VanNostran Family

Mommy and her babies

2010-01-17T17:29:00.003-05:00

Christmas Photos

2009-12-24T18:12:00.000-05:00

Halloween 2009

2009-10-31T20:37:00.004-04:00

Here are some pictures from Halloween.

"Fins to the Left....Fins to the Right...."

"Trick-Or-Treat"

Side view of the Shark

Double Trouble

Baby Shark

GO NOLES

2009-10-31T20:25:00.004-04:00

This was from "Team Spirit" day at school this week. Go NOLES!

Keepsake Edition Photos

2009-09-26T13:15:00.003-04:00

These are the pictures I had made for the Keepsake Edition for the local paper.

My Bathing Beauties

2009-09-25T20:53:00.003-04:00

Newborn/Sibling/Family Pictures

2009-09-10T20:45:00.002-04:00

Yesterday afternoon, I took the kids (still seems funny using the plural form!) to a very good friend of mine from high school to have her take some newborn photos of Maggie, some sibling shots of her and Michael together, and some first family shots of us together. Despite the fact that Michael was completely totally "done" after about 30 minutes, she was able to get some TERRIFIC shots!!! If you will go to her blog, she put a few pictures on there so you can see them...go to the link from this blog down on the left under "friends" for Davis Photography and it will take you there.....THANKS AGAIN ATHENA!!! See you at Christmas!! :-)

Family Photos

2009-08-21T22:17:00.004-04:00

As most of (the few of) you who read this blog know, my mom passsed away last Saturday, August 15th - 4 days after Maggie was born. We had lots of family come in for the funeral and took the opportunity to take some family photos with our newest addition!

Richie, Michael, Richie's dad - Papa (Roy), and Maggie

Proud Papa and his grandchildren, Michael and Maggie

My grandfather, Joe, with Maggie

The first and last photo of my mommy with her new granddaughter - these were taken on Friday afternoon before she died on Saturday. I will cherish them forever.

More Maggie photos

2009-08-13T08:54:00.003-04:00

Check out that hair!!! No wonder I was up at 2 am every morning eating Tums!!

Big Brother feeding Maggie

Michael holding Maggie for the first time

Sweet Kisses

Just chillin' on the hospital couch!

Maggie's arrival

2009-08-11T13:17:00.004-04:00

Miss Margaret Rebecca VanNostran "Maggie" made her debut this morning at 10:28 am via c-section. She weighs 7 pounds, 12 ounces and was 20 1/4 inches long. She has a head FULL of LONG black hair - and I have had the heartburn to prove it!!! :-) Here are a few pictures....Michael is on his way down to meet his big sister so I will post more pictures later!! Love you all.

My doctor, Dr. Brown, actually got to deliver a child of mine!! He didn't deliver Michael or Caden, so we were super excited he got to deliver Maggie!!!

Shortly after she came out!

The Big Kahuna

2009-08-04T22:40:00.003-04:00

These are Michael's school pictures from this summer. Look at his face!!!!

Can we say R-O-T-T-E-N?!?!?

Margaret "Maggie" Rebecca VanNostran

2009-07-14T21:50:00.004-04:00

Sorry it's taken me so long to post these pictures of Maggie....our scanner/printer is buried deep within the junk room so I had to clear a path to get to it to scan the pics!! :-) Anyway - here is our baby girl....

Ok - so the top picture is Maggie compared with the next picture which is of Michael 3 years ago - can we say definately related?!?!?

Profile shot of Maggie

Um, yes, she stuck her ENTIRE fist in her mouth - and we saw her do it.

This was her reaction to the ultrasound tech using a buzzer to try to get her to flip over so we could get a good shot of her face.....she immediately put her hand over her ears - as if to say "Leave me alone - I'm not paying attention to you!" I think we might be in trouble........:-)

Little Daredevil - Part 2!

2009-06-18T19:59:00.004-04:00

See previous "Kneeboarding" post on how my child is no longer scared of anything! This includes "motorcycles" (aka, dirtbikes). This is his new favorite thing to do on Saturday mornings - go to the motorcycle shop and sit on the dirtbikes - and he has to make sure he gets the helmet to put on too! Where did my little baby boy go?!?!?

Kneeboarding

2009-06-18T14:20:00.002-04:00

Well, I have to admit, I was hoping that I had at least a couple more years before I had to deal with this BUT my wonderful husband and all-of-a-sudden-not-scared-of-anything-anymore 3 year old son had other ideas. This past Sunday, while I was helping to give a baby shower for one of my best friends, Richie and Michael went to the lake with "Uncle" Paul. Well, after being perfectly content riding in the boat while Paul and Daddy took turns kneeboarding, Michael decided that he wanted to try too!! So, after riding around on Richie's back (while he just held on to the board like a float) he was ready to give it a go! Ugh. I soon got this picture coming thru on my phone!! Needless to say I was a little freaked, but figured he was just sitting on it. Thank goodness I didn't get the WHOLE story until I got home. No, he didn't just SIT on it - he RODE it! Richie set him up on it, showed him how to balance on his knees, tied the rope to the strap on the board, held on to the back to keep it balanced, and Uncle Paul took off!! Richie said they literally rode FOREVER before Michael got tired!! Now, all Michael wants to do is go to the lake!! I think Richie has created a monster!!! :-)

(P.S. Sorry about the poor quality of the photo - it was taken from the boat with a cell phone!!)

Easter 2009

2009-04-12T20:09:00.006-04:00

Here are some pictures from our Easter day. We got up and went to church, came home, and Daddy and I dyed eggs while Mommy mixed up the yummy sweet potato casserole! Then we ate lunch, Daddy hid the eggs in the backyard, and Mommy and I went to find them. Then, Mommy and I took a nap! It was a fun day spent as a family.

My Easter basket from the Easter Bunny

Helping Daddy dye the eggs

Me with the finished product - I even waited PATIENTLY for them to dry!

Eating dinner at our kitchen table in the new kitchen!! This was the first time we have eaten at the table in 6 weeks!

Finding eggs........

I counted them to make sure I had found them all.....

Cheese!!

Recent pics

2009-03-29T20:02:00.003-04:00

I know I have been slacking in the post department lately. Here are some recent pics that we have taken the past couple of weeks. I have tons of pics of the kitchen renovation that I will post later!

Michael totally enjoying Taylor's Birthday Cookie Cake - mostly the icing!

What a mess!! But it was SO Yummy!!

My little man is growing up so fast!

