What I Learned My First Week of School...

Some days I think of my blog in my head and have every intention of posting it that same day.  Well, I have started back to work and it is all consuming and I was just going to sit here and gush about how much I love my new job, it is stressful at times, but I love the people I work with and I love my students.  But, then life happened and it made me rethink things. Isn't it funny how God knows what you need and when you need it.  For the first of the week  (Monday - Wednesday) I have been bringing home a few things to work on every night.  I am a workaholic and I know this.  I have constantly told myself that I need to leave work at work and I have even had multiple conversations with multiple people in the past 2 weeks about the importance of this, but I am hard headed.

Anyway, after leaving work at 5:45 (I technically get off at 4) on Wednesday I told Wes I would do better and not bring anything home.  So, Thursday I left work at work, didn't even bring my calendar home, and thought it would all be good.  However, God had something different in mind. 

Wednesday night T woke up and wasn't feeling well. Being the child of a doctor I called Dad and had him listen to T over the phone (at 1AM). We did what we could that night and that morning he said he was feeling better.  So, he went to school. Well, school called Wes that afternoon and Wes went and got him.  Thankfully, Wes got in with our pediatrician that day and I just knew it would all be fine.  Well, I should know better.  T is my TE Fistula child, my child that when he is down, he is D-O-W-N. It isn't a simple cold and he is all better. In fact, this child does not even slow down for a cold.  T tends to be a go big or go home kind of child - in regards to illness. Another unfortunate trend is the track record Wes holds when taking T to the doctor. If T has to go with his father for anything other than shots, we are typically in for a week/weekend full of illness.  This was no exception.  I got the call I always get when Wes takes T for a sick visit...we are going to be admitted to the hospital.

I BURST into tears. He is my baby. Now, when T was born and had surgery I went to some weird place. I am not sure if every Mom of a NICU baby does this or not - it is like a survival mode. My feelings are there, but I am not in touch with them. Now that T is better in regards to his life-threatening illness, I don't go there anymore. I just feel for him. I can't hide it, he is my baby.  In my head I am going, "hasn't he been through enough? make me sick...anything, just not my kids".  Well, I go get Addison, run home, let the dogs out, pack a bag for T and me, try to remember what I need (despite my poor second born, amazingly patient child crying downstairs because it is time for her to eat and get ready for bed - why she does this at 5:30, IDK).  I call my mother-in-law and arrange for her to watch Addison so I can get to the hospital.

T has the croupe with a stridor - I am still not sure I completely understand it, but it doesn't matter, by baby is sick.  I get to the hospital in time for him to get an IV, have another breathing treatment, and cry.  For those of you who don't understand how croupe is treated, you are exhausted (as with any illness) but all the medicine to treat it hypes you up. So, T gets a breathing treatment, gets hyper for an hour and a half, sleeps for about an hour and gets another treatment. It was a LONG night.  I was up pretty much all of it (so excuse the constant use of parantheses and grammatical errors) and that would be the night I bring nothing home. Yep, that thought crosses my head and that is what led to this blog.

Why does it take something this big to make me realize it. It doesn't matter what is going on (good, bad, or ugly) I need to separate from work. My kids are growing up, getting sick, finding feet, and changing daily and I am too busy to notice. Why? What is so much more important than them? Not have a stack of stuff to do on my desk? I will never catch up. There will always be something else. I get why some people work late - like my Mom - I know if my sister and I were still young, it would be different, but it is easy to explain to my 61 year old father that she will be late because she wants to catch up.  I complain about Wes working so many hours then I get a job and do the same thing - when contractually I don't have to. Yes, some nights I will, but not every night - I don't need to bring work home. I need to be home when I am home. If I consume my life with my students, I miss some pretty amazing things at home.

So, to Wes, sorry I have been hypocritical. To T and Addi (if you ever read this) I apologize for not giving you my full attention - the attention you deserve this week. To my amazing co-workers, thank you for picking up my slack as I miss the first Friday of my first week of school - ya'll are great and I owe you one, but I do not need to stay past 4 (unnecessarily) to make it up and ya'll don't expect me to. To my parents/in-laws/aunt, thank you for the help you gave us these past two days (and I am sure this weekend) Wes and I are doing the best we know and we could not do it all without you.  So, Sara, the School Counselor, I am glad you love your career and you want to do well, but if you don't do well for yourself and your family - you will not be the best school counselor to your students.

This, this huge lesson (that I have to put into practice) is what I learned this week. PLUS, don't write an email while you are on the phone - I did and sent it to the wrong people...oops!

"Great-Pop"

Trenton and Addison are truly blessed to be able to have their great-grandmother here with them and Trenton has really grown to have a special bond with "Granny".  I was not fortunate enough to know all of my grandparents, I knew none of my great-grands, but I was able to remember my Mom's parents. Unfortunately, my Dad's parents passed away before I was 5 months old, so while his Mom (Granny Cree) was around, I do not remember her (something that truly hurts because from what I understand, I have her laugh). 

Anyway,  Trenton and his best buddy (Granny) are great friends! Trenton will ask to go see her regularly and we try to see her weekly.  When we go over to her house, naturally, Granny has pictures of her late husband, my Pop (who passed away in 2000).  Trenton always would ask about him and I want him to know his "Great Pop", so we would answer any questions, but most of the time they were as simple as "who that?". 

