Life is Good

I'm on a roll...

2009-05-13T21:59:00.001-05:00

For those of you who don't have time to sort through 200-something photos of my child, here are a few highlights from his 9 month photo session. They aren't necessarily my very favorites, but since I "stole" them from the photographer's facebook album, they will have to do!

I sure wish I was half as photogenic as Reed is!

photos continued

2009-05-13T21:55:00.003-05:00

Mommy's "Helper"

2009-05-13T21:06:00.002-05:00

I can't imagine why my house won't stay clean, especially when I have such a willing helper.

The Official Mom Purse

2009-05-12T15:09:00.003-05:00

So, Mark felt the need to take a picture of the inside of my adorable (stylish, in my opinion)brown patent purse...

1. chewable book
2. wet wipes
3. Puffs
4. paci
5. coupons
6. my wallet (crazy, i know!)
7. a burp cloth that's buried on the bottom

Seriously, has it really come to this?

2009-05-11T21:58:00.000-05:00

(This is Mark) Maybe I missed my calling...I took this picture. What you can't see is Mandy right behind him rolling her eyes. Who's laughing now...MANDY! Ha! I need a vacation.

In case you're bored

2009-05-11T12:49:00.002-05:00

For those of you who have some time on your hands, you can see Reed's 9 month photo proofs at www.tracimasseyphotography.com (click client login on the top bar - client name or id: burleson - password: photos)

I have a system of choosing which pictures to order by making a list of every single one and crossing them off one by one. There has got to be a more efficient way to do things. Possibly just ordering one of each?

I've narrowed it down to 40 so far. Just a few more to go...

And for the record...I'm hoping the double chin is just a product of me being unphotogenic and holding my head at crazy-unflattering angles. I'd like to think someone would have had an intervention for me if it's there in real life!

Where does the time go?

2009-05-11T12:06:00.005-05:00

Time has been flying by lately. Not a day goes by that I don't say to myself, "Where did today go and what did do all day?" Reed is at such a fun stage, but he's never, ever still! He's pulling up on the coffee table, the couch, and anything else that he can get to whether it is a stable thing to pull up on or not. He's cruising along the couch and getting brave enough to only hold on with one hand. Nothing is safe around our house anymore. I've been resisting the urge to just move everything he shouldn't be touching, but I'm trying to just teach him that some things are off limits. To go along with the constant movement, there's also the constant "talking." It started a few weeks ago with "uh-0h." What a multipurpose word. Now, the word of choice is "Doc." He's always looking for Doc outside and will say it over and over and over...and over again.

Here's a few more pictures...

Reed's first Easter

Always moving...

All bundled up watching Daddy playing softball during the random cold spell in April.

Playing with his "pal," Hayden

Sorry about the bizarro formatting...have I mentioned how much I dislike Blogger?

For Kacie

2009-05-10T20:29:00.003-05:00

Because inquiring minds want to know, updates are on the way. I have the best intentions of getting you caught up on the past couple months and then staying on top of things. Isn't there some sort of saying about good intentions? Here's a few pictures to hold you over until tomorrow...

Bargain Shopper High

2009-03-17T12:54:00.002-05:00

I've always been a bargain shopper. I get it from my mom. Until the past couple of weeks, I've been really good at shopping for clothes, shoes, house stuff, and the other typical things you find on sales and clearance racks. BUT, now I've entered the world of couponing and "CVSing" (yes, that's a word!). Not to mention the deals to be had at Walgreens, Walmart, and Target. It's sad just how excited I am about my recent "deals." Mark's excited too...don't let him tell you any different!

Last week's CVS trip: Fiber One cereal, Fiber One granola bars, Nature Valley granola bars (hidden), Aveeno shave gel, 2 tubes of Colgate Total, 2 Arm & Hammer laundry detergent.

Total OOP (out of pocket): $13.06 (inc. tax)
ECBs for next time: $7

(for those unfamiliar with the wonderful world of CVS, ECBs are "Extra Care Bucks" that are given for purchasing certain products and can be used like cash on future CVS purchases.)

*****Why do I seem to be the only one who has trouble formatting these things? Please excuse the craziness.)**********

This week's Walgreens trip: 2 boxes Lucky Charms, 1 box Cinnamon Toast Crunch, 8 bars of Dove soap, 1 tube of Colgate, 1 tub (ha!) of Axe hair goo.

