Happy New Year 2012

Happy New Year 2012. As you can see, we had a wild night!

Hellooooo New Orleans

Shrimp Po Boys, Beignets, and Cafe Au Lait. Our bellies are happy!

It's Wake Up Time

I was still in bed at the late hour of 7:30 yesterday. Josey climbed in bed with me and said, "Mom, don't you see the sun? It's wake-up time." Wowza...you'd think it was 12:00, the way she was totally exasperated with me.

Baby Abby Update

She's rolling over, sitting up, and getting up on her knees (but not crawling yet).
She knows what she wants and is not shy in demanding it.

She already throws temper tantrums (she throws her head back when she is upset).

She started sitting in a high chair this week.

She also pulled herself to a standing position in her crib this week.

She's kind of a ninja. She will stealthily grab anything she can get her hands on (hair, necklace, earrings), create a vice grip with her hands, and yank. Yikes. She has already made Josey and Asher cry because of her hair pulling.

She smiles (almost all of the time).

She loves to pose for the camera.

She laughs like crazy at her siblings.

I just can't believe how fast she is growing up.

He does this all the time.

We arrive at my dad's house. Shortly after that, my dad disappears for a few minutes. When he returns, he is dressed exactly like one of the kids. This time, it was Eden's turn (in honor of Eden's 10th BDay). It is seriously hilarious. I can't wait until the kids are older and it totally embarasses them.

I miss him.

He passed peacefully from earth to eternity on December 8, 2011. He lived a full life and left quite a legacy. I will miss his visits and his phone calls. I will miss hearing him say, "Well hey there girl, how ya doin'?" and "This is real livin'!" I will miss his presence and his optimistic outlook on life. He was a great man whose love, joy, sense of humor, and generosity touched all who came into contact with him. I love you grandpa.

Decorating for Christmas

Every year. The day after Thanksgiving. It's our tradition and it gets us into the holiday spirit. This year, the kids enjoyed going through their yearly ornaments. Last year, I finally got around to making a picture ornament for each year of their lives. They loved seeing how they looked as they got older. My favorite comment was Asher's indignant, "How come Eden has more than me?" I tried not to laugh as I explained that Eden is older, so he has had more Christmases. He wasn't convinced and still seemed irritated, as though I was being unfair. Sheesh, that boy is hilarious!!

She has teeth!

Abigail got her 2 bottom teeth in this month. She's got that cute, goofy, partial-teeth smile now.

Nights like these.....

make me so grateful I have a big, crazy family (and that I live close to my brother and his big, crazy family).

And yes, those are underwear over Asher's shorts...in case you were wondering.

Halloween 2011

Eden: Scream Ghost
Asher: Ninja (Could he be anything else?)
Joseyah: Cinderella (Of Course)
Abigail: No Costume; She just wore her cute fall t-shirt made by Mrs. Yolanda at the daycare.
The extra masked man is Eden's buddy Tristan. He joined us again this year for Trick-or-Treating.

Eden's 4th Grade Award

Eden earned 2 reading awards in October. God answered some pretty fervent prayers and I was able to attend the ceremony. It was great to surprise him and be able to see him receive his certificate and medal. Afterwards, we went on a coffee date and played cards. I am one proud mama.

Wearing My Clothes

My mom managed to save about a dozen of my old dresses from when I was a baby. I try to put Abby in them whenever I can (Josey wore them too).

Warm Summer Day

Baby ShowerChristmas Party

Eden's First Trip To Camp

So Eden and his buddies spent a weekend at Astrocamp. This was his first camp experience without a parent. He had a BLAST!! He spent the weekend doing all sorts of science-related activities. Oh, and because he's such a boy, he didn't change his clothes once in 3 days. Eeww! I sure did waste my time packing his suitcase.

Asher Plays Soccer...Again

This was his 3rd season. He scored a goal during this season, and played goalie. He's getting to be a pretty good soccer player.

Buddies

They have played wonderfully together since they were about 18 months. They have quite a bond.

Too Cute

She is just so beautiful. She is going to be a breathtaking young woman.

First Day of School 2011

Eden: 4th Grade, Mrs. Whitfield

Asher: 1st Grade, Mrs. Toth

Eden's First Swim Meet

He did pretty well considering it was his first meet and he was never taught how to do the butterfly. I think I may have a swimmer on my hands.

