2 years ago...

Wow!! I can't believe it's been 2 years since we met & lost Mason. The time sure does fly by. I handled it very well this year...alot better than last year. They say the 1st year is the toughest & it was but this 2nd year has been tough too because of having Clay here & just thinking what Mason would have been like. But like I always say...Clay has been the best baby to have after loosing a baby...he's such a cuddler & Momma's boy :)

So yesterday Crystal had cheer practice in Evansville. They are getting ready for their 1st competition this Saturday!!!! So I was surrounded by friends & my MIL. Plus not to mention getting to watch Crystal do something she is enjoying filled my heart up :) Then we went to Toys-R-Us. I thank God my MIL was there & remember why it's been FOREVER since I went to Evansville on a weekend...esp this close to Christmas!!!! CRAZY PEOPLE!!!! On the way home we got ice cream from DQ. Jeremy had to work so when we got home he was home & heading out for an evening hunt. I had signed up to work @ our church's Fall Festival so I had to head into their w/the kids. It was fun...again surrounded by friends & family...watching Crystal have a blast. The only bad thing was Clay didn't feel good...but he did snuggle w/me the whole time :)

Afterwards we all went to Walmart & Crystal picked out Toy Story 3 for Mason's bday. We had some cupcakes from the cake walk @ the Fall Fest so we put 2 candles in there & sang happy birthday for Mason. Crystal got to blow them out w/"Mason's Bear" help. I'd like to say that I loved the movie...however I got puked on 2 times which required baths soooooo...I didn't get to see the whole thing...maybe tonight.

I truly think God & Mason watch over us. God made Clay & sent him to us being extra cuddly & a momma's boy knowing that would help fill my heart & stop it from breaking.

I'm home w/Clay this Sunday morning & Jeremy & Crystal are at church. I really wished I could go because it was All Saints Day & they were going to be reading my papaw's name but I don't want to take sickness into a public area. So as I sit here...I think & remember my papaw & Mason & pray they watch over my kids, family, & myself each & every day :)

Bummed...

Well...we've been looking @ almost 32 acres of woods close to our house. It has a great place to build & the utilities are already there. We've walked it a few times & we really like it!! It does have some draw backs...no mineral rights & it has a junked trailer that we would have to get rid of (somebody would probably buy it for a song & dance...but to me it's an eye sore). The asking price was set at $137,000 Knowing what we do about the whole mineral rights and such we made a low offer of $107000. I thought that was a high offer considering some things but it was fair. So yesterday we got a counter offer of $120,000. Still no mineral rights & out of our price range. We are sending our offer again of the $107,000 to make a point of that is our offer.

Well...in the meantime we've found out that refinancing our house is going to cut into the down payment money :( And the dollar figure the owner is going to get off the coal (which is part of the mineral rights) is sickening. Plus w/a few other things we have found out about the land & refinancing...I think somebody is sending us signs. It's hard to listen to them when you want something soooooo bad but we have to.

I just pray that one of these days the right piece of ground comes up for sale. Until then...we'll keep looking :)

I've been bad...

Time to catch up again!!! I thought I was going to start back into blogging...but I just haven't had the time. I know that's bad to say but I have been busy. So...here we go:

The kids...Crystal is still in cheer and loving it!! Her first competition is 11/13/2010 @ Lexington, KY. She's sooo excited & I'm soooo nervous :) They are going to do great though :) She's also picked up taking dance too and really likes that. I think we've found her "thing to do"!!
She learned to swim all by herself this summer in our pool too. She'll go from the ladder to the other side & she's swimming under water! We had to visit the doctor because she got swimmers ear so we have to be more careful when dry her ears out. That little fish was even diving under to the bottom to get stuff...CRAZY!!
On 10/12 she turned the whole hand full...we are now 5 YEARS old!!!! It truely doesn't seem possible...she should make be 3 yrs @ best! She had a great birthday. Her party was @ pump it up & had a blast!! Then we went to Huber Winery to the pumpkin patch. She got her 1st compound bow @ Bass Pro and got her ears pierced. She thinks she's hot stuff now :) We all went on her birthday hunt that lasted maybe 20 mins...lol!! We went to Club Tabby & she didn't get a makeover but she got a cute tutu & matching hairbow. Then we ate @ Cheeseburger in Paradise...her FAVORITE place to eat!! A friend of mine works there and he made sure to treat her good...she got a big thing on ice cream w/a candle to blow out!! We made her birthday extra special this year for a few reasons... #1 next year she'll be in school on her birthday. #2 This was her 1st birthday w/celebrating w/a sibling finally!!! She loved that Clay had "picked out the exact things she wanted" :)