Total OOP: $14.09 - $6.99 online rebate (net cost: $7.08)
This week's CVS trip (#1): Pantene conditioner, shampoo, hairspray, 1 Dry Idea deodorant, 2 Sure deodorants, 1 Irish Spring body wash, 1 tube Colgate.

Total OOP: $3.21
ECBs: $7
Here'sa bonus picture of us on our trip to Cancun the end of February. We had a blast, but I've never been so ready to get back home!

More updates to come...seriously.

This is how we roll.

2009-02-03T22:41:00.003-06:00

If you want to get motivated to get out and run (ahem...Daddy Judd), buy a super expensive jogging stroller and new shoes. That will do it.

I'm an overachiever!

2009-02-03T22:23:00.004-06:00

These pictures are actually from this year!

My handsome men

I know I'm a little behind the times, but Guitar Hero is my new favorite thing! I didn't think it was something I would even be a little bit interested in. The only video games I like are Tetris and Pac Man (even though they both stress me out!) My sister introduced me to Guitar Hero when I visited them, and Mark and I both got hooked. They brought it here when they came to visit during January, and we had to fight mom for our turn! I don't know what she's doing sitting down. We both know you have to stand up and bump your hip to the side everytime you strum!

Christmas in February

2009-02-03T21:36:00.004-06:00

As you might have guessed, Reed was definitely the star of the show this Christmas. I was really impressed with my Santa self control. Since he was so into wrapping paper, bows, and boxes this year, next year I foresee myself getting a little more carried away with the toys. He traveled really, really well, especially considering our crazy trip. We left here Christmas Eve morning for my family's in north Alabama, stayed there Wed. and Thur., went to Mark's family near Tupelo to stay Friday night and part of the day Saturday, then on to Starkville to stay another night to visit friends there and in Columbus then back home. How's that for a long whirlwind trip, and an annoyingly long run on sentence?

Four generation picture

Daddy and Reed

This was after a looong day of driving. And yes, that's either spit up or drool on my shoulder. I'm thinking drool. I'm kicking myself for not taking a good Christmas picture of the 3 of us. This is definitely not us at our best!

Hmmm...an empty box

Loving the crinkly wrapping paper

Little baby. Big presents.

I'm in no way wishing him to get older, but next Christmas is going to be so much fun!

Over and out...

The Cutest Baby Ever

2009-01-30T12:23:00.001-06:00

in case you have time to look through a couple hundred pictures of the cutest baby ever...

Reed's 6 month picture proofs are online at www.tracimasseyphotography.com - client login - burleson - password photos

December 2008...just one (month) behind.

2009-01-23T15:08:00.010-06:00

You know. I would be much more up to date if I didn't have to fight with blogger about my picture placement. Seriously, this just isn't as user-friendly as I need it to be! Okay. Here we go with December highlights.

The cutests baby in the world taking a bath. He's definitely outgrown his baby tub, but as you can tell, I'm a little slow at getting things done!

We (well, Mark still had to work) had a wonderful snow day mid-December. The Y was closed, and we stayed home all day! I think we got 5 inches or so.

Reed got his first taste of "real" food at 5 months. He couldn't decide if he liked it or not. We ended up switching from rice cereal to oatmeal. Personal reasons...he doesn't like for me to talk about it.

Here's a just-because-he's-the-cutest-baby-ever picture for you.

You've got to wonder what babies (and dogs) think about having a tree with bright lights on it move inside the house for a few weeks. I have a feeling that we're going to have to fence it off next year!

Up next...

Christmas card attempts...

After searching everywhere for reindeer antlers for Doc (not moose antlers-which were everywhere!) with no luck. We decided to settle for the elf hat. He does have a large head, but it's apparently not human-shaped. He wasn't a fan of the bobby pins attaching it to his ears, but in the spirit of Christmas, he humored us.

Reed sitting up alone would have helped!

Next attempt...

The cute Santa-baby under the tree. The not sitting alone thing got us again!

(How sneaky!)

