Sweet Mess is 1, How Can That Be?

From this sweet baby....

 To this sweet mess!

Yes it is very hard for me to believe, Steven turned 1 on Saturday.  What a tough 12 months but you would never know it by looking at him.  We have our hands full, and I mean FULL with this little stinker.  Just a couple of fun facts on who he is today...

• Not yet a full walker but a mover and a shaker, none the less.  I think walking slows him down so crawling is his transportation of choice. 
• Eight teeth to bite you with and he uses them proudly.
• Picky eater but starting to come around.  He must know if he doesn't then he will not fit in. 
• Dada and Mama are spoken however Mama is usually reserved for moments of whining and there are more of those moments than we care for.
• Grunter and I mean GRUNT, caveman conversationalist.
• Dancer, watch out Miller, little brother is going to be ready for a dance off soon.

We visited the pediatrician yesterday for his 12 month check up and everything is great.  He is where he should be or ahead and we could not be more thankful.  Of course, we have also been paying the cardiologist some visits for bp checks and well let's just say that hypertension is here to stay.  That needs to be my outlook, yes maybe he will out grow it but it doesn't appear to be happening anytime soon.  Last Thursday we had a check and it was 118 and 116, and for the first time I was shocked.  He had fallen asleep in the car on our way so he was very calm half dazed sitting in my lap when it was checked...no way it could be high.  But it was and it was the 2nd check so we have increased one of his meds and go back next week.  I have been checking it and it is hovering around 109-110 range.  Not too good considering I am using a machine and taking it from his leg, which all points to lower results.  Hopefully it will be ok and the results next week will be better.  We return to TCH in the middle of July and will see what the nephrologist has to say.  Right now it is hard to dwell on the bp, he keeps us focusing on everything else about him and if we are not watching and paying attention to him, well he will just GRUNT at us. 

FUNNY STORY TIME:

David was told this about Steven:  There are a stack of papers that he always likes to go after at the office with Grandma.  Grandma and Aunt Julie tell him no and will swat his hand occasionally if he goes after them.  (We do a whole lot of hand swatting at home, too and we have done a whole lot of baby proofing because he is always where he shouldn't be)  Well he decided he still wanted to check out that stack of papers so he pulls them down and turns around, sticks out his hand and gives them a look as to say, go ahead swat my hand I did something bad!  Yep, we are in trouble :-)

Well I need to shut this down, I need my rest to keep up with him!  Happy Tuesday and I hope to write again before a month goes by...

Final Year Of Tee Ball Has Come and Gone

Well Miller has finished another and final year of tee ball and I am secretly happy.  Ok, I haven't made it much of a secret.  I love watching him play, swinging the bat and trying to run the bases but I could do without the intensity that accompanies the game.  This is TEE BALL...not the National or American league!  I mean we, (ok not me) take this stuff seriously and I cannot understand why.  But regardless of the fussing and arguing it was a great season and Miller had a good time.  Maybe next year his legs will run as fast as his mind thinks they do and we will be all good :-)

 Let me out!!!

 Some teams just had more power than us!

Our third baseman :-) 

 Keep your eye on the ball

Last at bat :-(



Happily Untitled Post, Just Cannot Think Of A Title :-)

Ok, so where has this year gone?  I mean really...we are already at the end of April.  Miller will be turning 7 in 2 months and 2 weeks.  Steven will be 1 in exactly 2 months.  Really?  I just cannot imagine how fast time goes.  Then I look back at this blog and remember the journey we have been on and think oh yes, that is where this year has gone.  But the great thing is that one look at both of the Silly Mess and the Sweet Mess and it is obvious that both have taken it all in stride.  Kids are resilient.

Miller will be graduating from Kindergarten, ok so no ceremony but they did take cap and gown pictures.  Anyone care to explain that to me?  We are not disappointed just find it humorous.  He is counting down the days until summer.  His only request is that he gets at least the first day off.  Poor child is not looking forward to summer day camp.  He also has some other funny request...for instance, today he asked David if his dad could come ride in the boat and if they could take his dad's truck so he could haul the boat.  If you know Miller, this comes as no surprise.  My child can identify trucks better than me, Chevy, GMC, Ford, etc and he can also spot a "hook" a mile away.  When he says hook he means hitch but for whatever reason he started calling it a hook.  The logic is there when you think about it.  I have often wondered when he would move past his fascination with trucks but it seems that there is no end in sight.  I guess he could have worse fascinations, right?  But he can get passed the idea of boat riding with his Dad and David in the same boat.  Not that we present any kind of animosity but that is just not us.  Oh and have I mentioned the story of Miller and the Insurance Man, aka Stranger?  Well a couple of weeks ago I took Miller to the insurance office to take care of a couple of things before I dropped him off at his dad's.  He proceeds to tell Insurance Man, aka Stranger that he has 2 families and that "my dad left my mom but she doesn't say that, she just says things happen."  Yep, Life According to Miller!  I know that the day will come when Miller starts to ask questions and starts to piece things together but there is no need to rush it.  So when he has asked (which started way too early) about what happened between his dad and myself, I have always answered "well Miller, things just happen."  However when he ask his dad, the answer is "It is my fault and I left."  I am trying to protect Miller and his dad is taking the blame but I am sure to the Insurance Man, aka Stranger it sounds like Mom is in denial!  For awhile, I wanted Miller to know the truth and now I just want Miller to know that he has 4 parents that love him and would do anything for him.  Time Heals :-)

