The Spivey Life

Happy Happy New Year

2012-01-02T11:39:00.001-06:00

Just figured out how to blog from my phone. Maybe now I'll update more.

Friday Foto Dump

2011-10-21T15:47:00.000-05:00

First Time Baking

2011-10-21T10:28:00.000-05:00

She is always wanting to help me "cook" so we made pumpkin muffins! Just for her!

been a while

2011-10-18T09:59:00.000-05:00

Since I blogged! We've just been super busy with work, birthdays, weekends, etc to even THINK! I want to do a birthday blog soon from Campbell's 2nd Birthday but I'll just share a couple of pictures from this past weekend.

This is the way she kisses Steve, saying NOSE KISSES!!

Sweet girl with a big bow at the Spivey Family Reunion

Sunday morning snuggles

Eating a snack before riding some rides at the fair

Fried Kool-Aid. I have to say, it was really good. It was like funnel cake batter with the kool-aid powder mixed into it. Fried like a hush puppy. It tasted like a cherry doughnut.

Getting kissed by the baby cow.

He wants to kiss me too, Daddy :/

Ready for her first rollar coaster ride!! That's MY girl!

Waiting to ride the strawberries...

Ready to ride!

So excited to ride the ferris wheel. She had been talking about it ALL week.

She looks so little riding :( She loved it and I'm glad she doesn't scare too easy.

Hags at the Beach

2011-08-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Coffee for the ride down

holy crap, girls bring a lot of CRAP

Beauty at its finest

Hello Indian Pass

Stock it Guh

Laurel's idea of a Poo Poo Platter for dinner; it was delish.

Alex explaining the hilarious rules to Guesstures

Seriously, this is my most favorite beach in the world. No high rises, no people, just sand, sun, shells and natural beauty.

and a little sunset jamming

Finally got to hug THIS girl!!!

Laurel, Kate, me, and Alex cheezin for a group pic, which turned into this:

Thanks Alex!!

Nothin beats Hags who love each other.

Drake serenades us.

I missed these boogers. Steve sent me this picture when I was SUPPOSED to be getting home, right in time to kiss her before bed. But at this moment I was being pulled over in CAMPBELLTON, FL for going 76 in a 35 and almost had to be taken to JAIL. It was a total speed trap and although I was going faster than 65 (the speed limit on 231), I missed the ONE sign which said 35 and he got me. After a bunch of nonsense lecturing the FL trooper only gave me a WARNING. HA!!! Hags RULE!

Summer Photo Dump

2011-08-05T10:48:00.000-05:00

Saw The Help Prescreening and it was amazing. I can't wait to watch it again.

I love the staircase at my sis-in-law's new lake house

CSS loves laundry baskets

Macy takes on the rope swing at the lake

See? She loves baskets

so peaceful at the Lake

This girl is SO ready for her Auburn Birthday Party!

RaRah's!! I found these at Storkland for HALF PRICE. I asked the lady what was wrong with them and she said Stride Rite doesn't make them anymore so they were trying to get rid of them. YES!

I'll probably take a million pics of these feet because I love these shoes so much. Dumb right?

Cheese monkey

She was SO HAPPY that the golf cart got fixed.

Taking a walk around the compound.

Our tall shadow family

HOLY CRAP ITS HOT

She came to visit me at work and said "take my picture Mama". This was also 2 minutes after her hand got caught/wedged in the door of the elevator. I think it scared me more than it hurt her. A tissue and 3 M&Ms later and she was raring to go.

She always grabs my hand to hold during Mickey Mouse viewing. I finally remembered to snap a pic.

Steve sent me this pic when he and Campbell drove into Opelika one morning while we were at the lake. She looks like such a growny kid in this pic I swear I stared at it for a couple minutes thinking where did my baby go??

Mike and Ikes. Forgotten candy treasure.

Things I'm loving right now

2011-07-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

These are some things that I am loving right now:

Palmetto Cheese. It's not your average Pimento Cheese people. They market it as THE PIMENTO CHEESE WITH SOUL. It's REAL shredded cheese, a little Mayo and super secret spices which make it AWESOME. I eat it on toasted bread or with Ritz crackers.

Um, yes. I am beginning to channel my inner El-moron (the county where we live - tis redneck), because you know if your gunna drink cheap-o beer, stick with the best, and most patriotic.

Ok here are three beauty items that I just can't live without. Aussie 'moist' (I hate that word) Shampoo. It is seriously the best shampoo and makes my thick ass hair feeling shiny and smooth.

The other bottle is for Campbell. It's Carter's shampoo and body wash in one. Campbell's hair is so fluffy after showering/bathing and it smells SO SO good. I could eat her after every bath. I may have bathed with it a time or two...

Finally, the two smaller bottles are Sally Hansen's InstaDry Nail Polish. It comes with a flat brush and you only have to paint ONE STROKE, ONE TIME. It double coats itself and dries within 30 seconds. So that's a plus when you are painting toddler toes.

Here are my newly painted toes. and yes that is a froggy potty next to my feet. Potty training is still going, but not in full force. We have started rewarding tee tee in the potty with stickers. I bought a sticker book at Walmart with over 2000 stickers the other day for around 2 bucks and you would've though I brought home a million dollars according to Campbell. She ASKS to tee tee now, because she wants a sticker. I mean, who knew stickers WERE SO FREAKIN AWESOME??

Pickin

2011-07-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Occasionally, when I need a break from the world, I like to spend sometime pickin'. Trumpsin through treasures which would utterly be lost to the world in someone's attic if they didn't attempt to sell them at flea markets or antique malls. This weekend I got such an opportunity to hit up one of my favorite places: Eastbrook Flea Market

Antique Baby Carriage. I love that you could put this in a nursery for decoration, OR you could actually use it! It was in very good condition. I can picture an old timey Mama pushing her baby down Dexter avenue in the 60's in one of these for sure.

This old rusty watering can caught my eye. I wish I had a green thumb because I would so totally use it as a planter.

I love the shape of this lamp. So retro.

Oh how I wish I could've bought this old peeling pew bench for our side porch. These are a hot commodity I suppose because the price tag was pretty hefty at $600. But a girl can dream can't she...

Campbell would love this little shabby chic table and chairs for her play room.

I love a good ole antique fan.

I just about died when I saw this vintage Starbuck lunch box. How can it be vintage? Not a clue. But it's interesting.

Loved this re-furbished farm table.

This is what I ended up purchasing. A vintage rolling pin, because I don't have one. Two 1970's Alabama 'Heart of Dixie' license plates. A weathered and painted oar that says 'Kowaliga' on one side and 'Goat Island' on the other (which will be a new lake house housewarming gift for my sis-in-law). An Ironstone Popcorn bowl. And a smocked john john with a choo choo train on it for my nephew.

Total: $37

All in all, it was a good trip to the junk pile.

The Beach

2011-07-12T08:00:00.003-05:00

breakfast on the counter, painted toes and cheerios.
Sunsets that will take your breath away.
Good food down below and Sea N Suds. Where me and Steve used to come when we were "kids".
Where's Nemo?
Macy giving Campbell her first powdered donuts.
Ready for the beach.
Touching beach sand for the very first time. She kept sayin "It's snow Mama! Co COLD!"
oh to be a kid again. she stuck her forehead down in the sand after this shot and giggled.
First time seeing the waves crashing on the beach.
walking in them with Daddy's hand for support.
Daddy's hand doing something funny (they were waving at me on the shore).
building mounds of sand castles, then sitting on them. So fun.
he's hot.
hey! one of us for a change!
getting buried
someone decided to steal daddy's sugars during our family picture. I thought it proved to be the best one...
acting coy...as usual...
front row seat for fireworks out on the balcony.
my loves

"SHHHHHHH! inside voice Mama!" (As we got rowdy talkin)
finally got to steal come of my own

This is our AW MAN face.
"I love da beach!"

Here are the rest of the beach pics if you are interested"

Click here to view this photo book larger

Till next time.....

beach and weekend recap

2011-07-11T10:14:00.009-05:00

I'm going to try to get better about keeping up this blog, mainly for the reason that I love going back to my posts from years ago and reading about musings of my life....

Our first trip to the beach was a blast. Penthouse Condo in between Sea N Suds and The Hangout, front row seats on our balcony for the 4th of July Fireworks. Campbell LOVED the beach. I'm so glad we waited till she was walking and independent. It really made for a great time for all. Seriously, who wants a whiny baby who can't walk at the beach? Not this girl.
Campbell dug holes, built sand castles, swam in the ocean, went out to eat, took naps, ate powdered donuts, and anything else she wanted. Beach post for a later date though....
Here is what us gals did this weekend...we woke up and came down to Mama's bed where...
we watched "Tangled". I have to say that Disney sure does it right. These movies are actually WATCHABLE by adults. It's a really cute movie and what kills me with cuteness is the fact that when I asked C what she wanted to watch she said "How's about Combs?". It took Steve a sec to realize that she meant Tangled. I guess you need Combs to get out tangles duh...we are dumb. she is smart.
Then when Daddy went to play golf, Mama and C went to the Capri Theatre in Cloverdale to see if we could find some deals on movie posters. They were selling 27 years worth of marquee posters for 5 bucks a piece. This line didn't move for 35 minutes. IN 99 degree weather.
In this picture I asked Campbell if she wanted to go swimming instead, she said CALLING NANA! yes please!
So we did. and it was much more refreshing.
Check out this big girl swimming all by herself.
Sunday morning we got ready for church. I put her in this Kelly Kids dress that I bought a LONG time ago because I found it in her closet. She had only worn in ONCE. and since I usually don't spend a lot on her clothes, (but I spent major mulah on THIS dress) I was PISSED when I noticed it was 12 months size. I said, come here Campbell, threw it on over her head, and was SO PLEASED to see it buttoned easily and looked quite cute. Not even as short as I thought it might be. She will wear it once a week until she outgrows it now tho....
We decided to take a dip in the redneck pool after we took a nap. A nap much deserved after eating....
THIS remarkable goodness from Roux. This was their New Orleans crabcake eggs Benedict and CLAWD HAVE MERCY, Roux became my new favorite dining establishment.
I took this pic this morning, because Campbell said "take ma pitcha Mama". How could I say no to this face?

Over and out.

2011-05-17T16:49:00.005-05:00

I really have had a lot to blog about lately, but it seems like I have been working and busy every week and weekend since mid January. So I needed this:

It was so great to get away to the beach for 4 days to read, pee in the ocean, shop till we drop at Tanger, mommy talk, eat great food, drink, sleep in, and get a tan.

Thank you to my husband for letting me get away. I needed it. And I'm probably a better wife for it.

As I get older, I'm starting to love the beach more and more. I'm usually a lake person, but I've grown to love our Gulf Coast more in the past two years. I can't wait to take Campbell to the beach for the first time. I wanted to wait until she could be somewhat independent before we took her and I know she is ready. Hopefully if things work out, July will be her surprise first visit.

Signing off for now....

My Italy

2011-03-22T13:42:00.002-05:00

Sometimes being a mom means juggling your plate which consists of a half assembled burger with no condiments and 5 chips, trying to place a grape or a bite of peanut butter sandwich in your daughters mouth as she happens to pass by, thus spilling your beer that is beside your chair. Then the plate of sliced bananas falls to the deck boards and all she says is "All done okay!" After my chest heats up and I begin to feel anxious, she smiles ducking her head to my knees to 'hug' me so I'll get up and go swing her "roun roun" in the yard. sigh.

My daughter is 18 months old. That is a year in a half. In six months she'll be two. TWO. what?

I have an addiction to other mom blogs. and I need to stop it, or at least cut back. a lot. Sometimes while reading about women who have 3 kids, a perfect house, and crafts galore and photography business or whatever, I begin to feel inadequate.

Before Campbell came into my life, I imagined the things that would define motherhood for me. Smocked dress, playing at the park, a pottery barn inspired nursery, home movies, birthday parties, perfect family portraits on every wall. Those things are wonderful and some are a part of our lives, but they are insignificant to the moments where her sweaty, feverish face nuzzles into my neck and her raspy voice asks me to "rock rock". Or when she grabs her fork, spears a green bean and proudly smushes it into her wide open mouth trying to tune out my screams of "big girl, you did it!!" all while sitting on the 10 she dropped before "the one" found its way into her mouth. Or the time she is quietly sitting in her car seat, spots a "choo choo train Mama!" and after getting excited about tooting her choo choo horn, says for the first time, unsolicited, "Lobe you Mama". I love you too baby.

