The Rodriguez 5

A Day At The Ballpark...

2011-05-10T13:52:00.000-05:00

Aidan had a baseball game last night against the #1 team in his division. In the 4th inning they were losing 8-2, but managed to come back and WIN 15-8!!! We were all excited!

Ryan and his BFF Frankie!

Aidan hauling butt to first base!

Relief!

Baseball games are such a HUGE part of our life! My little boys just make themselves at home out there. Ryan has his routine of snacks from the consession stand - 2 ring pops (one for him and one for Cole), a bag of "circle chips" (Funyuns!), and popcorn! HA!

Just wanted to share a "normal" evening for us :)

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T22:13:00.001-05:00

I had a nice Mother's Day today with my boys. Roy let me sleep in this morning and the boys woke me up with beautiful flowers, a HUGE balloon, and cards. It was so sweet! At first I thought maybe the balloon was so big so it would carry me off and we would all have a nice day... ;) Just kidding!

We all got ready and they took me to lunch.

My in-laws and brother-in-law and nephew ended up meeting us there.

I attempted to take some pictures of the boys together...

but that didn't work out as planned...

The boys and their cousin with Roy's mom

Me and my boys :)

All 4 of my boys...

I love this one!

I have to share this...I saw it on Katie's blog and it just spoke to me so deeply...

"If you know someone who has lost a child...and you're afraid to mention them because you think you might make them sad by reminding them that they died, they didn't forget they died. You're not reminding them. What you're reminding them of is that you remember that they lived, and that's a great, great gift."

~ Elizabeth Edwards

I hope you all had a great Mother's Day!

Celebrate!

2011-04-01T15:49:00.002-05:00

Last Saturday we celebrated Ryan's birthday at Jump-N-Place!

We had such a fun time...so did the kids! Ha!

That place is GREAT too because they do ALL the work! They set up the party room for me while all the kids were playing and jumping. All I did was give the thumbs up!

It was so laid back and easy!

The Birthday Boy!

Aidan had baseball pictures before the party!

Cole was all smiles :)

Cole's friend he found - he liked talking to this guy!

Going in...

Aidan and Cousin Bella (both had games after - it was also Opening Day for baseball! We had a busy day!)

Ryan and Landon

Cousin Robert

Uncle Raymond and Cole

Fatty Maddy! Love those thighs Maddox!

Roy was trapped with all the boys jumping on him!

Making our way to the party room...

This is the new way Ryan takes pictures...

A little shy while being sung too :)

You're busted, Cole! It's not your birthday!!!

Thank you to all who came and celebrated with us!!!

Today...

2011-03-26T23:53:00.001-05:00

Today was the day that my life was forever changed 5 years ago...

Today was the day that I least look forward to every year...

Today was the day that I last saw that sweet face...

Today was the day our precious boy was born and went to be with Jesus...

Today was the day...

5 years...I can't believe it's been 5 years.

I remember every detail of that day...

Sweet Alex,

You have forever changed me. You have made me who I am today. This is such a hard month for me, but knowing the grace of GOD gets me thru. You are still so whole in my heart. You live there everyday. I can only imagine the big boy you would be today. Being silly and sweaty and crazy! We sent you balloons today for your birthday. The sky was beautiful seeing them all float up to the Heavens :) Ryan sent you two of his balloons from his party today. He said he wanted to send them to Heaven :) He loves you so much and tells everyone about you. He just stares at your picture and loves on it. He's so proud of you! My heart aches for you, Sweet Boy. Heaven will be sensational when we see you again...

Guess Who's 4?!?!

2011-03-24T22:21:00.002-05:00

Today is Ryan's 4th Birthday!!!

We celebrated by waking him up singing "Happy Birthday" to him! Then we all got ready and went to have breakfast at one of our favorite little places Papa Bear's. It was yummy as always! We let Aidan skip a few classes this morning so he could join us for breakfast. I totally forgot my camera when we left the house, so no pictures of breakfast. :(

After we took Aidan to school, we went to the park and played and then went to Target so Ryan could pick out a Transformer cartoon movie. His fave, of course! And you can't leave Target without their popcorn!

We came home afterwards to let Cole take a nap and Ryan got some Transformer movie action.

Ryan had an appointment to get his haircut, so that was next on the agenda. He has to look spiffy for his party on Saturday, ya know!

Our family met us at Chili's for dinner and we all had a great time!

My handsome birthday boy!

Little brother, Cole :)

Big brother, Aidan :)

Cole thinks Mimi hung the moon!

There's that SMILE!

We had cupcakes for dessert!

The servers came and sang to Ryan and he was so embarrased! It was so funny!!!

Daddy and Ryan had fun "icing" each other's noses!

Pretty sure Cole liked his cupcake ;)

Goofy boy!

Our family of 5!

I think this might be the first picture of all 5 of us together?

WOW. That's sad...I need to do better :(

We had such a fun day and Ryan really enjoyed it! This was the first year that he really understood and it made it so much more fun! His party is Saturday, so I can't wait to celebrate again!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RYAN ALEX!

Bittersweet

2011-03-12T13:26:00.000-06:00

This month is really weighing heavy on my heart. We are quickly approaching Ryan's 4th birthday and the 5 year anniversary of Alex's birth and death.

I am so excited planning Ryan's party, but sad thinking of how silly Alex would be and how big he would be getting. He would be able to play t-ball this year and he would be getting ready to start Kindergarten in the fall.

This is such a bittersweet month for me. The emotions and the grief start to flood my heart, and then I try to think about how lucky we are to have had Ryan. Without the loss of Alex, there would be no Ryan. GOD had the perfect plan. We get to spend eternity with both of them :)

Roy and I were in Killeen the other day, and on our way home we stopped in Temple at Scott & White Hospital to visit the Healing Garden and see the brick dedicated to our sweet boy. It was so peaceful and calming there, and so pretty. It felt good to know that all who visit there get to see our baby's name :)

Here are just some random silly pictures I found on my phone! Crazy boys!

Aidan and Ryan with their 3-D glasses - minus the lenses!

My handsome almost 4 year old!

And this sweet baby boy!

Snow Days...or Day...

2011-02-05T13:24:00.002-06:00

On Thursday night we got a big snowfall! It snowed for a couple of hours and when it was done we had about 3 inches or so. The boys were so excited when they woke up Friday morning to see everything covered in a blanket of SNOW! Schools were closed, so we bundled up and headed out to play :)

Cole was not thrilled by the snow...

Aidan was ready to fire off a snowball at somebody!

Ryan thought it was "AWESOME!"

Poor Cole :(

Aidan and Ryan starting their snowball fight!

Cole stayed snuggled with me on the front porch :)

Ryan starting to build a snowman...

That's about as far as the snowman making got. They were cold and over it! Haha! Can you tell we are true Texans?!

It was so pretty to see the snow everywhere, but I am sure glad it only happens maybe once a year!

Ryan, Ryan, Ryan...

2011-01-19T15:46:00.001-06:00

I just wanted to jot down a few things that Ryan has said over the past few weeks. He just totally cracks me up everyday and I do not want to forget one bit of it!

Here are some of the funny things he has told me...

"You're my favorite Mommy!"

"When I be a Mommy I can cook!"

"You need to get a new Ryan." I said "Why?" Then he said, "Cause this one doesn't listen!"

The other night he was taking pictures of me with my phone and he said, "I'm gonna put these pictures on Facebook!"

Those are just a few of the hilarious things he says on a daily basis! He just brings so much joy to my heart and makes me smile :) I am so blessed!

I love this boy so much!

It's a New Year...2011

2011-01-01T14:09:00.001-06:00

WOW! Here we are again entering into a whole, new year. The time sure is flying... As I enter into this new year ahead of me, I have had a lot on my mind. I normally share the same resolution as most - the eat healthier and exercise more and shed this weight, but this year I feel different.

I want to enter into a newfound relationship with Christ. I have been longing for Him to be ever present in my daily life, not just Someone I think about when I have time.

