Friday, June 25, 2010

A picture's worth a 1,000 words...

Hello! I hope this post finds you all well! Its been such a busy week for me. I've put in a lot of hours working and I can honestly say, THANK GOD ITS FRIDAY! We're starting a new computer system at work that has a lot people in an uproar and you know how receptive nurses can be to change (very sarcastic). So needless to say, I've been picking up on days that I don't work and have been teaching a few classes and helping "super-use" some as well. I don't know how 'normal' people work 5 days a week! Kudos to you if you do! :)

Carter is such a busy body. Corey and I have definitely gotten a taste of whats in store for us with the "terrible two's". Lately he has been biting me and his Mamaw, kicking us during diaper changes (he use to just lay there and be so... STILL), running down the sidewalk without caring if I follow and just today now he thinks its OK to run into the street. Yes, you read that correctly, the street. We've all talked about different ways to try to reinforce good behavior but if anyone has ideas, just let me know! I'm open to suggestions. However, he's not always bad hahahaha. He's such a smart little boy. Man, did I get lucky! He knows quite a few signs and knows just when to use them. If he wants something really bad, he looks at you so sweet and signs "Plllleeeeaaaassseee.." and I mean, who can deny an 18 month old that has manners? His favorite favorite favorite show is Yo Gabba Gabba and if I turn on that (terribly annoying) show he is quite the angel for the 24 minutes its on. He runs around the house saying "Babba Babba" when he wants to watch it. I mean this child, LOVES Yo Gabba Gabba to the point that we are going to 'Gabba Live' in October (along with the usual Play-Daters). Another thing that will stop him in his tracks is 'Flo' from the Progressive commercials. The other day I asked him if Flo was his girlfriend and he looked at me and shook his head "yes" (sorry Livi and Nelle-Belle). It was the funniest thing I've ever seen!

Recently we got his pictures done with our fabulous photographer, Kate Leach (insert plug-in here ), and even though he was so onery that day she did a great job. Carter is such a water bug and as soon as he saw the creek our day of posed picture taking was over. EnJoY!

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I mean really? How cute is he?

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Look mom the water!! When can I get in?

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My favorite!

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So angelic! Man does he have you fooled :)

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Our perfect little family... Just the two of us!

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His future's so bright he has to wear shhhhaaaadddeeessss!

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There's that onery smile!




*** Sidebar ***
I wrote this post on Friday, but didn't get the chance to publish the post because my photobucket wasn't working, so yes, I'm aware its Wednesday! Love you!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Making Jerry Garcia Proud...

ThIs WeEk iN a NuTShElL...


We had a play date on Monday and all Carter's best friends (and Mommy's too) came over to enjoy a fun, but rather hot day. All the moms try to think of different ideas that we can do with the kids to keep them entertained and leave them exhausted when the day is over. So we decided to do a tye-dyeing play date. It was so fun but insanely chaotic hahahaha. For some reason I thought the kids might actually want to do the dyeing but rather they wanted to do everything but that. I set up the baby pool and the "ball sprinkler" for when the kids got sick of trying to make psychedelic shirts. Well turns out, that's all they wanted to do. Eli, Iggy, Livi, Nellie, Drew, Hayley and Maddie all had more fun playing in the 3 foot wide baby pool than making shirts. But the shirts turned out great and it was super fun to all get together. Its hard to coordinate so many schedules but we are so happy we were all available to meet. Here are a few pictures for your enjoyment!

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Life Savers... Payton and her friend Joelle/Carol, depending on who you ask


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Getting ready!

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The kids in the baby pool!

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The Lone Ranger playing all by himself in the sprinkler..

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He can't get enough!

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LaKa LaKa

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Livi Girl

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Igg Monster

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Nell-Belle.. I love this picture, she's like get out of my face lady! I have "Gabba" to watch!

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Places people, we're trying to take a picture here!

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Livi makes her escape! Carter's face is priceless in this picture! Love it!

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Eli's macking on Nellie! What a sly dog!

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ahhh My Pooper! I love this child!

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Carter!

Well there you have it. Although, I forgot to take pictures of the finished products they turned out stellar! I'll post more later! Love always, Me and Carter!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

And here it is...

