Sister Act

I want to give a shout out to Krissy. I can't say enough how amazed I am with her. I believe through her travels the past year she has begun to know herself better than ever before. Stepping out of the day to day has allowed her to appreciate her true passions. I miss her dearly at home, but I now see why God had her take this journey.

I have several friends who are embarking on new journeys. Buying a home, bringing a child into the world, taking new steps in their career, moving to new places, taking charge of their health, and growing spiritually. It is pretty amazing to stand by so many remarkable women and call them my friends.

I recently was welcomed into the Catholic community and celebrated my confirmation. They asked me to choose a Patron Saint to help me in my journey. At first it sounded...different...and then I began looking into the various Saints and realized this person could personify the quality I wanted to become. Who doesn't need a little extra help? Saint Ann is my Patron Saint and she is the Saint for family. Both my immediate family and friends are who I cherish. Through all changes we find ourselves in need of help and needing to give thanks. I hope this helps you all float through that new door weightlessly, because you don't have to carry worry or burden. What is meant to be will be. Enjoy the moment and I will enjoy watching you in it.

God, help us to be women of character. We humbly cast ourself at your feet and pray for your protection over us during this new journey. Help us to listen to you and let you do your work. We thank you for our life, our hope and our future.

(Sadly I don't have recent photos with everyone I would want to put on this! #livingunderarock)

Class Act

Only do what your heart tells you. 
-Princess Diana

The most important thing is to enjoy your life- to be happy- it's all that matters.
-Audrey Hepburn

Every moment one lives is different from the other. The good, the bad, hardship, the joy, the tragedy, love, and happiness are all interwoven into one single, indescribable whole that is called life. You cannot separate the good from the bad. And perhaps there is no need to do so, either. 
- Jackie O

I love these three icons. They have this way about them where they can be completely unique and classic all at the same time. Trying to be original and pave your own path is no easy task, much less doing it with grace. I'm a normal person and I find it challenging. Imagine having an agent, title, and public image to uphold and that just multiplies the stress they must have felt. Yet as I sit back and think of why I look up to them it all remains consistent.

They weren't afraid to be different.

Their actions spoke louder than their words.

I believe if any of these ladies were to have a chat with you over a cup of coffee they may all tell you similar advice. Life wasn't always easy, but loving those most important to you and making them the priority will never steer you wrong.

The Power of Three

Three months
Party of three
Three special words... we love you!

January 15th was Jack's three month birthday. I can remember being admitted to the hospital and the nurse stating what a kicker he was, since she could not keep the monitor still on my belly. Now I type this as he kicks and then kicks some more on a play mat right in front of me. Could it really have gone by that fast?

He loves to...
Smile at Michael
Play in his bathtub (he moves his feet like he is two stepping)
Be rocked to sleep (sometimes to his parents detriment)
Watch football or Fox News (Like father like son)
Look at himself in the mirror (He is "starting with the man in the mirror")

He does not like to...
Ride in his car seat
Not be taken seriously when he tells you what he wants (which is hard when sometimes you have no clue)
Be startled by his hands when taking a nap

Jack went to school for the first time today. We wore matching outfits for good luck. If you know Michael and I we try to make play lists for special occasions on our Ipod. I prepared a list of Disney songs for him. Hakuna Matata and Bear Necessities are bound to keep your spirits up! As I walked up to the school Amanda, my sister-in-law, popped out of one of the buildings to say hello. It made me feel good to see that familiar face and she also captured this photo.

He was being so calm and happy when we arrived, which made it less stressful. I don't believe any parent can say handing your child over to someone else is easy. Luckily they knew just what to say to keep my tears at bay until I got to the car. Okay maybe a few may have dropped next to him on his play mat as I kissed him goodbye in his classroom. When I picked him up at noon they had nothing but positive remarks that he was happy. We came home for some quality play mat and tummy time and lots of kisses. NaNa was by my side for the final day of maternity leave and I didn't seem to be the only one shedding tears. Thank you, Mom, for being a mom to me while I was learning the ropes of becoming one. Sometimes just having someone there on a good or bad day makes all the difference in the world.

