MSU vs. Bama weekend

This weekend we went to Starkville for Jeremy to work at Oktibbeha County Hospital and go to the game.  He works one weekend a month or every other month and the hospital puts us up in a room.  This was my first weekend without Ella. She stayed with KK and Papaw, and she did great.  Friday night we went to the basketball game.  The boys had never been to a college basketball game before.  Graham thought it was too loud, so we only stayed the first half.

Saturday night we went to the game, but the boys only lasted about a quarter before Graham was saying, "I want to go back to the hotel!" He thought that game was too loud, too!!!  Luckily we were staying right off campus so we were able to walk back.

Sunday we went to a little bit of an inner-squad baseball game and then to the movie to see "Where the Wild Things Are."  I didn't really understand it!  That was after we walked out of "A Christmas Carol" movie because it was too scary!  We got home last night after picking Ella up in Meridian at 11:00!  We enjoyed our weekend even though we had little Ella missing.  All weekend Graham kept saying, "I want to see my baby!"  It was good for me to get to enjoy my boys again.  It seems like I haven't gotten to enjoy them in a while because it's always Jeremy and the boys and me with Ella.  And before that I was pregnant with Ella and didn't feel like doing anything!!! Thank goodness that part is over!!!

Garrett and Taylor

Today Garrett's friend, Taylor, came home with us from school.  Taylor, Garrett and their other friend, Gage, were in the same class last year and this year.  They call themselves the "superheros." We started the afternoon off with lunch at Chick-Fil-A then came home to play.  Graham hung in there with them for the most part, until he got his feelings hurt and would go to his room mad!  Poor Garrett always has to play with Graham's friends, so I decided it was about time he had a friend to come over.  (If I tell them we're going somewhere with Graham's friends, Garrett will say, "Why do I always have to play with Graham's friends?" But then he always has fun.) They had so much fun, playing everything.  I've never seen such short attention spans!!! Taylor is so sweet.  When he first got in the van from school I asked him if he and his little brother, Noah, had been sick. (He also has a new baby brother, Luke at home.) He said, "yeah, he had green diarrhea!"  Kids are so funny, and it's so funny to watch your kids play and interact with other kids. Garrett sure is going to miss Taylor and Gage when we move to Birmingham.  I pray that he finds sweet little friends as soon as we get there!

Ella's new smile

Ella is 12 weeks old today!  She smiles all the time now when we talk to her, and especially when her brothers are talking to her.  She loves to snuggle and be rocked. I love that!  I am enjoying this baby so much.  She is the sweetest thing.  She has been sleeping through the night since around 3 weeks.  She loves to sleep.  After about an hour of being awake, it's time for another nap.  She's like her momma!!! Last night was the first time we've gotten a babysitter for all 3 kids other than the grandparents. They all did great!

Orange Beach

This weekend we took a trip to Orange Beach with KK and Papaw.  Since the last time I ended up in the hospital, this time was better. We stayed at Phoenix on the Bay which was awesome.  It had a water slide and lazy river outside our balcony.  The boys loved it more than the beach.  We did enjoy a couple of hours on the beach one day, but they preferred swimming at the condo.  One night we ate dinner at Lu Lu's and the next night at Kosmo's - both were wonderful!  The weekend just wasn't long enough!  When we got home late Sunday night Ella was so exhausted she slept from 11:30 pm to 12:30 the next day!!! She went 13 hours without eating!!!  You know, by the 3rd child you don't worry as much how long they've been without eating - you're just glad you get to sleep that long!

Graham on the beach

Garrett on the beach

Garrett loved sitting in this chair on the balcony watching people go down the water slide and lazy river at the condo.
I love this picture of Graham!
This was Ella's first beach experience (who doesn't like to sleep on the beach???)
Playing in the sand with Daddy
Getting out all of the beach toys (Before we left I told them to pick out what beach toys they wanted to take from home.  They filled up a garbage bag!)

Ella at 7 weeks

This is Ella at 7 weeks.  At her check up she weighed 9 lbs 4 oz. (25th percentile) and 22 inches (90th percentile).  She has just started smiling.  She has always been a good sleeper like her momma!  She is such a precious, sweet baby!!!

Ella's Sip-n-See

This past Saturday my sweet friends gave me a Sip-n-See shower for Ella at Catherine Cross's house.  She got so many cute things.  Thanks so much to everyone who hosted and came to the shower.  It was fun getting cute girl stuff!!!

