The Deweese Family

Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt and Easter!

2010-04-05T16:03:00.001-07:00

The Sunday before Easter our neighborhood had an Easter Egg Hunt with a special apperance from the Easter Bunny! They set it up where the big kids had a hunt in one area and kids two and under hunted in another area. For the kids two and under they just threw the eggs out on the ground and the babies loved it! They would pick up one egg and just stare at it and then hand it to another baby or put it back down. It was too cute! We are blessed to live in a neighborhood with so many families and young children.

On Easter we went to church and then to lunch over at my parents house. We decided not to put Holden in the nursery at church because it would be so crowded and he did great! He sat through the entire service and loved all the songs. The service was beautiful and I felt overwhelmed by the true meaning of Easter. I wish my brother, sister-n-law and niece could have been at lunch, but we got to see them the weekend before Easter. Holden had agreat time seeing what the Easter Bunny had left for him!

Golf!

2010-04-04T18:37:00.000-07:00

Holden and Daddy during Holden's first golf cart ride!

This afternoon we took Holden to "play" golf. We went to lunch on Saturday up at the Country Club and Holden was so into the golfers and golf carts that we decided to take him to play this afternoon. Saturday, one of the men waiting to tee off gave Holden a golf ball and Holden held the ball the rest of the day. He would hold it up and say "golf ball, golf ball." Today he thought riding in the golf cart was so fun. He would yell, "wow, wow!" I think we are going to have a lot of golf in our future!

Spring Break

2010-03-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

We have had such a BUSY Spring Break! We have had plans everyday and it has made the week go so fast. We started the week with snow, snow and more snow and ended the week with 68 degree weather-crazy! We had so much fun in the snow, but it was so deep we couldn't play outside very long. We did build a snowman and Holden loved "shoveling" the driveway.

Holden and his daddy shoveling the driveway

Holden, Hunter and the snowman we made

On Wednesday, my mom, Holden and I went to Branson to walk around and do some shopping. The weather was beautiful and Holden loved the fountains at the Landing. He is not scared of water and he spent most of the time trying to get in the fountains and the lake. He would say, "Ooh wawa" and then try to crawl into the fountain or through the guard rails and into the water. I can tell I am going to be super busy running around at the pool this summer!

"Please let me in"

On Thursday we had lunch and frozen yogurt with Charley, Jackson, McCoy and their mommies. We went to US Pizza and I am sure that the other people there were so ready for us to leave. The kids started out so good and then Holden and McCoy started getting a bit rowdy. They defiantly feed off of each other and get really wound-up! Then Charley and Jackson decided to get in on the action. After lunch we went to the Orange Mango for some frozen yogurt. The kids loved he furniture in Orange Mango and they quickly discovered that the tables spin. We had a great time and Holden took a long nap after playing with his friends.

Holden, McCoy and Jackson

Sweet Charley

On Friday, we went to the Drive-Through Safari with the Mallery's. We left the house before 9:00 and we didn't get home until 2:30. The kids had a great time and Holden was super excited to see "his kids." He loves everything about the Mallery's and they spoil him rotten!. We saw zebra, buffalo, emus, yak, monkeys, big cats, black bears, etc., and Holden's favorite pigs! He thought all the animals were "dogdogs" and he had no fear if the animals got close to him.

On Friday night we went took Holden to his first Razorback Baseball game. Our friend invited us to sit in his box and Holden had a big time up there. The carpet has razorbacks all over it and he went from hog to hog pointing and saying, "pig." He also discovered the snacks on the tables and Mr. John gave him a baseball! What more could a little guy ask for! We took Holden down to see the hog mascot, but my camera died so we didn't get a picture. Holden and I left after the 5th inning and let Daddy stay and have a few drinks.

Friday night my brother, sister in law and niece came into town! We love it when they come to visit and Holden loves getting to play with his cousin! After Holden and I left the baseball game we went to Sue-Sue and Papa's house to see everyone. We played and played and didn't get Holden in bed until 10:15-yikes! Saturday we went back to Sue-Sue and Papa's for my grandads 85 birthday! My aunt and uncle came over and we grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. After lunch, the boys headed to the baseball game and we came over to our house to play. We had such a fun day and ended it with my brother's favorite dinner, Tim's Pizza. We have such a wonderful time when they are in town and I am always so sad when they go home.

my sweet little niece

Holden, Aunt Kiki and Haylee

Holden and I had a wonderful week together and I am so blessed to have had this time off with him. He is at such a fun age and he seems to develop more and more personality everyday! Although he had a fun week, I am sure he is ready to get back to his normal routine and see his friends at school!

Almost Spring!

2010-03-18T17:55:00.001-07:00

We are so ready for spring and warmer weather! We have had some really pretty days in the past couple of weeks and we have taken full advantage of them. We have been to feed the ducks, to the park, on multiple wagon rides, and had lots of driveway playing. I love this time of year and can't wait for more beautiful days.

First Razorback Game

2010-02-28T06:35:00.000-08:00

We took Holden to his first Razorback Basketball game yesterday. The hogs played Vandy and didn't do so well, but Holden had a great time! He seemed to enjoy timeouts and halftime better than the game, but oh well! He loved dancing to the band and clapping his hands. He also loved the diet coke Mimi and Granddad were giving him! The little boy sitting next to us let Holden play with his foam finger and Holden thought that was so fun. We had to leave a little early, but all in all Holden did a great job!

Holden and his foam finger
couldn't take his eyes off the court, but...this was during a timeout

First Birthday

2010-02-28T06:11:00.000-08:00

I just realized that I never posted anything on Holden's first birthday! Yikes! Holden turned one back in December and we had a family birthday party at our house. We had about 20 of our family members over and had a great time. I felt so blessed that Holden was surrounded by those that love him on his birthday! He wasn't so sure about his cake, so his daddy helped him out a little. I cannot believe how fast he is growing and changing!! He is becoming a little boy.

Holden with his favorite gift-the loudest lawnmower in the world (thanks Katie)
Mommy, Daddy and the birthday boy after his cake

Holden with his "cousins" playing with his gift from Aunt, Kiki, Uncle Chris and Haylee

Holden and McCoy

Holden and his two great-grandfathers

Happy Valentines Day!

2010-02-14T08:46:00.000-08:00

Snow!

2010-02-04T20:38:00.000-08:00

Tulsa Trip

2010-01-29T06:58:00.001-08:00

Last weekend we headed to Tulsa with the Millers to help celebrate Jackson Rew's birthday! We had a great time and we all loved being a part of Jackson's big day. The party was great! There were probably 15 kiddos under the age of two and, believe it or not, there were no major melt downs. Holden and McCoy loved playing with Jackson and his friends. On the way home we decided to stop at the Oklahoma Aquarium. The boys had a great time and so did the adults. We were so tired at this point, but decided we (the adults) needed a drink, so we headed to Los Cabos for an early bird dinner. We laughed a lot and may not be welcome back at Los Cobos, but we had a great time! Thanks for inviting us to your party Jackson!!