We found a church home a few months ago, and now I feel I am ready to get active, along with my boys.

I plan to spend a portion of each day still...learning, reading, and sumberging myself in His word.

I had one of those moments...Oprah calls them "Ah-ha moments" :) where I was reading a prayer request on another blog for a young lady named Brie Gomez. She was injurjed in a car accident the day after Christmas while traveling as a passenger with her husband and two daughters. She was also 7 months pregnant with a baby boy. She was life flighted to a hospital where, upon arrival, an emergency c-section was performed to safe the life of her unborn son. At last report he was in NICU fighting for his life, 10 weeks premature. Brie was taken off life support the next morning, and was able to have organs donated to save the lives of others. She was 30. She has left behind a husband, two daughters, and a newborn son. She has also left behind a legacy of a life lived for Jesus and every report and speech that has been written about her speaks of her love for Jesus and her faith and what an inspirational and giving and loving woman she was. What an amazing legacy to leave behind. No one has commented on how wealthy she was or how amazing her educational background was. They have all been witnesses to a woman who loved Jesus and let her love for Him shine through her daily life. I asked Roy and Aidan after I read her story what they think people would say about me when I die. It wasn't near as inspiring. They both said that people would say that I am an amazing mother and a great friend. I asked them, "What about being a Christian and my love for Jesus?" They both shook their heads and said, "No. I don't think that's the first thing that would come to mind." Wow. Then Aidan said, "You don't act like a Christian all the time. You don't do things that Christians do, like go to church every week and stuff like that." Wow, again. That was my "Ah-ha moment".

I am not where I want to be in my walk with Jesus. Neither are my boys. I want that to change.

That is my New Year's resolution for 2011, and for the rest of my life here on Earth.

"For I know the plans I have for you...plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Our Christmas 2010

2010-12-28T14:33:00.000-06:00

We had a wonderful and peaceful Christmas this year. On Christmas Eve I made homemade pizzas and wings for supper and got the boys ready in their Christmas jammies. Except of course Aidan, he's way too cool for that ;)

and we baked cookies to leave for Santa...

On Christmas morning, we all woke up and the boys were ready to see what Santa had brought them and open their gifts.

Cole's Santa gift was a Weeble's Playset and he LOVED it! He really likes the little weeble wobble people :) That toy has now turned into Ryan's favorite too! Haha!

Santa brought Ryan a Thomas the Train set just like he had asked him for. He was pretty excited about that!

Deet kinda likes it too ;)

Ryan loved his Transformers...

Cole loved Ryan's Transformers too!

Cooper was in the middle of it all!

Aidan and his beloved baseball necklace!

Cole in his precious Christmas outfit that Misti got him for his birthday! LOVE it!

He loves his Toy Story truck!

Ryan likes to push Cole on it...so cute! They are getting so big :(

We spent Christmas Day at our house. Roy's family and my mom all came over. My mom and I cooked everything and spent most of the day in the kitchen! Man I was worn out that night! We had a great day and everyone seemed to really enjoy the food, sweets, and company.

I hope y'all had a blessed Christmas as well!

Merry Christmas Eve!

2010-12-24T15:14:00.000-06:00

Yesterday Roy and I, with the little boys, met up with Nikki, Gerald, and Maddox in College Station for dinner. We ate at yummy Texas Roadhouse and then went to the mall to let the boys take their pictures with Santa.

Maddox loved Santa and took the cutest picture!

Ryan loved Santa too and was so excited to see him and tell him what he was wanting for Christmas! Cole, on the other hand...not so much. He was NOT a Santa-fan :( I knew he wouldn't like Santa - he doesn't like any strangers! HA! This is their picture with Santa - I LOVE everything about it!!!

I hope you each have a wonderful Christmas!

Merry Christmas!!!

You will have joy and gladness and many will rejoice at His birth.

Luke 1:14

One Down

2010-12-14T21:14:00.000-06:00

My first semester back at school is done. When I quit my job back in August and started my first day of classes, I thought this was going to be one long semester.

But, to my surprise, it actually went by very fast! It was a HUGE adjustment and took some getting used to, but I made it thru! WHEW! I am so relieved to have that behind me and am looking forward to the new year to start another semester.

I am going to enjoy these next 4 weeks off with my boys and really try and get my house back in order! HA! It has suffered a bit ~ especially the last 2 weeks of school with papers and finals...eek...

I didn't realize how time consuming school would actually be, especially while still having a husband and 3 kids to take care of. This first semester was definitely a learning experience and I hope I can do even better in the Spring :)

Now I gotta go pick up something off the floor, or fold laundry, or do dishes, ... ;)

Thankful

2010-11-27T17:59:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Thanksgiving at our house with the five of us, Roy's parents, brother, and two nephews. We had a delicious feast and yummy desserts! We watched lots of football and just had a wonderfully, lazy day :)

On Friday, Roy's other brother and his wife and their two kiddos came down from Dallas and we had a second Thanksgiving dinner. This time we spiced it up and had a Mexican feast! Homemade beef enchiladas, rice, beans, queso, and guacamole. Can I get a YUM?!

We had a great Thanksgiving holiday and are so blessed to have been able to share it with those we love. I am so thankful to have Jesus as my Savior. This past week I have really sat and reflected on how He sacrificed His Son for me. It's so HUGE that I can hardly wrap my brain around it. I wouldn't be willing to sacrifice my boys for anyone or anything... Can you imagine? Jesus has blessed my life with so much and I am forever thankful to Him. My husband, my boys, my family, my girlfriends, my health, my home,...the list goes on and on... As we enter the Christmas season, I just want to continue to remember why we celebrate and never lose sight of that :)

The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. What can I give back to God for the blessings He's poured out on me?

Psalm 116:5, 12

Baby Maddox's Dedication

2010-11-22T18:07:00.000-06:00

This past weekend the little boys and I traveled to Houston to attend Baby Maddox's dedication at his church. We left Waco Saturday morning and got to Houston about lunch time. We headed straight to Nikki and Gerald's house and had some lunch and hung out for awhile, then Nikki and I loaded up Ryan, Cole, and Maddox and headed out to the outlet mall. We had such a good time shopping and just being able to spend time together. I miss her so much!

After shopping Nikki called Gerald and him and the boys met us for some Mexican food ~ which was DELISH!

We left from there and went and saw another friend's new house and then I dropped them off at home and the boys and I headed to Kristi and Jimi's to spend the night. We visited for a little while and called it a night. 7am was going to come way too early!

Maddox's dedication was on Sunday morning at 9am. Nikki's mom, sister, BIL, nephew, cousin and her husband, Kristi, and me and my boys were all there to be a part of this special day.

Gerald, Nikki, & Maddox

The Cowart 5!

Praying while their pastor prayed for all the babies :)

Nik and her little man

Is he not the CUTEST?!

After church we all went to brunch at a yummy Italian place and just visited and ate. We got on the road to head home after brunch.

Thank you, Nikki and Gerald for inviting us to share this special moment with you. I wouldn't have missed it for the world! I love y'all and miss y'all!

Orange.

2010-11-16T20:06:00.000-06:00

Ryan's new favorite color is orange. This cracks me up! He LOVES all things orange! He only wants to wear orange shirts and eat orange things. Like oranges and orange Starburst. He even told us the other day that he wanted an orange cheeseburger. Ha!

He just makes my heart so happy :)

Finally Home

2010-11-14T17:05:00.001-06:00

I think the boys and I have finally found our church home :) We have lived in Waco for 7 years now, and have visited countless churches, but never really felt at "home". Of course, I haven't been pursuing a church home every weekend either :( But, for the last couple of months, this has really been weighing heavy on my heart. I really want my boys to be involved in Sunday School and youth groups and I want to find a Sunday School class and a small group. I just want us to be a part of a church family and really be involved. So...I think we have found just what we have been looking for at Highland Baptist Church. We have loved the past few times we have visited and the little boys really seem to enjoy Sunday School. I haven't tried a Sunday School class yet, and neither has Aidan, but it is on our to do list :) Just need to work up the nerve to go in ;)

Please be praying for us as we enter this new journey. I want to be exactly where God puts us.