My sweet Ella Katherine Jackson
Stacy Seago, Mary Katherine Segrest, Me and Ella, Dara Ritter, Jodi Gentry and Catherine Cross

Ella's Birth

Ella Katherine is here!!!

Ella Katherine arrived yesterday by c-section at 7:50a.m. weighing 7lbs. 4 oz. and 20 inches.  She is beautiful, but I know she's mine!!!  So far, she doesn't cry or make any noise...I'm sure it will change when we get home!!!  Garrett is just smitten with her - wants to hold her constantly.  He talks to her and sings to her.  He is so nurturing.  Graham just wants a popsicle when he's here at the hospital.  He's not that into her yet.  I am so excited about this baby girl and watching her grow up with all of my boys that love her dearly!!  I am so truly blessed!!!!!!

Our beach vacation...

Friday evening after Jeremy got off work we headed to Orange Beach for the weekend thru Monday.  As you can see there are no pictures because I ended up in the hospital Saturday morning-Sunday at noon at Foley, AL.  We think I got food poisoning Friday night on the way down in Mobile.  I woke up at 2:30 am with terrible stomach cramps and sick to my stomach.  The next morning I told Jeremy that I was weak and scared for this baby in my belly (I'm 34 weeks) and scared knowing this was how my mom died 2 1/2 years ago.  I would sit in the bathroom and cry and say, "God, please make it go away!"  The stomach pains were so bad. I couldn't help but think that was how my mom's last few hours were, only worse.

Garrett was so sweet.  Right when he woke up he came to my side of the bed at the condo and said, "Momma, I'm sorry you're sick.  I want to give you a kiss."  A little bit later he came to me again and said, "You can have my blanket.  It's real soft and it will make you feel better.  You can have my ya-ya, too (his stuffed dog).

We decided to go to the hospital and got there around 10:00 am.  The boys had their swimsuits on ready to go that morning.  Finally, at about 2:30 after we saw the dr.  I told Jeremy to go on and take the boys to the beach.  I ended up staying overnight.  I got IV fluids, meds to stop contractions, and the best part - Demerol for the pain.  I was discharged Sunday at noon and we went back to the condo.  The boys got in a little more beach/pool time late that afternoon and the next morning.  However, my feet never touched the sand and I never got to eat any seafood!!!

Jeremy was super-daddy over the weekend.  He took care of the boys and rented them movies, etc. and let me do nothing but lie in the bed.  The boys were fed, although they didn't have a bath all weekend....I think a dip in the pool counts, don't you???  I don't know what I would have done without Jeremy.  He said on the way home now he's afraid I know how capable he really is of doing things!!!  The good thing is the boys got a lot of "daddy time" over the weekend, although I hated not being there!

We're planning another beach trip in October.  This time we'll be taking Ella Katherine with us and hopefully, Jeremy's parents!  (This was the one time they didn't go on vacation with us!) This next trip should be a whole lot better!!!!

YMCA T-ball 2009

This year was Garrett and Graham's first year to play t-ball.  Garrett was the oldest on the team and Graham was the youngest.  Jeremy was one of the coaches along with every other dad.  It was so funny.  During the first game Graham got mad when he didn't get the ball on defense and threw his glove and ran off the field crying.  (He gets that from his Papa!!!) Needless to say he basically liked playing offense! Garrett loved it and did great!  In this league they didn't keep score or outs or throw players out.  Basically they all get to hit the ball and run the bases! Almost every player on the team was a friend from church.  We were pretty much the "Pinelake" team.

MSU @ Trustmark Park

This was a few months ago when MSU and Ole Miss played at Trustmark Park.  I'm trying to catch up!

Dad and Linda
Papa, Garrett, Mimi and Graham (I love this picture!)

2009 State Champs

Back in May my dad's baseball team, West Lauderdale, won their 11th or 12th (I forgot which) high school baseball state championship at Trustmark Park.  We ended up splitting and won the 3rd game.  It was a very exciting series!!!

Graham eating a frozen lemonade
Garrett, Cameron, Graham and Kennedy
Garrett, Cameron, Papa, Graham and Kennedy

Graham's 3rd birthday party

This year for Graham's birthday party he wanted "a man riding a horse" or a cowboy cake.  He loves horses, cowboys, cars, trucks and motorcycles.  Garrett thought it was just as much his party, too.  We had the party at our house with water slides and swimming pools, a pinata and pizza.  I think all the kids had a good time.  Thanks to everyone who came!!!

