David, Nekayeh, & Norah Kate

2011 in Review

2012-01-01T15:33:00.012-06:00

I did a VERY poor job of blogging in 2011. I hope to do better in 2012, but wanted to do a quick recap of the year. As involved as it was, and as much as God has taught me, I can't say that I'm going to be sad so see it go!! :)

JANUARY

David, my Dad and I had the great opportunity of going on a 10-day tour of Israel!! Highlight of the year...can't wait to go back.

FEBRUARY

Norah Kate had PE tubes and adenoids removed. She bounced back quick and has really improved in her speech (and lack of infections!!)

MARCH

Norah Kate's 2nd Birthday!! Farm theme!

David was able to take a group of Union students to France. I was sad that I wasn't able to go, but happy that he got the chance! (and a little relieved that I didn't have to leave Norah Kate again after the long trip in January)

APRIL

Interesting month. Began with my 10-year high school reunion (almost a year late...but who's counting). David was not able to attend with me because he had a conference in Virginia, but I really enjoyed seeing all of my best friends!!

On Good Friday my Dad was diagnosed with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia). We had not planned to travel to Pocahontas for Easter, but changed our mind's and had a great family get-together.

Heavy storms at the end of April brought destruction to our back yard. 4 trees and several parts of the fence down. Fortunately our insurance paid and it wasn't an addition issue.

End of April/Early May - took Dad to Vanderbilt to begin treatment for Leukemia.

He spent over 3 weeks in the hospital for the first admission, so May was spent traveling back and forth to Nashville.

Norah Kate has spent MANY days & nights with "Cousin Aiden" and his family. We have so appreciated their hospitality toward Norah Kate as well as all they've done for my parents. They really went above and beyond anything we could have expected.

JUNE

We FINALLY turned in our dossier for our Ethiopian adoption.

In June, I also traveled to Las Vegas for the AANP (Nurse Practitioner) Conference. I can't say that I ever had a desire to go to Las Vegas, but it really was a lot of fun. There is something for everyone there. Plus, it helped having 2 good friends there too!

Although really the remainder of our year was involved in traveling to and from Nashville to be with Dad, we did try to plan a few "normal" things for Norah Kate. Here we are at the Memphis Zoo. She had a blast!

JULY

We were able to all attend our annual family vacation to the beach. So happy that even Dad got to go and really felt good during this time.

Unfortunately during our vacation we received news from our adoption agency that it would probably be about 1.5 years before we were able to bring our little boy home. We were devastated, as we had so many setbacks already...definitely did NOT want to hear this.

AUGUST

We had about 3 weeks of down time in August before receiving the call that a donor match had been found for Dad's stem cell transplant. You would think this was a nice time of relaxation for us, but I think we crammed way too much "regular" stuff into this time. One being that I spoke at a Cancer Survivorship Conference in town.

At the end of August, Dad and Mom moved to a 1 bedroom apartment in Nashville to prepare for Dad's transplant.

SEPTEMBER

September 1st - Dad's stem cell transplant

Norah Kate also started at First Presbyterian Church Playschool on Tuesdays and Thursdays. She loves it and is learning so much!

Then, in mid-September, David and I found out that we are EXPECTING! A little bit of a surprise in timing, but thrilled none the less!

OCTOBER

October & November was filled with traveling back and forth to see "Pops!" Norah Kate was also able to meet several family members for the first time, such as Uncle Douglas.

October - David turned 30!

November - Nekayeh turned 30!

NOVEMBER

A great Thanksgiving/Christmas with David's side of the family. Here are the 6 grandkids with David's parents. David's parents were able to be on furlough for 5 months and we were able to spend some good time with them. Unfortunately I did not get hardly any pictures. I guess I took it for granted that they had their camera's out much of the time. Ron (David's Dad) was a huge blessing to my Dad throughout his treatment/stem cell transplant. My Dad really enjoyed the time they had together.

DECEMBER

Dad was finally released from his 100-day stay in Nashville and was able to move back to Pocahontas!

Norah Kate participated in her first Christmas Program with the Playschool.

And...we found out Norah Kate will have a little SISTER!!! Due at the end of May.

Another blessing was that we were all able to travel to my grandmother's house in Kentucky for Christmas. It was a very busy time, but I would not have traded it for anything!

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR

Looking forward to 2012:

- More of Norah Kate's playschool & other new activities

- The birth of Norah Kate's sister in May

- Continued healing for my Dad

- More information regarding the adoption of our son

(and of course...lots of rearranging the house and purchases that go with adding 1 (or possibly 2) children!!)

-More blessings and teachings from the Lord

Long awaited (although possibly disappointing) post

2011-08-23T20:21:00.003-05:00

I just happened to look at the date of my last post...and it was over 2 months ago!!! Wow! I knew we had been busy, but I just can't believe its been that long. So, unfortunately I don't have any pictures, but this will be informative.

Adoption - I would describe this as S L O W. Ethiopia has slowed the wait time again and so they have told us it will be 10-17 months from the time our dossier was sent (June). So, we wait.

Dad - Dad has had a great couple of months of "down time." He has stayed in remission (HUGE praise) and felt great. He and Mom headed back to Nashville Sunday afternoon to move in to "The Village at Vanderbilt." He will be undergoing a stem cell transplant. He had a central line placed today and will start his 8 days of chemotherapy tomorrow morning. On September 1 he will receive his stem cell transplant. Our prayer requests are for minimal side effects, no infections, and a "smooth" recovery period. He will be required to stay in Nashville for 100 days. You can follow his blog here: www.carepages.com and type in "reidpennington"

Everything else - We have been trying to keep the remainder of our summer as "normal" as possible. We have been able to visit with both sides of our family so that was nice. My job has really been busy for the past few weeks, so I am really trying to balance home-work-play life. I was asked to speak at a cancer conference in town a few weeks ago. I think it went well and I was excited to see several people I know there.

Norah Kate is at a great stage. I know I'm going to kick myself later for not keeping up with this blog as well for her more than anything. She will be 2 1/2 in September and is already wearing size 3T clothes. She is talking so much, singing songs, and just a TON of fun to be around. She recently started Parents Day Out on Tuesdays/Thursdays and has done so well. I still go in her room almost every night and spend a minute or two just watching her sleep and thanking God for such a wonderful gift.

Thank you so much for your prayers and concerns over the last few months. I really hope to catch up with this blog soon!

Updates, Updates

2011-06-11T11:20:00.004-05:00

Adoption Update! ...we F I N A L L Y mailed in our Dossier. I'm almost speechless to tell you just how relieved we were to send this in. I mean, we applied for this adoption almost A YEAR AGO!!!!! Yes, we have been through many many many many (you get the idea) frustrations with this process, but hopefully we can relax just a little since there is nothing else that is technically our responsibility. Each time we move a little closer to bringing our boy home, I get so excited. I know that we still have quite a wait (probably 7-10 months), and I know that we still have a lot to do but I just can't help but get excited. Please continue to pray for our son and wisdom in the decisions that we make.

Mailing our dossier

In other news...Dad is doing well. We found out on Wednesday that he is still in remission!!! He has started his first cycle of consolidation chemo. I think they are wanting him to have a bone marrow transplant for too long. We would really appreciate your continued prayers...he is not out of the woods yet! But as you can see below, he is feeling well and we are enjoying quality time with him :)

A Sunday afternoon post

2011-05-15T14:22:00.003-05:00

I haven't blogged much (on here) lately, and I know that you all understand. My dad has finished his intense, week-long chemo and just had a repeat bone marrow biopsy this past Friday. We will get the results on Tuesday. If this shows that the chemo worked & that he is in remission, then he will get a break to recover and then begin maintenance chemo to keep him in remission. Please pray with me that he will get good results!

In other news, we had a yard sale yesterday to raise money for our adoption. Thank you so much to everyone who donated items and sacrificed your time to help! We are so blessed with great friends. We raised enough money for 1 plane ticket to Ethiopia! Wa-hoo!!!

I think that is all for this afternoon. Hey, a short post is better than none, right? Maybe I'll join my husband and daughter in a nap now.

A Post I never thought I'd make...

2011-05-02T22:23:00.002-05:00

I definitely have been out of the blogging world lately. I guess I'm just not sure exactly how to go about saying this, so I'll just say it: My dad was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) on April 22. I don't know that the shock of that statement has lessened any at all. He is now undergoing an intensive chemo regimen at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville. I am so thankful for this facility and the doctors/nurses/staff that he has encountered. If you would like to stay updated on his progress you can visit his website at www.carepages.com/carepages/reidpennington This will prompt you to register with the carepages website and then when you "visit" a site you just put in "reidpennington." This has been a rollercoaster of emotions already, and we know that there is a long road ahead of us. Please join me in praying for his complete healing, for no infections while his counts are down, and for my mom/sister/me as we help to care for him throughout this time. I am so thankful that God has allowed us His peace at just the right time throughout this process. His protection over my thoughts/emotions has been amazing. I just want to say that if you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ...you are missing out! I am so thankful that I already had this relationship established prior to my Dad's diagnosis. There is no relationship that compares and none other like my Jesus. My hope is that, through this hardship, Christ will be known by all who we encounter. We will give him ALL of the glory.

5 on Friday

2011-04-08T20:19:00.002-05:00

Well, It is Friday again...& you know what that means! 1. We are in Pocahontas tonight for my 10th High School Reunion. I think that's all I'm going to say about that. Ha ha! 2. I got my hair CHOPPED OFF today. And I got the long bangs. Yes, this is a first...as with all "fashionable" things, my sister said it would look good and so I did it. I do like it...its, honestly, just about 6 or 7 inches shorter so that will just take some "getting use to." 3. Norah Kate FINALLY went for her 2 year old check up yesterday. She weighed 27lb (between 25-50%), height 36.5inches (90%), head 47cm (50%). She did a great job and no shots this round. 4. I'm not sure if I have mentioned on here, but I've given up sweet tea for Lent. I don't think this was a good idea for several reasons. 5. Adoption update: Our agency verified on Tuesday that Ethiopia does continue to process only 5 adoptions per day. That means that we will have at least an extra year added onto our wait time. ...sigh... David and I have not really had a chance to discuss exactly what this means on our end, so I would continue to ask for prayers of wisdom.

5 on Friday

2011-04-01T22:32:00.003-05:00

I know you've probably noticed, but we've been gone for a couple of weeks...well...gone from the computer on Fridays! 1. David recently led a trip to France with some of the Union students. They had a great trip. I was really excited to hear about everything, and to see David's excitement. While he was gone, Norah Kate and I packed up and headed to Arkansas with my sister and niece...and then on to Branson with my mom. We had a great time, but Norah Kate's 2 year old tantrums and disobedience shined through several times over the week, and so it was challenging (to say the least)...I was EXHAUSTED when David returned. I don't think I've caught up on my sleep yet! 2. Tonight David is gone AGAIN! Life group leader retreat was tonight and so he is helping with that. So...here we are again. Sitting at home...Norah Kate is asleep and I am typing while watching House Hunters International. :) 3. Yesterday, Norah Kate had her follow-up appointment for her PE tubes. The doctor said she looks great. I am so thankful with how well she is doing. As I mentioned, before her surgery she could not say any multiple word sentences (other than "good girl" when talking to Chula). The other night I was saying that I was time to go to bed and she said "Dad go night night too?" I was ecstatic!!!! That is just an example of how much better her vocabulary is. She is talking so much more and I can actually understand her...most of the time!! :) I know that PE tubes are definitely overrated in some cases, and in some cases used when not needed, but I am so thankful that we made the decision that we did. I feel like we waited for the proper time, but yet, did not drag our feet with something that she really needed. Another thing I've noticed is that she stops and listens to quiet noises. For example, there is a train track about a mile from our house and she now stops and puts her hand to her ear and says "Mama! Choo choo!" I really have to almost fight back tears each time something like that happens. 5. And last, but not least...the adoption update. What a ROLLERCOASTER! We were told that many of the personel in the Dept of Women & Children had been replaced, and that they were hoping that the number of adoptions would pick up again. However, as of now, they are still processing 5 adoptions a day. The USCIS website also mentions that if this continues, it will add at least a year to the wait time. David and I have continued with our process; finished our fingerprinting for USCIS; and are waiting to receive our final letter before we send off our dossier. Please pray for us during this time. This has been a time of frustration as we fill we are in limbo until we hear something more definite from the Ethiopian government. It is hard to think that we would wait ANOTHER year before being able to bring our child home...Norah Kate would be 3 by that time, and we still plan to have other pregnancy(s?). So, as you can see, whatever is decided in Ethiopia may cause us to consider seriously what God is revealing to us. Along those lines...as of now, we ARE still moving forward, and plan to have a yard sale in the next month or two to raise funds for the adoption. Please let me know if you have any items that you would like to donate to our yard sale. Well, I think that catches us up on our 5 on Fridays. Hope you've enjoyed reading!

Late 5 on Friday

2011-03-13T20:44:00.003-05:00

1. I realize that my 5 on Friday is late...but we have just returned from visiting family in Shreveport! We had a great weekend, but are very tired. It is so nice to be exhausted for a GOOD reason. (Oh, and I guess that "spring forward" thing too)

2. Adoption Update: Many of you may have heard, but MOWA (the government agency in Ethiopia that is in charge of adoptions) gave word that as of March 10th they would decrease the number of adoptions per day by 90%. There are a lot of talks and negotiations going on in that country right now, but IF this does go into effect it could drastically prolong our adoption process. Please Please Please join us in prayer that 1) God's will is done 2) that this would not go through...or at least that it would not be as severe as what they are saying & 3) that God would give us wisdom on choices to make.

3. My smocking is on hold...I really need a dress to smock and am NOT will to pay $40 for a dress that I still have to smock.

4. David is leaving this coming Friday on his GO trip to Europe. Please pray for safety and boldness of him and the students and safety for Norah Kate and me while we are here in the good ole U S of A.

5. PE tube update: Norah Kate has seemed to recover just fine. She really doesn't mind the ear plugs that she has to wear in the bathtub. She is sleeping great and her speech is improving. Thanks for the prayers!!!

Happy Birthday Norah Kate!

2011-03-06T21:41:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Little Lady! I have spent about 45 minutes trying to upload a video of you sliding on your new slide, but unfortunately that did not work out. But, I did not want to end the day without a post about your 2nd birthday.

Norah Kate, you are one-of-a-kind. You keep your Dad and me laughing and amazed at the things you do and say. Since you had tubes placed last week we have already noticed a change in your vocabulary for the better. You are saying multiple word sentences now and pronouncing most words MUCH better than before. You are about 35 inches tall and weigh right at 27 lb. You are able to climb up your new slide and slide down all by yourself. Your favorite food is blueberries and you really only drink "aqua" or apple juice. You are doing pretty good about your potty training, but not consistent yet...so we will keep working at it. We wake up excited EACH day to see you and to experience new things with you. We are so so thankful that God chose us to be your parents and we can't wait to see what this year brings!!! We love you very very very much.

Dad & Mama

Five on Fri....uh, Saturday!

