dear skinny friends....

So, my dear friend, Kylene is getting married in October. I am SO excited for her and SO excited to be in a wedding, but there is one part of being in a wedding that I dread....ordering the bridesmaids dress........

Now, I had a baby, he is six months and by the time Kylene's wedding comes around, he will be 11 months. I have never been the "skinny" friend. I have had my whoa you are HUGE moments, but then I lost about 50 lbs before my senior year at PC. I stayed that size until I met Wes. Then, like many couples, I got comfortable and ate....oops! Well, I got pregnant and gained about 25 lbs. I was back to my pre-pregnancy weight about a week after Trenton was born, but keep in mind my pre-pregnancy weight was bigger than I wanted it to be. So, I knew Operation Bridesmaid had to start....it kind of did, but school, work, baby, husband...it got in the way. Now, I am back home, cooking, not eating as much, and I can work out.

I call the super sweet people in Thomasville and tell them my measurements. I wear a 10 or 12 depending on the designer, store, etc. Well, I know bridesmaid dresses are another size all together. Take in mind my friend who wears a 6 and had to order a 12. So, I am dreading this call...excited about the wedding and will get over it, but DREADING the call. So, I call, give my measurements and the precious lady goes....ma'am your bust and waist make you a 14, your hips make you a 16W...WHAT!!! I haven't been a 16 in a LONG time, like since I was way overweight. So, I just breathe, take it in and say, okay. Just order me a 16W. It is ordered, being shipped to me, paid for, and the video training begins. I know I can take it and I look forward to doing that.

Last wedding, I found out I was pregnant AFTER I ordered my dress, this wedding...I will be skinny, dang it! So, every one keep the candy, cake, sweets, and extra calories away...I have a mission!

Love,
big girl.

If last night was a preview

I hope Trenton never grows up! I was talking to Wes last night and realized just how much trouble I may be in with Trenton. This is a crazy, but typical Wes story... Please keep in mind that Wes is 29.

When I first get home we have a typical conversation, how was your game? how was class? yada, yada. Then, I wanted to see how Trenton enjoyed his night with MeMe and Pop. They kept him this week since Wes had an earlier game. Now, before I left work I asked Wes to bathe Trenton and make his bottle so MeMe wouldn't have to (it isn't that she minds, but I just feel like I am the Mom and there are certain things I will do - no matter whose house we are at), well this is where it gets interesting.

Sara: "Did you make a bottle?"
Wes: "yes."
Sara: "wes, did you make a bottle?"
Wes: "yes."
Sara: "this isn't worth lying about, did you make a bottle?"
with the most sullen look on his face Wes says, "no."
Sara: "Why did you lie?"
Wes: "I didn't lie, I fibbed."
Sara: "Did you tell the truth?" "No." "did you lie?"
Wes: "no."
Sara: "Wes, did you tell me the truth?"
Wes: "no." then you lied.
Sara: "is this really worth lying to me about?"
Wes: "no, but I didn't want you to get mad at me."
Sara: "I would not have been mad if you told me the truth, what do you think makes me more mad?"
Wes: "when I lie."

I later found out he didn't bathe Trenton either. He was going to get up early this morning and do it, but that didn't happen. I think it is funny that Wes chooses to lie about the silliest things. The great thing is Wes cannot lie, he smiles every time he tells a lie or smirks at the end of his sentence. So, I can always catch him. The conversations like this continued throughout the night.

Why does it have to be so hard? We also were talking and I said I know we are almost out of formula in the container on the counter. There is more in Trenton's cabinet. He looked at me like I was an idiot. I told him that if he were a single dad, he would be the one loading the screaming baby in the car seat at midnight in order to get formula because he didn't think about planning ahead. This comes after I learned he forgot to ask his Mom about what pictures she wanted as well as him forgetting to take something to his Mom. I just know that Trenton will tell me little "fibs" just like his Daddy, but at least Wes is good practice for me.

I can't close the blog without saying....

Happy Birthday, Cayden!

We hope you have a great day!

So, I am hopeful tonight Wes will not have to tell me any "fibs" and realize that telling the truth is always easier. I mean, if you are going to lie, at least don't make it about something so silly and trivial.

My chocolate told me to

I never eat chocolate out of the stash at work. It is hard for me to avoid it, but I do. But this morning I was/am a bit fussy. I just was annoyed by the lack of efficiency at work as well as the lack of initiative. One of my BIGGEST pet peeves is when ppl are not observant/considerate and that has been my morning, so I got a chocolate out of the drawer....a Dove. It told me to "build a bridge and get over it"

Well, this is true. I was not looking forward to the day when I woke up. I have a presentation in class tonight and I really could care less, but then part of me cares too much. So, I am stuck. I was fussy as soon as I dropped Trenton off. He is just too precious! He found his feet and LOVES them, he also found his boy parts during diaper changes and that is not so cool, but we adjust. I just want to play with him. He laughs and giggles and this is limited because normally around 5 he falls asleep for the night, so maybe it is the combo of missing him, dreading tonight, and being peeved, but this day and I are not friends.

