Emma

BIG News comes with a BIG birthday (30th)!!

2012-02-02T14:21:00.000-08:00

Our family is growing by TWO FEET!!!
Baby Stuck expected August 2012
We made this announcement at my 30th birthday party that my wonderful husband, mother and bff Joy and Amy hosted for me! It was a BLAST and got see so many of my favorite people! I am so blessed with all these people in life!!

Pregnancy... 11 weeks today and still not feeling so well. Sick in the morning and late at night. Also, my heart rate has been out of control and been getting sick on my long runs so my running is having to take a back seat for a while, which is ok to keep baby and myself safe (there are still plenty of things I can do to keep myself in shape). It has been great that Clint has been home a week tomorrow but looking like he will be leaving this weekend sometime so I am going to enjoy him while he is home! Next doctors apt February 20th so I'll keep you posted.

FW Stock Show/The Big 30 and MORE!!

2012-01-26T12:27:00.000-08:00

Emma has been at the Stock Show almost everyday since its come to town. I feel a pony named Marshmallow in our near future!!

I am very excited about this weekend because my wonderful husband and mom have planned a 30th birthday party for me. I am so excited because its a party that I didn't have to plan (the best kind!) ALL BESTIES will be here... Joy from CA and Tiff from Houston but Kristy will be at a romantic weekend with her hubby (one last vacation before her #2 arrives, so I'm excited for her and her preggo massage!)

Best present is that Clint will be home tomorrow and hopefully till Emma's bday too (Feb. 6th)!! I have missed him so much this time around but I think its because the last time I saw him was over 23 days ago (almost a month). I am so ready for our family to be home together more... but we will make it work until that time comes. Counting down the minutes!!! :)

The MORE is soon to come... :)

Hello Stranger.... Happy New Year!

2012-01-05T09:06:00.000-08:00

It has been a very long time since I've posted because life has been so... busy!!
Let's start it off right... HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I sure hope we have some "HAPPY" instore for this NEW year because 2011 was a hard one!
Clint is working out of town for weeks on end with his new job (which is hard but a blessing that he has a job!)
Emma is growing up so fast, its scary!! She is adjusting to school and loving her teachers and friends at Reading Friends. I can't believe she will be 3 in a month! She is so bright and can't believe she was just a baby, seems like yesterday!

Christmas was in Angel Fire, NM this year and it was a BLAST! Best part Clint made it home so we could leave a day early and spend some family time alone. It was an Adventure but we made it! Emma learned how to ski and loved every second of it! She loved to play in the snow - making snow angels and making snow balls to throw at us! Dad and Clint cut down a tree (SHHH...) and mom, Rachel and I strange popcorn and cranberries on string and Emma made homemade clay ornanments that she painted and hung on the tree. It was our own little "Smokey Mountain Christmas" (old Dolly Pardon movie that I grew up watching. I even cooked Clint's favorite meal of the year "Grandma Stuck's Christmas Dinner" - Prime Rib Roast, Glazed Carrots, Green Beans, Homemade mashed potatoes, shrimp cocktail, rolls and I added homemade cranberry sauce that ROCKED!! I also found a little bakery that made an amazing Carmel Pecan Pie and is was GREAT!

Bad end to the year was... Cowboy our 13 year old black lab (our first baby)wasn't eating very well when we left to go out of town but our awesome neighbors keep a close eye on him. When we arrived home he was not looking good. We played outside with Emma and her new Barbie Jeep and normally he is all in the middle of it but I sat with him and he was just so weak. He wouldn't even eat his favorite milk bones, so I knew something was up. Later that night Clint checked on him and he was throwing up blood and early the next morning I checked on him and he wouldn't even get out of his dog house. As hard as it was/is I decided to make the choice to call the vet and schdule to take him IN. This was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do but I didn't want him to suffer/hurt. I think deep down I always thought it would happen "naturally" but that is life. Thank God Clint was still home so my mom meet us up at the vet and took Emma and she was having a hard time but when we look him inside she XOXO him and told him, "have fun in heaven Bubba!" :( she loved her Bubba so much and I just hope her heart heals quickly! I was at peace with our choice when we started to walk in the vet (which normally is a struggle because Cowboy never like the vets office) but he was calm and relaxed and I feel was ready (unlike us). We sat in a "comfort room" and I layed on the pallet on the floor with him and Dr. Bearden came in and explained what would happen but didnt make it any easier. It was quick and he looked peaceful... no more pain or cancer where he is now! "ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN!"

Emma still stops at the gate in the morning and says, "Buy Bubba, love you!" I have to still explain but I think she understands more everyday. Prayers for our family appreciated!

Let the GOODNEWS of the NEW YEAR begin!

(I will post pictures soon...)

Time is just a flying....

2011-08-04T14:21:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since my last post because life has been super crazy with Clint working in the oil field, (YES, working!! Such a blessing that he found a job about 4 months ago but he has to be gone alot), hosting baby showers, wedding showers/weddings, Emma's dance class, school and my marathon training. This heat is making it all pretty hard! I have one thing to say, "I have LOTS of respect for single moms because this is NOT easy job by myself!" I miss Clint so much and feel pretty alone at times but our families have been so great with helping out but its hard at night because my best friend and hubby is gone and its just not the same talking on the phone or computer but the computer really helps Emma with missing her daddy. I hope the the distance is only temperary but hopeful the job is long term!

On another note Emma started school this week and it has gone GREAT! She loved it and the teacher even said that Emma is setting the bar high for class this year because she communicates so well, yes I am a proud mommy!

Busy weekend with weddings and baby showers (I will post pictures of my work)one day I will be paid for it all!! ;)

Times are a changing...

2011-04-05T14:28:00.000-07:00

Good News and Bad News to report... Good News First: Clint headed to Midland last Thursday to start a new job on Friday but Bad News: He will be out of town 2-3 weeks at a time. We are missing him terribly but so proud of him!! We have gotten Apple computers so that we can start iChatting and Emma can talk and see her daddy. It is really hard doing everything alone but it can only get easier (atleast that is what I keep telling myself, right?!?!)
HAPPY note... we have started our garden again this year and Emma has already gotten to eat her first strawberry off of it last night. She is getting so big and SO SMART!!
She has already had her first Easter Egg Hunt to practice with it...
God is GOOD!!

2nd Birthday and NYC Marathon Here I come!

2011-02-14T12:23:00.000-08:00

Emma's 2nd Birthday went great! I was worried about the weather but it all turned out great!! I have attached a couple pictures from the day. Also, I am SO... excited to be telling ya'll this because it has been a long time goal/dream of mine to run a marathon in NYC. I am gonna do it this year!! I am planning to participate in the NYC Marathon on November 6, 2011. Also, with the large amount of people that want to participate in this race, it makes it extremely difficult to be picked from the lottery in April. With that said, I have decided to participate with the charity, Team for Kids. I have picked this charity because I was a child that struggled with being overweight and anything that I can do to make a difference in my child’s life or another is all worth it!!
No donation is too small so please take a look at my donation link below.
http://www.runwithtfk.org/Member/PublicPage/3959
Thanks again for the support!

Holidays... behind us and know onto the months of Birthdays!!

2011-01-14T08:39:00.000-08:00

Christmas and New Years was nice but really ready to go skiing for the Holidays so we don't have to do all the cooking and cleaning. I am hoping that next year we will be on the mountain skiing and playing in the snow. Emma had a great Christmas and really got the idea of the reasons for Christmas... example: she called the wise men "the guys and Jesus" and she was really said when we had to put all the Christmas stuff away. She liked Santa as well!

