Holding on.....tight.

I started this blog to mark milestones and memories of our family journey. Most make me laugh. Many times its just to share with friends and family, saving an email update or facebook message.

Tonight, as I sit alone on the couch, its to share, vent and hold tight to the promise of hope. I feel like this has been a season of challenges for us/me and quite frankly, I'm ready to pass this season. Ready for spring. I know that I have SO much to be grateful for and I am constantly reminded by the blessings I have in my life but sometimes, in the midst of a hard rain, its hard to see the sun.

The babies are healthy, we are so grateful for their continued growth and protection. Its amazing to me that we will meet them in 10-11 weeks. Christopher continues to be a joy and the light of my day, most days :)

Today however has been a tough one. At my appointment, my OB reminded me to take it easy and not add any additional stresses in my life (my blood pressure was an issue at the end of our pregnancy with C and he wants to try to avoid those issues this time). Well, we are trying to get our house on the market. That's stress enough for one person. Add to the fact that I cant help or do as much as I normally would, makes it that much harder.

On Mondays Jonathan works from home. Today, I was super glad for that. When I left for my Dr appmt our master toilet was clogged. No biggie. J said he would fix it. When I got home we realized the same thing was happening with the guest toilet. Then at 6, thirty minutes before he had to walk out the door, we noticed a large wet spot in the hallway. Four towels later, it was better but not great. Just before he left the house, he flushed the toilet and the "puddle" was back! Uggggg. Its kinda the last straw for me. I waited until J left and I had C in bed to fully break down but really.......its all overwhelming.

We have been trying to save to help with moving costs and getting a "new to us" car for our growing family. This problem could wipe this out. Its all just so much to handle. Especially for a 26 week, pregnant hormonal mommy.

So, I'm sitting on my couch, not drinking anything because I already know I'm going to need to pee 97 times tonight and we cant flush........ Uggg. I'm just in a funk and cant shake it.

We are praying for a minor problem that wont take much to fix!!!

On a side note, our wonderful church just celebrated its 10th year anniversary this weekend. It was so neat to be there and witness the history and we are excited to be a part of the future. As a church we are memorizing a verse a month this year. Given our recent trial, this months verse (which is also the verse our church was built on) seems quite fitting. So, Ive been reciting it over and over tonight.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

So tonight, I'm holding on ......tight to a plan to prosper and not to harm! Plans for a hope and a future!

Tomorrow, when I'm back to peeing in my own toilet, I will resume the light hearted Christopher stories. Until then........holding on.

Lucky, Lucky Girl!

I could sit here all day and list the reasons I am the luckiest girl around but instead I'm just going to write about my new find today. So, I like Craig's list.....I'm not a lover yet but I do like looking for a find.

I have been searching for a Pottery Barn Sleigh Crib for about 4 months. We have one for Christopher and really wanted to have matching cribs for when the twins come. I know that sounds silly but I just wanted the perfect nursery. I didn't want to spend the $600-$700 it costs to get one from there so I've been trying to be patient and look around. It RARELY happens that PB furniture is on Craig's list and never the style I want and for sure NEVER in Espresso.

SO, you can only imagine my excitement yesterday when I got on CL for the first time in weeks and up pops the EXACT crib for next to nothing. I called the owner, explained why we wanted it and are SO excited to pick it up on Sunday! Woo hoo! With what I'm paying for it, I will make money on the resale too so that is another bonus! Its in like new condition and hardly has a scratch on it.

Now, all we need is a mattress the Eli Elephant Crib bumper, sheet and crib skirt and the boys will have a bed!

On a side note, I'm committing to be a better blogger this year. I realized that I was waiting to post something until I had a pic to go with it fully edited but I'm missing out on recording so many memories so this year might be more stories and not include a pic every post but at least I'll have the memory captured!

Oh sin!!!!