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6

Exhausted

2010-11-11T20:23:00.000-06:00

I am exhausted. There. I said it. Whew. Kind of already starting to feel better. I thought being a stay at home mom would be the BEST and so EASY. I was wrong. It is the BEST, but it is NOT EASY. Oh yea, and then I have to go to classes and do homework too. Man. I am really looking forward to the holidays so I can get a small break!!!

Just needed to vent and thought this would be the best place to do so!!!

Have a happy Thursday evening :)

The Party!

2010-11-07T13:11:00.001-06:00

Yesterday we celebrated Cole's birthday with all of our friends and family. We had it at a local pizza place near our house. The party turned out GREAT and I think everybody had a really FUN time! Here are a few of the pictures from the big day :)

The "Candy Bar"

The handsome middle brother :)

The BIRTHDAY BOY!!!

Mimi, me, and Cole

Eating pizza...

Emersyn & Cole - aren't they the CUTEST?!

Me & my BFF ~ Nikki :)

Cole was already falling asleep and we hadn't even cut the cake!

We let him have a little "cat nap"...

Not a fan of being sung "Happy Birthday" to :(

Wasn't real sure what was going on! HA!

I had them color the cake mix so when we cut into it it would be fun!

Giving Daddy a bite :)

Momma's turn :)

The BIG brother :)

Thank you to everyone who came and celebrated with us. We loved being able to celebrate our baby boy's 1st birthday with those who love us the most!

Happy Birthday To You!

2010-11-03T23:41:00.001-05:00

Today is Cole's 1st birthday! WOW!!! This year really has flown by. I can't belive that my sweet baby is already one. It makes me have teary eyes thinking about how much he has grown and changed over the last 12 months.

Cole ~

You truely are the sweetest thing. You are such a blessing and such a bright light in my life. You have completed our family in so many ways. I feel like the two of us have such a special bond shared by nobody else, and I love that. I love holding you at night and just watching you look at me with those big, brown eyes and I wonder what is going on in that head of yours. You just smile at me and laugh - all behind that passy! I know how fast the years go by and I just really want to remember all the little things that make my heart so full with you. I love how when I hold you now you lay your head on my shoulder and hold me back. I love that you really don't want anyone else but me :) It's a funny game to see if you will go to Daddy or Aidan, you pretend like you will and then laugh and hold on even tighter to me. I love the bond you and Ryan share. Y'all love each other so much and are just the best of friends. I hope and pray that lasts forever. You love Aidan and just laugh at him and climb all over him. I think you know that he is your biggest brother and that he will always protect you. I love that your nickname of "Deet" has stuck and now everybody calls you that! You even got a birthday card today that said Deet Rodriguez :) So cute! I love you so much Cole Frances. Happy Birthday Baby Boy!!!

This morning we took Cole to IHOP for breakfast. He loves scrambled eggs and pancakes and he sure did enjoy it ALL today! Aidan was at school so it was me, Roy, Ryan, and Cole, and then Uncle Bert met us too.

On our way out...it was COLD and RAINY :(

Waiting on his birthday breakfast :)

Ryan loves IHOP too!

After we left from there, we headed to Walmart to get some last minute stuff for the party on Saturday and then spent the rest of the afternoon at home. The weather was just too cold and wet to have both of them out. The boys napped and we just relaxed. Roy's parents and his brother and our niece and nephew came over for dinner and cake/cupcakes.

Cole loves the song OMG by Usher and Will.I.Am - it is the funniest thing ever! Roy was playing the video here and stopped Cole dead in his tracks so he could watch and dance :)

Looking at his card from his Godmother a.k.a my BFF Nikki :)

An attempt to get a picture of all the boys...

Not so much. HA!

Sweet smile :)

Cupcakes and cake I made. It was yummy!

Wasn't a fan of all of us singing Happy Birthday :(

Well...ok...let's see what this is all about...

Ok...not so bad...

Hmmm...

A bite for Pawpaw...

OK...this is GOOD...!!! :)

By the time he was done, his entire face was covered in chocolate! Off to the tub he went! We had a fantastic day and can't wait to celebrate with ALL of our friends and family on Saturday!!!

Happy Birthday, Deet!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

2010-10-31T23:34:00.001-05:00

This was Cole's 1st Halloween!!! I was BIG time pregnant with him this time last year! Only 3 more days till he's a ONE year old! Can't believe it!

We had a GREAT Halloween day and night! We went to visit a new church this morning, which I really liked :) and did a little shopping and then went home for lunch and football! The little boys had a nice nap before we got ready for our big Halloween night.

I really wanted the little boys to be a "pair" for Halloween, so Roy mentioned Fred Flinstone and Barney Rubble and I loved it! I even made their costumes! It was so fun!!!

Here are the pictures from our night - we went to the Fall Festival at the church we visited today and then went trick-or-treating in our neighborhood.

Ryan as Fred and Cole as Barney :)

My good friend DeAnna and her cousin Erica had their girls dress up as Wilma and Betty! Aren't they the CUTEST?!

Betty (Bella), Barney (Cole), Fred (Ryan), and Wilma (Frankie)

They were the hit at the festival!

Ryan playing some fun games :)

Cole really just relaxed in his stroller most of the night!

Going for the goods!

We had a fantastic time tonight! This was really the first Halloween - or holiday at all - that Ryan knew what was going on and it made it soooo much more fun! Sorry no pics of Aidan - he didn't dress up this year :(

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Cole's Almost 1!

2010-10-18T11:32:00.001-05:00

Yesterday we met up with Misti at Tonkawa Falls so she could take some pictures of Cole for his first birthday. He was not thrilled with the idea at first - he HATED the grass! Ha! Here are a few of the pictures...

He did better when I sat him on my leg. I tried to stay out of the pictures as much as possible.

Aidan was behind Misti trying to get him to smile.

He always has is one finger up. In this picture it looks like he's telling us how old he is going to be!

Awww...there's a pretty smile :)

I just LOVE this picture. Such a sweet, innocent face.

I think he was over it.

Ooohh...I found a rock!

Thank you Misti for taking Cole's pictures. I think they turned out amazing! I can't believe how fast a year has gone by. Cole will be 1 in a little over two weeks!!!

HOT Fair

2010-10-16T14:25:00.001-05:00

Last night I took Aidan and Ryan and their cousin Robert to the HOT Fair. We got there a little after 6pm and stayed until almost midnight! My feet were tired! Roy had to work, so he wasn't able to go with us :( Thankfully Roy's parents came over and watched Cole for me. DeAnna and Frankie met us up there and we all had such a good time!

Robert and Aidan with their painted faces. Robert got an "R" on each cheek and an "A" on his forehead for his initials RAR and Aidan got a baseball on his right cheek.

This is my CUTE necklace I bought inside the exhibit hall. There are a TON of booths set up in there and I LOVE shopping for a cute new necklace each year!

Ryan and Frankie waiting so patiently on Aidan and Robert to get off their ride. Aren't they so cute?! :) We have already arranged their marriage ;)

We really had a fun time! Wish Roy and Cole could have joined us, but good news is the fair will be back next year! Ryan was so funny on the way home - he kept saying, "I love the fair so much!" over and over and over! I know he was pooped because he slept until 11:30 this morning! Wore his little behind out!

Our Newest Member

2010-10-11T19:06:00.001-05:00

The weekend before last we adopted a new member to our ever growing family! Meet Cooper!!!

He is just the sweetest thing and such a good boy :) We adopted him from friends of ours in Houston who felt like they just couldn't care for him anymore, but wanted him to go to a good home. I'm always up for something new! He's almost 2 and completely potty trained - WHOO HOO!

(Please over look the toy gun next to him! I do have 3 boys you know!!! Ha!)

Can you tell where he is on the shag rug??? Ha!

