the Photo Challenge. All it requires is a photo of myself. So, here it is. This was taken a few weeks before I found out I was pregnant. Needless to say I was much more thin. It is my current inspiration to keep plugging away at this healthy eating and working out thing. That and my health, duh. Anyway. It's been real. It's been fun. But I am glad this is over. I couldnt seem to follow the rules of one photo very well at all. Until next time. PEACE! :)

Photo Day 29- A Photo that always makes me smile

2011-04-04T09:45:00.001-07:00

Day 29- Photo that makes me smile.

How about photo(S)? Many photos, but one subject. ALWAYS ALWAYS makes me smile. ALWAYS. :)

My sweetie pot pie...Mason.

Photo Day 28 – A picture of you last year and today

2011-04-01T09:26:00.000-07:00

Day 28---Photo of me last year and now. Then a description of how I have changed.

I really do not have many photos of me alone....hmmmmmmmm. Here is one from Mother's Day last year...and one with Brady cropped out from a few weeks ago.

Really, I can not think of a whole lot of ways I have changed AT ALL. Basically, I am the same just another year older and face a little rounder. The face thing is changing back to the opposite direction now since I am losing some weight. I am the mom of a toddler instead of a baby now. I have gained a couple of great friends. That is about it...things are pretty much the same for me.

P.S. I hate photos of myself...yuck.

Photo Day 27- Something I am afraid of

2011-03-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

Day 27- Something I am afraid of

Well, I have already posted things I hate, which included snakes. I am like VERY VERY afraid of those things. I am not going to post another photo of them because, well it makes me want to gag and pass out. YUCK!

So, today I will post something that I am just really afraid of and freaked out when I encounter such a thing. It may be a weird one for most. Most will think I am a little baby when I post this I am sure. It is something that most would probably enjoy, but for me I panic.

DEEP WATER.

no, I do not know these people---google image

You will not catch me on the deep end of a pool (even my parents pool) without some sort of floatation device. You will never see me go down a water slide. You will never see me jump off of a diving board. You will never see me swim under water. And that is all in clear water. Huge amounts of water, such as lakes and oceans where you can not see the bottom really gross me out. And the thought of not seeing how far the bottom is from me...uh, not happening. I have been tubing (peer pressure) and although it is a blast while going. I refuse to fall of the dad-gum tube. I have before, but most of them time I just have blisters from holding on so freaking tight. The unknown of what is around me...fish, snakes, turtles, dead people, bacteria, nasty stuff....no thanks. I will ride in a boat all day long....I love that. I will sit on the beach and wade in the shallow water, but after it hits my waist it is time to turn back.

SHIVER

Photo Day 26- Something that means a lot to me

2011-03-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

Day 26- Something that means a lot to me.

I feel SO repetitive on this photo blogging thing. My family is pretty much the most important and meaningful thing to me here on this earth. Followed by my friends....and dessert. HA.

But one thing that means a lot to me besides the PEOPLE in my life is my faith. I was fortunate enough to be born into a home with a history of church-going, God-following, Bible-reading, people-loving family. I was in church from the time I was a baby. I was involved in all things church through high-school. I went to a Baptist University where all activities, even classes, were Christian based. I took Bible classes as part of the required courses. I got married and we sorta stopped going to church because we blended denominations and we just could not find a good fit. Then Mason was SO preemie we had to really watch for RSV and could not take him to a church nursery anyway for a couple of years. Now Brady and I teach Sunday School in my childhood church every Sunday morning.

I am so happy to be back in church and to raise my son in a church home.

Photo Day 25- My favorite memory

2011-03-29T08:01:00.001-07:00

Day 25- My favorite memory

Gosh, here we go again...my favorite memory in what sense? Like, a memory as a child? As an adult? There are like 5 billion favorite memories for me.

As a child I loved being outdoors playing on the swing, playing with my dolls, having my imaginary friends (Bermadean and DeanDean---seriously!), playing in my playhouse on stilts (yes my dad spoiled me and build me a playhouse...a huge playhouse outside), going down in the pasture to fish and having hot dog roasts, family trips, staying with my Grandmothers (the chicken fried steak and fried chicken are good ole memories), riding horses with my Papa, going shopping with my Grandmommy, going to the beauty shop with my Nanny, and riding around the country with my Grandaddy. Aunt Liz taking me to the public library and the pool singing "Roll out those lazy hazy crazy days of summer, those days of soda and pretzels and COKE" (It really said beer, but we yelled coke instead- ha.) Man....just brings back SO much happiness. There are sooooooooooooo many more, but I will stop there.

As an adult I mostly cherish time with family and friends...I could go on and on with all of the places I have been fortunate to visit. Parks, vacations, events, restaurants, nights out, etc. I mean the memories are just flowing, but it would take forever to write down.

So, without further rambling. Just know I have a TON of memories that mean the world to me, but none as precious as these two:

The day I married my best friend in the whole world. I still have our wedding and our honeymoon etched in my brain. The smiles on our faces the entire time.

The day the most precious gift EVER was brought over to me...all 3 pounds of him. I will never forget that cry because I didnt think I would hear one that early in pregnancy. Now THAT tops them all! :)

Photo Day 24- Photo of Me and a Family Member

2011-03-23T13:28:00.000-07:00

Whew...I had to get the "craving" photos off of the front page. I mean, I am craving those things but can not have them, so seeing the pictures was not helping any at all!! And I am WAY passed due again on posting. So, me and a family member it is...or maybe just a photo of a family member without me. What is the deal...I am in like no photos. I choose my nephew Jaret.

This is Jaret on vacation this passed summer...he had just scraped his stomach on a rock...sad that this is the latest pic I have of him by himself. ha

Jaret was born January 18, 1998 and I remember it as well as I do having my own child. I had been in Health Science classes my senior year in high school and got to do rotations in the local hospital. One area I "worked" in was labor and delivery and I got to see a few births during that time. Because of that, my sister-in-law asked me to be in the room with her and my brother when he was born. January 17th I was out with a couple of friends at Sonic...we were eating ice cream I believe, right Rebecca? Anyway, my parents were out of town and I got the call. We rushed and packed up a bag for them since they left their house before doing that. Then we waited...we went home...my parents headed back home late at night. The next morning I was called about 6AM to get to the hospital. I was given the camera and the video camera and told to get the first photos/video of his life. While my sister-in-law pushed, my brother held her hand... and me...well I was in the position of watching Jaret being born. I know...sounds ummmmm, well weird seeing your sis-in-law like that, BUT I have to say the only thought in my mind was the baby, not anything else! haha. So, a little bit later there he came...and I saw him first(even before his mom and dad) and I took his first photos literally as he came out and cord was cut, and I took the first video of him. I was the one that got to announce to the grandparents in the waiting room that they had a new grandson. All at only 18 years of age. He just turned 13 this year...makes me feel old. But I have always had a special connection to him and always will. :)

Photo Day 23- Something I Crave

2011-03-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

Day 23- A photo of something I crave

Wow. I got WAY behind on this photo blog...Spring Break I had a 4 day weekend and spent it with Mason and was not on the computer much. Then this week has just been BUSY. Anyway, because of some recent health test results (bye bye fried food) AND because of lent (I gave up sweets and sodas) here is what I crave:

You may have seen these items in previous posts... :)

Red Velvet Cheesecake

Warm chocolate chip cookies with Ice Cream---Blue Bell vanilla to be exact

And Babes Fried Chicken and creamed corn

Photo Day 22- Something that confuses me

2011-03-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

Day 22- Things that confuse me

There are many things that make me go "huh?", but here are a few that I try to understand, but it is just too complicated! ha

Triginometry- I am decent at math, but for some reason I just could NOT comprehend this one in college. The only reason I passed is because I lauged at the professers jokes at 8AM...and I am not kidding!

Politics- I mean I understand basic things about politics, but it confuses me that everything is so left or right, red or blue, democrat or republican, right or wrong. I don't understand why one side won't take the time to try and understand the other. Why can't people see that both sides have good and bad points? Why do we have to be SOOOOOOOOOO divided? It makes me sad! And confused!!

Investing- investing is just confusing. The. End. I have tried to understand. I have read articles on the best way to get the most return on your money. I just have to trust my husband on this one. He loves this stuff. I don't. ha.

Photo Day 21- Something that makes me happy

2011-03-15T08:29:00.001-07:00

Day 21- Something that makes me happy

I feel like I have done this one before...on day 14 to be specific. All of those things still make me happy, but I will add a few more to the list!

Red Velvet Cheesecake

Easter- one of my favorite holidays----the obvious JESUS IS ALIVE! and it feels like Spring is beginning! :)

Zoo Trips---I LOVE the zoo! :)
Blowing bubbles.

Photo Day 20 - Somewhere I would like to travel

2011-03-14T08:16:00.000-07:00

Day 20- Where I would like to travel

These are just a few of the places that I would like to visit that are a pretty good distance from good ole Texas. Of course, there are a TON of places I want to see within "the 48" states, but that would make this blog a mile long! :)

Italy

Australia
New Zealand

Alaska

Hawaii

Photo Day 18- My biggest insecurity

2011-03-10T10:01:00.001-08:00

Day 18- My biggest insecurity

I have two:

1.My weight---I always want to lose weight. It makes me very self conscious and as if everyone stares at me thinking "man, she really needs to lose weight." I try...I AM trying to do so at this moment. I have to...for my health! I have to...for my family. It is just a hard thing to do.

