Don't Read this if You're Not a Romantic

Matt and Amy

Oh, the pix is a sunset in Pendleton, SC, outside my grandparents' home.

I'm warning you--If you don't like to hear about romantic things-don't read this entry. Following is an email I just received from Matt on Friday. I"ll be honest, --We had a semi-argument Thursday night (though it was resolved that same evening.) (No, Sarah, it wasn't as funny, as the argument you saw last May when I was trying to make that cake.) I think we were just both tired. February was a hard month for us.

Anyway, Matt sent me this email Friday and we were able to go on a date Friday night (Thanks, Gigi for watching Simon!) We had yummy Chinese food and went to see The Jacket. And between chinese and the movie we walked around a park just like teenagers.

Okay, so skip this if you're not a romantic--I just thought it was a sweet email, and Matt might be embarassed so it might not be posted for long. Also, I cut and pasted as is, so all the sweet typos are from Matt.

I love Amy becuase...
she is beuatiful
she has a wonderful smile
she is fun to be with
she makes me and Simon laugh
she is a good cook
she is nice to small children
she loves God
she is fun on a road trip
she likes to hike
she is into ice cream
she watches Dr. Who with me
she listens to some of my stupid music
she is supportive of me
she tolerates mispellings
she is a great a grammer
she helps me write papers
she did some of my algebra homework in college
she is the best mom to Simon
she is a cool cousin
she is very polite
she is no fool
she is the smartest girl in the house
she has a great sense of style
she can see in color
she played flute once
she had a baby named Simon
she is so interesting
she likes to put her feet in cold water
she sometimes looks likes she from the 50's
she loves me

I hvae to go now.  Bye

love Matt.

Simon Says

Simon Says Hello

This pix is about 3 weeks old.

Simon update: Top tooth coming in, joining 2 bottom teeth
Still has a cold
As sweet as he can be
Likes to "talk"

Currently waking from a nap, so I must go

Time to Go Shopping

The New Style

Simon had the smallest of tears in his cute little warm fleece sleeper last night, but when we woke him up this morning, his foot had come through the hole!

I thought it was cute, hence the pix.

The tear is on the seam so it will be mended soon.

Early Morning Feeding

The Other Side of Parenting

This was Sunday morning around 5:00 a.m.

I was cracking up over how funny it all was. I had fed Simon, and he still seemed hungry, so I made a bottle and Matt gave it to him. Then, Simon ate some cereal, too, and finally went back to sleep around 6:30. We let him sleep until 9:00, and then we had to wake him so we could make it to church. We wanted to go to Sunday school, but his sleep was more important.

Simon really doesn't cry that much, but these last couple of weeks have seem some exceptions to his cheerful self. Matt noticed tonight that a top tooth seems to be cutting through, too.

Gerber Baby

Should be the Gerber Baby

I know all mothers must feel the same way.

This pix was taken on Friday, Feb. 25th. Simon is starting to feel better. We've pretty much finished the bottle of Infant Pediacare Decongestant Drops. The last 2 nights he has slept over 10 hours, which is more where he should be. Also, his naps are more regular. I don't know how he can take 2 naps that are about 1 1/2 hours long and another nap anywhere from 45-1 1/2 hours and still sleep at night. But I am thankful.

I bought some homeopathic teething tablets last night. My friend Lisa used them with her son Jacob and they worked well. Solved the irritability and sleeplessness. So, just in case, I have some...

We finally have the new car seat in use--the one the doctor ordered. I'm thinking about keeping the infant carrier base installed, too, because I have several friends who either just had babies or who are going to have them soon. I think a minivan with an extra car seat would be a good ministry. Moms need to get out sometimes.

Sarah's computer has a virus, if anyone is wondering why she hasn't blogged in oh so long.
Over and out.

Father and Son

Father and Son

You can really notice the resemblance between the two in this pix. From the eyes up, or more so from the forehead up, is a striking resemblance.

They are so cute. Matt is making a "Simon" expression.


***Tidbits from today: Church: lots of testimonies, After: Lunch with family at El Chico; After: trying on prom dresses with Nancy. After: Buying a replacement Black and Decker Coffee Carafe at Target, which they didn't have, so buying a really cheap coffee pot and ordering a replacement at home off the internet, After: Home with Simon and Matt--yay! Resting, Laundering, straightening. That's that.***

Hey, Nancy, I found those silver sandals!

In Memory

In Memory

Christ died and rose again for this very purpose, so that he might be the LORD of those who are alive and of those who have died.