Michael and Mommy (and Maggie)

Belly shot @ 20 weeks - officially halfway!!

Happy Heavenly Birthday Baby Caden

2009-03-29T16:42:00.004-04:00

Today has been a totally emotionally exhausting day for us. Tonight at 11 pm, one year ago, we lost our precious baby boy, Caden. We had him for 8 days and cherish every minute that we spent with him. He changed our lives, and even a year later is still making an impact on us every day. Not a day goes by that we don't think about him and talk about him. We love you Caden.

Happy Earthly Birthday Baby Caden

2009-03-21T19:41:00.005-04:00

Wow. I can't believe it has been a year since our baby boy Caden was born. He would be one year old today. At 6:17 am this morning to be exact. Wow. I have thought about him a lot today. Of course, I think about him everyday. Here is a picture taken of him by the nurses in the NICU shortly after he was born. This is one of my favorite pictures of him that we have - because you can really see his beautiful face - before he had the vent and all the other wires and tubes.

We love and miss you everyday baby boy.

Playing Monster Trucks

2009-02-09T17:02:00.003-05:00

My Daddy got a REALLY cool game for his playstation. It is my current obsession - Monster Trucks!!! I love to get a controller and "play" with Daddy.

I love my Georgia-girl!

2009-02-09T16:56:00.004-05:00

My best friend, and future wife, Georgia, came to see me New Year's Weekend. We had SO much fun playing together and I was very sad to see her go. I wish we could see each other more often. Here is our goodbye hug....I love you Georgia.

Birthday Celebration

2009-02-09T16:36:00.005-05:00

On my birthday, January 22nd, we went to the Chop House in Chattanooga to eat with my best friend, Lisa, and her boyfriend and sister. It coincedintally happens to be Lisa's birthday too! Since we became friends in Grad School, we have pretty much celebrated our birthday together every year. She is more like a sister than a friend and I love her very much!! Here are some pictures from the evening!

Richie and I

Laura, Lisa, and Me

Adrian and Lisa

Lisa and I

Our Birthday Cake

Announcing Baby # 3

2009-01-20T22:04:00.003-05:00

Well, here it is: the 1st glimpse of Baby VanNostran #3!

I went to the doctor today (my 3rd visit since we found out) for an in-depth ultrasound and everything looks just perfect! I am 10 weeks, 2 days with a due date of August 16th. I will have a sceduled c-section probably around the beginning of August. We consulted with the high risk doctor that followed us with Caden before we got pregnant this time and he said that he would not let me go into labor and would like to take the baby around 38 weeks if everything looks ok. So! I've had 3 ultrasounds so far and expect many many more! Which is FINE with me!! My nerves are on edge right now, especially since I am sick (the symptoms that I had with Caden that caused the CMV). But, my doctor assured me today (again) that everything looks perfect and that the chances of having another baby with CMV are very, very slim. Still.....my mind will not be at peace until this precious baby is here, alive, and breathing in my arms. So, I have a LONG ~30 weeks ahead of me!! I would appreciate your prayers (as would my husband 'cause I know I am driving him nuts!). Well, that's it for Baby update #1! I go back to the doctor in 4 weeks and will update more then!! Love you all.

Audrey Caroline's Blog

2009-01-11T20:40:00.004-05:00

Wow. That's all I can say. Please if you have been following the blog of Audrey Caroline, and even if you haven't, make sure you visit and watch the amazingly beautiful video that Angie has put together to celebrate Audrey's brief, but meaningful, life. It is really touching. Make sure you have the kleenex within reach!!

Christmas Pictures

2009-01-02T15:54:00.009-05:00

Here are some of our Christmas Pictures from this year. They were taken by a good friend of mine from high school at her house. She is GREAT!!

For a look at more of her photography, go to

http://athena-davisphotography.com/

"Am I precious or what?!?"

Our little man is growing up so fast!

I actually sat with Santa this year - and smiled!!

Our Christmas card 2008
(if you didn't get one - I don't have your address! :-))

Super Bowl Hat

2008-12-29T20:03:00.005-05:00

In our Christmas presents from Papa, he sent "us" a Super Bowl hat. This years Super Bowl is going to be played in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium, home of my beloved Bucs. Unfortunately, my Bucs won't be playing in the

Super Bowl - but that's ok.

I think the hat is pretty cool anyway!

E.L. Ross Faculty comes a carolin'!

2008-12-29T19:45:00.004-05:00

The Friday before Christmas, which was the last day of school, the ELRoss faculty came to sing Christmas carols to mom. I had taken her that morning to the doctor and she was feeling REALLY bad. She was really nauseous. She didn't know they were coming so I drug her a chair over to the window so she could see out and opened it so she could hear them. Almost the entire faculty, except for 5 or 6 people, was there. And right as they all arrived, it started pouring rain! But they were troupers and just huddled together under the umbrellas! Mom was SO touched and it meant so much to her. She has missed being at school this year and it was the first time she had seen many of these faces since last spring!

Thank you, Ross Faculty, and we love you all!!

"Snowing" with Tee

2008-12-29T19:31:00.007-05:00

Last week, after my Papa and Nee sent my Christmas Presents, Tee was at my house and she showed me that we could play in the big box and make it "snow" with the packing peanuts! my favorite thing to do was throw them at her! It was SO much fun!!!

Oops, I had an accident and spilled my box.

But - my Daddy picked it up and we played more!!

Where's Michael????

2008-12-17T19:58:00.003-05:00

I love the game hide-and-seek and will play it almost anytime I can find something to hide my face with! Such was the case the other day on the way home from church. I figured out how to pull my jacket hood over my face and hide....I made my Mommy count to 10 and then "find"me

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10!

Where's Michael???

Here I am!!!

These Boots Are Made For Walkin'...

2008-12-17T19:52:00.002-05:00

I am fascinated with shoes of any kind! The other day I was upstairs with my Daddy and I got into the closet and got the old boots of Daddy's and put them on. Daddy called Mommy to come to the bottom of the stairs and this is what she saw!!!

Memories Monday

2008-11-17T16:43:00.003-05:00

I got this idea from several friends of mine in the blogging world.....called Memories Monday. Each Monday (or as many as I can remember...) I will post a picture from the past....it may be anything....so have fun and tune in on Mondays to see what I dig up!!

The first picture is from our wedding, June 26, 1999

Relay for Life Weekend in Nashville

2008-11-09T19:59:00.007-05:00

Mom and I went to Nashville this past weekend for a Relay for Life Leadership Summitt. The theme of the weekend was the 80's to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Relay. On Friday night we had an 80's party - here are pics of the night....we had so much fun!