2.I am afraid to talk to people---I have the fear of being stupid/embarrassing myself when I talk to people. I am timid. I am shy. I hate talking on the phone. I always think I am going to say something dumb. Even if I know I am right about something I am too scared to say it most of the time. I will not speak up in a group of people. It is funny because I am somewhat intelligent. I know a little about almost any subject (meet my dad and brother and you will see why---they know everything---literally). Some subjects I know a lot about. I am funny and like to laugh and come up with witty comments, but don't do it often for fear of rejection/non-laughter. It's sad and I really need to work on it!

Photo Day 17- A photo of my favorite song

2011-03-10T08:55:00.000-08:00

Day 17- My favorite song

Wow...good one, only I have NO idea! Like, I have listened to 2 year old music for 2 straight years and I do not know any current songs. Like, there are a bajillion songs I really really like and can not choose ONE. I REALLY can not do this. So, I did an experiement...I asked Mason what HIS favorite song is at the moment. The photo today will be his favorite, not mine (not that I don't like it). So, here ya go. :)

"We all Sing With the Same Voice"

This is the book version...he likes the Sesame Street version though. I love hearing him sit and sing it too. A-dor-a-ble! :)

Mason's Day- An I-phone Journal

2011-03-09T19:57:00.000-08:00

Busy Working at Mommy's Office

Helping Pappy take out the hard drive of the old office computers

Reading LOTS of books

Smiling for Mommy

Painting with water
Watching 2 minutes of Tom and Jerry...if that long
Playing a silly game that Mason made up
Cook-cooking
Play-doh
And messy spaghetti to end our night
We had a fun fun day today. I even missed some on camera, but this is a pretty good idea of what days in this house look like! :)

Photo Day 16 – A picture of you and someone you do weird things with

2011-03-08T13:27:00.000-08:00

Day 16- Someone I do weird things with...

What if I don't do weird things? What if I am normal 100% of the time-HA? Seriously, I don't branch out too much in the acting weird area (at least with friends and such). HA. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm....

I am going to change this one up.

Instead, how about this....someone I do weird things "too". That sounds strange, but what I mean is this...dressing up a poor little boy in weird outfits and making him smile for the camera! My poor poor child! :)

Photo Day 15- Photo of my family

2011-03-07T08:52:00.001-08:00

Day 15- My family

Here are 3 photos of my family. The first one is of Brady, Mason and me. The second one you have seen before, but it is my side of the family...with some extended cousins in there. The third is my husbands family. We are so fortunate to live close to our families and have close relationships with them. We are truly VERY blessed!!

This photo was taken at a VERY old ranch home in Colorado. It was a beautiful day!

Again, this one was taken at the Gaylord Texan with my dad's side of the family. We had a fun family weekend at the Great Wolf lodge and went to the Gaylord for brunch.

This was taken at the Stockyards in Fort Worth. I am a country girl, so this is right up my alley. I am very fortunate to have great in-laws!

Photo Day 14- Something that makes me happy

2011-03-07T08:26:00.001-08:00

Day 14- Something that makes me happy

Wow, this really is hard...this picture blogging thing. It is hard to think of ONE photo of me doing something that makes me happy. Being with my family makes me happy, being with my friends makes me happy, traveling...attending events...eating out...being on the lake....wedding cake...all these things make me happy.

The two people in my life that make me SO happy are what I choose today though!

This is obviously taken on my wedding day...best day of my life (besides the day Mason was born!). And wedding cake was involved too, so it was a REALLY happy day! ;)

This is Mason and I in Colorado. We had stopped to view a moose on the side of the road and Brady was snapping action shots that I did not know about. It is one of my favorite photos. Plus we are in Colorado...another happy place. And to top it off a moose on the side of the road...and I had never had the chance to see a moose up close before!

And just for kicks...here are a few other happy things

The Stockyards
River Rafting!!

The State Fair of Texas----corny dogs anyone?

And baking with my little sweetie!!

Photo Day 13- Something I hate

2011-03-04T13:01:00.000-08:00

Day 13- Something I hate

Again, multiple photos...one of which I CAN NOT believe I posted on my blog...can you guess which one? UGH.

Cleaning!!!!

SNAKES--shiver

Skunks

Most Veggies

Potatoes of any kind!

Photo Day 12- Photo of something I love

2011-03-04T12:39:00.000-08:00

Day 12- Something I love

Can I post several things I love?? Is that against the rules? I just feel I could go many different ways with this, so I am going to break the rules and do several photos.

I love:

Musicals

Jazzercise

Sleeping

Christmas Time

Colorado Mountains

Warm Brownies with Vanilla Ice Cream

And of course...My little family

Photo Day 11- Picture of a celebrity crush

2011-03-03T10:14:00.000-08:00

Day 11- Celebrity Crush

Goodness...another hard photo day. I don't really have a major celebrity crush...I used to think Brad Pitt was "tha bomb.com", but not so much anymore. I guess for now I will have to say Josh Lucas. I watch Sweet Home Alabama all the time and yeah...he's pretty hot. Other than that movie though, I know nothing about him...he may be a dog in real life! But I do have a crush on him in that movie. HA So, here he is folks!

And as for local celebrity, it's no secret: Hello Pete...HAHAHAHAHAHA!

Photo Day 10- A photo of me when I was little

2011-03-02T07:44:00.000-08:00

Day 10- ME when I was a little girl

This was the only photo scanned in to my computer at the moment, so it is the one I chose! I loved going to dance (ballet and tap) when I was little. My Grandmommy made sure that I had nice bows on my shoes always! :) This was from one of the recitals. I was so fortunate to be able to participate in things when I was little. It made me who I am today!

Photo Day 9- Someone who has gotten you through the most...

2011-03-01T09:47:00.000-08:00

Day 9- Someone who has gotten me through the most

This one is TOUGH for me. Mostly because I don't allow people to "get me through" things. I sort of keep my emotions locked up inside of me. And fortunately, with a couple of exceptions I have not had to endure many really hard times. I have a great family and a few really close friends and my husband that are always there. When Mason was in the NICU and my dad on the table for HOURS having open heart surgery (after almost dying mind you) there was not just one person there. Everyone was there... So today, my answer is Brady, family and friends get me through any tough times. This photo above was taken at The Gaylord Texas with my entire dad's side of the family. We are all very close.

Photo Day 8- Someone that makes me laugh

2011-02-28T20:08:00.000-08:00

Day 8- Someone that makes me laugh

Well, the reason that Brady and I fell in love really has a lot to do with how much fun we have together and how much we laugh. We are always being silly, saying stupid things, making faces and talking weird to each other (weird like in a hick voice). I know, I know...we are strange. But, it works and we laugh A LOT. I wouldn't have it any other way!!!! :)

Day 7 Photo- Something that has made a big impact on life

2011-02-25T09:47:00.000-08:00

Day 7- Something that has had a big impact on my life

I feel like I could go several ways with this one...but ultimately I chose my ordeal with Pre-Eclampsia and having Mason 10 weeks early. I felt like I could have gone the route of getting baptized after I professed my faith...a HUGE one. But somehow I have no photos of the event readily available (in fact about 4-5 years of my awkward years are missing...hmmmm). Then I thought about my dad and his health related issues. For some reason there are not any pictures of my dad being shocked back to life with paddles or CPR being performed to bring him back...wonder why? So, Mason it is. :)

You can always read about Mason's early birthday here at: http://debradygraham.blogspot.com/2008/11/welcome-to-world-little-mason.html

Since then, I have been a part of the Pre-Eclampsia foundation annual walk and am always researching the disease. The fact that it could...probably will... happen to me again REALLY has made an impact on the future of my children. Am I comfortable with one child? Am I ready to push my body to see how I would do with #2? If that route, is 20 weeks of bed rest an option? Adoption? So much I have to think about and decide soon. So I think that is a big indication of how it has impacted me...I am a nervous wreck about this disease!! :( (which, by the way...does NOT help my blood pressure! ha)

Photo Day 6- My favorite band/group

2011-02-25T09:39:00.000-08:00

Day 6- Favorite music group/band

This one is hard because I can never pick a favorite it seems...I just like most all music. So, I will instead post the 2 groups in which I have the most music in my I-pod. One a punk Rock band, and one a country band, but I love them both and know most all of their many many songs.

Photo Day 5- Place I have been

2011-02-25T09:33:00.001-08:00

Day 5- A place that I have been

Well, I have been a lot of places, but for this photo blog challenge, I narrowed it down to one of the most gorgeous places I have ever seen...Tulum, Mexico. The history and beauty were unlike anything I have ever seen here in the USA. It was gorgeous! :) If you look in the top left corner of the photo you can see some of the ancient Mayan ruins and then the cliffs down to the beautiful water!

Photo Day 4- A bad habit

2011-02-24T09:07:00.000-08:00

Day 4- A picture of a habit I wish I didnt have

(get it...FAST FOOD. HA!)

EATING BAD FOODS
I am not sure if it is a "habit", but I wish I had self-control when it comes to eating things that are not good for me. I LOVE food WAY too much. I try...I really try, but eating out and making pasta dishes at home are just way too tempting. I wish I didn't care about food. I wish I ate to live and did not live to eat. I want to lose weight, but with my "habit" of eating bad things it is hard! HELP!!!!!!