Recently, Trenton has become more inquistive.  When we leave our house, we drive by my Dad's old office and I told Trenton that his "Great Pop" built that for his Sir.  Well, apparently T has been listenting (to conversations I don't remember) and/or making his own deductions.  T is obsessed with building/construction/back hoes so it could me the latter. 

For the past few days, this has been our conversations:
T: My Great Pop made that.
M: yes, he did.
T: My Great Pop like to be outside.
M: Yes. (I don't remember telling him that)
T: My Great Pop like to build.
M: What did he build?
T: Sir's old office.
T: My Great Pop would be my buddy. He love me.
M: fighting back tears, yes he would.
M: Your Great Pop was also a Marine, a Drill Sargenant.
T: A Rine? Drill Gent?
M: Yes, he loved to play with back hoes too. You could have helped him when he worked outside.
T: My Great Pop is just like me!

So, Granny and I are going to do our best to make sure that T gets to know his Great Pop. Great Pop did have a construction business, he was a Marine, he did like to garden, and most days he would be outside from sun up to sun down.  I am sad that T does not get to know more of his great-grandparents (both my side and Wes's) but I am going to try my hardest (and Wes) to make sure he knows that they are with him.

Rise & Shine

I have been tremendously fortunate to have 2 children who like to go to bed early. Addison (almost 5 months) tends to come home from daycare around 4:45, eat her last 7 oz bottle around 5:45 and she is down for the count. So, by 6 Addison is asleep and she sleeps til 6:45AM if not later.  Trenton was very similar at that age and we truly did not do anything magic to make this happen - it just did.  Well, I am now seeing the bad side of having children who go to bed early - his name is Trenton.

Trenton gets to the point where he will put himself to bed. It could be 6:45 and Wes and I are trying to keep him up until 7 and he will tell us it is time to take a nap and go upstairs.  Recently, he has been staying up til 7 or 730 - sometimes even 8! Well, no matter what time we put him down, that precious, loud child is up early! The beginning of this week I was at a loss. One day Trenton would wake up at 5:00, then next 5:30, while not ideal, Wes is up around 545 every day, so this was manageable.  Let me explain what happens when T wakes up.  He sleeps with his door shut (2 dogs = endless noise).  When he wakes up he yells for me. "Mommy!" Precious, right? Not 3 seconds later, "MMMOOOMMMMMYYYYY" (louder).  Typically, Addison hears this and just goes back to sleep.  Tuesday, Tuesday was bad.  Tuesday "Mommy!" I was not even up, but Wes goes and gets him and throws him in our bed.  Normally, we sit there for a little bit before we head downstairs for breakfast (luxury of summers off), but I look at my clock 3:45AM! What!?! Trenton is ready to play and read a book and then rattles off what he wants for breakfast.  Um, it is time to sleep.  I try many things - showing him it is still dark, so we need to be asleep, ignoring him, nothing works.  Then, it gets a little more frustrating. 

When Wes puts T in the bed, Wes still lies just as though T isn't there, so I am sharing a side of the queen bed with my 2.5 year old.  Normally, this would be precious, but this morning he decided he wanted to hit me with his bear, kick me, tell me that he needs covers, then, the thing that pushed me over the edge, he started playing in my ear! I got up, walked to his room and hid underneath his comforter.  Next thing T comes in "Mommy, where are you?" He finds me.  Thankfully he goes back to our room, Wes puts him on the bed and I get about 30 minutes of uninterrupted sleep. 

That day, Nona came over after her hair cut and helped me with the 2 of them.  She had a talk with Trenton, I had a talk with Trenton, Trenton's teacher had a talk with him, and something clicked! Naturally, the next morning 6:45 rolls around and he is still asleep.  Unfortunately, this was the day I had to be someone at 8.  I had dropped something in the bathroom earlier, but I just finish getting ready and go get T.  I open his door and he goes, "Mommy, you are loud". HA! Isn't he precious.

This morning, T was up around 6:30 and did yell for me, something we are working on, but (and I hope this is just a one night thing) he woke up at 1:00AM crying (bad dream?). He gets in our bed and the game starts again - kicking, playing in ears (this time his Daddy's) and finally Wes takes him back to his room and he goes back to sleep. 

So, while many people are constantly asking how I get my kids to go to bed so early - it isn't always the best thing.  Our next step, buy Trenton a digital clock and make a sign so he can match the numbers and know when it is acceptable to yell for Mommy. :)

Good Golly it is HOT

For those who have seen our house, you know it is not the most energy efficient home. It was built in 1975 and while there have been updates, there are some things that Wes and I would LOVE to change and will gladly accept donations to do so. However, our house is a good house and it does all the necessary things - protects us from weather, keeps us cool/warm, provides a place for memories, etc.  Well, this morning our house got its roles all confused. 

