The Purser Family

Happy 1st Birthday, John Paul!

2012-01-20T05:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, John Paul!

I can't believe this precious child is already one. The past year has flown by. When I think back where we were a year ago - scared and nervous and look at us now, I am amazed at how great our God is. It makes you really question your trust in Him and how we don't always put our faith in Him. I'm so thankful he blessed us with one more chance to have this precious life. I am having such a hard time with this baby turning one and knowing I won't ever be able to do this with another one. God did bless me with just one more though and I am forever thankful for him. Just don't laugh at me OR him when he is still on my hip until he is 5 OR if he is still drinking out of a bottle at 14 months old. ;) He will always be my baby boy and his mama will likely treat him that way.

Happy Birthday, John Paul! We love you so much and are so very blessed to have you in our lives! We pray you become the man God wants you to be and love him with your whole heart!

Music City Bowl 2011

2011-12-31T13:06:00.000-08:00

I am so glad we made the decision to go to the Music City Bowl in Nashville with all the other awesome MSU fans. It was also great to be with two of my college best friends who meet us there. I just wish the other two had been there! We had so much fun! I wasn't sure if it was such a great decision to take Isabella in the beginning but her sweet daddy insisted. I knew if she found out we went to a MSU game without her we would never hear the end of it. She is a die hard fan! :)

Our seats weren't bad at all!

It would not be a MSU ballgame without these two having chips and cheese!

Once the people in front of us left, these two had more room to move around and visit!

Can't really see the score real well but the bottom line - we WON!

What an awesome time!!

Happy 5th Birthday, Isabella!

2011-11-30T05:45:00.000-08:00

Dear Isabella,
I know everyone says they can't believe how fast time flies but it is so hard to believe you are 5 years old today. I remember this very day 5 years ago so well. We were so excited but yet so nervous at the same time. As I look back over the last 5 years, you have grown up so much. Someone told me the other day, sometimes they feel like they are talking to a 25 year old and not a 5 year old girl. You can be so grown up sometimes but then want to be a little girl the next minute. Of course you tell me all the time you want to grow up so you can go to the "Bulldog school." Your passion for the bulldogs is just as strong as mine and you are only 5. I love that!!
You are the most loving child - always willing to hung and give a kiss. You are passionate in just about everything you do in life - loving others, dancing, singing. I hope and pray this passion you have for life grows into a passion for the Lord. As you have grown up and as my relationship has grown with Jesus, my goals for you in life have somewhat been rearranged. I now want more than anything for you to love Jesus and serve him with all of your heart. Someone said a few weeks ago, it is the passion and will that you have that can do wonderful things for the Lord one day - even if it means serving as a missionary in Africa. I can already tell you have a heart to help others and I'm so glad blessed you with that. You are a wonderful big sister and your brother loves you so much already. Seeing you love him and "mother" him makes me smile. I'm sure Marme could give us many examples of me doing the same thing to Uncle Al.
I pray that Daddy and I can be the very best parents to you and he direct us in leading you to him. You are such a wonderful little girl. We are so blessed God gave us the opportunity to help raise you into a wonderful Godly woman.

2 days old - a precious angel

1 year old - took me forever to take this picture. could never get you to smile

2 years old - we can already tell a little personality is coming out here

3 years old - your grin is contagious

4 years old - you are a princess and we are so proud of you name

Happy Birthday, sweet Isabella! Have a wonderful 5th birthday! We love you!

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-28T06:38:00.000-08:00

We had the best Thanksgiving this year! We were all at my mom's this year except for Darren, Brent, Bregitte, and Rosemary. All the grands had matching pumpkin shirts and all looked adorable. It was a wonderful time with a lot of family, food, and fun!

Two of my favorite things I am thankful for!

Is this not the sweetest picture ever!

Just four missing!

Sweet babies! They sure are cute little pumpkins!

Great grands!

MSU vs AL 2011

2011-11-26T05:48:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago Isabella and I had the best time at the MSU/AL game. Darren had to work and we let Marme take care of John Paul for the night. It was a great girl's day!

Silly girl!

Drumline on the way to the walk thru.

The most important part of ball games, other than seeing the bulldogs, chips and cheese.

This was her the last 5 minutes of the 4th quarter. She was OUT!

Tooth Fairy Visit

2011-11-22T05:23:00.000-08:00

Isabella lost her first tooth the morning of the AL/MSU game. Just two weeks before she turns 5! She has been asking us to pull it for weeks but her daddy kept telling her it had to come out on it's own. I don't know what made him change his mind but as we were eating breakfast, he just reached over and pulled it. She was so excited!! The tooth fairy brought her $3. Darren and I have started her a pearl bracelet that matches the necklace and earrings he gave me for a wedding present. She wasn't too excited about it but she thought it was pretty. For every tooth she loses, we will add another pearl!

The tooth fairy pillow her great aunt made for her.

Granddaddy's 90th Birthday

2011-11-21T06:12:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday we celebrated Granddaddy's 90th birthday. His actual birthday was on the 17th but since they were all traveling to Florida for our cousin's wedding, we celebrated on Sunday. Of course, he also got a coconut cake at the rehearsal dinner last night. Everyone sang for him - he LOVED every minute of it according to mama.

I'm not sure if I should say this or not but you have to laugh. Nana was telling him to make sure he took his teeth out before blowing out the cake so they wouldn't fall out. Does this kinda stuff only happen in our family?

These two are best buds - Nana and Mamaw

Pap and his little bulldog!

John Paul - 10 months

2011-11-20T09:05:00.001-08:00

Dear John Paul,
We can't believe you are already 10 months old? You are getting so big. Crawling everywhere. Two teeth. Saying dadada - no mama! :( You are still the sweetest little thing ever! You still love your sister and think she is the greatest thing! The two of you wrestle all the time and you just laugh. I'm so scared one of you is going to get hurt. We just watch the two of you very closely.

Your checkup with Dr Phillippi showed you were 20lbs (over the 50th percentile) but only in the 25 percentile in height. I'm trying to not worry about it right now. Hopefully, you will have your daddy's genes in the height department.
You are still eating like a champ. You have started refusing baby food and only want what we are eating. I had to give all the baby food away! One day you wanted baby food and the next day you had had enough. We are winding down on the breast feeding. I'm just not producing enough to keep up with you.
These pictures are getting harder and harder to take. If you did this at 10 months, I can only imagine what your pictures will look like at 12 months.

We love you so much sweet boy! You are such an absolute joy and we couldn't imagine our lives without you. I can't thank the good Lord above for blessing us with you. We love you!

Love,
Mama

What we have been up to................

2011-11-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

We have been busy with:

This little guy has a new hat for the winter. Hopefully to keep those ears covered so we won't get any ear infections! His daddy doesn't think much of the hat but I think it is super cute!

This girl! There is no telling what she is going to do next. I went in her bedroom to check on her after she went to sleep and this is how I found her. This hat is from her Halloween costume when she was almost one. She was a pink butterfly.

This is our sticker chart. We have started doing this to help her stay on green at school and after school. More on this subject later.

And this is what I have been up to....getting ready for this race. My sister challenged Al and I to this race on Thanksgiving day. A lot of nights instead of blogging, I'm running in preparation. Wish me luck!

Trunk or Treat

2011-11-10T19:02:00.000-08:00

We did a little something different for Halloween this year. Our church had a trunk or treat Halloween night so we decided to do that for the evening. We had the best time. My parents meet us there to help out with the kiddos since Darren was working.
Most of the cars had their trunks decorated with pumpkins, games, and such. See mine below. The neat thing was that most of the stuff I used to decorate was already in my trunk from tailgating. :)

My little Prince Charming LOVES a cheese puff!

Snow White and Prince Charming

If you know my mama and I well enough, you know we are not creative. Just so I'll remember this one day - we made Prince Charming's outfit. Yep, it took two of us and a whole afternoon but we did it! There is nothing a little glue gun and fabric spray won't take care of!

Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

2011-11-08T18:00:00.000-08:00

We had the best time at the Pumpkin patch this year with Isabella's 4 K class. I took the morning off to go with her and we both enjoyed our time together. During the hayride she sat in my lap the whole time just talking about everything she saw and asking questions. I'm so glad I was able to do this with her.

Poor things. The sun was in their eyes.

Yes, this is my child in the teacher's lap. She does get shy at times.

My sweet little pumpkin!

Sweet little baby goat

Her class checking out Tom, the turkey.

Heading to the hayride.

Wish I had a better camera to capture how beautiful this was.

Everyone picking out their pumpkins.

Cool maze

Her favorite thing, the swing

On top of the hay

My sweet girl and I! So glad we got to make a special memory that day!

Marion and Eliza Jane's Birthday Party

2011-10-28T19:00:00.000-07:00

This year my sister decided to have my niece's birthday party here in Jackson instead of Houston where they live. We all thought it was a great idea so we can all celebrate together. Since the girls birthdays are so close together it works out perfectly! Marion turned 3 and Eliza Jane turned 1.

If you have read my blog before you know how I have ranted and raved about how creative my sister is. The pictures below just don't give her enough credit. She did a farm theme party at the Ag Museum.

The centerpieces which she later gave me. :)

These were the cupcake stands which she made. She also made the cupcakes. They were 10 times better than Gigi's!

Birthday girl, Marion!

Birthday girl, Eliza Jane!

Loved....loved....loved riding the ponies!

Uncle Al and Lauren

Andrew

Marme and baby Brooks

How precious is she!!

Sweet Mamaw, Angie, and Eliza Jane

Happy 1st birthday, Eliza Jane!

Happy 3rd Birthday, Marion!

We had the best time! The company was great! The food was awesome and these two precious girls had a wonderful birthday! Can't wait to celebrate many more with them.

Luke Turns 2

2011-10-24T17:00:00.000-07:00

Baby Luke turned two the other day! It is so hard to believe! He is the sweetest thing! We missed his first birthday. He would have been a week older than Sullivan so as Luke hits milestones it always reminds me of what we are missing with Sullivan. Melanie did a wonderful time with his party and everyone had a great time. Here are the great participants that dressed up!

My little monkey is sitting on Aunt Mel's lab not looking at the camera. Princess Ariel wouldn't get in the picture.

How cute is this? Shelley did a great job and the cupcakes below were awesome! Not only super cute but yummy!

The little gnome and his cupcake!

Princess Ariel

Poor thing. She had been sick for days before the party. Before we left the house, she said we were only going to stay for 10 minutes. ;)

You know she felt bad though. She wouldn't let me do her hair or put any makeup on her.

The sweetest monkey ever!

Present time!

Happy Birthday, Luke! We sure do love you!

Remembering our Babies

2011-10-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

Please remember all of the precious babies who are no longer with their families today. Please light a candle at 7pm and keep their families in your prayers.

