Happy Fourth.

This is where I spent most fourth of July weekends up until high school and pre-marriage. It’s right down from the K&P Access on St. Simons Island. There’s really nothing glamorous about this place, but it is so memory-inducing for me. St. Simons was our beach! I love this photo. We were either under one of the umbrella’s or near them.

When I was very small there were steps in front of the resort down to the beach. Erosion destroyed the steps.  Now it is just a bunch of boulders.

 

Here’s another nostalgic photo that reminds of the week at the island on the Fourth of July.  I remember always going in Strother’s Hardware in the  Village. It was one of the few stores there. It was down from the dime store and Dressner’s Cafe and across from Clifton’s Ice Cream (which is where Barbara Jean’s is now). Dad and Mom always had some sort of project like painting the exterior, or building a deck, repairing the floor. It seemed he would visit Strother’s daily to shop for materials and find new dreams for fixing up the place.

umbrella photo via King and Prince

strother’s photo from jennifer george

Happy Fourth Everyone! I’m staying in Statesboro for the Firecracker Festival.

Kinda different from St. Simons, but fun all the same.

Happy Thursday

 

Happy Thursday. I love this photo of these whimsical cupcake planters.

What do you think: are they cute or what?
Aside from wowing you with the picture of the dainty, colorful terra cotta wonders, I have to tell you about my life in the Hulsey hood.  Well, to tell you the truth, I am free, free, free, free fallin’.  Our boy is sleeping. 

 

Ahhh, yeah.  At least a little. Five hours last night to be precise. All the bad boys are hiding in the shadows. And, I am freeeee. Now I am free fallin’.  That is one of the longest spans of slumber I have had in over three months. I want to ride it. I want to ride this wave as far as I can. Even with the side effects the Prevacid is the answer to the happiness of our baby. Now, I am free fallin’.  Oh, he is so yummy. Mama is happily surprised by the mood-elevation-magic of a little slumber.

Here he is living it up while Beatrice played in the back yard.

 

I really can not explain how liberating and wonderful it is to have our little man feeling a little better.  Thank you Bulloch Pediatrics for helping find easement to Whitaker’s reflux. And, thanks to my girlfriends and family for supporting me these last few months, the long days of living in Hulseyville.  Man, oh man, this has been a ride. But, now we’re free fallin’, freeeee fallin’. Bring on the weekend. Bring on the world, the outdoors, the public places, the smiles, the laughter. He’s a good boy loves his mama, loves jesus, and America, too.

Even Barry White is excited.

 

Beatrice can’t hold back her excitement either.

Oh, about those super cute cupcake planters in the image at the top – if you would like to make them here is a tutorial. I hope looking at them makes  you smile as much as it made me. I hope it kicks your Thursday into first gear so that Friday can be jump started. And, here’s a link to the best rendition of Free Fallin’ that you have ever heard. It’s from my super fave, John Mayer.

 

Monkey Foot Design Wet Bag

Our Monkey Foot Designs wet bag came in about a week ago. I love it! Supposedly, you stick the yucky diapers in the bag and the odor is eliminated. So far, so good. We are not exclusive as we are using both cloth and disposable about equally as much. The bag is so cute that it charged my waning interest in cloth diapers. More, it can be used for bathing suits, cosmetics, etc. in the case cloth diapers don’t work out for us. It isn’t like a boring ol’ diaper pail. This number is cuuuute.

I highly recommend Monkey Foot Design. She is as awesome as her fabric choices are funky. I had a few questions about cleaning the bag as I emailed her my query. She responded within a few hours. Awesome job Monkey Foot. If you want to see more of her designs visit her etsy store. It is a treat.

I am thankful for this girl and this girl and this girl for your cloth diapering inspiration. And, so are my kids and their kids for all the diapers (that require 500 years to decompose) we are saving from the land fill. And, so is Baby Whitaker who reaps the health benefits. And, so is my husband who shares my budget with me. 

While I am at the thank you’s – thank you for all of your support. Please leave any words of cloth diapering wisdom or encouragement or commentary. Thanks. Happy week.

Sleepy Girls

Shhh…we are trying to get some sleep around here. If all goes well, we will have a better rest schedule by next week. The doctor confirmed that Whitaker’s restlessness is unnecessary and an indication that the Zantac is not working. We started Prevacid today in hopes that it will ease the pain. Apparently, the actual spit-up associated with reflux will not be removed. Pooy. But, with the pain eased he will be able to sleep more heavily and for longer periods of time  and not be so fussy. Currently, he is always hungry. He is constantly eating while not sleeping very well.