Romans 14:9

Sunshine and Rain at Once, Her Smiles and Tears

Amy, Nancy and Simon

"Sunshine and Rain at once, her smiles and tears..." I think that is a quote from King Lear. I'm not sure, but I think it is from one of Shakespeare's plays. And it's from memory so it is not verbatim.

"Sunshine and Rain at once..." Yesterday, Friday, was a hard day. We buried one of our youth members. I think that says it all. Amanda was only 15, a sophomore at North Mesquite High School...and I could write more about her sweet smile and cheerful disposition, but I will mention the most important thing: on Sunday, she was at the altar, once again consecrating her life for God and praying to find her purpose in life. On Monday night, she died at Baylor Hospital after the hit and run accident.

In the midst of the tragedy, how wonderful to know she was in such close communion to God as he welcomed her home.

Sunshine and Rain at once, their smiles and tears: Yesterday our youth buried a friend in the morning, and that evening, a group of about 40 went to the Acquire the Fire Conference. I was able to go to the evening session and was happy to see so many really worshipping God during praise and worship. Many of our youth responded to the altar call (or should we say reunion arena floor call) to either accept Christ for the first time or to rededicate their lives and "keep it real" with God. I'm proud of the youth: the ones who are interested in God, the ones who just met God, the ones who want to come back to God, and the ones who are faithful in their walk with God.

They stayed at the church last night, and are back at the conference today. I'm about to leave to visit with them during their supper break. (I can't be as involved this year because of Simon.)

Amanda's tragic and untimely death has opened up a new area of my heart--I am thankful for A God who is bigger than death--a God who offers new life both here and in heaven. I am also challenged to pursue closer relationships with the youth and to challenge them to know Christ and let Him change their lives.

Seems Like Yesterday

How Time Flies

I'm just sitting here at the computer, with Simon sitting contentedly in my lap, browsing through our digital pix. I came across this one that I had never seen. I think Simon was probably about 5 weeks old here. Now he is 26 1/2 weeks old. (I just figured that out on my calendar.)

Simon and I have both changed a lot since then.

Well, I should really be cleaning, laundering, and straightening, especially since Nana (Matt's mom/Simon's grandma) is coming in tomorow. Nana, if you read this at work today, we'll see you tomorrow!

Melissa and Simon

Melissa and Simon
This was at about 10:30 last night. Simon is usually asleep at that time (see pix below,) but we woke him up for another feeding. We were a little off schedule yesterday.

It was so nice to spend time with Melissa--I could say she is an old college friend, but we're not old and college friend implies that we're not current friends, and Matt and I are lucky enough to still be friends with Melissa.

Matt and Melissa are both very musical and artsy. For example, Melissa and I get into Matt's car last night by ourselves to run to Tom Thumb, and Matt has some type of classical musical (I guess) playing and Melissa recognizes the name of the piece (Gates of Kiev?) and the composer--some Russian guy. I remember a time in college before Matt and I really knew each other, and I was entertaining the thought of matchmaking Melissa with Matt.

Life is funny like that. I'm glad that reality didn't get past my thoughts--I can't believe how lucky I am to have Matt love me! Really, I feel sorry for any other girl on the planet. Here are my top three adjectives to describe him: unassuming, okay never mind that's too hard.

Simon Sleeping Soundly

Simon sleeping last night

Some of my sweetest moments are peeking in on Simon when he is sleeping. How cute is he with his little bottom in the air?
We took this pix last night after the Taboo rematch--Amy and Scott vs. Matt and Melissa. Scott and I didn't prevail, but we gained ground. Our loss this time was only 49 to 60. We're getting better-maybe next time!
Oh, I know I mentioned Simon has a tooth coming in, but yesterday I noticed he now has two teeth coming in! His two bottom teeth are coming in. Is it normal for 2 teeth to come in simultaneously?

A Fresh-Brewed Life

A Fresh-Brewed Life
This pix is from Wednesday night. Our little group had lots of fun. These are some of my favorite people. I made chocolate brownie cupcakes with peanut butter fudge icing. (Melissa saved the icing from disaster.) Yummy.
There's more about the group on afreshbrewedlife.blogspot.com

Matching Hair

Simon with Gigi

Why is it underlining?

Yes, Simon has on the same outfit that he does in the pix below. I can't believe he is almost too big for 6-9 months clothes. He has grown over 6 inches since he was born.

I just realized in all fairness, I should post other grandparent pix also, before jealousy arises. (Just kidding, mom.)

Everyone says Simon got his hair color from mom. Let me divulge two secrets:
(1) Mom's comes from a bottle.
(2) It takes two recessive genes to inherit a recessive trait like red hair, so the recessive genes come from both Matt and I--we must both have a dominant brown and a recessive red. Simon got the two little r's.