My sweet sister gave me these two weeks ago. She knew my due date with Sullivan was coming up. She was right. How ironic it falls on the same day we remember all the other babies we lost. The flowers are such a sweet reminder! Thank you, sweet sister!

Moving on Along

2011-10-12T20:15:00.000-07:00

Can't believe we are doing this already. Almost 2 weeks ago, he started crawling. Now he is everywhere. Pulling up on things too! His poor little head is so bruised up from falling over and hitting his head. Bless him!

We also noticed something breaking through the bottom of his gums tonight. Will share that later when you can really see something! ;)

The sweetest thing. You know you aren't as strict with the 2nd child. He is probably eating his 5th or 6th cheese puff of the day. :) He LOVED them, can't you tell!

4K School Pictures

2011-10-08T08:05:00.000-07:00

Here's our girl for school pictures. Posing as always!

Football Season 2011 MSU vs LA Tech

2011-10-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

Well, MSU football season is off and running. We didn't make it to the first home game which was on a Thursday night and against LSU. Darren was working and I had a conference plus I wasn't going to take 2 kids up there on a Thursday night.
We did make it to the 2nd home game against LA Tech. It was only one of two games Darren is going to be able to make it to due to his work schedule. The next one is homecoming. Poor thing is going to miss every SEC game. He did joke at the ballgame that every time he comes, we lose. Well, at the end of the game before it went into overtime, we decided to leave. As soon as we left the stadium, MSU scores and wins. Told him I couldn't bring him back anyway, he is bad luck! ;)

We did have a great time tailgating with Daphne and her family. We are getting better and better at it every year. Of course, if it wasn't for them we wouldn't be as fancy. We have a TV this year which is great so we can watch the other games.

His first MSU football game (outside my belly)! He spent tailgating like this and got dressed for the game. He did great tailgating but the game was a different story. He cried out every time the cowbells rang or people hollered out. He had not had a nap all afternoon so hopefully that was some of it.

These girls have the best time.

We headed over to the Cellular South area for the face painting and blow up things. I don't know what was wrong with Isabella but she wanted nothing to do with any of it. Maybe next time!

Miss MSU and Isabella. She just happened to be walking to the game when she past our tent area. Now she will know who I am talking about when we watch the Miss Mississippi pageant.

Daphne and my two!

The best of buds! It was so cute to hear them talking and playing during the game. I kept hearing Isabella tell Julia not to cheer because the cheerleaders down in front of us weren't cheering. "Julia, when they cheer, we cheer too." It was too cute!

Isabella took this one of her silly daddy!

Sweet girl loves her dawgs!

Not quite the best picture. As you can tell, John Paul was not happy!

First 4K Field Trip

2011-09-17T18:44:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Isabella had her first field trip. I took off for a couple of hours so I could go with her to the new Flowood Fire Station. This was the first year Pinelake had gone to this fire station so no one knew really what to expect. It went pretty good and I think the kids really enjoyed it!

Character Breakfast

2011-08-29T18:45:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I heard about a character breakfast fundraiser The American Cancer Society was hosting at Mint. Since we have been to Disney, I figured Isabella would love it. Plus give us something special to do on a Saturday when Daddy is working. Isabella wasn't too sure at first but after she ate a few bites of her breakfast, she started warming up to them. My mama took her around to all of them and got a few pictures for me. She was a great help! I couldn't have done it without her.

Notice that John Paul didn't think twice about the characters especially all the princesses. He loved it! Can't wait to take him to Disney!

This is the only picture of these three. We didn't see Levi the rest of the breakfast (he was under the table). Needless to say, Faith and Scott will be saving some money by not having to do to Disney anytime soon!

Can't wait for him to see this one day and know who they are.

I was so surprised Isabella choose to dress up as Snow White and not as Princess Belle.

My sweet mama and little girl!

First Day of School - 4K

2011-08-20T18:33:00.000-07:00

After a lot of praying, I finally felt God was leading us to put Isabella at Pinelake for 4K. I have struggled with the decision for over a year now and I'm finally at peace. A few weeks ago before school started, I realized one day after leaving the daycare, it was time to go. I'm so glad God led us to Pinelake. We are super excited and Isabella is LOVING it. We love her teacher, Mrs. Alison and are looking forward to a wonderful year. She is going to learn so much!!

Darren surprised us by meeting us after he got off work to take her to her first day of school!

She finally sees Aunt Mel taking pictures and gets tickled.

Sweet family picture minus one! ;)

Noah and Isabella. These two are BFFs!

Mrs. Alison, Darren, and Isabella. Not sure what was going on with my camera.

We are super excited to have Levi with us, for school and afterschool.

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The Truth and Nothing but the Truth

2011-08-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

So, this past week I had jury duty in District Court. This is the third time in three years I have been asked to report. The first two times were for Rankin County. Each time I got off because of my brother being a police officer. I figured it would be the same this time especially if it was a criminal case. I then figured I would get off since I am still breastfeeding and needing to pump three times a day. Turns out it was a civil case and when I spoke to the Judge about needing to pump, he smiled and said, "No problem, my daughter is breastfeeding. We will accommodate you." I couldn't believe it.

I spent three days with 7 other jurors listening to testimony about a personal injury case. At first I thought, how boring but then realized how thankful I was that it wasn't a rape or murder case. I can't imagine having that all in my mind and making a decision about it. Everyday I prayed that God would direct each of us that were going to be making a judgement in the case but also for everyone else in the courtroom. We apparently were a great group according to the Judge and the US Marshall. It went by very quickly and we all agreed on the first vote. It made the whole experience so much more positive and thankful I got to serve. EVERYONE should serve at least once. It is an experience I will never forget.

Here is the case, by the way:
http://www.wapt.com/news/16404512/detail.html
Our case had to do with the truck driver suing Amtrak for not blowing the horn in time. Long story short, we found that Amtrak did act according to Federal Regulations by signaling the horn in the appropriate amount of time.

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6 Months Old

2011-08-10T18:40:00.000-07:00

John Paul,

It is hard to believe you are 6 months old. You are the sweetest little boy. Your sweet little cackle that you make especially when your daddy looks at you. When he is around you are always looking around for him to look at you. As soon as he does, you flash the biggest grin and laugh. It is adorable. You also laugh when your sister is doing something. She is always looking for ways to entertain you.

Your checkup with Dr Phillippi was a little late this time since she was out of town. You weighed 18 lbs and 3 oz which is in the 50% percentile. Your height was also in the 50% percentile at 2 ft 2.5 in.

You are a fabulous eater and will eat whatever vegetable or fruit I give you. Cereal is still your favorite though!

We tried to take your 6 month pictures and as you can see below, it was a little difficult. You roll over all the time. We put you on the floor and before we know it, you have rolled to wherever you want to go. It won't be long and you will be crawling to wherever you want to go.

Thank you for always warming my heart and reminding me what an AWESOME God we serve. I hold you a little tighter when I think about it and rock you a little longer just thanking him for blessing us with you.

Love you, sweet boy!
Mama

Princess Dance Camp 2011

2011-07-23T18:27:00.000-07:00

A week ago Isabella went to Princess Dance camp at the Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet Company. We weren't sure what to expect but it was absolutely wonderful. She thoroughly enjoyed it! So much that we are taking Fall classes. She can't wait!

Everyday they were a different princess. They did a craft everyday along with learning a dance. On the last day they did a little recital for us! She did a fabulous job and one of the best ones in our opinion! :) We will definitely do it next year and highly recommend it!

I have to give a shout out to this sweet Marme! She took Isabella back and forth everyday to help me out! She has no idea how much we appreciate it!!! She is the best!

I also tried to download videos of the recital for the past 4 days! No such luck. I'll keep trying!

BAM!!!!

2011-07-18T18:50:00.000-07:00

This past Thursday Darren and I had the opportunity to see Emeril do a live demonstration at the Viking classic. A good friend of ours gave us free tickets which made it even better.
It was a lot of fun! Something different to do as a couple.
We weren't supposed to take any pictures but I kept seeing people stick their phones up in the air and take a picture so I did too!
The first thing he did was a cucumber drink with gin in it. Yea, not really our thing. The second item he cooked was a grilled catfish platter which we got to taste. Lastly, was a grilled Tuscany steak with a salad. We would have much rather tried that! :)
The food might not have been something we normally eat but we did learn a few good cooking tips! Most of though, it was great to do something different together!

By the way, he never said, "Bam!"

Baby Jack

2011-07-13T18:54:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago a few friends of mine and I threw a baby shower for "Jackson Hardy Baldwin" and his mama, Amy. It was so much fun! I usually don't offer my house up for things like this but I made an exception since Amy is such a wonderful friend! :) It all went great! Baby Jack should be here in a few weeks and we can't wait to meet him! John Paul and him are going to be the best of friends!

How cute is this door hanger? Amy's sister, Melanie, had a friend of hers make it.

I went around the moon for these petit fors. They were to die for, even if I had to go all the way to Canton and then get lost!

We all got to see baby Noah who got lots of loving from several of us!

I had asked my mama to come to help with the children! As always, a lifesaver!

Cali wanted to go play in Isabella's room but she didn't.

I can't brag enough about Emily Porter and her awesome talent of monogramming. Actually, she has A LOT of talents but monogramming precious things is one of her top ones! Check her out at Apple Annie's! She does a great job!!

Samuel Brooks Kimbrell

2011-07-09T04:08:00.000-07:00

A month ago today, this little man below decided he needed to make his apperance. Well, actually his mama's doctor did. My SIL, Amanda, went in for a routine 36 week check up and his heart rate was around 240. In no time, she was rushed to St D for a stat c section and he was delivered. Not only did he make a surprise appearance, we didn't know if he was a boy or girl. The other part of the story is that the kids and I were on our way to Arkansas for a family reunion with my parents, brother and sister, and their children. We ended up all the way to Jonosboro, picked up my mom, and then turned back around to check on this little man.
He was later transferred to the NICU at UMC where he was diagnosed with atrial flutter. After a week, he was discharged in a normal rhythm but will have to take medication the first year of his life. A month later, he is doing great! The first pictures are when he was just admitted to the NICU but the ones at the bottom are him at home. Isabella couldn't wait to get to hold baby Brooks!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Sullivan!

2011-06-22T06:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, sweet Sullivan!

We know you are having a wonderful time in heaven celebrating. Your sister wants to celebrate with Gigi's cupcakes and nachos tonight so that is what we will do. She has never had nachos before and we aren't sure where she heard about them but we will get her some. We will also come out to the cemetery on Saturday for a visit and bring some flowers.
I took off work last year for your birthday and we had a family day. Your daddy and I talked about it this year and decided we probably won't be able to take off every year with your daddy's work schedule the way it is so I'm at work today. We are thinking about you though and miss you terribly. We talk about you all the time and how much we love you. We have come a long way as a family in the last two years and that is mostly because of you. God does have a plan for us and knows exactly what he is doing. Although we are sad and missing you, we know you are perfect and you not being here with us is part of his wonderful plan!

