Joyful Joyful Holiday Card
holiday party invitations and thank you cards by Shutterfly.
View the entire collection of cards.
Observations, information, some opinions and a lot of stuff about home and family.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
It's so easy to fall back into old habits...
In my case, it's posting on Facebook instead of the blog. GEESH!!! Since my last post, everyone healed up and then last week we went through a double round (meaning both kids) of annual visits to the pediatrician (shots) and a double round of the stomach bug from H#$%. I'm happy to report that all have recovered and we're back to normal.
I have some chores to do but I'll be back to post later.
I have some chores to do but I'll be back to post later.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Long night...
Our little man got sick on us last night...quite literally. :-( He had a rough time for a few hours so we didn't get much sleep. I'm happy to say that he slept more than I did but it was still not enough. The hardest part was trying to keep from showing any emotion when he cried a little and told me he needed a band-aid on his belly and asked me to make it feel better. WOW! I did end up giving him a couple of band-aids but I wasn't able to instantly make him feel better. Heartbreaking.
He was able to get some rest today and seems to be better. Thank goodness!
Here's a shot of belly fixer band-aids.
He was able to get some rest today and seems to be better. Thank goodness!
Here's a shot of belly fixer band-aids.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Another fun afternoon
We had some more fun family time outside today. Lots of running and ball kicking. Such fun!
Mattie had a tough time getting to sleep tonight but she's finally sleeping soundly and I need to head to bed. I posted pics on Facebook - if you want to take a look, here's a link. There are a couple of images in there that you've already seen but the rest are new. (When in doubt, check the add date)
Facebook Album - October 2011
Mattie had a tough time getting to sleep tonight but she's finally sleeping soundly and I need to head to bed. I posted pics on Facebook - if you want to take a look, here's a link. There are a couple of images in there that you've already seen but the rest are new. (When in doubt, check the add date)
Facebook Album - October 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Family fun
With this lovely weather we just had to spend some time outside. We had gotten the kids a couple of balls to kick around so it was the perfect opportunity to get outside and run.
Mattie always tries to wear Gabriel's bike helmet when we're playing outside. Well today, I'm happy to report, we got her her very own helmet. She calls it her "rocket helmet". Problem is, she wants to wear it everywhere...so, of course, we let her. It makes for interesting photos but it's certainly not hurting anything.
Gabriel was running all over the yard. They're napping now but I'm sure we'll be going back out soon enough. There's more running to be done (for a good night's sleep).
As anyone who follows us knows, our children tend to gravitate towards the driveway at playtime. It drives me NUTS. Today, we succeeded in keeping them in the grassy area...at least for most of the day. This is Mattie heading up the hill towards Bobby and Gabriel - they're the little tiny people by the house. ha ha
After chasing their kick balls down the hill (and under the fence), my little family heads towards the house.
Gabriel really enjoys kicking the ball. Actually, I think he likes anything he can do outside.
The kick balls aren't the only things escaping under the fence. Bobby had to follow the little blonde chick into the outer yard. I guess she just wanted to say HEY to the neighbor's horses.
It's lunchtime! Off they go running to the house.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Timeline
I'm so glad I took the time to get these shots. They were intended to show my progress for my parents but they ended up being a timeline for the pregnancy. I started taking pics just after they left for Florida (and really just after I started looking pregnant). These pics span less than a month. I could have missed belly pics all together.
We are reminded each day how blessed we are.
So hard to believe our tiny little man is getting ready to celebrate his 4th birthday.
We are reminded each day how blessed we are.
So hard to believe our tiny little man is getting ready to celebrate his 4th birthday.
October 15th - Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day
Take a moment today to remember families who have lost their little ones. Many mourn silently.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Nice moment
A little while ago, Gabriel crawled up in my lap and went to sleep. It's been a while since I rocked one of my babies to sleep. It just reminded me how quickly they grow up. It doesn't seem like it was that long ago that I was rocking them to sleep every night. I got a little teary eyed. Just a special moment.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Father/Son time
My boys playing a Thomas the Train matching game. No TV tonight. Educational (and fun) stuff. A good thing!
