Quick Review

Hughes had his eight week shots last Friday! He weighed in at 10 lbs. 10 oz! He is in the 25th percentile. Hughes is meeting all of his benchmarks and the Doc said he is doing great!

I think the shots were worse for me than they were for him. I laid him on the crinkly, uncomfortable, loud paper doctor bed and awaited the terror. (random thought: Why is it that the covers over those tables are so unwelcoming? I always think this when I go to the girl doctor too! Could we not have at least 400 count sheets for each patient...at least on top of the paper? Don't we pay enough to have something comfortable to lie on while at the doctor's office instead of paper? I am speaking for babies and adults alike!) I digress...Back to catching you guys up on our week. The shots were taunting me by rolling around on the metal tray. I hugged down, face to face, whispering in Hughes ear, "It's alright. Mamma's right here.", over and over until the damage had been done. The nurse pricked his little legs...THREE times! He cried until I popped the pacifier in his mouth and that was the end of his tears for the day! Hughes did very well at his checkup and we are blessed with his health! I hesitate to mention, for fear of jinxing our happiness, yet am so excited I must share with you...Hughes is sleeping through the night!!! Well, I call it the night. He eats about 10:30 and wakes up around 6:00 or 7:00 a.m. I don't know about you, but I consider this sleeping through the night!! However, I am aware that this could change at any moment, I am very thankful for the rest thus far! The pictures that sandwich this text were taken today after bath time. Mrs. Marietta monogrammed this little robe for him! I couldn't resist a photo op. I didn't plan to leave him in the robe that swallows him whole, but he just looked so cozy and comfy I decided to leave him there while I emptied the dishwasher. ( I mean, when a baby is comfy and calm...quick...do something productive!) When I returned to change him into his outfit for the day...the below picture is how I found him. Adorable.

We finally got dressed and met up with our lunch dates! Kim, Susie, and I met up for lunch with our new little ones. They are in order from oldest to youngest from left to right: Jack (Kim's Little Boy), Lainey (Susie's Little Lady), and Hughes.
Hughes then went to Kim's Casa to play a bit more with Jack while I went to get my haircut! While I was sitting in the salon chair, I noticed so many more things that I need to get done. First, I looked down at my fingernails and quickly balled them in a fist! Atrocious...crooked, unpainted, all different lengths...! Then I make it down to the toes. Painted, yes. But how many times have I just gone over this polish! I think every Sunday morning since Hughes had been born I fill in the holes with new fresh hot pink polish, because I know that I will be able to see my toes for around 45 minutes during church and I don't want to curl my toes under the pew the entire time! ( I am also aware of the run on sentences that I type oh so frequently during these blogs, but I don't have the patience to figure them out. please forgive me!) As I stared at my reflection, I quickly realized that I need a maintenance day...I am talking a good 12 hours! From eyebrows to toenails and everything in between! But let's be realistic...who has time for that mess! Just hit the high points...get out the door with mascara, clean teeth, and deodorant and you are golden!

Well, we are packing up for the beach! We can't wait to let the sand tickle Hughes' toes for the first time! Beach picutures coming soon!

Happies!

Over the summer I have come across some things that I am thankful for in my life! I am not talking about my wonderful husband, beautiful baby boy, amazing family and friends, and good health! Of course, I am thankful for these things and I am truly blessed! BUT...Today I am talking about the little things that just make me happy!

1. Pilot G2 Pen! I LOVE this pen! The way the ink glides across the paper...the grip around my fingers...the no fuss click top...I just love it! Any color...any size (do you know they make mini G2 pens!!! OH yes mam!) Honestly, it makes me upset when I can't find a G2 to write with and I have to slump with the blue ink, white body, blue top Bic! I must admit...I am a G2 snob!

2. While we are on the topic of writing utensils...Sharpie markers! Any color any size point! Sometimes I just go to the marker area and drool over the $20 multi color box of sharpies. Then, I talk myself into buying a box since I will use them in my teaching profession. After I have decided to break the bank with the marker purchase...I can't decide between the fine point multi color pack and the thick point multi color pack! Such a big decision that I decide to leave them both on the shelf! Sad story!

3. Sheet protectors!!!!

I would place every document/test/children's writing papers/birthday cards/recipe/address list...in sheet protectors if I was organized to keep up with everything! Flipping through the glossy pages in a 3 inch binder somehow makes me feel like I am doing something important! Recently, I was flipping through MaLyn's smocking plates...which she has in a binder with each design in it's own sleeve! Did I spend 45 minutes looking through the binder trying to pick out Hughes a future MaLyn outfit...or did I just enjoy flipping through the silkly pages? Love

Random Thought: I feel the same way about flipping through the micro thin sheet of a bible!