We arrived in Oceanside, Ca Sunday evening. Jonathan's parents were already at the condo. Since the sun had set, Christoper didn't get his first look at the ocean until this morning. So, this morning he took turns with everyone looking at the waves and pointing out the surfers and many birds and dogs. He had a great time and constantly was saying "wow" ,"oh sin" (ocean), "cool" and "oh boy". It was neat for Jonathan and I to see the ocean for the first time through the eyes of our sweet boy.



After breakfast, we took a walk down the beach and collected sticks, rocks and shells. Christoper had a great time exploring. This surfer was walking in front of us looking for the best waves. There were about 20 or so all day surfing. It was fun to watch!






We had a great first day! A little meltdown before lunch but that was due more to the time change than anything. We had a GREAT flight, little man was a champ and its just been fun to relax, spend time with family and just enjoying the beautiful surroundings!

Sorry for the unedited pics, not going to happen on vacation! :) Also, if your calling, I don't get great reception at the condo but we have plans to get out and about in the next few days so I will check messages.

Love to all! S

Have Tent, will travel........

We leave this weekend for California and although I haven't packed a thing or wrapped a gift we have achieved a major success! Jonathan and I didn't want to bring a pack n play for C to sleep in while we are there and the condo doesn't have anything so we bought the tent.

I have been putting off letting C try it out because I just knew it wouldn't work. But, 5 naps and 2 overnights later he is doing so great. The first 2 naps were a little tough but now he asks to go in and plays in his tent during the day.

The best part of this travel tent is that it folds up into the size of a Frisbee, is light and has a little blow up mattress on the bottom. Its really pretty comfortable. Now, we can put him in his own space at the condo and all get a good nights sleep! YEAH!

Looking forward to restful nights......if only I could get us packed to go. :)

Lesson Learned

There is a reason photographers don't shoot their own children........

...Nothing good comes from it. :)

Although its such his personality that it *almost* made the Christmas card. Ha!

Houston.....we have a problem!

I *might* have been a little slow to get C out of his crib this morning. My bed was so warm and he was just happy sitting and talking to his dog so I thought "what could happen if I just give it 10 minutes".

As I was turning the knob on his door I hear a VERY loud thud and a "owwwwwww". I open the door to see Christopher S T A N D I N G next to his crib rubbing his forehead. Oops!

I hope this was an accident and he doesn't remember he can do this. Otherwise, Houston, we have a problem......a big one!

Yup......I'm a thief!

Last night I was blog surfing while some of my latest shoots were up and downloading and I ran across a old friend's blog and she had the best recipe! People have been talking about this for a week so I stole it and wanted to post it to my blog for all my friends! Thanks Gibson Family for the yummy drink!

Here you go! Watch out, its addicting!

Fluffy Hot Chocolate

I like anything with fluffy in the name. I’m making this hot chocolate recipe tonight for my family.

Ingredients

• 8 teaspoons sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking cocoa
• 4 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a saucepan, combine the first four ingredients. Cook and stir over medium heat until the marshmallows are melted, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Ladle into mugs.

Been awhile!

Sorry I haven't been a good blogger for a L O N G time. We've had a rough time around here. Well, by we I mean me and J doesn't blog and C would LOVE too but that falls under the "no touch" category :)

For those that don't know I'm 18 weeks pregnant with twin boys. Although we are excited about what is to come and overwhelmed with the change, its been a tough road getting here.

I was super sick for the first 15 weeks of my pregnancy. On an IV drip pump for 6 weeks, had a horrible drug reaction 5 weeks in and broke out everywhere. (J thought he was going to have to commit me somewhere, I was going CRAZY! ) Since then, its just been heartburn but that I can handle. This pregnancy is NOTHING like with C but I'm taking it in stride.

Its fun to be on the "frequent flyer program" and get to go see the boys every two weeks. Its amazing the changes in a week or two. Christopher is already calling them the "bebe" in his french accent. Its funny.

But today, as Thanksgiving approaches I'm just thankful. Thankful for:

Supportive loving family
A wonderful husband who goes above and beyond
Super friends who are there at every turn
An amazing church that blesses us
An easy, easy kiddo that keeps me on my toes and laughing all day
Miracles growing in my tummy

But today, its the simple things. I am thankful that blue berries (or bu boobies) can make a small morning meltdown into a major celebration! Ha!

