tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32242004709701397342024-03-21T17:12:38.308-07:00Life With The BeckersAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210614377636632074noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224200470970139734.post-42973805041504693812014-03-14T14:21:00.001-07:002014-03-16T06:04:49.767-07:00Spring Break<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We found out a few weeks ago that James will be starting Officer
Candidate School on March 22, so he will be heading down there just a
few days before Hudson's and my birthday. He will be the first graduating
class to have 8 weeks of training rather than the typical 6 weeks.
When he left last time it was difficult since Hudson was only 6 weeks old but
Hudson wasn't really aware that James was gone which made it a little easier. This time Hudson is
going to be well aware of the fact that his Papa is going away. Thank
God for Skype! All we need now is a new laptop (we bought one for James
right before his last deployment but someone stepped on it a few weeks
later and broke the screen). I can't imagine how hard it will be for
James to not be able to hold Hudson in his arms for such a long period of time.<br />
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On a positive note, I'm on Spring Break and I will finish
another semester of school in about a month. At the rate I'm going now I
could finish by the time I'm in my early 30's rather than my mid 40's.
:-) Some people become specialized doctors in the time it will take me to
get my degree, but I will get there. I may give birth to all of our children in the process but I will get there.<br />
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As always we have been very busy the past few months. I can't believe Spring is almost here. Within the next month Hudson, James and I will all celebrate our birthdays. We are a house full of Aries. I do not pay attention to all the astrology stuff but I do think it's funny that all three of us fall into the Aries category.<br />
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I need to catch up on some photos. It seems so long ago since we saw these beautiful, colorful leaves on the grass in front of our condo. It has been covered in snow for far too long. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImBUE1tv-9Yd0rQuhNdffc2gdyWCJmFszoT1hphrbL600YiLPEH3W_ZTxYzvdsRLOYIeLpv5G28ecx2F0tQhILPjedr2iWCJnlz5JmjNNA8K-jP4Q4ih_m_h5ei0OGzzfeTTYnyBPpZIj/s1600/11-3-13+969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiImBUE1tv-9Yd0rQuhNdffc2gdyWCJmFszoT1hphrbL600YiLPEH3W_ZTxYzvdsRLOYIeLpv5G28ecx2F0tQhILPjedr2iWCJnlz5JmjNNA8K-jP4Q4ih_m_h5ei0OGzzfeTTYnyBPpZIj/s1600/11-3-13+969.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hudson at 7 months.</td></tr>
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This year we celebrated Hudson's and Hayden's (Hudson's cousin) first Christmas. It turned out to be pretty quiet but I have a feeling in the years to come it will only get louder and louder as the three boys get into more trouble, led by Hayden of course. :-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqHi3a11VPCmu0B2HowH18VvZdsSmLCTxFGPeJ9vUvNPPNX_wNhF8Sxzep3SZSZ96t068Mz6qntZR1zaoC4rQlDdyAXtYNPSQmcX4DkH-ziLwXiPz4kcUGgDEqCwdcXXORNDzvdzl2Oco/s1600/12-25-13+526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqHi3a11VPCmu0B2HowH18VvZdsSmLCTxFGPeJ9vUvNPPNX_wNhF8Sxzep3SZSZ96t068Mz6qntZR1zaoC4rQlDdyAXtYNPSQmcX4DkH-ziLwXiPz4kcUGgDEqCwdcXXORNDzvdzl2Oco/s1600/12-25-13+526.JPG" height="400" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I put him in an elf costume. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cnvGSqO5bRSkzY86kQVa5sC7KVZ90P1kS6NQyo1S9PNtvUzAttFj9ydVyIvk7x5DD6mRYEDvBRe0edneeD6LHbhKUXrIIH5Wl2BaA_US5-F6xdarjgt0TorMoTi-4KAuiRCqRl7vZUgA/s1600/12-25-13+538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cnvGSqO5bRSkzY86kQVa5sC7KVZ90P1kS6NQyo1S9PNtvUzAttFj9ydVyIvk7x5DD6mRYEDvBRe0edneeD6LHbhKUXrIIH5Wl2BaA_US5-F6xdarjgt0TorMoTi-4KAuiRCqRl7vZUgA/s1600/12-25-13+538.JPG" height="400" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas at the Cromer's.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDk4QgTDNIg2NeKBlXJeR9H3WKKP6NGEm-2y5T46eeVAgZS6orKCeBMLfvZwZnw-UPcSp6JGZjlgfa58UX0RzGrE80SEZQElVbnVH9bovmUBCvzjDkVlnFim6z3_LJt4hMbZZVcOYDeQF/s1600/12-25-13+542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGDk4QgTDNIg2NeKBlXJeR9H3WKKP6NGEm-2y5T46eeVAgZS6orKCeBMLfvZwZnw-UPcSp6JGZjlgfa58UX0RzGrE80SEZQElVbnVH9bovmUBCvzjDkVlnFim6z3_LJt4hMbZZVcOYDeQF/s1600/12-25-13+542.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James, Hudson, Jayce, Hayden, Autumn</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmo6rpc59brQVEEVsCvWdaB7W3y8biFCciG_Ez3XZN6hbII0kwXXXrd2M6bsf6I0Wy0yR6qpGDREW-3_H6Su_Q-EZd6mbOa6MR8dPxp9deX3RZmdas8q_ymehTKLKI8MSYJT0gSJRyGJ7/s1600/12-26-13+814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLmo6rpc59brQVEEVsCvWdaB7W3y8biFCciG_Ez3XZN6hbII0kwXXXrd2M6bsf6I0Wy0yR6qpGDREW-3_H6Su_Q-EZd6mbOa6MR8dPxp9deX3RZmdas8q_ymehTKLKI8MSYJT0gSJRyGJ7/s1600/12-26-13+814.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hudson, Jayce, Hayden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCqDcGwl5A2FZUbWzDKJGylXc4h1pp4hA9xEZmV2x-XZCxLzVPdPVMci1kmoCfj4pDkr4W-AQaTyzg1TzHYgAfGbKPJJgxTl0efiMUXfHD9p2PvBY3AQqo5YWBODkgL6BWNqEeU7kyp4j/s1600/12-26-13+815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCqDcGwl5A2FZUbWzDKJGylXc4h1pp4hA9xEZmV2x-XZCxLzVPdPVMci1kmoCfj4pDkr4W-AQaTyzg1TzHYgAfGbKPJJgxTl0efiMUXfHD9p2PvBY3AQqo5YWBODkgL6BWNqEeU7kyp4j/s1600/12-26-13+815.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hudson, Jayce, Hayden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSi6lxIDhDMmpY873Gq2VOuMRRxDWNivp1xsgdnFLGEtC81j2wYoHfCWJGN7BUZryOXvY9mQq_OK0SS1yOq4zNqMiacPfygbbhB6n5meHWRGksMk6RWYAPuC-j-EgnpiEv0Fd4BjTYBEc/s1600/12-26-13+821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSi6lxIDhDMmpY873Gq2VOuMRRxDWNivp1xsgdnFLGEtC81j2wYoHfCWJGN7BUZryOXvY9mQq_OK0SS1yOq4zNqMiacPfygbbhB6n5meHWRGksMk6RWYAPuC-j-EgnpiEv0Fd4BjTYBEc/s1600/12-26-13+821.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hudson, James, Jayce</td></tr>
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Christmas at the Reser's. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcRMoiCwS11yx6mJyKyXwbZc91aptuJox-59VngWuAH6caIzv574dp7EAiNMsJE8VDaBUGy636kuF8JWCJIGwxIaHdy5g-y7ShoK01JH7k_D5Ij1QvtJ4rBpoYY4QC-j3WJOW0QUjd6Lr/s1600/12-26-13+835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcRMoiCwS11yx6mJyKyXwbZc91aptuJox-59VngWuAH6caIzv574dp7EAiNMsJE8VDaBUGy636kuF8JWCJIGwxIaHdy5g-y7ShoK01JH7k_D5Ij1QvtJ4rBpoYY4QC-j3WJOW0QUjd6Lr/s1600/12-26-13+835.JPG" height="640" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma helping Hudson open presents.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14K-eiecNZWhxsgUjQbxI44akntuu9RUEZAf0JcuMGKVFtyJ_33WPEsWy8X9OyXGPpEcb3RBAoe5vmoijw1NBICN63nl7AIdeVurN7ugOwRANt2yDRB8uSKd2JdSHzbMJnZqi3mtwO9cG/s1600/12-26-13+837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj14K-eiecNZWhxsgUjQbxI44akntuu9RUEZAf0JcuMGKVFtyJ_33WPEsWy8X9OyXGPpEcb3RBAoe5vmoijw1NBICN63nl7AIdeVurN7ugOwRANt2yDRB8uSKd2JdSHzbMJnZqi3mtwO9cG/s1600/12-26-13+837.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Melissa & Doug" make the cutest toys!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCb_MfyCQY04Nijh3hxJo9PKq2Eg-DYCP8qtLOqaRp5RcwgsJAd6kpHUm49nb1orXFWAk6J4EoKXv1QzH6QfVOHAF5FvwGT3qcRDZSf3Fzkd0YVm_Wvkti_2Soc9pl4bkMkJ4oBjtM2_d/s1600/12-26-13+840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCb_MfyCQY04Nijh3hxJo9PKq2Eg-DYCP8qtLOqaRp5RcwgsJAd6kpHUm49nb1orXFWAk6J4EoKXv1QzH6QfVOHAF5FvwGT3qcRDZSf3Fzkd0YVm_Wvkti_2Soc9pl4bkMkJ4oBjtM2_d/s1600/12-26-13+840.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making funny faces with Grandma.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqktpHN6r1GO5kttccfSxWaPGaipdGcvPw3xaQ1VDXEHaVVdLVCdL9Iqc3j75BwYd4Pv5Lj5Ug01xfniCh9wLYqTLkyeO2xDoT5fYihIQb0ukbdeZ3yGwH7Wbi3UB-sJlQL51cIwX_GEhW/s1600/12-26-13+865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqktpHN6r1GO5kttccfSxWaPGaipdGcvPw3xaQ1VDXEHaVVdLVCdL9Iqc3j75BwYd4Pv5Lj5Ug01xfniCh9wLYqTLkyeO2xDoT5fYihIQb0ukbdeZ3yGwH7Wbi3UB-sJlQL51cIwX_GEhW/s1600/12-26-13+865.JPG" height="400" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's ready for an old time photo.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0tYObRPy5XO1JhyTihXuX0fJWawkM9ANtYDH2DFAgWsVhRKNDNXEYPdKAHbTQr5Al-Fg4jhDvj76IPn4VpALKvszQvpyBMRNRVX9AN3dxPbsPA2gc-NMIv6tssQbCD7PKh94znRyTg8G/s1600/12-26-13+875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0tYObRPy5XO1JhyTihXuX0fJWawkM9ANtYDH2DFAgWsVhRKNDNXEYPdKAHbTQr5Al-Fg4jhDvj76IPn4VpALKvszQvpyBMRNRVX9AN3dxPbsPA2gc-NMIv6tssQbCD7PKh94znRyTg8G/s1600/12-26-13+875.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8 months</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyv0sgIdwxuREXdlXJuN0lj4vxTUwTSzXroGXxf_7S1M8QTQKXGPNqr1MAA0wpkb7ADu5HmAcs9E0xG4p9x4Iw_xIAm2wgck7cdXZxcU7fiorWh3yQDvQTGhGyOtH4IJIFQzBHffAcxzK/s1600/12-26-13+886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyv0sgIdwxuREXdlXJuN0lj4vxTUwTSzXroGXxf_7S1M8QTQKXGPNqr1MAA0wpkb7ADu5HmAcs9E0xG4p9x4Iw_xIAm2wgck7cdXZxcU7fiorWh3yQDvQTGhGyOtH4IJIFQzBHffAcxzK/s1600/12-26-13+886.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas lights!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZByF0HZyjntAzSlxSYYjYuBi6_wVvsuZ5JbKA4DWkobtZHkCDrKeHqKVwpLgOjnx0NrZr7GY2Hkqi9KtbPL2VxHP7L47daHhBlOAp_8HpHNHc7SQksbYQmfVO1IPSFUoNLMmf74D_ge1Q/s1600/12-26-13+896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZByF0HZyjntAzSlxSYYjYuBi6_wVvsuZ5JbKA4DWkobtZHkCDrKeHqKVwpLgOjnx0NrZr7GY2Hkqi9KtbPL2VxHP7L47daHhBlOAp_8HpHNHc7SQksbYQmfVO1IPSFUoNLMmf74D_ge1Q/s1600/12-26-13+896.JPG" height="640" width="458" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We decided to make it a tradition for James and Hudson to put the star on the tree on Christmas Eve.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xO3_caC2ZSGFPyQB_0wbhf-2yN6eQwUPT0hVarAy5G96qfQS0VxRX2k66zB7eOPFKELTed_CE4rHA7HxqVO_hTKBRUP29aBbNKhRjbtC6kdV23Co5KeFIZpELBMYnqdqKk9WfZ26bIVh/s1600/12-29-13+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xO3_caC2ZSGFPyQB_0wbhf-2yN6eQwUPT0hVarAy5G96qfQS0VxRX2k66zB7eOPFKELTed_CE4rHA7HxqVO_hTKBRUP29aBbNKhRjbtC6kdV23Co5KeFIZpELBMYnqdqKk9WfZ26bIVh/s1600/12-29-13+014.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trip to the Festival of Lights with some friends who we don't see often enough.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4XQHKqCGl_qzJSd4jk9t375Pu0luS_4mszUwNhhl3twOGQJ2bIJUKjRseEwFfHljElo4pGN8P3zzXnPGnQ_xPVEKB1mOZlMcrW3fj3RdGUg4GmARVGFiCmrxlr_8P7w61glViiZwfj4c/s1600/12-29-13+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4XQHKqCGl_qzJSd4jk9t375Pu0luS_4mszUwNhhl3twOGQJ2bIJUKjRseEwFfHljElo4pGN8P3zzXnPGnQ_xPVEKB1mOZlMcrW3fj3RdGUg4GmARVGFiCmrxlr_8P7w61glViiZwfj4c/s1600/12-29-13+016.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggled in his City Select.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwy1QqSYzckgdhcKQvhXhDRqjnt6Caz0eHaQSdnt9kHtd8VRfG03jiWilgFKZca-tJhDmTg9iNlHzwjt1xYe-iyBIwMcW3QaD8UO_18cgM6yJm5fwRyGT4hwO-Fn_-RCyKrbdk9CNp3ONv/s1600/zoo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwy1QqSYzckgdhcKQvhXhDRqjnt6Caz0eHaQSdnt9kHtd8VRfG03jiWilgFKZca-tJhDmTg9iNlHzwjt1xYe-iyBIwMcW3QaD8UO_18cgM6yJm5fwRyGT4hwO-Fn_-RCyKrbdk9CNp3ONv/s1600/zoo1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can tell he was having a great time. :-)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuDk4qHMcS8gstlpLWJJmZKofQnJ0BE1-DS8TVyxo9xq7gRfwMI_xyAcPRfoFh6MkpW0sA7-tScgUuPjYDu_oOMB6K5VKSl-DPdDPHaGoY6V9OT7nL5roJGsk_0fbDgpby0EaVn5hr84F/s1600/1-16-2014+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuDk4qHMcS8gstlpLWJJmZKofQnJ0BE1-DS8TVyxo9xq7gRfwMI_xyAcPRfoFh6MkpW0sA7-tScgUuPjYDu_oOMB6K5VKSl-DPdDPHaGoY6V9OT7nL5roJGsk_0fbDgpby0EaVn5hr84F/s1600/1-16-2014+002.JPG" height="640" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hudson and Hayden decked out in Bengals gear.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzVrVN2cByq5LXNiGhnc2mG8CTdkngQ9WBYONO0H-3dbsLL4yvaILwrtfpsfU-qL5jxjQNUBpOvClpRUzc5udpM6gJL5wTOjiN0wfrRCsQZy-xS8cO1Ajvo5Vh6KRi1uxx4mnORjynjxa/s1600/1-16-2014+017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzVrVN2cByq5LXNiGhnc2mG8CTdkngQ9WBYONO0H-3dbsLL4yvaILwrtfpsfU-qL5jxjQNUBpOvClpRUzc5udpM6gJL5wTOjiN0wfrRCsQZy-xS8cO1Ajvo5Vh6KRi1uxx4mnORjynjxa/s1600/1-16-2014+017.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonderful fathers, Nathan and James.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyK50lyhx395c-joZ15zMPqhmBOtvMVsCLNF6LiITLDiNC2iU6SfhXBTDHzGyxPtoc6JI7NmG9wcN34KKdhsKeNapCK5YiYuB_Wz4D_bVaopq9viVX12tpLM1QPax-dcghEFqVqbTH6B4/s1600/1-16-2014+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyK50lyhx395c-joZ15zMPqhmBOtvMVsCLNF6LiITLDiNC2iU6SfhXBTDHzGyxPtoc6JI7NmG9wcN34KKdhsKeNapCK5YiYuB_Wz4D_bVaopq9viVX12tpLM1QPax-dcghEFqVqbTH6B4/s1600/1-16-2014+026.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being naked is awesome!</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpzXOqGRsqGx3VZHf3pl70d6Dv0YKBZaFMwGSyDDHsHHLbUPmG12wXderkJWrn-cWvd6RapGGryJGlGq_9eLz-s8B5N-C2Ij-aZk_JvXyHBD9ZTmRQ2eFNiscj7ZqB8ZbaK_AU5Y_xL-E/s1600/1-16-2014+057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpzXOqGRsqGx3VZHf3pl70d6Dv0YKBZaFMwGSyDDHsHHLbUPmG12wXderkJWrn-cWvd6RapGGryJGlGq_9eLz-s8B5N-C2Ij-aZk_JvXyHBD9ZTmRQ2eFNiscj7ZqB8ZbaK_AU5Y_xL-E/s1600/1-16-2014+057.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweetness</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3ibfH7IJ4infCpJhlZy667ZeVWOdFWBufVpDRbkOEVFC1r1NFD9pzxT3eDEefxur87YqBi2B5O0UrBj-yuYFJWodne4cSJnpbah2N9JXfPAqOIU1-QVGnqquit3TMdpF0h6ZR8bR0-Fj/s1600/1-19-2014+021.JPG" height="456" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hudson practices his chords while I study for my Economics test.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQ8OCcSuMJlnEAAn0uwQsmWjAFJHUAn4xdWODkVE-8sA9CBNTjg-DwfVNZCUfDm0cCQKsHZECgUl6t1u3kOvulUbpd12fapnMI8LLy3oflnbHDqMbSDsJwVb8k_kDMv8xsxPDWrCXTZ8p/s1600/2-22-14+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQ8OCcSuMJlnEAAn0uwQsmWjAFJHUAn4xdWODkVE-8sA9CBNTjg-DwfVNZCUfDm0cCQKsHZECgUl6t1u3kOvulUbpd12fapnMI8LLy3oflnbHDqMbSDsJwVb8k_kDMv8xsxPDWrCXTZ8p/s1600/2-22-14+010.JPG" height="640" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">9 Months!</td></tr>