Trenton woke us up around 515, which is normal, and was in our bed and I realized I was so hot. This isn't abnormal as sometimes I forget to get out from under the sheets and comforter.  Then, Trenton said he wanted to ride with his Daddy (which means he gets to daycare at 6:30 when they open) and he wanted a pop tart, nu bar (nutrigrain bar), and milk.  I was up and running.  I go down to the bottom level (our house is tri-level) and normally I am met with cool air.  This morning, no such luck.  Typically, the first person up raises the temperature as we sleep in cooler temps than we leave it on during the day.  So, in my half-awake state, I raised the air, let the dogs out, made his breakfast, and fed the dogs.  All the while the air is still running.  I then look at the control- 79! Um, excuse me, it was on 70 all night, I just raised it to 75 and it is 79! So, I calmly start feeling the air coming out of the vents. It seems cool-ish.  Then, Wes comes down to eat breakfast - well, time to fess up.  I told him that it says it is 79 in here.  Then, he offers some of that husbandly advice that I always appreciate - it is hot, I will call someone, but you need to leave the fans on. What? Really? I shouldn't turn them off? I am the one here all day with 2 dogs, but you are right, wouldn't have thought of leaving the fans on. 

T and Wes leave for school/work respectively and I take a cold shower. I am normally not hot natured, but this summer I just can't seem to get cool.  After I shower, I get my precious Addi (who never cries) and she is as happy as she can be. A little warm, but happy.  I take her to daycare and I think overstay my drop off time just to enjoy their cool building.  I leave there to take care of something for Wes and then I contemplate what to do - stay in my car, go run mindless errands, go to the grocery store? Well, I am waiting to hear from Wes on when the guys will be here to fix it and I don't want to waste gas driving around and then I realize something.  Just how ridiculous can I be? yes, my air is out and my house is a touch on the warm side, but it is still a safe place with memories, my family is healthy, I have a job, my husband has a job (something that not every family is blessed with - 2 working adults to bring home a paycheck), I have precious children who were happy and excited for the new day, and then I just get over it.  Our blessings FAR outweigh our little air problem. Sure, by the time it gets 90 in here, I may be a little fussy, but I just have to remember the things that count.  Life is full of setbacks, but this is absolutely manageable.   Now, we may lose a dog by the end of the day - I am realizing just how pampered our two rescued dogs have become. You would think they were sitting on the sun the way they are panting.  :) So, we will get it taken care of and hopefully it is something easy, but all in all this will be a good day!

The Terrible 3's!

I am not sure why people say that 2's are so bad. Trenton will be 3 in November and I am here to tell you that it isn't the 2's, it is the beginning of the 3's.  Granted, T has trouble sleeping in and I know that has something to do with his behavior, but really, I am already dreading the rest of the 3's. I know, I should enjoy every minute, and I do, but there is a time when enough is enough.  The ironic thing is every thing I get frustrated with him for doing, I remember my parents yelling at me for the same thing! Payback is a bitch - I know my parents enjoy watching it all transpire. In fact, yesterday I told Mom, "Trenton is turning into a 3 year old and it is wearing on me".  Mom's response, "I hated 3!" Good advice, right? But there really is no advice - stay fair, stay consistent, stay sane? All things that have been true for every other year. 

T gets up at 5, 5:30 if we are lucky.  Yes, all those out there who want to give me advice, we have tried keeping him up later - it doesn't work.  So, we are met with a child who now (like every weekend) is taking a nap around 8/8:30.  In the meantime everything is a big deal - I mean EVERYTHING. Trenton, it's time to clean up, please help clean up your toys. His response (with kicking feet and lying on the floor - something he has NEVER done) "NOOOOOOO, I don't want to - I not clean up my toys! cry, cry cry".  Yesterday I told him that he cries more than his almost 5 month old sister - and he does. 


Wes and I are entering this stage cautiously; however, he still has those stinkin' cute moments when all the hissy fits, all the leg kicking, all the crying for no reason fades away and you remember why it is such a blessing being a parent. 

So, whichever Trenton we get at any minute - we love him, we will enjoy the ride, and we will all grow a little bit from every tantrum and every giggle we share. We love you, Trenton!

Back to Work

Since I haven't been blogging so much, not many people know just how stressful this past year has been.  I went part time at the bank and found out I was pregnant in July 2012, started my practicum and internship August 2012, left the bank October 2012, started applying for jobs December 2012, interviewed the beginning of 2012, had Addison March 2012, kept interviewing, graduated May 2012, got a job July 2012...whew! Well, I was stressed for a few reasons, but found that I really struggle with worry.  Throughout this process I had so many amazing people helping me, praying for me, guiding me, loving me, it was crazy.  Anyway, I signed my contract and I now am officially back to work - this time as a school counselor.  I have to say that not many people get a job right out of college. Many of my grad school friends were not so blessed and I imagine things are not easy for them. 

I am so excited to start work but I am realizing just how fast-paced and unpredictable this job is - and the kiddos haven't even come back from summer break! I have been asking questions, working my fanny off and trying to get up to speed on all I need to know.  Thankfully, I am working where I did my practicum and internship, so that takes some of the pressure off, but it is still a lot.  I am looking forward to this upcoming year and hopefully will be with this school for many years to come.  So, thank you to all who helped in the job hunt process - now, please pray for me to survive my first year!

"Heffer and who that other man?" - Trenton Ellis

Many people have heard this story - many times I am sure, but when I worked at the bank, I could not stand my "boss".  Her name is Heather. (Trenton calls her Heffer).  My first day at the bank, this is what she said to me, "some of us are getting together tonight for a Girls Night Out. You can come if you want, but you won't know anybody, so you probably don't want to come." What!?! Who says that. I remember going home and complaining about her and how I did not want to work with her and I would not ever talk to her about anything, just work. Well, we all know that I cannot just sit there and not talk! The first little while was a little more quiet; however, our other teller friend was a mute. I love her, but she didn't talk.  Our conversation consisted of "What brought you to Georgia?" She was from Florida. Her response, "change".  Well here in the sweet state of Georgia/South Carolina - that is not acceptable. Now she makes fun of the fact that by the end of a conversation I know your blood type and social security number. 

