Jumping MudPuddles

Merry Merry Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T16:00:00.002-06:00

I hope your days are Merry and Bright! Our crew has enjoyed hanging out these last few days. Truett is enjoying the whole Christmas festivities, he turns 5 next month, Jett just turned 2 and is talking more and more. He also has turned the "fits" on these last couple of days. Hudson is 9 months old and took his first step TODAY! Merry Christmas to us!

I have plenty of pictures from the last few months but as you probably have guessed I have tons of time on my hands. So, hopefully, while I am doing NOTHING these next couple of days I'll try to post a couple.

By the way, amongst all the time I've had lately I still have not lost all of my "Hudson/ Jett" weight. I will be blogging about that. So, please don't burst excitement but I shall return!

Our Christmas Cards...

2011-12-05T21:25:00.001-06:00

We've been plenty busy, but here's a look at our cards.

Wow!!

2011-09-11T21:40:00.001-05:00

It's been over 5 months since blogging.... I'm just getting farther and farther behind. Let me bring you up to date with just a few paragraphs. Since my last post we have had our third sweet baby boy. Hudson Tait graced us with his presence on March 14th. He came 5 days after his due date and weighed in at 7 lbs. 13 oz., 20 inches. It was the least of a transition for our family. Our biggest transition has been going from no children to the first little one. He is such a smiley and happy baby. He started turning over really early, like 12 weeks. Maybe even earlier. He is so verbal, started sleeping 6-8 hours through the night by 3 weeks old and stayed there until about 8-9 weeks and then SLOWLY moved his way up to 12 hours at 4 months or just a couple of days after.

We made a sweet family vacation to Tennessee in July and LOVED it! The older two boys had a blast and Hudson was a huge hit! All the Aunts and Uncles got to love on him. He was the only non-mobile baby so he was held A LOT!! I don't know if I gave him his bottle while we were there. CARRAZY, I know!

Honestly, if I didn't have a ton of work to get the baby weight off each time, I would love to be pregnant again! I love the WHOLE process. But...like I've said before, it's not the pregnancy, labor and newborn stage that is hard, it's raising them. Truett is 4 and sometimes I feel like he has had more schooling in psychology than I have. It's hard to know if I'm doing the right thing.
The best thing I've found is a book called "Shepherding a Child's Heart" it is the most insightful and delightful book I've ever come across. It hits the nail on the head. It's practical and yet completely biblical. I have probably read something like 20-30 parenting books. A lot of great books and, yet, this one is THE best in my opinion.

Not that I've got "IT" down, but I'm constantly seeing areas where I need to work on and pray about. So, now that I've got you semi- caught up, maybe I can stay more updated on my blog and give you more weekly posts.

Faces...

2011-03-09T14:44:00.000-06:00

Oh! How I love his little faces!

Hanging out... Outside

2011-03-05T21:33:00.000-06:00

We are a typical boy family. If it is not too cold or hot or rainy we will most likely be OUTSIDE! The fresh air, the energy the boys wear off, the vitamin D on our faces, it is just heavenly.

Adventures with Daddy

2011-03-02T21:25:00.000-06:00

Truett and Wayne are like two peas in a pod. They are so alike in so many ways. Their love for the outdoors is just one of the many ways they go together so well. Here are some pictures from an unseasonably warm February day.

Truett turned FOUR!

2011-02-28T21:06:00.003-06:00

January was filled with birthday wishes. Truett is getting to be such a big boy. He is even a bigger helper than ever. A considerate little fella and mommy and daddy's sweet big boy. He asked for a Chuck E Cheese, pirate party.

A little catch up!

2011-02-21T15:42:00.000-06:00

Since December we celebrated Christmas, My 29th Birthday, Truett's 4th Birthday, and Mr. Larry's Birthday (my father-in-law). Jett had a minor surgery earlier this month (any surgery is major to mommy). He was a fabulous patient and had so much attention from his nurses. They were smitten (and who wouldn't be). They asked if he was always such a good baby, to which I humbly replied "Yes 'mam". He slept the whole way home and after the first 24 hours almost acted like nothing happened. The first 24 hours he spent most of the time with his "bankie" and in my lap.

On a sad note we had a recent death in our family. My Uncle John aka Big John passed away. We will celebrate his life today and I pray he is at rest with the one true Living God. I have so many sweet memories tucked away. He has to be the biggest guy I've ever known (at the smallest I remember: 6'4'' and about 400 lbs.) and the softest. He and my Aunt Sarah (my mom's sister) took me and my 4 other brothers and sisters to our very first theater movie and made root beer floats with us. They were the only ones my parents ever left us with other than grandparents. They became second parents to me and my siblings and we have many cherished memories because of him and my aunt. I will forever remember and love the sweet man that became my: Uncle John.

I will post some pictures soon, I hope. I have a ton I need to get off my memory card.

What can I say...

2011-02-20T15:07:00.008-06:00

I'm a slacker. No, I've just been terribly busy. I have two weeks or less before my newest handsome fella arrives, and I just started getting things together. Just last weekend I washed up the littlest outfits I could find and made a "washing day" out of it.

This week my sweet mother-in-law bought me a mattress and bedding.

My dearest mom bought me the mattress pad cover, changing pad and changing pad cover, curtains and an organizer for the closet. I was overwhelmed until the items started coming in and Wayne and I put them together.

Now all I am waiting on is the mattress to come in. The crib was a sweet gift from a sweet friend (Brittany), I'm so thankful for God's provisions.

I'm glad I spent my Christmas/ Birthday money on the other things that were needed/wanted. The car seat we bought while I was pregnant with Truett had just about had it, the canopy was irreversibly broken and the seat had a few shabby looking holes.

Also, the big, bulky stroller that we bought just for the car seat has seen better days. I really wanted a double stroller and settled on one I think is just perfect (I've already used it 3 times).

