Thankful part three

I have often bragged about the fact that Beckham was over a year old when he had his first 'sick' visit. And even then it was a germ in his hip that had already pretty much gone away by the end of the doctor visit.

So, last Tuesday I took off work to go pick up Butch from the airport. I knew that Beckham had a little cold and I talked to the nurse Monday to see about what I could give him. Monday night I could tell that he really did not feel good. He literally laid on the couch and watched an entire episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and him laying still for that long is a rare occurrence around here. He ended up falling asleep on the couch that night.

Anyways, we woke up Tuesday morning to get Butch from the airport. He was still visibly not feeling well; coughing a little, but mainly just looked really sleepy. He surprisingly didn't fall asleep when we got home, I think he was too excited that his Daddy was home. When he would cough he would get choked and throw up and this went on for a couple of hours. He was literally just spitting up phlegm. He eventually took a nap and when he woke up it was like he was still sleepy. He was real lethargic and just kind of laying around everywhere. I noticed he was wheezing and taking really short breaths. Also, I kept noticing how pale he looked. I thought it might have been from being so nauseated earlier. It started to worry me so I had a friend (that's a nurse) come over. She said he was retracting and needed to go to the Emergency Room to get a breathing treatment. Uhhhh.....what? ER with my baby? I started to freak out. I called the nurse to see if she could call ahead and get us to a room quicker because she said we didn't need to wait very long. She explained that retracting meant he was struggling to breath but still getting air-just not taking good breaths. She told me not to worry (yeah right), it happens a lot and to get to the ER as soon as possible. I started to pack a bag in case we were admitted and it all became a blur. I was a mess. I was so scared and stressed and rushing and trying not to cry at the same time. As we were driving to the hospital I looked over to Butch and said I do not know how parents with sick babies do it. It took all I could do not to cry in that moment and cry now as I'm writing this. It was definitely the scariest moment of parenthood so far.

Thank God everything turned out to be okay. His vitals were good but not great. His saturated oxygen level was 92 when we got there and once it went up to 100 we were able to leave. So, 5 hours, 4 breathing treatments, and a round of steroids later we were headed home. We ended up having to have a follow up appointment with our Pediatrician the next day. He was acting pretty normal while we waited (an hour.ugh!) he was breathing a little heavy and the nurse said his saturated oxygen level was still fluctuating from 89-97 which meant it was low, and he was getting good breaths but they were few and far between. So, now we have an inhaler, steroids, and cough medicine for the next few days but it is a far cry from what could have happened. Our pedi said she didn't think he had asthma it was probably just triggered from the cold. She determined it to be a lower respiratory infection.

It really made me appreciate one of the most simple, yet often taken for granted things in life, our health.

 Mr. Nosey at the doctors office.

high five for Friday

Today has been a really good week-definitely worthy of a HF4F!! I don't do them every week but I felt it was necessary! Here's a recap:

1. I found out the hubs is going to be home for Christmas!! YAY! I am so beyond excited I can't even tell you! I was stressing over it to say the least but it turns out Butch had been working to get his schedule switched around for weeks! I love him!

2. I also found out I won Teacher of the Year. Whoohoo! It's actually for the 2014-2015 school year but they announce it the year before because it is a TON of work! It is an honor, and I am grateful but I am starting Grad School, have a 1 year old, etc. I hope I can get it all done ugh it's going to be a full plate for the next few months.

3. #selfies I'm not sorry I just used a hash tag. It was needed. Lately I've been wearing my glasses more-and apparently taking selfies. Ha! I've never been one to take them but whatever. Random.

4. Wednesday was a Professional Development day at work which basically means we are in meeting all day long. Sometimes we get an hour or so to work in our rooms but not that day. I literally sat and listening to different speakers talk for hours. Some of it was valuable information but the whole time I was sitting there thinking I had so much work to do in my room. Anyways, I got about ten minutes in my room before I left and got my sign hung. Update: It fell the next day... :(

5. Lastly, I am starting to order some Thanksgiving outfits and Christmas presents. It's getting me all excited and feeling festive! Here's the Thanksgiving shirt I ordered for Beckham.