Simon with Grandparents

Simon with Nana and Papa

I am posting this picture because Nana is coming to visit this Saturday. I'm excited about sharing the new stages of Simon with her.

Having company, though, always makes me wish that our little home was not so little.

But, on the plus side, it is easy to keep clean and helps make it possible for me not to work (outside of the home.) Because let me just say, being a mom is work. Well, I do tutor about 6 hours a week for MISD and for one very special Metropolitan Bible School student.

Nana is coming in on Saturday morning. Oh, and on Wed. and Thur. evening we have another very special house guest!!! She's a traveling artist bohemian type individual (I wonder if she would admit that?) None other than Melissa en route from working in Colorado at a ski lift and visiting an artist mentor in Phoenix. Check out melissagann.com........

Simon's First Tooth

Simon's First Tooth is Coming In!

Well, the tooth is barely showing over the gums, but it is definitely there and definitely sharp. The tooth was discovered on Saturday morning during the ladies luncheon at church. Notice how his cute red hair is sticking up in the pix.

Happy Valentine's Day!!! Matt made me breakfast this morning before he left for work. Oh, this is so exciting, Simon's first Valentine's. I was going to buy him this V-day outfit at Old Navy, but I didn't really care for it; I think that maybe I thought it was too baby girl like. Don't worry, Simon got a new car seat for V-Day.

Oh, here is the synopsis from last Tuesday's 6 month well baby check up. Simon weighs 17.6 pounds, which is in the 50 percentile. He is 27 3/4 inches long which is in the 92 percentile. Dr.London says he is doing well: turning over, kind of sitting up, eating cereal, looking towards voices, etc.

We have to work on giving him his vitamins 4-5 times a week instead of the 2-3 that we usually do. AND....HE CAN START BABY FOOD! Dr. London suggested cereal with fruit mixed in during the morning, and at lunch and dinner he should eat the equivalent of two jars of baby food--fruits and veggies only. Still needs to have a bottle or you know what about 5 times a day, with the meals. I'm waiting a while for the food thing, I am barely getting accustomed to cereal. As long as he is adjusted to the new food schedule by the 9 month check up, we will be okay!

Oh yeah, and the doctor said we had to: take the bumper pads out of the crib, lower the crib mattress to the lowest setting, take away the beloved mobile, and get a new car seat b/c he is too long for the infant carrier seat.

I'm torn about the mobile exchange--Simon loves his mobile, and we don't use it as a sleep aid. Do ya'll think the doctor meant to take it out immediately, or by the next check-up?

Yay for Simon's first tooth!

Simon -- A Star is Born

This pix is a couple of months old--but upon recent words of affirmation, I think most blog readers want to see more of Simon--so, here he is!

I remember when we(I) was planning the nursery, I wanted to stay away from the traditional boy themes: trains, jungle animals, fire-trucks, etc. I thought the theme: A Star is Born would be perfect. I could collect some eclectic boy decor and mix it with some stars (not the twinkle twinkle type, more of the Pier I type.)

And people kept asking me what my theme was, but Matt didn't really want us to have a "theme." So, I tried to develop the theme without calling it one. I like the way it worked out, though.

Here is some info. for anyone expecting, some lessons learned:
* Don't buy the more expensive pre-packaged nursery sets that include a matching quilt, bumperpads, curtains, diaper stacker, bedskirt, etc. The quilts are a suffocation hazard and pediatricians recommend not using them. Our pediatrician just told us this week to take out the bumper pads, too, as they pose a suffocation risk. The diaper stacker doesn't hold enough diapers to be of much use. You can probably make cuter window coverings that are more unique. The bedskirt is nice, though, to cover the space between the crib mattress and carpet and to hide the space (which is great for storage.) But you don't want to spend $120 + dollars on just a bedskirt. I think you can buy those separately, anyway.
* Use the extra money to buy sheets I saw advertised in some parenting magazine. The flat panel unzips when it is dirty, and you replace it with other panels. For those of you who have changed baby mattresses, you know what a pain they can be. These sheets (I'm guessing), would take the pain out of it--just unzip around the edges. Most crib sheets are less than $10 and a real waste of money b/c you'll do anything to avoid changing the sheets. Skip the expensive bedding set and spring for these "zip" sheets which I think are around $30-$40 dollars, plus like $15 for replacement panels.

I am very thankful for a good friend, Julia, in TN. She has helped me take care of Simon and stock the nursery, from across several states, thanks to our phone lines.