The diaper bag was just a frivolous gift, I love the "bigness" of it and can fit all of my THREE kids things into it. I still carry a sippy cup or water bottle for Truett and Jett still needs diapers, wipes, and sippy cups. We have a emergency basket in our van for the "accidents" of life. We carry changes of clothes and extra things we might need on rare instances.

Jett Benjamin Mullins

2010-12-21T15:59:00.004-06:00

My precious and very active 1 year old. I can't believe how fast your first year flew by! Words cannot express the joy you've brought into our life. You have made Truett a brother and brought so much laughter to him. I know he adores you as much as you look up to him.

You weigh 24 lbs., inches, and have more energy than I thought was possible in a 12 month old. You love to climb and I call you my monkey. Daddy calls you "Dinky Dink" we also often call you "Jetter Beanie" a nickname from your daddy's childhood (He was called "Er Beanie" by Maw Maw). We love hearing you bark like a dog and make sounds like the fire truck. You try to say so many words, I think you are just on the verge of chatting my ear off.

You love to aggravate your brother in "sneaky" ways, like jabbering really loud while he is trying to talk or tell a story. You love being rough and love the game "King Rhinoceros", you will growl when Wayne is close to you and he will growl back; a game you two play!

You're wearing mostly 18 month clothes, some 12-18 months and some 18-24 months. Your feet are long and narrow. You can get off of our pretty high bed and work your way off the couch with your feet first. Not very cautious but a good risk taker. Sometimes you can be quite sneaky.

You love food, and will eat almost anything. Sometimes you will spit something out, but if I try again you almost always will eat the rest of whatever the food is. You drink formula before breakfast, dinner, and bed time. You eat just big boy food for lunch and soon you will for dinner. You love water in your "big boy" sippy cup (has a straw) and love almond milk.

Your dirty blond, wavy hair and beautiful blue eyes make everyone stop and admire "what a cute baby". I try not to show it, but I think you're quite handsome, myself. I love the way you put your head into mine and hold onto me.

You love music, dancing and singing. You love cars and anything on wheels. If something is not on wheels you will try to push it like it had them. You love dogs and firetruck sounds.

You have a favorite blanket and when you see it you will put your two middle fingers (usually on your left hand) and suck on it while you put the blanket in or by your mouth. You take 2 ( two hour) naps and sleep 12.5-13.5 hours at night. You don't miss a beat if you miss your first nap. You have a very calm nature (so far) and play so good by yourself that it worries me sometimes (not really).

I love how you try to sit in EVERYTHING! Anything that is small and has a hole you will try to sit in. You also try to "get" in your books. I found you pulling your "I love you through and through" book off your night stand, opening it up and sitting on the pages like you wanted to get in. You have recently enjoyed reading a quick book, usually when you take your night bottle (I guess it's the only time your still).

I can't wait to see what your personality develops into. I pray for you and your future. I pray that one day God calls you his son and that you marry God's chosen wife for you and together you both raise godly children. I pray God gives me more wisdom as you grow so that I might meet your needs and guide you to the one who will meet all our needs.

I love you my Jett Benjamin Mullins!

Boundaries... with kids part 3

2010-12-18T15:41:00.000-06:00

The Source

In the book, Boundaries for Kids, they outline how children are not born with any resources and must rely on us, their parents, for everything. We are the source of all good things, not only must they have their basic needs met: food, water, shelter, and clothes. They also need immaterial things such as: love, spiritual growth, wisdom, support and knowledge, all of which are out of reach.

Children need to learn how to receive and use responsibility that is given them and gradually take over the role of meeting their own needs. SO, our goal, as parents should be always moving from the source to giving them the resources and confidence they need to be the source and provider of those things mentioned in the above paragraph.

This was calling my name when I read the book: " If parents give without boundaries, children learn to feel entitled and become self-centered and demanding. Ungratefulness becomes a character pattern. If parents hold resources to tightly, children give up and do not develop the hope of reaching goals that have gratifying rewards.

I've been so thankful for this child-training tips and pray God will show me how to use the tips in our everyday life.

Boundaries... with kids part 2

2010-12-15T14:46:00.001-06:00

The manager is hard for me, because letting Truett have consequences and following through with them hurt me almost as much as him. It is most often easier for me to use the rod, or spank, than to use consequences for his actions. I don't recommend replacing the rod, or belt, or whatever you use for utter disobedience or for the things that you have told him (or her) he will get a spanking for. But I really need to start using "If... Then". What I mean is that I should tell Truett "If you push your brother then you will not have any lights on at night night time or no swords for 3 days (a very big deal).

The book, Boundaries for kids explains that a manager makes sure things get done. Goals are reached, demands and expectations are met. Children aren't born with self-discipline this is something "caught", learned through example and explanation. This is why other "discipline" is necessary.

I've heard of the phrase "fake it, til you make it" in business. In child-rearing, boundaries facilitate the process of having the child internalize things that were external to him. What was once external becomes internal. Setting limits and requiring the child to take ownership and responsibility entail a clear understanding of boundaries.

If a farmer had no fence with hundreds of livestock we would think he was a very foolish farmer. But a parent with no boundaries for their child is just as foolish. As is, the parent who has too many boundaries that the child is insecure in taking any risk and therefore will not grow.

I've learned that I must give Truett small (age appropriate tasks such as taking care of his things and household jobs) and outline what will happen if doesn't follow through with the task. I will have to stick to the consequences. This is hard for me and him but best for him in his life. I must do the right things!

Boundaries... with kids

2010-12-13T14:25:00.001-06:00

This book has really opened my eyes. I will just share a few excerpts from the book and share my feelings and opinions.

There are three main points of parenting in the first chapter- from Boundaries:

-Guardian
-Manager
- Source

I'll just cover the first in this post.

The Guardian:

The Guardian protects and preserves the child. Galatians 4:2 says "He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father." Dr. Cloud says, "Children do not possess the wisdom for protecting and preserving their own life. They do not know right from wrong, dangerous from safe, good from better, life from death." They think only of immediate gratification.