I think I need a nap
6 hours in the car, some work in between and too little time to catch up with co-workers. Now I need a nap...oh wait, I have two little humans to watch after for a while before they go off to bed. Who would have thought I could get so excited about not getting sleep. I love those babies. <3
Monday, October 10, 2011
Catching up
I'm a day behind but I have a long day tomorrow (lots of road time) so this will be brief. We celebrated Bobby's birthday with family yesterday and had a great time. Happy birthday to Bobby and thanks to family for an enjoyable low-key celebration. We had some more outdoor time after we picked the babies up today. Tee ball, golf, basketball, catch, lots of running and some trains. We had a final family cookout and laughed a lot. Good times. Well I'm off to bed. Have to hit the road early in the morning.
Love to all.
ACD
Love to all.
ACD
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Reminder
When I post pictures, you can click on the picture to see an enlargement. The posts in the blog are for display purposes only. You have to click to see the "good" ones.
That is all. :-)
That is all. :-)
Friday, October 7, 2011
I remember...
Has it been 5 years already? It feels like yesterday - it's not possible it's been 5 years. I remember going to the doctor for a check up and planning before we decided to try to get pregnant. We got the green light from the doc that everything was good and we started planning our family. I remember that we were very conscious of the risks and didn't tell anyone we were expecting until after 12 weeks had passed. I remember reading every book and article I could find on pregnancy. I remember the positive test and telling Bobby he was going to be a daddy.
We were several weeks past the end of the first trimester.I remember being relieved. I remember most of the weekend pretty clearly. I remember I didn't feel well but since it was my first pregnancy, I didn't realize anything was wrong. I remember thinking the "mass" in my belly was the baby snuggled up to one side. I had no idea it was NOT the baby. I remember having pain for several days but I thought it was the ligament pain I'd read about in all of the pregnancy books and websites. I remember the evening of the 7th - feeling crappy and talking to Bobby on the phone telling him I didn't feel good so I was going to bed. I remember I was a wacky pregnant woman who couldn't get comfortable in the bed so Bobby would get up and go sleep on the couch if he wanted to get any sleep. I remember that night he went to the couch. I remember waking up in the 3 o'clock hour due to pain in my abdomen. I remember laying in bed for a few minutes before realizing that the pain was coming in regular intervals. I remember a few seconds later that it hit me that labor pains come in regular intervals. I remember thinking, I'm in my second trimester, this is too early. I remember thinking this is wrong - it's too soon. I remember getting out of bed to go get Bobby to take me to the hospital. I remember calmly calling out for Bobby to wake him. I remember only making hit halfway across the bedroom floor before I felt something like a pop and my water broke. I remember the understanding of how bad things were washing over me. I remember screaming for Bobby and falling to the floor in a futile effort to protect our baby and saying over and over "It's too soon, this isn't supposed to be happening. It's too soon, this isn't supposed to be happening." I remember the horrified look on Bobby's face as he walked in the bedroom to see me curled up on the floor crying and repeating the same thing over and over. I don't remember at what point I was able to pull myself together - that's kind of blurry - but I remember getting up and going to the closet to get dressed. I remember the long drive to the emergency room. I remember the pain of labor - contractions hitting me hard every few minutes during the 45 minutes drive. I remember telling Bobby not to speed. I remember telling him to prepare himself for the worst. I remember the fear in his eyes every time a pain would hit and I would brace myself against it and try to act like it didn't hurt. I remember telling him it was going to be bad but we would get through it. I remember trying to reassure him that I was ok. I remember him telling me he had a horrible headache from being startled awake. I remember telling him to drop me off at the ER and to go park the car. I remember walking into the ER, signing in and going to sit in the waiting area. I remember the nurse reading what I wrote on the sign in sheet and calling me right back up, putting me in a wheelchair and trying to whisk me off - I told her my husband was coming and I wanted to wait for him. I remember he came in and we rode upstairs. I remember getting to the floor and the clerk wasn't there so I sat, in pain and misery, in the hallway waiting for someone to see us. I remember trying to put Bobby at ease . I remember they finally came and got me. I remember the look on the doc's face as they did the ultrasound. I remember doing what I always do - I tried to make everyone else more comfortable - I remember telling them I knew it wasn't good so just tell me, I was prepared. I remember them telling me they couldn't find a heartbeat but they were going to have the attending physician check. I remember being glad that he was very matter of fact with me when he arrived and looked at the US image. I remember him explaining what I was seeing. That the placenta had detached - a placental abruption - and we had lost our child. I remember them asking if I took drugs. I remember saying absolutely not. I remember finding out later that they asked because an abruption is rare and the common cause is drug use. I remember getting more and more uncomfortable and asking Bobby to get the nurse. I remember them checking me. I remember closing my eyes and trying to process everything that was happening. I remember the doctors saying something about moving me while I was stable. I remember going to a delivery room. I remember delivering our baby. I remember Bobby being with me the whole time. I remember the silence in the room. I remember thinking that wasn't what childbirth was supposed to be like. I remember the doctors taking the baby away. I remember someone telling us our baby was a boy.I remember Bobby asking if he could see him. I remember him telling me he was perfect - he was tiny but had everything - legs, arms, fingers, toes. I remember the nurse (whom I will forever love) asking if I wanted to see him. I told her I wasn't ready. I remember her telling me to let her know when I was. I remember saying yes, I remember holding our son. I remember crying with my husband.