So, we went with what he could do. By this attempt he had spit up on the Santa suit, so we were down to just the hat. (Sorry for the small pictures...it's not worth fighting blogger to make them bigger now!)

So there you have it. Stay tuned for Christmas!

November 2008...yes, I know it's January

2009-01-20T16:47:00.009-06:00

Reed had his first experience with MSU football. Well, he got close. We went to Starkville for the State vs. Arkansas game, but it turned out to be a crazy cold, windy day. Mark, Perry, and some others went to the game, but Reed and I didn't brave the weather. Here's little man hanging out with Uncle Perry.

Since we live so far from our families, we spent Thanksgiving day with our friends here. The Staffords and Hills were so sweet to let us be part of their families for the day. Here's Reed's first Thanksgiving picture.

Since Mark is "Dr. Chicken," he was in charge of carving the bird!

It's pretty overwhelming just how much we have to be thankful for right now.

Here's Reed doing his best to roll over. He had a few days where he would just get stuck halfway there. That bottom arm just kept getting in the way. It's so crazy that this is the same boy that was inside my belly a few short months ago, and now he's rolling over!

So cute of him...too bad my iron was in the background!

We're working on him being smart like his daddy.

Don't know what happened with this whomped up picture arrangement. My family visited us after Thanksgiving! We love having them here! Here's Reed with Grandma, Aunt Brea, and Uncle Tyler.

Stay tuned for more updates...

Where does the time go?

2009-01-20T16:22:00.005-06:00

So, it's been awhile. There was once a time when life didn't change much in two months, but when you consider that 2 months is 1/3 of Reed's whole life...well, now you can get really behind in 2 months time.

The last photo post was courtesy of Mark. Those were some of his favorite pictures from Reed's 3 month photos. (I'll add some of my favorites from that session, too.) This catch up post (aren't mine all catch up posts??) will probably be mostly pictures...aren't they worth 1,000 words?

These are a few more of my favorites from Reed's 3 month photos, taken October 16. Traci Massey is the wonderful photographer we used for these. If you live in the Hattiesburg area, I highly recommend her. All these photos were taken at our house using natural light and a few simple props and plain fabric. Her website is www.tracimasseyphotography.com if you're interested.

Moving on...

Well, actually moving up. I think I'm going to "organize" (I use that word loosely!) my catch up posting marathon by month.

3 Month Photoshoot...Yep, 2 months after the fact.

2008-12-21T21:43:00.000-06:00

2008-12-21T21:42:00.001-06:00

2008-12-21T21:42:00.000-06:00

20 days til Christmas

2008-12-04T17:25:00.001-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Trick or Treat!

2008-11-03T15:56:00.005-06:00

Reed's first Halloween has came and went, and I'm pretty sure we had more fun than he did! Wednesday night we did Trunk-or-Treat at church. Since Reed was a Tootsie Roll, I felt it absolutely necessary for all of us to have coordinating costumes. The Martha Stewart in me came out, and instead of the quick, "good enough" mom and dad costumes, I got a little carried away. I just pretended like I had absolutely nothing else that I needed to be doing and happily made our costumes. Friday we went to the neighborhood Halloween party for a little while and handed out candy that night.

Reed's seems to change everyday now. He's trying so hard to roll from his back to his stomach. His bottom arm just gets in his way! His feet are really entertaining to him. He grabs one in each hand and is content to stare and talk to them.

For those who care about his every move(my mom!), I've decided that he needs to start transitioning to a 3 1/2 hour schedule and soon to a 4 hour. I probably should have done this already since for the past couple weeks (since the college retreat weekend) he has been waking about an hour earlier than normal and having shorter naps than normal. It's also time for bedtime to move a little earlier which means I'm going to be stuck at home more at night! Oh, well...the things you do for good sleep!

Oh, yeah. We went to the college group retreat a couple weekends ago, and Reed did great! I really debated whether or not to go with him, but I'm so glad I did. I just stuck to his same schedule and did retreat stuff when it worked out. I've got to brag--Mark organized the retreat and did a great job!

Napping at the retreat...

Katelyn & Kelly...my favorite girls!

He's got skills.

2008-10-10T16:00:00.002-05:00

One more...pushing up on his play mat from Uncle Perry.

What you really wanted anyway...

