Before I was a Mom

Over the weekend, my heart ached for this family. A little boy who has beat so many odds already and who wasn't even expected to enter this world alive is now struggling for his life. A heart that beats over 220bpm for almost 3 days straight, in such a tiny little body.

Every time I read MckMama's blog or check for an update on her Twitter, I bow my head in prayer for this family. I can't even imagine what it would be like to have this happen to Mason or Taylor. It's a constant reminder that our children are gifts from God and that they are here on loan. They are not ours to keep, but God has trusted us to care for them and to watch over them. Ultimately, they are His. Therefore, we need to trust in Him to care for them, when we can not.

Before I was a Mom, I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations. Before I was a Mom, I had never been puked on. Pooped on. Chewed on. Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts. I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom, I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests. Or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom, I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much.

Before I was a Mom, I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom, I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

Last week in Houston

So batteries died on my camera a couple weeks ago and I have been too lazy to replace them. I even have pictures that I need to upload, but I'll get around to it eventually. I know everyone enjoys my posts more, when I have pictures.

This is my last week in Houston. I head back to Bakersfield at the end of the week (date yet to be decided) and it went by so quickly. Too bad I spent half the month sick, but atleast my little ones had some quality time visiting with everyone and getting a taste of the HOT Texas summers.

Every time I visit, no matter how long the trip, I always feel like I don't get to fit enough in our trip. There are people I have yet to see, places that I didn't get to visit, or restaurants that I haven't eaten at yet. It's okay, because one day in the far future, we will return, and this time it will be for good. We have friends that don't believe we will ever leave them in Bakersfield, but what they don't know is that they will be moving with us. Haha. A girl can wish!

Two prayer requests today:
1. My parents have an Adoption Fair with the Harris Country CPS Social Workers this afternoon. Only the Social Workers will be in attendance, but they are hoping to speak with the social worker in charge of two brothers that we have been praying about.
2. Baby Stellan - If you don't know about this adorable little boy, please go to my link of blogs and look up MckMama. Stellan has been in SVT almost all weekend long and his poor heart and body can't take much more. They are life-flighting him to Boston this afternoon to see the specialist again. Pray for wisdom for his doctors to make the best decisions regarding his care.

An Unforgettable Wedding

I was told about this really cool Wedding Entrance Video that was going around on YouTube and I thought I would share it. Talk about a memorable wedding!

Top 10 reason why I love Houston

10 Things I love about Houston:


1. Our family lives here. It's the perfect place to raise a family. Every time I come home, I can't wait to see how the city has changed, but with all of the changes, it still feels like home to me.


2. The food! I have traveled A LOT and I believe some of the best food can be found in Houston. We have amazing restaurants and not to mention, my mom is a fantastic cook.


3. The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo - Entertainment for everyone, including the cook-off (again with the food)


4. The shopping - This city has so many places to shop between all of the malls, outlets, and boutiques.


5. High School Football - There is nothing like Texas Football.


6. City Life - There is always something to do here in the city. Whether it's shopping, going out to eat, dancing, the parks, museums, sporting events, you can find something to do at almost any hour here in Houston.


7. Taste of Texas - I know this goes with the food category, but what a great steak and lets not forget the salad bar.


8. The Houston Skyline - I was talking to Grandma Kaye the other day and we agreed that the Houston Skyline is one of the best views. Whether it's day or night, it's a sight to see. I had the pleasure of watching the fireworks this 4th of July over the downtown skyline and it was spectacular.


9. The houses - sounds weird, I know, but I have seen some amazing custom homes all around this city, when I was a Senior Project Manager for P&A. I especially like to drive around different neighborhoods during Christmas. A house always looks better with Christmas lights, well most houses anyways.


10. HEB - This is my favorite grocery store and you can't beat the prices, quality of the store, or the excellent produce.





10 Things I strongly dislike about Houston:


1. It's really faraway from Bakersfield. Over 1500 miles to be exact. It's too far to drive, although I'm sure we will do that someday. For now, it's a 3.5 hour flight non-stop.


2. The traffic! I have driven in LA during rush hour and I'm sorry, but when you are stuck in bumper to bumper traffic in Houston and you haven't even driven a mile over a 30 minute span, then that is bad. At least in LA, you continue to move.


3. The humidity. While I agree that it is great for my skin, it does nothing for my hair. I don't like having my clothes stick to me after getting out of the car in the middle of the summer.