Holden and Jackson-the birthday boy
The boys are already wanting to play baseball-don't tell Holden, but Jackson probably has a one up on the baseball career!

McCoy and Holden playing tug-a-war over the balloon

The birthday boy!

Holden looking at the fish

Deep thoughts by Holden and McCoy

Don't tell McCoy, but this exhibit was empty

Shorty (aka Holden) having a little trouble seeing the turtles

Little Red Wagon

2010-01-23T18:45:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday was so pretty that we actually got to play outside. We got out the wagon that Santa brought Holden for Christmas and he loved playing with it! He loved riding in the wagon, but I think he liked pushing it just as much. It was nice to have such a pretty day in the middle of January.

Daddy's Hunting Buddy

2010-01-23T18:33:00.000-08:00

Hunter, Holden and Clancy after a weekend in Brinkley
Clancy

New Year's Eve

2010-01-02T19:56:00.001-08:00

We spent this New Year's Eve with friends eating fabulous food! This is the third New Year's Eve that we have cooked dinner with the Russell's and the Gabel's. Brian, Mary, and Melanie are wonderful cooks and they spoiled us with excellent food. The menu this year was crab bisque, pear salad, grits, prime rib and french bread. I successfully convinced Hunter that the crab bisque was too rich for his sensitive stomach and I ate his as well! Needless to say, I ate way too much! Our New Year's dinner three years ago was only adults and this year it was 4 couples, 4 children and another baby on the way. Things have really changed! I wasn't able to get very many pictures this year because most of the time Holden was there was spent chasing him and keeping him from going upstairs. After dinner Holden went to stay with Sue-Sue and Papa so we could relax. It was a great way to celebrate the new year!

Holden loved Addison's big girl bike

Emily and Holden

Christmas Morning

2009-12-28T19:43:00.000-08:00

Holden trying out his new slide from Sue-Sue and Papa

Checking out the goodies in his stocking

checking out the wagon and toys Santa brought

Mischievous Little Elf

2009-12-21T15:20:00.000-08:00

Holden has been very interested in the wrapped presents at our house. This afternoon I came out of the laundry room and this is what I found............

I think he had a great time tearing into Daddy's Christmas present! I think I might have to put the presents up until Christmas morning!

Christmas Lights on the Square

2009-12-02T19:55:00.001-08:00

Hunter and I decided we wanted to take Holden up to the square to see the lights. I was so excited on the way thinking I could get a cute picture for our Christmas card and thinking how much he would love the lights, music, horses, etc.. Well......it didn't go quite as planned. The first time we took him he clung to me for dear life and was NOT about to be put down for a picture. He was so overwhelmed by the scene up there we decided to try again the next night. Well, it was not much better the second night and we didn't get a Christmas card pic. At least we took him up to see the lights. Maybe next year we can get a good pic. for a card.

Big Cedar Lodge

2009-11-22T07:47:00.000-08:00

One of the lodges all lit up

Our balcony

the view from our balcony

this anniversary card and gift from Big Cedar was in our room when we checked in

Last weekend Hunter planned a weekend get away to Big Cedar Lodge for our anniversary. It was so much fun and a wonderful way to spend our 4th anniversary. Big Cedar had already decorated for Christmas-they put lights on every single cabin and building on their grounds. It was beautiful! We had a great dinner and went down to the Buzzards Bar for music and drinks. We had a blast and we want to make it an anniversary tradition. If you haven't stayed at Big Cedar you need to plan a weekend!

Halloween

2009-11-01T06:36:00.001-08:00

Holden had a great first Halloween!! We started out our Halloween festivities by meeting Rachel and McCoy on the square Friday afternoon. The boys got to trick-or-treating and then play some games at the Town Center. They had a good time and of course looked adorable. They even sat still long enough for us to get some cute pictures. Then on Saturday evening we headed over to Melanie and Jimmy's for some more trick-or-treating. A group of about 30 of us met to take the kids trick-or-treating. We had about 15 kids all under the age of 4 with us, so we had to go before dark. We had a blast and Holden loved riding in Addison's wagon. After trick-or-treating we took Holden by to see his grandparents and both of his great-grandads. I can't wait to see what next Halloween brings!! Thanks for the great memories.

Holden the spider
Holden and his first mate McCoy

McCoy giving Holden the game plan on how to collect the most candy

Holden playing the ring toss

Holden and Addison

Holden, Hunter, Brian and Josh

Josh and Holden in deep conversation

Emily

Grayson and Holden checking out their loot

Holden and Daddy

One tired spider-notice his spider leg hanging out of the wagon

Holden and his daddy

Holden, Papaw and Mimi

Pa and Holden

Haircut!

2009-10-07T18:49:00.000-07:00

I went to pick Holden up from Katie's one day last week and his hair was an absolute mess and we both agreed it was past time for a trim. So, I took him to see Ms. Brittney yesterday for his first haircut. I was really nervous about how he would handle someone coming at him with scissors, but he did awesome and he looks so handsome!!

Holden's pumpkin

2009-10-05T19:52:00.001-07:00

Holden thought is was so much fun to build his pirate pumpkin. He goes over and looks at his creation everyday and takes the hat on and off. He has become so full of himself lately!

Little Buddies

2009-09-29T20:12:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Holden got to play with Jackson. Jackson and his parents came to visit and we spent Friday afternoon and Saturday morning visiting and running around. Jackson is so sweet and he and Holden really liked playing with each other. This was really the first time they were old enough to play and interact with each other. One of the boys would squeal and the other would answer with another squeal. Then Jackson would clap his hands and Holden would laugh. They were too cute! I was just entertained by watching the boys-my how times have changed!

Then-I was 8months pregnant and Lauren was 7months pregnant
Now-Jackson 8months and Holden 9months (please forgive Jackson for wearing an OSU jersey-haha)

Caesar's Palace=All work and no play

2009-09-25T20:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, well......there was lots of work, but there was also plenty of time for play. Last week I attended a conference in Las Vegas with my assistant principal and six of my co-workers. We learned so much and were able to hear amazing speakers. We are a very close group at work, but when you travel with people you become even closer. We laughed so hard my stomach hurt! We had so much fun just being together and enjoying the sights of Vegas. We ate amazing food-my favorite was Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill-and stayed up way too late. I am so blessed to work with such a talented group of people. I couldn't ask for a better career or co-workers!

Skyline view from the sky bridge at Caesar's

The view from our table at a restaurant inside the Venetian
View of the fountains at the Bellagio from our table at a restaurant in Paris

dinner at the Venetian

The beautiful pool

lunch inside the mall at Caesar's

Me and Sherry with our big winning tickets

St. Louis

2009-09-25T19:50:00.001-07:00

A couple of weekends ago we all headed to St. Louis for Haylee's Baptism. I am so glad I was able be there to witness this special day for my niece. We drove up on Friday and spent all day Saturday enjoy the weather. We went to the Butterfly House, played in the park and rode on a carousel. The Butterfly house was so cool! There were thousands of butterflies flying around and they would even land on us. Holden and Haylee loved looking at all the beautiful butterflies. They also loved the carousel ride. Holden was amazed at how his horse moved up and down. Then, Saturday night we went to a wonderful dinner to celebrate Haylee's big day. Sunday we went to the church service and then to a brunch at Nanna B's house. As always, we had a wonderful time and we are anxious to visit again.