This is a sad revelation because today is my cousin Keely's Birthday. I will not divulge her age, but she is 10 years older than me. :) Happy Birthday to Keely! I will build a bridge and get over my terrible day to enjoy her BIG day!

Did I mention there are only 3 more classes until I am done for a LONG stretch? YAY! I cannot wait to finally have a life with my family!

I only forgot one thing....

We made it to Nashville and back all in one piece. Here is the run down of our weekend.

Thursday:

We leave as soon as I get off work (around 4:45) and head up 20 to Ansley. I work around exit 195. We made it to exit 190 before we had to stop! OOPS! Trenton decided that would be a great time to spit up. This made me a little anxious because I could not handle 6 hours of spit up, but he quickly proved me wrong and just fell asleep. However, I did manage to get a picture of precious at the gas station after I cleaned him all up.

I mean honestly, how can you get mad at this face?!? I have learned that if you travel with Wes you better potty when he does. He passed all the rest areas and made me wait..I was about to wear Trenton's diaper. NOT A HAPPY MOMENT! We arrive around 10ish and unload the car. Ansley comes out to help and I give the pregnant lady the rolling suitcase which she precedes to carry because she doesn't want to wake the neighbors. Cool. We feed Trenton and change Trenton which is when I realize the ONE thing I didn't pack extra of was wipes! I remembered all the food, bottles, formula, giraffe, frog, but no wipes! Easy fix, so for now it is off to bed!

Friday:

Trenton wakes up nice and early to let us know it is time to eat and we are going to get moving! It worked out well. I showered, Wes showered, Trenton ate and Ansley woke up. Then we were on our way to Pfunky Griddle. This was my request for breakfast because I have not been there and always wanted to go. You make your food in front of you (on a griddle). I had wheat pancakes with M&M's...yummy! Wes had regular pancakes with Strawberries and Ansley had french toast. I know ya'll were interested in that. Trenton LOVED this place. He was so good the entire time. He is getting to the age where he likes to "talk" so he would tell us all about his morning and just watch the griddle. I decided I would make Trenton a T pancake (like my Mom used to do) and it was pretty miserable, but wes decided to show me up. It just proved to me that he will be the one making the pancakes in the morning.

Clearly my pancake looks more like a tomahawk. OOPS! Wes is definitely showing me up on this one.

Some more pictures from the Pfunky Griddle.....

Trenton did enjoy playing with the cup my M&M's came in... The rest of the day was spent shopping and playing before Wes and I went out on our date to Cheesecake Factory while Ansley kept Trenton. We went early to avoid the wait and I didn't even eat cheesecake! I had a headache and was completely exhausted from the trip and the day, so it was not a great time. Also, Trenton got a ton of stuff, while I bought one shirt and Wes bought 2 pairs of khakis.

Saturday:

It was terrible weather in Nashville...tornadoes, actually. We met Ansley's friend Chris at Puffy Muffin and ate b'fast before setting out to Babies R Us to start their registries. Trenton and Wes bowed out before the registry fun. Not a lot of pictures from that adventure. We were going to have a play date with Ansley's friend Jenna, but the tornadoes did not make for safe travel to Brentwood, so we just hung out around the house before going to Target (where I bought the most amazing toy for Trenton to attach to his car seat - worth the $10!!!) and dinner at the Loveless! Please know the following pictures are from the entire trip. We didn't take Trenton out of his seat because it was not the easiet thing. Here are some family pictures....

When asked where we were, Trenton pointed to the part of the Kiddie Menu that said Loveless...he is a genius.

Sunday:

ADAM CAME!!! He rolled into town around 6:00 and came home to see Trenton. I took a picture, not the best, sorry Adam, but I was glad he got to see Trenton!

They were watching Blues Clues. Adam's favorite. That is one of Trenton's new toys! Precious! Soon, this will be Adam and his little girl! Not long after this, Wes and I hit the road. I understand it is 6 hours home and we lose an hour, but traveling with Trenton during the day is something we have never done, so we were not sure how long it would take. I have to say for the amount of time Trenton spent in his car seat, he was amazing. On the way home he would play with his amazing new $10 toy. We stop at a rest area because it has been over 4 hours since Trenton ate, but he is not interested, so we go back on the road, but not before I change his diaper in the car. I start changing him and he decides he needs to number 2. so, he does, but he also pees ALL over the car and himself! OOPS! Luckily by then we had bought wipes because it was a mess! Not 10 minutes later, he is CRYING, so we stop in Dalton. I figure there is a Carter's outlet, I can look, but no, it isn't open; however, we did get pictures of Trenton out of his seat!

