5-in-1

I am a little behind in my postings so instead of creating 4 or 5 different posts I'm going to post them all in one (it'll save me time :)

Post #1 - Parker Noelle

Parker is a girl that I have known for 8 summers now.  She's dived on my summer dive team since she was 10 years old and later became my assistant coach (last summer).  Her parents (Joe and Holly) have always been there to help me as my parent reps for the dive association.  Parker's brother (Tate) has also been one of my divers.  He is now one of the oldest divers and has been a great leader for the little ones.  This family has known me since JT and I had been dating for less than a month.  They celebrated our engagement, came to our wedding, and held Jetman when he was less than 48 hours old.  Needless to say, they hold a special place in mine and JT's hearts.

About 4 weeks ago Parker came down with tonsillitis which later turned into meningitis.  I'm a little hazy on the whole story but somehow Parker's lungs were having a hard time functioning on their own.  Her body needed help.  Parker was heavily sedated for almost 5 days and put on a ventilator.  The ventilator "breathed" for Parker so her energy could be used with the antibiotics to kill the meningitis and help her body heal.  Joe held Parker's hand for the entire night each night and used fingernail scissors to cut out the letters for "Roll Tide" to post in Parker's window in the ICU (she's attending Alabama in the fall).  Holly did everything a good mama does when her child is sick.  Fetching food, taking care of the rest of the family, and doing whatever she could to make Parker more comfortable.  She's become a nurse afterwards by giving Parker medicine even at home.  Quite a strong woman.  These two showed love and strength for their princess that can't be put into words.

After a v-e-r-y long week Parker started fighting like the strong girl she is and took baby steps home.  She had to eat, think, talk, and walk.  Things that were quite difficult to re-learn.  I'm so very proud of her.  She impressed all the doctor's with her quick recovery and never-giving-up attitude.  Jet and I got to visit Holly, Joe, and Parker last week (Tate was at the beach with friends).  She looks great and is on her way to recovery.  She didn't complain one time I was there (even when Jet spewed avocado's all over her!) and has immense respect and thankfulness for her parents.  She's a gem and I love her.  Here's a picture to remember the day.  Way to go Parker, so glad you're home :)

Post #2 - Just some random pics :)

Post #3 - Happy 4th!

JT and I didn't go see fireworks because little man has to go to sleep early.  So we bought some and had a mini celebration together.  It was quite wonderful :)

Woohoo!!

Sparklers are my all time fav.  

Silly hubby

Post #4- Six month numbers

Jet Thomas had his 6 month check-up last Thursday.  He weighed in at 18 pounds 5 ounces (75%), was 27 inches long (75%), and had a 43.5 cm head circumference (50%).  We have a big boy!  I worked in the nursery this past Sunday and all the babies seemed a little "frail" compared to our linebacker :)  I forgot the camera at the doctor's office but got some of him playing afterwards with his Scooby-doo sticker stuck to his back (he got shots this visit so we thought the sticker would make him feel better :)

I really like the swirl in his hair!

Post #5 - Happy Late 4th with the Hayes'!

We were a little bummed that we didn't get to see fireworks on the fourth, but then we were pleasantly informed by a neighbor that Holly Springs puts on a fireworks show on the 5th of July every year (saves them 50% to do it a day later) within a mile of our house!  We got to watch the show from our very front yard.  A few were hidden behind trees but we could see the bulk of them.  It just so happens that Jonathan and Christie Hayes were coming over for dinner that night so they got to partake as well.  Jonathan and JT have been best buds since college, both in each other's weddings and just reliable friends.  Jonathan married the sweetest girl ever so I have a friend to hang out with too :)  They now live in Raleigh and this night was a good reminder that we need to see them more.  Love you 2!  Had a blast!

That's it for now folks!  I think I'm all caught up!  Happy blogging to all and to all a good night.

6 months!!

HALF A YEAR PEOPLE!!  That's how old our little man is.  What an exciting day it was (yesterday) to celebrate and reflect on his short little life thus far.  Here are some little treasures we'd like to remember :)

-He's almost sitting up by himself.  He can sit for a few seconds until he falls to the side.  He really doesn't like to sit.  When you try to balance him he just pushes his hips up and tries to stand.  Keeps my arm muscles strong!

-He's "eating" his feet now.  Sucking on his toes.

-We've gotten some really great belly laughs tickling him :)

-We have taken him to the pool quite often lately.  He kicks in the water and likes to splash (with his feet).  We dunk him and although it's not his favorite thing in the world, he doesn't scream or cry.  I think it's just a new/different feeling.

-He's reaching for e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g and putting whatever he can grasp in his mouth.

-He seems to use his left hand more than his right, but he's been starting to use his right more lately.

-He laughs really hard when you "eat" his hands and feet.

-He's starting to smile reeeeally big when you lift him upside down.

-We think he's going to be an active little guy, kicking and moving all the time.

-He isn't crawling yet, but when we put a toy in front of him he starts to reach for it and tries to move his body to get it.  Another couple weeks and he'll be mobile I think!

-He knows when he's alone now, if I walk out of the room he cries.

-The morning times are the best, he smiles really big, then cuddles into my shoulder for a few minutes, he gets his diaper changed then it's off to get breakfast.  You can tell he's really excited about just being awake :)

-His "ski jumper" arms are starting to fade :(  He always held his arms back like long ski jumpers do when they're in the air.  They are more to his side now which means he's growing up!

-He still really enjoys the changing table.  He's starting to grab the quilt above him so we have to distract him with a toy.

-He's been eating oatmeal, carrots, peas, pears, bananas, peaches, avocados, and butternut squash.  

-Sleeps about 11 hours a night and still has 3 naps, but we're on our way to 2!

-When he gets excited, he squeals, makes an "exciting grunting" noise, and kicks his feet.

-We count to 3 and do fun things, so anytime you start counting now when you get to 2 he starts smiling really big, anticipating whatever's going to happen when you get to 3.

-He's wearing 6 month clothes (will be out of those soon) but 9 month jammies.

-He can roll over and over (not too fast, but getting faster every day), and only rolls to his left.

-His favorite toys are "chewy" (a giraffe that has toys on the end of his feet), and play keys that make noise when you press buttons.  

-Last but not least (disclaimer: this is from his father alone), he officially has hard poops now!

OK, on to the pictures!

Surprise Surprise

My brother Michael has come home several times and each time he manages to make it a surprise.  I was sitting on my couch and I see a car pull up in front of the house.  I don't recognize the car but I do recognize my mom's blonde hair in the passenger seat.  But there's 3 people... Dad's in the back... so who's in the... NO WAY!!  Michael is my oldest brother and has always had a heart for family and home.  He can't stay away too long without recharging back in Cary, NC (even if it's just for one night).  What a treat it is to be here when he recharges.  We proceeded to have an awesome 3 hours of visiting, hand-stand contests (yes, I beat him a couple times and it had nothing to do with the fact that I strategically took the spot not next to the huge TV), laughing, and reminiscing.  Of course he got to hold and feed his nephew.  The next day Jet and I met Michael and Dad for lunch at Chick-fil-A before Michael headed to the airport.  We love you!  You made Monday and Tuesday not so mundane :)

Doing push ups together :)

It was either right at this moment or just before that Jet drooled on his head.  

And Michael's still smiling!

Favorite picture of the visit :)

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Close second favorite.  Look at those guns! (Michael, your arms are kinda big too :)

Unlce Mikey's becoming a pro at these car seats.

Jet's smiling at Dad... a good distraction while getting in the car.

Love this little boy!