Trenton's First Christmas

Trenton with MeMe and Pop.
Aunt Keely reading to Trenton

Trenton in his rocking chair that he got from his Great-Grandmother

Wes helping Trenton open his presents

HAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Baxter loves his presents too!

Trenton and I walking down the stairs Christmas morning!

Trenton with the toy that Ansley and Adam gave him.

Friday night at Church...before the drama..

Trenton and Santa Claus!

We had a weekend full of Christmas fun...and drama.

Thursday night - Christmas Eve Eve

We got together with Wes's family to do an extended family Christmas. Well, they chose the chop house - which is located at the Mall - but we made it. We found a parking place, we made it to the restaurant and we waited. Eventually everyone showed up, but by that time, Trenton was over it. Keep in mind we didn't meet until 6 and Trenton goes to bed at 6. So, Trenton and I roamed around the outside of the Mall and looked around while the rest of the family talked and ate. See, I am not a fan of taking children to a more adult appropriate restaurant. So, I was hesitant going into this. We loaded in the car and were supposed to go to Aunt Julia's house, but we didn't make it, our child was CRANKY and finally asleep.

Friday night - Christmas Eve

I mistakenly signed up our family to read for the lighting of the Advent Candle at Church. I have a problem with things playing out a whole lot better in my head. See, we got to church only to realize that we were next to last in the program. Church started at 9, Trenton goes to bed at 6. Sometimes I can keep him up and occupied, but this was not one of those nights. I spent most of the night in the Narthex of the Church helping Dad to calm down Trenton. Trenton and I went outside, but no, he could still be heard. Wes and I lit the candle and we ran out of Church. The preacher even told me that the baby in the manger routine was a nice added bonus....OOPSIE!

Saturday - Christmas Morning

Apparently keeping your child up, when he doesn't truly understand what Christmas is, makes him sleep until 7:30. Well, normally, I would have enjoyed this time, but Wes and I had to get Granny and get to Mom's for breakfast! We got Trenton up, let him open presents, changed his clothes and headed out. Christmas was filled with family, food, and fun...pictures to follow. Trenton racked up!

Sunday - Day after Christmas

Ellis Family Christmas. I got up and went shopping early that morning - to find some prety pitiful sales, but I ran into my Mom and sister. Ran home, picked up Wes and Trenton and headed to Golden Corral. Those of you who know me, know I am not a huge buffet eater, but my child was starving! He didn't eat dinner the night before and hadn't had breakfast. I truly believe he ate more than I did. We went to Steve and MJ's to open presents and then had to play Apples to Apples while Trenton slept.

We had a good Christmas and look forward to next year when Trenton will be even more entertaining!

Moving On Up...

to the toddler room!

I have the silly, first time Mom, mixed emotions about Trneton moving up. Keep reading and I will explain why my reservations as well as all about my crazy Friday!

Friday I worked. Well, this was my first Friday at my new branch, working alone. It was C-R-A-Z-Y! As my Manger put it, welcome to interstate travel. :) I worked at another bank and it was busy all the time, then I worked with First Bank at Main Office where it was sometimes steady, but manageable. Now, I am down on Walton Way and I am BUSTING it. I am glad to be busy, but I would rather have time to breathe on Friday between 4 and 6. Friday, that was not an option. So, I survived the day - minor hissy fit at the end - only to find out that the water mane in front of our house busted. Cool...Trenton can ice skate. :) Well, I get home and the thing that pushes me over the edge (you can judge me) is the fact that I was driving down the one way I can of my street, I see the men working, the orange cones, and I put on my blinker to show the men I am turning into my drive way. I am traveling about 3 mph, but this man is FREAKING out. I mean waving his flashlight, jumping, waving his hands, freaking out. It reminded me of a scene out of and Austin Powers movie. I turned and the man could finally breathe, but I just had to laugh which turned into tears. I was done. I was exhausted, I didn't have water, and I just had been introduced to First Bank interstate travel. Well, I go in and Wes just laughs at me (and comforts me) and shows me what Trenton came home with....an accident report.

My precious baby boy is sleeping peacefully, but at 9AM on Friday morning, while visiting the toddler room, Trenton busted his lip. Now, I understand it is not life or death, he was fine, and he more than likely did it to himself, but they didn't call me. I could not run and comfort my baby, I couldn't fix it. Now, Trenton has been through surgery, procedure, been poked and prodded, but for some reason, his busted lip sends me over the edge. I guess because all the other procedures and hospitalizations were to save his life. I could have prevented this, right? No, not really. I know he is fine, but it hurt my heart. I should just be glad we haven't had stitches. By this point in life, Wes had been to the hospital with a busted chin (i think twice). So, I get over that too.

