Chronicles of the Haneys

Sweet Pumpkin.

2009-10-25T20:49:00.002-05:00

Growing. Growing. Growing.

2009-10-11T20:32:00.007-05:00

Our boy is growing, growing and growing bigger every minute of every day! 15 months old tomorrow. Pictures are from this weekend! Will update more later...

I'm ONE!!!! And it wasn't FUN. :(

2009-07-28T22:07:00.018-05:00

Can't believe my baby is ONE! Well, actually he is closer to 13 months now than 12 months....I'm a little delayed on my birthday party posting. :)

We had Drew's 1st birthday party in Mtn. Home on his actual birthday, July 12th.
Attendees: Family
Place: Nana & PawPaul's house
Time: 1:00 pm

Lets just say that the birthday party didn't go over too well with the birthday boy. Not sure if it was all the attention, the singing of 'Happy Birthday' with PawPaul's guitar, the pressure of eating his cake, or teething - or all above for that matter BUT he was not having it! I mean like really not having it.

Momma was kind of disappointed. Guess I had built up his first birthday party and how much he was gonna LOVE it. Wrong. Completely wrong. Oh well - guess all I can do about it now is laugh about it. And I'm sure we'll be laughing for years to come.

I didn't take ANY pictures. THANKFULLY, sweet Anne-Camille was there to take pictures of the occasion for us. She captured the story of his birthday party PERFECTLY, even though there were NO smiles from the birthday boy. :(

The below pictures were taken by Anne-Camille Collins of Anne-Camille Photography. WARNING - there are ALOT of pictures!
www.annecamillephotography.blogspot.com

Fun at the park.

2009-07-18T13:35:00.003-05:00

Earlier today at Wilson Park. He had so much fun. Now, he's down for nap #2 and I'm off to get a pedicure! Life's good.

I'm ONE - and a little dirty, but still CUTE!

2009-07-18T10:23:00.003-05:00

Drew loves his new swing set that Grandma and Grandpa got him for his birthday. He stands at the back door and just grunts (wanting to go outside) when he sees it in the back yard.

Here are some pictures from last night when we were outside playing. He's a little dirty from supper, but it wasn't worth fighting him to wipe his mouth when he was so ready to go outside!

Full Fledged Walker!

2009-07-18T10:18:00.002-05:00

Can't believe our little guy is walking all over the house now! He's slow, but that's okay. :)

Forgot to mention...

2009-07-05T19:29:00.005-05:00

that Drew took his first steps last Thursday, July 1st! He is taking 3-4 steps by himself! I don't think it will be long until we have a full fledged walker!

{Fun 4th}

2009-07-05T19:00:00.010-05:00

We had a very fun 4th!

Unfortunately, we didn't make the fireworks - Drew crashed before they even started. Oh well - maybe next year!

All in all though it was a great weekend with family - lake time, cooking out, baking, relaxing with family, and chasing after Drew and Hayden.

I'm sure you are wondering - what was I baking??????

My wonderful MIL is teaching me how to bake cakes - so that I can make Drew's 1st birthday cake next weekend. I had a crash course in cake baking on Saturday afternoon and my 'practice' cake turned out better than I had expected. Let me just tell you - I am not very domesticated in the kitchen. But, something about being a mom makes me want to try to be more domestic! I had SO much fun - I just might quit my job to be a cake baker! Well, probably not. But, I can't wait to see what Drew thinks of his cake next weekend! I think he's gonna like it!

Speaking of next weekend....I absolutely can't believe my baby is turning one. I have been very emotional about it lately. I tear up even thinking about his birthday next weekend. I am so excited about his party and am so proud of our boy....BUT he is growing up way too fast!

Enough blabbering from me, here are some pictures from this weekend. Enjoy!

Water Baby.

2009-06-28T20:13:00.008-05:00

Drew loves baths, loves his baby pool, and loves the big swimming pool. The kicker - the water has to be pretty warm. He DOES NOT like cold water! I guess who does, right? So, we fill his baby pool up with water, let it sit out in the sun for a few hours, and then go swimming! Whatever works, I guess. :)

MIA

2009-06-28T20:05:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I know I've been MIA.

Of course, I have lots of excuses. But I'm sure you don't want to hear them. You would much rather see pictures of my sweet, sweet almost 1-year old (I just can't even believe it!). So, here you go.

More posts to come. And I'm really going to try to update more frequently. I've had a few requests. :)

Soooooo Coooooool.

2009-04-12T20:54:00.002-05:00

Look what the Easter Bunny brought me - I'm stylin' now!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T20:06:00.012-05:00

Let me tell you, it was a fun first Easter with Drew! The three pictures below are ones that Anne-Camille took last weekend at the Square in Fayetteville. LOVE THEM.

We had an action packed weekend. Sam's parents came to Fayetteville on Friday and stayed until late Saturday. On Friday night, we went out to dinner at the Catfish Hole. Yum! Drew loved their baked potatoes and green beans. He also tried a lemon for the first time - and suprisingly liked it (with of course a few sour faces). Grandpa also offered him a hushpuppy. :) Drew also loved watching everyone's moves in the restaurant - he loves being out and about and seeing PEOPLE.

Then...we headed to NWA Mall to see the EASTER BUNNY. I had no idea how Drew was going to respond to him - I actually had figured he would be a little scared. BUT - he LOVED LOVED LOVED the bunny. He loved him so much that he didn't want to leave him and fussed when Sam finally picked him up. I think the Easter Bunny wondered when we were going to come take Drew from him - but Drew was having such a ball looking at him and feeling his costume that we just didn't want the fun to end! It was so cute - Drew waved bye-bye to the Easter Bunny - one of his favorite things to do right now.

Saturday - me, Grandma, Aunt Suz and Drew ran around NWA and shopped a little bit. Then, Grandma and Grandpa left town that evening. Me, Sam and Drew had a lazy evening around the house on Saturday night, which was very nice!!!
Today (Easter) has been a pretty quiet day. We had intentions of going to church and then to brunch - but it was POURING rain this morning and very windy and I didn't think we needed to get Drew out (still fighting a runny nose/cough/ear infection). We did have a little excitement this morning though - the Easter Bunny stopped by to see Drew!!!

We had a great weekend, but MISSED my family. :) Can't wait to see them next weekend! Hope everyone had a great Easter!!

happy boy. cheesin'.

2009-04-11T21:36:00.001-05:00

i love the easter bunny.

2009-04-11T15:48:00.002-05:00

Love my little family.

2009-04-05T19:49:00.002-05:00

Anne-Camille took Drew's 9-month/Easter pictures on Friday at the Fayetteville Square. BEAUTIFUL TULIPS! So much fun! I swiped one of our family pics from her website! Thanks A-C, I had to much fun with you! :) More to come....

MH Visit.

2009-03-28T21:23:00.009-05:00

Last weekend we went to MH to visit with family! My Aunt Peggy and Uncle Brent were in town and Sam's Aunt Jeanie was also visiting!

Aunt Jeanie had never met Drew - so we got to introduce him to her. And Aunt Peg hadn't seen Drew since Christmas - so she was really excited to see him and how much he has changed. Sam's Uncle Doyce also stopped by to meet Drew. Drew was so intrigued by him - he was wearing a cowboy hat and work boots. Like Sam said, he looked like a 'real' cowboy and Drew loved it! It was so cute!

We had a wonderful weekend visiting with family, but like always it went by to quickly.

Here are a few pictures from our weekend. I won't re-post the ones of Drew and Hayden (even though I want to because they are SO cute).

Drew pulling up to the coffee table.

Aunt Peggy and the boys - they were dancing while PawPaul put on a concert with his guitar. It was so cute watching them dance together!

Great Grandma Duggins and Drew - She put him in a trance rubbing his face.

Aunt Jeanie & Drew!

Grandpa and Drew - so sweet! Drew was so tired, he fell asleep sitting in Grandpa's lap!

Aunt Jeanie & Drew

The Haney's - Doyce, Jeanie & Benny

Grandpa playing with Drew. He bought him this ball and Drew was absolutely fascinated with it.

The Haney Boys - Uncle Doyce, Drew, Sam, and Grandpa

Uncle Doyce and Drew - Drew wearing a 'real' cowboy hat!

Nana and Drew sharing a sweet moment.

Aunt Peg and her two favorite little boys - Drew and Hayden!

Happy Boy.

2009-03-28T16:09:00.006-05:00

More recent pictures of our happy, happy (most of the time) boy.

Sunday visit with Grandma & Grandpa.

2009-03-28T15:50:00.004-05:00

A couple Sundays ago. Grandma & Grandpa Haney like to come visit Drew on Sundays. Drew loves seeing them walk through our door! He is going to be one spoiled little boy! Here are some pictures from their most recent visit.

Drew was getting over a cold - so his eyes look really congested in some of the pictures. Poor boy!

Grandma & Grandpa with Drew - Do you think they like him?

Grandpa & Drew - Grandpa is always letting Drew do things that mommy won't let him - like eat the newspaper!

Drew at AQ Chicken - sitting in a high chair like a big boy eating his yummies

Drew in the car on the way to AQ Chicken

My sweet 8-month old.

2009-03-28T15:26:00.003-05:00

So. I'm a little behind on my posts. But I figured it would be better to do his 8-month post late than never. Since I missed his 7-month post....

This past month with Drew has been one word - FUN! Drew is full of SO much personality now - every moment with him is entertaining. He takes everything in that is around him and seems to learn and change so much with each passing day. It makes me sad to miss a minute with him. We love, love, love, love our sweet baby Drew. He is growing too fast.