Day Three Photo- Someone You Miss

2011-02-22T11:23:00.000-08:00

Meet Grandmommy...for those of you that do not know her. This is my dad's mom and this photo was taken last year on her 90th birthday. She is still alive and I see her weekly. The reason I "miss" her though is because of her Alzheimer disease...she is not the same Grandmommy anymore. She does not remember my name, she can not cook for herself or take care of everyday hygiene herself. She sees horses at the door and people come out of her TV and try to take over her home. Little girls float around in her back yard and steal her milk. My uncle steals and wears her shoes. In fact, we all steal from her. Sounds funny, and we have to laugh to keep from losing it, because it is just really really sad.

She has always been the most made up, best dressed, most proper woman you would ever meet. Always friendly no matter what, soft-spoken always and loves everyone. Now, she yells and screams at anyone she has to wait on or that is ahead of her in line (like at the dentist office or hair salon), she cusses and talks bad about people, she accuses everyone of stealing and lying, and such. It is horrible.

We are moving her to a home this week where she can be seen after 24 hours a day. I think this will help tremendously and hopefully stimulate her mind a little more. Please pray for her during this time...and us too! :)

Anyway, that is why I miss my Grandmommy. The same could apply to my Nanny, but she still has her mind sometimes. And my grandfathers...I miss them so, but do not have a photo readily available without scanning.

Day Two Photo- Someone I am close to

2011-02-22T08:39:00.001-08:00

Someone you have been close to the longest.

Rebecca and I met when we were about 4 years old in Sunday School...we became buddies quickly and still are to this day. We have been through a lot in our school days and even since then. Let's name a few: I apoligize that a lot of things only Rebecca will get. :)

- Church: Mission Friends, GA's, Skip's Kids, Youth Group, Youth Choir trips, College and Career ski trips, etc.----lots of nights in the parking lot hanging out--blind and deaf schools, backyard bible clubs, Vacation Bible School, boys, children's choir, Christmas programs (angels of course), lots of fun trips, giggling in the service.

-School Days: Slumber parties, field trips, singing "Let's hear it for the boys" in 2nd grade lip synch, braces, "Butt's Together" photo, secret admirers, FHA (Disney World!!), Football games, first cars, 1998 summer!, banquets, Sunkist and Oatmeal pies, prom, broken hearts, sleepovers and gossip, more awful photos, Six Flags(chattering teeth and sisters), hating our parents, food or no food depending on the year, silly fights, firebird and Celine Dion, spending all of our graduation money on clothes, slow Grandpa's, Dr. Pepper and animal cookies, treasure hunts at Granny's, HomeEc classes, college credits, Mr. Yeatts helping us with tests, family reunion in Oklahoma!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh gah, dotting i's with a circle, baby talk, torturing brothers....and on and on and on and on.

- College: SFA/OBU, Dixie Chicks, Military boys, more broken hearts, Rebecca fell in love :), homecoming parades, Exel Inn- ha!, letter writing, boy problems, too far away!!, My first real live boyfriend, tiny dorm rooms, first apartments...

- Grown-ups: Rebecca got married and moved to Florida, more broken hearts (this time on my end), babies, I found my true love :), musicals, careers, food and more food-we love it, cherish any time we do get together, shopping, email, Facebook, blogs to keep up, busy...too busy

Future: more babies?, spend more time together, eat food...more food! ha, retire in houses next to each other and B$&*# about the young kids these days, gossip about friends and family :), raise our grandkids together, go on bus tours together, casino nights! HA

Photo Challenge -Day One

2011-02-21T11:38:00.000-08:00

Day One- A photo of me with 15 facts about myself!

1. I HATE potatoes…any form or fashion, including plain potato chips! Ewww!

2. I have had the same best friend for the past 25 years…or longer? We have been through a lot together…looking forward to 25 more…then 25 more! 

3. I am addicted to watching The Office. I don’t have a chance to watch it on TV anymore so I watch online. It is the only show I watch…seriously. I will cry when Michael Scott leaves.

4. I am terrified of snakes…they are so NASTY and SCARY! What is their purpose anyway? Speaking of that, what is the purpose of a skunk?? Just wonderin?

5. When I eat a sandwich, I cut the lettuce….but then order a side salad with it and eat ONLY the lettuce.

6. I LOVE vacations so much that I want to be on one ALL THE TIME! There are so many places I want to visit including ... Australia, Alaska, Italy, Austria, New York, California, Wyoming, Oregon, anywhere East Coast etc.

7. I think that whoever invented mattresses, covers and pillows is/are the greatest person/people in history!

8. When I was in middle school I learned all of the words to Ice Ice Baby and thought that I was pretty much the coolest person EVER! P.S. I still know every word!

9. I have a crush on Pete Delkus, the channel 8 weatherman…I try to deny it, but it's so true! HAHA! Hey, he is good-looking for an old guy AND he totally looks right at me when giving the weather…I think he likes me too! Kidding…. 

10. If I could meet any famous actor, it'd probably be Tom Hanks. I love him and all of his movies.

11. I once slapped one of my, then, BFF’s on the play-ground in 4th grade. I begged and begged her not to tell the teacher. I had NEVER EVER gotten in trouble for anything and was SO scared. Luckily I bribed her in to not telling!

12. I sang the national anthem in front of several hundred people one time…acapella…in high school…the high note sucked…shoot me!

13. In 10th grade I ripped my ACL in half while snow-skiing. I refused to have help off the mountain, so I skied down on one leg. My brothers did not believe I was injured since I skied down so they made me carry all of my gear in ski boots all the way to the car. Then I had to climb in the back seat with NO leg room. When I finally got my ski pants off my knee was about the size of a watermelon. The night I found out I had to have surgery I went to eat a Luby’s. 

14. On November 11, 2006 I married my bestest “boy” friend, Brady. It was the best decision I have ever made. We have had the happiest marriage and I look forward to MANY years with him. 11/11 is Veteran’s day so we always have that day off of work together to celebrate. This year on 11/11/11 we will celebrate 5 years. We are planning on a cruise (the same ship as our honeymoon cruise, but going to East Carribean instead of West) to celebrate this wonderful time!!

15. Last but certainly not least…Mason Layne Graham was born on 11/25/08 at only 30 weeks along in my pregnancy. My blood pressure kept rising and all tests started to indicate that much longer and my kidneys would start failing and my placenta could rupture. I was on hospital bed rest for a week before he was born at 3 pounds 2 ounces. He spent 10 whole weeks in the NICU where we had to endure infection scares, blood transfusions, tube feedings, ventilators, beeping monitors when he was not breathing, etc. Today he is 2 and as healthy as can be…very active and extremely intelligent (okay, maybe I am biased  )

30 Day Photo Challenge

2011-02-21T11:32:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my good friend Davita for posting the idea, I have decided to do a 30 day photo challenge. I should probably start on the 1st of a new month, BUT I want to be different and start tomorrow!! Here is the schedule:
Day 1 – A photo of you with 15 facts about yourself.
Day 2 – A picture of you and someone you have been closest to for the longest.
Day 3 – A picture of you and someone you miss.
Day 4 – A picture of a habit you wish you didn’t have.
Day 5 – A picture of somewhere you’ve been.
Day 6 – A picture of you fave band/artist.
Day 7 – A picture of someone/something that has had the biggest impact on your life.
Day 8 – A picture of someone who makes you laugh.
Day 9 – A picture of someone who has gotten you through the most.
Day 10 – A picture of you when you were little.
Day 11 – A picture of your celebrity crush.
Day 12 – A picture of something you love.
Day 13 – A picture of something you hate.
Day 14 – A picture of you doing something that makes you happy.
Day 15 – A picture of your family.
Day 16 – A picture of you and someone you do weird things with.
Day 17 – A picture of your favourite song.
Day 18 – A picture of your biggest insecurity.
Day 19 – A picture of something that inspires you.
Day 20 – A picture of somewhere you’d love to travel.
Day 21 – A picture of something that makes you happy.
Day 22 – A picture of something that confuses you.
Day 23 – A picture of something you crave.
Day 24 – A picture of yourself and a family member.
Day 25 – A picture of your favourite memory.
Day 26 – A picture of something that mean’s a lot to you.
Day 27 – A picture of something you’re afraid of.
Day 28 – A picture of you last year and today with a description of how you’ve changed.
Day 29 – A picture that can always make you smile.
Day 30 – A picture of yourself.

Looking forward to it!! :)

Heart and Chocolate Day!

2011-02-14T14:10:00.001-08:00

I am tired of Christmas being my last post, so in honor of Valentine's Day I am posting a photo of the wonderful cupcakes my husband sent to me this morning. Half are chocolate and half are red velvet. Two of them might be missing at this time. :) I love my husband all the time, not just today....

AND my two Valentines...my husband and my sweet little Mason!
This was taken on our wedding day and is my most favorite photo to date of Brady and I!!

This was taken at the Pumpkin Patch...I just like it because it was not posed and Mason and I are having such a fun time together riding the train!!