Our job, as parents, is to raise wise, godly children who mature into wise, godly adults. Wisdom comes from experience, which all children lack. I have to give Truett (Jett and future children) enough freedom in their boundaries to gain experience but not so much freedom that they will hurt themselves.

"Too little freedom to gain experience and the child forever remains a child. Too much freedom and the child is in danger of hurting himself." - Dr. Henry Cloud

Here are a few sources of danger our children may face if we give them too much freedom:
1. Dangers within themselves
2. Dangers in the outside world.
3. Inappropriate freedoms they are unable to handle at the current time
4. Never appropriate or evil actions, behaviors, or attitudes
5.Their own regressive tendency to remain dependent and avoid growing up.

I have a tendency to do things for Truett because they are easier for me to do and making Truett do them would take three times as long. In the end I know he will only be the kind of man I would like him to be if I teach him to do things the right way and spend the time to show him.

This is very hard for me since time is a very limited resource, and it doesn't look like I'll be getting any MORE time in the near future! I also have been trying to make things easier on him because I don't want him to feel the affects of failure, rejection, and hard times. I am helping Truett learn from his mistakes by letting him experience the repercussions of his actions (good or bad) and explaining why they happened. No, I'm not letting him fly off cliffs or hurt himself, but when I can, I try to let him feel the "natural" effects of doing things he shouldn't.

How do you (or have you or will you) balance between too much freedom and too little freedom?

When the going gets tough...

2010-12-10T14:05:00.004-06:00

When Truett was a baby I had my ideas of "tough". Getting him to go back to sleep when he woke up early from a nap, eating table food exclusively, or just getting the concept of "no-no". These days there is a whole new realm of "tough". Issues like: obeying immediately, not arguing or "talking back", or just being unkind to his younger brother. Don't get me wrong he is great when it comes to helping me cleanup or checking on his brother. Sometimes he is an angel that can do "no" wrong. BUT... there are days when I'm asking him not to whine more than I should or asking him not to push his brother, or saying "don't ask why, just obey". I feel like a failure on those days, but I know I am a mother, who's not perfect, saved by grace and wanting and striving to bring my children up in the ways of the Lord. This is not my excuse to be lazy in doing those things, it's me being honest with you.

Many months ago my mother-in-law told me of a book she's reading called Boundaries, she went on and on about how great it was. I looked it up and found Boundaries With Kids; after reading the reviews and reading an excerpt I put it on my wish-list. Within a week or two my sweet mother-in-law picked it up and gave me an early Christmas gift! I started reading it yesterday and became greatly intrigued and enlightened.

I have only read the first chapter and started on the second. I probably won't agree with everything they say or teach but these guys seem very wise and biblical (so far). I feel like everything (so far) lines up with God's Word and is very beneficial. I thought I might share a little through my blog on the highlights and lessons that help me the most.

Right now I struggle with doing the right thing v/s the easy thing. Before me is the biggest challenge of my life (parenting) and without God, and his Word, I know this will be an insurmountable task. Wayne is both my biggest cheerleader and worst critic (I need both). God, please give me the strength to do the right thing more than the easy thing. It's not all about Truett, but Jett and this (no named) itty bitty are still going through the "other" tough times.

Jett's 1st Birthday

2010-11-21T21:03:00.002-06:00

Truett Jackson Mullins

2010-11-16T16:37:00.000-06:00

Oh! How I love your smile! You are our firstborn son, a bright smile comes over our face when we talk about you. We have lots of nicknames for you: Train, Jacksonator, Pirate Truett, Captain Truett, and brother.You are 3 years and 9 months. Our blond hair, blue-eyed boy. You love pirates, dinosaurs, swords (oh, do you love them), burying treasure, looking at pirate maps and finding "X" marks the spot, you LOVE being silly (especially around your friends), you are your brother's most avid protector and sometimes the biggest aggravation too!

You want to understand everything, and if you do not get it the first time you will keep saying "Huh?". You love to get "Sansitizer" from Jett's changing table, because you are so big. You have been going into a bathroom stall (anywhere we go) and use the bathroom with NO help, because you need your privacy. I think it's so cute that you say, "People can't come in here because I don't want them to see my privacy", You still call Wal-Mart, "Mal-Mart" most of the time, unless I make you say it slowly. You love to drink water, juice, and blue Powerade (and in that same order), your favorite foods would include: yogurt (which you can't eat much of due to your excema), cheese, popcorn, and cheese quesadilla and mexican or flavored rice. You like chicken nuggets and fries, grilled cheese, bacon, pistachios, peanuts and random snack food.

When your daddy teaches business classes you think he is at church, you call Sunday School, your school. You love bugs and anything that I would call "icky". Since our long trip to NC, you ask us every time we leave the house "Is this going to be a long trip?" or "How far is this trip?". When I told you that the Bible says "We should do all things without grumbling or complaining" you said in your best pirate voice "Well then, I'll have to chop of Jesus' head!", I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I wish I could remember all the things you say and I will have to remember those clever remarks you tell me. You love all my lady friends probably as much as their children or me!

I pray that you become a godly, well respected, well mannered, servant to others who loves the Lord, your wife, your children. It is a privilege and an honor to be your mother! I love you Truett Jackson Mullins!

When your brother's having fun...

2010-11-12T15:39:00.000-06:00

just sit back, relax, and enjoy mommy's undivided attention!

Having Fun

2010-11-09T15:26:00.006-06:00

at the Pecan Festival.

Truett and two other little boys were the only ones on this ride and they wanted to ride in the same car. So, the little boys climbed in and the three of them had a blast!

Perhaps Truett's favorite, the fun house.
A nice hot air balloon ride

Truett is so big on his motorcycle.

I'm pretty sure...

2010-10-23T14:28:00.000-05:00

being a brother and having a brother is pretty awesome!!

What could be better...

2010-10-20T16:13:00.003-05:00

than spending time with family. In late September into early October we took a loooong trip to see Wayne's brother and sister-in-law and their sweet little boy, Ethan. We took our time up there and on the way back. Truett loved it and Jett was just enjoying the ride. They did terrific.