Here is what Drew is like at 8-months:
-loves to dance.
-loves American Idol - really loves anything with music.
-loves playing - his favorite toys are his learning table, Little People tractor and basketball goal.
-loves to clap.
-loves to say da-da, ba-ba, and dog. still working on ma-ma (he is NOW saying ma-ma but wasn't at 8-months - yay!!!!).
-does not like to be rocked to sleep anymore - now likes to be laid in his crib so he can put himself to sleep. makes me sad. :(
-wants absolutely nothing to do with a pacifier.
-typically sleeps from 8:00 pm to 6:30 am.
-not a consistent good nap taker. some days he will nap for hours, then some days only for 30 minutes.
-loves eating the little Gerber finger foods.
-he is so ticklish...but he likes it...he will giggle until he almost can’t giggle anymore.
-lots of smiles and laughs. his laugh is the sweetest sound in the world.
-rolls everywhere and he is super fast. doesn’t try to crawl. he gets to anything he wants by rolling.
-loves playing with other little kids.
-likes to squeal. probably because he is mainly around little girls who also squeal.
-loves going out and about around town. he almost gets whiplash from turning his head to look at everything. sits in the cart like a big boy!
-loves being outside!!! cries when you bring him inside lots of time.
-loves his walker. still likes his jumper some. but really loves playing on the floor.
-loves trying to touch cotton and giggles at everything he does.
-likes wearing hats.
-eats 4-5 bottles a day (for around 30 ounces) and eats baby food/cereal in the morning/at lunch/and in the evening. he eats baby food better for mommy. he thinks daddy is trying to play with him.
-LOVES being in the bath. pretty sure its his favorite place. its where he talks and smiles the most.
-loves being the center of attention. he gets upset when you leave the room or aren’t paying attention to him. we’re having a hard time with this at Angel’s house right now.
-gets so excited when you pick him up from angel’s. And if you don’t hold him fast enough when you get there, he will throw a fit.
-speaking of fits, he throws them now when he doesn’t get his way. little stinker.
-can hold his own bottle now, but typically doesn’t like to at night. he wants your help.
-knows and responds to his name.
-puts everything in his mouth.
-has 8 teeth.
-gets continuous ear infections (even with tubes) and colds. not a good medicine taker – but I don’t blame him. poor boy has had to take too many medicines.
-loves his cousin Hayden. they are so cute playing together!
-wants to pull up and hold onto the couch. loves to stand and try to walk.
-does not like getting his clothes changed. i’m so ready for him to get over this!
-he is fascinated with shoes and feet

Mommy bought this balloon for Drew - and he is obsessed. We would have to PRY it from his hands when it was time to eat or for a diaper change. A well spent $2.00!

Crazy about each other.

2009-03-25T21:22:00.002-05:00

Peek-a-boo!

2009-03-19T21:57:00.003-05:00

Happy Late St. Paddy's Day.

2009-03-19T21:44:00.005-05:00

Pictures of our sweet boy on St. Patrick's Day.

Bad Blogger.

2009-03-07T20:56:00.004-06:00

I know I've been a bad blogger lately.

I've downloaded hundreds of pictures from the past month and I am going to get caught up with my posts THIS WEEK.

Here are a couple of pictures from last night of our sweet, silly almost 8-month old! Time is FLYING.

He's already rebeling.....

2009-02-22T09:25:00.001-06:00

Silly at 7-Months

2009-02-19T21:19:00.002-06:00

I have so much catch up to do....so to get started I thought I would share one of my favorite pictures of Drew from the past few weeks. His personality is really starting to shine and we think he is going to be pretty silly. For some reason, he has started sticking his tongue out ALL the time. Cute for one photo....but not for all of them!

Precious Drew.

2009-02-08T10:50:00.003-06:00

A few more pictures from Drew's 6-month photo shoot with Anne-Camille Collins. Love, love, love the pictures! Thank you Anne-Camille for more wonderful pictures that we will treasure FOREVER!

Seven

2009-02-07T07:01:00.005-06:00

The number of MONTHS old that Drew will be this coming week and the number of TEETH that Drew now has. Yes, I said SEVEN teeth! Crazy.

I need to post some recent pictures and videos and will this wkend, I promise. Excited - Grandma Viv is coming over this afternoon so that Sam and I can have an overdue date night. Bordinos and the movies. I'm so looking forward to a night out.

Please pray for baby Leighton. Leighton is the grandson of my Dad's best friend, Steve Virtue. He has been at Children's since he was born (almost 6 months old now) with hypoplastic left heat syndrome and just received a new heart this week. We are praying that baby Leighton's body will accept the heart and that he is all better soon! I have a link to Leighton's blog on my 'Friends Blog's scroll. Very inspiring!

Hope everyone has a great Saturday, and look for some more pictures to be posted SOON!

Addie + Drew

2009-02-03T18:56:00.004-06:00

So cute together. Thanks for sharing the pictures, Sarah! Love the juice dripping down Drew's belly!

We survived the ice storm. We were extremely lucky and only lost power for around 24 hours - it could have been much worse. It looks terrible around here though - like a tornado came through.

More to post later. I have a really cute video of Drew that I will post sometime.

Hope everyone is staying warm!

New Tricks.

2009-01-26T20:16:00.002-06:00

Thought I would share some of Drew's random new tricks:
* loves touching the tassels on the fan. only daddy can let him do this - mommy isn't tall enough!
*likes to chew the handle on his passy (see pictures below). silly boy.
*he loves spinning toys, especially his 'spin a letter' and 'the animals have something to say' learning toy
*throwing fits! when he doesn't get his way, he throws a fit. when you leave the room, he throws a fit. when you change his clothes, he throws a fit! i don't know what we are going to do with this boy. funny thing is that he doesn't do this for angel or when we are out in public or around friends - typically only at home.
*tries to clap. its so cute.
*loves for you to cheer for him. i suspect he is going to like cheerleaders.

Here are a couple of pictures from him earlier today. We're home iced in enjoying our time together (hopefully with electricity). Hope everyone is staying warm!

{So Sweet Together}

2009-01-26T20:05:00.005-06:00

Pictures from last weekend in Mtn. Home. Sorry I'm late posting. Drew and Hayden absolutely LOVE each other. It is the cutest and sweetest thing. Drew grabs for Hayden and watches him everywhere he goes. Hayden is such a sweet big cuz. He's always picking up Drew's pacifier for him, giving him toys, and hugging and kissing him. I hope they are always this sweet together.

Sneak Peek - 6 Month Photo Shoot

2009-01-18T07:12:00.003-06:00

Anne-Camille took Drew's 6-month pictures yesterday, and she posted a few last night! We did them in studio this time since its so cold outside - and it was fun to do something different. I love the pictures - so simple, but so precious. Thanks A-C! I can't wait to see the rest!www.photosbyannecamille.blogspot.com

I'm 6-Months Old!!!

2009-01-15T21:56:00.009-06:00

Drew's favorite things to do at 6-months old:
-JUMP
-play peek-a-boo
-laugh - everything is funny!
-loves his big boy carseat
-put everything in his mouth
-touch and grab anything within his reach
-be tickled
-make funny faces and noises with his mouth
-PLAY - he would rather play than do anything else!
-roll over non-stop
-sit up like a big boy
-eat baby food (he hasn't turned down anything yet)
-sleep in his own crib
-jabber (makes alot of sounds like 'oh' and 'wow')
-watch Cotton play
-reach for Mommy and Daddy
-smile to show my 5 teeth! yes, i said 5 teeth! (2 uppers and 3 bottomers)
-feed himself...spoon, bottle....this boy is independent!
-throw fits when something is taken away from him that he wants or when he is getting dressed.
-watch Baby Einstein
-be happy (he is such a happy little guy!)
-take baths in his new big boy seat!

Stats from his 6-month appointment:
-21 pounds 14 ounces (98th percentile)
-29 1/2 inches long (over 100th percentile)
-head circumference was in the 90th percentile
-BIG BOY!

More Funny Faces.

2009-01-11T11:11:00.001-06:00

These pictures are courtesy of Grandma Haney. She took them when they came and stayed with Drew over New Year's. I'm telling you - he's really into these funny faces!

Tubes.

2009-01-11T07:29:00.004-06:00

Drew's surgery went very well. We are just so glad its over and thankful everything went okay. Even though its a very routine surgery, its still scary to hand your baby over to doctors. A couple pictures I took with my iphone before he went in for surgery. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. Hopefully this is the last surgery for a very, very long time.

Little Razorback.

2009-01-11T07:05:00.004-06:00

Even though the Hogs didn't fair so well last night, Drew looked cute cheering them on! Mom bought him this outfit after he was first born....and well, it was supposed to be for this summer (18 months). But, as you can tell...it already fits him. Chunky little monkey is just growing too fast. Sarah, Jeremy and Addie came over last night to cheer on the hogs with us and Drew and Addie were too cute together. They have become really interested in each other - they held hands, played footsie, and talked lots of baby talk to each other!

Funny faces.

2009-01-11T07:00:00.004-06:00

Drew has started making some really funny faces. And weird noises with his mouth. I think it mostly has to do with his teething. They are so cute though. One face (see first picture below) he makes, I think he looks like Popeye!

I added a few other recent pictures too.

Love this picture.

2009-01-03T20:12:00.004-06:00

Don't know why, but I love this picture of Drew (taken with my iphone - the quality is not good, but i still love it). I think he looks so big - just sitting on Daddy's lap in his PJ's.

We had a wonderful New Year's! Sam and I took our first mini-vacation together since Drew was born! We were definitely ready! Sam's parents were very sweet and came to watch Drew in Fayetteville overnight. They had a big time together. Sam and I had a great day of shopping in Branson, then a yummy dinner at Macaroni Grill, and then a wonderful night of sleep and morning of sleeping in! We were very ready to get home and see Drew, but we felt refreshed!

Mom is here this weekend with me and Drew. Sam went to Mtn. Home to hang with his family and work on Drew's toy box. Mom watched Drew on Friday while I worked, and then we have just hung around the house most of the weekend. It has been really nice! I love having my mom around.

Drew news......he is getting tubes this next Friday. While they call it 'surgery', I'm trying not to think like that. Definitely doesn't compare to his previous surgery, but still it is a little scary....them poking a hole in his ear drum. I'm a worrier though. I just hope it makes him feel better. He's had 5 ear infections in the past 3 months and his little body isn't reacting to the antibiotics anymore. I am hopefully that the tubes will mean no more (or at least not as many) ear infections. Say a little prayer for us this week!

On a more positive side....Drew is now sleeping in his own room in his own crib! Its been a little overdue, but with all his infections and not feeling well, we just didn't feel right making the change. Its been a much easier transition than I thought and he seems to love his bed! I'm sure its so much more comfortable than the pack-n-play that he has been calling his bed. Also, Drew is teething like crazy. Not so much fun. He has been refusing to eat his teeth are hurting so bad. He has 3 teeth on the bottom, with his top 2 working on coming in. Growing way too fast....already on 2nd foods.

Hope everyone has a great 2009!

Getting SO big.

2009-01-01T21:39:00.004-06:00

Had to post a few cute pictures of Drew from the past week. I can't believe how much he is growing (over 21 pounds and there is no telling how long he is now)!

Drew's First Christmas.

2009-01-01T20:55:00.013-06:00

We had an amazing Christmas with our sweet Drew! Lots of family time, lots of meeting new people, lots of yummy food, lots of gifts, and lots of wonderful memories!