Mom in her 80's gear

Me in my 80's gear
Us

Our group from Bradley County!

Luminaria at the Luminary Service on Saturday

Me at the base of the GIANT Christmas tree at the hotel

Mom at the base of the tree
Me with the tree in the background

Mom with the tree in the background

(she was nervous I was going to push her wheelchair

down the stairs! - haha)

Ready for Christmas at the Opryland Hotel

Randoms from Sunday

2008-11-04T21:02:00.003-05:00

Coloring with the big kids in Mommy & Daddy's Sunday School Class

Cool Man

Our family at Chili's
Me and my Mommy

Playing at the Mall

2008-11-04T20:49:00.003-05:00

A couple of Sundays ago, after church, we went to Hamilton Place Mall to go shopping for winter clothes for the family!! I was such a trouper till the very end and as a reward I got to go play in the play area. This was the first time I had really shown interest in playing so mommy let me go for a few mintues. I had a BLAST!!! Here are a few pictures to enjoy....

Yes, I am actually hanging from this pole. Mommy is amazed at my arm strength. This is my new thing is to hold onto something and lift my feet!

Mommy calls me her little "monkey"!

Sweet boy!

The Shell's Halloween Party

2008-11-04T20:32:00.003-05:00

The night after Halloween, Mommy and Daddy's good friends, Jason and Dara Shell, had their annual Halloween party. Mommy and Daddy dressed up as cave-people and I was their little Dinosaur! Here are some silly pictures......

Mommy and Daddy

(I don't know what look Daddy was going for?!?)

The Pre-Historic Family

Our Family at the Shell's

Mommy and her Dinosaur (sans mask)

The Big Bad Wolf (Jason) and Little Red Riding Hood (Dara)

Carving Pumpkins

2008-11-03T21:21:00.004-05:00

Daddy and I carved our first pumpkin this year. Well, he did most of the work and I watched, but it was fun!! I did pick out the face that I wanted him to carve.

The final results below: the little one I painted at school.

Mommy put a candle inside to make it glow. I thought this was super cool!

Mommy's Sweet Pumpkin
I practiced my silly faces to match my pumpkin!
Silly face #2

Halloween 2008

2008-11-02T20:08:00.005-05:00

Well, I decided (finally) to be a Dinosaur for Halloween this year. When Mommy started asking me what I wanted to be, I kept telling her I didn't want to dress up - I'd say "No Halloween Mommy". Then, one saturday morning, we were watching cartoons and they were having a Halloween party. I decided I wanted to dress up. This time, when Mommy asked me what I wanted to be, I told her - "A Butterfly". I don't know why she thought this was so funny!! When she told my Daddy what I had said - he told me "NO!". Ugh! I finally make up my mind - and then they tell me no!! Well, they took me to K-Mart to look for a costume (where Daddy quickly hid a butterfly costume from me when he thought I wasn't looking) and I saw this Dinosaur and made up my mind this is what I was going to be!! Mommy and (especially) Daddy were so happy! Here are some pictures of my costume and a few shots of Halloween night.

We went to the mall and I had to make a quick pit-stop in the Game Stop to play the Wii

At the First Baptist Fall Festival....I got an Egg with a ball inside!

Dinosaurs ROAR! (I'd look scarier if I would take the cup of milk out my mouth)

Side View - I loved to shake my tail!

Aren't I the cutest Dinosaur ever?!?

One pooped Dinosaur at the end of the night - and, yes, I kept my hat on ALL night!

Poopin' at the Pumpkin "Patch"

2008-11-02T19:57:00.003-05:00

Well, Mommy really wanted to take me to an actual Pumpkin Patch this year - more for the photo op than to pick out a pumpkin - but Daddy didn't want to pay the absurd fees to get into one and then pay an outrageous amount for a pumpkin. SO, there is a cute little produce stand in Charleston (about 10 minutes away) that had tons of pumpkins. We rode up there one Saturday morning after breakfast to pick out a pumpkin. As I was very sweetly posing on the pumpkin like Mommy wanted me to - I got the urge to do something else. Something I like to do in private.........

Mommy turned around to look at something Daddy wanted to show her and when she turned back around, I presented her with another photo op.......
She likes to call it "Poopin' at the Punkin' Patch"!

Cousin Susie

2008-11-02T17:07:00.003-05:00

For Nana's birthday, her cousin, Susie, and aunt, Dot, came down on Saturday night for dinner. We went to Logan's and I decided I really love my "new" cousin!!

Here is a picture of us.

A Day with Daddy at Work

2008-11-02T16:54:00.003-05:00

Daddy usually doesn't have to work on Saturday's but since we went to Gatlinburg a few weeks ago, he had to work a few Saturdays ago to make up for it. The store usually isn't that busy on the weekends so Mommy and I took him lunch and hung out for a while. Here are some pics from the day that Mommy took....

I "helped" Daddy hook up a DVD player to a TV so that I could watch "Blue's Clues"

Hangin' out - watching TV
Daddy and I wrestled and I pinned him down!

Nana's Surprise Birthday Party

2008-11-02T16:37:00.003-05:00

On Nana's birthday, October 17th, some of her friends threw her a surprise brithday party. Since she's not been feeling so well lately, we hoped this would lift her spirits and give her a chance to see some good friends. We had a great turnout and Nana really had a great time. Happy Birthday Nana!!

I found the microphone and sang "Happy Birthday" to Nana
Nana and some of her friends from her school:
Tina (who is filling in for Nana while she's on leave), Terri, Nana, MaryAnn, Janet, and Judy

This was when Nana first walked in and saw everyone! She was very surprised!!

*Thanks to Christy, Robbie, and Shelli for planning the party!

Dollywood - Part 2

2008-10-18T15:26:00.004-04:00

Here are some more pictures from my day at Dollywood.....

Mommy and I rode the Carousel.....I chose a lion to ride and

growled the whole time.

I drove Daddy around in these cars - he was very happy that

we got to drive a Corvette!
Here we come, Mommy!

Dollywood - Part 1

2008-10-18T14:43:00.006-04:00

On the Monday of our vacation, Mommy and Daddy took me to Dollywood for the first time. They were kind of skeptical at first because I usually freak out when I am around rides of any kind. BUT, I surprised them! When we got there, we went straight to the Country Fair area (where most of the kiddie rides are). We all rode the Ferris Wheel together as a family for our first ride and I liked it - until we got stuck at the top! I got a little worried and held onto my daddy for dear life. I would have held onto Mommy as well - but she was looking a little scared herself and was holding onto Daddy too!! After that, I rode several other rides - even rode the Ducks all by myself! I also rode the water rides - but I didn't like getting wet. Here are a few pictures from the day.....