My boys are already in LOVE. It didn't take long at all. He is so good with them and I can already tell how much he loves them back and how protective he is getting too. Dogs really do just amaze me!

Cole and Cooper like to have their bonding time with just the two of them.

I'm almost certain Cole could do just about anything he wanted to Cooper and he would be OK with it! We are loving him more each day and so happy to have him!

Welcome home, Cooper! :)

Getting Real

2010-10-06T23:13:00.001-05:00

I am a HUGE ~~stalker~~ follower of Kelly's Korner and she talked about another blog that is talking today about getting real. Just in life, in general, just being true to who we are and being an inspiration to others. We all have pain and sorrow - maybe all over different things - but the pain is the same. The sorrow is the same. This is my story...

Most of you who know me know this...

Roy and I became a couple in September of 2002. I already had Aidan from a previous relationship - he was 3 when Roy and I met. Roy is all Aidan knows as a father. That's his dad. Period.

In January 2005, we decided to start trying to expand our family and have a baby. Like most women, I just knew it would be an easy process and in 9 months our bundle of joy would be here. Not quite. I finally found out I was pregnant in June 2005! What an amazing day that was! I was so excited and just couldn't wait to tell Roy. I stopped by Target on my way home from work and bought him a card and a pair of white baby booties. I gave them both to him when he came home from work and just sat there watching him with a HUGE smile on my face! He was in total shock, but was so happy at the same time! We waited a few weeks before we told family, but then spread the news quickly. I had my first doctor's appointment at about 6 wks and had an ultrasound to confirm viability. We saw the baby's heartbeat, and then saw another sac, but couldn't see anything in it. Dr. Patterson thought there was a STRONG possibility we could be having TWINS! WHAT?!?! So she wanted us to wait out the week and see her again on Friday to re-scan. That was the longest week of my life, but finally it was time. She did another ultrasound and found no heartbeat at all and still nothing in the second sac. Miscarriage. I was in disbelief and so was Roy. How could this be possible? We had already seen the first heartbeat. We were supposed to finding out if indeed there were twins, but instead we were finding out we were not going to be having a baby at all. My doctor sent me to have another ultrasound at the hospital to confirm her findings. We went home and broke the news to our friends and family and cried all weekend. I was devastated. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine this would happen. Not to me. The following Monday I went in to the hospital for a D&C and then it was over. I was so sad for weeks, but still longed to try again. I wanted a baby so bad. A month later I was pregnant again! I was so happy, but this time I was nervous and scared. Luckily, I worked for my OB/GYN, so I got a little bit of special treatment ;) She again did our first viability scan at about 6 wks, and then spoiled me and did one every week until I was almost out of my first trimester. Whew! At 14 wks, Roy came up to the office and Dr. Patterson did a quick little scan to see if we could possibly tell what we were having. I was so anxious to know!!! During that scan, she could DEFINITLY tell we were having a BOY! But, she also saw something that was concerning to her. She saw some fluid filled cysts on the back of his neck. She immediately tried to reassure us, but wanted us to be seen right then at the hospital for a more detailed scan. We went right over to the hospital and waited for the tech to call us back. We really had no idea what was going on and surely didn't foresee the days and weeks that were ahead of us. The radiologist confirmed Dr. Patterson's findings, plus found that he had bilateral club feet. The diagnosis was cystic hygroma, which is fluid filled cysts that form on the back of the neck and head. It's caused by a malformation in the lymphatic system when it's forming. We were still confused at that point and unsure of what the next steps were. We were referred to a maternal fetal medicine specialist in Austin. Our first appointment was 2 weeks later. I was 16 weeks. Roy's parents and my mom went with us. That first appointment was completely devastating. Horrible. Not only were we told that indeed our son did have cystic hygroma, he also had a severe heart condition - hypoplastic right ventricle. My sweet boy. The specialist just had more bad news. He told us that with his condition there was a 100% mortality rate. 100%. 100%? How is that even possible? Nothing is 100%. I balled. I wailed. There was no holding back my emotions any longer. I couldn't do it. Our parents cried. Roy and I sat in the room and held each other and just cried. Everyone left us alone in there and it felt like days had passed. I was devastated. We were devastated. We were then talked to about having an amniocentesis to determine if he had any chromosome abnormalities.  I decided to go ahead and do it, knowing it would take at least two weeks before we would get any results. The specialist also offered for us to meet with a pediatric cardiologist on our next visit. We agreed to that. We had so many questions for him if our boy was to survive. We were talked to exstensivly about termination. I finally had to put my foot down and tell them it was not an option for us. We believe in God and the power of prayer. And what if they were all wrong. I just knew they were. I knew God would show them. I knew he would save my baby. I knew I would never really have to face any of the horrible things they were telling us. I wasn't in denial, I just had to keep strong and still believe that my baby would be healed. Friends and family rallied around us and prayed over this baby. But, I never really knew how to talk to anybody about it. None of my family or friends had ever been through this. It was awful. Devastating. Shocking. I prayed for him daily. Every minute actually. I wanted to believe so bad that everything was going to be ok. But it wasn't. Every doctor's appointment was worse. We saw the doctor every two weeks, my doctor monthy and the specialist in Austin monthly. The appointments alternated every two weeks. We never had any good news. It was the darkest time and I had to stay strong. I still had Aidan to care for. He didn't have any idea what was happening. I tried to shelter him from it all. Roy and I went to church every Sunday and Roy would pull the pastor to the side after the service and talk to him. Ask questions. What were we supposed to do? How should we be praying? Surely this will just all go away and our sweet boy will be here healthy. God didn't listen. He forgot about us. He forgot about our precious baby boy. He let him be sick. He made him be sick. Was it because we weren't married? Why didn't we deserve for him to be healed? What did we do wrong?  Why us? I was mad. I was so hurt. I was so devastated. I hated Him. I was never going to talk to Him again. That is my son. That is my baby. How dare You take him from me. How dare You make him suffer. How dare You.  Our sweet baby boy was born still on March 26, 2006.

At that moment I felt peace. I felt comforted. I had pushed Him away for so many weeks up to that point. I had stopped praying, but nobody else had. And He still loved me. He knew I was hurt and mad and that I hated Him. But He still loved me. He still loves me.  He wrapped His arms so tight around me that day. That dark day. I felt Him and I knew He was there. I don't know how may times I said I was done. I was never going to try and have another baby. I couldn't go through the heartbreak again. I didn't want another baby. I wanted that baby. Roy Alex Rodriguez, Jr. I was going to call him Alex. I loved him so much already.  He was already such a part of my life. I was 25 wks when I gave birth to him.  I felt him kicking and growing inside me until then. He was 4lbs. 6oz. and 12 in long. He was perfect. He was beautiful. We held him and kissed him and loved on him for several hours after he was born. Our families held him and passed him around. We all loved him.

He was buried three days later on March 29, 2006. We had a graveside service for him and were overwhelmed by the grace we were shown. Family and friends from here and from out of town came to be with us and love on us.  Somehow through God's grace we survived. I finally had to let go and let God. Period. I wasn't in control. He was. It was His plan all along. I don't know why. But I do know that I can't wait till the day I see my sweet boy again! What an amazing day that will be! I find myself wondering and dreaming about what it will be like. I'm so happy to know he is with Jesus! I miss him everyday and long to know what life with him would have been like. I'll never watch him learn how to walk or how to talk. I'll never take him to his first day of kindergarten. I'll never watch him play little league baseball. That part still hurts. I still long for those days and memories that I will never have. I don't think that part will ever go away.

4 years later, Roy and I have been blessed with two more boys! Ryan Alex was born March 24, 2007 and Cole Frances was born November 3, 2009. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined my life to be what it is now. God took us through unimaginable pain, but He brought us through it. Just like He promises.

I am praying tonight for each of you who are at a point where there is no hope. No light.  No happy ending. There is. Just tell Him to bring the rain. He will see you through the storm. I promise.

