The Beckwith Family

Emily's Third Birthday

2011-10-16T15:03:00.006-05:00

This year we had Emily's birthday party at the MS Children's Museum. It was at 9:00 in the morning, great time for donuts and fruit instead of cake. The kids played while we set up for a Dora Party and fun was had by all!! I'll never forget the look on Emily's face when she walked in the room to see all the Dora stuff. As I soaked in her image, I forgot to get a picture. But just close your eyes and picture her mouth drop, then cover her mouth with both hands as her eyes got really big. She then whispered..."Dora". After a refreshing breakfast the kids were at it again. That was such a great place to have a party, I think Emma might be having hers there as well. We are so blessed that Emily's family and friends were all able to come and celebrate!

Little Cougarettes

2011-10-16T14:49:00.002-05:00

Emma went to a Little Cougarette Clinic and had a blast. She learned a new dance and was able to perform at the NWR high school pre-game show. I forgot my camera that night, but I got it all on video! I hope I can find a friend with pictures. If I do, I'll be sure to put them on here.
Emma's new friend, Maddie. She got her autograph and everything.

Some of my favorite pics and memorys with the girls.

2011-01-03T22:10:00.000-06:00

One day Emma and I decided to play with Emily's hair. It turned out so cute with her little bow!

Is this not the sweetest little sister looking at her big sister?!!

While I was getting supper ready, chili, Emma said she wanted a Fancy Dinner. And so she got it! I pulled out my fine china and washed the dust off and found some candles to light. (I can't even believe I had some.) She even said we needed name tags like at my cousins rehearsal dinner...and so we did. Mitch couldn't believe I was letting her use "the good stuff". And to tell you the truth, neither could I. I just decided that if it breaks, it breaks. I can buy more. My little angle wanted a fancy dinner, was that too much to ask for?! I think it's a memory we will all treasure. Oh, and yes Emily had gone to bed. :)

My cousin Will's wedding...

2011-01-03T22:09:00.009-06:00

Emma was asked to be in her first wedding this past fall. She was so excited!! She loves fancy stuff so this was right up her alley. The dress, the big bow, earrings and she even had her own flowers to carry. But she wasn't the flower girl. Oh no, she was a junior bridesmaid...

Mason, Emma's cousin, was in the wedding too. We had to be at the church (out of town) real early for pictures. I was glad Mason was there too for Emma to play with.

Will's mom, Aunt Joyce, and Emma

Mitch came later, like right before the wedding so Emily wouldn't have long to get tired, and we tried to get a family picture. (insert laugh) That never works.

I was so proud of Emma!! She did such a good job during the wedding, and after a long day of pictures.

And Emily...Well, let's just say, I watched most of the wedding from the foyer of the church.

Gotta love this (wild) sweet girl!!

Emma's Pow Wow

2011-01-03T12:22:00.002-06:00

The K4 students at Emma's school have a Thanksgiving Music Program. They start off with the musical that has hand motions and ends with each class dancing around the campfire. Emma was so cute and did a great job!

After the program, there was time to take a few pictures of the class and then off to the Pow Wow in the classrooms.
These are pictures of the 5 children that grew up at "Momma Beth's" house. They have become so close over the years. I hope they stay close through college! Although I hope Emma does not go to State with these friends!!! HA HA!

More post to come soon, I hope. I really need to catch up! For now, I'm off to get Emily glasses...that's another post I hope to get to soon!

Halloween!

2010-10-31T15:48:00.003-05:00

This Halloween season started with Emma's gymnastic costume night.
Later that night, the annual carving of the pumpkin! Mitch loves carving the pumpkin with the girls. Well...with Emma. Emily didn't really have time for all that. She had mowing to do.

Last night we started the evening off with our neighborhood party and hayride. The girls had a great time. Emily LOVED the blow up slide so much that she really did not want to leave. Emma had fun with her new friend that she made at the NWRE parade. They saw each other and acted like they were long lost friends reunited. It was so cute.

That night, another hayride with trick or treating. We love going with our friends each year and Emma has always has fun. This year was Emily's first ride. She was scared at first. But by the end of the night, she was walking to doors all by herself and jumping back on the hayride for more! I have really loved all the memories life has brought us. And I look forward to more.

Emily is 2 years old!!

2010-10-31T14:31:00.004-05:00

Emily had her birthday party at The Play Place this year. She walked in and played with everyone until we left. I was surprise how well she did. Thank goodness for a good nap that day.

Everyone seemed to have a great and relaxing time watching the kids play.
We sang Happy Birthday and then Emily didn't know how to blow out the candles. So I began to blow on her cheek thinking she would then blow. However, you can see I had to grab her hand. She put out the candle with her fingers!!!
After the party, Emily gave balls for her treats. As you can see, my brother had a blast with his. Oh yes, he asked for one too. The cousins took the balloons outside and had a balloon release. It was so pretty!

State Fair

2010-10-31T11:18:00.004-05:00

We met a few friends and cousins at the fair. All Emma wanted to do was ride a roller coaster. She got that and much more.
Emily got tired of watching and wanted to ride too. Well, that's all it took and she was very happy to get back in her stroller. Emily did not like the ride at all!
But I am so glad she experienced the ride.
Emma braved the bull ride...she did pretty good too!

The girls went to see the Snake Lady and Mason took Emma down the slide.

To end the day, the kids wanted to go on the Indiana Jones obstacle. And they had a great time!

Last stop for my 2 girls...Duck Game. I love this game more than the girls I think. They got some great prizes too, Pom Poms and a crown.

Zoo Trip

2010-10-31T10:35:00.002-05:00

Our October was full of fun!! First stop...The Zoo! Emma got a map to help us out on our tour. She was able to tell us where all the animals were. Such a great tour guide!
Emma's favorite, the elephants. Emily's favorite, being out of the stroller!

After our tour and playtime, we had a great picnic across the street. Followed by the train ride. What a wonderful time!

2010-05-15T20:23:00.002-05:00

OK, I've been talking with some friends and I think I've got my page set up so I will not need to go private. We'll see if the mess continues. Oh, and I'll try to update pictures soon too. LOL...

2010-03-27T12:52:00.001-05:00

Going private soon!! Girls gotta do, what a girls gotta do!! Let me know if you would still like to view...

Spring Break!! 2010

2010-03-21T11:19:00.008-05:00

As I reflect on our Spring Break, we sure had our ups and downs...

I cleaned house like a mad women last Saturday and Sunday scrubbing EVERYTHING in site!! I wanted to be able to enjoy my Spring Break with the girls without having to worry about cleaning~and I did!! We stayed home and had a great time just doing nothing for a few days.

(All of these pictures were made with my iPhone, so they are not of the best quality.)

Emma LOVES Hannah Montana and enjoys dressing up to be Hannah.
One night, after messing up my van by running into the garage door, we went skating in Clinton with cousins. Emma had such a great time!!

One day I ran by the YMCA to sign Emma up for T-Ball. While I was paying I put Emily down to run around. Emma and Emily were having a good time until...This large family came plowing in. One child was pushing a stroller with about 4 other kids running around. Needless to say, the mom wasn't looking and that child ran over Emily. I mean they seriously had a wreak!! The stroller crashed into Emily and pushed her a little way. I have never been so speechless, while having so much I wanted to say. Check out below her right eye. Poor baby!!
On a different note about Emily, she got tubes in her ears this week!! I am so glad too. She has literally been sick with an ear infection since October. And that my friends has not been fun for anybody involved.

So this is my sweet baby while waiting to go back and get her tubes. She was not happy in her little hospital gown on, starving and sleepy!!

But after a little relaxing medicine...she was feeling no pain!

I was laughing so hard at her, that I had tears in my eyes. The nurse came in the room to check on her and take her back. While she was in there, she saw tears in my eyes. She thought I was sad about Emily going back and began telling me it would be ok...I just smiled. Needless to say, everything was ok and Emily is back to normal.

Enjoying beautiful weather with Daddy, on the one day he came home early!!
(I hate tax season!!)

It's become a family tradition with my cousin PJ to take Emma to the St. Paddy's Day parade. We have be going for 4 years together. When Emma was born and the St. Paddy's parade was coming up...with tax season Mitch couldn't go...so PJ went with us. We even took Emily last year. (Not this year though, she is at the running around stage and putting everything in her mouth.) But we took Emma and our crowd is growing.

Will and Sarah went with us for the 2nd year, and Emma stayed on his shoulders most of the day. Poor guy!

Aunt Joyce bought her a crown.