Clay...such a momma's boy!!! I feel like I don't get anything done around the house because he's right there...but I'm not complaining at all because one of these days he won't do that.
He is a crawling machine! He loves to be chased :) He likes to climb on everything! He's made it up onto the couch a few times.
He's finally got 2 teeth in...YEAH!!!! He loves table food and will literally eat anything! He's not wanting to give that bottle up yet though. I've switched him over to primarily regular milk now & he's doing really good w/that.
I can always count on him to be up and wanting in our bed @430am.
He loves to give mommy kisses :) .When he's done w/something he'll throw his hands up by his head and say " A duh" (All done) :) It's soooo cute!!
He dances and claps w/his musical toys & sometimes even sing with them!! He likes to hide out under his crib. He loves playing pat-a-cake!!! He claps and rolls when I do and sings along in his own little language!!
He says "dada" "mama" "sha" (that's for Chase our dog) "A duh" (all done) "ba" (bye bye) "aya" (Nala our lab) and we think "eww" is for sissy because he looks for her when he's saying that.
He's outgoing but more reserved than Crystal was when she was his age. He always wakes up w/wild hair & a happy little grin on his face :) Still loves to cuddle. LOVES TO BE OUTSIDE!! Wagon rides & swining is his thing :)

I've also started up an ebay business. I sell the kid's clothes and other treasures I find. It's interesting & entertaining & helps a little w/money. Oh...and I do this because my boss decided to "let me go" because he needed to save some money. However I don't think that was the case but life goes on & you learn to adapt & I'm loving staying @ home & being a true "stay-at-home mom"

Oh I have to brag...I made some of the best blackberry jelly!!! I'll have enought to sell in the next couple of years :)

We've had a couple of stressful things happen that has to deal w/certain family members. I'm not going to bash them but I'd like to say that after talking to other family & our friends; I've learned life isn't about making everybody happy & saying "no" to keep my family healthy & listening to God is what is important to me

Catching up...

This summer has been a lot of fun w/a few not so fun moments...so to catch up here's whats been going on since my last post which was memorial day...

Camping...we've been on 2 camping trips...one to Mill Creek in IL and the other to KY lake where we stayed @ Big Bear. Both were fun and we did a lot of swimming. If you are a FB follower...I have the pics on there.

Jeremy & I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary!!! I'm soooo glad I found him...he is the best husband, daddy, & friend :-) I love you Jeremy!!!

Cheer...Crystal is in cheer & gymnastics & she loves it! The cheer is competitive so they will be competing 11/13 @ Lexington & 1/26 @ Indy. I can't wait to see 3-5 yr olds doing this cheer routine...it's going to be sooooo cute!!!

Clay is now 8 months old!!!!! It only seems like yesterday that we were bringing in hom. He's crawling, pulling up to everything (but staying on his knees), says dadada & bubub & mmmm (which I think is mamama for now :) ). He loves the water & to be outside! He ate his 1st hand fulls of sand & grass...uck!!! He loves food & has even started eating some table food...chicken, hamburger, pizza, peaches, pears, bananas but he also really loves his bottle...so I think he's going to be a tough one to get off that. Still very much a mama's boy :-) Loves his sissy more and more everyday!! Loves when daddy comes home too...he gets excited & squeaks really high...too cute! He kind of waves bye. Still has no teeth...I think his top 2 and bottom 2 are all going to come in @ the same time though :( Loves to give those big wet kisses...mommy can't get enough of those!!!

Went to another STL baseball game & are going again Sep 18th. The cards won...and we had excellent seats!!! We went to the arch & had a pretty good time. Again...pics are on fb.

Been boating on the river & Patoka Lake. We got us a tube & Crystal loves riding it w/us!! She's a little dare devil!!

Switched our internet and LOVE IT!!!! Verizon is much better and way faster than Wild Blue.

Got a pool too!!!!! It's 24ft & 4 1/2 ft. deep. It's awesome & it's nice to have our own to go slip into to relax @ night after the kids go to bed. We'll still be swimming down @ mom & dad's too...esp until we get our deck built...the kids love to run & jump in. We are also adding on a tiki bar to our barn. It's going to be all part of putting the pool in...it's going to look awesome when it's done!!! The kids love it & I can't keep Crystal out of it.

Now the not so good parts of summer...

First...Crystal has to get her little fake tooth replaced and her other front tooth...the nerve in it is dead. She hit her mouth on the back of the couch :( Her real tooth w/the damaged root is still in & should stay in but it's discolored. What matters though is it doesn't bother her.

And finally...on July 22nd @ 515pm my papaw passed away. He was 93 yrs old & fully independent until he had to have stomach surgery the 1st part of April. This has been really tough because he got really good & was probably a week away from going home and then had complications from the 1st surgery...had to have a 2nd one...and wasn't strong enough to fight that battle of infections. I always wondered what would be harder...watching somebody slip away but being able to say goodbye or something happening instantly & not getting to say goodbye...getting to say goodbye is a lot harder. At the time I did my last post, papaw was getting lots better day by day & was talking so I was going to Eville to visit him more. You never know how many more times you'll get to see somebody so within reason I tried to see him as much as possible. We had his memorial service on 7/31 & it was perfect...it was papaw. Got to see & talk to alot of family...it's just sad it was under these terms. I have alot more to say about my papaw & I'm working on my blog for that. I miss him everyday but I know he's not sick anymore and healed.

That's all for now...I'll try to keep up on my posts a little better...& w/this faster internet...maybe I can put some video on here :-)

Just a short one...