2008-10-10T15:47:00.002-05:00

Here's what you really want to see...

My mini Mark

His new funny thing...any shirt or thing with with contrasting writing is so interesting to him. He'll stare and eventually start leaning closer and closer...

Watching himself have a bath.

Always playing catch up...

2008-10-10T15:22:00.003-05:00

I know, I know. It's been a long time without an update. I can't even take credit for the last picture post. That was all Mark's doing.

Things are good around here. Other than Mark being out of town a lot, life is back to our "new normal." He's been gone to Texas about two nights a week, just got back from Nashville and Maryland, and will leave for North Dakota next week. I guess somebody around here has got to work! Speaking of work, I went back to teaching aerobics August 25th when Reed was about 5 weeks old. He's still going in the room with me and either sleeping or watching us crazy folks run around or the fans. My aerobics ladies think he's the greatest!

Things really settled down around here at about 8 weeks. (Strangely, my dates are all based on how old he was at the time!) He started sleeping 8 hours at night from 8 weeks, and he really got his daytime naps down. (Thank you Babywise and Babywhisperer!) Now, he is in bed between 9:00-9:30 and waking up between 7:00 and 7:30. He eats at 7:30, 10:30, 1:30, 4:30, 6:30, 8:30, and a dream feed between 10:30 and 11:00. We stick with the eat, wake, sleep cycles which really helps plan our days. I realize most people aren't entertained in the least with how often my child eats, but I know his grandma is interested in every detail about him!

He's getting to be so much fun! Smiles and laughs are the best. I live for them! They just melt me every single time! He's just started pushing up good on his belly and trying to grab at toys. He can at least make contact with whatever he is aiming at most of the time. I have a love/hate with his paci. He just decided to take up with the paci at 8 weeks, and it works great for him most of the time. The only problem I have with it is when just the two of us are in the car, and he loses it. This makes him extremely mad! It's pretty much the only time he really cries. I've pulled over so many times to pop it back in only to pull back out on the road, and he immediately drops it again.

So, that's just the highlights of the past few weeks. I'll try to do better. Seriously.

Enough of the blah, blah...How about some pictures?

2008-09-01T22:03:00.004-05:00

Aerobisizing with Momma!

It wasn't me...

Dreaming about his daddy

He was at his first tailgate (USM)

First meal out--with Kev, Jen, and Drew

Breaking in his big-boy bed

Being a baby is tough!

Not sure...but probably poopin'!

6 Random Things...

2008-08-28T16:01:00.004-05:00

Jennifer tagged me to list 6 random things about myself so here goes...

Crystal Light lemonade and homemade ice cream flavored shaved ice are my addictions.
There are 9 piercings in my ears (but none anywhere else!).
I'm obsessive with lists, especially to-do lists. I've been known to add things to my list after I've done them just so I can mark them off.
I'm full of random, useless information, so I love Trivial Pursuit! Mark doesn't like to play with me!
I obsessively study Pottery Barn catalogs. They're all over my house!
I've been a Hulkamaniac since the 1980s!

Wow. I thought this was going to be a hard list, but apparently I'm a pretty random person because I could go on!

One Month Already!

2008-08-20T11:32:00.004-05:00

So, it's been awhile since I've updated...

Reed was 1 month old on Saturday. He's 5 weeks today! I can't believe how fast the time has gone by. It's all been such a blur! He's getting so big. I wish I had a baby scale to know just how much weight he's gaining, but we don't have scales at our house, much less one that measures ounces! I would like to think he's still a teeny tiny newborn, but last week he officially outgrew his newborn diapers and is now wearing a size 1. I can't argue with that!

My favorite has been this cute little belly laugh he did last week. We were just hanging out, and I felt him jiggle a little. Luckily, I looked down at him in time to catch him laughing and his whole little body shaking! It just lasted a couple seconds, but it was the cutest thing ever!

We're still working on his "schedule." His eating times are getting more consistent, but he still isn't crazy about napping for very long. It seems like the more baby "expert" books I read, the more I feel like I'm messing him up! Let's just hope he turns out okay! By the way, I've read (and re-read and highlighted and read again!) BabyWise and the BabyWhisperer. I read those while I was pregnant and am constantly referring to them again. Since he's been born, I've read the Happiest Baby on the Block (all goofy names, I know!). All of them have good concepts to take away, but any other recommended reading on sleep and feed routines are welcome!