This month kicks of LOTS of birthdays - my mother-in-law and her husband, my brother, my father and myself and Emma's 2nd birthday on the 6th Super Bowl Sunday! I am planning to make her a dalmatian cake that looks like the one below...

Big plans for the weekend... concert and dinner for Bo's birthday tonight, Stock Show Parade and the twins 2nd birthday party Saturday evening and hopefully taking it easy on Sunday after church.

I am pretty excited because I have been asked to represent my office at a luncheon in Austin and accept our award for being one of the "Best Companies to Work for in Texas". I have been with the firm for 4 years on the 29th and have always wanted to go to this event. There are about 10 of us attending and it should be fun!

Thanksgiving and Christmas is coming!!

2010-11-30T11:20:00.000-08:00

Kicked things off on Wednesday with getting my hair done and seeing a movie with a great friend. We also took Emma to the omni to see "The Polar Express", she wasn't sure at first but quickly warmed up and watch the entire 1hr 45min movie. In keeping with my tradtion... I ran in the Turkey Trot 10K on Thanksgiving morning and than went to my parents house to "pig-out". We enjoyed a small and special day with everyone! Another tradition... we took Emma to the Parade of Light on Friday night and she loved it! We had Clint's families Thanksgiving on Satruday and that was nice, too! We put up the Christmas tree on Sunday and we took Emma to the omni to see "Santa vs Snowman". She loved it as well!

Halloween Fun!!

2010-11-05T12:15:00.000-07:00

E really enjoyed Halloween this year... except for the scary costumes. We started out with Trunk-or-Treating on Wednesday with Cole and she loves Cole but wasn't to fond of him when he put his dragon mask on. She keep saying, "Mean... Mean... Mean!" Cole was really sweet because he keep pulling his mask up to help remind her that it was only pretend.
That was the first of our many trick-or-treating events! My office also decided to have trick-or-treating in the office on Friday and a mini haunted house. It turned out great!! There were about 12 kids that came (pretty good for the first year).
Lastly, on Sunday "Halloween" we stopped by our neighbors to let them be the first house E hit but they weren't home but we practiced! After that we went by Tina & Dwayne's to let E show off her trick-or-treating skills (she was still a little shy). Then we went to my parents house for the neighborhood hayride and trick-or-treating, which she loved!! She couldn't really say, "Trick-or-Treat" but she sure was able to say, "Candy?" and "Thanks!" after the candy was deposited into her bucket. She is still asking for candy, yikes!!
We also got a great visit from the twins! They had so... much fun chasing each other around my parents yard!
As much fun as this was... I can't wait to see if she understands Christmas. She has become such a personality! With Clint still out of a job, they have gotten to bond more and I am so glad! I miss being with her but I am glad they are getting this time together, too!

Please still keep us in your prayers and hopefully something will come along soon! We are trying to stay positive and enjoy our family because that's what's important!

Life...

2010-10-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since my last post because life has been pretty crazy!

Clint lost his job three weeks ago today so I have gone back to work full time until he finds something. He has been searching high and low but still no bits! Since I am back to work full time he is staying home with Emma two days "daddy day-care". He has definatly decided that being a stay at home daddy isn't for him! I think he is doing a great job and it is giving him and Emma more time together. He has taken her to doc apts, Little Gym and is doing great keeping her on schedule. I do miss being home with her LOTS but I have realized that this is for the best (right now). I am trying to stay positive... "when one door closes another door opens" but it's been SO hard!

Emma is getting so big! She has a BIG vocabulary and loves to dance and sing. Her favorite movies are Lion King and Finding Nemo. She is going to be "king" (that's what she calls a lion) for Halloween. She is going to be two soon and I think that's what her bday party theme will be too! She is growing and developing so well and hopefully after life gets back on track, we can give her a brother or sister. "Everything happens for a reason!"

Please just keep my family in your prayers!

Life has been busy... but I will try and catch you up!

2010-08-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

EMMA IS OFFICIALLY 18 MONTHS NOW, WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE!?!? SHE HAS BEEN A BUSY GIRL THIS SUMMER WITH LITTLE GYM CLASSES, FREQUENT MUSEUM, ZOO AND SPLASH PARK TRIPS. SHE IS ALSO TALKING UP A STORM AND INTO EVERYTHING!!

LIFE HAS BEEN CRAZY SINCE JUNE... MY BROTHERS WEDDING IN ST. LUCIA THEN JULY... THEIR RECEPTION AND PK THEN AUGUST... MY FRIEND GINNIE'S WEDDING/GIRLS TRIP TO SONOMA, CA (BLAST!!) AND FINALLY CLINT'S 30TH BIRTHDAY LAST WEEKEND.

Little Gym... and vacation count down!!

2010-06-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

Emma had her first "bird" class at the Little Gym last Friday and she had a BLAST!! As soon as Clint got home from work she wanted to show him her forward roll and the same when Mada and Papi came over...

Her new favorite thing to do these days is color for hours...

This week, weekend and the first couple days of next week are going to be SUPER busy! This weekend I have my sister in laws Bach Party on Friday and Saturday we have a wedding in San Antonio and we leave for St. Lucia for my brothers wedding next week. So... we will not be stopping until next Wednesday but just hoping the 6 hour plan ride isnt as bad I think it is going to be. I can't wait to get away...

Zoo playdates and 1st day of Little Gym...

2010-06-11T12:45:00.000-07:00

It has been a fun filled two days home with my baby girl. We went to the zoo yesterday with my friend Maria and her sweet little twins Ava and Mason. They had the BEST time! I had a great time seeing the kids interact and catching up with Maria.

Today was Emma's first class at The Little Gym (this is the same place she had her
1st bday at) and she had a BLAST! We are hoping to get a membership so she can go once or twice a week. It was so... cute her name was on the board with all the other kids names that were in the class. All the kids got little stamps are their hands but she cried because she wasn't ready to leave. So... glad she had a good time!

Memorial Weekend Fun and Our Baby is getting so... BIG!!

2010-06-02T08:28:00.000-07:00

Swimming... Hot Pink Toes... and so much more!!

Sick Baby and SO... glad today is my Friday!

2010-05-20T11:47:00.000-07:00

This week has been pretty long to say the least but I am sure it has allot to do with my baby being sick. It came on pretty fast... she was fine Monday (ate good, sleep good) but by the next day she had a temp and didn't want to eat. She has a moll er coming in and that is kinda what I was blaming the fever on. On Wednesday morning I took her to GG's as usual but before we left the house she still had a 102.4 temp so I thought best to call doc and get to the bottom of things. I felt terrible because she got down for a nap at 10:45 and I had to wake her up at 11:30 to get to 11:50 doc apt. She waited so patiently but the minute she saw the nurses (scrubs) and I lay ed her on the scale and she flipped out. It breaks my heart because she still remembers all the tummy stuff with the doctors and hospitals so she can't relax when she sees scrubs. Back on topic... her throat was red so they did a strep test (against her will). The in office test came back (-) so we are waiting for the other one on Friday. They put her on antibiotics and Motrin but we are still battling the high fevers. She is with her Mada today and seems to be doing OK. She has been sleeping since 11:30 and mom says that she has been really clingy all day (which is how she has been all week, too).
Here are a couple pictures Clint took last night...

Also, super excited that I got to catch up with my AGD lil sis Mary last night. It was even more special because it was her last night before she becomes a mommy. I took her the gifts that my mom and I made and she loved them!! We made her a hospital gown, hopital pillow case, onsie and burp clothes for Jackson and it ALL matched! I will attach a couple pictures but hopefully we will get some really pictures from Mary in a couple weeks. She will be a great mommy and I can't wait to meet her new little family!!