We are happy that he will feel better…and that we will get more snoozy.

 

Laura Resen via mary ruffle

This image looks so inviting. I can not help but include it as I dream of the restoration, relaxation, and slumber that we hope our new prescription brings (okay, so it won’t bring this much tranquility but a girl can dream).

We are back!

We are back! Brian joined us on the island for Father’s Day as we all drove back Monday in  time for Beatrice’s gymnastics group. It was a nice week except that I believe Whitaker had a growth spurt on Thursday and Friday, which is a fabulous thing and a tiring thing. I was up almost a full twenty four hours between nursing him and watching Beatrice. I found a terrific little store to make my coffee with all the “fixings” for 69 cents with a recycled cup. Woot. Woot. Bring on the simple dollar!

Father’s day was nice as I wish I would have come up with a project like this one from Tip Junkie.  Instead, I ordered a pair of Born Hammond Shoes which I thought he would really like. His wardrobe desperately needs some casual dress shoes. These came from REI which he loves. They just sort of look like him. I admit, I think I missed the mark on this one. I didn’t sense any overjoy. The “heart and sole” tag was cute but I guess shoes are just super personal. Photos and frame…so Father’s Day next year.

I got a little teary as I longed for my Dad on Father’s Day. Alright, a lot teary. I suspect that is expected. I know he is in another place but I am really selfish. I would like him right here with me in human form.

Speaking of Father’s Day presents, did I mention to you that Brian got me the stroller of my dreams for Mother’s Day this year? I think I forgot to tell you despite my desire to blog about it.  It is one of the most extravagant presents anyone has ever given me, well maybe not ever but in a long time.  It is so nice. I have used it every single day since Mother’s Day.

I think that is about it. Everyone keeps asking me about the heat and the challenge of mothering two small children alone. All I have to say is that when you are just a block from the beach life’s pretty good despite the temperature, the antics, and the adjustments to a new baby. There is something about the sound of crashing waves, the feel of gritty sand, the taste of salt that simply “do it” for me. St. Simons is what it takes for the medicine to go down for me.  It’s osmosis. It’s a contagious energy that threads through the environment and the people, in the limbs of trees, the dreads of moss, the hearts of people, and the life of people.  There is something about it that brings me closer to my spirituality and who I am as a person, a sister, a friend, a daughter, a mother.  I will sign off with this photo of a sunset in St. Simons.

Happy Tuesday. Christy

photo from flickr

 

Trunk is Packed

Our Trunk is Packed. We are going to the Beach.

We have had a good few days as we have been getting ready for Tygart trip to Amelia Island next month, had one of my favorite people in the world over for pizza, gone to storytime, and spent much time with Papa.

Whitaker weighed in at 10lbs at his check up yesterday. The weight gain made me so proud. Woot. Woot.  The Doctor recommended the moniter for another two months along with limited exposure to public places, children and germs.

We offered to stay home with Brian for a few days but he suggests that he can get more done in our absence.  By request, we are off to the islandas we were last Wednesday through Friday. I am a brave woman and an insane mother. It is a little challenging to have both of them without any support groups, spouse or friends or family. It is also challengeing to have them in a beach shamble – simple, fun, and interesting but definitely poses a few obstacles. I think I can. I think I can. The little train purged forward. Yes, I think I can. I think I can.

I took Barry last time, but I am going to leave little smell-so-great home this time.  I feel guilty already. There is barely room in the car which requires him to sit up front. The new stroller takes up the ENTIRE trunk. Barry scratches which makes the dog hair fly everywhere and his paw hit the shift. There was a time when none of the above would cause alarm. Now, it does. Plus, I should leave him behind to keep Brian company. There is just something wrong about leaving that old dog behind when we go to his absolute favorite place, the place where he was born, the place where he can run and swim and chase birds, the place where he used to could sleep in the bed and snuggle with mama, and catch opossums.

Our fingers are crossed that we are able to catch up with Amanda and Lilly, that we get to sleep, and that we get to go to the beach (labeled by Beatrice, the big swimmin’ pewwwwl).

Without further ado we are off to pack our trunk to go to the beach. I will meet you in the blogosphere when I get back.

Happy Summer. XOXO, Christy

photo via flickr

Sharpie Magic

Ten dollars worth of Sharpie markers meet the walls of a basement -  wow! – see more here. Hmm…maybe Beatrice was displaying her talent when she used nail polish to paint the bathroom and herself - or, when she used the sharpie on our living room couch. Yes, I did say Sharpie like the permenant marker. This could be her calling.

via d sharp

One day we’ll find it

One day we’ll find it. The Rainbow Connection. The lovers. The dreamers. And, me.