Any other ideas for nurserys? I love decorating and organizing advice!!

Faithful Friends

Amy, Julie, and Lynn

Julie, after you told me yesterday that you read the blog, I thought I would post this pix today. Taken at Julie's wedding (I know this is obvious, based upon her attire.)

"Faithful friends" has a two-fold meaning. (A): Faith as in mutual dedication to the things of God. (B): Faithful as in friendships that remain even the post-highschool years.

On point (A), I would like to encourage the few readers I have that are still in high school. It is so important to find friends who encourage you and hold you accountable. The right friends can make all of the difference in your life, just as the wrong friends can.

On point (B), I would like to encourage most of the readers that I have who are out of highschool. So many precious friendships are started in high school and college. I think it is important to both value and celebrate those friendships. Of course time (even months, years) will pass between visits, even for friends who live in the same region. Our lives do get filled up with committments --that's life. (One of my blog readers would reference Jane Austen at this point: "Life is but a quick succession of busy notations.")

Sometimes, though, it is important to take the time for a phone call, email, card, and sometimes a visit to keep those lines of communication open. You never know, it may be God's way of reaching out to them in a time of need.

I am enjoying the new avenue of communication that blogging has opened up for me. I still have lots to learn--for example: how to stop the underlining....?

All By Myself

San Antonio
For those of you who don't know, Matt is leaving at 10:30 this morning for San Antonio. Brad picked him up on their way to work/school today, and they'll head out for San Antonio after band rehearsal. Why? Texas Music Educators Association conference. Kind of sounds boring, but Matt always has a good time, says he enjoys learning new things. This year, he was really excited about going.
I think I know why. No 2:00 feedings to help with. No diapers. No responsibilities. From Thursday-Mid-Sunday. A gym at the hotel--(we've been too busy this month to go to the gym for our bi-weekly challenges of racketball.) Better Mexican food. You wouldn't believe what he was worried about last night. He wanted to make sure the hotel had coffee--So he looked it up on the internet, just to make sure. Matt, you won't even need the coffee because you will be getting SLEEP!!!
I know I might sound jealous and resentful. About 1 % of me is. Truth be known, I'm really jealous of Brad who gets the undivided time with Matt that I would love to have. (Don't worry, I'm sure Brad does not feel the same way.)
The other 99% knows I will miss him and I feel sorry that he will miss all of the cute noises, faces, and hugs that Simon will give. Matt woke Simon up a little early this morning, just to hold him and love on him before he left. I don't know if I could leave Simon for even one day. I would think too much about the little things I might miss. The cute smiles and laughs. I want to pick him up from his morning nap, just thinking about him.

Nancy and Amy at Denny's

Nancy and Amy at Denny's
I am posting this picture, even though it has nothing to do with today's blog entry. I think this is a funny pix of us--it wasn't posed, that's really how we were looking at our menus!

I have lots to tell! Yesterday (Sunday) we didn't go to church because we were feeling poorly. Today Matt didn't go into work, either. He is planning to go to school tomorrow, though. Why do we feel better? Because a super thoughtful family brought us shut-ins some yummy beef and vegetable stew and cornbread (and orange juice and kleenex).

Thank you, Pecina's! It was so nice to come in this evening and have a home-cooked meal! Very comforting.

Tomorrow is a very special day. Simon has his 6 month well baby visit. AND.....AND...it is mine and Matt's seven year anniversary from when we started dating!!! I mentioned that to Matt a few days ago, and he said, "We still do that?" Yes, we still acknowledge that! I think that maybe, just maybe I (we) forgot last year, in all of the pregnancy stupor....

Mine and Matt's first date was to The Boiled Frog (a New Orleans type restaurant) in the downtown part of Chattanooga. Matt had shrimp gumbo and I was too self-conscious to eat... I'm sure I feigned lack of appetite, though I did have cheesecake for dessert!

So, tomorrow, I have plans to make shrimp gumbo. I bought shrimp, okra, onion, bell pepper, sausage, and tomatoes today. I think we have rice.

I changed the template of my blog to one that had a space for links. Now it's easier for me to cross-reference blogs.

Simon in his Playard

Simon in his Playard
Here is an update for all of you faithful bloggers. Our little family is sick! Simon has a sad little cough and sneezes, but seems to be on the getting well side. I am feeling under the weather, too, but after childbirth, my pain tolerance has increased, so I am only slightly setback. Matt is sick, too, perhaps with the flu or some sickness that hits suddenly with a vengeance. So, that's that. The above picture was taken only a few hours ago.