After a long work day and playing outside, I sit and ponder sometimes about taking a trip with Steve back to Italy. Then the motherly voice in my head tell me you can't leave her for a week to galavant around just to accommodate your own selfish desires. Then I start to hear another voice....

She IS your Italy.

She is my Italy. She is my closet full of smocked dresses, my wall of family portraits, my longest beach trip. I may feel like a failure in life's everyday musings, but she makes me feel like the best mother in the world. Her face lights up for me. ME. She doesn't care if I mess up. She loves me unconditionally. She teaches me something everyday. I don't have all the answers. But I know how to love. I know how to love her, and I am the best at it.

Campbell, thank you for choosing me to me your Mama. On your 18th birthday, I'm taking you to Italy.

A Day at the Park

2011-03-02T15:10:00.001-06:00

First Trip To The Zoo

2011-02-16T15:59:00.006-06:00

waking up. love this profile by the way

should I wear I hat? naw, people won't see my bow and they'll think I'm a boy.

Got me my first pair of New Balance, just like Mama.

ok I'm ready to go to the Zoo now.

Monkey's were my favorite.

He sure wanted to hold on tight.

and...I'll see ya'll later...got to go see my monkeys....

About to ride the choo choo train!

stripes, stripes

kitty cat

I like the Zoo, Mama!

SO much fun!!

Tiger thirst

So cute. God I love her.

Nighttime Vocabulary

2011-01-21T13:48:00.004-06:00

Two nights ago, Campbell woke us up screaming at 1:30am then again at 5am. The first time, I just rocked her for about 2 minutes, she fell asleep, and I laid her down. No fever, not stopped up or anything so I just took it as either another tooth coming in, or just a bad dream. When she woke up at 5am again, I did something I've never done. I picked her up out of the crib and walked downstairs and put her in the bed with us. She passed out till Steve got up to take a shower. I have to admit I likeed having her snuggle with me. I never went back to sleep because I stared at her mostly and smelled her head.

This waking up stuff is such a weird thing because she NEVER wakes up at night. Even with her first 8-10 teeth. Teething has never been a problem and being sick has never woken her up. She loves her sleep. I think in the past year or so, she has woken up in the middle of the night a total of 4 times.

Well last night around 4am, I turned over to hear her over the monitor happily saying, "mama, dahdee, nana, pop, eight, nine, hee haw, hot dog, uh oh, idunno," and on and on and on. She literally went through her ENTIRE vocabulary in this chipper, talkative voice.

I stumbled across our dark bedroom and into the living room, not turning on any lights. Fumbled up the stairs to her room thinking I would just pat her on the back to get her back to sleep. I crept across her room, looked down, and put my hand on her back. She LURCHED over on her back to look up at me in a sleepy, startled stupor and hoarsely said "Mama".

I woke her up by placing my hand on her back. She was SLEEP TALKING. What in the world?

I handed her lovie back to her and stroked her face and she immediately went back to sleep. Has anybody else out there ever heard their kids Sleep Talking? It was the strangest thing. I wonder if her little brain is just learning so much lately it came out in her sleep? Who knows.

Communication

2011-01-04T15:56:00.003-06:00

Here in the last couple of weeks, we've had this language explosion of sorts. and I love it. Here are some things Campbell says:

Food:
nana (banana), pops, cheese, cacka (cracker), gapes (grapes), cays (carrots), yummy, duce (juice), cup, chayer (highchair), orine (orange), apples, peeges (peaches), cookie,

Phrases:
mo-wa (more), peese mama (please), all doh (all done), oh boy, all right, oh no, uh oh, nigh night, baf tie (bath time), I wawa (I want more), oh wow, goo gul (good girl-my fav)

People:
Mama, Dada, Nana, Pop, Cati, Kayee (Kelly), Ayee (Andy), Yusi (Houston), Ay-nne (The most southern sounding Ann you can get, for Ruby Anne), RaRa (Robyn)

Animals:
Ow-wul (Owl), Tiga, Cat, Goggie (doggie), guck (duck), whale, monk (monkey) and all the sounds any animal makes. Roar, cack (quack), neigh, whoo, baaa, ooh ahh (for a monkey), meow, ar ar (barking), sssss (snake).

Randoms:
yes, no, brush, wain (rain), whoa, yo ga (yo gabba gabba), meee! (mickey mouse), nuh cacker (nutcracker), man (snowman), preh-ee (pretty), socks, muno, brobi, plex (YES PLEX-from YoGabbaGabba WTH?)

I know I'm leaving out a ton, but I just wanted to write down what she says, and sort of how she says it. I used to see and hear moms having convos with their toddlers thinking, what on earth did that kid say and how did she translate it?? Well now I know. I translate for her all the time. It's sounds clear as day to me.

Campbell speaks with such determination its almost like she's been bursting to explain things. The way she's see it. She also rambles on in this Campbell-talk where I can decipher ANYTHING.

My little, she asks to go night night, she can tell me if she wants mo wa food, or if she's all DOH (all done), or if she has a tink (Stink, aka POOP). I'm watching my daughter's brain fire connections everyday. It is astounding how the human brain works, and how we learn to communicate. Communicating with your child for real, is awesome.

2010-12-22T09:15:00.002-06:00

How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given.

So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven.

No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin.

Where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in.

2010-12-20T10:41:00.002-06:00

All she wants to do is read her Christmas pictures from last year.

Me and my "baby"

Family picture

Merry Christmas from the crazies! I mean the Spiveys!

The countdown to Christmas has begun, Merry Christmas week!

2010-12-06T13:31:00.002-06:00

For some reason, today, my heart hurts. Not exactly sure why. I just know that the days and years have flown by lately and it dawns on me every once in a while to look around and smell the roses. Campbell has grown up SO MUCH in the past couple of weeks. I think that may have something to do with my heavy soul. She is growing up. Too fast. And it makes my heart ache. No wonder people want to have more children.

She has a mouth FULL of teeth, repeats everything we say, rocks her own baby to sleep, and puts herself to bed every night. She has started "helping" me dress her and wiping her face while she eats. She has also started helping me undress her by stepping out of her pants and lifting her arms up over her head to take her shirt off. Last night after dinner she grabbed her baby, walked over to me and said "night night"? Which meant she was ready for me to bath her and put her down. I guess I just wasn't prepared for how independent she has become. I hope it's normal to get a little depressed when your children start needing you less.

Sometimes I wish time would slow down....

Mary did you know?

2010-11-30T11:06:00.003-06:00

My favorite Christmas Song, it has more meaning now that I have a child of my own. I remember being in the hospital with Campbell in my arms just minutes after delivery. I looked at her face and could almost hear a voice saying "She is my creation, but I'm giving her to you". Children truly are a gift from the Lord.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?

Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?

And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again.

The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?

This sleeping child you're holding is the great I am.

First visit to Santa

2010-11-23T15:53:00.003-06:00

unsure

walking up on her own

staring him down

getting placed, staring

Mama, I don't know... "Smile Campbell!"

ok, here's my best smile!

(she is seriously smiling, not crying, although it's hard to distiguish between the two)

Let me down Santa

Come see me Christmas Eve, I've had enough of pictures...

Favorite Movies

2010-11-12T11:13:00.003-06:00

These are my list of movies that, if they are on, I will watch to the end. Every time.

Godfather I and II

Schindler's List

Star Wars

To Kill a Mockingbird

Wizard of Oz

The Search

Shawshank Redemption

Raiders of the Lost Ark

Silence of the Lambs

It's a Wonderful Life

Twelve Monkeys

Inception

Grapes of Wrath

Jurassic Park

A Few Good Men

Home Alone

Twister

The Fugitive

A Beautiful Mind

Erin Brockovich

Love Actually

Forrest Gump

Band of Brothers (favorite all time)

The Departed

You've Got Mail

The Prestige

Amadeus

Gladiator

Steel Magnolias

Gone With The Wind

Aladdin

The Sting

What are your favorites?!

Bucket List: Part 1

2010-11-05T14:10:00.003-05:00

I would like to:

go back to Italy and Greece for a vacation.

learn how to use a sewing machine.

pray more.

go to Wimbledon with my dad.

watch my baby have a baby.

lose 15 more pounds.

take Campbell to Nashville.

go to the beach next summer with our friends and friends' kids.

pay off my car.

learn to drive a stick shift.

See Niagra Falls and the Grand Canyon.

organize all my cabinets again.

landscape my yard with beautiful plants and flowers.

have another baby.

to teach Campbell to speak french.

cook more during the week.

express to my friends how much they mean to me.

kiss Steve every day for the rest of my life.

Thank you Steve.....

2010-11-04T10:17:00.005-05:00

for taking out the trash all the time. Like daily.

for emptying and loading the dishwasher. Like daily.

for getting Campbell dressed every morning and presenting her to me in the bathroom while I get ready for work. You truly are a dad with daughter-fashion sense. She is always well-dressed. Like Daily.

for cleaning the catbox. ew. THANK YOU.

for watching Jersey Shore with me.

for deep cleaning my car, inside and out.

for taking care of things that need fixin' around the house. Yesterday I came home to fresh Peaches N Clean carpets. Smells and feels good.

for whispering in my ear, "You look so pretty today". I die every time.

for mowing the grass.

for cleaning the countertops in the OCD way you do.

for supporting me in working out by putting Campbell to bed a couple nights a week.

for spankin my butt as you leave the closet.

for the way you love our daughter. There is no way she will ever grow up and NOT know without a doubt, that her dad loves her more than anything in the world.

for cooking sketti last night.

for always making me feel special and loved. Daily.

Toddler

2010-11-03T11:20:00.002-05:00

So Campbell is walking. Everywhere. She is getting pretty good at it. And it's awesome to watch her come into this huge world of toddler exploration.

My baby is not a baby anymore. She is a toddler. It makes my heart hurt a little, but she makes me smile so much every day that it only aches DEEP down inside.

Look at the expression on her face here. awesome.

Walking in general is hard to master, but conquering walking while wearing

shoes is a whole 'nuther ballgame.

She is so cautious.

When I was taking this picture, she was saying Mama! shh!

I wasn't even being loud bossy pants...

I have this obsession with taking her picture when she is asleep. Maybe its because one day she won't nap and I'll miss her little snoozes. Maybe it's because when she sleeps, its the only time I feel like she looks a little like me. Maybe its the innocence. Maybe its just because I think she's the cutest thing ever. Maybe just maybe I love her so much.

Happy Fall Ya'll!

2010-11-01T13:30:00.003-05:00

How did this....

grow into this....so fast?

Our little girl Yoda

Happy Fall Ya'll!

War Cam Eagle

2010-10-26T15:17:00.004-05:00

Sometimes while I'm driving, feeding Campbell, laying in bed, or any other random time, I'll think of something I really need to blog about. But then the idea passes, a new day comes, and I don't ever have a free moment to write any thoughts down. Which is mostly why all of my posts are Campbell related. She's always on my mind and easy to write about :-)

So Auburn is #1. I never thought I would see this happen. ever. Not because I didn't think they would ever be good enough, but because I'm the ever pessimist about long-term things. I'm very optomistic during games, but #1 in the BCS? nah. But here we are.

I keep hearing things like "Cam Newton carries the team" and "AU is nothing without Cam Newton". Here is what I have to say to those people: Does he not wear a #2 AU jersey? Is he not on the roster? He's on the team people!! And he's ridiculously AWESOME. when push comes to shove, he is one of the best leaders we've ever had. I believe when he has the ball, the O-line protecting him plays as HARD as they could EVER play to protect him.

We had so much fun this weekend tailgating in AU for the game. We had great food, great parking place, great tailgate, great TV set-up at the tailgate. No need to look for tickets. It was great being able to hear the crowd get LOUD before the center even snapped the ball on TV. I would always say "SOMETHING GOOD IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN!!"