Lyrics to the Rainbow Connection

Why are there so many songs

 about rainbows
And what’s on the other side
Rainbow’s are visions
They’re only illusions
And rainbows have nothing to hide
So we’ve been told and some chose to
Believe it
But I know they’re wrong wait and see

 

Someday we’ll find it
The Rainbow Connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me

Who said that every wish
Would be heard and answered
When wished on the morning star
Somebody thought of that
And someone believed it
And look what it’s done so far
What’s so amazing
That keeps us star gazing
What so we think we might see

Someday we’ll find it
That Rainbow Connection
The lovers the dreamers and me

Have you been half asleep
And have you heard voices
I’ve heard them calling my name
Are these the sweet sounds that called
The young sailors
I think they’re one and the same
I’ve heard it too many times to ignore it
There’s something that I’m supposed to be

Someday we’ll find it
The Rainbow Connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me

 Sara Mclaughlin and Kermit the Frog also sing the song

Happy Monday.

Humane Society Silent Auction Date Set

So, if you are looking for something fun to do in Statesboro on June 13th this may be just-the-thing.  The items in the silent auction are impressive as Spode, Johnson Brothers and Crown Ducal antique chinaware is included. Penny Marz has also given a Custom Pet Portrait. Hey. Hey. I think Barry might could use one of those. This is an event that helps animals in Bulloch County through the Humane Society of Statesboro and Bulloch County, Inc. See you there.

Berrien County honors Mrs. Margie Tygart

 

 

“One generation plants the seeds and the next one gets the shade”

 

I don’t know if you know, but Grandmother is The Butterfly Girl! She was recently honored for a life time of community service by the Nashville Better Home Town  with a Sunday afternoon reception at Mimi’s Cafe.

The South Georgia group surprised the 82 year old with the unveiling of a bronze statue at the event. It is called the Butterfly Girl. The statue will be placed on the grounds of the Nashville Community Center. While describing the statue she said, “you won’t believe…it’s almost as tall as I am.”

This fine honor esteems her. I can tell as she bubbles with excitement at the mention of the acclaim.  Nashville could not have chosen a better way to celebrate her.  I am so proud of her and so happy for her magnification. She deservies it.

“I was so surprised that someone would do this for me. I couldn’t even say anything,” Grandma recounted the the moment they presented her with the figure.

The candid, heartfelt reception is detailed on the front page of the June 3, 2009 edition of The Berrien Press. “And, it’s in color,” she proclaimed with splendid amazement as she handed me my copy.

Grandmother does do a lot for her community. I can not think of another person more deserving.  Nor can I think of a finer way to commend her. The reception including the surprise unveiling of the statue is perfect!

 

Appreciative and spirited she shared the details of the afternoon with Beatrice and I including all the gifts, the cards, the photos and the video. I am posting as much as I can here (for the fam, like us who could not make it). I know you will enjoy it as much as I did. 

If you get a chance, watch the video. It is really cute.

The Invitation

Mrs Margie Tygart with the Butterfly Girl Statue

Grandmother with grandchildren (not all of us : )

The Tygarts at the event

I hope you can read the delightfully written article. It charmingly includes quotes like from Ms. Idelle that describe Grandmother as the “Ultimate Party Girl.” I love it!

 

 Oh, and here is the video. Enjoy.

i believe in global warming

my regrets to my conservative friends and family. i believe in global warming. can’t help it. i just do.

this print from HOW poster design awards

Thanks for finding this d. sharp

and loving every

and loving every minute of it…

{via d sharp}

“ Marriage lets you annoy one special person for the rest of your life.”

And, Mr. Hulsey is my special person (lucky, lucky fellow).

He is away at a car show this weekend, hopefully enjoying himself while getting some relief from the wifey and kids.

 

Before you start feeling too sorry for the poor guy for having to put up with my annoying antics – I know, I know poor boy has to put up with me - let me tell you that he also gets to do a little “annoying” to a ut-hum very special person.

With projects that create dust like this… 

 

And, consume time like this…

I admit that he enjoys his projects. More, he is good with his handy ways. 

But, like the rest of us he does have his special person to annoy.  Pardon me, but, I am just sayin’.

Even though we some times annoy each other (he undoubtedly gets the brunt of it), I do love him, love him, love him. If I could do something like this and I had the time I would surely sew him a letter like I found on Jordan’s Blog. Since I can’t, he will have to do with this simple little blog post.

House Rules

house rules via Uncharted Odyssey

I love these (wall vinyl, or paint, or stickers???) house rules.