When daddy gets a little crazy with a camera...

2010-09-16T15:47:00.000-05:00

How my scrapbooking looks...

2010-09-12T15:33:00.001-05:00

Keigan, 7 months

Truett Jackson 3 and a half
Kerigan 3 and a half and Jett Benjamin 9 months
Keigan and Truett

I don't have the time that I'd like to have to scrapbook, but the computer is great when you don't have much time. So, this is my scrapbook. Let me share with you.

Happy Birthday, Poppa!

2010-09-08T06:39:00.000-05:00

We hope your Day is special and you know we love you very much!!

We hope your Day is special and you know we love you very much!!

A baby boy is sunshine...

2010-09-08T06:25:00.000-05:00

...And moonbeams & more.
Brightening your world
As never before.

Truett, the Brave

2010-09-06T06:00:00.000-05:00

Who's afraid of snakes? Momma! But at the Safari Truett wanted to hold this boa constrictor and mom let him against her better judgment. I guess all is well that ends well!

Hoping Fall Hops Here Real Soon...

2010-09-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

because we are running out of Inside Activities! :)

Camels, Giraffes, Zebras, Snakes...

2010-08-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

A recent birthday party brought us to a local attraction. A Safari. An off-road adventure for our oldest. He was enjoying every minute.

Changes are coming...

2010-08-27T21:38:00.001-05:00

In the last month or two I've noticed many changes in the boys. Truett has a new found investment in his brother. He has a built in playmate, a guinea pig, and an audience. His younger brother has always thought the world of him but now, Truett is giving him more and more to enjoy.

Jett will be 9 months this Sunday and I'm not grieving my little one growing up, no, not now! I can enjoy the stage he is now, he loves to sing. It doesn't matter what, just anything. He sings in the bath with Truett (which he thinks is just loud). He sings anytime I start to hum or softly sing. He plays very well by himself and other than that I proclaim him to be a momma's boy.

Truett is talking on a whole level above what I think a 3.5 year old should. He is in a stage where he asks "Does a camel have to potty?" Or "Do bears have to take a bath?" He loves animals and has a recent interest in Diego (a carton about a little boy that rescues animals). He still loves pirates and above all pirate maps/ treasure.

I am 12.5 weeks and can't believe I'm out of the first trimester. It was a little rougher this time around. I had about 3 weeks of almost nausea all day. I am so thankful it is not as bad as some stories I've heard. I am beginning to feel bloated at night. I lost 2 lbs. in the last 4 weeks, but I think that is mostly the weight I haven't lost from Jett and thanks to the recent queasiness.

More changes are coming this fall. Look forward to changes coming to the blog this fall also.

Monkey See, Monkey Do...

2010-08-25T15:04:00.002-05:00

My two little monkeys!

Cousins take 2

2010-07-23T10:39:00.000-05:00

Cousins

2010-07-23T07:32:00.001-05:00

How they love one another! Almost like brother and sister.

Animal crackers

2010-07-22T07:29:00.000-05:00

are so good, especially if they are iced with sprinkles!

Showing me how old he is...

Teaser..

2010-07-21T10:37:00.000-05:00

More to come...

Dog Days of Summer...

2010-07-21T07:15:00.002-05:00

When it gets hot... swim!

15 months...

2010-07-14T21:05:00.002-05:00

That is how old Jett will be when this little one makes their debut! We never planned to have these two so close, but at least they will be playmates (or at least I hope so). Truett will be 4 in January and Jett will be 1 at the end of November this one's due date is March 9th! Ah ya ya! Here we go again. I have my first doctor's appointment in 2 weeks. I'm 6 weeks along right now. We just started back at our workout place this week and I still have about 8 pounds to lose. I hope to lose another 5 lbs. before I plateau and start gaining. I hope to gain no more than what I weighed with Jett in the end. I have a few things I want to talk about but they will have to wait until another time. I'm tired!

Déjà vu...

2010-07-09T15:19:00.002-05:00

Here we go again...Oy vey!

Brothers...

2010-07-07T10:00:00.002-05:00

that's what they'll always be!

Look at that awful face!

Don't smile too hard, Truett!

More Summer fun...

2010-07-05T09:56:00.000-05:00

7 months...

2010-07-04T09:41:00.000-05:00

Jett turned 7 months last week and has been so much fun and work lately.

Fun: Work:
-He is crawling - He is crawling :)
-He loves food -He makes a horrible mess while eating
-He is so sweet - He puts EVERYTHING in his mouth (why is this surprising this go-round)
on his mommy,
-He says "da-da"
-He loves the game
"Where's Jett?"
-He loves to watch Truett
& thinks everything he does
is amazing and funny
-He has one tooth on the bottom
and one about to come through
- very happy and this is coming
from a "Babywise momma"

His schedule is this:
9 am wake, eat, play
11 am nap
1pm wake, eat, play
3 pm nap
5 pm wake, eat, play
8 pm night night (with a night-night bottle)

Yes! You read correctly he sleeps 13 hours and takes two (2) hour naps! More on a babywise life later! Don't be mad... it takes a little work, a mom who needs her sleep and rest, and a little structure!

Sometimes life is just sweet

2010-07-03T13:34:00.000-05:00

He has made our rainy days less of a drag and our sunny days even better!

June went something like this...

2010-07-02T21:20:00.002-05:00

Truett the workerman... part 2

2010-05-24T19:01:00.001-05:00

Can you tell this boy loves tractors, backhoes, bulldozers, etc..

Truett the workerman

2010-05-24T07:58:00.000-05:00

I knew this chest of drawers would come in handy

2010-05-23T19:56:00.000-05:00

What did you say? Maw Maw is getting a...

2010-05-23T07:50:00.000-05:00

Pool!!!

We are beside ourselves. We have been enjoying the mountains of dirt here lately and will update with more pictures soon! Here's our King of the Mountains covered in dirt!

