A Bloggable Moment with Deep Thoughts!

Tonight I had the privilege of putting Ms. Marleigh to sleep. As I was sitting there rocking her and watching her drift peacefully off to sleep as her eyes got heavier and heavier I started reflecting on my life and how immensely blessed I am. It is a shame that life is all to often taken for granted, and the time spent on reflection is quite minimal. I was sitting there thinking to myself that I have been married for almost 5 years in a few weeks, and I have two precious and healthy children. I began to reminisce over my life and how as a young girl I use to dream that one day I would marry and be blessed with children. I smiled as I reflected on my juvenille thoughts of how I envisioned the "perfect life," having first a son and then a daughter. I always thought that it would be "perfect" for a brother to watch out for his little sister. I remember thinking to myself as a young girl -- "That's not always how life is -- Don't get your hopes up. There are many out there that try and try to have one of each gender and the chances of them coming in my desired sequence was slim to none." Only this time I realized that my idea of the picture, perfect, textbook life was now a reality. As I sat there rocking my little princess and listening to D downstairs goofing off with his daddy, I spoke to God and said "Why me? What have I done in my life to have all of my dreams come true!" I was thanking God for his blessings and I noticed Marleigh's music in the background. First of all let me preface this by saying that I had been a little distraught over Marleigh's new bedtime music as Tim had changed the CDs out this weekend. I wasn't happy because this one has words, and it seemed when hearing through the monitor as if it were more like elevator music. Boy was I ever wrong! Anyway, during my time of praise, thankfulness, and time of being literally speechless the words of the song became surprisingly clear. At first I thought as thought I was imagining it. Then I restarted the song 2 or 3 times and turned up the volume. I just sat there thinking that this was the story my heart was feeling. I couldn't take my eyes off my sweet little angel. I literally sat there and cried. After putting her in her crib and covering her up, I immediately resorted to my PC to find the lyrics to this song. I hope they are as precious to you as they were to me, especially tonight.

MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE
Words and Music
Terry Toler

I LOOK AT YOU
HERE IN MY ARMS
AND I KNOW THAT DREAMS COME TRUE
TONIGHT LIFE IS SWEET
AND MY DREAM’S COMPLETE
SO I OFFER THIS PRAYER
JUST FOR YOU

MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE
MAY LIFE BE GOOD TO YOU
MAY HAPPINESS FOLLOW YOU
YOUR LIFE THROUGH
MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE

SOMEDAY YOU’LL DREAM
OF A FAMILY
CHILDREN OF YOUR OWN
PERHAPS YOU’LL SIT
IN THIS SAME ROCKING CHAIR
AND SING YOUR BABY THIS SONG

MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE
MAY LIFE BE GOOD TO YOU
MAY HAPPINESS FOLLOW YOU
YOUR LIFE THROUGH
MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE

MAY HAPPINESS FOLLOW YOU
YOUR LIFE THROUGH
MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE
MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE

©Copyright 2006 by J. Aaron Brown & Associates, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Pictures from Today

Marleigh's new favorite toy: D's holey ball! It is GREAT because she can actually hold on to it!

Davis giving Sissy a Kiss!

Marleigh swinging with her ball!
Marleigh with her Oatmeal face!Marleigh grasping onto a small ball! Today was the first day she was able to palm/grasp a small ball for a little while! Maybe she will be a basketball player!
Davis last night at Cooper and Charlie's house!

Lots of Firsts..........

Ms. Marleigh is a such a good girl! However, she actually cried on us last night! I am sure many readers won't sympathize for the fact that they have or had fussy babies, but we have always thanked our lucky stars that our two are quite content as babies. Most wouldn't have thought anything of a little crying or screaming -- I mean it would go on for less than a couple of minutes. However, that is out of character for our little one. I figured it was her tummy since she hasn't made Mommy a suprise in a day or two .... if you catch my drift! :) So, I remembered when D was constipated as a little we gave him the Gerber White Grape Juice. So, I sent Tim to the grocery to grab a bottled. Needless to say when he returned she was happy and asleep, but I woke her up to give her some, and she LOVED it. She quickly engulfed her FIRST juice!!! And I got these looks of why don't you always give me this! Well no poo, but a content baby! Maybe the poo will come soon!!!