Somebody feed this poor baby!

Daddy and Trenton playing at the outlets! Just giving Trenton some time to stretch!

Trenton and Mommy playing before hitting the road again!

Driving on down the road, we stop for lunch around Atlanta and Trenton is just tired of being in the car, being in his seat, and not having any one to play with, so the redneck Momma that I am I decide he should play at Arby's.

We leave here and make it home with a SCREAMING baby because he is hungry, so first thing we feed him! Here are some of Trenton's new favorite foods:

Carrots - LOVES, but very messy; green beans, squash, sweet potatoes, bananas, peaches (not the favorite, but will eat). The only things he doesn't really like are applesauce and apples. Today he is trying yogurt for the first time..yummy!

It was a great trip to Nashville and Ansley gave me the best Mother's Day present. She had her blog "published" and it is so amazing to have all of Trenton's first moments in print and for me to cherish always. Thanks, Ansley!

Her nursery is coming along and I will let her share all the pictures. I promise she was there, but most of the pictures are of Trenton! I enjoyed seeing her and loved traveling with Trenton. I actually thought it would be a lot worse than it was.

Thank you to Wes's parents for keeping Baxter and my neighbors for getting our mail, paper, and watching the house (which includes chasing cats), and to my parents for helping me remain sane on Sunday. Most of all, thanks to Adam and Ansley for letting us invade their house! Trenton is changing daily, so more pictures to come soon...you know, he will be 6 months on Sunday!

MUSIC CITY HERE WE COME!!!!

I have never packed for a 5 month old before, so this is all new to me. We are driving 6 hours (plus a time zone change) but it is all worth it because we are going to Nashville to see Ansley. Adam is on the road again, so we will miss him, but still.

I think I have packed everything and I am truly excited that I will not be one of the Moms who packs all the child owns; however, there is never a really good way of knowing when everything is packed. I have outfits, toys, diapers, food, bottles, bed, no bath tub (sink), towels, washcloth, toiletries...i think everything. I also truly think it will all fit in the car. We will have to see though.

The one lesson I have learned is that having a child made me really look at what I packed and condense it. I can get by with so much less now!

The dog has a home with MeMe and Pop and he could not be more excited. Last night, when he saw the packing, I had to sit down and tell him all about his weekend and as soon as I said that he was going to their house he got up and went to the door. He is packed too. Food, toys, leash, bowls, treats. I think we are ready. Thanks to MeMe & Pop for keeping Baxter!

Although, I think the two will miss each other! PRECIOUS!

The house has a sitter too. I can't leave home without someone watching the house, so it is also being taken care of. I think I have thought of everything. Now, I just have to hope Wes remembers the list I left of last minute things AND that Trenton sleeps on the way up there. HMM...this all just sounds to ideal!

Confession

I was just telling this story to a friend and decided I would share it with the world. My Mom already knows this story, so that makes this SO much easier.

Last month, we had a little scare. I was a touch late. So, three weeks later, Wes goes to buy a test. Now, Trenton was not planned, but I hope to be a little more prepared for baby #2. However, it was getting pretty scary. NOT to mention that I did not want to steal Ansley's thunder. I told her I would lay low this year.

Anyway, here is the conversation....
Sara: "I think I may be pregnant"
Wes: "Well, we will need a bigger car."
What?! When I told him about Trenton he said a bad word. Now we need a car! My thoughts are what will we do for money, what about a job, daycare, i will have to quit work because that will be cheaper.
Sara: "I'm not telling my Mom"
Wes: "Me neither"
Sara: "I guess Dad will"
Wes: "Probably not"

So, clearly I was not looking forward to telling Mom. Eventually the worries are gone (code talk) and I tell my Mom. Clearly mellowed from the first grandchild and second on the way, she says "well, if that is the plan."

Then I got to thinking. Ansley's little Three and Trenton will be in the same class becuase of birthdays. This baby would have come in November thankfully, so they would have been at least a year apart. Mom also said that it is too close for 3 grandchildren, but if that is God's plan, she will be okay.

So, it was a close call, but thankfully it was not time for us to have another child. I PROMISE we know what causes children!

The Sweetest Sound E-V-E-R!

Yesterday I picked Trenton up from school and his teacher said he felt warm, but she took his temp and it was normal. Well, if you have met my child, his head is always hot, no clue why. After she said this, I took his temp (97), so no worries.