Neither me nor Steve attended Auburn but we grew up and chose to to be Auburn supporters long ago. We loved em when they were awful and loved em when they deserved better, so this year is extra special for these two AU fans. Excuse me three....

It Gets Better

2010-10-20T13:10:00.004-05:00

In Jr. High and High School, I teased those that were a little bit weird in my eyes.

However, I NEVER once bullied someone for being gay. Not once. Ever.

Not that excuses my bulling of other people, but I do feel good about that.

I hope to raise my beautiful Campbell to accept everyone for who they are, not what other people say they are. I hope that she will never be on the receiving or giving end of any bullying or teasing. I hope she will be confident enough to be the one that stands up and stops the bully. I hope she loves everybody. I hope she is better than me. I want her to be a nice girl.

We love our friends who are gay. Like, beyond love. They are some of the best people I have ever met. And I am crushed by the thought that anyone would ever tease or bully them for being who they are. So, today I wore purple to work. Of course no one in my office knows why. But I will tell them....

delivering the mail, sans pants

2010-10-12T14:06:00.001-05:00

Hi Kee

2010-09-30T21:48:00.002-05:00

So tonight Campbell took 3 steps towards me the dove into my lap. Walking is JUST around the corner. She also snuggled and fell asleep in the crook of my arm watching TV in the bed before dinner. She wasn't really tired or anything, but I swear she just got so comfortable in the way we were snuggling that she couldn't help but close her eyes and start to breathe heavily, drifting off to dream infant dreams. I knew she was asleep only because she jerked just like Steve does when he is in the beginning stages of sleep.

During dinner, which was nacho noodles, green beans, peas and carrots, the cat WOULD. NOT. SHUT.UP she kept meowing for scraps and it was SO annoying. Side note: When asked what does a cow say? Campbell will say "mmmmmooo". What does an owl say? "whooo whooo" What does a doggie say? " arr arr" What does a tiger say? "ahhhh" in a whisper like hiss. What does a duck say? " cack cack. What does a cat say? "mmmmmeeeeeeow". I'm very proud of this as I've been asking her these question on a daily basis during our 40 minute commute. ANYWHO. The cat at my feet is being a total douche and completely annoying the cri-zap out of me when all of a sudden, Campbell leans over her high chair to gaze down at said fur-ball and out of the blue says, "Hi Keee". Yes friends. Right then and there, my child said her very first sentence. She said hi to the kitty. I guess we'll keep the "Kee" for now.... and I cried a little....

2010-09-24T15:59:00.003-05:00

The tell-all birthday post is coming. Been a little busy round these parts. Matter of fact, we only took the bday decorations down LAST NIGHT. But in the meantime....

Campbell's First Birthday from Luke Lucas on Vimeo.

Thanks to Luke and Jackie from LAP for putting this together for us.

Noises from the Nursery

2010-09-01T14:08:00.001-05:00

Adding a comma, one year later

2010-09-01T09:53:00.002-05:00

A year ago, I posted this. The added comma which came 9 days later was the best thing I've ever done in my life.

4 generations of women

2010-08-24T10:26:00.001-05:00

1. Campbell Sullivan Spivey
2. Mary Tyler Head Spivey
3. Erma Harwell Cook Head
4. Mary Helen Watts Cook

2010-08-17T09:36:00.003-05:00

For some reason, the past couple of days, I have been really emotional. Planning Campbell's first birthday party is just creating this pit in my stomach and I have NO IDEA why!? I knew she would grow up, I knew she would blossom, I knew she would get more independent. But why is it so hard to let go of your "baby"?

She hadn't been doing really well with her sippy cup training the past couple of weeks. It was my goal to wean her from the bottle so she would be off of them by a year. Well I just realized the source of her delay. I NEVER LET HER HOLD HER BOTTLE! I'm always so busy with work, commuting back and forth to work/church/errands and other things, the time I get to sit her on my lap and give her a bottle was precious to me. She relaxed, look at me, and drank her "baba". It was definitely my favorite Mommy/Daughter time. Last weekend, I put the bottle in her lap and she stared at me for a couple of seconds. The she pretty much SIGHED, picked up the bottle and drank it till it was gone. IT MADE ME HURT INSIDE.

After a couple of what I like to call "independent of mama babas", she is doing SO well with the sippy. See, she never really had to hold anything to feed herself before now, so this holding her own bottle thing has helped her train to hold her sippy. It sounds like I am so proud of her for doing something SO simple, but it really is a change for her. And it was more MY fault for the delay because I wanted to give her (hold) her bottle for longer than I probably should have. It's always comforting to know when you've held your child back a little for being selfish.

Last night she drank half a sippy cup of 2% milk with dinner. Then she burped, pooted and laughed. I laughed at her, and the pit in my stomach went away.

2010-08-16T15:13:00.003-05:00

Today I spoke to the good old men of the Wetumpka Lions Club about the cooperative model of business and about what I do at my job. It was stressful and I'm glad its over. My father-in-law asked me to do it as he was responsible for this weeks' program. and you don't say "no" to my father-in-law. He was proud to say that his daughter in law came to give the program and actually sat still and listened. I give him a hard time because he cam't sit still. It was nerve-racking for sure because I hate getting up and speaking in front of people (I can handle kids without a hitch).

A couple of the older men stopped me afterwards and told me how they could remember when "the lights came on" in their rural homes. One said he still keeps an oil lamp in his house in case the power goes out. Can you imagine? I think our generation totally takes the power/electricity we use for granted. People used to have electricity for lights, and ice box, and maybe an iron or fan. We have a LCD flatscreen, receiver for our surround sound stereo, Wii, PlayStation 3, and DVD player ALL IN ONE CABINET IN THE LIVING ROOM. I also have Alabama Power's outage number plugged into my contacts in my cell phone in case the power goes out. because god-forbid there is no AC,Computer, or TV!!! We will probably never know what it was like to actually live a life with NO electricity.

....This short post is dedicated to my husbands boyfriend, Nick.

Trial and Error

2010-07-16T09:12:00.003-05:00

Campbell wakes up once a night, sits up, and can't lay down again to fall back asleep. She usually sits there for a while, asleep, then starts crying. We go into her room, lay her back down and she falls back asleep. But lately, I think she is just doing it because she knows we will come in there. I'm starting to wonder if we should just turn the monitor down a bit and let her cry it out. Or I wonder if it's her top teeth coming in that are bothering her. Coming from a mama who has thoroughly enjoyed the last 8 or so months getting a full nights' sleep, this is all new to me. I'm not sure what to do.

She is also testing us and her boundaries. We haven't "baby-proofed" the house so much because I always felt like we could teach her not to have an interest in electrical outlets yada yada. But lately, she crawls over to where we have a battery charger plugged into an outlet in our breakfast room. She sits there glaring at it (me at the bar glaring at her), looks back at me and grins, then puts her hand on the charger. I say sternly, "Noooo Ma'am". She turns back around at me a lets out a little whimper and smiles, trying to get me to laugh - little heifer.

She is getting tired of me feeding her baby food. We fuss through it until I give her what she REALLY likes which is ANYTHING she can pick up and feed herself. A couple nights ago, she ate brocoli, mac and cheese, carrots and cauliflower - and she ate more than I did. Here is what she eats as of now. Any type of cooked veggie, ham, chicken, grilled cheeses, cheese, yogurt, blueberries, gerber puffs, crunchies, wagon wheels and yogurt melts, mac and cheese, vanilla wafers, cheerios, the cake part of a cupcake, teething biscuits, and cat food. The only thing I know she will spit out is English Peas (Daddy's Girl!). I'm not sure when to stop feeding her baby food. She still won't take a sippy cup (well she takes SIPS, but won't drink the whole thing) and we are trying to break the whole warming of the bottle. Cause SISTA, we aren't doing baba's after your birthday! so get used to the cold milk! We are just beginning to do half formula half 2% milk too which hasn't upset her stomach at all thank goodness.

She can pull up and stand with only one hand assisting her, then she looks at one of us and lets go, as if to test her balance. It scares the sheet out of me, but as time passes, I'm getting more relaxed about her busting. She usually just plops down on her butt and sighs anyway. No major wounds yet.

Oh and have I mentioned it is like WRESTLING A STUCK PIG to change her diaper or to put clothes on the child? Jeez Louise Campbell, if you'd just hold still for 10 seconds I promise it would be easier on us all! :-)

After all that information, I can honestly say that she is the easiest baby. Even with all the trial and error, it's so much fun to go through all these milestones and changes with her. I look at pictures from when we first brought her home almost 11 months ago, and my heart physically ACHES at how fast she has grown. She is such a wonderful blessing to our lives and Steve is SUCH an AMAZING dad. Seriously, he should win some kind of award. We make such a great team.

almost standing on her own

2010-07-09T09:36:00.000-05:00

What's in YOUR junk drawer

2010-07-01T08:34:00.005-05:00

I like to think I keep a neat house. Note I didn't say sterilized. I just said "neat". Then I'll open my junk drawer in the kitchen. Not so neat. BUT I know what's IN that drawer and precisely where it is amongst the crap.

Envelopes, OFF mosquito repellent, Baby sunscreen, straws, pens, AU cocktail napkins, expired coupons, scissors, measuring tape (for measuring baking dishes cause I can't ever read the bottom where the size is etched on the glass), peppermint sticks from Christmas, post its, two sets of coasters (which I might add have NEVER left that drawer since we moved in almost two years ago), stamps, a case of orbitz gum, another set of pretty cocktail napkins, chip clips, checks, important Campbell stuff which hasn't found its way into her treasure box, straws, a wine bottle topper/corker thing, and I think that may be it.

Everything is just thrown in there, no rhyme or reason. Every other drawer in my house is perfectly organized. Why don't I have a desire to straighten this particular drawer? Because it's a JUNK drawer, AND EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE ONE!

Moment of Silence

2010-07-01T08:32:00.000-05:00

Wavin' and Noddin'

2010-06-30T10:25:00.003-05:00

There is an elderly black man named John who parks his car in front of my mom and dad's big tree in the front yard. He comes about once a week to mow and keep the yard for their older next-door-neighbor lady. I always wave as I'm driving away and he waves back with a nod as if to say "Good Morning" or "hello".

I've really never had the opportunity to strike up a conversation however. I was either busy driving to get somewhere, or he was busy mowing or weed eating. But we always wave and nod. Is that communication? Maybe so.

A couple of days ago, my Mom was getting Campbell and Houston ready for their mid-morning stroll through the neighborhood in the front yard. Mr. John was next door preparing to get started/finishing yard work when he told my mom he "had something for the babies". You see, he probably sees my Mom walking the babes all the time. She has to get them "settled" in the stoller before she takes off power walkin'.

So Mom walks over and Mr. John starts digging in his wallet. (As mom is telling me this story, at this point I was like 'whuh?') He said he "didn't know if the babies had a bank account, but everyone needed one of these": and he pulled out TWO crisp $2 bills. One for Campbell, and one for Houston.

Mr. John had thought about my baby, after his yard work, when he was long at home and away from our neighborhood. He thought about giving something, special, to MY baby. It's one of those stories I can't wait to tell Campbell.

In the meantime, I'll go on wavin, and noddin, and one of these days hopefully we will get to speak...

2010-06-22T13:28:00.002-05:00

What a month! The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of events. We went to a Braves game in Atlanta, we took Campbell out on the boat for the first time, and I went on Youth Tour for a week to name a few. Add in church, work, errands and occasional adult outing and you have a headache :) The work I put in the weeks before Youth Tour are the hardest part of my job but the most rewarding.

We had a blast on the trip and the kids were very well-behaved and respectful. Makes me love what I do even more. Campbell did great at home with just daddy and I truly believe they bonded in a special way. When I walked in the door after being gone for 6 days, she grinned ear to ear, buried her face in Daddy's shoulders, then cried for me to get her. I wasn't as emotional as I thought I would be, I was just so happy to be home and with her. I think she felt the same way.

