Almost Wordless Wednesday

The QUEEN gets a new throne...

Such a big girl!

{Thanks Gammie and Grandad for making sure Gillybean has a comfy place to rest her tushie when she visits, which is OFTEN!}

Don't forget...There's still time to enter the Brooks Boutique Giveaway! Click here for a chance to win!

When Mom's away...

....the kids will play.

And by kids, I mean these two...

My daughter

and

my husband.

While I was out this past weekend taking care of a few errands, I received the text message {pictured below} from Bret.

What followed can only be described as classic Daddy/daughter bonding. After all, there's nothing quite like an oreo to bring two people together.





Not only did I arrive home to find Gillian Grace cleaned up, oreo free, and wearing a completely new outfit, but the upstairs had been vacuumed and the laundry started.

I'm beginning to think I should run errands alone more often. Bret is a regular Mr. Mom. {Minus the kitchen rubber gloves, clothespin on the nose, goggles, and apron of course!}


Michael Keaton in Mr. Mom, 1983

Pretty sure when Bret videoed this moment with GG he didn't intend for me to post it, but I just couldn't help myself. Much like an oreo, this little snippet of father/daughter sweetness is just to hard to resist!

Miscellany Monday

{Since my computer is acting wonky, I wasn't able to load any pictures.}

{1} I was on the Interstate the other day on a return trip from my parents'. As I passed a UPS delivery truck, I couldn't help but wonder if he was hauling any packages bound for my front porch.

{2} Speaking of UPS, just last week as I was sitting upstairs doing a little computer work when I looked up from my laptop and out the window just in time to see a package tumble from the open passenger side door of a UPS delivery truck onto the ground. Luckily the truck came to an abrupt halt before the rear tires left their mark on the poor defenseless package. Seconds later, Mr. Brown was ringing my bell with none other than that nearly smashed package in hand. Knowing that the box contained a pair of shoes which had no doubt survived its close encounter of the flattening kind, I had to give him just a wee bit of ribbing for being so careless. His only retort, "Oh...you saw that did you?!"

{3} Do you ever feel like you're being watched? Or, are you a watcher? I'm both! I consider people watching a sport, but also know that if I enjoy wasting a few minutes here and there watching others, there's got to be other people out there that do the same. Translation, they're watching me!

{4} Hello, my name is Shannon and I am a Real Housewives junkie! I cannot get enough of watching the ridiculous fabulous women of NYC and NJ. But I must admit it's purely for entertainment, because these women are looney tunes with a capital LOONEY! Money can't buy you class...

{5} This week's Commenter of the Week is Amy from Same Sweet Girl: Memoir of a Southern Belle. Amy is such a sweetheart! If you ever need makeup tips, she's your gal.

{6} Sheesh, makeup is expensive! I spent nearly two hours with a makeup specialist this week and a small fortune pepping up my look. Yea, she saw me coming! Sucker born every minute and all...

{7} Store your suckers, candy, and tasty summer treats in Brooks Boutique reusable snack bags. Click here to enter my giveaway!

{8} Summer is fun, but so crazy! There's just so much going on. Between planning GG's first birthday, family coming to town, and juggling everyday life, the next month will be busy! So if you don't see me popping by your blog as often as I have in the past, know I'll be back once things settle down a bit around here.

Hope your Monday is off to a sweet start!

Flashback Friday

Beginnings are always messy. ---John Glasworthy

{Me, Spring 1981}



It's become painfully obvious from whom Gillian Grace inherited her manners...

{Gillian Grace, Fall 2009}


Guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree after all. Looks like Daddy is off the hook...this time!

Don't forget to check out my Brooks Boutique giveaway. Click here to enter.

May your messes be small, your cleanups easy, and your weekend memorable!

Have a good one, y'all!

Look who's walking...

I alluded to this huge milestone several posts ago but it's now official, at ten months Gillian Grace is W-A-L-K-I-N-G!

She took her first steps Memorial Day weekend, but with each passing day she is growing ever more confident and daring, taking more steps with each attempt.

And to think I thought I had my hands full when she started crawling. I've got a feelin' I ain't seen nothing yet!



Now run, don't walk to the post below to find out about the details of my newest giveaway!

New Giveaway!

I am so excited to bring you another great giveaway, courtesy of Brooks Boutique on Etsy.

