Happy Mothers' Day!

Mother's Day 2009

23 weeks 2 days

I, no doubt, became a mom the first time I heard my baby’s heartbeat for the first time. At that moment (well, probably weeks before actually) I would have already risked life and limb to protect my belly and my unborn child. Once Travis arrived, the love of a mother has totally overwhelmed me. Being a mom is the most rewarding (and challenging) job in the world, but one that I feel so blessed to be able to do. Sophia Loren says “When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.”

According to 1 Timothy 2:15, women find their completeness when their children continue in “faith, love, and sanctity with self-restraint.” What an awesome calling and challenge that each of us moms is given!

Travis is cutting his first tooth and had a terrible night. I’ve been up off and on since 3 a.m. consoling a hurting baby. My heart just aches hearing that pitiful cry, and I truly understand when my folks used to say that they wish they were the sick ones instead of me. As a parent, I want nothing more than for him to be safe, happy, and feeling more loved than anyone else in the world.

Happy Mothers' Day to all of my sweet friends celebrating their first real Mother’s Day, to to all the mommies that have been mommies for a while, to my Mom, whose mothering skills I truly hope to have one day - definitely an awesome role model, to my Mother-in-law, seriously the best MIL in the world, to Nana, can't wait for you to "officially" be in the family, to my Grana and Great Aunt Freda, thanks for making the trip to spend this special day with us as we dedicate Travis at Church and celebrate five generations together!!

Xoxo,
Gara

Visit with Coach Tuberville

While we were in Lubbock last week, we had a chance to stop by Lovey's new office and meet some of her new co-workers.  Lovey was recruited to the Football office a couple of months ago from her gig in the Red Raider Club. When her new boss, Coach Tuberville, got to town, renovations began on several parts of the football offices. Lovey took us on a tour to see what all was going in. Let’s just say that everything looks great and that Coach has definitely “classed” the place up a little bit.

We first visited the weight room and met Coach Walker, Tech’s strength and conditioning coach and Lovey’s buddy. We think that she helps him get his expenditures approved so he thinks she is great. We posed Travis on the Double T flooring (I didn’t even cringe … much!). Travis seemed pretty enthralled with the lights and grunting noises. :) Coach Walker was super nice and was ready to start Travis on a linebacker’s workout regimen. Guess we’ll see about that one day!

Next, Travis snuggled up to Ms. Bailey, mom’s new friend and lady who does all of Tech’s recruiting stuff. She had a super-fun necklace on and thankfully didn’t mind Travis nomming on it.

Coach Tuberville was in a meeting while we were touring, but thankfully got finished up so we were able to meet him. I made sure to turn my Aggie burp cloth inside out before we went in to meet Coach.  Coach took Travis and held him in his lap while trying to get T to make a “guns up.” I personally was hoping for a little tantrum surrounded by all the red and black, but Travis was happy as a clam and way more interested in messing up all of Coach’s important papers. I wished Coach an 11-1 season this year (with the loss being to A&M obviously). Coach was quick and said that it sure would hurt to lose to Baylor. Touché, Coach Tuberville, Touché. I can definitely appreciate his quick wit.

Travis’s favorite part of his visit definitely had to be the flooring in Coach Tuberville’s office. Something about a shiny slick wood floor makes for a very happy army-crawling baby. I didn’t use my zoom so this is sort of like a “play-by-play” of him shimmying his way to me. How cool that my kid left a drool puddle on Coach Tuberville’s floor!! Notice the stuck-out tongue – he does it when he is concentrating – he must get that from me. My twirling coach used to always yell at me to stick mine back in during routines. Fun stuff.

We finished up our adventure by posing the kid next to some Tech trophies. He really enjoyed playing with the ball, and I was worried that he was going to drool the autograph away.

  

We really appreciated everyone’s hospitality on our visit. Coach Tuberville was accommodating and super sweet to us and Travis. Anyone that Lovey respects so much after a few short months is an automatic friend of mine.

Coach Sherman, if you are reading this, we would be glad to make a trip to College Station so you can snuggle with Travis too. :)

Xoxo,
Gara

The Word ... Mommy Style

Travis and I hosted the last play group luncheon. We are so blessed to have such an awesome mommy network in our Church family. I am so thankful for these friends and mentors and baby buddies for Travis. It takes a village to raise these babies so I'm so thankful that we are all in this together.