Mommy and I on the Bees

Me on the Ducks - all by myself like a big boy!!
Hmm, what happens if I push this button??
We also rode the train as a family. I was SO sleepy at this point and just enjoyed sitting in my Daddy's lap and looking around at all of the pretty trees. I really liked it when the train blew the whistle!! Choo Choo!!

Gatlinburg Trip

2008-10-18T14:15:00.005-04:00

This past weekend, we traveled to Gatlinburg. Richie's dad, his wife, her mother, and Richie's grandmother came up and rented a big cabin in Pigeon Forge and Richie and I took Michael and Mom up there for a week. It was a great time and nice to get away! It gave mom a change of scenery which was greatly needed - and she managed to gain 2 or 3 pounds while we were there (I think we all did....). We ate ourselves silly, shopped, and mainly just hung out with the family. Here are a few pictures from the week.....

Richie and Michael on the SkyTram up the mountain to Ober Gatlinburg

(and Richie's dad in the background)

The leaves are a changin'.....beautiful.....
Can you believe we actually got mom on it?!?

She wasn't thrilled but she went anyway...
One of the places we ate - they have really good BBQ

(thanks to the Payne's for introducing this place to us!)

Presidential Debate

2008-10-07T21:23:00.004-04:00

Oh how cool!! I (sort-of) know someone at the debate tonight! The blog I follow religiously about the couple that lost their daughter, Audrey Caroline, well - the couple (Todd and Angie Smith) live in Nashville. Todd got randomly selected by the Gallup poll to participate in tonight's debate! How cool is that?!? He is in the FRONT ROW!! He's wearing a hunter green long sleeve dress shirt and kahki pants - and he's bald. I hope he gets to ask his question!! I feel like I know them from reading their blog for so long and going through a similar experience of losing a child. AND, to add to the coincidence - one of my best friends, Casey, lives in Murfresboro and goes to the Bible study that Angie leads! It's totally a small world. Anyway, see their blog for a more in-depth explanation. Just thought I would share this!! Too cool!!!

Sunday

2008-10-06T19:57:00.003-04:00

Sunday after church, we went to eat our usual meal of Mexican at the mall. Mommy and Daddy both had on their sunglasses and I threw a fit (imagine that!) and wanted mine. I look quite handsome in them if I do say so myself!

After we ate lunch, I got to throw my pennies in the fountain and while Mommy went to JC Penney's, Daddy and I went to play on the cars in the middle of the mall. My favorite is the fire truck. I like to play on them when they are still, but Daddy started one up and I quickly hopped off. I was brave enough to get back on it while it was still moving but I wasn't too sure about it - I still prefer them still!!

My Daddy's hat

2008-10-06T19:36:00.003-04:00

I normally don't like to wear things on my head, but Saturday afternoon I grabbed my Daddy's hat and put it on my head. Don't I look cool?!?

Caden Roy VanNostran

2008-09-30T20:56:00.009-04:00

*WARNING*

I have been asked by several people to post pictures of Caden on the blog. However, not everyone likes to view the pictures of him after he passed. So, there is one at the bottom of this post so if you don't want to see it, don't look. But, it's not that bad..he just looks like a

sleeping Angel....

So, several of you, who may be new or old friends that were not around at the time of Caden's birth and death have asked to see photos and hear the story of our sweet angel.

He was 2 lbs 5 oz and 15 inches long when he was born on March 21, 2008 - ten weeks early. Here is the BRIEF version on the story....He had developed a virus, CMV (Cytomegalovirus) which he contracted from me in utero. This virus caused him to quit growing inside me and caused his heart to drop. So, after being sent to the hospital (following a routine visit to the doctor and ultrasound where they determined there was a problem) on Wednesday, they gave me steroid shots to boost his lungs and he was delivered by emergency c-section on Friday morning at 6:15 am. He was perfect, just small, when he was born. But, about 12 hours afterwards, he started to develop the symptoms of this CMV. So, we knew that's what we were going to face. We had a week of ups and downs with him in the NICU. On the next Saturday, the 29th of March, he developed a secondary infection of an unknown origin. He was just ultimately too tiny and weak to fight all the junk that was attcking his precious tiny body. He passed away that night at 11 pm in Richie's arms. There is much more to the story but those are the highlights.

Here is a picture of Caden taken shortly after he was born. He was perfect.

Here is the one taken by the PRECIOUS nurses that night after he passed away. They took a lot of photos and took their time and handled him so sweetly to make sure that we had the perfect shot of our baby boy since these were the only photos that we will ever have of him.
We love and miss you baby boy.

Six Months Ago.......

2008-09-29T17:54:00.005-04:00

Wow. Hard to believe six months have gone by since our lives completely changed. Today is the six month anniversary of losing our precious Caden. I can't beleive it. We still think about him everyday. I get mad and think to myself that we should have a baby at home, that he should be learning to sit up, we should be starting solid food, we should be enjoying all the milestones that come with a six-month old. A good friend came over to see mom yesterday and she has a baby boy that will be six months in a week and a half. I held him the whole time she was here and thought to myself "this should be Caden". I know that it was not God's plan for us to keep him and that there is a reason for that. That gives me peace and I know that Caden is in Heaven, waiting on us, and enjoying being spoiled by his great-grandmothers and his grandaddy Mike. However, even though we have Peace, it still hurts like hell.

We miss you baby boy.

Our Family

2008-09-27T19:58:00.002-04:00

This is just an updated family picture that we took last Sunday after church.

Sunday Dress

2008-09-27T18:49:00.003-04:00

We all know how my mommy loves to dress me up on Sundays and can't resist taking my picture. This was last Sunday(the 21st), which would have been Caden's 6 month birthday. This outfit has special meaning to Mommy. She and Nana went into Strasburg the week before she had Caden and looked at this outfit. Mommy almost bought them for Caden and I to wear to have our first pictures together taken. She even had them in her hands, walking around the store. For some reason, which now she understands, she placed them back on the rack and did not buy them. A few weeks ago, Mommy went to into Strasburg and this was the only one of this outfit left - and it was on clearance and it was my size. So, needless to say she bought it and has been waiting for the "right" Sunday for me to wear it and when she realized what Sunday was, she decided it was the Perfect Day. I was a Perfect Little Sailor.

