The Ball Game.

A while back my sister called and asked if she could take Jonah out to a ball game. A minor league game...which is the biggest game Jonah has ever had a chance to attend. And so, of course, I said yes. I didn't tell him until the day before. I try to avoid too many questions when possible! 

Jonathan and I had hoped to take him ourselves sometime this summer, but with his schedule and my pregnancy...well, it just didn't suit. I'm glad Auntie Em had the opportunity! 

I think Jonah had a good time. He didn't have much to say afterward. I think he was in a junk food/over-stimulation coma. I'm sure the pictures Em sent me can explain more than Jonah has! 

Center: Jonah and Em

Clockwise from Top Left: Our cute little bobble head, Jonah and his new buddy, Brad, Hammons Field (home of the Springfield Cardinals), Jonah having ice cream, a little action on the field, and finally...Jonah playing on the slide. 

He didn't only have ice cream and cotton candy. Oh, no. Em takes better care of him than that. He also had NACHO's!!! (that was the one thing he came home telling me about). 

Three More Days...(aka, a very long post)

Three? Really? Only three more days of working in the job I've had for NINE years (ok, very nearly nine years...but let's not get too technical). It has been the best job I've ever had.

I may or may not go on for a while here...some things can not be said in only a few words.

It has been the perfect fit for me, for them, truly a blessing on all sides. You know the phrase, "Thank God and Greyhound..." Well, I say Thank God and Dawn! She and Jimmy were very instrumental in connecting me with this sweet family that moved to Branson in 2003. Little did I know I'd stick with them for so many years. I was only looking to fill the time (and bank account, truth be told) until marriage happened for me. Then I fell in love. (with this family...Jonathan came later) Once I did get married I thought maybe I'd just stick around until I had kids of my own (though, I still consider these three my own in a way). Then, when little Jonah did come along, well, it just seemed to work out for me to keep "working" and take him along with me (another win/win). Now that we're adding to our family again...and um, the other three are um...well, not so little anymore.... it just seems like the time has come to make this final transition. 

I can not believe the day is coming...I don't think my brain has comprehended what a change this will be. I'm sure, what with the new baby coming and all, that it will take some time for me to fully realize how different life will be for me (and my family). Some aspects will be really good, and some, inevitably, a little bit sad. 

I sure do love these people. With my whole heart!

 Silver Dollar City, 2003

Honor America, 2004
(to me this is one of those pictures that says 1,000 words...it is one of my all-time faves. this was also the day they told me there was a new sibling on the way)

Baby Benjamin,  2005

winter 05/06

 Summer, 2006

May 19, 2007

Summer 2008

Fall 2009

August 2010

Summer 2011

Last Week (summer 2012)

I'm gonna miss spending regular time with these darlings, but I keep reminding them (and myself) that nobody is moving away. They and I live nearby. There aren't even any stoplights between my house and theirs.

And if you made it through all of that, you must really care about me and/or these kids. And you may be a little teary-eyed right now!


The End.

Weekend Update: Baby Shower

This weekend my mom, aunt, and sister hosted a baby shower for me. We gathered at Emily's house for a Night Owl party! It was very very cute.

(yes, party is spelled wrong...because they reused the sign from my cousin's shower last weekend. It was originally written to match her baby's name, which is Charli Pepper) 

Isn't my cousin, Courtney, creative...she's the one who created this from scratch...chalkboard paint and everything!

The banner with Elizabeth's name will probably be hung in her room when I get it put together. And the cake is another Aunt Caroline masterpiece! It was strawberry on the inside...and just so you know, it was very tasty!

Lots of credit goes to my mom, who orchestrated the whole thing. Where would I be without such a fantastic mom?! I am also grateful my mother-in-law made the trip down for the occasion. I really appreciate my family. They are amazing! 

It was a lovely little gathering! Thanks everyone! 

p.s.... thanks to Auntie Em, Elizabeth may not have to ever wear the same thing twice. 

Ultrasound Day!

Do you like the shirt my sister found for me? I thought it was pretty clever. This is me at 20 1/2 weeks. The black is a little slimming...and the photo just doesn't show much of the baby bump, but it is there. 

We have an appointment for an ultrasound this afternoon. We hope to learn the gender of our sweet little baby and maybe decide on a name! We are still certain of our girl name, but may be hung up on the boy name. I've taken full advantage of my present state and changed my mind! 