Dinner with the Bakers and Bewleys

2009-09-25T19:39:00.001-07:00

The Saturday of Labor Day weekend Hunter went on a dove hunt with Joey and Brian. They had a great time and had a successful hunt. Afterwards, we all went to the Bewley's for dinner. Holden had so much fun playing with Brock and Reece. Thanks for having us!

Bath Buddies

2009-09-25T19:27:00.001-07:00

Rachel and I have had so much fun watching Holden and McCoy interact. They are such good friends and it is so funny to watch them play. When they get together something is bound to get broken! The are both ALL boy and best buddies. We played a little too long one Friday night and we decided to put them both in the tub before Hunter and I took Holden home. They both refused to sit down and we had quite the mess when we were all done, but they had the best time! I can't wait to see what the future holds for these two!

Cozy Coupe

2009-09-03T18:39:00.000-07:00

We have been playing outside every afternoon after school and today we tried out the Cozy Coupe. Holden absolutely loved it. Thanks Melonie, Karlie and Caroline for passing this down to Holden!

Go Hogs!

2009-09-01T17:14:00.000-07:00

This evening Holden and his daddy decided to get "ready" for football season. We put Holden's football jeresy on and called the hogs.

Road Trip

2009-08-11T19:55:00.000-07:00

On Monday Rachel and I took Holden and McCoy to Tulsa to visit Jackson and Lauren. We decided that it might be better to take the boys somewhere instead of letting them destroy Lauren's cute house, so we took them to lunch and the aquarium. We had a great time and the boys were all very well behaved. I think the host at the restaurant was a bit nervous because he sat us in a back room, but nothing was broken and no fits were thrown. I didn't know how Holden would do at the aquarium, but he loved looking at the bright colored fish. We had a great day and we were so glad to see Jackson and Lauren. Jackson has a smile that is so infectious!

Jackson (6months), McCoy (22months), and Holden (8months)
Holden looking into the shark tank

Holden and McCoy studying the sharks

Holden and Jackson in front of the coral reef exhibit

McCoy telling Holden about the Stingrays

Holden getting a close up some fish

Weekend at the River

2009-08-10T18:17:00.001-07:00

This past weekend Hunter and I went to the White River for our annual fishing trip with Mary and Brian. We have been going over to fish with Mary and Brian for six years. We used to go for my birthday (in Feb.) and then we decided it might be better to go for Hunter's birthday. We had a great time and we caught over 60 fish! We are lucky and get to stay in a house right on the river. It is always so relaxing because all we do is fish and sit on the deck.

This is the view from the deck-it is right on the river but the trees around the deck make it very private

We ran in to our friends, Chris and Suzann, on the river

Hunter, our private fishing guide

Big Boy!

2009-08-03T08:06:00.000-07:00

This morning I was washing out bottles and when I looked into the living room I found Holden standing at his play table! This is the first time he has pulled up on his own. I cannot believe he is old enough to be pulling up on things!

Teeth!

2009-07-27T19:20:00.001-07:00

I have been trying for weeks to get a good picture of Holden's two bottom teeth and this is the best one I could get. His bottom teeth broke through fourth of July weekend and I think the top left tooth is trying to break through this week. He looks like such a big boy with his teeth and he loves brushing them at night!

Summer is almost over

2009-07-27T18:41:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe that summer is almost over! We have had a great and busy summer. This past weekend Hunter played in the FCC Four Ball tournament. I didn't get any pictures of the weekend, but we had a great time at the club Friday night and watching some of the other groups finish playing on Saturday/Sunday. We have enjoyed the beautiful weather and spent most of our summer outside. I cannot believe how much Holden has grown and changed over the past couple of months.

Holden and me at the Branson Landing

Holden showing off his new pouty face

This kid LOVES the water-even if its in a fountain

Before one of our evening walks around the neighborhood

After one of our nightly walks

I tried to get action shots of Holden crawling

another attempt at a crawling action shot

Me and Hunter at dinner with friends

Me and Stephanie

Josh, Hunter and Joey

Parenting at its worst-this is Holden watching his Brainy Baby video

Holden and McCoy at Baby Bookworms

Holden and Clancy

Thanks for a Great Weekend Gigi and Pop!

2009-07-14T19:53:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Rachel, Kirk, Hunter and I loaded up the boys and headed to Eldorado. Kirk and Hunter played in a golf tournament and Rachel and I were along for the ride. We stayed at the Bullard's house and they spoiled us all weekend. Ginger (Gigi) cooked and cleaned up after us all weekend. I would sit Holden's bottle down to wipe his mouth and before I could even put him down she would have already washed his bottle! We use Dr. Brown's bottles and those of you who also use these know what a pain it is to wash all those parts. We were very busy playing with Holden and McCoy the entire weekend and we only managed to get three pictures-oh well. Hunter and I cannot thank Ginger and Jerry enough for the wonderful hospitality and we are already looking forward to next years tournament! Thanks again Gigi and Pop.

Holden and McCoy

McCoy thought it was so fun to sit on my lap and then have Holden sit on his lap-we did this multiple times (although they both look unhappy in this pic. )

Swim Ranch

2009-07-06T21:11:00.001-07:00

check out the huge smile-do you think he likes the pool

holding the side of the pool all by himself

the dog paddle

the swim buoy

learning how to hold on to the side of the pool

Mrs. Virgina and Holden demonstrating how to use the kick board

practicing kicking

splashing

"Patiently" waiting for class to begin

This week Holden and Charley are taking swim lessons at the Swim Ranch. They both did a great job today and we can't wait for tomorrow. We got tickled because when it was time to start class most of the kids were crying because they didn't want to get wet, but Charley and Holden were crying because they wanted in the pool! They both laughed and splashed and had a great time.

Holden's Happy 4th!

2009-07-06T20:57:00.000-07:00

Holden and Haylee at the park
Haylee, Holden and Uncle Chris

This is how Holden "watched" the fireworks

Patiently waiting for the other people in our group and the fireworks

Holden and his Great-Grandad, Pa

The Deweese Family

This picture of the babies "reading" really warms my heart-its the kindergarten teacher in me

We had a great 4th of July weekend. Chris, Kris and Haylee came to visit and Holden had a great time playing with his cousin. We all had a wonderful time and as always were so sad when it was time for them to go back home.

Secrets Between Friends

2009-06-29T21:35:00.000-07:00

Popsicles Poolside

2009-06-29T20:45:00.001-07:00

Holden had his first popsicle at the pool and he loved it. He wouldn't open his eyes and if we accidentally moved it away he would scream. I think the cold popsicle felt good because he is teething. We had popsicle everywhere and very little actually went in his mouth, but what did he loved! I am going to buy popsicle molds to make him apple juice pops.

concentrating on the task at hand

notice the mouth and if his shirt wasn't navy you would be
able to see how much was on it as well

all clean and back in the pool-check out the dive stick-this is his FAVORITE toy

Holden and Mommy

Friends, Food and Fun

2009-06-07T18:25:00.000-07:00

We spent my first weekend of summer vacation eating lots of food and spending time with friends. Rachel and Kirk invited us over on Friday night to cook out. McCoy and Holden played outside the entire time and we were able to sit around and enjoy cocktails.