Everyone was go good to Drew - he must have been a good boy this year! He got some wonderful gifts - a rocking horse from Santa, cowboy boots and hat from Grandma and Grandpa, DVD player and videos from Nana and PawPaul, and lots and lots and lots of toys and other items! It has been hard finding a place for all of his new things!

We spent Christmas Eve day with both of our families - then Christmas Eve at church and dinner with my family. Christmas Day we made the rounds to 5 houses - Nana and PawPaul's, Grandma and Grandpa's, Great Grandma Duggins, Great Grandma Ross', and Great Grandma Minnie's. It was super busy, but we really did enjoy it. After all that craziness, we spent several relaxing days in Mtn. Home with our families.

Here are lots of pictures from Drew's 1st Christmas! They are in no particular order - sorry! Enjoy!

Silly Monkey.

2008-12-27T21:40:00.004-06:00

Took these pictures today and just couldn't resist to post. One of the many gifts that Drew got for Christmas was a Curious George stuffed animal (from my Uncle Joe - Drew's Great Uncle). It is soooo cute and Drew just loves it, as you can tell by the pictures! He especially likes chewing on him - we have just noticed that Drew has cut his 3rd tooth!

Sweet cousins.

2008-12-27T14:49:00.006-06:00

Here are the beginning of our Christmas pictures. I've taken 200 plus and am still going through them. I love these pictures of Drew and Hayden - so sweet together!

Lots of scrapbooking to do.

2008-12-16T22:01:00.003-06:00

Just printed off 200+ pictures of Drew (months 2-5). That's in addition to the 200+ that I already printed off a while back (months 1-2). Looks like I'm going to be BUSY this weekend! I am soooooo looking forward to the break! Thanks to my sweet hubby for letting me go. :)

Santa Baby.

2008-12-16T18:59:00.001-06:00

Mom and I took Drew to meet Santa for the first time a couple of weekends ago. Drew LOVED him - he even smiled and laughed (although they didn't catch that on camera). Love these pictures of my sweet boy. Isn't he precious!?!

Cutie pie boy.

2008-12-14T15:43:00.010-06:00

My sweet boy. Pictures taken over the past month or so. Too many to write about each one....so I'll just leave you with the pics. Now that I'm caught up, I'm going to stay current. Hopefully. :)

My little vacation.

2008-12-14T15:38:00.003-06:00

Looking forward to my upcoming weekend vacation at the Scrappin Pad......
It will be my first night away from Drew - and I will be gone for 3 WHOLE nights - so I know that will be hard.
But, I'm so looking forward to scrapbooking, being with friends, eating YUMMY food, and lounging in comfy clothes all weekend.
Now, I've just got to get all of my pictures and stuff organized.
Counting down the days..........

Lazy Sunday afternoon.

2008-12-14T15:26:00.002-06:00

Just watching tv and eating my bottle in my PJ's.

5 months.

2008-12-14T14:25:00.004-06:00

On my 5-month birthday. Look at my two bottom teeth!

Love him in little hats. About to leave for Angel's house.

I say it every month, but I can't believe how fast my baby boy is growing! 5-months old! That is so hard for me to believe. Oh, he is soooooo sweet and seems to be getting sweeter with each and every day. When I took these pictures of him on the morning of his 5-month birthday (Friday), I got so sad. I think he looks like such a big boy - not so much like a newborn baby anymore - he is just growing too fast. We are making sure though that we enjoy EVERY minute with him. Here are a few of Drew's favorite things at 5-months old.

-JUMPING! in the jumper at Angel's house, in his exersaucer, standing on your lap, etc. His weight has actually stayed level lately (around 20 pounds) - I'm sure its from all of the exercise he's getting JUMPING!
-Loves looking in the mirror at himself.
-Sitting up and playing with his toys!
-Watching Cotton's every move. He's already gotten a hold of Cotton's hair once (he wants to pet him). Cotton handled it very well...he just kind of backed away (he loves Drew).
-Grabbing Mommy and Daddy's faces and playing with our hair. Also, for some reason, he wants to eat Mommy's face.
-Squealing, talking, laughing all the time.
-Not one of his favorite things - but Drew has had LOTS of ear infections (4 in the past 5 months). He gets over one and then has another one. Weird because neither Sam or I have a history with ear infections. Very likely he will get tubes in the next month or two.
-Sleeping on his tummy.
-Rolling over from his back to stomach - occasionally, he will roll back the other way, but not consistently.
-Pushing his chest up off the ground when on his tummy - can't coordinate the movement of his legs though yet.
-Eating rice, fruit and veggies - he's doing great with a spoon!
-Loves waking up at 5:30 am EVERY morning - it doesn't matter what time he goes to bed. Still sleeping all night though, so I guess I shouldn't complain.

Beginning of catch up. Beware - lots of pics!

2008-12-07T12:21:00.010-06:00

Determined to get caught up with all my pictures and blogging from the past weeks. So, here we go. I'll start with Thanksgiving weekend.....

We ended up spending Thanksgiving in Fayetteville with Sam's family coming to visit. We had a great weekend....there was lots of time for relaxing, hanging out, shopping, eating, and putting up the Christmas tree. We missed my family at Thanksgiving, but it was nice to spend Thanksgiving at home and get everyone healthy. :)

My Little Turkey

First glimpse of the Christmas tree. He loved the lights and wanted to touch it!

Momma and Drew

Drew loves hanging out with Grandpa!

Grandma and Drew before Thanksgiving dinner.

Dinner at MiMi's Cafe - Drew did not like the big boy high chair and he was cranky too!

We thought he was uncomfortable in his cute outfit - so I changed him into a onsie.....

Then he was hungry.....so Aunt Suz offered to feed him so we could eat.

Grandma Viv finished feeding Drew and then he conked out on her. Sleepy boy missed our yummy Thanksgiving dinner.

Back at home now. Happy Drew is ready to play now.

Drew is so interested in Cotton now. He has started trying to touch him. It is so cute! Cotton is so good with Drew, but I have a feeling once Drew gets a hold of his hair, Cotton won't come too close anymore.

Drew loves his Daddy rubbing his head. He will just sit in a trance.

Daddy and Drew on Drew's first Thanksgiving.

Mommy and Drew on Drew's first Thanksgiving.

Our little family - Thanksgiving 2008

Grandpa & Drew again.

Drew ate sweet potatoes on Thanksgiving. He really liked them. They are mommy's favorite too! I couldn't manage to get a picture with his eyes open. He is starting to blink really bad at my flash!

Two Bottom Teeth.

2008-12-02T20:57:00.004-06:00

Something else unbelievable - Drew's two bottom teeth have arrived! They both started coming in at the same time right around his 4-month birthday, and now you can see them really well. They are super sharp! Poor baby - has been a little crankier due to teething. I can't imagine how much that must hurt for a little one! Of course, I wanted a picture of his two teeth - but that meant prying his mouth open, and then hurrying and snapping a picture. Definitely a two person job - but we still didn't get the best picture. Oh well. Here's proof of his two bottom teeth! He's growing too fast!

The lastest trick.

2008-12-02T20:46:00.003-06:00

I'm so behind on blogging, I don't even know where to start......
Its driving me crazy - I've got to get caught up! Hoping to have some time to do a little each night after Drew goes to bed........

So, our little guy is doing all kinds of amazing things now! One of them is - sitting up on his own! Well.....mostly on his own. He does have a few balance issues every now and then. See below for video and pictures!

Drew has become such an active little guy - so much fun. He's so interested in everything now. More updates and pictures to come - I promise!

Four and a half months old.................

Sick of being sick.

2008-11-25T20:01:00.003-06:00

We have been one sick house the past few weeks. That darn tummy bug has had us all down and out. Drew caught it at Angel's house first, then Sam got it, then I got it, then Drew got it again. Then we thought we were in the clear and I caught it again Saturday evening on our trip home from Mtn. Home. Uggggghhhhh, we are sick of being sick to say the least. I quarantined myself from Sam and Drew while sick and hope that neither of them catch it again. So far so good, but we are still so worn down from being sick!

As a result, our Thanksgiving plans have changed. :(
We had planned to travel to Bloomfield, MO to visit my parent's families, but we just don't have the energy and we don't want to take the bug to my grandmothers. Plus, Drew has been fairly cranky lately (especially in the car) because of teething. His two front bottom teeth are coming in! They are so cute - but I just can't believe he's big enough to already have TEETH (plural!!). A 7-8 hour drive with him screaming and me not feeling 100% just doesn't sound fun. Anyways, I am sad that we will miss all my family.....but we WILL see them in a month at Christmas. That's what I keep telling myself b/c I am sad not to be there with them all.

Instead, Sam's family is coming to Fayetteville tomorrow morning and we are going to spend Thanksiving here together with Aunt Suz in NWA. And then hopefully my mom will be able to come to Fayetteville this weekend to visit us and we can get started on our Christmas shopping. So, we will still be surrounded by family.....and we don't have to travel. As much as I will miss being with my family, I am looking forward to a few relaxing days at home. It is really nice of Sam's parents to come here to spend Thanksgiving with us!

I am obviously behind on my posting - but hope the next few days will allow some time to update! I haven't been that great with photos lately, so I am going to get busy taking some this weekend!

My Baby is 4 Months Old.

2008-11-11T21:21:00.009-06:00

Can't believe my baby boy is 4 months old. My how time flies. It has been a FUN, FUN month with him. Everyday he does something new that amazes us - I can't believe how much he has changed in a month's time. This has by far been the funnest month with him. Everyone says its just going to get better - but I really can't imagine it being any better than it is now. He has definitely got mommy wrapped around his little fingers - with that sweet smile and big eyes. I don't know how I'll ever tell that boy 'NO' (I know I will....just can't imagine it now!). We feel so lucky and blessed that he came into our lives - he has brought us so much happiness and joy already, I can't imagine what the next months and years are going to bring. Happy 4-month birthday sweet boy. We love you!

Here's what Drew's like at 4-months old. Sorry for the laundry list, but I know it will help when doing his scrapbook.

-Weighs almost 18 pounds (17 pounds, 13 ounces). He's a big boy!

-He is officially teething!!! We can see his first tooth (on the bottom) poking through!

-Rolling over like crazy. He rolls over in his sleep every night now and for the most part sleeps on his stomach. We've tried to stop him, because it scares me a little for him to sleep on his tummy.....but we've failed at all our attempts. He is a persistent roller! Because of this we can't leave him anywhere unattended - not even for a second!

-Has become such a good little sleeper in his 3rd month. Right now he sleeps about 10 hours a night. This has been soooooooo nice!