We love you, sweet boy!!

Time for Swimming Again

2011-06-15T18:00:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year again.....swimming lessons. She and her little buddy, Levi are back at it. This year they have moved up a class, Shiloh is walking around everywhere during the lesson, and John Paul is usually eating his cereal. Last year Shiloh was eating her supper every evening and I was newly pregnant with JP. Faith and I have joked we realize we will probably be in the same spot every summer for the next 5-6 years since Shiloh and John Paul are next in line. Wonder if Alicia will let us "lock in" the rate!

Not scared at all this year.

If he isn't eating, sleeping is usually his next priority.

Wrapping up the Season

2011-06-12T18:00:00.000-07:00

T-ball season is over! Thank goodness! I think I would be more disappointed if she liked it more but she didn't care at all. I know better now. Now she is asking to play soccer again but also mentioning dance. She is going to do a dance camp this summer so we will see how that goes.

The "Pull A Part Cougars" had a end of the season swimming party. Everyone had something going on so only 6 of the 12 showed up. The kids had a great time swimming, eating pizza, and cupcakes!

She was the only little girl there!

One of the little boys accepting his award.

Silly girl!

She was being shy and wouldn't go up there and get her trophy and award. Also, sorry for the bad pictures. I only had my iphone!

One Fine Lady

2011-05-29T18:25:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, the Purser family lost a wonderful lady but Jesus welcomed one wonderful lady home.

Darren's grandmother, Minnie Buchanan Stephens went to be with Jesus at the age of 97. I met her 12 years ago when Darren and I first started dating. She was always smiling from ear to ear and I never heard an unkind word out of her mouth. Over the last several years, several strokes had affected her speech so she had a hard time getting out what she wanted to say. Bless her. She would get so frustrated trying to speak to us. We would just smile and talk right back to her. The last time we saw her was in February. We went down to the nursing home to show her John Paul. We told her who he was and she had the biggest smile on her face! She knew exactly who we were and was so excited to see him!

Even though we are sad because she is no longer with us. We know without a shadow of a doubt, she is with Jesus. As I told Isabella, she is with Jesus rocking Sullivan telling him all kinds of stories. She is completely healed and doesn't have a bit of trouble talking!

These pictures are from Megan's (our oldest niece) wedding two years ago.

Megan, Mamaw Minnie, Uncle Gene (Paul's brother), and Papaw (Darren's Dad, Paul)

Morgan, Mamaw Minnie, and Megan

Four Generations: Doug, Megan, Papaw, and Mamaw Minnie.
I have a picture of 5 generations (Megan has a little boy now) but I have looked high and low and can't find it.

4 Months Old

2011-05-25T17:50:00.000-07:00

John Paul,

You are four months old and a BIG boy. At your 4 month check up, you weighed 15 lbs 12ozs (75th percentile) and 2 ft 1 in (50th percentile). You are in 6-9 month clothes and are in a size 3 diaper. We are considering add rice cereal to your night time regimen. You are still eating 5 oz every 3 hrs. You were sleeping through the night but that hasn't been going as well over the last week or so. Last night was the first time you slept in your room and I slept in my bed. Hopefully, with me not being right beside you, you won't want to get up and eat. At least that is my goal! :)
You are the most content baby! You love to laugh especially at your sister. We play patty cake with you and you just cackle! It is the cutest thing! You also love your bath especially with your sister talking to you the whole time! You both love each other so much already!!

One Year Ago

2011-05-23T06:32:00.000-07:00

I can't believe a year ago today I found out I was pregnant for the 7th time and the last time. It brings back so many memories of the unknown but also fear. Darren was off fishing in Arkansas and I was so scared to tell him. I knew if I didn't carry this baby, we wouldn't try again. I remembering taking the test and then calling Dr Hines the next day to start all the medication. I can't say that I was scared nor necessarily excited. I knew what could happen. We had been down that road too many times before.
I can say today that we serve an AWESOME God who blessed us with one more chance to bring another precious life into this world. It does still hurt that I won't ever be able to carry another child again but God has blessed us with two wonderful precious children. We are so thankful to him and all he has done in our lives.

Thank you, Lord, for blessing us with Isabella and John Paul. We pray that we can raise them to love you first and foremost and serve you!

John Paul's Dedication

2011-05-04T17:17:00.000-07:00

We choose Easter Sunday to have John Paul's dedication. We knew more family would be in town plus we always get together as a family so what better time to do it! Also, what a wonderful day to dedicate our miracle to God! I knew I wanted to have it at our home church but since it was Easter Sunday, our parents would be in Cruger and they wouldn't have church Sunday evening. We planned to have the dedication at the church and then head to the parents house for dinner. It was absolutely wonderful. It was so nice to pull our our china, sterling, and crystal and have a nice sit down dinner with our families.

If Mimi is around, this is where John Paul is!

Sweet Marion and Aunt Kati

Everyone waiting around.

Pap dedicating another one of his grandchildren.

Darren's parents, Mimi and Papaw and our precious niece, Morgan.

Our family and the great grandparents! Oops! Uncle is in there too, not sure how that happened.
Mamaw, Nana, Granddaddy, and Uncle Ian

Pap and Marme, my parents.

My parents and two out of three siblings with their families. We are a growing bunch with two more on the way!!

Our little family of four!

My two precious miracles! John Paul wore the same gown I wore that Nana made. Isabella also wore it when she was little.

Trying to get a picture of this many is a chore! Lauren should be in it but she was sound asleep.

My Heart!

Dinner at Pap and Marme's

A traditional Easter meal

The flowers at the "adult" table. The peach/orange roses are in honor of Sullivan. We didn't want to forget him on this special day!

The cake wasn't quite what I asked for but it was absolutely wonderful! I ate it everyday for the rest of the week!

Here's Lauren since she didn't make it in any of the other pictures. We found her like this just a talking away. (No one is on the phone!)

Easter 2011

2011-05-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter celebration this year! Every year I feel the celebration of what Easter means has a deeper and deeper meaning for me. As my relationship with Christ grows, this holiday means more and more to me.

We started our weekend celebration on Good Friday with LOTS of children! It was great! Mom and I had the whole day planned. It was so much fun!

We started off with Resurrection Buns! Mel and her three boys came and joined the fun with Andrew, Isabella, Lauren, and Marion.

Everyone ended up with more then one marshmellow because they wanted to eat one!

Listening to Marme tell the story about Jesus and the tomb.

While we waited on the Resurrection buns, we dyed Easter eggs.

Mama had bought them all aprons! Too cute!

They did a great job!

Passing out their buns and finishing the story. As Pap says, they ate the tomb! ;)

Time to hunt some eggs. Mel and I were probably the laziest egg hiders around. Many of them were just thrown into the yard. Of course, we did have some younger ones who needed the "easy" eggs.

Next year Eliza Jane will be running around trying to find them!

Of course, this one is 18months old and should be running around too but he isn't. I don't blame him! If everyone carried me, I wouldn't walk either! Update: He walked by himself the very next weekend!

Sweet girls! Lauren and Belle

How cute are they! We had planned to bake cookies but everyone was so tired and the Lewis family had to leave so we waited until the next day.

I think more dough was eaten then made into cookies.

Bunny and egg cookies

Marion doesn't like to get her hands dirty! :)

Like I said, more eating than baking going on.

The finished product! They didn't have time to add the icing!

Easter morning

This one wasn't too into it this year but next year, he will be ready!

I let this happen but luckily.....

This was the only bite she took! She didn't like them!

Our family of four!

Time to Hunt some eggs

2011-05-01T18:57:00.000-07:00

Every year we attend the Easter egg hunt at the church we grew up in, Trinity Wesleyan Church. With it being such a tradition, we skipped tball so we could hunt some eggs. The difference this year was Isabella moved up to the bigger kids category plus it was 70 degrees outside! Forget a cute little spring dress, we had on long sleeves and pants!

Pap was hunting eggs too!

Cheese!

Marme, Nana, John Paul, and Isabella

The annual "Isabella" picture! My two Belle's!!

Nana loves her some John Paul!

Some of my favorite people!!

One thing I haven't mentioned on our blog is we have been visiting churches. These pictures below are from a Easter egg hunt at First Independent Methodist Church of Madison. It was really Friend Day but they had a hunt for the kids after eating. Isabella loved it!!

The youth hide them really well! ;)

I wouldn't let her get up under the car for the egg. Haley helped her out!

A few of the kids hunting eggs!

This is Riley and Isabella. These two are two peas in a pod! They both have a lot of energy!!!!

Sweet!

A Royal Wedding: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

2011-04-29T18:36:00.000-07:00

Before I post our Easter pictures, I wanted to do this post. I want Isabella to look back on this one day and realize what a special day this was for Great Britain.

Someone laughed at me earlier today when I said I got up at 345am to watch the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton (Kate). What they didn't know was that my Nana and my mama were born in London, England. Bethnal Green to be exact. This is part of my heritage. I am very proud of where my family came from and the "English" things my Nana has taught us. I hope we can continue to pass on our "little ways" to our children.

I vaguely remember the wedding of Dianna and Charles. I was very young but as a little girl it was a fairy tale. I also remember staying up all night with Brent when Princess Diana died watching her funeral. Needless to say, I had to get up and watch the wedding of Prince William. I also love that fact my sister and I were texting each other at 4am about the wedding!!

They both looked absolutely in love and very happy. Her dress was classic and very proper for such a beautiful wife of the future King of England.

I love how proper William is all the time but then I love how Harry loves to crack a joke.

She is stunning.

Her sister looks beautiful also!

Of course, I can't forget the Queen of England and her husband, Prince Phillip.

What a gorgeous couple!

I think they did a wonderful job keeping with some of the British traditions but then making it "their" own wedding.

In the past, the entire Royal Family comes out on the balcony but only the wedding party was out there.

I joked this morning with Isabella that we weren't leaving the house until after the kiss. They were scheduled to kiss 725am, our time and we have to leave the house by 720am to get to school and work. I figured my 8 o'clock patient could wait a few minutes. (FYI He showed up at 10am.)

Such a surprise and very nontraditional!

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3 Months Old

2011-04-20T20:14:00.000-07:00

John Paul, you have grown so much in the last three months. Your looks are beginning to change. You still look like your sister but I think a little bit of the Purser family might be coming out in you.
A week ago you weighed 14 lbs 6 ozs!! You are pretty much wearing 6 month clothes and size 2 diapers. You have already had your 2nd ear infection. :( Your sister did the same thing but we could always tell when she had one because she wouldn't sleep. You are completely different. You are so happy all the time I can't tell when you are sick. You laugh and smile all the time! It is the sweetest thing!

We sure do love you, every little roll!

