Are we there yet…

Several months ago, I mentioned to G that it would be fun to mark his thirtieth birthday with a tour of the Okefenokee swamp. Growing up in Waycross, Georgia, he had spent most of his life learning and exploring the Okefenokee, but the tour would allow us an opportunity to spend three nights canoeing and camping in remote areas that many have never seen. While the conditions were not ideal (think, canoeing up to 13 miles a day and sleeping on platforms surrounded by gators and bugs), I thought the experience would be memorable to say the least. By mid November, the plans were set. G’s mom had also decided to embark on the journey and Papa Joe and Meme had graciously offered to take care of sweet Mary Reese.

Fast forward to the week of G’s birthday (Nov 18). Without getting into too many details, I had been having irregular menstrual periods and decided to visit my gynecologist in hopes that he would once again prescribe the progesterone pill to start my period. After a quick urine test, it was obvious why I was late again. I was pregnant! At the time, G was in New York for the week on business. I made up my mind that I would do my best to keep it a secret and surprise him upon his return home. That lasted all of two hours.

Since we were very early on, we decided to just tell the family. The news was especially exciting because my sister and I would be pregnant at the same time and due within 2-3 weeks of each other. As the big news sunk in and my waist started to expand, it was obvious that this was not my year to experience the Okefenokee swamp. Instead, G and his mom would brave the three day trip and Mary Reese would get to spend some quality time with her grandparents while I caught up on some things around the house.

While we’re on the truth, I can tell you that I’m only around 7 or 8 weeks, which is still very early on. I can also tell you that I am already showing and am very close to unpacking my maternity clothes. Our next sonogram is planned for Monday so we should find out our official due date then.

And finally, I can tell you that I barley managed to survive the week without G and sweet MR. And barley got them unpacked before we were in the car again, headed to Waycross. I’ll post pics later in the week of our trip, but for now, here are a few pics of my number one girl!

MR got to sit on the big mans lap last Wednesday.

Consulting over this years Christmas list

Random, but worthy….Thanks to Gran C, MR has been broken of her “Bobbi-C” (pacifier) for the last 4 months and in a “big girl bed” for the last 2. The transition was much easier than expected. We’re praying that another grandparent will step up and get this child potty trained before the arrival of baby 2!

Growing up, I often heard my parents use the expression, “that adds years to my life”. They would use it to describe things that made them happy. And blessings from above. After four days at the beach, I can certainly attest that this vacation added years to my life! Not only did my sweet husband cook every meal, but he also did all of the grocery shopping, and allowed me to catch up on my favorite celebrity magazines poolside sans Mary Reese. Because of him, I now know that Heidi Klum is expecting baby #4. And because of him, Mary Reese will clap with excitement at the mere mention of the word “beach” or “pool”. Thank you G for taking time off of work so that the three of us could enjoy some much needed time away!!!

A scary fall the night before we were set to leave caused an emergency trip to the dentist early Wednesday morning. Thankfully, my Uncle and cousin in Eastman, GA are both dentists and they were kind enough to work Mary Reese into their busy schedules. MR left her first dental appointment with a clean bill of health and lots and lots of kisses from her mama and daddy!

Our trip down south also included a quick stop in Waycross to eat lunch with Danny and Papa and visit with Meme and Papa Joe!

MR was pooped when we finally arrived at the condo,

but quickly got over it as soon as she saw the pool and the ocean.

“Lucy” (Yucy) was a big hit.

As were the floaties.

“Bubbelshs”

The Boss man was released from the hospital this morning and will undergo more tests at UVA next week. The latest ultrasound did not show any blockage, but pointed to an enlarged left kidney. Please continue to pray for God’s healing touch as their family awaits the next series of tests.  

Now that we’ve got precious Boss back home, I want to tell you about my very talented and creative sister-in-law, who just opened an Etsy shop. Lauren is an absolute jewel to our family. Not only can she cook a mean macaroni and cheese, but she can also paint. Please stop by her shop and blog to browse through her unique collection of paintings, children’s wall art, and stationary. Here are a few of my favorite pieces. 

Llama watercolor stationary

Pumpkin on old barnboard

Mary Reese wall art

Hendley wall art

Hand painted bathroom stool

Last but not least, I want to share a fabulous and easy peasy recipe for Banana Bread. The recipe comes from Garrett’s step-mom and is an absolute favorite around the Harvey house.

 Meme’s Banana Bread: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a loaf pan.

1 1/2 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 bananas)
2 1/3 cup Bisquick mix
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 tsp vanilla
3 eggs
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Beat all ingredients vigorously for 30 seconds. Bake 55-65 minutes.