-Laughing out loud - ALOT. He thinks mommy and daddy are really funny, especially when we play the 'getcha' game with him.

-Constant smiler. He smiles nearly everytime he sees mommy or daddy and every morning when he sees Angel.

-Loves his exersaucer. It will keep his attention for a LONG time (30 minutes plus).

-Stares at his hand and watches his fingers move. Its weird. He will do it for extended periods of time. Its like he's trying to figure out how he's making his fingers move.........

-Grasps for everything now - toys, burp clothes, mommy's hair, daddy's face, earrings, shirt - watch out!

-Starting to put EVERYTHING in his mouth. Drooling ALOT. Has to constantly wear a bib now. We've just figured out - its probably because he's teething!

-Loves to sit up like a big boy.

-Puts himself to sleep. We can lay him down in his bed awake and he will 1) either go to sleep immediately; or 2) lay there and talk/kick for a while and then fall asleep. I still like to rock him though. Its my favorite part of the night.

-Will take a pacifer now! This is a weird development because he wouldn't really take a pacifer until just recently. Angel bought him a new one (its for older babies - 6 months) and he LOVES it. I guess this is a good and bad thing.......

-Will lay in his crib watching his mobile forever.

-Baby Einstein fan.

-Loves 'razzing'.

-Enjoys tummy time now! Is lifting his head 90 degrees and moving his legs. He just can't get his round belly off the ground!!!!

-Very interested in what mommy, daddy, and cotton are doing - he just watches us. So cute.

-Loves riding in his stroller like a big boy. Trips to the mall and grocery store are much more enjoyable now for us too!

-Wearing 6-12 month clothes mostly - he's growing like a weed!

-Starting to try some solid foods - he has had rice, bananas, and apple sauce so far. He's not that impressed yet. Still prefers his bottle every 3 hours (6-8 ounces each time).

-Talking, talking, talking. I swear he has said ma-ma a couple of times.....maybe I'm imagining it. :) I can hear b, m, a, and g sounds when he talks. I think he's going to be a jabber jaws like his mommy.

I just feel like I'm leaving something out. If I remember, I will post later.
I haven't been able to take any pictures this week - we've been a sick, sick family. The tummy bug has gotten each of us.....not fun. I WILL take some pictures this weekend and post later. Hope everyone has a good weekend!

"Mommy, do I have to wear this?"

2008-11-09T16:54:00.000-06:00

Rollin'

2008-11-07T20:54:00.001-06:00

Sorry for the video quality - the lighting is TERRIBLE.
We're going to get our video camera out this weekend and try to get some REAL video.

Couple of Drew Pics.

2008-11-07T20:11:00.004-06:00

Its been a busssssyyyy week.
I don't think I've worked this much or late since I was in the public accounting world. Yuck. But its almost over. Thankfully.
I haven't had a chance to take many pictures of our sweetie lately....but here are a couple....not very exciting ones.
I've also got a video that I'm going to post in a minute....its of Drew rolling over! He is becoming such a big boy.

Thanks to Mom and Suz for the help this past weekend/week. I'm exhausted and going to bed...........

Loves his jumping exersaucer.

2008-11-01T06:44:00.003-05:00

Drew loves his exersaucer that Aunt Katie and Aunt Lyndsy bought him! I can't believe how long it holds his attention. He will just play and look at all the different toys on the exersaucer! And he loves to bounce/jump in it! I will have to catch a video of him jumping sometime soon!

I've also snuck in a couple of pictures of Drew during tummy time. He is starting to like it more and more - which is exciting - because up until just recently he would scream bloody murder when we would put him on his stomach. I can't believe how strong he is getting - he is holding his head up to 90 degrees on his stomach now! So many changes in so little time! Our little guy is growing FAST!

Rolly Polly

2008-11-01T06:34:00.003-05:00

Thursday night I woke up in the middle of the night and our little guy had ROLLED all the way over onto his stomach! It was the first time he has rolled completely over - he has made it to his side several times! What a milestone - so proud of Drew, but it makes me sad that he is growing so fast!

I woke Sam up to show him what Drew had done....and then I noticed that Drew looked REALLY still sleeping on his stomach....so I decided to nudge him. After the first, second, and third nudges he didn't move. It scared me to death - I'm pretty sure my heart stopped beating for a moment. I JUMPED out of bed and started yelling that he wasn't breathing - right then Sam was able to wake him. I can't believe how SOUND he was sleeping on his stomach. Drew didn't like that we woke him up from his deep sleep - so we were up feeding him a bottle at 3:00 am that morning to calm him down!

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-01T06:25:00.004-05:00

Skunk pictures by Anne-Camille Collins of Capturing Moments Photography!

Happy Halloween! I hope you enjoy the pictures of our little skunky pumpkin! Drew had a great 1st Halloween! He got to come to mommy's work yesterday afternoon and trick-or-treat - I really enjoyed that! And then last night we took him to our neighbor's house, Chris and Jill, to trick-or-treat. Here are a couple of pics from yesterday. We didn't actually dress him up yesterday in his skunk costume....he doesn't like it very much! He was cute anyways in his Halloween outfit, hat and bib, though! He got lots of compliments on the pumpkin hat - thanks Nana!

Week Recap.

2008-10-26T19:48:00.010-05:00

Its been a BUSY, BUSY week and weekend. Work was reallllllyyyy busy this week, with me working late most nights. Yuck. Only a couple of more weeks of it....and then things should slow down. I feel like I missed out on Drew alot this week from being at work so much, but its been a great weekend with him! I'm not so excited about starting another week of it though.

Friday night I had a girls night out, and Sam stayed home with Drew. Me, Katie, and Lyndsy and a few other friends went to dinner and then went to a concert (Three Six Mafia....very interesting) at the Town Center. It was my first real night out with friends since Drew was born....well being away from him more than just a couple of hours. Drew did great with Daddy....I think they both went to bed early and got a good nights rest! I text Sam while I was out, and asked him how Drew was doing....and his response was 'he has a 105 degree temperature and we're headed to the emergency room. julie...we're fine...have fun.' Drew's got a pretty good daddy and I've got a pretty good hubby. :)

Saturday we lazed around the house in the morning with Drew and then got out of the house and spent time in the beautiful fall weather! It has been a BEAUTIFUL weekend in Fayetteville....the trees are GORGEOUS! We headed to the mall to do a little shopping and Drew sat in his stroller like a BIG BOY! He has started to not like being in his car seat in the stroller, probably because he can't see anything and he's pretty cramped in it, so we decided to see if he would sit in the stroller without his car seat. HE LOVED IT! We spent a couple of hours at the mall, then he fell asleep in the stroller, and we didn't want to wake him, so Sam and wondered around for a little while longer so he could rest.

We went over to Jeremy, Sarah and Addie's house on Saturday night to watch the Razorbacks play Ole Miss. We had a great time - although I really don't even know what happened with the game - Sarah and I gabbed the entire time. Sarah and I were talking and figured out that both Drew and Addie started making the same gurgling sound this week. Weird.

Today we spent the majority of the day doing stuff around the house and playing with Drew. Then we headed to Walmart for some grocery shopping and did a couple of other quick errands.

Oh....and Drew had some rice mixed with bananas- in his high chair! We have tried feeding him rice a couple of other times - the boy is just not getting satisfied off of formula. He will eat an 8 ounce bottle and then still be begging for more - and his sleeping through the night hasn't been so good lately. Anyways, he has NOT LIKED the rice. Every time we feed it to him he spits it right out. Mom suggested that we add some fruit to it....and that worked! We added a little baby food banana and he just kept opening his mouth for more! He did pretty good with the spoon, but its definitely going to take alot of practice!

Well...that about sums up our weekend! It was a good one, but went too fast like usual! Here are a few pictures from the past week and a half! Hope everyone has a great week!

Yum, yum....rice and bananas! Drew is starting to always look so serious in pictures!

Drew looked so sweet in this little outfit!

Drew watching the mobile in his crib - one of his favorite things to do these days!

Big boy pj's!

Look at me in my bumbo!!!!

4 Years and Counting.

2008-10-22T20:58:00.012-05:00

Happy Anniversary, honey! It seems almost impossible that we have already been married a whole 4 years - it really does seem like yesterday we were getting married(and decorating the entire fairgrounds building) and on our honeymoon in Jamaica! It has been a wonderful 4 years with you! I love you more each and every day and I absoutely can't wait to see what the next 4 year brings us! Thank you for being the BEST husband, father, and best friend. I am soooooo lucky to have you! I LOVE YOU!

Here's a jog down memory lane.........

Prom night - May 1995 - I was a sophomore and Sam was a junior..........

June 2003 - The weekend we first saw each other (it had been yearrrrssss) after Sam had been overseas with the Navy for 10 months or so. Me, Suz, and Samantha went to the Little Rock airport to pick him up......and when I saw him, I fell head over heels in love with him. Well....I guess I had already fallen for him.....we had been writing letters and talking on the phone while he was overseas for those 10 months.

August 2003 - On a vist to see Sam, we headed to DC for the weekend....and did some sight seeing! We also took the train to Baltimore to catch an Orioles game!

Moving me to Virgina. Sam flew down to LR to drive us to Virgina. The start of our lives together.

November 2003 - Thanksgiving weekend - We took a weekend trip to New York....we went to the Macy's Day parade, ice skating at Rockefeller Center, and shopping in China town. Oh, and Sam took me for a carriage ride around Central Park where he ASKED ME TO MARRY HIM! Definitely one of the BEST weekends of my life. I of course said YES!

Newly engaged - in front of the Statue of Liberty in NYC - unfortunately you can't see the Statue of Liberty!

April 2004 - Our engagement pictures - taken in Virgina Beach, VA

JUST MARRIED!!!!!! Oh, the work that went into our beautiful wedding! We were so ready for that relaxing honeymoon! Another one of the most wonderful weekends of my life!

October 2004 - Honeymoning in Jamaica!

Back in Fayetteville and cheering on the Hogs! One of our favorite things to do together.

Together at Shawn's 30th birthday party in Mtn. Home. It was 70's themed...hence, Sam's outfit.

Christmas 2006 - at our annual Christmas party w/ friends.

At my ten-year high school reunion.

Trip to Dallas for the Cotton Bowl! I had just recently learned I was pregnant!

Preggo, about to bust, with Drew!

Our first picture as a FAMILY. I will always love this picture I think.

Together as a family for Drew's newborn pictures.

And for Drew's 3-month pictures.

