Little SUV's

Recently, I had the opportunity to go back to my old work to celebrate my friend's sweet baby girl. We both went through infertility and they were blessed to make a local (within the U.S.) adoption. Thinking about returning to that office had me both excited and slightly nervous. I couldn't really understand why I was feeling this way until I left the shower.


You see, I worked very, very hard in college to get a job in sports public relations. I used to always say, "I'm single, I want to see more of the U.S., so why not get paid to do it." I went to school full-time and worked internships full-time my last three years of college. Once I was out of school, I moved to Orlando. Then, off to Charlotte to chase this elusive dream. I traveled nearly 35 weekends a year. In an effort to be closer to home and not travel as much, I moved back to Atlanta. This particular Atlanta sports agency was a major eye-opening experience. But not in the way I thought it would be. Sure, I was used to working 60, 70 hour weeks -- that was a given. What I didn't expect was how unaccommodating this career was to family. I mean, looking back, what did I expect?!


I literally lived and died by my blackberry. If someone needed something for the client or athlete I represented, I dropped everything no matter where I was or what time it was. This was the scope of work. I worked all the time. I even went into work on Sunday (cringe) before church and even sometimes after Sunday lunch! During the dream chase, I had slowly allowed my stupid little job title to define me. It was vanity and conceit at it's finest!


I didn't just chase this dream, I actually achieved it. I worked for clients and athletes in nearly every sport. People lit up to hear what I did for a living and that fed my worldly ego. Thing was, I started dating Curtis and realized that this wasn't exactly conducive to having a personal life. And at the core, I always wanted to be a wife and mom! Always. So, that, coupled with a lot of stress-induced (go figure) sicknesses, I quit before we got married.


Suddenly, that defining title was gone. I was just the stay-at-home wife...that over time couldn't get pregnant. Now, that title will gather some looks! Boy, the Lord did a long and mighty work to get me over my pride. Wow! If I ran into people, I couldn't rest just saying I didn't work. I wanted and needed people to know I had done something with my life. So very shallow, but it was true.


As I walked into the conference room for the shower with my cute, sweet Grey, I was never more proud to be a mom! Everyone was shocked to see me and my little guy in tow. He smiled so big and acted cute and bashful, flirting with the people there. It was a proud mommy moment!


I met a lot of people who had joined the agency since I left. Two girls made a lasting impression on me. Honestly, I believe I'll remember this encounter the rest of my life. I asked one of the girls if she had any babies yet. Frankly, I'm not even sure why that came out because I hated when people asked me that. Anyway, it did. She replied almost insulted, "uh no! Not doing 'the baby thing' for a while." The other girl chimed in, "I can just see you now in your little SUV." "Oh God, no!" she replied.


Really?? I just wanted to head on out and CLIMB IN MY LITTLE SUV! (Deep breath.) I didn't of course. I stayed for my friend.


But when it was over, I went out to my LITTLE SUV to BREAST FEED (ahhhh!) Grey in the car. A million thoughts swirled in my mind. Some insecurities, anger, bitterness, but mainly I thanked God for that conversation. I was never more grateful to be a stay at home mom in my life!! I was never more thankful for a husband who works so hard to allow me to be with Grey. I am blessed and thankful! I looked Grey is the eyes and said, "I wouldn't trade you for a minute of doing that again!" He gratefully smiled big and replied, "ah goo!" ...words that melt a momma's heart!

You see before that, I wasn't completely comfortable with not working. After all, I worked SO hard to achieve that job. No, I couldn't imagine life without Grey or missing one moment with him if he had to go to daycare -- but there was still a bit a guilt that I was not financially contributing. Now, however, I look and see how far the Lord has brought me, how hard He worked to teach me that my identity is found in Him and that through the pain of not working, pride-swallowing infertility, He grounded me in Him.


Ann Graham Lotz wrote a book on Isaiah's encounter with the living God and it is rightfully entitled, "I saw the Lord!".


Friends, I'm not entirely sure why I've written this long post other than to say, "I've seen the Lord and I wouldn't change a thing!" Whether you're working or not, is not the point of this post. The point is, where ever the Lord has you, whatever you are going through SEEK HIM! Look for Him in the pain, in the loneliness, in the quiet, sad, insecure moments. What you'll find in Him will cause you to look back at your valley with such a full heart of gratefulness!


I can see that I needed the time from when I quit to the time they placed my sweet Grey in my arms to know the One, True, Living God! If you're working and want to be home, if you want babies, if you need a job, a friend, a husband -- seek the Lord! There's something to learn where you are...even if it's just that little SUV's aren't so bad after all!

Summer fun!

We have had a busy, busy summer!! ...and how sweet it's been with Grey here.

July 4th, we went to the Marietta Square to watch the fireworks with Jason and Summer. It was the best night!! Great weather, great friends and GREAT fireworks!


Next, we celebrated Granddaddy's 95th birthday! We all drove down to the VA where he lives and threw him a little party. He loved every minute of it too!


At the last minute, we found out Curtis had a business trip in Birmingham. So, I jumped at the opportunity to go see Natalie and Wayne. They just moved back south after being in Vermont for 5 years during Wayne's residency at Dartmouth. It was so great to visit at her house! Natalie is one of those great, easy friendships that you can pick right back up where you left off no matter how much time or miles have passed. And her sweet kiddos loved Grey! Good thing because baby #3 is due Thanksgiving!