I know I haven't been on here like I should...but w/the weather getting nicer outside...it's hard to stay indoors!! So just a quick update on Mr. Clay Briley...he's 5 1/2 months old!!!! Where does time go...seriously????? He weighs 18 1/2lbs & is solid. He loves all kind of baby food...even creamed spinach...uck!!! No wonder he's 18 1/2 lbs...Lord help me when he's a teenager...lol!!! Here are his likes:

*Rolling from side to side
*JUMPAROO!!!
*Any and all baby food...he even ate a cracker too!
*Mommy kisses
*All about Crystal...it's scary because he watches every little move she does and just smiles and laughs @ her...they are 2 peas in a pod!!! God knew what he was doing when he made them brother & sister :-)
*Blowing raspberries when he is taking bites and getting food all over me :-)
*Sticking his tougne out...I just taught him that a couple of days ago...lol
*Water...I think he's part fish..lol!!!!
*Watching baseball w/daddy
*Laughing...everything is funny & it melts my heart to hear him laugh :-) He's such a good and happy little guy!!
*Not taking a nap during day...going to bed @ 8pm and getting up @ 6am..fun..lol!!
*Being outside
*Swinging
* Dogs...esp our sheltie. He has this look in his eyes like "One of these days I'm going to get a great big fist full of your hair & I'm going to pull and laugh"
*Water in his sippy cup..he'll drink some juice but I think prefers water..which is ok cause it's free.
*Grabbing...hair, shirts, cell phones...whatever comes close enough his little hands are reaching for it..lol!!
*Cuddling w/his momma :-)

I can't believe that next week he's going to be 6 months old...that's 1/2 a yr away from his 1st birthday!!!!!! He just amazes me on how good and lovable he is...he's what I needed after loosing Mason. It's so neat to feel the difference between a Mother/daughter bond and a Mother/son bond. I love both my kids to pieces and what I love them for I can't say I love one more than the other because it's certain little things that child does that melts my heart. All I can say is that I love being a mommy!!!! If it weren't for all the "possible" complications...I'd have more kids...but having my 2 plus Mason is good enough for me...they are my life. So I know this blog was mainly about Clay...but I just want to say...I love you Crystal & Clay & Mason!!!!

4 month Stats on my Big Boy!!

They had their "I Love Mom" shirts on the day of Clay's app. Too cute :-)

I hope that he plays baseball one day and gets to play short stop because I'll make this pic into a button to show it was meant to be...lol!!

1st time in his jumparoo and he loved it!!!

Doing push ups

Easter morning...I love them sooooo much!!! They are my world!!

Our little family on Easter morning

Clay got his 1st sand bucket from our church's egg hunt

Such a happy little guy :-)

Clay had is 4 month check up on 4/8 and did really good!! He's right on track for his age. He weighed 16 lbs. 1 oz & is 25 1/2 in. long!!!! Both are in the 75% so he's growing like a little weed!! I can't believe that only 4 months ago he was 6lbs. 11oz.

He's rolled over a few times from his belly to his back and lifts his head up really good now! I got his jumparoo out a couple of days ago and he goes WILD in it!!! He loves it too :-) My mom got him this red bird thing that he can chew on it's feet and he likes to chew on his beak...so needless to say it's going to get washed frequently. He loves putting things in his hands and straight to the mouth it goes!!

Everything is still very funny to him...esp sissy and mommy. Jeremy is very interesting to him too...but he sits and studies him and then will smile really big @ him. I think he's learning how to be just like his daddy :-) His laugh is the cutest and most wonderful sound!!!! I would love to tickle him all day long just to hear that :-) He's going to be a talker too...he's all the time making sounds and talking to the tv. He's not big into cartoons but LOVES basketball and baseball (Jeremy says "That's my boy!!!")

He's still taking 4 oz bottles but @ lunch time he eats some baby food w/cereal & takes about 2 oz...he loves his baby food!!! Right now his favorite is yogurt & homemade peach baby food. He's had green beans and applesauce and likes them...but not as much as the other two.

He loves being outside too!!! He can't wait to start walking...I can tell because his feet go 100 miles a min just Crystal run & jump outside! I think he might be a early walker because he already does his legs in the walking motion...but we'll see :-)

He's still a little momma's boy and loves to be held. I don't believe you can ever spoil a

child by holding them too much so he's in my arms A LOT & I LOVE IT!!!!

Mommy Break Down Ahead...proceed w/Caution :-)

This past weekend I had a major breakdown!!! It started w/Friday night. We decided to test Clay out in his baby bed. I was hesitant because I just like him being right there beside me in his bassinet where I can take a peak @ him if I wake up in the middle of the night. But I stayed strong and decided I would be ok...I had the monitor right next to my head to hear any little peep he made. He did really good though so we decided it was ok to start letting him sleep in there. Saturday was good...nothing major changed. Then Sunday morning came. His morning feeding became his last time for me to nurse him. It made me sad to quit but @ the same time I think he was getting close to being need to wean off because he's starting to teeth and he has bit me a couple of times the past week. I didn't want him to continue to do that & telling him "No"...well...that broke my heart too plus he'd just smile really big @ me. Plus w/my new birth control I'm taking I couldn't be nursing. Then on Monday I went to get him dress so we could leave for work and his clothes were too small...so we had to switch out to 3-6 month clothes :-( Then on top of that I get to work and my boss is anything but friendly so I sat and cried most of the time I was @ work. There was just too much stuff that was changing in a short period of time.