Busy weekened... Meredith graduates on Saturday morning and Rachel has a bridal shower that afternoon. This should be an interesting weekened. Best of all my aunt mimi, steve, garrrett, maddie, cole, austin and the new little guy connor are all in town. I cant wait to spend more time with them tomorrow and Sunday. Connors big heart surgery is next week so hopefully everything goes well with that, too! He is such a sweetie and so tiny! Love my family...

Mother's Day and more...

2010-05-12T11:55:00.000-07:00

Had a great Mother's Day weekend... church, lunch and lots of family time! I love spending time with my cute little family. We had a couple of milestones this week/weekend as well... Emma said the word "shoe" and "outside" clear as day! Seems a little early to be saying some of these words but she is all over it and she loves that everyone gets so... excited when she says them. Such a ham!!

Also, I have the most creative brother in the world. I found a picture of a sling bookshelf that I wanted for Emma's room so all he had to do is look at it and whip on up!

And... my parents als bought Emma her own chair for her room and she loves it!! It looks great in her room, too!

Help!! I really love this dress that Tori Spellings little girl Stella is wearing in this picture but can't find where it is sold. Anyone have any ideas?

April Showers Bring May Flowers...

2010-05-04T14:15:00.000-07:00

The beautiful weather has made for some fun nights and days at the Stuck House!! Emma loves to help daddy mow the lawn, pull the truck in the garage and playing in her new pool! She is such a joy in our lives...

Such a happy girl, we are so blessed!

Bluebonnets make it all better...

2010-04-29T13:16:00.000-07:00

We took some pictures in the bluebonnets the other weekend and it has taken me forever to share them but here goes...

Also, Emma has figured out how to sleep in her own bed through the night (never thought I would see the day). We are very pleased and she seems to be so... much happier. She seems to do great with the naps when she is at home or I am there but naps haven't been going as well at GG's and Mada's which normally makes for a long evening.

She is a busy girl (into everything) but is talking like crazy (most we don't understand) but other things such as cow (followed by MOOOOO) so funny! She says momma, dadda, gg, car, done and clint taught her to say "shucks" and it is so... funny, too! She is growing up so fast and learning so much! It is amazing how much she really understands. Such a sweet baby!

Sleep Training Battle

2010-04-22T18:44:00.000-07:00

So... This is hard to admitt but I am one of those parents that started things off wrong by letting my child sleep in my bed. She is a little over 14 months and I have hit my breaking point... I am not getting sleep and I don't think she is either.

Things started on Sunday and we tried to do things on our own but by Tuesday we were asking for outside help. Amy was a God send to our house!! She let us borrow the # Day Sleep Solution and bed time SEEMS to be getting easier at Day #5. After we have completed this journey I will post all of our night and hopefully it will help another family.

I will post more soon!

I sure hope this weekend gets better than this week...

2010-04-15T13:24:00.000-07:00

On top of the sad shooting death of the 17 year old young man on Monday and than Wednesday one of my AGD soriety sisters was in a car accident that caused brain injuries that couldn't be corrected by surgery. She was in a coma as of yesterday and passed away this morning. Needless to say it has been a hard week. I didn't really know the two of these young people but I knew the boys sister from High School and the girl was an AGD at Tarleton. These two untimely deaths have hit extremely close to home and I would just like to pray for the families and friends at this difficult time.

Seeing that I am a mother now, I couldn't imagine losing a child. Many thoughts and prayers are with these mothers, fathers, siblings and etc. during these tragic deaths.

I hope tomorrow starts a new and better day... I am planning to take Emma to get her picture in the bluebonnets tomorrow. Mom got her a very cute dress from Target that should look great!
She had a hard night last night but I think she is cutting some more mollers (cried from about 3-5am). She was in so... much pain it just broke my heart! COME ON TEETH and come in so my baby doesn't have to hurt so bad!

I am super excited also because my aunt Mimi and Connor are in town for Meredith's prom so I get to see them tonight! Also, another plus finally getting my hair done Saturday (first time since Emma's birthday)and I NEED IT!!

Scary, scary world we live in...

2010-04-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

Since, I couldn't sleep last night and still having problems dealing with the events of yesterday...so I have decided to blog about it.

A 17 year old young man came home for lunch with his sister yesterday and after arriving they surprised some intruders in their home. The young man was shot in the head and is at the hospital in critical condition.

I didn't know him personally but I did know his sister and I had just reconnected with her a couple weeks ago. I would really like to extend my condolences to her and her family at this difficult time. I couldn't imagine what they are feeling...

I just can't understand WHY... things like this have to happen!! I may sound like a 3year old with saying WHY... WHY.. WHY?? but I have really been having a lot of problems with keeping my faith these days because of events like this. It seems that every time I turn around something BAD has happened to a Good person. I know bad things happen everywhere but with this tragedy being so close to home or that I have a daughter now I am just scared to death of EVERYTHING!! I couldn't imagine losing my child...

I have done a lot of praying and I guess that's all I can do at this point... give it to a higher power!! I may also need to start praying for myself to help me keep my faith.

Please say a prayer for this young man, his family and for all those that may be suffering through this lose or another.

All I can do is hope and pray that God watches over my family and all those around me... especially my little girl! Wow, how children can really put things into perspective. I can remember the days I thought I was invinsible...

Easter fun, first train ride, couples shower, wedding and Main Street Arts Festival...

2010-04-09T13:13:00.000-07:00

Life as busy as usual... Emma had three Easter Egg Hunts in the last couple weeks and still isn't tired of collecting eggs either. We spent alot of time with family last weekend and more this weekend. We have my brothers couple shower tomorrow and a college friends wedding tomorrow night in Waco. I hope we have fun!

Emma is just growing so... fast and talking up a storm! I could have sworn she tried to say Cowboy the other day... our little girl is growing up so fast! She will be the flower girl in my brothers wedding in June and this is her little dress...

My happy girl... always dancing!

2010-03-17T12:09:00.000-07:00

Mada bought Emma new sunglasses this weekend and she wont put them on unless mommy sings the funny song!!

Emma was watching her birthday DVD that GG made her and couldn't help but dance!!

First trip to the zoo and more...

2010-03-11T14:36:00.000-08:00

A digital slideshow by Smilebox

Emma had a great time at the zoo but only lasted about 2 hours. We are planning on going back again on the next pretty day since the aquarium is finally open, too. She was wide eyed the entire time.

Time just keeps flying...

2010-03-05T10:25:00.000-08:00

Emma is 1 year and 1 month today... She is growing so much everyday! I joined 24 Hour Fitness and Emma had her first day at the gym kids zone. She loved it!

Valentine's Day and Sick... sick and hurt

2010-02-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

Loves Valentine's Day!!

It has been a crazy week... Emma got sick for the first time last week and we are still trying to get rid of it. Starting last Thursday she got a ear infection and cold (terrible cough, runny nose and a temp that took several days to get down). It was so sad she just layed her sweet little head on her daddy's pillow and tried to sleep but cough wouldn't let her. Finally got some antibiotics and almost all gone a week later. Only problem is daddy got it... and now mommy (me)has it and on top of that I hurt my knee running the other night. I went to the doc Thursday and they did a xray and I have swelling on my knee cap so they are trying to get me in with sport medicine doc for a MRI before next Saturday marathon (fingers crossed). This happend on Wednesday... so I took a break from running Thursday and Friday but gonna try to run this afternoon to see how it feels. I have never had the weird pulling before on the outer part of my knee... so kind of scared. I have felt pretty good in the two half marathons that I have done (December and January) so trying to figure out what to do... should I just do the 1/2 or just see how the full goes. I was really hopeing to better my first marathon time because my last 1/2 was my best time. What to do?? Just gonna have to pray about it and see how it goes...

