"FAMILY...is a little world created by LOVE"

Monday, November 2, 2009

Little Monkey

My 1st Halloween! Boo!
What a beautiful weekend it was! I hope everyone had a great weekend and a wonderful Halloween with your loved ones! Can you believe Thanksgiving is now just around the corner? I drove past Walgreens Friday evening and saw snowmen and Christmas trees in the windows! Oh the hustle and bustle of the holiday season... I LOVE IT! I can't wait for Braden to see his 1st Christmas tree, he is going to just love all the lights!

My Aunt Mel got me this onesie!
Anywho, our Halloween was fun! We woke up early and decided to visit the grandparents and show off our little monkey! We first stopped by James's grandparents and spent a couple hours with them just visiting and letting them see Braden. Next, we went to my mom's place where he got to swing and also meet Granny's neighbor, Romelia! Then, we were off to Spring, to our dear friend Christina's house, for her daughter's birthday party/Halloween party! We got home just in time for Trick or Treater's and Braden passed out! Haha!

Granny's house!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Something to Think About

A great mother may have several meanings for each person entering into this role. One has to remember that we are all individuals, therefore will all demonstrate different ways in caring for our young. This is something to keep in mind before passing judgement onto others. What one mother teaches and or allows their children to be around or take part in, may not be acceptable in the eyes of another mother, and this is okay because we dont all have to be alike. The most important thing to remember is that we at least honor and respect each of their decisions.

As for me and my child.... I will teach God's word, I will not allow the slandering or disrespecting of others, I will teach him to strive for better, to love even his enemies for they don't know any better or might be hurting in their own hearts. I will shield him from the destruction of today's world and the laziness which it has acquired, that it is not okay to curse one another, that a clean heart, body and soul is how God wants us to live each day. I will teach him to be polite, to have goals and morals, to not be demanding, to be a selfless man, to respect and honor the women in his life, and to pray for those who do not portray these qualities, that one day they too will see the light for a more peaceful and fulfilling life. And, as a mother, it is my duty to protect him from anything that I feel will threaten the above wishes in any way I feel necessary.

So, as you determine what kind of mother each of you may be, please be courteous to the type of mother I strive to be and the son I choose to raise.

"But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" Joshua 24:15

Monday, October 26, 2009

Hi Everyone!

Hi friends! My name is Braden!
My mommy wanted for me to let you all know that she will be updating our family blog very soon with pictures of my arrival at the hospital and our experience, and our fun day at the Pumpkin Patch a couple weekends back! So, stayed tuned.....

Monday, July 27, 2009

Take your guess, and win a prize!!

Everyone is placing bets when Baby Braden will make his debut! Would you like to take a gander?!?!? I just might do something special for you if you come the closest or if you get it right on the day! Here's what we've got so far....keep in mind his due date is August 28th.

Andrew - August 3rd
Shana - August 8th
Allie - August 9th
Tammy - August 11th
James - August 12th
Dani
- August 12th
Kristin - August 14th
Me - August 17th
TeeJay - August 18th
Trica - August 21st
Mom - 17th/21st/22nd....haha!
(she can't make up her mind!)
Mandy - August 22nd
Christina - August 24th
Heather B. - August 26th
Stacie - September 1st -- YOU WON!!

So, much to tell....

It's been SOOO long since I've really had the chance to blog about anything these days! There's been so much going on since the middle of June, so I have a lot to catch you all up on!


First, my baby shower back in June! It was a blast and just as I would have pictured it, all thanks to my lovely hosts...Shana, Ginger, my mom, and good friend, Christina! We got all sorts of goodies for Baby Braden and the food and cake were d-lish!! :)

Doctors Appointments - Well, I've had several since my last update, Lord only knows how long ago that was...I can't keep my days straight anymore! Everything is going fabulous! Although I have had a lot of swelling in my feet and legs, my blood pressure is still very good, so the doctor is not worried. I do go to Walmart, or Walgreens occasionally on my worse days just to be sure, and still BP is just fine. Weight is still steadily rising, but as long as its creating a happy, healthy baby, then I am fine with the weight gain. I am determined to get back to being a healthy, strong & fit momma after he arrives! And, thank goodness the heat will slowly be decreasing in just a few months, that will definitely help with me getting out there and staying at it! I have had my Strep B test done, which came back negative, my blood count is normal, and as of last Friday's appointment (July 24th) I am measuring at 37 weeks, although I am at 35 weeks. And, we got some great news -- I am dilated to 1cm! I know its not much, but its a start and just another sign that we dont have too much longer to go! Braden's heartrate is wonderful, constantly in the 140's, he's still very active, and he loves music on my belly, and gravitates to my right side, when I'm driving and he hears Daddy get into the car, its TOO funny and James just loves it! I go back to the doctor on August 6th, then every week after that!

July 4th, we took maternity pictures! These were so much fun! There are so many shots, but its so expensive to buy the CD of pictures so that I can share them all with you. So, for now I have the one below, the quality of the scan didnt come out very well, but in person the picture is actually really good! We also got two other poses that are hanging in his room, so maybe one day some of you will be able to see those as well!

Humm....what else.....

Oh yes, last week I went to a candle party, and I am SOO glad that I did! I'm sometimes hestitate to going to those sort of hosted parties, but this was SOO much fun, and I already can't control myself with everything I want to purchase! I just love all the scents and the burners really do a GREAT job of exposing those scents to any room! I can't wait to get my first order in.... I'm getting anxious Kristin!! LOL! Anyway, if you are interested in finding out more of this great product check out this site www.scentsy.com/kristinkotzebue

Last, but not least, we celebrated our one year wedding anniversary on Saturday! We'd been wanting to try out Perry's Steakhouse, and it was absolutely delicious! They put rose petals on the table and we got a complimentary dessert sampler also that they wrote "Happy 1st Anniversary" on the plate! I did not let one single bite go past me without eating it! LOL! I can't wait to go back!

Well......I'd better get back to work! Braden will be here anytime now, just whenever he feels he's ready! 'Til next time!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Look who's starting to drop...

Mid-June
Mid-July
6 1/2 weeks left to go!!!!