"Maternity leave" is such an odd word combination when you think of it. Here is your first time to be maternal and the last thing you ever want to do is "leave". "Maternity Submersion" or "Maternity Life-Changing Event" seems a little more appropriate when you think about how you are being converted into a parent and newly responsible for another life. Transitions are the hardest part. Coming home from the hospital, Krissy leaving, Michael returning to work, being less of an infant and more of a newborn, and now heading off to school. Just when you think you may have the hang of it they are already on to the next phase. We are so lucky to have parents, siblings, and friends to share such wonderful life changes with. Through every transition we have received your love and prayers and it has made all the difference in the world. I have a feeling that from now on I will continue to cling to every moment and make my days stretch as long as I can. Who wouldn't when you get to see these three each day!

Our Four Legged Son

Cooper has been a trooper. From day one Cooper has remained super calm around Jack. In fact sometimes I realize what an old man he has become. 

In the middle of the night he watches me get up with Jack and always keeps a spot warm for me in the bed. Never before has he snuggled so much...maybe he sees the affection Jack is getting and wants in on it too.

When I get up to change Jack for the first time in the morning, he is always waiting and watching next to me at the changing pad. If he can't find me in the house, I notice Jack's room is the first place he will look. People say they forget about their dog. We haven't forgotten about this important family member. We do understand now that he is a dog and not a child, but he is the best dog we could ever ask for.

I notice that he is more exhausted due to being up worrying about Jack. He still loves to jump up on a clean pile of clothes that need to be put away.

Watching the Aggies beat the hell outta OU! You can't beat a large dog who thinks he is a lap dog, especially when holding a 2' bone for you to hold while he chews.

I decided to watch Marley and Me one day...fitting that during the movie Cooper decided to chew on his first diaper. I took it as a sign that Marley was being a bad influence on him.

Cooper caught using the Boppy. No no, Coop!

I cherish all my boys and often think about how when each one of them has joined my life it became more enriched. Just when I think I couldn't be more blessed, God gives me another one of them to enjoy even more memories with. Cooper made us step away from the TV when we got home and take a walk outside. I truly believe without knowing it, Michael and I became even closer from our evening talks when walking Cooper. A major part of our weekends always centered around something outside for Cooper. Really I think we wanted to get outside and go back to our childhood outdoors.

Cooper, when I go back to work don't think for a second that Jack will be all I miss during the day.



“Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day. 
It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.” 
― John Grogan, Marley and Me: Life and Love With the World's Worst Dog

The Nap Ninja

I am sure you all wonder how Michael is holding up, since you only hear my side of the parenthood story. As you can imagine, he is a natural. He actually refers to himself as the Nap Ninja because of his skills at putting Jack down for a nap. Why? He has a bouncing routine to put Jack to bed and when he exits to the living room he does a karate kick to prove he has just "ninja" style put him to sleep. It's a little victory dance if you will.

His top skills are:
Bottle maintenance (cleaning, preparing and labeling pumped milk)
Making Jack giggle/coo
Laundry...and more laundry
Sitting him in the nook of his arm to watch football

The Ninja in action!

Holiday Cheer- Part II

Our second half of the holidays was in East Bernard and Bay City. When we arrived Jack was greeted with a Santa bag full of goodies from his DeeDee and PawPaw. He will be so excited to play with his new John Deere toys, puzzles and much much more.

Uncle Bob and Aunt Karen provided a lovely Christmas feast over at their house. Jack had some big smiles and then tuckered out (see meltdown in one of the photos...bless his heart).

The cousins had a fun time together. Evan is really into Batman and Spiderman, so Jack wanted to be like him. Here is a picture of us trying to Evan to take a picture with him. Spiderman felt he needed to save the world instead. Zoe wanted to join in on the fun and hang out with Jack on his playmat.

The most important part of the holidays was spending time with family. We are so glad he had some quality time with MiMi. She cooked an enormous and amazing meal, which shouldn't surprise anyone. I really wish I had her energy. Can you believe all of the presents at Patterson Christmas!

When we arrived back home everyone was ready for some quality time. I caught the boys hanging out on the couch watching football. 

We hope everyone has started off their 2013 with a bang! We can't imagine the memories we will make this upcoming year with our new addition. We are blessed with wonderful family and friends and couldn't ask for more. Peace and love to all!