Life with Tristan & Olive

Tinkle "Belle" Taylor

2012-01-23T19:11:00.004-06:00

December,1998- January 18, 2012

"If It Should Be"

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,

And pain should keep me from my sleep.

Then you must do what must be done,

For we know this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand,

But don't let grief then stay your hand.

For this day, more than all the rest,

Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,

What is to come can hold no fears.

Would you want me to suffer so?

When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend,

Only stay with me until the end.

And hold me firm and speak to me,

Until my eyes no longer see.

It is a kindness that you do to me.

Although my tail it's last has waved,

From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Do not grieve, it should be you,

Who must decide this thing to do.

We've been so close, we two these years.

Don't let your heart hold any tears.

On Wednesday, January 18, 2012, I lost my long time best friend, Belle. She suffered from a heat stroke in August from which I doubt she ever fully recovered. Her health over the last couple of weeks was not good. Lots of blood tests confirmed she was anemic and her red blood cell count was down well below normal. It was believed she had an autoimmune disease and her body was attacking itself. She was having difficulty breathing and an xray confirmed she had fluid on her lungs as well as a mass or two. Whether it was cancer or not, no one can be sure. She lost a significant amount of weight over the last month and her bones were sticking out. Her tail was constantly down and she was having trouble controlling her bowels and bladder. She was humilated every time this happened. She stopped obsessing over cleaning her face and I knew that she was not good. I spent her last few moments alone with her, outside, reminiscing on all the adventures we had together. Although she couldn't hear me, I know she felt the bond. It's amazing to see the lives that this one dog touched. So many...all across the country. I picked her up on a sunny January day 13 years ago and lost her the same way.

The house seems so quiet without her and my steps so lonely without the constant click click of being followed. The floors are dirtier and Chloe just wanders aimlessly looking for her. She will be greatly missed. I'm so thankful for the extra 5 months we got to spend with her. I know she is running around crazy in Heaven, chasing balls and playing with Ginger.

Take care of her until I get there...

2011 - What an awesome year!

2011-12-31T13:50:00.047-06:00

Let's start with some Christmas pictures. Some of the best ever and definitely the most memorable.

This year started with a trip to Steamboat Springs, then an awesome 4th of July in Destin, an incredible wedding in Kauai, and then a crazy bachelorette in Napa.

This year we welcomed a new brother-in-law, Nicholas, a new baby cousin, Carter (born on Tristan's birthday), and ended with a new Godfather for Tristan, Drew.

This year my best friend got married!! My beautiful sister got pregnant!! And my second born celebrated her first birthday!!

This year we were given the gift of a second chance with Belle. One in which we intend to make the most of.

This year my aunt finished her second round of chemo and if God willing, her last.

This year I have enjoyed spending extra time with my 87 year old Grandmother, listening to stories of her past and watching Tristan play with her. Olive actually let her read to her. I am thankful for that.

This year I am thankful for my parents, who are healthy and strong, and who love each other and teach their children the importance of putting each other first.

And this year I took a risk on myself and left my real estate company to start a new venture with a group of fantastic realtors in the Austin Luxury Real Estate market. I look forward to an amazing and profitable 2012.

May 2012 be as amazing and memorable as 2011 and may God bestow his blessings upon us.

Happy New Year!!

Halloween

2011-11-03T13:51:00.000-05:00

This year's halloween was so much fun. Both of the kids enjoyed walking from house to house and Mom and Dad enjoyed the cooler we took along in the wagon! This is really the only way to Trick or Treat in Austin! Aunt Lis and Uncle Nick joined us.....and baby Austin even got a ride in the wagon too! Looking forward to next year when all the cousins can do it together! Did I mention I'm gonna be an Aunt!! Enjoy the photos:

Disclaimer: This is what happens when you live in Africa for a month at a time with no barber!

My little Pumpkin

Arrr Matey!

This was the best together shot I could get...impossible at this age!

Didn't take long for Olive to figure out how it worked!

And baby and Momma get a ride too!

Update on Bellerina

2011-10-10T15:30:00.000-05:00

For those of you that were concerned, I wanted to give a quick update on my girl. She is doing so well and it seems there has been no underlying damage to her internal organs. We have noticed that she is not seeing things so well (sometimes it takes her two seconds to get to the food that Olive throws on the ground) and that her hearing is not so good....but these could also be attributed to old age. She is almost 13 yrs old. Her hindquarters aren't moving as good as they should but she was having some difficultly with these prior to the stroke. All in all, she is in good shape and I expect she will be here for a very long time...I've probably still got a good 4 yrs with her. Her spirit is that of a young pup!! Thanks for caring about our sweet Belle.

A Day on the Farm

2011-09-27T16:12:00.000-05:00

This weekend we went to Mt. Pleasant to visit Chee Chee and DooDa and play on the farm. Tristan was actually able to do some work and really felt like a big boy. He will always remember his childhood spent on this farm...just like me.

So excited to ride on the "bulldozer"

Chasing Chickens

These days this is usually the face I get. Don't let the smile in the other photos fool you. He is screaming at me b/c I'm not taking it correctly!

Feeding the goats.

Introducing HoneyBee to the chickens. This is the class mascot and it was his turn to take him home for the weekend.

He was asking what the comb was.

And what the other thingy was...which I have no idea.

Honeybee giving the chicken a kiss.

No Hands!! He literally drove it by himself!

What did Olive do...you might ask? She just walked around exploring and taking it all in. She loved riding the ranger and going outside and riding in the wagon. She also just liked to look pretty!

The above pics are taken at my mom's friend's house. They built a giant treehouse for their grandkids and we were invited over to play. The kids loved it!

The scare that was Belle

2011-09-04T10:30:00.001-05:00

All my life I've had a dog. I cannot remember ever being without one. I got my first dog when I was 5 from the postman. Had my second when I was 8, one that we found on the farm. So at 19, living on my own for the first time, I decided to get a pug, Belle.

I can remember picking her out from the litter. I had my choice. She was the one that came to me, so very tiny...she was the runt. I should have known then that runts are the survivors. They have to fight the hardest to stay alive.

Belle and I had some great college years. She went everywhere with me. She loved riding around in the convertible...she even fell out of it once. Oh the stories that dog could tell, the secrets she's kept for me all these years. The parties she's been to, the boyfriends she's been through. Every afternoon we would take a nap together. She was the best stuffed animal to sleep with.

Then I met Warren, and we (Belle and I) moved to Los Angeles to be with him. We lived in the world's most disguisting apartment in the most ghetto neighborhood you can imagine living in...but Belle didn't care. She was with me and that's all that mattered to her. She was our baby and we spoiled her rotten.

Fast forward 5 yrs. Mama gets pregnant. Belle can no longer fit on my pregnant lap. I'm throwing up so often that she can't sleep in the bed with us anymore...and so she gets moved to the floor. It was a big adjustment for her. But she coped well...really, what choice did she have?? She was still the baby, still felt loved.

Twelve months later we bring home Tristan. I was so concerned about the dogs and how they would feel. When we walked through the door with that big bundle, the first thing Belle did was steal his blanket, then his socks. She was an attention hog...just like her Mama!!

But I didn't have a clue how difficult it would be to raise a child. Some days the dogs didn't get fed at all. It wasn't out of meaness, it was just forgotten. And when baby #2 came, the dogs just became dogs...no more were the days of pettings and kisses. And my patience for the one who had been with me since the beginning was wearing thin.

Belle got kicked out of our room completely because I couldn't stand the constant licking and snorting and annoying habits that became her norm. The way she followed me around became more than I could stand...I had two other little things following me around constantly, whining and being needy. I just didn't have time for Belle anymore. Days would go by when I wouldn't have any contact with her at all. I started putting her in the office during the day so she wouldn't follow me around anymore...I just couldn't stand it!!

But one week ago, everything changed. Warren and I came home after helping my sister at her house. It was 112* that day, hottest day of the year. And somehow, Belle had been left outside...with no water. When Warren found her she was limp as a noodle, just barely clinging to life. Completely unresponsive. As I held her on the way to the ER, all I could do was sob and tell her how sorry I was. For 12.5 yrs this dog had been my constant, and in an instant, it was all taken away. The extreme guilt I felt, we both felt, cannot even be put into words. I hadn't even pet her that day. Did she even know that she was loved? When she arrived at the ER, her body temperature was 109*...9 degrees higher than it should have been. The doc gave her a 50% chance of survival.

After several torturous hours of trying to decide if she would live or die, I finally told Warren to take me home. I couldn't make that decision just yet. If she made it through the night, she might have a fighting chance.

At 3am we received a phone call that she was having trouble breathing and they wanted to put her on oxygen. We agreed. At 6:30am, I decided to go pick her up b/c if she was going to die, I wanted her to die in my arms, at home, and not in a cold cell in the Vet's office. When I got there, they strongly encouraged me not to take her. They said she would for sure not make it. But I knew in my heart that she needed to get out of there. For all she knew...especially after the way she had been treated for years....she was left there to die. At least with me, she might fight to survive.

So I brought her home. It was a rough day, she definitely was having trouble getting enough oxygen. She was exhausted and couldn't lay her head down to sleep b/c she couldn't breath. BUT, by the end of the day she was eating and drinking and had stopped panting. She was calming down in the comfort of her own home.

By the next morning her breathing had slowed and she was no longer struggling to get in enough air. It was a miracle. My stubborn little pug was a fighter...she was fighting to stay alive for me...b/c she loved me...b/c she wanted to give me a second chance to do right by her. Because she deserves a life full of love and soft dog food!

So here we are a week later....she is by my side, as usual, snoring away in her bed. Living the life of luxury with water bowls in every room and as much soft dogfood and belly rubs that she could ever want. I've even let her get in the bed with us at night. Warren doesn't say a word.

At this point we don't know if there is any irrepairable damage. We won't know probably until it is too late. But if we only get another week with her, I now appreciate the value of her life. It is sad that it took such a horrible accident to make us realize how irreplaceable she is. Her snoring has become a comfort, knowing, even if it's just for a little while, she is still here. We love you, Bellerina. Thanks for being a survivor and giving us a second chance.

Going Private

2011-07-26T12:35:00.002-05:00

Hi Friends,

Been wanting to do this for a while. We've decided to go private. I would love for all who keep up with us to be able to continue to do so. Please comment and leave me your email address if you would like to be included.

Thanks!!

The Ealy's

Happy Birthday Olive Reese!

2011-07-11T13:16:00.000-05:00

It was just one year ago that we met our precious baby girl. I can still remember going into labor and waiting on Warren (again) to get here to take me to the hospital. I can still remember them not being able to locate the anesthesiologist and having to wait for over an hour for the epidural. And I can still remember when that beautiful baby came into the world and Warren and I welcomed our 2nd addition to make our family whole. You light up the room with your big personality and I can't wait to watch you grow! We love you baby Olive.

Another creation by Lockie

Birthday Girl in her party dress

Her first "girly" toy...if Tristan will ever let her ride it!

It's her party she can cry if she wants to!

All crying stopped when she tasted the cake!