Most in the group are first-time mommies so we are always bouncing ideas off of each other, asking for advice, sharing our struggles, offering encouragement, and lifting each other up in prayer. A couple of weeks ago, one of my awesome mommy friends was a little down when her little guy up and decided to stage a sleep revolt.  She emailed me asking me to remind her how much she loved her fussy and non-sleeping (but precious nonetheless) son.  Out of nowhere (of course, God planted it in my mommy brain), I typed her the verse that I've used for Travis countless times, but added my own twist that seemed applicable to her situation.

Every good and perfect gift [even if they don't sleep] is from above.

James 1:17

She posted the story on her blog, and within the day, it showed up on two other mommy blogs.  It kinda dawned on us that maybe other mommies' have the same idea.  Take the special verses that speak to your heart and "mommify" them.  Krista dubbed this version of the Word the Exhausted New Mothers' Version (or ENM Version).  We asked our friends for contributions and we have a little list going.  If you think of some more, be sure and leave me a comment or shoot me an email.  We'd love to have a big compilation of these to e-mail around to expectant moms and new parents.  Lord knows that we can all use a Godly pick-me-up from time to time.

 

-Be joyful always (even if when you are pulling your hair out because your kid did THAT thing, AGAIN), pray continually (for a bit more patience and maybe an extra hour of sleep, pretty please); give THANKS in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you (even if it is changing the 6th explosive poop diaper within 3 hours) in Christ Jesus.

1 Thess 5:16-18

-[Moms] can do everything through Him who gives [us] strength.

Phil 4:13

-Therefore, as God's chosen [mommies], holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Col 3:12

-Whatever you do [cook, clean, feed, play, nurture, and love], do it all for the glory of God.

1 Cor 10:31
 
-For with God nothing [including potty training] shall be impossible.
 
Luke 1:37
 
-But blessed is the [mom] who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.  [S]he will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.

Jeremiah 17:7-8
 
-Whatever you do [laundry, laundry, and more laundry], work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
 
Colossians 3:23-24
 
-As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you [so quit having a pity party and hand your worries over to Me!]; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.
 
Isaiah 66:13


-For I know the plans I have for you [and I promise it's more than just poopy diapers and sleepless nights] declares the Lord...

Jeremiah 29:11

-Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverence [in other words, laugh at the lipstick writing on the walls!].

James 1:2

-Do not be anxious about anything [not even sleep training], but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
 
Phillipians 4:6

-Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles [like when our little angels won't stop crying or they keep us up all night], so that we can comfort those [other exhausted new moms] in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

2 Cor 1:3-4

-For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us [and the tiny sweet voices of children] to the glory of God.

2 Cor 1:20

-Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away [since we no longer have time to focus on ourselves], yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day [by the incredible joy our babies bring into our lives]. For our light and momentary troubles [like diaper blowouts and screaming fits] are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

2 Cor. 4:16-17

-Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always [to help you through the terrible two tantrums]!

Psalm 105:4

-For this (obstinate, defiant, whiny, not-napping, little terror, crazy, exhausting, wonderful, sweet, precious, delightful, amazing, smart, talented, etc.) child I prayed, and the the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to Him.


1 Samuel 1:27
 
Fun, right?  I'd love to see some more so join in!!  One of our super-talented and crafty mommies has even put an ENM Version Verse on a cute little wall hanging on Etsy.  Love being a part of this awesome network of Godly women.

Xoxo,
Gara

Corn on the Cob - Here He Comes

Tooth #1 (bottom left) broke through yesterday on our return trip from Lubbock.  I can tell it is hurting him a little bit as his napping and sleep has been messed up, and he is just generally a little bit Senor Crankypants.  He is always a little cranky after we get back from Lubbock.  There, he is the center of attention and has about five sets of hands to tote him around and lots of fun stuff to see and do, and then we come home, and he just has me.  A bit of a let down after all of the fun!  It takes him a day or two and then he is back to his normal self so I'm hoping it is more of that and less about his sore tooth.

I have a ton of blog posts to do so I hope to get a few done before all of our family hits town for Travis's dedication this weekend.

