Hello, Goodbye!

It’s hard to believe that this 2009 chapter is quickly coming to an end. Looking back at the compilation of memories, 2009 has really been an incredible year for our family. Personally, I have never had more NEW experiences in ONE year, than I did throughout 2009, but I feel like every experience has made me a stronger person (and hopefully a better Mother).

I am super excited for the New Year. I am already a daydreamer begin with, but on New Year’s Eve I love to imagine all the great things that we may see, do, what challenges we may face.
It’s absolutely thrilling.

Happy New Years everyone!!!!

Baby Joyner

Hooray!
Meet our new cousin

Olivia Esmeralda

December 27, 2009

7 lbs 12 oz 20 inches

(Olivia less than an hour old)

We can’t wait to play together!

Love,

Jax and Issy

Christmas 2009

Jax was the first to wake up on Christmas morning. Issy, who had snuck in to our bed at some point in the middle of the night (sleep walking maybe?) Jumped right up and followed after me. She walked in to the living room and for the first time EVER she was absolutely speechless. WOW! At the age of 6 she believes in Santa with all of her heart. She believes in the spirit of Christmas and she believes all of the wonderful Christmas stories. Her big brown eyes lit up, she scanned the room and soaked it all in. We opened presents, laughed, played with their toys, and enjoyed the time we were able to spend with our kids.
For breakfast I suprised the gang with homemade Monkey bread (or pull A-part bread). I had never made it before, but it was a HUGE hit. By lunch our house was plain chaos…completely filled with wrapping paper, toys, candy- you name it.
What I wouldn’t give to be a child again.

Although we were all extreemly spoiled for Christmas, to me the best gift of all is being able to have our kids grow up near our loved ones and being able to spend these holidays together. We seriously have a great bunch of people around us who love us and care about us. Thank you for making our holidays so Wonderful.

Spirit of the Holiday...

Jax, playing with his Calendar!

I caught Issy eating more than one chocolate from her Christmas Advent Calendar the other day- She was convinced the days would pass a little faster if she started eating through the days. (So funny!) She was so sad when she wasn’t able to have a chocolate the next day. This was a hard lesson to learn for such an anxious child.

I wish I had something exciting to share, but the fact is that days are business as usual here at our house; we just try mixing in some Christmas spirit where we can. This weekend we had a huge holiday bake off at my Mom’s. I made Issy's favorite Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies (it’s about the only cookie I can make well). One of my sisters made sugar cookies, while the other made a ginger bread house with the little ones. This is of course the only time of year that my Mother makes her scrumptious Pumpkin Rolls. It turned into such a yummy afternoon!

Later we packaged the cookies and delivered some of the bags to our neighbors! Such fun!

Made Fit TV

I decided a couple of weeks ago that this was the month I was going to get myself back. I have been so focused on my kids lately (because I love ‘em) but my gaaawd, I totally let myself go this year. Well, I am ready to do something about it and get rid of these "lovehandles"(if only right?). I don’t remember how I came across this podcast, but I love it and I have to share it. Jennifer Didonato’s Made Fit TV is fantastic!!!! Her podcast are short, they are to the point and they really help (this newbie) understand what it is that you are supposed to do get a good workout in. I am sure for some working out is like tying a shoe, but I feel completely lost when I go to a gym. I can take a stab at it, sweat a little, but quickly loose motivation and I never see results. No more. Check out her site, you will see what I mean. The only thing I wish I had was a treadmill.

Just in case you were wondering, Made fit TV also has a few cooking episodes too, I found a healthy peanut butter ball recipe alternative for this busy holiday season. I tried making it already (okay first time was a bust), but it helped me get my butt off the couch. Whatever it takes right?

I just watched 5 ways to firm stomach & thighs – episode 71 this morning. its just the right amount of motivation I need to keep up my workout. I am a huge fan.

How do you stay motivated?

It's starting to feel like Christmas

Today we got a little bit more of our holiday shopping done. The stores were busy, but not as crazy as we were anticipating. It snowed all day today. It was so beautiful. After our shopping we came home and listed to John Mayer. Played with our kids. Relaxed. The only thing we were missing is the hot chocolate!
I just love this time of year.

12 Months

Today we had Jax's 12 month Baby Get Well visit. We are happy to announce that once again we have a very healthy little boy! Before his five shots our little man was happy as clam. A little ham to say the least. The nurses were loving on him, and he was flashing his smiley eyes back at them. After his shots, not so much. He was mad. Mad at me. Mad at them. He did smile at the receptionist, but I am guessing its because she had nothing to do with the admistration of the shots.

Stats:

Age: 12 months, 1 week old.

Weight: 24 lbs 8 oz - 75%

Height 31 1/4 in. - 90%

Head Circumference - 50%

What is?

The other day I noticed that Issy's Babies were dating. Today she made another date or dating comment. Which always makes me wonder what her idea of dating really was.

Me: Issy what is dating?
Issy: You know, when you take girls out.
Me: Oh, what do you mean? take them where?
Issy: I dont know...To fancy places like Smoky Mountain!"

There you have it. Dating means you take girls to fancy places. So innocent...Sooo funny ;)

First Haircut...

BEFORE
DURING

AFTER

My talented (and patient) Sister came over today to give our little guy his first haircut. He is so handsome, but sadly cutting his baby locks definately makes him look older. I am really going to miss this chubby baby boy.

Thank you SO MUCH Aunt Blanca!

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to...

We had two small parties to celebrate this little guys first BIG mildstone. On thursday we celebrated at home. We ate dinner, sang him happy birthday and served him a little Ice cream and brownie (made by Sissy). He was a little shy then....
Saturday, we had the whole family over to continue the celebration. This time, the flashes were going off in all directions and it became quiet overwhelming for this young fellow. We were not even finished siging the Happy Birthday song when his little hands went up, screaming for mommy or Daddy to pull him out of that high chair, remove the blue frosted cake we had set in front of him,and the flashing to stop.

Like the song...he cried...."you would cry to if it happened to you".

Happy 1st Birthday my little Jackson! We had a full house, there is no doubt that there are many people who love you.

Happy Birthday Jackson!

What a difference one year can make....Happy Birthday my sweet little boy.

Hello Xmas season...

Thank you Aunt Jo for the beautiful Advent Calendar.
As you can see getting something in the mail totally made Issy's day.
The Advent Calendar was just a great big bonus. Thank you! We love you!

How time flies....

I have showed this picture to very few people. Yikes!

One year ago today I was as big as a house, my feet were so swollen that they were beyond recognition. Just as Brandon and I were settling in bed for the night, the contractions started getting so intense that I was 100 percent sure that I was in full on labor. This second pregnancy had been at least ten times tougher than the first, and I always had a brave face on, so when the alligator tears started to roll down my cheeks Brandon freaked out and immediately called his parents. They were kind enough to help us tend Issy, while went to the hospital. Off were.
We showed up to Triage only to be told it was a false alarm. Contractions continued but because they were irregular and we got sent home. I felt miserable.

No, our little Jax was not born until the 3rd of December and I know it’s been a whole year since this happened but the memory still feels so fresh in my mind. It’s amazing how fast time flies.