2011-03-05T16:51:00.002-06:00

1. This night 2 years ago I went to supper at Carrabba's with David, my parents & David's parents. It was such a nice dinner, but I couldn't help but think the entire time that it was our last dinner before becoming parents because...

2. The next morning we were induced and welcomed our sweet baby into the world. Yep...tomorrow is the little lady's 2nd birthday. We have had a FULL day of partying with friends and family. Thank you to all who made it so special. Now...

3. David is asleep on the couch. Norah Kate is asleep in her room. & I am sitting around at a DISASTER of a house; thankful, but dreading a Saturday night of cleaning and reorganizing. :) :(

4. I was able to get some smocking plates off of ebay...now if I could only get a dress to smock them onto!! Haha! Baby steps, right?

5. Adoption Update! We FINALLY heard back from the USCIS. We received our date for fingerprinting...but it is when David is out of the country! AHHHHH! So, we have sent in our form to reschedule the appointment (yes, it is a form...no phone rescheduling) and we are waiting again. :) David and I really appreciate your prayers throughout this process.

Five on Friday

2011-02-25T11:22:00.003-06:00

1. Norah Kate had her PE tubes placed & adenoids removed this morning. She did GREAT and now we are back home. She was pretty fussy just after surgery, but calmed down after about 10 minutes. She is now sleeping soundly in her bed. Thanks for the prayers!!!

2. Haven't heard anything else on the adoption this week. BUT we have reviewed everything and we have all of our papers/references/etc. ready so when we do hear something we are ready to send everything in.

3. Smocking is going well. I have learned about all the basics I can learn...just need to actually smock a dress or outfit now!!!

4. Tonight is our women's retreat at our church. I am not sure that I'm going to make it...I'll have to see how Norah Kate is doing & how David feels about staying here with her. We'll see.

5. I'll end with a picture of the morning. This was just before they took her back to surgery. :)

Tubes Tomorrow!

2011-02-24T21:07:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to asks for prayers for Norah Kate. She will be having PE tubes placed & her adenoids removed around 8:00am. Thanks!! David & Nekayeh

Five on Friday

2011-02-18T14:48:00.002-06:00

1. We heard back from the government form! We received a form in the mail yesterday saying that they received our application, everything was correct and...to wait for the next form that will give us more instructions on what to do next. Ha Ha! Hey, at least we heard something!

2. Didn't make it to smocking class this week...but for good reason. Had a great dinner with good friends.

3. Work has been pretty slow this week. This is a great blessing, but I can't help but feel a little nervous about what that means for the upcoming weeks.

4. I am procrastinating on doing Jillian Michael's 30-day shred by writing this post. :) That lady might just be evil. Just kidding!

5. I probably will not post again before Monday, so I will wish an early 81st birthday to my grandmother, Mama Joyce!!!

Joining the club...

2011-02-17T16:30:00.003-06:00

"Hey, Norah Kate...what club are you joining?"

NK: "Huh?"

"The PE tubes club." NK: "Ohhhhhhh."

"How do you feel about that?" NK: ...no response...

So, yes, next Friday Norah Kate will be having PE tubes placed in both ears and having her adenoids removed. I just have to sigh as I write this. I honestly NEVER thought Norah Kate...or any future kids...would have to have tubes, but I was wrong! Norah Kate had her first ear infection in October (yes, just a few months ago). However, she's only been off antibiotics for 3 weeks total since then! It seems that she just cannot get rid of the fluid behind her ears. She woke up with blood coming out of her right ear last Sunday morning and I really thought that she had perforated her ear drum. However, when I took her into the pediatrician, he said both ears were fine. "HUH???" I just could not believe this was true since she spent the rest of the day walking around and holding her right ear and saying "Ears, Mama, ears." So...I talked to one of the ENT doctors in our clinic and he was VERY gracious to see her Tuesday afternoon. He confirmed that she STILL had fluid (not necessarily infected) and that with her history since October, he did not think it would get better any time soon (he said at least not until mid-summer IF then). Since she seems to not be hearing so great much of the time (talks very loud in public, can only pronounce about 3 or 4 words correctly; most words that she says are NOT pronounced correct, etc.) So...tubes we go. When we were talking to him and his partner we came to the realization that her adenoids are most likely enlarged as well and so we just decided that we would "kill two birds with one stone." I know that she needs this procedure, but it is so hard to sign papers that your child may be put to sleep with general anesthesia. Please pray with us that she would be safe during and after surgery, that she would have a quick recovery and that she would not have any more issues related to her ears/adenoids in the future.

Valentine's Day

2011-02-17T16:12:00.003-06:00

Happy Late Valentine's Day! (well, I guess its not too bad since I never posted on Christmas...or did I???)

Anyway! We had a low-key V-Day. David and I were able to go on a date last Saturday night to eat and to a movie (The King's Speech...was great!)

Honestly, I doubt that Norah Kate even knew it was a "different" day on Monday, but she did get a few new books and a couple of cards. She was happy!

Here is Norah Kate in her cute Valentines outfit!

She LOVED opening a gift! Ha ha!

5 on Friday...on Saturday

2011-02-12T16:13:00.002-06:00

I forgot to do my Five on Friday... :(

1. Norah Kate had her 23 month birthday this week! That means next month will be PARTY time for the big 2 year old. I'm so proud of her. She is so much fun and has really been improving on her sleeping this week. She is 27lb and about 34 inches tall. She can tell you that her birthday is "Maouch ix" (March 6) Yay!

2. We are still waiting to hear from USCIS about being fingerprinted for our I600A form. That is the big government form and I HOPE HOPE HOPE we hear something this week!!!

3. My mom and my grandmother (Mama Joyce) came through yesterday. It was good to see them, but it is so funny how much Norah Kate loves Mama Joyce! She can only say "Joyce!" Ha! The other day when we were talking to them on the phone we hung up without saying goodbye to Mama Joyce and it very much disturbed Norah Kate. She kept saying "Oh! Joyce!, Oh Joyce! Bye Joyce!" ...so we had to call back and tell her goodbye :)

4. This was a great (easy) week at work. I had several cancellations with the snow/ice, and so I was able to get some extra things done that have been hanging over my head. ...AND stay caught up on everything else.

5. My smocking class is going well. Our teacher this week told me that I have "great stitches." Ha! David is not going to let that one go. BUT...we will see how this goes. I definitely want to have this knowledge, but EVERY PERSON ON THE EARTH knows that I do NOT have time for one more thing in my life! Although its a great stress reliever...we'll see.

Five on Friday

2011-02-04T22:30:00.003-06:00

So...I'm totally stealing this idea of "Five on Friday" from several friends, but hey, whatever gets me blogging, right?! So, here goes:

1. David and I are a little frustrated with the adoption goings...we've had another form sent back to us that we had to redo. However, David reminded me last night that even though WE feel like we are way behind our anticipated schedule, God isn't. I know He is sovereign and that He has everything under control. My flesh on the other hand...

2. Norah Kate had a VERY hard time with us going to Israel it seems (for those of you who didn't know, David and I were in Israel for 11 days and return almost 2 weeks ago). We have had a total of 2 nights of her sleeping through the night now, so hopefully that is a light at the end of the tunnel.

3. I was able to leave work today and have NOTHING that I had to do (for work) this weekend. Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4. I'm learning to smock.

5. Tonight we saw Norah Kate tip over this vase with grass decorations in it. She started running away and I said "Norah Kate, did you tip the bucket over?" She said "No." I said "Norah Kate, you are not in trouble, just tell me if you knocked it over." She said "No." I said "NK, when you do something like that and Mama asks you if you did it and you say no, that is called lying. You need to tell me the truth and that means saying Yes if you did do it." She replied "Ooohhh." Me: " So...did you knock over the bucket?" NK: "No." I turn my head in disbelief an look at David, who has his head turned the other way LAUGHING. Finally he said "NK, did you bump into the bucket." She replied "Yeah, Dad."

22 months old!

2011-01-10T22:49:00.002-06:00

"I'm 22 months old!!!"

Our little lady turned 22 months on January 6. That means the big T W O in 2 months!!! Time flies when you're havin' fun! :)

Well, FUN is definitely the perfect word to describe Norah Kate. She is so intelligent and creative. I love to see what she comes up with each day.

Here are some stats:

Height: ??? I always forget to check

Weight: 26lb 7oz (at Mondays doctor's visit)

Eats: EVERYTHING! Her favs are - bananas, chicken, and anything that can be dipped. She really just likes to eat the dip by itself. Ha ha!!!

Drinks: Water or "agua," juice and milk

Diapers: SOMETIMES! She has be using her potty for awhile now. We have recently been trying to let her go without a diaper while we are at home and she's done pretty well. I bought her some big girl panties today and well...she pooped in them within the first 5 min of wearing them. However, after that we had a talk (because she seemed very confused at what had happened) and she did much better tonight. Now, don't get me wrong...we are not pushing her by any means, but we figure we can go ahead and start some of this now and hopefully it will make it easier later. But...her diaper size for when we are out or during naps is a size 4.

Vocabulary: She will repeat anything that is said. Most words are still hard to understanding. She is starting to put word combinations together. For example: everyday when we leave the house she has her same routine = "Bye Ula" (Bye Chula...the dog), "Good Gul" (Be a good girl), "be back!" (We'll be back)

Skills: anything and everything. Running, jumping, climbing, doing the "splits," Dancing

Good Stories: 1) The other night I was getting her ready for bed and I said we needed to change her diaper. I had a new box of diapers sitting beside us. All of a sudden NK ran out of the room yelling "Biper! Biper! (meaning "diaper")...Mease ("please") Biper!" I had NO CLUE of what she was up to, but I just decided to sit and wait. About 30 seconds later she comes back into the room with the NAIL CLIPPERS. She opened the smooth end (that your thumb rests on) and attempted to cut the tape on the box to open the diapers. After a couple of tries I asked if she needed help and she said yes, so I then opened the box for her. Ha ha!!! How in the world did she think to do that. I don't know that we've ever opened something with the clippers!

2) The other morning I was trying to get NK ready and I was get close to be running late for work. NK has had a hard time obeying when we ask her to "come here." After (literally) about 10 minutes of arguing with her and basically trying to be nice because it was first thing in the morning, I finally just said "Okay Norah Kate, you are not obeying Mama, and so you have to get a spanking." I proceeded to get a wooden spoon out of the kitchen. When I returned I gave her 2 light swats on the bottom (now, keep in mind that she had a saturated diaper and fleece pajamas, so she probably (honestly) did not even feel the swats). Of course she cried, but was more obedient after that. Well, after she got dressed and we were about to leave the room she said "Mama - poon (spoon)." I said "Oh, I need to put that up." She said yes and ran out of the room. When I entered the kitchen with the spoon she was standing by the trash can holding the lid open!!! She said "poon!" and pointed into the trash can. Ha ha! She wanted to make sure it was gone for GOOD! (*Note: I did not throw away my good wooden spoon)

Extra Info: After 2.5 months of a continuous ear infection (both sides much of that time), we received a "Clear Ears" report on Monday. Praise the Lord!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Here's hoping we don't have to go through THAT again!

Here are a few pics (thanks to David) of Norah Kate's snow day. I was at work, but David was with NK because he did not have to go in today. Now that I am seeing these pictures I realize why she kept saying "eat" when I asked if she played in the snow!

Chula enjoyed the snow as well!

Adoption update: We FINALLY got our home study report in the mail TODAY!!! Our plan is to send off for our I-600A form tomorrow. Please continue to pray for us through this. We are getting down to the tedious work and it always seems that there are things missing when we are trying to receive something, mail something, etc. We are ready to have our paperwork completed and mailed!!!

Adoption Update

2010-12-16T15:18:00.002-06:00

OUR HOMESTUDY HAS BEEN APPROVED!!!! Wa-hoo!! (It seemed like it took forever!) We now send off for 1 major form (the most important form to be able to adopt internationally). Other than that we will do our "family pages" and make copies of everything and then we'll be finished with all the paperwork. Even though we have completed about 97% of the paperwork, I still feel like we haven't gotten over the hurdle YET. I will be sooooo relieved when we turn in the dossier.

In other news...I took Norah Kate in for her recheck after her 3rd ear infection since Oct. 13. Well...it looks like both ears are still infected. That makes 4 consecutive ear infections with the last 2 being both ears. Hmmmmmmmm. We are trying 1 more antibiotic.

A great day

2010-12-08T23:22:00.002-06:00

I have a Gideon Bible in my patient room at work and today as I entered the room on two different occasions, to see 2 different patients, I found each reading that Bible. I had not met either of these patient's before today, and really do not know much about them in general, but I do know that one of them is a professed Jehovah's Witness. All in all I wouldn't have considered today a very "good" day at work...I had a FULL load of patients (and one added on at the very end of the day that was somehow deleted from my schedule), there were several issues that had to be resolved, I felt like everything was taking a long time and that my patients were having to wait to long, and I didn't get ANY of my notes done. But because of what I walked into on those 2 occasions it was a great day.

"...so is my word...It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:11

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

21 months

2010-12-06T16:47:00.003-06:00

I'd like to be able to start this post by explaining that we (I) have not posted recently because we were having so much fun making great family memories and relaxing by the fire with our soft music playing...but, yeah, THAT did happen! We have had a pretty busy fall since our last post. Most of the time, it seems, has been spent in a doctor's office. Between David and I having our physicals for the adoption and Norah Kate having her regular check-ups, flu shots, and THREE ear infections in 1 1/2 months - I am more and more thankful for health insurance. David and I have both celebrated our 29th birthdays and we enjoyed a great 5 day Thanksgiving break in Pocahontas with my side of the family. This past weekend we also got to spend some time with David's brothers and their families since they were all in Memphis for the St. Jude Half-Marathon. Ben (David's brother) and Julie (Jonathan's wife) both DOMINATED the half marathon. I'm not certain on how Ben's time compared to previous half-marathons, but Julie took off 9 mins (WA-HOO).

As far as the adoption goes...there hasn't been a whole lot accomplished since my last post (unfortunately). We did finish the remainder of our documents for the home study (verification of health insurance for the child, life insurance for us, shot record for the dog (yes, you read that correctly), etc.). We have been told that our home study write-up should have been completed this past weekend. I HOPE HOPE HOPE that was the case. It just really seems to drag on and on. I guess that is how it always seems when you are not in control of something yourself, huh?

And now for Miss Norah Kate! Today she is 21 months old! Unfortunately, health-wise, these haven't been her best few months. This girl just cannot get rid of the crud. She had her first ear infection in the middle of October and since then she has had 2 others (this last one was a double ear infection). I am really hoping that this antibiotic does the trick, but today she really complained when I tried to wash her ears during the bath. Good or not, I really would just like to ignore it and see if it goes away (haha!), but she is suppose to go in Friday anyway to have them rechecked. So we will see.

Otherwise she is just really coming along! She is 26 lb and I'm not sure about her height (maybe I can ask them to check it when we go in on Friday). She is a great eater (unless there is an undiagnosed ear infection), but mostly likes to "dip" anything she can in ketchup, bar-b-q sauce, etc. She will repeat any word she can, even though it isn't very clear. She has a first words book that we go through and last night she got all but 2 of them correct! I hear "Mama...Mama...Mama!" about 4 million times a day, but it hardly even gets on my nerves because i love her little accent. The other day I fell (that's another story) and she said "Mama! K?" (as if Mama? are you okay?) So sweet. Then when we were at my parents for Thanksgiving David had gotten up with her one morning and let me sleep. My sister told me that she said "Shh, Mama sleep." Haha!!!