Jonah has decided on the name he likes...no matter the gender. He thinks we should name the baby:

"Chesco Nollie" 

(aka:Franchesco Bernoulli)...

...after this Cars2 character! 

Sorry, sweetie. that isn't going to happen. 

James Andrew Atkins

As I mentioned the other day, Jonathan and I went to visit Daniel and Riss. 

We had a really fun visit with them. We just hung out, went for a walk, and ate some really good food. Typical for one of our gatherings. Oh, wait, that walk...I should say more about that walk. You see, Riss was a couple of days overdue with that sweet baby. I'd teased her about packing a bag and walking to the hospital, so that by the time she got there she'd be in labor! Well, we went for a walk around a nearby lake instead. Jonathan kept wanting to go further, but there was seemingly no end in sight. So, we talked him into turning around...and since no water had broken...I guess Jonathan thought there should be some sort of awkward water situation, so he stepped into a huge mud puddle that covered his foot up to the ankle. 

We went on about our visit-as-usual. 

Jonathan and I were planning to return home first thing (if 9am can be called first thing) Sunday morning. Then we got the phone call. It was Daniel. She was in labor...and had been at the hospital since 1am. (he also alerted me to a text message he'd sent much earlier which read: 'the water broke we are going to the hospital riss says to say thanks')

I have never before been in the waiting room of the hospital when a new baby has been born. There was a lot of anticipation. You see, my sister-in-law decided to go the old-fashioned route and NOT find out the gender of the baby she carried. I have known a handful of people who have made that choice and it is always SUCH fun when the baby is born to finally find out! (makes the pre-planning a bear, but totally worth it in the end) So, there we sat in the waiting room, going back and forth with reasons we could believe it was a boy, or a girl.  Each time the big door opened we were all on alert to see if it was Daniel. When he did come through the door...declaring that Baby James was here...it was THE SWEETEST thing! 

I loved being there for that moment.

Auntie Amy and Uncle Jonathan 

This is right after he told us the news...that is my i'm-so-excited-i-can-hardly-stand-it face. 

And here is baby James. 

James Andrew

8lbs. 5 oz. 23 inches

 Sunday, November 13, 2011

10:45am

Did you see that length? I don't know that I've ever heard of a baby being that long...at least not one that came out of a mama who is barely over 5 ft. tall!! His legs are nearly as long as his mama's already!

He had quite the time getting out into the world. The Dr. used the phrase "tight fit" and there was a vacuum involved. The tight fit is believed to have caused him to have what was discovered to be an acute phemothorax (air between the lungs and rib cage). He came out gasping a bit. Shortly after birth he was transferred to another hospital with a NICU. They took care of the problem easily, but he has to stay there through the duration of antibiotics. 

This is very hard on his mom (and dad, i'm sure). 

They are totally in love with the new guy! I am so happy for them and for our family.

What's In a Name?

Do you have a nickname? I do. I've collected several of them through life. As a youngster I was called "Amy Jane" by my dad (even though Jane is not my middle name).

I've also been called Ames, Amit, Aim, and of course, Miss Amy! 

Well, someone I love has given/is giving me another one. It's a name I thought I might receive someday...and I thought it would be a fun one. Well, let me tell you...now that it has happened...it's even more exciting than I imagined.

Do you remember  the post about these people coming to visit?

(Jonathan's brother, Daniel and his wife, Riss)

When they were here they shared some news with Jonathan and me.

THEY are having a baby!!! Which makes me an AUNT!!!

Wahooo!

I am so very happy. 

Funny story: when they told us, I didn't believe them. it was FRIDAY, APRIL 1st. I thought they'd come up with a very exciting joke...but then, they assured me it was NO joke. And I'm sure the ever-growing tummy is even less of a joke to them. 

The little one (gender still secret) will be here sometime early-mid November. For now we call the baby Ninja...because of all the mad skills he or she has displayed from the inside!

so, CONGRATS and THANK-YOU to Daniel and Riss...we can't even tell you how excited we are to now be Uncle Jonathan and Auntie Amy. (I just decided it should be "auntie" rolls off the tongue more smoothly than "aunt amy," I think).

Peas.

I remember the first time I gave Jonah peas. He was 8 months old. I was on a girl-only weekend trip with my mom and sister. I guess it wasn't quite girls-only. Jonah was there.  Anyway, the point is, we were away from home.