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James has completed his training for the Cincinnati Fire Department as part of Recruit Class 112. He has been working for several weeks now and he seems to love every minute of it. He is already coming home with crazy stories almost every day. I'm sure this is only the beginning. I am so proud of him and happy that he found a profession he really enjoys. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KXbI7-rcO6Yt-3pVIGK9j8GqUAk1ZWiN1jMATAqX6tb9bQ5AOijsPXAqpijYN4qgaXLJJY3EWDwcwm6NovfJq0VFj7MIZwv4dCRt7cyRH_QXND7ZySmLcaYUQqMUczvhfGWHGVWuB1_B/s1600/Class112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KXbI7-rcO6Yt-3pVIGK9j8GqUAk1ZWiN1jMATAqX6tb9bQ5AOijsPXAqpijYN4qgaXLJJY3EWDwcwm6NovfJq0VFj7MIZwv4dCRt7cyRH_QXND7ZySmLcaYUQqMUczvhfGWHGVWuB1_B/s1600/Class112.jpg" height="228" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recruit Class 112 - James is in the front row, seven from the right.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1quk-kXcQAjoQOZ-zyVZ6VgN2sfUdBwgBrb8oZdy2xVrxO1VYI3aq7NljgyJJcBD81qRrFGf3kKcZvgbp4yHTMkgQLx52ilYCCafvv3yiUS3xdvyfsWY-ffvvV_hc21CRq7rxetKEPDUL/s1600/2-7-2014+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1quk-kXcQAjoQOZ-zyVZ6VgN2sfUdBwgBrb8oZdy2xVrxO1VYI3aq7NljgyJJcBD81qRrFGf3kKcZvgbp4yHTMkgQLx52ilYCCafvv3yiUS3xdvyfsWY-ffvvV_hc21CRq7rxetKEPDUL/s1600/2-7-2014+023.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James was assigned to Engine 29.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUBzUhyphenhyphendwMl-gx7LD6-3QRiZ743zZsxZM-H_ad8cdDhu5SBt-129FgDK5WJun6pb6pPO0Dqtab9XsPv5Z1TbNnqxhxOB5FKOzfQwZ2Zg0OsMM0ttAS8MWzLPfQYXbm9s0eqSKneb3VFnU/s1600/2-7-2014+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbUBzUhyphenhyphendwMl-gx7LD6-3QRiZ743zZsxZM-H_ad8cdDhu5SBt-129FgDK5WJun6pb6pPO0Dqtab9XsPv5Z1TbNnqxhxOB5FKOzfQwZ2Zg0OsMM0ttAS8MWzLPfQYXbm9s0eqSKneb3VFnU/s1600/2-7-2014+035.JPG" height="640" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hudson and I at James' graduation ceremony.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYcp-bjcrzmk7zqKztUPown0ORJmUP5Dddoq5KHCMtWYbUhfBrmgsxX1_oNi9ThYz1cqiu_CgU-7ELUfyh40Lt5y2Jc6EvahBhUo-uOi0dxrQjarscglF3rsKbfKAj2-Vnt_1WaiBWx48/s1600/2-7-2014+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYcp-bjcrzmk7zqKztUPown0ORJmUP5Dddoq5KHCMtWYbUhfBrmgsxX1_oNi9ThYz1cqiu_CgU-7ELUfyh40Lt5y2Jc6EvahBhUo-uOi0dxrQjarscglF3rsKbfKAj2-Vnt_1WaiBWx48/s1600/2-7-2014+036.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was James' fifth graduation (I have attended four)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgVYmCJ63ZO2_CZZzqzqRtS6ca1pO9DHu7bsnurOP8lP8Eb8rs4HJpifpsGHs3AlhJjyWjgkVR70YxTGaXATock1VN9le8lfW_TgyGtWKZ8wVrXEQCj-C5f70PnNVjOUuPpEveKEZ7Zxf/s1600/2-22-14+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgVYmCJ63ZO2_CZZzqzqRtS6ca1pO9DHu7bsnurOP8lP8Eb8rs4HJpifpsGHs3AlhJjyWjgkVR70YxTGaXATock1VN9le8lfW_TgyGtWKZ8wVrXEQCj-C5f70PnNVjOUuPpEveKEZ7Zxf/s1600/2-22-14+054.JPG" height="640" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10 Months, he's getting so big.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SueSwf4vV0vhyphenhyphen-0heDPC4pXrl0lawFCw8kLfpKAmm0AAv2iY0ies4HUAbfC4LI_LwvaF-etC54U_s3M8qkZYfS-Be-JDmN1587r5ZiHP6Qhh4AJpKAtongdZAaD4gdLjlIKdpQ_2WDdt/s1600/2-22-14+064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SueSwf4vV0vhyphenhyphen-0heDPC4pXrl0lawFCw8kLfpKAmm0AAv2iY0ies4HUAbfC4LI_LwvaF-etC54U_s3M8qkZYfS-Be-JDmN1587r5ZiHP6Qhh4AJpKAtongdZAaD4gdLjlIKdpQ_2WDdt/s1600/2-22-14+064.JPG" height="640" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Perry's Wedding Reception</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1F1hsbXc6Ywo7WjQnoufD_0azbDerYV-ZYcLVlfcDvzxHuGpx8Tg0nrnxJyUPnoGHZ4ZUHkcHQ6JF5xWzmVwIYjiDY3QnagaGE4FuEpx2Xw6FEZ0qMFjkUSPNtOw9FuERoRdrYUirUveX/s1600/2-22-14+067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1F1hsbXc6Ywo7WjQnoufD_0azbDerYV-ZYcLVlfcDvzxHuGpx8Tg0nrnxJyUPnoGHZ4ZUHkcHQ6JF5xWzmVwIYjiDY3QnagaGE4FuEpx2Xw6FEZ0qMFjkUSPNtOw9FuERoRdrYUirUveX/s1600/2-22-14+067.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gym shoes were James' idea.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmBkHPA_kOlRM93Fkqb1cS9kFRVYXX6NVI8D5JorZeGOud8dpJW1KU5_tCU8ynEL3seqQJ9sArF7I6PnlLiHgiTzd49WQSX6ffkKDFkX9QZOQU8H6i8e82Cj-fD8ebYGCtpTNInrov8Ec/s1600/2-22-14+068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmBkHPA_kOlRM93Fkqb1cS9kFRVYXX6NVI8D5JorZeGOud8dpJW1KU5_tCU8ynEL3seqQJ9sArF7I6PnlLiHgiTzd49WQSX6ffkKDFkX9QZOQU8H6i8e82Cj-fD8ebYGCtpTNInrov8Ec/s1600/2-22-14+068.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating with Whitney and Rob.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWenwR1Xaq12yGGXTKhDz2A5NnvKyQA8N833ZzQW97p3Gfhk-q0oQygocry9iSUMcfvdI1hwJcsjta9dJQdWrMEI5zasa1ra8kHGFfWPqAFVqGjSbFoXd5ILLN0X5Wpp6Qutl2CythNYeV/s1600/2-22-14+075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWenwR1Xaq12yGGXTKhDz2A5NnvKyQA8N833ZzQW97p3Gfhk-q0oQygocry9iSUMcfvdI1hwJcsjta9dJQdWrMEI5zasa1ra8kHGFfWPqAFVqGjSbFoXd5ILLN0X5Wpp6Qutl2CythNYeV/s1600/2-22-14+075.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the cool people bring their own sippy cups to weddings. :-)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX59wcv08xO0lOlz8DanD4ezRJbMcE1CqV_M6f_vpR9KzAKGphKLGZXWZyKGh1nJ66rd_SpM4ybHly74OPbmat5xBeoJR49X6v3o1gbT1ROdGeLK99RMo67clzje92HSxeG52KDpsTVmJq/s1600/2-22-14+078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX59wcv08xO0lOlz8DanD4ezRJbMcE1CqV_M6f_vpR9KzAKGphKLGZXWZyKGh1nJ66rd_SpM4ybHly74OPbmat5xBeoJR49X6v3o1gbT1ROdGeLK99RMo67clzje92HSxeG52KDpsTVmJq/s1600/2-22-14+078.JPG" height="640" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A dance with the beautiful bride, Whitney. We wish they lived closer.</td></tr>
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Hudson now has two teeth. He learned to crawl on November 21st and now he flies around our condo pretty quickly. He also learned to stand up on his own the same day. He spends a good portion of his days pulling up to a standing position and then letting go, to see how long he can stand with no hands. His little hips swivel back and forth as he tries to keep his balance, but he can only make it work for about ten seconds before he tumbles down. It makes me smile every time. :-)<br />
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I just finished my first semester as a full time student. I am happy to say that after four years of college, I am no longer a Freshman. Since I am in a five year program, if I continue at this rate, I should be done by the time I am.....42 years old....right about the time Hudson will get his driver's license. I pray to God that it doesn't take me that long and that I am able to continue going to school full time. <br />
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While I am between semesters our goal is to get our condo staged to sell. We would like to expand the family but our condo is getting a little tight and Achilles desperately needs a fenced in backyard.<br />
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Here are some things that happened recently.<br />
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We had a great time at a baby Halloween party.<br />
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Hudson was the only boy to attend! He loved the female attention...</div>
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We played in the leaves...<br />
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Turned Hudson into a monkey...<br />
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Decorated the Christmas tree...<br />
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Welcomed Hayden Cromer (Hudson's cousin) into the world...<br />
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And Hudson celebrated the end of the semester by destroying my homework!<br />
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This has been a wonderful year and I look forward to seeing what 2014 has to offer.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210614377636632074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224200470970139734.post-46440850634927379062013-10-27T18:15:00.000-07:002013-10-27T18:16:38.075-07:007 Months and a Baby Shower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hudson is now 7 months old, and I can't believe it! He is getting so big and he is very close to being able to get around quickly. I want him to crawl because I love to witness his milestones but part of me wants him to wait until I finish this semester. Studying for five classes is a little tricky with a baby that is not mobile. I'm not sure how it will work when he is getting into everything.</div>
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Hudson's first tooth came in a few weeks ago, on the bottom. I'm half expecting a tooth to come in on the top, caddy-corner from the first so he looks like a little jack o'lantern for Halloween. James and I bought a Halloween costume for Hudson. James wanted Hudson to be Dracula, so that is the plan. I just realized as I was writing this paragraph that Hudson's lack of teeth may be problematic in respect to his costume. He does however have the pointy Dracula hairline naturally. He is just missing the dark hair.</div>
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The last "month" photo I posted of Hudson was 3 months. Here are months four, five, and six. I have yet to take his seven month photo.</div>
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Below: Hudson is proud of his Daddy and his new job.<br />
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Below: Hudson and his puppy.<br />
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Below: The men of the house, napping.<br />
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Today my mother-in-law and I threw a baby shower for my sister-in-law, Emily. It was so much fun to put it all together. A lot of the decorations were Pinterest inspired. I have so many photos and ideas pinned but it was exciting to put so many of them to use. We went with a baseball theme to match the theme of Hayden's nursery.<br />
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Below: HAYDEN"S STATS-I meant to get a photo of this after it was filled in with everyone's guesses.<br />
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We tried to stick mostly with the baseball theme, even with the food. We had hotdogs, nachos, popcorn, and other baseball goodies. We also had chicken salad on pretzel buns and a chocolate fountain, neither of which were ready when I had the camera out.<br />
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Painting these pumpkins proved to be a bit more difficult than expected, but I think it added a nice touch of fall.<br />
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Even though the theme was "baseball", we had to represent the Reds in a few ways.<br />
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More painted pumpkins!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcQUQKPUWXB-NMH0jF_FvfuqaUKM9XKi5xyE6lltxWul3QzAHB8dkAlrwWrMwft3-zbOy9NuF7Kztelqp-0TjPGwvq9egkxoDSkDF4Q10lK5y0TI0Qn2YXGPlh1lYPGikEKpIywcwImV_/s1600/10-27-13+062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcQUQKPUWXB-NMH0jF_FvfuqaUKM9XKi5xyE6lltxWul3QzAHB8dkAlrwWrMwft3-zbOy9NuF7Kztelqp-0TjPGwvq9egkxoDSkDF4Q10lK5y0TI0Qn2YXGPlh1lYPGikEKpIywcwImV_/s640/10-27-13+062.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Hudson just fell asleep, so that is my cue to study for my Financial Accounting test. Ta-ta for now!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210614377636632074noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224200470970139734.post-16869074932096672712013-09-01T18:07:00.001-07:002013-09-01T18:07:43.958-07:00The League of Ordinary GentlemenA few months ago James tried to talk me into joining a dynasty football league that he was starting. We ended up deciding on running a team together since I have very limited knowledge of football and a full schedule with school. Every year I spend countless hours watching football games with James, even though I'm not a huge football fan. I love watching football because it is time I get to spend with my wonderful husband but since I am a very competitive person, I decided that being involved in the fantasy football league would make watching games more entertaining. Today we had the draft and James seems to think we ended up with a great team. Of course James consulted with me about each and every pick before making the final decisions. That last sentence was 100% false. :-)<div>
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Anyway, I love scrapbooking but I just have not had time recently so I enjoyed getting out some of my scrapbooking equipment to throw this draft board together.<div>
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This is the League Commissioner (James) and the Enforcer (Hudson)!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODoSkn2VGomnxwIaLzrsDRe62OxDEzTv3hjGRImmyA65KCsDfueqPbdNx4Ne6MfVGKET5N2VXh2Z_FqAJX8a4mf2Gjb-8E0ZJ5LPLL68c5bhIYYB81YHEpeuG6gIgVIXy4IZHQ6aVmUCr/s1600/9-31-13+057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODoSkn2VGomnxwIaLzrsDRe62OxDEzTv3hjGRImmyA65KCsDfueqPbdNx4Ne6MfVGKET5N2VXh2Z_FqAJX8a4mf2Gjb-8E0ZJ5LPLL68c5bhIYYB81YHEpeuG6gIgVIXy4IZHQ6aVmUCr/s640/9-31-13+057.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Don't mess with this little guy!<br />
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Hudson loves his cousin Rosie.<br />
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And Rosie loves him too.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210614377636632074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224200470970139734.post-41510196040989101842013-08-29T18:55:00.000-07:002013-08-29T18:55:17.949-07:00Goodbye AugustI thought 2005 was going to be the last year James and I would experience a "first day of school" together. That thought was incorrect because on August 26th, Hudson watched as James left to attend his first day of the Fire Academy and I went to UC for my first day as a full time student. I have been seeing so many people post sweet pictures of their kids this week, as they are about to head off to their first day. I couldn't help but imagine Hudson holding the camera and taking a picture of his parents on their first day of school. Obviously not realistic but it brought a smile to my face.<br />
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As summer will soon end and we say goodbye to August, I smile thinking of all the good times and fellowship we have enjoyed with friends and family. I can't wait to see the joys (babies and weddings in particular) that will come with fall and winter.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210614377636632074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224200470970139734.post-35953947613913181482013-08-05T15:25:00.000-07:002013-08-05T15:25:02.793-07:00A Budget Friendly, Beautiful August Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
James and I are trying to budget our money a little better since we are hoping to buy a house before baby Becker number two comes into the equation. This rules out a lot of forms of weekend entertainment options but that didn't stop us from having a wonderful time with some fabulous people!</div>
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On Friday night James and I found out that Allison was back in town so Whitney and Allison joined us and we went downtown in hopes of attending the Blues Fest. The weather was absolutely perfect but by the time we had walked through downtown, had dinner at the Banks and walked to Sawyer Point, it was already past our bed time :-) So instead we just listened to one of the bands as we watched all the boats gather on the river in preparation for the fireworks. Then we headed back to the Banks where they have a play area for kids. Water squirts up and they light the water with flashes of light in timed sequences. We watched a family (mom, dad and toddler) come up the path to the fountains. Their little boy escaped their grasp and made a beeline for the water. We all cracked up as the innocent little boy got a surprise burst of water to the face. He enjoyed it after the shock wore off.</div>
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I love Cincinnati! </div>
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Hudson was sound asleep at this point.<br />
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On Saturday James, Hudson, Achilles and I went to Winton Woods with Max, Tara, Lil, Hatchi, Emily and Rosie. Hayden was technically there too. :-) We were quite the sight as we strolled down the trail with two men, three women, two strollers, an American Bulldog, an Akita and a Pit Bull. Afterwards we enjoyed Icee Floats, which were amazing! Then we watched Lil and Hudson in this priceless encounter (shown below).<br />
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It began with a nice introduction...<br />
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A little friendly hand holding...<br />
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Lil gave Hudson some little kisses...</div>
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Hudson is now afraid of the ladies...they are a bit overwhelming.<br />
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Lil just wants to be friends...<br />
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Lil decides to give it another go but ends up with a mouth full of eyeball.<br />
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Nailed it. So sweet.<br />
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On Saturday we spent a beautiful afternoon with James' family in Springfield. Afterwards we went to Young's Jersey Dairy for some ice cream.</div>
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You don't know the power of the dark side.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210614377636632074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224200470970139734.post-63688024958852591592013-08-01T08:41:00.001-07:002013-08-01T08:41:10.793-07:00Baby Mullet Lately Hudson has been loosing a lot of his blondish-red newborn hair. There will be no more mohawks in Hudson's immediate future. Instead his head is filling with bright blond hair, with the exception of his mullet. :-) Since this is probably the only time in his life when a mullet will be socially acceptable, we are letting him enjoy it for the time being.<br />
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Hudson is more fascinated with his hands and feet as the days roll on. His mouth has not met his feet yet but I have a feeling this will happen shortly. We are still amazed how peaceful Hudson is most of the time. Since the weather has been so nice lately, James and I have been playing tennis almost every day. I thought that having a child meant the end of my "tennis time" but I have already played more this year than last. Hudson doesn't mind coming along for the ride. He gets fussy every once in a while but a lap around the tennis court tends to calm him down and sometimes even put him to sleep. Yesterday one of our neighbors was juggling down by the tennis court. He kept Hudson's attention for most of our tennis match.<br />