Nice and Goo-y

And she washed it all down with her milk.

Destin 2011

2011-07-06T20:56:00.000-05:00

Our first family vacation was a hit with Tristan and a bust with Olive. The first thing he did when he saw the ocean and that white Destin sand was lay down and make a snow angel. We couldn't keep him out of the ocean. He had a ball. O on the other hand could have done without the sand. She hated it and it was hilarious. She did enjoy riding the waves in her float though. Fell asleep more than once. Next time I think we will eat in more and eat out less. Restaurants and young children do not mix...especially on a nightly basis. But there will definitely be a next time. I grew up on this beach, and my children will too.

His first look at the ocean.

Making a "snow" angel

Miss Priss

This was her face every time she touched the sand...and this was Tristan's face everytime he touched the sand!

So she was better off in a chair!

Or asleep on the blanket.

Olive was staring at a bird.

Love this picture of them!

And what trip to Destin would be complete without a trip to Battleship Park in Mobile, AL.

He specifically requested his picture to be taken infront of this jeep!!

Tristan turns THREE!!!

2011-06-27T16:56:00.000-05:00

I could be cliche and ask the question, "Where does the time go?" But the truth is, I know where the time went. Unlike most of my high school and college years, I can remember almost everyday of this baby boy's life. I can recall the first time he smiled at me, the first laugh, the first word, his army crawl, his first steps, his first broken bone. I look forward to him waking up in the morning because he runs in like he hasn't seen me in days and yells, "Mommy, you're here!" And of course I look forward to his bedtime (and not just b/c I can get some peace and quiet!) because he loves for me to sing to him or read to him and always asks for just one more BIG hug. This child lights up my world. He has made it whole and I love him so much it hurts. Happy Birthday T-Bird! You are one beautiful addition to our family.

And of course I couldn't finish this post without showing pictures of his birthday party. He had so much fun at JW Tumbles with all of his little friends. This year instead of having a big party with lots of adults and children, I only did his age group of friends which I think he really enjoyed a lot more. And Mommy made his 3rd birthday cake, a pirate ship. It was a royal pain in my A$$ because I had to freehand everything but I think it turned out ok. I am not looking forward to making another one in 2 weeks.

His present from us was a CARS 2 bicycle, no training wheels. We waited until today to give it to him. And I am not exagerating (or adding Lockie-tax as Warren calls it) when I tell you that in less than 2 minutes the child had it figured out and was off like Lighting McQueen! No training wheels!!!!! If I can offer any advice for parents of little boys, get them a Strider at age 2. It obviously works like a charm. Now I've got to get a bike to keep up with him!

Olive's sweet dance moves

2011-06-03T16:38:00.001-05:00

I think she's kin to her momma!

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No More Boobie

2011-05-10T08:04:00.000-05:00

If I had known last night would be the last night I nursed my baby girl to sleep, I wouldn't have rushed it, I would have savored every minute of it. I knew this day was coming but I expected it to come on my terms, when I was ready, after I had weened HER off...not the other way around.

Today Olive refused to nurse. All day. She would flail around and scream. She only wanted the bottle. I guess I wasn't expecting the rejection. If felt awful, almost like she didn't love me anymore. But, after 10 months, that's 300 days, multiple times a day AND night, and 8 teeth later, Miss O has decided she is done with nursing.

I enjoyed every minute of it. From the moment she latched on right after birth, until our last intimate moments together on Mother's Day. I will cherish our special time together forever, just you and me babe. I love you, Olive.

Bluebonnet photos

2011-04-26T12:49:00.001-05:00

A couple of weeks ago we had some pictures in what there was of the bluebonnets. Unfortunately this year Austin was not blessed with many but I was amazed at how well the pictures turned out despite the lack of blooms.

Olive turned 9 month on April 11th and at her appointment she was 18.5 lbs (45%) and 28 1/8 in tall (75%). She also decided to finally crawl on her 9 mth birthday. She is now a little mover and loves to follow Tristan all around the house. It's so nice to have a one story with no baby gates! She is such a love bug and will just sit in my lap and cuddle which makes it hard for me to do anything else. She is still nursing, but we did finally introduce some formula this month. She LOVES it! She is a very big eater and wants anything that Momma is eating. She goes to bed around 7:30 and usually wakes at 5:30 to nurse and goes back to sleep until 7:30. She is quite the talker and will babble mama and dada and bubba...but I'm pretty sure she has not made the connection yet. She can pull up to stand and sometimes crawls like a crab. She's certainly not as busy as Tristan was at this age...thank goodness!! We are loving every second of this special time. She has been such a joy as a baby!!

Olive's Christening

2011-03-27T19:55:00.001-05:00

On March 13, 2011, Olive Reese was baptized at Tennison Memorial United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant, Texas by the Rev. Leon Grissom. The was the same church that I was raised in, and I was baptized in, Warren and I were married in this church by Rev. Grissom and Tristan was baptized in this church by Rev. Grissom. She wore the same christening gown that I wore and she looked beautiful in it. She was all smiles, and Tristan actually behaved. The ceremony couldn't have gone more perfect.

Isn't she precious?!

Naynie with her Granddaughter and Great Granddaughter

And on Olive's 8 month birthday, we had her picture made. At 8 months, she has 8 teeth, and can pattycake. Not crawling, thank goodness! But manages to roll or scoot all around. She LOVES to eat and wants to eat whatever Mommy is eating. I'm not even kidding. She's already had pizza, french fries, and loves goldfish and cherrios. She's also still nursing which I never thought I'd be doing it this long!! But it works for us.

Here's some pics from the photo shoot.

Future Longhorn

Moma needs a break!

2011-03-10T12:55:00.000-06:00

I am finding myself more and more scattered these days. If it's not in my calendar, then don't expect me to remember it. My calendar has EVERYTHING in it, b/c I'm constantly forgetting things. But appointments aren't the only things I forget. Take yesterday for instance. Every MWF I pick up Tristan from school, and then we go to the playground to play with his "favorite" friend, Chase. We're usually there for about 30 minutes, gives the Moma's a chance to talk and the kids a chance to run out that last little bit of energy before naptime. I gave my car keys to Olive to play with so she was entertained. I did notice that she dropped them on the ground but no big deal, I'd pick them up on my way out. So it's time to go, we walk to the car, I load up the kids, strap them in, load up the stroller and T's backpack and lunch, then hop in the drivers seat to take off......NO KEYS! I had to have unlocked the car with them, but I don't remember doing it. I looked under the car, under both kids in their carseats, on the floorboard, took everything out of the back and searched the stroller...nothing. Walked back over to the playground, I just didn't pick them up off the ground, right? Wrong! They're not there, I retrace my steps...nothing. All the while I'm thinking, I seriously wasn't this dumb before kids, I know I wasn't. How can I not even remember if I unlocked my car?? Why doesn't my brain work?! I'm on the verge of tears about to call Warren to drive home and get my spare when I look over in the passenger seat....and there they are...right where I had thrown them when I was putting O in her carseat.

This is not the first time this has happened. I lose my keys constantly, always finding them under the kids in their carseats or on the floorboard somewhere. I need a clapper for my keys. Just something small that dings when I lose them.

My frustration is that I USED to be a smart girl, a real go getter and everything was organized, everything had it's place. My house was clean, my car was clean, my BODY and HAIR were clean! I used to have my own name, Lockie. I liked my name, unusual as it may be, I still liked it. But now I'm just Mommy or Moma or lately "Mom" since T has decided he doesn't have time for 2 syllables! I used to have clean clothes and didn't leave the house without make-up and lipstick....now days it's chapstick and under eye cover up with sunglasses on, hair in a pony tail, and sweatpants and a t-shirt that's covered in baby drool or spit up.

BUT, I wouldn't go back to the way my life was before for any amount of sanity. I USED to have an empty life, one that was not so full of laughter and giggles and tickle wars, sweet bedtime kisses and cuddle bugs, Family Movie night and pizza on the living room floor, bathtime and morning cartoons. This is the life that was chosen for me and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Tristan's First Train Ride

2011-03-06T17:55:00.002-06:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Today we took the Austin Steam Train from Cedar Park to Bertram and back again. Tristan absolutely loved every minute of it!!

My Top Chef

2011-03-01T15:12:00.003-06:00

As you can see, my little man is cooking himself some eggs. Although he doesn't eat them, I guess he thought while he wasn't being watched (i was nursing), that he would push the kitchen chair over to the refrigerator, get out a carton of eggs, remove two, move chair over to the stove, crack open one egg, and put it in the pan. Please note that he did all of this without making a mess. He didn't even get shells in the pan! I mean, what 2 yr old does this?! He's bound for the hit tv show, right?

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Tristan the Toilet King!

2011-02-09T18:14:00.000-06:00

My Big Boy

As I sit here typing, I cannot believe that my son who is now 31 months is no longer in diapers. Yep, on Sunday Tristan threw all his diapers in the trash and we started a rigorous three day potty training which produced amazing results! When I say rigorous I mean it was literally the hardest thing I have had to do as a mother by far! Constant following, reminding, catching signs, no distractions by phone, tv, other children, dogs, husband...nothing. It was a 24 hr a day process for three full days but I can say that today, on day 4, that he now wakes up dry after naps and in the morning and will tell Mommy and Daddy when he needs to go potty. Last night he woke up twice and came into our bedroom to tell us he needed to go. No diapers, no pull ups. Straight precious Spider Man and Thomas the Train and CARS undies. Tristan was the extreme when it came to potty training. He absolutely refused to sit on it and even at school he was the only one who never tried it. Only wanted his diaper changed. So when I say that this was the hardest thing...I really mean it! Moms, if you are interested, you can purchase and download the e-book at http://www.3daypottytraining.com/. We were referred to this by one of Tristan's classmates and it really does work, but you need to plan ahead. We knew in advance that T would have February 4 off of school so we started on Sunday and went through Tuesday. Warren helped out on Sunday with Olive and my mom was here on Monday and Tueday. It was a success! I'm so very proud of my big boy. And think of all the money I will save on diapers....wait....scratch that. I'll just move it over to Olive's food fund!

The pictures are from the snow Austin got last Friday. It was the first snow since 2006! Tristan played with the girls across the street all morning and had a ball. It was all gone after naptime.

The only time he can stand in the street!

Pushing his Tractor

still loves that baby sister!

6 mth update on Miss O

2011-01-23T21:08:00.006-06:00

Miss O is 6 months old (well, 6.5 but still). Where does the time go? She is so beautiful and the happiest baby I think I have ever been around. Literally NEVER cries. She has the longest, most envious eyelashes (besides T-Bird), a cute little dimple on her left cheek, a button nose, gray/green eyes (I will not get my brown-eyed child, so much for what we learned in Biology), dark brown hair, and rolls on her little thighs. She has been so interested in our food that we started her out with sweet potatoes and bananas and she is not quite sure what to think of those. I'm pretty sure she will go straight to table food....no interest in the baby stuff.