The next couple of months are going to be crazy... with Bach Parties, Marathons, Birthday Parties, Weddings, Weddings, Weddings, Weddings, Weddings and more Weddings!! We have a wedding every weekend in March, two in April, one in May and Bo (my brother) & Rachel's in June, Emma is the flower girl, too. It is gonna be busy busy but should be a good time!

Snowy Day...

2010-02-12T09:56:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

1st Birthday was a SUCCESS!

2010-02-08T16:17:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

The 1st Birthday Madness has STARTED...

2010-02-04T14:31:00.000-08:00

This is 1 of 3 cakes (really 1 of 2 since the other cake is actually cupcakes)and other... other cake is the cake that Emma will eat.
Party Theme: Sock Monkeys
Location: Little Gym
Bakery: Emma's Mommy
Party Favors: Mini Sock Monkeys, Sock Monkey Art Wallets and Monkey Toys
This should be a great time (at least I hope!)Family and friends, what more can you ask for!
Favors:

Emma loves her sock monkey!!

Cake:

1 year pictures are up and SUPER CUTE!!

2010-01-28T10:02:00.000-08:00

I am never going to be able to pick just a couple... I want them all!!
www.knightphoto.com
click on storefront (right hand corner)
click on her name
For your viewing pleasure!!

We are so... blessed to have such a happy baby or should I say, almost Big Girl!!

Busy weekend... 1 year pictures, wedding and stock show

2010-01-25T12:37:00.000-08:00

It was a busy weekend... Friday we took Emma's pictures at Knights with her eating cake (she loved it!!), than my cousin Rachel was kind enough to watch her while I made bouquets for a friends wedding (attached are some pictures)and finished things up on Saturday for the wedding. I think they turned out pretty well!! I am just glad its over... it is alot harder to do these type of things when you have a baby and job. I would really love to be able to do flower stuff full time but just not the right time for me but it you hear of anyone wanting to hire florist please let me know! Lynnsey just ordered flowers from Costco and I made ALL the arrangements.

Sunday we took Emma to the FW Stock Show and Tarleton Alumni Reception. She loved all the animals and people!

Another two BIG weekends ahead of us... my birthday Saturday and Emma's the following and rodeo. Lots of fun with my family to come!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Stock Show with GG... and Uncle Bo Bo's Birthday!

2010-01-20T12:54:00.000-08:00

Bo's Birthday...
She had a blast at the stock show with gg. She waved at everything!! This is a picture of her on the horse but wouldn't leave the pink cowboy hat on... stinker!!

Lots of work to come...

2010-01-04T19:46:00.000-08:00

The next couple of weeks are going to be crazy with all my family birthdays... weddings and not to mention the very most important Birthday, EMMA"S 1st BIRTHDAY!!
This is a sneak peek of what the invites look like...

Have I mentioned what fun it is to have a little girl!! SHe is the BEST!! I have also been doing a little practice with trying to perfect the monkey cake (this is a picture of my last attempt but it isn't the best because I didn't have the correct colors so I just used leftover icing from Christmas. I figure it is just practice so use what I got and save the big purchases for the BIG DAY!!

Thrilled and Chilling in the SNOW...

2009-12-30T21:18:00.000-08:00

Emma loved every single flake of snow that fail on Christmas Eve and so was I!!

Emma's First Christmas was...

2009-12-30T20:52:00.000-08:00

...crazy but everything that I could ask and more for my baby girls first Christmas, family and friends that love and adore her SO... very much!! What a blessing to be with so many wonderful people at this amazing time of the year. What can I say Emma got everything + the kitchen sink (and she loves her new little play kitchen from her mada and papi).
We woke up on Christmas morning to being welcomed by Mada & Papi so that they could enjoy Emma's first Christmas from Santa.

Come on daddy let me show you how to put it together!

She loves this kitchen so... much!!

I just can't believe Emma's first Christmas has already come and gone. One more day before this life changing year will change to another new year but I can say that 2009 has truly been an amazing year and I can only hope that 2010 will be just as exciting. Also, we are quickly approaching my little girls first birthday, in a little over a month. WOW... a year... never really understood the expression, "time flies" until this very second.

My life is truly complete with a great husband and wonderful baby girl! Life is such a blessing so I will live everyday by that...

Results are in...

2009-12-22T13:05:00.000-08:00

The BE came back NORMAL!! I couldn't be more thrilled... though I really wish they could figure out what is causing her so much trouble. I guess we are getting closer to a answer at least. They have eliminated the H -Disease so that is great but we will have a follow up appointment in a couple weeks.

Thanks for all kind words and prayers from everyone!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Have you ever seen the baby "Chicken Dance"??

2009-12-21T14:36:00.000-08:00

Just love my baby!!

Best gift of all... EMMA!

2009-12-21T12:51:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Emma had her second procedure today (enema/xray). We got to stay in while they put the tub in but we had to leave while they filled it up (she cried and I cried) It was so... hard to leave her since I am sure it didn't feel very good and it was scary, too. After it was done, we were able to come in and hold her (poor baby). The nurse said we should know something with in 24 hours (what a relief).

We got home and she slept it off (little over 2 hours). Also, got good news when we got home, too. There was a message saying that the biopsy (first procedure last Monday)results were in... NORMAL!! So know we just need to find out todays results and maybe I will sleep better.

You maybe asking how has Emma done through all this?? She has been amazing! ALL smiles and waves to everyone(after the procedures and in mommmies arms). She is such a social butterfly!

Hopes and prayers that test come back good! Merry Christmas and thanks to everyone for all your support!

P.S. I will post as soon as I know more.

This gives a little explanation of what is going on...

2009-12-16T13:45:00.000-08:00

http://www.bing.com/health/article.aspx?id=articles%2fmayo%2ff0bc0d76ff69a9c92771d2ccbdafc067.html&br=lv&q=hirschsprung's+disease

Hirschsprung's disease — Comprehensive overview covers diagnosis, treatment of this serious problem with passing stool.
Definition
Hirschsprung's disease is a condition that affects the large intestine (colon) and causes problems with passing stool. It's present when a baby is born (congenital) and results from missing nerve cells in the muscles of a portion of the baby's colon.

Children with Hirschsprung's disease can be constipated or have problems absorbing nutrients from food. In severe cases of Hirschsprung's disease, a newborn child experiences an obstructed colon and is unable to have a bowel movement. In mild cases, doctors may not detect Hirschsprung's disease until later in a child's life.

Surgical removal of the diseased portion of the child's colon is the only treatment for Hirschsprung's disease. After surgery, nine out of 10 children pass stool normally.

Symptoms
Signs and symptoms may vary with the severity of the condition. Sometimes they appear right after a baby is born. Other times they may not be apparent until the baby becomes a teenager or adult. In newborns, signs may include:

Failure to pass stool within the first or second day of life
Vomiting, including vomiting a green liquid called bile — a digestive fluid produced in the liver
Constipation or gas, which may make a newborn fussy
Diarrhea
In older children, signs can include:

Swollen abdomen
Lack of weight gain
Problems absorbing nutrients, leading to weight loss, diarrhea or both and delayed or slowed growth
Infections in the colon, especially in newborns or very young children, that may include enterocolitis, a serious infection with diarrhea, fever and vomiting and sometimes a dangerous expanding (dilation) of the colon
In older children or adults, signs may include chronic constipation and a low number of red blood cells (anemia) because blood is lost in the stool. Anemia can cause an affected person to look pale and to tire easily.

