Party at Perry's

Our company Christmas party this year was held at Perry's Steakhouse. It was soooo GOOD! James and I both had the steak which just melted in our mouths. The seafood appetizers were delicious, and the creme brulee and other desserts were just fabulous! It was a real treat for us, seeing we've only been there one other time before Braden was born! Afterwards, we tagged along to a wedding reception of James' cousins high school friend, where we danced the night away! It was so much fun!

Anyway, I hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas holiday season, and I can't wait to hear about all of your Christmas and New Year festivities!!

Oh! We also took Braden to see the Festival of Lights, and Santa here at Bass Pro, he was a really great Santa this year and we made a Christmas ornament there too! But, that will all be in the next post!

Checkups, and more...

Well, I promised a ONE year checkup post and seeing that he just had his 15-month checkup I'd better get caught up!

It seems like yesterday we were just celebrating his one year birthday! The week of his birthday he visited the doctor and here is what we discovered...

Weight: 23 lbs 2 oz -- 54%

Height: 30" long -- 56%

Head Circum: 18 1/4cm -- 30%

And, this week at his 15-month appointment we found out that he is now...

Weight: 25 lbs 6 oz --62% (2 lbs heavier!)

Height: 32" long -- 75% (2 in. taller!)

Head Circum: 18 1/2cm -- 44%

Little B is definitely growing like a weed. I was dreading the shots this time because at his 12-month checkup he was hysterical for like 10 minutes after his shots were through, but this time he cried while getting them, then I could totally tell after they were done it was a "fake" cry, like "please feel sorry for me, pleeease!"

Also, since his 12-month checkup he has finally gotten 4 teeth as posted previously. He's becoming a much picker eater as his teeth come in, along with stronger temper tantrums. His favorite words are "WOW" "Nack" (aka Snack) "Mama" "Dada" "Yuck" and "Tada". He has learned to dance, "jump", climb on the couches and onto chairs, and to laugh on command when he's accomplished something, its pretty funny! Here is a couple of videos:

Christmas is nearing and I have absolutely no shopping done, and don't know if any will get done, but I do know we will shower each other with lots of love this holiday season and enjoy Candelight Service on Christmas Eve. I bought Braden the following book to teach him about the meaning of Christmas, and we've been reading it a lot!

Anywho, I am hoping to get Braden's Christmas pictures taken if he would just stop getting boo-boos. He currently has whats left of a small black eye from standing on an empty milk jug that we made into a noise maker and falling against the coffee table, a scratched nose from throwing a fit in his highchair, and now a scraped forehead from throwing a fit and hitting his head against the dog kennel. Do we see a pattern here?

This weekend....a visit to see Santa Clause...stay tuned.

'Til next time!

I won't have a toothless teenager after all...

Well, I keep meaning to report that Braden finally has some TEETH! He cut his first one just days shy of turning 14 months old, now a month later, we have FOUR! What a cranky, tempermental, exausting, sleepless month it has been, but oh so worth it!!

I keep delaying to post this because I wanted to get a picture of them, but he is determined not to let me. He got his top two in first, and now his bottom two. He's learning to use them on my shoulder, LOL! I think it feels good for him to apply pressure on them.

I have noticed other than breakfast, he isnt eating as well. I'm not sure if its him just deciding he wants to be picky now, or if its just because he is irritable and uncomfortable. Any thoughts?

Oh and I went to Walmart to purchase some more Orajel and teething tablets, and the teething tablets had been recalled...did any of you know this?

Backyard Photo Shoot

So, instead of reporting on my horrible after Thanksgiving weight gain this weekend, I will show you a little photo shoot we had because I was needing a quick updated photo to use for Braden's dedication this next weekend (there will be a post on the dedication itself next week) at our church.

P.S. - Is it totally sad that my legs are extremely sore from squatting on the ground yesterday while drawing with side-walk chalk with the neighbor kids?!?!? Ugh, I'm SOOO out of shape!

Anyway, hope everyone had an awesome Thanksgiving!

My Mission...continued...

Monday's weigh-in...

Well, I can't say I did much by the way of eating good, or working out this past week, and I failed to go to the gym and get signed up, but on that note, I weighed in this morning at 135.5 which is a 1/2 pound lighter than last Monday, LOL! I'll take whatever results I can get at this point...I know, sad!

Anyway, today is a fresh week, and at least I've started it slightly lower than last week. So, my journey continues. I'll report back in a week!

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving with their families. Gobble! Gobble!

My Mission...

Today, I will start my journey to weight loss. My goal is to lose 10 pounds in the remaining 47 days left in 2010. This will be a struggle for me, only because I rather come straight home and spend time with my family, but I know that to be my best for my family, I must feel my best, and right now...I don't.

I can use all the encouragement I can get, and I will post my results as the days go by. Ever since I had my son I have carried an extra 15 pounds and I don't feel good about myself 80% of the time. I want to have more energy, feel good in my clothes, feel pretty for my husband, and right now I am none of these.