I'm a little better now...but this week has been an emotional roller coaster for me. For the past 2 yrs I've either been pregnant or trying to get pregnant so I've not really done a lot of stuff for myself...it's always been for the sake of getting pregnant or for the little boys I carried or nursing Clay...which I'm not complaining about that at all...but I kind of don't know what to do with myself now. Just yesterday I had bad sinus stuff going on and I was sitting there wondering what I could take...then it came to me that I can take anything now. It sounds silly to get upset over something like that but I did. I think that w/me starting a new birth control and not nursing now I've got more hormones to deal with and it's making me emotional.

Then there's the issue of having more kids or not. Jeremy doesn't and I really don't...but when I talk about no more kids...I get upset w/that too. I'm 95% sure I don't want anymore because I don't want to take any more risks and I have 2 of the most happy and healthy kids anybody could ask for. It's not like there aren't with me 24/7 because they go to work w/me, they go shopping w/me...there's really not alot I don't do w/them. But since I've been having all this overwhelmness I'm going to drop my 2 hr. day @ work and just be there for 2-3hr days. I want to stay home more and enjoy my kids. I think this will help alot because summer is coming up and it's always so nice to be outside and go swimming. Jeremy gave me to ok to just stop working all together but I can't let go of a job that lets me bring my kids to work and where I get to make my own work schedule. I really think I jumped too fast into coming back to work and didn't take the time off that I needed. I started back @ 6 hrs. a week 2 weeks after I had Clay & my 8 hrs. a week 4 wks after I had him..so I don't think I allowed myself to have that "at home time" because @ that point I was scared to death of the NICU bills that we were maybe going to have...but that's all paid off and wasn't as bad as I thought they were going to be. People might think it's silly to not be able to work 8 hrs. a week...but when you have 2 kids and you take care of all the household chores time goes by wayyyyyy toooooo fast!!!! When they both get in school...I have no problem taking on a full time job. But I see it as Jeremy right now has an excellent job & since I do all the housework that allows him to come home and play w/the kids, we have a nice house that's comfortable for us (it's by no means our "dream home" but it does it's job), & we have dependable vehicles. Plus not to mention our outdoor toys we have and everything we get to do...and Jeremy wants me to stay home.

Well...I feel much better after typing this all out...maybe that's what I needed. I'd have to say that having these 2 little rays of sunshine is a blast!!!!! They love each other and are starting to learn how to interact w/each other too!! I think Crystal is past her little jealous point she had @ first. It took a little while but now she knows she ALWAYS gets her "me and mommy" time everyday...she just has to be a little patient. She's into makeup and painting nails and doing hair...so right now that's what we've been doing and she LOVES it!!! We were going to send her to preschool this fall...but I'm going to try to home school her for preschool. She's sooooo smart now & I hate to pay close to $200 a month for her to sit and hear what she already knows. I plan on doing K workbooks w/her and then I've found some neat things and ideas on the internet....and I promised her field trips too!!! She's a little disappointed...but @ the same time exicted because we are going to do everything she would have to do in the mornings to get ready and then just have school @ home.

Clay is waking up and Crystal is needing a snack...so to whoever reads this...thanks for listening :-) The picture above is my favorite time...when I get both to have both of my little blessings on my lap :-)

Why do they have to Grow up soooo fast :-)

Crystal, Jeremy, & Clay chill'n on our little balcony @ the Opry hotel

He LOVED this bath time. I actually let him lay in the water and he kicked like a little mad man!!!

Needless to say...he loved his wagon ride too!! Can't wait for some more warmer days :-)

Crystal & Clay in their new pj's...clay had to change his because he decided to spit up all over them

Clay eating homemade peach baby food...and he LOVED it too!!! I don't think there is anything this boy doesn't like.

I can't begin to explain how much joy this little boy has brought to my life. He is everything and more that I ever imagined and dreamed about. I couldn't imagine my life without him now...he's everything to me...just like his sissy :-)

So Clay is 3 1/2 months old now. Last night he slept in his baby bed...from 9pm-6am!!!! Needless to say...I think he likes it and that means no more bassinet in our room :-( ...but that doesn't mean he can't sleep w/me after Jeremy leaves for work. From about 5:45am-7am is our little snuggle time and sometimes I'm sandwiched between both kiddos...but those moments are why being a parent is the greatest!!!! I think with Clay sleeping in his baby bed...maybe...he might start rolling over. He's almost got it from his back to his belly...but not so much the other way. Oh well...he'll get there :-)

He is a little ladies man!!! I've never seen a baby talk, smile, & laugh @ girls the way he does. We thought we were in trouble w/Crystal...he has already graduated from Charming School 101 w/flying colors!!! He's attracted to redheads too...hummmm...wonder why???

