Lots to Update

We did make it to Indiana and back over the VERY short Thanksgiving Holiday. On Monday, Camden had his Thanksgiving Feast at his school. John was able to go and Camden was VERY excited to be a Pilgrim. We left as soon as I got out of school on Tuesday and drove to Cave City, Kentucky. The kids did great-despite Camden not being 100%, but by that time (close to 11:30) John had a horrible headache, his back hurt and he was getting tired. We stopped at a hotel (after searching for one that 'liked' Chase-our Cocker Spaniel). We finally made it to our destination around lunch time on Wednesday, just to leave again for another hour drive back south to Bloomington. Dr. Frye (a.k.a. Aunt Michelle-John's sister) gave us all eye exams. We spent the evening with my mom, sister and brothers. Broderick and Camden had a blast playing with their cousin Landon. We then slept at my grandma and grandpa's house. Thursday was spent helping Grandma get ready for the whole family to come over for Thanksgiving. Everyone loved seeing Adalynn and many were meeting her for the first time.

On Friday we went to my dad's house and then to see John's grandma. She enjoyed meeting Adalynn and couldn't believe how grown up the boys were. We got a chance to go to Muncie that evening for a very brief visit, but due to my lack of planning (not calling people) we didn't get to see everyone we wanted to see. Camden was really feeling bad and even began running a fever late Friday night. He just kept saying over and over again "I just want to go to Georgia". It was very cute.

On Saturday we had Thanksgiving with John's parents. Grandma Frye was able to come as well as my mom. The boys loved playing with their "big" cousin, Brandon, and even got to spend a little bit of time outside. Camden was feeling slightly better, but still had a horrible cough. (Kelli-this is why I did not call you...better safe than sorry). Saturday afternoon was spent with the Frye's and then with Aunt Jessica and B.J. We were back on the road heading back to Georgia by 6:00 p.m. We pulled into our driveway at 3:45 a.m. Sunday morning. John drove straight through. Adalynn was a little fussy about being in her car seat so long, but finally fell asleep. Broderick and Camden both rested and did great. They LOVED the White Castles we stopped to get and between the two of them, they ate 10!

We got the Christmas tree put up on Sunday, though I do have to admit that there are still clothes in suitcases. Another exciting bit of news is the our baby girl is sitting up now, so I have posted pictures of that too. We had her pre-op for her palate surgery yesterday. Time is going by way too fast. She will have her surgery and be 6 months old before we know it. Enjoy the pictures!

Dedication Ceremony!

Meaning ornament or decoration....that is what Adalynn means and boy is she a beautiful decoration in our lives! The congregation at Mar's Hill Baptist Church thought the same when she was presented before them in the Parent-Child Dedication. Her life verse is 1 Peter 3:3-4 and is very fitting "Your adornment must not be merely external--braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God." Her blessing (May the beauty of your life warm the heart of God)is just as fitting and in many ways is already very true of her! We dedicated her to the Lord today, said our "we do's" and were reminded of just how blessed we are. God has definitely blessed us with a beautiful little girl who is the light of our lives and has already taught us so much. We look forward to watching the beauty of her life touch so many other people and always warm the heart of God. Hope you enjoy the photos! Wish you all could have been there, she was beautiful!!!

Here are some other photos of mommy's first bow. It was soooo much fun to make it and I look forward to the day when she will have some hair so I don't have to attach it to a headband. Although the pictures are b&w, the bow is actually blue and white to match her Colts gear. I tried several weeks ago to make this and failed (note to self: Glue Dots don't work), but I was successful this time after 'googling' it. I also made the bow she wore in her dedication.

We are very excited about seeing most of you very soon. We leave on Tuesday as soon as I get done with school. See you soon. To everyone we won't see- HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!!!

She's 5 Months Old!!!

Can you believe that our baby girl is 5 months old???? Neither can we! Just a quick post to share a collage of pictures from her first 5 months. Enjoy!

Crazy

Not much to update on...but wanted to let you all know that I have RECENTLY discovered that it is much easier to be a stay at home mom to 3 kids, than a working mom. Don't get me wrong, I really love my class this year. They are GREAT, but evenings are very hectic and I don't feel like I ever get caught up. Hopefully it will get better. Right now it is a little too stressful for comfort.

The photos are from Halloween Night and trick-or-treating, the UGA Homecoming Parade, and Sunday (during the Colts game...which we won't talk about). Also there is a video of Broderick singing in the preschool choir at church. He did a great job. Broderick also has an ear doctor's appointment this week. The pediatrician noted that there is still a major hearing loss in his left ear...just like mommy's! Another big happening is that he got his first report card this week. He did great. On Friday, there is an awards ceremony at his class and he is getting Merit Roll (good grades), PRO (People Respecting Others-behavior award), as well as Perfect Attendance.