GO HOGS!

2008-10-18T17:27:00.003-05:00

More family favorites.

2008-10-18T10:31:00.003-05:00

By Anne-Camille Collins of Capturing Moments Photography.

This picture makes my heart MELT.

2008-10-17T19:35:00.005-05:00

Thank you A-C for this picture. Just this one picture was worth the entire session. I know that this is one picture that I will treasure for many, many years to come!

Third times a charm.

2008-10-16T12:32:00.001-05:00

He did it again! We are so estatic!
What a good little boy we have!
We have our sleep back! Wohoo!

Happy 3-month Birthday, Drew.

2008-10-15T12:07:00.017-05:00

October 12, 2008 - Flower courtesy of Grandpa Haney

Wow, it seems like I was just doing his 2-month birthday post.

Time really does fly.

Drew has changed so much in the past month. Its seems like he is doing something new almost everyday, and that makes each day with him more and more fun. I am loving Drew at this age - he is super smiley, talks alot, and is just a happy, happy baby (there were some days back in his first and second months that I wondered if I would ever be able to say that). Of course, he still has his moments, but they are getting easier and easier to resolve (he's either tired or hungry). I just wish I could freeze time and keep him at this age. Our love for him grows stronger and stronger everyday; he is the center of our life - and I am absolutely loving every moment of it. We feel so blessed to have a happy, healthy, precious little boy.

So, here's what Drew is like at 3-months:
-sleeping for about 8 hour stretches (wohoo!!! mommy and daddy are so excited!).
-loves laying in his crib and watching his mobile - it will entertain him for at least 30 minutes!
-starting to grab his little toesies alot! its seriously the cutest thing I've ever seen!
-makes really good eye contact and will follow us across the room/house. he is really interested in where we are at all times.
-talks alot. we can have baby conversations with him.
-he mimics us - sticking out his tongue and doing 'motor boat' with his lips. sooooo cute!
-he's sitting up really well, but not quite doing it on his own yet. we can prop him up against the couch and he will sit there for a while though.
-still doesn't like tummy time. he is getting a little more tolerant of it, but will only take it without screaming for a few minutes.
-starting to put everything in his mouth! fingers, burp clothes, blankets, toys.
-beginning to grasp and play with little rattles - he surprises himself when he makes it make noise.
-likes his bumbo and exersaucer - still likes the bouncy seat too, but not the swing as much.
-still fights sleep - he will be so tired (rubbing his eyes and cranky - the two signs), but he will just not give it up! we're still swaddling him and turning on the hair dryer! although, i do have to say that we aren't using the hair dryer quite as much now! and by the morning, he has escaped his swaddle blanket!
-still loves to be on his changing table - i swear that this is where he is the happiest.
-eats every 3-4 hours about 6 ounces.
-really likes baths now, although he's outgrowing his little baby bathtub - he's had one 'big boy' bath, but he's just a little too small for them i think.
-beginning to show emotion/expressions when he sees mommy or daddy.
-refuses to take a pacifier. he prefers his fingers.
-beginning to DROOL.

Oh, and I think he weighs about 16-17 pounds and is 26 inches long.

Happy 3-month birthday, sweet boy! We love you!

Two nights and counting.....

2008-10-15T12:05:00.002-05:00

Drew slept all night again last night! From 9:00 pm until 5:30 am this morning! We are soooo excited and hope that he does it again tonight! My mom said that it takes 3 times of doing something to make it a habit, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for night 3!I know this is a silly post, but I'm really exited! Its come at a good time with work being so busy.

MH Weekend.

2008-10-14T21:02:00.007-05:00

We headed to MH last weekend to visit our family and have Drew's 3-month pictures taken by Anne-Camille Collins! It was also Sam's 31st birthday....so we had little birthday celebrations at both the Haney and Marion houses. Ben and Viv treated us to a yummy breakfast on Saturday morning of biscuits and gravy, bacon, and sausage and then after our pictures, we headed back to their house to hang with them for the day, and had a delicious lunch of chili and a pie for Sam's birthday. We ate dinner with my parents (steak, potatoes, salad, baked beans) and then we celebrated Sam's birthday again, this time with chocolate birthday cake! We took Drew to church for the first time on Sunday; Mom got to show Drew off a little bit. He did GREAT during church - no fussing, not even once. I think he liked listening to PaulPaw play the guitar and hearing everyone sing and clap. Fun weekend, it just went by too fast!

Grandma Haney & Drew

Sam and his birthday pie (Abe Lincoln pie) made by his Mom.

Neither Sam or Drew liked having their picture taken outside!

Daddy and Drew on Sam's birthday.

Drew laughing at Daddy.

Drew's new toy - he's loving it!

Happy Birthday, Sam! Mom's yummy chocolate cake!

Me & Sam.

Happy Boy!

Hanging with Grandpa Haney!

Our little family - Sunday after church.

Silly Grandpa Haney making Drew laugh.

Nana and Drew.

Grandpa Haney is funny!

Sweet face.

All Nighter.

2008-10-14T12:14:00.002-05:00

Not awake all night - asleep ALL NIGHT. Drew went to bed at 9:00 pm and didn't get up until almost 5:30 am this morning! We were so excited and proud of our little boy! When he finally woke up this morning, he was just as smiley as he could be! We're hoping that he's not just teasing us though.........

More beautiful Drew pics.

2008-10-12T16:16:00.006-05:00

Here are some more pictures that Anne-Camille of Capturing Moments Photography took of our baby Drew this weekend. I think they are just beautiful! I'm sure there will be more to come soon. Plus, I have lots of pictures from our weekend in MH....and I need to post about Drew's 3-month birthday!

Happy Birthday, Honey.

2008-10-11T20:12:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday, Sam! Drew and I love you to pieces and hope you have the best birthday EVER! You are absolutely the best husband and daddy on the planet! We hope you enjoy your day! LOVE YOU!

Can't wait to post.

2008-10-11T19:50:00.005-05:00

We are still in MH, but I had to go ahead and post these pictures. Anne-Camille Collins of Capturing Moments Photography (see link to the right) took Drew's 3-month pictures at Cooper Park in MH this morning. She was sweet enough to already post a few of them on her blog....and of course I wanted to share them with you on our blog. A-C is sooooooo very talented and I get soooooo excited for her to take our pictures! I'm a little obsessive with pictures - poor Drew is going to have almost every second of his life documented. Hope you enjoy!

So Happy on his Changing Table.

2008-10-06T19:17:00.002-05:00

Don't ask me why, but Drew LOVES his changing table. Here is a video of him talking and kicking. I was hoping he would grab his toes (he has just started doing this the past few days), but I guess he was being shy for the camera. Maybe I'll catch him doing that next time.......

Happy Baby.

2008-10-06T19:07:00.004-05:00

Always a happy baby when on his changing table and when its time for a bath. I think he enjoys not having any clothes on!

Our little grease monkey.....

2008-10-06T19:01:00.002-05:00

He even has a wrench, thanks to Daddy! This outfit is sooooooooooo cute on him and I can't believe that it already fits (size 9 months). Thanks for the outfit, Lyndsy; I'm obsessed with it - he might wear it again this week!

Sunday afternoon, just watchin' the Cowboys....

2008-10-05T17:01:00.002-05:00

in my PJ's, of course.

One more week down.

2008-10-05T09:13:00.009-05:00

Not feeling so well here. This was one of his first 'sick' days. Notice how he's playing with his toy. He is starting to 'play' alot.

Sneaking in a smile. Love this picture. Thanks for the outfit, Andrea!

Eating his little blankie from Mrs. Dewey.

Addie and Drew - so cute together. This was the first time they were both awake at the same time. Addie started going to Angel's house this week - so I'm sure Drew and her are going to become best buds!

My first real tub bath. He didn't quite know what to think. He was scared when I sat him down in his tub, which was immersed with water. After he got used to it though, he seemed to like it. There was no screaming or crying, so that was good!

I'm a gangsta in my hoodie!

12-weeks old and growing like a weed!

Whew, we made it through another week. And it was a long one. Drew is feeling much better (although still on antibiotics), but still has a stuffed up nose. I just wish he could blow it - then we wouldn't have to use that little sucker thing that he HATES. Poor baby.

Work was crazy busy for me this week, and school was the same for Sam. This week will be even harder. This week will start my overtime hours and Sam has two tests. I'm really dreading the next month and a half. Lots of work. I'm soooo ready for Sam to finish school, so I can consider a job/career that is less demanding - if there is such a thing. I hate spending this much time apart from my Drew. My priorities have certainly changed since becoming a Mom. I knew they would, but just had no idea how much.

We've had a good weekend. Friday night, Jeremy, Sarah, and Addie came by to hang out. We ordered in dinner and just played with the kiddies. Saturday, we met my parents for lunch - they were in town car shopping - and then they came by our house to visit on Saturday afternoon. After they left, we went up to the tail gate for a little while - Drew loved it. Today, Sam is studying and I am hanging with Drew, doing laundry, and getting ready for this week. We were supposed to have Drew's 3-month pictures this weekend, but the weather didn't cooperate. I'm hoping that we can get them in soon, because he is changing SO much with each day....and I really want some pictures of him in his Halloween costume. He's going to be a SKUNK. It is so stinkin' cute.

Little look alikes.

2008-10-01T12:05:00.008-05:00

This was the first outfit (or item for that matter) that I ever bought for Hayden. I remember going to pick it out the week before I went to Mtn. Home to meet the little guy for the first time. I wanted to get him a cute outfit that had some sort of meaning. Weird, I know. Anyways, I found this little guitar outfit at Bella Jacks and knew that it was the outfit - my brother and dad are both obsessed with guitars, and I'm sure that Hayden will be someday too.

When I found out that I was pregnant with a boy, Stephanie (Hayden's mom) sent me boxes of Hayden's clothes.....and this precious outfit was in it! I don't know why I am so sentimental about this outfit, but I am. It is probably my favorite outfit in Drew's closet. When I was cleaning out his closet this weekend, I found it and realized that it could probably already fit him (its a 6 month size)- so he got to wear it to Angel's house today. It fit him PERFECT.

Sam snapped some pictures of Drew wearing it this morning, and I found a picture of sweet Hayden in the outfit back in December of 2006. Hayden was about 3 months old when he was wearing the outfit - about the same age as Drew. I can't believe how much they favor each other in these pictures. Love my two boys.

Hayden - approx. 3 months old

Drew - almost 3 months old

The sweetest smile.....