Taking Trenton home he was not himself. He had been sitting in the chair at school just sucking his thumb. He didn't want to play or talk. He slept a lot yesterday, but I am convinced he is going through a growth spurt. Well, we got home and I took him upstairs to play on the bed. Of course, Baxter follows.

We get on the bed and Trenton starts talking (cooing) and then I go for his belly. I bend over to blow raspberries and my hair must have tickled his face because he giggled. I mean, laughed out loud for a matter of seconds! IT was probably the most precious thing ever! So, I tried to do it again, but couldn't.

Well, Baxter loves Trenton, but sometimes thinks he can get more attention (even negative) if he sits too close to Trenton. So, I just grab Baxter and put all my weight on him and start hitting him in the side. Not too hard, just playfully. Trenton thinks this is HI-LARIOUS! He starts giggling again. Wes then walks in the door and I can't get him to do it again, but it was the most precious thing!

Hearing his laugh made all the stress of the day, week, month, year fall off my shoulders. For that instant my child was laughing uncontrollably (for him) and it was so exciting. I hope to get it on camera next time. Clearly this child was not sick, he just wanted to play!

Other excitement, he now rolls over! Every night when he sleeps he rolls to his belly. He still hasn't figured out how to get that arm out from under himself, but still, he rolls!

Sing Out Louise!

Many of you who know me know that I LOVE all things theater. Especially when you add musical in front of that word. I once was athletic, but then I discovered the amazing world of drama and there was no turning back. I haven't been on stage much, well, twice, but I was great in Forum and Henry VIII. However, I was there for pretty much EVERY performance my High school did from '99-'02. That being said, those of you how love drama like I do will realize that the title of my blog is from Gypsy. Gypsy is one of my favorite performances and this is because I met some of the most amazing people doing that production. (Shout out Susannah & Jonathan!) Since graduating, they have moved to NYC to be BIG TIME actors! However, I digress..

Today I learned of an opportunity Trenton had been offered to make his acting debut. My Mom tells me about a girl who is going to be on some diagnosis show. She has a blood disorder and essentially, she cannot bleed, bruise, get hurt in any way or it equals a trip to the hospital. I know the disease has a name, but my Mom was not remembering it at the moment, and I sure don't know about it. Well, they needed a baby to act as her when she was little. Now, Trenton is the perfect age and he and this girl have striking blue eyes, so they would put fake bruises and blood on Trenton and he would be in the show! I of course would have done this, but we are going to be out of town the weekend they film. Not to mention, Trenton can't keep his hands out of his mouth, but this got me thinking.

Here I was excited for my son's opportunity to make his acting debut (small, i know) and he would be exposed to acting and love it just as much as his Mom (actually, he still prefers racing); however, then I thought about it. For this precious little girl, this is her reality.

Her bruises aren't made by make up, her blood is not fake, her pain and her suffering are real. I immediately felt ashamed of myself. From what my Mom tells me this girl is amazing. You would never know her struggles. I could not imagine living a life where to fall down and scrape my knee is so much more than a band aid. To be her Mother, having to make sure your daughter has a 'normal' life without getting to do all things 'normal'. I cannot imagine what her Mother goes through. So, I talked to Mom more. This family is amazing. This Mom could be full of guilt and sorrow for herself and her daugther; however, she is doing things like this show to raise awareness.

It is one of those things that you don't know how good you have it until you meet someone to remind you of your blessing. True, Trenton had a TE Fistula, but he survived and minus a little honking when he breathes, he is fine.

This precious girl will live with this for the rest of her life. And all her family wants to do from it is spread the awareness. There is not a good way to tell her thank you. I appreciate this opportunity not only for my son, but also for the humbling experience of putting life into perspective. I would love for Trenton to make his acting debut and for it to be helpful is spreading the word about her condition; however, I am humbled at her and her family and their grace, strength, and faith.

So, another time Trenton and I will get to be dramatic, now, we are just grateful.

WHO JUMPS?!?

I have blogged enough about how little Wes and I see each other for you to know that he plays softball on Monday and Wednesday nights. Well, Monday night he had a game at 9:30 - RIDICULOUS! Even before I had a baby, 9:30 was pushing it. So, what do I do? Get Trenton, go home, and try to get sleep, but of course I can't. That night Wes comes home and they lost their game. I know this because I asked 10 times. When he came in I had fallen asleep, so I couldn't remember a lick of what he told me.

Wednesday night, Wes had a game at 7:30 (maybe) somewhere around there. I have class on Wednesday night, so my Dad kept Trenton at his house while Wes was playing ball. Well, I get out of class at 8:45 - treat to get out early and call Wes. He tells me he got kneed in the head. I'm sorry?!? Kneed? Really? Well, doing my best to remember the details, here is how it happened.