Holden and Daddy
McCoy was so sweet and he pushed Holden in the swing

Then on Saturday Brooke and Jesse invited us over for a Crawfish Boil. Brian was in charge of the cooking and, as always, he did an awesome job. We had a great time and I ate way to much!

Addison loved splashing in Grayson's pool

Holden had a great time playing in the backyard

Holden and his Mommy

Grayson and Holden

Holden and Daddy

The food!

Brian and the main course

Finally, on Sunday, Holden and I met Rachel and McCoy at the pool. This was Holden's first time at the pool and I think he did great. He could touch the bottom in his floaty and he loved being able to walk all around the pool. He walked so much that his little feet started bleeding. Poor baby-we went out this evening and bought pool shoes. McCoy also did great. He loved walking around the pool and splashing. We can't wait to spend more time at the club with Rachel and McCoy!

McCoy checking out the water

My pictures are out of order and for some reason I couldn't get this one to rotate, but this is Holden after "swimming." He passed out on the chair and when we got home he took a 2 1/2 hour nap.

Splashing and playing in his floaty.

Let Summer Begin!

2009-05-31T19:10:00.000-07:00

This weekend was beautiful and it finally felt like summer! We took advantage of the nice weather and spent most of the weekend outside. We did yard work Saturday afternoon and Holden loved playing on his blanket in the yard. This was the first time he spent a lot of time outside and he loved it. He would giggle when the wind would blow the leaves on the trees. Saturday night we went to the Naturals game and Holden enjoyed all the action going on around us. Then today while daddy was playing golf Holden and I got out his pool. I think this made the weekend for Holden. He absolutely LOVED his pool. He sat and played for 45mins before I took him out to eat dinner. He loved to splash the water in his face. He would laugh every time he splashed himself. I think the pool is going to be the best $14 I ever spent!

7th Annual Float Trip

2009-05-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

On Saturday Hunter and I went on our annual overnight float trip on the Kings. We have been going on an overnight float trip on Memorial Day Weekend now for 7 years. We leave on Saturday morning-float all day-find a camping spot-camp-and finish our float on Sunday. Every year we seem to have some rain, but despite the rain on Sunday we had a GREAT time. We always leave excited about the next years float.

Josh, Andrea, Hunter, me, Mary, Brian, Stephaine, and Joey
The Russells

The girls-notice Mary's sunburn legs!

The group (minus Brian) after dinner and floating all day

Hunter and me on our first weekend away from Holden

Green Beans=Yuck!!!

2009-05-21T16:41:00.000-07:00

I tried giving Holden green beans this week and as you can tell by the pictures it didn't go over so well. He would take a bit (excited that it was time for cereal) and then make a terribly disgusted face and then gag. He is very dramatic. It was hysterical. I know he will get the hang of it, but for now he isn't too excited about solid food.

Holden LOVES animals. His babysitter has two HUGE dogs and he laughs every time they walk by him. Sabrina, one of the dogs, doesn't let Holden out of her sight and he loves to pet (grab) her fur. He also loves his own animals. Clancy and Mattie will get close to him and let him pet them, but Allie keeps her distance. He smiles and laughs every time he sees animals. Maybe he will become a veterinarian.

New Tricks

2009-05-04T19:25:00.001-07:00

The past two weeks Holden has learned some new tricks! When we went to physical therapy he rolled over for the first time! Christina, his therapist, asked me if he had tried rolling from his tummy to his back and as I was answering with, "no," he rolled! Later that week he learned to roll from his back to his tummy. He also learned to sit up! He has been trying to balance himself this past week, but tonight he sat up for about 5minutes at a time. He would even lift his hands up and play with his toys

Happy Birthday Uncle Chris!

2009-05-04T19:03:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we went to St. Louis to help Uncle Chris celebrate his 30th birthday. I think that Chris was confused and thought it was his 21st birthday! He had so much fun celebrating that he couldn't quite enjoy his birthday lunch! HA-you can't party like you used to old man. We had a great time visiting and we (as always) had lots to laugh about. Saturday we found time to do a little shopping while the birthday boy slept. Holden enjoyed seeing Haylee, Aunt Kiki, Uncle Chris and his Nanna B (Kris' Mom). Kris' family is just an extension to ours and we always seem to do a lot of eating and drinking with them! It was a fast and furious weekend, but we can't wait to go back and visit.

Chris and his b-day cake

Nanna B, Sue-Sue and me after our martinis

Sweet Haylee

Holden and PawPaw

Me, Holden, Aunt Kiki and Haylee

the dynamic duo

Chris and Holden

The "crew"

Sunshine and BBQ"s

2009-05-04T18:42:00.000-07:00

A couple of weekends ago we enjoyed being with friends and playing outside. We started our busy weekend with Hunter turkey hunting and me walking in the Race for the Cure. My school put together a team to honor our amazing Assistant Principal who is a recent Breast Cancer survivor. After the race I met Rachel and McCoy for a little shopping and lunch. Saturday night Holden and I went over to the Gabel's to cook out with the Kinghts, Russells, Gabels, and Fultchers. We had a great time and Holden enjoyed playing with the other kids. On Sunday we went over to the Baker's to cook out and play Bag-o. We had a great time and we enjoyed the weather. The Deweese Family

"Aunt" Mary and Holden
Josh and Holden
The kids table-Holden, Addison and Grayson

Addison Jesse, Grayson, and Holden (sitting in Emily's pink bouncy seat)

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

2009-04-22T19:49:00.000-07:00

Last Friday we took Holden to his first baseball game. We met Kirk, Rachel and McCoy at Tim's Pizza and then headed to the Naturals baseball game. The weather wasn't perfect but the boys didn't seem to mind. McCoy loved dancing to the music and cheering for the Naturals. We had a great time and we are so glad that the Miller's invited us!

Make New Friends, But Keep the Old!

2009-04-22T19:30:00.000-07:00

A couple of weekends ago, Hunter and I got together with a group of old friends. We had a great time visiting and catching up with each other. We were also celebrating Kelly Milburn's new house and Brian and Morgan Hogue's big news! We are so excited that they are having a BABY! We brought Holden for a guest appearance and then Pawpaw and Sue-Sue came to pick him up, so I could relax and boy did I relax-so much I had a headache the next day! It was great to get together and we need to do it more often!

Twins...no.....cousins

2009-04-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

I think that my brother's baby, Haylee, and Holden are beginning to look alike. I have never noticed Haylee and Holden having any similarities until today when I was looking at their blog. What do you guys think?