Thankful part two

Every single day for the past sixteen months I have said thank you to God for bringing Beckham into our lives and making me his Mommy, so this week (and every other week really) the entire focus is on him. He is my favorite subject and truly my greatest accomplishment. 

Dear Beckham,

You will be sixteen months old in four short days. Where did the time go? I am beyond obsessed with you. Everything about you. You are the sweetest, kindest, smartest little boy in the entire world. You amaze me everyday in your actions and comprehension. I love watching you learn and grow everyday. I especially love watching you with other kids, especially Jake. It's like you know he is younger and not as strong as you. You love to pet his head and push him in the car. You're always so gentle. You love to hug him and kiss his head. You always bring him a toy when you see him or even give him the one you are playing with. I would definitely like to take credit for teaching you to share but I really believe it is most likely just in your good nature. Even when you're mad (usually for not getting your way) and someone gives you something you always say thank you, it comes out more like "tantoo" but I know what you mean. When I say we are going bye bye you start saying shoes and go get my shoes. They always match. When you're hungry you say bite or eat; and when you're thirsty you say drink or milk. I've (I say 'I' but everyone really has) always talked to you just like we talk to each other. I can baby talk with the best of them but I've always wanted to teach you correct vocabulary-I knew you'd do the baby talk on your own- and you do! You can just about tell anyone exactly what you want, when you want it. If you can't say the words you will point or lean towards whatever you want. 

Our friend Haley had her baby boy, Peyton yesterday and it has really brought me back to the day you were born. I remember almost every second of that first day, from when we checked into the hospital at 11:00pm to when you were born the next day at 3:15pm. The funniest thing was when your Daddy said to me, "I can tell you one thing, I don't like looking at you in that hospital bed." He was so worried about us the whole time. He loves you so much baby boy and works in Alaska just for you. He wants you to have the best life we can possibly give you even if that means he has to sacrifice his time with you. Even though he does have to work away from us you still love being with your Daddy. Your favorite thing has always been to ride the Ranger and I don't see that changing for many many years. Your Daddy can't wait to take you hunting and fishing either. Grami has even taught you to say Butch, although it comes out more like "Buu" and you don't say DaDa much anymore, now it's more like Diddy. Which your Daddy loves! If you ever read anything from this blog, I hope you read this. You have made me your Daddy and I the happiest two people I believe exist in this world. The joy you have brought to our lives is immeasurable. Each day is an adventure with you. To call you a blessing is a complete understatement. You are so much more than a blessing; you are truly a one-of-a-kind gift from God. I love you more than you will ever know and am so incredibly thankful for each day I get to spend with you.

Love always,

Your Mama

Dear Beckham-12 months old
Dear Beckham-6 months old

move it Monday

This is not a normal move it Monday but I was so productive yesterday I just have to brag share. It's no surprise or excuse that because I work Monday-Friday, when I finally get home to my sweet boy I do not want to clean or do laundry. blahhhhh It drives me crazy. For one reason, when I'm trying to fold clothes Beckham thinks it's hilarious to knock over the piles; and another is because I just flat out hate doing laundry. Actually I think I hate laundry period. Dirty laundry, clean laundry, folding laundry, putting laundry away, etc. When I'm rich I will pay someone to just do my laundry for me! Or just send it all out to be dry cleaned. HA! wishing....kidding! Anyways, even though the hubs is at work Beckham and I still make a ton of laundry-how? I don't know. The whole taking baths, wearing clothes during the day and then pjs at night probably has something to do with it. 