2008-09-29T11:46:00.003-05:00

Last Tuesday when I went to pick up Drew from Angel's house, when he saw my face, he smiled really big! It was the first time that he has shown emotion/excitement when I have picked him up from the babysitter! It was sooooooooooo sweet and melted my heart. Thought it was an important milestone and wanted to share. :)

Poor Baby.

2008-09-29T11:27:00.009-05:00

Sleep, sleep, sleep and more sleep. That's all Drew did this weekend. Poor baby didn't feel well beginning Saturday morning. He was congested - you could hear it in his little nose (it has never been runny though) and he had a little cough. He was running a slight fever Saturday and Sunday, and then still had one this morning, so we decided to take him to the doctor. We knew they probably couldn't do anything about his congestion - just something that will have to work itself out on its own, but wanted to make sure that we are doing everything we should be. What do we learn??? He also has a DOUBLE ear infection. Poor baby can't seem to get a break. So he's on antibiotics to help clear up the ear infections. Sam is home taking care of him today. I hope that he eats better today than he has in the past 2 days - poor boy hasn't had an appetite. He had no fever today at the doctor's office, but we are keeping a close eye on it. Dr. said he should be fine to go back to Angel's house tomorrow - ear infections are not contagious. And...he said that if I kept him home because of a runny nose in the fall/winter/spring time that he would probably never be able to go to Angel's house. Seriously, I am going to count how many times we have been to the doctor's office/hospital this year. Its just getting a little ridiculous!

Now, I think I'm coming down with something....I've got a doctor's appointment this afternoon. Poor Sam is going to be taking care of me and Drew. Be thinking of him. :) He just got over being sick too.

Oh, also....guess how much Drew weighs now??? You will never believe it! 15 pounds and 13 ounces. What a WHOPPER!

Drew a talkin'

2008-09-27T21:15:00.005-05:00

Here is a video of Drew talking to Mommy Saturday morning! He's 11-weeks old today and already a jabber jaws! Sorry the video is so long - he just started talking and kept going, and I couldn't stop recording! I'm not technology savvy enough to know how to edit the video! Give me some slack, its my first video experience. :)

Our Lil' Razorback.

2008-09-27T14:52:00.006-05:00

This morning when we were getting Drew dressed, I realized that he has already outgrown all of his Razorback outfits! Nana just bought him a Razorback onsie a few weeks ago - I can't believe how fast Drew is growing! Anyways, I was insistent that Drew was going to be sporting something Razorback today to cheer on the Hogs as they play Texas. The only Razorback item that he owns now is a jersey that was passed down from Evie to Drew. It is still big for Drew - it almost looks like it could be a dress on him - but we put it on him anyways. He wore it for a while, until he started getting a little fussy. Poor boy hasn't been feeling well. It started with a stopped up nose and a little cough - pretty sure that Daddy gave it to him this week - and then he has been running a slight fever since last night. He's been sleeping alot today, so we are hoping that will help him to feel better soon! We are enjoying this weekend of doing NOTHING. I might not even leave the house this weekend except to go to the grocery store. Just enjoying time with Drew and Sam, and of course, we are watching every football game on TV. Hope everyone is having a great Saturday! Enjoy the pictures!

Lil' Razorback Fan

I'm a Cardinal's fan too! Outfit courtesy of Grandma Ross!

Aunt Suz's Birthday.

2008-09-27T12:47:00.004-05:00

We had a lil' birthday party for Aunt Suz at our house on Tuesday night - we are so glad she is back close to us so that we can get together for special occasions like these! We ordered yummy Guido's pizza and then had delicious birthday ice cream cake from Cold Stone Creamery!! Then just sat around and loved on Drew! Drew sure does love his Aunt Suz! Sorry for being so delayed on this post; meant to get to it earlier in the week, but it just never happened! Hope you had a great birthday, Suz! We love you!

A Wonderful, Perfect Weekend.

2008-09-21T20:46:00.006-05:00

The house isn't clean, my diet didn't go well this weekend, I didn't get half the stuff done that I needed to.....but it was a wonderful, perfect weekend. Instead, I spent lots of quality time with Drew and my family! I'm learning (slowly) to not worry so much with the day-to-day unimportant tasks. Its OK if my house isn't clean tonight.

I'm sad its Sunday though.....that means work, and no baby Drew tomorrow.

But, I do have to say, that this weekend was great! Sam and I had planned to go to the AR/AL game and tailgate afterwards with friends on Saturday. Sam's wonderful aunt, Joyce, sent us their tickets to the game b/c they couldn't attend. THANK YOU! But, after my first day back to work on Monday, I had made up my mind.....I couldn't spend Saturday away from my Drew, which meant no football game for me. So, I called my bro....he agreed to go to the game with Sam (don't think we had to twist his arm very hard). Mom had already planned (its been on her calendar for a month) to come babysit Drew, so that we could attend the Razorback festivities. Jason hitched a ride with Mom, and him and Sam went to the game and tailgated. Mom, me & Drew got to hang out all day and shopped. Drew did great being out and about with us all day.

One of the best parts of the weekend was the two nights of amazing sleep that we got! Nana took care of Drew both Friday and Saturday night! I feel GREAT now - but I'm afraid Mom is probably a little sleepy. Drew was up quite a bit both nights. Saturday night we just vegged in at the house and ordered in yummy Guido's pizza!

THANK YOU MOM FOR A FUN, RELAXING, SLEEP FILLED WEEKEND. I LOVE YOU! I have always loved and appreciated my mom, but I swear that having a child of my own makes me love and appreciate my mom a million times more. I just don't know how to explain it! I miss her already and she just left this morning! :)

Today, I have spent most of the day just lovin' on my boy. Sam went to school for several hours. Drew and I cuddled and took at nap. Best 2 and a half hours of my day. All I have wanted to do this wkend was hold him. Then it was grocery shopping, dishes, and laundry.

I am going to miss my little munchkin so bad again tomorrow - I can already feel it. Work is good though - I am glad to be back. And I am busy as heck gearing up for our year-end and 10-K season....so that makes the day go fast. I really can't believe I've already made it through my first week back! Here's to week 2!

Here are a few pics from this wkend. Drew is getting so BIG and he is becoming the absolute sweetest, content, lovable little boy. I just want to SQUEEZE him, kiss him, love on him constantly. I think he's becoming a mommy's boy too......just ask Sam. I don't mind it too much. :)

Hope everyone has a great Monday!

Hayden turns TWO!

2008-09-18T12:03:00.009-05:00

It is unbelievable to me how fast the past two years have flown by. It seems like just yesterday, we were meeting baby Hayden for the first time. It seems like just yesterday, he couldn't say my name. It seems like just yesterday, everyone was fighting over who wanted to hold him. I'm a little sad that he isn't a baby anymore -the baby stage seemed to pass so quickly - but he has become such a fun, smart, silly, loveable little toddler! And you can't believe some of the things that come out of his little mouth! He is soooooooo smart for a 2-year old and I refuse to believe that I am a biased auntie.

Hayden's birthday party was Sponge Bob themed (he loves the yellow guy) and held last Sunday at my parent's house. It had originally been planned to be at Cooper Park, but that was before Ike's arrival. It did end up being sunny on that Sunday, but everything was still so wet outside.

Here are some pictures of my precious nephew during his birthday party weekend!

Birthday Boy!

Hayden waiting to blow out his candles while we sang Happy Birthday to him! PawPaul played the Happy Birthday song on the guitar for him and he LOVED it!

Blowing out the candles..........

Ouch! My lip hurts! Hayden got a little too close to the flames when he was blowing out the candles! Guess it really was his first time to blow out candles - last year we had to help him out!

Hayden & Daddy

Nana, PawPaul and their 2 boys.

Cousins - Hayden checking out Drew.

Hayden playing with the John Deere wheelbarrow from Aunt Je-Je and Uncle Sam.

Hayden riding his tractor from Nana & PawPaul

Hayden enjoying the Razorback cupcake that Aunt Je-Je brought him from Rick's Bakery!

PawPaul and his boys! I love these pictures of the three of them!

Love this one of all 3 boys smiling!

Drew and his PawPaul - see Drew's smile!

A Couple of Pics from our MH Weekend.

2008-09-16T06:22:00.004-05:00

Here are some pictures - outside of Hayden's birthday party - from our weekend in Mtn. Home. I will post pictures from Hayden's birthday party sometime this week (of course, I have quite a few pictures, so I need to sort through them!)

Great Grandma Duggins & Drew

Grandma Viv & Drew - he has a sweet smile in this picture.

Okay, so all these pictures of Drew look the same. I just couldn't pick which one to post - so I posted several. All his different faces and poses are just too cute - but then again I am his mommy. This outfit is significant because it was the first time that he has worn jeans. He looked like such a big boy in them!

Back at Work.

2008-09-15T21:39:00.005-05:00

Mommy & Drew before I left for work.

Angel & Drew - she already thinks I'm crazy with my picture taking!

The day wasn't completely terrible.
It went by FAST. I was really busy with work. Not only catching up on stuff since I've been gone but also on new, current stuff. Thanks for everyone who checked on me today - it meant alot.
Drew was fussing when I took him into Angel's house in the morning, but as soon as she picked him up out of his carseat - he stopped. I can tell that he really takes to her. That makes me feel really good. I think she loves him too already. I don't worry about him being there at all or if she will take good care of him - I know she will. I just miss him lots. Okay, well I think I did call her 6 or 7 times today, but it was just because I was curious to hear what Drew was up to. I think I stared at his pictures at work all day.
Sam picked him up when he got out of class and brought him home. As soon as the clock hit 5 o'clock, I was out the door and on my way home. Drew was waiting on me and Sam let me finish feeding him when I walked in the door. I had to get my arms around that boy and give him some lovin' ASAP.
I haven't wanted to put him down since I got home - I have just felt like holding him. Lucky for me, Sam was busy studying and watching the Cowboys and let me get my Drew fix.
I think the second day back at work will be much harder - because I only got to see him awake for 5 or 6 hours today. Weird, but I'm actually looking forward to getting up with him during the night tonight just so I can hold him. Tonight will probably be the night he sleeps through the night knowing my luck! I guess I would take that though.
I'll keep you posted on how the week goes, but I'm so glad we all made it through Day 1!
BTW - Drew was not cooperating with the pictures this morning. We could not get him to look at the camera. Oh well.

Happy 2-Month Birthday Drew!!!