To make your banana bread even more fabulous, cut off a slice, spread with butter, and zap it in the microwave for a few seconds. It is seriously melt in your mouth good! For an easy and delicious dessert, serve warm banana bread with a dollop of caramel sauce (I use the kind in the jar) and a scoop of vanilla ice cream! I promise you, you won’t be disappointed by this tasty treat!

I know we need it, but these last few days of rain have put a damper on our outside plans. Thank the good Lord for a front porch, rain boots, and Sesame Street.

MR is her daddy’s child. She looks just like him. And thankfully, acts like him too. Yesterday at her yearly checkup, sweet MR received 4 shots. Unlike her mama, she didn’t wine, cry, or flinch at the sight of the extra long needles. Even the nurses were impressed! They were also impressed by her growth. Over the last year, MR has grown 10 1/4 inches long and has gained almost 16 pounds! We are so thankful for our healthy baby girl!

The dawgs disappointing loss to Bama was quickly overshadowed by a late night phone call from my sister. Hendley’s fever had spiked to 103.8, causing her to go into a febrille seizure. For the next four hours, our family prayed as doctors at UVA administered tests and blood work on my sweet niece. Although we have yet to find the cause of Hendley’s fever, the results ruled out an upper respiratory infection, pneumonia, and meningitis. Please pray that God will continue to put His protective arms around Hendley and Baby Trent. And pray for a speedy recovery for Hendley and all of the Boucek family!

After a very long and sleepless night, we woke up early on Sunday morning to get ready for Mary Reese’s first birthday celebration. Seeing MR surrounded by so many loved ones was a constant reminder of God’s many blessings! I’ve got tons of pics from the big weekend, so stay tuned…

A birthday toaster strudel to start the morning

and a cupcake from Aunt B for lunch!

Saturday was all about Georgia football! Gran C and Big Daddy took on MR while G and I tailgated with the Harvey family.

ESPN’s College Gameday on the UGA campus

On Sunday we celebrated MR’s first birthday party

Where to start? The last week has been trying to say the least. Not only have we been busy packing/unpacking, but we have also had three of our loved ones end up in the hospital.

Last Wednesday my mom started experiencing pain in her abdomen. If you know my mom, you know she never complains and is rarely sick. By Thursday her pain was unbearable and she was off to the emergency room for a series of tests. A sonogram indicated two large gallstones that needed to be removed through laparoscopic surgery. While the surgery was successful, mom is still in a great deal of pain. With only two weeks left before baby Trent’s arrival, I ask you to pray for God’s healing touch and a speedy recovery.

On Saturday, my sister-in-law, Lauren also started feeling bad. For the last year or so she has suffered from  bouts of dizziness, nausea, headaches and disorentation. Unfortuntely, up until Saturday, the doctors and specialists have been unable to determine the cause of her symptoms. Lauren’s mystery illness came to head on Saturday as she was rushed to the hospital via ambulance. The doctors were once again baffled by her symptoms. Just as they were about to discharge her, she had another “episode” in front of several nurses. Upon further testing, it was determined that Lauren suffers from epilepsy. While we are relieved to finally have answers, we know that the diagnosis will require a lifestyle change for both Lauren and Trent.

A final prayer request for my aunt Daisy, who was diagnosed with kidney cancer today. Fortunately, the cancer has not spread to the adrenal glands. In the coming weeks the doctors will remove Daisy’s kidneys in hopes of destroying the cancer cells. Please lift up my mom, Lauren, and Aunt Daisy in your thoughts and prayers.

MR was taking “Ms. Rosy” out for a spin when the good news came in…

We are relieved to report that G’s biopsy showed no signs of cancer in the lymph nodes! This news is a reminder of how magnificent our God truly is! It’s also a testament to the power of prayer! Thank you all for lifting our family up during our time of need.

Off to celebrate with my two favorite people…a big juicy steak and nice cold beer await us!

Two hours in radiology, five and a half hours in outpatient surgery, two Elmo balloons, a fabulous dinner made by a nonstop mother-in-law, and many prayers that were felt throughout the day…G and I cannot thank everyone enough for the nonstop love and support we have experienced over the last few weeks. G’s surgery went well. The surgeon removed three lymph nodes–two under his arm and one on the backside of his arm. He also removed a spot on Garrett’s chest. The results should be back on Wednesday, so please continue to pray that we will receive good news and that G is cancer-free!

MR has loved all of the extra attention she has been receiving from Danny, Papa, and Gran-C. We cant wait to get this little girl down south so that she can be closer to her grandparents!