So I tryyyy to get at least one load done every couple of days but it has just not happened lately. So, yesterday Beckham apparently was really sleepy because he took about a 2.5 hr nap at 10:00 and then another 2 hours around 5:00. Needless to say, I did not lay around on the couch watching Food Network like I so desperately wanted to. No- I graded eight stacks of papers and put them in the grade book, made this weeks lesson plans, updated my school blog, did four loads of laundry (washed, dried and put them all away-whoohoo), put away all of my Halloween decor and rearranged the fall stuff, swept, mopped, cleaned my washing machine (think bleach and a toothbrush clean), unloaded, reloaded, and unloaded again dishes in the dishwasher, cleaned out my refrigerator, while Beckham was between naps we went to Walmart and got a few things. Annnnndd last but certainly not least I watched the Saints kick butt. Sorry Cowgirls! Who Dat?

Thankful part one

It's November, five days in to be exact...when did that happen? This year is seriously flying by and I really need it to slow down. While I am in complete agreement that every month/day/second of my life I should reflect on all that I am thankful for however; like many I get caught up in the hustle and bustle of day to day life and most of the time sometimes forget to reflect on all of the wonderful blessings in my life. Personally, the month of November reminds me to appreciate all that I have. While I try to count my blessings throughout the year, for some reason I always get extra appreciative during the holiday season. I absolutely love getting together with my family, celebrating holidays and making life long memories. So, I've decided to do a weekly thankful post for the rest of November.

The topics in these posts are not going to be in any particular order, just things I am thinking about at the moment.

The first of every month I sit down, organize all of our bills, talk to Butch about them and then we pay them. This may not sound like anything special. Everyone has bills, and most everyone tries to pay them on time/ in full. While I realize it is more difficult for others, I am so grateful that we do not struggle. In no way am I bragging. Butch and I work extremely hard for our money. Fortunately we have never been in a situation where we absolutely couldn't pay bills. Yes, some months are a little tighter than others, but luckily we are financial stable. This is not a materialistic blessing, to me at least. I am thankful that we both have jobs that allow us too provide the necessities for our son and each other and then some. I know I am fortunate to have a job that I absolutely love and although he does not love his job, the time he gets to spend with us at home is, "worth it" in his words. Not having to struggle to make ends meet is an incredible blessing that I know others are not as fortunate to have.

Similarly related to our finances is the fact that I seriously have a dream job. I am completely obsessed with my school and students. I truly love going to work. Is it perfect? No. Do I make a lot of money? No. If I could just teach it would be wonderful but for anyone that is a teacher or knows a teacher, you know that is not the case. There is a lot more that goes into my profession. However, since I was in high school I knew I wanted to be a middle school teacher and my dream was to go back to Herndon. I am so incredibly thankful that the timing could not have been more perfect when I was hired for my current job. God has impeccable timing.

Something I have been struggling with lately, well since Beckham was born is our living situation. Do we have a house? Yes. Is it my ideal situation? No. Did I ask to live him when I found out I was pregnant? Yes. And that is always Butch's response. I wanted to live here. I did and love our location, but honestly we are outgrowing this house. We are comfortable, don't get me wrong, but as Beckham grows his toys get bigger along with everything else and I can't even imagine having another baby in this small house. I did want to live here because when we found out we were pregnant we were renting a house that was way too big, expensive, needed way too much work (that we couldn't do because we were renting) and the list goes on. So, our alternative was moving into one of his parents rent houses that his Mom was actually in the process of remodeling. I knew the location would be perfect and did not realize how quickly we would outgrow the space. Butch and I discussed living here a year or two. It will be two years June 2014, so roughly seven months. I am already planning another baby in my head and it just stresses me out to think about living in this house for much longer. With all of that said, we have a house. It is small but it keeps us warm in the Winter, cool in the Summer and dry when it rains. It has all of the necessities we need to live a healthy life and honestly, good things come to those who wait. We are not in any kind of rush, per say....I am mostly because of future hypothetical plans. But, if need be we could live here forever. I don't know what the future holds for us. I am grateful that we have a house and a place to call home.