Her spanish is improving as well, and there have been several times when I have thought, "I really just don't understand what she is trying to tell me." For example, the other night we were about to eat supper and she kept saying something over and over. I finally said "Baby, I don't know what you are saying," and about that time David walked in the room and said "She's saying 'pollo'" (chicken) I suspect we will have several moments like this.

She continues to be our little social butterfly. She has also started to pee pee on the potty, but is really not very consistent with it. We are not in any hurry and so we really don't push her. We are just asking her fairly often if she needs to potty and usually if she says yes then she means it. Nowadays she usually tells us "night, night" when she is ready to go to bed (about 8p or 8:30p) and many times she doesn't wake up until we are ready to walk out the door around 8am. She is running everywhere and thinks it is the coolest thing in the world. (we do to when she doesn't fall AND it makes her sleep better!) All in all she is doing great. So...We are looking forward to her excitement this Christmas!

BIG BIG NEWS

2010-10-27T20:51:00.004-05:00

Well, this post is definitely a long time coming!!! David and I have some very exciting news to share...Carothers child #2 is coming!!!!!! But no...I'm not pregnant...we're ADOPTING!!! I really have to laugh a little when I think about that last statement, because if you asked me a year ago if this was on the radar I would never had said YES. So...here is our story:

David and I (individually) knew that we (each) wanted to adopt even before we were in college. David saw the reality of vast number of orphans throughout the world while growing up in Guatemala, and I had several family members/friends that had adopted children (or that were adopted). When we started dating more seriously and eventually began discussing this we found that we shared a common interest. Although, like others we have talked with, I think we both thought we would adopt someday after we had finished having biological children. As Christians we realize that we are called to care for/defend orphans. This is evident in verses such as James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress...," Isaiah 1:17 "...Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow," and Matthew 25:40 " ' I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' " Psalm 68:5 tells us that God exemplifies what he's called us to do "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling." However, we feel that God has called David and I to go further in caring for orphans and ADOPT a child that He has specifically in mind for us.

Well, we had only lived in Jackson a month or so when David came to me one night and said "Hey, what do you think about going ahead and adopting a child?" My response: uhhhhhh (the thought really had not even crossed my mind at this point!!!). So, we prayed about it, but it seemed like the more we prayed about it, the more reasons God gave me (us) that this is what He has planned for our family at this time. (some of the more insignificant, but encouraging included: I really had no desire to be pregnant again, but yet didn't want to wait too long before having a sibling before Norah Kate; I really wasnt able to take a full maternity leave since I had not been at my job long AND I don't receive paid time off...) So...you see where this was going. In February David and I were very fortunate to be able to attend the Adopted for Life Conference in Kentucky. I would definitely say that each of us had already decided that we would for sure go ahead and adopt, but it was at this conference that we decided this was the plan for our family and that we would go with an international adoption. We discovered that with international adoptions it means that there is absolutely NO ONE in that country that wants to adopt that child...that is how they are allowed to be adopted into another country. We then began the process of choosing a country. The reality was that we needed a country where we could adopt a baby (we did not want to mess up birth order with Norah Kate) in a fairly short amount of time (because we still plan on having more biological children). We also preferred a country where only 1 short travel trip was required (again, due to my job and no paid time off). Our criteria brought us 2 countries: India and Ethiopia. When we looked into India further, we found that adoptive parents are required to be willing to accept a special needs child. This could be as small as low birth weight (leading to no further problems) or it could be more significant...such as debilitating cerebral palsy (just an example). This really wasn't an option for us since both David and I must work at this point. Even though I do only work part time, we didn't feel that it would be fair to the child or to the baby-sitter to put that responsibility to someone other than us (the parents). Therefore, we chose Ethiopia!!! ...then...new requirements were made that added a second trip for Ethiopia. So...we then found that Rwanda met our criteria.

In July, David and I applied with America World Adoption Agency (www.awaa.org) for the Rwanda program for a healthy baby age 0-12 months. It wasn't long after that we found out we had been ACCEPTED into the program. Yay!!! BUT...the girl said..."there is a little issue because even though it states you can receive a child as young as 1 month, we hardly ever see a Rwandan child adopted less than 17 months old!" Ugh. That could possible only be 6 months difference in Norah Kate and the age of the adopted child. We just didn't think that would be good. So...we are back with Ethiopia!!! Yes, we will have to travel twice, but they are quick trips (1st trip 5-7 days and 2nd trip 3-5 days) and my employer has been more than helpful and has agreed that this will work out fine.

So... that is our story and here is the "Interval History" as I say in my medical notes. :) We finished our last homestudy visit tonight. We have MOST of our paperwork completed. It will probably take through the end of November until our homestudy is written up and everything is turned over to the agency to present to Ethiopia. Then...we wait. The earliest that we expect a child is May 2011. Although, any of you that know the adoption process you know that this could be far off in either direction. We expect to get a baby BOY...but again, this could change as well. :) We've found that adoption will make you a flexible person if you are not already!!

I know this is a LONG post, but we are more than excited about what is going on in our family and we want to share that with our friends and family. As you know, any adoption is an expensive process, and international adoption is no exception. Between the agency fees, homestudy/social worker fees, travel fees, and other (normal "getting ready for baby" fees) we estimate our total cost to be near (and hopefully not more than) $40,000. Yes...$40,000. We have been good about budgeting our money and using savings, but we've found the hardest part of the adoption is that there are certain times when a large amount of money is due and that money needs to be available. We have done well with our first few payments, but we are looking at having to make 2 trips to Ethiopia in the near future and so the travel fees will probably be outrageous. I am trying to gather some of our finances by selling Willow House products (formerly Southern Living at HOME) http://ncarothers.willowhouse.com If you are interested in helping us out in this way feel free to visit my website or to email me (willowhousenc@gmail.com) You don't have to live in Jackson to be a part of this. Others may simply want to make a donation and that would be much appreciated as well. Unfortunately these donations won't be tax deductible (our agency doesn't offer this service). We would also appreciate your prayers (above all else!!!). Now that we are getting closer in this process, and know that our child may already have been born, it is VERY difficult to think that our child my be in an orphanage right now. We also know that any child that we get will have already suffered a tragedy is his very young life. Please pray for the child's family and those taking care of him now. Please pray that we would, most importantly, be able to share with him the love that Jesus has for him and that, like the child, we are all orphans and adopted into Christ's family by His grace. I could go ON AND ON, but I think for now I will stop there. We will be keeping everyone updated throughout the remainder of the process and appreciate your love and concern for us.

18 month stats from over 600 miles away...

2010-09-24T19:43:00.002-05:00

Norah Kate went for her 18 month check up last week & here are her stats:

weight: 24lb 8oz (50% percentile)
height: 33 inches (between 75-90% percentile)
head circ: 18.5 inches (between 50-75% percentile)

My little girl is getting so big! ...and tonight as I write this...I'm so far away from her!!! I am in Houston this week for an Oncology review. This is the longest I've ever been without seeing her and it is just as hard as I expected it to be. I am so ready to be home with her and my husband! Hopefully I've gained tons of insight this week and it will pay off!

Happy 18 month Birthday!!!

2010-09-06T21:49:00.003-05:00

Our little lady is 18 months old today!!!

Norah Kate continues to be an amazing blessing to our lives. Everyday we are excited to see what new things she has learned: new words, new skills, etc. She is a very loving little girl and we get multiple hugs (especially on the legs) and kisses every day. I am so thankful for her friendly, outgoing spirit. She brings a smile to everyone she meets (and usually provides a wave and blows a kiss as well...haha!) She seems to be very confident and content in who she is and I recognize that this is from the Lord. Thank you God for our little gift!!!!!!!!

P.S. I'm also very thankful for Chula and her gentle spirit!!! HA HA HA!!!

July

2010-08-13T17:45:00.006-05:00

It has been awhile!!! I am going to try to catch up with this post. I really do hate that it has been so long, but I have this thing about having to have pictures for every post. I just think it makes it more fun to look see...but I think I'm going to have to change my mindset so that I can post more. :) Anyway! July was filled with lots of fun. First of all, we went with my side of the family on our annual beach trip. This year we went to Destin and had a great time. I was wondering what Norah Kate was going to think of the beach...sand, etc, but I needed not worry...she LOVED it! She just squealed the first time we took her out to the ocean and kept trying to run into the water (don't worry, we never let go of her hands). I didn't take her down to the beach every day because it was a good little hike and HOT. Plus, I couldn't really just stick her in the float and leave her like I can in the pool. However, when we did take her down there she had a great time.

Here is Norah Kate at the pool. Notice the "bath toy" in her right hand. This is one of the best things I've ever bought. A family that I baby-sat for had a couple of bath toys at the pool one time and it gave me the idea of something she could play with. These were just a few dollars at Target and we have almost worn them out!!! I can put her in her float and place these around the edge and she has the best time...throwing, squirting, etc. You will see them again later in this post.

Norah Kate and her baby cousin, Lexie. Wearing the dresses that our cousin, Rachael, gave to them. So cute!

Norah Kate in the ocean...one of her favorite places. Oh! I almost forgot to mention that we saw NO OIL while we were there!

OK, here are the toys again! Another one of her favorite things to do was for David or me to hide/bury the toys and then she would dig to find them. She was really good at this and was covered in sand by the time we went inside.

Norah Kate in her beach chair

We really had a great time at the beach...but the fun wasn't over! The last weekend in July was spent in St. Louis. For those of you who don't know, my mom is a big Cardinals fan. Well, when Mother's Day rolled around my sister and I decided to do something a little different this year and buy tickets to a Cardinals game for her and my dad (for his Father's day). We had a great time. It was a short overnight trip, but it was well worth it. Saturday night we went to the Cardinals game. A friend from my home church had given Norah kate some hand-me-down clothes from her daughter and this Cardinals cheerleading uniform was it the stack. It is an 18 month outfit, but it fit her well-enough, and well, when else will she wear it?! I did have to take off the onesie under it because it was so hot.

Here is Norah Kate modeling her outfit...kind of. :) She actually had been running a temp and so I don't think the Tylenol had kicked in at this point.

Uh, yeah.

And, there's the Tylenol! Here is NK saying "cheese!"

Our family!

Norah Kate enjoyed cheering and dancing and clapping the WHOLE TIME! She learned how to say "Woo Woo!"

The next morning we went to Grant's Farm. I have been there before when I was younger, but I guess I didn't remember much about it. However, it was GREAT. I highly recommend this for young children. You do have to pay for parking, but there is no charge to get into the park. It is pretty laid back as well. You can really choose how much or how little you want to do. Norah Kate still wasn't feeling too great (side note: we never really figured out why...wondering if it was teething), but she perked up and we all had a great time.

Here is NK & Daddy...lookin' good in their shades!

Another Family pic

Norah Kate's first carousel...she hated it :) As soon as it started she cried and would not sit on the horse, so I just held her until we could get off. Oh well, maybe next time.

But she LOVED the mist! By the time we left this area she was SOAKED...I can't say I blame her. It was HOT...and I didn't really mind the mist either! Ha Ha!

The famous Clydesdales! They are H U G E! I wish I had a picture to compare, but they are much taller than my dad (6'4.5"). They are so beautiful. I wish we could have seen more up close.

Looking at the Clydesdales!

Well, we had a great time...I only wish it could have lasted longer. (As always!)

We were also excited to welcome our new niece into the world that same weekend.

Gracen Margaret Carothers was born July 31!!! We can't wait to meet her!

Otherwise, we are just staying busy as always. Norah Kate is 17 months old now. She is really talking (although most still isn't clear). She is saying several spanish words as well. So far, everything is going well, but I wonder how much longer I will be able to understand the spanish that she speaks!! Ha Ha!!

She loves to play with Chula and tell her "NO! Ula!" Chula is such a good sport.

NK is running now as well. I just can't believe how fast she is growing. I was getting out her fall clothes to wash the other day and they just looked so BIG. I love her little personality though, and I am proud of how she is really catching on and learning lots of things.

15 month check-up

2010-06-23T17:26:00.003-05:00

Look at our little cheerleader! So, David dressed her this morning, and I did not see her until I picked her up from the baby-sitter's house. I just laughed and laughed. She was soooo proud of her little outfit! And...what outfit is complete without multiple, mismatched hairbows?! Ha!

Unfortunately I did change her before taking her to her 15 month doctor's visit. Oh well. :) It was a big day for NK. She had to switch to a new doctor since I recently took the new job. We needed a doctor at our clinic for insurance purposes...MUCH cheaper! But I really like the one we've chosen. She went to Union for her undergrad (honestly, that was a pretty big factor in my choice), and she is just so great with Norah Kate. However...NK had to get F O U R (yes, 4!) shots. I don't know what I was thinking, but when I added it up in my head I was thinking she was only getting 1 (MMR). But apparently she did not have 2 shots at her 1 year (because she was already getting 4 then), and so we had to make these up. Well, and then there is an updated Prevnar that she needed. Anyway...it was HORRIBLE...the worst shot experience yet. This poor nurse that was giving the shots was super slow (super SWEET, but SUPER slow)...and put each band-aid on in between each shot. And then NK kept trying to talk to us, saying "Ba Da Ba Ba Ba..." which sounded like she was trying to reason with us into not giving the next shot. THEN we she saw each shot she would shake her head "No" and try to talk even faster!!! Ugh...I just kept kissing her little face, but I really just had to close my eyes to keep from crying. I am just glad that is OVER.

So...here are her stats:

Weight: 21lb 12oz (25%)

Height: 30 inches (50%)

Head circumference: 43cm (50%)

Everything looked great and we will head back at 18 months!

...Now I'm going to go recover. :)

Chula's 5 year stats

2010-06-19T17:17:00.003-05:00

Yes, this is a post about my dog. :) I always try to document Norah Kate's progress with her doctor's appointments, and thought I should do the same for Chula (don't worry, this is a one-time thing). Chula went for her first visit at a vet here in Jackson. We found him to be very nice and we are very pleased. So, here goes:

Weight: 89 lbs!!!!!!! She is one big mama! I found her summary sheet from her first ever vet visit when she was 2 months old and she then weighed 18.1 lbs. What a difference! We knew she was going to be big...but not that big! :) Funny thing is...it is all muscle (and substance); no extra fat!

Yearly Tests: all were negative, yeah! Way to go Frontline and Heartgard!

Vaccines: check! & we have a new Madison County rabies tag.

Allergies: Our vet said she looks good! Wow, I was SO THRILLED with this news! After multiple antihistamines, antibiotics, antifungals, 1 allergy testing (and opting out of a 2nd), 2 rounds of allergy shots and 2 hematoma (ear) repairs...maybe, just MAYBE, we might be on the right track! Now, don't get me wrong, she still licks her paws somewhat, but he said that for a dog with allergies she really looks great. She has none of the ear symptoms that she has had previously (for years), and he also said that most times if you get a dog with allergies to not lick AT ALL then you've probably gone too far. Oh what a relief!