This year, PJ kinda hung back with his dad.

By the end of the parade, Emma had soooo many beads. And we have been playing parade all morning. We took turns being the parade and throwing beads and catching them. This is a picture of one tired little girl!! But she had a great time!!

I can't wait until next year!! I am hoping to take Emily back. We found the perfect spot with lots of kids, a band and nice restroom. Can't beat that!!

Emma's 4th Birthday Party

2010-03-06T14:38:00.005-06:00

Emma's birthday is January 4, 2006. My sweet baby is 4 years old now. Tears fall from my eyes as I type this listening to Chris Daughtry sing It's A Wonderful World. I just cannot believe that my baby is getting so big!!

I wanted to do a cute DIVA party somewhere at a spa, but Emma had other plans. She wanted to have her party at our neighborhood clubhouse. Soooo....of course we did.

Just making sure to have plenty pictures of Emma and Wes for their wedding video one day.

I really wasn't too sure what I would do with a room full of kids and I was going to be the only form of entertainment. Frankly, I was scared. I have been inviting my friends and their kids to Emma's parties in the past. Not this year, Emma made the list of people she wanted to invite. This might be the first sign of getting to big for her britches.

The kids play a few games. But the one Emma loved the most was sitting on the balloons to make them pop. It was so funny watching the kids try so hard to get their balloons to pop.

They also decorated their own pizza with marshmallows and chocolate chips. YUM! And ate cupcakes that we made ourselves at home.

The party came to a close with the opening of the wonderful gifts that she got that day. Thank you so much everyone for coming to Emma's party. She had a great time with you!

All pictures were taken by Monique McGonagill

2010-02-08T09:31:00.003-06:00

OK, so it's February and I am posting Christmas. FINALLY! Better late than never. Right? Having 2 children doesn't leave much time for blogging. But I did have time to get out a few Christmas cards this year. Not as many as I usually do. I just love them!!

Photo by: Cindy Beckwith (in the babysitter's backyard)

Christmas card by: Jenny Holloway

Sweet Emily didn't care too much for Santa this year. However, she did much better than Emma ever did at that age. And Emma, asked for a dinosaur! That's the only thing she asked Santa for!! So you know Santa moved mountains to get that dinosaur here on Christmas Eve. I sure do wish she played with it more often.

December...in a flash

2010-02-07T20:46:00.001-06:00

If I've said it once, I've said it a million times..."It's never a dull moment at the Beckwith house!" Mitch and I have done some amazing things while we've known each other. These girls have to be the best thing that we have done. I can't tell you how blessed I feel every time I look in their eyes. Gods gifts are good!!

Our fun in the snow.

Somebody LOVES bath time!

Christmas with my family has always made great memories. And this year did not prove different. Below is my moms family. This year we went to my Aunt Joyce's house and had a great time. Food, fun and family...my idea of a great time!

Emma's dance class had a Christmas party and invited the parents to come and watch them dance. After they performed, the girls had party food and opened gifts. Emma did such a good job and she was so proud of herself

I got Emma this little pink tree one year. Let's just say, it got decorated and undecorated a billion times. And the girls loved it each time.

Christmas at my mom and dad's house.

Santa came to visit and he even brought the dinosaur. Emma loved it but it took Emily awhile to get use to the fact that it moved and made loud noises.

Christmas with my dad's family.

New Year's Eve!!

Well, that's December in a flash. I'll try to post Emma's birthday party soon and some more things we have been up to around this crazy house.

I have so much to be thankful for...

2009-11-26T13:57:00.002-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

We've been busy!

2009-11-01T15:17:00.009-06:00

We had our first Halloween together as a family of 4 this year and had a great time! Our neighborhood had a festival and hayride that was real fun for all of us. Afterwards, we went on another hayride with friends to Trick or Treat.

As always, Mitch and Emma carved our pumpkin.

I just love this girl! I asked her to clean her room...everything went on her bed. I guess the floor is now clean. Let's vacuum!

Emma had her very first field trip and we went to the Pumpkin Patch. I hope I am able to make a ton of memories with Emma and Emily as they grow up.

Soccer is over but we had a lot of fun. She will for sure play again!! We had an End f the Season party and the kids got trophies.

Cheer is over as well. I am looking forward to next football season. At Homecoming they dressed up as I Dream of Jeannie. I was the cutest thing!

Happy Birthday Emily!

2009-10-12T13:50:00.005-05:00

One year ago today, our sweet miracle was born at 28 weeks and weighing 2 lbs 9 oz.

Thursday night I took Emily to the doctor and was diagnosed with bronchiolitis. Saturday she started running a high fever so we went back to the doctor and she now has a double ear infection. That didn't stop us! Our little family of 4 celebrated Emily's birthday as planned.
I am not sure who enjoyed the smash cake more...Emily or Emma. Let's just say, not much went to waste!

Emily enjoyed watching Emma open her gifts. LOL! And she loved playing with her new toys.

Happy Birthday my sweet baby!

Daddy, Mommy and big sister love you so much!

What a great day!!!

2009-09-12T17:21:00.006-05:00

"Go Emma Go!!"

Emma scored the first goal of the game this morning. I was so unbelievably proud of her!

And she was obviously proud of herself!

Check out that smile...from ear to ear. And she liked it so much she scored 2 more goals. Each time she ran off the field to give me a hug! How sweet was that?!

Oh wait a minute...Time out coach...There's a plane!

Thank goodness my parents came to the game. I took my camera but I was too busy screaming for the Dawgs that I forgot to take pictures. My dad got a few though.

After a great morning, and early nap for both girls, we had time for a little music.

Emily is looking up at her big sister! You can just see the love in her eyes.

Now time for a little building.

Happy baby!

"Run, run, as fast as you can..."

I read to Emma every night and she loves the Gingerbread Man. She found my cake pan today and wanted to bake a cake...and so we did. Please check out the eyes, nose, buttons...fruit loops.

While Emma was decorating the Gingerbread Man, Emily was eating bananas for the first time. I think she kinda like it too. We had such a great day today!

Dad to the rescue!

2009-09-12T17:00:00.000-05:00

Ok, so it's tax season again and I found a lizard in the house the other night. Oh course Mitch had not even left work yet. I was sure to tell him this was a 911 lizard emergency. I was very proud of myself though. I got a cup and put on top of it until he could get home. I told Emma I needed something heavy enough to put on the cup but that everything was too high for her to get for me. So Emma had a great idea. She would hold the cup while I would get something heavy. Is my girl smart or what!!

So he begins to remove the cups and cans I had on top of the lizard.
Then ever so calmly he gets it in one of the cups.

After Emma got a good look,

they took it outside to find his family.

2009-09-12T16:52:00.002-05:00

I bought Emma this Hannah Montana outfit and she wore it all weekend. We put in the Hannah Montana Movie and she dance on my bed while she sang every song in the movie with her lip gloss microphone. Priceless!

I would say this takes the name BOW HEAD to a new level.

Elmo

2009-09-03T22:26:00.002-05:00

Last Sunday morning we decided to go the the afternoon Elmo show. Mitch went to buy us tickets during nap. Boy did Emma have a surprise when she got up. That's us in the bottom left hand corner of this picture. Emily is hanging in there with the best of them...until she fell asleep for about 40 minutes.

We got floor seats so Emma was able to hug a few folks. If this happened last year, Emma would have ran screaming. I wonder how she is going to do for Santa now.

More hugs...

During intermission you really didn't have a choice but to go down front and buy an Elmo balloon. Oh, I think they were $8.00 too. Mitch looks excited about that huh ;). He would have bought it if it was $15.00 too.

Please look at my child dancing in her chair. This is what she did most of the time. She really had a great night.

Soccer

2009-09-03T22:20:00.000-05:00

Emma had her first soccer practice last week and she loved it! I took her to the store to pick out her own cleats, shin guards and ball. She is styling!

I have totally lost my mind though. I have Emma in ballet, tap, tumbling, soccer and she is a cheerleader this year! My parents always said, "Keep kids busy. That way you keep them out of trouble." Well, we should all stay out of trouble with her schedule.

I must say, the kids got style...and little Emily enjoyed watching her big sister practice. I think she wanted to be out there with her.

I loved playing soccer when I was younger and I am so excited about Emma playing. Mitch on the other hand, doesn't know a thing about the sport. I hope I have the patience to teach him the rules like he taught me football.

At the end of each game, the parents make a tunnel for the kids to run through. The coach made us practice the tunnel at practice too. Fun stuff! I'm pumped!