4. Venus Embrace Razor

I won't rant and rave about all the reasons I love this summer find...just know if you are looking for a good razor (which in the past has been hard for me to find) this is your baby!

5. Quick healthish breakfast/snacks!

If you were to take a trip to the grocery store with us or look in our pantry you would absolutely find these bars! Yummy, quick (most importantly), filling, and little guilt! When Kent and I were dating I put a little care package in the mail for him. He was training for the Ironman Triathlon and I thought he needed a little pick me up. The package consisted of: Itunes gift card, gum, Fig Newtons (the cookie), and a thinking of you card. I researched what foods were good and nutritious for triathletes and found Fig Newtons! So to the store I went...to my surprise they made new Strawberry Fig Newtons! Perfect! Strawberry will be much better than the boring all fruit taste. Fast forward one year later......I found the strawberry fig newtons in his pantry...unopened! My heart broke! After I researched and bought this healthy treat Kent didn't even try them!!!!...He later told me the Strawberry wouldn't have been good...he prefers the boring all fruit! ... I tell you this tidbit about our life to let you know that he tried to get out of the Fig Newton doghouse by bringing home the above Fig Newton bars for lunch one day!...good thing I like them or he would have to pay every time we walked down the cookie isle and we spotted the Fig Newton cookies! (yes I am aware that I am letting you all know just how boring we are...and how often we clean out the pantry:)

...All I can think of today! As I reflect over this blog, I think I have figured out why I can't get out of Target without spending at least $50!!! Note to self: stick with what's on the list!

What little things make you happy?

A Few Photos

Over the past two weeks we have really been enjoying little Hughes! He is grinning and cooing during his wake time! Just thought we would share a few moments caught by Kent! ...he might laugh out loud at ANY moment!


....so serious


...what's going on up there?
...time to go! Nap time!

Kilmichael

We had the best visit in Kilmichael over the past weekend! This is a picture of Hughes' first nap at MaLyn and Big Daddy's house! Hughes made himself right at home...just as we all do when we go to Kilmichael.

He took his morning nap and we headed to the Bank of Kilmichael to open Hughes' first bank account! Here is a photo of Kent and Hughes in front of the bank! I love Kent's new accessory...paci in mouth!After the bank visit, we headed over to see Granddaddy Brown! Hughes got to spend some quality time with Granddaddy Brown through the afternoon. Hughes took a nap in my arms, Granddaddy Brown's arms, and on the bed most of the time!

However, he did wake up to eat. After his lunch, he was very playful and had a good time grinning at Kent and Granddaddy Brown.Friday night Big Daddy, Kent's Dad, grilled our dinner! Chicken, mixed vegetables, and green bean bundles were the menu for the night...healthy and scrumptious!!! YUMMO! Food is ALWAYS amazing when we go to Big Daddy and MaLyn's house! Let me just name a few of my favorites: Boston Cream Pie, Hashbrown Casserole, Steak, all of the above, Coffee Cake...did I mention the Boston Cream Pie?...there is so much to list, but that Christmas Boston Cream Pie is all I can think about!...Maybe I need to go eat breakfast...I am instantly hungry!

Sunday morning, we had to have bath time! Hughes loves a bath and I am so thankful for his calmness during this time! I am so fearful of the water and it would stress me to the max if Hughes was flailing and flopping around during bath time! Truth be told, he would probably get rag baths until he was able to hold his head up...if he acted up during bath time!

At 11:00 a.m. we headed off to church! It was our first time at the new church building! Big Daddy has really put lots of time and effort into the new building...the hard work REALLY paid off. After church, it was time to celebrate Harlan's 2nd birthday! We can't believe Little Haha is already two! Francie gives Harlan a birthday hug!...Too sweet for words! Francie is a great big sister! This is the sweet face that greeting us when we walked in the door from church!

Hughes finally got to meet Pamela! We were so excited when we heard that Nick and Pamela were coming to meet Hughes and celebrate with Harlan on his birthday.

Hughes hanging out in his swing while the rest of us eat lunch!

Harlan and his Daddy! Priceless picture! This would be a great framer for Mike's desk at work! (I must print these pictures out and mail them to everyone!)

Harlan's birthday cake!!! I must say, Mary Love, did an amazing job on this cake! Love the font, love the tractor, and best of all, it was very tasty! I think you have a side job in the works Mary Love!