Tim went to put her to bed and I was going to bathe D. Well she pitched a TOTAL fit in her room. So Tim and I switched stations! She drifted right off to sleep with me after we walked around in her room for a couple of minutes and I sang to her. I took it as a compliment that my voice comforted her....that sure is a first! :) Anyway, another FIRST -- she drifted off to sleep in my arms and I didn't want to wake her to try to swaddle her so I thought, "Why not try her going to bed without being swaddled!" She did it! I put her down a little before 9:00 and she slept until 5:30 unswaddled!!!

She woke up happy at 5:30 -- and Tim got up to feed her so Mommy could rest! She didn't want to go back to sleep, but quickly fell asleep swinging in her swing so that Mommy and Daddy could sleep until Davis woke up at 8:30.

Then one last FIRST! Mommy decided to go for the Oatmeal! I know it is a little early. My doctor told me to try it a week before she turned 4 months, but I couldn't wait any longer! Why do we rush our kids so! Anyway she LOVED it!!! I mixed a scoop and a half with a little milk and she took all but like a couple bites!!! My plan was to give her a little milk and then try the oatmeal because I knew she was hungry. Plus I tried this when D was little and it never worked! He was like why do you wait til I am hungry and put something in my mouth that I don't know what to do with! Give me my milk! Ms. MJ on the other hand could have cared less -- I think she liked the oatmeal more than her milk!!! She was insulted afterwards when I tried to give her a bottle!

First Bite

Not Sure What to Think!

Then a SMILE!

Little Piggy!

She knew just what to do!

Eagerly awaiting a 2nd Bite!

I couldn't resist throwing in this picture! It CRACKS me up! I am thinking of saving it for her Senior Ad .... What do you think!?!
I ended up moving her to her bumbo seat so that I would have to reach so far! I hesitated to upload this video as my table has lately become the collecting ground for everything that needs to be put up! So please ignore the disaster area! This video was mad as she was finishing up so as you will see she is getting full. I just didn't want to NOT include it since it was her first time!

One last FIRST that I must add! You know how D HATES to have his picture made!!! Well since we got the camera out for Sissy, Davis all of sudden wants HIS picture made! He kept doing cute things - saying "Picture of Davis, Picture of Davis!" So I couldn't finish this post without a fair hair shot of my morning joy!

Have a Marvelous Weekend Blogger Buds!

What We've Been Up To!

Sorry I have posted lately! I have take the time to skim everyone's blogs, but I just haven't had the time to comment! Hopefully life will begin to settle down a little by the end of the month!!!

Well due to the storm on March 15th, we have spent our fair share of time dealing with our insurance company, adjusters, appraisers! The good news is that we are getting a brand new roof and money to have the dents taken out of Tim's car from the hail.

On a positive note . . . May 3rd was an exciting day! I graduated with my Ed.S. degree!!! Woohoo!!! This was sure a long time coming completing the program and having a baby along the way! I am not going to miss taking classes, but I am going to totally miss the girl time I had with my 5 Martin buddies! Amy, Heather, Jennifer, Kim, and Kristy -- thank you so much for putting up with me for a year and half! I love you girls! Congratulations! We Got'er done!!! :) (and we all got 4.0's) :)

Me and the Husband! Thank you honey for putting up with me and my negative attitude when I often thought I was in way over my head or didn't think I could continue! You always calmed me and encouraged me even though I didn't tell you!!!

Me with my parents! Wow! Mom and Dad I can't thank you enough! I would have NEVER been able to accomplish this without you! Thank you so much for keeping Davis and Marleigh for me EVERY Monday night for a year and half so that I could go to class!!! Hooray for Mimi and Pops!

This Mother's day was a blessing knowing that I had two precious, beautiful, healthy, and adorable little ones. A girl and a boy! How blessed am I? They truly inspire me and keep me going! I can't even begin to imagine life without them! Our Mother's day ended up being a little crazy -- I can't believe we never got around to taking a picture! We will make up for that -- I am sure of that! We live in camera land here lately!

A glance at Mommy's inspiration to further my education! I pray that I can lead by example and allow my kids to see firsthand the importance of education and striving to accomplish all that you can! What a waste would it be to not to learn and apply in life all that God deems you able!

Marleigh with that contagious and captivating grin!

My two partners in crime having some tummy time!

The comedian of the family!

Showing off those piercing eyes!