Today's weigh in is 136 (and this is deceiving because after my shower and a bowl of cereal I was 138, so I feel like I'm cheating by saying 136, especially when I come home in the evening and it says 140). Anyway, I just want things to stay in their place if you know what I mean, LOL! So, please help me, root me on, check-up on my progress, encourage me, and tell me what you're doing to stay healthy and in shape, it motivates me to keep on track!! I will weigh in every Monday morning so stay tuned!!

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:11-13)

PuMpKiNs!!

I just LOVE this time of year! Braden still doesn't grasp the whole "Fall" concept and what the pumpkins are for, but they were amusing to him to say the least! This was our 2nd trip to the local Katy Pumpkin Patch, and its always a very short and sweet trip...take some pictures, look around, pick out two pumpkins, and head home! Mission accomplished!

Braden turns ONE!!!

My little guy is now one year old! I truly can not wrap my brain around that, seems like just yesterday I was pregnant and it felt like he was never going to be here. That day was so weird for me. I just kept replaying the couple of weeks leading up to his arrival, especially the night before and the day of! I was surprisingly not nervous at all! I was ready to meet my son!!

After weeks of thinking he would come early because of how huge I was, he stuck it out past his due date of August 28, 2009 and forced Mommy to make the decision of being induced. I was pretty miserable by that point. I was swollen from head to toe, carrying an extra 61 pounds along everywhere I went, and not to mention the intense contractions I started two months prior to his birthday! I did most of my dilating from home for two months and checked into the hospital dilated at 6 to 7 centimeters!

Once we finally got settled at the hospital bright and early that morning, I started making my rounds walking up and down the hallways to get my contractions going. I was planning for a natural birth (no epidural) so anything to keep me comfortable throughout the process was allowed (walking, sitting on the yoga ball, etc). It didn't take long for me to reach 10 centimeters, everyone thought I'd deliver by lunch, but Braden had other plans.

He was such a big boy and wasn't in the best positions for pushing that it took awhile to get him just right, and I pushed for quite some time, at least 2 hours if not more. I know they were thinking that if this doesn't happen soon, we are going to do a C-Section. Luckily, with all my might, and some help from my fabulous doctor and some great nurses, we were able to get my big boy here! September 1, 2009...Braden McFarlin was born after nearly 10 hours of labor!

He was a big one alright! A whopping, 9 lbs 9 oz, and 21" long!! He didn't come without a few bumps and bruises though. His poor head was bruised from the vaccum they used to help get him out, and he broke his collar bone also. I too, lost a lot of blood and even fainted in the restroom on my first visit after delivery. They kept me for observation in a room other than post-partum, and Braden had to have x-rays ran on his shoulder.

He was so perfect! Words just can't express the feeling you have after giving birth to your very own child. You truly can't describe the love you feel. I just get so happy when I hear friends or family having their first babies, because you share that bond of actually knowing what it is all about. It is a very intense experience.

And, now he is a walking, talking, adventurous little boy that loves to explore, yell, run, get dirty and give his Mommy lots of hugs & kisses. Finally getting to bring him home and begin our journey was so amazing! This past year has brought so much happiness to my life. My life was simply incomplete with out him. He learns something new everday and it is always keeping me on my toes! He is such a happy little boy and I just love being his Mommy!

Happy First Birthday Braden! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you and your accomplishments already and look forward to watching you grow and learn more with everyday that comes!

I LOVE YOU!!!

Hello out there!

Wow, it has been over two months since I have posted here! It's not that I haven't wanted to, but it just seems like my life went into major fast forward, and work has been so busy, and by the time we get home we are so exhausted that absolutely nothing has been getting done. Well, its Fall now, one of my favorite times of the year, and I have so much to catch you all up on and for myself to reflect back on the past couple of months. In the next few posts, (which will indeed take me the rest of the week to complete) will include stories on Braden's FIRST Birthday, his birthday PaRtY, his year checkup at the doctor's, our stay-cation, my thoughts on going Back to School & how my class is going, a day at the Texan's game, and some random thoughts and what's to come for the rest of the year! So, stay tuned, I'm still here, still reading your blogs, but been consumed with everyday life....I have missed blogging terribly, it is a fun hobby for me to brag about my kiddo, and just a place for me to express my appreciation for all the things that the Lord has placed in my life.

Yours truly.

11 months

Walking. Talking jibberish. Temper Tantrums.
Smiles. Hugs & Kisses.

You're eleven months old now! Can anyone believe that? We are planning your 1st Birthday party. We have most of the decorations, minus the balloons, possibly a pinata, and some sort of games, and party favors. We got you an "It's my Birthday" Birthday crown, and you look too darn cute in it. I still need to purchase your outfit for the party, order your cake, decide what we will feed people, and buy presents. Here's a picture of your invitation. They've already been sent out because we are having your party on a holiday (Labor Day) and want to give everyone every opportunity to make it if possible! I mean its a pretty special day if I dont' say so myself, LOL!