Here's what I know. I know that we had a son whom we will not forget. I know his name was Christian Robert Doolin. I know that we suffered a loss that will stay with us forever. I know the body that betrayed me with our first child, produced two miracles that we were told we'd never have. I know that everyone has their own sorrows to deal with and, though painful, they become a part of you and make you who you are. I know what a really bad day is. I also know what a fabulous day is.I know that I'm very open about our loss and call our son by name. I know that every year I share our story in hopes that it will help someone else who has experienced a loss. The pain never leaves but it becomes manageable. Miracles can happen and you will survive even the most painful experiences - there is light on the other side.
I know that October 8th will be 5 years since our Christian was lost - I know time flies.
We were several weeks past the end of the first trimester.I remember being relieved. I remember most of the weekend pretty clearly. I remember I didn't feel well but since it was my first pregnancy, I didn't realize anything was wrong. I remember thinking the "mass" in my belly was the baby snuggled up to one side. I had no idea it was NOT the baby. I remember having pain for several days but I thought it was the ligament pain I'd read about in all of the pregnancy books and websites. I remember the evening of the 7th - feeling crappy and talking to Bobby on the phone telling him I didn't feel good so I was going to bed. I remember I was a wacky pregnant woman who couldn't get comfortable in the bed so Bobby would get up and go sleep on the couch if he wanted to get any sleep. I remember that night he went to the couch. I remember waking up in the 3 o'clock hour due to pain in my abdomen. I remember laying in bed for a few minutes before realizing that the pain was coming in regular intervals. I remember a few seconds later that it hit me that labor pains come in regular intervals. I remember thinking, I'm in my second trimester, this is too early. I remember thinking this is wrong - it's too soon. I remember getting out of bed to go get Bobby to take me to the hospital. I remember calmly calling out for Bobby to wake him. I remember only making hit halfway across the bedroom floor before I felt something like a pop and my water broke. I remember the understanding of how bad things were washing over me. I remember screaming for Bobby and falling to the floor in a futile effort to protect our baby and saying over and over "It's too soon, this isn't supposed to be happening. It's too soon, this isn't supposed to be happening." I remember the horrified look on Bobby's face as he walked in the bedroom to see me curled up on the floor crying and repeating the same thing over and over. I don't remember at what point I was able to pull myself together - that's kind of blurry - but I remember getting up and going to the closet to get dressed. I remember the long drive to the emergency room. I remember the pain of labor - contractions hitting me hard every few minutes during the 45 minutes drive. I remember telling Bobby not to speed. I remember telling him to prepare himself for the worst. I remember the fear in his eyes every time a pain would hit and I would brace myself against it and try to act like it didn't hurt. I remember telling him it was going to be bad but we would get through it. I remember trying to reassure him that I was ok. I remember him telling me he had a horrible headache from being startled awake. I remember telling him to drop me off at the ER and to go park the car. I remember walking into the ER, signing in and going to sit in the waiting area. I remember the nurse reading what I wrote on the sign in sheet and calling me right back up, putting me in a wheelchair and trying to whisk me off - I told her my husband was coming and I wanted to wait for him. I remember he came in and we rode upstairs. I remember getting to the floor and the clerk wasn't there so I sat, in pain and misery, in the hallway waiting for someone to see us. I remember trying to put Bobby at ease . I remember they finally came and got me. I remember the look on the doc's face as they did the ultrasound. I remember doing what I always do - I tried to make everyone else more comfortable - I remember telling them I knew it wasn't good so just tell me, I was prepared. I remember them telling me