So, here's to you, Chula!!! :) We love you and you are such a good pet to our family!

A few things that slipped my mind...

2010-06-05T22:23:00.004-05:00

As I was looking through some pictures, I came across several of these and couldn't believe that I forgot to post about them!!!! So, here goes!!!

May 8, 2010 was a wonderful day. I got to meet up with 2 of my BEST friends and spend a nice evening in Memphis. J.J., Ashley and I have known each other since we were babies...our parents were friends even before we were born. We first attending preschool together at "Country Kids" and stuck together all through school and graduated in 2000 from Pocahontas High School! Talk about having someone that knows you better than you know yourself! I am sooooo thankful for these ladies, and I was so excited when Ashley called back in February to see if I was up for this little get-together. OF COURSE I WAS!!! With these girls I feel like I can completely be myself. They are sisters to me in the truest sense of the word, and I thank my God every time I remember them (Phil 1:3). So...we began our evening with a trip to Rendezvous.

Here are Ashley & J.J. at the resturant. (I should have had someone take a picture of the 3 of us...oh well)

AND THEN...It was on to the Norah Jones concert!!! As many of you know, NJ is my

F A V O R I T E !!! The concert was...Heavenly. :) It really was a great concert. She rearranged several of her songs, but she really put on a wonderful show. Ahhh, I could listen to her for hours and hours.

The next day was my 2nd Mothers' Day. Look at sweet Norah Kate...Love that face. :)

What a wonderful mothers' day gift!

Here is NK with my mom on Mothers' Day...so cute!!!

Well, I hope you enjoyed the pictures that were almost forgotten! :) I'd like to say a big "Happy 15 month Birthday" to my sweet Norah Kate...tomorrow that is!

2010-06-01T17:17:00.002-05:00

We are back after a few weeks of craziness! David is healing well from his surgery. He is working SO HARD at his rehab. I know that he has a lot to go, but he really has come a LONG way already. He is down to using 1 crutch, and we are thinking that they will probably tell him he can do without that one beginning tomorrow (???). Anyway, we have had such a busy time with him recovering and not able to drive, and then he was out of town for 5 days, so Norah Kate and I were on our own! Is has been pretty difficult, but things are beginning to look up! Norah Kate seems more and more like a little girl and less like a baby each day I think. She is walking pretty good now. Lately she has been obsessed with wanting as many bows in her hair as she can get. Here are a few pictures. (There are 2 bows in the back that can't be seen in the pictures) Each time I would put one in she would clap her hands and say "ooooohh!" She looks so proud, huh? :)

On Memorial Day we were excited to be able to see our friends, Lance & Catherine, and their little girl, Elaina. Norah Kate and Elaina are 5 months apart, and just now able to really play together. I think they had a pretty good time. Norah Kate was so excited to take advantage of Elaina's new swingset! She wasn't so sure about the toddler swing we first tried...as you can tell...
But she LOVED the baby swing! I don't think she felt very secure in the other swing. Oh well. Look at that sweet face!
Elaina is a PRO at this toddler swing. So cute!
Well, we are looking forward to a GREAT summer!!! Right now we are trying to find a pool around here to visit...often! :) Hope that search ends quickly!

David's surgery

2010-05-14T17:45:00.003-05:00

David is home and doing well!!!

His surgery really did go well today. It was a L O N G day though. We were told to be there at 6:00am for his surgery @ 7:00am. Well, they took him back @ 6:30am and @ 7:00am the screen showed he was in pre-op. Well...about 7:45a I started wondering why he was STILL in pre-op and about that time the "nurse liaison" came to introduce herself and made the comment that his surgery wasn't until 11:00am. So I interrupted her and said "Did you say his surgery wasn't until 11?!" Anyway, to make a long story short I ended up leaving, going to see my patients at the clinic, and returning and STILL had to wait on him. So, all in all David was at the surgery for 10 hours! But he is doing well and really his pain is very minimal. I hope this continues!!!!! Thank you for all the prayers and comments!

Baby Debut & 14 months!

2010-05-12T21:46:00.005-05:00

WHAT A WEEK!!!!!!!

We have had 2 new nieces born this week! Kennedy Anne Carothers was born Monday morning, May 10 @ 9:30am. She was 7lb 7oz and was 19inches long. David was able to make a quick trip up to Nashville Monday night to see her, but it was just too much (& too fast) for Norah Kate and I to go. We look forward to seeing her next week!!!

Here is Miss Kennedy Anne with Uncle David...unfortunately she's getting the shaft on this post because we don't have many pictures of her yet.

Then last night @ 3:30am my sister had her baby girl, Lexie Catherine Williams. Lexie was 8lb 10oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. Here is Lexie seeing her momma for the first time!

1st Family picture!!! Lookin' good!

Look at that pudgy lip...pitiful!

Beautiful Mom and Baby!

Proud Daddy!

Norah Kate meeting her cousin for the first time and giving kisses

Mama Lynn with her granddaughters

Sweet cousins (I LOVE this picture!...don't worry...Norah Kate wasn't REALLY holding her) :)

Lexie and Auntie

Norah Kate got a little bored and thought up this idea on her own. I must say...she's pretty creative. As you can tell she thought this was very funny.

Don't worry though...our week's excitement hasn't ended yet! Friday morning David will be having surgery to repair his torn ACL and possible MCL tear. I really don't know what I am going to do with a 14 month old and a post-surgery husband who will probably be on lots of pain meds. So, I would appreciate any prayers you might could offer.

Since I probably won't have lots of time to post again I wanted to go ahead and include Norah Kate's 14 month update with this.

weight - 20 or 21 lbs (this was just done trying to stand her on our scale at home...might not be too accurate)

length...not sure and she's in bed so I can't find out right now :)

Nutrition - Anything and everything she can get her hands on!!! She has recently enjoyed being given a whole saltine cracker and holding it while she takes bites. She really does a good job.

Sleep - Usually from 8:30pm to 7:30 or 8:00am. She takes 2 naps most days and they are anywhere from 1-2 hours each.

Language - this is a trip! She can SIGN please, more, milk, and all-gone. She is understanding a lot of Spanish and can say "mas" and she has said "Hola" a couple of times. She is understanding English well and can say Chula, Mama, Dad...but only when she wants to. :)

Skills - WALKING...she is doing pretty good, but this is still mostly an on-and-off thing. She can also get down from the couch or chair by laying on her stomach and scooting off. She is playing much more independently these days...which is so nice :) She continues to give kisses, blow kisses, and she recently started giving "real" hugs (they are the BEST!!!). She can nod and shake her head as well to answer questions.

Well, I think that is about everything! Hopefully it won't be another month before I get on here! :) Goodnight!

Anniversary Date

2010-05-02T10:44:00.004-05:00

David planned a WONDERFUL 5th anniversary date! When I (finally) got home from work Friday, he had surprised me by picking up the house and having 5 dozen Red roses waiting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He also got me a gift certificate for a manicure/pedicure!! It is much appreciated...and much needed! Ha Ha!

Here are the first 3 dozen roses...

...and the other 2 dozen that he put by my side of the bed. Beautiful!

He arranged all the details for us to go to Memphis and eat at Texas de Brazil...YUM!

AND to then go to the Cheesecake Corner for dessert!!! So, I don't know how we always forget that our anniversary weekend is (almost always) Musicfest for Memphis in May. Well, we decided during dinner that it would probably be wise to either walk or take the trolley to the Cheesecake corner instead of trying to drive. So...here is David waiting on the trolley. *Side note: we lived in Memphis for 5 1/2 years and this was our FIRST time on the trolley!

Anyway, the trolley was taking a long time for the direction we wanted to go, so we ended up walking. Ugh...me in high heels. So now I have 2 pretty nice blisters, but it was SO WORTH IT! We did take the trolley back though. :)

I hate that we didn't get a picture at the Cheesecake Corner, but oh well. It was a beautiful night...perfect weather and the perfect temperature. 5 years seems to have flown by, but after all the excitement that God has brought us through, I am ecstatic to see how the next 5...or 50 go! I didn't know marriage could be this good.

5th Anniversary

2010-04-30T23:14:00.002-05:00

Five years ago today I became Mrs. Carothers...and I've never regretted it. I had a great time tonight on our Memphis date. David planned a wonderful evening and we had fun just re-living the past five years by sharing some of our favorite memories over dinner. I will try to post pictures in the next day or so...just wanted to say a very special Happy Anniversary to my husband. I love you and I am really fortunate to be with such an amazing person. God has been so good to us!

A video...and a tired Mom

2010-04-22T16:21:00.002-05:00

I never posted a 13 month update on Norah Kate because well...there just wasn't a lot to update. She doesn't really have that many new skills, and we don't have weight/height stats. However, our little girl is REALLY expressing to us that she understands more and more of what we are saying to her. She nodds "yes" and shakes her head "no." She is signing "More," "please," and "thank-you." She is blowing kisses more, and she even does the sound for monkey...well, she does "Ah Ah Ah" like a monkey when we ask her what a monkey says. Anyway! David has been frustrated that she won't say "Daddy," and he spends a great amount of time with her trying to get her to say it. The other night at the dinner table he finally put his head down (after, literally, about 5-10 minutes of trying to get her to say "Daddy") and said "I just don't get it...you'll say "Chula" with no problems, but you won't say "Daddy." To which she instantly replied..."Chula?!" with a big grin. I couldn't help but laugh. :) Someday, right?

Here is a video with some of her skills. (sorry its sideways...not sure???)

In other news...I started seeing patients this week with my new job. I really do enjoy everything about the job. However, my 24 hr/week job has turned into MUCH more than that. As of today (Thursday) I've already worked almost 27 hours! I have been going in between 7a-8a and not getting finished until 2p-3p. Its really a long story to explain why, but I am hoping that after my training period is over that this will calm down and my hours will even out. ...and I'm hoping that will only be for another week at the most. :) Because after I finish my "real" job there is still a little girl waiting on me that needs lots of attention, a big boy (a.k.a. "husband) that needs me, meals to be prepared, and plenty of work to do around the house. Needless to say, I am exhausted; I mean...I am BEYOND tired. :) Ha Ha! I know I'm complaining. Oh well. So, to all of you who I was suppose to call or get in touch with this week...I apologize because its just not going to happen. :) Ha Ha!

Ok, enough about me...on to David...who has apparently torn his ACL. Yep, you read that right. He meets with the doctor again tomorrow to find out about surgery, etc, so we will post more then. This happened while he was playing in a Union Alumni Soccer game last weekend. We hate that this happened though especially because he was training to run in the Music City Half Marathon next Saturday. He was doing so well too. I was so proud of him and the dedication that he was putting into his training. Oh well...now our prayer is that this can be fixed quick and effectively, and that David will be safe during the process.

So...until next time...

Quick Easter Post

2010-04-09T16:07:00.003-05:00

Happy Late Easter Everyone! I just wanted to post a few pics from this past weekend. Unfortunately I didn't get pics myself...I only have the ones that my sister sent me. The ones I've included aren't her "dressy" pictures...just the fun, egg dying ones. :)

We just quickly let her use the "dye Q-tip" things to paint a few eggs. She seemed to like it.

Here she is trying it out for herself...I was pretty impressed!

Our finished product! Now, you may be thinking "wow, only a little dye above the lip!" However, you cannot see the other side of her arms in this picture! :)

As I have mentioned before, Norah Kate LOVES to be outside. Her baby-sitter said today "She's so happy outside!" We are really enjoying this weather daily. I have started a new job, so I am working every morning now, but fortunately I have every afternoon off just to spend with my little girl!!!

1 year stats

2010-03-22T14:27:00.003-05:00

Here are Norah Kate's 1 year stats. She actually went to the doctor on Thursday, but we've been having fun with our cousins, Isabella & Brooks, that came to visit that same day, and then we've had some not-so-fun since I have had a cold this weekend. The pictures on here were taken on my iphone, so they are not the best quality, but just some snapshots.For those of you who have heard me talk about the enormous amounts of solid foods that Norah Kate has been eating these days, you can imagine my surprise when we weighed her and she only weighed 19 lbs 14 oz!!!!!!!!! Technically we aren't even suppose to turn her carseat around yet, but the pediatrician said it was really just up to us.

So...weight - 25th percentile

head circ - still 50th % I can't remember exactly, but as a former St. Jude nurse, I'm just pleased that the percentile is the same. :)

height - 29 1/4 inches... a little over the 75th %

*Foods - no more nursing. Since she was allergic to the milk formula we have had her on the Enfamil Go & Grow Soy formula for the last month. Now we will begin mixing that, in efforts to transition to Soy milk in the next week or so. The pediatrician suggested we not even try regular milk until she is about 2 years.

She is eating most anything that we eat now. I still try to concentrate on softer foods, but she's proven many times that she can do more.

*Diapers - (*drum roll please*) ...we are in size 3 diapers! Woo-hoo!

*Talking - about the same as before. Not talking much, but she is doing the sign for "please" now.

*Skills - not walking alone, but she will walk with her push toys or holding our hands. She has started standing on her own. She waves to EVERYONE. Not only does she "wash her hands" when touching the faucet or hand sanitizer bottle, but she also "washes" her tummy in the bath & rubs it after she eats a LOT. Ha Ha! :)

*Other stuff - she is playing on her own more now; she is VERY independent and really doesn't seem to put much care into what others "think." (I hope she continues with that...in some ways - ha ha!) She is still dancing and likes to dance with Mom & Dad. She loves to play more with Chula now...wants Chula around all the time. Oh! She has also started nodding her head (instead of only shaking her head "no")

I think that is everything...I'm sure there are things I'm forgetting though.

We are taking advantage of all the outside time we can get. Here she is outside with her new toy from Mimi & Daddy Ron!

Lots of Birthday Pics!

2010-03-18T16:47:00.009-05:00

In no particular order...Enjoy!

1 YEAR OLD!!!

2010-03-06T17:39:00.002-06:00

Where do I begin?! Today is my little girl's first birthday! I am so amazed that a year ago today I laid eyes on the most beautiful baby in the world...and my life changed forever. I now know that no matter how "prepared" you are...you are never "prepared" for a child. We've made it through the emotions of the first year...the ups and downs in the beginning, the excitement, the frustration, the hesitance, the happiness, and the JOY! I wouldn't change 1 minute of this last year. Norah Kate is such a happy baby, friendly to everyone she meets, pleasant to those who care for her, and loving to her family (and CHULA!). I love that she already has such a positive influence on others and I hope to see that continue throughout her life. All I know is that I have been blessed beyond explanation through the life of my daughter & I am so thankful for that. As always, our first prayer is that Norah Kate will continue to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, that she would make the decision as soon as possible to have a relationship with Him, and that she would live for Him all the days of her life. We can't wait to see how God uses her!

Here are some (wonderful!) pictures from the day. One of the added bonuses of working for a college university is that there are available "photographers" who are more than willing to do little jobs. We were so thankful to have Hunter Bragg take these pictures at her party, so that we did not have to worry about it. I think he did a great job. These are just a few of the pics...I will post more soon.