Speaking of healing, Steven is 10 months old which also puts this past Friday as 7 months post surgery.  The only way you know is by the faint scar on his chest.  He is our little dare devil.  He is also the happiest little dude but he likes a schedule and it is not much fun to get him off of it.  If he does not hear the bath running by 7 he will remind you very loudly that it is time.  Unlike Miller, who would just take a nap in a pile of toys Steven likes to snuggle.  He crawls right up to you and will snuggle in for a good nap.  I have no problems with this as I usually fall asleep myself.  Oh how I love nap time on the weekends with him.  When we take him somewhere he gets all kinds of attention, people will comment on his eyes or his smile but my favorite comment is to hear how big he is.  I smile and think to myself, you have no idea.  Another thing I love to hear is Miller with Steven.  Whether he is secretly playing with him or loudly correcting him, it brings me joy! 

Now on to some pictures....

 A Little LSU Baseball

Hello Mike!

Time To Start Wearing A Hat!

 Pictures Like These Are Few & Far Between!

 Field Trip To The Zoo!

 Time For A Boat Ride!

I've Fallen And Can't Get Up, Help!

Too Good To Be True!!!

Summer is close, baseball fields are full, parks are packed, mosquitos are munching and the countdown to the end of school has started.  Oh to be a kid again! For me, this time of year means how can I squeeze more time in my day to spend more time with the kids doing things that are summer related and still be a good employee.  Oh the balance of life...Miller is counting down days of school, while I only get to count down hours to the end of a day.  So I am going to admit it, teachers I am JEALOUS!   Don't lie teachers, you know it is really a great part of your job!  And if your school is like Miller's you also get to end the year with some love from your kiddos for teacher appreciation week.  Can someone please check the calendar and let me know when Processor/Loan Officer appreciation week is?  :-)  However, we do have Mother's day approaching and so I want to wish all the Mom's out there a Happy Mother's Day.  As for Emily, aka My Mom....I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  I am always very grateful for our Mother's Day "trip" and this year was no exception.  I love being able to spend time with you and to just be able to talk.  The times are rare when it is just us and it is time that I cherish.  This year has been a challenging year for me and I thank you for all the times that you listened to me cry when the stress and fear overwhelmed me.  I thank you for all the times when you told me how proud you were of me and how well you thought that I have handled these "interruptions."  Regardless of how big the challenges are or how huge the interruptions, I know that I will always have a fan in you and for that I am so very blessed!   I love you!!!!!

Now to explain my title for this post...

Guess who's blood pressure was high today?  Yep, Sweet Mess!  We had a follow up appointment with our cardiologist and his bp was at 115!  So we are now increasing one of his medications and have a follow up in two weeks.  Ugh...I was really praying that maybe he was growing out of it.  I knew it was too good to be true.  I even checked just a second ago, keep in mind he is sound asleep and it was 111.  And I am worried that the little guy might be feeling bad.  I cannot tell if it is from teething or if he is coming down with something but can we say Whine Pot, because that is what he has been.  But I guess I will give him a break, if I had people trying to squeeze my arm several times, sore gums and low fever I guess I would be a Whine Pot too.  Hopefully tomorrow will be the return of our Sweet Mess instead of Whiney Mess!

Hope you all have a terrific Tuesday!!!!

Hairy Situation!

I have to admit, I am worried.  I am not sure what will become of Steven's hair.  Poor baby has his daddy's curls but really only in the back...but on the top and sides it is straight!  Ok, so the straight part has a little body to it but nothing like the CURLS in the back.  I would like for the sweet mess to get a hair cut but daddy says NO...and grandma and grandpa too :-)  But I am warning everyone now, the first mention of a mullet and off it goes!!!!  I really must post a pic of it.  It cracks me up and makes me nervous all at once.  What if it stays this way?  Any suggestions????

Bad, bad blogger!

No excuses other than cannot find the time to put the thoughts on to the paper or in this case on to the blog.  The month of March was a busy one but a fun and productive one!

So here is a brief summary for each of us:

First up, Miller - where do I begin?  I really have a hard time accepting the fact that he is almost 7, seems like 47!  Ok, the reality is that he is the most serious but sweet and funny little man.  He cracks me up but drives me nuts...I have never ever heard of a kid worried about being late like Miller.  He will ask what time we are leaving for school starting at 7pm the night before.  He must know that being part "Moore" he is likely to run late with age.  Yes, I will admit it and I blame my father, ha!  Miller has also lost another tooth.  This time he lost it on his dad's watch.  According to his dad, Miller had to write a letter to the tooth fairy since he couldn't find the tooth.  In fact, Miller wasn't even aware that he lost his tooth until his dad asked what happened.  Needless to say, it is a good chance he swallowed it.  I cannot help but laugh at the thought of that.  Next up for Miller is a field trip to the zoo and baseball should be starting soon where the games also resemble a zoo.  Oh and of course summer is quickly approaching. 