Garrett and Graham opening presents after everyone left
Blowing out the candles
The birthday cake - you can hardly see the two horses at the bottom

Hank, Raylin and Garrett
Thomas, Caroline and Elias
Luke and Kanon
Graham and Caroline
Graham, Caroline, Hank, Garrett, and Raylin

This is the water slide that we bought.....long story but the kids loved it and will love it all summer!!
Graham and Hank
Raylin and Caroline
Luke, with Garrett behind him
Hank and Raylin

Elias's birthday party at the Ag Museum

Yesterday we went to the Ag Museum for Elias Grantham's 3rd birthday party.  The boys had so much fun.  Graham got to do 3 of his favorite things....ride ponies, trains and carousels!!!!  See how happy he is on the carousel???  Well, this was the last ride before going home and he pitched a fit!!!! That sweet little face can fool you!

KK's Birthday

KK's birthday was June 2nd.  I won't tell how old she is!  KK and Papaw came over, and we went to El Sombrero's which is becoming a tradition along with a cookie cake.  I don't know if cookie cake is everyone's favorite or if I just get everyone one because it is my favorite!!!  We love our KK - or "Tay-Tay" as the boys call her!!!

Jeremy's 33rd birthday

Jeremy turned 33 on June 4th.  Birthdays aren't a real big deal at our house other than a cookie cake and your favorite meal cooked at home - steaks and baked potatoes.  We usually go out to dinner just whenever we get a chance and instead of a gift, we save up for a trip (like to Disney World).  It's hard to believe I've been the one who gets to share in Jeremy's birthdays since his 18th!!!  He is an awesome father and husband.  I don't what we would do without him.  I can't wait to see how he's going to be with a little girl!!!

Jeremy's Residency Graduation

(John Cross, Matt Cassell, Jeremy, Josh Cockrell - Jeremy's best friends in med school and residency)

We've reached another milestone... Jeremy graduated last week from his 3-year Internal Medicine residency!  Yes, he is a doctor and has been for 3 years... My dad still asks when he's going to be a "real doctor," meaning when is he going to have his own practice?  So, now the next step is his one year of Chief Residency, which he is in now.  Then, next June we will move to Birmingham for another 3-year residency in Dermatology...Then we will return to Jackson for his practice to begin with UMC.  So, the answer to the question -when will he be practicing? is 4 more years!!! Yes, by then Jeremy will probably be fully gray-headed and all our friends will be retiring, but that's okay.  I know God has a plan for this LONG journey!!!

Graham's birthday

Graham turned 3 today.... I can't believe my baby is already 3.  For some reason I can't find his birth pics.  I know that I have a lot of posts to catch up on, but for now, this is it!  I'll post pics of his party later afterwards.  Last night we went to El Sombrero's with KK and Papaw and we were going to get the waiters to sing to Graham.  He realized what we were doing and started crying, so we said nevermind!

It is a very hot and long summer as I am now 31 weeks pregnant.  Ella Katherine will be here on Aug. 14th.  The boys are so excited, especially Garrett.  He just loves babies, especially our friend, Caroline, who is 13 months.  He is going to be so good with Ella - Graham, I'm not so sure yet.  He might take a little while to warm up to her.  He might surprise us, though!

Two years ago today I woke up on a Sunday morning to a phone call from my sister that said, "Sha, you know how Mom was sick...? Well, she died!"  For days and weeks I replayed that conversation in my head.  I couldn't get it out of my head, especially every time I lied down in my bed in the place where I found out that news.  Later, I thought about it less frequently, and then I would think about it every Sunday morning............

...........Now,  I can't believe it's been two years.  At that time the boys were 2 years old and 8 months old and Jeremy was in his 1st year of residency.  I don't know how I could have gotten through this if I didn't have a relationship with Christ Jesus.  He has filled me with His peace and His comfort.  It has been nothing that I've done on my own.  Sure, I have wondered 'why' many times, but my 'whys' and wonder have drawn me closer to Him thru being in His word in a women's bible study.  Although I wish He could have brought me closer to Him another way, I'm thankful He was able to use this experience in a positive way.  We still talk about Nana all the time to the boys.  Just this week Garrett brought a flower inside and told me he wanted to save it to put it on Nana's grave the next time we went home!  I wish Graham could remember her, but we have so many good things to teach him about his Nana.

