Sunday, July 25, 2010

July 25, 1980, 12:53PM

At this moment THIRTY years ago (gasp), my boy entered the world and changed my life forever. We named him after his father, though he's not a "Junior". These days he likes to go by JB.

The first several months were touch-and-go because he was allergic to formula. I tried breast-feeding when he was first born, but that turned out to be a disaster. Apparently, I was too young to know what I was doing, even with the nurse's help. To my mother's relief, I abandoned the idea and went with formula. The idea of breast feeding was not attractive to her. The formula, however, caused major stomach complications. The doctor suggested different types of formula, and even goat's milk was offered at one point. It would just run right out of him; the lining of his stomach completely gone. He was getting weaker and sicker. Finally, he was put in the hospital with an IV drip. 

I remember the baseball playoffs were going on because his dad insisted on watching it in the hospital room while I cried and fretted. We eventually found a formula that agreed with him. He healed, growing stronger and more determined with each passing day.
JB turned out to be a sports fanatic just like his dad. The above photo is from his 29th birthday party. My mother had sent him the Baton Rouge Advocate's sports section because LSU had just won the college world series baseball tournament.

To commemorate today's huge milestone birthday, Double D and I told him to pick out tickets to the Rangers vs. Angels baseball game which happens to be playing tonight. He picked some great seats right over the Angel's dugout near third base. I hope to get lots of good pictures. More importantly, I hope to have a marvelous time with my special, sweet, firstborn. :)

Sunday, July 4, 2010

July 4, 1983, 9:47AM

At that exact moment, I delivered my third and final child. It seems like just the other day I was 27 and dreading my 30s. Why in the world did I think that was old? And don't you know he feels the same way? Sometimes he thinks so much like me it's a little freaky.
He may be a 27 year old man now, but in my mind he's still my baby boy. And always will be. Forever and ever. Amen.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Thought for the Day

How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours. ~Wayne Dyer

Friday, May 28, 2010

Choosing to be Cheerful

Today I am counting my blessings. These photos help me do that.

6 week old Liam. Finally met him yesterday and decided that he is too precious for words. What is it about the way a baby smells? Can't get enough of that.

Yes, we were in a traffic jam on Monday night, but we were on our way to have dinner with our dearest friends. They are moving to Austin, TX, so YAY! Another place to visit!

Camryn is an 8 year old dynamo with gorgeous red locks. She has a bright, sunny disposition just like her mother. She's so fun! She looks so serious here, but she was actually excited to be there even though they were losing. Badly.

Our little Hannah graduated kindergarten last week! We were all so proud of her when she received awards for reading 100 books and 'most improved'. Hannah's the pretty one, top right.

All boy, this is Seth landing safely on first base last Saturday. He can make some funny faces for the camera and he was doing so on the field, too. Little stinker. Sometimes he made faces at his coach; other times at the opposing team. As much as I love the faces, I just wanted an action shot, which was not hard to get.

I've discovered a field of wildflowers in my neighborhood. Anybody have a clue what this is? I loved the way the light was hitting it.

Even though there are some stressors in my life right now, I try to remember what Mama used to say: "There's always someone worse off than you." Then I start thinking of the person who is paralyzed or someone without arms, and I immediately chastise myself for even thinking of throwing a pity party.

I hope everyone has a great Memorial holiday, remembering the sacrifices made for us. I am very grateful for those who fought for our freedoms. Rock on with your bad selves and be safe!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Tagged!

I've been tagged by Glen over at Glen's Blog Spot. Unbelievably, I was searching all day yesterday for a good meme for my blog and couldn't find one. There it was on Glen's blog the whole time. Thanks, Glen!

If I were a...

MONTH: October. Cool. :)

DAY: Friday. The work week is over and it's play time!

TIME OF DAY: 7:00PM. I'm not a morning person and tend to be more productive between the hours of 7 and 9.

SEASON: Autumn. Gorgeous colors and cool temps. This a no-brainer for me since I named my daughter after the season even though she was born in winter! :)

PLANET: Earth. I'm all about nature.

DIRECTION: Even though I was born without an inner compass, this much I know: North! Mountains! Cool air!

TREE: Live Oak. I love how the branches hang low to the ground and sprawl out as though reaching out to you. Such character!

ANIMAL: The dog, of course. Loyalty, devotion, gratitude, positive attitude, fresh hope for each new day. I strive for these things even though I fall short.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT: Acoustic guitar. I can rock out or be mellow.

FRUIT: Peach. Sweet and fresh. :)

FOOD: Praline. Sweet, creamy and rich. :)

COLOR: Red. Fire red!

BOOK: The Yearling. An only child who begged for a pet, lived on a poor farm, and lived through hard choices. The central character was a boy, but that story was me. Pretty close.

SONG: Never Will I Break by 3 Doors Down.
The road I walk is paved
With the broken promises I made
At least a million times I've fallen
but never will I break

MOVIE: Gone With The Wind. A strong-willed southern belle. I can relate. Although I don't think I could sew those drapes into a gown to help save the plantation. :/

FLOWER: Lily. So graceful. Although not always graceful or gracious, I really do try!

FACIAL EXPRESSION: Sadly, I'd have to say fear AND worry. I'm afraid of a lot of things and a professional worrier. If there's a worrier club, nominate me for President! But then I'd probably worry that I wouldn't win, so don't do that.