5 months and then... 6

2010-05-22T15:24:00.006-05:00

Jett will be 6 months old this next week. He is so precious to me. I am so blessed to have Jett and Truett. My two little buddies. Since I haven't done this before (on the blog) let me update everyone. If you haven't met Jett you have missed out on a treat. He has such a sweet disposition, of course I think it only helps that he is on such a great schedule! Have I mentioned he is on Babywise!! Oh! I can't tell you how much I love it. He started formula exclusively this week :(

Jett- will go for his 6 month check-up this week, but let me add a few things for him at 6 months:

-He loves people
loves to smile
loves to laugh
loves his big brother and bigger kids
loves one on one attention
loves to turn from back to tummy and then from tummy to back
-He doesn't love food as much as Truett did
-He take 5 bottles a day
-He get across the room by turning in circles
-He has gotten on all fours but doesn't do it that often
-He drinks between 7-10 ounces each time
-He wears 9 month old onesies and some 6-9 month old clothes
-He started rolling from tummy to back at 4 months and back to tummy at 4.5 months
-He has been sitting up on his own for up to 5 minutes and still falls occasionally, usually only making it a minute or so
-He would rather watch his big brother when his big brother watches tv (not that I EVER let them watch tv) :)
-He sleeps 12 hours every night.

His day goes like this:
up at 8 or 8:30 - eat breakfast
nap at 10
up at 12pm - eat lunch
down at 2pm
up at 4pm - eat dinner
"cat" nap at 6-6:45
Take "night night" bottle at 8:30

Praise God for Babywise!

This was his "5 month pictures" - 6 month pictures to come next week...

Aww man...

2010-05-18T16:06:00.002-05:00

I can't believe I did it again. I have failed at updating you all like I want. I suck at this. I try but this is the last thing I get to. I have stayed so busy cleaning, cooking (more like grilling), playing with my boys and their daddy, exercising, visiting with family and much much more. I hope to update more this week and next. I can't believe next week my littlest boy will be 6 months old. Time has flown by. I have so much to update you on. I will have to pace myself... this could take a while! :)

Jett... 4 MONTHS!

2010-04-11T16:09:00.000-05:00

So much to say: Between his 3rd month and 4th month birthday Jett started cereal and then veggies. He loves sweet potatoes, and carrots. We will start him on the greens soon. He still breastfeeds exclusively and has taken formula once or twice to see if he was still hungry. He sleep usually 10 hours at night (sometimes 9.5 sometimes 10.5) He takes (2) 2.5 hr. naps and (1) 45 min. - 1 hour nap. He is so sweet and funny. He laughs a lot! He coos and talks, he has even tried to sing with me several times. He loves watching Truett in motion. He loves to woo his mommy and says watch out daddy, I've got her wrapped around my little fingers!

Don't Pick Your Nose

2010-04-10T16:07:00.000-05:00

Poor thing woke up from his nap recently and I found his face covered in blood and his pillow stained. And, yes, I still let him sleep with his paci at nap time.

March

2010-04-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

Just 10 days after Jett turned 3 months old he turned over from his tummy to his back. It surprised me and I think I was not ready for this grand occasion. What surprised me the most is that my camera was in my hands (does that ever happen). I didn't think he was old enough. I mean, I know he will eventually but come on can't it be in like a year or two. I have so enjoyed this little boy that this just means the inevitable is coming... he will grow up! :(

Jett in March

2010-04-09T13:57:00.000-05:00

Can you find me...

2010-04-08T20:54:00.000-05:00

Can you find me mommy?

Look closely and you can see my piggies
Can you see me yet, mommy?
TA-DA!

March

2010-04-08T15:48:00.002-05:00

Eating his Blue Cupcake

Truett and Jett
Truett entertaining us in his mommy's cowboy boots!
Jett turned 3 months

Video from adventures...

2010-03-18T13:53:00.002-05:00

Last of the Adventures...well for now!

2010-03-12T21:08:00.000-06:00

A New Adventure...

2010-03-12T08:58:00.000-06:00

More of the same

2010-03-11T18:55:00.000-06:00

More adventures

2010-03-11T09:27:00.000-06:00

Big Boy and Outside Adventures

2010-03-10T13:22:00.000-06:00

Truett and Wayne had a few adventures. They bundled up and headed for the great outdoors. Okay, so it was only woods behind our house. He is such a big boy.

Cold February

2010-03-09T13:20:00.000-06:00

This little boy melts me... I'm sure you can see why!

February, came and went...

2010-03-08T20:58:00.006-06:00

So I will try to post pictures all week and catch you up on our life. We had snow (a good bit for Louisiana) and Truett was old enough to enjoy it. All he wanted to do was throw snowballs at us and he wanted us to pretend to cry. He is so funny!

Long nights... long days!

2010-02-27T13:12:00.000-06:00

Jett slept 10 hours last night... whew! I was in pain. I got up at 6 so I could pump. I fed Jett the bottle when I woke him up at 7:30. He sucked down 8 and a half ounces. He must have been so hungry! He has not gone that long at night so, I was ready for him to wake up. I hope my body adjusts really fast. I don't have much else to say, but here are a few pictures from when Truett and I made cupcakes. We waited until we were all finished to lick the batter.

Sweet sleepless nights

2010-02-25T14:46:00.003-06:00

So much catching up to do...

2010-02-25T13:56:00.002-06:00

Now off to sleep I go!

Late January
Truett playing with his lizards
Our little "pirate"

Jett is such a sweet baby
He gets sweeter

Truett had a great birthday party last month

2010-02-17T13:42:00.000-06:00

Truett's birthday came and went. We had so much fun celebrating with our friends. I can't believe my big boy is 3. Thank you God for my little buddy!

Updated

2010-02-16T13:25:00.003-06:00

Here is an update of most of January through pictures. Forgive me for letting myself go! I'll try to do better now. ;)

Jett (after his bath)

Having some playtime with mommy.
Captain Truett
My oldest sister, Nicole, had her second child, Keigan on January 22, 2010. Welcomed with the help of big sister, Kerigan.

Truett's 3rd birthday party to come.