These were taken last Sunday after church. I mention above how happy he is and these are of him fussing. His sister was giving him a little "extra" loving and he wasn't happy!

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Unicorns

2011-04-12T06:35:00.000-07:00

Belle: Mama!
Me: What Belle?
Belle: Be still. There is something on your face. (As she stares intently into my eyes and then yanks the mess out of my eyelashes. Yes, eyelashes, not eyebrows!)
Me: Ouch, Belle! Why did you do that?
Belle: Sorry, there was a unicorn on them!
Me: Oh my! Really?
Belle: Uh, huh!

Love love love my little girl!

From many moons ago! She is sure growing up!

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Time for Tball

2011-04-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday Isabella had her first tball game. It was quite an experience! Unfortunately, Darren had to work but I do believe Isabella had more fans in the stands then anyone else. Pap, Marme, Morgan, Anna Grace, Mimi, and Papaw were all there to watch and of course, John Paul!
At this age they are so cute! When someone hits the ball, they all run to get it, except ours. She stayed in the same stance the whole time she was in the field except when she was waving at us! :) She did get a great hit and made it all around the bases. At this age they don't keep score nor keep track of anything so it is mainly a learning experience! Hopefully, by the end of the season she will be a pro like her mama and daddy were! :)

By the way, my camera was messed up this weekend. I then got Morgan to take pictures which she put on facebook and now I can't get them off facebook. So the pictures are from Darren's Iphone the morning before the game. I'll get better pictures this weekend!

Yes, her outfit is HUGE but all the kids look the same way! ;)

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Two months old

2011-03-20T02:39:00.000-07:00

John Paul,
I can't believe you are two months old already. You are the best baby. You are rarely fussy and if you are, something is wrong. You sleep like a champ. You aren't sleeping through the night yet but I'm working with you on that. You are starting to smile more. You smiled for your daddy yesterday and your Marme today. Of course, you smile at your mama all the time! :) You are still pretty serious like your sister was at this point but a real cuddle bug.
We are so blessed to have you! I can't thank God enough for blessing us with you.
We love you!
Mama

I have no idea why you are so mad right here.

Big boy!

I have to throw this in of your sister. She was zonked out on the way home from Marme and Pap's house today! Notice the sucker stuck to her right leg. There was no way she was going throw it away. She ate the rest of it when she woke up!

Our First Day

2011-03-09T16:56:00.000-08:00

Monday was our first day at school and my first day back to work. :(
When I had Isabella, I was so ready to go back to work after 6 weeks and figured it would be the same with this one. Boy, was I wrong. It is much harder with two plus to even get out the door in a timely manner is a job. BUT we did great. Isabella stayed with Marme and Pap Sunday night so I just had John Paul to get ready Monday morning. Darren also went back to work Monday night but he was there on Monday morning to help if needed. He did end up helping a little bit but I tried to do it on my own since he wouldn't be there the rest of the week.

We all had a wonderful day with no tears shed for anyone. When I dropped JP off, I told the nursery lady that he was going to cry. She said, "I know." I very nicely replied back with a little more emphasis, "No, really. He is going to cry." Her reply, "Well, I'll just spank him then!" She then hugged me. I laughed and laughed over the initial shock of what she said kicked in. I knew she was picking at me and it sure helped my mood and made me laugh.

Daddy had him all tucked into the car seat ready to go!

First day back for the both of us! I have no idea why my eyes look funny other then I'm tired!

Just a few more things to throw in:
John Paul had his 6 wk checkup last Friday. He weighed 11 lbs and 3 oz and 22 1/2 inches long. Growing just as he should!

Our first bottle! Daddy was the first person to give both Isabella and John Paul their first bottle!

Talk about some cheeks! They are just like Isabella's were.

Belle's first bottle

My pretty flowers my daughter picked me from the backyard! So sweet!

The End of an Era

2011-03-03T10:57:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday marked the end of an era at Mississippi State University. Such a sad day to hear Jack Cristal do his last broadcast for MSU athletics. I remember as a little girl always listening and how you could always find the game on the radio because you "knew" Jack Cristal's voice. I hate that Isabella and John Paul won't be able to know "that voice". It was great though that he ended his career on a win in basketball by MSU beating Tennessee. As Jack Cristal's always said, "You can wrap this one in maroon and white!"

The man himself

Hanging out on the blankets PawPaw got them.

Sweet siblings!

6 weeks old and we already have 2 MSU blankets. Raising him right!

Night Out

2011-02-23T07:46:00.000-08:00

Last Friday night we headed to dinner for the first time as a family of four. What an adventure!!
We were smart though in realizing we shouldn't go far and we shouldn't go anywhere that would require a wait.

The result:

We usually get it to go but last night they did the fajitas funny so we wanted to try something different. It was pretty good! Glad to see Darren venturing out and trying something other then fajitas!

The adventure was with this one below! I was not fighting the clothing issue that night. She had changed into this outfit earlier in the day (from a drawer with summer/spring clothes) and applied the boots. Silly girl!

One of our many friends who had to come but he had to stay in the car!

Our little man was fine except he got fussy while we were eating and had to be held! ;)

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One Month Old

2011-02-20T13:03:00.000-08:00

John Paul you are 1 month old!

I can't believe it!

You weigh at least over 8lbs. You were last weighed 2 weeks ago and have definitely put on more weight since then.
You are also much longer then 20 1/2 inches like you were 2 weeks ago. In my opinion, you are LONG!
You wear a size 0-3 month. The newborn clothes no longer fit you! :(

You have changed so much in just the last few weeks. You aren't smiling yet but I'm working with you on it. You only cry when you are hungry and I usually let you cry, especially at night. I have learned it takes you a little while to wake up. If I start feeding you before you are awake enough, you go right back to sleep.

You LOVE your sister already. If you are starting to fuss a little, I'll ask her to sing or talk to you and you immediately quiet down. She also LOVES you! You are going to be the best of friends, I'm sure!

Your daddy also says you are a mama's boy which is fine by me. You already seem to look around when I'm not holding you when you hear my voice. Warms my heart! :)

We are so blessed to have you in our lives. We all love you so much and so thankful God blessed us with you!

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Happy Valentine's Day 2011

2011-02-14T19:11:00.000-08:00

We had a great Valentine's day. Pretty low key but nowadays that is how we roll! ;)

Isabella had her Valentine's day party at school and came home with lots of goodies! Darren, John Paul, and I had lunch at the Strawberry Cafe in Madison. We had decided not to do anything for each other other then having a nice lunch together. It was our first time to eat there and we enjoyed it.

When Isabella got home from school, I took a few pictures. I didn't get a super cute outfit for John Paul but he did have a Valentine's day outfit!

My sweet babies!

His first Valentine's day. I know he looks huge! He really isn't but it is definitely "filling" out!

There are just no words!

Mama, get a close up!

Her favorite thing to do. If I had a penny for every time she wanted to kiss him, I wouldn't have to work!

Two Week Check Up

2011-02-05T15:57:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned how good God is? I just can't say it enough. We are so absolutely blessed. God has just had his hand in everything and I know he does everyday in every way BUT I guess I'm just really seeing it more and more over the last two weeks. I can't thank him enough.

Yesterday, I took John Paul for his two week check up. We have been seeing the same pediatrician since Isabella was born but he should be retiring in the next couple of years so I knew I wanted to change once John Paul got here. When I called a week ago, I was informed she was no longer taking new patients. Well, I hate to say it but I pulled the name card out and asked one of the MD's I work for to call the pediatrician to see if she would see us. Sure enough, she would! I was so excited!

We had seen Dr Phillippi before during an after hours visit with Isabella one time so I knew she would be great! As soon as she walked in, she wanted to know our story. I just briefly described what we had been through to get John Paul here and how thankful we were. She was just wonderful. We went through everything and how well he is doing. He now weighs 8 lbs and 20 1/2 inches long! How wonderful! Growing exactly as he should and doing everything he should be doing.

Again, we are so thankful and grateful for this precious life God has blessed us with. We can't thank him enough!

Getting dressed after seeing the doctor.

Probably his favorite position. Either laying on mama or daddy's chest. We do try not to do this a whole lot since we don't want him too stinky rotten but it is so hard to put him down sometimes. He is definitely a snuggle bug!

Wide awake! He is starting to spend a little more time awake and looking around. Isabella and I love talking to him during these times!

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Great Grandparent's Day

2011-02-03T14:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my mama brought over the great grandparents over to see John Paul. It was too much to get them all to the hospital so we waited until I felt better for them to visit. We were excited to see them and show John Paul off to them!

Mamaw, John Paul, and I

Grandaddy, John Paul, and I. While they were there, Granddaddy counted up and he has 5 great grandsons! He is pretty proud!

Nana, John Paul, and I

Can't forget about Miss Belle. Here is a picture of yesterday morning before school. When Darren came back from taking her to school, he had the gloves and her hat in his hands. I asked him what happened. He said she had them off before they even got into the truck. I don't know why I even bothered buying them!

One Week Old

2011-01-27T18:00:00.000-08:00

Dear John Paul,
Today you are one week old. This past week has flown by and I am already sad I will have to leave you to go back to work in 5 weeks. If you are half as good as you have already been the past week, it is going to be so hard.

You are an absolute doll. You eat, sleep, and poop which is what you are supposed to be doing BUT you do it all so well. Your daddy and I are so absolutely blessed and so thankful to God for blessing us with you. We can't thank him enough!

I hope and pray we raise you to love the Lord with all your heart and be the kind of man God wants you to be. We love you!

Mama

I have the very same picture of Isabella but in pink at the same time! I'll post it soon!

We didn't show Daddy our socks!

We put you on your back but you slid/rolled onto your side sometime during the evening.

This was your first time with a paci. You took it but didn't keep it in long. You don't cry or fuss so we haven't had to use it.

Your sister spent many a night on your daddy's chest. I have a feeling we are looking at many more nights like this.

Going Home

2011-01-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

I was so excited to find out that we were going to get to go home on Saturday. Of course, I only stayed 2 days with Belle in the hospital after a c section so I figured if all went well we would get to go home. Here are a few pictures from the day.

My sweet babies!

This is the same blanket that Belle went home with that my Nana made.

Precious! God is so good!

And Daddy never said a word about the bonnet!

She sure does love him!

Our family of four!

Someone caught a ride!

Daddy getting ready to load John Paul into the van!

Oh, you know you are a mama when there is a mini van involved!

She's a big girl now with this carseat!

Sweet boy!

Mimi didn't get to hold him on Thursday when he was born so her and Papaw came as soon as they could when we got home.

Have I mentioned how proud they are? Out of their four boys, John Paul will carry on the Purser name.

Uncle Don came over! He was so excited!

John Paul's Visitors and a little extra

2011-01-26T23:00:00.000-08:00

We had several visitors come and see us that first day!

We LOVE Mrs. Ashley! We were so excited she came to visit!