He went on his first trip to the gym on Tuesday and almost made it a whole hour! I plugged his little ears up, and he slept the whole time (until he woke up hungry!). It's amazing that I didn't break my leg because I was watching him the whole time and not paying any attention to what I was supposed to be doing! I'm very, very anxious for him to be eating at consistent enough times, especially in the morning, for me to get back to teaching. I'm ready to climb the walls here, and the walks around the neighborhood with Doc just aren't cutting it!

In the past couple weeks, Mark has gone out of town for a couple nights, and my mom came to visit. Even though she's 5 hours away, she's been here 3 times in the 5 weeks since Reed was born! I'm starting to think she's not coming to visit me!

By the way, we had professional photos made of him at 6 days. The proofs should still be available online until Monday, Aug. 25, if anyone wants to see them. The website is http://www.tracigoodwin.com/ and the password is burleson. No sleeping newborn pictures for us! He was wide awake the whole session!

So, there's somewhat of an update over the past couple weeks. Someday I'm going to get fancy and really entertain you with my creative writing, but that's all I've got for now.

going to church...

hanging out at home...it's what we do

Finish Line Photos

2008-08-19T15:28:00.005-05:00

just a quick update while i was thinking about it. more detailed update to come...seriously! as an afterthought to my previous post comparing labor and delivery to marathons....consider these two "finish line" pictures. there's just no comparison!

more Reed pictures to come, kacie!

2 weeks...Seriously?!

2008-07-31T20:09:00.004-05:00

Wow! Where have the past couple weeks gone? Mark has been fussing at me to update, so here goes...

I know you've been on the edge of your seats waiting for a labor and delivery story, but I just can't think that cohesively right now. Maybe one day I'll get around to that one for those who are interested. Let's just say it didn't go like I expected, but it got Reed here.

Reed had his 2 week dr. appointment today...yup, 2 weeks! I was shocked when I found out he now weighs 8 pounds, 9 ounces. The goal of this weigh-in was to make sure he had gained his birth weight back. Which he had plus an addition 1 pound, and 1 ounce! He is now 21 3/8 inches long, up from 20 inches. I know the goal is for him to grow up and get bigger, but I really wish he would just stop it right now!

As for me, one minute I'm ready to get out of the house and go back to aerobics and running and the next minute, all I want to do is stay home, lay on the couch, and sleep (but not for more than an hour and a half at a time!). After being so active during my pregnancy, this two week break from exercise is making me feel really blah. I'm trying my best to be smart and not get in too big of a hurry to get back to normal, well, my new normal. According to all I've read, I will be better off waiting a little too long rather than starting back a little too early. I can't wait to see what it feels like to teach aerobics and go run without my big belly!

Okay, I've changed my mind. Here's just the labor and delivery highlights. Monday morning - taught aerobics class (had to mention that b/c I'm kinda proud of it!). Monday night, 9 pm - water broke, went to hospital, was told to settle in for a long night. Tuesday morning, 6 or 7 am - still no progress, induced with pitocin. Wednesday, 12:44 am - Reed was born.

Here's a few pictures. Now, I'm off to watch Reed sleeping...it's one of my favorite things to do these days!

One Healthy Little Giggling, Dribbling, Baby Boy...

2008-07-18T12:40:00.007-05:00

Caden "Reed" arrived Wednesday, July 16, at 12:44 AM. Momma and Baby are doing awesome. Momma and Daddy are making adjustments...for the good! We will update soon. For your viewing pleasure, here's a few pics of our miracle.

(This is Mark. Mandy said the blog is the least of her concerns...her goal for today? Take a shower!)

Our Big, Brown Baby

2008-07-12T16:01:00.002-05:00

I wanted to give a little bit of attention to our first baby....

His life is about to change...

The finish line is in sight...or is it another starting line?