4. Allergies! My allergies are worse in Houston due to the humidity and all sorts of stuff growing all around the city.


5. Mosquito's - They are known around here as the Texas Bird. It doesn't really matter what time of year it is, those little pests are always around.


Okay, well I could only come up with 5 dislikes. I will make a list about Bakersfield next.

Week 3 - Houston Trip

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures to post from this past week. I have been sick all week and when I thought I was getting better, I started getting sick all over again. My dad got the flu later on in the week, so we are all trying to recover around here.

Taylor turned 4 months old last Friday. Since we aren't home and don't go in for her 4 month checkup until next month, I don't have any stats. She did try her cereal for the first time yesterday and did okay. She wasn't really sure what to think at first, but she ate it none the less. Tonight she seemed to enjoy it more. Once we have the go ahead on veggies, I can't wait to give her avocado.

Since I have been sick all week, we haven't really done much. I'm hoping to venture out tomorrow, if I feel better.

Cough Cough

Everyone is getting sick. Mason had a cough when we first arrived to Katy. It then spread to Taylor and then I had a little cough that then turned into a big cough. I called my doctor, since I'm still nursing Taylor, and I have to be careful of what medicines I can take. He called me in a prescription since my cough turned into an Upper Respiratory Infection and then my allergies attacked my head. My Dad and Mom are both sick now too. I'm probably back to 80%, but that is a huge improvement from the beginning of the week. I can't complain too much, because this is the first time I have been sick since I was pregnant with Mason. I hope Adam doesn't come down with anything.

Since I haven't felt too well lately, we have been hanging around the house. However, today I ventured to my favorite accessory store, Charming Charlie's, on the search for some cute hand bags. I ended up coming home with a great deal on a cute red dress that I hope to wear soon. I don't have many chances to wear cocktail dresses these days, but on the off chance that I need to, I'm ready.

Happy 2nd Birthday Mason!

Mason,

Two years ago today, you gave me the greatest gift of all, you made me a Mommy! God chose me to be your Mommy and I am so thankful He did. Life hasn't been the same since.

You are changing before my eyes and now we are celebrating your second birthday. This morning I woke you up by singing "Happy Birthday," which is a Coverston tradition. I did it last year and will continue to do it every year, and trust me there will be years you will wish I would just let you sleep, but for now, I will relish in it.

This past year has been filled with a lot of firsts. A week after you turned one, we learned you would become a big brother. You took your first steps on your own on your 13 month birthday. It wasn't even a week after you learned how to walk, that you started running all over the place. Speaking of fast feet, you can dance like no other little boy I have seen. It makes my heart smile every time the music comes on and I see you start to shake that cute little body of yours.

This year you became a big brother. The day Taylor was born, I couldn't wait to introduce you to your little sister. You weren't very sure what to think at first, but you quickly warmed up to her. The day we brought her home, she cried and it broke you heart to hear to her so upset. I knew at that moment you two would be close and that she has the best big brother ever.

I love you little man and can't wait to see what this year has in store!

Much love,
Mommy

Week 1 - Houston Trip

We are going on our second week here in Houston. We arrived late Wednesday night. I am so lucky to have two children that love to fly as much as I do. Mason had his own seat on the way here and Taylor sat in my lap. Both of them were very well behaved. It was Taylor's first flight. Of course she slept the entire time. Mason watched the Incredibles on the in-flight movie.

Thursday we celebrated Mason's 2nd birthday a little early, with our family and friends. Friday we spent the morning at Adam's parents house visiting with everyone. Adam's grandparents flew in from Frisco, Tx. It was the first time to have everyone all together since Anna's wedding in December.

Friday night, my family had a graduation party for my cousin Chase. We had a fajita dinner, catered by Nifa's. Have I mentioned how much I love Mexican food? It's just not the same in California. All of the boys spent most of the evening in the garage checking out my dad's toys. He has several dirt bikes, a couple of 4-wheelers, and his Honda Goldwing.

Mason on the dirt bike.

Connor & Mason on their dirt bike.

Mason checking out the 4 wheelers

Jared on his dirt bike.

Taylor decided to go for a ride with Connor.