At 6 mth Olive is 16 lb and 24 3/4 in tall. Her head is 43.5 in. She is in the 70%. She wears size 3 diapers and size 9 mth clothes. She enjoys sitting up on her own and reaching for new objects which go staight to the mouth (mostly T's cars), jumping in her bouncer and being kissed on the neck (watch out boys!) She loves to take a bath with her big brother and splash in the tub. She has 4 teeth, all on the bottom and is still nursing**. She LOVES her sippy cup and would rather have that than food. She finally has enough hair on top to stick a bow in. And she went on her very first plane ride to Steamboat Springs, CO.

**sidenote: She has bitten mommy quite a few times lately and I'm trying to figure out how to prevent this. Any suggestions? I yell out when she does it and this startles her enough to cry and not want to nurse anymore. (Ok, so I should probably change the NEVER in the above statement to HARDLY EVER). I'm wondering if it's bc she has been sick and lost interest in eating...yes, we got our first sickness on our ski trip to Steamboat last week (I've decided this is a family tradition). Hopefully she will stop the biting once she gets her appetite back.

All in all it's been an awesome 6 months with this new little life and we couldn't love her anymore. She makes me want to have dozen just like her....wait....who am I kidding?!

Enjoy the pics...they are all from our trip to Steamboat. Tristan didn't get to go. He has to be 3 to take ski school...he'll go next year. Thanks to Cita and Papa for keeping him. He had a blast!

Olive tries blackberries

2011-01-11T20:51:00.001-06:00

Too funny not to share.

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Happy Holidays!

2010-12-31T09:22:00.005-06:00

The holidays were joyful this season, we had a nasty virus that spread rampant throughout our household, only missing Olive and Tristan got it twice! Not to mention the constant whining of a 2 yr old cutting his 2 yr molars...fun times!! Warren through his back out in the beginning of December so we have had a very great month :)

But really, the kids had a wonderful Christmas, luckily no one was sick that day. They got way too much, as did we and we are so thankful for our wonderful families.

Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011. My new year's resolution is to stay updated on the blog. So many funny things happen to us daily and I create a draft in head when I have a moment...usually while in the bathroom!...and then never make it to the computer to write it down.

Olive started rice cereal and played in her bouncer all in the same day (5mth)

Aunt Julie giving T tons of presents.

Playing with one of his garages he got for his 100+ cars.

A new Ealy tradition (decorating ornaments)

What Santa left...and all the pics are blurry...I'm so pissed.

The aftermath.

Hanging out after lunch.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...until T-Bird came along and yanked one down!

Our attempt at a cute pic with their Christmas pj's...thanks CheeChee!

Our delicious Christmas dinner...made by yours truly out of Southern Living magazine...delicious!!

Miss O can sit up!!

And she loves to do it!

Still not sure what we are going to do with that hair though!

TEETH

2010-12-09T15:59:00.001-06:00

That's right. It's plural. Olive is getting both bottom teeth. Keep in mind she won't be 5 mth until Saturday. At this rate she'll have boobs by 5!

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Merry Christmas from Olive!

2010-12-08T11:32:00.001-06:00

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Olive's First Tooth!

2010-12-05T19:31:00.001-06:00

It's here! Bottom right and just poking through. She's not even 5 mth old yet! Slow down baby girl. I don't want you to grow so fast.

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Happy Thanksgiving from Olive!

2010-11-21T17:00:00.001-06:00

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Miss Olive is 4 months old

2010-11-17T20:48:00.003-06:00

Before I blinked, I turned around and little miss piggy is 4 months old. Where does the time go? Today was her dr visit so I have all the stats and she screamed bloody murder everytime the dr or nurse looked at her so the shots were just terrible. BUT, other than that she is such a happy baby. So, here are her stats:

Weight: 15 lbs (75%)
Height: 25.5 in (85%)
Head: 41.7 in(70%)

She's a big girl, and very healthy... only breastmilk but he said we could start some rice cereal if we want. So I think we will wait until after Amanda's wedding on the 4th to start that since she will be staying the weekend at Cita and Papa's. Although, from the pictures below it looks like she can't wait to eat like her Big Brother! And he will only eat if Baby Sister watches him....he always has to have an audience...I wonder where he gets it?!

Olive can:

roll from tummy to back
laugh outloud, usually at Chloe or Tristan
loves to put everything in her mouth, including her baby giraffe, Sophie
drools all day long...her clothes are soaking wet and her neck stays raw (Tbird never had this problem)
smiles at everybody
talks all day
likes to grab mommy and daddy's face (daddy has the scratch to prove it!)
watches brother with awe and curiosity
gets lots of hugs and kisses from Tbird (who comes home from school and grabs her to tell her he missed her so much)
eats about 6 times a day and for some reason is waking at night to feed now...weird!

mmm..that looks yummy T, can I have some???

Old MacDonald had a farm....

2010-11-01T11:38:00.003-05:00

Ei Ei O and on this farm he had a "moo cow" named Olive

Tristan's trick or treat group...he's a favorite with the neighborhood ladies

T trick or treating

Olive trick or treating

After a week of Halloween parties and dressing up....we are pooped (see Olive above). Tristan had a ball and loved getting candy with the "gurls."

Now onto Thanksgiving!!

Happy Halloween

2010-10-30T13:24:00.001-05:00

Olive wanted to wish you a scary Halloween.....BOO!

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So little time...

2010-10-04T10:36:00.006-05:00

These days I find it almost impossible to blog. When I actually get a minute of down time I'm on Facebook or checking and answering emails or like today, shopping online for a new car. But, for my birthday my mother reminded me how important these entries are when she gave me a book filled with all my first year of blog entries. It was the best gift ever. These entries are literally my online diary of my babies and I have to make a conscience effort to try and keep them updated. I know they will love having these one day. So here are some updates:

painting his face, not the paper

TRISTAN:

We actually cut his hair last week. People started questioning whether he was a boy or a girl and Warren had had enough. They'd say, "Oh how darling, boy?" Yep, his beautiful locks were chopped off but I did manage to keep some of the curls on him. He is absolutely precious at this age and talks like a 5 yr old. He loves to tell you what he's doing, while he's doing it and quite often will let you know when he's done something he shouldn't have. "Mommy, I made a mess!" His favorite things to do are riding his tractor like a speed demon, playing with the girls across the street, kissing baby Olive, reading books, counting his cars (he can count to 10), painting, dancing, and running around like a wild indian, oh, and catching bugs with his new bug catching kit that Chee Chee got him. He surprises us daily with his ability to understand and grasp concepts. Now, if only I could get him to grasp the concept of going potty on the toilet!

Here he is with his buddy watching a movie while we watched the TX/Tech game.

OLIVE:

Olive is growing like a weed. She has the fattest little belly and rolls on her arms and legs. She's working on rolling over and hopefully will do that by 3 months like Tristan. Her hands are so fascinating to her and she likes to turn them around and stare at them while they move. She also enjoys smacking her lips. She's a very good eater and still sleeps through the night with several naps during the day. In fact, Mommy has so much milk that I am donating it which is something that I never thought I'd be doing. She loves to talk and is screaming and squealing and smiles constantly. Her favorite thing is to watch Big Brother play. She just thinks it's hilarious. She still has very little hair, but it's brown unlike T-Bird's and her eyes are starting to change but we are still unsure of the color. They are green or light brown. She has the longest eyelashes ever, just like T's, and she is super ticklish. She really is the most content baby.

Saturday will be my first night without Olive. I'm subbing in a band and the gig is in Midland so it's an overnight trip. Warren also has a gig that night in San Antonio so Aunt Lis will be keeping the kiddos. Hope they behave for her. I don't worry about T-Bird, only about Olive and her issue with the bottle. Hopefully she will take it...I guess if she gets hungry enough she will.

Sleeping Soundly

2010-08-27T06:40:00.004-05:00

I always heard these stories from other moms who had these miracle babies that "slept through the night." But I chose not to believe them. There was no way a newborn baby who was exclusively breastfed was going to sleep all night long...may 5 hrs at most. THOSE babies must have had cereal or formula. But moms, I'm here to tell you, that it is true. It is not a myth. I haven't posted for fear of jinxing myself, but my darling little Olive sleeps all night and has since she was 2 weeks old. I'm not talking about 5 or 6 hrs. I'm talking 10/11 hrs a night and she is exclusively breastfed! It is the most wonderful thing to be fully functional the next day and deal with a 2 yr old and a 6 weeks old. I feel like I can do anything. I even feel like I could have another baby...WAIT...just kidding. I'm pretty sure this is God's way of tricking me into having a 3rd.

Why does she sleep all night?

The truth is, I don't know. I actually took her to the doctor b/c I was afraid there was something wrong with her. I mean she literally slept all night and most of the day. He looked at me like I was crazy and told me it was a good problem to have. So my only other conclusion is that she is so fat she doesn't need to eat as much as other newborns. She was 8.2 lb when she was born and by 4 weeks she was up to 10.6. I'm not sure how much she weighs now, but I'm sure it's close to 12 lb.

Other things Olive does at 6 weeks:

She smiles at her mommy and daddy and big brother. (saw first smile at 4 wks) She has dimples on both sides. What?!

She can lift her head for extended periods of time and is very good at tummy time.

She's starting to focus and follow objects (her mobile) with her eyes.

She has longer awake periods during the day.

She has rolled over 3 times but I'm pretty sure this is a fluke thing. I mean, what 6 wk old rolls over?

She's wearing 3 mth clothes (if that tells you anything about how healthy she is!)

Tristan is still a very proud big brother. He loves her so much and if I leave them alone and watch him secretly, he is giving her kisses and loving on her. It's so precious. Here's a pic of him giving her the very first bottle. She took it all from him and now won't take another one from her Daddy. Maybe I'll have to try Tristan again.

A Terrible Wednesday!!! And a good laugh for you!

2010-08-06T14:25:00.003-05:00

I should have known to stay home when Tristan locked me in the garage as I was putting Olive in the car. But no, I just went around to the backyard and let myself in. Or maybe when I had to turn around not 2 miles from the house b/c he poured his juicebox all over himself and needed a new change of clothes. But no, I was a determined Mama to get myself out of the house and entertain my 2 yr old. And so, we were off to the Mall to play on the playscape, run around and ride the carousel. After the playing we got Chick-fil-a to go and went to the movies. As we're sitting in the theater, I'm thinking..."I can do this, this is a piece of cake." Tristan was watching the movie, Olive was asleep in her pouch, and we were going to have lunch and enjoy the A/C.

Then all hell broke loose!