Anyway, I finally decided that I needed to give Heather a fair shot.  Well, there were still days that I was not so sure if I would even survive.  Then, along came news of Trenton. I am not sure why this is what changed everything, but it did.  I started at the bank in November, got pregnant that February.  Heather and I had been talking more, but I feel as though the bond really strengthened when T was announced. 

Heather stepped up and was more interested and concerned than some of my long time friends.  Ironically, this is a woman that does not want children (at this moment - maybe never) and who will not even hold a baby.  Heather was there for me through it all.  Every sick day, every craving, every mood swing. Even if these things meant she had to sacrifice and come to work sick because she knew I could not be there.  When T was sick, she was there - constantly. She would not complain about me missing work again for another doctor appointment or about me extending my maternity from 6 weeks to about 8.  I didn't get to go to her wedding because of my fat pregnant self being too big to travel and T's complications, but she still did not complain or even whine.  What I love about her is the fact that she is always there - caring, honest, empathetic - she is there. She even helped to coordinate a shower for me at the bank.

Well, about a year ago Heather left the South. She and her husband left for Maryland. (see pic of going away dinner below) That was tragic.  I was excited for her - she got a great job and a great opportunity, but selfishly I didn't want them to go. You see, Wes and I do not have a lot of couple friends. We have tried and found a few, but Heather and Doug (who Trenton kept saying, "who that other man?" Apparently Doug is hard to remember if you are almost 3) did not even flinch when Trenton would be crying as we attempted to play Scattegories. In fact, they even try to take our dog, Baxter because he and Doug have such a special bond. 

Those of you who know me well know that I am not a good long distance friend. I am working on it - slowly, but until recently my life was school, work, kids, husband, house...well, now I am graduated, but still find it hard to make a simple phone call with a baby crying, dinner cooking, and the laundry piling up.  Heather gets that.  I blog about this because they came back "home" to visit.  It was A-MAZING. Granted, I didn't get to see them as much as I would have liked, but it was great to have one night with them. 

I thought that she would come back and it would be awkward. I haven't talked to her as much as I should and she was the sweet friend who sent Addison a present that she started working on as soon as I found out it was a girl.  A Tennessee onesie, pants, and tutu for football season.  Not to mention, she makes all of my shutterfly books, thinks of my children when she goes places, and even remembers both mine and Wes's b'days!  It was not awkward. We picked up right where we left off. To me, that is what makes it one of those long-lasting, never-failing friendships. I am sure I have done stuff to piss her off. I know she gets frustrated at my lack of communication, but she gets me. She understands that I still care and I am here.  In fact, she was my motivation for bringing my blog back to life. Last night, we did play Scattegories and last night they did not flinch when Addison and Trenton were crying.  Heather played with Addi while I dealt with T, they just go with the flow.  We shared some laughs, some memories, some drinks, low country boil, and made some more memories.  I am sad they are going back, but so blessed and genuinely grateful for our night together.  Heffer and who that other man? we love you and miss you already. Ya'll have been amazing friends and I am truly grateful to have you in our lives. It is our turn to come visit you and we are so excited.  Thank you for always being there consistently and for getting us. 

We are family...

When I had T, some people thought he looked like Wes while others thought he looked like my Dad, Sir.  Weird, right? Well, I will say this while he may look like both of them, he is all my personality.  He is quick witted (yes, at almost 3), he is constantly talking, he never meets a stranger, he knows more people at his daycare than I do, he is weird (in a precious way) and he tells fibs about as good as I do.  So, one day we were over at Nona and Sir's and I saw this picture....

Now, to me, Trenton favors my Dad a LOT! I do not have a picture of Wes around this age, but I will try to get one. Now, what let me to this was Addi - she has yet to really develop to look like anyone.  Typically, people say me, but recently someone said Wes....now, this broke my heart a touch.  See, I knew my chances of having a green-eyed child were slim (blue is dominant in Wes's and my Mom's family) but I was just hoping for some child to look like me...now, Addi still has some changing to do (as does Trenton) but one thing is for sure - they are each special and McRee/Ellis in their own ways.

I'm Back!

While I realize I have been gone for a long time - I decided it was time to get back into the blogging world.  See I took Addison (our newest addition who is now 4 months old) to the doctor yesterday and realized this is how I remember everything, so I am back.  A lot has happened to the Ellis Family. We had Addison on March 8, 2012; I graduated from graduate school on May 12, 2012; I signed a contract to be a school counselor on July 11, 2012 (whew!); and other than that it is just the normal day to day trials and excitement. 

