Happy New Year

I really can't say that I'm sad to see 2009 go. This year has been one of the most challenging of my life, but I have also learned a lot about myself, my life and the importance of the people who we hold close to us. I am looking forward to 2010 and the new adventures ahead. Here are a few pictures of the Stink Bug from this morning. I can't believe how much she's changed this year.

For reference, here are a few of her from Christmas 2008. Oh, what a difference a year makes!

A quick snap from Christmas

We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!

Christmas Picture Day in her New Glasses!

The Vocal Styling of Riley

If you can understand the lyrics, they are hilarious.

Update

We had our Level 2 ultrasound with the specialist today. She believes that I have Placenta Accreta. It isn't possible to diagnose it 100% without an MRI so that is the next step. I'll post more info soon.

Happy Halloween!

We hope everyone had a safe and Happy Halloween. We had a ton of fun. Riley was the cutest Batgirl EVER. No, I'm not biased ;)

I may have had to sit around on the couch, but I did so in a pirate costume. (oh and yes, Mike is wearing eyeliner. LOL)

Well That Didn't Last Long

Friday, Oct 23 I starting having heavy bleeding at work. I called the doctor and they told us to go straight to Labor & Delivery. That is a scary place to be when you're only 22 weeks pregnant.

We were admitted and spent the night in the hospital to watch. Further testing showed (what we already knew) I had a low-lying placenta and the pressure of the baby on my placenta was causing the bleeding. The only way to stop the bleeding is for me to stay off of my feet and reclined at least 45 degrees. You know what that means...more bedrest.

Freedom

I still have to take it easy, but I can go back to work and be up and around a little bit! Whoo hoo! I never thought I'd be so excited to be able to sweep the kitchen floor. Hopefully, that is the last of the bleeding and the rest of the pregnancy will be smooth sailing!

So Thankful!

I cannot believe how blessed we are to have such amazing friends and family. From people bringing food to watching Riley to coming over to visit or calling to relieve some of my boredom, am so lucky to have such great support. Thank you all so much!

Bedrest

Today, the doctors put me on bedrest because of bleeding. I go back in a week and I am really hoping that I will be able to get up and around again. I never thought I'd say it, but I miss work.

Baby Girl has a Name!

Last night some of our best friends over to play games and have dinner. We had no idea what a special night it would turn out to be. The subject of baby names came up early in the evening and we never left the topic. We talked about names and went though baby books until 2 in the morning. That's when our sweet little girl became Callie Grace.

I was really touched by how much everyone cared about our family and our sweet Callie Grace. We can't wait to meet you.

It's a girl!

We are excited to announce that Riley is going to have a baby sister! My sister is one of my best friends and I'm really excited about the idea of Riley and the new baby having that special bond.
We haven't decided on any names yet, but we've still got some time before February.

How did I get so lucky?

In passing a couple of weeks ago, I mentioned to Mike that I found the 'perfect' crib and baby furniture set at Target. I briefly described it to him and told him that I thought we should go look at it some time. We decided we'd do that after we found out the sex, etc. Fast forward to today. He took the day off of work, saying that he wanted to relax and get some things done around the house. I didn't think much of it because he has been working a lot of overtime and I thought he really could use the down time.

Much to my surprise, he spent the day putting our nursery together. He went to Target, remembered what I had told him, and bought all of the furniture that I'd said that I wanted. He put it all together and had the nursery all set up to surprise me when I got home. He seriously is the most thoughtful man I've ever met. How in the world did I get so lucky? It was a wonderful surprise and I still can't believe it. I'm so thrilled with the way it turned out. I'll post pictures soon!

The Dash Poem

By Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
And spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth

For it matters not, how much we own,
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard;
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect
And more often wear a smile,
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

Officer Down

Pasadena Police Officer Jesse Hamilton was killed in the line of duty, Friday, August 21. Please keep his family as well as the entire PPD in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

It's hard to put this loss in to words. People say all the time, "it must be so hard to be a cop's wife," "you must worry all the time." Honestly, I never have. I think we get immune to it until something like this happens. It takes a tragedy like this to snap us back to reality and appreciate that these brave men and woman put their lives on the line every single day so that we can sleep at night.