Olive woke up and was hungry, ok, no problem, I'll just whip out the boob...oops...forgot to wear a nursing top. So I wiggled out of my sundress only to notice the 2 teenage boys across the aisle staring at me! Then she proceeds to eat, and make loud sucking noises and then decides she'll take a big poop...which is so loud I start looking around to see if anyone has noticed. Olive continues to eat, I'm feeding Tristan with one hand and holding her with the other. When she's done, she definitely needs a diaper change and I can't very well get up with 2 kiddos and go to the bathroom...I know T will throw a fit, so what do I do...change her on my lap, in the dark and the minute I take her diaper off the little Turkey decides she's gonna poop again! Right in my lap! I'm trying to catch it with a wipee, in the meantime getting it all over my hand in the process and all over her clothes. Luckily I had placed a blanket in my lap and it missed my dress. So I get her in the new diaper and wrap her up in the hooter hider b/c at this point I've got poop on my hand and can't search through my bag for her other outfit, so she stays in her diaper. So a logical mama would leave but NO...I push through and then the worst happens. Tristan started getting antsy and somehow gets one leg stuck between the chair and proceeds to scream his head off and yell about how he is stuck. I try to pull him out, one armed b/c O is asleep in the other, and can't get him out. I mean, he is seriously stuck. And so my child is screaming and I'm thinking they're gonna have to stop the movie, turn the lights on, refund everyone's tickets and I'm probably gonna get in major trouble for bringing in Chick-fil-a...forget about the fact that his leg could be broken!! I can't put O down b/c I don't have the carrier or a stroller...so remember those teenage boys? I yell at one of them to come help me, he's stuck, and so he tries to pull him out to no avail and now BOTH of T's legs are stuck in the chair (he's still screaming, where are all of the other moms, why aren't they helping??) so I tell the boy, here, take this, pass off my 3 wk old, and try to pull out my 2 yr old. Not working. I yell at the other boy to go get someone and it was at that point that another mom came over to help. It took her pushing from the bottom and me pulling from the top (yes, that poor boy is still holding Olive) but finally we got him out. And so T finally stopped crying, I gathered all of our stuff, took Olive from that poor boy (that's what they get for looking at my boobs!) and pulled T out of the movie. The manager, who I'm sure thought I was going to scream at him, refunded my money and off we went. I was just glad he didn't say anything about my chick-fil-a bags!

And all could have been avoided if I'd just stayed home after the little booger locked me out!

Olive Reese Ealy

2010-07-13T15:41:00.009-05:00

She's finally here!! Olive Reese made her debut on Sunday, July 11, 2009, at 1:45am weighing in at 8.2 lb and 19 1/2 in. It was a very quick, easy labor and I am recovering nicely. And now, the story....

I have to start by saying that I actually predicted that she would come on Saturday...why? Because that was the night that I would be alone, Warren at a gig, my sister at her birthday party downtown and my BF staying at a hotel with her boyfriend for the weekend. And as it is with babies....they come when they want to and when everyone has plans!!

Saturday morning Warren and I decided to spend our last Saturday as a family of 3 at a little waterpark in Round Rock. We got there around 11am and Tristan had a ball! We floated the lazy river, went down a couple of slides and mostly splashed around in the different pools. We ate a picnic lunch and then left there around 1ish to head home. Then we all took naps which is a usual thing for us on a Saturday. Contractions started around 5pm. I wasn't too concerned...I'd had several false alarms. Warren left at 5:30 for his gig (are we surprised?? this is how it happened the last time). At 6:30 I knew it was the real thing so I started to prepare, called the hospital, called our back up for Tristan, called my sister, Carrie, and then my mother (who is in Alaska). At 8:30 Warren finally came home to get me and at that point I couldn't talk through them anymore. When we got to the hospital I was already 5cm. Had to wait on the epidural b/c they were so busy and didn't get it until I was at a 7....and of course the stupid thing didn't work on half my body...just like last time. They wiggled it around and finally it kicked in....and I was pushing an hour later. With Tristan I pushed for 2.5hrs. Only had to push for 15 min with Olive and literally puked her out! Got nauseous right when she was headed out. Poor thing!

And that's the story...Tristan is in-love with his baby sister. I'm so thankful he's not jealous..at least not yet. All he wants to do it hold her and kiss her.

After the epidural...waiting....

Waiting....

She's here!

Aunt Lis got to stay in the room and witness the whole thing. She was the only one there besides Warren. Very different the second time around.

Tristan meets baby Olive...and he loves her.

Momma and her two babies.

On another note, my sister painted the baby room and it is beautiful. Warren made the chair rail. And when I say made, I mean cut it out of at 1x8 piece of wood, shaped it, sanded it, painted it and I put in the ribbon. Then he nailed it to the wall and I caulked it. It couldn't be more girly and less pink! I LOVE it and know she will too!!

Tristan Turns Two!!!

2010-06-28T14:58:00.005-05:00

My little boy is growing up. He had his second birthday this weekend and it was a big hit. We had about 40 people, 12 of them little kids, and everyone had a good time. I think I over did it a little bit...wasn't exactly thinking how pregnant I would be at the time I planned it all. The hardest part for me was decorating the cake (and 50 cupcakes!)...hours on your feet, bending over a huge belly....but it all turned out fine...and didn't put me into labor!

Tristan talks in complete sentences using 4 to 5 words. The doctor said he was the most talkative 2 yr old she has seen and was surprised by his vocabulary. (I'm not sure where he gets it!) He has jumped into the 60% for height but still lingers around 30% for weight. But his head is huge...85%!! He is still obsessed with cars and now enjoys choo choos too. He likes to watch movies (probably more than he should but I'm pregnant!), do puzzles, play outside, and LOVES to go swimming. He is excited about a baby sister and is ready to rock her. We'll see how that plays out when she is actually here. He is still blonde headed, with curls, and has grey eyes and the most beautiful skin...must be the mexican in him! He makes us laugh everyday.

working on the CARS cake

Daddy helping him climb to the top

playing in the pool

driving his tractor from Chee Chee and DooDa, he was running into everything. It's now an outside toy!

playing his trumpet with Daddy...one of his favorite pasttimes

Getting ready to blow out his candle.....

Opening all his presents

Happy 2nd Father's Day!

2010-06-20T07:29:00.002-05:00

Happy Father's Day to my precious husband. We are so blessed to have you in our lives. You make us feel special everyday and your son adores you as do I. I love watching you play with Tristan and how he lights up when you come home from work. You've taught him so many things in his short little life and I can't wait to see what an amazing man he becomes because he has such a wonderful role model and father who loves to be involved. I'm so proud of the man I married and can't wait to see how this little girl melts your heart. Thank you for my two beautiful babies and thank you for being you and for loving us the way you do. I love you.

So much to post, so little time....

2010-06-15T14:27:00.004-05:00

29 weeks with Baby Girl

35.5 wks with Baby Girl 37 wks with Tristan

I cannot believe that 9 whole months have flown by and that soon I will be mommy to 2 babies and not just one. I am so huge at this point that I cannot imagine that I have 4 wks left. She is now as big as Tristan was when he was born (or at least I am as big!) My days are filled with entertaining a 2 yr old and then napping when he naps and waiting on Daddy to get home to entertain him. I know after she arrives, I will no longer get to sleep in the afternoons.

Tristan will be 2 in a week and a half and I just hope she holds out until after his birthday. We're having a "Cars" themed birthday because he is obsessed with the movie. T-Bird makes us laugh everyday and amazes me with his little personality. He now asks "Why Mommy?" if I ask him not to do something. Demanding an explanation...isn't he too little to do this? Once I explain, he says "K" and then moves on to the next thing. Daddy got him a UT Football from the Co-op and taught him how to catch it (with his hands, not his body) and then how to throw one handed (with just a little bit of spin on it). I wish I knew how to upload the videos. He is such an athlete! Everything is done left handed though and I don't know where he gets that. He even figured out how to stand on the left side of the golf ball to make his swing match.

On anther note, we took a little trip up to the Ozarks again a few weeks ago with some friends and I've included some pictures. Tristan was excited to "catch a fish" and enjoyed being outdoors all day every day.

22 months and growing....

2010-05-03T15:21:00.002-05:00

Tristan is a typical 22 month old...I guess. I don't like to compare him to other toddlers his age b/c of course, like any mother, I think mine is smarter and cuter! He is now sleeping in a big boy bed in his new room and loves it. The transition was relatively easy but I didn't blog about it for fear that I would jinks it. He never asked about his crib and just went right into the bed for naps and for bedtime with no problem. Keeping him in it at night started to become an issue b/c he would run into our room at 2 in the morning, and then would scream, "Mommy Up! Mommy go nite nite!" So we started closing his door at night and after 3 nights of not being able to get out of his room, he stopped getting out of his bed. Now he gets the door open again :)

We had swim lessons last week. I will admit, it was very very painful to watch. He hated every minute of it and only stopped crying when he went under the water....went down screaming, came up screaming. Awful! But now he loves it...and he is swimming!! He likes to swim from Mommy to Daddy best. No more baby pools or floaties...they don't know the difference. But at least I can sleep a little easier at night. The main thing this class teaches them is to swim to the side and hold on. He still needs lots of practice, but now we know how to continue it with him. I would recommend this for anyone with a fearless toddler. It makes them more cautious about the pool (but you still have to watch them every second!)

Tristan understands everything you say and repeats everything you say, including the bad words Mommy yells at other drivers! He calls me "Yocky" sometimes....Daddy thinks it funny...I do not! His favorite thing to say is "Where are ya?" So he will walk around the house yelling "Chloe, where are ya? Belle where are ya?" Or when Daddy comes home he likes to ask, "Daddy, how ya doing?" I think this age is just precious b/c of all the talking they do.

He also has a mind of his own, likes to pick out his own clothes, including his shoes which are usually his "boops" and he insists on wearing them with shorts. There is no use in arguing with a toddler. They always win....especially when mom is pregnant and tired. He likes to do puzzles and of course, still loves cars. He LOVES sports...he's a great kicker and thrower with a ball...can even hit a baseball with the bat. Likes to watch Daddy play golf in the backyard. Loves being outside and loves to be Naked outside! He knows about Baby Sister and kisses Mommy's belly constantly. Still doesn't eat much other than fruit and mac and cheese. Loves to throw fits in public and refuses to hold my hand...and I am getting too big to carry him around so I guess we won't be going anywhere for a while!

There is so much that he can do...he is a little person and will soon be a 2 yr old. Lord, help me!

28 week comparison

2010-04-28T17:27:00.005-05:00

28 weeks with T

29 weeks (tomorrow) with baby girl
Same outfit...thought it would give a little more perspective...gosh I look tired!

Tristan the Terrorist!!!

2010-04-09T13:10:00.003-05:00

On Wednesday afternoon we had a run in with a pink egg stamp. Who knew one teeny tiny little stamp could cause such a mess. Parents: Do not leave your toddlers alone in their rooms!!! Geez!!! He was covered in pink and it stained his skin so he had to go to school the next morning with pink all over him. Plus, on Tuesday he had fallen at school and scraped his nose all up so I'm sure everyone that saw my son wondered what in the world his mother was doing to him!

I had to play catch up on the posts so keep scrolling to see the last couple of weeks.....

baby bump comparison

2010-04-09T13:07:00.003-05:00

Tristan-24wks Baby Girl-25.5wks

Bigger and Paler!!! Sun, where are you!?

Easter

2010-04-06T20:24:00.005-05:00

We had a wonderful Easter starting with a community egg hunt which Tristan loved! He gathered as many as he could possibly carry. Then my family came into town for Easter sunday. We went to watch Daddy play the trumpet at church and then came home to our traditional Easter feast which was held at my house this year. The only thing missing was Naynie.