Chris (my brother) and HayleeHolden

Haylee and Chris

Holden

Easter at the Deweese House

2009-04-13T18:39:00.000-07:00

Easter is exhausting! The Easter Bunny left Holden his Elmo at Mimi and Grandad's along with other goodies and he left the backpack and frog at Sue-Sue and Pawpaw's house.

This is the basket the Easter Bunny left at our house

We had a wonderful, but very busy Easter. It started by braving the rain and wind for a beautiful church service. MeMe Hagers sang during the offering and as always she did an amazing job! After church we went to Sue-Sue and Pawpaw's for brunch. The Easter Bunny left Holden a backpack and a frog at Sue-Sue and Pawpaw's house. The backpack is adorable and Holden will use it for "school" next August. We all ate way to much and enjoyed the champagne cocktail Sue-Sue served. After brunch we headed home and after Holden napped we showed him what the Easter bunny left for him at our house. Later that evening we went to Mimi and Grandad's for Easter dinner. It was a very busy day, but what a great way to celebrate that Jesus lives!

4 Months Old!

2009-04-05T12:15:00.000-07:00

Holden is 4 months old today! He is developing quite the personality and he continues to do new things everyday. We weighed him this morning and we think he weighs 14lbs 8oz. My very favorite thing is when he laughs! It is such a sweet laugh and he only does it when he thinks something is REALLY funny. He will give out lots of little giggles, but he saves his belly laughs for things he thinks are too funny. He loves to be tickled. He laughs so hard when you tickle him that sometimes tears form in his eyes. I also love the little noises he makes in his sleep. I want to get those on video so I don't forget how they sounded. He smiles all the time and I absolutely love that when I talk to him he grins at me and he normally starts talking back. He "talks" all the time and when he is talking he expects us to be giving him our full attention. We are so blessed to have this baby in our lives and I cannot imagine life without him. Holden has some family members that haven't seen him in 2 months and they are totally missing out on getting to know him because he changes everyday. He is the center of our world and I look forward to what this month will bring!

Pawpaw and Sue-Sue have a Johnny-Jump-Up and he loves it!

The Proof is in the Pictures!

2009-04-05T12:01:00.001-07:00

9:00p.m. Holden just went down for the night in his bed.

I love the way he puts his arms above his head!

This is what I usually find at 6:15a.m. when

I go in to wake him up for his bottle

This pic. shows how much he squirms during the night. He normally gets so close to the bottom of the crib he has to keep his legs bent.

The "Big Boy" Bed

2009-04-02T19:50:00.000-07:00

We are on week #2 of Holden sleeping in his crib without the car seat! I was beginning to have anxiety about being able to get him out of the car seat, but it has been a really smooth transition. The first night he slept perfectly-the second and third night he woke up several times. But, by night four he was back to sleeping like a champ. We also started cereal on Sunday and it was so funny! Holden loves the spoon and he loves his cereal even more. It is only Thursday and he is already a pro. If I don't feed him fast enough he lets me know! He is so close to rolling over. He can get up on his side, but he can't get his big booty over quite yet. Lately, his favorite thing has been playing with his books while I read to him and playing peek-a-boo. It is so fun to watch him grow and change daily. I know everybody always says its amazing how quickly babies change, but I continue to be amazed each day.

Holden's first sleepover!

2009-03-23T17:13:00.000-07:00

Jackson stared at Holden the whole time they were on the playmat

On Tuesday Holden and I headed to Tulsa to spend the night with Jackson. Lauren and Daniel had tickets to the Elton John-Billy Joel concert and Holden and I kept Jackson for them. I was a little nervous about keeping two babies under 4 months alone, but we did just fine. They even played together on Jackson's playmat while I fixed myself some dinner. Once I got Holden down Jackson and I were able to have some good bonding time. Jackson is so sweet and he loves to cuddle! Holden enjoyed spending the night with his buddy and I know they will have plenty of sleepovers in the future!

Haylee's First Visit

2009-03-23T16:03:00.000-07:00

Katie (my cousin's little girl), Holden and Haylee
Katie, Holden, Breann, and Haylee

Holden, Bree, Haylee

Holden and Aunt Kris

Holden and Haylee just telling each other all about life

P.S. Look at Holden's thighs! HA

"Here Haylee you can suck my fingers"

"Hmm what should we do next?"

Sue-Sue with her babies

My brother, sister-n-law, and niece came to visit last weekend. We always have so much fun when we get together! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful sister-n-law!! On Saturday and Sunday afternoon Hunter and Chris went to the baseball games while Kris and I played with Haylee and Holden. We had family pictures taken on Saturday morning and then Sat. night my parents kept both babies while we went our for dinner and drinks. Sunday evening my Mom had a big family dinner. We had 19 family members for dinner and we were missing 9 others! We had a great time and it is so fun to watch Haylee and Holden together.

Holden and Herman's

2009-03-14T17:05:00.000-07:00

Hunter and I love to go eat at Herman's. We think of it as our Cheers, somewhere you go where everybody knows your name. The people in there are wonderful and we took Holden Friday night for the first time. Andrea, our favorite waitress, took Holden on a tour around the restaurant while we ate. Holden loved it-he loved being carried around and entertained by Nick, Andrea and the other people that were there eating. I wish I would have had my camera to snap pics. of the evening, but maybe next time.

How Time Flies!

2009-03-09T18:21:00.001-07:00

We cannot believe how much Holden has grown and changed! My sweet baby boy is already three months old. He has really developed quite a personality! He loves to smiles and coo at us. He also loves to stick out his tongue and blow bubbles (the motorboat). He thinks the motorboat is so funny and he has the sweetest little laugh. The first time I heard him laugh I couldn't get enough-it was too cute! Holden is attached to a blankie and he is always holding it up by his face. He doesn't seem to care which blankie as long as he has one. He is doing awesome with his babysitter, Katie. As most of you know, she wasn't Holden's original sitter, but we couldn't imagine him being in a better place! She works with him during the day on his tummy and has helped me to get him on a great schedule. She sends me text messages throughout the day to let me know what he is doing. We have a GREAT relationship and we communicate really well. We are so blessed to have Katie. Holden weighs 13lbs and he is 23inches long. He has plenty of baby rolls to squeeze! We can't wait to see what all he will do and how much he will change this month!

Holden with his blankie
Clancy, Holden and me

Holden + McCoy = Best Buds!

2009-02-25T17:42:00.000-08:00

"Holden this is how you call the hogs!"
McCoy going in for a smooch
So sweet!
McCoy just checking out Holden

Monday after school Holden and I went over to Rachel and McCoy's to play. McCoy was honestly very excited when we got there! He started reaching for Holden and when I set his car seat down McCoy started patting Holden. Then we put Holden in the bumbo up on the table and McCoy kept trying to get up on the chairs to see Holden. So, we moved Holden on to the floor and McCoy kept kissing him and patting him. So sweet!! I am so amazed at how quickly children begin to recognize each other. McCoy is only 16months and he remembers Holden. He is so gentle and truly loves Holden. I can tell they are going to be friends for life! Holden, Hunter and I went to Charley's house on Sunday night, but we didn't get any pictures. Holden loves Charley and she is his first girlfriend! Next time we are getting pictures of those two!