Although God takes away, thankfully He gives, too.  He has brought my dad a beautiful wife (on the inside and outside), named Linda.  No, she doesn't replace my mom, but she has become my friend, and she has become "Mimi" to our boys.  She is a companion for my dad who makes him happy and takes care of him.  I prayed for God to send her for a long time.  I didn't want my dad to be lonely the rest of his life. They are so happy together, and my dad deserves that again.

I write all of this to tell you what God has done IN me.  His comfort has been unbelievable!  He brings me comfort in so many different ways.  I usually have a dream about my mom every month or so.  Just a few weeks ago I dreamt that she was sitting in a chair, and I knelt down beside her. She told me how happy she is, and I asked her, "But why is it sad sometimes?"  And she told me, "But I see everything that is going on with y'all!"  I do believe that she sees and knows what is going on with us.  My greatest comfort is knowing where she is.  It has changed my view of heaven and of worship.  I have said many times in the past, "I don't know what I would do if I lost ________." You've probably said it before, too, and filled in the blank with someone's name close to you.  I never would have thought that I could still have peace and joy after losing someone dear to my heart.  However, I choose to trust God completely that He has purpose in ALL His plans, even when I don't understand!

New addition to the family....

.......My dad and Linda got married this past Sunday at Union Station in Meridian!!! It was so sweet! They are so funny. They act like their 16 years old again! Linda has two married daughters, Stephanie and Natalie, with 3 kids and a little boy on the way in March. So, actually, there are many new additions to my family. After Natalie's little boy is born and our #3 there will be 11 grandchildren between Linda's girls and me and Boo! Therefore, Dad and Linda are looking for a big house for us all to come home to!!!

I know it's been awhile since I've posted. We've been so busy. We got a laptop for Christmas, so I haven't downloaded any new pictures yet, but I will post some soon. Since my last post Jeremy has been on 3 Dermatology interviews to Birmingham, San Antonio, and Galveston, TX. Garrett had his 4th birthday; we've been to DisneyWorld, and then Dad and Linda's wedding! We've also been to our first OB visit and got a sonogram. We took the boys and they got to see the baby on the screen. They were so funny. Everything looked great and there was only one baby!!! My due date is August 24th. We are so excited. Jeremy seems to think we're having another boy. WE WILL be finding out what this baby is!

I'll post later when I get some pictures downloaded!

Mom's Birthday

Today my mom is 60 years old in heaven. I miss her so much, and today I've been thinking about the things that I miss most about her:

I miss her laugh. Sometimes she would laugh so hard that she would poot! (She would kill me for telling that!)

I miss how she would always teach the boys something new everytime she kept them.

I miss how she could take care of me like no one else.

I miss how she would have my house spotless and re-arranged everytime we went out of town.

I miss how I couldn't find things in my house that she moved when we had been out of town.

I miss how she would have dinner ready for us after coming home from a trip.

I miss calling her on the phone and telling her the funny things the boys just did.

I miss getting her parenting advice when I need it the most.

I miss how she would give me advice even when I didn't want it or ask for it.

I miss my friend, my counselor, my prayer warrior.

I miss that I can't tell her that we're having another baby-(I think she already knows!)

I miss that she won't be with me when this baby is born, but somehow I can imagine that she will have the best seat imaginable!

I miss that I can't tell her how much I love her.
........................................................................................
Don't miss an opportunity to tell people how much they mean to you. You never know when it might be the last time you spend with them!

Christmas 2008

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. We found out the WE ARE GOING TO HAVE BABY #3!!!! I'm only 6 weeks, so the baby will be due in August....... and yes, we are going to find out what we're having.

The other good news is that Dad got engaged to Linda. He proposed on Christmas Day. Below you'll see pics of the signs that he made that led up to the proposal on the pitcher's mound of his baseball field at the school. I'm so proud of him. He did so good, and what he said to her was so sweet, but I'll keep that private and not post that for the world to see!!!

This was the first sign Dad made on the way to his ballfield at the school

This was the second sign Dad made at the school. (Dadgumit is his signature word - he mostly uses it when he's mad during a baseball game!)

Aunt Lana gave the boys their own bowling ball and bags. They loved them and we've already been bowling once.