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Lately Hudson has been enjoying play dates with other babies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZ5KQ81pF8HZ8AKo56OEvjqfdOTdSBRWsJMv9wMRfyO6Uo_MGs1stEUcPtvHlTv_iSl3ld7EkFi4adCyEPOF8ff_EJkiPk8lkKQGFrqEhoUxfuMwwgnrq8lLoop_C8XFYKa7qe8roEUDJ/s1600/8-2-13+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZ5KQ81pF8HZ8AKo56OEvjqfdOTdSBRWsJMv9wMRfyO6Uo_MGs1stEUcPtvHlTv_iSl3ld7EkFi4adCyEPOF8ff_EJkiPk8lkKQGFrqEhoUxfuMwwgnrq8lLoop_C8XFYKa7qe8roEUDJ/s640/8-2-13+027.JPG" width="480" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOGQS15WSyqTMjs9mtRFcpzyzKi3IpI65Yvzx3W66Qji_SF-gL7pmKDUe8JRM6Q7qW1VIoOpB_Vp55z5MBtPIy1K-QCPF30xvMbcCT7jBw872TCw0A9I2GMpBlSJYx9gGwHBzh2EcQYRd/s1600/8-1-13+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOGQS15WSyqTMjs9mtRFcpzyzKi3IpI65Yvzx3W66Qji_SF-gL7pmKDUe8JRM6Q7qW1VIoOpB_Vp55z5MBtPIy1K-QCPF30xvMbcCT7jBw872TCw0A9I2GMpBlSJYx9gGwHBzh2EcQYRd/s640/8-1-13+054.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJmsJva9PieUPGXSMZytnkSEtm0aLMNFzmJomLqx-HUaF89QuwrkOqL0FCuYawG1kVGvmokmTxcxoNWQ6NZuNDOMHvrrIRX9ILGStvo-2fYD6OUZvZuauikW9ecDGA1aPN2C3HiiCYbP5/s1600/8-1-13+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjJmsJva9PieUPGXSMZytnkSEtm0aLMNFzmJomLqx-HUaF89QuwrkOqL0FCuYawG1kVGvmokmTxcxoNWQ6NZuNDOMHvrrIRX9ILGStvo-2fYD6OUZvZuauikW9ecDGA1aPN2C3HiiCYbP5/s640/8-1-13+049.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We have gone to the park several times.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHz7dI4NVJWI9OAMTDFOKy3j1W2ReyJuuoDHD02AlIt9m6Xo6hb3Dif-SmiQzBwPqbixCWxTi5lKbX7z3rC9dz22Qa_i-d4Z64JhU_DCmfMhnFkXcYjZ9aA0Zu6B7QRjBkDUpFmtpYzrtg/s1600/8-2-13+033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHz7dI4NVJWI9OAMTDFOKy3j1W2ReyJuuoDHD02AlIt9m6Xo6hb3Dif-SmiQzBwPqbixCWxTi5lKbX7z3rC9dz22Qa_i-d4Z64JhU_DCmfMhnFkXcYjZ9aA0Zu6B7QRjBkDUpFmtpYzrtg/s640/8-2-13+033.JPG" width="426" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkx_HJk2w8Be33LuRKIjcU3cbs1vxn4fB6m06xTls1IJYHvhmCwswd_TrXFgnssNGbG8uAsyO29I_-sKeyneHSM51LFizheUws1jNjYynhwgkmAr0fFnISAqvFWW2ORkMLUGujExjlR87j/s1600/8-2-13+036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkx_HJk2w8Be33LuRKIjcU3cbs1vxn4fB6m06xTls1IJYHvhmCwswd_TrXFgnssNGbG8uAsyO29I_-sKeyneHSM51LFizheUws1jNjYynhwgkmAr0fFnISAqvFWW2ORkMLUGujExjlR87j/s640/8-2-13+036.JPG" width="426" /></a><br />
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And Hudson found out he is going to have a little cousin named Hayden Amos!<br />
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Since Hudson joined the family, James and I have not had a date night without James' mini me. :-) We just haven't wanted to leave Hudson's side. Instead we have been watching a lot of television. James and I just finished watching the M.A.S.H. series, which we began in December of 2012. I can't believe it's over. All we have left are the special features. :-( I think M.A.S.H. may have been my favorite series I've ever seen. <br />
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I'm hoping that, since Hudson is a little older, James and I will be able to work time in for a date night before the end of summer! And I don't really care where we go but I want to get dressed up and do my hair and makeup. I have only styled my hair three times since Hudson came home. It's been a pony tail every day for this girl. Every day I go into my closet and choose an outfit that is "breastfeeding friendly". So many outfits have been neglected over the past few months. :-) It's time to bring one back to life. I think I will make date night happen!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210614377636632074noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224200470970139734.post-45501826146389571322013-07-24T00:23:00.000-07:002013-07-24T00:27:03.319-07:004 MonthsLately I have been writing my blog in the moments during the day when Hudson falls asleep. It has sometimes taken me days for one entry. Tonight I am not able to sleep due to a tooth ache, so what better time to blog. However, this will be a short entry since I am having trouble getting past the pain.<br />
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Hudson is four months old today. James and I comment often that we think he is getting more and more adorable with each day that passes. I don't know if this is true or if we are just falling more in love with him. </div>
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We took Hudson to another Red's game. Game two was a whole different ball game! He slept through a majority of his first game but he was able to observe most of his second. While we sat right outside the ballpark to feed Hudson, we met a family with six little boys under that age of ten. The youngest was only weeks old. All of the little boys were blonde. We joked that this could be us in nine years. ;-) </div>
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Below: He still loves to sit in the Moby Wrap while I clean the house!<br />
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A few weeks ago, Hudson, my mom and I drove up to the Lansing area for my Uncle Matt's wedding. I purchased this hat for Hudson to wear to the wedding. After a long engagement that must have set a record, my Uncle Matt married his beautiful wife, Barb. They had a wonderful outdoor wedding! The weather was perfect. They were married in their backyard and had the reception in their yard as well, followed by a bonfire with s'mores.</div>
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Below: This was taken at the hotel pool. Hudson didn't seem to know what to do with the warm water in the pool. Ours at home was still pretty cool at this time in the summer.<br />
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My date, the baby mobster!</div>
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Above: Uncle Matt and Aunt Barb</div>
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Below: My brothers, Joe and Jon</div>
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Below: Me and my mama.</div>
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Below: Hudson's 3 month photo<br />
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Below: Siblings at the bonfire.<br />
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Hudson just woke up. Of course tonight was the night that he set a record of 6 hours, 27 minutes of sleep. I will pray that this is the start of something beautiful! :-)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210614377636632074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224200470970139734.post-72453840083741901402013-06-27T14:51:00.001-07:002013-06-27T14:51:35.653-07:00"Liquid Gold"Due to the amount of blood loss I experienced because of my retained placenta issue, I was told by the doctor and nurses that I would have trouble getting my milk to come in. Breastfeeding was something that I knew I wanted to do (if possible), even if only for a few months. We took advantage of every opportunity for guidance and encouragement in regards to breastfeeding while I was in the hospital. James and I met with two different lactation consultants. This wasn't just for me but James also had to learn how to get Hudson to latch on because the first five days or so after labor, I was not able to tilt my head enough to see that part of my body. With James's assistance, the first night we latched Hudson on almost every hour because we knew that the more frequently Hudson latched on, the better chances we had of my milk coming in. I woke up in the middle of the night on the third day after birth, seriously engorged. It hurt but I could not have been happier!<br />
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When I had Hudson, I was only allowed to take six weeks unpaid leave. From the day my milk came in, I began pumping 1-2 times a day. I knew from other mother's experiences that if I was going to continue breastfeeding when I returned to work, I was going to need a reserve in my freezer. I returned to work May 9th. I was pumping twice a day at work to supplement what Hudson needed while I was away from him. To make a long story short, for a handful of reasons, James and I decided I would quit my job. <br />
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I have spent the last three months stockpiling "liquid gold" in our freezer. Since I am now able to be with Hudson almost 24/7, I don't have such a dire need for the previously expressed milk. During our Bradley Method classes, we met a woman who was not able to produce breast milk for her newborn. The couple located a milk bank and was able to provide their newborn with breast milk from a donor. This was my first time hearing about "donor milk banks". </div>
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I began researching donor milk banks to see if I wanted to donate. I have to admit, initially I was a bit apprehensive about some other infant drinking my breast milk. It seemed a little strange to me. I read about why these babies desperately need the human milk and as I stared down at my little guy, I couldn't imagine doing anything else with the milk. After reading more about the process, I decided to donate to <a href="https://www.ohiohealth.com/mothersmilkbank/" target="_blank">OhioHealth Mothers' Milk Bank</a>. </div>
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It's an interesting process. When the milk is donated it is logged in to assure tracking from donor to recipient. The milk is thawed and placed in testing flasks to check calorie and fat content. Milk from three to five donors is combined to evenly distribute protein, fat and antibodies. This is done in a laminar flow hood to prevent contamination. The milk is then pasteurized. It is heated and then cooled to eliminate bacteria while still maintaining most of the milk's beneficial components. The milk is labeled with a batch number and expiration date. Then it is placed in a freezer until it gets shipped out. With a physicians prescription, the milk is then packed on dry ice and sent to hospitals and recipients The milk is typically used by those who are pre-mature, ill, or have life-threatening illnesses. There is a constant need for milk. The OhioHealth Mothers' Milk Bank sends out between 15,000 to 25,000 ounces per month. If you know anyone who is able to donate, please spread the word.</div>
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Here are a few things you might want to know if you are considering donating. Milk that has already been expressed can be used! A minimum of 200 ounces is required for your initial donation. You can be a one time donor or a continuing donor. There is a screening processes you must go through. First there is a phone interview. You must then complete a medical and lifestyle history review and sign release forms so your Obstetrician and your child's Pediatrician can share your medical information with the donor bank. You can also sign a release so that your milk can be used for research. Once that is complete, you will be sent a blood work kit. You then go to the hospital and have your blood drawn to check for several illnesses which would exclude you from being a donor. As soon as all of this is complete, you will receive your donor number and you can begin donating. You just have to contact the milk bank when you need more milk storage containers or boxes to ship the milk in. All of this is free. You just have to take the package to FedEx and they will bill the milk bank.</div>
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If you or someone you know is interested in donating human milk and you have questions, I would be happy to answer them.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210614377636632074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224200470970139734.post-46749348603393358292013-06-25T06:14:00.003-07:002013-06-25T06:14:42.568-07:00Road Trips to Biloxi, New Orleans and Indianapolis.It is amazing to see how much Hudson has changed in only three months. He looks more and more like James every day. I am amazed at his level of interaction with people. He is constantly smiling and laughing when he is talked or sang to. I just love listening to his little coos and watching him hold his bobbly little head up. Many other parents told me of the amazement you feel when you see your own child do these things and now I am getting to experience these surreal feeling first hand . I am still shocked that James and I made this little creature. It's been three months and I'm not sure that I will ever stop looking at Hudson in wonder.<br />
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Hudson has experienced a lot his first few months of life.<br />
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When Hudson was five weeks old, James headed down to Biloxi for military training. I decided that we should go down to visit him, so Hudson, James's mom and I drove down to Mississippi right in the middle of James's time away. We took his two month photo on the beach. The beach photos were much more exciting for James, Tammy and me than they were for Hudson. :-) We spent a week down south visiting James.<br />
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While we were down there, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to visit New Orleans since it was so close. James and I had both been there before but separately. He went to the Sugar Bowl and I visited while on a business trip. While we were there we went on a tour of the French Quarter with Free Tours By Foot. The tour was great and I would recommend the company to anyone. Free Tours By Foot does not have a specified price for their tours. At the end of the tour, you give the tour guide whatever you feel they deserve. The company operates in several different cities. I will definitely be looking into tours with the same company when we travel to other cities throughout the United States.<br />
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James is so wonderful. He was even brave enough to wear the Moby wrap.<br />
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While in New Orleans we visited the National WWII Museum. <br />
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While James was at work, Tammy and I drove to Gulfport via Beach Boulevard. On the way back we stopped to eat at the Love Shack for lunch. It was delicious. Thank you Urban Spoon! We decided to take James there later that week for dinner. The next day Tammy, Hudson and I started our trek home.<br />
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Grandma and Meemaw had some fun with Hudson while we waited for James to get home.<br />
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Once James got back, it was time for some Bumbo time.</div>
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We took Hudson to our pool and he loved the water.<br />
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Supporting the Cincinnati Reds...<br />
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James surprised me with an anniversary trip last weekend. On June 21st we headed to Indianapolis (those advertisements on Hulu got us!) for the weekend to celebrate 5 years of marriage and 10 years together. We had a precious little third wheel. I had only been to Indianapolis for a business trip and we didn't have time to venture out into the city so I didn't know how amazing the city is. There are tons of restaurants and sites to see. I even felt safe walking around downtown alone (with Hudson) while James worked out. It was the perfect place for a weekend getaway.<br />
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We went to Dicks Last Resort for our anniversary dinner. Romantic right? It wasn't what most women might want to do for their anniversary but ever since I saw a feature on Dicks Last Resort on the Food Network, I've wanted to go. For those of you that don't know, the waitresses and waiters there are rude to you. If you ask for a refill, they will tell you to get it yourself. You can basically expect rude remarks in response to anything you say or ask. Also, the waitress makes a paper hat and writes mean things on them. James tried to prepare me before we went in there by saying that they will probably tell us that our child is the ugliest they have seen, and other things of the sort. I'm not a violent person but I think I might become one if I heard someone talking trash about Hudson. :-) Lucky for the the waitresses face, she only said nice things about our son. :-)<br />