2008-09-13T17:34:00.017-05:00

Drew on his 2-Month Birthday - September 12, 2008

Wow! It's hard to believe our little Drew is 2 months old (September 12, 2008). It seems like he was born forever ago because so much has happened since his birth, but at the same time I find it hard to believe he has grown so fast and is already 2-months old. We are amazed at how he is changing and growing each day. He is developing such a big personality for such a little guy! Well, I guess he's not really a 'little guy'......I'm pretty sure that he is pushing 14 pounds on his 2-month birthday because just Monday he weighed 13 pounds 12 ounces! He is a REALLY BIG boy for a 2-month old. According to the doctor, he looks more like a 4-month old than a 2-month old!

Here are some of the things that our little man is doing at 2-months old:
-SMILING, alot! He LOVES it when we make silly faces and sounds and when we stick our tongues out at him! If fact, he is beginning to mock us and stick his tongue out too!
-Laughing - not all the time, but every once in a while we will catch him chuckling at us - it is the sweetest sound ever.
-Cooing - He is talking to us alot now, especially when we talk to him. So sweet. He talks alot in the mornings and Sam can really get him going!
-He is obsessed with looking at fans. He always manages to find one to stare at regardless of where we are.
-Fights sleep - he flat out refuses to go to sleep most times. He will be obviously tired - his eyes will be really red and he will rub them - but he will not settle down. That's when we swaddle him and turn the hair dryer on. Yes, he LOVES the hair dryer! We have decided that is how we will heat our house this winter. There are some nights we literally sleep with the hair dryer on all night. Oh well, whatever does the trick.
-He is a WIGGLE WORM - he is always kicking his legs and swinging his arms around. He accidentally hits himself in the face with his hands and it makes him mad, which is the main reason we have to swaddle him to sleep - he wakes himself up hitting himself if he's not swaddled.
-Loves playing with his hands. Its so cute - he rubs them together and grasps them. He's also starting to grab for other things - such as our shirts and my hair when we're holding him.
-He's completely recovered from his surgery that he had at 6-weeks old and now typically eats 6 ounces every 3-4 hours. He is sure one hungry boy!
-As far as night time goes, he normally goes to bed between 8-9 pm, gets up one or two times at night, and then rises religiously at 5 am. He definitely gets his early morning rising from the Haneys, not from the Marions! :) I'm ready for him to sleep in until 7 am!
-He LOVES his swing. He could stay in it all day if we would let him - he will stare at himself in the swing mirror forever! He really likes looking at himself in mirrors - he knows he's cute!
-He's beginning to have a little temper. When he gets mad - watch out. Mommy put him on his tummy the other night (for some much needed tummy time) and he DIDN'T like it. He started with light crying and then it escalated....into a fit that took us nearly an hour to resolve. We have decided to give him tummy time sparingly now.....especially right before bed time!
-He takes to both mommy and daddy really well.....but seems to cling to mommy for comfort. I don't mind that too much! :) He really likes mommy to hold him and rock him to sleep. But, don't get me wrong, there are ALOT of times that he only wants daddy! Daddy is SO good with Drew!
-He is just about to grab his feet with his hands when lying on his changing table. I can't wait for him to do that! It is so cute watching him try!
-Is beginning to like baths a little more - he is fairly content taking them, but I'm not sure that he necessarily likes them!
-Still doesn't like having his clothes changed!
-Pretty much only has fussy time when he's tired or hungry. He gets really cranky when he's tired. This is a BIG difference from how he was during his first month.
-He sleeps in the pack-and-play in our bedroom and likes it okay....we aren't convinced that he loves it. We hope to be ready to move him to his crib within the next month.
-Holding his head up really steady. His neck muscles sure are strong!

Well, I'm sure that I could think of a TON more to write about and I'm sure there is something that I've left out - but this is becoming a LONG post!

We are really proud of everything that our little Drew has overcome during his 2nd month. He is one strong and courageous boy and we love him to pieces!!!!! He are so thankful and blessed to have such a happy and more importantly, a healthy baby boy.

Daddy's Luck.

2008-09-10T09:29:00.004-05:00

So last night was Sam's night to get up with Drew. And guess what?!? He slept from 7:00 pm to 1:00 am (and he hadn't eaten since 5:30 pm) - and Sam woke him up at 1:00 am because he said he felt bad, like we were starving the poor boy!! Then he ate, went back to sleep and was up at his normal time of 5:00 am. Now that is Daddy's luck! The night before, Drew was up MULTIPLE times with Mommy! Now if we can just shift his hours a little and have Drew sleep from like 8:00 pm to 5:00 am. That would be PERFECT! I think he is getting really close to sleeping through the night....keeping my fingers crossed.

I think I'm FINALLY caught up with blogging all my recent Drew pictures. I'm sure there will be more to post after this weekend in MH and Hayden's birthday party. We are looking forward to getting out of here for the weekend and seeing family.

I'm off to get my hair done - its been MONTHS since I've had it cut! Then to pick up Drew at Angel's house. He is doing great there this week, but I sure do miss him. It has been nice to get a few things done this week though. Think we are hanging with Sarah and Addie this afternoon.....so maybe I will take some pics of them together!

Hope everyone has a great Wednesday!

Bath Time Again.

2008-09-09T08:46:00.007-05:00

Okay, so I'm obsessed with bath time. Drew is so stinking cute when he is taking a bath. He stares at himself in the bathroom mirror and just smiles. He just makes the sweetest little faces and does the cutest things with his hands. So precious. I seem to take pictures of Drew nearly every time he takes a bath. He's going to love me someday. :)

Some more sweet Drew pics.

2008-09-09T08:19:00.008-05:00

Sweet face - love these PJ's (thanks Laura!)
Play time on the floor.
Looking at Daddy.
Aunt Suz & Drew
Thanks for the outfit Whitney & Corey!
Drew in his bumbo - he'll be sitting up in this really good before too long!
Happy boy with a really sweet smile that melts our hearts!
Looking at Daddy - I love this picture of Drew (minus the granola bar wrapper in the pic).

Big Day.

2008-09-09T06:54:00.005-05:00

I'm already on my 2nd cup of coffee this morning and its not even 7:00 am. My how life has changed the past 8 weeks. Drew didn't sleep very good last night. He went to the doctor for his surgery follow-up/2 month check-up yesterday and got his shots. They have been making him not feel so great - he's a little fussy, really tired, and not as hungry. Right now, he's sleeping in his swing as I type. Other than the shots, his doctor appointment went great. His incision looks great and he has recovered completely from his surgery. Also, here are the stats from his appointment (all at 8-weeks).

-Weighed 13 pounds 12 ounces (100% percentile)
-Was 23 and a half inches long (95% percentile)
-His head circumference was 16 inches (80% percentile)

Pretty much, he is just a BIG ole' healthy boy. The doctor said he weighs what a normal 4-month old does! He is on track developmentally and doing all of the things that any normal 2-month old does - plus he can really hold up his head (the doctor said that he is also holding up his head like a 4-month old). We're so proud of our little Drew and that he is doing so well after all he has endured the first 8 weeks of his life!

Yesterday was also a BIG day because it was Drew's first day at Angel's house. Angel is going to be Drew's babysitter when I go back to work NEXT WEEK. We love Angel and are so lucky that we found her (thanks Laura!). Yeah - I can't believe that it is already time to go back to work. It feels like the past 9 weeks have gone by so fast, but then it feels like Drew has been here forever. We are having a 'trial' week this week - making me get up and get myself and Drew ready and over to Angels by 7:30 am. Definitely a challenge since I've been living in my PJ's for the past 9 weeks! He is going to Angel's house in the mornings this week for half days. That is letting me have some time to run some errands and get some appointments out of the way before I start back to work next week. And letting me get used to not being with him all day. I had a break down when I dropped him off yesterday morning. I have completely mixed feelings about going back to work. I am excited that my brain is working again and I am motivated (definitely wasn't feeling like this when I was pregnant). But, I am going to miss my little Drew SO much! With all he went through his first 6-7 weeks not feeling so well, I don't feel like he has really got to enjoy us or that we have got to enjoy him the way that we should have. And now, he is feeling SO much better and is so much fun! I'm glad he will be feeling well for Angel (and that will give me so much peace of mind), but I am sad that I am not going to be able to be there with him all day every day. Anyways, this is going to be another adjustment period for us - with me back to work, Sam at school, and Drew at Angel's house. Pray for us!

Here are a couple pictures from yesterday. I still have some blogging catch-up to do and am going to get that done this week! So many pictures to post - so little time! We are going to MH this wkend for sweet Hayden's 2nd birthday! I can't wait! Hope everyone has a great day!

Drew & Angel - 1st day without Mommy.
Drew's favorite past time right now - staring at himself in the mirror on his swing. He knows he's cute!

Evie turns 2!!

2008-09-09T06:40:00.005-05:00

Saturday night, Drew attended his first birthday party - it was Evie's 2nd birthday (my BF Lyndsy's little girl)!!! Poor Evie wasn't feeling too well on her birthday, but she was still as cute as ever though! It was an outside play party and the kiddos played on the trampoline and on a big waterslide thing. Of course, Drew didn't get to participate in any of that fun, but he got to be passed around and played with inside. Drew was such a good boy at the party. We lasted at the party over an hour and a half and he was just as content as he could be! Here are a couple of pics!

Sick Birthday Girl
Happy Boy before the partySweet Smiles
Snoozing at the party when we first got there.

My 29th Birthday.

2008-09-04T20:51:00.005-05:00

Last birthday of my twenties. Whew! Kind of scary.

I had a great birthday weekend. My mom asked me what I wanted for my birthday and I told her a day out with friends and a night of uninterrupted sleep! That’s exactly what I got! Mom came to town and watched Drew all day last Saturday so that Sam and I could go tail gate with friends before the 1st Razorback game of the 2008 season. We spent the day tail gating at Chris & Jill’s spot and then went to Lyndsy’s house when the game started (Sam went to the game with Chris E.). At Lyndsy’s house, we celebrated my birthday with pizza and cake. Yummy. I have great friends who always make a big deal about my birthday. I love them. Sam and I started to get tired around 9:00 pm (yeah I know we are lame these days), so we headed back to the house. Mom was still up with Drew, but about to put him down for the night in her room. We went to bed childless and got an entire 11 hours of uninterrupted incredible sleep! I have never been so thankful for such a great night of sleep – I just don’t think you can know until you have a newborn baby!!!! The next day – Sunday – me, Mom, and Drew went shopping around town. I found a few new shirts for work and LOTS of stuff for Drew. Sam’s parents and Suz stopped by the house on Sunday to see Drew and give me my birthday presents. I pretty much just got money for my birthday (definitely not complaining!!) – I’m going to do some very needed shopping sometime soon!!!!! I’ve missed being able to shop for REGULAR clothes!