This first week of November, I want to think about and appreciate our home, our careers and our financial stability. I never could have imagined this life. Three years ago I was in such a dark place. I did not think I deserved this kind of happiness. I am forever thankful for Butch coming into my life during that time. God truly only knows where I would be.

move it Monday

I am so excited to finally have another move it Monday post!! Honestly, my gym time has been non existent since about August. School is back and I honestly have not made time for exercise. Saturday we participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and by we I mean 147 participants from my school including myself, Beckham plus my Mom and friend Paige. Back when I was working out regularly Beckham and I used to walk the 5k route around our town but that was about 2 months ago. However, I had no doubt we could finish just knew we would be slow. Thanks to my Mom having to stop and stand in line for the port-a-potty for about 20 minutes we ended up coming in just about last. Not the very last people walking but pretty darn close. We completely lost all of my friends and students from school and the majority of the pack of people but nevertheless we did finish-which I am very proud of!

I have to say we had a ton of fun! We had to wake up around 6:00am to get going and be there by 8:00am. They did a little warm up around 8:30 and the race started at 9:00. There was soooooo many people there it was awesome to see all of the men, women and kids sporting their pink and the Susan G Komen foundation. It was mine, my mom, Paige and of course Beckham's first 5k and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to do another one soon. I know we will for sure do the Susan G Komen Race again next year.

Did we finish in an hour and twenty minutes? Yes! But, we finished and that's all that matters! I am so proud of my Mom for trekking through and not complaining at all, once we found a bathroom...lol She is also trying to get me to participate in no makeup November but I am not too sure about it. I like the concept of inner vs outer beauty but my makeup is my comfort zone! She told me that God created me perfectly and I added that God gave me bags under my eyes. haha!

Anyways, here's to move it Monday!! Photos of out first 5k!

eating and sleeping

Eating and sleeping, or a lack there of. I never in a million years that I would be writing a post about Beckham's sleeping habits; because, frankly they've always been great! I'm not sure what's been going on lately but he's having some major problems in the area of sleep.

As a newborn it was nothing for him to sleep 10-14 hours at a time. I would frequently touch his back just to make sure he was still breathing. It was soo scary but I honestly never experiences the exhaustion as some new Moms do, simply because he was on the best eating and sleeping routine ever. I did read BabyWise and used some of that knowledge to try to sleep train him but really he made his own routine and we just went with it. I know.....be jealous. He was so easy. Plus, we have always had an amazing support system and once little man was here that only escalated.

So, here we are at 15 months and he is starting to have some sleep issues. Last Thursday night we went to eat about an hour away and Beckham ended up getting sick on the way- like projectile vomit- TMI, I know. And since that night he has not had the best nights. I'm not sure if he's waking up with a stomach ache or a bad dream but it seems like for the last week he has been waking up at least once every night. Some nights he goes right back to sleep, and other nights he doesn't. One day last weekend he literally woke up at 2:30 ready to party. I put him in the bed with me and my husband- tisk tisk...I know. But, whatever it was 2:30am. He was jumping up and down in the bed saying Diddy, Diddy! haha! It was so funny but at the same time I was like go to sleep child. So, he finally goes to sleep and then woke up again at 5:30; luckily, I fixed him some milk and he went back to sleep until 7. That was not a fun night.

Also, eating habits- For the past couple of weeks Beckham has not really been eating good. Just yesterday and today he has kind of started to pick his normal habits back up again. I'm not sure if it's just a phase but it is starting to worry me because at his 15 mo visit the Dr. wanted him to eat more and he is actually eating less. I know that 2 yr olds usually go through a phase similar to this where they become super picky and I am hoping that's what this is. But, it seems like he is not so much picky as he is just grazing when he eats. He pretty much wants to at least take a bite or two of everything but then that's all he wants. He will eat two bites of this, two bites of that, and then be done.

Okay I feel like I am rambling. Hopefully this is only a phase and he'll be sleeping better as well as his eating will pick up soon. He's so active and strong, and I know he's growing; I'm just confused as to what is going on!