We had another suprise on Mother's Day evening! We had went over to spend some time at my parents house, and they received a phone call from one of our neighbors who was trying to track us down. How often do you get the news that I tree has just fallen on your house!!! Oh yeah, I am sure the insurance company LOVES us! At least it happened before the roof got replaced! Needless to say the last two days have been CRAZY with people coming by and working on the tree. The good news to report is that as of this afternoon it is down and covered! Hopefully the adjuster can come and take pictures before the end of the week! I am not too hopeful as I know they are absolutely slammed right now! Oh, and did I mention I hit a rock last week and bust my windshield! What else can happen? As long as we are all safe and healthy, I know we can take it!

Calling ALL Prayer Warriors!

Desperate prayer is needed for a friend of mine's husband's cousin. Her name is Katherine Wolf, and she is from Athens, GA. She is currently living with her husband and 7 month old son in California. Her husband is there in law school. Anyway, you'll have to go back and read all the posts on the links below to be able to fully understand what is going on. Katherine is suprising everyone with her progress, but is still in VERY critical condition. This new journey began in her life one week ago, and I can't get up or go to bed without checking in for updates. She is very heavy on my heart, and I would like for you to join me and many others around the world as we pray for Katherine Wolf and the testament she is here on earth!

http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/viewMyStory.do?method=executeInit

http://www.katherinewolf.info/

http://katherineawolf.blogspot.com/


Pray Mark 5:41!
"He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha koum!" (which means, "Little girl, I say to you, get up!")

A ZOOrific Day!

We had a wonderful Saturday! We met Daryl, Lori, and Ms. J at Zoo Atlanta! The weather was perfect, and the kiddos were GREAT! Davis was pretty excited to see all the animals in person. I almost don't think that he knew what to think! We were able to see all of the animals except for the lions. They weren't out for some reason! Tim enjoyed taking the time to tell Davis about his family tree and introducing him to some relatives! LOL! Couldn't resist! The girls were happy, and they both got to experience their first application of sunscreen together! Davis said his two favorite animals were the panda bears and the gorillas. I swear Daryl was with us, but for some reason I have NO pictures of him except for a back of the head shot! I am telling you I can't quite get the "taking picture" thing down when keeping eyes on 2 kids! This is a goal I must work on!

Lori with Jamie and Me with Marleigh!

Our first official "girl shot!"

Pictures of Davis are getting MORE and MORE difficult! He doesn't want to be told to smile for the camera! His approach is "avoidance!" Here is Davis and Tim in front of the Gorillas. As you can tell, Davis would much rather be enjoying the animals!

This is momma panda. The zoo keeper said she was inseminated just 8 weeks ago! So, mommy was being kept isolated from daddy and their baby girl.

I'll let you caption this picture for yourself!

This was quite suprising to me, but the little fella below is playing a matching game on a touch screen. Every time he made a match he is rewarded with a treat. They have a screen set up so you can see how he is doing. Amazing!

I am such a girl -- I am so scared of snakes and Davis LOVES this! Of course, this freaks me out because I just know if he was to see one outside that he would PICK IT UP!!!

I'll end with the elephant, which is actually the first animal we saw. Davis loves elephants and I wish you could have seen his face. He wouldn't hardly say anything. He just stared at him! I know he was completely taken back by his size and stature! Absolutely amazing!

'Twas the Night . . . .

. . . . and all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even Ms. Priss! Let me just tell you how proud I am of my baby girl! Friday night was the night! "Moving Ms. Marleigh!" Her daddy had the pleasure of putting her to bed! It was "my" night to put D to bed! We try to rotate so that D gets adequate time and attention from both of us! Well Ms. Priss was asleep before D! If any of you know Davis, he ususally tells us he is ready to go to bed and we change his diaper and rock him for a minute or two and either read a book or a sing a song and then turn on his lullaby CD and turn on his constellation/star turtle! Last night after rocking and talking for a few minutes (oh with Pooh, puppy, horsey, three pibbies (pacifiers) and two blankets in my lap, he simply said, "I get in my bed now!" Such an EASY one to put to bed. We never expected to get another one that would sleep so well! Looks like we might have another keeper on our hands! She went to sleep rocking in her room and feeding at 10:30 -- we had one "Freak" panic at 11:00 when it sounded like something struggling to breathe and I jumped out of the bed and flew upstairs faster than I have EVER moved! To only throw open her door and find out it was birds in the background on her lullaby CD! What??? Are you kidding me! Needless to say I killed the CD! Ms. Marleigh slept through my maniac entrance! LOL! After that, not another peep until she woke up hungry at 5:45. Friday night is Daddy's feeding shift so Tim got up and fed her and was back downstairs by 6:20. It is 8:20 now and she is STILL sleeping! I went in her room when I got up at 7:45 and gave her the pibby because she was squirming, but her eyes were still closed. She is still snoozing away! I started her music again. Being a teacher I know the benefits of classical music, and Davis LOVES having his while going to sleep. So, I am SO happy we started Marleigh out with it the FIRST night! I am sure she is use to it, as she was snug with me and D all those months while we rocked and listened to it every night! So this post is for Marleigh! Mommy loves you and is SO proud of the big girl you are becoming!!! We are so blessed!