Amy has many wonderful handmade accessories for you and your little ones. And if you don't find exactly the color or pattern you're looking for just email her, she'll be more than happy to work up a custom order specific to your needs.

Here's a little background on Brooks Boutique owner, Amy.

When I gave birth to my daughter several years ago, I found that many products I was looking for were too expensive or couldn't be found locally. I began to make these products one by one and over time, the variety and quality of my products grew. Friends and family began to ask me where I got my cute items. When I told them that I made them myself, they all convinced me to get a booth at local craft fairs. Eventually, the demand became so great that I decided to create a website to market these products and that is how the Brooks Boutique was born!

From bibs to burp cloths, car seat straps to adorable hair clips, you're sure to find something adorable for your little munchkin.


Amy is giving away a couple of her super cute reusable snack bags {pictured on the right of the above photo} to two lucky readers. These bags are perfect for summer family outings!

Here's how to enter {Giveaway ends 6/18}

Mandatory entry:

Follow Brooks Boutique on Twitter

or

Follow Brooks Boutique on Facebook

{Extra entry for following both}

Extra entries:
{1} Leave a comment telling me how you'd use the snack bags. A picnic? A trip to the beach?
{2} Visit Brooks Boutique on Etsy and leave a comment telling me about one other item that caught your eye.
{3} Tweet about this giveaway.
{4} Post a message on Facebook about this giveaway.
{5} Blog about this giveaway.

This is a pressure-free blog, only follow if you have seen something here that you like. And if you are deciding to follow, thank you and welcome!

Remember to leave a comment HERE for each entry. Please also include your email address. It makes it a lot easier to notify you when you win!

Happy Thursday!

Wordless Wednesday

{More Beach Photos}















Life's a beach! Smooches, y'all!

Peanut Butter and Yum...

For weeks I've wanted to post this decadent dessert, but waited to get the thumbs up from the recipe's original creator, Amanda from Kevin and Amanda. I've made this deliciously sinful dessert twice and each time it has been a huge hit!

Best Ever Chocolate Cake

1 box devil’s food cake mix
1 package Jello instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup sour cream
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups mini semisweet chocolate chips {or 2 c. chopped Reese's peanut butter cups}

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a VERY large bowl (4 qt), mix together everything except chocolate chips. Batter will be thick. Stir in the chocolate chips. Pour batter into cake pan of choice (I normally use two 9-inch pie pans).

For cooking time, I use the cooking times on the back of the devil’s food cake box as a guide. Be sure to do the toothpick check, and if it’s not done, check on it every 5 minutes after that.

Buttercream Frosting

1 cup shortening {Crisco}
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 c. to 1 c. peanut butter {optional}

In a mixing bowl, cream shortening until fluffy. Add sugar and continue creaming until well blended. Add salt, vanilla, and whipping cream. Blend on low speed until moistened. Add peanut butter. Beat at high speed until frosting is fluffy.

If you're in a pinch for time, Duncan Hines makes a delicious buttercream frosting. Add the peanut butter, mix, and voila---Your very own slice of Heaven!

Just be sure not to not to over indulge, it is swimsuit season after all...

Move over Giselle B., there's a new Sports Illustrated swimsuit model in town!
{More beach pictures soon!}

Bon Appetit!

Miscellany Monday

{1} Birthday fever has begun! With only a little over a month left to plan Gillian Grace's first birthday party, I'm beginning to wonder if I'll get everything done. I cross one thing off my list, only to think of another to add.

{2) After months of waffling back and forth between several themes for the big day, I finally made a decision last week. I'll post more details as the planning progresses, but for now I'll leave you with a teeny tiny hint about the party...{Along with being one of GG's many nicknames, the theme is also a popular children's song.}

{3} Speaking of birthdays...Happy Happy Happy Birthday to good friends, Mrs. Gatewood and Tracey!


From top to bottom: My mom (Gammie), Mrs. Gatewood, Gillian Grace



At a school fundraiser, our friends Monica, TRACEY, ME, and Lisa---So Tracey, think it's time for a new pic?
Just remember ladies, age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it certainly doesn't matter.

{4} I have the most generous parents in the whole world. If you've spent any time at all reading my blog, you know that my parents make everyday feel like a birthday or Christmas. The best part is, we don't even have to ask; they just anticipate our needs {and often our wants} and deliver. Though they never ask for anything in return, Bret and I will likely spend the rest of our days trying to show them just how much their kindness has meant to us. Get out your umbrellas Mom and Dad, a shower of gratitude is forecasted for your near future!