I love to read my books in the car - this was on the way home from church.

Time Out

2008-09-27T18:32:00.005-04:00

Mommy bought me this new t-shirt at Target (where else?!?). She said it describes me perfectly. I wore it for the first time Friday.

How mean am I?!?
*Just in case you can't read it - it says "This is my Time Out Shirt. I wear it all day long."

Randoms....

2008-09-27T18:19:00.002-04:00

Playing Nintendo DS with T

Reading my book on the way home from church

Bed Head

2008-09-20T20:01:00.004-04:00

When I got up from my nap this afternoon, this is what my hair looked like!!

My glasses

2008-09-20T19:52:00.004-04:00

Since my Mommy wears sunglasses all the time, I have been wanting a pair of my own. Mommy found a pair of Diego sunglasses at Target the other day and I love them! Here I am modeling them.....aren't they cool?!?

This is how Mommy wears hers a lot - on her head!

Guitar Hero

2008-09-20T19:42:00.003-04:00

I love to play Guitar hero with my Daddy and Mommy recently got my my own guitar. It's a Yo Gabba Gabba guitar and it plays really cool songs - I LOVE to play them over and over and over and over and over again!! I am a pro at holding my guitar and shaking my stuff. Here are a couple of pics....

Mommy and Me

2008-09-20T19:38:00.001-04:00

Potty update!

2008-09-15T19:01:00.004-04:00

Just thought I would let you know how today went! I took Pull-Ups to school with Michael and filled his teachers in on the weekends' events. They were very excited for him and were very agreeable to take him to the potty. I took him before I left him (I must say, I want one of those little potties for the house - they are SO cute!) and he went pee-pee. When Richie picked him up this afternoon, the teacher told him that his pull-ups had stayed dry all day and he went to the potty every time!! I must admit I was very surprised to see him in the same outfit this afternoon that he went to school in! I was expecting at least one accident (even though he wears pull-ups they don't always hold it all!) and I prepared by sending three extra outfits!!! But, they were not needed! So, I am very proud of my little (big) boy!!

We have poopage!

2008-09-14T15:17:00.002-04:00

Well, many of you have written asking how the potty training was going.....truth be told it hasn't. The two-year old class he was in at daycare didn't do anything to re-inforce training so we've been kind of waiting for him to move up so that we would have some carryover from school to home. Well, that time has come. He promoted into the new class a couple of weeks ago and has been peeing sporadically at home in the potty. Every night last week, before bedtime, i would make him sit on the potty. All but 1 night he did go. Well yesterday, I decided that we were going to spend the day in pull-ups and really concentrate on taking him to the potty. We got up yesterday morning and before we got in the bath I put him on the potty. I took his pj's into the other room to put them in the hamper and came back and he had "that look" on his face and I knew what he was doing! I was so excited since many have told me that mastering pooping is harder than mastering peeing! He did very well yesterday with his pull-ups. We went to the bathroom every 1.5 - 2 hours and he went every time except one and his pull-ups were dry except once. I did put him in a diaper for nap time and he fought with me about it - he wanted his pull-up on! Today, we went to Zaxbys to eat after church and he got "that look" again and Richie rushed him into the bathroom and he pooped in the big potty!!! My little boy is growing up so fast. Just thought I would share this exciting milestone!!!

For Susie

2008-09-12T16:39:00.002-04:00

Hey Susie - I changed your title under the picture. Happy now?!? Hee hee. Love you!

Chili's

2008-08-31T21:01:00.005-04:00

Since we skipped our Sunday School class this morning, we went out to eat with Cereta and Taylor to Chili's (we don't usually get to go with them anymore since they get through at 11 and we stay until 12 for our SS). We met some good friends of ours there with their grandson. He is almost a year younger than Michael but almost as big! They had a good time playing with each other. You can also tell that Michael's tummy was feeling better - I ordered a Molten Chocolate Lava Cake (YUMMERS!) thinking the ice cream would feel good on my itchy throat (at least that was my excuse-heehee). However, when it came out, someone else grabbed a spoon and went to town!! I managed to get a couple of bites - and it sure was yummy!!

Michael and Weston

YUM!!

Sunday School

2008-08-31T20:37:00.007-04:00

Richie and I started teaching a three-year old Sunday School class at our church at the beginning of the summer. My cousin, Taylor, has been coming the last few weeks to help. Which has been nice to have the extra hands because last week we had 11! This week, with it being a Holiday weekend, we only had 7. Since we were still not feeling well (Michael hadn't thrown up anymore since Friday morning - thank Goodness!! - but we all had snotty noses) we just went to teach and skipped our SS class (which we go to after we teach). Since we were only going to be there an hour and he wasn't feeling well, we just let Michael go to our class with us. It was fun to see him interact with the "big kids". Yes, he goes to school but Richie and I don't often get the chance to truly see him "interact" with other children. He enjoyed himself. Although, he wanted to make sure that everyone knew that it was "MY daddy" in the floor playing!! I took my camera this morning and here are a few random shots.....

Taylor playing play-doh with the kids
More play-doh
Michael had to wash his hands after playing with the play-doh for a few minutes (he can't stand to have his hands dirty!!!)
Forget the play-doh - I'll read a book instead!
A book about my favorite subject - Tractors!!!

Sick boy

2008-08-29T19:18:00.006-04:00

Well, Richie and I were awakened at 5:00 this morning to the sound every parent hates to hear - Michael throwing up. I had been scared it was coming, when I picked him up from school on Wednesday, a child had just thrown up all over the classroom. SO, I figured it was inevitable. Thank goodness I didn't really have anything lined up today for work (I was going to observe in the schools but that can easily wait until next week) so I was able to keep him home. Which worked out for me too since I have got a horrible sinus/cold thing going on! He was quite pitiful and just lounged around and watched Dora (Dor-ya as he says). Thankfully, as of right now (7:30 pm) he has not gotten sick since about 10:30 am and has kept down several small glasses of water and a few saltines. Hopefully we're on the mend!! Here are a couple of pics I took this morning - he looked so pitiful.

Rebel without a Cause

2008-08-29T19:12:00.004-04:00

Well, I guess this is what happens when you leave the boys on their own! Richie and Michael went the other night to get haircuts. When they came home - this is what I saw!! It had SO much gel in it that they both had to take showers to get it out! Thank goodness it laid back down and was as good as new.