Our theme was "Owls." Her invitations said, "Whoo's turning 1?!" and then said "Come have a HOOT with us!" My friend, Jenny Lawson, did the appliqued on her shirt, and I actually made the tutu. Thanks for helping us out, Jenny! You did a great job!

I love Norah Kate's face in this picture. David was "helping" her with the cake because she was a little timid.

Norah Kate with her gifts. She got some great things...she is looking at her new rubber ducky from Ross & Sarah.

Cute little 1 year old!

Opening gifts! Such a sweet girl!

Norah Kate - I love you very much! I hope you always remember that. Your Dad and I are so proud of you and are looking forward to the future with you. We are thankful that God has allowed us to be your parents!

For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my

mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully

and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you

when I was made in the secret

place.

When I was woven together in the

depths of the earth,

your eyes saw my unformed body.

All the days ordained for me

were written in your book

before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139:13-16

The Phone

2010-03-01T08:36:00.003-06:00

Every time Norah Kate spends a significant amount of time with her cousin, Aiden, he teaches her a new skill. This past weekend David and I attended a conference in Louisville, KY and Julie/Jonathan/Aiden were so sweet to take care of Norah Kate for us while we were gone. Now...I'm not sure if this time it was Aiden teaching Norah Kate the new skill or Julie! Ha Ha! :)

(We really appreciate the help this weekend...it made things go much more smooth!) She and Aiden must have had a great time because she is still asleep and it is almost 9 am!!!

40 Days for Life

2010-02-18T11:29:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that the 40 Days for Life prayer campaign started yesterday. This is a time for Christians to study, fast, and pray to end abortions. You can go to this website: www.40daysoflife.com to get daily devotionals and more information. There are some great testimonies of the work that God has done and is currently doing in the lives of individuals involved in abortions. Check it out!

Eleven months old

2010-02-09T10:37:00.006-06:00

Our baby is 11 months old!!! She continues to be such a joy in our lives, and I'm just amazed at how fast this year has gone. Norah Kate has the sweetest, most fun personality. I am so thankful that she is so good with going to the baby-sitter's house & in the nursery at church. She smiles and waves "bye-bye" to us and off she goes!

Here is our little girl in a sweater that belonged to my mom when she was a baby. Not an official pic, but you can see it well enough.

Here are the stats on NK:

weight - I don't have an actual weight, but I think she's about 19 lbs now

height - not sure...will find out @ her 1 yr. check-up

Eats - nurses only in the morning (I know that's weird to just nurse in the morning...long story of why we chose that); Soy formula (apparently allergic to milk-based per the whelps all over her body after milk formula) afternoon & evening; combination of baby foods and table foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I can't think of anything that she just does not like. There are times when she definitely prefers one thing over another, but at another time it may be reversed. She LOVES, LOVES, LOVES, bananas (real, not baby food). I have to stop her from eating a whole banana! She also really enjoys the yogurt bites (Gerber).

Sleeps - All night, most every night. Most of the time she still takes 2 naps, but sometimes just a long afternoon nap.

Diapers - size 2 (i feel like a broken record...I don't know that we will ever leave size 2. ha ha!)

Skills - Her only word is still "Ooah" but she does put an "l" sound in there sometimes to make it "Oolah"; waves "bye-bye" now; she is saying "more" in sign-language. We are doing other signs that she understands, but she won't do them back. She pulls up and will walk along things (the couch, etc.) but she does NOT like to let go...so I'm not sure when she'll walk (I can't say that I'm just itching for her to walk though - Ha Ha!). She does have a new little skill that she does and it is my favorite to watch. I guess she has seen me wash my hands a lot. Well, sometimes I'll sit her up on the counter while I'm putting on my make-up, and she has started leaning over, just touching the handle of the faucet and then rubs her hands together. Hillarious! She is very serious when she does it too....multiple times in a row. Only a nurses daughter, right?!

This past weekend we went to my parents house in Pocahontas. We have only been back 3 times since she was born and 1 of those was just for the day. I know, we've been bad about that. Anyway, we were excited to be able to see the McNabbs while we were there this time too. The McNabbs are like family to us, so we hate when we can't see them for awhile. Jason & his wife, Danielle, have a 4 month old little girl, Adalynn, that we hadn't met yet. Here is Jason & "Addi"

Sweet Adalynn - such a cute smile. What is with all the babies looking like their Dads? Don't the moms to any work? :) Here is Addi with Lauren.

Her is NK...when she wants something she has started pointing at it and then pointing to herself as she is in this picture.

Here is most of the group: Granny McNabb, Gida, Pappy, Mom with NK, Jason, Lauren, Vovo (Janelle Doyle), Jamie, David, Me, & Danielle. This must have been when Addi was taking a nap. Dad isn't in the picture because he is taking it and we are missing Jeremy, Gina, & their 2 girls, Anna Grace & Ava.

Most of the McNabb "kids:" David, Me, NK, Lauren (with baby), Jamie, Danielle, Adalynn, & Jason

Here is Pappy Mike, Gida with Adalynn, Mom with Norah Kate, & Dad. Hansom bunch, huh? :)

Norah Kate just loves this "music" toy. It was given to us/Mom by Dr. Magee & his wife and we keep it at Mom & Dad's house so that she'll have something to play with there. I have to say, it was nice to have a "different/new" toy there.

Sunday afternoon my friend, Ashley, and her daughter, Ava, came over to visit. This was the first time the 2 girls were really able to interact, so it was a lot of fun. I loved being able to catch up with Ashley, and Ava is so cute...walking everywhere!

Monday morning, Norah Kate & I woke up to about 4 inches of snow in Pocahontas! We had stayed to see some of mom's co-workers at the college, but unfortunately the college was closed!!! So, we spent the majority of the day trying to get back to Jackson. And...we did (safely) just in time...to meet the snow in Jackson. I think we have about 6 inches??? So David and I are both home today for another snow day.

Last night while I was cooking supper I noticed that NK was being pretty quiet. As I looked over this is what I saw:

A mess! Can you see the completely unrolled blue diaper bags? I guess she is making sure she hasn't missed anything.

Oh, of course, the yogurt bites! Well, if you wanted to know what we keep in her baby bag...here you go!

What'cha doing Norah Kate?

I tried to get a picture of the big smile that she had after this, but she was crawling toward the camera and it didn't work. Oh well, if this is the worst that she does then we are fine, right?!

Tune in next month for the post of the birthday and birthday party!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Guess I better get to planning!

Snow 2010

2010-02-04T16:52:00.004-06:00

I have to admit...I didn't believe all the "weather people" when they said we were going to have a winter storm last weekend. But they were right...

I heard that we got around 9 inches on snow/sleet in Jackson. It was beautiful, but we were suppose to have David's brothers and their families as guest, and they could not get here because of the bad weather. We were really excited about seeing them, but we definitely did not want them to be in danger to get here. So...we'll just have to start planning the next get-together.

Before it got too bad, we drove around in David's pathfinder (4 wheel drive) to see how things were in town. The roads were really okay at this point. Here are a couple of pictures of Union's campus. (Yes, this was actually before it was too bad!)

David and I were pretty excited about Norah Kate's first snow and even thought we'd take her out to do some mini-sledding (just for a few minutes)...but she didn't really care for the snow. :) Oh well. Here is a quick pic taken from my phone:
Chula, on the other hand, did NOT understand why we wouldn't play outside with her. She loves the snow. You can see her "stick" (a small tree branch) that she has beside her in this picture:
So...we just hung out inside. I really can't complain about our little vacation at all. We got some much needed things done around the house, and it really was some good family time. (Sorry about this picture...I should have washed the carrots off of her face first) Norah Kate's shirt says "Snow Bunny" and has an appliqued bunny. Yeah...David did make fun of me for that one.
A perfect ending to one of the snow days...Norah Kate giving her Daddy some kisses!
I've heard rumors that we might get a little flurry action this weekend as well...but I really don't believe them. Ha Ha!

10 months old

2010-01-17T19:20:00.004-06:00

...or 10 1/2. Who's counting. :) Norah Kate was 10 months on January 6th. I know I've said this before, but she's just getting to be soooooo much fun! Here are her stats (that we know):

Weight: not sure???

Diapers: still size 2

Eating: She still nurses in the morning and at night, but we are doing formula for her mid-day bottle. She just wasn't taking enough from me and her weight had really slowed down. So around Christmas I switched her to formula. We did have a little setback as she was allergic to the milk-based formula...so now we are on soy and all is well. :) She also eats breakfast, lunch, and dinner with us. She is a great eater as far as liking most foods and will try anything. She loves eating what we eat. I guess she thinks it is cool. Ha ha!

She is sleeping really well...goes to bed between 8:30-9:00pm and wakes up between 7:30-8:00am. NICE!

New skills: Pulling up to a stand, can take a couple of steps to the side while holding on, still crawling so fast. She has also said her first word (kind of)...Ooah (Chula). The dog. No, not "mama," not "dada," but Ooah! She is very intentional about it. When Chula goes outside Norah Kate sits at the glass door and yells "Ooah!" the whole time. :) Fortunately "Ooah" is a very mild tempered dog with NK around...mostly just ignores her.

She is still an active dancer as well.

Here are some pictures of our big girl. She still loves her bath time and has learned how to splash. :)

Smiles from our big girl!

One of her favorite past times

SPLASHING

& SPLASHING

Lovin' my bath!

SPLASHING some more!

She loves her bath toys!

She has also started putting her face in the water. It is pretty funny to watch because she is very careful while doing it. One time she did stay there a little too long though and I think it scared us both. She literally crawled out of the bathtub while gasping and coughing. I hope she learned her lesson.

I cannot believe that we will be having her 1st birthday in a little over a month! I am so happy to be her Momma and can't wait to see what is to come.

Christmas 2009

2010-01-11T10:20:00.008-06:00

"...you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21

Christmas is definitely my favorite holiday. Not only do I like the family, coziness, and traditions, but I love that this is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus. I have been studying more of the events of Jesus birth this year. I have wondered many times what Mary must have thought when the angel appeared to her and told her she was, not only going to have a son at such a young age (probably early teens) when she was a virgin, but that this baby was going to be the SON OF GOD!!! Does anyone else become speechless at that moment, or is it just me. She was mature beyond her years and to think that she never disagreed to this task...I have so much to learn from her. I am also thankful that my husband and I have families that make it a point to put Jesus first and that we can count on them continuing to do that as they teach our daughter.

I guess you could say that this was an extension of our Christmas celebration since we had already celebrated with David's side of the family in November. Anyhow - we had a great time with my side of the family in Kentucky. My family celebrated Christmas with my mom's side every year growing up, so we have MANY traditions. Christmas Eve is spent with one side of my grandmother's family @ my Great-aunt June's house. Then we open our Christmas PJs from my grandmother. Christmas morning "Santa" comes, then lunch with another side of my grandmother's family (thankfully they come to her house...we don't have to go anywhere), and finally presents with all the aunts/uncles/cousins on Christmas evening. I am so thankful that we get to see so many relatives at Christmas.

Here is Norah Kate on Christmas Eve in her Christmas PJs. She didn't really want to leave the hat on.

Norah Kate's Santa set-up - Mama Joyce got her the doll & the hat says "Norah Kate"

She looked so happy to be getting her presents.

The family with her new toy from Santa

NK with her stocking...Mama Joyce made her stocking - isn't it beautiful?!

Here we are before church that Sunday - my happy girl!

Our family by the Christmas tree at my grandmother's house!

One of my good friends, Kari, lives in the same town as my grandmother. Kari's mom and my aunt, Ruthie, were best friends growing up...and Kari and I met at Union Univ. We were both nursing majors. I am so thankful that our friendship has continued since college. It is always so nice to see her when we to go Henderson. Here we are with our daughters. Naomi is (was...at Christmas) 4 months old. I think she likes to smile as much as Norah Kate!

We also enjoyed seeing my cousins, J.C. & Cory, but unfortunately didn't get any pictures from that night. This was our first time to meet Cory's wife, Trisha...she was so sweet.

The following are random pictures from our Christmas time...the majority were taken by David. I guess that is what I get for asking him to be in charge of the camera for awhile. :)

Jamie (my brother-in-law)

Norah Kate being tickled by her daddy!

Mama Lynn & Norah Kate - reading a new book

Suzanne with her Christmas PJs...footed PJs

My mom and her sisters on the couch

David watching my cousin, Jonathan play a videogame. Fun.

So, there were better pics of these two, but I thought this was the most entertaining. My sister and Jamie are expecting a baby in May and found out on Christmas that it is going to be a GIRL!

My cousin, Nathana, & her fiance, Zach

Cousins, Rachael & Wesley

I don't know this guy :)

Me (again...David had the camera)

Zach and a little bit of Ross to the left

Jonathan

My Dad

I think the only cousin that didn't get in on the pictures was, Sarah, Ross' wife...I guess she's the only smart one, huh? :) Well we had a great Christmas...it just went too fast. Norah Kate LOVED all the attention, but didn't mind getting back to our quiet house either...I think she missed all the crawling.

Our little dancer

2009-12-20T12:43:00.002-06:00

So, I mentioned in my last post that Norah Kate has really gotten into listening to music and dancing. Well, this morning I had to wake her up to get ready for church, so I took my iphone in with me and had the Christmas music playing on Pandora. As I entered the room I found her asleep in her crib. As she heard the music, she opened her eyes, and before even sitting up she started "dancing" with her little body. So funny! She did end up sitting up and dancing...hand motions and all. Ha!

9 month stats

2009-12-18T22:34:00.003-06:00

Our little girl has recently turned 9 months old...and has become even more fun (if you can imagine that!) I am really amazed when I look at her. I thank God so many times for giving her to us. Her little personality is just so exciting to see...she is happy and playful; inquisitive and mischievous at times; and calm and peaceful when it needs to be. David and I were talking the other day about how well she does when other people care for her. For example, we are in the process of looking for a new church home since we've moved, and she has been to so many different nurseries...without ANY problems!!! That has made it so much easier on us as well.

Here are some stats on her as of now:

-Crawling everywhere...and very fast, I might add...I don't know that I've seen a baby crawl as fast as her. Sometimes I worry about her falling on her face she goes so fast.

-Pulling up to a stand

-She is nursing just 3 times a day now

-Eating Breakfast, lunch, & dinner

-Loves the puffs and LOVES eating off of our plates. She wants everything we have. :)

-DANCING! Any time she hears music she starts dancing...even if she is nursing which is pretty funny to watch.

-Pointing her little finger...at anyone and everything. She will point to Chula and say "ooh ooh ooh..."

-She is babbling a lot. She is definitely trying to tell us something...what it is, I do not know. But she is enthusiastic about it.

-Sleeping great through the night, but she has starting waking up about 7:15 or 7:30...and if you know me, you know that this is NOT cool!!! :)

-She is obsessed with Chula (the dog).

-weighs 17.3 (25%)

-length 27.5 (between 50-75%)

-head circumference (don't remember, but she's still in the 50%)

We did have a recent "set-back" with her first bacterial infection. She was sick, sick. She started the antibiotic, Amoxicillin, and then the next morning was covered in whelps from head to toe. So...she was quickly switched to Zithromax and had a few doses of Benadryl and we were on our way again! :)

Here are a few of our most recent pictures. I do like them because I feel that they show her personality. Just havin' fun!