Where is my beloved... SPRING!!??

2010-02-09T14:06:00.004-06:00

I've been stuck inside for the last 2+ months and I'm soo ready to get out in the warm, Louisiana, Spring weather. This has to be the longest winter, ever! I have plenty of pictures to share with you. So, I hope to have many posts to come.

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T04:19:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures from the last few weeks!

Jeremiah (my nephew) with his youngest cousin
Truett got "ticketed". He loves to pretend he gives others tickets and this time daddy gave him some tickets.
Jett wakin Truett up from his nap.
Truett waking Jett up from his nap!
Brotherly Love

Merry Christmas Eve!

2009-12-24T16:12:00.000-06:00

So we have been home for over 3 weeks now, but a little behind on posting :) I'm sure you guys understand!

Here is proud mommy with her newest son!Mommy and her sweetest big boy!
He makes us laugh so much!
My sweet little boy, I love the gown and little hat!

Jett Benjamin

2009-12-23T15:51:00.002-06:00

He's here! After being 6 days late and being told he weighed 8 lbs. Jett Benjamin arrived:

November 29, 2009
6 pounds 13 ounces
20 inches
5:14 a.m.

He looked so small. I did get my VBAC, and almost LOVED labor. We arrived at the hospital at 10:30 and was only 3 cm and 100% effaced they told me the effacing takes the longest time, the dilation goes quickly, and boy did it ever. From midnight to 4 am I went from a 4 to fully dilated! They came in and told me to take a few "practice" pushes... after the first push the nurse said "Call the doctor, the baby is in the birth canal". After about 6 contractions he was out. I'll hopefully give the long version later.

t

Good-Bye! Hello!

2009-11-24T22:18:00.000-06:00

Good-bye 40 weeks! Hello 41 weeks! I was due this past Monday and still waiting on my sweet little Jett to arrive. I have been have BH contractions for months now. In the last week they have become regular, then sometimes after resting they slack up a bit! I can't believe sometimes I get a minute long contraction every 5 minutes for 2 hours or more. I lost my mucous plug and have been having more TMI than you can imagine. I have menstrual like cramping on and off throughout the day but no "Gotta go to the hospital" signs! I am 1 cm and 100% effaced, I just wonder if he is waiting on something (I guess his given birthday). So, my guess was way wrong and will have to guess another day. I've officially changed it to this Thursday the 26th. Maybe a turkey baby!

Rockin Truett and the Wiggles!

2009-11-24T13:12:00.003-06:00

Truett is into the Wiggles... he loves to play his guitar and use a feather for a sword (Captain Feathersword) Since I'm as huge as a house I don't get to dance as much as I'd like, I've resorted to taking pictures. :)

WHAT!!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-21T16:44:00.003-06:00

40 weeks!!?? What do you mean 40 weeks!! I didn't think I'd make it to 38 but now I'm 40 weeks! ugvbfvjnfbusfhbu... I guess I just need to be thankful for a growing boy inside of me and praise the Lord for the sweet nearly 3 year old boy that is outside of me and the precious and giving husband that is my helper and rock! I was leaning over the counter today, trying to take the pressure off my back and Wayne said "Wow! I need to get a picture of this". My stomach is huge! No stretch marks but my skin won't hold back too much longer! :) I am glad we took these pictures because I never thought I'd make 40 weeks let alone did I think I would get so big! I have gained right at 30 pounds and I don't think I will go another week (although I have been wrong before) ;P

So here it is:

2009-11-18T14:09:00.000-06:00

Love those sweet hands...

He was getting use to the paint between his fingers.

I think he likes it!
See daddy!
Can I paint myself?

He was ready to get clean after this!

Lovely days and dirty hands...

2009-11-18T06:02:00.000-06:00

Wayne has been so helpful while I'm about to burst! Last weekend we bought finger paint and Truett painted rocks and boxes and himself! He loved it. He had his face painted at the Fall Festival and we have been painting around the house, so, this gave him the ability to get some of that creative energy out. He is not one for getting his hands too messy, but he made an exception this time. :) More pictures to come.

Not doing much of anything

2009-11-17T13:48:00.004-06:00

Do you spot Truett?

Now can you?

Surely you see him now! He is our BIG helper!

Pool? or Poll?

2009-11-07T19:52:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to set up a guessing game for our little one. Jett Benjamin is 2 weeks away from his due date. Here are a few facts to help you guess:

Truett (our firstborn) was born at 38.5 weeks.
Weighing 6.8 lbs. and 19 3/4 inches.
He was born via c-section at 10:50 p.m., January 25th, 2007.

We are trying for a spontaneous labor that we hope to be a vbac (vaginal birth after cesarean).
At 37.5 weeks he weighed (via ultrasound) 6.9 lbs. I haven't dilated much if any. So, there you have it. Now, make your guess as to when he will be born and measurements, any additional information is a bonus. I'll post my prediction as a comment.

Happy Halloween, Argh!

2009-11-03T13:55:00.001-06:00

Truett was a pirate this year. He started telling people in August he was going to be a pirate, so I guess we knew what he wanted to be, but we have some strange weather here in Louisiana. It could be 90 degrees and smoldering or 45 and freezing! I usually try to go light on the clothes and then layer. It was hard to do this year. We went to a fall festival at our church and he came out of (almost) his entire costume within 5 minutes. We did take a few shots before.

Mommy and Pirate Truett!
Arghh! I can't see you dad!
Why do yer keep starin at me?
Okay so the only cute one here is Truett. I think Wayne was asking if we had to take a picture and mommy's face is so swollen it looks like her tummy! Only 2 more weeks!

Go Rockstar Anabelle and Prirate Fancy Pants!
Anabelle

Playing games and getting sleepy!

Getting his face painted! He really liked that part.

Hey Mama!

One last trip to the zoo

2009-11-02T13:46:00.000-06:00

We made a trip to the zoo last week, I'm pretty sure this will be our last visit unless I get a craving for another train ride. :) We had a great time and Maw Maw asked if she could join us. We said "Shoot yea, the more the merrier!" Now for a few more errands and some meals frozen and we should have a newborn! Here we go!

