8 months

Time is flying and I want it to just slow down! I'm amazed at how much and how fast Cody is growing! It must be all this food he is eating! I can't wait to get him to his 9-month well check and see how much he weighs. He is such a chunk that I don't carry him in his carseat anymore. Since it has drastically cooled down, it's safe to leave his carseat in the car and just carry him into daycare. Or if Daddy is going to pick him up, I carry the carseat in separately.

Cody has had table food on more than one occasion. He has had macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, soft bread and of course fruit. He loves veggie puffs and is still doing well w/baby food- mostly stage 3 and we've found some meat ones that are tolerable for us all. He has about four bottles a day that are 6.5 oz. His reflux is much better, but he still spits up from time to time.

Drool...lots of drool! Cody still has 7 teeth, four on top and three on the bottom. He chews on everything so we're just waiting to see which tooth pops up next.

Cody is pulling up and has begun standing. His "nah-nah" at daycare has seen him take a step twice now. It is so bizarre to see such a short baby standing up. Stinker!

Cody is such a happy baby- I love it! He giggles, laughs out loud, hollers, makes sweet, soft noises. My favorite are his interactions w/his Sissy; I love that she initiates it. She still goes into his room if she hears him waking. She plays w/him in the backseat while we're in the car, she brings him toys, she's even fed him his baby food twice now. How much better can it get?

Faith, Hope and Love

I'm so happy I could just cry. One of the kiddo's who's battle w/cancer I've been following just got great news. He was accepted into a program at a hospital in Washington that will give him his treatments for FREE (and pay for travel, etc. for he and his mom.) Joshua is 7 years old and lives just down the road from us in Cedar Park. Joshua has a VERY rare bone marrow disease and because it is so rare there are no FDA-approved drugs to ease his pain. Therefore, the insurance company will not pay for the medicine he needs. Can you imagine trying to find $4,000 to keep your child from being in pain? Poor baby is always in pain and his Mommy and Daddy have their hands full with his three brothers!
Handsome Joshua!

Joshua's Caringbridge page: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/joshuakyleedmondson/mystory

Follow his story on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Support-Joshua/152737624750411

I've also been closely following baby Holden. Holden was born exactly one week before Cody and was diagnosed with Leukemia when he was 6 months old.
Tell me this baby isn't a doll! He reminds me so much of Cody and I hate that this sweet little fellow has to spend so much of his time in a hospital. BUT, I am thankful for his insightful pediatrician because thanks to him, Holden is alive today! And thankful to the wonderful staff who bring joy and comfort to he and his family.

Even though I have never met them, these children mean so much to me. I love them already. Maybe it's because I am a mother. I don't know but I pray for them throughout the day. I pray that God's plan for them is a healing plan. I thank Him for introducing me to some amazing people and putting them in my path so that I can pray.

There are many things in my life I wish I could change or things I wish I had. But especially the last few months, I worry A LOT LESS because I've realized, I HAVE IT ALL! But these beautiful children and their families who struggle on a daily basis deserve our help. If you want to follow their stories on Facebook, or learn more, or want to get involved in any form or fashion, please request to be friends with Battle4acure on Facebook or visit: www.battle4acure.com

A Good Day

Since I took last Friday off for my birthday, we celebrated in the office today. One of my sweet co-worker's, Dennis brought me the most beautiful bouquet of stargazer lilies in a fantastic vase! Everyone was excited because they know every year I have cheesecake for my birthday. This year was no different. Classic cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory with cherries. Mmmm! The guys enjoyed their beer and cheesecake before it was time for Quake. I love Fridays :)

School is going well for Emma. My Dad is picking her up from school everyday and I scoop her up on our way to pick up little brother. Cody is doing amazing (I'll do another entry for his 8mos update.)