Loved the Easter Bunny!

But wanted to steal his eggs!

Discovering there were prizes inside the eggs!

Loading up his Easter Basket

Easter morning discovering his Easter basket and loving some peeps!

Before Church...or after...I can't remember.

Chee Chee, Tristan and DooDa with the bunny ears

DooDa and his girls...plus T-Bird

Tristan Douglas

2010-03-13T16:41:00.002-06:00

Sorry to bombard you with tons of photos but it's been a while since you've seen him and we've had lots of fun lately. This is T and one of his many footballs. He absolutely loves to kick them...and he's a lefty!

Not giving me the football

Giving me "The Look" It's so hilarious!!

At Rodeo Austin watching the horseys

The first time around...see how happy he is.....

Not sure what happened....but so not happy anymore!

DooDa's Tractor!

Watching Daddy build his kite for tomorrow's Kite Festival

Learning how to roll

But he goes sideways!

Hanging with his buddy Ryder

Practicing for the Kite Festival at Zilker tomorrow

20 Weeks- and my 20 month old!

2010-02-27T06:33:00.006-06:00

Pregnant with Tristan at 20 wks

Pregnant with baby girl at 20 wks

Quite a few things are different this time around. Not only am I showing more and carrying her higher than Tristan, I've also had to endure longer morning sickness, acne, cravings for chocolate and ice cream, and I'm chasing a very active toddler around (as you can see from the picture!) I'm sure this is just preparing me for how high maintenance she will be in the years to come!

On another note, my baby is 20 months old! Where has the time gone?! At 20 months he is talking my ear off...and anyone else that will listen. He's started putting little sentences together like, "applejuice all gone" "dooda home?" "why not cry?" And of course all the other sentences that I can't make out. He loves to play with playdough, color, cars, loves his doggies, LOVES to go to school and asks everyday to see Curt, Wynn, Donny, Henry, and Reese, loves to dance and boy can he boogie! In less than a month he will be in a big boy bed in his new room. We are still potty training although we have had a couple setbacks with double ear infections, followed by another ear infection a week later. I'm still confident to have him in big boy pants by the time baby #2 arrives. Looking forward to the summer and warmer weather so that we can get outside and run off some of this energy!!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

2010-02-14T19:55:00.003-06:00

IT'S A GIRL!!!

I'm not really sure what else to say...except I hope she's like her daddy...otherwise I'm going to get paid back BIG TIME and it's not going to be fun.

We've got lots of things going on around here in addition to preparing for our new arrival, we are moving and trying to sell our house and close on our new one on March 19th and I'm super busy at work. So, needless to say I'm stressed to the max and am trying to get excited about all of the newness that is coming soon.

Hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day with your lovies. Mine was spent with my loving husband who continues to be sweet to me even though I'm a total B to live with right now. And my beautiful Baby Boy... who will soon be a big brother and I'm still trying to wrap my head around that one. xoxo

First Sickness

2010-02-01T08:03:00.002-06:00

Well, I think I should consider myself a very lucky Momma. Tristan is 19 mths old and has just now gotten sick for the very first time (besides teething). He has had Cedar Fever as have I for the past 2 weeks and we've both been miserable. Towards the end of last week I noticed the snot was a different consistency than normal and green....Well that should have been my first sign...but like I said, he's never been sick. And of course, kids are so resilient, that they just keep going and going until they fall over. So on Friday he came down with a fever and I treated it with tylenol and motrin, thinking it would eventually go away. But early Sunday morning, like 3:30am, he woke up and was saying "ear, ear" and pointing to his right ear. I initially thought he was doing it b/c that's where we stick the thermometer. But then Warren said he did it again when he woke up that morning. So we went into the clinic on Sunday afternoon and sure enough, he has double ear infections. Evidently they were caused by the cedar and drainage. So now we're on our first antibiotics and we have ear drops which he hates...but he did sleep all night last night and asked to eat this morning which is a change....and No Fever. So hopefully he will recover by tomorrow so he can go to school. The weirdest thing is the way you feel as a Mother when your child is sick...like you should have known he had an ear infection before he had it and I should have fixed it sooner....and the pit that you get in your stomache. It gives you a whole new appreciation for your own mother and all the stress you knowingly caused her....I love you Momma.

Poo Poo in the Potty!!

2010-01-17T08:46:00.003-06:00

Yes, my baby is growing up. We are potty training. We have been referring to his pee pee and poo poo and he always runs when I ask him if he went poo poo. He HATES getting his diaper changed. So last night we put him on the potty and he did it!! And then this morning he did it again, and then he asked to go pee pee!! So he's gone 3 times on the big boy potty. He gets "ca ca" after he goes so I'm sure that's a big incentive. My parents have been on us to have him potty trained by the time the new baby comes....especially since they like to remind me that I was going on the potty when I was 10mth old! So this is the beginning. We'll see how it goes. I haven't gotten any books on it, and probably should...but so far I think I'm doing ok.

Tristan is 18 mth, almost 19mth. He weighs 24lbs and is 32 in tall (35% for both). He loves anything with cheese and loves to use the fork. He has a vocabulary of around 35 to 40 words...he repeats everything we say and then uses it later. (Hence "ca ca"....he uses this for candy b/c at Christmas he wanted to eat candy and I told him "No, that's ca ca." And it stuck!!) Our canines are coming in and then we are done with teeth for a little bit. Yeah! He loves to be outside and it's been very hard lately b/c of the weather to keep him happy. He's really into "boo ball" or football. LOVES to play it...and kick it! He loves to color...EVERYTHING, my walls and the floor included!! Loves to ride the "oar-cee" or horsey. And likes to make noises now when he plays with an airplane or car. He's such a boy! He's a great sleeper and loves to go nite nite. He just crawls up in your lap for you to read him a book and then points to his bed when he's ready to go down. He sleeps from 7pm-7/7:30am...and takes one long nap in the afternoon...and so do I! He loves to go to school and will kick and squeal in the backseat when he sees it and yell "cool cool". He's very independent but I can now get him to hold my hand when we're outside which was a huge struggle before. He absolutely understands everything you say to him and that is still amazing to me. Oh, and he kisses my belly and says hi to the "bebe". So cute! We're working on our colors...I'll let you know how that goes...we're using play dough so it makes it fun for him.

New Year brings New Baby

2009-12-29T18:02:00.002-06:00

Yes, you read that correctly. Warren and I will have our second child on or before July 15, 2010. Our children will be exactly 2 yrs apart. Of course this one wasn't planned and we were completely caught off guard. In fact, the week before we found out, we had just decided to wait until Tristan was 2 to start trying again. We could be moved into a new house and done with all the packing and the selling of our own without the added pressure of having a new baby and living in a 2BR condo! But at that time, we were already pregnant. We found out the day we got back from our Ozarks trip. I thought I had the stomache flu because I was throwing up and went to the doctor. Then I took a pregnancy test and voila...positive!

I will say, having been on both sides of the fence, this way is much better. When we were trying the first time we weren't this lucky. We actually got pregnant right away, but ended up losing it right away too. And then it took us 2 yrs to conceive Tristan and what a feat that was. After seeing a fertility specialist and both of us going through all kinds of testing, they could find nothing wrong. We went through two rounds of IUI and still nothing. Then it ended up happening on it's own. But the worry didn't stop there. I bled for the first two weeks and thought I was miscarrying again...then the morning sickness started and that was a constant reminder that the baby was still alive and healthy. And now we have a beautiful baby boy to show for it...

This pregnancy has been slightly different. Still have morning sickness which lasts all day but I have actually gained 5 lbs and with Tristan, I lost 15 in the first trimester. The sickness started at around 4 weeks and with T it didn't start until 8 and lasted until 16. But now at nearly 12 weeks, the sickness has just about subsided and is now bearable. I thought I might kill my husband and everyone around me there for a little while. Pure misery chasing an 18mth old when you're puking and now Tristan knows how to lean over the toilet and cough....GREAT!

Other than that, I sometimes forget I'm pregnant. The feeling with this one is definitely different. I read lots of pregnancy books with T and couldn't wait for the next week to arrive. Now I'm hoping to stretch it out for as long as I can b/c I know what awaits on the other side.....sleepless nights with a 2 yr old to entertain during the day!! Pray for me!

17 month update

2009-12-10T11:14:00.003-06:00

Well, my little toot has turned 17 months old and he is absolutely wearing me out! I feel like everyday is a new struggle just to make it through the day. These are the days when I finally am able to sympathize with my own mother who raised 3 children all day everyday. Motherhood is a blessing. I am so thankful that I have a healthy, happy son....but there are days when I would love to send him to daycare all day and actually be happy to go to work. He is just constantly into everything and refuses to listen to me. He actually runs the opposite way when I ask him to come here. When I tell him no he continues to do it and then throws a little temper tantrum when I take it away or remove him from the situation. He has become so independent and refuses to be held AT ALL! He bucks when I try to put him in the carseat...and absolutely HATES the stroller. This has made the holidays very difficult b/c I can't get out and do any shopping. What happened to the days when he just laid like a lump?!! He is the worst eater! He basically lives on fruit and grilled cheese and mac and cheese. It's so frustrating when your child won't eat!! But even after all that.........

He amazes me everyday. He is so curious and interested in everything. He loves to learn and read books. He has new words everyday that I had no idea he knew, like Monkey or Agua, cherrios and balloon. I love that when he wakes up in the morning I hear, "Mama" coming from his room...even when daddy gets him up. I love how he cuddles in the bed with me in morning while he drinks his milk and watches Sesame Street. I love that he would rather take a bath with me at night than in his own bathtub. I love how he loves on the doggies even though they would rather him leave them alone. And I love how he waits at the door when he knows Daddy will be home and the excitment on his face when he sees him. But most importantly, I love that I am able to be with him everyday and know that everything he learns and all of his moments are shared by ME....his MOMMA.

Thanks for letting me vent...now back to reality!

p.s. broken camera = no pictures sorry :(

Our Trip to the Osarks

2009-11-12T11:58:00.006-06:00

*WARNING* There are lots and lots of pics so please be prepared!

This past week the family and I went to visit my parents in Northern Arkansas at their brand new River House. They just finished it and it's not completely furnished yet, but it is absolutely beautiful. It literally took my breath away and the property is amazing. I know now why they love it there. It's so quite and serene. We had a great time, and I even caught my own dinner!

Enjoying totties by the camp fire

Moma in her new kitchen!

This is the most enormous table I have ever seen. They had to use a crane to lift it in the house!

There are actual logs that are in the middle of the house. This picture does not do it justice but they are enormous and take your breath away!

Showing the loft area

The "wall of windows" showcasing the river in the backyard

My happy boy

He loved getting in and out of the canoe.

Playing by the firepit

Throwing rocks into the river..he so much wanted to get in the water!

My boys

Playing on the tree swing. Tristan actually hung on!

And boys will be boys

Watching the bulldozer that was leveling the backyard.

Our trip upriver

Warren was playing around with the camera but I love this nighttime shot.