A little about Addison:
We call her Addi Mac and she is quite possibly the most laid back baby ever! My entire pregnancy (which like Trenton was not without some complications - everything is okay) I was so nervous. I knew I couldn't have 2 chill babies - well, I can (at least for now).  Addison has been sleeping 12 hours or more at night since about 2.5 months.  She was born weighing 7lbs 11oz and 20.25in long. She is now (at 4 months) 14lbs 13oz and 25 inches long.  She is about to start solids! EEK! She never cries unless it is at night and she is fighting sleep, but other than that, I never hear from her.  Trenton is a great big brother and is always finding ways to skirt around the rules, but he does help when I ask him to. She is at a different daycare than Trenton but once she turns 13 months she will move.  We love her and could not be more blessed to have her in our lives.

An update on Trenton:
He is a MESS! He looks like Wes and my Dad (awkward) but is all me in personality.  I have met my match. To all those Moms out there who have a little one that tests you, don't worry - when your little one grows up to have babies - it will all come back.  Trenton is NEVER quiet.  If he doesn't have anything particularly pertinent to say, he retells episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (his favorite show).  He is so smart (almost too smart) and he is funny.  He is still very laid back and most recently was upgraded to a "big boy bed".  He now tells me he wants to have slumber parties with Nona and Sir. He still gets up early, but here recently has not been going to bed as early. our 6pm-6am sleeper is now a 8pm to 530/6am sleeper! EW! It will be good when I start my new job! August 10th he will move up to his new room at school and we are excited and a little nervous (no more bear except to sleep). We are also so blessed to have Trenton and I am positive my days would not be as exciting if it were not for him. Oh, at his last appointment (2 months ago) he was 32lbs and 38inches!

I am hopeful to get back to blogging regularly to share many of our precious stories and keep pictures updated.  So, sorry for the long break, but we are all doing well - busy, but well!

What A Difference an Hour Makes

I have officially started working my 19.75 hours at work. Now, I thought I was going to have all this free time and not know what to do with myself, but I was wrong. Turns out my 19.75 hour work week is going to be more like a 35 hour work week (at least until school starts). So, Tuesday and Wednesday I got off at 3, instead of 4:30. What a difference! My mood was better and I was excited to be going home which made my time with Trenton that much better. I would pick him up early and we would go to the grocery store. We will not be going back to Publix for a while because they have an Elmo balloon display that I cannot avoid. I would cook dinner and each night bake something (one night brownies, another night a strawberry cake), bathe Trenton and settle in while Wes was outside stripping furniture.

This morning, I was scheduled for something different - I came in at 10:30-5. So, I woke up at normal time and got ready. Took trenton to daycare and thankfully, this was the first morning he didn't cry when I left - I was going to take him in late, but I am SO glad I didn't. When we got there the teacher was rolling the the TV (Trenton calls it TB) and they were going to watch Elmo. I put Trenton down next to his buddy Eli and he goes "Bye Mommy". I was so glad.

I went home, cleaned the kitchen, cleaned the bathrooms, dusted the den, loaded and started the dishwasher, took out the trash, and got ready for work. What fun! I am enjoying part time, but I am not looking forward to the lower paycheck. I know it will all be worth it in the end when I graduate! SPRING 2012!

Gone, But Not Forgotten

I want you all to know that I have not forgotten about this blog. Life has been super busy for the Ellis Family and I hope to post pictures soon. It took me getting a note from a dear friend to remind me that although the blog takes time, energy, and some planning, it is a way for my friends who do not get to see or talk to me everyday to know what is going on in our lives.

So, we are still looking for a home for Bandit...any takers?
We just got back from vacation - we went to see Ansley and Shelby in Nashville.
I am transistioning from my full time position at the Bank to a part time position.
We are redoing a few rooms in the house - I get bored easily.

Not too much, but between work, a 2 year old, and school - we managed to stay busy. So, please keep checking back. I do hope to do a better job about this.

Bless His Heart

My precious baby has been down for the count. Yes, he just went to the doctor on Wednesday, but over the weekend he started coughing. At first, it wasn't anything major, but Sunday night it got progressively worse. He developed a fever Sunday night and maintained it Monday morning. I took him to MCG to the Pediatric Clinic and they gave him a breathing treatment and sent us for x-rays. The doctor could not determine if the wheezing was his natural breathing (product of a TE Fistula baby) or something more. We didn't wait long, went home with an inhaler and 1 prescription and waited to hear back from the doctor regarding the x-rays. Not an hour later, the doctor called and T has an infection in his lung. It is small, but there. So, my 1 prescription turned into 2. T was sleepy and very whiny...not his normal self. I selfishly enjoyed the cuddle time!

Tuesday rolled around and he still couldn't go to school. I needed to come to work, so we worked it out where Granny kept him from 8-12, Wes had him from 12-1:30, and I had him after that. I could at least get my co-workers through lunch. Trenton started to feel a little better, but he was still whiny. His cough was still there, but he seemed to be in better spirits. Then, the night rolled around....

Around 6:30 T went to bed and everything was fine until around 12. He woke up crying and coughing. Wes went and got him and we both held him and tried to calm him down...he went back in his crib. 2 AM - same routine. I go downstairs to get him some tylenol, and for the 3rd night in a row, Bandit has pooped in the house. NOT FUN! T gets tylenol and we let him lie in our bed for about 10 minutes..back to the crib...3:20 - he is up again. We get him back in the crib and he sleeps until 5:20...I get up, get him, put him in the bed with Wes, shower, let the dogs out and I am up for the day.

My entire routine was off...Trenton was dressed and ready for school even ate about 3 bites of breakfast and it was only 6:20! Still coughing and a little needy, we sat in the den and talked and watched Sprout.