David is working his tail off. What is new about that though?! For the last month he has averaged one day off per week and works about 55hrs a week. I am so thankful for these last couple of months that he has been on "days". Having him home at night is such a blessing. Cody is all about Daddy. He lights up when he walks in the door. Then the wrestling commences. Unless Cody is already sleepy, then they just snuggle. Emma and I use this time to get her bath done and usually homework as well. We read every night. She has sight word flashcards as well as a sight word book and regular reading materials. Whew- Kindergarten is go-go-go! We're gearing up for Harvest Festival, Marathon Kids, her first Girl Scout 'Fall Sale' etc etc etc.

I'm feeling pretty accomplished because we have already booked Emma's birthday party! The venue was her idea and was completely out of the box. I'm thrilled. The theme is set and that's one less thing for me to worry about! I have a theme for Cody's but no venue yet. I wish we had more room. Oh well, we may just have to cram in!

26 Years

Since I do milestone updates for the kids, perhaps I deserve a blog dedicated to my birthday? My birthday was on friday and David was able to get the whole weekend off! I took Friday off and we decided to go on an adventure. I have lived in Austin my whole life and never been out to Hamilton Pool. Since it had just rained for days on end, the water quality was not safe enough for swimming but we thought it still sounded fun to go for a hike.

After dropping the kids off, we headed out to the Hill Country. The water fall and main pool is just about a half mile hike (downward.) I got a call from my office and lost signal mid-conversation because we had hiked so for down. Basically the pool area was a cave who's top had fallen in- it is pretty cool! What's not cool? Freaking snakes.

On our hike down to the pool all of a sudden David sticks his arm out in front of me and says "STOP!" He didn't yell but he was serious and I knew there was some danger. But I didn't hear or see anything. I kept asking him "WHAT? WHAT?" and he kept not answering me and was looking around. He finally just moved me and THEN poined out a snake. I think we both instictively tried to see if it was rattling. The snake was looking right at us and had his mouth open- pretty frightening. He was just a couple of feet from us but since it was frozen David ushered me along and said "C'mon, let's go." Luckily, the snake stayed still and let us go past.

I was freaked out and my eyes were now GLUED to the trail. Not 10' away a baby snaked slithered right in front me accross the trail. Awesome. Then we got to the beautiful pool and water fall. All of a sudden it was a little cooler and there was lots to look at. There were little pools, lots of greenery and cool rock formations. We walked behind the falls (all the while watching for snakes). When we came out it would appear that the same freaking snake had followed us down to the pool because it was yet again in the middle of the path. It wasn't moving but there was no other way to get past it. Instinctively David reached for a large stick (in case it became agressive) but what he thought was stick was another freaking snake! Now we were really screwed- two venomous snakes in a 10' radius and there was no way out. I kept my eye on snake #2 while David watched the one in the path. This went on for a couple of minutes and finally snake #1 slithered off. We quickly took the opportunity to walk past!

On our way out we past a couple with their photographer- probably taking engagement pictures. They were all dressed up and in sandals so we warned them and then a girl (obviously a model) who was in a bikini and flip flops and with her photographer. I guess they didn't get the memo to wear sturdy footwear. We stopped at the guard post and inquired as to the kind of snakes that are generally in the park. He said mainly moccasins (the entire trail is on a stream). Since they are agressive snakes he kept saying things like, "WOW!" and "YOU ARE SO LUCKY." Geez.

Then we drove into Bee Cave for a snack and shopping. We went to James Avery and Bath and Body Works. When we got back into Austin we got my car washed, and then went to Things Celtic. We had a whole list of things to do sans kids ;) Things Celtic was awesome. David and I have some rings picked out there. Before picking up Emma from school we went to Cavenders and David and I picked out new boots. That night we were headed to Walburg for dinner with my parents and friends! It was so much fun!

Saturday morning we went to breakfast and then had a family birthday party. That afternoon we recharged before our friend Mark's birthday party. We spent the evening at their house enjoying awesome food and beverages and watched some UT football ;)

Sunday I slept in and David and Cody fell back asleep in the recliner so we missed church. We had brunch with my parents at Trudy's and I had a three hour nap this afternoon while Daddy and Cody spent some quality time together (Emma spent this afternoon at my parent's house and took a nap w/Grammy).