Wes plays third and the runner was coming from second to third. Wes's teammate in the outfield threw the ball a little far off, so wes went to get it and the runner comes towards third. Wes is NOT in the baseline, but the 5'10", 280 lb idiot decides he certainly can clear my 6'4" 275 lb husband. While any sane person would slide, this guy decides, I should jump. Really?!? The only times I veiw jumping as appropriate in softball is to catch a ball in the air or to jump over a rolling grounder to make sure you don't trip on it.

Since this amazing ball player decides to jump, he natrually knees my husband in the face. Wes is not knocked out, but he is a little dizzy and of course mad as heck! My husband is pretty level headed until it comes to sports. Even this event made me want to get up and find this guy (even though I was not there). The guy tries to blame it on Wes. Really! So of course Wes's team rallies around him. Wes was near the point of actually fighting, but of course Wes was at a disadvantage since he had just been hit in the head. Already tired from lack of sleep I was not happy about hearing this and naturally I got nervous about him driving, but he said he didn't black out, just got dizzy. This morning my husband has a semi-fat lip and a welp above his eye. Oh, I love stupid people who don't understand the basic idea of physics and softball.

Next time they play this team, I may have to skip class. Don't mess with my husband. Not when I am hormonal, sleep deprived, and needing a place to vent all of my stress and frustration.

It is all worth it....

The other night I cried when I put Trenton to sleep. Trust me, I attribute part of it to hormones, but the other part is realizing just how much my son is growing up. He had fallen asleep in my lap and I did not want to put him down. I was loving holding him and watching him sleep. However, I try to get him to fall asleep in his crib, and since he was in my arms I knew I had to put him down. I walk upstairs and put him in his crib and just start crying. I see his precious little self in that big crib and realize just how much he has grown. He won't remember these days where Mommy's lap was the most amazing place or the times that he wanted to be held. These moments are so precious and so fleeting. Now, I know, Trenton is only 5 months, but really, these five months have flown by!

On Monday, during his day with Nameless she enjoyed those moments. I called to check on him and she said "he slept in my arms for about an hour" I said, "Mom, you can put him down and he may sleep longer" to which her response was, "How will he know he is sick?" Those moments are even more precious to her. She doesn't get to see him as much as I do. However, she is really good about letting him play on the floor and the bed, but those moments when he is in a cuddling mood, you have to eat them up. Those moments when he wants to be held are few and far between.

This morning, Trenton is still not himself. He is struggling with the pollen (i guess) and his poor little eyes are still glassy and red. He actually looks like he has been doing drugs or pulled an all nighter. So, I got to daycare early (even though I woke up late) and Trenton looked at me with those red eyes and grinned. I just had to hold him. We sat in the rocking chair as I discussed things with other Moms and talked to his teachers about how his breathing is starting to get more noticeable, so we are going to try and see a specialist as soon as I can get a referral to go, all the while Trenton and I are rocking. I look over and see him just sound asleep and drooling all over my shoulder. Those are the moments that make all the craziness, scheduling, stress, and arguments (with Wes) worthwhile. Those moments where we get to be together, just us, and he can finally relax and just give in to those tired eyes.

Hi, My name is....

Now, I know there will be plenty of people who have comments that they may share or keep to themselves, but I have a pet peeve.

Should my child ever decide to change his name to just be Trent, that is his prerogative; however, he has not voiced his opinion yet. So, for the time being my child is Trenton. Not Trent. I understand that Trent is a shortened version of Trenton, but just because you can find a name within a name does not mean you have the liberty to use it. Take my Mom, Melody. She HATES it when people call her Mel. Why? Because that isn't her name. I believe Mel to be the rotund man who owned the diner, right?

We did not name Trenton his name because we liked the name Trent and just wanted to annoy his future teachers. My husband grew up going by his middle name. a teacher's nightmare. Attendance is always slowed, "Steven" "Uh, I go by Wes". See, that is more time consuming than a simple, "here". So, Trenton will be Trenton, Melody will be Melody and Steven will be Wes for our family's purposes.

I understand Trenton may want to shorten his name, but that will be his decision. When I was in Kindergarten I changed my name from Sara to Sarabeth. This was a limited time endeavor since I soon realized I do not like being a double name: however, I do always know how long someone has known me based on what they call me. I am not offended by being called Sarabeth, that was my decision. So, I am okay with it and Trenton will be too. If he is called Trent, that will be his decision, not mine.

Now, I know in the future I will be heckled by teachers, friends, and family alike for this post, but it is something that has to be said! :)

Also, Ansley calls Trenton T-baby. Please know this name was something we had to barter over because it truly bothers me, so until Trenton turns 1, Ansley can call him that.