Silent Night!!!

Ok, I know I have probably already jinxed myself at work today, so I might as well go ALL out and do it publicly!!! I have to brag to someone! Little Ms. thing finally went to sleep before 11:30 last night! For those of you that don't know, she is a NIGHT/EVENING Owl!!! :) She has always slept well getting up just once to eat, but last night was her first full nights sleep!!! She went to bed at 10:30 -- so we made it to bed an hour early! And she didn't wake until AFTER I left for work! Dad said she got up around 7:30!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Which is like 9 hours! Woohoo! I was all excited about the 6-7 that she had been doing! I will take 9 any night! Please pray this will continue and not just be a one night ordeal! Anyone those of you that know me, know that I am a nut for documentary and articles about anything and everything. That comes with the territory of education! So my latest read discussed infant sleep and weight. Basically it discussed how the more sleep an infant gets the less likely they are to be overweight as a kid/adult. I know I was never a good sleeper! (Sorry Mom and Dad!), and I have always struggled with watching my weight. So this made me quite curious. At this stage in the game if this is true, poor Marleigh is going to anorexic as she sleeps ALL the time! She is getting better, but she does nap until almost 2:00 everyday! Of course she is up for feedings and a little play time! The doctor recommends 18 hours of sleep a day at this point and she is pretty close to it! Afternoon-on is "game time!" I'll take the advice that I am hearing and finding for myself! "Let them sleep as much as they will sleep!" and "NEVER wake a sleeping baby!" Tim has been out of town and is currently in route home! I called and woke up his happy little butt this morning to tell him that he was going to have to LEARN how to be more quiet when he gets up and gets ready! However, reality sunk in when my girlfriends from work corrected me by saying, "No, Amanda, you know YOU need to move her to her room, and get her out of your bedroom!" I going to try it this weekend! I LOVE working with women that are experts in ALL areas! They are SO right! Wish us well!

A Rather Peaceful Spring Break!

Well as peaceful as possible with a 2 and half year old and a 2 month old! For the most part, I stayed home with the kids. However, on Wednesday I spent the day with Davis and his cousin's Cooper and Charlie. We went and enjoyed a beautiful day at Stone Mountain. Things sure have changed there since the last time I went! On Thursday, I loaded up the kiddos and met two of my Sorority Sisters, Erin and Lori, at Perimeter Mall we had a fun time strolling, shopping, and checking out the bathrooms! We were frequent bathroomers with 4 kids in tow!

Here are the boys ready to get the day started with the mountain in the background! (From L to R: Charlie, Cooper, and Davis)

We gave the boys some time to run around on the giant lawn! Davis was quickly intrigued with another playdate group that had quite the little spread going on complete with food and TOYS! You could tell they were regulars! Davis helped himself to their hang out and chased their bubbles. He even hid on the mat with the moms! Can we say embarassed! I guess next time I will know to pack some toys!

Here is D and Charlie hugging after lots of chasing!

Charlie and Davis with Bob and Larry! The waiting in line was the "fun" part!

The Monster Trucks! Davis was in awe at their size! I would have to say that I was too!
Davis thoroughly enjoyed the barn play place! Here he is after slide in the hay loft!

We can't forget the Choo-Choo Train! Here is Mommy and Davis!

A cute shot of D on the train!

Here is cute shot of the Houses on the train! (Kristi, Cooper, Rodney, and Charlie)

Davis pooped after a fun day! Here he is trying to fall asleep on the tray of his stroller on the way to the car!