Nana and Steve got me through the trip with multi-daily text messages with pictures so I could keep up with what all she was doing. I was very proud of myself for keeping a stiff upper lip, but I'm in no hurry of leaving for a week away from her anytime soon. She is pulling up on everything, crawling everywhere, and eating EVERYTHING. I swear she eats more than I do. It's also time for me and Steve to start babyproofing the house. We need baby gates, at least, for the stairs. But I'm not sure if we are going to cover up EVERY SINGLE outlet like some people do. Hopefully, we can teach her not to get into things she shouldn't, but I guess we will cross that bridge....

Mother's Day

2010-05-10T11:10:00.003-05:00

What a difference a year makes. Yes I wore the same dress two years in a row. So proud to be Campbell's Mama. Here are some more pics from this weekend:

State of the body address

2010-05-05T09:11:00.003-05:00

In honor of Campbell almost being outside of my body for as long as she was inside, I thought I would take a moment to not talk about how big she is (17 lbs, 15oz, 28 inches), but instead to discuss MY body and how it has faired after 9 months of pregnancy and almost 8 months of "outside Campbell". I will discuss my body from top to bottom. I will not spare any details. There are SO many resources out there which can tell you what your 8 month old is supposed to be doing, eating, playing with, and looking like - but there ain't really nothing out there which tells you what kind of body THE MOM should be left with. Here goes nothin:

Let's start out with my hair. I will admit, pregnancy was good to my mane. It was so incredibly thick and shiny and pretty much stayed that way after she was born (probably because I kept taking my prenatal vitamins due to nursing). After I stopped breastfeeding and taking the vitamins, my hair has a sort of 'mousey' tint? But all in all it is still very healthy and thick.

My skin was fabulous during pregnancy. I never got the splotchy spots some women get, and no hormonal skin tags. I was happy to have a glow, even if it meant a chubby face came with the package. This amazing 'glow' lasted till the return of my period at 5.5 months postpartum. I was still breastfeeding which was weird. My skin didn't necessarily break out, it just became less 'glowy' (is that a word) in turn, the bags under my eyes started to emerge as darker leathery wrinklety skin. I started looking at my face in the mirror studying the emergence of tiny wrinkles, sun spots, the beginnings of crows feet, and and overall look of tiredness.

Honey, time marches on and eventually you realize it is marchin' across your face. ~Truvy Jones

My boobs are, well, what I thought they would become. After being rock hard FULL of wonderful breast milk for months, after drying up they were, of course, a little deflated feeling and riddled with tiny stretch marks. Nothing could ever prepare you for how big your boobs get during the miracle of life and breastfeeding. Whoa motherhood. I have to admit though, they aren't as saggy as I thought they would be. They are still too big to fit in most of my shirts and I have yet to get refitted for a great new bra. Mainly because bras are so EFFING expensive these days and I would rather buy cute smocked dresses for Campbell on eBay.

My arms are pudgy. They need definition. Again working them out would help that cause immensely.

With the wonders of breastfeeding, I can say I am almost down to my pre-pregnancy weight losing a total of 44 lbs since Campbell's birth. However, that little fact certainly doesn't mean I have a great body back. My midsection is floppy and flappy and I could stand to do a million crunches everyday. Everyday I have VERY good intentions of working out my stomach. It is the one area that I feel most self conscience about since she was born. The root of the flabbiness stems mostly from the stretched out skin, and the lack of crunches and working out. I WILL say this, the week after Campbell was born, I held a mirror up to my belly all day long (mainly because I couldn't stand up to look in a mirror due to the amount of pain and carnage I had been through at the hospital) to GLARE at my stretch marks on my lower abdomen. Oh how I stared. People kept telling me they would fade to silver and wouldn't look so wide in a couple of months. I thought, what are you people thinking? It's looks as if the holy terror himself Freddy Kruger has used his shiny talons on my belly in the most horrific way to scar me for life. But 8 months later, those people were right. The Purple Kruger marks are a faded rose color, and have significantly grown thinner and less-noticeable. Now if my muffin top would become less noticeable THAT would be great. I wouldn't say I dislike my body at this stage. I have to say I fill out a pair of jeans quite nicely (as my husband checks my booty out in the kitchen a lot).

I will take a moment to say this, if you are a parent, sibling, friend, relative or man - who would like to quit reading at this point, I am about venture below the belt. And I must warn, that this information is in NO WAY up for discussion at any point, family gathering or Christmas drinking party. Warning over. Please move your mouse to the X in the corner of this window and "click". Moving on...

The scene of the crime. The nay nay was in bad shape after September 9. I have to admit that it has been a long-haul. There was PAIN, stretching, tearing, stitches, and slow-healing. SLOW HEALING. There are visible scars where Campbell made her grand entrance. It only took about 6 days after delivery for me to grab a mirror, hold my breath, and inspect the area of carnage. THE HORROR! I was so terrified of what was happening down there, I didn't look down there again till the pain was gone, and normalcy was somewhat present (about 3 months. seriously 3 months). The thought of "trimming" the scene of the crime at some point was SO distant, I cringed at the thought that I would never wear a bathing suit EVER AGAIN! Soffe Shorts for life. I returned to the OBGYN for my 6 week post partum check-up where most new moms are cleared for doing the dirty. Um.... my doctor said, "you may want to wait two more weeks" so you're COMPLETELY healed." So at 8 weeks post partum, I was cleared for sex. Um OK, yea right. You can imagine my anxiety over thinking about the three-lettered word people don't normally talk about. One word should suffice: OUCHY!!!!!! I think my OBGYN got stitch happy on 9/9/09. Sparing some personal details, I will say this. Time heals all wounds. A lot of time. Did you hear me say SLOW HEALING? and can I just say I have THE most understanding and loving husband of all eternity.

Not a lot of weird stuff happened below the panty line. Although I do remember how LARGE and swollen my ankles became in the hospital due to the liquid being pumped into my body. But that faded in a couple of days. And luckily my feet didn't get bigger and I can fit into all my old shoes.

So there it is. My body evaluation from top to bottom. I can't say I dislike my new mommy body. I would like to have more hours in the day for working out and doing those million crunches I SO need to do. The state of my body is much different than is was pre-baby invasion and I must say after proofreading this post, it sounds a lot worse than I probably look. Is there room for improvement? hell yes. Am I happy? yes. Am I perfect? No. Was I ever? No. The world shifted when she was born, as well as butt, boobs, skin and responsibilities. Was it worth it? No words could suffice how much she is worth it. And dare I say how much this flabbiness has given me a little more confidence in this world. Enough to write this post.....

Happy Birthday to this guy

2010-04-23T10:02:00.004-05:00

Today is Howard's Birthday. Howard is my father-in-love. Howard is in love with Campbell. Steve hates that he pokes and prods at her, making her smile. But he's always going to do it to her. And she'll be tougher for it probably. He put his finger in her mouth at 3 months and said "this baby's got TEETH!" to which Steve replied "Daddy, GET YOUR NASTY FINGER OUT OF HER MOUTH"! Howard is a no-nonsense kinda man. Works sun-up to sun-down. on Saturdays and Sundays. A dying breed. His way or the highway. Stubborn and set in his ways. Deep down underneath all that tough skin, is a loving father and grandfather. He just won't ever admit it.

For the record, these eyes are untouched. yes. they are that beautiful.

Happy Birthday Howard (aka Daddio)

2010-04-20T14:41:00.006-05:00

Well I haven't posted in a long time. We are always so busy trying to cram everything in I find it hard to squeeze in time to blog. This information is mainly for me to have when I finally get out Campbell's baby book to record everything:

She is so grabby! Wants to get everything around her and sometimes leans WAY out when I'm holding her causing a dive, and sometimes a heart attack from me. One of these days I think I may drop her.

April 8th - first tooth
April 12th - first PAID babysitter
April 15th - 2nd tooth
April 17th - fed herself food (Gerber puffs)

For about a week now, she has been grabbing her ear like it itches, she scratched it so bad it had a small little scab on the outside of her ear. I didn't want it to get infected so I went ahead and made her a Dr's appointment. Double Ear Infection. She played with the paper on the table and off we went home to take our meds. I would have never known she had infections. She also waved buh-bye to Dr. M. She said she was a "genius" ;-)

She drinks a big bottle in the morning after she wakes up, eat a big bowl of oatmeal mixed with fruit at 10am with a small bottle. eats 2 jars of baby food at lunch with a small bottle, drinks a big bottle at 4pm. Eats a bowl of fruit or veggie before her bath, bottle then bed. She goes to sleep around 7:15 although I like to keep her awake till the sun goes down. It's not always possible. She sleeps till we wake her up in the morning at 6:30am.

She wears 9-12 month clothing as of right now. She is so long and lean, I think she's built like Steve. She has such a great personality now, and we feel confident taking her almost anywhere. She LOVES her nursery workers at church. and trust me, they LOVE her.

We are so blessed with such an easy-going child who smiles ALL THE TIME. Any day now, the rocking from an indian style position will mean we need to baby-proof the house. We aren't rushing that....BUT ENOUGH WITH THE DROOL. seriously enough.

one month

two months

3 months

4 months

5 months

6 months

7 months

"Certain is it that there is no kind of affection so purely angelic as of a father to a daughter. In love to our wives there is desire; to our sons, ambition; but to our daughters there is something which there are no words to express. "

-Joseph Addison

2010-03-25T14:53:00.003-05:00

Campbell survived our first family trip. and so did we.

We went to Atlanta as a surprise from Steve for our anniversary. We stayed with his sister Robyn and had a driver Friday night to take us out while the girls babysat Campbell. We went to Martinis and Imax at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. It was really fun to drink whatever and not have to drive or pay for a taxi. Afterwards we went to VA Highlands and went bar hopping until we were hungry again. Our driver "Marty" drove us through Zestos on the way home for some grub and holy moses, it was the best food ever.

Saturday morning, Robyn and Madison fed Campbell and played with her so we could sleep in. We slept till 9am! Then when she napped we all got ready to go downtown to shop, eat and visit the World of Coke. Campbell was a trooper the WHOLE day with no naps, and room temperature bottles. Perfect angel all day long. This was about 40 minutes before we headed to the car:

My baby loves us no matter what we do to her or where we take her. or so we thought. we loaded up to go home.

We strapped her in the car with our co-cola souvenirs and the whining commenced. Then we paid for missing two whole naps. Traffic Jam. Can't move. Can't get out. 6 of us in the car. Screaming Campbell. My baby had her first meltdown at 6.5 months old. We were due for a big one. It only lasted about 15-20 minutes. but it was torture for me. sitting there beside the car seat, I was on the "hump" in the back. HUGE crocodile tears streamed down her red, snotty screaming face with her arms outstretched to me "mommy get me out and hold me PLEASE!!!" .....Traffic let up, We hit the interstate- passed out. I was sweating. The lord sure did give me a happy, easy-going baby for a reason. I thought I was going to have the meltdown after that.

The rest of the weekend was very calm and relaxing. Steve surprised me again with some furniture (a whole nuther post entirely). Every night, I lay Campbell in her crib, and think how did this:
Turn in to this?

Scenes from a picnic

2010-03-11T14:58:00.003-06:00

6 months old!

2010-03-09T16:53:00.000-06:00

From S Plummer...

2010-02-26T14:06:00.000-06:00

The Images of Mother

4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!
8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't know everything!14 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother? She wouldn't have a clue.
16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's so five minutes ago.
18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!
25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!
35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.
45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

2010-02-24T10:39:00.003-06:00

Things are busy round here. I have massive amounts of work in the next few weeks sprinkled with trying to attend get togethers with friends and keep up some sort of a social life. But I wanted to share and moment I had last night.

After a long work day, Steve and I drove over to Nana's to spend some time with Campbell before heading out to dinner for Laura's birthday dinner. We were weary about going because Campbell has been on such a great schedule and we didn't want to mess it up and stay out late after her bedtime. Well, we decided that if we are going to have a social life at all, then nights like these were going to have to happen sometimes and we would just test the waters.

She was OUT when we got back to Nana's and I carefully put her in the carseat and drove home. Didn't even make a peep. When we got home, I fixed her a small bottle and carried her upstairs, carefully put on her PJs and a new clean diaper. I turned out the lights in her nursery and fed her the bottle. It was cool, dark and the only light was coming from the hallway outside her room. She never opened her eyes while drinking the bottle.