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James and I have talked about going to a children's museum for a few years. We didn't want to appear creepy and show up without children so we waited until we had one of our own. We visited the Children's Museum in Indianapolis and it was wonderful. They even had an Avatar exhibit that opened the day we went. The Avatar exhibit was interesting. It explained a lot about the making of the movie. <br />
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This was a water clock that absolutely fascinated me!<br />
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They had a doll house exhibit and these are two of the rooms I thought were really cool.<br />
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Family Photo with Bumblebee.<br />
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They had these cool miniature statues right outside the museum. Of course we took advantage of them!<br />
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This one below is my favorite. I love his facial expression.</div>
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Off to the many war memorials in Indianapolis. They are all right in the middle of the city. We went inside the enormous memorial that housed a small Civil War Museum. You had the option to either walk up the 34 flights of stairs to the top or take the elevator. James and I, being the extremely competitive people that we are, decided we wanted to take the stairs. 34 flights didn't really sound that bad. I mean we walked up the stairs in the Eiffel Tower and the Cologne Dome in 2009 so we weren't worried. Anyway, we couldn't take Hudson with us because we had the stroller so James went first. When he made it back down, he looked hot and exhausted. I was next in line. As I was about to go up, I noticed a sign that said, "Please do not attempt the stairs if you are afraid of heights or claustrophobic". Lucky for me, I am both of these things, plus my only option was to go alone. I tried to go up as fast as I could so James wouldn't think I was weak. :-) I would realize later, that was a bad choice. I observed the beautiful view at the top then enjoyed the much easier 34 flight descent. Afterwards our legs felt like noodles. One day post stair climb my legs were sore. Two days post stair climb, I tried to stand up out of bed in the morning and collapsed! I told James that if I were able to go up and down 34 flights of stairs daily, I think natural birth with our second baby will be a piece of cake. The only thing I feel could have made labor easier was some decent leg muscles. Anyway, more war memorials.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Summer!</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210614377636632074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224200470970139734.post-663857433406219902013-04-26T13:24:00.000-07:002013-04-26T13:24:50.434-07:001 Month<div>
Our little guy is already one month old! It's crazy how time flies. We had these photos taken an April 24th. The little man is waking up. Duty calls.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210614377636632074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224200470970139734.post-38315461759985783812013-04-18T06:52:00.001-07:002013-04-18T06:55:21.878-07:006 Hours! Is This Our Child?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Of course, being a new mom, I have not been getting much sleep at all. This has gotten worse since James has gone back to work because whenever possible, I try to take care of everything through the night so he is able to focus at work. Just like most moms in the first month of their child's life, I am always happy if I get 5 or 6 hours of sleep a night, even though it is broken up into 2 hour increments with 1-2 hours of feeding, changing and wake time in between.<br />
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Before we went to bed last night I gave Hudson a pep talk about letting mama get some sleep. It worked! I couldn't remember what 6 (almost consecutive) hours of sleep felt like but it feels wonderful. He only woke up fussy twice in those 6 hours and then fell back asleep within 10 minutes, so I don't count those little mishaps. It was a win! Hopefully this is the start of something beautiful.</div>
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Today Hudson is 3 weeks and 4 days old. These past few weeks have been wonderful, overwhelming, blissful, exciting, joyful, sleepless, humbling and painful at times. They have been the most terrific and meaningful weeks of my life. I am still amazed at what James and I have created, with God's assistance of course. :-) It is astounding to look at Hudson's face and see pieces of both James and me. God is truly amazing!</div>
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Things have gone somewhat smoothly in the Becker household so far. Hudson for the most part only fusses or cries when he actually needs something. He is also breastfeeding like a champ. We have been very lucky. Even so though, I will be completely honest in saying that there are still some times of frustration when we just can't figure out what is wrong and it is absolutely heartbreaking to listen to Hudson's screams and watch his tiny quivering lips in helplessness.<br />
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As each day passes I get more and more anxious about James leaving for training. I know all of the wonderful people in my life with help me get through these six weeks while he is gone but quite frankly, I am terrified of not having James around. I'm sure I will be so busy with work and taking care of Hudson that the six weeks will go by really fast but it's the anticipation that is a killer. I know it will be even more difficult for James because he will be away from his little man for that time. Thank God for Skype!<br />
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In the meantime, we will just continue to enjoy our family of three!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">I love his big navy blue eyes but they are starting to lighten up. </span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Play date with Lil.</span></i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, our son appears to be throwing gang signs.</span></i></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210614377636632074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224200470970139734.post-29282799152516304472013-04-01T11:43:00.001-07:002016-06-18T05:11:47.768-07:00A Beautiful Beginning<i><b>WARNING: This post is long and extremely detailed. </b></i><i><b><i><b>I have written a "short and sweet" version at the bottom of the
post as well, if you would like to spare yourself all the gory details. </b></i>James and I planned for a natural birth with our son and while I was pregnant I read a lot of natural child birth stories on blogs which really helped me prepare myself for the birth of Hudson. For this reason, I wanted to make my story available to any one who is considering natural birth. I have posted photos as well. Unfortunately we were not able to get any of the sweet laboring photography that most people going natural seem to capture these days. The camera didn't come out until I was ready to push. Also, please excuse my spelling and grammar as I am running on very little sleep. :-)</b></i><br />
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We have been awaiting Hudson's arrival for 40 weeks. James and I were planning a natural birth for Hudson. We took Bradley Method classes to prepare us for the "husband coached birth" that I wanted. I have to say that had we not taken these classes and just tried to go naturally, I don't know that I would have been able to do it. Just to give you an idea of what we wanted for a natural birth, these are some of the many things that we were hoping for: <br />
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No epidural or other pain killers<br />
Freedom to walk and move around during labor<br />
Intermittent EFM only<br />
Place the baby on mothers chest immediately<br />
Immediate breastfeeding<br />
Allow Placenta to detach on its own (This was not possible for me)<br />
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On March 24th at 1:17 a.m., Hudson made his way into the world. I didn't realize it was the real thing at the time but at 11:00 p.m. on March 22nd I began having contractions that kept me up all night. They weren't terrible but I was not able to lay down during them. I utilized the birth ball all through the night to manage the pain. I would fall asleep for a few minutes, then wake up to a painful contraction. I was supposed to work on the 23rd but I decided after going back and forth about it that I would have trouble focusing on my work through contractions. I decided to stay home and thank God I did because even though I wasn't sure at the time, I would be delivering Hudson very soon! At 10:00 a.m. on March 23rd, I decided to try to do some of the typical things that people say will help put you in labor (because I was in denial that it was the real deal). I'm still not really sure that I believe these things make a difference but I decided to give some of them a shot. At this point I was contracting every 5-6 minutes and they were lasting about a minute each, however they were bearable and I was able to go about my regular day without much interference. I started the day by eating Indian food for lunch with my friends Tara and Max. Tara made me a pitcher of Raspberry Leaf Tea to take home to drink. I had never heard of this approach but it was one of the things she had tried, to put herself into labor. I stopped at Kroger on the way home to pick up a fresh Pineapple. When I got home I had a glass of the tea and ate some of the Pineapple. Next on the agenda was to go for a long walk. My sister in law Emily came over and we all went for a walk. When we got back to the house, it was about 4:00 p.m. By this point the contractions were still 5 minutes apart and they were getting stronger. It was about this time that I realized this was probably the real thing. I had prodromal labor several times in the past few weeks so I was hesitant to get too excited too early on. The longest my false labor had lasted in the past was about 4 hours so when I realized I had been laboring for 17 hours by that point, we knew it was the real thing. <br />
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Over the next few hours I labored at home. I made sure to take a shower so I would be nice and refreshed. The warm water felt great during contractions but I still had to concentrate on getting through them. We made sure to continue to eat because my biggest fear was not having enough fuel for my body to get through the entire labor. I knew they weren't going to let me eat in the hospital so I decided on a peanut butter/honey sandwich and a Cliff bar. I also stuck a banana in my purse which I had planned to eat on the way to the hospital. During this time James and I also pulled out the books that our Bradley Method instructor had given us. We were feverishly flipping through the pages trying to refresh ourselves on what was about to happen. We were laughing at ourselves for doing this. We were really well prepared but when the time came we still felt like we needed a refresher course. We learned at our classes that it is best to labor at home as long as possible. There are many reasons for this, one of them being the opportunity to rest/sleep while you are in labor, in the comfort of your own home. Since I was showered and had plenty of food in my body, we decided it would be best to try to get some sleep. I knew a deep sleep was not possible at this point because when the contractions came when I was laying down, they were unbearable!<br />
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We laid down in bed at 9:00 p.m.. I was listening to some relaxing music on Pandora when all of a sudden at about 9:30, my water broke. This was the strangest feeling in the world. I heard it pop and then there were gushes of water. I did not realize how much amniotic fluid was in there with Hudson. I immediately got back in the shower. At this point James and I weren't really sure what to do. We were in a moment of shock. I had already been in labor for 22 hours. Up until this point I hadn't had trouble dealing with my contractions. Yes, they hurt but James was there to help me get through every single one of them and I was still in a mood where I was able to joke around with James between contractions (This is one of the signs in the Bradley Method that says it was not time to go to the hospital yet). We were debating calling our Bradley instructor for advice because at this point neither of us could make the decision whether to stay home and labor longer or go to the hospital. <br />
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The decision was quickly made for us. Immediately after my water broke and I got in the shower, the contractions went from being 5 minutes apart to 2 minutes apart and they were a great deal more intense! We knew at this point that it was time to go to the hospital. Luckily he had finished packing our bags for the hospital before we laid down to rest. I grabbed one of our backpacks (James was not happy with me for doing this) and he got most of our other bags. James had to go back in for one last bag. While I was waiting in the car, I started to panic since I was alone. I started to cry and lost control of my breath and started to hyperventilate. I knew at that point that crying was not going to be an option. I needed to be able to breath for the baby. I decided to call my sister in law while I waited for James. I figured that would keep me calmer so I wouldn't feel so alone. Poor Emily, as soon as she picked up the phone, I felt a contraction coming on. I set the phone down and she was forced to listen to my grunting and moaning. Then I told her it was time to get to the hospital. I think she was a bit shocked that I was the one calling her but it was what I needed at the time.<br />
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The car ride was not as bad as I had expected. There was no traffic and James only broke one law (running a red light). I think I only had three or four contractions while we were in the car. This is when I really noticed how much more contractions hurt when you are sitting or laying down! The difference was amazing. We pulled up to the hospital and a wheel chair was rolled up to my door. The last thing I wanted to do was climb into a wheel chair. I assumed it was hospital policy, so I agreed and climbed in. I was wheeled through what felt like a maze to the elevator that would take us to the labor and delivery floor. As soon as we were in the elevator, I felt a contraction coming on. I decided to say "screw hospital policy" and I hopped out of the wheel chair and prepared for the contraction. <br />
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We checked in at the labor and delivery desk and they took me back to triage around 10:00 p.m. A nurse came in with a little swab and said she needed to test to make sure that the fluid I noticed was in fact amniotic fluid. I proceeded to pull a drenched towel out from between my legs and handed it to her. She stared at me for a few seconds, tossed the swab in the trash and said "let's get you a room". As soon as we walked into our labor and delivery room, the contractions got even more intense. <br />
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At this point James realized he had to move the car because it was still in the emergency lane. I was about to have a panic attack because that would have meant I was going to be left in the room 100% alone. No James, no nurses. God must have known that I could not handle being alone at this point because right as he was about to walk out the door, my friend Jensine walked in the room. Perfect timing! At this point blood started to trickle with every contraction. "Trickle" is the correct term to use but at the time, I felt like it was pouring out! I thought something was wrong. Luckily one of the nurses came in shortly after and assured me that it was okay and that it just meant that I was dilating very quickly. This was great news to me, even though somewhere inside I doubted her and thought she might have been lying to me to keep me calm.<br />