Waco AZTECS Baseball

2010-10-03T17:58:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we traveled to Cleburne for Aidan and his team to play in their first tournament. It was pouring down when we got there, so we had a 2-hour rain delay. We decided to head over to Waffle House to get some yummy breakfast :)

Me & the Hubby

Aidan & his teammate Diego

(we think it's funny when we yell for him when he's up to bat - Go Diego Go!)

Bella & Robert supporting their favorite cousin ;)

Unfortunately, that's all the fun we had in Cleburne. The whole tournament was canceled due to the weather :(

So this weekend they played in a tournament in Waxahachie...they played two games Saturday...

Let's go 7!!!

And one game Sunday...

Got walked to 1st...

Waiting on the batter to send him home...

Aidan got to pitch :)

He did so good!

Love this picture :)

Aidan does not normally pitch...he normally plays 1st base or center field. I was so excited for him! He was nervous, but he did really good :) His coaches told him he did GREAT and they plan to start working with him on pitching. Seeing him up there just makes my heart smile - I almost cried :)

Too bad they lost all three games - bad - real bad - but hey, who's keeping track ;) Ha!

They have a lot of growing to do as a team, but at least they have their first tournament behind them! Haha!

Each of these boys are GREAT baseball players - it just takes time as a new team to get it all together - but we will keep the FAITH!

GO AZTECS!!!

Catching Up

2010-10-01T23:51:00.000-05:00

I really have been meaning to post since the last post...

But the days are just flying by too fast...

I really do ~~need~~ want to get better at posting.

My goal is to post everyday, but I'll settle for 2-3 times a week for now... :)

Tomorrow is Aidan's first game on his select baseball team!

So VERY excited for him!

Maybe I will post all about it tomorrow... ;)

(P.S. - Not real sure what happened with Cole's picture???)

Boys & Baseball

2010-09-21T22:29:00.000-05:00

Tonite was Aidan's 1st game for Fall Ball and they WON 7~5!!! WHOOP WHOOP!!! I love the Fall and I LOVE Fall Ball!!! Aidan is also playing on a select baseball team ~ Waco Aztecs ~ so we will be traveling to tournaments every other weekend starting this weekend. We have some busy months ahead :)

Ryan just LOVES to go to Aidan's ball games - he has so much fun playing with all the other kiddos there! I took a few pictures of Ryan and Cole with my iPhone ~ but then forgot to whip out the real camera to get some good ones of Aidan :( Just go ahead and nominate me for "Mother of the Year"!!! There will be many more days ahead that I can get some thankfully!

I think one of Ryan's MAIN reasons for loving baseball games is collecting "BIG ROCKS"! HA!

Here I am

2010-09-19T14:38:00.000-05:00

It's been such a LONG time since I have posted anything! Almost a year!!! I still stalk everyone else's blogs - so I'm not totally out of the loop! HA!

I just wanted to share that I had the pleasure of being a part of one of my besties baby shower yesterday! Miranda is expecting her first miracle baby girl, Macy Nicole, in December. We have all waited WAY too long for this baby and finally being able to be at her shower and watch her experience this day was so awesome :)

I heart you Marilda Sue and I can't wait to become Auntie Nicole to Miss Macy!!!

2009-12-23T22:09:00.000-06:00

I saw this poem posted on Katie's blog and it touched my heart. Helps to be reminded that our sweet boy is celebrating with Jesus on His day! Thank you for sharing Katie.

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below,

with tiny lights like Heaven's stars reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular please wipe away that tear,

for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,

but the sound of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you of the joy their voices bring

for it is beyond description to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart

But I am not so far away, we really aren't apart.

I can't tell you of the splendor or the peace here in this place

Can you just imagine Christmas with our Savior face to face?

I'll ask Him to lift your spirit as I tell Him of your love

so then pray for one another as you lift your eyes above.

Please let your hearts be joyful and let your spirit sing

for I am spending Christmas in Heaven, and I’m walking with the King.

~ Wanda Bencke

Christmas Pictures :)

2009-11-24T17:00:00.000-06:00

On Sunday afternoon we met up with Kathy at the arboretum to take Christmas pictures of the boys. This was my first time to meet her - and she is the sweetest thang ever! She was sooo good with my boys and really made us all feel so comfortable :)

She took a ton of pictures of all three of them together and then did some individual pics as well. She has one picture on her website that I am in LOVE with! I can't wait to see the rest of them!!!

Thank you sooo much Kathy! You do amazing work!

These pics are some that I took while we were hanging out - nothing close to how great hers are, but still cute :)

Introducing...

2009-11-05T16:43:00.000-06:00

The 2 big brothers patiently waiting...

On the new member of the Rodriguez Family...

born November 3, 2009

at 3:20 p.m.

Cole Frances Rodriguez

8 lbs. 2 oz.

21.5 in long

Isn't that the sweetest face you've ever seen???

The End Is Near...

2009-11-02T21:52:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow is the BIG day! I have to report to the hospital at 7:30 in the morning to start my induction. I am hoping that since I am already a 4 it will go quickly! I can't wait to see our new baby boy and hold him and kiss his face!

Wish us luck and keep us in your prayers :)

I will post pics as soon as I am home and able!

Trick~or~Treat

2009-11-01T19:40:00.000-06:00

We had a good Halloween yesterday! We met up with some friends for dinner at Casa Ole' before we headed out to trick-or-treat and it was yummy!

After dinner we all headed down to Austin Ave. We parked the cars and started the looooong walk up and down Austin! I wasn't as impressed this year - a lot of houses had their lights off and it was only a little after 7 when we got there :(

Aidan has said he will not be trick-or-treating next year :( Apparently he is too old!

Here are some pics from the night!

Ryan aka Diego & Daddy

Diego with a sword???

The boys waiting in line at one of the few houses with lights on!

Ryan not wanting to get out of his stroller - and still with a sword!

He finally wanted to go up to some houses towards the end of the night and once he started he loved it!

I thought maybe after all the walking we did it would kick me into labor - but as I sit here I am still pregnant! HA!

Hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween! Next year should be interesting with all 3 boys :) Can't wait!!!

I'm Baaack!

2009-10-30T22:15:00.000-05:00

Obviously I haven't blogged in awhile! Our computer has been down and we finally got it fixed - so here I am :)

A few updates:

** Ryan is doing GREAT at MDO! He walks right in like he owns the place - loves everything about it!

** I am about to POP! Holy cow - pretty sure the belly can't get any bigger!

I am dilated to a 4 and 70% effaced - so...

I am scheduled for induction Tuesday morning if he doesn't come before then - WHEW! I am so excited and can't wait to kiss his face!

I promise to keep up with posting now :)

Meet the Teach...

2009-08-27T19:10:00.000-05:00

Ryan had his Meet the Teacher today at his new school. He has 2 teachers in his class - Ms. Trisha and Ms. Heather. He was a little timid to go into his classroom at first, but he finally did and started to play with some trucks and puzzles.

He got to meet some of his new friends too! I can't wait for his 1st day next Tuesday - should be interesting! I will definitely keep everyone posted :)

Back to School!

2009-08-24T21:43:00.000-05:00

Today was Aidan's first day of 5th grade! He started a new school today too - no more elementary school :( It was his first day of Intermediate school! CRAZY!!! How is my first born child 10 years old and a 5th grader??? AGH!!!

I know he will have an awesome year! He is in all Pre-AP classes and I can't wait to see what is in store for him this year :) Good luck, Boo~Boo! I <3 you!!!

Um...

2009-08-13T21:04:00.000-05:00

So I know I haven't posted in a while - ok tomorrow makes a month, but who's counting? Anyway - just wanted to throw this out there - 13 more weeks till Cole is here!!! That is if I go to 40 weeks - which I never have before! I have never gone past 38 weeks - so do you know what that means??? YEP! 11 weeks till Cole is here!!! HOLY freakin MOLY!!!

Hear Ye, Hear Ye!

2009-07-14T18:35:00.000-05:00

We have finally decided to make it official! We are naming the baby:

Cole Frances Rodriguez

Cole after me! - NiCOLE - you like that?! HA!