Sidenote - My child has NEVER been a snuggly baby who buries her face in your neck or shoulder, never falls alseep on people, she has always been very independent from the start. I think maybe because it took so long for me to recover after delivery, I simply couldn't hold her and caress her like I wanted.

Ok so back to the dark nursery. It was time to burp before taking her to her crib. At this point I am thinking, "great she is good and sleepy and I can put her down so i can catch up on my DVR shows before I go to bed". I propped her over my shoulder, and gently started to pat her back. She quietly burped out some air and sighed, then laid her head on my shoulder. let me repeat. LAID HER HEAD ON MY SHOULDER.

I rubbed her neck, back and legs. and I rocked gently, the most precious thing I have ever known. she fell asleep on my shoulder. and I didn't want to move, get up, watch my shows, or do anything else in the world than to sit in that big fluffy rocker, in that dark room with my baby asleep on my shoulder. I thought about baby Layla Grace and prayed harder than I ever had, that nothing would ever happen to my baby.

I reluctantly put her down about 30 minutes later. after the arm under her butt fell asleep and I couldn't hold her up any longer. my GOD I never knew I could Love like this. Best feeling in the world. and it keeps getting Stonger and Deeper every minute.

"For you see, each day I love you more

Today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow."

-Rosemonde Gerard

busy, but great weekend

2010-02-22T15:45:00.002-06:00

2010-01-29T08:25:00.001-06:00

Well I'm finally getting over the flu/sickness that I have had for over two weeks. and boy it hit me hard.

I haven't "nursed" Campbell in over a week. I think our nursing days are over. sad.
What is even more sad, is this sickness seems to have done something to my supply. At one point during my fever, I could only pump 2 ounces! Usually I pump around 7 oz at a pumping session. The past couple of days have been almost the same. It's almost like my fever fried my milk. It's weird. Campbell has gotten formula some days the past couple of weeks just because she eats so much that I've had to supplement.

I think I'm finally deciding to cut out a pumping session every week. I want to stop. There I said it. The guilt absolutely WAVES over me though. I feel like, if I'm producing milk, then she should drink it. Why should I stop pumping? It's selfish of me. But I made a list of Pros and Cons. and the Cons were longer. but the cons are just for me and MY personal selfishness.

I want my boobs back.
I want the 2 hours a day I spend on pumping milk.
I want the time I take to wash the bottles/pump parts into which I pump.
I want to enjoy my time with Campbell.
I want her to have the healthiest body she can have.
I want to be able to fall asleep without the "oops I need to pump before bed so I'm so hard as a rock in the morning".
I want to have soft boobs in the mornings.
I want to drink, a couple of drinks, maybe even get drunk.
I want to eat whatever I want.
I want to not feel guilty about stopping pumping.
I want my mind to be at ease about her nutrition.

Will this feeling ever go away? Maybe I'm not ready to stop. Maybe I need to be 100% on this before making a decision. Because there is no going back once I stop. Lord this child makes me crazy cause I love her so much.

Speaking of nutrition, how bout some carrots:

Carrots! from Mary Tyler Spivey on Vimeo.

Trying to get the 4 month picture

2010-01-21T09:55:00.004-06:00

This is a little late, but the pictures were from her 4 month birthday. It was harder to get her to sit still and to smile. It was funny. Here was the process:

She is so much fun. She has (on her own) decided to push her bedtime up to 7:45pm. She eats her rice cereal with Nana in the mornings, and her oatmeal at night with Mama. For the past three nights, she has gone to bed at 7:45pm and I have had to wake her up at 6:15am to get ready for work. I think it is amazing how almost overnight she dropped her last bottle feeding and would rather sleep through the night for a LONG time. It's nice to have my time at night but I miss her.

Yesterday I was sick with a RAGING head cold with a sore throat. I took her to Nana's like I would on any other work day and then drove back home to rest. The guilt RAVAGED me all the way home and until lunchtime. I was listening for Campbell the whole time. Finally my sickness kicked my butt and I slept the whole afternoon. When Steve went to pick her up after he got off work, he brought her in the bedroom where I was resting and put the car seat beside me on the bed. I cried when I saw her. It had been the longest I had ever been away from her. I usually always go to Nana's at lunch to feed her. She even seemed bigger to me. She smiled SO big and laughed at me. I cried at how much I had missed her. I know I know - I'm pathetic. But the bigger/older she gets, the more I fall in love with her.

What in the hell am I going to do in June when I have to take 45 kids to DC for a WEEK? I don't even want to think about it yet....

The Forrest Gump Laugh

2010-01-15T10:44:00.001-06:00

Laughin for Daddy on his 29th Birthday:

This is scary

2010-01-13T11:23:00.003-06:00

My Mom

4 months old

2010-01-12T19:16:00.003-06:00

Today we went to the Doctor for Campbell's 4 Month Check-up. I can't believe she is 4 months old already. Here are her stats:

13 lbs 6 oz --- 25-50% percentile
26 inches --- 95% percentile (We are thinking volleyball player)

Her first tooth is right under the gum, lower left, but could pop out anytime in the next month or so. I kind of thought it might be coming with all the chewing on her Sophie the Giraffe and DROOLING. oh my lord the DROOL. We have integrated bibs into everything she wears now.

She can roll from her tummy to her back, and has almost rolled from back to tummy. She can grab things and bring them to her mouth to chew on. She sometimes gets frustrated when she puts her paci in her mouth my herself but then accidentally knocks it out. We laugh and say oh well! You don't need it anyway!

She is SO pleasant in the car. Thank you Lord. I have a 30-40 minute commute with her every morning and evening so the fact she loves to ride is awesome. I think I've only had one meltdown in the car with her - and she was starving and sweaty hot. I would cry too.

For some reason, when she starts belly laughin, she gets the hiccups, EVERYTIME. I wonder if her body just isn't used to the new air flow. She recognizes Me and Steve, Nana and Pop, Andy and Kelly, and a few other people. She smiles and flirts with everyone. She has started to do this thing when I'm holding her and talking to a stranger - she smiles, then tucks her chin down into my shoulder as if she is shy. It's darn cute.

The other night she was so sleepy while we were watching TV and she NUZZLED her face into my neck and literally hugged me to fall asleep. I think at that moment I finally realized she knows I'm her mother and loves the crap out of me.

I love kissing her right behind left ear.
I love when we get home and I smell her head and it smells like my parents house.
I love listening to Steve "sing" made up bathtime songs to her in his DEEP voice while she splashes around in the bathtub upstairs. It always makes washing the bottles and loading/unloading the dishwasher bearable.
I love the stretch time when she wakes up in the morning.
I love listening to Steve read her the Pokey Little Puppy and get really into the story with his inflection.
I love nursing her even if it's just that one time a day in the mornings. It's going to be hard to give that up. I think its the only reason I'm still pumping.
I love everything about being a mother.

When people ask me if it was love at first sight, I say yes to just say yes. Because really it wasn't. Some nurse wheeled this plastic box with a baby in it into my hospital room 4 months ago and said see ya later. I stared at her and wondered "who is that"? She was this tiny little baby with a swollen face. I kept staring at her wondering why her head had been so big. I wondered if she was going to cry a lot. I wondered if I was going to be a bad mother. I wondered what her personality would be like. I wondered how much she was going to hate me when she was 14. I wondered if I was up for it. I wondered if I could breastfeed her successfully. I wondered and worried and thought about a lot of things. I'm not saying I did not love her. But I truly didn't know I did at that point.

I wasn't until about 4 weeks later when she smiled for the first time. I melted and at that moment I realized we MADE a human being. and I freaking LOVED her so much I would DIE for her. Everyday after that day, my new-found love her grew a trillion-fold. I love her so much right this second it HURTS. And I'm so excited for everyday I have with her and how much more I will get to experience her growing up.

To the man she will one day marry - You can't even concieve how lucky you are to spend your days with my Campbell. I hope we can tolerate you as the man she loves. Because I know she will have her first love, her first heartbreak, some douche bags in between, then you. I'm sure God has already chosen you for her, but that still doesn't get you off the hook with me. And then there is this guy Steve who is her daddy.....

official photos

2010-01-04T16:10:00.001-06:00

Dad's first official going to church photo with his baby girl:

Steve's first official going to church photo with his baby girl:

Christmas is over?

2010-01-04T10:17:00.004-06:00

Whew what a year. I would go into everything that has happened but lord, it would be the longest post ever.

So I'm only nursing CSS once a day in the mornings. I just don't satisfy her anymore during the day so I'm pumping a lot to distribute into her daily bottles. and I might add, pumping is taking its toll on me. A mechanical device is certainly NOT a baby and I'm just getting tired of lugging my hospital grade pump everywhere. I know I'm just whining but I miss nursing more than I thought I would. She goes to the Doctor on Jan 12th for her 4 month check-up (holycrapsheisfourmonthsalready??). I hope Dr. M will answer some questions for us, and we are hoping for no UTI and no ear infection. If she does have a UTI then that mean she will probably have to been on a low-grade antibiotic once a day for a least a year. We are crossing our fingers.

She is laughing a lot, grabbing and yanking at toys hanging from her playmat, and screeching when she gets excited. I've also her heard her babbling to herself when I'm not in the room. She has definitely found her voice.

She HATES to be held like a baby. She wants you to hold her hands and stand up in your lap and look around. She doesn't want to miss ANYTHING, even if it's staying awake during nap times.

She is going to bed a little earlier, but for some reason is night waking for her paci one or two times a night. Sometimes if I'm really tired, I'll just let her whine for about 5 min and she goes back to sleep. I was just used to her sleeping rock hard for 7 hours. I've been reading that some babes just go through this phase and sometimes later she'll probably teethe and do it again.

Christmas was a whirlwind and New years was brought in very low-key. We put her down early and Steve and I were in the bed at midnight. This year was truly a blessing and we are looking forward to 2010.

Givers and Takers

2009-12-18T10:13:00.003-06:00

I DO not and WILL not take advantage of -

My Parents

My Insurance

My Job

free childcare, for now

My husband/teammate

Friends

The Health of my child

These things are of THE most importance to me.

I believe in that in this world, there are "Givers" and "Takers" ~ and I have learned that Givers are more than likely constantly abused and taken advantage-of by Takers.

Takers will never change, no matter how hard we try to make them Givers.

Takers will defend themselves for being takers to the utmost end of time that what they do is right and good.

Takers are lazy.

Takers never realize how much they hurt givers.

Takers have no clue how much they take.

Takers never recognize that givers ARE givers and usually blame givers for all their problems. Takers feel they do no wrong.

Takers are usually sad and depressed so they unknowingly hurt givers makes themselves feel better.

Takers feel always feel entitled to things.

Takers don't know the value of things, even priceless things.

Takers who read this probably think they are givers. WRONG

I feel like somedays I give and give and give. The takers in my life bring me down. I'm not talking about material things. I'm referring to things like respect, pride, working hard, accomplishing goals, and love.

Now I'm not saying I've never been a Taker, because that would be a lie. But I like to give. to everyone. even Takers.

But it's wearing on my soul. I hate seeing Givers who work so hard and love with all they have, hurt. They give with the expectation of nothing in return ~ which is the true definition (in my opinion) of a Giver. It is getting more difficult for me to stand by and watch.

Take the last 5 years, and try to make a list of things you have done for other people, WITHOUT expecting anything in return. If it is hard for you to compile a list, consider yourself a Taker.

Takers reading this are probably either confused, or mad. But maybe some will realize something new about themselves. Wake up and start contributing to society Takers, it's time to start giving back.

Chuckles

2009-12-11T09:52:00.004-06:00

Last night CSS laughed for the first time. She really chuckled at Steve when he asked if he looked alright in his FUMC basketball jersey.

We ventured to Floyd Community Center to watch the FUMC team play bball. She slept through the first half, then woke up during halftime. I stood her up on my lap and she watched the boys run up and down the court. She seemed to have a puzzled look on her face like "what are they doing with that round thing?"

The sweet lady next to me on the bleachers who was watching the other team said, "I was wonderin when you was goin to get that baby out so I could see it. oooh she's a sweet baby." CSS smiled at her = HAM.