Causes
Click to enlarge

The colon, also called the large intestine, is a long, tube-like organ in your abdomen. The colon carries waste to be expelled from the body.
Colon and rectumNormally, as a baby grows in the womb, bundles of nerve cells (ganglia) begin to form between the muscle layers along the length of the colon. This process begins at the top of the colon and ends at the bottom (rectum). In children with Hirschsprung's disease, this process does not finish and the ganglia do not form along the entire length of the colon. Sometimes the cells are missing from only a few centimeters of the colon. Other times a longer portion may be affected.

Why this happens is unknown. It may be associated with mutations in several genes. It may also be associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia, type IIB — a syndrome that causes noncancerous tumors in the mucous membranes and adrenal glands (located above the kidneys) and cancer of the thyroid gland (located at the base of the neck).

Hirschsprung's is not caused by anything that the mother does during pregnancy. In some cases, the disease may be inherited, even if neither parent has the disease. Hirschsprung's is also 10 times more likely to occur in children with Down syndrome.

Risk factors
Because Hirschsprung's disease can be inherited, if you have one child with the disease, your future children also may be at risk. The disease is also five times more common in males.

Preparing for your appointment
You're likely to start by first seeing your child's doctor. However, in some cases when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred immediately to a digestive disorders specialist called a gastroenterologist or to an emergency department if your symptoms are severe.

Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot of ground to cover, it's a good idea to be well prepared for your child's appointment. Here's some information to help you get ready and what to expect from the doctor.

What you can do

Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything your child needs to do in advance.
Write down any symptoms your child is experiencing, including details about how often your child has a bowel movement and what his or her stools are like.
Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent changes in your child's life. Also include your child's diet and exercise habits.
Make a list of your child's key medical information, including other conditions he or she is being treated for and the names of any medications, vitamins or supplements your child is taking.
Write down questions to ask your child's doctor.
Your time with your child's doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time together. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out.

For Hirschsprung's disease, some basic questions to ask your child's doctor include:

What is likely causing my child's symptoms or condition?
Are there any other possible causes for these symptoms or condition?
Do you think my child's condition is temporary or chronic?
What kinds of tests does my child need?
What treatment do you recommend?
If you recommend surgery, what should I expect from my child's recovery?
What is the risk of complications from surgery?
What is my child's long-term prognosis following surgery?
Will my child need to follow a special diet?
Are there any other restrictions that my child will need to follow?
My child has these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
Should I see a specialist? What will that cost, and will my insurance cover seeing a specialist?
Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What Web sites do you recommend visiting?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment at any time that you don't understand something.

What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to talk about in-depth. Your doctor may ask:

When did your child first begin experiencing symptoms?
Have your child's symptoms stayed the same or gotten worse?
How often does your child have a bowel movement?
Are your child's bowel movements painful for him or her?
Are your child's stools loose? Do they contain visible blood?
Has your child been vomiting?
Does your child tire easily?
What, if anything, seems to improve your child's symptoms?
What, if anything, appears to worsen your child's symptoms?
Has anyone else in your family been diagnosed with Hirschsprung's disease?
What medications is your child currently taking?
Is there any history of thyroid, parathyroid or glandular disease in your family?
What you can do in the meantime
Call your child's doctor immediately if your child shows any signs of intestinal infection, such as fever, a swollen abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding from the rectum or fatigue. Talk to your child's doctor before making any changes to your child's diet.

Tests and diagnosis
To determine whether Hirschsprung's disease is present, your child's doctor may conduct a series of tests. This may include one or all of the following:

Abdominal X-ray. If Hirschsprung's is present, as stool backs up in the colon, the X-ray may reveal decreased air in the colon or areas in which the colon has stretched wider than normal.
Barium enema. This diagnostic test allows the doctor to evaluate the entire colon with an X-ray. Barium, a contrast dye, is placed into the bowel in an enema form. The barium fills and coats the lining of the bowel, creating a clear silhouette of the colon and rectum. Air may also be added to provide better contrast on the X-ray.

In some cases, another liquid called diatrizoate (Gastrografin, Gastroview, Hypaque) may be used instead of barium. This liquid may be used in newborns to help remove a hard first stool. It causes water to be pulled into the intestine, which softens the stool.

The test typically takes about 20 minutes and can be somewhat uncomfortable because the contrast agent and air distend the bowel. There's also a slight risk of perforating the colon wall.

In cases of Hirschsprung's disease, the areas of the colon missing the ganglia nerve cells often appear narrowed. A follow-up exam 24 hours later may show remaining barium in the colon. This problem passing the barium may also indicate Hirschsprung's disease.

Manometry. This test is typically done on older children and adults. During the test, the doctor inflates a balloon inside the rectum. The anal muscle should relax as a result. If it doesn't, Hirschsprung's disease may be the cause.
Biopsy. The doctor surgically removes a sample of tissue from the colon for study under a microscope. He or she looks for evidence of missing ganglia nerve cells, which would indicate Hirschsprung's disease.

In rectal suction biopsy , the doctor removes some cells from the mucous lining of the colon by using a suction device. Because this doesn't involve cutting into the colon tissue, no anesthesia is necessary. If the biopsy shows that ganglia are present, Hirschsprung's disease is not diagnosed. If no ganglia cells are seen in the sample tissue, a full-thickness biopsy is needed to confirm Hirschsprung's disease.

In full-thickness biopsy , more tissue from deeper layers of the colon is removed surgically or through rectal suction for study under the microscope. Absence of ganglia cells indicates Hirschsprung's disease.

Treatments and drugs
Surgery is the only proven, effective treatment for Hirschsprung's disease. The procedure is called pull-through surgery and involves removing the section of the colon that has no ganglia cells, then connecting the remaining healthy end of the colon to the rectum.

Sometimes pull-through surgery is done in one step immediately after diagnosis. Other times, a doctor may choose to complete the process in two steps. First, the doctor will remove the abnormal portion of the colon without ganglia cells, and perform an ostomy. This involves creating a small hole (stoma) in the child's abdomen and connecting the top, healthy portion of the colon to the stoma. Stool then leaves the body through the stoma into a bag that attaches to it, allowing the lower part of the colon to heal. A stoma bag must be emptied several times a day. Ostomy may include:

Ileostomy. In ileostomy, the doctor removes the entire colon and connects the small intestine to the stoma.
Colostomy. In colostomy, the doctor leaves part of the large intestine and attaches this to the stoma.
Later, after allowing time for the child to recover from the first surgery, the doctor will close up the stoma and perform a second surgery to connect the healthy portion of the colon to the rectum.

Complications of surgery
After surgery, most children pass stool normally. Some may experience diarrhea initially, but after some time stool will become more solid. Toilet training may take longer because some children have difficulty coordinating the muscles used to pass stool. This improves with time in most children. Constipation may continue in some children, although laxatives should help. Eating high-fiber foods also can help with diarrhea and constipation.

A child is also at risk of developing enterocolitis in his or her colon or small intestine after surgery. Be aware of signs and symptoms of enterocolitis, and call the doctor immediately if any of these occur:

Fever
Swollen abdomen
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Bleeding from the rectum
Lifestyle and home remedies
Most children with Hirschsprung's disease go on to live a normal life. However, because the colon absorbs much of the water and salt the body needs and a child's colon is shortened during surgery, he or she may not get all the fluids needed. You may need to ensure your child drinks more fluid.

Hirschsprung's disease can lead to malnutrition and weight loss, especially in very young children. Some children may need tube feedings to get adequate nutrients. How long this is necessary varies with how severe the disease is, how old the child is when diagnosed and what types of complications, such as enterocolitis, have occurred.

Time to try and catch up...