Uncle Al, Andrew, and Lauren. They will have a new baby this summer so it was neat to see their reaction to a new baby.

Sweet cousins!

Aunt Amanda, Andrew, and Lauren

Emma Kate and Mrs. Amy! Thank you for coming! Especially for bringing our sign!

The Baldwin Family! We can't wait to visit them in the hospital this summer with their baby!

Our favorite visitor, Dr Ethridge! We had on our MSU outfit this day. He took pictures with his Iphone to send to Dr Gebhart (huge Ole Miss fan)! It was great!

There were several other visitors the next day that I totally forgot to take pictures of. Thanks for coming to visit, Courtney, Amy and Hannah, Aunt Mel, and Aunt Janis!

A few little extras.

Yes, you can make fun of me if you like but this baby will likely look like a little girl as long as I can get away with it. He will only be a baby once. Plus his daddy doesn't argue with me about it right now!

Thanks Mrs. LeAnn for the precious outfit! AND Mrs. Emily for monogramming it.

My sweet girl coming to visit her baby brother and I after school on Friday!

Love her!!

More Pictures

2011-01-24T18:00:00.000-08:00

Between three different cameras I have finally gotten this post together of the rest of John Paul's arrival. There were so many wonderful pictures it was so hard to choose between them all. I also wanted to share so many of them since they are so good and precious to us.

John Paul was born January 20th, 2011 at 1238pm. He weighed 7 lbs 10 ozs and was 19 1/2 inches long.

New technology. They didn't even have this scale 4 years ago!

Her first peek at her new baby brother. My only request to him was that he bend down to her level and show her first and foremost.

There's a smile!

I don't think he has cried since!

Darren was so glad Dr Miller, the neonatologist was on that day. Again, having people we know take care of us, calms our hearts tremendously.

I love this shot! She is so intent on watching. Someone even told me at one point Darren was blocking her view inside the nursery. She told her daddy to move (through the glass) so she could see her brother.

Just perfect!

My first time to hold him!

My helper!

My sweet babies and I!

Our first family of four shot!

Happy Birthday, John Paul!!!

2011-01-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful day January the 20th was! I was up by 5 that morning and was on the go constantly as soon as I got out of bed. Between packing for three of us and the contractions that started the night before, there was no slowing down.

Not only was our precious son born on January the 20th but the peace that passes all understanding was there the entire day. I can't even begin to describe my feelings and the utter peace I had. There were so many instances that very day where the Lord's hand was upon us, it is just amazing.

Our nurse was precious. Beth was the same nurse we had the night I was in for premature contractions who is a wonderful Christian. I had thought about requesting someone specific but gave it to the Lord and trusted him. I told her before we went back for the csection I had prayed for her and was so thankful she was with us. Both our doctors came by before surgery which was great and answered any more questions we had. There was also the incidence of where we were scheduled for our c section at 10am and then it was moved to 11am and then later noon. Needless to say you would think I would have been on edge but I was absolutely fine. God was in control. I also found out that Isabella was behaving like any proper little girl which made me even more calm. It was just wonderful!

When it was time to go back into the operating room, everyone was wonderful. They knew I wanted to know exactly what they were giving me and what they were doing. Once the medication was in me, I joked with them that I had never done drugs but I was feeling pretty good other then not being able to feel my legs. They laughed! Once Dr Ethridge, Dr Gebhart, and Darren came in the room, things were even better. Dr Ethridge kept leaning over the drape telling me what they were doing and how great things were going. It didn't take long at all before I heard them say he was out and saw my sweet husband's face literally light up as soon as he saw John Paul. Of course, my first question was if he was okay and I was quickly reassured he was. From then all things just continued to go as smoothly as they had all morning.

I just can't thank the Lord enough along with all the thoughts and prayers from our family and friends. Everyone has been so wonderful to us! Thank you all for everything!

Thank goodness for Mel and my annual subscription to MS Magazine. It helped the time pass by!

How she spent some of her time waiting.

Silly girl!

Uhmmmm, Aunt Mel could be a professional with this shot!

Sweet girl and her mama! It is almost time!

Our last family of three shot!

Gotta love my husband!

She was very interested in what all I was hooked up to.

It's time! Sweet kisses!

Daddy's sweet kisses!

Time for daddy to go back!

Big Day Ahead!

2011-01-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

Well, today is the day we welcome John Paul Purser into this world. There are just no words to describe the emotions we are experiencing at this point. I think we are excited but have a lot of fear at the same time.

Please pray for us today and the upcoming weeks. Of course, we have a precious 4 yr little girl who is super pumped about her baby brother but she has no idea how he is going to rock her world of being an only child for 4 years. We are going to do our best to keep her on her usual routine and going to school everyday. This I am sure will help a lot.

As we have been praying all along, please pray for no complications for either one of us. There are some disagreements among the doctors about when I will restart my blood thinner shots and I pray that it all works out. We don't want any serious bleeding but we also don't want a blood clot.

As I have said all along, thank you so much for all of your prayers. Please keep them coming. I'll post information and pictures as soon as I can!

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Christmas Family Pictures 2010

2011-01-15T18:00:00.000-08:00

I just couldn't include all of these pictures into Christmas day. They need a post of their own! I don't know whose idea it was to take all these great family pictures but it was a great idea and a lot of fun! ;)

Nana and Granddaddy

Mamaw

Great grandparents and great grandchildren except Aunt Kati, she is carrying the newest great grandchild, Eliza Jane.

Grandparents, grandchildren and their spouses, and great grandchildren.

Grandparents, parents, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Absolutely awesome!

Aunt Regina and Alecia.

Grandchildren. Yea, this is getting harder and harder every year. Just think next year we will have 8 of them 5 and under!

My sweet husband, John Paul, and I! I also love the fact that he asked Christmas morning if he could wear camo to Christmas! Sure, honey, why not?!?!?!!? He is still just as good looking to me as he was 11 years ago (just a little greyer!)

I LOVE this picture of us!

Sweet family picture!

Sweet family picture with our silly little girl who usually looks like this anyway with her smiling face!!!!

Christmas Day 2010

2011-01-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Every other year when we have a Lane Christmas there is always the question of how we are going to do presents. I think every year we try a new way BUT this year Marme was ready. She thought she had a plan. She wanted each grandchild to have this huge bag and all their presents would go in there which would help keep things organized. It really did start out that way. Andrew got his big bag and started opening but then Isabella and Lauren realized what was happening and wondered where their presents were. Needless to say the craziness began. It was so much fun though! It was just another year of not having any idea of what everyone got because they were so engrossed with their own stuff! We had a great time and the kids really enjoyed each other!

Drama even before the present opening began.

The fun begins....

Lauren helping Belle open presents.

Yea, Barbie coloring stuff from Alecia!

The kids were having a blast. All the older folks were just waiting around for their chance.

Aunt Brigette is a present!

Sweet Rosemary!

What an awesome shirt!!! He was so excited. Al drew his name this year!

We weren't even finished putting it together and they were trying to get it in. The fashion tent from Uncle Brick and Aunt Brigette was hit (with everyone)!

All of them in there except Rosemary!

38 weeks

2011-01-14T09:58:00.000-08:00

Well, we are almost there! One more week!

John Paul had 2 great appointments this week. He did great on both of his tests and both doctors said they couldn't ask for anything more. Very encouraging!!

Belle is doing much better! Of course, you really wouldn't have known she was sick except for the coughing and that high fever one night but she is just fine. We are doing the breathing treatments every night now for 2 months like the MD suggested to see if we can get this under control. She might just have a touch of asthma and we need to be on something daily to control it. Within the next few months hopefully we will be able to tell! Also, once John Paul gets here we will repeat her chest xray so hopefully that will be completely clear!

I ended up with another antibiotic, steroid shot, and stronger cough medication this past Monday when I went in. I ended up seeing him again yesterday after seeing Dr Perry because I was only about 25% better. I did have a chest xray that thankfully was normal! I also ended up with 3 other new medications! Hopefully, I will be completely better by next week!
This entire pregnancy we have prayed for a healthy living child with no complications for him and for me! I wouldn't say this was a complication, just a little bump in the road. I would much rather be dealing with this then a blood clot or something much worse. God really has had his hand over us and pray he continues to over the next week.

We are getting a little more excited then we have been. I have ordered some things that I realized he needed so coming home almost every night to open packages has been fun. Isabella has thoroughly enjoyed it! Everything is "so cute!" We are still pretty anxious and of course will be until he gets here but trusting in the Lord to keep his hand on each of us over the next week!

Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers! Keep them coming!

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Eliza Jane's Dedication

2011-01-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

I am going with what my sister says about it being January but keep the Christmas coming. I mean, why not? Isabella says something everyday about it not being Christmas anymore but it will be back next week. :)

Another wonderful part of our Christmas this year is celebrating the newest member of our family's baby dedication. What a wonderful time to not only get to do it on Christmas day but also with your family. You can't beat the fact we have a preacher in the family that can do it whenever it is needed or wanted. It was a wonderful time and so very special for Pap to dedicate another one of his grandchildren!

I was the good sister that recorded the event but I'm also the non-technical sister who can't download videos from her Flip right now. I'll get to it, I promise!

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

2011-01-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

When Isabella told her Marme she wanted to make Jesus a birthday cake for his birthday, Marme had BIG dreams. I honestly thought we would make a sheet cake write on it, "Happy Birthday, Jesus" with some of that nice gel stuff you can get at Walmart and go with it. BUT this is one reason God made me a nurse and not a teacher because the teacher in my mama came out! Neither my mama nor I are very creative but her creative side sure came out on this one. Honestly, it was a great idea and I'm sure Jesus was extremely pleased with all of his birthday cakes created by such wonderful children. All the grandchildren made one except Eliza Jane. She just wasn't that into it! ;)

Cousin Andrew and his cake

Cousin Lauren and her cake

Cousin Marion and her cake

Cousin Rosemary and her cake

Isabella and her cake

37 weeks

2011-01-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

Whoa! What a week! I thought I was miserable last week but this week has been the kicker.

John Paul and I had two great visits this week. No complaints from either MD and JP looks great at this point. Just counting down now.....

Isabella on the other hand did not have a good visit to the MD this week. When I picked her up last Thursday I noticed she had started coughing again. By the time bedtime came around, she was in a full blown bronchiolitis flare (which we just had 2 weeks prior). So, I pulled out the meds and breathing treatments and started our usual routine when this happens. On Tuesday she went back to school and by the time we got home, I knew something wasn't right. Temp was 102.4 and she wasn't her usual busy self. We made an appointment to see Dr Freeman the next day who preceded to tell us that she had double pneumonia, bilateral ear infections, and the flu. Needless to say, we were dumbfounded! She has since had 2 rocephin shots, more augmentin, tamiflu and now acting like her usual self. Might I add she hasn't had fever again. I have told several people now that I never would have taken her in if she hadn't had the temp that night. Goes to show that God was really watching out for us and had his hand on the situation.