She has LOVED listening (& dancing) to the Christmas music, so we have it playing most all the time. We are exciting about her first Christmas coming up...and we hope all of you have a very Merry Christmas!

Christgiving!

2009-12-15T09:43:00.004-06:00

Oh - I know, I know...it's been way too long. I can't believe that 2 months ago today we made our move to Jackson. I can't say that it feels like it was just yesterday...because I don't. I feel like it was at LEAST 2 months ago, if not more. We are getting more settled in our home and the town. In November we were able to go to Branson, MO with David's side of the family. While there we celebrated our Christmas and Thanksgiving = Christgiving is what we named it. :) It was so much fun and all the kids are getting to the age where they can play more. Here is a picture of Isabella (3) and Aiden (2) playing on the loft upstairs in the cabin.

Here is another cute one of the two of them at the bottom of the stairs. So sweet!

Norah Kate LOVED playing with her big cousins. As you can tell with this picture, she took everything in...

Such a sweet kiss from her big cousin, Isabella. All the kids (Isabella, Aiden, & Brooks) did really well with Norah Kate. You never know how kids that age will do around a baby, but they were more than wonderful and very gentle with her.

Here is David with Brooks (1) and Aiden. The movie, Cars was definitely the highlight of the week. I can't even tell you how many times it was played. :)

This was Christgiving morning - Norah Kate with her Grammy (David's mom). NK really enjoyed getting to see her grandparents.

And boy did she rack UP on the TOYS!!! Here she is with some of her loot...and her cute scarf!

Such a happy girl with her Daddy!!!

Merry Christgiving everyone!

And then it was on to Thanksgiving...

David's parents visited each of the 3 sons individually while they were in the states, and we were excited that our visit fell on Thanksgiving! We hosted it this year and had a housefull! (is that a word?) Anyway...We had his parents, my parents, my sister & her husband, and David's brother Jonathan & his family. It was so much fun and everyone interacted so well together.

As you can see from both of these pictures, the guys took their traditional places in front of the T.V. Ha Ha! No, they really did help out a lot...Dad even did the dishes! :)

Here is Aiden with Boo. The two of them were really missing their other dog, a pug named Hercules...who had surgery a few days before. Fortunately Hercules was okay and just had to stay at the vet to be observed for a couple of days.

NK with her Auntie Lauren...not that she wanted to look at the camera or anything...but at least she's smiling!

I love this picture! It looks like Aiden is hiding. So funny!

As you can see, we've had lots of fun, and lots of craziness lately (as always). Hopefully it won't be too long before I post again. :)

Birthday & Halloween Celebrations

2009-11-02T10:31:00.004-06:00

Happy (Late) Birthday, David!!!

On Wednesday, David turned the big 2-8! :) Unfortunately we really didn't celebrate much. :( I had the flu last weekend...which lingered until Wednesday. We did make his coffee & blueberry muffins on his birthday, and he took the leftovers to work with him. Anyway, Norah Kate & I hope he had a great birthday!

On Thursday night my parents and sister came and we did take David to Outback to celebrate. Here is a little picture of our family below. You can tell we were all worn OUT from the day...um...and that Norah Kate had just finished her carrots. :) Oh well!

Norah Kate did give her Daddy a good birthday present...she started CRAWLING on his birthday! Yay NK!!!

Then it was on to the Halloween festivities. NK really (obviously) did not care one thing about Halloween, but we had fun dressing her up and showing her off to the neighbors. She was Princess Leia (spelling???) and Chula was Yoda. We did go trick-or-treating to a few houses in our cove...but really just to meet our new neighbors and not really for the candy.

Below is a family picture from the night. You can tell David and I are really trying not to laugh. Our friends, Isaac & Sarah, came over that night and took some pics for us, and Isaac was "trying to get NK to smile for the camera." He definitely has his own way of doing that. Ha Ha!!!

Then we tried to get a few pictures of the celebrities...but they didn't really cooperate:

So we finally got this cute one of our little princess.

We are trying to settle in to our new home and new responsibilities here in Jackson. David and I really enjoy the town and the people that we've met. Hope to be able to post more soon! ...our little girl has a 8-month birthday coming up, so stay tuned!

Happy Fall Y'all!

2009-10-10T11:11:00.002-05:00

This week Norah Kate turned 7 months old!!! I just can't iterate enough how much of a good baby she is! These picture are technically her 6 month pictures...we had them taken about 3 weeks ago.

There isn't a whole lot new with NK. She is really just perfecting all of her "moves." She is SO CLOSE to crawling...she'll move her legs, but not her hands - which just ends in a face plant on the carpet. So far it hasn't been too bad. She is still eating 4 times a day, and usually 2 "baby food" meals. We are beginning to give her a lunch every once-in-a-while. Within the next month we will start the puffs. I still haven't really found anything that she just doesn't like. She is a great eater.

She goes to bed about 9pm and sleeps until 7am ...-ish...sometimes its later. However, she has also just started to talk to herself and entertain herself for awhile when she wakes up in the morning, so I guess we don't really know what time she is waking up! Ha!

As far as the move...well, this time next week we will be Jackson residents! We are moving Thursday, and it is hard to believe that the time has come. I am totally ready to not be living in limbo anymore...I do hope it is a nice move. :) Well, I better get to packing! Wish us luck :)

80 Days

2009-09-26T21:33:00.006-05:00

60 days ago - David was approached about a job at Union University

44 days ago - We made a day trip to Jackson for David to interview

43 days ago - David was offered (& accepted) the job in Campus Ministries

40 days ago - We put our house on the market

26 days ago - David began working at Union

18 days ago - Our house sold

8 days ago - We bought a house in Jackson

7 days ago - I was offered & accepted a job as a Nurse Practitioner in Jackson

...

in 10 days - We close on our Memphis house

in 11 days - We close on our Jackson house

in 18-20 days - We will be moving to Jackson

...80 days total.

It has been extremely stressful for us these days. We knew it would be hard, especially with David commuting/staying in Jackson part of the time, but I think we've even been surprised with how hard it has been. The events above are in addition to our daily work, caring for a 6 month old, house duties, a dog having surgery, showing the house, traveling back and forth to Jackson, etc. We are amazed at how God has worked out all the details for us. It is without a doubt that we can say this is what God has for us right now. We look forward to the days ahead...even if they are flying by too fast for us to remember them! :)

6 months!

2009-09-10T20:58:00.007-05:00

Our baby is 6 months old!!!!!!!!!!!

I know I say this every time...and I know EVERY mother says this, but I can't believe she is 6 months already!!! Unfortunately this update is a little late...as usual. Norah Kate actually turned 6 months on Sunday, but with all the cleaning, rearranging, and shoving stuff places in order to show our house; I can't find my camera! I had to steal my mom's camera for awhile. :)

Norah Kate went for her 6 month appointment last week. She was 14.6 lbs (25%), head circumference was 42 cm (50%) and she was 26 inches long (75%). She got her regular shots, and the first of her flu shots...and screamed. But she did stop as soon as I picked her up.

Here are some other stats for her:

-As you can see, she is sitting up by herself. She sits up, leans over to play with her toes, and sits up again.

-She has started pushing up on her hands and knees, and even rocks sometimes, but never goes forward...sometime she slides backwards.

-Just begining to wave bye-bye; actually she does the motion a lot, but only in regards to "bye-bye" every once-in-a-while.

-Gives kisses (well, slobbers all over our cheeks!)

-Reaches for EVERYTHING!

-Just beginning #2 foods. We really haven't found anything that she doesn't like to eat. She definitely doesn't prefer peas, but she just eats them and makes a bad face the whole time.

-Nurses 4 times a day; eats foods twice a day.

-Still in size 2 diapers.

-Bedtime about 9pm and sleeps until 7:30-8:00am (which is great when I work because she usually sleeps until I get home from work in the morning and its perfect timing for her to eat!)

-Naps...on the other hand...well, sometimes yes, and sometimes no. :)

-Smiles all the time!!! Really, she does smile about 90% of the time...I love it!

Update

2009-08-31T17:21:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to post a few pics and give a little update on our status. David started his new job at Union this week! Many of you know that David is a man of few words (on serious things) but I really think he's having a great time. I am so happy for him. Things have been very crazy, though, with him being in Jackson all day every day, working out childcare for Norah Kate, and trying to sell our house. Our house has been on the market for 16 days, and we shown the house 11 times! We haven't heard any negative feedback, but we haven't received any offers either. :) Hopefully that will all change soon! Oh...and I need to find a job in Jackson :)

As you can see...Norah Kate is so proud of her Dad for his new job!

For Sale!

2009-08-22T17:19:00.002-05:00

We're Moving! David has accepted a position to work in Campus Ministries at Union University in Jackson, TN. This is such an exciting time for us. David will be the Assistant Director of Mobilization...which means he will help coordinate the Go Trips (mission trips) and prepare the students going on those trips. He will also work with students who are looking into going into missions after college, as well as finding opportunities in the community for students to help (community development/missions). He is very excited about this position. I am excited about this next chapter in our life and I do feel better about raising a child/children in Jackson rather than Memphis. I am from a very small town, so I do feel like I am getting back to that a little. However, we are sad about leaving our friends and church here.

I just can't even hardly believe it when I see this "For Sale" sign in our yard. I mean, yes, our house is tiny and all, but we have worked so hard on it for the past 4 1/2 years! Since we bought this house we have completely redone all the landscaping (including planting grass), completely redone the kitchen (with all new appliances), created a utility room off the kitchen (with new washer/dryer), renovated the master bath (entirely), painted all the walls/rooms, refinished and restained all the hardwood floors, retiled the kitchen and master bath (including our shower!...thanks Pete), added faux wood blinds to all the windows, changed all the doorknobs and fixtures, replaced all but one of the ceiling fans, replaced all the light fixtures (inside and out), and hung new gutters! AND - besides the sheet rock (spelling???) work and installing the kitchen cabinets, we've done it all ourselves...with the help of some great friends and family (Thanks to Pete, Zach, David's parents, Ryan, and others). So, you can see why it is a little hard to allow someone else to own our little house. However, we know that it has been good to us, and can now be good for another family. ...plus...we can't fit in it anymore! Ha! :)

So far we've already had 3 people/families (and then 1 came a second time ...to total 4 viewings) come to view our house and it's only been on the market 5 days!!!

Norah Kate has been helping us start to pack up a few things...

In other news...Norah Kate started Mother's Day Out this past Thursday. Doesn't she look cute in her first day of school outfit! She will go on Thursdays and Fridays. Yes, it seems sort of silly to start her in this when we are about to move, but I have no idea how long it is going to take for our house to sell and for me to find a job in Jackson. So, until then, I need her to have a place to go while I work at St. Jude. :) Her teachers are wonderful, and I really feel comfortable with her there. (She seems to really like it as well.)

I can't believe it is only 1 1/2 weeks until she goes for her 6 month check up! I will keep everyone posted in the days ahead!

5 months!

2009-08-07T09:40:00.002-05:00

Norah Kate was 5 months old yesterday!!! What a crazy last month it has been. I posted before about her not sleeping well on vacation...she has pretty much gone back to her old "good" sleeping habits. She has been rolling EVERYWHERE lately...this does cause some problems at night, but she's getting use to this as well.

Unfortunately she had her first little virus this past week. I felt so bad because we had been running errands on Tuesday and I just thought she felt hot from being outside & in her carseat...however, when she was still that hot after her nap I knew there was something going on. The highest temp she had was 100.9 that day, and she really didn't act like she felt bad. She was rubbing her ears, which she had not done before, so I tried to look in her ears...but only had adult sized probes and it wasn't working. Wednesday morning I took her to sick call at the Pediatrician's office so they could check her ears, but they said they were clear. Wednesday afternoon & Thursday morning she really didn't eat well, and was a little more fussy, but by last night she was afebrile. Yeah! Hopefully that's the end of that!

On other news, my Blackberry...which I LOVED...went MIA last week. I have just been SICK about this because my parents bought it for me for my MSN graduation gift last year. I guess I left it on the table at Olive Garden, and when I got home and realized it...tried to call it and it was already turned off. For a few days it was turned off at night and on during the day. So frustrating!!! If someone found it (especially with as fast as I realized it) why didn't they just turn it in - couldn't they see the picture of the cutest baby in the world on it?! Ug. Oh well. So...I am now the owner (I guess you could say "proud" except for the circumstances) of an iphone. I guess I would brag about this more, except I really just went to AT&T and said "What is the cheapest smartphone you have that can download pharmacology/medical information from the internet...and oh yeah, its not time for me to renew my contract." *smile* And they said...looks like the 2008 iphone. There you go. I do think David likes it even more than I do. Ha ha! Honestly, I just really feel blessed to have back up money for situations like this...even enough to still get the smartphone that helps me in my occupation as well.

Well, I guess that is everything new for now. Oh, by the way, Norah Kate weight 14 lb 6 oz when I took her in the other day...guess she likes those baby foods! :)

Where do I begin...

2009-07-25T17:44:00.010-05:00

Hi Everyone! Mom is letting me do this post. :) I am 4 1/2 months now (20 1/2 weeks). At my 4 month appointment I weighed 12 lb 10.5 oz (just under 50th percentile), I was 24 1/2 inches long (between 75-90th percentile), and my head circumference was 40cm (5oth percentile). I have started eating rice cereal, and have had peas and carrots...and I love it all! I'm not sure what Mom will give me next...but I'm excited to see! I still nurse every 4 hours during the day, but not at night anymore. I am also rolling both ways...although at night I am too tired to roll back to my back when I get on my stomach, so I just cry and have Mom or Dad put me back. I've also enjoyed playing with my feet...they are so nice! I like to make sounds with my mouth too, like "eeeee" and "bob, bob, bob."

Mom has been SUPER busy! She started a new position at St. Jude and is now in a research position 1 day a week and still on the floor caring for patients 1 night a week. It has been hard for her to get her research hours in because they have to be during the daytime...but she doesn't have a set place for me to go yet. Mama Lynn (Mom's Mom) has been coming down just about every week to help out, but she will start teaching again at the end of August. I have also been staying with my friend, Katherine, and her mom that live 2 houses down. In the fall I will start going to a Mother's Day out near our house 2 days a week...this will give mom plenty of time to get in her daytime hours.

So, I wanted to show you some pictures from my first trip to the BEACH! I had a great time. I didn't sleep well...but I'm doing better now. I just enjoyed being awake and having Mom & Dad in the room with me. :) I don't think they appreciated it as much as I did. Ha Ha!

This is me riding in the car. Mom did let me watch a couple of DVDs...but just near the end when I was VERY ready to get out. I didn't cry though.

We stopped outside of Birmingham the first night and spent the night. I surprised Mom @ 5:45 a.m. with a B L O W O U T! Yes! Here is a picture of me after Mom cleaned me up. Notice the smile...

This was when we first got to the beach. Mom & Dad took me for a walk...I really liked the sand. The breeze was nice too.