Santy Clause

2010-12-21T09:30:00.000-08:00

We took Mason to visit Santa at Bass Pro shop this weekend. Let me tell you...we have practiced MANY MANY MANY times what to ask Santa for..."a kitchen to cook-cook". He was a pro at it! So the big moment came...we were next in line. I asked Mason one more time to confirm "okay, what are you going to ask Santa for?" "DISHES mommy!" Something we had NEVER discussed or practiced...but he asked for dishes. It is a really good thing that Santa knows that dishes are needed to run a sucessful kitchen!! HA.

The Reason

2010-12-08T07:54:00.001-08:00

I know that we all know "The Reason for the Season" as the saying goes. This time of year we should reflect on the true meaning of Christmas...that Jesus Christ was born, but more than that...he was sent to SAVE US. I admit it, I get WAY too wrapped up in gift-giving, Santa, Christmas lights, holiday food, toy shopping, Etc. Sometimes I forget that all of that is just "stuff" that over-shadows what I really should be focused on. I have been trying really hard to talk to Mason every day about the above manger scene. I love that he points out "baby Jesus" moreso than the other figures...though he does have an obsession with the sheep too. Maybe there is some symbolism there OR maybe he just really loves sheep. Anyway, I am writing this post to remind MYSELF the true meaning of Christmas. The part that I should be focused on.

What do you do that really focuses on Christ's birth in your homes? For your children, so that they too can focus on "baby Jesus"?

Choo Choo Halloween

2010-11-02T10:05:00.001-07:00

Since Mason is obssessed with trains right now, I thought it was fitting for him to be a train engineer for Halloween. That way he could carry around his Thomas engines and it could be a part of his birthday attire (train them of course). Anyway, here is the cutest train engineer you have ever seen(sorry, I am a little bit biased)! :)

Fun Fall Days- Part 2

2010-10-18T09:53:00.000-07:00

This weekend we had a lot of fun. We spent Saturday at the Fort Worth Stockyards with the entire Graham family. For some, this may not sound too exciting, but I am totally a country girl at heart. I love the history, the animals, the atmosphere. I really enjoyed watching Mason as he called EVERY longhorn we saw "Bevo". He'd say "Two Bevo's" if he saw more than one longhorn. Sorry, but that is just cute! We walked around, enjoyed Cattleman's restaurant, took many photos, and just had a good time.

Sunday after church and nap time, mom and dad came over and we took Mason to a Pumpkin Patch in Argyle. It was a beautiful day...overcast with a little cool breeze. Mason had the best time riding the train and picking out pumpkins. We may have to go back because it was such a neat place.

Anyway, picture time...

Ft Worth Stockyards

Pumpkin Patch

Fun Fall Days

2010-10-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

Fall is by far my favorite time of year. It a time of much celebration ---my wedding anniversary, my birthday, Mason's birthday, Thanksgiving, mom/brother/father-in-laws b-days, Halloween (although I am not a huge fan of this holiday, I do like seeing all the dressed up kiddos). Also, the weather is perfect...I mean really I could live with this weather most of the year and be fine! The trees are starting to change in to many beautiful colors...I LOVE that!

As a result, we have spent a lot of time in celebration (just getting started) and a lot of time outside with Mason. I am convinced he would live outdoors if I let him...who needs a play room inside when you have leaves and grass and airplanes and choo choos and bugs outside??

Anyway, here are a few pictures from our latest adventures:

Outside Fun

State Fair Of Texas!!

The Rainforest Cafe

Up next...Ft Worth Stock yards tomorrow, Pumpkin Patch next week, Children's Museum in Ft Worth early November, birthday party planning, train engineer Halloween costume and more...

Picture Post

2010-09-23T12:35:00.000-07:00

Some of our latest photos.

Mason at his Uncle Aaron's wedding

Feeding the Ducks at Inks Lake- Labor Day

Wearing Daddy's shoes

At the circus- he loved it!

Just being silly with his glasses

Listening to the band at the Sanger Sellabration

I meant to put the pic of him brushing his teeth, but anyway he LOVES to brush his teeth!

Happy boy in Sunday School

Coming after me with his "mitt" hands

Boy with a messy face- Labor Day

HELP!!

2010-09-21T08:53:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed by something that should not overwhelm you? Well, I do. All of the time. Right now my little blood pressure raising project is Mason's One Year album. Yes, I said ONE year...and yes, he is about to be TWO.

I completed a book journaling his time in the NICU with photos, his progress while in there, even the dreaded setbacks and not so fun stuff. That covered the first 10 weeks of his life and the book has 50+ pages. So, now I am trying to finish the rest of the year...only about 5000 photos to choose from.

I dont even know where to start. I have decided to do it online through Shutterfly or Smilebooks or something similar as I did with the NICU book. Actually buying the stuff to scrapbook it myself, plus printing the photos would cost me a fortune. It would be at least 10 years before it was finished too.

Not even sure why I am posting this except that I am so overwhelmed. How will I ever choose pictures? Help!

Sunday School and Playdates

2010-08-30T09:48:00.000-07:00

Mason is now 21 months old and has led a pretty sheltered life. Beyond hanging out with his cousins (12, 9, and 3) he has not ever played with any other children. This is mostly due to the delicate SEVERAL months after a preemie is born. We had to be SUPER careful not to let him get RSV. The first year was critical, and the 2nd season (Ocotber-April) was still dangerous, so we kept him away from other kids.

Anyway, after April of this year I was going to start playdates and taking him to Sunday School, etc. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeellllllllllllllll, life got busy...vacations, and events and having to give up my half-days at the office didn't help any.

SO, about 3 weeks ago I was asked if I would "teach" the Walkers at church...kiddos around 15 months-2.5 years. I agreed (with my husband helping too) to do so...I figured it would be a great opportunity to introduce Mason to other kids without the trauma (for me- ha) of just leaving him with children and a stranger at the door. Plus, my dad is back full time now at work and I cancelled Mason's Tuesday food therapy (whole other post), so I have my half-day Wednesdays back!!

All this back story to say that Wednesday playdates are a must now. In fact, we invited Max over last week and they did great together. Mason was a little unsure about sharing his toys at first, but it didnt take him long to get used to it. They played for a long while and ended the time with a cute little hug and kiss bye-bye. Yay for friends!! Also, Sunday was our first time to teach the little kiddos. Oh my, they are cute. Mason did fine. I think it is a little hard to share mommy and daddy with the others, but he really did do well. All of the kids did, in fact. All boys...and man are they fun!! AND ENERGETIC!!

I am just soooooo glad to finally be able to get Mason involved in activities with other kiddos. He SO needs this!!

*FYI Melodie, since you are probably the only one reading this...if you have a free Wednesday coming up soon, lets plan something with Amanda and us!! :)

V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N Twenty Ten Revised

2010-07-27T10:41:00.000-07:00

*Well my post dissappeared, so here it is again (what I remember of it).

This year Brady, Mason and I flew to Colorado to meet my parents and my brother, his wife and kids. It was Mason's first time on an airplane and he did awesome!! Anyway, we flew in to Denver and then spent a week in Estes Park, near Rocky Mountain National Forest. It was BEAUTIFUL there and so much to see and do. We did a lot of sight-seeing, wildlife viewing, fishing, driving, eating, walking around beautiful lakes, relaxing, shopping, biking, etc.

The first meal there was a nice treat...so nice, in fact, that I got food poisoning, ended up in the emergency room with severe dehydration and intense stomach cramping. I thought I was going to die. Morphine was given for the pain and 3 units of hydration fluids. I made it and enjoyed the rest of the stay.

We saw elk, deer, a moose, fox, marmots, chipmunks, etc. The only thing we did not see was a bear BUT I did hear one at the trash bin behind our cabin. It was loud, kept me awake. I could see a shadow every now and then, but could not make out that it was a bear...I know it was though by the mess the next morning...plus my brother and Jaret saw one there while they were fishing a few days earlier.

After Estes Park, we headed to Colorado Springs for a couple of days. I could have stayed another week to fit in everything i wanted to do. We did a lot in a day and 1/2. The zoo was amazing and I WILL be going back next time we visit "The Springs". We even went over to Cripple Creek to gamble...I mean ride the train. No really, we did not spend one penny gambling there, but don't think I wouldnt have if we had the time. :) It is vacation after all.

Mason found a new love while were in Colorado...FRENCH FRIES. NOT my child. Ew. I let him though, as hard as it is for this potato hatin' girl. I mean HUGE step with our food adversion...prior to this trip he gagged on the mushy inside. Now, he gobbles them up saying "num, num, num" the entire time. HA! So yay, new food!

Anyway, I wrote day by day adventures in the last post...too much this time, but you get a taste in the photos. And yes, the trip actually went in reverse order of the pictures, but I am too lazy to fix it.
Enjoy...

Seven Falls in Colorado Springs...Brady and I got a date night.

Cripple Creek/Victor Train Ride

Train outside of the Depot we ate at for lunch

Gorilla at the Co Springs zoo...my son is sticking his tongue out at him. super. ha Mason would have ridden the carousel all day

Elephants about to trample us...yikes. :)

Feeding Mr. Girrafe...so cool

Garden of the Gods balancing rock

Rocky Mountain National park sign...obviously

After riding the tram to the top of Estes Park

Feeding ground squirrels and chipmunks

This was an ark in Estes Park made to resemble Noah's Ark---filled with stuffed animals. It was really neat!

Family photo at Bear Lake

Mason got his Jr. Ranger badge for finding lots of animals

This was a very old ranch in Estes Park that is still working today. Very neat.