My Little Cheerleader!

2009-09-03T22:12:00.002-05:00

Little cute thing! Go Flames!

Pump, Pump, Pump it up...

...Whoosh! And let it roll!

2009-08-01T22:46:00.006-05:00

We have had a great summer and it is now over. (sniff, sniff) One thing we have done, is make rules in the house. rule #1: Emma~Do NOT pick up your sister! Yet, this is what I found one day...

I got a sitter for Emily one day and took Emma to the Splash Pad. That is the best place! Emma had a blast! Next year Emily will be able to go too. I wonder if they sell season passes?? If so, I'll be getting us some for sure.
Because Emily was such a preemie, she had to go to the OT the other day. She got a great report! Everything looked good. She is 9 1/2 months old and developmentally 6 1/2 months old. That is right on task with how early she was. The following day she had her 9 month check up and shots. Poor baby went through it that week.

Look at the little stinker trying to sit up! I love it. Some people say "Aw it's all over with now." Not me! I am ready for her to run around! She needs to be able to run from Emma sometimes.

See what I am talking about.
Big sister is still the best helper!
Please check out Emma's mouth open. I wonder if I do that when I am feeding Emily.
Every kids dream!
CANDY! AND A LOT OF IT!

With all the rain we have been having, Emma has not been able to play in the backyard. We'll she needed to run off some energy...so she played in the rain! I use to love playing in the rain when I was little too. If you have never tried it, you don't know what you are missing.

Note to self: Emily is now waving bye bye. Sitting up on her own if you sit her up. Cutting her top two teeth. Eating crackers. And got her first bobo. (What was rule #1 again. Ugh!)

2009-07-13T22:09:00.005-05:00

Can you believe how cute this little girl is getting? She has really grown. When you look in Emma's eyes they can tell a story. Emily however, she speaks with her whole body. It's so sweet.

Emma has really enjoyed MMO this summer and all the art projects that come with it.(elephant ears and trunk)

I cannot keep the girls away from each other! Their love is so strong already. If Emily gets fussy, I know all I need to do is call Emma to make her smile. Works every time! And Emma is for sure a little Mother Hen.

My Sweet Girls!

Yep, that's right, Emma is still the biggest helper. Even when I turn my back for 2 seconds.

Just silly...

Brent's biggest fans!!!

Robin, Thank you so much for these cute shirts!

2009-06-19T22:53:00.002-05:00

We sure do love playing in our backyard! I keep trying to take Emma to the real pool, but she keeps wanting to go her pool. I must say, I love being at home too! Little Emily has her own pool. AKA her tub. ;)
Emma helps me cook quite often. Licking the spoon is the best part though. Even Emily got in on the action when we baked a cake the other day.

Sister Love!

2009-06-19T22:36:00.002-05:00

Emma is getting ready for her first day of Mother's Morning Out.

She is so lucky that her best friends were there too!

While Emma was at MMO, Emily got to practice holding her own bottle. She is doing pretty good, but has a long way to go.
Emily has gotten so big and is doing so much. While Emma aggravates her, Emily loves it (crazy girl). She is rolling over like crazy and very mobile. We can't leave anything on the floor anymore that can't go in her mouth. Emily is trying so hard to sit up and has such a hard time. It makes her so mad that she can't do it. She has her 2 bottom teeth now, maybe Emma will keep her finger out of Emily's mouth. LOL!

Science Camp

2009-06-19T22:20:00.003-05:00

The second week at Science Camp was just as much fun as the first. We talk about Turtle that week. The teacher even had turtle art for us to do. Please look at my child staring at the snake. She said she liked it...Not Good! And she pet the alligator. YIKES!

Please check out the conversation that Emma had with the teacher during the group time.

Emma (screaming) "Teacher, Teacher!'

Mrs. Joan "Yes?"

Emma "Your hair."

Mrs. Joan "What about my hair?"

Emma "It's crazy."

Mrs. Joan (bending down) "Well, will you fix it?"

The third week was kinda sad because we knew it was our last day of camp. That week we talked about whales. Please check out the cute shirts Robin made for Emma and Manze.

2009-06-05T18:17:00.002-05:00

I took a Photo Story Class this week that was a lot of fun. This is the project that I did. I think it is great if I do say so myself.

Dance Recital

2009-05-25T13:35:00.004-05:00

Picture it, dress rehearsal night, everything is going great! Manze is there and Emma is have the time of her life watching the big girls dance on stage. Let's just say...It's all fun and games until....

the spot light is on you! Oh what a nightmare! Yes, that is my little angel crying at dress rehearsal. The teacher had to carry her out on stage. Poor Manze just wanted her friend to be happy and couldn't think to dance while Emma was upset. I felt so sorry for Emma and a little embarrassed myself. Afterwards, I told her that she could not go on stage and cry during the real recital.
Mitch was in a wedding so I took Emma, nightmare #2, to see that Daddy would not cry "on stage". That is all we talked about. What a big boy Daddy is. He is not crying on stage.

{Story inside the story~Emma stood on the pew during the wedding saying "Look, there's my Daddy." She waves to him, he waves back. Everyone is laughing and saying, "Oh, how cute." Me, I wanted to fade away.}

Well, it must have worked seeing Daddy "on stage". Emma did great at the recital!

Her Daddy had her flowers ready when she got off stage AND

She got a trophy that she was so proud of. I love this picture of her showing the trophy to Emily.

Swim Lessons

2009-05-25T13:20:00.000-05:00

I am so excited for two reasons. 1. Swim lessons are over! 2. Emma is doing really great this year. I am glad Emma did so good during swim lessons. She is a fish out of water! Now it took some big tears to get to this point, but well worth it!

Mom, Thank you so much for coming to swim lesson everyday for 2 weeks just to hold Emily!!!! I could not have done it without you!

2009-05-25T13:15:00.000-05:00

Mitch's work had a gathering at the zoo for the families to come to. Emma and Emily had a great time! We played games, jumped on the moon jump, ate great food catered in, rode the train ride and enjoyed seeing the animals.

Words cannot say how much fun we have at our house. It's like a zoo! =p

Go Dodgers!

2009-05-09T13:55:00.006-05:00

If you have read my blog, you know my cousin Brent has been playing baseball for the minors for some time now. He and his wife have been traveling while Brent has been enjoying the ride God has planned for him. Brent was able to play against the MS Braves a few weeks ago and we were able to go see him. Emma LOVES Brent and couldn't wait to see him. I think Emily kinda liked him too. It wasn't long after that game, he got called up to them Major Leagues baby! You can click here to see his debut! When Emma was watching this she said, "I want to go in the computer with Brent." So cute!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T20:26:00.003-05:00

It's so good to be able to celebrate Easter with family. We got up first thing to see what the bunny gave the girls. Let me just say, Emma did not want to go see. She was not too sure about the Easter Bunny being in her house. However, she was ready to go to church with Mammaw and Pop! After church, we attempted to make family pictures. That was a nightmare but funny. We then all went to my parents for lunch and an Easter Egg Hunt.

After several attempts to get a picture of me and the girls without Mitch's foot in the picture, he finally joined us. What a goof!
Playing around!

2009-03-14T08:08:00.002-05:00

Look at this bunch. Are they not the cutest kids?! Robin made shirts for them to wear yesterday at Beth's house.

She even made Emily one. Thanks Robin!!
I have got the best big sister in my house. She wants to help do EVERYTHING!

And when I say everything, I mean everything. She helps me cook every night. She did good with the pizza, but she is a pro at making sandwiches. LOL Yep, we eat those a lot. Maybe things will change after April 15th. But Mitch, don't get your hopes up.

This was just one of our pretty days that we enjoyed the outdoors.

2009-03-01T11:49:00.003-06:00

Please check out my friends blog to enter a monogram giveaway!! Click on the picture above to do so.

2009-03-01T11:41:00.002-06:00

How lucky am I? A few friends wanted to get together this past week and bring the children. Me, I opted for a sitter. And I am so glad. I enjoyed see friends I haven't seen in awhile. And I would have loved showing off my kids. But, look how much fun they had with Mammaw and Pop!!

I am so lucky that they will come over and help out when I need them to. That is, if my sister-in-law doesn't have them on the calendar first. LOL!

Playing Catch Up...again

2009-03-01T10:53:00.003-06:00

Nobody told me that I wouldn't even have time to eat once I had two children. Well, let me just say, "I DON'T EVEN HAVE TIME TO EAT." But I have A LOT OF FUN!!! I have never felt so blessed, even during tax season. Ugh!