I liked the water too! Mom didn't get a very good picture though because she didn't want to get her pants wet.

You really have to look close, but this is a picture of my footprints with Mom & Dad's footprints.

Here is a picture of Mom & me. You can see how happy I was to be there.

This is me ready to go swimming. Dad said I look like a Japanese Game Show contestant with my sunglasses, but I didn't mind. I liked them and kept them on really well. :)

Here are a couple of pictures of me swimming. Mom got me a cool float so that I could relax.

On this day I did not really like the ocean, because it was COLD...but the other days it was okay.

I enjoyed taking my morning nap on the beach almost everyday...the waves were very relaxing.

I enjoyed being a beach baby!

Well, this is a good picture of Mom & Dad, but I wasn't really looking at the camera...oh well. :)

I got lots of attention while we were at the beach. Here I am sitting with Mama Joyce (my great-grandmother) and playing with Mom's cousin, Suzanne.

In this picture Pops (Mom's Dad) was singing "It's a Grand Ole Flag"...but mom said that he wasn't singing the right words. I didn't mind though...I though it sounded pretty good!

Well, that's a little bit about our trip. I will try to get mom to post more often...but I can't promise anything. Ha Ha!

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T22:14:00.006-05:00

Happy Father's Day, David!

Today is David's 1st Father's day. I hope he had a good day. We were actually driving most of the day. We spent the weekend in Shreveport with David's brother, Ben and his family. We had a great time, and I'm already working on a post for that...its gonna be a long one! :)

Anyway, I wanted to post a little about David on this Father's day. He has been such a help to me since Norah Kate was born, and has really changed my attitude, for the better, on MANY occasions. I know without a doubt that this experience was only as great as it was because of him. I love you, David! I know that David is already a great Dad, and that will continue in the future. I was reminded of that again this weekend when I saw how he interacted with his niece and nephew.

So, David had already picked out a watch for Father's Day, but we HAD to get him a little surprise, so I found this cheap "Smoothies" cookbook for him. He is really getting into smoothies, so I thought this would be great! Norah Kate looks like she's really enjoying it too! :)

So, we are just winding down for the night and trying to get things back in order after being gone for a few days. I want to say a big HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to my Dad and Father-in-law too. I am so lucky to have these men in my life. Enjoy the day!

Who's excited to be 3 months old...

2009-06-17T15:39:00.002-05:00

THIS GIRL!!!

Okay, so I'm way behind on this post...but its been a progressive thing. Download a few pics here and there and now I'm finally adding the text! Our little Norah Kate was 3 months on June 6! Here are some stats, etc.:

12 lb 3 oz

25 inches long!

Eating every 3.5 hours

Sleeping ALL NIGHT! from 10p - 7:30a

She is starting to laugh some now which we LOVE...we work really hard to get her to laugh. :) She is also pushing up on her arms, turning over from stomach to back, and reaching/grabbing toys (just starting). She L O V E S Chula...especially when Chula licks her in the face...she just smiles. (We are trying to teach Chula not to lick her in the face, but its not working well so far)

Family Picture (NK has her eyes closed, but she's smiling)

So...one of my sweet patient's parents from St. Jude, The Nasons, sent Norah Kate this Baby Einstein exersaucer as a gift. Well, Norah Kate is just now able to "kind of" sit in it. I put her in it the other day and she "found" the toys. I laughed so hard because it was like the greatest thing to her. Here are some pictures...you can see what I mean.

"Wow, Mom! Where did THIS come from?!"

Smiling at the toys!

"Oh my gosh! This is the coolest thing I've ever seen!" Thanks Nasons!

We are really having a great time with Norah Kate. Tomorrow we are leaving to head to Shreveport to see David's brother, Ben, our sis-in-law, Kristen, and NK's cousins Isabella and Brooks. I can't wait to see how all of the kids interact.

Playdate!

2009-06-14T20:50:00.005-05:00

Norah Kate got to meet her friend, Ava, last week when we were in Pocahontas. Ava's mom, Ashley and I have been great friends since preschool, so it was fun to see our daughter's together. Here are some pics:

When Lauren & I were young my parents "adopted" a college student from Williams Baptist, Johnna. She has been like a sister to us and we've been able to keep in touch throughout the years. She sent Norah Kate these PJs, and I think they are so cute!

Well that's all for now folks! See you soon!

For Ron

2009-06-14T16:08:00.004-05:00

David and his Dad, Ron planted this grass in the backyard. We wanted him to see how good it was looking! Thanks for your help, Ron!

A Journey...

2009-05-22T17:53:00.003-05:00

...to Henderson! Last Thursday morning Norah Kate and I embarked on our first journey together. I say "journey" because I don't think I quite realized how long and involved it is to travel with an infant! My grandmother lives in Henderson, KY and fell on Mother's day and broke both wrists. We wanted to spend time with her, and felt that this would be a good time for Norah Kate to meet many of her relatives. Well, let me tell you...Norah Kate could not have been a better traveler!!! David had to work, so it was just the two of us. She slept most of the way, and only cried the last 15 minutes of the trip! (I really don't blame her for crying at the end...it had been 6 1/2 hours since we left Memphis!) ...which brings me to the next part of the "journey" - Man! It takes a long time! Usually David and I can make it to KY in 4 1/2-5 hours. Well, we made it to Dickson, TN just in time for me to feed her (in the car - nice). Then I wanted her to be able to get out of her seat for awhile, so I ate lunch at a Cracker Barrel in order to let her move around and play. It worked out perfectly because by the time I finished eating she was starting to yawn. So, we got back in the car and she feel asleep again. Oh! Also - I think trying to use a public bathroom when you have an infant with you is like a bad algebra problem. It reminds me of the one where there are 4 people on one side of a river and two boats on the other side...how do you get everyone to the other side without anyone getting wet? Well...you get the idea...but we survived! My mom was able to ride back with us on Monday, so that was very nice and took a ton of stress off of me. :)

I was able to spend some time with my good friend from college, Kari. She is 27 weeks pregnant with her first little girl, Naomi Grace. Norah Kate can't wait to meet Naomi at the end of the summer. It was so nice to see Kari again and catch up a little. We never have as much time as we'd like though. :)

Here is Norah Kate with my cousin, Ross, and his wife, Sarah.

Norah Kate and Mary Ruth...our "other" grandmother. :)

Norah Kate & her Great Great Aunt Norma Jean

Norah Kate & her Great Great Aunt June

Norah Kate with her cousin, Dawn (not real sure why it's sideways)

Needless to say, Mama Joyce did not want her picture taken this trip...due to her black eye and the bruises. That will have to wait until next time. Mama Joyce is doing really well and we are thankful that the fall wasn't any worse.

And for the surprise from the trip...check out this video!

It takes a minute to see Norah Kate's trick, so be patient. So exciting!!!

Quick Post

2009-05-19T10:45:00.001-05:00

Hey Everyone! Just wanted to give a quick update. Norah Kate took her first big trip this past week/weekend. My grandmother fell and broke both wrist, so we went to Kentucky to spend time with her. Norah Kate did AMAZING!!! I hope to have pictures up soon.

...on another (SAD) note... I have to go back to work this week. Boo-hoo! I am going back to 2 nights a week at St. Jude, so tomorrow night I will be there. My mom will come down to keep Norah Kate while I sleep during the day Thursday. I know that will be a big help. I am sad though for this time to be over.

~Look for pictures soon~

Talking to my toys!

2009-05-08T17:24:00.004-05:00

Norah Kate has started "talking" this last week...so I wanted to share it with you all. Check it out below! (P.S. I'm so happy that she found the toys on her swing because she never liked her swing before this...now she loves it! Yeah!)

8 weeks

2009-05-01T22:38:00.005-05:00

Happy 8 weeks to my sweet girl!!!

Does that sound crazy to anyone else??? 8 weeks?!!! I can't believe it! Norah Kate is really getting to be a lot of fun. She is smiling all the time and cooing quite a bit as well. Tonight we went to get something to eat and I had Chula in the back. Norah Kate just talked to her the whole way! It was so cute...I think Chula appreciated it as well - Ha!

We went for her 2 month check-up today and yes...that meant shots. How pitiful!!! She looked at the nurse like "What did I do to you?!" Then, of course, screamed and turned PURPLE! She was pretty easy to console though and spent most of the day napping. Tonight she was back to her old self so hopefully that is as bad as it gets. So here are her stats:

Weight 10.3 lb - 25%

Height 23inches - 75%

Head circ. 37cm - 25%.

So she's pretty long. Her doctor was very pleased with how she's growing and it was a nice, uneventful trip. She is eating every 3.5 hours and she slept through the night Wednesday night - YEAH!!!!!!! I guess you could say she slept through the night last night as well...she just woke up an hour earlier than the morning before. Either way we are happy. David and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary yesterday, April 30th...so we agreed that she gave us a great anniversary gift!

I am getting a little sad though, because I only have 3 weeks of maternity leave remaining and then its back to the Jude. I will be going back part time to the night shift. This isn't the ideal shift for me, but part time is wonderful and it is what will work best for our family right now. My mom will be able to come down once a week to keep Norah Kate and let me get some rest - nice! So, we are just doing pretty well! Here are a couple of pictures from the last week...

(Sara & Laura - notice the owl!!!)

Bath time

2009-04-18T11:21:00.004-05:00

Norah Kate's bath time has become one of my absolute FAVORITE times of the day. She has gotten to where she really likes it and is so calm and content during it. We sing songs and play in the water and I get smiles every time (even though she isn't really in the pictures below - ha ha!)

She is 6 weeks now! I updated everyone in the last post on all she is doing now, so I thought I'd write about one of our favorite times for her "6 week post." Today we are going to Jackson for a wedding shower and to see some great friends. We are excited!!!

Here is Norah kate in the bathtub - we try to sing a new song every night (although the night we sang "Jesus loves the little children" she pooped twice and peed once...so now we save that one for when we have a diaper on!) :)

So cute! Enjoy the weekend everyone!

I'm smiling!!!

2009-04-14T23:20:00.003-05:00

Norah Kate will be 6 weeks old on Friday!!! I cannot believe how fast this month and a half has gone by! (I don't even have birth announcements out yet...oh well) She is really doing great. She eats every 3 hours during the day and sleeps anywhere from 4-5 hours the first time around at night and then wakes up every 3 hours after that (almost to the minute I might add). She weighed 9lb 1 oz (with clothes on) when I took her up to St. Jude to visit the other day. And...

She's smiling!!!

I LOVE her smiles. I think I could look at her (and these pictures) ALL DAY!!!

We are so happy to have our happy girl!

...we are a little behind on posts, so be sure to look down at our other posts to read about our Easter and Norah Kate meeting her Great grandmother. Ok everyone - Good night!

Easter

2009-04-14T23:05:00.008-05:00

*For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

This year we were able to celebrate Easter in Pocahontas with my side of the family, AND it was Norah Kate's first road trip!!! She did amazing - slept well and didn't cry in the car at all! I really want us to be able to teach Norah Kate why we celebrate Easter. I tried to tell her all about Jesus dying on the cross for our sins during one of our nursing sessions...but I'm not sure she understands yet. :) Seriously though, we do want to begin telling her now about Jesus and his life/death and hope that she will come to understand it - and how it affects her - as soon as possible.

Of course we had to take some pictures since we were dressed up for church. Here is our little family!

All 4 of us...Chula kept trying to lick Norah Kate's head!

And then came the presents...

It is funny how the attention shifts to the baby for all the presents. :) I really don't mind though...and really welcome the lack of attention to some extent.

Here is the cute hat that Aunt Lauren bought for NKC.
Poor kid - I guess that will teach her not to fall asleep at family functions...so cute though!
"Look at my new house slippers that Great GM Mama Joyce bought!" or should we say a.k.a. one of the Easter Bunnies! I wore them on the trip home too.
I think this picture is so cute...we had a great time in Pocahontas and did not want to leave. Can't wait until the next trip!

A Special Visitor

2009-04-14T22:57:00.005-05:00

Last week Norah Kate had a very special visitor...her Great Grandmother! We were so excited that Mama Joyce, Ruthie (my Aunt) and Suzanne (my cousin) were able to come from Kentucky to meet our little girl. It was a fast trip (1 day), but we will take what we can get!!! As you can see, Norah Kate ate up the attention! She still welcomes anyone who will hold her. Ha Ha! We don't know when we'll get a chance to visit Mama Joyce at her house, but we can't wait! Thank you Mama Joyce, Ruthie, and Suzanne for coming to visit...and for the presents and goodies! We love you!

Here is Norah Kate being held by her Great Grandmother for the 1st time...she loved to smile @ her.

Do you think they resemble each other?

Mary Ruth (Mama Joyce's best friend and our "adopted" grandmother) sent Norah Kate this doll...I think she's going to like it!

Here is Suzanne with Norah Kate...sorry Ruthie, we didn't get any pictures of you and Norah Kate both looking at the camera.

10 Things that make me smile...

2009-04-11T22:51:00.004-05:00

...in no particular order. :)
1. Norah Kate stretching and the faces she makes when she first wakes up
2. Sunday family naps - especially with Norah Kate in my arms...and Chula on the couch with David
3. When Norah Kate smiles...or when she looks like she is laughing but no sound is coming out.
4. Being outside/walks in the neighborhood
5. Chula sitting up and trying to stay awake when her eyes are shutting
6. Our connection class/good friends
7. How the pastors faces light up when someone comes toward them to join the church or accept Christ
8. Sweet Tea (particularly from Chick-fil-A, El Porton, McAlisters, The Commissary/Corky's)
9. Pretty much anything Norah Kate does
10. David singing/talking to Norah Kate...its classic. :)

Our outside girl!

2009-04-01T20:38:00.006-05:00

One thing we have learned about Norah Kate is that she LOVES to be outside! If she is fussy, we can just even open the door and she starts to calm down. Therefore, we have been spending MUCH of our time outside - walking with the stroller, playing with Chula, just sitting around, etc. Fortunately the weather has been beautiful this week and so it has really made these times even more great.

Here is Norah Kate showing off the flowers/flower bed that Granddaddy Ron planted for us while we were in the hospital...isn't it beautiful! We do love PURPLE! :)

Chula is showing off our tulips. They came up for the 2nd year in a row!!! I don't know what we did right in this situation, but we are enjoying them.

More purple flowers :)

Norah Kate's Dedication

2009-03-30T14:19:00.017-05:00

Yesterday we were fortunate to be able to publicly dedicate our little girl to the Lord. This was a chance for us to commit to raising her in the ways of the Lord and to set a Godly example for her. It was also a chance for the people of our church to vow to help in that endeavor as well...as teachers, caregivers, coaches, etc. David and I have looked forward to this day since we found out we were pregnant and our pastor and church were so sweet to allow us to go ahead and dedicate her while David's parents were still in town. They left this morning to head back to Guatemala, so we made it just in time! :)

Here we are getting ready. Norah Kate wore my grandfather's christening gown...what a privilege. This gown is about 90 years old!

I love this picture of her yawning! Sweet!

Our pastor, Bro. Danny read from Psalm 127 which reminded us that children are a heritage & reward from God.