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I felt like James had made it back fairly quickly (apparently he did not). He told me later that he got lost. At first he took the elevator down one floor too many. Then he proceeded to get lost on that floor and could not find the elevators. An employee told him he could use the freight elevator, but when he got in it, the elevator required a password and the employee was already gone. He finally found the elevator and then could not find the entrance where our car was parked. After a few swear words, then some prayers,<br />
he found the car and made it back to me.<br />
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He immediately got to work setting up the music and ambiance the way I had wanted. This proved to be very difficult because I would ask him to do things like set up the I Pod for instance, but the catch was that he only had about 60 seconds between each contraction to make things happen. It seems like as soon as he opened one of our bags to get something out, I yelled for him to come back because I felt another contraction building. I really got to see first hand that James is amazing under pressure. He only made one mistake. :-) He accidentally put the I Pod on shuffle instead of my "labor music" playlist. So, mid contraction some "sexy" Christina Aquilera song came on. I was mortified! I didn't want the nurses thinking I was trying to be "sexy" in labor. :-)<br />
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The time in between contractions was amazing!</div>
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After we got the labor music playing correctly, I had to climb in the bed to get my vitals checked, get my hep lock, check dilation and effacement and get the external fetal monitor hooked up for 20 minutes. When the nurse told me I had to lay down, I almost cried because I knew the contractions were going to be much worse while laying in bed. I remember thinking, I have to keep the tears at bay because I was positive that crying would cause me to hyperventilate again and I was sure it would have messed up the EFM and I would have been guaranteed a C-section. It seemed completely logical to me at the time and it kept me calm. Luckily once they got everything hooked up, my amazing nurse let me stand next to the bed for the remainder of the EFM. Seriously, my nurse was a godsend. I can not express in words how happy I was to have her there to help both me and James through this huge obstacle in our lives. Once they realized that little Hudson was okay, they disconnected me and I was free to move around. At this point I was fully effaced and 5 cm dilated.<br />
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I was absolutely miserable during contractions. It took everything I had to get through each and every one of them. I was having really bad back labor and we soon realized it was because Hudson was turned and facing the wrong direction. It was strange because I felt like my back was being torn in half but I could not feel any pain on the front of my body. James spent every contraction pushing on my back. I kept telling him that he needed to push harder but I think he was afraid he was going to hurt me. I just wanted him to push as hard as he possibly could because it was the only thing that could get me through the contractions.<br />
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The nurse ended up showing us positions that would help Hudson turn around. The nurse also showed James exactly where to push on my body to encourage my body and Hudson to do what they needed to do. She was the best nurse in the world! James and I are so thankful for her. I'm not sure how long it took for us to get him to turn, but at some point it happened and then the pain in my back lessened a little bit and the pain spread to the front of my body as well. This may sound worse but it was much better! At this point they checked me again and I was 7-8 cm dilated. I believe this was around 11:30.<br />
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Soon after they checked me, I started to shake uncontrollably and the contractions were right on top of each other. I believe I told James twice that I wanted drugs at this point but I still never mentioned an epidural because even though I was in that much pain, I was still more afraid of the needle they would have to put in my back than the labor and delivery itself! I also remember telling James a few times that I couldn't do it and thought I was going to die. Even though I was to the point where I didn't think I was going to survive, between contractions I was still joking with James and the nurses. One of the nurses told me that I was in transition and would be ready to push very shortly. I very sarcastically told her that I thought she was lying and trying to trick me into thinking the pain was almost over. I had expected to completely lose all sense of humor by the time I hit transition but I don't think that actually happened until it was time to push.<br />
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Around 12:30 I was laboring with the labor bar on the bed when all of a sudden my body started to push. It was strange because I had zero control over this. My body was doing it all on it's own. This scared me because the last time I was checked I was only 7-8 cm dilated. A few contractions later they checked me and I was fully dilated with a slight lip. They had me push very gently for several contractions and we were able to get the lip to dilate. Had I had time to think through how I wanted to push, I would have asked to remain upright in the bed and deliver squatting but there was no time. Before I knew it, I was laying elevated on my back. This is when I realized, it was time to get down to business. Pushing was a relief at first. There was a LOT of pressure but it was not painful in the least bit, at least compared to the back labor I had dealt with earlier. I was just "pushing to the point of comfort" like we had learned in the classes we had taken. For me this meant three pushes, about eight seconds each for each contraction. I wish I had continued to listen to my body but instead I started listening to all of the people who were yelling at me to keep pushing harder and harder, longer and longer. James and I both got caught up in it. <br />
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When he started to crown, they called for the doctor. Once he arrived, things happened very quickly. I pushed several times before he told me that the head was about to come out but that I was guaranteed to tear all the way to my rectum if he didn't do an episiotomy! This upset me because I really did not want to get an episiotomy but I also could not imagine dealing with the alternative. I stared at James in disbelief. I was speechless. James asked the doctor to wait one more push. With the next push, the doctor made the decision to cut. After 26 hours of labor and just a few more short pushes, Hudson came into the world at 1:17 a.m. He was much smaller than we had expected. He weighed in at 7 pounds, 9.4 ounces and he was 20 inches long.<br />
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He was immediately placed on my chest and it was the most wonderful feeling in the world. As I looked back and forth between Hudson and James I felt a deeper connection with James than I ever could have imagined. We both immediately felt an intense love for our little man. James decided he wanted to cut the cord. I got to snuggle with him for a while before they realized I was going to have issues delivering my placenta. They took Hudson from me and got to work on trying to get my placenta to detach. The doctor tried getting it to separate by manually pushing on my stomach. This was extremely painful. When this didn't work, he started to gently pull on the umbilical cord. When the umbilical cord broke off from the placenta, I saw concern in the Dr's eyes. He told me he was going to manually extract my placenta. This meant reaching his hand in there to retrieve it himself! I know I had just delivered a 7 and a half pound baby but the idea of this terrified me. The Dr. tried his best but was not able to get it to separate. He told us that the next step was to put me under and go in and cut the placenta away from my uterus. When he said this, James and I were both under the impression that he meant I was going to need a c section to remove the placenta. The doctor told us that an incision was not necessary. They would just go in and cut it out. As soon as the doctor had reassured us that I was not getting a C section and we were feeling better about the procedure, this old man slowly wheeled his cart in and said he was there to prep me for a C section. I started to freak out again but all of the nurses immediately told the old man that he was incorrect. It turns out that the membrane that was supposed to form between my placenta and uterus had never formed. The membrane is what allows the placenta to detach in the third stage of labor. During all of this placenta fun, our families got the chance to meet Hudson for the first time.<br />
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Being able to deliver Hudson naturally took a lot of mental preparation. I made note cards which I read daily to help prepare myself. These are some photos of the note cards that helped me most.<br />
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At this point I was wheeled down to a new room where they were going to perform the surgery. We waited what felt like forever for the old man to come in to put me under. He was about to do it when he got called away to give an epidural to a woman in labor. I had some time to kill and I was nervous because James was not allowed to come down with me so I was talking to all of the nurses. I asked them if I would have survived this child birth had I lived in the 1800's. They laughed and told me that no one had ever asked them that before. Then they told me I would have died. Thank God for technology.<br />
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I woke up from the surgery to James's face. Very soon after I woke up, one of the nurses latched Hudson on for his first feeding. He latched on like a champ and has had no trouble since. The rest of the time in the hospital and a few days after we got home, James had to latch Hudson on with each feeding because I was not able to bend my neck low enough to see what I was doing. The three of us worked very well together! :-)<br />
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James and I had a very specific plan for what we wanted the birth of our son to look like. For the most part we got what we had dreamt of. We knew that there was most likely going to be several sacrifices we were going to have to make with our birth plan. Even though I ended up in surgery, we were blessed to have the natural birth we wanted for Hudson. He is happy and healthy and ultimately that is all that matters. One down, three to go!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Short and Sweet Version:</span></b><br />
I started having contractions at 11:00 p.m. on March 22nd. I labored at home through the night. I decided not to go to work the next day because I thought the contractions would be distracting. I still did not believe I was really in labor at this point. At 10:00 a.m. my contractions were 5-6 minutes apart and lasting a minute but they weren't very powerful. I decided to try some of those tricks that are supposed to put you in labor. In the next 6 hours I ate spicy Indian food, drank raspberry tea, ate pineapple and went for a long walk. By 4:00 p.m. my contractions were 5 minutes apart and getting stronger. James and I decided to eat dinner around 8:00 p.m. At 9:00 p.m. we chose to lay down to get some sleep. At 9:30 my water broke while lying in bed. The contractions were immediately 2 minutes apart and almost unbearable. We decided to go to the hospital. We checked into the hospital around 10:00 p.m. Hudson was born naturally after 26 hours of labor at 1:17 a.m. on March 24th weighing 7 pounds 9.4 ounces. He was 20 inches long. He is perfectly healthy. I had some issues because my placenta wouldn't detach. I ended up having to get surgery to remove it but both Hudson and I are now healthy and happy.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210614377636632074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224200470970139734.post-63148399383930677852013-03-29T05:57:00.001-07:002013-03-29T05:57:22.017-07:00The Long Wait Is Over!<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I had been posting this in it's own section but now that Hudson has entered this world, I think it would be appropriate to add it as a regular post.</i></span><br />
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<b>WAITING FOR HUDSON</b></div>
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<b>3-21-13</b> At my appointment last week, the doctor told me that if I make it to 40 weeks, I would then need to go in twice a week to do NST's and make sure everything is going fine. Today at my appointment the doctor told me not to bother making my next appointment because she said she didn't think I would make it through the weekend. I'm hoping that she is correct because she has gotten me very excited! Come on little man! </div>
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<b>How far along:</b> 40 Weeks</div>
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<b>Energy: </b>Gone</div>
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<b>Cravings: </b>Filet Mignon (I can have one very soon!)</div>
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<b>Total Weight Gain: </b> 32 Pounds</div>
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<b>Sleep: </b>I've gotten to sleep the past few nights (minus the time spent waking up every hour on the hour to use the restroom) and it has been wonderful!</div>
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<b>Best Moment of the Week: </b>My hand has been numb for about a month. I started getting sensation back yesterday! I thought I wouldn't get it back until after Hudson is born so I am pleasantly surprised.</div>
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<b>Gender: </b>Male</div>
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<b>What I miss: </b>Again, Filet Mignon (with plenty of pink!)</div>
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<b>What I'm looking forward to: </b>Experiencing labor and the birth of our son with my wonderful husband, James. :-) I can't wait!</div>
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<b>How far along:</b> 38 Weeks</div>
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<b>Energy: </b>Gone</div>
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<b>Cravings: </b>Sherbet</div>
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<b>Total Weight Gain: </b> 30 Pounds</div>
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<b>Sleep: </b>I've forgotten what this is.</div>
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<b>Best Moment of the Week: </b>Making it to 38 weeks and knowing that we are that much closer to the big day.</div>
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<b>Gender: </b>Male</div>
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<b>What I miss: </b>Being able to sit while wearing maternity pants without cutting off the circulation to my legs. I've had to move on to dresses, so I would really appreciate some warmer weather.</div>
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<b>What I'm looking forward to: </b>Hudson's birth day! At least when he is here I will have something precious to look at while I'm up all night!</div>
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<b style="text-align: center;">I know this second photo is terrifying but I couldn't resist.</b></div>
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<b>How far along:</b> 36 Weeks, 5 Day</div>
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<b>Energy: </b>Depletes by the day...</div>
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<b>Cravings: </b>Chocolate, Sherbet (not together....I'm not a weirdo) :-)</div>
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<b>Total Weight Gain: </b> 28 Pounds</div>