These are just a few random pictures I have managed to take.

Funny!

We have been invaded by children. LOL!

Fun with friends!! On one of our few warm days, we decided to go to Bops and take ice cream to the park and enjoy the day. Emily even had a great time. However, it was very hard to keep up with a 3 year old and push a stroller at the same time. I might have to take my babysitter with me next time.

This is another reason I am unable to blog much. If I even get near the computer, Emma wants to play her game. The Digital Studio is so cute. She can color pictures, make books (when she is older), make invitations & cards and even arts and crafts. She made the cute crown she is wearing.

Three Years Old

2009-02-15T07:33:00.006-06:00

I have been such a bad blogger! I have only had time to hit and miss a few things. And I have so much more to blog. My sweet little Emma turned 3 on January 4th. We had her party at Pump It Up. She had so much fun and war wounds to prove it.
She was so lucky to have good friends and family to join us! Thanks to everyone that was able to make it. It meant the world to us! Also, thanks to my sweet friend Debbie for keeping Emily on party day.

If you are not pictured, it is because that was the first time I used my camera and half of the pictures are blurry. Sorry.

New Year's Eve

2009-02-15T07:30:00.001-06:00

Our sweet friends, Beau and Mary, invited us over to celebrate the New Year with them. Emma ALWAYS has fun at their house and this night was no exception. But the main attraction was Emily. I didn't even get a chance to hold her. LOL

Bowling

2009-02-15T07:28:00.004-06:00

Emma went on her first bowling trip a few weekends ago. She seemed to really have fun! I guess we will be going back soon.

2009-02-15T07:23:00.003-06:00

Where do I start with these 2 silly girls. They have become such good friends and they love to go to dance each week. Manze and Emma both got a new tutu for Christmas and they wore them to dance the other night. They looked so cute!!

Happy Birthday!

2009-02-15T07:20:00.003-06:00

These are 3 of Emma's best friends. All four of them turn 3 years old within weeks of each other. It is so good to have friends like you! Thanks for inviting us to your birthday.

Three Month Pictures

2009-02-08T08:24:00.003-06:00

And they are so cute. I think that Emily looks a lot like Emma did at this age. She is wearing the same gown Emma wore that my friend Dixie gave her. My friend Debbie gave Emma the bracelet that she is wearing and my cousin Michelle gave Emma the bracelet that Emily is wearing. As for the ring Emma has on...that was just so she wouldn't wear the big, pink, plastic ring that she wanted to wear!! I let her wear mommy's special ring. ;) And I am wearing the same gown as I did with Emma, that my friend Kathy let me use. But don''t look at me, just the girls. To view pictures, click here, and the code is 446119. I hope you like them.

2009-02-05T21:08:00.002-06:00

Is she not the cutest thing?!

Emily is doing great and wearing the age appropriate clothes. You want believe it, but she is cutting 2 teeth. I can see them, so I won't be long! We go for her 4th RSV shot soon. I will be so glad to see Spring weather.

Emma is doing good too and is such a big help around the house. She loves Emily!! Lately, during her prayers at night, she will pray for the hospital, nurses and doctors. You never know what is going to have an impact on a child. I guess she has heard that prayer a few times. :)

2009-01-19T22:18:00.003-06:00

We are all home and under one roof. I must say, it feels good! I found these pictures and just thought they were fun.

Never a dull moment at the Beckwith house!
Emma got a camera for Christmas and I don't think everyone thought it really worked. Here are a few pictures that she captured during the holiday season. I think she might be a photographer when she grows up.

If it's not one thing...

2009-01-10T17:17:00.003-06:00

Sweet little Emma got a runny nose on Wednesday night. Thursday night, her nose was pouring! I would have never thought much about it if I didn't have a preemie at home. However, Friday I took her to the doctor only to find out she has RSV! On top of that, the doctor said the girls had to be separated. So Mitch is at home with sick Emma, and I am at my mom's with little Emily until next Thursday. Not to mention, Emily is now congested and has a fever of 99.1. I'll just die if she gets RSV too! I called the after hours clinic and they said as long as she doesn't start coughing and get a temp of 100.5, she should be okay. Oh please everyone, join me in prayer!!

Update on the Girls

2009-01-04T21:29:00.002-06:00

Emma

Emma turned 3 years old today and celebrated at Pump It Up with all her friends yesterday. (Pictures to come soon.) After being on lock down with me in this house for over 2 months, she was so excited to see her friends!! Emma is still doing great with her potting training. I was scared that she would regress when we brought the baby home. However, it is just the opposite. Last night she woke me up at 3:30 AM so she could go to the bathroom. As tired as I was, I was still proud of her. (She sleeps in pull ups.) She loves Emily so much and has a great time with her. So much fun that she likes to pick her up when I am not looking. YIKES!

Emily

My little sunshine went to the Pediatrician on Friday for a check up. Okay folks, brace yourself...Emily weights 7lbs 2 oz!!! Can you believe it?! She looks like a little chunk. I do have a funny but sad story. Keep in mind, this is a NICU baby on a streaked 4 hour schedule. And for the most part, she has stayed on her schedule. Yesterday however, she went crazy. Emily was cranky and wanting to eat every 2 hours. It was just not physically possible to be on such a great schedule one day and so bad the next. After talking to Mitch, we knew something was wrong! We just could not figure it out...until tonight. Mitch was making the formula. You mix X amount of water to X amount of formula. Well, my sweet husband announces that he knows what is wrong with Emily. He was putting only half the amount of formula in the water. Pour thing!!! She was pretty much drinking water. We poured out any formula that was made and started fresh with the correct amount of formula to water. I hope this gets her back to normal.

(It worked, she is back to normal. Yea, I got my happy baby back!)

2008-12-30T22:53:00.003-06:00

Look at this little stinker holding her head up and looking both ways! Wow! Some of you may think this is not a big deal at her age. However, ya gotta remember, she is not even suppose to be born yet!

We go this Friday for a check up. I can't wait to see how much little Emily weights. Last weight in was 5 lbs and 10 oz. She is beginning to stay awake for a little while and play. She is even talking some and definitely has a cute smile.

I have been waiting on this!!!

2008-12-30T22:30:00.002-06:00

I have wanted to get Emma's ears pierced since she was born and Mitch said "NO! Not until she asked to get them done herself." So I thought she would be in the 1st grade or so when she asked. I sure didn't even bring up getting Emily's ears done. Can you imagine the music to my ears when Emma came to me out of the blue and asked to get her ears done. Well she actually said, "I want earrings." Much to my surprise I asked if she wanted real ones, she said yes. I immediately told her to tell her dad and began to get everyone ready to go. I didn't want anyone to change their mind.
She thought it was all fun until the sound of gun fire. Tears began to run...until I asked if she wanted ice cream. Wes, thanks for the Bops GC for Christmas!

2008-12-30T22:27:00.005-06:00

We took the girls to the park to see the lights and Emma had to ride the train. We walked around the park and had a great time. We did however miss Santa. I really don't think Emma minded that part. She still doesn't quit know what to think about him yet.

Christmas Eve we let Emma open a gift from us. Of course we had to play a game of Candy Land afterwards. Oh boy, we sure do need to work on our colors.

On Christmas morning, we had to get Emma out of bed to come see what Santa brought her. She was so excited and delicate. She would go get a gift under the tree, come to the center of the room to open it and go get another one. It was so cute.

Okay, enough fun, go stand by the tree and say cheese.

There is nothing better...

2008-12-29T18:27:00.005-06:00

than being with your family during the Christmas season!

Each year my immediate family gets together for a fancy dinner after communion at church. Mom brings out the fine china and we eat in the dining room, even the kids. After that, Dad tells us how lucky we are and the true meaning of Christmas...then the gifts. The kids really have a good time, we do too!

Then the Blounts get together and we do it all over again. Emma loved listening to Uncle Robert play the guitar!

And the Leaches get together, and we do it all over again. Kristi, where are the pacifiers. I'm dieing over here!

I was really scared to take Emily to the Blounts for Christmas. I felt so bad Mitch had to stay home, they came to the Leach Christmas. Although I sat in the corner the first half of the night, I finally let Emily get out and socialize with the family.

Merry Christmas To Me!

2008-12-22T20:28:00.004-06:00

Like any day, yesterday, I was texting/calling friends. I went to check my text and flipped my phone open...but all I saw was a black screen. As most people would do, I took out the battery, put it in. That didn't help so I did it again and again. As tired as I was, I could not go without a phone. I had to go to the phone store and get them to fix the screen.