The good, the bad, and the SCARY!

First, shout out to my in-laws, Steve and Mary Jane because today is their Anniversary! Happy Anniversary!!!


So, the good...
Aunt Ansley came to visit and Trenton had so much fun! He was on his semi-best behavior and loved visiting with her. Ansley's visit was short, but sweet. Ansley and Trenton were able to play on Saturday and Sunday. But, this leads us to the bad...

The bad...
Trenton is sick. At first I thought it was going to be a normal fussy Sunday for him. He fussed and fell asleep in Church (precious) in his mommy's lap. We went home and went to Salsa's for lunch. Trenton slept. Not long after that we went back home and relaxed. Trenton would not relax. He was fussy and miserable. He ate 8 oz around 2:00 and then went to take a nap. He slept from 2:30 to after 6:30 when I finally woke him up to see if he would eat. He was burning up! I took his temp and it was 100.7, but I figured I would just feed him and let him cool down. Well, he didn't after eating, his temp rose to 101.1. I called the Doctor. That is why we have one, right? The nurse told me to monitor his temp and take him to the ER if we go over 105. However, this led to what will we do for Monday? Trenton can't go to school with a fever! So, I cried because my Mom and Dad (yet again) volunteered to keep him. I know they don't mind, but really, I know there are things Mom would rather do with her last vacation day; however she tells me otherwise. So, Trenton is at Nameless and Sir's house today. I compromised since Mom was using her last vacation day and took him there. At least she could be at her house to get things done! Sir is leaving work early because he is precious and wants to be there too. So, we will see about school tomorrow, but right now, bless his little heart, Mommy has no idea what is going on.

the SCARY!!!
Friday evening I went out to the get paper...I was walking back to the front door and saw this thing coiled in my driveway...it was a snake!

Flashback - In October of 2006 Wes and I went to a Tennessee Football game with some friends. Well, the first morning we are there, our friend goes to take a shower and there is a little snake in the tub. Well, Wes's friend, Adam hates snakes, I hate snakes, and the other girl hates snakes. Well, one of us is going to have to man up. Keep in mind, wes and I have been dating for only 3 months, so he has to prove himself strong and worthy. :) Also, keep in mind this snake is near dehydration and death, but whatever. Wes goes to get him with a fire poker, that doesn't work. Poor snake is angry, but can't move around too much. After many attempts, lots of screaming (mainly by the boys) the snake is thrown out the window and slithers away. The distance from the tub to the window was maybe 2 steps.

Knowing nothing about snakes, I just walked around it and called for Wes, but I didn't tell him what it was because we all know how he feels about snakes. he comes out and I show him the little snake. He is maybe 2.5 feet long. Before anything he tells me to get his shoes because he is going to run with this thing across the yard. Wes grabs the shovel to try and pick him up and put him somewhere else. The snake moves and Wes jumps and runs away. Meanwhile I hear Baxter inside crying too.
While I hate snakes, I don't like to kill them unless they are poisonous because God's creation did not know he was sitting in my driveway. Well, I call my neighbors, The Ellis's, to see if they are afraid of snakes like we are. No ANSWER! I walk over there to see if they are home. Lights are on, but they have 2 small children. I don't want to wake them up. I just walk away and do what any girl does, call her parents.
Here is my parental advice:
"Look at its eyes, what are they shaped like."
Sara: "I am sorry, what? I am not getting that close to him, thanks for the option."
"What is the striping like?"
Sara: "he is the color of brick, a baby and has this diamond pattern"
"What color?"
Sara: "brick and black"
Mom with her Middle School background starts singing that red on yellow friend of fellow.
Well, okay, I will send you a picture of him and you can let me know. At this point I learn how the camera phone does not zoom well. So, I get relatively close and take a picture, send it to dad, and wait.
Meanwhile, The ELLIS FAMILY IS HOME! They had gone for a walk to help the kids calm down, well, we ruined that. Our nice neighbors would never say anything bad about us, so they were so calm about the situation. Daddy Ellis is not afraid of snakes, so my husband and his shovel go over the our driveway while Momma Ellis and myself wait in the other driveway with the kids. Daddy Ellis picks up the snake and walks it to the back yard. It is just a little gardner snake, so we all survive! I could not have made it without our WONDEFUL neighbors saving the day and not yelling at me for revving up their children right before bedtime. OOPS!

Please note, if baby snake's Momma shows up in my drive way, she will meet a GMC Sierra Truck tire. OOPS!

Really, I am stressed about this?!?

I have a very fun blog, but I decided to first blog about this new stress in my life and tomorrow bring you the story of the snake. So, if you want to read about my new stress..read on.