So I smelled a daipee. Went downstairs to find the changing table in the women's room was tilted downwards and she would slide towards me making it IMPOSSIBLE to use. (changing table FAIL). So what did I do? Improvised.

I laid her on the nasty bathroom floor with a burp cloth under her head. Took off my sweatshirt and laid in underneath her. Instant changing pad. I take her diaper off and clean her up. As I reach for the diaper still on the crappy changing table I look down at Smarty Pants. She is giggling, cooing, smiling, chuckling, kicking and PEEING on my sweatshirt. Mind you it is 30 degrees outside and all I can do is laugh. It will be a cold walk back to the truck.

Parenthood is an adventure. But oh so awesome.

3 month update

2009-12-10T14:38:00.003-06:00

Today I was reminded how very thankful I am for my parents. As I am sitting on their couch at lunch with a chunky-butt baby laid across my chest feeding, my dad comes in and sets a plate next to me: fried green tomatoes, black-eyed peas, salmon patties with ketchup, and cornbread. He said, "I saw a can of salmon in the pantry last night, and thought 'I'll cook MT some salmon patties for lunch tomorrow'." YUM

It's always a rush for me to eat lunch and feed her during my hour-long lunch break. Sometimes it's fast-food, sometimes it's nothing, sometimes it's something special prepared by my dad like today, and sometimes it's a grilled cheese. It's so nice to have lunch with my parents and my baby. They probably have no idea how much they are helping us by keeping her everyday. She sure loves Nana and Pop.

Lately CSS has been squealing and screeching in her attempts at talking. It's quite hilarious. She also makes fists and grabs animals on her play mat. I love the way she recognizes me now when I pick her up from Nana's. She gets really excited like she forgot I hadn't been there. This is such a fun time with her. We have got a schedule down pat.

She has a UTI, thrush and an ear infection - but you would never know it. Last Thursday night, she cried like I had never heard her cry before and it seemed to hurt her to eat. After waking up Friday morning, she nursed for about 10 minutes until she came off screaming again. I knew something was up. Mom couldn't get her to drink her bottle at 9 so I called the Dr. She informed us of all her ailments. after about 10 hours, she was happy as a lark. Has been since then. She knows how to tell me she's hurting and sick I guess. Now if we could just get the antibiotic in her - she laughs through it but it's literally THE hardest things getting meds into a baby. and she loves the thrush meds we have to rub on her gums and in her mouth. like i said - happy baby.

Tuesday, we went to Jackson Imaging Center for an ultrasound and a VCUG as a result of finding out she had a UTI. She had some VU Reflux and it's looking like we will be making a trip to Children's Hospital in the next few weeks. The Radiologist and our Dr. seem to think her case will resolve ('dissolve' as my cute Indian Dr. said) with age, but a pediatric urologist will tell us for sure.

Me and Steve are incredibly thankful that CSS is SUCH a happy, sick baby. Matter of fact, I'm almost positive I got a first cackly laugh out of her last night.

I can't believe she is 3 months old. Boy does time fly.

One Month

Two Months

Three Months

4D and Now

2009-11-19T08:58:00.002-06:00

So what is the verdict? Does she look like she did in utero?

10 weeks old

2009-11-18T16:03:00.004-06:00

The Goon is 10 weeks old today. I seriously can not believe it. She is getting SO big and strong. holds her head up and works out tummy time. She is even starting to grab little objects/toys hand from play mats. This is seriously going too fast. People say to savor every moment when they are little and I'm trying. I have a picture on my desk at work from when she was 12 days old. She doesn't even look anything like that anymore. It's like someone else's baby.

1st time in a Bumbo seat. She giggled and bobbled her head around in it for about 5 minutes.

Then she realized no one was hold her up and she wanted to get out. Boy she sure does look like Daddy when she's pissed.

On schedules and breast feeding

2009-11-16T10:30:00.004-06:00

I have been through one full week of life back at work. It is a LOT easier knowing she is with my mom AND the fact that I see and nurse her at lunch. It's also easier because unlike some other working moms, I happen to actually enjoy my job and the people I work with. Here is a recap of a typical day with Goon:

6am - go get Goon out of her crib and bring her downstairs to eat

6:30am - pump out rest of engorged milk while Steve changed/dresses goon and puts her in our bed to watch TV - I get ready for work

7am - leave house

7:35 - leave Goon at Nana's

7:50am - Get to work

9am - pump

11:50am - leave work to go to Nana's to eat lunch and nurse Goon

12:55pm - leave Nana's under protest to go back to work

3pm - pump

4:59pm - leave work to get Goon at Nana's

6pm - get home and nurse Goon

6:30pm - fix dinner and watch TV while playin with goon

8pm - Tummy time, playtime with daddy while I get everything ready for the next day - diaper bag, bottles, nipples, breakfast, laundry, clothes to wear, shower, add water to humidifier, get ready for bed

9:30pm - bathtime and PJs

10pm - Goon gets a big bottle of breastmilk from daddy while I pump.

10:30-10:45pm - Goon gets swaddled and put down

11pm - BEDTIME

My employers are very accommodating to my pumping at work. Matter of fact we have moved our monthly magazine meeting back to 9:30am for that very reason. Each time, I am lucky I have a door I can close and LOCK and spend time relaxing looking at a photo of Goon and provide her with food. I take pride in the fact that I still feel like I am "mothering" her from afar. It helps me make sense of myself in the challenging new role as a mother while continuing my pre-baby work life. I like that it keeps me feeling connected to her all day long. I'm forced to take "baby time" when I'm at work, and seeing her in the middle of the day has eased the transition immensely.

Breast feeding TO ME, usually plays an integral role in forming the deep attachment between a mother a baby. Bottle-feeding mothers, OF COURSE, also become securely attached to their babies. There are many items in the attachment toolbox - but breast feeding to me, is an extraordinarily powerful one that I'm thankful for. I think the fact that I've been successful so far at it has made me more confident as a parent as well. I think feeding babies is a fundamental responsibility of parenting. After that comes all other things. If we develop little faith in our independent ability to perform that primary task, we may not be certain in our other abilities of parenting. But I WILL NOT be disappointed when I decide to (or my body decides to dry up) wean off breast feeding. I already feel proud that I do it now and am very successful at it. Plus my baby has a double chin and is getting FAT!

This week has been a week of firsts for Goon:

-She stays at Nana's during the day while I work.

-She had a babysitter for the first time (who wasn't family) Friday night so Steve and I could go to our annual Ball. Which meant this was the first time she was fed by someone other than Me, Steve or Nana. Not that I've been avoiding other people feeding her, but it has just worked out that way I guess.

-She slept in her crib for the first time Saturday night. She's been sleeping soundly through the night in her pack n play in our bedroom for around 3 weeks now so I relinquished her to her room upstairs. I figured we might as well do it now or it will be harder later. The video monitor helped me a lot. I'm not worried about her scooting around or choking/ dying or whatever like I used to when she was like a week old....I just liked having her near me. Plus it helped with her being close when she would wake to nurse in the middle of the night. But if she's sleeping through the night, not needing me, what's the point of having her sleep in our room? It's been hard but it's just one of those transitions that has to come and pass.

note: these opinions on Breast feeding are mine but I fault no mother who chooses NOT to Breast feed. It's a mothers choice. and I'm not one of those people who will judge others. I still can't believe I'm a breast feeding mother after years of thinking "ew, I don't want some baby sucking from my nipple!?" I told myself when I was 5 months pregnant, " I'll try it, but if I hate it or it hurts, Imma stop". Turns out I've become an advocate for it, but not a Lactivist yet ;-)

2009-11-12T09:42:00.004-06:00

Zip up sleep n plays. They make diapering at night and anytime a breeze because they zip and don't SNAP. They also keep footsies warm on trips to and from car etc. I buy em if I see em because they are kinda hard to spot.

The nasal aspirator from the hospital. If you ever have a kid, SAVE THIS FROM THR HOSPITAL!!! Hands down best suctioner EVER.

Boppy pillow for breastfeeding. No explanation really needed here.
Boppy bouncy seat. Need to do dishes, eat a sandwich, take a break from baby, laundry, anything?? This is where she likes to be. When she was really little and I was scared to leave her alone, I used to put the seat right in the bathroom so I could watch her while I showered.
The lesser known Woombie: My baby LOVES to be swaddled. She sleeps SO good when she is tightly swaddled. Well before she slept through the night, I tried to keep our bedroom really dark at the middle of the night feeding. Swaddling is a lot harder in the DARK and when you are basically sleepwalking. The woombie allows a quick zip up and the piece of mind to know your swaddle blanket isn't riding up maybe suffocating her. I can almost attribute her sleeping through the night so quickly to this one product. I just ordered the big baby size this past weekend because I think she is outgrowing the newborn size too fast. I know i know, it's like a baby straightjacket. but hey - she loves it.
The ever loved pack n play. She sleeps in this every night in our room. Basically every diaper has been changed in the diaper changer. she loves the mobile during diaper changes (even though Steve HATES rockabye baby - it scares him about the "down will come baby, cradle and all" ...I kinda agree...!). Pretty soon, once the whole back to work schedule gets in sinc, we will probably moved her upstairs to her crib. I'll probably cry.

These are some things we couldn't have done without, and still can't live without. Most everything else is just EXTRA.

First time at Church

2009-11-08T15:45:00.000-06:00

The Progression

2009-11-01T12:55:00.004-06:00

top ten list

2009-10-19T16:32:00.002-05:00

10 things I do which are annoying now that I'm Campbell's mom:

1. I call Campbell a nickname Steve hates: goon goon (no idea where I came up with it)
2. I try to teach people how to swaddle better (even though they are perfectly capable)
3. I forget to switch the washing maching soap tray from liquid to powder.
4. I FORCE people to use Germ-X before getting close to her, let alone touch her.
5. I take way too many pictures
6. I still haven't let her sleep in her crib at night
7. I give out breastfeeding advice even when people don't ask for it (and i HATED that)
8. I always talk in baby talk, even to Steve
9. I can't fit into my pre-preg pants yet, but my maternity pants fall off.
10. I don't think of anyone else but her - but that's not annoying.

2009-10-14T17:32:00.003-05:00

Well my baby is officially over 10 lbs! Wow! Here are some things we are doing now:

Campbell:

Staying awake for hours at a time

Sleeping for HOURS at a time = 6.5 last night :)

Eating more efficiently

Smiling at Mama, laughing at the ceiling fan

Visiting friends of mama, meeting new cousins Houston and Jake

Moving up a diaper size to a 1

Outgrowing newborn size clothes :(

Going on outings with mama

Steve:

Best baby burper ever! Literally takes two pats and RRrrrrip!

Diaper changer of the century

Finds time to spend with Mama every day

Cooks dinner more than Mama

Rocks Campbell every night

Bathtime = daddy (I have to say when Steve had the flu and didn't touch her, I had to give her a bath by myself and BOY does Steve do a great job. In the beginning we agreed that if I breastfed, then Steve would always do bathtime so he wouldn't feel left out. Man oh man, I'm glad he bathes her because I was a nervous wreck. Campbell ENJOYS a bath with daddy. With mama it's just to get clean.)

MT:

Pumping before bed so I don't get SO engorged at night due to C dropping two feedings at night.

Realizing my child recognizes me, and smiles = melts

Learning to make time for myself, no matter what

Getting out of the house with the baby

Loving my awesome husband more than the day before

Having more respect and admiration for my mother (Totally wouldn't have been able to survive the first 2 weeks of Campbell's life without her. She cleaned my house, helped me heal, watched the baby while I napped, helped us get on a schedule and kept me sane. Well she did more than that really but it's hard to put into words. Thanks mom)

Thankful for such a sweet, healthy baby and a wonderful husband.

Motherhood is trial and error, and a whole lotta error. But worth every second.

2009-10-02T10:42:00.002-05:00

Campbell with her only great-grandparents: Nanny and Papa

Campbell looks just like her mommy did when she was a baby

Sleeping on daddy

Sleeping.....God I love this kid.

2 weeks old already?