I also have bronchitis. I went ahead and got the flu test which was negative, thank you Lord! But the coughing has about put me under. Our prayer is that WE will all be better before John Paul gets here! Please continue to lift us up in prayer!

Christmas morning 2010

2010-12-31T20:00:00.000-08:00

Darren asked me Christmas night if I had a good Christmas. I could only reply, "The only thing that would have made have made it better would have been to have John Paul here BUT I know we would have been up at the hospital in NICU so I couldn't have asked for more!"

My wonderful Christmas started off by Darren calling Christmas eve saying he might be able to get off at 11pm. This absolutely made my Christmas. He was able to come home and be there Christmas morning when Isabella woke up. We didn't have to wait on him to get home nor rush through opening gifts because he had to get to bed. It was great! We then got to go as a family to my mama's to eat lunch and open gifts. I couldn't have asked for anything better!

This picture is from Christmas eve morning. This is what Mimi and Papaw gave Belle for Christmas this year. They wanted her to have it before she got to their house later that day.

Leaving milk and cookies for Santa. Yes, I broke the handle on the mug. I'll have to get a new one next year since we will have to have John Paul's name on the plate! ;)

Merry Christmas!

Santa did great! Not too much, not too little!

Tinkerbell!

We LOVE these colored bath tablets!

Look what we got!

Matching hunting sweatshirts!

She asked for a pink pow-pow that she could shoot a big buck with. Her daddy got her a pink marshmallow gun instead!

Loading the gun!

Santa didn't forget Sissy Chloe Belle.

Merry Christmas!

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas.....

2010-12-31T15:00:00.000-08:00

My MIL let me borrow one of her pre lit trees this year. She used to own a Christmas store in Magee so Christmas decorations are her thing. We have always gotten a live one but being so pregnant, I went for the easy route this year. This is the beginning of the tree decorating. Belle had a great time helping me this year especially the bottom of the tree.

Isabella's pink tree. This was a first this year. After last Christmas I looked for her a pink one on sale but didn't find one. This little one was only twenty dollars at Walmart. She wanted it on every night before she went to bed.

Our first year at attempting a gingerbread house.

Our first attempt at keeping it together.

Our second attempt at keeping it together.

I finally just let her eat the candy that we should have decorated it with. Notice the smile on her face.

I do believe this picture is on the way to church on Wednesday night for the Children's music program. She was to sing this night with all of her "kair" friends. It didn't happen.

Singing in church the next Sunday. She stood up there but didn't sing.

I thought it would be a good surprise if we surprised daddy at work one night with goodies. My assistant here is helping. My other assistant in the background helped too and NEVER asked what I was doing all the cooking for.

My background assistant also went to Walmart to get the containers for me to put the goodies in. He had no idea they were for his work. These are the Oreo truffles in the background. They are so yummy!
Darren had to go back to work the Thursday before Christmas so after he left that night, Isabella and I got ready and headed up there with our surprise for daddy. We had one container for the respiratory department and the other for ICU, where he was that night. It was so neat surprising him. We never get to do it because we always have work, school, or something the next day. He was so surprised and loved showing us off!!!

36 weeks today

2010-12-31T07:00:00.000-08:00

My mama had my weeks confused because my last blog said 33 weeks. Sorry, mama! I got behind and then thought I would just combine the last two weeks. Plus I have been posting after my second appointment of the week on Thursday and my week changes every Friday.
So, last week had two great appointments. Last Thursday the sonographer "cheated" and weighed him for me. He weighed 5lbs at that point and looked great. This week I had another two great appointments. Of course, this week was all when all the fun began. First of all, Monday was the last time for me to see Dr Ethridge until delivery. That was really hard and makes my anxiety worse but I know Dr Gebhart is wonderful. Every time I have seen him, he has been great. As a matter of fact, I saw him yesterday and was very pleased how well things were going. John Paul passed his test with flying colors and has gained a whole other pound. His weight today was 6 lbs 1 oz. Dr Ethridge and I talked about a weight estimate on Monday and he thinks 7 lbs 3 ozs but after today's weight and 3 weeks to go, I have a feeling this little boy might just match his sister or be pretty close to her (8lbs 4 ozs). We also found out that I am not dilated and the likelihood of this little man coming early is slim to none. So bottom line, I need to suck it up and realize I have three more weeks which will be fine. I have to look at it as doing what is best for him and not me!

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Disney Princesses on Ice

2010-12-29T22:00:00.000-08:00

Later that afternoon after Hannah's birthday party, three of my BFFs from college took our girls to Disney Princesses on Ice. I wasn't sure how Isabella would do and tried to take a few things with me to keep her occupied but I didn't need a thing. She absolutely LOVED it! I am so glad I spent the money to do this with all of the girls! We had a great time!

My sweet Princess Belle!

Amy, Caroline, and Hannah. Caroline had had an accident earlier in the week and had stratched up her face. She also felt bad and we later found out she had the flu.

Amy, Caroline, Hannah, Robin, Anna, Isabella and I

My Princess Belle leaving the show. Yes, I bought the $10 cotton candy with the crown AND the $15 snow cone.

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Happy Birthday, Hannah!

2010-12-26T16:54:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago we had a great time at Hannah's 4th birthday party. They had a princess jumping thing at their church gym and Belle loved it! She also enjoyed just running around the gym!

The birthday girl in the pink dress!

The birthday girl and her sweet mama, Amy. One of my BFF's from college!

Say cheese!

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33 weeks

2010-12-18T09:25:00.000-08:00

I know I am behind this week and I actually have several posts in my head but my camera thing that connects to the computer is messed up. I need to run to Best Buy to get it BUT we have a sick little girl so getting out in the cold is not happening.

John Paul got good reports on both visits last week. I on the other hand, not doing as well. I am physically but not emotionally. I am just flat out going to admit my anxiety is out the roof. I am working on it but as Dr Perry says, "You will not be okay until he is in your arms and you can see that he is alive and okay." He is right and the fact that they won't let me have him early makes it even harder. I just have to remember that I have to do what is best for him and not me, even as miserable as I am.

Please remember to pray for me as I try to make it halfway sane over the next four weeks! :)

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32 weeks

2010-12-10T17:53:00.001-08:00

Another great week. Dr Perry was out on Thursday so I saw Dr Gebhart who will be delivering with Dr Ethridge. Starting in January their surgery days are going to be Thursdays so we narrowed it down to the 13th or 20th for our set c-section. Now, we have to talk to Dr Perry and Dr Ethridge and get everyone to agree. Hopefully, they will all go for the 13th. I hit miserable this week so the earlier, the better.

We also tried to get a profile shot of this little one but as usual, it was not happening. He keeps his hands up by his face and if we are really trying to look, a foot will shoot up there! He is a stinky little fella. The sonographer showed me a bunch of hair on the back of his head! Talk about surprise! He might look like a Purser after all! The Kimbrells don't have hair!

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Sweet little Eliza Jane!

2010-12-06T16:00:00.000-08:00

The weekend before Thanksgiving my sister ran through Jackson on her way to Hotlanta. Belle and I ran over to my mama's to get a peak at sweet little Eliza Jane, my newest niece.

Sweet girl!

Belle was so excited to see her!

Check out that pose by Marion! Work it girl!

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31 weeks

2010-12-02T13:36:00.000-08:00

Two great reports this week. They both laughed at me when I asked them if I could go to the Bowl game when MSU plays. Glad they got a good laugh! ;) I really thought Dr Ethridge would be going but since it is on the 31st and that is his last day to deliver babies, he has several deliveries already set up. I also asked if I could be added to the list of deliveries on that day but again, another laugh. Glad I am so funny!

As Dr Perry says, John Paul "got growed" today and he is growing! 4lbs exactly today! Head down and ready to go! I attempted to discuss some plans but was told we will discuss it next month. HA! Again, he laughed at me when I said he was just as OCD as I was and I had to have things planned in my head. I just need to be prepared, that is all. Dr Perry started to say I was an easy patient but I quickly reminded him that if I was, I wouldn't be in his office. He agreed.

I am very blessed to have two wonderful doctors whom I love and are so supportive of this precious life inside of me! I'm also glad they think I am so funny! :)

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4 years later

2010-11-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

Dearest Isabella,
Today you are 4 years old. The time has flown by and I remember you being born like it was yesterday. Over the last four years, you have brought so much absolute Joye into our lives. You are an absolute Joye to be around and have so much love for life. You don't know it but you have brought light to our darkest days and when your daddy and I couldn't go on any longer, you were there to keep us going. Thank you sweet daughter. You are both your daddy and I and we are so absolutely proud of the little girl you are. I pray daily for you and the woman you will become. I pray that you follow God first and foremost and he be the number one priority in your life. I pray that your strong will and enthusiasm for life be put to his glory and honor. Please know your daddy and I think you are the most wonderful little girl in this world and couldn't imagine our lives without you. We can't thank God enough for blessing us with you. I love you!
Love, Mama

Bringing you home from the hospital. You were 2 days old.

Your 1st birthday!

Your 2nd birthday!

Your 3rd birthday!

Happy 4th birthday, Isabella!

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Happy 4th Birthday, Princess Isabella!

2010-11-28T19:00:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday afternoon, we celebrated Isabella's 4th birthday at Pump It Up. She insisted that she wanted a "princess jump party" so that is exactly what I did! The funny part of the day was we were invited to a party there at 1pm for a friend of ours and then another party at 2pm for a set of twins she goes to school with. We ended up just going to ours but wished the others a very Happy Birthday! You should have seen Isabella! She had a wonderful time and it all went perfectly.

Baby Luke! Next year he will be jumping with the rest of them!

Cousin Morgan and Belle! They sure do LOVE each other!

Mimi and Belle

Daddy and Belle jumping!

All her friends!

Princess Isabella

Suzanne made her cake again this year! She did a wonderful job!

Singing Happy Birthday! She got shy!

Opening presents! LOVE this face!

The cutest book! Don't you love our shirt? Mrs. Emily made it!

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30 Weeks

2010-11-27T17:20:00.001-08:00

I had two great visits this week. It was a little weird going Monday and Wednesday but Dr Perry insisted I had to come in even with the holidays. I also learned my lesson and drank some crystal light before my appointment on Monday so John Paul would be awake. I also got the tech to get a weight estimate on Wednesday when we went. 3lbs and 6ozs. He is growing so perfectly!
We couldn't ask for anything else!

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Happy Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-26T16:43:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures for this post. This year we spent Thanksgiving with my in laws and if I brought my camera out, I would likely get some strange looks. Especially from my three brother in laws, who were all there. Darren was the only one missing since he had to work. We did have a great time though. I'm so very thankful for wonderful family and friends!