2009-12-15T08:48:00.000-08:00

Sunday was my 1/2 Marathon in Dallas and it went pretty good (if only I wouldn't have stopped to pee I would have beat my 1st 1/2 time but I guess that is what PBB - "Post Baby Blatter" does to you!!) I finished in a strong 2:15 but really wished that I could have made my goal of under 2:11 but I FINISHED healthy and strong!

Yesterday was a hard day... Emma had her first procedure at Cook's (rectal suction biopsy). I think it may have been harder on me than on her. She was all smiles to the doctors and nurses (her normal HAPPY self) so we had to hand her off and give her to the nurses while we waited in the waiting room for the procedure to be done. it only took about 15 minutes but that was the hardest 15 minutes of my life! I kept watching the door... finally it opened and a nurse was standing there holding my teary-eyed baby. I jumped up and meet them and she reached for me and hugged my kneck (BEST feeling ever!)

Waiting to hear back from Dr. Keng (GI) with results but we still have one more step to this process, Next Monday we have a bariom enema and X-Ray. I am just ready to make her feel better and me stop worrying! Lots of prayers for the BEST!

Can't believe it is almost Chirstmas, too!

... two front teeth for Christmas!!

2009-12-10T09:07:00.001-08:00

Happy BABY!!

She is walking and it is looking like she will have both top teeth for Christmas!!

Love this time of year... cold weather, hot chocolate and family!

Busy weekend this weekend... JWC Christmas tonight, Girls Christmas on Friday and Leave for Dallas 1/2 Marathon Saturday for Sunday.

giving thanks... "where has the past 10 months gone!"

2009-11-30T09:10:00.000-08:00

Such a wonderful time of year and I am so... glad to be around such a wonderful and loving family. It just brings me joy to see how many people love this little girl of mine and she brings so much joy to so... many people with that "two teeth" smile and laugh! What a wonderful life!

I can't believe that Emma will be 10 months next Sunday, WOW... has that time flown by! I have tried to charish every single day because it comes and goes so fast.

We took her to the lighting of the Christmas tree and parade, she clapped and waved the entire time. I think she had a BLAST!

1st Turkey Day!!

2009-11-25T08:16:00.000-08:00

Busy... busy little bees (as usual)! To kick the holiday off right, I will be running in the FW Turkey Trot 10k tomorrow morning (hope it is not too cold). Than off to my parents house at 1pm, to see may family from Virginia and my cousin from Georgia is in, too. Emma is not gonna know what to do with all this family that loves her! She is a ham so she will eat up all the attention. It will be a difficult holiday since this is the first one that my grandfather will not be with us and his birthday is the 27th, too. I just hope that my mom will be ok. Friday, put up Christmas tree and decor and we are going to take Emma to the lighting of the Christmas tree downtown and Saturday, I have a hair apt in S'ville and Clint's families Thanksgiving that evening. Needless to say, it will be busy! I hope everyone has a safe and happy turkey day!!

9 month pictures are in and so... cute!!

2009-11-19T20:18:00.001-08:00

this is just a copy of one of the proofs but you can see the better ones at
www.knightphoto.com
click on STOREFRONT
search EMMA STUCK

... still lots of practice to make it perfect for my baby girls 1st bday!!

2009-11-17T10:48:00.000-08:00

Relaxing on her Papi, while watching the terrible Cowboy game.

Playing with daddy in the mirror after her 9 month pictures that she did so... well at!! She wore a dark green Christmas dress for the formal look and also wore a cute little santa suit dress for more casual look and they were SUPER cute!! I will post them as soon as they are up.

This was my first attempt to making the fondant monkey for the top of her cake. I think it came out pretty well, too!!

Practice makes perfect....

2009-11-09T07:51:00.000-08:00

We had a fun weekend practicing cake stuff for Emma's 1st Birthday. I found a cake and the place wanted $275 for it but I WILL NOT pay that so I will make it myself!! These are just a couple pics of the little cake for Emma and some chocolate monkey molds with oreos... so cute!!

1st Halloween

2009-11-01T19:59:00.000-08:00

Started out as a Sweet Pea but...

....turned into a pumpkin for comfort!!

Daddy was sick in bed but we missed him, LOTS!!

Love all the candy packages so... much!

TSU Homecoming Weekend... Our Little Poo

2009-10-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

Pumpkins... Poo's... oh my!! 8 months ALREADY...

2009-10-19T19:34:00.000-07:00

Fun filled weekend... 4 mile race, pumpkin patch visit and took 3 steps for Mada and Papi (while I was washing clothes - darn it!). I did try to get her to do it again for me but she only took about 2 steps but she is so... ready to walk!! I can't believe she is getting so... big and into everything! She is such a happy girl that loves making the funniest noises - grawling and blowing bubbles. So funny!! It has been two days straight that she has slept through the night... just hope she keeps it up!

TSU Homecoming this weekend... can't wait to dress her up like a little Poo!! Mom and I made her a poo costume and she also made her a AGD Legacy shirt to wear to the luncheon. Mom is bringing her up on Saturday morning for the parade, luncheon and game and than taking her back with her that night so we can stay the night for the Poo Reunion, it should be fun! I will miss my little girl but she loves her Mada and Papi so she will be in good hands! I just hope she doesn't do anymore new stuff without me!:(

Happy 3 Year Anniversary!!

2009-09-30T12:10:00.000-07:00

WOW... I can't believe that we have been married for 3 years and together for 11! Time does fly when you are having fun!!

We are super blessed to have each other and a happy and healthy baby girl! Life is good...

P.S. Emma went to her first Ranger game on Saturday and love seeing all the people...

Paxton's 1st Birthday (Emma's 1st bday to attend)

2009-09-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

Cowboy Cutie!

2009-09-15T12:47:00.000-07:00

Emma loves those Cowboys!!

She has also found her voice and has been using it very regularly... yelling, squealing with delight and she is so... proud of herself! It is funny how they find their personality, it is so cute! This is her new face, instead of smiling.

She makes everyday worth it!

Thought it was just 1 tooth but it is TWO!!

2009-09-10T12:39:00.000-07:00

Emma has two little teeth, center bottom and she is getting bigger everyday! I feel like it was just yesterday that she was born and now she is 7 months + . I would like to slow down time so... my baby doesn't grown up so fast, before I know it I am going to turn around and she will be 1...2...5...16, YIKES!!

She has the funniest little personality and already very bossy! :) Crawling everywhere, pulling up on everything and really wants to walk but is too... little for that!

We have been loving everyday with her. I would have never thought something so little can bring you so... much joy! I wish everyone could have this gift, a child.

Blessed, enough said!

First TOOTH has arrived!!

2009-09-02T14:56:00.001-07:00

We played dress up at the store the other day and this is what we found...

Emma's two favorite things... The Cowboys and Papi!!

6 month picture :) and shots YESTERDAY!! :(

2009-08-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

Emma is growing up so... fast!! She had her 6 month doc apt yesterday, she is 95% in height and 70% in weight and doing great!! She had to have 5 shots yesterday and daddy had to come to be the bad guy and hold her down (I can't do it!!) Her little legs were hurting so bad! She would start to crawl and whimper (just made me want to cry). Clint had to remind me, that a little pain for a day or two is worth it if it saves her life! Daddy is so... smart!

Love that baby!

Emma's First Wedding and Daddy's Bday

2009-08-17T08:36:00.000-07:00

She started out dressed-up and fancy but changed into pj's as the night went on. She loves to party!!

6 month pictures are up...

2009-08-14T14:55:00.001-07:00

www.knightphoto.com

enter site

click on storefront at the top of the page

search emma stuck

So... sticken cute of emma!!