Everything esp his sissy is funny now!!! His laugh is soooooo cute too!!!! I have it on video and am trying to find a way to put it on here and facebook...but haven't figured that out yet.

He's still a momma's boy...but he's starting to find Jeremy very interesting. They are definitely going to be sport watching buddies...he LOVES to watch basketball and football!! We are hoping he'll add in baseball too! He loves to be outside and going for wagon rides. We'll have to get some sunglasses to keep the sun out of his eyes so he can see everything around him.

He is a cuddler which is why drying up from nursing is probably going to be hard. He is starting to become attached to nursing because of the snuggling...so we'll have to figure something else out. I promised him though that just because the nursing was over didn't mean he had to stop snuggling!!

I fall in love with him more and more everyday and thank God for him. They say there's a reason why things happen. I always wondered..."Why Mason" but now that Clay has been here...maybe he's more of what I needed...and I can't explain that feeling...it's just there. It probably sounds horrible how I just worded that...but I can't explain how I feel about Clay. I was so scared about how could I possibly love somebody as much as I love Crystal...but I know how now :-)

I can't believe it's been 3 months!!!

On the 3rd Clay turned 3 months old!!!!! I can't believe time has gone by soooo fast!!! He makes it soooo much fun and now that he's really starting to interact w/Crystal...watching those two is very entertaining!

So some things he's learning is GRABBING!!! That's his big thing right now...he grabs everything from hair, hoop earrings, the phone cord @ work, shirts...and he's trying to get the time down to put it in his mouth. The other day he was sitting in his bouncy seat and had been studying this toy elephant and trying to figure out how to grab it. Well...he got ahold of it's leg and had it all twisted in his hand. He was flinging his hand everywhere and of course the elephant was moving wildly and his eyes were soooo huge like he couldn't believe he had finally did it! He was just "ooooo" and "cooooo" to it...it was sooo funny!! He also likes to grab ahold of your shirt and twist it and put it into his mouth and suck on it. He LOVES getting ahold of Crystal's hair and just smiles when she makes all those funny sounds trying to get away from him!

He's discovered Mickey Mouse is pretty entertaining too. The other day he laid on the floor and watched a whole episode of him! I think he like Mickey and Donald the best.

He loves to still be talked to and will talk back. He does facial expressions to go along w/his stories and they are priceless!!! He'll smile @ just about anything or anybody...he's got Crystal's personality so he'll be quite the little charmer :-)

Most of the things he's found funny has been stuff Crystal has done. He does think it's funny when I run my finger down his nose and then tap his top lip. He's laughed out load a few times and his little laugh is just adorable!!! When Jeremy talks to him he really studies him and takes it all in. That's good because Jeremy's smart and doing stuff comes sooo easy to him...I hope the kids take after him on that.

He had his 1st cold which lasted about 2wks. I'm soooo thankful that's all it was and didn't turn into something worse because there is soooo much stuff going around and I know soooo many people who's babies have had RSV. I thank God everyday for healthy kids!!!

Everyday I wake up I fall in love all over again. He is such a happy baby and he's everything I dreamed he would be. I have been so scared of making sure to do everything right to protect him because I couldn't stand the thought of him not being here. He'll never replace Mason...but the emptiness I had in my heart from loosing him has been filled w/Clay. Clay is a free spirited and happy little guy who loves to snuggle w/his mommy and that is exactly what I've needed. I can look into his eyes and see that he knows what I need and then he'll flash that huge & adorable smile and snuggle under my chin and cooooo @ me. There's no doubt he's a momma's boy and will always be. I love him more and more everyday and everyday I thank God for him.

I'll put some pictures up later...there are some really good ones :-)

My typical day...

I got this from a friend and I'm suppose to tell how my days go. I'll try my best...but we really just kind of take it day by day...a lot less stressful that way!!

7am - Me & Clay usually wake up...nurse and bottle feed. Take him and change him and get his clothes on for the day. Usually Crystal wakes up shortly after we get up and after I feed Clay I get her some strawberry milk and breakfast. Then she gets ready after a round of cartoons.

8am - If it's Mon, Wed, or Fri I'm trying to load the kids into the Expedition to head to work. I have a WONDERFUL job that I can take both kids to. I only work 8 hrs. a week...but it's an extra $80 for the week to do what we want with. The kids do really good @ work too. Crystal has a tv and toys and Clay has a bouncy seat. If it's Tues or Thurs then we just sit and watch some cartoons. I'll sit w/them for awhile and then usually put clay on the floor to play w/his kicker while I clean the kitchen.

9am - 10am Either working or cleaning and playing. At about 930am Clay is hungry again so I bottle feed (I'm weaning him from nursing) and then he takes a short cat nap.

10am-11am - Either working and getting ready to head home @ 11am or playing w/Crystal while Clay sleeps a little.

11am-noon- We eat lunch.

noon-1pm - Crystal does her K books and I feed Clay (nurse & bottle) and then he goes down for his big nap.

1pm-2pm - Clay's napping, I'm either doing cleaning/laundry or Crystal & I are playing the Wii and exercising.