I had an amazing weekend! It was very busy but I love our life! I LOVE David and appreciate so much him making this the best birthday! I'm just so blessed. I have everything I've ever wanted. A healthy daughter and healthy son. A husband who I love more than anything. I'm working hard to give back as much as I can and share my blessings. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!

CureSearch Walk 2010

The CureSearch walk was a great success. As of walk-day more than $42,000 was raised and my total will be about $500. Just as I expected, it was emotional to think about the reason we were all there. During the opening ceremony after the Emcee, Paul Brown from News8, and dignitaries such as Lloyd Doggett were introduced, the families who had lost a child to cancer were asked to come up to the stage. One representative from each family was given a white balloon. Some Mommy's attached little notes and kissed the balloon before they were all simultaneously released. (I'm getting goosebumps just recalling it all.) Then all of the children in attendance that are currently in treatment for cancer were asked to come up to the stage. They each received medals to wear and introduced themselves. I was dumbfounded at how many were there. Cancer sucks and these kids (and their families) deserve at 100% cure rate.

I am not a Doctor or a scientist. But I am a decent event planner and am so glad that God gave me the opportunity to learn about children's cancer and to help make a difference. I was glad to finally meet the regional director of CureSearch who I had been working w/via e-mail and telephone in preparation for the walk. I wasn't at last year's first annual CureSearch Austin walk, but evidently this year there were many, many more participants and we raised double! I have so many ideas for next year. I want to have a much bigger walk team and raise more money! Though emotional, it really was a great morning. A group from UT "SMILE" was there with arts and crafts projects for kids, and there was a face-painter and clown. A local DJ kept things moving and Amy's Ice Cream had some sweet treats for us to cool down with after the walk. A local bakery, "A Trip to Bountiful" provided yummy muffins and pastries. The owner lost their child to cancer. Starbucks coffee donated coffee and water. Entertainment, food and drink and a GREAT cause- all you could need!

The walk was 2.5miles. I can't remember the last time I willingly walked that far. But we did it. The whole thing. Emma was amazing and Cody was along for the ride in his stroller. Daddy did a great job pushing such a heavy load! When Emma and I would get tired we would run. Along the way there was a sprinkler system going and I let her run through it. When we were done Emma laid flat on the pavement- she was tired! My parents, brother, sister-in-law and nephew were all there to support us! Our friend Vance and his buddy Jason joined our team and it was so nice to have them there with us!

After a brief closing ceremony where they awarded the top fundraisers, my family and I headed over to our favorite restaurant in Bee Cave, Zingers, for some yummy lunch! I am so glad that we did this. I am thankful to all who were supportive, donated, or just listened to me about CureSearch. It sucked to be told no. For emails and messages to go unanswered. Because to me, now that I know what I do about children's cancer and the extreme misuse of federal funding for cancer research (pediatric cancer gets less than 1%) I can't imagine not jumping in and getting involved or donating what you can. But, it's not for everyone. Not everyone will listen either. And that's ok. I love my family for getting behind me, or rather, standing w/me. Thanks hun!

September is childhood cancer awareness month so just because the walk is over, doesn't mean the fight is over. I have an amazing friend Amanda Harbin who is working on her non-profit group, called Battle4aCure. Amanda posts daily updates about local kiddos fighting cancer. For me it is a daily reminder of my many blessings, it keeps me grounded, humble and it's an amazing way to let prayer work. Amanda organizes many community events, fundraisers and is an amazing advocate for these kiddos and childhood cancer. Be friends with Battle4aCure on Facebook- Amanda is a sweetheart and would love to have you! For more info, check out her webiste: Battle4aCure.com

A New Chapter

If you friends with me on Facebook, you've probably noticed my posts about CureSearch. For me it started in late February when I started following the story of Layla Grace. Layla was a happy, healthy, BEAUTIFUL 15 month old little girl from the Houston area. At 16 months old her family found out that she had stage 4 Neuroblastoma. She had a massive tumor in her abdomen which extended from above her left kidney, around her side, over her belly and wrapped around her aorta. In addition, the cancer was in her bone marrow.