I took him to school this morning. He doesn't have a fever, but he isn't 100%. Very needy and he ran to see his Ms. Mitt, who took care of him when he was in the infant room. He went to her and she helped me get him to his class. Ms. Mitt is such a God-send. She has constantly cared, loved, and prayed for my son. Not saying that other teachers didn't, but Ms. Mitt holds a special place in my and Trenton's heart. I mean, for him to run to that classroom and see her...that speaks volumes to me!

Trenton's "I don't feel good face...."

Trenton has a new favorite thing, running around and pretending to draw with his new pen.

When Trenton watches Sprout he likes to lean against the furniture for the best view...

We leave for the beach on Friday, so this could be interesting. I hope he gets to feeling better. So far, no calls from daycare...it is 10:30..that is pretty good, right?

He has learned how to "blow his nose" through this...he knows to put it to his nose and then he dusts the table..we are getting there, right!?

T's 18 Month Check Up

Wes took Trenton to the doctor today for his check up. Wes is a good Daddy and takes Trenton to all the shot appointments. :) Just a quick update, he is 25.6 pounds, 33 inches long, and healthy. This is a picture of Trenton I took yesterday on our way to Publix. Trenton has on his new shoes (SIZE 6!) that he got Sunday. He is so much fun to be around and he is learning so much!

Something About Those Sporty Imports

When I was in College I got a new car, my father LOVES car shopping, so we went and I got a Saab 93. I loved the way it looked and the way it drove. I LOVED that car, but then I graduated and the repair bills were all mine. For some reason, that car missed the shop when it wasn't in it and would break down.

Prior to any of the break down, my first week of ownership, a High School kid hit my car that was parked in the parking lot. Got that fixed, then on the way home from school one weekend, a log flew off the back of a logging truck and into the hood of my car. True to the make of the car, it got me home - the turbo was shot, but I made it. I remember I called Dad and told him (I think he made out what I was saying through my sobs). My Dad said, "are you okay? Is the car drivable? Don't call your Mom. She is in Bible Study and we will let her know when you get home." That was hard. I wanted my Mommy. :) So, I slowly made it home and pulled into the drive. Mom was home, she ran out the door, hugged me and said, "sara, you could have died!" I cried. She cried. Dad was in repair mode. The Saab (Claire was her name) was repaired and got a new turbo and everything!

After graduation I moved to Greenville, SC where there is a Saab dealership. I quickly became friends with the service department there. I did not have the best relationship with the service department in Augusta - one man in particular. However, since I had my first "real" job, I was responsible for car maintenance. I sure wish I had asked about how much it costs to maintain the Saab. Every oil change, $80. But, every oil change uncovered new problems. Brakes, $600, Tires, $900. The car started to just shut off for no reason as I was driving..we would hook it up to the diagnostic test and everything was fine. That car was too electrically driven, and boy did I pay for it.

When Wes and I got married he had a truck. Long story short, we traded his old truck for a new truck. Then, I got pregnant and the Saab was costing about $800 a month to maintain - it was still breaking down. So, we traded the Saab and I got a Rogue. Then, Trenton came and with his medical complications, we were looking for ways to cut costs, so Wes made the ULTIMATE sacrifice and traded his beloved truck. We went car shopping and he decided he wanted a car. He test drove bunches, but ended up with a VW Passat - yes, it surprised me too.

Well, apparently, this Sporty Import has a target too. Since getting the VW, Wes has been in 2 accidents - close to each other - both his fault. Then, he went to a meeting last week in Savannah and calls me to tell me he got pulled over. I was not excited. Thankfully, he didn't get a ticket. He was pulled for illegal tint. The tint wasn't illegal, so he was let go. As we are on the phone, he goes, "I have to go, the cop is pulling me again". I am a NERVOUS wreck. I have no clue what has happened. About 10 minutes later, he calls me and tells me the dispatcher had entered his information incorrectly and they thought he was a different person - um, not cool. Wes called me all nervous too - that had to be a little scary, pulled twice by the same cop within 3 minutes. Thankfully, it was all straightened out and he continued home.

So, while my car, Claire, had a tendency to break down and cost a lot of money and be hit by other people/things, Wes's import tends to be the offender. Apparently, if there is an import around me, you can bet it will be a headache. Needless to say, we are NOT buying another sporty foreign import again. As foreign as I will go is Nissan! (sorry, Dad, love you!)

Busy, Busy Boy

Yesterday was a long day, but a great day! I had one of my most favorite Trenton moments to date. So, I have decided to try and tell the story and put pictures of how busy he is now. He is very independent, but very attached to Mommy. Every morning it is "Mommy, My Mommy, or nomommy,nomommy, no."But, here is what happened yesterday...I went to pick Trenton up from school and the teacher was about to put him in time out. Trenton saw me and looked down. He knew I would not be happy. He had taken another childs cup, put the milk in his mouth, and spit it all out. He had milk all down his shirt and on his chin. I said, "Trenton did you spit milk?" He ran to me and hugged me. I said, "Trenton, you need to say you are sorry." He put his head down and in the most quiet voice said, "sorry." (insert precious baby voice) It took everything I had not to sweep him up and love on him, but I said, "Trenton, you need to go apologize to Ms. Sarah." Off he ran and he hugged her and got down and shouted, "bye bye" and ran to the door. I stinkin' love this child.