Happy Weekend

Here are some pretty pale pink roses (via here).  They look so pretty. I am looking forward to the long weekend which will hopefully be full of sleep-ins, breakfasts, snuggling, morning walks, magazine reading and of course cuddles with Whitaker and Beatrice.  Brian is going out of town to a car show while my mom is going to Atlanta to an engagement party with her mother.  It will just be us three Hulsey’s. Is it YIKES, or Yaaahooo? I don’t know whether to be afraid or excited. I am going to opt for somewhere around the latter as I prefer to look forward to weekends. Plus, I know that Brian needs a weekend without us monkeys. So, it’s a yaaaahoo. I do love my weekends.  

 Hope you get to do all of the things you want to do this weekend. See you next week!

xoxo, Christy

If You Give Mom a Muffin by Kathy Fictorie

 

This mommy-poem arrived via email today. It is spine-chillingly true in a weird sort-of-way. There must be a fly on the wall about here. A biographist he must be. This sounds exactly like a typical chain of events here in hulsey-ville.  

If You Give a Mom a Muffin

If you give a mom a muffin,
She’ll want a cup of coffee to go with it.
So she’ll pour herself some.
The coffee will get spilled by her three year old.
She’ll wipe it up.

Wiping the floor, she will find some dirty socks.
She’ll remember she has to do some laundry.
When she puts the laundry in the washer,
She’ll trip over some snow boots and bump into the freezer.
Bumping into the freezer will remind her she has to plan supper for tonight.

She will get out a pound of hamburger.
She’ll look for her cookbook. (101 Things To Make With a Pound of
Hamburger.)
The cookbook is sitting under a pile of mail.
She will see the phone bill which is due tomorrow.
She will look for the checkbook.

The checkbook is in her purse that is being dumped out by her two year old.
She’ll smell something funny.
She’ll change the two year old.
While she is changing the two year old the phone will ring. (Of course!)
Her five year old will answer it and hang up.

She remembers that she wants to phone a friend to come over for coffee on
Friday.
Thinking of coffee will remind her that she was going to have a cup.
She will pour herself some.
And chances are,
If she has a cup of coffee,
Her kids will have eaten the muffin that went with it.

Written by Kathy Fictorie

Based on If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff

Photo Compliments of Ryan Jarvis Photography

Old Photos

Aunt Peggy (who is visiting Mom) brought these old Polaroids by this afternoon. She and Mom must have drug them out of a dusty drawer.

Wow. I have to admit, there is a resemblance between Beatrice and her mommy. This is the first time I have noticed a true kinship. Oh, it makes me smile!

Brian observed that Dad’s “mustache is bigger than his waist” in the spirit of the times.  

The bottom photo is Great Grandma West. Her name was Emmaline. She was my mother’s mother. I remember that she could cook a monster of a hoe cake. If you don’t know what that is, it’s a little cornmeal, little salt, little pepper and a bunch of grease. You can bet your bottom biscuit, it is a true delicacy.  She also snuffed Honey Bee tobacco and could watch a bobber from a cane pole like nobody else.

J. M. Barrie Print from Anne Chovie

Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others can not keep it from themselves – JM Barrie

print via annechovie

Happy Friday

[via]

i’m a country girl at heart

Win a Madsen Bike

Brian has been wanting a new bike for years. Actually, since we made the impromptu FOURTY mile bike trip from Mount Vernon to D.C. on our cross country-pre-marriage-days.  He was on a refurbished beach cruiser hocked from somewhat of a dumpster dive and I was on a 100.00 dollar Wal-mart special. Both are all fine and good until you really need a bike like we did that day.

We need better cycles. I guess it would be okay if I won a new Madsen bike. I am totally digging it.  I mean, really. Wouldn’t be so bad. Click here to enter to win. They are giving away two bikes and you could win one!

Thanks for the heads up: A Room Somewhere. If I win I promise to take you on a swirl in my new Madsen Gig. Suuuuh Weeet.

What I am Reading Now: Straight Up And Dirty by Stephanie Klein

What I am dipping into now is so hot and good. Admittedly, it is not for the irritable, nor the easily offended.

I am waiting on Lea to finish reading the Outlander’s, or Outliar’s, or Out Lyres something like that – so that I can get the skinny verdict before I spend money on a purchase or go to the trouble to borrowing it. In the mean time, I stumbled upon a book saturated with vivid word work, fun, and self recovery.