I didn’t take my camera to Lyndsy’s house so don’t have any pictures of my birthday celebration right now….when I get them from the girls I will post. But here’s a picture of me and Drew though on my birthday (Sunday, August 31st)! Drew is 7-weeks old here.

Thanks to everyone for a great birthday weekend! And thanks mom for the night of sleep!!!!!

Drew at 1-month - August 12, 2008

2008-09-04T14:39:00.007-05:00

Okay, so I know I'm a little late on this post, but I figured that late was better than never! Sorry Drew, your mommy is a slacker! Plus, this post will help me when I actually get time to scrapbook Drew at 1-month old (right now though it seems that I will NEVER have the time to scrapbook again - I mean I barely have time to take a shower these days!).

So wow....Drew's first month was a whirlwind....a wonderful, amazing, tiring, joyous, exciting (did I say tiring?) month. His first month feels like it was a year long (must have been the many sleepless nights), but then it also feels like it went by so fast. Its so hard to believe that a month ago, Drew was still in my belly, and although I loved him then......the love that I have for him now is completely indescribable. We are so blessed to have a healthily little baby boy who is growing like a weed!

Drew at 1-month old ~
-Weighs 11 pounds, 9 ounces
-Now eats about every 3 hours (with sometimes 4 or 5 hour stretches through the night). Our boy loves to eat!
-Still sucks on his hands alot for comfort; only sometimes wants his pacifier.
-Loves his cradle swing (to nap in) and his bouncy seat (it helps to calm him).
-Is holding up his head really well (has been doing this almost since he was born).
-Now sleeps in his pack-n-play in our room; just moved from his secure sleeper in our bed. We tried him in his crib (and although he slept in there 1 night), but he doesn't really like it yet.
-Hates having his clothes changed.
-Starting to smile at us!
-Seems to like peeing on his mommy & daddy or whoever might be changing his diaper, including Nana & Aunt Suz
-Likes baths (most of the time)
-Is a little fussy (I feel bad saying this now that we know most of it was due to his condition - peloric stenosis - and his allergy to cow's milk).
-Loves going for car and stroller rides!
-Sticks out his tongue alot.
-Very active punching/kicking his arms & legs.
-Starting to grab for things with his hands and clasp his hands together.
-Very alert - he really looks at mommy and daddy when feeding, talking or playing.
-Loves going outside - he is very content being outdoors even in the heat!
-Likes to be rocked to sleep and sang to by mommmy. Loves to be held on daddy's shoulder.
-Loves the sound of my hairdryer and other white noise (it calms his and puts him to sleep - weird I know).
-He has been very good (so far) at going out in public places to shop and for dinner - he's already been to AQ Chicken, Steak & Shake, and Marketplace for dinner!
-His favorite place in the house is his changing table - we don't know why - but he will lay there forever and just stare at something (we haven't figured out what he's staring at either)!

Some Drew pics from the past few weeks..................

2008-09-04T13:31:00.007-05:00

I think this is a sweet picture of Drew.

August 12, 2008 - Drew's 1 month birthday - I will post a 1 month birthday blog today or tomorrow (I know I'm a little late).

I love Daddy! Isn't he so cute in these? Can't believe he's already wearing 3-6 month clothes!

Love his little wrinkly butt!

The one night that Drew slept in his crib. Hasn't happened since!

Drew posing for his 4-week picture.

He is so sweet looking at bath time. He LOVES starting at himself in the mirror.

Funny picture. Daddy and Drew being silly.

Sweet Ella.

2008-09-04T08:36:00.004-05:00

Sweet Ella and mommy/my BF Katie came by the house a few weeks ago for Ella to meet Drew. Evidently Ella has been obsessed with a picture of Drew that Katie took on her cell phone and she always wants to look at baby Drew on Katie's phone. It was so adorable - Ella just wanted to hold Drew! She would have walked around with him if we would have let her! :) Katie said that Ella calls all of her babydolls Drew now! How cute! Here are the pics from their visit - sorry it took so long for me to post. Drew can't wait to see Ella again this weekend!

Can I say that Katie is an unbelievable friend?!?! Seriously. Thank you Kate for all the lunches you hand delivered to us at the hospital and for the deliciously yummy dinner you cooked for Sam and I. You are the BEST!

Over the river and through the woods, to grandmother's house we go............................

2008-08-29T15:27:00.011-05:00

A couple of weekends ago we took Drew on a road trip to Bloomfield, MO to meet his Great Grandma Ross, Great Grandma Minnie, Great Aunt Peggy, Great Uncle Brent, and Cousins Tracy, Kelley, John, Shawn & Abby!

It was a LONG trip (it took us 6 hours to get there and 8 hours to get home) - its much easier traveling with just me & Sam - but it was well worth the drive! It was so good to see everyone and I'm so glad that they were able to meet our baby Drew! The Grandmas were in awe - and well I guess Aunt Peg, Tracy, and Kelley were too! Drew sure got some lovin' that weekend!

Mom (Nana), Dad (PawPaul), and Jason (Uncle Jason) also came to Bloomfield that weekend and surprised everyone with precious Hayden in tow! He was a hoot all weekend......all I can say is that boy LOVES his NANA!!! I was so glad that Hayden got to spend more time with Drew too! He was so cute wanting to look at and hold Baby Drew!!!!

Here are quite a few pictures from our weekend!!! Our family is PICTURE CRAZY!!!! Its inherited, I swear!

Aunt Peg, Kelley & Drew

Great Grandma Minnie & Drew

Me & Hayden

Love this picture of Drew, Hayden & Nana!!!

Great Grandma Ross & Drew - she was loving taking care of him!!!!

Hayden & Drew

Sweet Hayden - I love this picture of him!

Great Grandma Ross & Hayden - Can't you just see her face all lit up!!!

Kelley with Drew!

Tracy with Drew!

SMILES!!!!!

2008-08-28T20:28:00.004-05:00

Drew is starting to SMILE alot and it just melts our heart!!! I've tried to capture it on camera a few times and I'm just not fast enough!!! The one time that I actually got a good picture of him, my flash was off! Just my luck. I'm posting the pictures anyways......you can still see how sweet he is!

I've got a ton of pictures to post from the past few weeks. I'm behind! I'll try to get them posted in the next few days!

Our poor baby Drew.................

2008-08-27T13:25:00.002-05:00

Our poor baby Drew has had a rough past few weeks. It all started a couple of weeks ago when we noticed that he had started spitting up (sometimes projectile vomiting). We went to the doctor and he said that he thought it was reflux, and he gave us some acid reflux medicine to help with the burning. We could tell that the spitting up/vomiting was hurting him. After we went to the doctor that day, all of a sudden the spitting/vomiting stopped for about 5 days. Then, a week ago (last Wednesday), he started VOMITING really bad again (we were pretty sure this wasn't just a little baby spit-up). It would literally FLY out of his mouth across the room.....and the kicker was that the color of the vomit was tanish brown. We went to the doctor again on Thursday afternoon (this time a different one to get another opinion) and heard the same thing - just reflux and Drew will have to outgrow it. Thursday evening it just kept getting worse - Drew was vomiting up everything that he was eating and didn't seem to be keeping anything down - and the color of the vomit was turning VERY brown (an indication that there was blood in his vomit). We called the after hours care line and talked to a nurse at Children's Hospital - she told us to go to the EMERGENCY ROOM. We rushed to the emergency room and got there about midnight (now Friday morning) and spent nine hours in the emergency room with them doing blood work, an ultrasound, an x-ray, and other things to our baby Drew. Drew had to be given fluids through an IV because he was so dehydrated. I swear that between 7:00pm Thursday and 7:00 am Saturday, Drew must have vomited 50 times. When we were finally able to see the pediatrician Friday morning, we learned that Drew had a condition called ploric stenosis. Here is some info that the doctor gave us to explain ploric stenosis.

Ploric stenosis typically occurs in first born white males and is largely hereditary. Ploric stenosis is caused when a muscle between the stomach and duodenum grows too large and thick. The duodenum is the part of the small intestines that connects to the stomach. As this muscle grows, it begins to block food from being pushed from the stomach into the duodenum. In time, the muscle can grow so thick and tight that it blocks all food from going into the duodenum. Pyloric stenosis usually happens in babies who are 1 to 10 weeks old. A common symptom of pyloric stenosis is vomiting after feedings and dehydration. Vomiting may become projectile as the pyloric stenosis gets worse. Vomiting normally happens 30 minutes to 1 hour after a feeding. This is a dangerous condition for your baby. When a baby become dehydrated, the heart and blood system cannot work normally. Most babies have a surgery called a pyloromyotomy to fix the pyloric stenosis.

We were admitted to the hospital Friday morning and Drew was scheduled for the pyloromyotomy surgery on Saturday morning.

Drew's surgery went very well and we were released from the hospital yesterday (Tuesday afternoon) after being there for 5 days. In order for Drew to be released, he had to complete a very strict feeding regime to ensure that his little tummy could handle food again. It is very common after having this surgery to continue vomiting for some time. Drew had a couple of vomiting bouts in the hospital after his surgery, but was able to make it completely through the feeding regime in a pretty decent time. We are home now and trying to keep Drew resting as much as we can. We are still trying to work Drew back up to the quantities of food that he was used to prior to the surgery (he is not very happy right now because he is STARVING and we can't feed him as much as he wants). We are hoping that this will work itself out in the next few days.

Sam and I are so thankful that our little sweet Drew is okay and will be back to himself soon. To say the least, this has been a very emotional and scary experience; it was a gut wrenching, awful feeling to see our 6-week old baby hooked up to machines, go through surgery, be on pain medicine, etc. It was so frustrating for us to know that something wasn't right with him - but no doctor could diagnose him correctly (supposedly they say that it takes 3-4 doctor visits before this condition is diagnosed)! Keep us in your thoughts and prayers as he continues to recover!

Thanks to everyone for your phone calls, visits, prayers, dinners, etc. We couldn't have made it through this time without family and friends like you!

PRIVATE - Starting Aug. 15th

2008-08-06T10:22:00.004-05:00

After some thought, I'm going to change our blog to PRIVATE viewing only. I want everyone to be able to watch Drew grow and keep up with our family, so if you want to continue viewing our blog please either send me a comment with your email address or email me your email address and I will send you an invite to our blog. If you need my email address, just let me know!!!! Sorry for the inconvenience, but I'm hoping to prevent random weirdos from viewing our blog!