Family pic - too bad you can't see our sleeping baby! :)

Picture with our sweet pastor

I LOVE THIS PICTURE - My sister caught her smiling!

Norah Kate is really coming along - we are having a great time watching her grow. She is eating about every 3 hours during the day, and sleeps anywhere from 2-5 hours between feedings during the night. Her schedule has become more predictable all the way around, so that has made things easier for us. She loves riding in the car and in her stroller, and has done a great job on the outings we have taken. We look forward to her upcoming milestones! She also welcomed a new friend, Addilyn Johnston last week!

This one's for Daddy!

2009-03-25T17:08:00.004-05:00

Well it's that time of year...March Madness (which means more than basketball @ the Carothers' household! Ha Ha!) Here are some pictures for Daddy - Go UNC!!! Norah Kate can't fit into her cheerleading outfit yet, so this is going to have to do for now. She's a pretty good model, I'd say! :)

Norah Kate's 1st week

2009-03-13T21:59:00.014-05:00

Happy 1 week Birthday Norah Kate! What a week it has been. Having a newborn is definitely an adjustment, and I'm not sure that I remember being in a position of really not knowing what to do before now. (Yes, you can all laugh) We have had 2 good nights and 3 bad nights (not in that order)...or less-good nights, as far as Norah Kate sleeping, since we've been home. She definitely has quite a personality! She is eating great - about every 3 hours, and LOVES to be held. :) Here are some pictures of the week.

Coming Home!

Hanging out in the Pack-N-Play

First Bath

First Doctor's Appointment (to check bilirubin levels - a little jaundice but ok)

My mom has been staying with us and has been a HUGE help - Norah Kate wanted her to know she was appreciated. :)

We are having company this weekend of David's brothers and families, and my Dad is coming down for awhile...so we should have some good family pics on here soon.

Out of order :)

2009-03-10T21:29:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to let you know that the Birthday post is out of order - so look down a little on the page to find it! :)

Norah Kate Carothers

2009-03-09T20:51:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone!!! Wow - it has been so hard to try to find time to update!!! I do apologize for not doing this sooner though. :) Just wanted to officially introduce NORAH KATE CAROTHERS! She was born March 6, 2009 @ 11:54 a.m. weighing 7lb 14oz and was 20 inches long. We aren't sure exactly who she looks like...I guess she is a good combination of the both of us. However, we have really fallen in love with this little girl and can't wait to tell you more about everything soon! In the meantime, here is our first family picture. Thank you for your prayers!

The Birthday

2009-03-07T11:06:00.025-06:00

Well - where do I begin!!! It has been an amazing 4 days with our Norah Kate. I went in @ 5:00a.m. to be induced on Friday (March 6), they started the Pitocin about 6:30a.m. and then my doctor came and broke my water at 7:15 a.m. THEN I started having HORRIBLE bladder spasms (that, by the way, do not give breaks like contractions do), and I went from 3-7cm in the next hour. :) So, I decided to go with the epidural because I wasn't getting the rest between contractions like I expected, and as soon as they put the epidural in I was 9 cm. Things slowed down a little bit then...which I appreciated that we had a little time to breathe. And then she was born at 11:54a.m. YEAH! Here are a few pictures from the day:

Mom & Dad post epidural

She's here!

7lb 14oz

Mom & Baby

Daddy & Norah Kate

Our little girl :)

Meeting Aunt Lauren

Uncle Jamie

Granddaddy Ron meeting his newest granddaughter

The "yet-to-be-named" granddad happy for his 1st granddaughter

Grammy/Mimi, Mom, and Mama Lynn posing with Norah Kate

Induction tomorrow!

2009-03-05T20:11:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that we are being induced tomorrow! We have to be at the hospital at 5:00 a.m. (yeah, they must not know me too well - Ha ha!) so check the site for a post sometime tomorrow as well. Please keep us in your prayers for a 1) safe delivery/labor 2) manageable pain (if there is such a thing) 3) and an easy transition. I can't speak for David, but I'm pretty nervous about everything, and I know it will be an emotional day.

Tune in!

Chula's Birthday!

2009-03-05T11:32:00.002-06:00

This is a little late (I forgot to upload the picture last night) but yesterday was Chula's 4th Birthday! We didn't really celebrate, but she did get a nice party hat! :) Ha Ha! Happy Birthday Chula!

Friday, eh???

2009-03-03T16:58:00.010-06:00

I went for my 40 week appointment this morning, and I think I'm back to being apathetic about this whole birth thing. I am really beginning to think it is a joke. :) I had NO progress from last week...I mean ZERO (0), so I guess we are looking at the big Friday. So, for those of you who are wondering...no, I'm not disappointed; no, I'm not sad; no, I'm not frustrated...I'm just apathetic. :) Ha Ha! David said "I didn't know she had some Guatemalan in her."

Honestly though, at this point I am just fine with knowing I will have to be induced because at least we will have our little girl here! I will also know that my doctor will deliver me and our family will be here. Also...I feel great! Everyone talks about how miserable you are at the end and I really haven't agreed with that (thankfully). I really do feel good though...this is probably the best my back has felt ALL pregnancy (which also makes me wonder if this is real). So, tune in because unless she does decide to trick us and come early, we will be posting some great pictures on Friday!

On another note: Here are some pics of the nursery! It isn't completely finished...we ordered some verses to put on the walls, but its close enough to let everyone see it. My grandmother made her bedding and the valance. I painted the letters above the crib.

A big thanks to Sally who helped me pick out the rug - I think it looks great!

This one is hard to see because it was so bright outside.

Margie (David's Mom) found this cute piggy bank that matches really well!!!

Her name...I had a lot of fun painting these...I think it was therapeutic.

This is where we'll measure how tall she is getting :)

Aunt Lauren (my sister) made this for her...the verse is Ephesians 3:20-21...one of my favorites, and one that really comforted me for all those months that we were trying to get pregnant with our little girl. Now, I am reminded of God's goodness and faithfulness when I look at this (that is why we put it on the wall as soon as you walk in the room).

So there you have it! Hope you enjoyed the pictures! Hope everyone has a great week!

Snow Day...And our due date :)

2009-03-01T12:02:00.005-06:00

Well, we are sitting around the house today because 1) it snowed 2) church was called off because of the bad roads...actually ice in our parking lot and 3) we still have no baby yet! So...what did we decide to do...take pictures of our dog in the snow...Ha ha! Chula won't go through her doggy door because of all the snow, so the only way she'll go to the bathroom is when we let her out. However, she seemed pretty intrigued with all of it this morning. Poor girl - I bet she would have had a lot of fun if her lazy parents would have gone out and played in the snow with her...but that was the LAST thing we wanted to do! :0

As you can see she was in no hurry to get back inside.

I think this one is pretty funny because if you look close you can see the snow on her wiskers...I guess that is what she's gonna look like when she's old. :)

She had to check EVERYTHING out before coming back inside!!!

I guess after this picture she had enough because she just trotted back inside and let me wipe her off. :) Just think - Next Sunday we will be taking pictures of another cutie!!!

39 weeks...

2009-02-26T14:27:00.003-06:00

...and I'm starting to think we are going to end up using that induction date. I went to the doctor this morning and have only progressed about 1/2 centimeter. The baby has dropped some, which is good, but other than that there is no progress. So...I am wondering if we won't be sitting in the hospital March 6. :) In the meantime I am just staying busy around here!

Work Showers

2009-02-24T16:49:00.011-06:00

This is a little late, but I wanted to make sure and post some pictures from both of our work showers. We had a great time at both showers and really appreciate our coworkers for being so nice to do this for us.

Here are some pics from David's shower:

Delicious!!!!!

The proud soon-to-be parents!

David opening gifts! I was laughing because he hates the word "nipple," and that is what he is opening and he wouldn't say what it was...I knew exactly what he was thinking. :)

Monique, Natalie, and Courtney - thanks for putting this together!

And now for the St. Jude shower!...

Man, I looked really happy :)

Look at the cute pedifores!

Okay, so the St. Jude people are getting stiffed on the pictures because some are not uploading correctly. BUT - that doesn't mean that we didn't appreciate this shower any less!!! :) A big thanks to Sally and the other girls for putting this together!

So, now we have everything together (I think) and are just waiting for our little girl to arrive! I must say that I am not really feeling bad, I am just ready to see this baby! Hopefully she will be here soon. Today was my last day of work at St. Jude, so I'm officially on maternity leave - YEAH! Let the fun begin...

38 weeks...

2009-02-19T14:35:00.003-06:00

and I'm still 2 cm. boooooo! We were doing so well for a few weeks! My doctor laughed at me and said "you know that doesn't mean anything"...which I did/do know, but I still would have liked something a little more. :) So, the waiting continues!

I do have a few pictures from our last showers that I need to post, so I will try to do that soon.

37 weeks - YIKES!

2009-02-10T12:27:00.002-06:00

Okay - so it is getting pretty scary thinking that we are going to have a child in 3 weeks!!!!!!!!!!! You know, when I really think about it, I'm good with being pregnant...not really that anxious for the whole BIRTH part. :)

I went for my 37 week appointment today and I am 2 cm dilated - Yeah! So there is progress! We went ahead and scheduled me to be induced on March 6 just in case she decides to be stubborn and not come by the due date, but my doctor and I both expect to not need that slot reservation at the hospital. I just really can't believe that we only have a few weeks left. Any last minute tips?! ...besides "rest" because I've become convinced that THAT is not going to happen.

We will keep updating!

Couples Shower!

2009-02-08T16:48:00.008-06:00

Yesterday our connection class at church threw us a couples baby shower. We had TONS of fun (we always do when we all get together), and I'll have to say that it was the loudest and most nontraditional baby shower I've ever attended! :) The guys brought Rock Band with them, so they were able to be entertained and not too traumatized by all the baby stuff. Ha! Here are some pictures...

Here I am with the gift table. Everyone was so sweet in what they gave us...we are so lucky for these friends.

Here is the little owl dress that Autumn found! How cute...and appropriate! :) Our little girl is going to have a good looking fall season.

Rock Band...need I say more?

We did play one traditional game...with the candy bars melted in the diaper. I tried to tell David I was really bad at these games before we started, but I don't think he really understood until later (maybe I overanalyze these foods???)

So...one of the diapers caught on fire in the microwave...too funny!!! Disgusting!

Thanks Autumn and Jenny for putting all this together! (and for Jenny & Craig letting us use their beautiful home!)

Like I said, we had a great time. Now we are just trying to finish up some last minute stuff...never know when our little girl is going to appear! Maybe I'll have some nursery pics at some point?! :)

36 week check-up!

2009-02-05T10:25:00.003-06:00

I went to the doctor on Tuesday and everything is still...right on track! I am 1 cm dilated though. I was pretty excited about that even though I know it doesn't mean much in the long run. :) At least I know there is some progress.

On another note, my parents spent almost a week with us due to the ice in NE Arkansas. They were without power or electricity for a week, so they decided to bunk with us for awhile. It just confirms my decision that we definitely need a bigger house!!! It was nice to have them though because we got a lot done around the house and in the baby's room while they were here...I don't know that they expected all THAT but they were a big help! Chula loved it too...she thinks all guests come for her enjoyment. :) ...and I'm afraid my Dad gives in to her motives too often.

So...The weeks are flying by...I have a total of 8 more days of work remaining before maternity leave. I really can't believe that it is coming so soon!!! Our friends, Josh & Kali Brigham, were due the day after us and had their precious baby boy, Braeden Davis, YESTERDAY!!! So, with all this talk, I'm going to sign off and go pack for the hospital!!! Ha Ha! Hope everyone is having a good week!

Memphis Baby Shower

2009-02-03T13:08:00.006-06:00

Last weekend my sweet sisters-in-law and mother-in-law gave me a baby shower in Memphis. Let me just say that they are great hostesses and really know how to throw a nice shower! It was good to see our Memphis friends and be able to hang out for awhile. Here are some pictures from the fun day:

My cute diaper cake that they made. Kristen found the cutest burp cloths and had them monogrammed -- I can't wait to use them!

Here I am opening gifts - I really got great gifts! These girls know exactly what is needed when a baby comes along.

Here are my great hostesses!!! Julie, Kristen and Margie!

My sister and mom were able to come too! I've been lucky that they have been able to be around so much.

Julie, Kristen, and Margie - Thanks for all you did to make this happen!!!

A favor...

2009-01-26T20:26:00.002-06:00

Okay guys - we are trying to think of a Bible verse or two to put on the nursery wall. I wanted to try to come up with something besides the ordinary "baby verses"...and something that we could even work with our little girl to memorize as soon as she can. So...if you have any ideas let me know!

Pocahontas Baby Shower

2009-01-23T21:51:00.009-06:00

We had our first baby shower this past weekend in Pocahontas. We got TONS of great stuff and really just had a good time seeing everyone. Here are some pics:

The food table and diaper cake! The food was great...and the diaper cake so cute (and useful!)

Here I am opening gifts. This was the handmade bib and embroidered blanket that my grandmother made.

Opening more great gifts!!! These cute outfits are from David's mom.

Here I am with two of my very best friends, Ashley & J.J. (Jessica). Our parents knew each other before we were born, so we've really grown up together. I am so thankful for these girls!!!

4 Generations!!!

Here I am with my sister, Lauren, in front of the gift table.

A picture of my sweet hostesses and me.

34 week appointment

2009-01-19T10:51:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to make a quick note about my 34 week appointment. Everything went well, she is measuring right on track (as usual) and no problems! I asked my doctor how long she lets women go overdue and she said a week at the most. I don't know that it will be a problem that we'll run into, but at least we kind of know the plan.

On another note...I had my first baby shower this weekend in Pocahontas! It was so much fun and I have a ton of pictures to sift through before I can do that post. Just want to say a HUGE thanks to 2 of my best friends, J.J. & Ashley, and my sister Lauren for heading up a great shower! Stay tuned...

Baby belly pics!

2009-01-13T12:13:00.003-06:00

Just wanted to post a couple of pictures for those that wanted to see me pregnant. I am 33 weeks now, so we are getting closer!

32 week appointment

2009-01-06T16:17:00.002-06:00

I had my 32 week appointment this morning...everything went well. She is still measuring right on track, and my weight and BP were good. I only gained 1 lb. :) :) :) I really enjoy my appointments because I love seeing my doctor and the NP...they are fun just to talk to! Ha Ha! I saw the NP today and had not seen her in several months, so we had to catch up a little.

So...on to the next appointment in 2 weeks. Unfortunately I forgot my new insurance card (I mean, I go to this place every 2 weeks and just didn't even think about it being the new year), so the women at the front desk about had a conniption (is that how you spell that???). They told me 4 times that I had to fax them that card today! (their exclamation, not mine) So, I said "ok, I will fax you that card today!" I really wanted to say "Lady, you and the other woman have told me that several times - I am not stupid - my hearing and understanding are just fine." But I didn't...I just went home, got the card, went to kinko's, made a copy, and faxed it. Then I called to make sure they got it today! :)

Well, David and I start childbirth classes tonight. David is soooo excited - just kidding. He is dreading it a little, but he'll be fine.

Hope everyone is having a good week!