Saturday we get up and go to the Radiothon to raise money for MCG. We have so much fun and we become Miracle Makers! :) I was glad to be able to help raise money for the amazing staff at MCG - they are the ones who saved Trenton's life. After the radiothon, we hit the ground running to get all the Christmas shopping done. The mall isn't busy in the morning, so Wes and I just get as much done as possible. My parents invite us over for chicken noodle soup and birthday cake, so we eat lunch and then leave Trenton with Sir. Wes takes off to do his Christmas shopping for me and Mom and I hit the ground running to finish up my few things. Everyone is tired, but we get home and get ready for Sunday.

Sunday, Trenton is SICK. I go in to get him in the morning and he has those crusted eyes, runny nose, and just cannot breathe. I decide we are not leaving the house. Trenton lounges all afternoon in his jammies. He won't eat, he sleeps all the time. He wakes up just long enough for his MeMe and Pop to visit, then sleeps from 3:30PM to 645 AM! I went in through the night to make sure he is breathing. This morning, he is still sick, but I take him to school - no fever, so I can.

We get to our new room and I am sad. I miss my teachers from infant class. The teachers haven't made him a cubby, they haven't gotten anything ready for him, so I just leave his stuff on the table. I apparently am the only Mom who brings a snack for their child, but I just take it to the fridge. I leave Trenton playing on the floor, but I tell them to call for anything. I leave the room and go back to the infant class. Begging them to check on him. I know Trenton will be fine, but I just have some reservations....he did bust his lip in this room, this room is smaller, and he doesn't have a cubby. I am such a dramatic mother and I realize this and get over it.

So, I am happy for Trenton to finally be crawling - the right way - and he can pull himself up, but do I really have to change the classroom? I will have to put on my big girl pants, and deal, but it was one dramatic weekend at the Ellis house!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

When I started thinking about this blog I got to wondering, when is it no longer appropriate to call your Daddy, Daddy? Well, I came to the conclusion of never. I reached this conclusion after I called Dad this morning on my way to work - when he got on the phone I just yelled "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!" He says, "Hey Booger, whatcha doin?" Now, growing up Dad would call Ansley and I all sorts of nicknames and thankfully, Booger is the less offensive one he called me. Although I did like Scooter, but it was followed with Pooter. So, I am over that.

Well, today is a BIG day for my Daddy. He is 6-0!!! When I asked him what 60 felt like he said the same as 59, but he made it to 60. My Dad's life has been a great life (if you ask me and I think he would agree); however, there are things that I am sure he would have liked to do a little differently. The amazing thing is I don't believe my Dad has any regrets. I am saddened that I never got to know my grandfather or my grandmother, but I am forever grateful to God that I carry a lot of the McRee traits and so does my son, Trenton.

Trenton is another part of my father's 60th. Last night, on their way to church, my parents came over. Dad walks in the room and Trenton lights up! All Daddy has to do is laugh and Trenton thinks it is funny. I cannot tell you how much fun it is to watch my father roll around on the floor with Trenton.

My father has been my rock, he has given me my humor (which not every one appreciates), my love for animals (which not every one appreciates), and part of my desire to be in a helping profession (not banking, my future career as a counselor) - shout out to Mom who also instilled this in me. Thankfully, he did not give me my nose! :) But I will never be able to thank my Dad for everything he has done. Even when he may have been teaching me a lesson through a hard situation, I cannot thank him enough.

Even though Ansley and I are grown, married, and have children, we still call our Daddy the instant we need something. Our parents, not just Dad, are there for us no matter. I guess there is never a time to stop calling your Dad, Daddy.

I think this is a picture of Daddy and me, but it may be Ansley - I think it is me because it wasn't labeled, so Mom was busy when I came along - she had 2 by then.

One of a few family portraits...there are plenty of stories behind Church portriats, but that is for another day.

Sorry Ansley, but I love this picture of Dad and me. This is Father's Day one year.

I had to include one that had all of us facing forward. I have no idea what we are doing here...probably Easter

Of course I had to include one of Daddy and Trenton.

So, Happy Birthday, Daddy! I love you and cannot wait to celebrate you not only for your Birthday but also for all the more birthdays to come!

Precious Baby Brie

This weekend was a tough one for our family and our friends. When Wes and I lived in Columbia we had some dear friends and we were sad to leave them when we moved back home. Well, we have stayed in touch and seen each other (we only live an hour away). They were some of the first to see Trenton - we took a road trip to visit them. When they come through town on their way to Atlanta, they stop and we go to dinner.

Wes and I were SO excited when we found out that they were expecting! Trenton and Brie would be a year apart and we could share so much with them. Well, this Friday I got a call that they had lost precious baby Brie.....12 days before her due date. I was devastated. I immediately cried and called my Mom. I felt so lost, so helpless. I never wake Trenton up, but when I got home from work that day, the second I heard a little cry I ran up and held him. Not the best idea, but selfishly, I needed to do this. I just wanted to hug him and hold him forever.

There are NO words that can comfort someone who has lost a child. I don't know their pain, I don't know what it is like and the common response of "this happened for a reason" just seems so inappropriate. It may have happened for a reason, but they hurt and they grieve and they did NOT deserve this.