On to the Sweet Mess - well he is 9 months old and unlike his brother, his teeth are coming.  Two bottom and two top!  He is also into EVERYTHING!  As I have told many people lately...I did not baby proof the house for Miller.  Oh how we need deadbolts for cabinets, football helmet and pads for sharp corners and hard floors and 10 ft fences for restricted areas.  He is a SWEET MESS!  He is also quite possibly the loudest crawler ever.  You can hear him coming a mile or room away.  I also appreciate the speed the little thing can crawl at.  He can go from zero to fast in no time.  Speed Crawler!  But I have no desire for him to start walking even though I feel and fear he might start that before 12 months.  As for his health, he is doing GREAT!  I am scared to admit this but he just might be growing out of the blood pressure problem.  His bp remains about the same as it has for several months but we have not changed any dosages since December but he has certainly grown since then.  I do not want to get my hopes up but it will continue to be on my prayer list.  We recently had an appointment at TCH and we were given a hall pass until July!!!!  So that means cardiologist in May and nothing in June.  Hard to believe that June, he will turn 1 and it will be the first month without a doctor's appointment.  I know that he has to go for a 12 month well visit but I will schedule that for early July just to have one month off.  He deserves that :-)

Now to David - in case you haven't heard, it is crawfish season.  David was in his own personal heaven on Good Friday where he boiled 7 sacks of crawfish.  He really hasn't had the opportunity to boil like he would like considering we would have to give away our first born to pay for them but since the price is coming down, I believe that the sound of propane roaring is in my future.  He also bought a boat, I say he bought a boat because according to Miller it is David's boat and I just get to ride in it.  Anyway, we did buy a bay boat from his aunt and uncle and look forward to catching some fish, some rays and some crabs this summer. 

Finally to Me - well work has been crazy busy and we are having the best month than we have had in more than a year and a half.  I seem to be aging with every file.  But I must admit, I love looking up and seeing that it is 5 and I didn't stop all day.  It sure beats twiddling my thumbs.  And do you remember the jury summons I mentioned awhile back? Well guess who was selected????  Yep, me on a second degree murder trial.  The only good thing about it, I get a two year pass on jury duty.  It was not a fun experience and I am very thankful it is over with. 

Well I think that about sums us up for the month of March.  I hope to get some pictures posted soon...but not likely tonight!

Hope everyone has a great Wednesday!

I Blame Lent For The Pause In Blogging

I question my sanity as I type the next sentence.  I gave up Diet Coke for lent.  The idea that I have decided to part with caffeine at this time in my life is by far one of the most confusing choices of my existence.  As a result of my dedication to not give in, I have basically been asleep by 8:30 every night.  I am yawning as I type!  So I am going to try and recap the last couple of weeks, must type fast!

First things first, we will no longer be visiting Texas Children's for cardiology.  The check up went really well and we said goodbye!  We are still seeing our local cardiologist, we just feel better in their care.  Steven's heart has healed and is functioning as it should.  The reality is that we should just be seeing Dr. K for a check up annually or every 6 months.  However since the blood pressure is still in need of monitoring we will continue to check in with Dr. K.  We often think that since we are so close to Houston that we should always go there for care.  But in this case, Dr. K and Dr. G are the best :-) 

Now on to some fun facts:

Miller has lost his 2nd tooth.  He lost this one at his dad's and it is believed to have been swallowed.  A note to the tooth fairy explained that it was lost and luckily $5 was under his pillow in the morning. 

Steven has finally cut his 1st tooth.  It is by far the cutest little tooth ever.  It is also long overdue.  For about two months he has had two little buds but no signs of a sharp edge breaking through, then Friday morning there it was starting to shine.  I cannot wait to see when the next one begins to cut, stay tuned!

Steven went non-verbal there for a short while and I was starting to get concerned but his voice is back in all of it's glory!  I read that sometimes as babies focus on one "skill" they seem to stop another, especially common in boys.  As one person pointed out, men do not multi task well and it begins at a very young age.

Steven has started to really move around quickly, but it is not a normal crawl unless you are training in the army.  I am beginning to think that this is going to be his crawl.  He is just a moving and sliding everywhere...time to baby proof, stat!

Mardi Gras was a great time this year and Miller enjoyed the parades and music like I cannot describe.  It was so much fun to watch him having so much fun.  The dance off that he had with one of our friend's was pretty great too! 

Well that is a quick update, I am now pushing 10pm so please ignore all the typos.  Here is a pic of Steven at the parade, I have a great pic of Miller and friends but I hate posting them on a public site.