It gets better too. Wes had to close, so Trenton and I did the nightly routine alone. He ate and we got in the bath. He was in the tub trying to open his marker (tub friendly marker) and he started whining. Trenton whines when he wants something because he still doesn't know words. I said, "Trenton, you need to say, help please." So, he looks at me very seriously and says, "he peas". I ate it up. From then on, he would say, "he peas" all evening. I loved it. Then, we played with the tool box that Aunt Lee Lee gave him (he LOVES it!) and he looked at me and said "night night" and his little fanny put his toys up and scurried up the stairs. Just then, his Daddy came home and got to put him to bed.

Trenton had so much fun eating his cupcake and playing in the icing....

Trenton loves McDonald's sweet tea...almost as much as Mommy and Daddy.

He was exhausted this weekend after he stayed up late playing 2 nights in a row.

Trenton had such a good Easter with his Elmo basket. He was one happy boy just carrying Elmo around.

I love this picture...Trenton and Wes were watching the truck race together and Trenton was telling the trucks to Go, Go, Go.

So, Trenton is getting so much busier and he is learning words. He understands so much more than he can say. He puts his clothes in the dirty clothes hamper, he knows when Mommy says time out what it means, he is such my little miracle!

Ellis Family Easter

I don't have the pictures uploaded yet, but do not fear, they will be coming.

We had a very busy Easter weekend. We had a Church Easter egg hunt on Saturday morning and Trenton had so much fun! He made crafts, wandered around the Church, got his picture made with some Easter eggs (he calls them balls). The hunt was another story. Trenton did not understand the concept of putting the egg in your basket. So, he just put one in his basket and dumped it on the ground. Then he noticed an older boy, Tyler running around and stomping on all the eggs. That seemed like more fun, so he tried to do that. He realized his Mommy wasn't going to let that happen, so he decided to garden. Yes, my child sat in the mulch and ate dirt and picked at plants. Happy Easter! :)

That afternoon the Ellis Family had lunch but we couldn't go because Trenton needed to nap in preparation for his second Easter egg hunt at Journey. He slpet a lot. That evening we went to Journey with Wes's family and Trenton was not having the nursery. The problem is Trenton's Aunt April is in charge of Journeyland and every time she would walk by, doing her rounds, he would cry. So, Aunt April had to take Trenton with her...oopsie! However, I was glad for April because it gave her time with Trenton.

After the service Journey had their egg hunt. Um, there were a ton of people! They were giving away a 42" flat screen, but each family could only get 8 eggs, so Trenton had to choose wisely. Given the fact that he didn't care about egg hunts, we knew the TV would not be ours. Although it was supposed to be a family activity, I stood back and let MeMe, Wes, and Trenton go. I was not going to brave the storm. Trenton walked away with very little candy, but one egg shaped like a football that he enjoyed. Ansley won some prizes and every one had fun. Following the egg hunt, we went to MeMe and Pop's so Trenton could open his Easter basket - pics to follow - he racked up on clothes, food, and a toy!

Sunday Trenton did not wake up until after 8, so sadly, the Ellis family didn't make it to Church Easter Sunday, but we did go Easter Saturday. Trenton did wake up to see what the Easter bunny had brought him - all things beach - a sand toy set, an Elmo book (you have to have something to read on the beach), bubbles, and some candy. Trenton woke up around 815 and went back to sleep from around 9:30 til 11:15. Then we headed to Aunt Nana's house. Trenton was still not completely rested, but he likes to eat and we thought about swimming. We saw our family there, ate lunch, and put our feet in the water, but the water was too cold. So, we just stayed there for a while and went home for Trenton to go to bed. He slept from 3-6:15, woke up, ate, and went to bed around 8:15 and slept til 6:45 the next morning! GROWTH SPURT!

So, it was an exciting Easter. Pictures soon!

Numbers Don't Lie.

8: the number of toes I have that currently are able to move. 4: the number of times Wes ran out of the bed to the bathroom with the stomach virus 5: total combined hours of sleep had by Wes and myself - we alternated last night. I won out on taking care of Trenton since Wes is contagious. It was a rough night. I ran into the dog and somehow, his (Baxter) paw went between my two last toes. I fall to the floor crying, Wes runs to the bathroom - sick, and Baxter is just confused as to where to go. Thankfully, Trenton slept through the madness! We were all home this morning and poor Trenton was at a loss. His Daddy was sick and his Mommy was moving slower than he was. He really took advantage of it. I think he ran around the couch and touched everything he was not supposed to. Yes, I called my Father, but there really is nothing I can do. I am at work, attempting to be helpful, but it hurts. I have broken toes before, but nothing like this one. So, even though we out number Trenton this morning, he won. 1 baby getting run of the house because of 2 broken parents.

Old McDonald Had A...

Tummy ache!

This was a big weekend for Trenton. He ate, and ate, and ate, but it made for some good memories.

