Give Thanks. Walk!

As you may already know my nephew, Tyler was diagnosed with a brain tumor in March 2010. He recently returned home after 6 months of successful treatment at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Thanks to the amazing support from the St. Jude staff, Tyler received the best possible treatment and care during this critical time in his life. I had the opportunity to visit the hospital and must say it was an experience I will treasure forever.

On Saturday, November 20, I am participating in the Give thanks. Walk., benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®. As I walk, I have challenged myself to raise money to support the lifesaving work done at St. Jude -- and I am asking for your support to help me reach my goal. This is our way of giving thanks for all St. Jude has done for not only Tyler, but for the other children and their families that have been touched by the incredible works of this facility.

https://waystohelp.stjude.org/sjVPortal/public/displayUserPage.do?eventId=110423&programId=601&userId=542764

Good Friends

What a fun-filled weekend! My dear friend, Kathryn came to visit this weekend with her daughter, Emily. We all went to Mia's birthday party on Saturday and had such a good time catching up with our friends, Dave, Jennifer, Kathleen and Keith. Jennifer B. went all out on Mia's party - bounce house, food galore, great music, cutest cupcakes ever and my personal fave...COTTON CANDY! So cute!

Kathryn with Mia, Evan and Anne

That night we took the kids to Joe's Crab Shack for the outdoor play area (super idea, Kathryn)! Sunday we went to the mall so Emily could play on the indoor playground. Naturally, I forgot the stroller at home so we borrowed one from the concierge desk. This thing was called "the turtle" and was gigantic. How you're supposed to manuver through the stores & aisles with that is beyond me, but I'm just happy I didn't have to carry my 20 lb. baby in his 20 lb. carrier! Whew!

On another note, since we had to "fall back" with the time on Saturday night I completely forgot about Evan being confused on his bedtime Sunday....oops! Since I didn't plan accordingly he was exhausted at 6and went down for the night without his usual bath and bedtime routine. Needless to say he was wide-eyed and bushy tailed at 6:15 a.m. Monday. Oh yeah...he held his own bottle for the first time! Go Ebo (his nickname for those of you don't know: EBO = initials)!!! My little boy is growing so fast. :(

Boo! Evan's First Halloween!

We had such a great time with cousins and friends at the Hamilton's Halloween block party in Fort Worth on Saturday. Evan was supposed to be a monkey, but I've decided some costumes were intended for kids in North Dakota. That sucker was about 3 inches thick and hot as can be! Needless to say Evan was not a fan. He started fussing after 60 seconds in it...long enough to shoot a few pictures. Unfortunately, those pics are on Aunt Jenn's camera and we're still waiting to see them. Tick tock....tick tock....

Tyler was Boba Fett; Grant was Yoda; Carter was Darth Vadar; Blake was Chewbacca (Chewy), and Colton was a Storm Trooper....yes, the full Star Wars cast! Meme and Evan trying out Grant's Yoda hat!

Uncle Hunter & Evan Me and my sweet boy
Nonna (my Mom), Hunter, Colton (storm trooper), and Chewy (Blake)

Tyler bouncing with Karsyn & Sydney


Colton and Hunter were in town that weekend as well, and we were able to celebrate their birthdays! Hunter's was Oct. 24th and Colton's is Nov. 13th so it worked out perfectly.

Tyler and Colton having some birthday fun!

Colton's new Cowboys Jersey

Sunday we handed out candy at our house and visited our neighbors. Evan and Dad wore their Rangers gear while they watched the game, so it worked out well for an easy Halloween costume (they were Rangers Fans).

Homecoming 2010

This past weekend was Homecoming for the TCU Horned Frogs! Several of my sorority sisters flew into town for a little reunion, and despite the torrential downpour that occurred earlier in the evening Brett and I had such a fun time. It was great catching up with everyone and Evan had a blast with his Grammy & Grampy.

Exciting News!

I was promoted to Real Estate Manager with CB Richard Ellis yesterday! Whoop, whoop! Just wanted to share the good news. Hope everyone is doing well.

4 Months!

Since we've been delayed at updating the blog, here's a summary of the latest news:

First and foremost, my nephew Tyler is home from St. Jude! They drove in Friday night and were greeted with "Welcome Home Tyler" signs at the neighborhood entrance. He's thrilled to be back at home with his playroom, toys and "his babies." Tom and Jenn are so glad to have their family under one roof after 6 long months. To read more check out their blog:
www.tomandjennbates.blogspot.com

Evan had his first road trip this past weekend. We went to Lufkin for my cousin, Heather's baby shower. I unexpectedly had to work late on Friday so we didn't leave until 8 and got there at midnight. It worked out perfectly with Evan's bedtime so he slept the entire way. Meme & Papa were so excited to see him, so we woke him up when we got there so we could play for a little while. He went right back to sleep afterwards. Nights were a little rough because he was in a new place and woke up quite a few times. He was so good during the days...he enjoyed being held by everyone and spending time outside with Dad.
Heather's shower was so much fun. Baby Addison is set up with all sorts of baby clothes and gear! It was so great seeing everyone, but we can't wait to spend time with Tyler too.