they couldn't find a heartbeat but they were going to have the attending physician check. I remember being glad that he was very matter of fact with me when he arrived and looked at the US image. I remember him explaining what I was seeing. That the placenta had detached - a placental abruption - and we had lost our child. I remember them asking if I took drugs. I remember saying absolutely not. I remember finding out later that they asked because an abruption is rare and the common cause is drug use. I remember getting more and more uncomfortable and asking Bobby to get the nurse. I remember them checking me. I remember closing my eyes and trying to process everything that was happening. I remember the doctors saying something about moving me while I was stable. I remember going to a delivery room. I remember delivering our baby. I remember Bobby being with me the whole time. I remember the silence in the room. I remember thinking that wasn't what childbirth was supposed to be like. I remember the doctors taking the baby away. I remember someone telling us our baby was a boy.I remember Bobby asking if he could see him. I remember him telling me he was perfect - he was tiny but had everything - legs, arms, fingers, toes. I remember the nurse (whom I will forever love) asking if I wanted to see him. I told her I wasn't ready. I remember her telling me to let her know when I was. I remember saying yes, I remember holding our son. I remember crying with my husband.
Here's what I know. I know that we had a son whom we will not forget. I know his name was Christian Robert Doolin. I know that we suffered a loss that will stay with us forever. I know the body that betrayed me with our first child, produced two miracles that we were told we'd never have. I know that everyone has their own sorrows to deal with and, though painful, they become a part of you and make you who you are. I know what a really bad day is. I also know what a fabulous day is.I know that I'm very open about our loss and call our son by name. I know that every year I share our story in hopes that it will help someone else who has experienced a loss. The pain never leaves but it becomes manageable. Miracles can happen and you will survive even the most painful experiences - there is light on the other side.
I know that October 8th will be 5 years since our Christian was lost - I know time flies.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Another commentary that hit close to home.
These are the things that leave me sitting in the car listening...and sometimes crying.
Click link to listen or read.
Premature Birth Is Work, Not Miracle
Click link to listen or read.
Premature Birth Is Work, Not Miracle
Silent grief
Click link below to read or listen. If you've been through it, you'll get it. If you haven't you'll get a new perspective.
After miscarriage, missing the luxury of grieving
After miscarriage, missing the luxury of grieving
Note for family -
I've set a few of you up as members of the Doolin Fall 2011 Shutterfly page - you can find and order pictures from there if you see something you like. Anyone can visits but members will receive updates. Feel free to remove yourself if you are not interested. I'm trying to get back on top of my family photography responsibilities.
Simply click the link to the right that says "Fall 2011 Pictures" and it will take you there.
Simply click the link to the right that says "Fall 2011 Pictures" and it will take you there.
More Recent Pictures
Mattie enjoying a nice fall day on Sunday after celebrating with Ms. Jacklyn @ her birthday party.
Mattie and Gabriel locked on to the Bubble Guppies before heading to school (daycare).
More time on the big wheel for Miss Mattie.
Father/Son time - getting ready to work on a new track configuration. I asked Gabriel what the name of his station (the foyer) was and he said "G-A-B-R-I-E-L" Well, ok. He's learned to spell his name and he's proud of it, so G-A-B-R-I-E-L Station it is!
Here come the pictures!
We spent some more quality family time outside on Wednesday. Here's Mattie wearing her new favorite accessory - her St Jude's Hospital "HOPE" band. She loves that thing - who knew.
Gabriel enjoyed some bike time with Daddy. The rule around here is you can't ride the bike if you don't wear the helmet. Luckily, he likes his helmet but once he's done biking (which usually means he's ready to play golf) then he's ready to lose the helmet.