I am 26 (recently turned), married, and a Mom. Well, my stress, registering for classes. I still get that feeling you get of "What if the class I HAVE TO HAVE is full?" "What if I don't know anyone?" "Who will be my friend/study buddy?" Well, ASU has a way of making up your mind for you.

I understand the world of education is pretty stretched to the limit, trust me, I feel the anxiety every time I think of graduating and see there are NO jobs available. However, ASU does not have to increase the fees for an online course by $600 making it $1500 to never even set foot in the door. So, I am no longer taking that class.

As you know, I have slowed my path of graduating because I am scared of leaving my current job that I truly love, so now I graduate Spring 2012, not 2011. This is great not only for me, but also my poor husband. We see each other on Friday night after he has softball on Monday/Wednesday and I have class Tuesday/Wednesday. What is Thursday? Normally, an event, grocery store, or he works late.

Tomorrow, 10:00 AM the letter "E" registers for class. That is officially me, I changed my name last semester. So, as I was sitting upstairs, pretending to study for my midterm on Tuesday I realized that with the increase in fees (Thanks ASU, my athletic fee (that I have NEVER used) should cover that) I have NO clue what I am taking. Had I stuck to my original graduation date, it would be all laid out for me by my advisor, but oh well! So, here I am. NOT studying, and stressing about the silliest things.

However, I am proud to say after Wes agreeing with pretty much everything I mentioned, I have mapped out my classes until graduation and I am proud to say I will not be too busy! While I would love to be out of school, who is hiring? Not to mention my portfolio is the farthest thing from ready to be published. So, this summer I have one class! ONE! I love it. Fall, I have 2 classes, but different 8 weeks, Spring 2 classes, Summer '11 one class and Fall '11 Practicum with Spring '12 bringing Internship I & II followed by GRADUATION! I am excited. I will not be too stressed, but just stressed enough. So, this is exciting news for the Ellis family; however, I did just realize I have to ask for Financial Aid money by Fall '10. UH-OH! I may have to take another class just to get more money! Dear ASU, you are a money racket! LOVE, Sara! Dear Graduation, we haven't met yet, but I am sure we will be the best of friends!

BIG Weekend!

Today is the beginning of a BIG weekend!

Aunt Ansley is coming into town tonight and she has not seen Trenton since December, so this will be a fun reunion. Ansley and Trenton will bet to play and that will be fun for both of them as long as Trenton behaves.

Trenton went to the doctor on Wednesday for his shots and we found out he couldn't get them because he has an ear infection. Um, dear child o' mine - you never cry, whine, or show any sort of pain, so what is the deal? Dear Dr, my child never cries, whines or shows any sort of pain, so where is the ear infection?

Trenton's proof book is ready! YAY! I am going to try to convince Nameless to go pick it up since I have to work late.

Wes gets off early today and is going to do yardwork! YAY! Also, Wes's Dad has threatened to come over and finish cutting down the tree...even better!

I have to study for a midterm..BOO! :(

So, in all actuality the only exciting thing is Ansley coming home, but that is excitement enough for one weekend!

*** SIDE NOTE ***
Yesterday Trenton ate all of his oatmeal mixed with baby food and still took 7-8 oz of his bottle. My little linebacker! If only he would eat his oatmeal for me. Today is oatmeal and pears! YUMMY!

Trenton went to bed last night around 6:30. This morning, around 5:45, Trenton woke up, didn't cry, but rolled over and kicked his Baby Einstein aquarium on and put himself back to sleep. He woke up at 6:15, didn't cry and still only took 6 oz of his bottle. He was a sleepy boy!

Hi! My name is precious!

Link to Trenton's professional photos!

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/thumbpage.aspx?e=6498727

Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes

Well, as most of you know my child does not roll over. Once, he has rolled back to front, but that was because he couldn't see the TV, so I don't go based on the average time a child does things, I just know Trenton is going to do it when he feels like it. Heck, if I were him I would savor this time of everybody doing everything for me.

However, my sister and my Mom have been pushing for Trenton to find his feet. Every time Mom is around she puts his foot close if not in his hand and just plays with his feet trying to get him to recognize them. Well, this morning we got kind of close. Trenton found his knees. He would grab them and then lose his grip and his hands would fall. This got me thinking. Maybe my extremely long child is too long to grab his feet. His precious little arms can't reach down his little skinny bird legs to find his feet. I am not sure if this holds any credibility, but honestly, the child is long. I am reminded of this every time I go to dress him and nothing fits, but it is all good because I would rather have a tall boy than not. I guess this is what you get when you combine an Ellis with a McRee. Tall, skinny, and slow to do anything for themselves. Nice combo!