Of course, things are never as easy as you want them to be. The fella helping me said I could not get my trusty ole phone fixed but I was eligible for an upgrade. Sooo, I broke down and bought an iPhone. I do like it but I am still trying to figure it out.

As if a new phone wasn't enough...I got me a Canon Rebel today!!! Talk about still trying to figure out something. Emma is officially tired of her picture being taken while I have been learning how to use this thing. Her dance recital is in May. So I have until then to figure it out.

2008-12-16T14:47:00.004-06:00

We had a very lazy day yesterday. Emma and I played all morning in our PJ's while Emily slept. After Emma's nap we decorated the Christmas tree while listening to Christmas music (a family tradition). Last year we did not put any ornaments on the bottom half of the tree. However, this year Emma decorated the bottom of the tree herself and didn't even break an ornament. We then went to Mammaw and Pop's house to eat supper (AKA a change of scenery). Today hasn't been much different. We did have dance tonight. Emma was so glad to see one of her best friends, Manze. She even cried when we left after going out to eat.

Below is just a silly picture of the girls.

Emma is pretending to be Emily.

Note to self~Emma calls Emily "En-a-knee"

We play this game ALL the time~Emma is stuck between the mattress and the footboard of the bed. She screams "I'm stuck" a bazillion times and then I come to save the day. Today, Emma screams, "I'm stuck". Busily feeding Emily I say, "Oh no, you're stuck." Much to my surprise, once I was finished and went to get Emma...SHE WAS STUCK FOR REAL. I couldn't believe it. At first I thought it was funny. Then I really couldn't get her out and began to panic thinking I was going to have to call the fire department to get her out. Finally, I got her legs loose and got her out. I don't think she will play that game anymore. I feel like such a slacker for leaving her hanging there for so long. At lease Dora was on TV.
Emily is doing real good. She has even out grown her preemie diapers and is now taking 3oz a feeding. Bad thing is I think she might have acid reflux. She is on her second kind of medicine trying to prevent the spitting up. Emily goes this Thursday for her second Synagis shot. I hate that she has to get them but I am thankful at the same time. I pray she does not get sick this RSV season. We have been hermits trying to prevent that from happening!
We have found a girl to keep Emily once I go back to work. She goes to my church and has kept kids for many years. She is also keeping another preemie that is one month older that Emily and only weights 3 lbs more. They should be good friends growing up together.
Gator fans, you'll love this one. A couple of weeks ago, when we won the SEC Championship game, we were teaching Emma the Gator chomp while saying "Gator bait." Emma had the chomp down, but kept saying "Gatorade."

First Haircut

2008-12-14T20:44:00.000-06:00

2008-12-13T22:42:00.000-06:00

2008-12-13T22:35:00.003-06:00

PHONES IN CHURCH

A man in Topeka, Kansas decided to write a book about churches around the country. He started by flying to San Francisco and started working east from there.

Going to a very large church, he began taking photographs and making notes. He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was Intrigued with a sign, which read 'Calls: $10,000 a minute. Seeking out the pastor He asked about the phone and the sign. The pastor answered that this golden phone is, in fact, a direct line to heaven and if he pays the price he can talk directly to GOD. The man thanked the pastor and continued on his way.

As he continued to visit churches in Seattle, Denver, St. Louis, Chicago, Milwaukee, and around the United States, he found more phones, with the same sign, and the same answer from each pastor.

Finally, he arrived in Mississippi. Upon entering a church in Raymond , Ms. behold - he saw the usual golden telephone. But THIS time, the sign read 'Calls: 35 cents.

Fascinated, he asked to talk to the pastor, Reverend, I have been in cities all across the country and in each church I have found this golden telephone and have been told it is a direct line to Heaven and that I could talk to GOD, but in the other churches the cost was $10,000 a minute. Your sign reads only 35 cents a call. Why?

I love this part.............................

The pastor, smiling benignly, replied, 'Son, you're in the South now .

You're in God's Country, It's a local call.'

American by Birth - A Southerner by the Grace of God.

2008-12-12T17:08:00.000-06:00

Around the House

2008-12-12T16:34:00.003-06:00

Emily's Home!

2008-12-05T19:20:00.006-06:00

Last Friday, November 28th, I went to the hospital for Emily's 9:00 feeding and to talk to the doctor. After that, I was off to shop Black Friday. The sweet nurse is getting the bottle warm for me and changing Emily's diaper while I am talking to the doctor. As the doctor and I are talking, she looked at me and said,

Dr.~ "So why are we keeping Emily here?"

Shocked I said, "I don't know."

Dr.~ "Would you like to take her home today?"

Me~ Silence..."Really?"

Of course I wanted to take her home!! Now the nurse has Emily ready and tries to hand her to me, I think I looked at here like she was crazy. I was so dumb founded and I sure didn't have time to feed Emily. All I could think about was my house not being ready for an infant. That's another story...

So to back up a few days, due to amniotic fluid, we pull up our carpet and threw it away. That meant putting our king size mattress in the middle of the den, bed frame in the gagarge, dresser in the kitchen, chest of drawers in our bathroom, my closet on the couch and Mitch's closet on the dining room table. NIGHTMARE! We went to our friends house for a mini lesson on how to stain floors and Mitch got to work. This my friends takes days to do, days we did not have.

Back to Friday morning...I called Mitch and told him that Emily was coming home. So by now we are both dumb founded. I had not even purchased everything needed for her to come home. Thank goodness I found the bottles that my sister-n-law gave me. I told Mitch to put those in the dishwasher and I bought new nipples, a long with so much more. My mom meet me at home and we all got busy getting the house ready. Mitch had stained the floor so all he had to do was seal it. Once that dried, we put all the furniture back in the bedroom. Then we cleaned out Emily's closet, AKA my storage closet, and hung up her clothes (that I had already cleaned thank goodness) by size. I know, OCD. The upper sizes we packed away by size and labeled the tubes. Somehow we got all this and more done by 5:00 and we were off to the hospital to get Emily.

Emma loves having Emily home! She is such a great big sister and a big helper.

2008-11-27T20:54:00.002-06:00

Emily's first art project!

She made it to the crib and is doing great!! Should be coming home soon!

2008-11-27T20:00:00.000-06:00

Praying for Ounces

2008-11-25T21:16:00.004-06:00

After talking with the nurse practitioner today, she said if Emily gained weight tonight she would go to a crib tomorrow. Well, she is 4 lbs and 2 1/2 oz. Gained an ounce and a half so I anticipate her being in a crib tomorrow when I go visit. Now, they also said that if she can keep her temperature and continue to gain weight for about 3 days in the crib, she will be able to come home. Yes, you read correctly...come home!!! So please pray for ounces (not grams)!! I think I just might have my little sunshine home this weekend.

Hanging With The Leach Family

2008-11-24T18:09:00.004-06:00

From this...

(the parents)

comes this.

(grandchildren and great-grandchildren)
It was so good to see everybody! I am glad you Texas folks could come too. Jeff, we missed you and your family. (Only missing 5 people.)

2008-11-22T15:03:00.005-06:00

[] As I sit here at my parents house with a sick child, ear infection, Mitch is at home working on our bedroom floor. We ripped up our carpet and he has been clean the paint off the floor today. The smell ran us off. He is going to stain the floor. I am not sure how it will look, I let him pick out the color. However, even with a sick child and one still not home, I can't help to count my blessings. Little Emily is doing so good! She now weighs 4 lbs and NO FEEDING TUBE! Hallelujah!! She will soon be out of the incubator and in a normal bucket. Then, I hope to have her home soon! I am getting scared to send her to the babysitters house with toddlers!! I would love to find someone to come to my house and keep her until at least the end of the RSV season. Can anyone help me? It would just be Emily. Emma will continue to go to the babysitters house.

Family Hay Ride

2008-11-16T18:14:00.001-06:00

2008-11-16T17:42:00.006-06:00

Ms. Ollie, Emily and Ms. Jennifer

Ms. Ollie, Emily and Ms. Carrie
Our sweet nurses let me come in and have a photo shoot one day for Christmas pictures. They were so much help. Jennifer loved posing Emily. She was so sweet to help!