I was new at the "introducing new foods thing." He liked them, I think. I don't remember him fussing about eating them. Maybe a little, but what kid doesn't fuss at peas, right?

Well, a couple of hours later I regretted feeding him the entire container of baby-food peas. He'd been fussing. I had reduced it to him being in an unfamiliar place, so I comforted him by nursing, even though he didn't seem to be getting much. 

He had plenty, I assure you. He proved to us he'd had ENOUGH when he projectile vomited like nothing I've ever seen before.  Do you remember the scene of Men in Black when a little alien baby is born in the back of that car? And there was something gross? Well, if you can believe it...that was EXACTLY what happened in our hotel room that night. Not exaggerating. I promise.

So, that scene made me nervous to try peas again. But, I was also of the mindset that he needed to have a taste for them before he was too old. I think the second time I tried them we were visiting Jonathan's family. Jonah was probably closer to a year old. 

Guess what?

he got sick. again. 

Sooooo....that was the end of peas for us. 

Until last week. 

Um. I thought it had been a baby food thing. 

No. 

Jonah is definitely allergic to peas. 

Is this common? I haven't researched it yet. If he is allergic to peas is there anything else he might have trouble eating? Is vomiting-as-the-only-symptom indication of an "allergy?" wouldn't there be a rash?

I don't care if there is an official diagnosis of "allergy." I WILL NOT be feeding Jonah peas. Ever. Someday he will brag about this to his friends. He'll be the only 3rd grader who isn't forced to "try" them.

Where I'm From

I saw this done on MarytheKay's blog today and was prompted to do the same. 

Here is the original template.

Where I'm From

I am from a long dirt driveway. Where leaving meant "going to town" and to go home was to "head for the hill." On that same hill is the barn my daddy built where the Ford tractor lives. 

I am from the brick house and wide front porch where the wind chimes jingle and birds gather.

I am from the home-grown garden that provided many summer (as well as a few winter) meals. From the house where the scent of wood smoke and baked goods is forever etched into the walls. (only to be marred by the occasional dead mouse in wall near the hall bathroom)

I am from a life-long value that Sunday is church and family day. A day when Grandma and Grandpa came for lunch and honked the horn on the way home.

I am from family game nights when Daddy's team was the one to beat.

I am from "hard work builds character," "don't stop until the job is done," and "always keep both hands busy." From heads bowed in thanks to God for each meal, every blessing, and the hardships too.

I am from the time I FINALLY got my little sister back for all her childhood shenanigans against me, the dog we buried in the back yard, and the volleyball net that stayed up all summer long.

I am from the home movies that played on a reel, the stack of photos in the laundry room cabinet, and the Olan Mills photos framed in the living room. 

I am from a family of four...ever expanding...ever loving.

Whole Hog

A couple of months ago Jonah had a neat opportunity. I've been meaning to share this with everyone for a while, but I only got a copy of it this morning. 

My sister works in sales. Through her job she has stumbled upon a connection to a local television station...and a guy who likes to use her in his marketing. He called one day to see if she would be interested in shooting a commercial...and if she knew any cute kids. So, of course, she called to see if she could borrow the cutest kid on the planet!

It went well. I was there...they even shot a scene with me, but it didn't make the cut (the lighting was off).

*note: watch closely right after they put "rib meat" on the sandwich.

there you have our two seconds (literally) of fame!

I anticipate producers knocking on the door any day. I hope I can manage him well and get him the appropriate pay/publicity/privacy needed!
(and, yes, that is dripping with sarcasm)

Seeing Green

Jonah got some new things yesterday and by coincidence they are both bright green!

We walked into the shoe store to make an exchange and discovered these little guys:

(they glow in the dark!!)

And while shopping at Hobby Lobby we stumbled by these oh-so-cute monster pillows. We thought they were cute. Jonah thought they were GREAT FUN!  Auntie Em said she couldn't say "no" to such cute fun. (that is a skill one only has to learn when they become the primary care giver!)

So, today, we are seeing green. (the little monster almost took a bath this morning...thankfully there wasn't any water in the tub. I am sure gonna have to keep an eye on this one!)