Michael's Bathroom Makeover

2008-08-29T18:53:00.006-04:00

As if we didn't have enough "makeovers" going on at our house, I was in Target the other day (have I mentioned how much I LOVE that Cleveland has gotten a Target?!?) and saw this adorable bathroom set. Michael is obsessed with Trucks and Tractors of any kind so when I saw this I knew he'd love it. Plus, he'd kind of outgrown the frogs and ducks that we decorated with before he was born (actually-after having to use that bathroom while ours has been out of order - I was the one that "outgrew" it!) Here are some before and after shots.....We didn't repaint, although the new set doesn't go perfectly with the yellow, it will do for now.

I will try to take some pictures of our bedroom and bathroom sometime this weekend and get them posted. They aren't totally done yet, but you can see the progress!!! YAY!!

Goodbye Friends @ SHCC

2008-08-29T18:21:00.009-04:00

This was taken on my last day at the nursing home. These are my gals from the Rehab dept.

Front Row (L to R): Imelda (PT), Susie (PTA), Kerry (PTA), Megan (OT) with Mia and Morgan (her twin girls that just turned 2)

Back Row: Holli (Our Rehab Manager and DPT), Amber (PTA), Me, Anna (COTA), Terri (COTA), and Alison (COTA)

Most of these girls I worked with for the better part of my four years I was there (and most of us worked together at Life Care before SHCC!) and, while I LOVE my new job, I do miss them all.

My New Job

2008-08-17T20:44:00.004-04:00

Well, I finally started my new job last week. For those of you that don't know, I resigned from my job at the nursing home where I have been for the past (almost) four years. As many of you know, I have not been happy there for a while and this whole experience with Caden has just made me realize that life is too short not to be happy so I began searching for a new job. Actually I was just looking for some extra PRN work and this job kind of fell into my lap and I couldn't turn it down! I am working for a contract company, which means I am not in one location every day. I am out and about in various places all the time. My schedule changes day to day and I love it!! I had gotten very bored and burned out at the nursing home and this is giving me the changes and new experiences that I was craving. Last week I did hospital work, home health, a child care center for special needs children, and outpatient. This week I am doing more home health, the child care center, possibly some schools, and more hospital work. My daily schedule is flexibile and three days last week I was able to sleep in, take Michael to school, and eat breakfast with my husband all before going to work-and still got home at a decent time in the afternoon! I love it!! I do miss my patients at the nursing home and most of my co-workers. However, after four years, it was time for a change. Just wanted to let you guys know, since many of you have been emailing me wanting to know how it's going. Thanks for all the prayers as I have made this transition!

MckFamily

2008-08-17T20:37:00.005-04:00

I have added a link to another blog that I have been following lately (that I got off of Angie Smith's blog about Audrey). It is by a woman who is pregnant with her fourth child who has a heart condidtion. If you have time, stop by and read about her family and pray for baby Stellan. She uses code names for her and all her children, MckMama, Big Mac (her oldest son-3), MckNugget (her second son-2), Small Fry (her 9-month old daugther), and MckMuffin (baby Stellan who is due in November). She is a hilarious writer and her faith and humor as she goes through this pregnancy will make you smile!! Enjoy.

Boys and their toys....

2008-08-05T20:55:00.002-04:00

I am in a "tractor" phase right now and this weekend Mommy and Daddy bought me my first remote controlled tractor. I immediately tried it out once we got home. It didn't take me long at all to figure it out. I love it!!

Even my Daddy wanted a turn to play with it!

MMMM, Cake!

2008-08-05T20:05:00.002-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, Mommy and Daddy's Sunday School class had a social and we had cupckes. I LOVED eating the icing and I had it all over me. That was the fun part. I didn't like it when Daddy turned the hose on me to rinse me off!!

Michael "Tool Man" VanNostran

2008-08-05T19:58:00.002-04:00

I really also enjoy playing with my tools and toolbench that I got for my birthday. I like to wear my goggles and play with my tools. Hammering is my favorite!! Like father like son!

Chef Michael

2008-08-05T19:48:00.002-04:00

I love playing with my kitchen the Mommy and Daddy got for my birthday. I just recently decided to start wearing my chefs hat when I play. Mommy thinks I look hilarious in it! I can grill a mean potato chip - now on to the steaks!

Squeeze my cheeks

2008-08-05T19:43:00.001-04:00

This is my new hobby - squeezing my cheeks! It cracks my mommy and daddy up and I enjoy making them laugh! The other day, mommy and I were fixing to go bye-bye and she turned around and I made her laugh! Thank goodness she had the camera with her....

Big boy bed

2008-07-10T15:26:00.007-04:00

On Friday, July 4th, mommy and daddy finished painting my room and putting my new big boy bed together. I have slept in it every night, all night, since. I LOVE my new boat bed. I am SO excited for bedtime so I can go lay down in it! My room is not quite finished yet, mommy and daddy still have to put down the baseboards, trim the windows, build my bookcase/windowseat, and most importantly (says mommy) accessorize! The rest of my furniture should be here Monday (my dresser and nightstand) so mommy can finish offically moving me into my new room. Here are a few pictures mommy took last night when I laid down to go nite-nite. THANKS to my Papa and Nee for my bed. I love it!!

Sweet boy on his way to Sleepy Town

This is my bed (the covers are messy but I don't sleep with my comforter yet so mommy just threw it on the bed to take a picture)

This is with the trundle pulled halfway out. And the bow of the bed is storage. Lots of toys can fit in there (but right now that's where my comforter stays!)

More on Signing the Bus....

2008-07-09T20:42:00.002-04:00

Here are some more pictures from last night...

Mommy and me signing the bus - I got to color my own spot and mommy signed our names.

Me and Nana in front of the bus
Me and Mommy in front of the bus
We had a good time - although it was REALLY hot!

Shaking My Tail Feather....

2008-07-08T20:57:00.005-04:00

Last night, my mommy, my nana, and I went to Chattanooga to sign the American Cancer Society bus that is traveling the country. They had a live band playing and I LOVE to dance. Check out my moves in the video below. My mommy thinks it is hilarious how I get distracted by cars driving by then automatically start dancing again!!

(OK, my mommy is too dumb to figure out how to rotate the video so you'll have to view it sideways!!)