Aunt Christina & Taylor

Granddad with Taylor

Aunt Nettie with Taylor & Taylor

Saturday was summed up here. Sunday morning, we had breakfast with Adam's family. His grandparents and brother would be leaving that day to go back, and so would Adam. Adam's mom went to Bagel Cafe that morning and brought back some delicious bagels. Anyone that knows me, knows how much I LOVE Bagel Cafe.

Our friends Brad & Jill stopped by too, since their flight was delayed Thursday and they didn't make it to Mason's party. It was a delightful weekend, hanging out with family. I just wish Adam didn't have to go back so soon.

Great Grandma & Great Grandpa Kaye with their great grandchildren.

Brad & Jill loving on our kids.

Uncle Matty and Taylor. I love these pictures. She is smitten with him.

Aunt Laura & Taylor

4th of July

The morning of the 4th, we took it easy and had some down-time at my parents house. We had been on the go, since we arrived and I wanted to do was relax for a bit. That morning, my Dad took Mason out on the 4-wheelers. Of course Mason had a great time, but he wasn't really sure about the helmet. He doesn't like anything covering his chin.

Around 4pm, we headed over to my sister's house. She had been cooking all day and smoked a brisket, ribs, and chicken. We didn't eat there, but I made sure to nibble on a couple of bits of her brisket. It was delicious. Mason and Connor played in his room the entire time.

At one point, I heard Mason crying and walked into the room and found Connor trying to help Mason out of the toy box. When I asked Connor what happened, he told me he tried to lock Mason in the toy box, but Mason didn't like it. Connor kept apologizing. It was really funny.

Around 6pm, we drove out to Adam's sister's place. Laura & Matt just bought a new house in Memorial Heights area and it's lovely. Matt grilled burgers and everyone visited for awhile, before the fireworks began. Houston put on the nations largest firework display this year and we had the best seats in town. Laura & Matt have access to the roof terrace and you can see the skyline of downtown Houston and we were able to see all of the fireworks. Mason loved every minute of the show. Taylor did very well too.

Mason playing with his cousin Faith.

Adam's grandparents were in from Frisco for the weekend..

Great Grandpa Kaye with Faith & Taylor

I loved Taylor's outfit. One of my best friends, Jeanna bought the top for her when we found out we were having a girl. She knew that 4th of July was my favorite holiday.

Daddy & Taylor

Adam & Taylor with his sister Anna

Mason's 2nd Birthday Party

We arrived late Wednesday night and didn't make it bed until around 1:30am. I had a lot to get done Thursday morning, so we were up bright and early. Adam spent the day tubing down the Comal River with my Dad, while my Mom and I took the kids to run a bunch of errands. Our first stop was my sister's salon, to get my hair cut. I am in the process of growing my hair out and I have trust issues with hair stylists, so I have only let her cut my hair. I just needed a trim, since the last time I had my hair trimmed was back in December.

Afterwards, we made a bunch of stops getting party supplies for Mason's party later that evening. Of course, Mason didn't want to nap that day. But that didn't stop him from being in a great mood. I was on the go all the way up until the party started that evening.

We rented out the clubhouse in my parents neighborhood. They had just remolded and it was just the right amount of room for a party of 35 people. It was very simple, just pizza, drinks and cake. I was more looking forward to seeing everyone and visiting, then I was about the decor and refreshments this year.

This was also the first time all of our family and friends (except my parents) would meet Taylor. Poor girl was a little overwhelmed with all of the chaos and being passed around from person to person. She was still very tired and wasn't really in the partying mood that night. However, Mason was quite the little entertainer that night. He ran around playing with the other kids and just had a great time. Thank you to everyone that could make it out.

Aunt Christina & Taylor hanging out before the party began.

Connor was so excited to see his cousin, he didn't stop hugging him.

Jared & Mason

Grandma (Adam's mom) holding Taylor for the very first time.

Grandma & Grandpa with Taylor

The only time Mason stopped long enough to get a picture with him.

Taylor with her name-sake, my cousin Taylor

Mason's Car's themed cake

He got shy when everyone started singing Happy Birthday to him.

Can you tell he liked the cake?

The begining of opening the presents.

He just wanted to play with all of the tissue paper.

Way to go Taylor!

We are alive and well here in Houston. Not really a lot of time to write at this moment, but I wanted to let everyone know that Taylor rolled over for the first time today. She can go from her back to her stomach on either side. Way to go girly! I also weighed her today and she is 14lbs 6oz. I took a ton of pictures since we arrived (145 to be exact) and those should be on here soon.