Ms. Ollie and Ms. Carrie are 2 of my favorite nurses for different reasons. Ms. Ollie let me hold Emily for the first time, she really insisted that I did. She also gave Emily her first bottle. Ms. Carrie plays with Emily and dresses her up. One day, I got there and she had a bow in Emily's hair. Another day, she gave her a cute hat with a bow that matched her outfit. They, along with all the nurses, treat Emily as if she were their own. Today, Ms April let me feed Emily for the first time. She has now made it to one of my favorite nurses list. I need to get a picture of her too.
Today, Emily weights 3 lbs 6.7 oz and taking a bottle every other feeding (1 oz). Moving on up if you ask me!!

My Helper!

2008-11-16T17:38:00.000-06:00

Pumpkin Carving...

2008-11-16T17:31:00.002-06:00

and "Tricky Tricky"
That's what Emma called Trick or Treat.

NICU Reunion

2008-11-16T17:23:00.002-06:00

2008-11-07T23:04:00.003-06:00

This just in...Emily now weights 2 lbs 15 oz.

So let me take the time to tell you a little about when Emily is going to be able to come home. She needs to be 35 weeks (she will be 32 this Sunday), 4 1/2 lbs, take a bottle, able to stay warm in room temperature by herself (she is still in an incubator) and stop her sleep apnea. Keep praying!!

Reality Check

2008-11-07T19:22:00.002-06:00

Some of my friends at work have asked how big Emily is...so here ya go...Emily is wearing Mitch's USM ring for a bracelet. Can you believe it?

Emily is really doing good. She is up to 2 lbs 13.9 oz and brace yourself...sucking on a pacifier. She had her first bottle last night and took it good (even sounded like her daddy when she burped). I have never been so proud, burp and all! She is now taking 25 cc's of milk (I think 30 is an ounce). The nurses keep telling me once she gets to 3 lbs, she will put the weight on fast. I can't wait until that happens so I can bring her home!!

Little Sunshine

2008-10-26T14:01:00.002-05:00

Emily is doing so good! I go and see her a few times a day. Each time she has a new trick. One day, while she was on her tummy, she would raise her little behind up and down in the air with her legs. Yesterday, she would look at me, taking turns with her eyes, as if she was winking at me. While she was looking, she would just laugh. The nurse and I talked about her laughing. She agreed that Emily was a very happy baby that loves to stay on the move. However, she needs to settle down or she will never gain weight. Every time she moves, it burns calories! If only it were that easy for adults to lose weight!

Neighborhood Fall Party

2008-10-26T13:06:00.007-05:00

Each year our neighborhood has a fall party. We decided to walk down a see what all was going on. This year they had a moon jump, which Emma loved, a big slide, and a hay ride. Emma had a great time!

While we were on the hay ride, Emma turned around and told be "Momma, I am ready to go on the hay ride." Is that not so typical?! It reminds me of field trips at school. When we get back from a field trip, there is always someone asking when we are going on our field trip. KIDS! Gotta love um!

2008-10-23T19:16:00.006-05:00

Is she not the sweetest little thing you have ever seen? Check out that bow! Her nurses are so good with her. I have been holding her almost everyday. Sometimes, when I go visit she is eating and I can't always hold her. But when I do, I get some good lovin.

All the grandkids, all but Emily, surprised my mom for her birthday this week. We took cake and ice cream and had a great time. The kids raced in the backyard for at least an hour. Please look at all the cute stuff Robin has made for me (or should I say Emma and Emily). She does a great job!!! Please let her know if she can monogram or paint something for you.

This is the results of a pregnant women with crazy hormones. I think this picture is so funny of Mitch!

My parents waiting for Emily to be born.

She Has Come A LONG Way!

2008-10-18T17:37:00.007-05:00

Sunday - Emily was on a ventilator

Monday - Moved to a C PAP/started on milk

Tuesday - On a nasal cannula/22% oxygen

Wednesday - Up to 2cc's of milk

Thursday - I got to hold Emily for the first time!!! Emily had 2 poo poo's/4cc's of milk

Friday - By 3:ooPM she was off the cannula./I got to hold her again/8cc's of milk

Saturday - Still doing good breathing on her own!/ up to 10cc's of milk

Holding Emily for the first time on Thursday! OMG, I was so excited!!

Holding Emily on Friday. I think she is trying to smile for the camera.
Stretch!! Notice she is breathing on her own. Wow!!

Holding her today, Saturday. She is looking at me...How cute!

What a Week!

2008-10-18T16:30:00.007-05:00

Where do I start. This has been one of the craziest weeks ever. Trying to be a parent of an almost 3 year old, visit a baby in the NICU (without a toddler), looking at a nasty house that looks like we came home from a 3 week vacation (oh we did, we call it our fall holiday, not quite the condo of choice), and this thing they are making me do every 3 hours for Emily...pump (something I would have never dreamed of doing). But hey, the things we do for our kids!!

Sunday night after things settled down (meds wore off) we took Emma to visit Baby Emily. Emma loves her and wants to take her home. I told her as soon as she is big and strong we would.

People continue to ask how we do it...All I can say is "That's all we know." The NICU nurses are so good and we feel at home there. Well, I feel at home in the hospital. I think I know all the nurses, custodians, and cafeteria workers by name now. They were so good to me! But I am glad to be home!!!

Top corner - Emily

Bottom corner - Emma

Do you think Emma had a good time at Mammaw and Pop's house?

When we got home, Emma got a big girl bed! She is doing pretty good, only comes to our room about 5:00 or 6:00 in the morning. Not too bad!!

Welcome to the World Little Sunshine!

2008-10-12T18:29:00.004-05:00

Emily Ann decided that today was the day. I started having contractions that were 2 to 3 minutes apart and the doctor on call said it was show time. Emily was born at 5:38AM, 2lbs 9oz, 14 inches long, beautiful and healthy!

Proud Daddy!
First picture taken.
I was able to hold her hand for the first time. Wonderful!

2008-10-07T19:54:00.005-05:00

Today Emma stayed at home with my parents because the babysitters daughter was sick. As you can see, she had a good time. And she went to ballet tonight. However, this meant that my Mom did not come spend the day with me.

I don't think I have said enough about my mom. Not only did she and my dad come get Emma at 6:oo AM on the Sunday morning this all started, they have been keeping her since. They have also taken her to the doctor when she was sick and mom has been taking Emma to dance. That's just the beginning. My mom gets up every morning gets herself dressed, then Emma. Then they are off to Mrs. Beth's house. Once Emma is in place, my mom then comes to sit with me every day. While she is here, not only does she keep me company, she is my arms and legs for things that I want. Mom will also go out and shop for things that I need to get for Emma. I feel so strapped and Mitch just can't do it all. My mom has also run by my house and put clothes on wash, come back and sit with me before going back to my house to put the clothes in the dryer. Some days if lunch is not that great, she will go get me something else to eat. She will also just sit quietly while I take naps. I know the list could go on and on. I know how lucky I am to have a mom/parents like I do. They are the best and I can't thank them enough to be watching out for little Emma and keeping her happy. And taking care of me!

I love you both! Thank you!!!!!

I am now 27 weeks and 3 days. Emily is still hanging in there and I am still waiting. She still sounds good and moving great! Thank you for all your prayers!

2008-10-05T11:30:00.003-05:00

They must feel sorry for me. I have been moved to a bigger room and it is so much better. I don't feel so much like I am in the dungeon anymore. I am closer to the nurses station and Emma has room to run in here now. Best thing for Mitch...a couch. All he had was a chair in the other room. Now he has room to breath and stretch out. My NST is still looking good. No contractions today, Emily's heartbeat is still strong and she is still moving good. She is really moving when she hears Emma talk. I think Emily is going to love having a big sister!!

My Aunt sent this to me...

2008-10-04T16:29:00.002-05:00

She said it reminded her of God holding Emily in His hands. Thanks Aunt G!

God has seen you struggling with something,
God says it's over. A blessing is coming your way.

2008-10-03T14:26:00.004-05:00

Emily is still doing great. We did have just a little excitement today. For one reason or another, I'll spare you the details, we got to have an ultrasound! Emily is now weighing in at 2lbs 5oz!!! We have a big girl on our hands. Also, I had a little fluid around her...just a little, 2cm. But hey, we'll take what we can get. Tomorrow, I will be 27 weeks. Can you believe it?!!! I think everybody here is surprised. I truly think everything is going this good because I have so many prayer warriors out there! So thanks everybody, keep up the good work!!!

2008-10-01T13:25:00.003-05:00

Mitch was able to take Emma to dance this week. Let me just say he had a great time sitting there with all the other moms. LOL!