Where to begin? hahaha, well I know its been over a year since my last post and most of you understand the struggle of raising a child and; unfortunately some of you know the hardships of going through a divorce as well. Yes, thats right... I said it. I am divorced. Its hard for me to even say it outloud myself. Well good news is, I'm very happy with the outcome. Bad news, it took quite a while for me to feel this way. Long story short, I found out after Carter turned six months old that Corey wasn't happy. He turned to another for the qualities that I "lacked" for a better term. But in the end, I realized that I wasn't happy either. I was 'just happy enough' to continue living the life that I dreamt about since I was little. I wanted the high school sweetheart, the house, the picket fence and the baby. But all that came at a price. I was shocked, mad, scared, and probably a whole lot of everything, after I found out that this was going to be my fate. But, I have the world's most amazing family and the best friends anyone could ask for and I was able to listen to their stories, words of wisdom and feel their love and definitely I've become a better person ten fold. Its funny, when everything began to unravel I had numerous people say "Stephanie, you are the strongest person I know, you're so independent and you will be fine." I hated these words because I felt like, 'how in the world can someone say I am strong when I can barely get out of bed? How can I be independent when the only life I've known was with him? How will I ever be fine when all I want to do is cry my eyes out all day every day.' And to this day, haha, I still have no idea how I made it. All I had to do was focus on that amazing life that we created and we both loved so much. It was Carter who kept me going, it was my son who kept me breathing, and its my little toddler that basically saved my life. Because of him I had to go on. I had to pull myself together. Its insane to think that because of him I did it. I did it, and it feels so good to be able to say that and be truely happy.

I have to thank Taylor for the endless (and I mean ENDLESS) phone calls, texts messages and visits. Abby, for the great week I spent with her and her friends in Columbus during the hardest week (first anniversary without our little family). She and her friends were so wonderful and I am so greatful to have met these great Cbus-ers. My mom, dad and brother for just being there to listen and not act (hahahhaa) even though I know every day they wanted to. I have no idea what you guys had to go through to see my heart on the floor for so long, but thank you for listening to the same stories over and over and over again. Janice and Randy, for still loving me and being so kind throughout everything. Jamie for all the Friday night talks and those in between. My co-workers for being not only flexible but understanding when I came to work and sat in a charting room and just cried. Thank you for all your laughs and fun-poking (if thats a word) and all your support. And lastly, to everyone I missed. I could write a book about how each one of you impacted my life this last year. How did I get so lucky to have such great people in my life?

Music has been such a great influence the last year and their are so many songs that just hit the nail on the head. I know everyone makes fun of country songs but if you have a problem, chances are they sing about it. And Lord knows there are tons of break up songs in country music. My main theme was a Garth Brooks song called "She's Gonna Make It". At first I cried every time I listened to it, and that was every second I was in the car, at my house or dropping the baby off. I would blare (if thats how you spell it) it on the way home from dropping Carter off. Now, like I said things are different. Corey and I are doing really well as friends. We talk mainly just about Carter, hell we actually laugh a little about things that have happened in the past. There were many nights of screaming matches, fights and name calling but we have both grown up a little. We realize this is not about me, and its certainly not about Corey or his girlfriend. Its about Carter, and only Carter. Once we realized that our relationship has gotten better. The best thing that came from this whole journey is the fact that he is such a better dad now, than he ever was in the past. And in turn, I think I'm that much better of a mom. I CHERISH every second, minute and day that I have to spend with that little boy. I know when he is older and he has to be taken back and forth and back and forth from house to house he might not understand but I know together as parents we will show him that he is that much more special that we have to share time with him because he is that amazing. We'll make it work. Did I ever think I would have to? Hell no, but it happens... I guess its "The Facts of Life".

Carter and I had our pictures done this last week so I will update the blog with those pictures when I get them back. My photographer is so amazing but sooooo pregnant so we are just thankful she could work us in. I'll update on what we're up to every week hopefully (Taylor will yell at me if not). So until then, thank you again for all your support. I love you all.

She's Gonna Make It - Garth Brooks

He followed her to work this morning
He’d never seen that dress before
She seemed to sail right through
Those dark clouds forming
That he knows he’s headed for

After seven years of marriage
He wanted out
Now after seven months of freedom
It’s clear that there’s no doubt

She’s gonna make it
And he never will
He’s at the foot of the mountain
And she’s over that hill
He’s sinkin’ at sea
And her sails are filled
She’s gonna make it
And he never will

And you know it’s not like she’s forgot about him
She’s just dealing with the pain
And the fact that she’s survived so well without him
You know it’s driving him insane

And the crazy thing about it
Is she’d take him back
But the fool in him that walked out
Is the fool who just won’t ask

She’s gonna make it
And he never will
He’s at the foot of the mountain
And she’s over that hill
He’s sinkin’ at sea
And her sails are filled
She’s gonna make it
And he never will


Much love to all!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

He's a Tank!

Well I know I haven't done my part on updating this thing, but I'm going to make a few excuses... My best friend Taylor just had Eli on Thursday and long story short they had to stay a few extra days in the NICU so I blogged for Taylor a few times and let her use my computer while she was there. Secondly, Corey and I bought a house! We should be closing on Feb. 20 assuming everything goes well. Apparently everyone and their brother is refinancing so it is pushing the turn around time longer and longer. Stupid. And thirdly, I have Carter. :) So give me a break right? LOL

Carter is doing well. We just went to his 2 month appointment yesterday and he is a tank! The child weighs 13 lbs 14 oz and is 24.25 inches long. He is in the 85% percentile for both height and weight. He is changing all the time and I am so happy that I have a healthy boy. Its amazing how you count your blessings. Cart-man's best friend Eli had a bout with Jaundice. People become numb to the word jaundice and just chalk it up to every child has it but Eli wanted to be different. He didn't just want to have it, he wanted to perfect it. :) He had to stay in the NICU until yesterday when he finally got to come home! yay! That little man has sure been through a lot and hasn't even hit his one week mark. But I'm so proud of Taylor and Zach. They are amazing parents and its so funny to see their priorities shift from what it was then and what it is now. Carter missed Eli a whole lot because he wasn't allowed to visit him in the hospital so we went there last night and cooked them dinner. It was great to see them in their own element!