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Week 29

2010-11-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

I debated how I was going to start posting these weekly posts about John Paul. I am going twice a week now to the doctor so I want to include both visits into one post but then today I made it another week.

I'll start off with Tuesday which was the first appointment this week. Ethridge was out of town on Monday so I waited till Tuesday. He had a wonderful time in South Caroline, by the way. He told me all about it while we were waiting on John Paul to pass the non stress test. It was definitely a day though. One of those days when you just want to crawl back into bed and stay there until it is over. Anyway, the nurse was late getting to work so the lab tech hooked me up. Well, she didn't really know what she was doing but between the two of us we got me on the monitor. Let me quickly add it took her a WHILE to get a heartbeat. I was about 2 seconds from grabbing it out of her hand and doing it myself. You don't mess around with mama's like me! Well, to make a long story short, John Paul didn't pass so we ended up with a BPP (sonogram) so make sure he was okay which he was. It just takes him a little while to wake up in the mornings. He is like his mama!!
Ethridge and I then talked about the delivery date some. Looks like January 19th is out of the picture unless we can pull some strings. This is Darren's dad birthday who part of his name comes from so of course we wanted that date. We are going to talk more next week about it. Hopefully we can work something out.

I then get to work and the lady that made the bedding had called the day before to say her niece was going to drop it off today. Sweet! Unfortunately, the bedding is incorrect. She used a whole different fabric that I didn't even pick out. My last comment to her after I called her was, "I'll put it on the bed and if I don't like it, I'll call you back." Apparently she ran out of fabric (but didn't call to tell me)and it would take at least 3 weeks to come in. I will say this though. There are people out there who don't even have beds for their children so I need to be thankful for his bed and bedding no matter what!

This was all Tuesday.

Yesterday, mama went with me to see Dr Perry. Again, after a few pokes around he passed his BPP. Thank goodness! I have been joking that I have one child who only needs motivation to behave and one that needs to be poked and prodded just to move around. I am guessing it is a sign that I am going to have two very opposite children!

So, next week we will head back and hopefully keep getting good reports. I feel like going twice a week is dragging the weeks out. Hopefully, with the holidays coming things will start moving on along!

Here are a few pictures from this week!

This is a picture from Thursday. He rarely ever gives us a profile picture but this one is perfect!

These two are from Tuesday. He was all curled up in a ball with his little hands by his neck. It was so sweet!

Please excuse the bad photos. My printer is no longer hooked up which includes my scanner so I had to do it the old fashioned way.

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Kair (pronounced ki-rrrr)

2010-11-10T16:54:00.000-08:00

Kair is Belle's word for choir. Every Wednesday night the 3yr and 4 yr olds at church have cherub choir for 45 mins. She isn't a big fan of it but they also do crafts and have snacks, which she does like.
Here are a few pictures for her first time to sing in church. I don't think she sang, but she stood up there with everyone else and that was enough for me. I had told her if she sang in church she could pick where she wanted to eat for lunch....we ended up at Mazzio's.

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28 weeks

2010-11-08T08:57:00.000-08:00

I started a post at 24 weeks but by the time I finished it, I was 26 weeks and felt like I would just wait until 28 weeks.

28 weeks - A milestone

I have had several milestones this pregnancy but 28 weeks is a pretty big one. This means John Paul has a chance of life if he has to come early. We also got to make it back to Dr. Perry to see exactly how well he was growing and what to expect from now on. Now, the fun begins..... my appointments are now twice a week. They said I would likely get tired of them by the time January comes around which is likely the truth but I'll be okay. As long as John Paul is going to be here, alive in my arms, I'm okay. As a matter of fact, 10 weeks from Wednesday he will be here unless he decides to come sooner! 10 weeks sounds a whole lot better then January 19th! It also makes me realize I have a WHOLE lot to do in the next 10 weeks.

We did get a great report from Dr Perry today though. John Paul is growing on schedule. He weighs 2 lbs and 7 ozs which is up from last week! He is a very lively one and very active like his sister! ;) His bowel is still a little echogenic but the MD isn't worried so as of right now, we aren't either. One day at a time is my goal!

I'm still having some contractions here and there but nothing regular. I have slowed down a good bit which has helped. Thank goodness Isabella is young enough that she doesn't realize we aren't "going" as much as we usually do. She likes to "run the roads" like her mama!

I don't have any pictures from the visit. I'll try to remember to ask for some next visit. Hopefully, I'll also have some pictures of the nursery coming together in the next post or two.

Thank you all so much for your prayers. Keep them coming. We need them more then ever!

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Bachelorette Party: Mama Style

2010-10-31T19:24:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, we threw one of the girls in our Sunday School class a surprise bachelorette party. Well, it sure wasn't like the ones we had when I was younger but we all had a great time. It was just right for all of us mamas-literally. I think we had one girl who wasn't pregnant but the rest of us were pregnant or have newborns at home.
The plan started out that we were going to meet at my place for appetizers, move onto La Cazuela for supper, and then the bachelorette's sister's house for cupcakes from GiGi's. Well, after the lovely Friday night water leak, we just meet at our house and moved on from there.

You know you are getting old when you take a mini van instead of a limo. We all fit perfect and had plenty of room. It was pretty funny and everyone thought it was great!

The Bachelorette, Amy!

All the girls!

Amy and Jessica

As we were leaving her sister's house after dessert, I noticed something in Amy's bag. Leftover pink champagne stuffed in her purse! Had to take a picture!

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Trick or Treat 2010

2010-10-31T18:56:00.000-07:00

I had big plans for Isabella's costume this year since I figured this would be the last year I had any chance of an opinion. Well, so much for that. A couple of weeks ago we sat down in front of the computer to start looking. I thought she would be so cute as a doughnut since she is really into them but she thought differently. I don't know how but somewhere during the hour we looked online, she came up with a MSU cheerleader. Hey, that was fine with me especially since I knew I had friends whom we could borrow a cheerleader outfit from. And NO, we don't have one yet. My child wears custom made outfits to God's country. I have to make her wear what I want her in as long as possible. There will come the day when she insists on wearing a cheerleading outfit up there! She was absolutely adorable though especially with the pompoms I remembered I needed to order on Thursday and the Good ole Lodge overnighted for me! They definitely completed her look!

Darren was working so we headed to the Stringer's house for another great year of trick or treating. The kids were professionals this year especially Isabella. She would be out of the trailer at the person's front door before I was out of the trailer. She wasn't scared at all! Again, we only did one street which was plenty! Afterwards we headed back to their house to eat and watch the game. It was a great night and we had so much fun!!!!

Daddy, respiratory therapist and Belle, MSU cheerleader.

Little Luke as a cow. He really wasn't into it this year.

The cutest cheerleader EVER!!

Best buds, Noah and Belle. A bucking bull rider and a cheerleader!

Lyla Reed as Workout baby! Look at those thighs!

Belle and the boys. She wanted a picture with "the boys"!

The whole crew after trick or treating. Some had already changed clothes! :(

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Rememberance Day

2010-10-22T18:49:00.000-07:00

Last Friday was Remembrance Day. It’s a day that we light a candle as we
remember our babies and so many other babies who left us too early but who are joyfully playing in heaven. I had big plans to post this last Friday night after Isabella went to bed but we had a little mishap here at the house. Right after Darren left for work a pipe under the kitchen sink busted and over 5 gallons of water went everywhere. Thank goodness I have such wonderful neighbors who came to my rescue. By 9 o'clock everything was pretty much cleaned up. I did think it would all put me into labor at one point but I made it through it. By 9 o'clock though I looked at the counter and saw our candle there unlit. It about broke my heart but I knew in my heart it could not have been helped.

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New Ride

2010-10-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

I am about two months behind on posting this but we got a new ride. Well, I guess I should say, I did!
We knew we were going to have to get something new for me soon. My Accord was ten years old and we were scared we would start putting more money in it then it was worth. Well, back this summer one of my co-workers hit my Accord in our parking lot at work. When I got ready to take it to Barnett's to get it fixed, Darren said to just ask the guy if we should do anymore work to it in order to get it ready to sale. The guy (whom I have used for every "incident" I have had) was confident HE could sale my car without a problem. Needless, to say the next day I got a call from him that he had sold my car. It wasn't even fixed and the guy had sold it! Whoa! We were pumped but really didn't except to sale it so quickly! Well, long story short we didn't sale it to that guy but 2 days later after it was fixed, another guy wanted it! Thank goodness Mama was still in Alaska so I could borrow her car until we were ready to buy one. It all happened so fast and we were quite ready! But it was the easiest sale which was how I like to do things!

A few weeks later, we went to Bob Boyte and this is what we got. I am still not quite used to it. I feel like I am driving a bus around with one kid in it but I think once John Paul gets here I will be just fine! PLUS it will be so much easier with a newborn with my automatic doors.
Belle LOVES her new van by the way! :)

2010 Honda Odyssey

The inside! Still learning how to use all the buttons!

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Soccer 101

2010-10-03T07:07:00.000-07:00

I was pumped about soccer and then we went to our first practice. I thought that 45 minutes couldn't have gone any slower. Belle didn't want to have anything to do with practicing nor the first game. I really thought she would do better once Noah got out there with her but last Thursday at practice, she was out there maybe 5 minutes. We ended up missing Saturday's game due to the fever virus. We will see how tomorrow night's practice goes. I personally thinks she is shy around the guy coaches! ;)

Our first practice

Our first game...the first play.

2 minutes later....wandering off with daddy

We are out there but not doing anything....

Again, out there but still not doing anything.

We are one of two girls on the team. After halftime this was a picture of both girls under the canopy. Kate Grey and Belle

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Our Afternoons at Disney

2010-10-01T17:14:00.000-07:00

We literally spent almost every afternoon at the pool. It was one of the things she asked to do every day after seeing Mickey and Minnie. I was so glad the Wilderness Lodge had such a great kiddie pool and adult pool! Belle's favorite part was the slide! She even remembered a few things from swimming lessons! Her daddy is real good about reminding her of all that stuff!

The kiddie pool!

Jumping in the pool to mama!

The famous slide! Literally 100 times a day!

In front of the geyser by the pool!

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Day 4 Night: Downtown Disney

2010-09-27T22:59:00.000-07:00

We weren't planning on heading out on our last night but again, we were looking for something to eat other then hamburgers and fries. I had gone through the map of Downtown Disney and saw there was a sandwich place plus an Irish pub! By this point in the trip, I was feeling like I was starting to overdue it and we didn't plan on pushing ourselves. Once we got there it was such a neat place walking around and seeing all the shops they had. We ended up stopping at the Irish pub and having some great fish and chips. This was Darren's first experience with them and he seemed to enjoy but not as much as Belle and I! Must be the British in us! ;)
We did end up walking all the way around to see everything and then back again to ride the bus home. We just walked slowly and I drank lots of water!