Both boys throwing their reels.

Watching DooDa bait a hook.

My one and only pic with my baby...

My fly fisherman! Looks like he caught something!

My boys and the beautiful White River.

Thank you Chee Chee and DooDa for a wonderful trip to the River. We cannot wait to come back and look forward to years of wonderful memories!

Happy Fall!

2009-11-01T07:45:00.005-06:00

(Hay Ride)
At the request of my mother, I am updating my blog. A few weeks ago, our camera broke and I have been at the mercy of friends uploading and sending me pictures. Tristan is now 16mths and is non stop! He is excited to go to Mother's Day Out and now says "bye bye Momma" and pushes me out the door. I can't even explain how it feels to watch this baby turn into a little boy. Sometimes I just sit in awe at how he understands what I say and talks right back to me (although usually I don't understand it). It's amazing to me that he has become a little person....I guess I just always thought of him as an accessory...kind of like a puppy! But he really does have a mind of his own and no one can explain this feeling you get as a parent...until you are one.

The first few pics are from a visit to Sweet Berry Farms and their Pumpkin Patch. He loves pumpkins...even says it! He got to go on a hay ride behind a "trac-tor" and feed the baby goats who ate his fingers and he loved it!

Last night was an exciting night...Halloween!!! It only took him a few houses to get the hang of it. We went with another couple friend of ours and their daughter Emma is 2 so she knew what to do and he followed her. It was so much fun and Tristan really enjoyed it...as did we. He took a pretty bad fall the day before so that explains the road rash on his face!

Emma and Tristan holding hands in the car on the way to the pumpkin patch.

Must be nice to be strolled from door to door!

Trick or Treat!!

Watching Emma...intently

He's figured it out!

Off they go...

He has a thing for older women!

K-I-S-S-I-N-G

2009-10-09T16:59:00.003-05:00

Ashton & Tristan sitting in a tree.

K-I-S-S-I-N-G!

Today we had a playdate with our neighbors and Tristan chased her around trying to kiss her. She did eventually kiss him back but mostly just wanted to get away from him. She kissed him bye and then they did it on their own while they were having a snack. So freakin' cute! We had a playdate with a little boy on Wednesday and Tristan didn't want him to touch any of his toys...so I guess we know what his sexual orientation is! Not that we would care either way!

The end of this video he finally gets his kiss!

Goodbye Curls & Cast

2009-09-30T20:48:00.003-05:00

Tristan's calendar was very full today with several appts. First we went to the park which is what we usually do. Then we came home, had a snack and waited on our very own hairdresser to arrive at our home to give Tristan his first haircut! He acted really well but I will thank Elmo and Sesame Street for that. My neighbor is a hairdresser and offered to give T his first haircut in the privacy of our own home. Totally made it less stressful for him and for me! I will miss the precious curls, but this new do is so cute. The only reason I cut it is b/c of this massive swirl he has going on and the hair is not growing underneath the curls. Hopefully this will straighten it out and then I won't be cutting the curls again.

After Tristan woke up from his nap we had another appt to get off the cast!!! Mommy was very excited about his one. I don't think it has affected T at all. It never slowed him down or prevented him from getting into trouble. But he would bang on his crib or his changing table or his highchair or kick you with it and it hurt like hell! So now we are cast-free...for now! ha! The doctor did say that it is normal that he may limp for up to 4 mths. But that all will correct itself. He's been running around ever since. I don't even think he knows it's gone. So weird! We kept the cast for Warren though.

the finished product

Big Boy waiting in the doctors office

He actually started laughing as they were sawing the thing off!

I'm free!!!

"See Mom. I can walk just fine without it."

And on we go to the next drama!!!

Meet the future Mr. & Mrs.Tristan Ealy

2009-09-27T20:05:00.004-05:00

On Friday some of our best friends were in from California (they are moving back toTexas!) and so we met them at their lake house to have a day in the sun. Their daughter, Aiden is 4 weeks younger than Tristan. Catherine and I were due 1 day apart but Tristan came 3 weeks early and Aiden was 1 week late. Thoughout the pregnancy we would joke about them being each other's furture mates. But they really did have a great time together. They even went off on their own to have a complete conversation. So freakin' cute! We enjoyed them and are so happy that they are back in Texas! Welcome home Catherine, Scott and Aiden!

babies in lifejackets! so funny

Baby version of tubing

Weekend on the Farm

2009-09-21T19:32:00.005-05:00

Playing Dress Up with Chee Chee's pearls....notice the car in one hand and the tractor!
Shhhh, don't tell his daddy he was wearing a necklace!

Longing to go outside

Riding on the wagon eating ice

On the tractor--his new favorite word!

I think we rode the tractor a million times!

So excited to see the moo cows! Yes, we were drinking and driving the Ranger.

No babies were harmed in the making of this photo!

Pears he picked from the tree

Waiting for his DooDa

I just think this picture says so much more than I could write.

Then he took off in his hat!

And here is where the trouble started....

.......and continued....

This is my highschool girlfriend's son, Mason McMinn

And here is Tristan feeding the chickens

And here is Tristan "picking" eggs.....or balls as he calls them

and you can see how he could get confused......

New pictures

2009-09-14T20:04:00.004-05:00

Tristan's 1st donut--from the famous Round Rock Donuts

This picture has a story....now you can see how easily he broke his leg! Warren was downstairs, I was upstairs, Tristan didn't want to be downstairs with Daddy so he pushed the kitchen chair all the way across the living room and up against the baby gate. Then climbed into the chair on his own and stood up to yell at Mama. He is smiling up at me since Warren had to call me to see what he did! Just shows you how quickly their little minds work.

I think this picture looks exactly like me when I was little...and that look is so Lockie!

I feel like that Gerber commercial where the mom is having to talk over the kid banging on the pots and pans. He is constantly in my cabinets and now he insists on toting his cars/trucks in their too!

Check out Tristan's workout video on YouTube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JWBKU9mrOM

Craig's List

2009-09-08T15:29:00.004-05:00

Ok, so I have a new addiction. I know Craig's List is so old...and I've used it in the past, but now I'm like really addicted to it and check it everyday. I only search for baby items. I've decided as little as T uses the toys, i.e. I buy him a new truck and he is finished with it the next week, I'm only going to buy big items on Craig's List. I've found that lots of other moms feel this way and some wish they had thought of Craig's List before they purchased the item full price. Recently I've bought two great items that T just loves, a slide and a radioflyer bouncy horse. I just wiped them down with bleach and washed the horse and it's like they were never used! The bouncy horse I doubt was used at all by the previous owner. I got the slide for $30, they were asking $40 and bought it for $75! And I got the radio flyer for $40, they were asking $50, and it retails for $100+! Just thought I would share with moms and future moms out there. I am not too proud to buy second hand items in good/great condition. :)

BTW...T loves the slide but he has only just gotten to use it due to his broken leg. The doc said he shouldn't climb anything but how do you prevent a toddler from climbing? We let him use it under supervision and it makes him so happy...and wears him out!

One of these things is not like the other...

2009-09-02T20:09:00.004-05:00

It's been a very long day. It all started with a stroller ride that ended in a nap and threw our whole day off. Usually T only takes one long afternoon nap, but he's not been feeling well (teeth) and so when he fell asleep in the stroller, I just put him in the bed and let him nap this morning. When he woke up he wanted lunch and then we went outside to play b/c he obviously wasn't going back down at 1pm. We shouldn't have even been outside..it never should have happened...but it did. And that's what I get for wondering what in the heck we were going to do all afternoon! I don't know exactly how it happened. He was in and out of his baby pool, wearing his crocs. He threw his ball down the road and so I went to get it. When I turned around he was out of the baby pool and crying as he was walking towards me. I thought maybe he sprained his ankle b/c his feet where sloshing in his shoes. When I tried to make him stand up and walk, he would just fall to the ground and cry. We went straight to the dr office...where he seemed to be perfectly fine except that he wouldn't put any pressure on his right leg. The Doc thought maybe he just twisted or sprained it but sent us for xrays anyway...and as it turned out he has something called a "toddler fracture". The ortho told us it was very common, that he casts about 10 children a week. Tristan has not even been affected. He was literally walking on it in the ortho's office before they cast it. Children are so resilent. Mom on the other hand, is not! I think I cried so much I've made myself sick. BUT, it's the cutest thing I think I've ever seen! It does not slow him down a bit and it actually makes him a little more steady when he walks. We got to pick the color. I chose green...but Warren decided he needed blue...so you can see who won. He's in this for 4 weeks..thank goodness it's waterproof!

14 months old and WALKING!!!

2009-09-01T14:17:00.005-05:00

Tristan is 14 months and a walkin' fool. With this comes a whole new box of tricks. I think I'm really lucky that he took his time learning to walk. He took his first steps right before 13mths but it's taken him this long to get his sea legs. He's still wobbly in the grass but on concrete or tile, he takes off. We've been able to go to the parks and on walks and play outside and really wear his little butt out which leads to great afternoon naps! He's now wanting to read books and loves to learn new words. Last night was the first time he's seen the moon and immediately he started saying "moom, moom." So cute! He has about a 20 word vocabulary which I think is impressive for 14mths....but he is kin to his Daddy! Next week he starts Mother's Day Out. It will be the first time that he is away from me for extended lengths of time. I'm afraid I'm going to miss him more than he will miss me. I guess I will go back to work!

Enjoy the pics. The first ones are from our friend, Emma's, 2nd bday. They had a blow up water park, snowcone machine, and pizza! Doesn't get much better than that. And the last couple are from Brushy Creek park, they have a children's water park which is so much fun for the kids. There's also a video of T walking...he's so funny!

bday girl, Emma, and Tristan enjoying the slide

He had it all to himself very briefly and ate it up!

Blue lips from his snowcone!

chasing his ball at the waterpark

Trying to steal another little boy's ball

The World's Smallest Baby Pool

2009-08-19T16:25:00.001-05:00

Everyday is a new adventure at the Ealy house! (that's the dog water bowl)

Uh Oh!

2009-08-14T20:06:00.003-05:00

I think we're in trouble....

And we DID NOT teach him this. He just decided to do it yesterday and we got it on film about the 5th time he did it! Thank God we don't have a pool!

Dogs, ducks, and little boys

2009-08-09T20:27:00.011-05:00

Tristan is growing into a curious and accident prone little toddler. He's slowly learning to walk and it is quite hilarious. I'm constantly on the phone to the pediatrician b/c he continues to bang his little head! He's got noodle legs and gets really frustrated when he can't keep going. He's learned one shape...circle. Doesn't really want to learn the others right now. He can climb up and down on the couch and thinks it's so much fun...and then he crawls from one end of the couch to the other (we have a really big couch.) Lots of fun for a 13 month old. Belle has no escape..and neither do the remotes or the phones!! He loves to play Daddy's trumpet and will sing along while pushing the valves. He is such a picky eater and it drives me crazy trying to figure out what to feed him. Sometimes we go through 3 different meals before he will eat and then it's just fruit, fruit, and more fruit! But he's gaining weight so I guess he's ok. He's up to 22.5 lbs (which is still under 50% but he is very active...never sits still.) He loves the water and it worries me. I have constant anxiety that he is going to drown...am I the only mother that feels this way? He is a joy and keeps me on my toes and will start mother's day out in Sept for 2 half days a week and I know he will just love it (and secretly so will I!) He's always been a social baby.