{5} Rain rain go away! Since Memorial Day, it's rained practically everyday. It's time to let the SUNSHINE in...

{6} This week's Commenter of the Week is Liz from A belle, a bean, and a Chicago Dog. Not only do I enjoy reading her blog and count it among one of my many daily reads, but her comments always brighten my day!

{7} New giveaway begins this week!

{8} Gillian Grace has a new love...Cheerios! Mom gave me the best tip when she told me to string a bunch of Cheerios together {I use non-flavored floss} and let GG wear it like an old school candy necklace. I did this a few weeks ago and it was a hit! Not only did she love love love munching on the Cheerios, the necklace kept her occupied throughout most of our lunch. And the best part, the thumbs up and thank you from the Mellow Mushroom waitress for leaving barely a trace of crummies on the floor.

Have a yummy week!

3 Fs Friday (Flashback and Five Question Friday)

Flashback Friday

{June 2002}

{Yay} We're engaged!

The summer Bret proposed he was working at NRL {Naval Research Lab} at the Stennis Space Center in Waveland, Mississippi. Since we were both living in Gainesville at the time, I spent most of that summer at my parents' in Pensacola, just a short two hour drive from Mississippi. Bret would make the drive over each weekend. After our proposal, which took place in Mississippi at a restaurant since destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, we returned home to my parents' for the weekend. Having known for days that the proposal was imminent and being the super duper planners they are, my parents arranged a surprise for the both of us. Early one morning the crew from Flamingo-A-Friend dropped by and left a little something for us in my parents' yard to advertise celebrate our engagement. Knowing how obsessive compulsive my dad is about his yard, I'm not sure which surprised us more: the dozens and dozens of smiley congratulatory faces, or the fact that my dad didn't veto this idea when mom first brought it up. Such a happy memory!


Five Question Friday

Though it's been a while since my last 5QF post, I've decided to join the fun once again over at Mama M.'s. If you'd like to participate just head on over to My Little Life and link up.



1. If you could go back to college would you change your major? Or, if you were to go to college right now...what major would you choose?

Yes and no...

I'm a firm believer that all life's choices {good and bad} happen for a reason and help you grow as a person.

My experience with majors in college took me full circle. During freshman orientation, I declared myself an elementary education major, only to change my major two weeks into the Fall semester to accounting. Not sure what on Earth possessed me, a girl that at the time couldn't balance her own checkbook, to think a major centered around mathematics and numbers was the way to go. I lasted as an accounting major only long enough to squeak through Into to Financial Accounting with a C {and believe me I was thankful for a C} before changing my major once again. Deciding I wanted to be a prosecutor {thanks to a few too many episodes of Law and Order}, I changed my major to political science with the idea of attending Law School after graduation. Then the Fall semester of my Senior year, after taking a LSAT prep course, I shocked everyone during a Memorial Day dinner when I explained that I no longer wanted to be a lawyer but rather I wanted to become a teacher. Though it was too late to change majors at this point, I graduated with a Poli Sci degree and enrolled the following semester in graduate school to pursue a Master's in Elementary Education.

Those life experiences {indecision and all} helped me to realize that becoming a teacher was what I truly wanted to do. Besides, when have I ever been know to do things the easy way? Never!

2. What do you love most about your home?

I love that my house is comfortable, welcoming, and most of all the place where Gillian Grace will someday soon call home.

3. What types of books do you like to read?

Although I don't read nearly as often or as much as I once did, my favorite type of book is a good murder mystery. {Think James Patterson, Patricia Cornwell, Iris Johansen, Michael Connelly}

Between my mom and me we must own hundreds of murder mysteries. Let's just hope neither one of us is ever accused of a crime; the police would have a field day going through our collection of scary sometimes graphic whodunits.

4. What is the grossest thing you've ever eaten?

Finally, being a picky eater pays off...I can't think of anything!

5. If you HAD to be a character on a TV show, whom would you be?

(FYI-I interpreted this question to mean, which TV character do you most identify with, not which TV character would you like to be...that would have been a totally different answer.)

Debra {minus the ditsy incompetent husband} from Everybody Loves Raymond, watch it and draw you own conclusions.

New giveaway coming soon! Have a great weekend, y'all.