I got angry. When Trenton was going through everything there was never a moment I questioned any of it. I didn't blame God, I didn't grieve the typical way. I held on to my hope that Trenton would pull through because this little boy still had a lot to teach me. Sarah and PJ were not allowed that hope. I could not imagine losing a child. It still makes me cry just thinking of their pain.

Wes and I went up to Columbia to Baby Brie's memorial service. It was nice. The preacher was amazing and Sarah and PJ just held each other. The small prayer chapel in the hospital was packed with people who love Sarah and PJ and love Baby Brie. It was a short service, but very appropriate. Wes and I didn't stay long. I just hugged them and said, "There is nothing I can say". It felt foolish coming out of my mouth, but really, I can't fix this for them.

No matter what caused this, it hurts, so I don't know all the details....they really don't matter. Before we left for Columbia I got to thinking how safe Brie is now. She is safe from all this hurt, injustice, and disappointment. Yes, she will miss all the joyful times and her parents and family will forever miss her, but the fact remains that this world is painful. Brie is in a safe place now and as Sarah said, "dancing with Jesus".

We love you Sarah and PJ. Baby Brie, we love you and cannot wait to meet you in Heaven. You were a precious child and you are a gift. I have learned so much from you. I pray for peace and healing for your parents.

Moving On Up!

Our precious Trenton is FINALLY moving up to Toddler I. He was supposed to move up on his birthday, November 1, but it was decided that he needed to be a littel stronger and bigger. See, Trenton is not crawling or walking and he is the skinniest kid in his class, so they didn't want him to get plowed down by the big kids.

Well, this DEVASTATED me! I was so exctied at making this step with him adn then it was not going to be. So, I cried, and cried...I know it was for the best, but this child has been through enough. I eventually realized it was the best for Trenton and just how hard it will be to move up.

On Wednesday we received our Trenton is moving up papers. I was so excited, but immediately sad. Trenton cries now when I leave him and this is a big problem - this separation anxiety started around age 1. Well, he won't cry if his favorite worker, Ms. Mitt is there. I quickly realized that Ms. Mitt won't be there! I won't have my normal ladies to say hello to. It is hard to move up. Trenton will be in great hands in Toddler I, but there is still some sense of bittersweet ending to this. Every procedure, every hospitalization, every cold these amazing ladies have been with him. When other babies were sick, Ms. Mitt would quarantine Trenton because she said he didn't need to be hurt or sick. Not every daycare would go to this length. The days I would run in with all these questions about when to move up, when to stop the bottle, when to take him off baby food, Ms. Mitt would patiently answer me without passing judgment.

Clearly, Trenton (and I) have been truly blessed by an amazing group of ladies that care for him and moving up will be difficult for both of us. However, it is part of life. My precious little man is pushing 22lbs, he is 13 months old, and it is time.

However, once Ms. Mitt heard his kidney was still swollen she was second guessing the moving up. This time, I was able to reassure her that everything will be okay. Funny how the tables turn.

*** Not to mention I save $3 a week. :) ***

Ellis Family Update

So, I am back. It is kind of hush hush, only my devoted followers will know, but I am here. It may not be a ton of blogging, but I am going to try and blog occassionally.



Life since I quit blogging has been fun, but I am going to talk about what most recently changed my life and what Wes and I have planned for the future. Other than the amazing Trenton adventures, Wes and I have made a BIG purchase.....



After over a year of talking about it, we have finally purchased a Dyson! The Dyson has changed my life; however, I was impressed that my floors were not as gross as I anticipated. However, we did just get new carpet. :) Now, this Dyson hurt me since it is a BIG purchase. Wes and I are both fortunate to have great jobs and to have steady income; however, soon that will all change.



I am the crazy person that is going to go part time (during a recession) and then eventually quit in order to finish my masters degree. Maybe I am crazy, but I think it is time I find a job that fits my passion. So, we have decided that since next year we will be living like paupers that we will actually buy each other Christmas presents (dyson not included). Every financial planner out there is gasping at my poor planning, but there comes a time when you just have to have fun. Now, please know that Trenton will still be loved, spoiled, and cared for during my time not working, but Wes and I are eager to spoil each other this Christmas. Another aspect of our poor planning is the fact that the Dyson was not part of Christmas. It was our just because it is 30% off gift.

We also started decorating more for holidays! Trenton is over 1, so it is time. My house is screaming Christmas now.

So, now with a new position, a much more mobile child, 2 classes, and a household to care for, my life is FULL! Another Doctor's appointment today (kidney follow-up) and then it is back to the grind. :)

Sporadic Blogging

I am afraid I may lose many of my followers because I really don't have time to blog anymore. Trenton is getting to be so busy and I am starting school, so it is with some regret that I say I will not be able to blog anymore. We still love all the prayers and support and we are always open to visitors. We are almost done with Trenton's medical problems - we hope- one more procedure and we are done. So, thank you all!

Lots of Love,
The Ellis Family