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<b>Sleep: </b>Between bathroom breaks, contractions and an active Hudson, I'm up often throughout the night.</div>
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<b>Best Moment of the Week: </b>Baby Shower! Seeing so many family and friends that I don't get to see often.</div>
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<b>Gender: </b>Male</div>
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<b>What I miss: </b>Being able to rotate my body from the left to right side in bed in less than five seconds.</div>
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<b>What I'm looking forward to: </b>Hudson's birth day!</div>
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<b>How far along:</b> 34 Weeks, 1 Day</div>
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<b>Energy: </b>Losing It!</div>
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<b>Cravings: </b>Sweets</div>
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<b>Total Weight Gain: </b> 25 Pounds</div>
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<b>Sleep: </b>Between bathroom breaks, contractions and an active Hudson, I'm up often throughout the night.</div>
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<b>Best Moment of the Week: </b>Pregnancy Massage....Thanks to James</div>
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<b>Gender: </b>Male</div>
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<b>What I miss: </b>Medium rare filet mignon!</div>
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<b>What I'm looking forward to: </b>Seeing our mini version of James :-)</div>
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<b>How far along:</b> 30 Weeks, 2 Days</div>
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<b>Energy: </b>Still hoping it's on its way.</div>
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<b>Cravings: </b>Not currently</div>
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<b>Total Weight Gain: </b> 20 Pounds</div>
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<b>Sleep: </b>I enjoy sleep now more than ever. I'm taking advantage of every last minute.</div>
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<b>Best Moment of the Week:</b> Seeing Hudson's chubby face in the 4D ultrasound.</div>
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<b>Gender: </b>Male</div>
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<b>What I miss: </b>Having a wider selection of clothing to choose from</div>
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<b>What I'm looking forward to: </b>Looking into Hudson's eyes</div>
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<b>How far along:</b> 26 Weeks! </div>
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<b>Energy:</b> Slightly improved</div>
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<b>Cravings: </b>Well....food in general...still have my pickle a day. (Sorry James)</div>
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<b>Total Weight Gain: </b> 15 Pounds</div>
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<b>Sleep: </b>Enjoying every minute I can get because I know soon I will not know the meaning of the word sleep.</div>
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<b>Best Moment of the Week:</b> Two things: One, feeling sooo much movement, constantly. He is graduating from kicking to routine rolls. Two, Bradley Method classes! I'm so happy James and I decided to take them.</div>
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<b>Gender: </b>It's a BOY!</div>
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<b>What I miss: </b>MEDIUM RARE FILET MIGNON!!! I want it so badly.</div>
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<b>What I'm looking forward to: </b>My third trimester starts next week!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: medium;">20 WEEKS! </span></b></div>
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<b>(THERE WILL BE NO PHOTO DUE TO THE FACT THAT I AM SICK)</b></div>
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<b>How far along:</b> 20 Weeks! We are halfway to our little man showing his face!</div>
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<b>Energy:</b> I was promised it would come in the second trimester....still waiting. Right now I just scavenge all the energy I can to get through the day. :-)</div>
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<b>Cravings: </b>Pickles and Fruit</div>
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<b>Total Weight Gain: </b> 10 Pounds</div>
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<b>Sleep: </b>What is sleep? I've forgotten these past few days. With all the bathroom breaks, coughing fits, and trouble breathing, I'm not getting much. I know once the baby comes I will have the "no sleep" problem as well but at least then I will be waking up for much more adorable reasons.</div>
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<b>Best Moment of the Week:</b> Thinking about the fact that little Becker is about 10.5 ounces and about 10 inches long! That is unbelievable.</div>
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<b>Gender: </b>It's a BOY!</div>
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<b>What I miss: </b> My wonderful immunity! I can't wait to get it back.</div>
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<b>What I'm looking forward to: </b>We just started our Bradley Method Classes. I'm looking forward to continuing them. It is a 12 week series so it will carry into the middle of January.</div>
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<b>How far along:</b> 18 Weeks, 4 Days</div>
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<b>Energy:</b> Zero</div>
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<b>Cravings: </b>Fruit</div>
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<b>Total Weight Gain: </b>9 Pounds</div>
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<b>Sleep: </b>My new bedtime is 10:00 p.m.</div>
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<b>Best Moment of the Week:</b> The Ultrasound! Oh, and feeling him move several times this week.</div>
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<b>Gender: </b>It's a BOY!</div>
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<b>What I miss: </b> Energy!</div>
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<b>What I'm looking forward to: </b>Seeing our baby boys face.</div>
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<b>How far along:</b> 16 Weeks</div>
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<b>Energy:</b> Hoping the promises of more energy in the second trimester will be fulfilled.</div>
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<b>Cravings: </b>Chocolate Chip Cookies and Fruit</div>
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<b>Total Weight Gain: </b>8 Pounds</div>
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<b>Sleep:</b> I feel best the days I am able to get 10 hours of sleep.</div>
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<b>Best Moment of the Week:</b> Feeling little Becker move!</div>
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<b>Gender: </b>In two days I will be able to schedule my ultrasound to find out the sex!</div>
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<b>What I miss: </b> Some of my old clothes....pants in particular. Although, now that I have maternity pants, I may wear them for the rest of my life! They are amazing.</div>
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<b>What I'm looking forward to: </b>Getting the nursery ready to go. I have the crib and mattress set up at this point which I think is more than most people have done at this point. I just figure, I'm only going to get more and more tired as the days go by. I might as well get going on it now.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;">At 13 Weeks, I had to get an emergency ultrasound. It was wonderful to see the baby and know that everything was fine. He/She was swimming around during the entire ultrasound. I asked the ultrasound technician if she could tell the sex yet. She laughed and said no. Can't blame me for trying.</span><br />
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<b>How far along:</b> 12 Weeks</div>
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<b>Energy:</b> Tired as soon as 8 pm rolls around.</div>
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<b>Cravings: </b>Chicken and Noodles (mother-in-laws recipe)</div>
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<b>Total Weight Gain: </b>5 Pounds</div>
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<b>Sleep:</b> Wish I could get more but my weird hot flash moments haven't been happening as often :-)</div>
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<b>Best Moment of the Week:</b> I got to hear the heartbeat again on September 7th!</div>
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<b>Gender: </b>Can't wait to find out!</div>
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<b>What I miss: </b>Still miss having energy. </div>
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<b>What I'm looking forward to: </b>We just switched Obstetricians so I had to cancel the ultrasound appointment. I had my first appointment with the new doctor on September 7th. She said she will not be doing an ultrasound on me until 20 weeks. Booo! We will hopefully find out the sex of the baby at appointment!</div>
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<b>How far along:</b> 10 Weeks</div>
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<b>Energy:</b> Still Exhausted, 10 hours of sleep just doesn't seem to be enough.</div>
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<b>Cravings: </b>Tuna with pickles and miracle whip. Delicious! James is far from a fan of this meal. Lasagna and Mexican food have also been some favorites lately.</div>
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<b>Total Weight Gain: </b>As of my nine week appointment I have gained 4 pounds!</div>
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<b>Sleep:</b> I go to bed cold in hopes that I will be comfortable all through the night but every night I wake up sweating like crazy. I think it's time to invest in a fan for our bedroom.</div>
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<b>Best Moment of the Week:</b> At the 9 Week appointment we were able to hear the heartbeat! It was an amazing feeling to know that everything was okay.</div>
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<b>Gender: </b>Can't wait to find out!</div>
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<b>What I miss: </b>Still miss having energy. I also miss my patience with myself.....guess I'll have to work on that.</div>
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<b>What I'm looking forward to: </b>Well, as of right now I have an appointment scheduled for an ultrasound on September 13th but I am in the process of changing Obstetricians so I'm going to have to schedule a new appointment. I just want to know when to plan for the ultrasound.</div>
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<b>How far along:</b> 8 Weeks</div>
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<b>Energy:</b> I'm exhausted!</div>
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<b>Cravings: </b>Buffalo Chicken</div>
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<b>Total Weight Gain: </b>I will find out when I go to the doctor at my 9 week appointment.</div>
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<b>Sleep:</b> I have been sleeping fine minus waking up three or four times to go to the bathroom. I just attribute that to all the extra water I'm drinking.</div>
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<b>Best Moment of the Week:</b> James and I are reading a daily journal about baby Becker's development. I was out of town for work but it was wonderful to have him there and still be able to do this with him.</div>
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<b>Gender:</b> Can't wait to find out!</div>
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<b>What I miss: </b>Having energy. I have hopes that will return when I enter my second trimester.</div>
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<b>What I'm looking forward to:</b> I am a planner and I really want to find out the sex so I can start preparing the nursery.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210614377636632074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224200470970139734.post-65057042739345563202013-03-02T09:37:00.003-08:002013-03-02T09:38:05.322-08:00March!<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #454545;">We are now into March! 20 days until my due date to be exact. There are several things I'm excited about this month. Spring is around the corner, the time change will mean that there will be daylight when I leave work and some friends are getting married! I will also turn 26 this month which I'm sure I will not even think about when the time comes since our little man is due right about that time as well. This will definitely be an exciting month for the Becker family!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">I had my weekly appointment on Thursday and was relieved to find out that Hudson is measuring to be about 8 pounds by 40 weeks. Once I started thinking about this, I realized I shouldn't get too excited because the doctor could be off and there is always the chance that I will go two weeks over my due date which will allow him more time to plump up. I've had several times where I have had painful contractions for a few hours but I am able to get them to go back to the painless Braxton Hicks by eating, walking or laying on my side. I'm trying to stop any chance of going into labor until James gets back home in a few days. I just hope that is God's plan as well.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;">You better believe as soon as James gets home, I will be doing everything that people say might help put you in labor (except for a few weird exceptions that I have heard from people). I know Hudson won't come until he is good and ready, I just want him to know that he is more than welcome to join us out here as soon as his little heart desires.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #454545;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Packing for the hospital has been on my to-do list for the past month. I have finally determined that it will get done this weekend, even if it is the only thing I accomplish! I guess I should get to work before my energy disappears for the day!</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02210614377636632074noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224200470970139734.post-1723066657154777392013-02-16T15:33:00.000-08:002013-02-16T15:33:28.720-08:0034 Days Until The Due Date<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm so excited that there are only 34 days until Hudson's due date. I'm so thankful to know that James will be in town for sure. He is now set to leave about four weeks after the due date. That being said, I am hoping that Hudson will not come two weeks late...otherwise I may loose my sanity. I just keep trying to remember that is will only be for about six weeks.</div>
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Since I am a little bit of a planner, I have Hudson's nursery pretty much put completely together. I'm so ready! This could be a really long five (potentially seven) weeks. James and I went to Union Terminal today with Jensine and Jimmy to check out the museum and take some maternity photos before my belly pops! Thanks Jensine! </div>
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Being that this is possibly going to be James and my last weekend off together without a baby to take care of, I should probably finish this up and spend some time with him.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224200470970139734.post-9684198811468328122013-01-15T18:25:00.001-08:002013-01-15T18:31:50.356-08:00So...I'm not going to be pregnant forever?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Technically today I am 30 weeks, 4 days pregnant. I can't believe that Hudson could potentially be here in less than 10 weeks. This past week we got to welcome Lillian Ellerbe into the world. I felt like Tara and I were both going to be pregnant forever so seeing Lily's sweet face was a reality check that Tara in fact is not going to be pregnant forever and I'm next!</div>