What?! Truett hold still, never! We are dealing with boys!

Maw Maw and her pumpkin

Sit right here Mommy!

9 months...Oy Vey!

2009-11-01T13:40:00.004-06:00

Wowwee! What a belly and this boy is growing! I'm a little behind on my pictures and updates. I'm now in my 38th week, Any day now...

So, I guess I should update, huh?

2009-10-30T13:41:00.003-05:00

In the last month:
-We've moved
-Had a baby shower
-Had my sister's baby shower
-Had a birthday party
-Had 3 doctor appointments

We have been busy trying to settle down and get things put away. Truett is doing great and adjusting better than I am. We just moved up the road, so it's not like we are far away, but it is different. Truett did ask a few times to go back to our "home", that was enough to make me sad.

Jett's baby shower was great, lots of baby things and I can't wait to meet this little man who has overtaken my body. He is getting so big and will make his debut in 3 weeks or less!

My sister, who lives out of town, had her baby shower last weekend. I can't wait to have all these babies around again. She will be having her 2nd (a little boy) in January and I believe this will be their last. I guess this will be the last time we do our pregnancies "together".

Our sweet friend, Anabelle, had her 2nd birthday party also last weekend and we had a ball. Eating too much and playing too hard. Happy Birthday, "Antabelle" Rhee!

Oh yea, Doctor's appointments are going well. We will have an ultrasound next week to check this little guy's weight and see if I'm dilating. He is head down and "engaged". We toured the new Women's & Children's Hospital and loved the LDR suites. It's just around the corner.

Truett leaves little toys like this laying around and I'm reminded of HOW MUCH I love boys!!!

Beautiful Saturday

2009-10-04T06:58:00.000-05:00

One of our small local airports (if you can call it that) has a "fly-in" every first Saturday of the month. We've been to a few and this past weekend some friends of ours join us.

Truett's ~~letting Anabelle be the guinea pig~~ being a gentleman.

Anabelle really watched the airplanes take off and land, Truett, on the other hand only wanted to announce an airplane was landing or taking off. I'm sure this is something he learned from his daddy! :)

I love this picture of Anabelle!
Mrs. Challie and Anabelle

Finally a break.

Okay, I think that was long enough!

It's a tough life...

2009-10-03T15:34:00.003-05:00

but somebody has to do it!

"What's that momma? Someone needs to mow our lawn?"

"I'll start right here and go to there."

"Okay, let me start my engine up!"

"And put it in gear. What's that? What sound does it make?"

"Vrrroooommmm!"

"I make sure I'm cutting in a straight line, just like daddy does."

"Who needs a yard man when you have me!?!"

"Does it look good, mommy?"

My hard working big boy loves to ride his "Mawn Mower"!

Boy Oh Boy!

2009-09-29T06:14:00.000-05:00

This little, ahem big, boy makes my day! He is such a joy to mother and I'm so thankful God entrusted him to us. I'm a very lucky (blessed) mommy!
I can't believe in just 6-8 short weeks he will be a big brother and I will have two precious sons. This is what I was created to do and be.

Truett is reading "Ellison the Elephant". He has the cd playing and following along. He knows when to turn the page by the sound on the cd/book.

Truett relaxing on Friday evening, we watched an Elmo show and he loved him.

8 months!

2009-09-27T21:31:00.003-05:00

Move over mommy, Jett is making his presence known! Jett is getting so very big. I'm shocked and a little ready that we have 6-8 weeks left. Shocked because it's gone by so fast already. I'm not ready for him to be here. We don't have his room set up. We are supposed to move in the next 2-3 weeks. Which gives me 3-5 weeks to get things in order and most of that time I will be as big as a house! A little ready because I'm getting BIG and cumbersome. My nights have been filled with potty breaks ranging from ever 1.5 - 4 hours, errrrhhh! I am not overly uncomfortable but definitely moaning and belly aching a good deal. My baby shower is less than 2 weeks away and I have to Christmas shop and decorate and move and set up the nursery before he gets here. A little overwhelming, but maybe it will give me something to do. Since I'm not exercising as much these days I've cut back to 2-3 days a week, due to the strength of the contractions. I don't want the exercise to do too much work on my body and help me dilate before time to deliver. BUT I have a feeling he will not make it to his due date, Thanksgiving week! I think I've grown since I took these pictures. :) Maybe I will post a 8 1/2 month picture.

Oh, my aching feet!

2009-09-14T15:38:00.005-05:00

30 weeks

I haven't been to workout in nearly 2 weeks, Truett had the flu and then a lingering cough, so, we stayed in as much as possible. I took it easy (okay, so, not really). I went at it like a mad woman, it felt so good to be hitting the elliptical and getting my heartrate up a little. I felt really good after working out and then came the grocery trip. We headed to the dreaded WAL-MART, was today a holiday? It's not that packed unless it's a holiday or Christmas time. We ran into a few people and then seemed to walk forever and ever. My right foot had a stabbing pain in the bottom of it and my legs started aching as soon as we walked in. I have never been more ready to leave a store than I was today. I got home as quickly as I could, gave Truett a quick lunch and sat down with a bowl of cereal for lunch! I was too tired to fix my yummy avocado, tomato, cucumber, spinach and balsamic vinegarette like usual. I was too tired. I headed for a nap as soon as Truett was down for his nap and woke up to do sink full of dishes (we don't have a dishwasher). I find my legs are still throbbing. I guess I really over did it today. I don't remember getting so worn out with Truett but maybe having a sweet and busy 2 year old might add a little to my plate ;) It may seem like I'm complaining, but believe me, there is NOTHING I would rather be doing right now than to be bringing my 2 year old to the potty and watching this new little man wiggle around in a cramped tummy! I love my life, just want to moan and belly ache, now back to paradise!

We can't wait for Fall...

2009-09-14T08:39:00.000-05:00

but we are sure enjoying the late summer rain.