In a matter of a week and a half Layla went from normal happy and healthy to lethargic, and in pain. About 10 months later Layla went to play with the angels on March 9th, 2010.

Baby Layla

Layla, shortly after diagnosis

2 years old, fighting for her life, this was a good day

Layla's story changed my life. I have everything I have always wanted. A husband who loves me and I cannot imagine living without and two amazing, beautiful children. But the thought that all of that could change because of an illness that isn't getting the attention, funding and research that it NEEDS is something I cannot stand idly by and let it go unnoticed.

I knew I wanted to help. But how? What can I do? While I was following Layla's story, I met some amazing people. I heard about a walk coming up in Austin. Better yet- it's actually in Bee Cave! I thought, "Aha!" this was a sign. David knows every business owner in Bee Cave and at the Galleria Mall. "I can help!" CureSearch works with the Children's Oncology Group and funds Dell Children's hospital here in Austin. And that was that, I'm all in.

At first I felt badly about constantly posting on Facebook and sending emails to friends and family asking them to get involved. But I'm not sorry. Nothing is going to change unless people are made aware. I had no idea that children's cancer has to be studied completely differently than adult forms of cancer. I had no idea that federal funding for pediatric cancer is a joke. I had no idea that I could wake up one morning and I could all of a sudden be the mother of a cancer patient. Cancer took my paw paw away from me when I was 10 years old; he was my best friend. Cancer took my husband's father away and he never got to meet his grandson. Cancer shook my family when my mother had to have her thyroid removed. I have a sinking feeling that my family is not through with our battle against cancer. Even if we don't. No parent should have to hold their child while the light in their eyes fades away.

I can't do it. But what I can do is donate my time, money and passion to help raise awareness and funds to FIND A CURE. Now I "follow" many families who have a little fighter. Unfortunately, it seems like at least one a week loses their battle and we get another update from a broken mother or father.

So if you've noticed the change in me, you're not alone. I have changed. And I will never forget Layla Grace.

For more info. on Layla's story: www.laylagrace.org

To learn more about CureSearch: www.curesearch.com and www.curesearchwalk.org

Cody: 7 months

Where to start? I feel like Cody has just taken off! Literally, he has. Cody started by sitting up. Within a couple of days he went from a one-handed push-up position to completely sitting himself up. A couple of days later he was pulling up on the couch, recliner, your knees, anything he could get a hold of! That same week he took off crawling. Cody pulls up and takes steps towards whatever he is holding on to. He attempts to let go but hasn't stood unassisted yet. He reaches for anything and everything he can get in to- cords, shoe laces, anything that lights up, etc. I had forgotten how to baby-proof!

He is amazing and so much fun. He is always smiling and has the best laugh! He is ticklish. Cody is taking about an 8 oz bottle 4-5 times a day and has at least two meals and a snack. He is also self feeding with puffs! Now I can put him in his highchair with a snack and get our dinner started while he feeds himself- fun times ;) He eats stage 1 and 2 baby food as well as trying some of the things that we eat. He had some yogurt, macaroni, mashed potatoes and a couple of bites of pancake. He loves to hold his sippy cup and seems so refreshed after some watered-down apple juice!

We had to make a family trip to the outlet malls because Cody has outgrown 95% of his clothes. We bought him size 12-18 months! Big boy! Emma and Cody both got new shoes at the Stride Rite store- Sissy is a size 1.5! What are we feeding these kids?