Stanly Hotel- this is where The Shining was filmed in room 217. It is said to be haunted today.

At the park, playing in a little house

Riding a little cart. It was SO much fun even though I looked dorky! Mason loved it.
Sprague Lake...beautiful and cool there.

Lilly Lake...again beautiful.
Lily Lake
After eating at a restaurant we took pictures on the sculptures.
Not sure of this lake name, but it was the day after my hospital stay so I didnt care. ha.
Helping Pappy fish.
Taking a break from our scenic drive to Grand Lake
Gorgeous...Rocky Mountain National Park
Alpine Visitor Center...not feeling so great here. ha.

Busy with a capital B

2010-06-28T14:02:00.000-07:00

Well, life is busy...B-U-S-Y. I just looked at my calendar to see just how busy. Until January 1, 2011 I have 3 weekends that do not have a "TO DO". Between 4 weddings, 14 birthdays, my 4th anniversary, major holidays, vacation, Labor Day outing, 5 bridal showers/parties, other events, etc.; my weekends are FULL. TO top it off my weekday evenings look pretty scary the next several weeks too. Plus, I am working "full" time (for our office anyway-we have 6.5 hour days), raising a 19 month old who is full of energy almost 100% of the time, working out 4-5 times a week, trying to sell our house (so I have to keep it clean), meeting with architects and builders to build a new home, etc etc etc. Oh, doctors appointments, dentist appointments, feeding therapy for Mason, bridal shower planning, cooking meals, grocery shopping, etc on top of all that. No wonder I want to crash at 9:00 every night.

I am not complaining...if anything I can look at this and feel blessed. So many things/people to celebrate in my life. But it makes me tired just looking at the next 6 months. It'll be okay though. I'll make it!! :)

Just chillin'

2010-05-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

Mason just LOVES being outside. In fact he has started throwing tiny fits when we come inside...although he is distracted pretty easily by his playroom full of toys. Anyway, we are spending more time going on walks, playing in the water, getting the mail, etc. Last night Brady and I were talking away during our walk and when we looked back Mason had his feet propped up, hands behind his head leaning back in his red wagon. What a life!!

An Update: Times 4

2010-05-10T10:42:00.001-07:00

Seriously, time is FLYING. There is NO WAY it has been 4 months since my last post...just no way. I really dont think anyone reads this anyway, BUT I like to refer back to these posts at time for my own reasons...so here are the last 4 months in a nutshell:

February:

11th- The big'o snow. We tried to get Masons picture, but again if he touched the snow he cried. I eventually got some of him in his trike and one with daddy where he is not screaming.

14th- Valentines Day. We went to Shogun and by the time we got home poor Mason was running a fever and just was not feeling well the rest of the day. It was a great day to just sit and snuggle with my boy.

27th- First nice day out. We took a nice walk and played on the swingset for the first time of the year.

March:

4th- Dad had his surgery to have a new knee put in after 10 weeks of sitting. There was no infection, thank goodness...however he did have complications later (14th ended up in ER and hospital for a week) and is just now getting better. Also able to get to the Stars game which was only a few blocks from the hospital.

8th- First trip to the zoo with Mason. We took him to the Gainesville zoo to see the animals. He loved it. Ever since we saw the bear he says "big'o big'o big'o bear" ALL THE TIME. It is pretty cute. We will definitely go back soon.

27th- First time to visit Grandpa's cows.

30th- First haircut. He did GREAT!! He got to sit in a cute little fire truck and loved "driving" while getting his hair trimmed.

April:

3rd- Easter at the Graham's. We had a good time and took lots of photos of Mason's first egg hunt. He did great and caught on VERY fast. Lots of wildflower pictures too! Also went to cousin Jalie's soccer game.

4th- EASTER. went to visit the Easter Bunny, then hung out at my parents house for lunch, egg hunt and dinner. We also had the chance to go visit an old friend/pen pal from Austria that I have not seen since I was 11.

10th- More wildflower photos in my in-laws front yard. And a 100% walking boy as of today!!

24th- New sandbox. Mason was unsure of the sand on his feet, but still had a good time!

May:

1st- Early Mothers Day at the Graham's and giant bubbles.

5th- Pool heated. First swim of the year. Mason had a great time...he loves taking baths so I figured he would.

6th- Nanny's Mothers day and cousin photos. celebrated with my 93 year old Grandma by taking all of her great-grandkids to visit her. Then after I took some cute photos of all the cousins while waiting on my mom.

8th- Preeclampsia Promise Walk and lake. We walked in Honor of Mason who was born 10 weeks early due to my preeclampsia issues. It was a great turnout and we raised a lot of money for research! After we took a looooooooooong nap and headed to the lake for a cookoout with my family.

9th- Mothers Day. Mason made me the most adorable footprint plate. I absolutely LOVE it. Lunch with my family (Babe's, yum). I just love being Masons mommy!!

So, that is the last 4 months in a nutshell. I still can not believe it is the middle of May!!!

Pre-Eclampsia Awareness Promise Walk

2010-05-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

I will be walking in the Pre-Eclampsia walk this Saturday to raise awareness for this terrible disease. My son, Mason, was born 10 weeks early due to me geting Pre-Eclampsia. He was onlt 3lb 2oz and was in NICU for 10 weeks. I had to be on magnesium drip in order to prevent siezures and the doctir said in a couple of more days my placenta would have probably ruptured.

I will be walking with several that are not as fortunate as I was. Luckliy I was on hospital bed rest and monitored 24/7. Others did not make it in time and lost thier baby and almost died themselves.

Mason is doing great and I was fine shortly after delivery. If you would like to support my team (Team Mason) please click on the link to the right.

Thank you!!

Wow...I am so bad at blogging!

2010-01-21T08:42:00.000-08:00

I always have good intentions of blogging about the many adventures that we encounter on a daily basis, BUT life gets in the way I guess. So, in order to make this post make sense, I am just going to list some things that have happened since my last blog.

1. Christmas (aka. The Birthday of Jesus)! This year it was amazing to have Mason home. Last year he was still in the NICU and well, I NEVER got into the Christmas spirit. No tree, no decorations, no excitement, no shopping. I just wanted my baby home with me. It taught me a lot though...what is really important (besides celebrating Jesus) is family time. Cherish those around you and the time you spend with them!! WE had a blast with our families and it was so fun to watch Mason take it all in...the tree (which he was scared of), the presents (which he opened very carefully and patiently), the lights, new toys (as if he needed anymore). It was super fun!

2. Christmas Eve snow (aka. this NEVER happens)! Wow, after the blizzard conditions went away, the snow was fabulous!! Mason had never seen snow (we didnt take him out earlier in the year when it snowed). He H-A-T-E-D it! not a fan of the white stuff, but we got some precious pictures anyway. :)

3. A New Year (aka. The year of change...for me anyway)! Okay, so I just turned 3-0. I made a commitment to make a lot of changes in my life. I had let myself go in every way. It's bad ya'll. We won't go into the details of how long it had been since I had a haircut/color (think early 2008), or how much weight I gained, or what size jeans I had to go buy. Ummmm...yeah! So, I have joined Jazzercise, which i LOVE and have been eating healthier. There are many more changes I am making, not related to weight. More quality time with my bestest friend (yay DSM!), financially smarter please, best mommy and wife I can be, church...find a church (any suggestions), etc. Anyway, may this be the best year yet!! Oh, and no we did NOTHING on New Year's Eve. It was super!!

4. Dalls World Aquarium (aka. humidity makes my hair so poofy)! For Grandma's (Judy's) birthday we all went to the Dallas World Aquarium. Mason's first time to do anything like this. He LOVED it. I was worried he'd get bored or not "get it", but he clapped for the animals and loved watching teh fish and turtles swim around. He was SO good and had the best time. We will be making trips to the zoo when it gets warmer since he liked watching the animals so much. Hurry up warmth (and free time)!!

5. Mason's progress (aka. it is all coming together now)! So, Mason has been having some issues with eating and we have been going to feeding therapy for 3 weeks now. On his first birthday he literally would not put anything solid or with texture in his mouth without gagging and throwing up. He could only get around by 3-4 army crawls before crying. He didn't pull up on anything. He was (is) still on formula. He had 1/2 a tooth poking through. Well, I am happy to report that in the last 3 weeks my sweet boy is crawling everywhere (the normal way) and fast!! He pulls up and cruises on EVERYTHING. We are finally switching to whole milk and should be completely off of formula in a few days. He is getting better with eating...he'll eat goldfish, cheerios, grilled cheese, andy kind of bread, some diced fruits. this is HUGE! Literally 1 week ago gold fish made him throw up. Now he eats them like it is nothing. He has SO many words. It is amazing. I mean he repeats everything we say...sometimes only getting one syllable, but he says it. I say "where is daddy" He says "k" meaning work. So cute! We can line up all of his farm animals and ask for a specific one and he gets the right one every time. It is funny though b/c we always say sheep (his favorite), but he calls it a "baa". The other day he was playing with a rubber duckie "Bevo" and I was trying to get him to say Bevo and he threw it down and crawled accross the room and picked up his stuffed Longhorn. I about died. HAHA! I think we have called that Longhorn "Bevo" a few times, but a while ago. He remembered though. Just proves that you have to be SO careful what you say and do around babies!! Anyway, I think he is doing awesome to be so preemie and the therapists say he is doing great!! Oh, and can you say 7 teeth?? Yahoo!