Heather and Meme

Heather, Meg, Megan and Me

Evan had his 4 month checkup on Sept. 21st (Brett's birthday). He weighed 17.11 lbs and measured 27 inches long. Yes, basically he's catching up to his one-year old cousins! He had to get shots at this appointment, but he did so well. He was laughing and flirting with the nurse just before the mean lady put the needle in his thigh! His face went from a giggly smile to pure horror in 1 second flat! He was okay after about 2 minutes of crying and then he was a happy boy again. We got the okay to start him on rice cereal, so we tried it with a spoon (vs. the bottle) and he LOVES it. He gets so excited when he sees the bowl - his little legs start kicking like crazy.
He's still waking up for 1 bottle during the night...usually around 4:45 a.m. Dr. G says to cut that feeding out and let him cry himself back to sleep, but Mom is having a hard time listening. I figure he'll only do this for a little longer and will start sleeping through the night on his own, right??? Regardless, he's only this little for so long, so I'm cherishing every minute of it. :)

With Aunt Judy at Dr. G's office

With Aunt Sarah at Dr. G's office (what a nice surprise to see her!)

"Oh noooooo!"
"I'm okay now..."

3 Months!

Today Evan is 3 months old - we can hardly believe it! This week he started rolling onto his side, which was pretty exciting.

Visitors!

Dad has been out of town for a business trip all week (and currently in Boston at the Red Sox game as I type this), so Mommy & Evan have had a few visitors stop by to keep us company and see how much Evan has changed:

Here with Nanny, Edna
Mom's friend, Stacy
Mom's friend Katina

We're so excited because we get to go see Aunt Jennifer, Nonna and the triplets this weekend. Look for more photos soon!

Visit with Grammy & Grampy

Sunday we went to see Grammy and Grampy (Kay & Lynn O) for the day. Grammy made a delicious lunch for us all, and afterwards we stayed to watch part of the Rangers game. Evan showed off his tummy time skills, but got a little fussy in the afternoon (he was having so much fun that he didn't want to take his naps). We still had a great time and look forward to seeing them again soon!

Colton's Visit

My nephew, Colton came to visit us from Vancouver, Washington this summer. He's had a blast doing all kinds of fun stuff since he's been here. He's mostly been hanging out with Nonna and the triplets, and he's been to Meme's house in Lufkin, Baytown to see his dad and spent some time in Fort Worth with his dad and Rachael. He's headed back home this weekend and we will miss him tons!

Me, Colton, Rachael, Hunter and the triplets. Everyone thought all these kiddos were Hunter's & Rachael's!

Colton's cup had a blowout...strawberry shake went all over him!

Colton had a great time at Grant, Blake and Carter's 1st Birthday party...everyone loved the petting zoo!

Catching a ride on the pony...

8 HOURS!!

Today is monumental - Evan slept a full 8 hours!! He went to bed at about 9:30 p.m. and slept until 5:30 this morning without a peep! I fed him, and he was back asleep by 6 a.m. and slept until 8:45 this morning. Whoooohooo! I really wish you could all see how cute he is when he wakes up for his feeding. He's all swaddled in his wrap and his little head is peeping out with those cute eyes looking at me. Once I pick him up he starts suckling his mouth waiting for his bottle like a little bird...it's sooooo adorable! Cross your fingers for another 8 hours tonight.

Mama's Night Out!

The girls invited me for my first night out without Evan. Yes, it's true - we went to the Lady Gaga concert and had a blast. I missed Evan terribly, but it was nice to get away for a few hours. Brett graciously kept Evan and did a great job all by himself. :) Below are a few pics from our evening:

2 Months!

Our little gloworm baby!

It's hard to believe that Evan is two months old today. Time has flown since we brought him home from the hospital. I was a little nervous about today becuase he had to get his shots at his 2 month check-up, but he did GREAT! He cried for about 30seconds (as much as he could considering he was holding his breath and turning bright red) then fell right asleep! It was amazing that he went from one extreme to the other in an instant. One thing's for sure - he's one healthy boy! He weighs 15 pounds and is measuring over 25 inches long - both are off the charts for his age! Thank goodness he was smiling a lot prior to his shots, so Dr. G got to see his happy side for once. :)

We had a fun few days at home with Evan this past weekend. He is all smiles lately and so much fun to interact with. Saturday we took him to lunch with our good friends, Jonathan and Rebecca. Recent photos below:

My cute onesie Aunt JuJu and Alaina got me

Check out my kicks! Dad thought these were pretty cool.

Loungin' in my lamb chair

"I feel so good after my bath!"

Grammy feeding me

Hanging out with Nonna, Aunt Judy and the Trips...


"Born to be Wild..."Thanks Aunt JuJu

With Rebecca at "I Heart Yogurt"