P.S. Don't worry McCoy- Holden's eye recovered the next morning.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2009-02-14T14:38:00.000-08:00

Holden's little Buddies and Baptism

2009-02-11T17:33:00.000-08:00

This is the picture that was put up during Holden's Baptism
Brunch after the service
Holden and his mommy
Holden's cake

McCoy trying to share his shoe with Holden

All three of the boys-McCoy, Holden and Jackson

Holden checking out his newest little buddy, Jackson

The boys waiting for lunch

Baby boys love their mommy!!

On Saturday Rachel, McCoy, Holden and I loaded up and drove over to see Jackson and Lauren. We had a blast! We took the boys out to lunch and they all did great. I feel so lucky that Hunter and I get to raise Holden with my best friends boys! Rachel and Lauren were the maids of honor in my wedding and now we are mommies together! We had a great time watching all three of the boys together. McCoy did great and he loves Holden and Jackson. At one point, McCoy even reached out for Holden, so we let McCoy hold him. I cannot wait for many more trips to play with Jackson-hopefully, next time we will be in a bigger car! Then on Sunday we had Holden baptized at church. It was so nice and Hunter and I were pleased that Holden's grandparents, great grandfather and great aunts and uncles were all there for this important event!

Back to school, Back to school

2009-02-11T17:26:00.000-08:00

This has been a VERY busy week. I went back to work last Monday and Holden started with his babysitter. We love his sitter, Katie, and we are soo blessed that Holden is so well taken care of while we are at work. Holden and Katie are very busy during the day playing, sleeping in his crib......yes you read that right! Katie has Holden sleeping in the bed without the car seat. Go KATIE!! He is still holding out on us, but maybe soon he will be car seat free. We have also had our official first cough. I stayed home with him on Monday to let Katie get organized and then Tuesday he woke up with a cough. When I picked him up on Tuesday afternoon is was still coughing, so I took him to the doctor. Poor baby-his little eyes are so glazed over and red. Hopefully it won' t last long and he will be back to his normal happy self.

Capturing Smiles

2009-01-29T06:45:00.000-08:00

This is what I found when I went in to get him from his bed-yes, he still sleeps in the carseat!Smiling and talking to me after his breakfast
Loving the bumbo

I have spent the past 2 weeks trying to capture as many of Holden's smiles as I can. He is such a smiley little man, but as soon as I get out the camera he quits. What a stubborn little thing. He loves to smile when I change him, when he wakes up, and anytime Hunter and I talk to him. His little personality to starting to emerge and we are loving it!! Hopefully, I will be able to get more pictures of him smiling, but for now these will do (even though he's in his jammies in most of them).

Holden's newest friend has arrived!

2009-01-25T11:29:00.000-08:00

Jackson and his daddy
Jackson and his mommy

Holden's newest little buddy, Jackson Rew, was born Jan. 21st! Jackson is another big baby weighing in at 8 lbs 12 oz just like Holden. Rachel and I welcomed Lauren into the beast of a child club. HAHA I cannot wait to go to see Jackson in person. He looks so cute and just perfect! I know that we are going to have the best time watching these boys grow up together. Holden is so blessed to have so many friends already...but........he could always use more-hint, hint to a few of you!

Happy Birthday Joanna!!!!

2009-01-21T06:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Jo! I hope you have a wonderful day. I am locked out of my e-mail so I cannot send her a b-day e-mail. It looks like it is also going to be Jackson Rew's b-day. Lauren is at the hospital right now! She is dilated to a six and Daniel says she is doing great. I cannot wait to meet the little guy and I know that Joanna won't mind sharing her birthday with him!

Holden meets Haylee!!

2009-01-20T06:24:00.000-08:00

Su-Su, Haylee, Uncle Chris, Holden and me (excuse the babies in their jammies)
Haylee, Uncle Chris and Holden

Holden, me and Haylee

Uncle Chris and Holden

Holden, me, Aunt Kris and Haylee

Holden and Aunt Kris

Haylee and Holden on the playmat

Holden and Haylee

Haylee

Aunt Kris and Holden

Holden trying out Haylee's bumbo seat-notice the smile!

Hunter and Clancy

This weekend my mom and I went to St. Louis to stay with my brother and sister-in-law, Chris and Kris. We had a blast! Haylee, their daughter, is 18 days younger than Holden. This was the first time I was able to meet Haylee and the first time for Chris and Kris to meet Holden. We have done the webcam to see each other, but meeting in person was wonderful. Haylee is a doll and I loved getting to hold her and get to know her this weekend. Holden did a GREAT job in the car-he slept most of the way there and most of the way back home. He also did a pretty good job while we were in St. Louis. He seemed a little more fussy than usual, but it was probably because of his schedule change. Anyway, we had a great time lounging around and catching up. We had my mom and Barb, Kris' mom, babysit one night and we went out for dinner and drinks! We can't wait for Chris, Kris, and Haylee to come visit us in March. Hunter and Clancy spent their weekend duck hunting-I know he missed us, but he managed to have a good weekend as well. He said Clancy did a great job retrieving the ducks.

Holden Smiles!!

2009-01-11T20:12:00.000-08:00

Last week Holden started randomly smiling at us, but I was never able to catch it with my camera. Tonight when I was giving him a bath he just kept smiling and smiling. It is so heartwarming to see your little baby smiling at you!

Ready Set Play

2009-01-11T19:58:00.000-08:00

Holden has discovered his Baby Einstein playmat. I have been putting him on it for a couple weeks now, but this week he has started looking at the toys and reaching for them! My parents kept him last night and they said he was also reaching for the toy on his carseat. He is becoming so aware of his surroundings. It's amazing how excited we get over the littlest things these days.

Sleep!!!

2009-01-06T09:17:00.000-08:00

Holden in his crib......well........ in his car seat in the crib

Holden has always been a wonderful sleeper-he typically sleeps 4-41/2 hours at a time. His weight is not a concern, so at night I don't wake him up every three hours. Instead, I just let him sleep until he wakes up. Well, last night he slept from 10:30p.m. until 6:00a.m. We were so shocked! I slept so good and I hate to admit it but I didn't wake up once worrying something was wrong. I am sure this was a fluke, but it sure was nice to get a solid nights sleep. Maybe more flukes are to come. The poor kid still sleeps in his car seat, but we have moved the car seat to the crib.

Holden's First Christmas

2009-01-03T16:36:00.000-08:00

Grandad gave Holden his first gun on Christmas-you can't be a Deweese boy/man without a gun

Kinley wanted to model her new Spongebob towel

Holden on Christmas morning

Our Christmas tree

Holden's gifts from Santa

Hunter and Holden on Christmas Eve-McCoy thanks for letting us borrow your outfit!