Adalynn is doing FANTASTIC and her lip is very much healed. There are a couple of stitches left, but for the most part everything is gone. She has recently discovered that a full nights sleep is amazing and has slept in her own bed ALL night long for the past two nights making mommy and daddy very happy. She loves going to Ms. Bridget's house and is adjusting well. Her pre-op for the palate surgery is at the end of this month and surgery is December 10th. That being said, we have decided not to travel to Indiana for Christmas, but we will make the trip at Thanksgiving. When I told my dad we were not coming "home" for Christmas, he responded...no, you will be staying home. We are very excited to be at our own home for Christmas, but sad not to be spending it with extended family. John's parents, as well as my mom, will probably be coming down for the palate surgery-so the boys may have Christmas with them (just a little early).

Thanks for checking on us.

We've Been Busy!!!

It has been a very busy week. With me starting back to school, parent-teacher conferences, several fall festivals, a date night, my birthday-yes, I'm now officially 30, fall break (for Broderick and I) a 6 year old check-up, and Broderick's final t-ball game ....well, we've been busy to say the least.

I went back to work last Tuesday. I really seem to have a great class. It is complete opposite of last year (in make-up, last year's class was great too). This year I have 12 girls and 6 boys...last year it was flipped and believe me it makes a huge difference. The kids all seemed very excited to have me back, but definitely a little sad to say good-bye to their long term sub. She really did a great job! I was very blessed to have such a terrific, experienced person taking my place for the 9 weeks I was off. We had school on Tuesday and Wednesday and the students had a half day on Thursday. The second half of the day was spent on parent-teacher conferences. My long-term sub was kind enough to volunteer and came back to help me with the conferences. I was at school until 6 p.m. YUCK!!!! My body is still getting used to my new pumping schedule and I have already seen a decrease in my milk supply, but even with the decrease I am still freezing 25 ounces every 2-3 days. I was freezing that amount everyday, so it scares me...but I still have a freezer full of milk and still producing more than what Adalynn eats-so it's fine!

We did go to two fall festivals last week. One was at church on Wednesday night and the other at the Fire Station. The boys had a blast and Adalynn looked adorable in her Berry Fairy costume. Broderick was a scary ninja and Camden wore his Frankenstein costume on Wednesday night and was Jack Jack from Incredibles at the fire station. Be sure to take a good look at their eyes in the close-up shot...total opposites! Camden is Mr. Blue Eyes, and Broderick has gorgeous hazel eyes (like his mommy).

On Friday night my friend Misty surprised me with a fantastic early birthday gift. She came bearing balloons, gifts, and even a gift certificate for a restaurant. She also said she would be back to get the kids later that evening as well as a house key and that John and I are to enjoy our evening. So she came back around 5 and took the kids to her house and then brought them back home and put them to bed. John and I went out to dinner, to the movies, and Wal-Mart too :)! It was a much needed break after such a crazy week at school.

Broderick and have been enjoying some quiet time on our Fall Break (since Friday). I return to school tomorrow for a teacher work day and Broderick goes back on Thursday. Broderick had his 6 year old check-up on Monday and weighs just over 62 pounds. He is almost 4 feet 2...still off the charts in both height and weight (and has been since 2 mos old). He is the size of an average 8 year old. Based on his height and weight as well as the height of John and I, it is projected that he will be 6'2" when he is fully grown. WOW! I can't imagine looking up to my son. Broderick got the flu-mist as well as another shot (Hep. A...I think). He did great with both!

Camden stayed home today with a yucky cough and Adalynn has a slight runny nose. The first cold of the season. UGH! The weather has definitely changed and John even turned the furnace on last night for the first time all season. Please pray that both recover quickly. Also, continue to pray for Ryan as he prepares for his stem-cell harvest and for decisions his family must make concerning his treatment. On a different note, please pray for rain as the state of Georgia is facing a major water crisis and a level 4 drought.

Thanks for checking on us!

The Big Day

Well, Broderick had his big day...his Halloween Birthday Party!!! He was so excited to have friends from kindergarten, church, and preschool at his house for a costume party. The children had a blast! They looked great. Even John and I dressed up (we wore blue shirts and blue jeans with name tags on that said "Gene" and "Jean"-we were a pair of blue jeans) Hee Hee :) Adalynn looked adorable in her berry fairy costume, Camden was a scary Frankenstein, and Broderick looked too grown up in his ninja garb.

Tomorrow is also a big day. It is my first 'official' day back to work. I did go in for a few hours this morning, but my substitute was still there. Adalynn had a urologist appointment this afternoon, so I didn't stay all day. (He said she is fine....YAY!!! No fistula that we could tell and no further testing is needed at this point in time). I can't believe it is already time for me to go back to work. I am extremely excited about getting to know my students, but very sad to be leaving Adalynn. She is still soooo young compared to when I left the boys to go back to work. I know she is in great hands, but they're not mommy's hands, so that makes me a little sad. Please pray for Bridget (who is taking care of Adalynn) and me (that I make it through my first day without her).

I hope you enjoy the photos. Most are from Broderick's party, a couple from before (Adalynn bathing and one of Broderick on a surprise birthday call) and a few from our photo shoot after his party (attempting to get Christmas card pics ready---we hope to get cards mailed out BEFORE February this year). I can't promise anything though. I won't share too many on here, so you can be excited when you get your card! Hugs and Kisses to all!!! Thanks for checking in on us.