2008-07-12T15:42:00.004-05:00

Unfortunately, I hadn't changed any as of my doctor appointment yesterday. I go back on Thursday of next week, and if I still haven't changed any by then she will induce Saturday night the 19th with hopes of having him/her the 20th. If I've made any progress on my own by Thursday's appointment, I will wait and go in on the 20th. I'm not at all crazy about the idea of being induced, but I do like feeling like there's a plan in place. My original intention of using as little pain meds as possible may go out the window with the induction! Either way, I think I'm ready.

All along I've been thinking of labor and delivery like a marathon. There are just so many running comparisons to be made. Even with the right training and preparation, it's going to hurt, but the pain is just temporary and will end eventually. I'm in the best shape I could possibly be in right now. I'm still teaching 5 aerobics classes a week and feel great doing it. My body is as ready as it's going to get. As far as the pain goes, most athletes/runners realize and appreciate the difference between "discomfort" and "pain." You've got to keep perspective on those two because it makes a big difference in how you handle the situation. (Don't be mistaken though, I'm not a big fan of either!) During a marathon Mark and I (and probably lots of people) tend to think "I'm never doing this again!," and "I think I'm going to die!" BUT, as soon as I cross the finish line it never fails that I'm ready to start training for another one! Race finish lines just have medals and food (which is great!), but this finish line has a baby! The baby we've been waiting for such a long time. Another similarity is that Mark will be there with me. Running is so much easier with him running beside me. Sometimes you talk and have fun, and sometimes you have to be quiet and focus inward, but the support is still there. He's helped me through some tough runs, and I'm counting on him to help me through this, too. He's seen me in pain, knows how to read my signals, and knows what I need to push through it (no pun intended...seriously!).

So, all that to say that the training schedule is almost over and the starting line is fast approaching. Ironically, the "finish line" for this one is really just another starting line! Hopefully, this rambling made sense on some level because I really don't want to go back, re-read it, and write anymore! Happy Saturday!

Quick Update (don't get excited!)

2008-07-07T17:24:00.002-05:00

It's looking like I'm going to get to keep my birthday to myself. The day is almost over, and I definitely don't see any baby deciding to show up before tomorrow! I was pretty convinced that I would deliver on the early side of term because I've exercised consistently (or constantly!) throughout my whole pregnancy. Seriously, research supports this, but it's possible I am one of those exceptions. A little early would be a great reward though! I've been told that I'm not "ready" to have this baby until I'm miserable which concerns me because I feel so, so good! I definitely can't complain. My feet and ankles swell during the day, and I don't get to sleep more than a couple hours at a time, but other than that I'm good. This morning my aerobics girls seem convinced that I'm going to go a little early, but they said they'll definitely see me tomorrow! I'm very ready to go to the doctor on Friday to see if I've changed any, but I'm not going to get my hopes up. Happy birthday to me!

More Pictures

2008-07-03T12:35:00.004-05:00

cardio aerobics at 37 weeks

step at 37 weeks

toning at 37 weeks

Country Music 1/2 Marathon at 28 weeks

CMM 1/2 at 28 weeks...I think I deserved 2 medals!

I don't have a lot to say, but here's a few preggo pictures for your viewing pleasure.

So far, so good...

2008-06-27T13:12:00.002-05:00

Here's our most recent baby pictures (05.14.08)! Baby wasn't very cooperative for the 4D ultrasound, so these are the best photos we got. Either the cord was in the way, or baby's foot was in front of its face.

Good intentions...

2008-06-24T15:34:00.000-05:00

After months of stalking other people's blogs, I decided it's only fair for me to attempt it for myself. I'm pretty unconvinced that our life is interesting enough for anyone else to want to follow it online, but we'll see. Life as Mark and I know it is about to change, so I'm not making any promises about how often I will update this thing, but I'm going to try to stay on top of it.

To get everyone caught up with us, Mark and I met at MSU and started dating in June 2001, got married in July 2004, and are expecting our first baby in July 2008. We finally settled in Hattiesburg, MS, in April 2007, and we bought our first house this past February. Mark is a staff veterinarian for Sanderson Farms, and I am just his stay-at-home wife/aerobics instructor, but soon to be a stay-at-home mom/aerobics instructor. We've got a big chocolate lab, Doc, that we love, love, love! As of right now, we're pretty much consumed (me more than Mark!) with baby preparations and are patiently waiting for our newest family member! That's all I've got for now, and I'll add pictures later!