Daddy's little helper

2008-06-25T21:19:00.003-04:00

On Wednesday night, Richie and I were sanding the sheet rock in Michael's new room while Michael was sitting in our bed watching the Wonder Pets (his new obsession). That lasted about two episodes and then he was determined that he was going to help us sand. I just had to laugh and let him. He grabbed a sponge and started rubbing the wall just like Daddy! Of course, it was too cute so I had to run and get the camera to capture the moment. It didn't take long before he was covered head to toe in dust (as we all were). I took him to the shower and we got cleaned up. Everytime we walk by his room, he points and says "Oh, look at Daddy's mess!". It is quite funny. We are hoping to get the room finished except for the floor by Sunday night and then lay the floor the first part of next week. I will post pictures as soon as it's done!!

Take me out to the ballgame.....

2008-06-23T16:10:00.003-04:00

This weekend we met a very good friend of mine and her family in Chattanooga to eat dinner and go to a Lookouts game. It was Michael's first baseball game - and he didn't care much about it. But, he did have fun playing with Kelly's girls. We had a good time and hope to do it again soon! Here are some pictures.

Michael playing in the water outside the Aquarium.

Chillin' at the game in my shades!

Me and Mommy with my foam finger!

The Becker girls - Lily (3 years), mom Kelly, and Ella (20 months)

The Deck.....

2008-06-20T22:19:00.003-04:00

Well, here it is. The deck that was built over Memorial Day weekend. The deck that ended up bigger than we realized. The mammoth deck. But, we love it. And I am very proud to say that I had a big hand in helping to build it (and , yes, it is sturdy and won't fall down!) Richie still has to go back and add a single step along the front and then we are going to plant some little bushes along the edge to make it look pretty! (Maybe then Brownie will stay out from under it!). Richie saved some of the brick that he took down when he installed the french doors to build back in on the left side of them where you see the plywood. As you can see in the picture, to the left is a pool that mom bought for Michael for his birthday. Well, we have yet to get in the pool because Michael is TERRIFIED of it. And he loves water, which is one reason she got it! He loved the pool he had last summer and so we were going to get a bigger one this year so we could all play in it and now he won't go near it. He won't even play outside!! We are going to work on getting him out there and in it maybe this weekend. If we succeed, I'll post a picture!!

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-20T22:16:00.002-04:00

Here is a picture of my boys from Father's Day last Sunday. Aren't they gorgeous?

Audrey Caroline

2008-06-20T19:42:00.002-04:00

This link was passed along to me by a good friend of mine earlier this week. I have finally finished reading the entire story of this family and I must say, it has touched me like nothing else ever has. I feel like this woman is my new best friend - and we have never spoken. She puts into words the things that I have been feeling over the past three months that I couldn't find the words to express. Finally, someone who understands EXACTLY how I feel. Sisters in sorrow. When you have a chance sometime, please check out this blog. Your life will be changed forever by her words and the story of this precious baby girl who is with my beautiful Caden, watching over us every day.

www.audreycaroline.blogspot.com

Thank you Casey, for sending me this at a time when i needed it very, very much. I love you.

Back to Work.....

2008-06-20T19:06:00.006-04:00

Hey guys! Sorry I haven't posted all week but, unfortunately, I have gone back to work. I really wasn't ready but I had to go back. My patients were all glad to see me and most of my co-workers have made me feel welcomed back. My best friend, Lisa, called me Monday afternoon to check on me and she asked me if anyone had said anything "stupid" and at the time I answered "no". But as I was thinking about my day, I realized that one of my co-workers had made a comment about my being off three months and that she wished she could have had three months off. At the time she said it, I didn't really think anything about it. But, it really hurt my feelings as I looked back on it that night. It's not as if I was laying on the beach somewhere with a good book taking a vacation from work! Um, I have been thru hell and back the past three months and what right is it of ANYONE to say how long is an appropriate time to take off after losing a baby?!? Well, I tried to get over that and go on with my week. Until yesterday. A comment was made (by the same person no less) as I was discussing some of the things we are doing around the house. I was asked "Where are you getting the money to do all this stuff around your house since you've been out of work for three months?!". Um, first of all, our financial situation is of NOBODY's business but our own. Second of all, there's the three month off comment again. I know that this person probably isn't meaning to hurt me with these words, but they are. Then, to top it all off, today I found out some comments that were made about me while I was gone by some of my co-workers that I thought I was very close to. They evidently were also questioning the fact that I wasn't back at work yet and that they just didn't know how we were making it. If these comments were made out of concern, instead of catty gossip, I might could understand. Until someone knows the pain of not wanting to get out of bed everyday, until you understand the sorrow of having your arms literally ache at night as you are rocking your other child to sleep as you cry over the fact that you are never going to get to rock your baby to sleep, until you understand what it's like to literally have a part of you die, until you know what it's like to not be able to hold your baby until it is no longer breathing, until you go to sleep looking at your child's ashes in a box on your dresser, until you understand what it's like to live each day like you are in a nightmare and you keep hoping someone will wake you up soon - DON'T QUESTION ANY OF MY DECISIONS! For the most part, everyone else has been great. In fact, today I finally got the chance to sit down with one of my very best friends at work and tell her Caden's story. She was out on maternity leave when I was put into the hospital and it has been hard for both of us to really be able to sit and talk to each other until today. But, we got that chance and we cried, laughed, and cried some more as I told her about Caden. That helped me. I enjoy talking about him. To me, it keeps his memory alive. I'm sorry if this post has been a little "angry" but I just needed to vent. Thank you all for "listening". I love you all.

I checked it out!

2008-06-11T10:36:00.005-04:00

While at the family reunion, Richie and Michael went down to the woods to explore. While looking around, Michael asked Richie "Daddy, what's that?" (one of his favorite phrases)...so, Richie answered him "I don't know, let's go check it out". After that, Michael ran back up to the house and told me "Mommy, I checked it out!" It was so funny because he emphasized the OUT! I took this video clip with my camera the other night trying to get him to say it. At the end, he says "cheese" because that's what he does now anytime he sees the camera!! Enjoy!

Potty Time!!

2008-06-10T21:00:00.003-04:00

Ohmigosh!! Michael actually went pee-pee in the potty tonight for the first time!! Forgive me for being so excited but it was a big milestone for us! He has become very interested in the potty in the past couple of weeks and has been talking about it alot but not actually done anything but sit on it. Well, tonight as I was cooking dinner, he told me he wanted to go pee-pee in the potty. Shocked, I took him into the bathroom, pulled down his shorts, took off his diaper, and he sat down. I ran to get the camera just to take a picture of his sitting there and he got a funny look on his face. I thought he was just embarrased by me taking a picture but then he stood up and went to Richie and said "Daddy, I pee pee in the potty!" I thought he was just kidding but when I looked in the potty, it was full!! I was so excited I screamed! I think I scared him a little. Anyway, I guess we are on the way to potty training!! He is also moving up to the next class at school. My little baby is growing up so fast!