2pm-3pm - Clay's napping, I do my workout Wii for 30 mins and Crystal is usually playing baby dolls or barbies.

3pm-4pm- I start supper. Clay usually wakes up and get changed and feed (nurse and bottle) and Crystal watches some Dora or whatever she's in the mood for.

4pm-5pm - Either fixing supper, finishing cleaning. The kids are playing.

5pm-6pm - Daddy's finally home!!!! Eat supper @ feed Clay (bottle) @ around 6pm. Crystal is usually drawing a picture for her daddy :-)

6pm-7pm - Have some family time and play w/the kids. Sometimes Jeremy & I might get to watch one of our shows.

7pm-8pm - Every other night is bath night for all of us. I usually just get in the tub because it's easier to wash Clay that way. Plus he likes being in there w/Crystal and smiling and laughing @ her. I usually get Crystal washed 1st and while Jeremy is getting her ready I wash Clay and then he gets him ready while I wash myself.

8-9pm - Feeding Clay (nursing & cereal bottle). Crystal gets a little strawberry milk & a bedtime story.

9pm-10pm - Mine and Jeremy's time :-) then off to bed!!

10pm-5am - sleep, sleep, sleep

5am-6am - Clay might wake up when Jeremy's alarm goes off @ 515am and usually he'll just nurse from one side and goes back to sleep snuggled up in my arms.

6am-7am - Sleep. Usually by this time both kids are in bed w/me and Jeremy is off to work.

I reached my goal!!!!

I'm sooooo proud of myself!!!! When Clay was born I set a goal to be able to nurse him until he was 3 months old...I I reached that goal on Wednesday!!! I nursed Crystal for 6 weeks and then got an infection and didn't have a really good pump so I quit. I was a little disappointed but I didn't have a choice. So this time around I told myself I was going to do it...and do it right! Clay is a good eater so he empties me out and doesn't leave anything...lol! I'm going to continue until the end of the month and then start drying up. This way he gets through RSV and flu season. Plus w/it starting to warm up we'll be outside and I don't want to deal w/the "full" feeling and be able to go do whatever whenever. Plus my pump that I've borrowed I think just bit the dust today...sorry Bethany :-( Nursing has been a task...esp this time around because of a 4yr. little girl who was very interested in what I was doing...lol! She hasn't tried to nurse her baby dolls like I did when I was little but she does make comments when she sees animals nursing their babies. She's been really good about it though. It's also been interesting on road trips. I had to buy a converter so I could pump in the truck. I've also mastered the task of pumping & driving through Evansville...you got to do what you got to do...lol!

We are still here...

Clay talking to his dog...looks like a pretty serious conversation!

Mommy's happy & smiling boy in the morning :-)

Clay's 1st time in the snow...which lasted about 2 mins

Mine & Jeremy's Valentine's Day dates. We went to BWW & watched the UK vs TN game. It was a late night but the kids did really good!

Clay & his sissy watching M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E! He loves watching that...esp w/his sis!

Sorry it's been a little while since I've updated. It seems like when I get a free moment...it quickly gets interrupted by the laundry, dishes, a phone call, exercise...you get the point...lol!

Things have been good since I last updated...except for the kids having a cold...which I hate for both of them but especially Clay. Good thing is that it's just a cold and he didn't have to see the doctor and he is getting better!!! Crystal got over it in 5 days and Clay's had it for almost a week...but like I said he's getting better!!!

I can't believe next week my little man is going to be 3 months old!!! Time has flown and feels like just yesterday I was making 3 trips to Evansville a week!! Now we stay @ home as much as possible and I enjoy every second I get w/him and Crystal :-) Have I ever mentioned that being a mommy is tough and challenging...but nothing has a better reward than being a mommy :-)

So what has Clay been up too??? Well...he LOVES being talked to and smiled at. He'll talk back and smile @ you now and I could sit there and do that all day long!! Probably why nothing gets done around the house...lol! He loves to be held and LOVES TO SNUGGLE!!!!! I LOVE that part about him :-) His hair is getting a little bit of a red tint to it...but I think it's going to be dark. His eyes have us confused though. He wakes up in the morning and they are blue. Then midday they have turned to almost a green color and by night they are a slate blue. He's our kind of kid...camo eyes...lol!!!! He's still nursing but also taking formula too...I don't produce enough milk so I've got to supplement. My goal was 3 months and I think I'm going to make it! I'll probably go a couple of wks longer just to make sure we ge through RSV and flu season. For about 1 1/2 wks he's been sleeping from 9pm-6am...so I'm finally getting a full nights of rest...ahhhhh :-) He's still in 0-3 month clothes...but not for long.

He's been out in public and does really good. He doesn't care too much for his carseat. In fact if he's in it...the truck better be moving or he's not happy. He still love to sleep on his belly and has to have the back of his head touching the side of the bassinet. I guess makes him feel like he's being held (he's not spoiled...lol!) The past couple of weeks he's been eating about a tablespoon full of yogurt and LOVES it!! I eat a cup everyday for lunch and he's right up there w/me chopping his mouth and whaling those arms until I give him a little. He chuckled for the 1st time on my bday...what a WONDERFUL bday present!!! Yes I cried like a little baby because just see him smile, hear his voice, and now hear him laugh is a beautiful sound!