The one thing that I can say for sure is that there will never be another day that Mike leaves for work that I don't stop what I'm doing, give him a kiss and tell him how much I love him.


"The Final Inspection"

The policeman stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here,
Lord, It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't.....I'll understand.

There was silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."

Author Unknown

Donations to the family are greatly appreciated. For more information, please visit www.OfficerJesseHamilton.com.

Happy 4th Birthday Stink Bug!

I cannot believe our little princess is 4! It seems like just yesterday, I was 41 weeks pregnant running with one foot on the curb, eating spicy food and choking down eggplant to try and get her out! :)

Our Vacation

In July, we had the pleasure of going to Long Beach Island to visit my very best friend, Jenn, her husband and their beautiful new baby Evan. We had such a great time. The weather was perfect and it was a wonderful, relaxing long weekend. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from our trip.

Mike and Riley playing in the pool

Jenn and I - Best friends since 1994. I am a lucky girl.

George, Jenn and baby Evan


Jenn and her beautiful new baby boy


Mikey and Ri

Sweet Dreams Baby Evan

There are few things in life as precious as friendship. Not just 'friends' that you go out with or exchange pleasantries with...but true friendship. I think it's a very rare thing. I count myself very lucky to have Jenn in my life.

Mikey's New Toy...Um, I mean Riley's New Toy

This summer, Mikey decided to purchase a huge moonwalk water-slide for himself...I mean, for Riley. Yes, it's definitely for Riley.
We wanted to surprise her so we set it up while she was on a playdate and decided to try to capture her reaction. It was priceless.



This, my friends, is what it's all about. If I could bottle that pure innocent excitement, I would carry it with me everywhere.

Riley is going to be a big sister!

Mike and I are thrilled to be expecting a baby in late February 2010.
Riley is going to be an amazing big sister! I can't wait to watch her hold this little one. She's already started kissing my belly good night and rubbing on it. She's so sweet and caring. Thanks to our friends and families for all of your love and support. We are very blessed!

Riley's new 'do!

My Stink Bug is rockin' bangs!

I'm 30

I can't believe it. I'm no longer a 20-something. This was a hard hump for me, but I'm glad to be on the other side now. I have so much to be thankful for. All I can hope is that my next 30 years are as rewarding and blessed as the first have been. Thanks to all of my family and friends for your support. I love you.

Faces in the Crowd

I was honored to be featured in an article in our local newspaper, The Houston Chronicle. The truth is, it's The Rose that deserves the recognition, not me. The link to the article is below.

Faces in the Crowd

If one women learns about The Rose and it saves her life, it's worth it!

The reason Ri hates Ostriches

They're mean!

Happy 4th of July

We hope everyone had a great 4th! We had a lot of fun hanging out with family and friends.
God Bless the USA. Thanks to all those who serve this great country.

A few more from pettiskirt fun

This one is my personal favorite because it was an accidential capture.
She said, "I picked these for you, Mom," and I turned around and snapped.
It brings tears to my eyes because I feel like it really captures the essence of Riley and her sweet personality.

Fun with Pettiskirts and Good Friends

Riley and I got together with some great friends who have daughters who are Riley's age. We brought the new pettiskirts out to play in the fields and at the park. Here are a few of my favorites.
The girls had so much fun laughing, playing and twirling!

Movie Night

Monday nights are family movie nights in our house. Basically, it's an excuse for us to cuddle up on the floor in front of the TV and eat some popcorn. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Mikey and Riley were really into Scooby Doo...Harley was more interested in the popcorn.

Happy Birthday Mikey

We celebrated Mike's 29th birthday on Saturday. First with a fun family party where the kids all came over and played. Riley was very excited to get to play with her cousins.

Then, day turned to night and we had some silliness with friends. It was a great day. Happy birthday to the man who has taught me a lot about life, love and the importance of laughter. I love you! Hope you had a wonderful birthday.