Straight Up and Dirty: A Memoir by Stephanie Klein is what I am reading now. It is such a good girl-read. It is honest, juicy, a bit raunchy and racy while it is amusingly capturing. It’s empowering. It makes Sex in the City look outmoded and so yesterday. It binges on debauchery and candid truth.  I recommend for any day of the week - yet I highly recommend it for a girls weekend or a beach read. Stephanie Klien truly “wrote” to me with this book (at least so far). I love it. I read it every time I nurse Whitaker…and I look forward to it. It is so good.

In the case you are wondering (you probably are not but…), included in Beatrice’s weekly reading is Read All About It by Laura and Jenna Bush. Next to Curious George it is her favorite find from the library trip we scored last week.  

 

*photo fromflickr *pink and green book mark found on Etsy 

Happy Friday

I apologize. No Happy Friday post. I am behind the ball today. It is not that I am not happy, it’s that I am awful tired. Whew. *wipe brow* AWFUL tired.  I developed a case of mastitis so I have spent the day resting, drinking lots of water, and eating. I have been doing a lot of the latter. I have been eating lots of Jenny’s Paula Deen Gooy Bars. Oh my goodness, like the whole box. Yes, I am serious. I have solely taken out almost the whole container. I have also been eating lots of Melissa’s homemade (HOMEMADE) Cinnamon rolls and pimento cheese on HOMEMADE bread. Darn it. How will Weight Watchers EVER work?

Heather invited Beatrice over for the day as she picked her up at 8a. It’s been awesome. I miss her. Yes, I definitely pine for little B but it is heavenly to rest. I researched mastitis as Dr. Sears says, “if you have mastitis, you need to look at your lifestyle.” Oh, Dr. Sears. How right you are! I know. I know that I need more rest and that I need to focus on baby more – not bottle feed and not skip pumping sessions. But dude, that is so freakin’ hard. Dr. Sear’s perhaps you should have a conference with my project-absorbed husband and my energetic two year old. Tell them. Please tell them that I NEED REST.

I have a busy weekend as I am looking after Sanford and Callie – who are like my favorite dogs ever – for Wendy. I am really excited about that. Plus, Uncle Granville, Aunt Peg and Grandmother are coming into town.

Rest. What rest? We Hulsey-nites do not rest.

Alright. Alllllriggggght. I won’t leave you hanging.

Here is a spooky little picture. I can’t decide if I am all for the wall sticker stuff yet. I like it but the vast choices seem overwhelming. Any-who, check out this Rob Ryan piece form Domestic. I guess, other people aren’t like me. But, when I saw this I became a little spooked. You?

The whole “ladder kiss” just doesn’t do it for me. I mean, with the thunder and lightening clouds. Maybe it is her son. Right. Sure. I get it. But, still. It’s just a little spooky.

Happy Friday, ya’ll!

Girl and a book

I’d love to be where this girl is right now. From the May Anthropologie catalog. Speaking  of the May Anthropologie catalog, it provides an effortless opportunity to escape. Maybe I am just tired, desperately delirious, and wishing to ascend my coop (for just a moment, of course), but this issue really delivers a tastey portion of a stream-of-conciousness style get-a-way.

Check out this other picture of the Moon Garden Votives ($4-$12).

What do you think? Isn’t it dreamy? …this is the part where a handsome guy
appears with an engagement ring – or your girl friends sneak over to share a bottle of wine…right?

thanks for the inspiration a room somewhere and effortless antropologie

Wombfruit Baby Wrap

A super mommy friend gave me one of these Wombfruit Baby Wrap by Rachel.  That is Rachel and one of her wraps in the photo.  I was so surprised and so excited.  Now, I just have to determine how to use it. I have tried but it does not feel very comfortable. Perhaps, it is Whitaker’s monitor or his small size that make it shaky. I am determined, though. I mean, a lot of people wear them so they must have mastered the technique. I can do it. Yes, I can. I do admit that he absolutely loves being in it. He falls asleep instantly. More, the doctors at Memorial recommended kangaroo care which includes baby wearing.

I will keep you posted in my puzzlement and mastery of this apparatus.

If you are interested in this accessory check out Rachel’s wraps on her blog. She’s a good doula, natural mother, and cloth diaper-er, too!

Wood Plaques for Teachers

One of my Statesboro Mama friends makes these brilliant, colorful, custom plaques that are great presents.  Isn’t she crafty? They are super cute and ONLY 8 DOLLARS.

I think they make the cutest end-of-the-year teacher gifts.  Don’t you? If you really, really like them place your order with her today!

*you may have to email her: smblocker@hotmail.com as i can not get the links to work : (

Happy Friday

Nice work, Baby Beatrice Picasso.