6. Dad (aka. hurry up knee)! My dad is still bed-ridden with the knee infection issues. He will not have the surgery to put in the replacement until mid-February and even then they may not be able to. He is miserable. SO, sick of sitting. He has been this way since October or November....TOOOO long. I am running the office myself and yeah, it is not easy. I am behind and stressed most of the time...but I am making it.

Anyway, that is the last month in a nutshell. I am sure there is MUCH more, but my brains don't remember much these days.
See you next month! HA!

A Visit With Santa

2009-12-16T09:22:00.000-08:00

We took Mason to see Santa last night. I just knew he would cry and scream and reach for mommy to take him back from this weird man in the red suit saying "Ho Ho Ho". He proved me wrong...he didn't exactly smile, but he was very content in Santa's lap and we got some great pictures. This one is actually the one the store took that I scanned in and edited. The other ones are at home right now. I think Mason will be getting something other than coal this year in his stocking. :)

Cousin Christmas

2009-12-15T12:55:00.000-08:00

Emma, Jalie, Mason and Jaret at my parents house for a mini-Christmas before my dad's surgery.

Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Turkey Oh My!

2009-12-07T08:44:00.000-08:00

Here are some updates for the 1 of you...or maybe zero of you that read this blog. November was incredibly busy for us, therefore it flew by. Is it really the 11th of December today...NO WAY!!

The first week in November I decided to get rid of all the "junk" in my house, so I actually cleaned out all closets, drawers, cabinets, under the bed, etc. and had a garage sale the first weekend. It was VERY successful and we made a lot more money than we thought, which is always a good thing. The rest we hauled off to Goodwill and the crisis center for those who are need. It was SO nice to have it all done and gone and a sort of clean house for once. That night I had the chance to hang out with my sister in law and Aarons g/f in Fort Worth...we went to see the Von Trapp grandchildren perform some tunes from Sound of Music and tell stories of their grandfather. Very interesting.

The next week on the 11th, my husband and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary. We did not have a babysitter so we took Mason to the park and I took some of his 1 year photos. We had a lot of fun and it was a beautiful day!!

By the weekend we found a babysitter for a couple of hours and went to dinner at Genghis Grill (YUM-O!) and Cabela's on a mini-date. Yes...I said Cabela's. We had never been and we had some time to kill, so we went and walked around. That place is crazy and has a lot of dead animals!! The next day we celebrated my birthday with Brady's family. I got tickets to go see the Radio City Christmas with the Rockette's...it was last night!! Lots of fun and a double-date with the brother and sister-in-law.

The next week was filled with lots of cleaning and preparing for Mason's FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY. Seriously...he is one folks. Does not seem possible!! He was incredibly good and energetic and happy. I was expecting fussy and whiny and tired, but he proved me wrong...thank goodness!! He hated the cake, but loved opening presents. He will officially be getting tissue paper and empty boxes for Christmas. Loves it. We only took 450 photos...sorry I have none to share. Just kidding...they are down at the bottom.

On the 25th...his actual birthday Brady and I both took off work early and hung out with the birthday boy...only he slept most of the afternoon, which was fine. We opened more presents that night and just chilled and played. It was a fun day.

The next day was Thanksgiving at the Graham's. We had a good time with family and stuffed ourselves full of turkey and dressing. I tried a baby food version of turkey dinner for Mason and he gagged and threw up for everyone...it was fabulous. The boy is so stuck in his ways of eating only veggies...and they have to be smooth, no texture or chunks or we gag. Ahhhh...the joys of having a preemie with texture issues...now to the therapist next week to work on that eating.

On the 30th we took Mason in for his One year appointment where he got FIVE shots...FIVE. Plus a not so nice procedure done. He was miserable for a few hours and I was miserable for a couple of days...it just breaks my heart for my baby to hurt. :( He is very healthy...almost 19 pounds. I know, small, but he is on the charts and that is all we care about at this point. It is great for a baby that went home from the hospital at 10 weeks old, 6 pounds. He is TOO healthy for RSV shots this year...he still should have gotten them, but the insurance company says NO. UGH! So another year of being as careful as possible, which is probably good for all of us.

Things are mostly good, but some bad news about my dad. He has an infection in his knee and will have to have his replacement taken out and put on antibiotic for at least 6 weeks. Does it not gross you out to think about not having a knee for 6 weeks...because it does me. Ewww and painful!! Anyway, he will be bed/wheelchair bound for that time, but hopefully it will cure him and he'll be good as new in a few months...pray!

Well, that was November in a nutshell...I am sure I am forgetting TONS about Mason's first this and that...but I am scattered brained this time of year. It is already December 11th and I am writing about November...where oh where is the time going??

Okay...pictures...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2009-10-31T20:46:00.001-07:00

Mason was a farmer (even though everyone called him a cowboy) for Halloween. And a VERY cute one at that. Happy Halloween!

Lots of Random Stuff

2009-10-16T13:36:00.000-07:00

Wow...time seems to be flying by. I guess the old saying "time flies when you're having fun" is true. Can it really be the middle of October? I meant to put out my fall decor weeks ago and here we are almost ready for Christmas...well according to the stores anyway.

As I have said before I have about 20 birthday's, the holidays, anniversary, several other events, Christmas parties etc to attend in the next 5 months. My weekends are filled with parties here and there and everywhere. My waistline has already started busting out of my pants...in OCTOBER. I still have Halloween candy, birthday cakes, turkey/dressing, and Christmas treats to go. OH NO!! What to do? Bigger pants or miss out? I know it seems like an easy choice, but for someone that loves food...it isn't!! Hmmmm...

Mason is doing super...he is becoming a little stinker and he knows it!! Not in a bad way...he just thinks he is super hilarious. And...he is!! He eats his socks and falls backwards unannounced and then giggles at himself. He now says MAMA!! Love it! :) His new thing is to say "eh" and then I say it and we go back and forth until we are both laughing uncontrollably. You would think it'd get old, but it doesn't. I love making that boy laugh. He also laughs SO hard if I pretend to hiccup. The really funny part about it is that if Brady is sitting there and does the EXACT same thing as me, Mason looks at him like he is crazy...then I do it and all giggles again.

His little tooth FINALLY broke through the gums yesterday. YAY! I am hoping that means several to follow. I am ready for this boy to be able to chew...he has to be sick of mushed food. Still no crawling...although he will scoot or turn in circle on his belly now. It is like he doesnt realize his legs will move. He can get where he needs to go as long as it isnt too far away. Now walking...he LOVES holding on to us to walk. He can hold to tables and chairs by himself and take a few steps before losing balance. We are practicing standing alone and trying to gain balance. He is getting better each time. He is climbing on us and on the furniture (with guidance). So even without the crawling he is a mess. Ha. He weighs between 18 and 18.5 pounds now. Still small, but catching up.

We got a new camera a few weeks ago and already have about 500 pictures on it. All but about 20 are of just Mason...playing in his playroom. Poor kid. I really don't know what to do with all of them. Just too cute! ahhhhhhhhhhhh.

Anyway, I leave you with the cuteness that is Mason Layne! Enjoy! :)

TEN months old...

2009-09-21T10:30:00.000-07:00

Mason is 10 months old now...SO hard to believe!! I have always heard time flies when you have a child, and it is no joke! He is catching up very fast to the other 10 month babies. We were told it would take around 2 years for him to totally catch up physically and mentally. He is currently on ALL of the height and weight charts(for those that don't know...they usually have to adjust a preemie to their due date rather than actual birthdate so that they will be on the chart at all) On our first visit to the doctor he didnt even make it on the chart ADJUSTED let alone actual age...now he is 25% on height and about 7% on weight without the adjustment. YAY!
Mason refuses to crawl...REFUSES! He finally decided it is okay to roll on his tummy sometimes, but prefers the back and will scoot to where he needs to get that way. He sits like a pro and can stand holding on to tables and such...one handed even and sometimes no hands for a few seconds. He'll take steps holding our hands. I am very convinced he'll walk before he crawls. Yikes!
He has no teeth, but wants to eat real food SO bad. I think he would attempt a steak IF I would let him. But for now mushed food it is...he loves his food! They say by this time he should be down to 4-5 bottles a day...yeah right. Still every 3 hours...besides night night time! Speaking of which, he is a good sleeper. He even let me sleep in until 9-9:30 this weekend. :)
Besides his everyday "talking" that he does, he says a few words with purpose..."dada" (daddy), "ba-ba" (bottle), "pa" (paci- but he'll only whisper this one- HA!), "ay" (yay), and an occasional "boo-ah" (book). He says "ma-ma" but only when he is crying or in his ramblings. Ahhhh!
What else...we are about to start his second year of RSV shots...poor guy has to get a shot every month for the next 7-8 months. Not looking forward to that, but much better than getting RSV.
Anyway, that is an update on Mason...he is doing great and just the cutest little guy i have ever laid eyes on. How can you love someone that much?
Everything else is busy busy busy. Lots going on until January so don't expect me here much...not that I am anyway.
Mason's new play-room!!

These are some photos from when we went to Great Wolf Lodge about a month ago. We had a blast!!

With all of the cousins

Just some recent photos!