At Lake Austin under the 360 bridge...our new hang out!

Please excuse the bikini...it was the only pic with the bridge in the background.

Lovin' the waves!

They loved Tristan...or his float!

until Chloe discovered them!

This is the noodle leg thing I was talking about!

And here is Tristan enjoying the waves that the boats make.

Chloe chasing the ducks. We were afraid she was going to get hit by a boat!

Tristan update

2009-07-26T20:11:00.004-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen....we have a poser on our hands! He has learned how to work the camera and his mama. He's also been keeping me super busy which is why the blog has been put to the wayside. Here's some pics from his Chee Chee's house. He is going to be such a country boy!

Mama is pointing out the bee, spider, and beetle that are on his float...and I am so not putting him in it!

Watching Chloe swim...she is always in the pool.

A boy and his dog

Chillin'

Cheesin'...again!

We were having a picnic and he decided to climb in the box...he also likes to climb ON the box and bounce.

Pizza face

Hands full

Our picnic

He just finished his popsicle and was totally laid back in the float....relaxing!

This is how he rolls on the farm!

In his "bee" tent with his doggie. Thanks Aunt Lis!

And all tuckered out from his busy week...do you think he's been playing with the dogs too much?!

Tristan's 1st Birthday

2009-06-28T15:05:00.007-05:00

Saturday was Tristan's 1st Birthday and we had a small party for him at the house. There are several photos for your viewing pleasure. We took some funny videos too but I have to wait and see if we can edit them so I can upload them on here. I made the cake...and I have to say that I was throughly impressed with myself....and it was fun to do! I also made TT's birthday shirt for him. I was feeling very creative this past week. I still can't believe he's ONE! I spent most of the day crying! Pitiful!

And the clean up!

5 year anniversary...among other things

2009-06-18T20:08:00.003-05:00

The past few weeks have been full...which is not the norm around here. On June 5th, Warren and I celebrated our 5 yr wedding anniversary. It's so hard to believe that our wedding was 5 yrs ago...I can still remember the sound of the thunder and singing in the rain at the reception. So fun! So we celebrated with a weekend alone, together, while Baby T went to spend the weekend with Warren's parents. We had our usual dinner at The Melting Pot and then joined our friends downtown to dance the night away at Cedar Street.

Below are some pics from the night the storm knocked the power out for 2 hrs. We had to put T in his old car seat in the downstairs half bath b/c the hail was so bad. It doesn't look dark in the pictures, but we had no light...it's the flash...thus the candles.

Other than that, I have been working...which is good, but it means less time with my munchkin. Honestly, I do not know how career moms do it. There is nothing I enjoy more than being with my little man and watching him grow. But, money makes the world go round...and that's just the way it is. Luckily I've got Tristan's godmother, Carrie, who lives right across the street and so willingly keeps him as often as I need her to. She's the best! And I have a great job that allows me to work out the of house most of the time.

And I've been planning my baby's 1st birthday party which is next Saturday. I cannot believe that he is almost 1!! Wish me luck as I tackle the task of making his first birthday cake....

11 months and counting

2009-06-01T14:02:00.004-05:00

Baby T is less than one month shy of no longer being a baby. I cannot believe that in less than a year he has learned and grown so much. At 11 months old he can crawl, cruise, walk while holding your hands, feed himself, and talk and talk and talk. We now say MaMa, DaDa, doggie, Belle, apple, and ball. We sign for Milk, Eat, and More. We can clap our hands and we love to dance (literally every time he hears music)....we also sing...all the time! Shocker! We like it when Daddy plays the trumpet and we can mimic the sound. We love Ellen! We love Sesame Street and we LOVE Elmo! We also love LOVE our Baby Einstein DVDs.

While Baby T has been learning so have Mommy and Daddy. We have learned to be patient, we have learned to be quiet. We have discovered a love like we have never known...with our baby and with each other. We have found a new kind of worry that will never go away. But we have found a joy that we didn't know existed. Our lives are not our own anymore, and that's ok because before there was Tristan, there was a longing for baby Tristan....we just didn't know how to express it. Our family is not quite complete, but for now, we are content.

And here is our big boy playing basketball all by himself. Did I mention he loves balls?! Be sure to watch til the end for a special surprise!

Playing with Belle

2009-05-21T20:47:00.002-05:00

Have you ever seen anything as cute as this!? My oldest baby and my youngest baby...playing together. She does the pug run and everything!

Waterbaby!

2009-05-10T16:38:00.004-05:00

This weekend marked the kickoff to our summer of water fun. It was also Tristan's first time in the water and he loved it! We bought him this really cool float and he likes to throw his toys and splash. Most importantly, Warren and I promised each other that having a baby wouldn't take all of our fun away and it certainly hasn't...only enhanced it. We have been blessed with the most carefree, chill baby anyone could ask for. He loves everybody and doesn't care who holds him or where he is as long as he's having fun. We did lots this weekend including a day at our pool with friends, then a family trip to Hamilton Pool (one of Austin's landmarks), and finished off the weekend with a Mother's Day trip to Lake Travis on a barge. Super fun...and he was the only baby. Needless to say....he's passed out in his bed now.

Look at that Catfish, Tristan!

Didn't even cry when he had to wear that stupid life jacket!

Hamilton Pool...it's is the coolest place ever!

cookie monster

Can you seem them?

Uncle Nathan is so funny!

First Time in the pool...ever!

My favorite sound in the world!

2009-05-01T15:14:00.003-05:00

It only took 9 1/2 months!

2009-04-17T16:02:00.004-05:00

Geez...I thought he would never be mobile but it's finally happened. I wouldn't exactly call it crawling. He looks more like an inchworm..but at least he's moving. Now, I guess I should be careful what I wish for!

A baby and 3 little chicks...Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T16:26:00.002-05:00

Mt. P

2009-04-08T20:39:00.003-05:00

Enjoying the beautiful weather!

Mother thought he would sit there..he's just eating the plants!

Happy being outside

I don't know many mothers that are crazy enough to let their child sit next to a rotweiler!

Eating grass....

This is Abby. My mother rescued her from the pound..one of her many rescue animals. She will be our new dog when we move. She loves Tristan and Tristan loves her!!

See what I mean! He's giving her kisses!!!

Chilling with Abby and eating more grass! What am I gonna do with him!?

Tristan update

2009-03-31T16:05:00.003-05:00

Well, my poor baby has been pretty sick for the past week and he is still not over it. It started out with what I thought was allergies and teething, then developed into a high fever and is now ending with a rash over his entire body. His fever is gone but we still have the runny nose and nasty cough...and the rash. But I did wake up to hearing him talking and playing in his bed this morning instead of screaming...which was a very nice change. He has lost a little bit of weight...Not sure how much but his leg rolls are smaller, :(

Needless to say, we haven't been taking any pictures, but these are from right before he got sick from his SXSW night out to see Daddy.

That's a lime!

And he still wanted more after this face!

Dancing!

And after a night of drinking...all men like to end up like this!

9 months old and First Word!

2009-03-25T16:44:00.003-05:00

This Friday Tristan turns 9 months old. I can't believe he has been outside my womb as long as he was inside! On Monday we had our 9 month well check. He weighs 19.01 lbs, is 27.5 in, and his head is huge! He is in the 25% for both weight and height but his head is in the 80%...which I think is weird b/c it doesn't look that big...but maybe that's cuz I'm the momma. Either way...his head is big and his body needs to catch up. At 6 months he was in the 50% but now he's back down. He is all over that stupid bell curve thingy. He got his last Hep B shot and then had to give some blood...yuck! They had to go through the arm b/c they needed 2 viles to check his hemoglobin levels and his iron levels. When they put that band on his arm it looked like 2 sausage links!

Anyway, at 9 months, he is still not crawling. He manages to roll or rotate 360* but not even attempting to get up on his knees. He is pulling up if you have a hold of his hands and LOVES to stand. He doesn't want to be held but instead flops around trying to get down..why, I have no idea..he can't go anywhere.
He refuses to be fed baby food. Absolutely hates it and only wants whatever we are eating. I have yet to find a food that he doesn't like (besides baby food). He actually ate beets the other day! I've never even had them. He loves to feed himself and snaps his fingers while he's in his highchair. It's the cutest thing! He actually makes a sound!
We still only have two teeth but b/c of the recent fussiness, I'm sure the top ones are well on their way.
He never shuts up. Constantly talking. He can say almost all his consonants, ma ma, da da, ba ba, ga ga, wa wa, nay nee.

Which leads up to the great milestone. Tristan's first word! It's only appropriate that his first word has absolutely nothing to do with Ma Ma or Da Da. His first word just happens to be the oldest member of the family, Belle. He just loves her and says it over and over and over while petting her. I even got it on video. Enjoy!

Visiting Cita

2009-03-24T19:37:00.003-05:00

We've had Mr. T back since Friday but I haven't had a chance to blog yet. He had a great time...never missed me...and they had a ball with him. They (Warren's family) even took him to have pictures made. Enjoy.

Here he is with Peter Rabbit

Now, some of you may think this is politically incorrect...BUT, Tristan is a 1/4 hispanic, from his daddy's side.

Day 2

2009-03-19T14:56:00.003-05:00

Last night was our gig at Elephant Room on Congress. Great crowd, great gig. Lots of fun. And the best part was we were able to sleep until 10am this morning!! Now I'm going to lay out and Warren has gone to play golf. Today is our last day without T-man. Carrie and I are picking him up tomorrow. He's had a great time!

Day 1

2009-03-18T17:50:00.003-05:00

Yesterday we went downtown where they had blocked off 4th street for the St. Patty's Day festival. Lots of fun...but missing my baby.

For some bizarre reason my husband said we needed to take a picture with our tongues out?? I don't know how his fits back into his mouth!

All alone

2009-03-16T15:16:00.006-05:00

Tomorrow will be a glorious day...is that a terrible thing to say?? Tristan is going to stay with Warren's parents tomorrow thru the end of the week. I know they are so looking forward to it and so am I. Warren and I have a gig into the wee hours of the morning on Wednesday night and so we thought it would be a great time for T to see his other Grandparents and Aunties. Not to mention the fact that tomorrow is St. Patty's day and they have 4th street shutdown near Fado's so that is where I will be from 3pm on! Don't think ill of me...I just need some me time without entertaining an 8 1/2 month old. Love him dearly but he is all consuming and with no daycare in sight until September, I will take whatever breaks I can get.

Here's another video from Chee Chee's. It's really funny!

Old McDonald had a farm...

2009-03-10T16:16:00.006-05:00

Ei Ei O! Tristan and I have been visiting Chee Chee and DooDa this week and this is what he gets to do. I cannot wait until he is a little older...he will never want to come back to the city. Especially when she buys him a pony!

p.s. Be sure to watch the video at the end...don't you all want to bring your kiddos to Chee Chee's zoo!??