In the case you are wondering: it is red finger nail polish, those are wood floors, I was nursing Whitaker while the art-session shook down.

And yes, I remained calm.

It sure is fun living with a toddler.

Happy Friday, Ya’ll!

back porch

I really love this back porch, on Sarah Jessica Parker’s Hamptons house. I am adding this porch to my dream house. Love it!

Via Decorology. See more of the house here.

from a room somewhere

Why didn’t anyone tell me…

I assumed the moments of maternal bliss that I felt a few weeks ago would carry me through these sleepless nights, showerless days, and all the other trials that come when a baby is added to a family.

Ironically that bliss was fleeting.  It was much less permanent than I anticipated. Where did it go? The truth is that momentary beatitude has not stopped the occasions that I doubt myself, the times when I have a feeling like I can do nothing right, or fitful dreams of a 9 – 5.

The transition into a two-child mother-load has been a more difficult than I expected.

Why didn’t anyone tell me how hard it would be? Why didn’t anyone tell me that I would worry over whether I am bonding enough with my second as with my first. Or, tell met about the fear that I am the only woman on earth who doesn’t have the gene to properly care for two children at once. And, what about how my body image nose dives when the milk sprayers are on; and the exhaustion that makes you want to assasinate your husband, your mother, your dog. And, most of all, why didn’t anyone share the struggle that comes with the transition – the struggle to balance who you were with whom you’ve become a mother of two small children.

No one told me because I wouldn’t listen if they did. I know myself. More, I know that after my hormones level out and the new family dynamics are established I will become comfortable, happy, and satisfied with who I have become. I will be more confident with the switch from an only-child to two, from three of us to four. I will be joyful and lovey again.

Right?

Reminder

We all need to remind ourselves of this one…

Images via vi.sualize.us

via absolutely beautiful things

I love..

I love…vodka & orange juice, chips & salsa with cheese, cold coca-cola, and television that excels at being really awful.

And, you. What do you love?

Danielle Hobbs posts a sneak peek…

Remember how I told you that Danielle surprised us by dropping in on Sunday? Well, she gave us a sneak peek. You should take a look-see over here at her blog. It’s enough to bring tears to a mother’s eyes. I can’t wait to see all the shots. About the tears…I did actually cry while Danielle was here. It was the first time that Beatrice has held Whitaker. B was very excited as she couldn’t contain her feelings. She would pat his little arm and give him kisses. Once she leaned over, kissed him and said “I love you” – that is when a few little tears rolled down my face. Brian caught me.I blame the overflow of emotion on my hormones; but, it was so tender sweet. I hope you skip over there. Let me know what you think. I may be biased but I think Danielle Hobbs Photography is the next big thing in natural light photographs. It was fabulous to see Danielle and her boys. I think that last time Brian and I saw her we were at a wedding in Sarasota, which was years ago. I am so thankful for her visit and proud of her work.

My bed is full…

My bed is full of sweets tonight.

Happy Belated Mother’s Day

Happy belated Mother’s Day. I hope yours was divine. Mine was terrific. Ironically, I had a huge, postpartum melt down  just the day before. Saturday was full of tears and hormones and silly-ness but when my sister and her family dropped in Sunday afternoon for an impromptu visit to Bulloch County things began to pick up.  We had lunch at my house with the whole Griner crew including Mom. It was nice.

Danielle also surprised us (re my earlier post we had to cancel because we were in the hospital).  She came by on her way back from her hubby’s MBA graduation from Auburn. I am totally impressed with her energy and enthusiasm, and of course her photography skills. The woman is less than two months from her due date. She still came by Statesboro on her way to Savannah from Auburn. Did I mention she had Carter and Reed with her (her two boys)? Wow. She is truly a woman. And, did I mention she is on vacation as she is in Savannah visiting her parents. She is really from Columbia. Totally impressive.

We finished up the evening visiting all the mama’s of Hulsey-ville where we had dinner with all of my in-laws. Yes, Whitaker and I went. I feel really guilty but we left Hulsey Headquarter’s here in town to head to the country.

 The day was great. Happy belated Mother’s Day!

HBO: The Alzheimer’s Project begins

“DAD, DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM,” I always wanted ask Dad.

Tonight I will watch HBO: The Alzheimer’s Project. I am anxious to see this documentary series, which begins with The Memory Loss Tapes episode. I want to know more about this disease. I want to know more about what my Dad’s life was really like. I want to know what the caregivers life was like.