Harlan loved hearing the birthday song from his audience!...so much we blew out candles and sang TWICE! :)

Francie gave the window a little life with her new jelly dancers!...I mean, shouldn't everyone get a gift when someone has a birthday? I think so!

Here we all are eating our Bar-B-Q from Little Dooey's and enjoying each other's company.

Harlan's birthday ride on Big Daddy's new toy! What is it with a boy and his toys? Whatever it is...Harlan couldn't be happier with the new Ranger!

Hughes first trip to Kilmichael was amazing. Our family is blessed with loving, caring, giving, and thoughtful families. This Tuesday morning Hughes was still smiling from the exciting trip!

Home Again...Home Again

Home Again...Home Again...jiggidy jog! We made our trip home and had the best time!

First stop...SURPRISE Uncle Ronnie for his 60th birthday! Aunt Carla has been planning this birthday party since before Christmas...and boy did the hard work pay off! The food was scrumptious, band hoppin', and best of all was the company! Here are a few pictures from our stop in Starkville:

MaLyn fed Hughes after his long ride home!

Granddaddy Brown and Hughes checked each other out!

Kent and Francie took a whirl around the dance floor!

Mary Love and Harlan danced a little jig, too!

Hughes thought Aunt Ruby was very entertaining!

Next stop...Baldwyn, Mississippi! Hughes made his first trip to Papa Sam and Gran's house on the 31st of August! Ben scooped him up as soon as we walked in the door!

Uncle Ben and Hughes talked a bit before bedtime!

Morning Brunch at Mama Jean's house...yum yum! Chocolate gravy, biscuits, fruit pizza, eggs, REAL sausage, bacon, breakfast casserole, and hot coffee...does it get any better? But before we can bless the food and eat our breakfast, Hughes had to meet his Great Mama Jean!

One great gran just won't do...

Great Mama Jean must have two!!!

Now Hughes made the trip over to meet Great Grandmother and Granddaddy! What is it about Grandmother's house that makes you won't to take a nap? My belief is that you sleep best when you feel safe and comfortable. Well, Kent must have felt comfortable as ever, because he stretched out on the love seat, snuggled up with some pillows and took a mini snoozer. But first, Grandmother got to feed Hughes right when he walked in the door.

Then, Granddaddy had to get some snuggle time, too!

The above picture is near and dear! Every child, grandchild, and great grandchild has taken a nap on these quilts! They are so soft and see through in some places! Hughes had to pull them out of the back closet for a photo op! While we were getting the blankets, we found the truck, trailer and race car! I remember these toys when I was a little girl...I am sure everyone remembers these toys! So, it was only appropriate that Hughes would play with them, too!

Side Note: I used to LOVE getting pulled around the house on these quilts! Why was that so much fun? A quilt ride...nothing better when you are small...Actually, I would still enjoy a quilt ride!

Did anyone else do this when they were a small tot?

After telling Great Grandmother and Granddaddy good-bye (no worries we will be back for lunch after church tomorrow!), we headed back over to Mama Jeans for a fun game of the Newly Weds. Any couple that had been married for two years or less participated! Alise, Aunt Laura, Autumn, and Bronwyn headed this game up! Here were some of the questions:

1. How many times a day does your husband tell you he loves you?

2. What time of day do you KNOW your spouse will call you?

3. What is your wife's favorite accessory?

Bronwyn and Eric were the clear winners of the Newly Wed Game!

Well, if you play the newly wed game, you must play the Goldy Wed Game!

....pause...I am now typing with one hand...Sweet Baby boy was fighting his sleep and he needed Lil Mama to rock...so this blog will end soon!

...Back to the game...Goldy Wed includes all other couples! Example questions:

1. If your spouse was given $1000 what would he/she spend it on? (most answers involved grand kids!)

2. If your husband were to go anywhere on vacay, where would he go?

3. Where was you first date?

4. Where was your first kiss? (LOCATION)

5. What was your first fight about?

6. What is your husband's favorite meal that you cook?

Chip and Nancy were the big winners of Goldy Wed! I have no idea why we didn't take their celebratory photo! I guess these others will just have to do...my one arm is wearing out...we must go..until next time!

Baby Estella's future is so bright!

Baby Hughes with Uncle Brad and Emma Kate!

Baby Hughes just chillin'!Papa Sam and Hughes spending a little quality time together!We had a great time and can't wait to go back very soon!

Next weekend...Kilmichael here we come!