She's officially on the move...

2009-08-10T12:36:00.000-07:00

Really 6 months, ALREADY!!

2009-08-04T14:52:00.000-07:00

She is growing so... fast!!

Love my baby girl...

2009-07-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

She is so... much fun and really makes the start and end to everyday EXTRA SPECIAL!!

I work from home tomorrow so I will get to spend the entire day with her and that magical smile!

Last weekend we went to PK Lake, it was great!!

This weekend... Friday - Ranger game with Clint and Clay (Emma is staying with Mada & Papi) Saturday - I am going to Canton with Kristy (can't wait to see her preggo belly!!) Sunday - cleaning and possibly a cook out at some friends house. The next couple of weekends are going to be pretty crazy like this one.

Next Week... Monday - Emma's GI Doc apt at 3:45pm (hopefully good news since she seems to be doing better on meds and eating the new formula)
Saturday - Emma's 6 month pictures at 11am, Michelle's Luncheon at 1pm and Michelle's Bach. Party at 5pm

Folloing weekend... SAturday - Hair apt in S'ville at 9am, Michelle's wedding at 6pm (Emma's 1st Wedding) Sunday - Clint's 29th Birthday party at the house with family.

Our busy life... what would we do with nothing to do???

6 months old on Friday...

2009-07-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

Where has the time gone? Emma has changed before our very eyes!

She is the sweetest and happiest little girl. She just lights up when she sees her daddy or her mommy's faces. Her smile can make you forget about a BAD DAY!

I never knew I could love something so... much. My life is complete!

Nothing else matters but being with my husband and my baby girl.

Life is good!

Crawling Push-Ups

2009-07-16T09:33:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th!!

2009-07-06T08:27:00.000-07:00

I need to vent...

2009-06-30T12:07:00.001-07:00

First Off... Emma was 5 months on Friday, Big Girl!! She is talking, rolling over every which way and crawling backwards, so... funny!

Secondly... I am so... tired of people saying whatever is on their stinken minds, I do have feelings! I have worked really hard to get this baby weight (40lbs gained) off but I still have about 9-10 lbs to be back to where I was before Emma. I just don't get where people get off thinking they can say whatever they want about my body. Couple weeks ago SOMEONE said, "Oh, you have almost lost all your baby weight!" Also, today I was walking out of Costco carrying a cake for work and a family friend saw me and said, "Did you have the baby?" I could have cried!! I don't still look preggo, do I? Sorry, I just needed to get this off my chest and I plan on running EVERYDAY this week! Thanks to the rude people in my life!

4 months and 2 weeks tomorrow...

2009-06-11T14:28:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that my baby is already over 4 months old. She is rolling all over the place and really wishes she could crawl but doesn't have the skills, just yet!

She had doc apt and shots on Monday, didn't go so well. She was up sick most of the night but we got to see Tiff. I miss my girls!

Life is good, motherhood is GREAT!!
Love my husband and my girl, Emma!

Baptismal and 3 months old

2009-05-01T12:24:00.000-07:00

Long busy week but we made it!!

Emma is 3 months old today and we have her pictures tomorrow. I hope they turn out great!

11 weeks and 2 days...

2009-04-26T06:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Emma rolled over all by herself at Mada and Papi's house she has been doing it a million times ever since. My baby is getting so... big! Everyday is something new and special, thank you Lord for this wonderful blessing!!

Emma's First Easter and 11 weeks tomorrow...

2009-04-23T08:49:00.000-07:00

WOW... I can't believe that time has just flown by so... fast!! She is getting so big... lots of smiles, talking and laughing.

Baptism is this Sunday and super special because she is wearing my baptism gown from 27 years ago. It is so... sweet! I will try to post pictures nexted week.

where has the past 5 weeks gone??

2009-03-15T19:53:00.000-07:00

what a wonderful day to wake up to this beautiful face!! all is well with everyone... just enjoying everyday!

1 month tomorrow...

2009-03-05T10:59:00.000-08:00

Time flies when you are having fun!!

What a blessing!!

2009-02-25T19:01:00.000-08:00

Emma Has Arrived!!

2009-02-21T16:19:00.000-08:00

EMMA MORGAN STUCK
2/6/09
9:09 PM
7 LBS 7 OZ
19 INCHES

three weeks ago tomorrow (friday, february 6th) we checked into the hospital at 6am. my best friends (tiff and joy) from houston came in the night before on thursday to support me through this exciting time. my mom, dad, grandma, tiff and joy all were great support the entire day while waiting on emma to arrive. the rest of the family showed up later that evening but still no emma. she was being stuburn!
i started off 90% effaced and 3cm and doc came in around 8am to break my water so things started speeding up to a cm a hour. clint and i walked around alot and finally we got to 5-6 cm and couldn't handle the pain so i requested the epideral (spelling). clint was so great durring all of this, he feed me ice chips, held my hand and layed in the bed with me to make me feel better and less nervous. i don't care what anyone says but it doesn't hurt to get the epideral, the worst part is having a contraction while trying to round your back for them to put the needle in. after that everything felt great!! the only down side is that it did kind of slow things down (i think it was around 1pm when they gave me the epideral). so we all just hung out and finally clint asked everyone to the waiting room so that we could get a nap in just before the actions started.
it was kind of funny how things progressed so... quickly. we were visiting with emma's Godparents (adam and adrianne) the doc and nurse came in and asked them to step outside so they could check me and then they could come back in. clint walked them out and came back around the corner and doc said, "Push Brandi Push!!" that was the only time clint looked stressed. he said, "we are pushing now? i thought we were just checking her!" he told the doc to hang on because he had to go to the waiting room to tell my family that it was "Go Time!"
after pushing for about a hour or after figuring out how to push the doc said we wont make it to 9pm we might shot for 10pm. i was thinking it is only 8:15 and we are GOING to make it to 9pm, if it kills me! i was so... tired but ready to meet emma so some how i figured out how to push through the epideral and we meet our little girl at 9:09pm! it was the most amazing feeling seeing her, seeing clint cut the cord and just being there together with our new little healthy baby girl. it didn't feel real, almost like a dream! after she was born clint watched them clean her up as they were fixing me up so after all that the family began to pour in and then they moved us to our room to relax and enjoy or little miracle.
the next day and a half was nice but busy with lots of visitors and it didn't change much when we got home on sunday to the next week. lots of visitors!
breastfeeding started out to be a challenge but after milk came in on monday, emma was finally feeling full. the breastfeeding center at the hospital was my saver!! they helped me figure it all out and put some weight on this tiny baby. we saw them on tuesday, thursday and by saturday she had put on the right amount of weight.
we had her 2 week doc apt last friday and she was already 8lbs 4oz and 20 1/2 inches, that is great because they want her to be back at birth weight and she was well over that by almost a pound. doc gave her a A+!
nights are tough but they are getting easier with feedings every 2 1/2 - 3 hours now. she is doing great and changing so much everyday. i can't believe she is almost 3 weeks old, time really does fly!
enjoy everyday!!

end is near...

2009-02-04T13:29:00.000-08:00

90% effaced and 2cm dilated but if she doesn't arrive today or tomorrow we are scheduled for friday at 6am.

can't wait to meet our little girl!

start of 40 weeks...

2009-02-01T13:12:00.000-08:00

official last week of pregnancy... went to the doc on friday and i was 80% effaced - 2cm and if she doesn't come this this weekend or before doc apt on wednesday we will be haiving her next friday, 6th.

Start of 38 weeks...