**My sister took this photo the weekend that we cared for him while he was at the nursing home rehabilitating his arm. I admit this is NOT what he looked like most of his life. Seriously, this is quite a dis-justice.  He was much more youthful and handsome. This really does not do him any favors; but, when I think of the height of the disease that we lived with this is the stage of his life that I conger.

Dress Up

Beatrice loves to dress up. We have accumulated a small amassment of girly, costume-y togs. Sometimes I turn around and there she is dressed as a bee. Or, a fairy. Or, a ballerina. Today she is Cinderella.

It is so much fun being a girl; and, so much fun being a mom to a girl. I love moments like these.

Happy Weekend

originally uploaded by Yvette Inufio via beach bungalow8

I don’t know where you are going  this weekend; or, where you have been this week. Maybe you are going to something fun like this. I wish we were.  Anyway, I hope you have a super Mother’s Day and a great weekend. Peace out, Christy.

Today I Love…

Today I love…my counter. The site of it is invigorating and refreshing while it is littered with colorful treats from our friends.  As we entered our house dog-tired and frazzled from our most recent EGRMC stay, we were greeted with a sunny display of generosity from our friends. Isn’t it lively? And, remember the fresh flowers I dreamt of. Well, it was one thing I could scratch off of my list. How is that for a friend ? Amazing. Truly Amazing.

Thanks, ya’ll.

Ahh, there is no place like home

Ruby Red Slippers

Originally uploaded by Audrey Remmert

There is no place like home especially after a few days in the hospital. We are home…and, Whitaker is with us. The good news is that he is on a 24 hour apnea monitor, which means Brian and I can rest more peacefully than we have been. Even more good news is that the monitor will prevent W from ever getting to the blue-body-non-breathing state that we have experienced twice. An alarm will alert us before we even get to that point. Wait. There is still a little more positive news. The doctor concluded that this will most likely end at 44 weeks gestation, which means it is not permanent or even long lived. She thinks it is reflux related.  The light at the end of the tunnel is becoming more evident.

Thanks for all of the well wishes, love and support. It feels wonderful to be back home with all of my little peeps!

xoxo, Christy

Flowers for the Hulsey’s

I think I might break my little weekly budget again this week to buy myself some more fresh flowers. We have had another eventful week as we had our second Whitaker choked/quit breathing/did cpr/called EMS event since he came home to live with us. I am totally thinking “yes” on the flowers. A little cheery vase of freshies will be delightful.

 We landed back at the hospital on Monday night where he is undergoing tests while being monitored. Thank you for all of your calls, emails, flowers, gifts, well wishes, thoughts and prayers. You all are amazing. Little Whitaker West is amazing, too! He is a resilient little fellow that loves to be held close and is content most any place that we have him (but especially in mom and dad’s arms).

xx

Christy

P.S. I am super pumped that we may have a surprise from an old friend tomorrow. If it works out that we are home and it isn’t too much stress for Whitaker one of my old sorority sister’s will be coming by to catch up and to take some photos. I am not going to hold my breathe after our week of events; however, if it works out then there is nothing better to do with my evening than to catch up with Danielle to see how much we have changed since our days in Athens!

Image f rom absolutely beautiful things – Flickr

Sad

My Sister and My Dad.

I looked at this today. It makes me sad.

our little girl

beatrice has gotten so big. i took a few pictures of her before she headed to mommys morning out at the church last week. for some odd reason, i didn’t notice her growth until my first sight of her post delivering whitaker. like a caterpillar the dawn before piercing he cocoon, she metamorphed into a child. i could have sworn she was just a baby. she has become a little lady, a little girl.

and, so mischeavious.

and, so loving and caring and nurturing.

oh beatrice, you are growing up on mama and papa.

Today I would love to have one of these…

If a girl could dream, then I would dream of black, knobby tires, state of the art suspension and the bold, sparkling personality of this jogging stoller.  It is for moms and dads that love the Great-Out-There. Bumpy sidewalks and beach sand are a breeze for this number. I would love to have this for Beatrice and Whitaker and Brian and I.  

There is hope.  BOB has a contest to win a stroller each month. I will have to see what the contest is for May.  With a lot of luck maybe I can score one on ebay or craigslist. 

None of these situations will probably happen; but, a Mama can dream. Right?

There are plenty of other jogging stollers that I like; however, if I could pick anyone I think this would be one of my first choice. It is my dream stroller!

Happy Friday

Here is my Friday reminder. It is to you but, really, it is to me. With all the chaos that comes with waking in three hour intervals for weeks at a time, the shades of darkness that loom when a social person must avoid people, and the confusion a common person must undergo to understand health insurance there are so many things to be thankful for. There are many reasons to be happy and love life. Yes, yes there are. Woot. Woot.