On a different note...No news is good news, I guess. I think I am 26 weeks and 4 days. Emily is still moving a lot and her heartbeat is strong. I have had some contractions but nothing to get excited about. My temp is great and blood pressure is still low. They are still doing the stress test, or is it called a non stress test, everyday. Results are always great. When the doctor makes his rounds in the morning and afternoon, there is really nothing else to say. We end up talking about the news that I have watched all day. He does say that it won't always be this boring. He tells me that I will be doing nothing and my contractions will hit me out of nowhere and things will start moving fast. Scary! And to think I had a planned C Section, didn't she know!

I can't believe I am missing the fair!! I love the fair....rides, food, taffy, and the crazy atmosphere.

There is a NICU Reunion every year around Halloween. I told the doctor this morning that if I was still here at that time someone was going to have to wheel me out there. He assured me that if I made it that long I could go. I got excited about that but scared too. Kinda sounded like he didn't think I would make it through October...

2008-09-27T20:34:00.002-05:00

Emma setting the table at my mom's house! Doesn't it look great?!

Somebody misses their mommy! She climbed in bed and snuggled today. I love this little girl!

Mammaw found out what happens when you turn your head for 2 seconds. I guess I forgot to tell my mom that I put lipstick on Emma at home. She must think she can do it by herself now.

2008-09-26T20:43:00.002-05:00

Emma was able to come see me last night and today!! How sweet it is to see my little angel! Last night my niece Morgan was cheering for a football game down the street. I wanted to go so bad. I asked Morgan if she thought I could sneak out without the nurses finding out. However, Mitch and Emma went to the game without me and Emma had blast. Emma played with Morgan and Mason in the dirt and ran up and down a hill for quiet a while. By the time she got here, she did look like she had fun...DIRTY. I loved it! Today, when she left here, Emma (and my parents) were headed to Mason's, my nephew, soccer game. Again, Emma ran around and had a great time with the kids. After the game, Emma kicked the soccer ball all the way down the field. Once she made it to the goal, she stopped, picked up the ball, and threw it into the goal. I am not sure who all knows that I played soccer growing up, but I did. So this makes me happy that she might be a real good soccer player. I miss my sweet girl so much but I am sure glad she is having fun. Now, sweet Emily has had a very quiet day...and this is good. She got excited while Emma was here and heard her voice. And she is a little excited now...I just ate sushi (all cooked). Her heartbeat is still good and moving often. However, my temp has gone up a little today (99.7 and 99). Nothing to worry about yet, as long as it doesn't get to 101. I'll end with this note, as I finish watching the debate...I never sing this song with Emma, and we sing a lot of songs, but the last 2 nights I have gone to bed with This Little Light Of Mine in my head. That little light is Emily, and she is going to shine!

Todays excitement with Emily...

2008-09-25T13:38:00.006-05:00

We have been looking forward to today because of the ultrasound. Good news, she is weighing 1lb and 15 oz. Bad news, little to no fluid. So this could, if I am correct, cause her stress. So these are the things that could happen...I could start having contractions...emergency section, I get fever or infections...emergency section, or if the baby's heartbeat drops...emergency section. So now you may wonder how they are going to know these things down here in the dungeon. They have actually been pretty good. They come around every 2-4 hours and check my blood pressure and fever. They are also doing a stress test everyday. Here comes the excitement...Today after the ultrasound and talking to the doctor, they came in to do the stress test. Mitch has had his shower ready to go to work. Not before going to Clinton to see Emma first! They get me ready, Mitch leaves, and here we go. I hear the strong heartbeat, she moves a little, and I am on the phone with my mom. Now, times up, here comes the nurse...CONTRACTIONS! I didn't even feel them. She didn't even leave the room to call my doctor, they talked and she packed me up to go to labor and delivery for monitoring. Okay, I'm a little scared at this point. I called Mitch to tell him. Poor thing, on his way to work, he talks to Emma a little and then back out the door to come up here. Turns out I only had one or two more contractions so I am back in the dungeon. I had lunch and the doctor came to see me again. I am now without an IV...that feels good. We are just still waiting to see what my body is going to do or what little Emily has in store for us. I think she is going to be a pistol! I have always said that Jeff was going to have his first girl on the football team with Emma. However, Emily may prove me wrong. I pray that she will stay this strong and fight out this ride.

Sweet Little Emma

2008-09-25T13:20:00.003-05:00

As you know, Emma has been with my parents since Sunday morning, SICK. I think she is now starting to feel better. Yesterday, she set the dining room table with all the coasters and what not. She would run and get Mammaw and Pop to show them, take it all off, and set it again. My mom said she took pictures. I can't wait to see them! I hope to post some eventually. While on the phone one time with my dad, I could hear her begging to go outside. So that's a good sign. Eating has been a little slow with her. I told them to try donuts yesterday. They did and that's about all she ate. This morning, she did eat a bowl of cereal. Lunch, she did not want anything. OH NO! I thought she was getting better. Everything my mom tried, she didn't want. UNTIL...Mayo sandwich...she ate two! Can you believe this girl? When my mom told me that, I remembered eating them when I was little too. I also loved mayo, mustered, and ketchup sandwiches. Don't you just want to go make one now. HA! My mom has also said she will not use the potty seat anymore. Emma said that it is too small. Works for me. She has been using the big potty at home but I didn't think she really cared somewhere else. I am really proud of her though. I hate that she is growing up so fast and I am not even there to see it. I hope she can come here tomorrow to visit!!!!!

Wednesday Update

2008-09-24T10:48:00.005-05:00

Well I am working on day 4 in the hospital. I tell you, Emily is one strong fighter!! She is doing good...moving all the time, heartbeat strong. I get another ultrasound in the morning to see how much she has grown and how much fluid she has made. I am really excited to see this. When we came in on Sunday morning, she weighed 1 lb and 11 oz. We are hoping for at least a 2 lb baby before she is born. You may wonder how long I will sit here before they will take her, well, me too! I do know that they want me here as long as possible. I am 25 weeks and 4 days. They say 26 weeks is better but that 25 is better than 24. They gave me a round of steroids on Sunday and a shot to stop contractions. So here are some things that concern them...Emily does not have the fluid around her anymore that protects her from infection. Therefore, I can easily get fever, infection, and/or go into labor. This is when they will do an emergency section. The story changes everyday...Monday, the doctor said it will probably happen in a week. Yesterday, he said he hopes I am here for another month. So bottom line, nobody know what's going to happen but God. I just had a stress test and Emily is still doing great and I am not having contractions! Please keep my family in your prayers. Little Emma is still at my parents house with a fever. The last time I called though, she was begging to go outside to play. So maybe she will be getting better soon. Mitch needs to go to work but does not want me up here by myself. I am so glad his job is being so great with him. As far as that goes, I am glad all my work wants for me is to stay healthy. We are both so blessed to work with and for good people! It makes our personal life easier.

What a week!!!!

2008-09-23T22:35:00.005-05:00

I am writing this post from the hospital. Yes, I am back. Let's start from the beginning. Last week I had been feeling cramps like a terrible cycle (contractions, didn't know). I kept telling my friend at work and Mitch that something wasn't right. I was even beginning to feel like I did when I had Emma. Same time, Emma gets a fever. Mitch takes off work Wednesday to stay home with her for the rest of the week, because I have been trying to save my days (joke). Thursday night I had bunko, Friday night movie and dinner with friends, Saturday...Emma all to myself, still sick. Mitch went to the USM game. Thank goodness he came home Saturday night!!! Sunday morning, 6:00 AM, my water broke! So folks, here I am back in the hospital and I am more scared than ever. Emma has been to the doctor twice with high fever..."virus, it will run it's course." AKA, we don't know. We made it to the hospital by 6:20 on Sunday and everything was so crazy! They hooked me up to everything you could think of and asked all kinds of questions. My parents finally made it to get my poor sick Emma as the room gets even crazier! Dilated, no...water broke, confirmed...Emily, doing great, weighs 1lb 11ozs, measures 25 weeks and one day. Me...back on my emotional ride! Poor Emma needs her momma. Emily needs me not to worry about Emma! My mind is going in a thousand directions, none of which are good. However, my blood pressure is staying good, temperature only went up once today (Tuesday). I won't put you through the torture of Monday. Today, I did get into a room and get to take a shower. However, I feel like I have been put in a dungeon and forgotten about. They don't have me hooked up to anything and do not come to check on me. Scary!! I think Mitch is going to work tomorrow and my mom is keeping Emma. Looks like I am going to be here in the dungeon by myself and can't get up to get anything. Please let me say that I have appreciated all the calls and text. Through all the craziness I may have not replied to you and I am sorry. But please know that I know you are thinking of me, THANK YOU! Thank you mostly for your prayers. That is the most important thing right now to me!!!! My mind is racing trying to tell everything and I am sure none of this even makes since. It's after 11:00 PM, they have not brought me my 10:00 meds and Mitch is still waiting on blankets. Hello! Is there anybody here? We want to go to bed!