2009-01-18T08:22:00.000-08:00

I went to the doctor on Friday and still no progress. I am having some swelling and my blood pressure was a little high but nothing to worry about, yet. I go back to the doctor on Wednesday so lets pray that some progress will soon begin. We can't wait to meet this little girl!!

I am planning on working on Emma's room today... hanging the letters from some ribbon and making a board with material/ribbon so we can use it to put pictures or bows on it. Also, going to do some cleaning and washing clothes to keep things some what caught up for the week ahead. My brothers b-day is today so we are doing a late lunch to celebrate. Happy Birthday Uncle Bo!!

Nothing too... exciting here, just playing the waiting game. Please do a little prayer that everything will soon start progressing and everyone will be healthy.

36 weeks and counting...

2009-01-08T13:07:00.000-08:00

we have a doctors apt tomorrow at 9:50am so we should know if i am progressing or if we are just standing still. she will check to see if i am dialating or dropping. i am sure hopeing that something... will have changed.

another busy weekend... company winter party on saturday from 5-9pm, clean out extra bedroom and closet, finally take christmas deco down at home and make room in the kitchen cabinets for baby stuff. i just feel like my house is not clean enough to bring this precious baby home to. so... those are my big plans for the weekend and then we start the week all over again. note: there is a full moon on sunday the 11th so maybe we can have baby then but it will need to be late on the 11th so i can get all my stuff done :) if only it worked that way!

mom has finished more of the bedding and it looks great!!

Emma's Room is almost ready...

2008-12-30T19:38:00.000-08:00

Mom is almost done making the bedding but this is a sneak peak...

35 weeks

2008-12-30T19:35:00.000-08:00

PRE-HOLIDAY STRESS: Growth Sonogram and Thyroid issues...

2008-12-30T08:21:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, January 23rd we had a growth sonogram to confirm that Emma's growth hadn't been stunted by my under active thyroid. Needless to say, they called that morning of the sonogram and gave me a scare that my thyroid levels were low and I needed to see my PCP (ASAP) to change dosages. After having the sonogram, they were able to tell us that she is perfectly healthy!! She is ahead of schedule 5lbs 11ozs and 19.28 inches long (long and skinny). We truly may not make it our due date and if we do we will be having a Big Girl!! I spoke to both doctors and all of this could have been avoided if they would have just communicated with each other rather then getting me involved. This was great news so we were able to relax and have a wonderful Christmas!!

Next doctors apt is Friday, January 2nd.

Have a safe and Happy New Year!!

32 week picture and 33 week doc apt...

2008-12-16T16:33:00.000-08:00

32 weeks...

We had Childcare/CPR class this past weekend and it went well but was pretty long (Friday 6-9pm and Saturday 10am-5pm). We also got some stuff done around the house and I can only hope that this weekend is as productive.

We have 33 week doc apt on Friday morning so I hope it is as routine as the last. I will post again on Friday with any updates.

2008 Christmas Card

2008-12-12T14:42:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

30 weeks and Doctors Apt

2008-12-01T12:04:00.000-08:00

30 weeks and a day...

I have 31 week doctors apt tomorrow and interviews with pediatricians so it will be a pretty busy day!

Happy Belated Birthday to Cowboy...

2008-11-21T08:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!! I was a pumpkin for halloween...

Cowboys 10th Birthday was last Monday, November 10th and since I am a terrible mother, I forgot!! I did make it up to him yesterday with, "Doggie Day Camp" and grooming. These are some pictures of him when I picked him up, he was so... excited!! He was so tired from playing all day that he didn't even want to get up to eat dinner.

After getting him home, I showed him Emma's room and the first thing he did was went and picked out the toys he liked in her toy box. I hope they both can share!!

3D Sonogram

2008-11-19T08:52:00.000-08:00

She is already hard headed... she wouldn't move her hands away from her face the entire session. We did get a couple of her face and hands. This is the most amazing thing! She is a mix of my nose and Clint's lips, we think!!

Her feet....

Opening eye and mouth...

The Weekend & 28 1/2 week doc apt

2008-11-17T09:36:00.000-08:00

Saturday, November 15th - Big Family Shower... and I say BIG because there was over 50 people there and I was overwhelmed with a ton of fabulous gifts!! It was nice to see friends and family that I haven't seen in a while. The best was Clint's face when he came to pick everything up... he was shocked! We got everything home and Emma's room was full to the door but finally yesterday, we went through everything and put it in stacks of clothes, bath stuff, diapers, electronics, etc. It made it much easier to see what duplicates we had so we could return them.
(I will post pictures as soon as mom can get them up loaded.)

Yeah... COWBOYS WON!!!

Monday, November 17th - 28 1/2 Doctors Apt. (29 weeks on Thursday) Everything is still going well: weight good, urine good, blood pressure good, thyroid good, and her heart rate was still around 140 (which is good). Clint didn't get to go today because of a important work meeting but it was a pretty routine apt. anyways. Our apts. start every two weeks, now. Crazy that this part of journey is coming to a close but a new one will begin as soon as we meet out little Emma for the first time. We are so... excited! Tomorrow at 4pm is the 3D Sonogram and I can hardly wait!! I will post some pictures and the video as soon as I figure out how to do so.

Also, we have our first childbirth class on Friday (6-10pm) night and continued all day Saturday (10am-6pm). It will a long day but informative and helpful to our unanswered questions. I just hope Clint survives without football on Saturday...

From Day One to Now...

2008-11-13T12:33:00.000-08:00

My name is Brandi and I married my high school sweetheart Clint almost 2 years ago in September. We dated for 8 years before we got married but it was well worth the wait!! We had a BIG traditional wedding that was amazing!! We bought a house the July before we got married and love it!! We have a 10 year old black lab that we love as our own child but we hope it will not be too hard for him to adjust with a new baby around.
Life is good, I am feeling good and baby and I are healthy so what else can I ask for!!
It's confirmed!!

1st Doc Apt.-June 25th and I was 8 weeks along, first sonogram
Our Little Gummy Bear!!

2nd Doc Apt.-July 23rd and I was 12 weeks along, heard the babys heartbeat
No Bump yet! :(

FIRST SIGN OF A BUMP... 13 WEEK BUMP!!

3rd Doc Apt. - August 20th and I was 16 weeks along, heard heartbeat again and everything it looking good!!
*Clint's B-Day is the 16th of August
August 17th- My best friend Tiff came over to our house and we got to play with her sonogram machine. http://icardiogram.com/, Username:bstuck, password:1234567 and check out our little videos. NOTE: Make sure that the right hand corner with the date says ALL.
Growing Bump at 16 weeks...

18 weeks...

4th Doc Apt.-September 18th and I will be 20 weeks along (FIND OUT THE SEX!!)
20 WEEKS...

22 weeks...

24 weeks...

26 weeks...

28 weeks...

IT'S A HEALTHY BABY GIRL!!
HER NAME WILL BE EMMA MORGAN.

*2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY-SEPTEMBER 30TH

5TH DOC APT - OCTOBER 20TH 24 1/2 WEEKS AND WE TOOK THE GLUECOSE TEST TODAY AND EVERYTHING CAME BACK PERFECT! I AM FEELING HER MOVE AROUND ALOT AND KICKING ME TONES... BUT ALL IS WELL!

NOVEMBER 1ST - HALLOWEEN THEME BABY SHOWER - HOSTED BY JOY, TIFFNIE, KRISTY, ADRIANNE, COURTNEY AND LISA

NOVEMBER 15TH- FAMILY FRIEND BABY SHOWER - HOSTED BY LINDA AND RHONDA

6TH DOCTORS APT - NOVEMBER 17TH (28 1/2 WEEKS)

3D SONOGRAM - NOVEMBER 18TH