Papaw, Holden and Sydney on Christmas Eve

Hunter, Holden and me at Pawpaw and Su-Su's Christmas celebration

Pawpaw, Su-Su, and Holden

Holden with the stocking Santa left him at Pawpaw and Su-Su's house

We had a very busy Christmas jumping from house to house. We had Christmas with my parent's on the 22nd so they could go to St. Louis for the birth of Haylee Elizabeth. On Christmas Eve we went to Church and then to Hunter's parents for Dinner. Holden did great at church! Hunter was so worried that Holden would cry and ruin the service, but he slept the entire time. On Christmas morning we opened presents with our family and then we went over to Aunt Lindsay and Uncle Kendall's to open presents with Hunter's family. Then on Christmas night we went over to my Pa's house to eat dinner with my family minus Pawpaw, Su-Su, Chris, Kris, and Haylee. Holden enjoyed his first Christmas and we all slept great Christmas night!

Holden's Cousin Haylee has arrived!

2008-12-26T10:40:00.000-08:00

My brother and sister-in-law, Chris and Kris, had their baby girl on Dec. 23rd!!! I am so sad I have not been able to go meet her, but I can tell from her pictures that she is a doll! My parents went up for her arrival and stayed a couple of days to be with their grandbaby. They said that she is so good and she had a great first night home. She was 8lbs 2oz and 20inches long. I told my brother that she was petite compared to Holden. Holden and I are planning on going up to meet Haylee in Jan.

Happy.....

2008-12-22T07:25:00.000-08:00

December is a very busy month in our family when it comes to celebrating. We have Holden's birthday, my parent's anniversary, Hunter's moms birthday, and my brother's little girl is set to be born on the 23rd. We cannot wait to meet Haylee!!! Holden and I are planning to go up and meet her as soon as possible!!!!! Anyway Holden wanted to tell everybody happy birthday and anniversary-for some better late than never. We love you all!

Holden's First Dinner Party

2008-12-22T07:07:00.000-08:00

On Saturday night Joey and Stephanie invited several couples over to their house for dinner. We had such a great time and it was fun to share Holden with more of our friends! Holden was such a good baby and he loved all the extra attention he got. Our friends, Brian and Shelly, came with their little boy, Brock, and it was fun to see him taking in Holden. Brock is going to have a baby brother this spring! He was so sweet and helped me get Holden's blanket and bottle. Holden was also excited because his "good buddy" Joey loved holding him and changing his diaper. I am so sad I didn't get any pictures, but I know there will be plenty more photo ops!

Joanna is HOME!!!!!

2008-12-22T06:55:00.001-08:00

Me, Joanna, Holden, Rachel, Emily and McCoy
Joanna with the boys (the only one we are missing is Jackson)

One of my best friends moved to Ireland this year and she has come home for Christmas!! Thursday Joanna flew in from Ireland and Holden and I were dying to see her. I have been telling Holden all about his "aunt" Joanna and he couldn't wait to meet her. We went over to Rachel and McCoy's house so Joanna could see both of the boys. We had so much fun visiting and catching up over a couple glasses of wine! Holden had a great time at McCoy's house and he can't wait to go back. McCoy is a great friend and he likes to pat Holden. It is so fun to see McCoy and Holden together because Rachel and I have been friends since 7th grade and I know the boys will have a lifetime of memories together! Rachel and I decided to continue our afternoon by getting babysitters and taking Hunter and Kirk to Pesto for dinner. We had a great time and then when it came time to pay somebody else in the restaurant had already paid for our table. What a wonderful surprise!!! Anyway we had a great time and as much as we LOVE our babies it was nice to just be with adults.

So sweet!

2008-12-16T09:48:00.000-08:00

I just thought this picture was so sweet and I wanted to share it with you all. I went back to the bedroom the other night to wash my face and get ready for bed and when I came back to the living room I found Holden sound asleep on Daddy's shoulder. So sweet!

First trip to Papa and SuSu's

2008-12-16T09:38:00.000-08:00

Beau, my parent's dog, meets Holden.
Papa and Holden

Yesterday I took Holden over to Papa and SuSu's house so I could walk on the treadmill. It felt so good to get just a little exercise in and Holden had a great time as well. However, this was our first long outing and I didn't bring enough supplies. When we got there he had a massive gift in his diaper and he needed to be fed. I only brought two diapers and we went through those fast! My mom was laughing at me because I just brought over his stuff in a wal-mart bag. She suggested that next time I pack his diaper bag. HA You live and you learn. Anyway he survived and he had a great time visiting! He can't wait to go again.

Holden meets the rest of the family

2008-12-11T17:00:00.000-08:00

Hunter and I are very blessed to have so many famliy members so close to us. Holden is a very loved baby and our families were dying to meet him! We were sad that Uncle Chris and Aunt Kris were not able to come, but they are expecting Holden's newest cousin at any time.

Just in Time for Christmas.....

2008-12-11T16:45:00.000-08:00

Hunter and I welcomed Thomas Holden into our family just in time for Christmas! We had a really, really, really long night our first night home, but we survived! He screamed from 8:30 Sunday evening until 6am Monday. I was so upset because we tried EVERYTHING and nothing was making this little guy happy. My aunt called the next morning and when I told her about it she suggested letting him sleep in his car seat. Yes, our child sleeps in a car seat instead of his beautiful crib. But, he has slept GREAT these past several nights. We are so blessed to have this wonderful little baby boy and we couldn't be happier!!

Holden has arrived!!!

2008-12-06T13:16:00.000-08:00

Thomas Holden Deweese arrived Friday, December 5 at 5:47 pm. He weighed in at 8 lbs 12 oz and is 20 1/4 inches long. He has a little bit of brown hair and is absolutely gorgeous!!! Leanne says he looks just like his daddy!

Mama and baby are both doing great and enjoying getting to know each other. Daddy's beaming from ear to ear and probably already wondering when he can take Holden on his first hunting trip!

I'm sure Leanne will have lots more pictures to post and stories to tell but I thought I'd put up a few pics for a sneak peek... ENJOY!!!

"Aunt" Rachel

First Duck Hunt of the Year

2008-11-29T06:57:00.000-08:00

Clancy and Hunter after their duck hunt

I went to my appt. last week and my Dr. assured me that Hunter could go to Brinkley to duck hunt because Holden wasn't quite ready. Bummer, but Clancy and Hunter had a great time. They actually had ducks down there and had a good hunt. This is Clancy's second year to hunt and Hunter said she did a great job. I went back to the doctor this week and I am still just 25% effaced so, it looks like Holden wants to be a Dec. baby instead of a Nov. baby. My next appt. is Dec. 3rd and by then I hope to have made more progress-think good thoughts!! I will keep you updated.

The other members of our family

2008-11-09T05:29:00.000-08:00

Our cats, Allie and Mattie, on their favorite chair
Allie, trying out a new place to sleep

Clancy waiting for me to throw her toy!