I promise to post some pics soon.....just need to edit the ones Ive taken. :)

Happy Ho Ho Ho to you!

Hey everyone, I don't cross post very often but we just outlined our holiday mini sessions on our photography website.

Check it out!!

www.shannondphotography.com and click on the blog link on the bottom right corner.

The goat whisper and princess go to the zoo

* sorry for the poor quality of these pics but they were too funny not to share. *

So, C has been a busy little guy lately. He's into EVERYTHING! As he grows so do our "games". We have a new updated version of the what fits in what game.

He got a little people school bus for his birthday and he loves it. In fact, earlier this day he tried to ride it but with his weight it just wouldn't move. I tried to explain that the bus didn't have good shocks but that was lost on him. So, back to the game. He decided that the table in our entry way was the perfect parking spot for the bus. Thankfully it fit, he had already tried several other spots earlier in the day that were a bust and well, sometimes its the small victories!

We have also discovered brooms. He likes to "help" mom sweep.....but really once he's done in the kitchen he just carries it around. As you can see above, the broom wasn't going to stop him from putting the bus in its place.

The next day we went to the Zoo with Eden and her mommy, Charity. We love this Zoo, its perfect for toddlers and just outside of Denton. I think we picked the HOTTEST day of the summer. It was pushing 95 degrees at 10am. YUCK. We were all dripping. We did stop at the petting Zoo and let the kids walk around for a little while.

Christopher liked talking to the goats. That is until, one stuck his head out the hole. Neither of them liked that much!

Love the "critter xing" sign in the background!

Sweet Eden walks on her tip toes..... 100 % of the time. Its so cute, and man, takes some serious balance. As a tip toe walker myself, I remember being retrained at 8 to walk normally. Still, right now, its just too cute!

We can't wait to go back but were going to wait for fall... That heat is for the birds!

Fun with food

Sorry for the lack of posting for a few weeks. My editing software wasn't communicating with my new camera = lots of work to get things posted. Anyway, just wanted to share this. I love to cook, but I'm not the best baker. Outside of banana bread, we take the wait and see approach to see how anything will come out.

A few months ago we grilled out and saw these on one of my favorite sweet sites and just had to try! That's right, its hamburger and fries.....the dessert kind. Aren't they just so cute!

I love having fun with food and love it when that food is SWEET!

Just call me Dada

Christopher and I just had the following "conversation" :

Me: Am I your Mama?

C: Dada

Me: No, I'm the Mama.

C: Dogs?

Me: They are night night in the kennel

C: Tank to (thank you) Dada

Me: You are welcome

C: Bye Bye

Then he folds his arms across his chest (his latest post) and heads off to our bathroom (kennel) and talks to the dogs (barks at them) through the door.

Still not sure who had a better conversation. Me or the dogs. But at least its our first conversation. I'm just hoping I get a "mama" before he leaves for kindergarten!

Ahhhhh.....Fayetteville

I just love Fayetteville. It's far enough away from Frisco to feel like a get-a-way but close enough to do it often. Now that C eats normal meals and won't just sleep through the trip it takes us a little longer but we can be there in about 5 1/2 hours. Little man and I went two weeks ago and we had a GREAT time. I just wish I hadn't brought the Texas heat with me. The afternoons were almost 100 degrees so we got our early and spent the afternoons playing inside.

On Thursday we made our way to Branson (about 2 hours away) to have lunch with two of my best friends from High School. It's always great to see Sara and Jen and I've loved reconnecting. Just wished we lived closer. Every time we go see Krissy, we take the day trip to Branson to see the girls and it just makes my heart smile. This time we met for lunch, shared some fun stories, laughed really hard and spent some time shopping. I haven't lived in Branson since I was 16 and it always amazes me how much it's changed. It was a great day!