Love this boy!

2009-09-04T14:53:00.001-07:00

I need to post a new blog soon...but until I do...

Gosh, I love him!!!

Colorado Vacation

2009-07-23T09:01:00.001-07:00

We recently took a vacation to Colorado with my entire family and Brady's parents. We went to Durango and had a fabulous time. Mason rode in the car for 14 hours both ways and was SUCH a good baby. Gosh, how did I get so lucky? He is laid back like his Pappy!! He just went with the flow the entire trip and the only time he got upset was the last night we were there. He was ready to come home!

While there we watched July 4th fireworks, hiked some small trails, fished, canoed, rafted, went sight-seeing, attended a Chuckwagon dinner place, went to Durango Mountain where we did the Alpine slide, and rode the Durango/Silverton train, etc.

Brady and I had a cabin the overlooked a creek and you could hear the water trickling as we sat on the porch. It was SO relaxing and pretty!!

It was a lot of fun and I can't wait to take Mason back when he is older.

Here are some photos from our trip...

Durango/Silverton Narrow Gauge- we rode one way and Mason met us in Silverton!
On the mini-train at the Bar-D Chuckwagon
Photo-op at our camp ground

Happy boy...he was SO good!

Rafting...this was the only big rapid, but it was still fun

Mason exploring

Lime Creek...SO beautiful, but the ride to get to it is VERY bumpy!

Honeyville...anything you could ever want with honey in it

Lake Havelin- cousin picture

Canoeing at Lake Havelin

All the cousins at the Bar-D Chuckwagon

My son is SUCH a good sport...

2009-06-21T03:44:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures that I have taken of Mason lately. I promise not to dress him up like this all of the time. HA! I just have to get these kinds of pictures out of the way while he'll still let me. Most of these were Father's Day gifts. :)

Mother's Day and other happenings...

2009-05-16T09:44:00.000-07:00

I had the BEST first Mother's Day! Mason was so thoughtful and took some money from his Mommy and Daddy's checking account and went and bought me a beautiful watch. He did a great job picking it out and I LOVE it! I will remember him everyday when I put it on...not that I don't think about him constantly anyway. We celebrated with Brady's family on Saturday at their house. I cooked salmon, wild rice, salad and zucchini with feta for dinner. YUM! Sunday we went to Trail Dust with my family. It was Mason's first trip to a restraunt, and he did great! These pictures are what we gave my mom and Judy for their gift...they LOVED them! :)

Mother's Day was also my Grandmommy's 89th birthday. She is showing strong signs of Alzheimers and so we threw her a birthday party just in case this was the last she'd remember. The whole family came and it was a great time. I was the official picture taker...another good reason to splurge on that camera I want!! Each family got her a pot of flowers.

These are just some recent pictures of Mason. He is a big boy now. He thinks he needs to sit up all the time now...no laying down anymore. He went and slept in his big boy crib last night...UPSTAIRS...by himself. It was MUCH harder for me than him! ha. He did super and slept from 11-8 with one 20 minute bottle around 5. Then he slept from 8-10:30 on my chest. Ahhhhhh...SLEEEEEEEEP! It was wonderful!! He can turn from tummy to back now. We are starting cereal by spoon today so we can learn how to eat our fruits and veggies in a couple of weeks. He is just getting so big...at least he thinks so!

We walked in the Pre-Eclampsia awareness walk last weekend as well...yes, VERY busy weekend. We had a great time. It was Mason's first walk in the stroller. He loved it! Lots of firsts lately...first shopping trip to Target too. He is so good!!

New photos

2009-05-01T13:28:00.000-07:00

Finally an Update

2009-04-20T15:24:00.000-07:00

So, I haven't been great at blogging lately. Possibly because I have been BUSY!! Mason is getting to an age where he likes to be awake during the day, which means playing, talking and reading books. I LOVE it! I am also working again about 4 hours a day. Spring cleaning and office remodeling has been taking up a lot of time too. So, I will try to give an update while the little guy is sleeping...if I don't fall asleep myself!

I haven't updated on Brady and I in a while. We are doing super! We love being mommy and daddy to Mason. Recently we have started having date nights and Sam's/Target trips without Mason which is a BIG deal. After Mason finally came home from the NICU we were very hesitant to ever leave him with anyone. It is good to get out and have adult conversation...or at least talking to each other rather than through Mason...you know the "What does daddy want for dinner?" or "Where is mommy going?" Really we are talking to each other, but we tend to ask Mason like he is going to tell us. You know you do it too!

Mason is doing great...just growing like a weed. I think he weighs about 11.5 pounds now which is awesome! He is such a happy boy unless it is TIME TO EAT! The boy isn't afraid to let you know he is hungry. Sometimes he is MAAAAD and screams, but the worst is when he puckers his bottom lip and looks at me like I have just hurt his feeling SO bad by not feeding him in time. The boy already knows how to get what he wants. HA!

Easter was a good time with cousins and aunts and uncles (Mason's---it would be my nieces, nephews, brothers, and in-laws). Mason had his first big weekend of outings.

STOP---baby crying---be back later to finish :)

Okay...anyway, he visited both grandparents for Easter and did great. It is VERY loud at my parents house with all the kids, but he was a trooper!

he'll be 5 months old this weekend...I can't believe it! I will post some new pictures then...if I get them taken. I am crossing my fingers for a fancy-pants camera in the near future. Hopefully it will happen!

Here are some of his "firsts"- First time in his bumbo and first time to go on a walk in his stroller. He thinks he is so big! ha

Happy EASTER!

2009-04-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone has a blessed Easter and that we will all remember the reason we celebrate this weekend.

My little Superman

2009-03-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

Mason is just so much fun!! In the past two weeks he has learned and discovered SO MUCH. He is holding his head up well, playing with his toys and grabbing them, looking for us when we leave the room, discovering his hands and voice, and "talking" all of the time, pulling up when we grab his hands, etc. To most this may seem normal for a 4 month old...and it is. Mason is supposed to only be at a 6 week old level though. He is VERY social too!

We went for his 4 month check up Wednesday and he was doing all but two things on the checklist...rolling over and playing with his hands. That night he started playing with his hands...now we just have to master the rollover. That is mostly our fault though...ever since he was born he will not sleep well unless he is swaddled. A little hard to roll over when wrapped up...so we have been laying him on play mat more and helping him get the idea. He can go from side to back, but not back to side...yet.

He weighed 9 pounds this visit, so he has tripled his weight. Little guy to most for his age, but big to me. He has just overcome so much and is trying so quickly to catch up with the rest of the babies his age. He is definitely my Superman! :)

Happy Boy!

2009-03-21T02:14:00.000-07:00

Mason LOVES laying on his changing table. I finally took the camera with me yesterday and got some good photos! :)

He weighs over 8 pounds now and is growing like a weed. He learns something new everyday it seems. So much fun!

Happy St Patricks Day!

2009-03-17T20:13:00.001-07:00

Cute Smiles

2009-03-04T04:08:00.000-08:00

Usually when I go fix a bottle for Mason, he gets a little impatient and will whine and sort of cry or sometimes scream until I get it in his mouth. Monday, I expected no different. I had overslept...by an hour. He had to and didnt wake up to eat until then. I put him on my bed and got a stuffed dog and put where he could see it. I expected the usual crying fit...I heard nothing. I figured he had somehow fallen back to sleep. When I walked in though, he STILL had his eyes fixed on the puppy and was SO excited and happy. He was AlMOST laughing and for sure had big smiles. I wonder what he and puppy talked about while I was gone...must have been pretty funny!

It has been a while

2009-02-28T08:36:00.000-08:00

Wow, I haven't been very good at posting lately. Someone is consuming all of my time...hmmmm.

Mason is doing great. He has caught on to the fact that the louder he cries the faster we move. Forever he would wake up and patiently chew on his hands until we fed him. Then it became that plus a little bit of whining. Now he'll be sitting there and you think he is just the happiest baby ever and then suddenly the loudest screaming you have ever heard. That is the sign that we need to get the food ....NOW. So we are trying to master being a step ahead of him...it never works.

Last Tuesday he smiled at me for the first time on purpose and has been all smiles since. We got some of his little rattle toys out and he LOVES them. He just "talks" to them and smiles. He tries hard to laugh, but not quite yet. There is a large photo of Colorado hanging above our bed and he stares at it all of the time. He just smiles at it and coos and we talk about how we are going to go there this summer. It is as if he knows what we are saying and just can't wait to go. HA!

He hasnt been weighed in 2 weeks, so who knows what he weighs now. I am sure over 7 pounds. He turned 3 months on the 25th. I can't believe it...1/4 of his first year is gone. He has been home a full month as of tomorrow. WOW!

RSV season has caused us to stay on house arrest and we will continue to do so until April. I am so ready to take him out. I am having shopping withdrawals. Sometimes when Brady gets home from work I take a random Target trip just to get my fix.

Anyway, not much else going on. I may try to go back to work some next week...pray for me! ha.

Mason with Great-Grandma Grandmommy

Mason with Great-Grandma Nanny-Rene

Mason got mommy pretty roses for Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines Day!!

2009-02-12T15:47:00.000-08:00

Mason has been home for almost 2 weeks now. He is doing great...just being a sweetheart! Hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day!

We are home!!!!!