H is for Hospital

{Warning: This is a VERY long post.}

I've been contemplating this post for a few days, not really wanting to relive the stressful events of last week and Gillian Grace's sudden hospitalization. But since I began this blog to chronicle all the big and not so big moments in our life, I decided that this was among the biggest events to happen to our family to date and definitely deserved its place in our bloggy history.

Around 4 a.m. on Monday the 24th of May, we were awakened from a sound sleep by the sound of a very upset Gillian Grace. Startled at first by the fact that she was crying {a rare sound in our household}, I immediately turned on the television to watch GG on the video monitor. Sure she would settle down after a few minutes of fussing and fall back asleep, my instincts immediately told me that something was wrong when after five minutes, she was still squalling.

After changing her diaper and failed attempts to calm her, I was growing ever more certain that Gillian was ill. When she wouldn't take her juice and began having the dry heaves, there was no doubt. Her temperature was around 101 and she was lethargic and clingy. Cuddling a healthy Gillian Grace is like trying to get a cat in a bathtub full of water, it ain't easy! The fact that she wanted to be held constantly was just one more indication that we had one sick little girl.

Hearing horror stories about the ER, we decided to give her a bath in tepid water to try reduce the fever. Then it was off to our pediatrician's without an appointment, but confident we'd be seen quickly. Our regular pediatrician was not working Monday, so we saw Dr. Harper who is a bit of a medical legend here in town. It was also his last day of work before beginning retirement. By the time we saw the doc, GG's temperature had risen a degree and was now hovering around 102.

Thinking at first that she may have a urinary tract infection, Dr. Harper ordered a catheter to be inserted to get a urine sample. While we waited for the results of the urinalysis, a tech came in and took several blood samples. Adding to the stress and pain GG was already feeling, the lab tech we had did not work in pediatrics and apparently hadn't taken blood from an infant since medical school. I think this phrase,"if you're not sure how to do this, please get someone that does..." was spoken more than once.

When the urinalysis came back negative for infection but positive for elevated protein levels, Dr. Harper dropped the first of several bombshells mentioning a need to have Gillian Grace sent to radiology for a barium enema to test for an intussuscption, a telescoping or prolapse of one portion of the bowel into an immediately adjacent segment. After crying herself to sleep, we carried a slumbering GG toward radiology, making a quick detour in hospital administration first to complete paperwork. With Bret holding Gillian Grace, I was the one left to complete all the necessary forms. I tried my best to read all the fine print while listening to the women with the buzz-cut ramble on about protocols and procedures. But all I heard was an indecipherable mumble similar to Charlie Brown's teacher and frequent finger tapping, her way of indicating a need for my signature.

Cloaked in lead vests, Bret and I observed the barium enema while trying our best to soothe, comfort, and keep GG still while the radiologist walked us through the procedure. The test took about an hour. Not wanting to look at the screen showing the path of the enema as it made its way {slowly} through her small and large intestine, I found myself forgetting to breathe while silently praying to the Big Guy upstairs. Once the enema's journey was complete we received another bit of good news, the radiologist did not detect an intussusception and we were sent back to see Dr. Harper.

At this point, the doctors had ruled out ear infections, a urinary tract infection, and now an intussesception. Although this meant we still did not have a definitive answer for Gillian Grace's illness, I felt sure that Dr. Harper would be sending us home along with a prescription or two and some advice for keeping her hydrated. I couldn't have been more wrong. Upon returning to the office, Dr. Harper had already been informed of the results of the barium enema. With brows furrowed and hand on his chin he uttered the words that shook me to my core, "I think she needs to be admitted to the hospital for further observation and treatment."

What??? Why???

So shocked that you could have knocked me over with a feather, I fortunately married a level headed man that was able to keep his wits about him even in the most stressful of situations. I remember holding back tears, my heart breaking in a million pieces for my sweet Gillybean.

From that point on, the day was a complete blur. From waiting in the ER to be admitted, to our wheelchair adventure to the room that would be our home for the next four days, nothing seemed to register. Once we were in the PICU, Dr. Harper dropped by with one more whopper of a request/order. After checking GG's neck {my smarty pants husband knew what was coming when he saw this}, he asked for permission to perform a spinal tap to check for meningitis. Let me just say, it was a good thing I was already sitting when I heard this doozy. Reluctantly, I handed GG over to Dr. Harper and made my way to the hallway to wait. Bret stayed inside, trying his best to comfort our frightened and confused daughter from across the room.