First Swim Meet

He did pretty well considering it was his first meet and he was never taught how to do the butterfly. I think I may have a swimmer on my hands.

First Laugh

July 23, 2011
She let out her first real giggle while I was changing her diaper at a party. It caught me off guard, and warmed my heart.

She owns his heart. (Part 2- Abby)

She owns his heart. (Part 1- Josey)

CREEPY

Enough Said!

14 Years

My mom kept the kids (except Abby) overnight so Korey and I could have a date for our anniversary. We went to dinner, a movie, then had coffee. We also had a chance to sleep late the next morning....woo hoo!! It's so wonderful that after 14 years and 4 kids, we still enjoy eachother's company. We can still talk and laugh together. I love this man and am truly enjoying sharing my life with him.
On a side-note, Josey gave me the best compliment before Korey and I left. I came out of my room after getting ready. Josey looked at me and said (quite emotionally), "WOW MOM! You look beautiful."
It was such a genuine compliment. It absolutely melted my heart.

First Smile

So, we are beginning our last of the firsts (if that makes any sense).
Abigail is the last Lawson baby, so her firsts will be the last firsts we celebrate.
It's bittersweet, but I am enjoying it as much as I can.
Her first real smile in response to someone smiling at her was on May 28th. We were at a friend's house for a memorial day party. I looked at her and she gave me the biggest grin in response. It was wonderful. She's been super smily since then. Looks like we have quite a happy baby on our hands :-)

She's 3!!!

She knows what she likes and wants; and she's not afraid to express it.

She extremely friendly and outgoing.
She's incredibly girly (loves pink, princesses, dresses, and dolls).

She ADORES her brothers and sister.She's teaching me how to be a mother of a daughter; and I'm loving it.

She's absolutely beautiful and she captivates me.
Happy Birthday Josey.

I am so enjoying being your mom.

Goodbye Sutter

This was one of the hardest days. We had to say goodbye to our sweet Sutter. We've had him for almost 13 years. He was mine and Korey's first pet. Although, Korey was definitely his favorite! It was heartwrenching to watch Korey and the kids say goodbye to the dog we all loved. He was a naughty puppy, but a great dog. I always felt safe with him around. I will miss him SO much. Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...

Psalm 139: 13-18

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid outbefore a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up,you are still with me!My friend Christy shared this scripture with me during my pregnancy. I was having a small health concern and I was very worried about my baby. This scripture deeply comforted me. Now, when I look at my precious baby, I know how true it is.

If this was my first, I probably would have had an anxiety attack.

She was 2 hours old. My postpardum room was full of littles. They all wanted to touch her. It was a wonderful moment. My kids met their sister for the first time. Things sure are different with the 4th. There is NO WAY I would have enjoyed this moment if it was my 1st. But, this was one of my most favorite memories of that day.Josey had the best response. She walked into the room, took one look at me holding the baby, and said, "Who is that?" It was hilarious!!

The Big Day

I went in to the hospital at 8:30 am. I got my epidural before I was even really hurting.
She was born at 2:25 pm. My doctor basically let me run the show.
I totally cheated.
It couldn't have gone any better.
What a great LAST labor and delivery.

Grandpas are better than moms because...

they build tents in the backyard and play!

Abigail Elise

April 20, 2011

2:25 P.M.

7 pounds, 5 ounces

20 inches

We are so in love!

36 Weeks

How Far Along: 36 Weeks

Size of Baby: 19 inches, 6 pounds

Total Weight Gain: Not as bad as I thought.

Maternity Clothes: I bought a couple of shirts this week. They were the first maternity purchase of this pregnancy. The only reason I bought them was because I wanted a cute top for my baby shower.

Gender: Girl. We finally found out!

Movement: Sporadic. I love feeling her kicks though. It's a bittersweet feeling because I know this is the last time I will feel this.

Sleep: Terrible. I'm ready to have this baby and be able to sleep somewhat comfortably again.

What I Miss: Being Able to get into a Comfortable Position while Sitting, Sleeping, Standing, etc.

Cravings: Anything Sweet and Frozen: Ice Cream, Smoothies, More Ice Cream :-)

Symptoms: I'm so done!! I'm very uncomfortable and tired.

Best Moment this Week: My co-workers surprised me with a baby shower at work. It was totally unexpected. They had it during a scheduled staff meeting time, so it took me a few minutes before I even realized what was going on. They totally spoiled me. I am so stocked up on diapers now. It's awesome.