We certainly can't forget Christmas in July! My mom, dad, Curtis and me all share July birthdays -- all within three days of each other! It's crazy...and expensive. Mom had us over for a great dinner (of course!). Curtis also got everyone together to surprise me with a B.O.B. stroller. Oh happy day!! I've been wanting this every since I had Grey! It is everything it's cracked up to be and more. Love running with it! And what can I say, 30 ain't so bad with a cute little guy like Grey and the best hubby to boot!

We don't have a pool in our neighborhood (booo!). So, we went to swim with Kim and her cuties, Kylie and Cohen. Kim is another great, easy friend...and I guess our friendship should be seeing as how we were in 2nd grade together!! Kylie is easily one of the funniest little girls you'll ever meet...and the cutest southern accent. Cohen is big like his daddy! Only one, but as tall as a two year old! Grey loved swimming with his buddy. Kim and I tried hard to get a good picture of the boys in their matching boxers... as you can see, wiggle worms are hard to picture!

But. the summer wasn't too busy for snuggling our sweet boy! Grey is certainly not lacking in the love and attention department! But, we're parenting without regrets and soaking it in now. I don't want to look back and wish we'd snuggled more. Time goes by too fast!

Up to 12 weeks in pictures...

Waaay behind on blogging seems like an understatement. But bare with me while I catch up...

So sweet baby boy, this is you from 8 weeks to the big 12 weeks. My, my, my how the time has flown. You have started making A LOT of changes and hardly look like that tiny little newborn we brought home.

On July 2, 2010 we took you to the doctor for your two month check up. I know, we were a little late. Blame it on the beach and a little less sleep than normal. ;) You were a whopping 24 inches long -- that's the 85th percentile and a mere 13 lbs -- that's only the 50th percentile. So, you're long and skinny like your daddy! You had to get shots at this appointment. I already hate hearing you cry, so it was WAY harder on me than you. Funny story is that once they were done, I scooped you right up and daddy was talking to you from behind. You would cry into my shoulder, look up to see if he was watching and bury your little face back into my neck. You did it about four times and it was so cute and funny!

Lots of fun stuff going on with you, sweet boy. At this point you are still sleeping in your co-sleeper in mommy and daddy's room. We tried to make the switch to your room, but frankly I wasn't ready for that transition.

You've got smiling and laughing down pat! And I must say, you've got the greatest little smile. It lights up your whole face. In the morning, you are the happiest little guy ever! You laugh, squeal and coo all while slapping your belly and kicking your little kickins' (that's what daddy started calling your baby feet when you would kick so hard in mommy's belly).

That darned ole' gas is still a hard thing for you to get out. But, it's getting much better.

Sad time for mommy because I had to pack away a lot of your 0-3 month clothes a even a few 3-6 month stuff. You are just getting too long!

Right after we got back from the beach, we started a Monday morning ritual of hiking the mountain. We strap you into the Baby Bjorn and mommy works off those pregnancy pounds while you quietly snooze away. Must be nice! One thing is for sure, you LOVE being outside!!

Speaking of outside, this has been one of the hottest summers in a LONG time! I love summer because Atlanta has so much to do outside. However, it's just been too hot to do anything after lunch. To beat the heat, mommy got you two nifty little fans that clip onto your stroller! ...again, must be nice!

Most of all, I absolutely love you to death! I dreamed of what it would be like when you got here and our God has blessed us with you far beyond those wildest of dreams!

St. George Island

The first full week of June we headed to St. George Island for the Jefferson family beach trip. We watched so carefully, praying the oil wouldn't reach the beautiful island before our trip. Over the years, we've come to really, really love this beach. It's so peaceful and beautiful! There isn't a lot to do for entertainment, but that's honestly the best part.

Here is our family with the sweet Grey baby addition!

We've stayed in the same beach house since 2004 and I think we've finally outgrown it.

All ready to go to the beach!

I kind of knew Grey would love the beach because he loves being outside. And I was right! He napped in his swing all day under the umbrellas.

Lilly loves the beach as much as we do. In fact, she was nervous we might leave her this trip!

Running free on the beach with Wild Thing.

Grey's first time in the ocean!"What are we doing daddy?"

Love this boy!

Gigi and Ruth
Not happy to be in the water!

It wouldn't be right not to have a naked cousin bath picture!

Nathan...doing what boys do!

Miss Hannah

Tellin' daddy secrets

Like I said, Grey loved the beach. He also loved being diaperless at the beach!! He had a tiny diaper rash and nothing helps that better than airing it out. What a perfect place! We put him on a towel, took off his diaper and he passed out...for the LONGEST nap. He was in heaven!

Hi!

During our trip, Grey also learned to extend his arms. It was so cute!

"Uh oh, how do I get these things back down?"

Keeping cool in steamy downtown Apalachicola.

Hannah managed to find free kittens. Thank goodness we were out of town!

Eating ice cream...

Ruth has the cutest expressions!

Smiling for daddy!

Beach pictures proved to be a little more difficult this year with two babies.

Happy mommy!

Proud daddy!

Answered prayer!

The whole crew...

Gigi and Papaw with all the grandbabies...two new ones this year!

First time in the ocean.

It was sad to see them putting out booms.

Osprey nest

Apalachicola is known for the oysters. They bring in BILLIONS (with a B) of dollars for the state in seafood alone!

The BEST place to eat fried shrimp!

All tuckered out and ready to head home...dreaming of running on the beach next year!