Feeding the baby goat

Watching the chickens and the goats

"i'm not so sure about this baby goat eating my ear!"

And this was at Naynie's eating blueberries...all over his face!

Tristan's golf ball adventure....

2009-03-03T09:10:00.002-06:00

Evidentally when I was T's age I liked to put golf balls in my mouth. There are pictures of me with them in my mouth. (I looked for them to scan but can't find them.) Now I can pass this legacy along to my children...ha!

8 months old!

2009-02-28T11:50:00.004-06:00

My baby is 8 months old. Hard to believe that in only 4 short months he will have his first birthday....he will be walking and talking before we know it. The transition from 7 months to 8 months has been huge. In only one month, we have learned to clap (thanks to Chee Chee), wave bye-bye, give kisses on the mouth, feed ourselves, and the best thing of all....he can sign! For Christmas, Warren gave me a baby sign language book. I hadn't given it much thought but he insisted that I read it and so I did. We have only been signing with him for maybe 2 weeks...if even that...and he already knows how to sign the word eat! It is his own version but the book said they would modify them. It is the coolest thing! I think he just uses it to get cheerios but regardless...it's awesome!

Here he is laughing at his daddy.

Thank you Baby Einstein!

2009-02-24T09:20:00.004-06:00

Thank you for entertaining my child for 26 minutes at a time while I shower and get dressed for the day. I love you!

Happy Vday!

2009-02-15T21:26:00.004-06:00

Hope you had a nice valentines with your sweetheart. Mine was all planned and then totally got bumped. DH and I had planned a nice quiet night at home with steaks and a bottle of wine. BUT on Friday, DH calls and asks if he can take a gig at http://www.antones.net/ and so I couldn't tell him no. So instead, T and I got dressed in our gig duds and headed downtown for a 7:30 show. Of course he was the only baby there and everyone thought he was so precious. I carried him in his sling and didn't get any of the "You have a baby...in a bar!" comments. Then we made a little trek over to Trulucks to meet my sis and Carrie and my cousin Nate (aka..hef and his girlfriends) for a glass of wine. I was home and in bed by 9:30pm....until I was unhappily woken up by my sis at 1:30am who had obviously had too much to drink!

Here's a pic of me and my little man at Antone's watching Daddy (he was playing with Marcia Ball):

And Hef and his girls:

Happy Valentine's Day!

p.s. I did get my steak and wine...tonight :)

Vegas baby!

2009-02-10T09:53:00.003-06:00

We are back from our trip to Vegas. It started off rough. Poor Carrie spent her 30th birthday in the Denver airport. Our flight from Austin was delayed and so we missed our connection to Vegas...and it was the last flight out that night. We ran all the way to the gate just to see them back away. How do you leave 9 people?!! Will never fly United again. Anyway, we flew in at 8am the next morning and were able to check in early and have a little nap before gambling and drinking. Friday night we had dinner at TAO which was awesome! And then partied it up at the club....minus Warren and Nate...who passed out at the dinner table and had to go back to the hotel! Didn't come back a big winner but did have a relaxing and much needed reconnection with the hubby.

Mr. T had a great time with his grandmother and great grandmother and aunt. They taught him a new trick and I was amazed to see him do it when we came back home. We missed him like crazy! BUT, they spoiled him rotten and now he constantly has to be entertained! He's wearing me out.

Here's what the little man can do now!

Bouncing again--take 2

2009-02-05T10:08:00.004-06:00

Ok, I know I'm the meanest mom ever...but it's just so funny! The other video was really dark so hopefully you can see this one. I've been on a video kick. Enjoy!

Mom and Dad are off to Vegas for a long weekend. T's Chee Chee and Naynie are coming to keep him. Oh, and my dad finally has a name, "DooDa!" How cute is that?!

Ma ma ma ma ma ma

2009-02-02T17:57:00.002-06:00

Almost got it!

Bouncing Bouncing fall asleep...and repeat

2009-02-01T08:26:00.003-06:00

I'm sure he will kill me when he's older for posting things that make people laugh at him. Melissa babysat last night while W and I went to a movie and dinner. Thank you Melissa! She got this on tape...but it's a little dark. I hope you can see it b/c it's hilarious!

Tristan's New Trick

2009-01-26T09:21:00.003-06:00

Tristan has learned a new trick and it is so hilarious. He thinks it's pretty funny too...especially when he gets food on Daddy.

Pictures from Steamboat

2009-01-24T10:50:00.001-06:00

Here are just a few of the hundreds of pictures my mother took while on vacation. My little snowbunny loved the snow for only one day and then was sick the rest of the time. My legs look like they were beaten with a baseball bat but not b/c of the slopes. One of the many things that happened was that I fell down the stairs in the condo while holding Tristan. Scared me to death and scared Tristan too, but while he hit his head....he had no bump. He's head is as hard as his Daddy's..thank goodness! But my legs are covered in bruises and scrapes. Another genius thing I did was go to the snowboarders park and while I watched Warren take some of the jumps, I thought it looked easy enough. So....I followed after him and freaked out on the first jump and forgot to lean forward and instead landed flat on my back. I thought it was broken. Melissa was still at the top of the mountain and freaked out but when she skiied down to me... I was laughing my ass off. So...I have another bruise that radiates down my back. Thank goodness this was the last day. What kind of mother thinks she is a ski pro and tries to take jumps?! Melissa only wishes she had gotten it on video. She said it was hilarious seeing my skiis up over my head!

Enjoy the pictures. When my mother can figure out how to email more...I will post them. :) Oh, and btw...T loves Pickles and Pizza!! Just like his moma!

We're back...plus one!

2009-01-20T19:28:00.002-06:00

I have to start off by saying that the ski trip was amazing. The powder was awesome and the company was even better. I don't think I've enjoyed skiing that much in a very long time. Nothing hurt....until the last day (more about that later) and we skiied from the time the lifts opened until they closed and we were the last ones down the mountain followed by the ski patrol!

But it was a trip of firsts:

Tristan had his first plane ride which he accomplished very well (mom was another story). On the way there, I think his ears popped, followed by a poopy diaper which I was unaware of and so he wailed for about 5 min (which felt like 5 hrs) and I cried along with him standing in the aisle. But then he fell asleep on his Chee Chee and stayed that way until we landed (2hrs later). The flight attendants felt so sorry for me that they gave Warren and I two bottles of Jack Daniels and didn't ask for us to pay. Awesome!! I was happy when we landed. :P

The second first was that on day 2 of the trip, Tristan woke up with a fever of 102 (the first fever he's ever had) and was the most pitiful thing you've ever seen. All he wanted was to be held and he wimpered all day long and moaned in his sleep. We were able to keep his fever down by alternating tylenol and motrin (thanks to Katie!). The stupid drs told us to take him to the ER! Whatever...thank goodness for Chee Chee and Carrie, who nursed him back to health and insisted that we skii with hourly updates on his fever and his eating.

And the third first was on day 4 when baby T woke up with a brand new tooth!! It's barely showing but definitely a tooth and so tiny and precious. (This is the plus one...no, I'm not pregnant!) I'll post pics when you can actually see it.

The trip was awesome and I'll post pics later with funny stories to share. :)

Gone skiing!!

2009-01-14T19:06:00.002-06:00

And we're off! My neck hurts, my back hurts and I'm exhausted from packing for 3 days for 3 people and getting my house clean for the house sitter! And to top it off...my business is booming, which would normally be a great thing, but everyone wants something done yesterday! and i'm tired!!! I guess I'll rest when I get back :(

Tips for flying with Baby??

2009-01-12T20:02:00.003-06:00

Thursday morning we fly out for Steamboat Springs and this will be Tristan's first time on an airplane. I plan to call the pediatrician for advice, but thought I'd ask moms first to see how they handle the ear thing. Warren is freaking out b/c he can still remember his ears popping on his first airplane ride and all he can think about is how painful it's going to be for T. We plan to give him a bottle...I think the sucking helps...but any ideas you guys may have would be helpful. Thanks!

6 month check up

2009-01-08T17:15:00.002-06:00

Today we had our 6 month appt. We have grown so much since 4 months.

4 months = 14 lbs, 24.25 in, and head was 42 cm (all in the 40%)
6 months = 17.2 lbs, 26.5 in, and head is 44.4 cm (weight and height are at 50%, head is 70%)

I have been a little concerned with the vaccinations. Some people have really scared me so this trip we only did 2 vaccines plus a flu shot and we will go back in a month and do the other 2 and another flu shot. There's just no reason why they can't spread them out and all those viruses at one time can do a lot to a little system. Plus I was more worried about all the sticks with the needles BUT Tristan didn't even feel the first shot and barely screamed for the 2nd and 3rd...then turned and SMILED at the nurse! He screamed more when I put him in the carseat to go home. Unbelievable!

Some other updates include:

Rolling from back to front and front to back (been doing this for a couple of months)
Sitting alone for a good minute before falling over
Finished with all 1st and 2nd foods and starting on 3rds including some table food. He is able to feed himself cookies and some table food and drinks water from a sippie cup. He has no allergies.
We STILL have no teeth!!!
Nearly crawling....he manages to scoot all over his crib and roll all over the floor. He can lift his chest and pick his feet up under him and push, but can't manage to do them at the same time.

Now...If I can only get him to sleep through the night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Play date with Cade

2009-01-06T20:37:00.004-06:00

Tristan and Warren and I finally got to meet baby Cade. He's 3 months younger than Tristan and about half his size. He has the most beautiful aqua eyes! He wasn't very interested in T but Mr. T sure was interested in him. Had to keep him from poking him in the eye several times. We enjoyed meeting you, Cade!

Stepping down....

2008-12-30T19:17:00.002-06:00

After 24 yrs of service to Titus County, my daddy is retiring as County Attorney. He has been County Attorney since 1983 (the year after my sister was born) and ran un-opposed for all those years. No one in the history of Titus County can say that. I guess no one messes with a good thing. I'm so proud of him and all that he has accomplished. Tomorrow will be his final day....and I know he is so ready for it. Best of luck to John Mark. He has BIG shoes to fill!! I love you Daddy....(even though I know you won't read this post!)

Dad and his replacement (John Mark Coburn)

The family gathered for his retirement party.

Receiving his plaque.

Tristan's First Christmas

2008-12-28T17:01:00.008-06:00

Christmas Eve

Santa's helper

Naynie and her Great Grandson

Laughing at his granddaddy....wouldn't you!?

Almost sitting up!

Riding my horsey from Chee Chee

Enjoying a candycane...looks like my outfit!!

Exhausted after Santa came

Here are some pics of our First Christmas with our new baby. He was perfectly happy eating bows and wrapping paper...but of course there were a few gifts from the grandmothers, great-grandmother, and aunts. He fell asleep in his bouncer after a very busy Christmas morning!

Below are pics from Cita and Pappadad's. They had a blast keeping him and I'm sure they are exhausted. Thank you!!

Aunt JD

Aunt Julie...mia Aunt Tommie