Happy Birthday Dad!

2008-09-14T13:00:00.002-05:00

Today is my dad's birthday but we had to celebrate last night. My parents have gone to New York today! I had told Mitch I thought I was going to get homesick once they left. He laughed at me and said I wasn't going anywhere. But sure nuf, I have already talked to them twice.

My family loves to go to The Cock of the Walk for our birthdays. The kids love feeding the ducks!
Below are a bunch of crazy Leach men. My Uncle Jerry, Dad and my brother Bruce. Bruce, I love your cup.

Creative Movement

2008-09-02T21:17:00.004-05:00

...That's what they call Ballet and Tap class for 2 year olds.

My little girl is getting so big! We had our first ballet and tap class tonight. I really didn't know what to expect. All I knew was that I couldn't go with her, I had to watch the class on a TV in the "waiting room". Thank goodness I had Robin and Jennifer to hold my hand. I was kinda nervous about letting Emma go to another room with a stranger. However, Emma told me she was getting in line and had to go. I was so proud of her for jumping right in!
The kids all gathered to get their name tags. Emma showed the teacher which one was hers. The teacher could not believe she could pick hers out. After that, they made a train to go to their room for class. I really thought this bunch of 2 year old girls would be everywhere. Boy did they prove me wrong. This bunch of girls did great and had a wonderful time! (The pictures on the bottom look so bad because I made them of the TV that we were watching.)

Mommy's Little Helper!

2008-08-30T17:47:00.000-05:00

Spirit Day!

2008-08-30T14:02:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was our high schools first football game and Spirit Day at the babysitters house. While Mitch got up early to get us a generator, I got to take Emma to Mrs. Beth's for the day. I felt so bad for her. She got there at 6:35 and Mitch never takes her until almost 8:00. She walked in to an empty house asking where her friends were. This week has been very important for Emma as for as potty training. We went to Wal-Mart and then to What's Cookin' for supper. As soon as I pulled in the parking lot Emma said, "I have to TT in Digego" (Diego) AKA she had to potty. OH NO, I have not done the public potty yet. And on top of that, Emma says the regular potty is too big. However, I tried it anyway and she loved it. The next night she went in the restaurant and the ice cream place. I really didn't know if she would tell me she had to go in public or not. Wow, I am so proud of her!

Me, I went to the doctor again this past Monday and he was very pleased. My blood clot had gone down from 7cm to 6cm. Emily was weighing in at 1lb and I had gained 3! Yikes. He pretty much said I was now having a normal pregnancy. Sweet to my ears. And I don't have to go back for 4 weeks. However, we are still taking no chances at home. Mitch is still cooking, cleaning and taking care of Emma. I did put some clothes on wash today, but Mitch put them in the dryer for me. I refuse to pick up heavy stuff and do too much. It is just not worth it! Thanks for all the prayers and concerns. God is good!!

2008-08-19T20:29:00.002-05:00

It's really hard to see what I want to point out in these pictures, but I will do my best with what I have. Below is Emily kicking like crazy. Can you see her legs straight up kicking at me? I couldn't even feel this. It never seems to amaze me how you can watch your unborn child do such great things. She has the longest legs. We also watched her swallowing this day (8-18-08). That was real neat!

This might be kinda gross. If you have a weak stomach, stop reading now. In this picture below, see the gray area in the middle of the !!!! after It's a girl. Right under that, (the dark area) all the way to that light gray line above Emily's head...that's my blood clot. On the left it curves all the way to her foot and to the right, behind her head. This my friends, needs to go away! I asked the sonogram lady if Emily had enough room and she assured me she did.

As for me and my first day back at work...Let's just say I am worn out! Okay, so this is how it went down. I was so excited to be able to go to work that I get there way too early. Once everyone else got to work, I felt like I had missed my best friends. Everyone was soooo nice to me and gracious! All day my peer teachers checked on me to make sure I wasn't over doing it. I couldn't help but think, does everybody work with such nice people? Or am I just that fortunate? Anyway, as they day went on, my smile began to fade and I became real tired. So you know that couch I have hated for the last 2 weeks, I came straight home and laid on it for hours. And it felt so good.

2008-08-18T19:06:00.002-05:00

I went to the doctor today. First, we got another ultrasound. While we were in there she said I still had a blood clot. Mitch and I looked at each other and were very disappointed. We just knew the doctor was going to keep me on bed rest. Everything else though looked great! Emily is really growing! She weights 14ozs already. Her heartbeat is great and the fluid is good too. (Yes, still a girl.) After that, we went to the consultation room to wait for my doctor to come in and tell us what to do. I was joking with Mitch telling him I was going to have to bribe the doctor to let me go to work and in he walks. First thing out of his mouth was "I only come with good news." He begins to tell us that the blood clot was 10cm and now it's only 7cm and how good Emily looks. AND that I can go to work tomorrow! He did tell me 2 weeks ago that IF he let me go to work that I would still have to come home and get on bed rest for the rest of the day. However, today he said to just be smart and not to over do it. Also, if I did start to bleed again that I would be back on bed rest. Sooo Mitch is still doing bath time with Emma and most of the cleaning. We are not taking any chances. I can't stand bed rest!!!! Is this not truly an to our prayers. Thank you family, friends, and strangers for praying for us! I can't tell you how much it means to us. Please keep praying!

2008-08-14T20:39:00.003-05:00

Here is Emma's crib converted into a toddler bed. I must say, she loves it! She thinks she is such a big girl.

One day last week, Mitch came home with something red in the back of his truck. He has been talking about getting a riding lawn mower for some time now. I think it's kinda silly. We have a good size yard...but for real...does it require a riding lawn mower?! However, Emma loves to go for a ride (against my better judgement, I let her go).
As for me, it's real simple, I'M BORED! I swear, if I go to the doctor on Monday and he says I can't go to work, I am going to go crazy. Don't get me wrong I want the best for Emily! However, staying at home is for the birds! I think back to when I had Emma...we were on quarantine for 8 weeks. But at least I could get out and drive through McDonald's or ride around. And I could clean house, cook, give my child a bath, rock her to sleep, hold her, etc. Get my drift...I can't do anything and I am going insane! Mitch gets up each morning, gets ready for work, gets Emma ready, and they are out the door. I lay in bed watching the Today Show and Regis and Kelly waiting on my mom to get here. I am then aloud to take a shower and get dressed. My mom fixes us something for lunch as I move to the couch and we watch our show, Young and the Restless. After that we nap or my mom might clean up while I just lay around. She goes to get Emma in the afternoon and comes back home to sit until Mitch gets here. Then she leaves and Mitch takes over...while I just lay around doing nothing. Some of you might think I have it made. If so, you don't know me very well. I am one of those folks who can not sit down for long. Please, please, please let me go to work next week!

2008-08-07T10:32:00.002-05:00

With all the craziness here, I have not posted that Emma is now in a toddler bed. She has done very good with it considering the fact that she was at my parents for 2 nights while I was in the hospital. However, this morning at 5:00 AM she decides to come in our room with her potty seat to let us know she had to potty. I couldn't help but laugh when she grabbed her book to read while sitting there.

2008-08-06T16:28:00.002-05:00

This is a mini version of what I look like these days. I am tired of bed rest already!! I am suppose to be going to the MS Braves game tonight -Sunday night. My cousin's team is playing against them. I can't stand that I can't be there cheering him on! Brent, I hope you do a good job pitching. Make sure you throw one for my dad. He will be waiting on it. (You know what I am talking about. HA!) Sara, I hate I am not going to see you too!

2008-08-04T18:37:00.002-05:00

I went to the doctor today. He said that my placenta looked real good at this point. However, I have been put on bed rest for two weeks to see if my blood clot resolves. In two weeks, if things are looking better, I even get to go back to work (on limited bed rest). That means I can go to work and come home and get in bed the rest of the night. I am hoping for this! However, anything can happen during these 2 weeks and I will know more then. The doctor said he had never seen this happen so soon in a pregnancy and is going to actually get a second opinion from a maternity specialist. So...looks like I will be here for two more weeks doing nothing (I am already bored). Please keep praying for us! It is amazing how the power of prayer has already worked in out lives! Thank you so much.