It all started when Nona went with Trenton and me to Chick fil A. It is rare that Mom gets to see Trenton outside of playing in the house, so this was a good adventure for them both. I could not have asked for a better Trenton! Mom got him a kids meal of 4 nuggets, we substituted fruit for fries, and an apple juice - healthy, right? Well, then I taught Mom of how you can trade in your toy for an icedream. Mom and I agreed that Trenton was not quite ready for a book on meteorology, so we traded. Trenton had already eaten all of his nuggets, all of his fruit (except the grapes) and then I brought the icedream over. He LOVED it! Who wouldn't

The only thing Trenton couldn't figure out was why the ice cream didn't stay solid.....

No worries though, he still ate it....all of it!

That night, Wes decided we would go to Old McDonald's Fish Camp. Trenton loves ducks, so we went and fed the "quack quacks". When we got there, Trenton yells, "QUACK QUACK" and they all run, naturally. Then, we went to feed them and he thought they would be like Baxter and come to the food. He did not want to let go of the duck food...it was so sad. Trenton ate a lot there too. We did find out he loves honey mustard. He ate crab, fries, chicken, grits, but he LOVED hush puppies!

That night Trenton did not sleep at all! He was up all night...I wonder why....

Master's Week

** DISCLAIMER, I do not think all visitors are this way, nor are all Northerners. I have dated Northerners and I had no negative experience with them. *** It is Spring Break here in Augusta which means one thing, The Masters. For many people this is an exciting time and they long for this time every year. For me, this is a time where I can't do my normal routine. I don't hate it, but I am not in love with the Masters and I am certainly not in love with the change of routine. This year things are a little different. The misery that the Masters brings started on Sunday. I went grocery shopping at Publix. Well, many visitors rent houses in North Augusta and they were all in Publix. (overdramatic, but still) There was this one family in particular that really seemed to just rub me the wrong way. Excuse me while I vent... It all started when they stopped in the middle of the road, right in front of the door, to let the Mom out. Really, the Mom couldn't walk from the parking space? Then, their son finally realizes he can get out of the car (he was otherwise occupied by his cell phone), and the Dad decides that he is going to just hang out for a while to make sure that they make it in okay. Well, North Augusta is not that riddled with crime that the walk from the car to the Publix is the danger zone. STRIKE 1 I go in the store and get my buggy and just keep moving. Well, I thought...the son is standing in front of the door - still on his cell phone - oblivious to ANYONE behind him. STRIKE 2 STRIKE 2.5 I call it this because the Mom does the same thing. I go to the bakery section and she is looking at cheese with her cart in the middle of the aisle...so apparently being oblivious is genetic? I keep moving, no big deal. Well, this turned into one of those situations where we followed each other around the store. I would avoid aisle, go long, stay put, but there they were. See, the son would wander around just talking about golf on his cell phone. He was everywhere. It was the cracker aisle that pushed me over the edge. It reminded me of when I was in Chicago with Ansley. We were shopping in a store and looking at merchandise and this person said, "Excuse me" to Ansley. Naturally, Ansley moved out of the way for the boy to cross...oh, no, he stood there and looked right where Ansley was...directly in front of Ansley! Well, these visitors, they did the same thing! I was looking for crackers for Trenton and the Mom (who was not a natural color) said "excuse me" and just stood right in front of me to look. Here comes husband to do the same thing. STRIKE 3, 4, and 5!!!! I don't say anything, I just kind of huff away. They don't care, they aren't going to change. I just have to adjust for a week, until they leave my friendly, Southern, town. Thankfully, I check out in a different line. We leave around the same time and I am not surprised that the Dad was pulling the car TO THE DOOR to load the groceries. Really! Publix will even take them to your car and you don't tip. I leave, thankful I am a Southerner, who is observant, and respects those people around me. It is because of that upbringing that I did not lash out at these people. By the way, the son was still on his phone. (Trenton, this will not be you!)

Oh Hammond Drive...

It rained here last night. Not really rained, poured. At one point in time the winds were a strong as 60 MPH. That is harsh! The good news (for me) I slept through it. Well, until 5:40 AM when I woke up sweating and yelled at Wes for turning off the fan when he wasn't even under the covers. OOPSIE! Well, it was true...the power was gone.

I could hear Trenton in his room chatting it up with Elmo, he was fine, but it was HOT! I get up, shower (while Wes is still home) by candlelight. That was not the most pleasant shower, but it was fine. Get dressed, by the tiniest flashlight ever created. Wes gets ready and leaves. I go to get Trenton up so we can get dressed and go buy some b'fast. I can't cook with no power...I am not quite that Little House on the Prairie. I go in Trenton's room and he and Elmo are wrapping up their conversation. I tell Trenton it is dark and we have no power, so we can't turn on the lights. He loves to help Mommy, so I tell him he has to hold the flashlight so I can get him dressed. What does he do? He sticks it in his mouth. Helpful, son.

We make it through the dressing phase and we go downstairs...carefully...he is still eating the flashlight. There are some candles lit. We get to the kitchen..thankfully it is not as hot. Trenton is going "eat, eat". I put him in his highchair and throw some fruit loops on the tray with his milk. He loves the fruit loops with marshmellows. I give him the light so he can at least see what he is eating. Trenton and I enjoyed a nice flashlight breakfast.

In this picture he was asking why am I taking another picture when there are not lights. He looks like a lost child..his outfit was pieced together. He kept me entertained and was constantly telling the dogs what to do. He is bossy..not sure where that came from. :) I am hopeful I will go home to electricity. I am just glad I didn't go to the grocery store and stock the fridge.