We are also trying to eat off a spoon and Trenton kind of gets it, but it is still a work in progress. Trenton still will not touch rice cereal or oatmeal so we have moved on to applesauce. He licks the spoon clean. I know it is early for baby food, but my child is drinking 5 8 oz bottles a day! What else is a Mom to do??? (seriously, Mom's out there, please help!)

Save the Drama for your Momma -oh wait!

I am the Momma. Recap of everything that happened this weekend.

Saturday: Trenton had a photo shoot at Branch Carter's. Trenton does not sleep during the week, so the weekends tend be pretty dramatic - sleep, eat, cry...lovely. Well, I think that coupled with the fact that I wanted Trenton to behave equaled no good behavior. So, we get to Branch's and Trenton is fine, but of course Branch starts taking pictures and Trenton stares in the opposite direction, eats his hand, and does not want to smile - at all! So, I try all I can. We try eating and seeing if that will work, nope. So, we are at a loss. What else is a Mom to do, but change his outfit. So, we do that. Still, cooperates for a while, but then back to fussing. Another outfit change, fussy returns. I think Branch managed to get some good shots, but I will be surprised. Love, your dramatic son! (he gets that from me)

Sunday: Well, Easter at the Ellis house was crazy! That morning we woke up and went to Church; however, Trenton had no Easter basket from his parents. I know, there will be people who will criticise me for not having a basket, but it will all make sense soon enough. After Church, Trenton ate and I forced him to take a nap. Nameless and Sir came over to cook mac & cheese for Granny's and Trenton slept. We get to Granny's after I was forced to wake Trenton up from his peaceful nap, but he is okay. He behaves for everybody and we have a good time at Granny's - of course, he gets spoiled. Then, it is off to the Ellis/Wood Easter Celebration. Trenton is starting to get a little sleepy (falls asleep in the car on the way over) and somewhat fussy, but he isn't too bad, yet again, spoiled over there too! Easter was a great time for everybody. Wes truly enjoyed visiting with both families and Trenton survived with NO naps!

Here is all Trenton got for Easter, which justifies my not buying him anything.....

Here is my little precious up close in his Easter Romper from his great-granny

Monday: Back to School...I was SO excited to see this when I walked into school on Monday!

Yes, my child is baby of the month in his class! Now, this is probably just a rotational thing and it truly means nothing, but to me, it means EVERYTHING! I am so excited for him. I think it means this, his picture on a bulletin board, but never-the-less, an accomplishment!

I became that Mom...

So, when I had Trenton I vowed that I would never be late. It is so annoying to me that just because people have children they cannot arrive anywhere on time. A friend of mine is like that. She cannot get to anything that has a particular starting point (Church, appointments, meetings) on time, but she can get to any meal on time or any shopping trip. HMMM, your dramatic entrance to things is not needed. I have always been early. My Mom is not a fan of being late, there is never an excuse that is good enough, so I practiced getting up early and getting Trenton ready while I was on Maternity leave so I would know how to do it when I went back to work. I have never been late. I really appreciate this aspect of myself. (Modest, right?)

Well, this morning, I was late. Keep in mind, I left the house early, got Trenton to school by 7:40, but then I decided to go to Target. I knew I had to go to get Trenton an Easter basket (i know, i am early as far as time, but not so much as far as planning for events. Yes, my last job was as an event planner). In Target I got so distracted by the amount of stuff I thought I couldn't live without. I don't know how Target has that effect - especially those $1 bins, who really needs that much crap, but apparently, the masses do. I can't tell you how tempted I have been to grab something out of every slot and just call it a necessity for my child. This morning it was coloring books. Trenton can't color, but one day, one day he will and I should be prepared, right? I don't think Wes will agree with my logic, but I digress.

I got the Easter Basket; however, yesterday, we found out that Ansley and Adam are expecting a little girl. Well, I HAD to shop for her too. Sadly, I didn't actually purchase anything because I was spending so much time debating on size/season and then I had to find hairbows! (never found them) So, I look at my phone (my only clock) and realize it is 8:27 and I am supposed to be at work at 8:30. OOPS! Understand this is really late for me because I normally get to work around 8:15.

Realizing that I will be a little late, I am devestated. I was late because of my own self and my need to find hairbows. Sorry, Ansley, the hunt is still on, but I did find a really cute Easter dress; however, I don't think it is a good time to purchase it! :)

Also, Trenton's pictures (from what I hear) went fabulously! He smiled and everything! He is precious! This morning he was in such a good mood. He smiled at every one we saw. I cannot wait to see the proof for his school pictures. Watch the little guy decide that on Saturday (when I pay for professional pictures) he just isn't into that. Such is life.