We didn't go in here but it was a neat picture! Well, let me say that again. Belle and I didn't go in here but Darren used their restroom!

The LEGO store! We walked through there and if we had a boy, I am sure we would have stopped. Next time, for sure! We couldn't resist taking a picture with a bulldog though!

I thought about this briefly right after she asked if she could go. I did explain to her that she would have to ride back cold and wet but that didn't seem to matter!

Again, as with many other pictures.....the joy and smile on her face make it all worth it!

Yea, I also need to put in here that after the splash pad I went into the store to spend $25 so I could buy a $10 Mickey towel for her to dry off with!

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Day 4 Afternoon: Hollywood Studios

2010-09-26T13:53:00.001-07:00

I wasn't sure what to expect here but it was pretty good. We thoroughly enjoyed the 3D Muppet show and Belle loved the playground at Honey I Shrunk the Kids. We also saw the Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast show which were great also. Of course, we aren't big enough to ride the roller coasters and all that so there wasn't a whole lot for Belle to see other then the shows.

Hollywood Studios

The Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground

This was a pretty neat ride we took about how they make stunt movies.

In honor of my mama and her little bug she had! We also watched that movie 100 times growing up!

Belle really only wanted to take a picture with the lady Incredible. I didn't think it was right to ask him to get out of the picture so Belle agreed to take it the picture with me!

Daddy and Belle at the Beauty and the Beast show. As she says, "Her Princess".

She was watching so intently!

The end of the Beauty and the Beast show.

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Day 4 Morning: Chef Mickey

2010-09-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

Our fourth day started out at Chef Mickey's. We were actually out of "sit down" meals by this day so we had to pay for this one ourselves. What made it even worse was the food was horrible. We had a great time visiting with Mickey and his friends though!

The Purser family and Mickey!

Minnie and Belle matched thanks to Daphne who let us borrow the pants and the super cute shirt Mrs. Emily made for us!

Daddy, Goofy, and Belle

Donald and Belle

Pluto,Daddy, and Belle

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Day 3: Epcot

2010-09-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

I wasn't sure if Epcot was going to be the place for me but I really liked it! I really thought Darren would like it more then me! I wish I had had more time and been by myself to really go into the different countries. We all really liked the Land and Sea section especially talking to Crush. It was really cute!
We also really enjoyed the Princess lunch. The food wasn't the best but it was different and I like trying different foods. Of course, the Princess lunch was Belle's favorite part! After the lunch, she was ready to head back to the Lodge to swim.

Welcome to Epcot!

They even put the Mickey symbol in fish tank.

The princess of the day was Belle! Our Belle was grinning from ear to ear!

Sleeping Beauty and Belle

Cinderella and Belle

Snow White and Belle

Ariel and Belle. Belle actually said the mermaid was her favorite!

The picture is for our Nana since we are her two favorite girls!!! We stopped at a little store and got her some real English tea and candy!

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Day 2: Animal Kingdom

2010-09-26T08:02:00.000-07:00

Isabella wasn't a big fan of Animal Kingdom! We all thoroughly enjoyed the Lion King and Nemo show but other than that, there wasn't a whole lot we were interested in!

Welcome to the Animal Kingdom!

Isabella wouldn't get near Lilo and Stitch!

She also wanted nothing to do with Pocahontas.

The monkeys in the Lion King show! It really was impressive!

The only character she would take a picture with on this day!

Hippos on the safari ride! This was pretty neat!

My sweeties!

After I took the picture I stopped this quickly!

The treat of the day was getting to eat at Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge where we stayed. The food was fabulous! It does make me really nervous taking Belle somewhere neat and fancy but she did okay.

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Disney World 2010 Day One: Magic Kingdom

2010-09-18T17:12:00.000-07:00

I can't believe the Pursers made it to Disney World!!! We left last Friday and returned on Wednesday AND we all flew down there. If any of you know my husband, he doesn't fly. It is his ultimate fear but he was so sweet about it since the doctors won't let me sit for very long. He did good especially on the way back. If I could only keep him and Belle from fighting over the window seat! They were like two little kids!!

I have to be honest though as far as Disney World. I was worried. Darren is really not one for making plans so to schedule breakfast three months in advance was a little hard BUT it all worked out! I have to thank my dear friend, Robin! I literally gave her my password and she made all of our reservations for us. I told her how we usually liked to do things and she gave me step by step what we should do! I can't thank her enough!
We really did have a great time! We do realize it will be a couple of more years though before we go back. We will also wait until it is a little cooler! It definitely was magical and we ALL enjoyed ourselves!

Here come the Pursers, Magic Kingdom!

Breakfast with Pooh and Friends at the Crystal Palace. The food and dining experience was GREAT!

Belle surprised us! We really thought she would like all the characters. She warmed up to Pooh with Daddy holding her!

She didn't like Tigger at ALL! Tigger and Mama

She LOVED Piglet! He was more her size!

Family Picture in the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse! Darren has never seen this movie! I have got to find it out there!

OH! This was a HUGE success! She was Mary Poppins for Halloween last year! Mary Poppins thought that was Fabulous!

Before shot at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

Her first glimse at herself!

I wasn't sure how she would respond to this experience but she loved it! I teared up because she was so happy! This experience and seeing her happiness made the whole trip worth it!

Princess Isabella

Love the stance. She was watching Mickey and the Princesses perform!

By the end of the afternoon we finally found Mickey and Minnie. She was pumped!

Part of the parade we caught as we were heading back to the hotel!

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MSU vs Memphis Sept 2010

2010-09-06T05:30:00.000-07:00

I had to get this post up before we leave for Disney and then all the Disney posts start!

This past Saturday MSU played Memphis at home and it was great! The Bulldogs won and we had a good time tailgating and catching up with friends! I'm not sure how many more games I'll be able to hang! It wore me out but we had so much fun!

I also had to "borrow" these pictures from Daphne b/c my camera cord is "missing" and I can't download my pictures from my camera! BUT she has a much better camera then I do so these pictures are great!

Belle and Julia had a great time playing together! They were so sweet! Also, I have to give a shout out to Emily @ Apple of My Eye Designs for the precious dress she made for Belle. We got so many compliments on it!

Aren't they cute?

We always try to make it to the first Dawg walk of the season. Here is our crew plus Daphne's niece, Meg.

She would not take a picture with Bully by herself so I'm in the picture too!

Love the panies and the smile! She loves "jump things"!!!

Here come the BULLDOGS!

We had a few of these!

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John Paul 18 1/2 weeks

2010-09-02T19:21:00.000-07:00

Last week we saw the high risk MD, Dr Perry. It was such a milestone! He made a joke in the beginning something to the extent that I must be pregnant since I was there to see him! I quickly returned with the comment, "You don't know how long I have waited for this day to make it to see you." After we lost Sullivan and found out I had the thrombophelia disorders we sat down with Dr Perry to map out "our plan". Well, 3 pregnancies later we were finally able to see him! Needless to say, we were ready!

Sweet little boy!

As I have shared with some of you, we didn't get the most perfect news but we didn't get horrible news either. As of right now, it looks like John Paul has an echogenic bowel. This could be a sign of Cystic Fibrosis, Down's, or absolutely nothing. After he told us this, it was a little overwhelming and I was really speechless. I was expecting to hear that he wasn't measuring correctly (fetal growth restriction is one of the things that happens with babies to mamas like me) or something a whole lot worse. When I asked Dr Perry if he was worried, he looked me straight in the eye and told me he wasn't worried. This made me feel a whole lot better especially knowing that whatever he sees, he has to tell us and warn us of every possible outcome.

I have debated about sharing any more about this. Darren feels like it is our business and between us when I am more on the side of telling folks so people will be praying for us and John Paul. Since sharing the news with folks, I have gotten some mixed reactions which I was very unprepared for. And I am trying to tell myself over and over that no one understands what we are going through and they don't know how to respond. So, all that to say this is my response.

Since we have lost Sullivan, my faith in the Lord has grown tremendously. It still isn't where it should be but I know it will continue to grow and develop if I work on it. I can also proudly say that my husband's faith has changed and he loves the Lord with all of his heart. With that being said, our faith has carried us through probably one of the worst things a marriage can face which is losing and burying a child. AND honestly we almost hit rock bottom and didn't get back up but the Lord was there and still healing our marriage. It is the same with his next step in John Paul's life. We have the faith that God is going to take care of us and him no matter what!! If this precious life inside of me has Down's or something else, we are going to love him just the same if he didn't! We also believe that God can heal him and there not be a thing wrong with him.

I don't feel like I am very good with writing about my faith and how the Lord has helped me deal with this. I am also not very good at expressing myself in regards to our situation. What I can say is that, God is good and he can perform miracles. The fact that this child is alive inside of me right now, is a miracle. The fact that he only has a 20% chance of living and is almost 19 1/2 weeks old is a miracle! My prayer is that John Paul continues to grow and develop perfectly, that when I do have him he is alive and well, and that there are no complications for either one of us. I hope this explanation helps you understand where I am coming from but where we are coming from as a family.

He is measuring perfectly! He weighs about 8oz and is a bundle of energy just like his sister!!!

I was almost standing on my head to get this shot! This little boy did NOT want us to see his face!

One thing he wasn't too shy to show! AND his daddy thought he wasn't a boy! ;)

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My Belle

2010-08-26T11:24:00.000-07:00

After my last post about John Paul, I feel like I need to update everyone on Miss Belle. There are just so many things about this precious JOYE in our lives. Not a day goes by that she makes me laugh and scream usually within an hour's time.

Our conversations are becoming more and more involved and she is much more stubborn about a few things.

This past Wednesday she started Cherub's choir at church. I had started talking about it a week before so she would be ready. She was pumped! I explained she would learn new songs about Jesus. Without me saying another word she told me she would then sing them to Daddy and I. She also promised me she wouldn't talk in choir! Well, I was rolling on the floor at this point because it is pretty sad that my 3 1/2 year old already knows she talks too much! My mama can tell you this was an issue for me too!!! I love it! She is mine!! She did have a great time but I am not quite sure it was what she thought! When we picked her up afterwards, she wanted to know when she was going to "cair". I explained she had already been. She didn't like that answer one bit because she wanted to go to "cair"!

We have also been having some issues with clothes. I have been going through her clothes the last several weeks since we have no reason to keep our girl clothes anymore!! ;) As much as she loves her girl cousins she is not quite ready to give them her clothes! She thinks she can still wear stuff that is a size 12 month! I have learned to try not to go through her clothes when she is around. The pictures below are a prime example. One Sunday afternoon I was tired of fighting with her about a nap so just gave up. I was exhausted. She later came to me wearing a bathing suit because she wanted to go swimming outback. I explained it was raining and she couldn't. She came back with her rain boots on and this horrible jacket(size 2) that was cotton but she called it a rain jacket. I just gave up at this point and let her go on outside. By this point it had stopped raining.

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