Frances after Roy's mom -

And well, the Rodriguez part is pretty obvious! HAHA!

I am so excited to get the monogram tools ready!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

2009-07-02T17:58:00.000-05:00

Today is Aidan's 10th birthday! I can't believe we are now in the double digits!!! 10 years has really flown by - I can't believe how fast!

Aidan -

You were my first baby. We have shared so many memories over the last 10 years and we have been through so much together. I always knew I had to stay strong because you needed me. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect baby than you were - I have loved every second of being with you and experiencing all your "firsts" with you. You are such an amazing boy and just the thought of how much I cherish and love you brings me to tears. I am so proud to be your mom. I can't wait to see what the next 10 years holds in your future and to watch you grow into a young man. I love you so, so much! Happy 10th Birthday!

Love,
Mom

Boy Oh Boy!

2009-06-10T23:51:00.000-05:00

Yep y'all - you heard me - it's ANOTHER BOY!!! Can you believe??!! I am still in shock! HAHA!!! We had our ultrasound today and he looks so great! The doctor did a complete thorough exam and said he looks totally normal and healthy! PRAISE GOD!!! Of course he had our previous records from my pregnancy and delivery of Alex, and he was so reasurring with us by showing us each parts of this baby's anatomy and explaining how everything looked so good :) I couldn't have asked for a better day!

I know we are so blessed to be having another baby - no matter what the gender - and I just really want to take the time to give God all the glory. He has brought us back from an unimaginable path that He took us down, and through Him we remained strong (if you could call it that) and were able to still see a future ahead.

I pray tonight for each of you who have babies, who are expecting babies, and who long for babies - God knows the desires of all our hearts and He always leads us in the direction we are meant to go. I never would have chosen a path for my life where I had to suffer the loss of my own child - but I know that had I been in charge - I wouldn't be who I am at this very moment.

Praise God for He is good. Thank you Father for blessing us with ALL these beautiful boys and for blessing me with my husband.

Here is a picture of our new baby - he was obviously tired of us calling HIM a girl! HAHA!

Less Than 24 hrs...

2009-06-09T17:43:00.000-05:00

Ok - I know - I'm a dork! But I am sooo excited for tomorrow! Are you wondering what for? Well - let me remind you in case you have forgotten...

IT'S MY ULTRASOUND!!! Hopefully we will get to find out if there's a boy or a girl in my belly!

And of course I am most concerned that the baby is healthy!

Please keep us in your prayers! I will update as soon as we get back home!

Movies & Baseball

2009-06-07T13:35:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a good family day! The 4 of us, well 5 ha!, went to the movies to see Up - so cute! It was Ryan's 1st time, not counting infant in carrier sleeping, to the movies and I wasn't sure how that would turn out. He actually did very well and he sat still and watched the whole thing! YAY! The movie was in 3-D, so we all had our 3-D glasses to watch the movie - so funny! (Please excuse the horrible pics, a certain someone - Aidan - broke my camera the other day and I can no longer use the screen, so these pics are looking thru the peephole the size of a pen point! And, I know, SHOCKER ALERT, Roy is wearing a 49ers shirt :)! )

After the movie we came home and rested before Aidan's baseball game. They are playing in the City Championship, which is a 2-game elimination. Last night was their 2nd game - they won the 1 st one 13~1 against Robinson - and last night they played Lorena and won 16~1! GO PROFILES!!! Sorry I don't have any pics from the game - remember my camera - thanks Boo~Boo :)!

Today is a lazy day! YAY! I made omelets for breakfast and now we are just hanging out on the couch watching movies!

And update on Ryan's potty training status - he is doing AMAZING! GO RYRY!!!

And one more thing - 3 more days till my ultrasound! WHOO~HOO! Can't wait!

And The Winner Is...

2009-05-27T21:29:00.001-05:00

I know, I know...it's been a while since I've posted - well at least since I've posted anything worth reading :)

Well - get ready for your eyes to blur cause have I got some catching up to do!

As we all well know, my oldest child is, well, a brainiac - no pressure Ryan and new baby - so let me fill you in on the past 2 weeks or so...

To start...Aidan participated in UIL on May 13 & 14. The awards ceremony was held on May 16.

He participated in 3 categories:

Art Smart, Spelling, and Number Sense

He won 1st place in Art Smart, 2nd place in Spelling, and 4th place in Number Sense. Keep in mind - this is for all of 4th grade in Waco ISD!

Could we be any prouder - well - yes, as a matter of fact, we can...

Last Tuesday his school had an end of the year awards ceremony and the day before he came home with a note stating he would be receiving an award. Really - cause he received 4! Seriously?!

He got an award for Highest Overall Achiever in 4th grade.

He got an award for Highest Overall Achiever in 4th grade Gifted & Talented.

He got an award for High Level Achiever for AR (which is Accelerated Reader).

He got an award for being on "A" Honor Roll for the entire school year.

Yep - that's my boy! :)

Oh wait - there's more...

Yesterday we received his TAKS scores back and he made a 100% in Reading, a 100% in Writing, and missed 1 problem out of 42 in Math. Yep - we're proud!

And just to throw this in there too - since, you know, I'm bragging :)

His baseball team won 1st place in their division and are headed to the City Championship! Go Profiles!

Ok, Ok...I'll stop now!

But seriously - we are SOOO extremely proud of him and even more proud to say we are his mom & dad!

Congratulations Aidan! I love you so, so much!

Kris Allen: "Heartless"

2009-05-20T21:39:00.001-05:00

Want more American Idol videos? Click here.

WOO~HOO!!!

2009-05-20T21:28:00.000-05:00

Can I get a WHAT WHAT for Kris winning American Idol!!! WOO HOO!!! I am soooooooo excited! Love him so much!!!

GO KRIS! YOU ROCK!

George

2009-05-14T20:43:00.000-05:00

Man ~ I really want George tickets!!!

11 weeks, 4 days

2009-04-27T18:36:00.000-05:00

Today I had an appointment with Dr. Patterson. Had to do the whole pap, cervical cultures, and breast exam ~ fun... But what was FUN was we got to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time! We have already been able to see it on ultrasound, but hearing it just melts my heart :)

My next appt is in 4 weeks and they already scheduled my "big" ultrasound for 6 weeks from now ~ so ~ on June 10 we might be able to find out pink or blue! Of course, we are getting the more detailed sono due to having already had a baby with a heart defect and cystic hygroma ~ they want to check and make sure this baby is healthy.

I know everything will be fine ~ God knows my strength and I think he's pushed me to my limit :)

I will keep you all posted as things progress!

VOTE FOR RYAN!

2009-04-26T12:26:00.000-05:00

Ryan is participating in the Waco Trib's 2nd Annual Baby Contest! He needs your votes!!! His entry # is 141. All votes are 10 cents each ~ so 100 votes is only $10!!! What a DEAL!!! All proceeds go to Newspapers In Education ~ you can learn more about them by clicking here.

Voting starts today and you can vote by going here.

Thanks in advance for all your votes and support!!!

Race For The Cure

2009-04-19T14:18:00.000-05:00

Saturday Aidan and I participated in The Race For The Cure down at Indian Springs Park. We joined the team from my work and we all had a pretty good time! Our team name was GYNuinely PINK!!! The rain held off until we were done, thank goodness! It was still kinda drizzly and very overcast, but no pouring down rain! We had to be there at 6:30 am to take our team picture and then the race started at 8:00 am. We did the 1 mile walk - well Aidan ran the whole thing - and was waiting for me at the finish line! HAHA! How did he become athletic??? We had fun and we were so glad we had participated! Aidan says next year he wants to run the timed 5K - have fun Boo~Boo!

Praying For Bentley

2009-04-07T20:14:00.000-05:00

Please, please, please go to Crystal's blog and start praying for her sweet baby girl. She was diagnosed with a Congenital Heart Defect at 2 days old and is getting close to having heart surgery in May. Her story tugs at my heart because of what we went thru with Alex. I have promised to become a prayer warrior for her daughter Bentley and I want all of you too also.