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We took these photos on Sunday at Dave and Busters. Thinking that James was going to be leaving tomorrow for his six weeks of training (we found out Thursday), I wanted to get a few photos of us together while I'm still pregnant. He was due back three weeks before I was due but I didn't want to take any chances, so Emily (who seems to have become our personal photographer) volunteered to make this happen. Thank you Emily!</div>
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Unfortunately we got a call this morning saying that plans have changed and James can not leave for a few months. I'm just hoping that he is at least able to stay in Cincinnati the first four to six weeks after delivery. I don't know what I'm going to do without James for those weeks. Clearly people deal with this all the time and I am blessed to have a lot of local friends and family so I am trying to remain as optimistic as possible.</div>
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I just need to remember that it is all in God's hands. As soon as you think you have life figured out, he will throw you a curve ball! </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224200470970139734.post-28041871702501088012013-01-06T16:48:00.000-08:002013-01-06T16:48:08.593-08:0029 Weeks, 2 Days and a 4D Ultrasound!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On Thursday James and I, along with nine of our family and friends, went to get a 4D Ultrasound of Hudson at Becoming Mom in Mason. James purchased this as part of a "Spoiled Mama" package for Christmas. I also get a massage and hot stone pedicure at some point. Both of which I can't wait for! So anyway, we all packed into the room on Thursday evening. It was so amazing to see his little body. He had his little legs crossed and he was in the most uncomfortable looking position. He refused to give us a good face shot. Hudson held onto his umbilical cord right in front of his face the whole time. Whenever he would start to slowly move his hand down, he would throw it right back in front of his face. He did give us the thumbs up at some point though, which you can see in the second photo. Since we were not able to get a good shot of his face throughout the entire ultrasound, the staff at Becoming Mom allowed us to come back today to try again at no additional cost!</div>
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Today James and I went alone. Hudson still kept his hands around his face most of the ultrasound but he was nice enough to pull them away a few times so we could catch a glimpse of his precious little face. The ultrasound tech was kind enough to remind us that we have a fat baby. :-) She kept talking about his pudgy cheeks. I'm still just praying that if Hudson ends up being a 10 pounder, that he will at least help me out a little bit and come on time if not a few days early. The ultrasound tech looked for hair but as I expected, she said he doesn't have much. We got to see him open his mouth a few times to get a taste of the amniotic fluid. Even after all these ultrasounds and feeling him kick, I still can't believe that James and I created this little guy! </div>
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<b>Perfect example of Hudson's chunky cheeks :-)</b></div>
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<b>Thumbs Up!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6MB1cYL5N_fBm7TTwUIeEzYHJV5C2OoqsH1UBrXjwLcRAfliAlnJou2Zdfesy1F37laMU7Yu8L-i1N3ZPK-DeUHmT9W0CzQuYbsUKD1AGmTooMevr80I2-eky_IrfZCmYUAfu4Kr61yo/s1600/BABY%231-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6MB1cYL5N_fBm7TTwUIeEzYHJV5C2OoqsH1UBrXjwLcRAfliAlnJou2Zdfesy1F37laMU7Yu8L-i1N3ZPK-DeUHmT9W0CzQuYbsUKD1AGmTooMevr80I2-eky_IrfZCmYUAfu4Kr61yo/s640/BABY%231-3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>So sweet! I can't wait to stare at that little face for hours.</b></div>
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<b>I love his little elbow resting on his knee.</b></div>
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<b>This is the best face shot he gave us the first day.</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224200470970139734.post-37501599220894853822012-11-19T15:07:00.000-08:002012-11-19T15:07:50.389-08:00More than Halfway to Holding Hudson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It has been a long time since I have made a normal post. My last post announced that James and I are expecting. I am now 22 weeks, 3 days into the pregnancy. We have had a very exciting, busy, joyous, and sometimes stressful few months. As I'm typing, little Becker is moving around relentlessly, which I love!</div>
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At 13 weeks I had a little scare. I decided to call the doctor and they got me in a few hours later. After discussing all the possible issues (which was terrifying), the doctor did an exam and the next thing I knew, I was in the ultrasound room. Everything turned out fine. I was so excited to have a chance to see the baby but I wish James could have been there with me. Luckily the woman who did the ultrasound gave me six photos to share with him...and everyone else of course! During the entire ultrasound Baby Becker did not stop moving. It looked like he was swimming around in there the whole time. You can see in this first photo he/she had his/her legs scrunched up and in the second one, his/her legs were straight out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDm3jeXpZxKaV3bfQdy7gMmGbEaeteIiclhCHviu-SIwIFlNdb2ZtCb5rAKlzFrcb0lJzq0is9uUpHlGDijSvbE58SiZZ-4eRncpnKPF0oaWae5LaHmXGcTiY5l6zwB4iXZ4W093ivMUg/s1600/Baby+Image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDm3jeXpZxKaV3bfQdy7gMmGbEaeteIiclhCHviu-SIwIFlNdb2ZtCb5rAKlzFrcb0lJzq0is9uUpHlGDijSvbE58SiZZ-4eRncpnKPF0oaWae5LaHmXGcTiY5l6zwB4iXZ4W093ivMUg/s400/Baby+Image+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We had another ultrasound at 18 weeks and found out that we were having a little boy! Since then James and I try to imagine what life is going to be like having a son of our own running around this world. Having several friends with little ones of their own, makes fathoming James and me with a son a little easier.<br />
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There has been more and more talk lately about the fact that our baby is most likely going to be mammoth sized which terrifies me a little. I was considered a large baby but James fell into the 10+ pounds category. When I went to one of my appointments, I voiced my concerns to the doctor about my possible "giant baby". She said, "You are small so you will most likely have small babies." Next I told her how much James and I weighed. She stared at me for a few seconds, then said, "You are most likely going to have a large baby." No false reassurance from her. At least she is honest. :-) Amazingly, she didn't seem at all shocked when in the next breath I told her I plan to have a natural birth.<br />
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James and I have started Bradley Method Classes. I am well aware of the fact that I am most likely going to have a large baby and I know that the only chance I have in a natural birth is if I feel comfortable with the process, learn exactly what my body needs, and know that I have James there to be my support through the whole journey. Whatever happens, it's in God's hands.<br />
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I had a little "episode" at work last week. I had hot flashes, lower abdominal cramping, and blurred vision. Then all of a sudden I blacked out and lost my hearing. I sat down on the ground and in a little over 5 minutes, it was all over. I was well hydrated and full of food, so I knew that wasn't the issue. The doctor told me I should go in to see him. He told me that most of what happened can be somewhat normal in a pregnancy. However, he was a little thrown off by the hearing loss. He told me that if it happened again I needed to see a Neurologist for testing. Apparently pregnancy can cause issues to a mothers nervous system.<br />
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I was at work today and felt the same thing coming on, only this time Whitney was kind enough to pick me up and take me to the doctor (I didn't want to chance losing my sight and hearing while I was driving). By the time we made it to the hospital, the "episode" had come to an end and everything felt normal again. I am in the process of trying to get in to see a neurologist to get the testing but in the meantime we are praying that everything is fine. Of course the baby is most important and he was perfectly fine in the ultrasound. He has a strong heart beat and continues to move around what seems like all hours of the day, which is wonderful!<br />
God is in control.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224200470970139734.post-32499177645725993482012-08-18T18:45:00.001-07:002012-08-18T18:47:53.992-07:00A Becker Baby is Coming Soon!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">James and I went to Clearwater Beach, Florida in the beginning of July with Emily and Nathan (my sister in law and her husband). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While James and I were in Clearwater, we discovered that there will be a Becker baby coming into the world! There is both a bit of fear and a whole lot of excitement associated with this news. Even though this is a terrifying time in our lives to think about the expenses of having a baby, it's God's time and that is all that matters. For the past five years James and I have talked a lot about the possibility of having children. It's so strange that the time has finally arrived! We are both extremely excited!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday was my first prenatal appointment. James was not able to make it to the appointment so Emily (my amazing sister in law) came with me. Everyone had told me not to get too excited about the first appointment because all they would be doing is taking blood samples, other tests, and have a ton of paperwork for me to fill out. After keeping myself from getting too terribly excited about the appointment all day long, it was finally time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The doctor went through all the routine questions and answers. When he told me we would schedule my first ultrasound appointment for three weeks from now, I resigned to the fact that I would not have a chance to hear baby B's heartbeat until the next appointment. I decided to clarify by saying, "So at 12 weeks I will be able to hear the heartbeat?" I wanted to cry as I was saying this because even though I had been told by everyone that there was a slim chance I would get to hear the heartbeat at the first appointment, I was secretly holding out hope. I was surprised to hear him respond with, "I think we may be able to do that today"! I think I pulled a muscle in my cheeks because I have never smiled that hard!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The doctor started doing the doppler ultrasound as he reminded me that we may not be able to find the heartbeat because it is so soon. It took the doctor about 30 seconds to find. I know most women tend to cry when they hear their babies heartbeat for the first time and I probably would have if James had been there but instead I looked over and saw Emily with a huge grin on her face and that's all that I could do was smile.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The previous week I had worked 91 hours in a 7 days period and heard story after terrifying story from women about their past experiences in the beginning of pregnancy. It was such a relief to know that Baby B. was okay and had a strong heartbeat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We are due March 22, 2013. More on the vacation and Baby B. later...time for a nap!</span></div>
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Emily and I found this little outfit at a surf store near the beach.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224200470970139734.post-29888811156694117802012-05-07T08:22:00.000-07:002012-05-07T08:22:23.182-07:00Adventure In A Parking LotThese past few days have been quite interesting. Late on Tuesday I started my trek up to Novi, Michigan for the International Women's Show. I didn't have any idea what I was getting myself into. Typically I ride to these shows with my brother. Plans changed, so two days before the show my brother realized he was not going to make it up, which left me to drive up alone. I had glanced at the weather radar and all the storms appeared to have passed. I was wrong....very wrong. First of all, had I been driving my little Corolla, I wouldn't have had a problem but I was behind the wheel of the West Chester Molester (a giant creepy van with which I share a birth year).<br />
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The West Chester Molester looks even worse in person.</div>
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I might as well have been driving this thing!</div>
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Of course this special vehicle had many little quirks. I felt like I called my dad every 20 minutes to inform him of a "unique" aspect of the vehicle and each time he replied with "I forgot to mention that". Luckily I had only been out on the road for an hour when he called to let me know that when the gas meter reached half a tank, it's time to stop for gas. Otherwise, I would probably have run out of gas and ended up on the side of the road somewhere.<br />
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Anyway......I realized by the time I hit Findlay, I was not going to survive a drive through the night. I was exhausted and couldn't even see any of the lines on the highway being as it was dark outside and pouring rain. I was simply following the tail lights in front of me and praying they remained on the road so I wouldn't end up in a ditch. I decided to pull off the road and sleep in a Walmart parking lot. When I pulled into the Walmart, there were three police cars surrounding a vehicle. I'm assuming it was a drug bust of some sort. <br />
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I proceeded to park and enter Walmart. I headed straight for the family bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth.....such a strange feeling. After freshening up, it was time for me to buy a blanket and a wrench so I could prepare my bed. I had to use the wrench to manually crank my seat into a 150 degree angle so I wouldn't have to sleep sitting up. :-) Good times. I hadn't thought too strategically when choosing my parking space. I parked in a spot directly between all the truckers that were sleeping in the parking lot and the entrance to the Walmart so a few times before I fell asleep, truckers walked right by my door which freaked me out a little until I remembered which vehicle I was sitting in. No one in their right mind would have approached a vehicle like mine.<br />
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I made it the rest of the way early in the morning and got everything set up and ready to go for the show, with the help of Matt Phillips and Adrienne George, which I am so very thankful for! Adrienne came in and saved the day since my brother couldn't make it and she blew everyone out of the water in sales, which is so exciting! Our location at the International Women's Show was not a choice spot but we made it work. We were right in front of the entertainment stage. <br />
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This is a photo of the aisle right in front of our booth during the firefighter striptease. People were so packed into the aisle, you could hardly squeeze through. Adrienne and I were shocked at the way these women acted, like they've never seen a man before.</div>
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Anyway, it was wonderful to spend some time with Matt and Adrienne. Unfortunately there was not much opportunity for down time but it was still wonderful to see both of them.<br />
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Next stop on the show schedule, New Orleans....<br />
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At the same time all this "show" craziness is going on, we are working on our new line. <br />