Sleep. What's that? Cody has been giving us a little bit of trouble for about 2-3 weeks now. He will go to bed and sleep for exactly one hour and then wake up. He doesn't want Mommy, he doesn't need a diaper change- he wants Daddy. He smiles and reaches for Daddy. David doesn't get home until about 7 so he only has about an hour (if that) with Cody before he falls asleep. Sometimes Cody fights harder than other nights, but eventually he goes back to bed. It could be worse, a lot worse.

Emma is still in love with her brother. She plays, talks and sings to him. Last Saturday she decided to go in to his room when she heard him waking up. She turned the light on and proceeded to put on a dance routine for him. David and I woke up to them giggling at each other. How sweet is that? Emma is literally Cody's favorite toy. Cody bangs his arm down, waves "hi" and "pats" things. If you pat your hand (on your knee for example) twice, he pats his hand twice.

I know I'm forgetting things so plan on this entry being edited.

Kindergarten!

On Wednesday, August 18th Emma had her first day of "Big Girl School" as she likes to call it. No tears for any of us! I kept wondering how I would feel because we're supposed to cry, right? They had a "Boo Hoo/Yahoo!" breakfast which I thought was a cute idea. I just know that this is where she is supposed to be right now and it feels so natural for all of us.

The morning routine is a little crazy, but I wouldn't know it any other way. David wasn't able to come to school with us because the Dept. sent him to a training class in East Austin. First stop was Cody's daycare which starts their day at 7:30. I was there at 7:31 because I only have 20 minutes to get him settled and drive Emma to school by 7:50. Emma's classroom seems large and is so adorable. They sit at tables of four (although there are only 3 at Emma's). She is sitting with Hannah and next to Colby- Mrs. Summers' grandson. Emma has lots of buddies in her class that she knew from preschool and her closest girlfriends are in the other two Kindergarten classes- probably a good thing since she inherited her Mama's gift of gab. At first I thought there were only 11 kids in her class, but each morning I count differently; I think there may be 13. LOVE THAT TEACHER-STUDENT RATIO!

Emma's weekly schedule includes Spanish, music, science, PE, cooking and lot's more. This week they have been working on B's. What happened to A? I'm not sure. I'm so proud of her. All of a sudden she seems more independent. I'm surprised she let me walk her into the classroom this morning! One of Emma's favorite teachers has been the science enrichment teacher who teaches them all about animals, bugs, plants etc. so Emma may join her gardening club! During the last week of school Emma brought home tons of plants and her little Oak Tree has been thriving!

Redeemer will definitely keep us busy. Leading up to the first day of school we had parent/teacher conferences, popcicles on the playground and new parent orientation. Soon we will have back to school night, school pictures and PTL meetings. At least I was prepared from previous experience.

It's so bizarre to have a baby and a 5 year old and realize how fast she has grown, our family has grown and all the adventures that lie ahead!

Father and Son, Baptized Together

Sunday, August 15th 2010 is a day I will never forget. When I met David I was surprised to hear that he had never been baptized. I not-so-secretly wanted him to be baptized before we were married, but in retrospect I know it wasn't the "right" time.

While I was pregnant I got the idea that Cody and David could be baptized together and David loved that idea. We started looking at dates and kept hitting road blocks. We had planned to be out of town on the 14th and 15th in Dennison for a concert with Roger Creager and Aaron Watson, but when we heard my BFF was having her engagement party that weekend, we canceled our plans so that we could be in town and decided it would be a great time to have the baptism before school started.

My brother, sister-in-law and nephew came in from Plano, and my grandfather and Aunt Cathy from Houston as well as my Aunt Lisa, Uncle David, and cousin Lily from Elgin and my Granny and Mom and Dad. Since David's family lives out of town (mostly out of state) and we only planned the baptism in a couple of weeks, they were not able to travel and be there; but we definitely felt their spirits with us and know they are thrilled for David and I. It was very special to do this at my home church, Gethsemane Lutheran. Pastor Gronberg baptized my brother and I, confirmed me, baptized Emma and married David and I. This congregation has watched me grow and it was very special to share this day there. Even though we will be moving our membership to Redeemer to support Emma and get involved as a family, Gethsemane will always be my "home church" and extremely important to my family and I.