Please also keep Miss Emersyn in your prayers as well. She has been diagnosed with stage 4 reflux in her bladder and ureters, which is causing her urine to back up into one of her kidneys. Misti found out yesterday that she will definately have to have surgery after she turns 1, providing that she doesn't get another UTI before then. She has been put on an antibiotic that she has to take everyday indefinately. Please just lift Emersyn up and pray that God will heal her and pray for strength and comfort for Misti and Josh.

Roy Alex Jr.

2009-03-26T16:57:00.000-05:00

Today is the 3 year anniversary of our sweet baby boy...

I can't believe it's been 3 years already...

I miss him more than words can express, but I also have a sense of peace now. I feel blessed to know that God chose Roy and I to walk that journey and I now view that part of our lives as a miracle.

Baby Alex is a miracle in our lives and all the lives he touched.

Happy Birthday To You...

2009-03-24T21:02:00.000-05:00

Today is Ryan's 2nd Birthday! My how the time flies... Doesn't seem like it's been 2 years since he was born! We had a fun day today, well about as much fun as you can have when it's pouring outside all day! Roy and I both took off from work to spend the day with him. That is something I have always done with Aidan and will always do with all my children. Their birthday is such a special day for me...sometimes I think I enjoy it more than they do! HA! Anyway...we went and had lunch at Applebee's and visited with Aunt Jeannette, and then picked Bubba up from school and went to Jumping Party. The boys had a blast playing and jumping and just running around being crazy boys! Afterwards we met all of our family up at Texas Roadhouse for dinner...YUM YUM! We had the servers come sing to Ryan and he even sat up on the saddle! It was hilarious! He enjoyed the singing, but screamed when I put him on the saddle! Too funny! All in all it was a good day!

Happy Birthday Baby Boy! I love you more than you will ever know!

What A Day!!!

2009-03-22T20:55:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we celebrated Ryan's 2nd Birthday at The Mayborn Museum! We had a blast! The party turned out great and we had a lot of friends and family there to celebrate with us! Thanks to all who came and shared such a special day with us!

It's Official!

2009-03-19T21:45:00.000-05:00

Today I had my 1st appointment with my OB doctor! I was so nervous all day I thought I was gonna loose my cookies! I know, I know...I should be a pro at this by now, but each time it's the most nerve-racking thing ever! Roy met me at the office, lucky me that I work at my OB office :), and back to the ultrasound room we went. As soon as the U/S started, we could see the baby's heartbeat right away! Thank you Jesus! I know He did that to ease my mind instantly! WHEW! I am exactly 6 weeks today, so our little "pea" is just that...the size of a pea! I have another U/S in 2 weeks, so it will be fun to see just how much "pea" has grown!

Here is the picture we got today...I told Roy and Dr. Patterson that I could already see a bow! Of course Roy's response to that was..."Ryan told me he left his 49ers helmet in there for his brother to play with!" DORK! He's scared to death to have a daughter!

Sorry about the quality of the pic on here...my scanner isn't working so I took a picture with my camera...not the best, but you get the point!

Fun Weekend!

2009-03-09T17:48:00.000-05:00

As most of you know, Aidan and I went to Houston this past weekend for my best friend's sister's wedding. We left Waco at about 4pm on Friday and got into Houston at about 7pm. We had plans to have dinner with my other besties Kristi and Miranda at The Cheesecake Factory...YUM YUM!

It was so delicious and we had such a good time just enjoying ourselves and talking about old times and baby making and all that fun stuff! Love you girls and already miss you bunches!

On Saturday, Aidan and I got all fancied up and headed over to Cole's Country where the wedding took place. It's a quaint little place in a country setting and was really beautiful! Kimmie, of course, looked absolutely gorgeous and made a perfect bride! We had such a fun time and it was so nice to see old friends and all of Nikki and Kim's family! Congratulations Kim and Buddy!

Well, well, well...

2009-03-01T21:17:00.000-06:00

So today was quite the shocker! I found out this afternoon that I am expecting again! I am still in SHOCK! Not shock like how did this happen, because we were definitely trying, but more like shock of OMG! It's positive!... I guess it's a shocker each time you get that positive test knowing that there is a new miracle growing inside you! AMAZING! Roy and I are so excited, but also anxious and nervous. It's always nerve-racking until you have that baby in your arms :) I am very early pregnant, only a little over 3 weeks! My cycle was supposed to start this coming Wednesday...so on Thursday I will officially be 4 weeks! Still lots of time to go, but I am excited for the journey!

We HEART Elmo!

2009-02-21T22:01:00.000-06:00

Today was a BIG day for Ryan! We went to see Sesame Street Live at the HOT Coliseum with Casey and Ava. The show started at 10:30 am and was over about 12:00 noon. It was really a CUTE show! Ryan and Ava had such a good time and it was so precious to see the two of them watching and pointing and dancing! They couldn't get enough! Ava wore herself out near the end of the show and next thing we knew she was conked out in Casey's arms! Too funny! Ryan was absolutely mesmerized by all the characters and as each of them would come out on stage he would make sure and wave to them...so sweet! Of course, I forgot my camera...I know, I know...so Casey said she would email me the ones she took and I'll post them as soon as I get them. We had great seats too...on the floor about 5 rows back from the stage! AWESOME! After the show was over, the 4 of us went to lunch at Cheddars and really just enjoyed our day together. Thanks Casey for sharing the day with me and RyRy...we had a blast!

WHAT A BIG BOY!

2009-02-18T22:47:00.000-06:00

GUESS WHAT!!! Ryan went tee~tee on his big boy potty for the first time tonight! I was getting him undressed for his bath and took off his diper and said let's go tee~tee on the potty... So...he sat right down and there he went! We gave each other Hi~5 and clapped and cheered! It was so exciting! And the fun part is the potty has sensors in it (which you can see in the pic...kinda looks like he was possibly aiming at cheerios, but not so much!), so when something hits it, it plays music! SO FUNNY! He was so proud of himself! Of course I have pictures of his first tee~tee in the potty...hope y'all get a kick out of it as much as I do!

Valentine's Day!

2009-02-15T20:49:00.000-06:00

My hubby is such a sweetheart! He made our Valentine's Day so special and exciting! He told me around lunchtime to be ready to leave for dinner at 7:45 p.m. and to pack an overnight bag...well...that can only mean one thing...he got us a hotel room!!! WHOO~HOO!!! No kiddos for a whole night! Welp...7:45 p.m. came and I was still trying to finish getting ready and at 8:00 on the nose a white limo pulled up to my house! He had rented a limo to take us out for the night!!! We got in and off we rode to 135 Prime for our 8:30 p.m. reservations and let me tell you it was YUMMY! It was our first time there, so we weren't real sure what to expect, but it was wonderful! Great service, great food, and an awesome atmosphere! We LOVED it! After dinner, our limo was waiting outside for us and took us to our hotel. Roy had reserved a room at the new hotel, Hampton Inn & Suites, which is located behind Kohl's at the Central Texas Market Place. It was so incredibly nice! I had such a wonderful Valentine's and I am so grateful that God has given me a husband that loves me like he does and who is a wondeful father as well...what more could you ask for?! Thanks Babe for such a great night!

Ryan's Party!

2009-02-14T17:54:00.001-06:00

Ok...it's official!!! We booked Ryan's birthday party at the Mayborn Museum today! I love that place! I have never "officially" been there, but from what I saw today it looks like so much fun! It reminds me of The Children's Museum in Houston...love that place! His party is scheduled for Sat., March 21 at 2:00 p.m.! I am so excited and can't wait to share his big day with all our friends and family! Be on the lookout for invitations!