2009-09-24T14:35:00.001-05:00

updates

2009-09-21T13:56:00.003-05:00

Campbell feeds every three hours during the day. Then after our 2am feeding I lay her down until she wakes to feed which is usually around 6:15am or 6:30am. It was hard getting used to at first but now I think we are settling into the feeding routine. Breastfeeding is a lot easier physically than i thought it would be, but a lot more demanding. I'm the only one who can feed her at 4:45am. The sleep deprivation is tough. After a week and a half the feedings are starting to speed up. What used to take us an hour, takes us about 30-40 min now. I love it when she looks at me and I know I am feeding her the very best of what she can have. We have our pump now, and I pump once a day to start a small supply to freeze. I supposed Steve will give her first bottle in about 2 weeks. (maybe he'll take the 2am feeding?)

I will admit I had the baby blues but I mean what did I expect? I have an overwhelming responsiblity to care for a newborn, my healing from the delivery was SLOW AND PAINFUL, I missed my husband and the routine we had before bed, at dinner etc so much it HURT, I look puffy, unshowered and I leak milk all the time. So I cried some, and got over it. I think.

I think that truly is the hardest part about bringing a baby home: You never knew how special time with your partner was until its gone. Now we have to find bits of time just to spend talking with each other. I know we will get better at it but it's just something I didn't think about before we had her. If you know me at all, then you know me and Steve have a very special relationship so adjusting was hard but we're getting through it.

Campbell is a very sweet baby, only gets fussy when she's hungry or being changed. She is loving sponge baths from daddy and spends time with her nana almost everyday. (Another post dedicated to Nana to come).

As for the hospital stay, I LOVED my daytime nurse Robyn. and my delivery nurse Anya. They were a HUGE support during my most painful experience of my life. I'm glad I have pictures and video because I'm already starting to forget the hospital (which is probably a good thing).

A huge thanks to my darling Steve. How were we to know how much pain and discomfort I would be in after she came? He had to take care of Campbell AND me when we got home. What a trooper. I can't ever express in words on paper or in a blog about how much this experience has made me fall in love with Steve all over again, and MORE. I never knew I could love a baby and a husband SO much.

More updates to come!

Update soon

2009-09-15T22:33:00.004-05:00

I'm here I promise....I'm still recovering from what the nurses called a Vaginal C-section. One in 600 births is what they told me. I'll update soon - just getting to know little Campbell and recovering and healing is the only thing I'm able to do. More to come...

Meltdown

2009-09-02T10:47:00.002-05:00

So I had my hormonal pregnancy meltdown last night. That's normal right?!

I was frustrated with my body (not the fatness, but the un-cooperating parts), I was frustrated with Steve, with the cat, with my closet, with the computer, with stupid drivers, with the hospital - you name it....I was upset with it in some way, form or fashion. I have no idea why these thoughts came over me. And as I was laying in bed trying to discuss my issues with Steve at 11:30pm (which is VERY LATE for us to be up in our house trying to talk about 'feelings') the tears started to flow...and the flood gates opened. and I think I drained my amniotic fluid I cried so much.

I forgot what it was like to boohoo like the little girl I once was. I had the kind of cry where your nose stops up instantaneously and I had to suck my breath back in just to breath. Seriously. I looked at myself in the bathroom mirror and I looked like a 4 year-old. I haven't cried like that in...I don't KNOW when. It was terrible but awesome. Poor Steve just petted me not knowing what to do or say. But that was all I really needed from him. Just petting and staring at me (although he was probably staring at me thinking 'what in the hell is wrong with my wife, get this baby outta her so she can be normal again!)

I feel much better today but with puffy eyes. Now I keep thinking....What the hell was I thinking? The bad thoughts and aggravation was stupid. I just stayed up too late and made my self sick with crying for no damn reason. But I guess I did need a good cry....

Now on to the good stuff.

Home Stretch

2009-08-31T11:59:00.002-05:00

We are in the home stretch now.

Steve is playing golf with church buds today to get in a round/tournament before the baby comes. He told me it would be the first and ONLY time in his life that his cell phone would not only be on, but on the highest ringer he could put it on. He said he would have to warn his group than his wife could go into labor at any time and he needed to be able to get to the phone.

Kinda makes me just want to call him to say 'sup'. butttttt I won't :-)

Doctors appt tomorrow-hoping to have progressed a little more.

The bills are paid, the gear is in place, the bags are packed and there is a list of add ons for Steve to throw in in case of emergency. I can't really think of anything else to do except to actually make it to the hospital. The waiting is the hardest part. And on the first week of football season.

Every woman always offers up advice, some good, some bad. But almost everyone says to enjoys the last couple of days of her inside me and to savor the quiet house as long as possible. So that's the plan for the next couple of days. Savoring the last days of my pregnancy with Campbell. I can't believe I just typed that.

Adding a comma

2009-08-12T15:08:00.003-05:00

Pregnancy:
I'm measuring right on schedule. Blood pressure and all other tests are normal. Just waiting.
I have my first stretch mark on my belly. But it's due to the fact I once had a belly button ring (OH MY!) and the scar has stretched just a little too much. Oh well at least it wasn't a tattoo that stretched. Maybe that will be the only one.

I have had TWO wonderful showers in the past month. One given by a fantastic group of friends at the home of my PRESCHOOL friend whom I love VERY much. It was so great to see all of my friends and Campbell received some GREAT gifts and gear. The other was a Campbell/Grandma shower at the home of one of the choir members at church. The FUMC ladies were so sweet to shower me and my mom. It was a surprise for her and I really think she enjoyed herself. Laura was right, after two showers, Campbell's nursery changed a lot! So many more goodies, trinkets, decorations etc. It's really looking like a baby room now.

I got up 5 times last night to pee. But I guess that is nature's way of preparing me to be able to get up and feed her when she is here. For some reason, I am more comfortable sleeping the bigger my belly gets. I just stick a pillow underneath it when I'm on my side and the support really relieves my back pain. I bought a birthing ball/exercise ball from Academy Sports about two weeks ago which has REALLY helped my lower back and pelvic pain. I would totally recommend it to ALL pregnant women. I sit on it while watching TV shows or when I'm in the kitchen waiting for water to boil. or cookies to bake etc. AND after she gets here, I can sit on it to strengthen my core and do sit-ups to hopefully get back in shape! Hope it works...it was only $10 ("but a bitch to blow up", said Steve)

The cat DEFINITELY knows something is up. Every morning after Steve leaves, she hops on the bed a literally BURIES herself beside my stomach, almost as if she is protecting us. She follows me around everywhere and sits patiently beside me whenever I'm putting Campbell's toys togethe, folding her laundry, or watching TV. It may sound weird, but she's acting like a big sister already. I think she will be very good with the baby. and NO I'm not worried about her 'sucking' the breath out of Campbell at all. That is just dumb. I know my cat. Other people don't. period.

I feel anxious about some things every now and then. But then I just ask all my friends/moms and they seem to have most of the answers I need.

I bought Campbell a Christmas stocking. I have no idea why, but that made it all seem real. She's coming to stay. forever.

I'm getting to the point now where I think about the fact that in a couple of weeks, it will no longer be Mary Tyler and Steve. It's a tad sad, but what a joy we already share. We will be a family. Mary Tyler, Steve and Campbell. I like the fact we are adding a comma.

Steve:
Poor thing has had pregnancy symptoms. NOT KIDDING. He has the same painful heartburn, gets up twice during the night to pee, and is nesting just like me. Yesterday, he got on the tractor, took up all the stepping stones and rocks from the front walkway, purchased some sod from the sod farm, laid the sod and stepping stones in a checkerboard fashion, and then drank a beer with me on the front porch to watch a storm roll in. It was fun.

He has also taken care of some home improvements which needed tending to before the baby comes. Some corner flashing on our columns in the kitchen 'settled' a tad with the house causing them to buckle. We tacked them back down, puttied the corners, sanded and then painted them. Looks excellent! Now if I could get someone to come clean the floors with all the dust I'd be set (He said he do that too).

We found out last week after I made him a dentist appointment for the first time in ::password protected:: that he must get his wisdom teeth taken out. SO tomorrow he will have them removed. I'm hoping to get some good drunk footage but I had to promise I wouldn't post it. Did I mention my memory hasn't been so good during this pregnancy? Anyways, I bought him something to help him recover so he should be happy for THE REST OF THE YEAR.

I've been saving here and there since I think I found out I was pregnant for a little something he's been wanting for a long time. Plus, we have been blessed with some extra mulah from sweet people here and there over the last couple of months. SO Steve got his leather recliner. It's something I've been wanting to get him since we moved into our new house. The man built our house in 3 months, gave me a baby in my belly, built said baby a fantabulous changing table, has put up with pregnancy hormones and bitching for 9 months AND has rubbed my back and fixed me breakfast the WHOLE nine months....the man deserves it. I sat in it in the store and couldn't help but imagine him rocking baby Campbell in it. oh and Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday and Happy Father's Day next year Steve.

WORK:
Man it's hard preparing for Maternity Leave. I'm making a list for my assistant of things I do daily for her to take over when I'm out and I just keep adding and adding and adding things. I do a lot!

2009-08-11T13:47:00.001-05:00

I'm still here. I've just been busy growing a human. New post in the works.

Steve's test drive

2009-07-30T19:54:00.000-05:00

The Waiting Game

2009-07-29T11:12:00.000-05:00

The Waiting Game from Mary Tyler Spivey on Vimeo.

Great weekend

2009-07-19T21:47:00.003-05:00

Best weekend in a long time. Steve took me out for a "lake date" on Friday night which I really enjoyed. Then on Saturday we went to Tuscaloosa for a friend of Steve's wedding. Scott played golf with Steve at HC so it was fun seeing people from the college days. We spent the night then drove to the lake Sunday morning to visit with the Sprayberrys. After getting off the lake, we headed to the Mielkes for some Braves, Babies and some awesome food. Great weekend with great friends!

Boobie Rant

2009-07-10T09:51:00.003-05:00

The breast-feeding class at the Baptist Breast Center was really good. It answered a lot of questions and concerns I had and was also helpful introducing Steve to the whole process. He is more prepared now and knows that I probably won't be able to do all I thought I was going to be able to do around the house, at least for the first 2 weeks.

Something that bothered me: Steve mentioned to someone today that he went to the breast-feeding class with me and was glad he attended. The person then responded, "We'll see how long THAT will last." Well thanks a lot. Jerk.

In the class, the consultants kept saying, surround yourself with supportive people. Some women get holed up in the hospital room with 5 or six people who say, 'Well it didn't work for me, I don't know why you're trying it' - 'Just bottle feed her, so dad can help out and you can rest' - 'Your boobs are going to sag if you breast-feed, don't you want your body back?' What a drag! Especially for women who might be on the fence about it. Making it so easy to give up and quit. During the class, I kept thinking that would never happen to me. People have to be supportive don't they? Because its your decision on how to nourish your child. But here it it two days later and the first comment already happened. Steve stood up for it though. Made me proud. Hopefully these people who might say unsupportive things, will get lost on the the way to the hospital.

Any thoughts or suggestions on how to make sure Steve feels a part of the team? I don't want him to feel left out with no attention. He was my first baby :-) I'm thinking he will be the better bather. Who knows. I'm ready to hold her.

Campbell update

2009-07-07T13:24:00.005-05:00

Now I know the troubles of acid-reflux sufferers. I am literally breathing FIRE. I think I may start on some pills later today instead of my formally-trusted Rolaid soft-chews.

I'm getting about 3 hours of sleep at a time at night, running to the bathroom. Thank the lord I actually fall back asleep every time without much trouble. Steve helped me rotate the mattress last night and weirdly, it helped me get more comfy before falling asleep. WIN.

She is slowly rolling around in my belly as I type this. I bought a stethoscope from Walmart yesterday so I could listen to her movements. Cool. Her movements have definitely changed from kicking and thrashing, to balletic rolling and swishing. I guess she's starting to fill up the room in there. Sweetie, your lease isn't up for another seven weeks so just keep being comfy.

I've started to gain some serious weight. My last check-up put me at gaining 23 lbs so far in the pregnancy. with about 8 weeks left to go. oh and I love my new wedding ring! It's a $13 CZ band from Walmart. Yess! I've given up on trying to wear mine until the end. They fit me snugly since we were married and I pretty much figured I would have to take them off to have this baby. My fake one works just fine. I just didn't want to walk around town with a huge belly and a naked ring finger.