There are alot of things I've learned to do one handed now! Typing is the biggest one but I can do dishes one handed, fix supper, do laundry, kind of fold the clothes (that's a tricky one and usually he likes laying on the bed and watching), exercising. It's getting a little better because when I put him in his bouncy seat he likes to try to hit the animals hanging down. Plus between Crystal and Chase (our dog) they keep him entertained for a short while.

Well...hope you enjoy the pics and I'll update later. He's on my lap and ready to eat...which requires to hands. But that ok cause that's me & him time :-)

Our Little Diva...

Who would have thought that 1-2 years ago when this little barefoot beauty who was in love w/Spiderman, never wanted to wear shoes or a shirt, & acted like a complete tomboy would today be playing dress up w/my old dance costumes & barbie dresses, liking for me to curl her hair & put makeup on, loves Hannah Montana & the Jonas "Brodders" (as she pronounces it...lol), & be the biggest little mother hen to her baby brother. Her personality, characteristics, outlook on life is one out of this world! She is a definite well rounded child!

Jeremy & I decided to let her start playing sports...so the 1st sport she's involved in will be soccer!!!! It starts the 1st weekend if April & last until May 8th. We are so excited to she her play & interact w/the other kids. I just hope she doesn't get hurt because you'll see this momma go flying out onto the field...lol!

We also decided that this next school yr we are going to let her attend preschool. We are trying to decide on either our church's which she'll go 3 days a week from 830am-1pm or to Bethal Memorial where she'll go 5 days a week from 815am-1145am. Decisions decisions...

Well...that's about all for now...just wanted to do a lil brag'n on her because she's done really good since Clay's been here.


Her "Cowgirl" outfit for the Wii game Just Dance. She put it together all by herself!

Her Valentine's day poster of the Jonas Brothers. It's right across from her bed so she can see them 1st thing when she wakes up. ..that's what she told us...lol!

Dancing w/the Wii in her Cowgirl outfit to Cotton Eye Joe!

Clay's 2 month appointment!!

OMG...I can't believe my little guy is getting soooo big tooooo fast!!! Last week he turned 2 months old...boy time flies when you are having fun!! He obviously didn't like his dr. app...he had to get 3 shots & on oral vaccine for the Roto virus. But he did weigh 12lbs. 3 oz (75% percentile) and was 23 3/4 in long (75% percentile). He did really good for the most part. His dr. was so shocked that none of us has been sick and hopes things stay like that. She said there's some pretty nasty viruses out there. So we are going to keep doing what we are doing and pray everybody stays healthy!!!

So some things Clay has accomplished this 1st month of being born....he LOVES being talked to and will talk back and smile HUGE @ you!!! He'll brighten anybody's dark days :-) He's found his hands and likes to suck on them. He LOVES his big sissy and really likes looking @ her pictures we have on the wall. At 6 wks. he started on a little cereal and liked it from the get go. When nobody else can get him to burp...mommy does the trick ;-) He likes being held...maybe too much...but that is probably because I'm spoiling rotten...lol!! He actually likes having socks on and is liking bath time only when mommy gets in the tub w/him.

He is bringing soooo much joy to our lives. At the time I could imagine why God wouldn't answer our prayers to get Mason here safe...but life's like a puzzle...now that Clay's here...things are starting to come together. I love you bubby!!

2010 WRAY Redneck Woman Contest

Hey Ya'll...I need your votes!!! I'm running again for WRAY'S 2010 Redneck Woman. It's a voting competition like the last time so everybody needs to vote as much as they can everyday until 2/25!!! So tell your friends and tell your friends to tell their friends and so on and so on!! Thanks to everybody who has voted so far and keep them coming!!!

Up to His Neck in POOP!!!!

7 1/2 wks. old

Monday started off good...both kids got up easy & we actually got to work a little early than normal. I was sitting feeding Clay when he started grunting. I was really happy because he hadn't pooped for 2 1/2 days! I wasn't to concerned because he wasn't acting constipated or anything but figured if he hadn't pooped by the night then I'd help him out a little.

So back on track...he grunted a few times & I heard the explosion. I let him lay for another 5 mins & he started to fall asleep so I knew he was done. I picked him up under his arms & carried him like that to the changing table. Sound mean...but I knew there would be a lot of poop & I didn't want it coming out.

I laid him on the table & started taking his pants off & noticed poop sliding down his leg w/his pants. So I lifted his pants up & saw nothing but poop!!!! He was well awake now & I said "Clay Briley...want did you do????" He smiled all over himself. So got the pants off & out of the way.