7 years ago today...

2009-09-13T06:43:00.000-05:00

I married the man of my dreams! 9-13-02

Our honeymoon in Jamaica

Our 2 year wedding anniversary '04

Our 3 year wedding anniversary in Orlando '05

Our 5 year anniversary, Santa Fe '07

As you can see once we had Truett our pictures became less about us and more about the family.
Summer '08

Easter '09

Happy Anniversary, Wayne!

I love you!!!!
Wednesday, September 13th 2000, Wayne asked me to be start our journey together.
Thursday, September 13th 2001, Wayne asked me to be his wife.
Friday, September 13th 2002, I said "I do" and I made the CATCH of my life. :)

Rain + Little Boys = Fun

2009-09-12T13:35:00.001-05:00

He didn't have his rain boots (we left them at his grandparents). Oh well! He loved the rain anyway!

rANdOM

2009-09-10T09:31:00.000-05:00

sHOTs...

Look Ma, No hands!

2009-09-09T09:23:00.000-05:00

We didn't realize that the bike had a seat (you could fold it up and down). This was really a cool, old-school bike.
Found how to pull the seat up.
He loves unicycles but says he might have to get big like daddy before he rides it by himself. Smart boy, huh ma?

Aunt? Cousin?

2009-09-08T21:18:00.002-05:00

Truett has 2 cousins (one Rebekah and one Rebecca) plus a Aunt Rebecca. He calls all of them Aunt Becca, I think it's confusing although he knows that the two are his cousins he still calls them "Aunt". He sure did have fun over the weekend with "Aunt" Rebecca and Rachel.

Shreveport and Birthday

2009-09-07T10:05:00.000-05:00

Happy 82nd Birthday Paw Paw James. We enjoyed are visit and can't wait until next time.

Greeting Maw Maw Dorothy (Wayne's dad's mom)

Happy 82nd Birthday, Paw Paw James!

4 generations of Mullins' men

Big Boy Bed

2009-09-06T19:46:00.000-05:00

Truett just moved into a big boy bed last month. It was a great transition and I'm so glad we waited this long. He loves it, but actually misses his crib a little. He said once or twice "You can put my crib back in here, mama." I just say yea, but Truett is getting so BIG that he needs a Big Boy bed.

Whoops... so long 7 months...

2009-09-03T15:59:00.003-05:00

I've been slacking. I past up 7 months and forgot to post a picture while I was there. :) So here goes...

I went to see the doctor for my 28th week appointment and measure 28cm (which means I'm right on target). I was up two pounds in 2 weeks (also right on target) and I'm exactly the same shape and size and weight I was with Truett. I'm still having the contractions but still no change in cervix. I had 12 contractions in 1 hour last week and that is a concern, but it's doing nothing to my cervix and I think I'm just gearing up for game day in roughly 10 weeks. I think I will have Jett between 38-39 weeks. I was 38 weeks and 3 days with Truett and think I might hold out to 39 weeks with this one, although, you never know exactly when labor will come.

I'm officially waddling (or at least I think so). We registered at Target and finished all paper work at Cabrini Hospital (where we will deliver). My next doctor's appointment I will go over lab results and birth plan. After the appointment I'll register (at Life's Little Treasures) for my shower 3 weeks later. My iron was borderline (I'm always borderline anemic) so I will start doubling up on my iron. I passed my glucose test (diabetes test) and feel pretty good besides the extra poundage I'm carrying around. :)

Earlier in the month...

2009-08-28T13:08:00.001-05:00

Before we went to Michigan I took this video. Wayne and I watched it while we were gone when we needed to see him.

When you hear a heli

2009-08-24T06:50:00.000-05:00

Wow! This thing is huge, mommy!

Can I touch it mommy? Just touch it, Truett. He obeys so well! :)

Anytime we hear a helicopter overhead Truett says "There goes Mr. Tyler!" Not only helicopters but anything in the sky has to have Mr. Tyler in it. He loves to see Mr. Tyler and Mrs. Bridget, so when we get a chance to go visit them he is so excited. He especially loves going to see Mr. Tyler at work, "Why? You ask." Because he flies helicopters and we might just get to see the helicopter or maybe even (gasp) sit in the helicopter. Thank you Mr. Tyler for letting us hang out with you and sit in the "heli".

Aggghhhhh

2009-08-23T21:38:00.004-05:00

Our home computer has been plagued by a virus of some sort recently. We had just thrown away our restore disk just weeks before our computer went AWOL on us (go figure). So we basically deleted our whole computer and saved what we could on our external hard drive. I forgot and put more pictures of this summer and misc. things and then deleted the computer (thinking I had saved the pictures). Well, I lost many of this summers photos. I only have a few miscellaneous ones. So, I'll leave you with a few we took in Michigan. We ate so good and I loved spending time alone with Wayne, I know these times are few.

A Zingerman's Brownie and Famous Coffee

Zingerman's Deli
Zingerman's Store
Yum.... Zingerman's Bread
Chili Cheese Fries (Zingerman's Roadhouse)

Can you tell we LOVED Zingermans!

Our trip to Michigansota!

2009-08-18T22:00:00.002-05:00

Before we left for our trip to Michigan, Wayne's mom kept asking, "Now where are y'all going?" "Michigan or Minnesota?" Truett would say, again, "Mitchagan, Maw Maw!" Right before we left Truett asked "Mama, are you going to Michigansota?"

Would you like a iced mocha latte today?

2009-08-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

Truett has a wonderful memory, he keeps us on our toes. He remembers things we have long forgotten. Sunday Truett asked Wayne "would you like a iced mocha latte today, daddy?". We looked at one another and realized Truett was repeating something we totally dismissed while getting a coffee at McDonald's. The drive-thru has a recording that comes on automatically, it says "Would you like to try one of our iced mocha lattes today?", Wayne said "No, thank you. I'd like a medium coffee." That was it. BUT, Truett remembered and asked Wayne later.

I know there is a lot more than "lattes" going into his mind.