So worth it - all the reflux, swelling, and back pain. So blessed to have her living inside me. Oh how different it will be when she is here, outside of me. A little person. Our little person. Campbell.

To do list:

Breast feeding class tomorrow

Baptist East Tour next week

Pack hospital bag

Wash baby clothes

Buy nursing tanks/bras

Decide if Steve will cut the cord

Find a pediatrician

Research how to add Campbell to our insurance after birth

Buy nursing supplies

Pick out birth announcements - (already have address labels printed out for these ;-)

Make sure Steve has a phone list for the big day

Get my hair cut

Get a pedicure?

GET A MESSAGE?

Relax

Get pumped for a special visitor this weekend!

2009-07-02T14:04:00.004-05:00

I really can't believe I'm 31 weeks pregnant (although I'm measuring 32 weeks according to the Doctor yesterday) already. It seems like yesterday I was complaining about the first trimester blues and whining about being nauseous all the time. Now I LOVE being pregnant. The bigger I get, the bigger and healthier SHE gets. I love bonding with her every night. It's hard to put into words how great it is FEELING her move inside of me. She relies completely on me and my body to give her everything she needs. Now I know what those women meant when they said they missed being pregnant. I get it now.

Last night she really put on a show for her daddy. We always watch our 'shows' or Braves games with him sitting beside me with his hand on my belly. Now he has certainly felt kicking and moving the past couple of months, but last night, she was ROLLING around in there. You could see feet swishing around against my skin. He let out a couple "Oh my GODs!" and "What is she DOING in there, does that HURT?". It was probably the most pronounced movement I've had yet in the pregnancy and I'm so glad he was feeling it. Since my placenta is completely posterior (which means laying parallel with my back) she is literally right underneath my belly skin. At one point he screech, "I THINK I'M ACTUALLY HOLDING HER HAND! COOL!" He bent down and started talking to her softly and I'm pretty sure I got emotional for the first time. I, of all people, know about father/daughter relationships.

The nursery is almost complete. Shower dates are pretty much set. and everything is just flying along. Where did May and June go? And where will JULY AND AUGUST GO?

Not an MJ tribute, but...

2009-06-26T09:13:00.005-05:00

Ever wonder what Michael Jackson might look like today if he hadn't had all those years of plastic surgery? I found this picture from a guy who illustrated what he would look like over the course of his life. Weird!Why would someone ever want to look like this?

He definitely was a strange, possibly sick in the head man, but I still like his old music. It don't matter if your black or white.

Steve's new do

2009-06-25T10:40:00.002-05:00

Goofy Steve decided it was too hot for hair:

I think I like it though. Makes him look more mean. But he's not. Trust me.

Actually looking at this picture makes me really like it. He has a well-shaped head. He's hot.

Oh and this is his new toy. I think I could even cut the grass on this thing, it looks fun.

It will be shared amongst the "Compound".

OK so I really like it. and he's getting flustered with me taking his picture.

This little shweetie watches Steve cut the grass from the dining room table.

And this girl has a big ole belly.

Side view:

Front view:

'Tis been a while

2009-06-24T10:36:00.006-05:00

Since my last post. But I been busy: Growing people and going on Youth Tour.

Good thing this sweet man came with me to help me out:

At the WWII Memorial in front of Alabama

Dealing with these chickens all week was fun but tiring. This is at the FDR Memorial.

Me and Steve got in a round of bball at ESPN zone: he beat me bad,

but my belly getting in the way is my excuse.

Chaperone Steve giving the stink eye to students,

whilst an obelisk-like object protrudes from his brainal.

In the shade at the National Cathedral

The chickens at Mount Vernon

If you are ever in D.C. during the summer, the Sunset Parade at Iwo Jima is a must see. These soldiers do a silent drill and toss and twirl their guns with such accuracy, I can't even describe it. The Navy Band also plays - just incredible. See the guy tossing his gun in the air?

I swear this isn't an endorsment ;0)

Anywhooooo, now it's back to reality. Broken computers at work and home. Laundry for days. I'm sick of John and Kate+8 headlines. Who cares shut up it's your own dang fault woman. Stop exploiting your children. More blogs to come with preggo pics I'm hoping.

MT and Campbell, out.

The Father of my Child

2009-06-09T13:42:00.002-05:00

Dear Steve,
I wish I had the money to to celebrate you as you deserve. As your first father's day quickly approaches, I think about how you have fulfilled my life in a way that you could never know. To somehow even begin to thank you for all you do for me, brings a blank canvas in my mind. I just simply just don't have the words. I wish you could see yourself the way others see you; they way I see you. Our closest friends constantly remind me how lucky I am, and I always remind myself - that I AM SO lucky, lucky to be loved by you. I love you for the way you handle everyday life; it's frustrations and it's joys. You have a way of letting things not get to you which always inevitably calms me down. Thanks for giving into me - even though you probably shouldn't. Thank you for taking such good care of me and Campbell the past couple of months. Without your love and support, I would be lost. and my back would hurt a lot worse I'm sure. You sure have turned into a great masseuse. I can only imagine what a great father you will be, and already are.
Nobody loves you like I do,
Shorty and little Shorty

Youth Tour is here again

2009-06-04T11:09:00.002-05:00

If you would like to see what I do as the fun part of my job, here is a video from Wiregrass Electric Cooperative in Hartford, Ala. I think this video pretty much sums it all up!

enjoy

2009-05-26T15:54:00.002-05:00

Today I googled '25 weeks pregnant' to see what I was in for next week and this image popped up:

The only child: for now

2009-05-21T11:43:00.004-05:00

Her name is Abbie.

She is the only cat I've ever loved.

She is always finds the only sliver of sunshine in the house.

She doesn't care that I take pictures of her.

She always helps me clean the house.

She is never more than 3 feet away from me.

Sometimes I give her a voice and talk to Steve like I'm her.

I like her and I think she will like Campbell.

Thanks for using the litter box for about 6 months straight now.

We really thank you. ZZZZZZZZZZ

Not much to report

2009-05-20T14:07:00.003-05:00

Not much to report these days. Feeling great. Back kinda hurts somedays. Stretching for sure. Belly Button is still an "inny" for now. Weight gain thus far is 10 lbs. My waist measures 38 inches. (we won't go there with my boobies).

On the Steve front,

He has got this landscaping project going on around the house. pictures later. today he was peeling sod up with the sod cutter to create a flower bed and cut our cable line which runs underground. whoodathunk? awesome. guess we will be watching some Netflix for the next two days.

Me and Campbell

2009-05-11T13:09:00.000-05:00

Mother's Day 2009: 22wks

Nursery additions

2009-05-01T09:37:00.003-05:00

Some things I've bought for Campbell recently: I know I said I wasn't a "pink" person but I guess that changed a little once we found out she was a she.

These prints are from Etsy.com like I said in a previous post. They came in only a WEEK! I went to Hobby Lobby and had two green mats cut for $3 each, and put them in $5 frames. Pretty awesome I think! and the song has special meaning....

Here is the bedding I picked out (for now) from Target. I like the fact that it's mix and match and I can add and change things whenever I want. And I love the fact that it didn't cost a fortune.

The cute reversible bumper with polka dots on one side and stripes on the other:

Everything is all laid out on the bed in her room. We are just waiting on the crib to get here so we can see what it all looks like when it's put together.

iLike

2009-04-29T11:54:00.005-05:00

Things I'm liking a lot right now:

French Toast

Fruit Loops

Coors Cutter

Palmers Coco Butter

My body pillow

milk

o.j.

And this guy:

This was the picture we took right before we went into the Doctor's office for our big Ultrasound. I like him the most.

Picking Stuff Out

2009-04-23T16:05:00.004-05:00

So we finally bought a crib. and it looks like this:

I just couldn't break down and spend $400 on a crib. This one will serve its purpose well and will look great doing it, especially with some really cute bedding!

I picked out the bedding from Target which was very reasonably priced. My favorite bedding was always from RH Baby and Child, but after reading their horrid customer service reviews and choking from their prices, I decided against spending the major mulah again. I love the Circo-mix and match sets from Target. They somewhat resemble the RH baby and child set that I liked! But I only paid $70 - AND I got two crib skirts because I couldn't choose which one I liked best. I guess I'll try them out and see which one I like best when the crib gets here. Have a mentioned that I HATE themed baby bedding or rooms? no offense to those who do though.

I also LOVE these prints from ETSY.COM
Sentimental reason for the words/song.

I'm also planning to frame big 8x10 matted portraits of Campbell's namesakes in her room: My granny and Steve's grandmother.

In last couple of days, I've heard brand names like Graco, Circo, Dr. Browns, Aventair?, Gerber, etc. To all the mommies out there, what are some baby Brand name items that you could not live without and would recommend? Looking at all the different kinds of items with different brand names, I'm curious as to what people use and love.

It's a girl!

2009-04-20T20:11:00.002-05:00

Campbell Sullivan Spivey

After both my Grandmother and his Grandmother's maiden names: Imogene Campbell Head and Emma Jewel Sullivan Spivey.

Pics and Story tomorrow!

The Big Day

2009-04-20T15:23:00.004-05:00

Sitting at my desk at work. Can't focus on anything else. 30 minutes till our Doctor's appointment. So far more people think boy than girl. We will know in a little while!

"It was the tiniest thing I ever decided to put my whole life into."

-Terri Guillemets

Weekend wrap-up and poll

2009-04-19T21:16:00.003-05:00

After this week, we are in need of something for "just us". I had Annual Meeting with my work and Steve helped out a ton for my brother's wedding. We had the rehearsal dinner at my house friday night and I sure was glad my mom took care of most of the details because I was pooped after such a long work week. Andy and Kelly's wedding went off without a hitch.

I wouldn't say I didn't enjoy myself at the reception, but it was definately the first time I think I took on too much being pregnant. Plus going without eating a meal saturday for 7 hours probably didn't help my blood sugar or my energy level. The bride and groom sure did look great - my head hit the pillow and I was OUT.

Today, both of us got a great breakfast and playtime with our favorite twins this morning, then enjoyed a lazy day of lifetime movies and snacks. We re excited about our doctors visit tomorrow to have the BIG ULTRASOUND. A name will most likely be decided on Monday.

Today's poll: Pee pee, or vajayjay?

Shorty love

2009-04-13T20:37:00.002-05:00

We went to the Doctor today for another monthly check-up. After waiting about 30 minutes, I walked up to the desk and asked the lady if I could go ahead and go back to pee in my cup - i was about to EXPLODE! Have I mentioned I "powder my nose" about 20 times a day or more? wow.

Anywho, next monday we go in for our big Ultrasound - Finding out the sex! I'm really a little anxious about it because after next Monday, it won't be a mystery anymore. Right now I am in love with this BABY inside of me. but after next Monday, I'll be in love with this little baby GIRL/BOY inside of me. Surreal. I could have a penis growing inside of me. Weird.

My brother is getting married this weekend. To a wonderful person. Kelly is everything I could have wanted in a sister. and I'm glad he found her (or she found him). We are having the rehearsal dinner at my house Friday night so me and mom are trying to get all the food and house cleaning in order. Steve is always such a HUGE help when it comes to cleaning up around the house, especially since I have been pregnant. he is awesome, and I like him a lot.

It's weird. The bigger my belly gets, the more Steve looks like a dad. He falls asleep with his hand on my belly some nights, and always makes sure I'm comfy in the bed. He also makes me toast every morning and brings in to me in bed. Gosh I sound spoiled. But he LIKES doing it. It's weird. He makes me so happy every single day of my life. Like today, after my appt, we went "out to eat" to Steak 'n' Shake in Prattville. We sat there for about 30 minutes after finishing and debabted the "Sweet Home Alabama" bill. It's awesome to think a little different about things, but are able to express WHY we feel a certain way and still have PROFOUND respect for the others views. and to be married, pregnant and kissing in the parking lot after debating politcal/religius issues - he really is my best friend. I mean if you can't TALK to your husband, then WHO can you really talk to? Steve, your Shorty really loves you.