Next I noticed some poop coming out from the side & he had some on the leg part of his onsie. No big deal until I went tp take the onsie off & noticed poop on his belly. So I lifted his onsie up & he literally had poop all the way up to his neck!!!!!!! At this point I serious thought about cutting his onsie off because how on earth was I going to get this off wo/it getting into his hair, all over his face...you get the point. If we were @ home I would have just put him in the tub & been done w/it... but we were @ work :-(

So I carefully got the onsie off & did not get it on his head...don't ask me how. So there he lays 100% naked cooing, kicking & smiling @ me. So I started wiping him down. I got the front half done & picked him up just to lay a changing pad under him & the little fart peed on me!!!! Luckily I had on another shirt under my sweatshirt.

20 mins later, probably 10 wipes, 2 diapers, a new onsie, socks & pants we finally had the huge poop mess cleaned. The whole time I was cleaning him he just kicked and cooed at me and threw these huge smiles...so even though it was a nasty big mess...getting all that and knowing he was happy made it all worth while :-)

Oh My How 7 weeks Can Just Fly By!

The best way to describe how the past 7 weeks have been would be by pictures. So here ya go...

Clay laying on his favorite blanket...that is when he will lay down and not want to be held...he's not the least spoiled :-)

Crystal & Clay watching cartoons the morning after we came home...she's soooo glad to have a cartoon watching buddy...however she doesn't understand why he always falls asleep. Before too long she'll be wanting him to fall asleep so she can watch "her shows"...lol!

Crystal got to give him a bottle the 1st full day we were home. She's such a proud big sister!

A rare moment...both kids asleep @ the same time. You better believe I worked like a mad woman to clean and get anything done I could. However that only lasted 30 mins and Clay was up ready to eat :-)

After a week of no new pics I had people asking for new ones...so we took some. More thing is going to hate the camera when he gets older...lol!

His 1st holiday was Christmas. He stayed awake some. This is the 1st pic of all Jeremy's mom and dad's grandkids

On Dec. 20th we baptized Clay. He was 2 wks. old. The reason we did this so early was because he wore Jeremy's little outfit that he wore when he got baptized. I also had a blanket made that has his name, our church, and the date. Another reason this was a special time was Jeremy's dad baptized him (in our church). His dad has baptized/dedicated all of his grandkids...even Mason. So it meant alot to us to have him involved and have our family and friends there. We are also soooo blessed and thankful for our church family that has prayed for Clay to be healthy and get here safe.

Clay looked sooooooo cute in his daddy's outfit :-)

There's that happy boy!!

The outfit, shoes, and even the socks were Jeremy's.

Crystal & Clay w/Kevin & Isaiah. This is the 1st time we got to do a pic for my mom and dad of all their grandkids.

The same day Clay got baptized we got to play Joseph, Mary, the angel (Crystal) and baby Jesus (Clay) for our church's Christmas program. I got to sit in a rocking chair and rock Clay while the choir sang the most beautiful song about a mom rocking her newborn (how fitting considering Clay was 2 wks. old). During the middle of it I lost it because the words were soooo touching. I was told afterwards there wasn't a dry face sitting in the crowd during the song :-)

One of our lazy days and Crystal playing mother hen to Clay.

Clay got to meet his great grandma...Mamaw Jo. She's my mom's mom and she's 92 yrs. old. She was sooo thrilled to see and hold him.

His 1st meeting w/Santa Clause.

Celebrating his 1st Christmas @ home. Crystal loved that she got to open double presents (hers and his). They got sooooo much...and not from just us either :-)

His sleeper he wore on Christmas morning

Christmas @ my mom and dad's house. He also got to celebrate Christmas @ his great grandparent Seitz & his mamaw and pappy's house.

1st time his papaw got to feed him a bottle. He's pretty proud of him!

We went on our 1st mini vacation to Nashville, TN. We stayed @ the Opry hotel. They had all their Christmas lights up and he loved looking @ all of them. I think we've started a new family tradition of going down there on winter shutdown and having fun :-)

He likes his new stroller too!

He really liked sleeping in that big bed too

He's finally starting to go some distance in his car seat and not falling asleep instantly too.

He attended his 1st wedding and got to meet my dad's side of the family. This is his great grandma Carol holding him.

We've reached 1 month here!!! I got him and Crystal matching Vols outfits!

This is what we usually do when we are home during the day...I hold my babies and snuggle them :-)

Technically not his 1st trip to Bass Pro Shop...but he liked this one alot better and stayed awake the whole time we were there ( 2 hrs. I think). He really liked watching the fish in the fish tank and listening to the water from the waterfall.

This is Jeremy's dog Smokey. Now he gets shared by Clay & Crystal.

Now we are @ 7 wks. and things are starting to become alot of fun!!! He smiles, laughs ( a lil), coos and loves being talk to. I could sit and watch those little faces he makes all day long and get all kinds of cute smiles from him. He really melts my heart and I'm sooooo thankful for him.

Here's Clay & Abi. She wasn't due until 2/8 and was born on or around 12/15. So there's 2 wks. difference. This was the 1st time Clay had interaction w/another baby too and they both kicked and made all kinds of noises...almost like they were talking to each other.

So...I think I'm up to date on things. I'll try better to keep updated now that we are in a set schedule. It's hard work...but I wouldn't trade it for nothing and I'm loving every minute of it!!!