When we met with Pastor to talk about this day, one of the things he asked us was who would be baptized first. I blurted out "DAVID!" I laughed by saying he is running out of time. :) I'm so proud of him. He amazes me all the time. He works so hard, is so honest and wears his heart on his sleeve. I love our conversations about God working in our lives. We weren't planning on getting pregnant when we did, but it was His plan for us. We weren't planning on Emma going to Redeemer this year, but He worked it out. We feel so blessed and know His presence and I am proud that David wants to raise our children in this ancient tradition.

The service was really beautiful. The family sat in the first 3-4 pews and early on we were called up. The family gathered around the baptismal font and the children of the congregation were called up to watch as well. My parents and David's sister Cristy are David and Cody's godparents or "sponsors" so my Mom lit candles and my Dad held cross necklaces during the baptism. When it was time, David passed Cody over to me and pastor had him lean over while he prayed over David. He then poured water over his forehead, made the sign of the cross, held his face and he was baptized! David was teary-eyed and it was all I could do to not cry! Pastor Gronberg had my Dad place one of the cross necklaces around David's neck and then gave him a big hug. Then it was Cody's turn.

I handed Cody back to David who leaned him backwards near the baptismal font and pastor did the same thing with him. Once again my father placed the remaining necklace on Cody. Ever since I was a little girl I dreamed of the day that my children would be baptized. My Pastor does something very special after a baptism. He takes the baby and presents them to the congregation. He holds them above his head and walks down the center aisle. Gethsemane has the most beautiful stained glass sanctuary that I've ever seen and I love the look on the faces of children as they catch sight of the beautiful colors as light shines through them. Cody did amazing- my sweet, sweet baby. This day was ever more special because David was side-by-side our son.

The rest of the service was beautiful. I requested that we sing "I was there to hear your borning cry" just like the day that Emma was baptized. Afterwards the family joined us for lunch at Red Lobster and opened a few gifts. Thanks to all who came or were thinking about us and always praying for us! We are so blessed!

Date Night

Mommy and Daddy have spent a lot of time working and taking care of Cody and Emma and as often as possible, we sneak out for some time alone. We are so lucky to have Grammy and Paw Paw close by and willing to watch the kiddos so that we are able to go out. Generally we just grab a movie or go out for dinner but this time would be a little different.

David and I went to Luckenbach/Fredericksburg to see Roger Creager with some of our friends last September when I was about 16weeks pregnant. We were celebrating Tom's birthday and had a great weekend! Before that I cannot remember the last concert we went to. This is significant to me because that's how David and I met (honky tonkin' if you will) and something we love to do together.

It is an amazing thing to live in central Texas. Especially if you like to listen to great live music, dance, drink beer and even enjoy the great outdoors! One of the great land marks that David and I neither one had been to was Nutty Brown right here in Austin! It was a beautiful night; there was a most excellent breeze and seriously, it was one of the best concerts I've been to. I know it sounds we don't go to many, and we haven't in the last two years, but we used to! Anyway, the margaritas and beer were flowing and Bruce Robison and RRB rocked it. I did not particularly care for the smoking, but Matt "politely" suggested to this girl in front of us that if she blew out in our faces one more time, that she would not like his response. :) Then two guys dropped their (How you say...?) "bud" in front of David. Probably not smart to dump your pot in front of two cops, but luckily we were all there to have a good time. And my hubby and I were having a great time. I loved feeling so relaxed and knowing that David was too. It was so refreshing to hang out with people who like you for you and don't bring drama.

Since we were going to be out a little later than usual, and my parents were babysitting my nephew Drew, we asked our friend Natalie if the kids could hang out with she and her son. So Saturday evening after we dropped them off, David and I met a few friends at Chuy's (mmm!) and then headed to NB. It was so much fun and I can't wait to do it again!