Adventures in Surgery: Third Time's a Charm

Last week I had an unusual adventure! I accompanied Emily to her most recent surgery. Another attempt to correct her middle finger! For those of you who don't know, or who may have forgotten, Emily broke said finger nearly 4 years ago. She's had two previous surgeries to correct it. There are screws in there and everything. Before surgery the Dr. said he'd be removing the screws and improving her mobility by 30%. Well, he was wrong on both accounts. He had to leave the screws (it was either that or destroy the bone to get them out...she'll live with them!) But, he was wrong on the mobility also. I think her last update was that her mobility has improved by 150%!! Much better than hoped for! (no more giving people the "middle finger" without being able to do anything about it)

We headed up to her appointment bright and early Thursday morning. The above picture was right before they called her back. They got her all set and I went back while they went over the procedure/plan. Here she is ready to go:

notice the black mark....so they make sure they do the right one! (don't worry, they did)

Then, I got to wait! The time seemed to go by more quickly than I'd anticipated. I think all the phone calls helped. I fielded several calls and texts on her behalf...well wishers checking for an update.

Finally, the nurse came out and ushered me to a room where the Dr. would talk with me. He came in very excited about how well the procedure went. He said it was a major success, other than having to leave the screws in.

They let her recover some, and then called me back to sit with her (apparently she asked for me quite adamantly) When I got back she was still under the influence...but INSISTED she was ready to go. She tried to get up and walk out. Really, you had to be there, but let me tell you, she was DETERMINED she was ready to leave (still in the hospital gown, mind you)! She said to me, "They don't believe me, that I'm tough, and I can go now!" And, then, she immediately laid her head down and slept for a minute.

We waited a few minutes more, the nurse and I talked her into resting a few more times, and we visited with the Dr. for some final instructions. Emily kept trying to pay each nurse. She asked the nurse who helped her put on her shoes if she could pay her. Then, she wanted to pay the nurse who helped her to the car. On the way to the door she said to me, "Do you have my purse? I need the keys, I can drive." The nurse very nicely and very firmly assured her she would NOT be driving!

I must say, even medicated Emily is VERY kind. She repeatedly asked if I was too bored, or if I needed anything. She thanked every nurse constantly. At one point she leaned over to me and said she "didn't want to be a burden to anyone." And later, over lunch she told me how pretty I was...isn't she sweet!

 post-surgery...sporting the "club"

I got her fed and then took her home where she could rest. I left her in good hands paws! "Club" elevated, Cooper by her side, and pain pills swallowed...she's all set!

Here is a follow up photo...when the "club" was unbandaged (by the way, she nearly passed out when they unwrapped and straightened her fingers the next day...very painful)

Hopefully this was her final surgery on the finger! Hopefully it continues to heal nicely and functions better than before.

Ok, I got in trouble. I left out a final picture. If you are easily distressed, don't look.  WARNING: THE PHOTO BELOW IS SLIGHTLY GRAPHIC. 
(I know, I know, some of you are dying to see it)


It really isn't all that bad, but I don't like to catch people by surprise on this sort of thing. This is what Emily's finger will look like for the next couple of months:

there is still a bit of bruising and swelling. it will subside, the stitches will come out...then she will have the "souvenir" scar for years and years...we can keep it as a memento of our day together!

Wanna Go Shopping?

Jonah sure loves his shopping cart! He is so cute pushing it around. Here you can see he has it loaded up with...SHOES! That's my boy! Or more accurately... that is my sister's boy. You see, his Auntie Em is very notorious for buying shoes. In fact, she even buys for Jonah! I don't think I've purchased any shoes for him. They are either hand-me-downs or gifts from Emily! Auntie Em also gave him the shopping cart! 

I hereby dedicate this blog post to Emily and feature her this week, in honor of her BIRTHDAY that is coming up on Friday, March 4!

I Scream, You Scream, WE ALL Scream for.....

ICE CREAM!!!  (ok, technically it it frozen custard, but you get the idea) Somebody had his first taste of this frozen treat last week! Emily and I took the kids and their dog, Toby, to Andy's Frozen Custard on Friday. Andy's is unique in that they serve "dog cones." So, this was a special treat day for Jonah AND Toby! I just so happened to have my camera with me! (now, if you've ever gone to an outdoor eatery with 4 children and a dog, you'd know the 1st priority is NOT taking pictures...these are by no means award winning)

I was getting my camera out to capture Toby eating his "dog cone" but got distracted and couldn't find it in time...you can take my word for it....he LOVED it!

And then there is Jonah! We all love Jonah!

We had a great time on our Friday Fun Day!