Most every morning was spent in Krissy and Justin's back yard for 2 reasons:
1. NO POOP and it was easy to watch while I had my iced latte.
2. they live close to a busy street and C just loved calling out all the "tucks" (trucks)

Justin was gone most of the week but made it back for the weekend. Our last night we sat on their back porch and talked while Christopher explored.

Justin decided to water the plants while we talked.....

Our conversation must have been super enthralling because no one noticed Justin had moved a little and C was right in the line of fire. He didn't like it much.

Uncle Justin made it better though....for longer than he liked I'm sure. After swinging C for the 10th time, he pulled him up into his arms and just when he was all the way up, Christopher would arch his back and go back down. Super fun for Uncle Justin! :)

Once he dried off a little, he went back to exploring.....

He fell in love with sticks while we were there.....boys!

We had a great time that night AND I got in some great laughs and sister time with Kris. I love hanging out with my sweet, beautiful sis!

Speaking of, every night she would come home from work and C would run to the back door. She would pick him up and they would go spend some time looking out her bedroom door. Its so sweet to see how much he loves her, they really have a neat relationship.

Each morning we were in the backyard early ( still in Pj's) playing. This is the face of a man on a mission.

Yep, found his buddy the stick again.

Christopher squats alot these days. I love it. It's his little pit stop, just long enough without slowing down too much.

Because surely there is more to explore.....or dig.

It was a great week and we hope that Jonathan can join us next time.

If you cant beat 'em......

We have a problem. Its annoying. I guess its more my problem but its a behavior I have been working to correct since toys found their way into our house.

The culprit - Cooper. Unfortunately, toddler toys (especially boy toys) look like dog toys. Cooper seems to think that all of Christopher's balls are meant for him. On the plus side, he doesn't want to eat or chew them, he just carries them in his mouth and ...the worst part.....PACES. EVERYWHERE. NON-STOP. Its driving me a little nuts.

In recent past I would grab the ball out of his mouth, clean it off and tell cooper no. He would then go find another ball and repeat.

I gave up when he had a ball in his mouth that didn't really belong to a toy and I didn't really care what happened to it. But, then decided I was teaching bad behaviors.

FINALLY, I got smart. Well, actually Cooper picked up the wrong ball. He found a golf ball. Hard, cant be punctured and best of all NOT Christopher's.

It was pretty funny to watch Cooper torture himself with this ball because he would pace, so I made him go in the kitchen where he could pace all he wanted without bugging C and I. Then, he finally wore himself out and gave up. VICTORY......well, small and just for that day.

So now, I keep a handful of golf balls around when Coop feels the need to have a ball in his mouth and its pretty much broken the habit.

I say if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!

Face Master C

Its been a rough few days at the Delcambre house. C came down with a 104 degree temp Thursday afternoon. He was really lethargic and was out of it. We had a scary few hours. Jonathan and I watched him and alternated the Tylenol and Motrin. We also tried a lukewarm bath. It seemed to help but Friday his fever was back pretty much all day. He had lost his appetite and wasn't drinking much.

Thank God for great friends (who happen to be a mommy of 4 and her hubby who is a pedi. They were advising along the way). Finally when we couldn't get his fever to break Friday night we decided to go into the Dr on Saturday morning. Well, J took him. I had a photo shoot. I'm so glad we went. Christopher has HFM disease, which although viral can be pretty serious. Although C didn't have the blister symptoms on his hands or feet, I'm told his throat was pretty bad. Poor guy!

Hopefully his fever breaks today....the Dr. seemed to think it should. He is back to drinking more but still not really interested in food. Hope that changes soon....he's only in the 5% for weight.

I just wanted to post and update and what is a post about C without photos? Here are a few from early last week before the funk hit!

I hate the way images turn out on blogger...nothing like when I edit them...Oh well. At least they print perfectly. I thought I would share more of the what will fit in what game. It pretty much always involves a spoon or ball and typically ends with the cup.

This is the kid of many faces. Seriously, J and I are on the floor with the faces he makes. We were playing around last week and Christopher got tickled about something and it went a little like this:

Happy Monday!