2009-02-03T09:46:00.000-08:00

It has been quite some time since I have updated my blog. Things have been incredibly busy...and stressful. We have been through a lot the past 4-5 weeks with Mason. We had an infection scare that set him back a couple of weeks...luckly, no infection thank goodness. He had a blood transfusion as well. The main hold up was his eating though. Preemies have a hard time figuring out how to suck, swallow, and breath all at the same time. White boys have the hardest time learning to eat. Anyway, after 3 weeks of waiting on that I felt like giving up. Finally the doctors decided to let me come stay at the NICU with him and try to get him to eat myself. It WORKED! I was the first person they have ever let do that and he literally went from being tube fed 50% of the time to eating on his own 100% of the time in a day. We were home 2 days later. I hope this is something they continue to let moms do after Mason's success. Sometimes these little ones just need their mommy. :)

Anyway, we were in the NICU for 2 months and 7 days and he got to come home on his due date. I REALLY didnt think that would happen, but here we are...

Here are some new pictures of our precious boy! He is a little over 6 pounds now. He didnt gain for a couple of weeks, but hopefully he is on the right track now. Thanks to all that have been praying for us! We appreciate more than you could ever know! :) In my "going home" clothes! :)

With mommy before we left the hospital

3am...wide awake on my first night with mommy and daddy. I am SO cute!

My first time to have NO tubes or wires connected to me

Car seat test to make sure I can sit in it for long periods of time. "What is this thing?"

So peaceful!
Leaving the hospital in my car seat...sound asleep.
With mommy and daddy before we left the hospital.

New Pictures!

2009-01-06T07:46:00.000-08:00

Here are some new pictures of Mason!! He is getting to be such a big boy...the latest is 5 lbs 5 ounces. He got his nasal canula off yesterday so he is breathing 100% on his own. Now to master the bottle feeding and he will be coming home!! Can't wait!

Baby Jesus or Baby Mason?

2008-12-23T10:41:00.000-08:00

Mason dressed up as Baby Jesus last night while we read him the story of Christmas. Actually we couldnt find his hat so we put a blanket on his head and all the nurses talked about how he looked like little baby Jesus. He is just too cute. :)

Mason is still doing well. He is up to 4 pounds 2 ounces now and is growing like a weed. It is funny how excited I am about him being 4 pounds and yet he still has a long way to go to be the size of a full term baby. They took his food up on calories (fortifying breastmilk) so that he would pack on those ounces faster. The last time they did that is when his tummy got too hard and they had to stop all feeds. My fingers are crossed he will tolerate it this time. He is doing so well and needs his food or he gets cranky. I totally don't blame him.

My favorite time is kangaroo time. This is when Mason and I snuggle skin to skin to keep each other warm. He loves it too and falls asleep very quickly every time. Apparently he can hear my heartbeat and can recognize it from when he was in my tummy. Crazy!! I just love the fact that he has his little hand on my chest in this picture. Love those little hands! :)

Mason Update

2008-12-18T07:52:00.000-08:00

Mason is 3 weeks and 2 days old today! I can't believe it!! Time is going by pretty fast, which is good right now. The days are exhausting, but at least they are moving along.

Mason weighs 3 pounds 10.5 ounces as of last night. He had a setback about a week ago and lost some weight due to the fact that they took him completely off of his feedings. Luckily it was nothing major and he was back on his full feeds within a few days. He was able to get off of his high flow canula (nose tube blowing air into his lungs). He had relied on the 5 liter air flow for 2.5 weeks and they could not get him off of it because his heart rate would drop. One day he figured out that he had to breath on his own and dropped from the 5 liter high flow to 2 liter low flow in a matter of a couple of days and is breathing room air. He is also big enough now to be swaddled and dressed in attempt to maintain his own body temperature rather than his bed doing it for him. So far he is a champ. It wont be long until he can be moved to an open crib.

We knew all along he was a wiggle worm. In fact I felt him moving in my tummy at 13-14 weeks for the first time. They always try to put him in the fetal position in his bed and tie him down that way so that it was "womb like"...yeah right. He kicks his legs out of it in no time and hangs them out the sides. On Monday morning when they lifted the blanket from over his bed they found him completely out of his "womb" bed and he had somehow rolled all the way to the edge and was smushed against the plastic with his hiney up in the air. who knows how he did it, but it sure was adorable. His hair was a mess like he had worked REALLY hard to get over there. He'll be walking in no time.

We got to give him his first tub bath on Tuesday night. He just chilled out. I figured he would cry but he was good about it and got so relaxed that he decided to poop in his tub. HA!

For Christmas one of the nurses brought a little sleigh to put the babies in for pictures. Mason was a little small, but we tortured him with pictures anyway. I couldnt believe how HUGE the little outfit is on him (not shown in picture)...it is a preemie size 4-6 pounds and is tiny until you put it on him. Again, such a trooper.

He is doing great right now! Keep praying that he will continue to do so well that we can get him home soon! :)

Happy TWO weeks Mason

2008-12-09T13:37:00.000-08:00

Mason is already 2 weeks old! I can't believe it. I REALLY hope that time continues to go this fast while he is in the NICU. After that if it could slow down it'd be great, but I know that wont happen. He now weighs 3 lbs 5 ounces. So he has gained 7 ounces in the past 5-6 days. He's doing great. He is having a few problems with his breathing, but that is normal. He'll get there soon. Just keep him and us in your prayers. I dont feel as if there are enough hours in a day to get everything done...but we'll get there. :)

Welcome to the world little Mason!!

2008-11-29T20:07:00.000-08:00

Well, Mason Layne Graham decided to make an early appearance into this world (or my blood pressure decided for him). He is absolutely the most precious baby I have ever seen in my entire life...maybe I am a little biased. He weighed only 3 pounds 2 ounces and was 16 inches long...so a VERY little guy. His birthday is 11/25/08 at 5:25 PM. He has to stay in the NICU in Lewisville for the next 6-10 weeks, but is doing SO well and came out screaming. He came off of the ventilator after just 2 days and is breathing just a tiny bit higher level of oxygen than we breath. He scored an 8 out of 10 on his APGAR test which is really good for a 10 week preemie. What else...he started digesting food as of today so he is getting the good stuff from mommy along with the essentials he needs otherwise at this age. Basically for his age he is doing extremely well and is a good size baby.
The nurses said that a lot of times when moms have high BP the baby senses it in the womb and knows it wont make it to term so it somehow makes them develop faster to make up for being early. Luckily Masons little body took over and did this. :)

First family photo! Pardon my looks...

This was his debut into this world. He came out screaming!! Best sound in the entire world!

Looking up at daddy in his bed.

Baby Boy Update!

2008-11-15T19:37:00.000-08:00

Here is the latest photo of our baby boy! He weighed 2 pounds 2 oz. at that time, but that was a couple of weeks ago. He is doing great and is definitely happy as long as he is kicking me in the ribs.

He now has a name...a first name anyway. Mason L. Graham...not sure what the "L" middle name will be yet.

We have done nothing to get ready for him, but our furniture did come in last week. Now to find someone to help haul it upstairs for us. Brady did get the crib upstairs and put it together. I am so glad that he LOVES putting stuff together and doesn't get frustrated. Here he is putting it together and the final product.

My blood pressure got out of hand this past week. I had to break down and get on medication, which I knew would happen sooner or later...I was hoping for later. It makes me really drowsy and I can barely stay awake after about 5:00 in the afternoon and can barely get up in the mornings. Hopefully that will wear off soon. I am starting to swell pretty bad in the evenings! YUCK!

Anyway, that is all...just wanted to give an update.

Two wonderful years!

2008-11-12T12:36:00.001-08:00

Yesterday Brady and I celebrated our 2nd WEDDING anniversary. I emphasize wedding because when we went to dinner last night the waitress could not believe we were old enough to be married...she asked what MONTH of our DATING relationship we were celebrating. I then proceeded to tell her that I was barely hanging on to the 20's with my 29th birthday coming up this weekend. She thought we were only 20 or 21. I guess that is a good thing. HA!

We were lucky enough to plan our wedding on a holiday so we are both off work on our anniversary...as long as we keep our current jobs. We had a wonderful day of just hanging out and a fabulous dinner at Simply Fondue in Fort Worth. It is the best location I have been to so far. A little more pricey than the other locations, but the atmosphere is MUCH more intimate.

Looking forward to many more years together! :)

Where's Waldo?

2008-10-31T12:04:00.000-07:00

So, for Halloween Brady's office decided to dress up as Where's Waldo. Of course Brady being the tall thin guy, got to...excuse me, HAD TO be Waldo. He wasn't too excited about it, but I think he makes a great Waldo! HAHA! Everyone else is dressed similar, but are not Waldo, and they have the office decorated really cute.

My ever growing belly

2008-10-12T18:01:00.000-07:00

Well I started my 24th week today...only 16 to go. It seems in the past 2-3 weeks my belly has really grown a lot. I guess this little boy is getting bigger everyday. He sure can kick hard for a 1 pound baby. I can't believe he will be here in 3.5 months. I just can't wait!! :)

In other news, we have started to register and I THINK this will be our bedding. What do you think? We know we want to do the brown/blue theme.

Our little punkin...

2008-10-01T17:46:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of pictures of Baby Boy Graham...he is just precious! :)

Love the profile shot!

Perfect little footprint.