Strolling and Shopping
On Thursday we headed to Perimeter Mall to stroll with our friends! Needless to say our official meeting time ended up being 2 hours later than we had anticipated. I guess this goes to show that when you have kids, you have to be flexible! I was a little nervous getting out with 2 on my own, and driving the double stroller - it is HUGE! So I totally took advantage of Valet parking! I without a doubt recommend it as the help you get the stroller out/put it upunload your bags! It was worth every penny! Needless to say we didn't have lots of photo opts! However, we did meet up in the bathroom! We frequented bathrooms on this trip! But it was nice to go and know someone else could watch/help with your kids! We ended up in another bathroom for diaper changes/feedings and D and Jack were able to get down and run around in a sitting area and play! I believe they distracted Ms, J from eating! As for Marleigh -- well she pretty much slept until she was ready to eat!

Here is Ms. Marleigh all smiles before we headed to meet up with the gang!

My little Comedian!

Jack pushing his stroller!

Ms. Jamie!

Busy with the Babies!

It's been a while since I've been able to post! So I might have to catch up with two separate posts! I went back to work last Thursday and dove in with a 12 hour day for Kindergarten Registration! It went by quite quickly testing 4 and 5 year olds! Too cute! I also learned more than I have already learned by teaching of what kind of parent I "do" and "don't" want to be! I think I have an outstanding job for preparing me for pretty much everything motherhood has to offer! :)

Anyway, Mommy is on Spring break this week! For the most part we have enjoyed some time at home! However, Marleigh had her 8 week appt. on Monday, Davis and Mommy went to Stone Mountain today, and Mommy is meeting a couple of sorority sisters in Atlanta tomorrow for some strolling and shopping!

Marleigh had her 8 week check-up on Monday! She is a big and growing girl! She weighed 13 lbs. and 5 ounces! She was 23 and 1/4 inches long! Oh and by the way, thanks for all your prayers! We got the test results back from her hip ultrasound and everything looks perfect!!! Woohoo! However, poor thing had to get 5 shots! Plus she had to take the Rotovirus serum (which she loved!) She was a little grumpy Tues. evening from the achyness, but she is back to herself today! Here is some new photos of Miss Priss!!!

Marleigh enjoying her Bumbo Seat! (In her favorite shirt!)

Bright eyes during tummy time!

This evening, acting like a little lady!

Snug as a bug, going on our first neighborhood walk! Thank you Lord for such beautiful weather!

Here are some fun and crazy pictures of Marleigh and D! He is such a little ham lately in front of the camera!

A quick, Sissy hug!

A quick, Sissy kiss! (please ignore my hair!!!)

I love this picture of them looking at one another!

Just because she is a cutie!

Before I go, I have to share our new "hot" spot! Davis has earned a timeout zone this past week. It has been SO effective with him! I can't even begin to tell you! Anyway, lately all you have to do is say, "Davis, go to time out!" and he complies. Of course after his two minutes we go over and discuss with him why he is there! I just can't believe how good it has been for him!

Davis assuming the position in the "hot spot"!

Check back tomorrow night as I hope to get Stone Mountain up as well as pics from our day with friends at Perimeter!

FYI

Wow, I signed in to input a quick update snip-it and realized that last post was my 100th blogger post! Woohoo! I hope many more hundreds full of memories are soon to follow!

I discovered that my video of Marleigh playing with her toy from the easter bunny was too large! She is just so darn cute that I can't put the camera down! :) I tried again this morning, and of course I didn't get any as good as the first one! I am hoping at least one will be small enough to post on here!

Here it is! Sorry it is dark -- I should have turned a light on!

However, first things first! Ms. Marleigh is taking a nap in her crib upstairs in her room for the first time! We will see how long it lasts! I thought it would be good to get her slowly aquainted. Of course by 8 weeks Davis was sleeping in his room for good I believe! Tim has been out of town this week, (he's coming home today) and honestly I like having the company in the room! :)

Here is Sleeping Beauty in her posh pad!

I snapped a few more pictures while in her room!

The chair is now ready and looks perfect! Thank you Uncle Scotty for all your hard work! He actually just made new cushions instead of recovering Davis' cushions so that we could use them again! You totally outdid yourself! If anyone needs any upholstery work, my uncle is the best!

Here are the canvases that Ms. Alicia did! I can't wait to hang them up!

And guess what?!? I have finished the post, and she is STILL asleep in her BED! Yippeee!!! Just kidding -- video just finished uploading 45 min. later and she is now crying! 45 min is a start!