Mattie likes to "ride bikes" with the boys. She doesn't have perfect reach to the peddles yet but that doesn't stop her. She utilizes the Fred Flintstone method on Gabriel's big wheel - also known by Mattie as "my bike".
Guess where Gabriel goes after the bike - you guessed it! It's time to hit the Doolin Family Little Golfer Driving Range. We have to figure out how to keep him hitting with his real clubs once the weather gets cold. Stay tuned.
And a nice shot of smiling Mattie and Daddy. They think a lot of each other, ya know. ;-)
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Taking a FB break
For anyone who keeps up with us on Facebook, I will be taking a bit of a break. I'll continue to post pics and updates here. Facebook has become a little too much a part of life.
Fall is here...
It won't be long until we won't be able to play outside after school. I love the fall but the shorter days are a little sad. As a family, we're trying to make the best of the remaining afternoon sunshine and moderate temps.
I'm already trying to figure out indoor activities for late fall and winter. We've already started coloring, I've been practing writing with Gabriel and doing flash cards with Mattie. We'll fill their time somehow.
'Tis the season for birthdays around here. I'm amazed at how quickly the kids are growing. Before I know it they'll be leaving the nest. I will admit now that I am in complete denial that they will ever actually leave me. Just sayin'...
They are such blessings and bring such joy to my life, I can't even explain it. I see glimpses of Bobby and myself in them - sometimes it's funny, sometimes I feel like I should call and apologize to our parents. hee hee
Well, I'm off to play with the babies before bedtime. Love to all and I'll post again soon.
ACD
Monday, September 26, 2011
Another installment of "Gabriel Says..."
I guess it's time to start my "Gabriel Says" feature again. He frequently says things that make me laugh. I just feel like I need to document all of the best stuff so it's never lost. That being said, here's tonight's entry.
Andrea: Gabriel, do you know how much Mommy loves you?
Bobby: Gabriel, say "With all of her heart."
Gabriel: With all of her fart.
Thank you! He's here all week!
Andrea: Gabriel, do you know how much Mommy loves you?
Bobby: Gabriel, say "With all of her heart."
Gabriel: With all of her fart.
Thank you! He's here all week!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
This is what exhaustion looks like
Gabriel fell asleep on the floor after Mattie's birthday party and some quality outdoor playtime with his cousins. Bobby walked by him just a couple of minutes before I shot this and he was awake and playing. I guess he just pooped out. Bless him...
Birthday girl
Mattie on her birthday. She had enjoyed a little cake, a little ice cream and was getting ready to dig in on a cookie. I think she had some fun (and a lot of sugar!).
Someone turned 2 today
Mattie's new kitchen. We're happy to report that she LOVES it. Yeah Mommy & Daddy!!!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Let the birthday celebrations begin!
Gabriel's Mim Mim & Papaw won't be in town for his birthday so he got a cake from them a little early. He LOVED it. He teared up when he saw it in the box. When we got it out he couldn't keep his hands off of it - Thomas was a little damaged from all the love but an AWESOME cake. Thanks Mim Mim & Papaw. It will be tough to top this in October.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
And so it begins....
...the season of mixed emotions. As we prepare to celebrate Mattie's second birthday I'm already fully aware of another milestone that follows quickly behind. Welcome to the rollercoaster of emotion that is Fall at the Doolin's.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Getting back in the swing of the blogging thing...
Summer is winding down so that's supposed to mean more time to blog..right? That's the thought anyway. My goal is to get back to regular blogging here and I promise I'm going to try. I have some very specific goals for wrapping up this year and going in to 2012. Blogging, pictures, the works.
Stay tuned. Laundry is calling but I'll be back to post later.
Stay tuned. Laundry is calling but I'll be back to post later.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
After a bit of a summer hiatus, I'm back
I know it's been a few months since my last post. If you keep up with us on Facebook you've gotten bits and pieces so we haven't been completely off the map. The kids are pretty active in the summer so we spend a lot of time outside and visiting with family when we can. On top of that, my work load has increased a bit - that's good news but makes the free time I do have very precious.
Speaking of...the oven timer just went off, dessert is ready!
Speaking of...the oven timer just went off, dessert is ready!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)