Clancy waiting for Hunter to let her retrieve her dummy

I just realized that I have never posted about my other "children." We have two cats and a Black Lab who think they are people. I got my first cat, Mattie, while I was in college. I was living with my friend, Jill, who had a beagle and I knew two dogs in our town house wouldn't work, so I got a cat. I have NEVER liked cats, but I really wanted a pet. Mattie and Lily, the beagle, became best friends and when we moved Mattie was depressed because she didn't have a friend. So......I got another cat, Allie. They are cats who think they are dogs. Hunter is a big duck hunter and his lab, Duke, is getting a little old to keep hunting, so for my birthday two years ago we got Clancy. Clancy is a 59 pound Black Lab who loves to hunt, swim, and chase birds, but she also loves to snuggle with me!! Needless to say, our house is VERY full and it is only going to get fuller. Holden will just have to like all of his pets!

Football, Showers and Friends

2008-11-09T05:10:00.001-08:00

Me and Hunter at one of our showers
My best friends who hosted our couples shower

Sweet Pam rubbing my feet at the end of Josh and Andrea's wedding

Hunter was quite the dancing machine and I tried to capture some pics. from the peanut gallery

Josh and Becky (his mom) dancing-Josh was even able to dance after his major knee surgery!!

Brian, Morgan, me and Hunter at Josh and Andrea's wedding

Hunter's Mom and Papaw at the Razorback game

Our friends from Little Rock, Hunter and Brooke, at the Razorback game

Hunter and Tommy at the Razorback game

I am so sorry I have not updated my blog in QUITE some time! We have been busy and I have been too lazy to do it at the end of the day. Oh well. We have had a very eventful couple of weeks. We have had football games, three baby showers, our good friends Josh and Andrea got married and my Grandmother passed away. Lots of fun times and some sad times as well. My brother and Kris came in from St. Louis for the funeral and it was so good to see them. Kris is looking adorable and Haylee's arrival is getting closer and closer. I have started going to my weekly appts and Holden is due in less than 30 days!!! I cannot wait to meet him.

Busy Week!

2008-10-12T09:24:00.000-07:00

My niece, Sydney, at her soccer game.
Action shot! She and Ginny are both excellent soccer players.

McCoy in his birthday shirt!
McCoy was so excited to see everybody at his party!
McCoy and his friend wanted to bust open the presents that Lauren and I gave him.
Me and Lauren with our "boys"

Kris and me during their visit

Hunter and I have had a very busy couple of weeks! He is the chairman of our local Ducks Unlimited Chapter and they had their big banquet. I thought that Hunter and the other guys did a GREAT job. They had a good turn out and made a lot of money for Ducks Unlimited. My brother and sister-in-law also came to visit. We had a great time eating, shopping, and visiting. Kris looks so cute pregnant! I had another doctors appt. and it went well. She said that my measurements, weight, and sugars all look good. I go back in another two weeks. I cannot believe I only have 8 more weeks!! Wow, how life will change. We can't wait. I babysat my niece, Kinley, so Lindsay could go coach Sydney's last soccer game and we had a blast. Kinley loves to talk to "baby Holden." She looks at my tummy and says, "Baby Holden, out, out, hospital." Then she likes to kiss my belly and whisper that she loves Holden. It is so sweet and I am totally impressed that she understands the concept of having a baby in my belly. My older nieces are excited as well, but not like Kinley. She will be a great help for Lindsay when I go back to work! Finally, McCoy had his first birthday!! Happy Birthday McCoy! His birthday party was a adorable and all the kids were having a blast playing together. McCoy is just like a nephew to me and I cannot believe he is 1 year old. He is going to have so much to teach Holden.

Special Visitor

2008-09-30T18:37:00.000-07:00

Around 2:00 today I made one of my hourly trips from my classroom to the bathroom. Then I went to check my mailbox and a co-worker told me that there was somebody looking for me. I assumed it was one of my student's parents who needed to ask me something, but when I turned the corner I had the most beautiful little visitor waiting for me!! Charley and Lindsey came to visit. My kids were at recess and when a few of them saw me holding Charley we heard them start yelling, "Our teacher had her baby!" I wish it was that quick and painless. Lindsey was amazed at how big my kids are compared to her pre-schoolers. We had a great time visiting and Charley was very patient with the 22 little faces that kept watching her every move.

Chris and Kris

2008-09-30T18:19:00.001-07:00

I am so excited for this weekend becuase my brother and his wife are coming to visit! They live in St. Louis and it is so hard to go there or for them to come home for a weekend. Weekends go so quickly and they are busy with full time jobs and a baby on the way. They are having a little girl, Haylee Elizabeth, and we hope to meet her around Christmas if not a little before. The four of us cannot wait to take trips together with Haylee and Holden. My parents are just beside themselves that not only are we each having a baby (their first granchildren), but that they will be so close in age. I will post pictures of our weekend later.

Hunter's Elk Hunting Trip

2008-09-16T17:35:00.000-07:00

My little mountain man! My father-in-law (He and Hunter look just alike)

Hunter and his Dad just recently made it home from their annual Elk hunting trip in Colorado. I would love to go with them one day just to enjoy the views and wildlife. The area they hunt is right on the continental divide and is populated by elk, deer, bear, mountain lion, moose and countless other creatures. It looks very relaxing. I wanted to share some of the pictures he took because they are amazing!!

American Idol Concert

2008-09-16T17:02:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Rachel and I headed over to Tulsa to see Lauren and go to the American Idol Concert. We know we are dorks, but we had a great time! We enjoyed people watching at the concert. There were PLENTY of middle aged women who were decked out in American Idol t-shirts (store bought and home made). Rachel tried to get me to wear a homemade t-shirt, but I finally talked her out of it. HAHA just kidding we are dorks but we do draw the line. After the concert Rachel and I quickly headed out the door and into the HEAVY rain and wind to the car. We parked in a parking garage and thought we were headed right back to it. As we got closer and were soaked from the rain, Rachel kept insisting that this was not the right parking garage. But, I kept saying it just looks different from this side. Well, Rachel was...right. Once we got up to the second floor of the parking deck and through the wind and rain we spotted our garage on the complete opposite side of the BOK Center. We started laughing really, really hard because we were so wet and lost. Well, for those of you who know me really well, you know that when I start laughing really hard I am going to have to pee! Well, no potty in sight so......somehow...... my pants were a little more soaked than Rachel's. Laughter, pregnancy and my little bladder do not go together. We had a great day eating, shopping, and did I mention eating. Lauren took us out for a fun lunch and some shopping, but for some reason she didn't want to go to the concert. We had to deal with the rain from hurricane Ike all day, but we managed to have a great time anyway.

Pictures

2008-09-14T19:28:00.000-07:00

Well, it took me a LONG time to post again, but I will get better. I wanted to post some pictures of what I have done in Holden's nursery so far. Keep in mind I still have time before he comes, so it still needs some work!!

Well...I Finally Did It!

2008-09-03T18:29:00.000-07:00

My friends Rachel and Christye have been strongly encouraging me to start a blog for a while now, so I finally did it!
I thought now would be the perfect time because a few weeks ago my husband, Hunter, and I found out were having a baby BOY at the beginning of December. We thought this would be the perfect way to keep up with all the excitement that comes with having our first baby.
His name is going to be Thomas Holden and we will call him Holden. We are so excited and can't wait to meet him!
Be patient with me while I try to figure out this blogging thing! I hope to post some pictures of our family soon!