Once again He showed His mercy and grace, the spinal fluid was clear and there were no signs of meningitis upon further testing. Hallelujah! At that point Monday, it was about 2 o'clock. The cavalry {my parents} had just arrived to see GG and offer their support. Gillian Grace was finally resting, though she still wanted to be held and refused to lay on her own.

For the next three days, Gillian Grace underwent more testing, several fever spikes, and an iv catastrophe in which the iv was pulled out accidentally, before being discharged on Thursday. We exited the hospital with no more knowledge about the cause of GG's sickness than on the day we were admitted. All we knew, all the doctors knew, was that she had been one sick little girl.



As any parent can attest, there is not a more helpless feeling in the world than seeing your child in pain, and we would have gladly switched places with her in a second if given the chance. But, GG's bout with illness reminded me that I cannot control everything in life. Life is not a Burger King, and I cannot always have it my way. I can do my part---have her immunized, maintain a clean and healthy environment, and surround her with unparalleled love---but the bottom line is, I cannot protect her from everything. Last week we were reminded that sometimes life just is what it is...uncertain and tough. And it's only after we turned our uncertainty and worry over to God that we found peace knowing that although we didn't necessarily understand everything, He had a plan for us and for Gillian Grace.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."---John 14:27

For such a small little lady, Gillian Grace is a fighter! Stubborn through and through {a trait she obviously inherited from her Gammie}, she was bound and determined not to let the illness get the best of her. I have never been more proud or loved her more! Little Miss Sunshine is back and better than ever!

Hospital Rundown

GG's symptoms:

• Fever/Clammy
• Inconsolable
  
• Dry heaves/vomitting
• Unwillingness to eat or drink
• Lethargic
• Clingy

Diagnosis:

• Undetermined
  

Procedures: May 24th

• Catheter inserted to check for urinary tract infection (no infection detected but protein levels triple the norm)
  
• Blood work (white cell count elevated)
• Barium enema to check for intussuscption
  
• Spinal tap to check for meningitis
• IV inserted
  
• Leads to monitor respiratory and cardiac health placed on back

Temperature range:

• Peak- 104 (afternoon on Tuesday, May 25th)
• Low-98.6 (Wednesday morning)
• Temperature continued to fluctuate (between 98-100) from Wednesday afternoon until discharge Thursday
• Gillian Grace had been fever free for 24 hours prior to discharge

Miscellaneous:

• Leads/monitors removed on the 26th by Dr. Shearer
• Noticed iv leak early a.m. on the 27th/attempts at new iv failed
• GG drank her first bottle since hospitalization on the evening of the 26th
• She drank Pedialyte, juice, and water on the 27th and ate several Cheerios
• Favorite nurses: Miss Val and Miss Dana/Least favorite: Nurse Wrachett, I mean Miss Sharie
  

Lessons learned:

• Be proactive. Ask questions. Make requests. Follow-up.
  
• Always keep a detailed list of important items like fever readings, times meds were administered, doctor visits, nurse walk-ins, etc. (I used Notes app on my iphone, it was invaluable.)
  

Cheers to good health, y'all!

Wordless Wednesday

Doo, doo, doo, lookin' out my back door...

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

There is a "me" in time

27,216,000 seconds

453,600 minutes

7,560 hours

10 months 11 days

315 days

Have passed since Gillian Grace was born.

And it's been that long since I've had a moment to myself.

Being a mom is hard, and no one can ever prepare you for the journey. It's trial by fire, sink or swim. Motherhood is a double scoop of chocolate ice cream; a sticky frequently messy, meant to be savored, always satisfying treat. And just like you feel watching helplessly as your scoop of sweet goodness tumbles from your cone to the sidewalk below, motherhood can be full of its own share of equally exasperating moments.

Yesterday, was my melting ice cream on the sidewalk moment. After another failed attempt to get Gillian Grace to eat {food has not been our friend since the hospitalization}, I put myself in my first ever mommy time out.

When life hands me lemons, I put on my running shoes and hit the road. After a good run with nothing but the relentless sound of my shoes landing hard on the pavement, I returned home with a new found clarity and more positive outlook.

She'll eat when she's hungry, I'm doing the best I can.

And for now, my best will just have to be good enough.

*Just ask anyone, I'm no mathematician. To come up with the correct numbers for this post, I used a date calculator I found after a Google search. Want to try it for yourself? Click here.