Family Reunion

2008-06-10T14:24:00.004-04:00

This past weekend, we went to Mommy's Milligan family reunion in Vidalia, GA. I had a lot of fun playing on Uncle Billy's farm and meeting all my new relatives (this was the first time Mommy and Daddy have gone to a reunion since I was born). Mommy said she was very impressed with how quickly I became attached to my family since I had never met them before and I usually am very leery of people I don't know. Mommy said I must have sensed that this was family! We had lots of good food and good fellowship - although, it was EXTREMELY hot. I think the high reached 101 degrees! But, all in all it was a great trip and I look forward to going back again next year. Here are some pictures from the weekend....

*Playing ball with my cousin, Milligan. (Mommy and Milligan's mommy, Bronwyn, reminisced over the fact that they can remember playing together when they were our ages!)

*Leading Aunt Biddy around. She was lots of fun to play with!!
*Me and my cousin Emma playing in the dirt. We had a blast, much to the dismay of our mommies who had to clean us up!
*The Milligan clan*

(From L-R) My great-grandpoppy Joe, Uncle Rufus, Aunt Biddy, Aunt Bernese, Uncle Billy, Uncle Paul, and Uncle Mayo.
(Aunt Frances had already gone home.)

*This is how I spent most of the ride home on Sunday. I was worn out! It's hard playing all the time!

Before and After.....

2008-06-03T10:46:00.003-04:00

Over Memorial Day weekend, my best friend and her family came up for Michael's party. Little did Damien know that he was coming to work! On Sunday, he and Richie took out the window and door in our kitchen and put in French doors. They look wonderful! Here are the before and after shots, along with one of Michael and Georgia helping clean up!

Maybe this means I am finally on my way to getting a new kitchen!!

Seriously, Mom.....

2008-06-03T10:41:00.004-04:00

Mom always makes me say "cheese" and smile in my Sunday clothes so she can take a picture. She says I'm just too darn cute when I get dressed up. It's rough being so handsome all the time! (I don't like having my picture taken!)

Storytime with Nana

2008-05-25T21:29:00.000-04:00

After the party, Georgia and I took a bath and got ready to go nite-nite. Before we went to sleep, my Nana read us some books. We both LOVE books!!

Birthday Party - Part 2 - Presents

2008-05-25T12:54:00.001-04:00

One of my favorite parts of the party was opening my presents - although I didn't need a thing! I actually wasn't that interested in the actual opening of them - I left that to Mommy and Daddy - I just wanted to play with them! I got some really neat things and loved them all.

This was definately one of my favorites - a Bubble Mower from Ree-Ree and Tee (Cereta and Taylor). Even though Daddy had just mowed the yard yesterday, I pushed my mower around the whole yard just to make sure he didn't miss any spots!!

Ready for CSI

2008-05-24T22:41:00.001-04:00

My new favorite activity is laying down and having someone trace me with sidewalk chalk. At my party, I got Tee (Taylor) to draw me. Mommy says I've been watching too much CSI with daddy!

Now, you lay down, Tee, and let me draw you!

Birthday Party - Part 1

2008-05-24T22:17:00.000-04:00

My cake
I just couldn't resist sticking my finger in the icing!!
All these people are singing to me?!?
I blew out the candle all by myself - no help from Mommy or Daddy!
This cake is yummy!

I'm an ELMO boy!

2008-05-24T22:07:00.000-04:00

Today was my second birthday party and guess what the theme was? Yep, that's right - Elmo. Well, Sesame Street in general, but mainly Elmo. Mommy bought me this cool new hat to wear with my Elmo shirt. Don't I look cool?!?

Do I look like Mommy or Daddy?

2008-05-22T20:59:00.000-04:00

I have had this question asked of me since the day Michael was born. It was easy at first, he was the spitting image of Richie when he was born (much to my dissapointment because I'M the one that carried him for 9 whole LONG months so I wanted him to look a little like me!!). But, as he's gotten older he has changed a lot and I think looks a little more like me. He actually really just a perfect combination of us both!! I was cleaning out my scrapbook room tonight (it is going to be Michael's new big boy room) and I ran across these pictures and I thought he looks like each of us. So I thought I'd share and let you make up your own minds!!

The many faces of Michael Joseph

2008-05-21T09:42:00.000-04:00

I got a new camera for Mother's Day and I took several snapshots of my favorite subject to try it out. I got several good shots of some of Michael's funny faces.

Sweet Face
Surprise Face!
Trying to be Sweet, but really MEAN in disguise!
Sleepy Face

Sand and Water Fun

2008-05-21T09:37:00.000-04:00

We got Michael a Sand and Water Table to play with in the backyard. While Richie was putting it together - he had a little helper! He couldn't wait to start playing with (and in) it!

My Boat

MMM, Spaghetti!

2008-05-21T09:30:00.000-04:00

We had baked spaghetti a few weeks ago for supper and, as usual, Michael wanted nothing to do with his. BUT, then he crawled up in Daddy's lap and started to eat his! He learned to suck the noodles like a pro. It was messy but adorable.

Four Generations...

2008-05-21T09:22:00.000-04:00

The weekend before I had Caden, we flew down to Florida to surprise Richie's Nanny. She had not seen Michael since he was 6 months old. I took this picture just before we left to come home of the four generations of VanNostran's. Such a handsome group!

Michael slept the whole way home! Look at those lips!!

I'm leaving!

2008-05-21T09:06:00.000-04:00

After Caden's memorial service, my aunt Cereta went and picked Michael up from daycare so that our family could see him before they all headed back home. Well, Michael got in the car with my uncle Greg and my grandaddy and would NOT get out!! He kept telling Richie and I "Bye!" and Greg let him "drive" around the parking lot. It was quite funny.

"I'll call ya when we get there!"
"See ya mom!"

Ok, here goes nothing!

2008-05-20T15:42:00.000-04:00

Ok Ok....Thanks to Jess, Kelly C, and now Casey, I have decided it would be easier to chronicle our family events on a blog rather than send a massive email with tiny pictures every few months. Hopefully, I will be able to update this regularly and add pictures of our family on a more frequent basis! Be patient with me - I've never done this before. Let me know if any of you experts have suggestions!! Here goes......