I love how things are going right now. I'm still on maternity leave because my job rocks! I love the people I work with and work for. I just got my schedule yesterday and it looks like my first day back is March 5. booooo, I'll miss Carter so much.

Good news, Carter slept for 8 hours last night. He's been sleeping like 6 or so but last night was a good night. I feel so rested and like a brand new person! I love him so much and it amazes me how much he has developed into his own person. He smiles and coos when someone talks to him. He sticks out his tongue on command almost every time and he is all around a happy baby. And I love his chubby cheeks! I can't wait to see everyone. I love you and sorry it took a while for me to update this!

Carter with Dr. Templeton...
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Uncle B with Carter
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Daddy's favorite tummy time!
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Olivia born 12.26.08, Eli born 02.05.09 and Carter born 12.05.08... Best friends for life!
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Carter's best friend Eli in his little incubator and cool sunglasses on. No feeding tube and IV's I think this is either before or after that. I can't remember, the pictures run together.
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I hope you all like the updates, I'll try harder next time. Shannon Harvey, you need to update your blog too ma'am!

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Happy Birthday dear Carter... Happy Birthday to you!

Well, its a boy!!! I know I haven't updated this in a while (Taylor tells me about every day to do it) but I've been a little busy! I hope everyone enjoyed Taylor's play by play of me in labor. I am so thankful I have such an amazing best friend. She is so thoughtful and I have no idea what I would ever do without her! She's awesome

So anyways, back to baby. Carter is doing awesome. He is sleeping anywhere from 4-8 hours at night. I made the mistake of waking him up in the middle of the night to eat (which apparently I was called many names that included the words... insane and stupid). But I was getting rather uncomfortable if he went longer than 4 to 6 hours. But anyways, he is doing awesome. He had many first's the last couple weeks. We had our first night at home, first sponge bath (hated), first Christmas, first belly button (yay!), first Hanukkah at Bubbie's, first pictures, first blow out (yes, that's right in the middle of Kroger, just threw his clothes away), and first new years; among other things.

Its amazing to think of my life without this kid. He is wonderful. I might moan and groan when I don't sleep but it makes it so worth while to see him stare into my eyes and know that he is studying every detail of my face and coming to know that this face will always be in his life. My only wish is that my grandparents (my mom's parents) would have seen him. My grandma would eat him up and my Papaw would probably put him to work already splitting wood or something :). He was definitely worth the wait.

Today is Carter's 4 week birthday. We had a one week birthday party with my mom and dad and Corey's parents and Maddie and Aunt Cindy but that was the last birthday party we had. I am definitely getting him another cake for his one month. I know a little crazy but I do love parties! Here are a few pictures, some from the hospital and all the way up until Tuesday. Enjoy and I love you!

Aunt Taylor and Carter meeting for the first time!
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Carter and his first teddy bear he got in the hospital
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Carter and Great Grandpa Phil
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Carter at home
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Sierra and Carter. She doesn't leave his side. She loves him
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Carter and Papaw's hands. Dad's getting better, he doesn't cry every time he sees Carter now. hahahaha
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Carter in Uncle B's arms on Christmas. He is so tired from delivering presents to all the good little boys and girls.
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Carter and Great Great Grandma Mohler. She told me that she has only held 2 babies other than her own kids. And then she told me not to beat him too hard. hahahhahaha
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Mamaw and Carter
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Carter's first bath! He loved it. Hated getting out
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So fresh and so clean! He got excited and started smiling and moving his arms...
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Daddy and Carter sleeping after bath time
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New Year's Eve. This boy slept through Brian, Justin, Jacob and my dad singing every song on all the karaoke CDs. Did I mention EVERY SONG.. hahahahha
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Well hopefully it won't be another 4 weeks but I hope you enjoy the "Pooper's" pictures.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Mr. Carter

This is Taylor...I didnt even tell Steph I was going to do this..but I just wanted to let everyone know Steph, Corey and Carter are doing well. I went to visit them on Monday and made them some dinner so they didn't have to cook! :) I try to be a good friend. They have had tons of visitors, so I try to stay back.
But when I was there I took this picture of Carter in his swing for the first time....and his other mother Sierra :) She is so good with him--any little noise he makes, she rushes to him to make sure he is ok, then she goes about her business.
Hopefully Steph will be on here soon with more updates! :)

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xoxo
Tay