Jack's Big Music Show

2009-02-12T21:03:00.000-06:00

So...Ryan's FAVORITE show is Jack's Big Music Show...he LOVES it!!! He will bring you the remote and say Jack, Jack...so precious! I have decided that I am going to do his party theme with Jack, but unfortunately there are NO party supplies to buy with the theme. SAD!!! So...I am going to be "supermom" and make all the decorations and invitations (well...with some help from Shelly's husband on the invitations :) ) and see how it goes... I am still trying to decide where to have his party, so any suggestions would be great! We are thinking about the Mayborn Museum, but haven't decided for sure...anyway...we are hoping to have the party on March 21. I will keep you posted!

Crystal's Shower!

2009-02-08T22:36:00.001-06:00

Today was Crystal's baby shower at Spice and it turned out GREAT! We had a good time with great friends, great food, and tons of CUTE gifts!!! Miss Emma Grace is not going to have any problems being all decked out in all her new clothes and bows! I had to "steal" these pics from Crystal's myspace because I forgot my camera...oops! I am so excited to meet Miss Emma and give her lots of love! Congratulations Crystal!!!

Just had to throw in a pic of me & my sweet girl Emersyn!

Emersyn Brook

2009-02-04T18:24:00.000-06:00

Misti FINALLY emailed me some pictures of Miss Emersyn last night! She is the prettiest thing ever! I heart her so much! I just wanted to share the pics with everyone, so I thought what better place than here!!! Enjoy!

SUPERBOWL XLIII

2009-02-01T21:40:00.000-06:00

OMG!!!!!!!! I just won $450 on a Superbowl Pot!!! Can you believe it! I am so excited!!! Now maybe I can buy my new camera!!! WHOO~HOO!!! My numbers were 7 & 7 and the pot payed forwards and backwards, which was AWESOME for me since I had the same numbers! So, thanks to the Steelers intercepting in the 2nd quarter and running 100+ yards back for a touchdown, I won the 2nd quarter!!! What a blessing in such a FUN way!!! I must admit we were cheering for the Cardinals because if the Steelers won then they would be the 1st to 6 Superbowls. Well...as you all now know...the Steelers came back and won it and now have 6 Superbowls under their belt! Oh, well...there's always next year...GO NINERS!!!

Harlem Globetrotters!

2009-01-28T16:45:00.000-06:00

I just found out that a friend of mine just won us 4 tickets to see the Harlem Globetrotters next Tuesday! I am so excited! Aidan has wanted to go see them every time they have come in town, but we just haven't been able to...always bad timing... :( Anyway, now we get to go this year as a family of 4 and I could not be more excited! I can't wait to surprise Aidan with the tickets! Thank you Charla!!!

2 Sick Boys :(

2009-01-28T15:40:00.000-06:00

Well, I have had 2 sick boys this week. Monday, I had to go pick Aidan up from school around 10:00 am because he had gotten sick. He stayed home Tuesday also because he still wasn't feeling great and I wanted to give him a good 24 hrs before sending him back. So off he went this morning...of course due to the bad weather last night, school didn't start till 10:00 am...which was good as it gave him some extra sleeping time! He seemed good to go this morning!

As for Ryan, he woke up last night at about 12:15 am just crying and crying. We put him in bed with us thinking maybe he had had a bad dream or something. He was just so fussy, and seemed like he had some gas. So I rubbed his tummy and held him and was finally able to get him back to sleep. Well...not for long...at about 4:00 this morning, he just sat straight up in our bed and just started vomiting everywhere! It was awful! It was all over him, me, and our bed! I scooped him up and ran into the bathroom and stripped him down. I ran some warm water and gave him a quick bath while my wonderful hubby changed our bed linens and put all the dirty stuff in the wash. We got it all cleaned up and got back in bed, this time with some extra towels and a bowl! :) He got sick a few more times over the next couple of hours, but finally was able to get some sleep. I took his temp and it was 101, but didn't give him anything till about 2:oo this afternoon. Sure didn't want him losing his medicine too! I gave him some Pedialite with his Tylenol and he sucked that down so fast! Poor baby! It's almost 4:00 pm now and he seems so much better! I just made him a piece of toast, which he ate about half of, and now he's playing in the floor. I'm hoping we are nearing the end of all this sickness!

Praise God!

2009-01-22T17:18:00.000-06:00

Ryan had another visit with the neurologist in Temple today. He didn't have to have a CT scan, just a clinical exam. The Dr. said his skull feels GREAT and it is healing perfectly! PRAISE GOD! He told us that the depressed area has improved tremendously and he should recover completely as his brain continues to grow. He also said that he doesn't need to have any more CT scans, nor does he need to follow up with him again. As long as Ryan's pediatrician continues to monitor him and feels comfortable with his development, then he is cleared from the neurologist! Thank you all for all of your prayers for our sweet baby! God has truly blessed us beyond measure. It was so humbling today to see the look on the Dr.'s face of such confidence and satisfaction with how Ryan has healed. Roy and I both walked out of his office with huge smiles on our faces and such joy in our hearts knowing that Ryan was healthy and needed no further testing. Thank you Lord for blessing us in this way and healing our baby!

I Heart Etsy.com

2009-01-20T22:29:00.001-06:00

My new sign FINALLY came in! GEEZ!!! I so copied Miranda's sign that Shelly got her and Jeff for Christmas...thanks for the find y'all! I love everything about it! So, I thought I'd go ahead and post some pics because Kristi was so making fun of me earlier today! Here's to you KK! Oh, and by the way, Ryan apparently believes the sign is his, so he was kinda being a hogger of it!

President Obama

2009-01-20T21:58:00.000-06:00

WOW! Strange to be saying that...I thought for sure John McCain was going to be our next president. Although I am disappointed, as a Christian I know that God wants us all to be united and support our president. I will continue to pray for President Obama and show my support for him as our president. I hope God uses him in ways to better our country and bring us all together as one. I feel blessed to live in America and have had the right to choose our next leader. I want a better country for my boys and any future children of our family, and through prayer and faith in God, I believe He will show us the way. God Bless America!

Sleepy Boy...

2009-01-14T22:50:00.001-06:00

Last night Roy was working and it was just me and the boys! We were eating supper, me & Aidan on the couch and Ryan in his high chair, and I looked over at Ryan and saw my poor baby was falling asleep! I nudged Aidan so he could look too and we both started cracking up laughing! His head was just getting heavier and heavier and the next thing I knew he was out! That just amazes me how they can just fall sound asleep while eating in their high chair! I know every parent has these same pics to

share!!!

Bubba thought it was so funny!

What A Difference...

2009-01-12T21:04:00.000-06:00

So...I was taking some pics of Ryan in the bath last night and started thinking back to just a few short months ago (which is really almost 2 years ago) at how big he has gotten and how much he has changed. Walk down memory lane with me for just a minute...

Ryan's 1st bath...

Ryan now at 21 mos...

Ryan at 2 mos...

Look! He barely fits on his changing table now!!!

It's hard to believe he will be 2 in March. My how the time passes...

Blog Probs...

2009-01-11T00:58:00.000-06:00

Well...as you can obviously tell...my blog is a tad messed up :( I am waiting for the website where I get my background from to come back up...uuuugghh!!! Hopefully that will be sometime this coming week...until then, white is the new background...maybe I'll start a trend!

Anyhoo...while I'm posting, let me show you some pics of the boys...they are so handsome!

Ryan's 2nd Birthday!!!

2009-01-08T12:55:00.000-06:00

Ok...I have finally decided on the theme for Ryan's 2nd birthday party! I am so excited! It's the theme of "The DOG" and it is so gosh darn cute! He LOVES puppy dogs and we are planning on getting him a puppy for his birthday...he's gonna FLIP! His birthday is March 24 and I am planning on having his party on March 21...so save the date! I heart birthday parties for my boys! LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT!

HOLY MOLY!!!

2009-01-08T00:47:00.000-06:00

So...this my very first post...and had I known it was going to take me ALL night...I might have waited till this weekend...GEEZ! Much props to Shelly for the looong list of detailed instructions! I am so stressed from this that I don't even know what to say...so...nite nite!