I have a little boy. Yay! I have a wonderful husband who is a great provider, lover and father. I have an unbelievable circle of fascinating, sensitive friends who have nurtured my poor little soul this year. They have held my family and I through the loss of my father to Alzheimer’s and through the dramatic birth of Whitaker. I feel very paltry as I wonder what I have done to deserve such extra-ordinary people in my life. Old friends, new friends, blog friends, Facebook friends, family friends, MOMs Club friends, college friends, sorority friends, church friends. My friends are amazing. You are amazing! You really have humbled me in the last six months. A lot has happend and you all have helped me through. Thanks for everything. I am so happy. I love my house, my driveway window boxes, my car, my dog, my family, my vacation plans for 2009, my cute neice, my shoppy-shoe-crazy-grandmother and my job.

Living life is so great in Hulsey-ville.

Happy Friday. I hope you have a great weekend. Be happy. Love life.

Peace, Christy

Image 1 & 2 via vi.sualize.us via absolutely beautiful things

Help me, Papa.

Help me, Papa

“What does Beatrice think about her brother,” everyone quizes. Frankly, I do not know exactly what she thinks about the babbb bee  (as she refers to him). Conversely, I am very aware of what she thinks about me. She thinks I have abandoned her and she is angry about it.

Pleeeeeaaaa, Papa.  

To Beatrice, Papa is the only one who can save the day.            

Oh, I am so sorry Baby B. I promise it will all get better soon.

Inspiration

Post-it Inspiration #1 by Emily Abigail via Creature Comforts

My new breast friend

The Symphony has become my new breast best friend. I love it.

Now, if I can just find a used pump to purchase. Where in the world do you shop for something like that?

Hmm…or a place to rent. Our local home health stores do not offer this model.

UPDATE SINCE I POSTED THIS. WE RENTED ONE FROM HERE

*photo by flickr

You can go home…

And then, they said “You can go home!”

 

So, we wheeled him down as chop-chop, super-sonic, presto, pronto and snappity-snap as two exhausted, delighted, hearty, parents could. This was after the successful completion of the Premature Infant CPR Class, the Car Seat Challenge, and a baby bathing class among other criteria.

Baby Whitaker slept the entire ride through the hospital.

Mama and Papa are so happy to board the car. We can’t wait!

Papa whirled the car around to the front of Memorial.

Then he carefully strapped his mini-me in the special preemie seat.

Alas, we were headed back to the ‘boro  with Papa in the front seat and Mama in the backseat beside the baby. Whitaker and his parents were happy to be one step closer to assembling their little  family.

Under the Bili Light

Whitaker and his cheap sun glasses.

He had to stay under the bili light for a few days. Our extra-awesome-ever-fabuluos nurse, Barbara, searched until she found the best one in the ward. This bili light had light on the top and bottem. According to her this particular machine was so much stronger that it scored a few days for him, a few days that we applied toward our trip home.

The first night we held Whitaker

  

  

 

 

 

 

  Due to high blood pressure I had to stay in Statesboro an extra day. Typically, they allow mothers an early release to be with their babies.  As soon as I was released we headed to Savannah.  We arrived at about 10p to meet with the Doctors and nurses.  These pictures are from that night at the Backus Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It was so late that night we did not get a room. We stayed in the unit as long as we could before driving back to Statesboro.

Our first touch

This was the first time I was able to touch my baby. It was a bittersweet reunion after the abrupt ejection from the womb. It made me really sad when they quickly wheeled him into my room. This photo is at Bulloch Memorial Hospital just before he boarded the Emergency Infant Transport Vehicle( with four women I didn’t know) in route to the Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery at Backus Children’s Hopsital at Memorial Hospital. He made a strange quiet, pulsing, shrieking noise the entire length of our visit.  It was described as a distress call by the transport team.

It really broke my heart. I wanted to hold him and touch him and tell him that everything is going to be alright.

Newborn Hats on Etsy

by knittybittyapparel

While window shopping on ETSY this morning I uncovered these great finds. These newborn hats are so cute.  Who said shopping for baby boys isn’t fun? Since he doesn’t really fit into any clothes and I can’t see spending a lot on preemie clothes that will quickly be outgrown. I think a funky hat is in order. He has to wear a hat at all times to help regulate his body temperature. I feel a little spunk coming on.

I haven’t bought anything. I am just window shopping. There are so many choices. Wow.

Here is one by knitwit woolies:  

And, this one by adrienekinsella

  by madaboutcolour

by chickyloo

Just go to etsy and type in newborn hats. You will find so, so many things.