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It is strange to see my face on the labels and I will be so happy when it is all completed. I can't wait for life to slow down for a few minutes. Things have been so hectic. Soon I will have my hubby home and I will surely be taking a few days to enjoy his return.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224200470970139734.post-48509812516525015552012-04-29T18:08:00.001-07:002012-04-29T18:08:20.115-07:00Time Slows Down and Memories FadeThese past few weeks have been incredibly difficult for me. It seems that since there are only four weeks until I see James again, time has almost come to a halt. I had not seen his face since Christmas, which was killing me. Luckily I got a chance to Skype with him on Easter when I was with his whole side of the family. He got a chance to see his second cousin who has grown so much since James has been gone. My heart broke when I saw his expression of excitement and longing all at the same time. He was so happy to see everyone but at the same time we were all reminded that he is over 7000 miles away. <br />
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Second Cousin, Jayce</div>
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It's amazing how quickly memories fade. The first few months after James left I could still feel him beside me. It is so difficult to hear his voice and not be able to fully picture the expression on his face with every word he says. You would think that after nine years of life with James, his expressions would be engraved in my mind, but the simple fact is, that's just not true. Memories fade. I'm so excited to be able to say that in less than a month I will be able to hold him in my arms again, and refresh my mind on these little details. <br />
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It has been really difficult at times but I am so thankful that we are actually able to talk on the phone for a few minutes most mornings. Even though I have only been able to Skype with James a handful of times over the past five months, I am blessed that I even had the opportunity. When I think about situations other people are going through, it really puts everything into perspective. I have nothing to complain about. In just three or four short weeks James will be back! :-) I have a wonderful life with my amazing husband, our two cats (Smokie and Bandit), and our newest addition to the family, Achilles! <br />
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James with Smokie and The Bandit- He would kill me if he knew I put this up here. hehehe. <br />
He doesn't like how the camera lens distorted his head. </div>
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Bandit (the murderer)</div>
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Smokie (the sweet one)</div>
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Achilles (my cuddle bug)<br />
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James sent me an email last week in which he had talked about several dogs he saw on an animal shelter website by our house. He does this occasionally but this time I decided to go check them out. Long story short, I managed to find something wrong with each of the dogs he had chosen, except for Achilles (previously named Brad Pitt). I tried to find a reason to not take him but he was just too adorable. We adopted him a week ago and he has done nothing but snuggle! Now I just need to figure out how to make Achilles and our cats love each other...</div>
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In the past 3 months I have had shows in Cleveland, Gatlinburg, Indianapolis, and Nashville. This time last year I never would have thought I would be travelling this much for work. These trips have been both exciting and extremely agitating at times. I've learned that travelling for work is not something I want to be doing for a long period of time. Luckily my brother has come on all of the same trips. Jon and a few others have helped me maintain my sanity along the way. :-)</div>
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Between all of this travelling, I am still managing to squeeze in one class at UC. Slowly but surely, I will get done, even if it does take me 16 years. </div>
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Several other exciting events have occurred over the past few months as well. </div>
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Elise and Ryan Hayes welcomed a baby boy into their lives on January 27th, 2012.</div>
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Shannon and Kyle Phillips got married on March 30th.</div>
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News spread that Nick and Adrienne are having a little one of their own!! So excited for them!</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Since I was young I've always looked forward to being 25. I'm not really sure why....I guess I've just always felt like it is going to be a great year for me. I guess we will have to see how it plays out but I started my 25th year of life off right with an evening out with many of my favorite people! </span></div>
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Minda, Mandy, Me</div>
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Kyle and Jess<br />
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Maira, Minda, Mandy, Me, Kyle, Joe, Drew, Chris, Jon, Sean<br />
(looks like I need to color my hair brown....I don't seem to fit in) :-)<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Me, Maira, Dad, Joe, Jon</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">My cousin Kyle married his stunning bride, Jess. The wedding was beautiful and it was great to spend time with many of my family members whom I only get to see about once a year.</span></div>
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This has surely been an eventful couple of months. I'm curious to see what the rest of the year will bring and I am sooo excited to be able to spend the last half of the year with James! Come on May!!!</div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224200470970139734.post-81221942627298434212012-01-29T11:23:00.000-08:002012-01-29T11:30:24.117-08:00Keeping Myself Distracted<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">James deployed over two months ago now. I have purposefully kept myself as busy as possible in hopes of distracting myself from missing him. I feel that I've done a fairly good job of this so far even though there are times when I can't keep from having a little breakdown. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When people ask how I'm doing since James left, I typically reply with "I'm fine, he'll be home before I know it". I tell people this because if I really stop and think about it, I will end up in tears. To be completely honest, I am doing fine and I do know that the time will fly by but there are still moments that are unavoidable, that I miss him so much and just wish I could hold him in my arms. Last time James was gone for nine months total but at that time James and I weren't married and living together. I knew this time would be different, going from spending every day together to none at all. It amazes me that after 8 1/2 years, I still am able to love him more and more with every passing day. I am so thankful James has the opportunity to call most nights and send Facebook messages, emails, and even Skype on occasion. I don't know how couples dealt with only being able to send letters back and forth with no other avenue of communication. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">God has blessed me with friends and family who have helped me succeed with keeping busy. I know I sound like a crazy cat lady when I say this but I also don't know what I would do without my cats, Smokie and Bandit. It's crazy how they know when I am upset, and they comfort me. Two nights ago I was crying and Bandit (our semi evil cat) licked the tears off my face and curled up with me all night long. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is Bandit, the semi evil cat.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm sitting here trying to think of the exciting things I have done since James left, the people and events that have kept me busy over the past two months. Of course I was able to spend a lot of time with family throughout the holiday season. There are five other things that come to mind. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. My sister-in-law Emily and her husband Nathan just purchased a house so I got to help them paint a few rooms and move them in. It's so exciting to see Emily, Nathan and Rosie in a house where they can expand their family one day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. Tara taught me how to crochet. I have wanted to learn how to do this for a long time but for some reason when I tried to learn the first time, years ago, I really struggled with just using one crochet hook rather than two knitting needles. I was meaning for this hat to fit an adults head but you can see by the photo that it is meant for a child's head, so my little sister ended up with an extra Christmas gift. :-) Now I can check "learn to crochet" off my bucket list....I never said the crochet project had to turn out exactly as planned.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. I've always had a fascination with wanting to learn how to fix cars and wanting to learn the skill of carpentry. The reason I haven't attempted either of these things before is that I don't want to break a nail....not because I'm a girly girl, just because I have to keep my nails nice for work. This month, with my brother Jon, I learned how to replace a slave cylinder on an Eclipse. It's amazing how something so small can stain your nails so badly. It was worth it. I will have to save carpentry for another day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. I spent New Years Eve on Fourth Street in Louisville with my mom, dad, and brother Jon. Even though it was killing me not to be with James that night, it was nice to be with my family. It was the first New Years I spent with both of my parents together that I have any recollection of. I just wish my older brother Joe could have been there as well....and Micki of course. :-) The street was packed and a live band was playing. They even had a ball drop at midnight. I would highly recommend New Years on Fourth Street. Just know that every bar is a $30 cover.... restaurants are free.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5. I got my Concealed Carry License! I went shooting several times, then took my classes with Jensine and Jamie at Woodhill Training which I would highly recommend. They made the classes interesting. I was expected something like drivers ed where you just sit and read from a book for 8 hours straight. It was not like that at all. They set you up in different scenarios where you are getting money out of an ATM when someone confronts you. Sometimes you got attacked, sometimes he just asked for the time. Every situation was different so it was interesting to see how everyone responded to the scenarios. You also have to shoot 30 rounds at the class. Some of the people who attended had never shot before which meant that they needed a lot of help. The shooting portion was very structured. You had to load for first clip and wait for further instructions. Once you shoot your first 10 rounds, you are asked to load your next clip. Halfway through my second clip, the instructor asked me to run in place while shooting. Still made every shot well within the target. Jensine and Jamie did the same.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now I just need to figure out what to do these next four months. :-)</span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224200470970139734.post-62780343258040437732012-01-23T17:05:00.000-08:002012-01-29T11:27:59.554-08:003 years, 1 month, 3 days<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3 years, 1 month and 3 days ago (December 19, 2008) I added "Donate Hair" to my bucket list. When I researched a little bit about the guidelines regarding donating, I had to work on a few specific problems. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">First of all, donations are not accepted if they have been bleached. In January of 2008 my hair was extremely dark brown. In spring of 2008 I bleached my hair back to blonde in preparation for our wedding day. I realized at this point that this was going to take a while.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Second of all, when you tie all of your hair in a ponytail to cut it off, you have to be able to take at least 10 inches of hair. Well, at this time my hair was about to my chin which didn't matter anyway because first I had to go through the process of growing out my natural hair color. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3 years, 1 month and 3 days later....</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">IT'S TIME TO CHOP IT OFF!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Halfway through Rhonda sawing off my hair, I remembered I had forgotten to take a "before" photo. Leave it to my wonderful memory...so reliable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So Rhonda stopped mid chop to get a "before" photo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And... After...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There were many times when it was so tempting to cut and color my hair over the past three years. Two of those years I was working at a salon, so every day I would watch women leave the salon with fresh cuts and color. Torture. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the end the polytail ended up being 12 inches long!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Next stop....highlights!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1-29-2012</span></div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3224200470970139734.post-14138419805301745152012-01-22T11:44:00.000-08:002012-01-22T14:44:20.163-08:00Precious Memories<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have contemplated starting a blog for a while now. I mainly want to blog because I have a terrible memory and I don't want to forget all of life's precious moments. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Up until this point I have captured the events of my life in journals and scrapbooks, two of my most prized worldly possessions. A single photo can cause memories to flood back to my mind. Opening my journal and reading a simple description of our afternoon walk in Paris can almost bring back the taste of crepes, the feeling of utter bliss as I stare into the eyes of the love of my life, the sound of two women having what sounds like a heated discussion in French just a few feet away. It's amazing how just a few simple words can replenish memories that seemed ultimately lost and forgotten.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've been asked the question many times "If your house were on fire and you could grab only three things, what would they be?" First I would make sure my family is safe, including our two cats ("Smokie" and the "Bandit"). My other two things I would be sure to grab are definitely the scrapbooks and journals. I have always had a deep fear of my house catching on fire because I am afraid that if I loose those two items, the memories are lost forever. So I've been thinking, if I start a blog which contains both written memories and photos, this fear will not be lingering over me so heavily.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thankfully I have a husband who is blessed with a wonderful memory and a gift with words (two things that are absolutely not my strong suits). Even though he has the ability to refresh my memory, I still like to keep a detailed description of moments that I want to remember and cherish. No one can remember every single detail.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My little sister, Maira, is seven years old now. There are so many hilarious things she has said over the years that I thought I would never be able to forget because they were so precious. Lesson learned, write everything down. I recorded very few of these responses over the years and I highly regret it. As James and I are nearing the time to expand our family, I really want to make a habit of chronicling our lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After years of debating joining the world of blogging, I'm in! </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0