Your eating more and more of "big" people food, and becoming much more picky, but not with what foods you eat, but that you must feed yourself. Some of your new favorites are grilled cheese sandwiches, Kraft mac & cheese, mashed potatos, peas, green beans, whole strawberries, banana bread, toast, graham crackers, and much, much more. You still have no teeth, but you would never know it by the way you chop down on your foods. Maybe you will get your 1st tooth, for you 1st Birthday, who knows!

Checking out a tortilla.

For all of those who don't know you started walking a few weeks ago, and can now make it across any room without falling. It still happens, but you are getting better and better each day. You can stop, turn, swing your arms, or hold toys all while walking. Such a smart boy I have.

Your ONE year checkup is coming up and Mommy is excited to get you off formula and start you on whole milk, only because it will be a huge savings for us, plus easier/faster to serve to you at any moments notice. I hate that by this time I can stop giving you a bottle, its like your a big boy and not my little newborn anymore...who am I kidding, you were never a "little" newborn (9 lb 9 oz, 21"), but little to me. I am trying as a family to begin more organic foods, including milk, and fresh fruits & veggies from the local farmer's market, and you seem to like the produce so far, and Mommy likes the organic milk too, so it will be an easy transition for all.

We plan on taking a trip to San Antonio the 2nd weekend in September as well. This is sort of an extention to your birthday and a 2nd wedding anniversary for Mommy & Daddy. We can't wait. Both Mommy & Daddy are taking the entire week off leading up to our trip to spend quality time with you and to gear up for our trip! We havent taken a vacation since before you were thought of, so this is much needed.

Anyway, I will definitely update with lot's of ONE year events next month, until then stay tuned!

Party City Fun

Whats the Word Bird??

What's been going on lately??

I have been SO busy at work! It's "Letting" week at work which means we are quoting on several highway jobs for TXDOT. It can be a very hectic, very stressful time, but also fun if you win a job!! We are also short handed this week, which is always a receipe for craziness.

At home, we enjoyed a wonderful Fourth of July. Braden loved the fireworks (he would squint his eyes when they would POP!), and sitting outside with all the neighbors and his little girlfriend, Haylee.

Oh, Braden has made several attempts to walk, he will definitely let go of whatever he is standing up on and take one or two steps before sitting down or falling. His most steps so far has been FOUR! It is very exciting!!

As of right now, he's not feeling very well, battling a cold or allergies, and as of today I have begun the sneezes and itchy throat. I hope that it will just pass and not get any worse, noone likes a sick Mommy, especially ME!!

Not much else is new, we have postponed our San Antonio trip to the middle of September, and I'm gathering ideas for Braden's 1st Birthday party. I still can't believe he will be the BIG 1!!!

I leave you with some more pictures of Braden by Lyndsay Vollmar Photography....

Face Of An Angel

Just a sneak peak into our photo shoot with Lyndsay....

Some BIG First's

You had some BIG things happen over the weekend for you, but let's begin first with Saturday morning. We had scheduled a photo shoot with one of our favorite photographers Lyndsay Vollmar she is sooo awesome, and you did so great!! You just love exploring and you smile and laugh at just about anything!!

Other than that we had a pretty uneventful kind of weekend. We relaxed quite a bit, took some much needed naps, and went to the pool for awhile on Sunday afternoon.

Sunday, right before we started to get ready for the pool... You, Daddy, Gizmo & I were all in your playroom just having a good time. I have been standing you up lately, and letting you get balanced and letting go. You are doing really well on balancing and when your ready you just sit back down. You would really like to walk, but are still uncertain as to how the whole walking thing works, and you get very excited when you think about should you or shouldn't you, LOL! Anyway, we did this again, but this time you took TWO little baby steps!!! Mommy was sooo proud and excited for you!! It was the sweetest thing, and just more proof that you are growing entirely way too fast! You are such a smart little boy, and I enjoy every waking moment with you! And, man are you a Mamma's boy, I love it! You are my sweet angel!

Well, if that wasn't enough excitement for the weekend, Daddy discovered your FIRST tooth peaking through your gums finally!! It's your top front right tooth, and it looks like its just the very corner, but its a start!!

Other than that we are preparing for a fun-filled Fourth of July neighborhood block party this coming Sunday, and anxiously awaiting your photos to be ready by the end of this week! I can't wait to share with everyone!! Also, Granny got you a new toy, that you just love so much, its been the hot new thing all weekend long!

Oh, and BTW, you will be 10 months old this Thursday, where in the world did month 9 go!??!!?

Father's Day

Father's Day Weekend...

We had such a wonderful weekend, all we did was go to the pool and BBQ with friends and family, the entire weekend. The pool has been so much fun for us since its Grand Opening on Memorial Day. I can literally say we've been there every weekend since. Braden enjoys the water SO much, James has fun tossing the football with my brother and neighbors, and I love getting a tan!!!

Saturday, we spent the evening barbecuing with our neighbors and cracking jokes at each other, we ended the night watching Cinderella on the couch with all the kiddos.

Sunday, we barbecued again, but this time at my brothers house. I was literally SO stuffed. We had brochettes, steak, beans, broccoli, and much more. We Texans know how to do it up right! :)

Anyway, I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!!