Here are a few picture attempts at the first tooth from last night.  They failed.  So instead you get a picture of a tired baby who just smeared his dinner on his face and eyes.  :)

And here are some pics of him trying out his new tub on the counter.  You can tell by his uber-relaxed spread eagle position that he is a fan.

I'll be doing a bit of back-tracking to make sure that I get all of our adventures from the last couple weeks in so bear with me.  This blog is, after all, my baby book in the making!

Xoxo,
Gara

I'm Eight Months Old!

Time sure does fly when you are officially mobile!  I may still just be army crawling, but I can army crawl with the best of them.  I've wiggled my way into the kitchen and almost all the way to the living room.  I immediately head straight for the blinds and the outlets so it looks like it is time for my folks to baby proof this place.

This past month, I've added green beans, peaches, yellow squash, and apples to my diet.  I went to the doctor for my first virus (a mild case of hand, foot, and mouth disease) and weighed 20 lbs. 3 oz. at that visit.  I went to my first Aggie Muster and rode through my first car wash (I was in the car of course).

I'm still toothless, but I gnaw on anything and everything I can get my hands on.  Mom is thinking that teeth are coming soon, but she has thought that for the past six weeks.  I'm always chewing on my tongue or moving my tongue around in my mouth.  It's like I've got restless tongue syndrome.  :)  I've started screaming saying loudly lalalala and dadada and have perfected a fake cough.  I think it is really funny!

I had my first "Guys Night In" this past Saturday as my mommy went to the Shreve with a ton of her best buddies.  Happy Birthday Auntie Amy! 

Dad and I had a blast, and I hardly even missed my mommy.  We took two walks, played the drums on the side of the couch, and had special visits from Pepper and Papaw.  Aren't I lucky to have such an awesome daddy??

We are headed to Lubbock this weekend, and I get to spend some time with Lovey, Pop, and all my Lubbock family.  Plus, Lindsey (mommy's law school friend) and Addison (born 4 days before me) are coming to hang out so our mommies can go to another law school friend's wedding shower.  Addi is a mover and a shaker so I'm looking forward to watching her in action.

Mommy had an engagement photo session with Nana and Papaw, and you know that she can't not take some pics of me.  Check out my crazy tongue!  Aunt Momo was with us so she was able to get some pics of my awesome family!

Xoxo,
T

Happy 8 Month Birthday!

 

Looking back...

Travis,

I am so blessed and proud to be called your Great-Grandaddy. You are very special to me as you are my first Great Grandson. I thank God for allowing me to be here to witness your birth, and I only wish your Great Grandmother, Mary, could have been here to witness your birth with me to share my joy, but as you will learn she has already gone to Heaven to be with Jesus where she will be waiting to see us someday. I know she would be as proud as I am and loved you as much as I do, but as you will learn, God has a purpose for all of us. We sometimes don't understand, but that is what faith is all about.

I knew from the first time I saw you that you were a very special boy and that God already had a purpose for you even before you were born. You are so blessed to be born to such loving parents as they are very special too. You are so loved by all of your family, more than I have ever witnessed in all of my 77 + years.  I just pray that God allows me many more years to watch you grow up, because I know you will become someone great. I feel confident your daddy and mother will guide and lead you you to place faith in Jesus Christ and live your life according to His plan. There will never be a problem you won't be able to overcome with Jesus.

You get more beautiful each time I see you and only pray I will get to be with you often for many years to come. I know you won't understand the things I have told you in this letter until you are older. You are loved so much by so many people and I know that you will grow up to love as much as you are loved.

Always be strong with your love for God because He loves you too. I love you very much with all my heart and I will continue to pray for you every day.

Great Grandaddy Jack

Aggie Muster

 

On Wednesday night (April 21st), Travis got to celebrate his first Aggie Muster.  Muster is one of A&M's most sacred traditions and one that makes me proudest to be an Aggie.  This particular Muster was extra special as Brandon was the speaker for the Cross Timbers A&M Club in Bridgeport, Texas. 

Grandpa, Travis, and I loaded up to head to Bridgeport where we met up with Papaw, Nana, and Pepper.  I've seen Brandon speak at the groundbreaking ceremony of Reliant Stadium, Law School graduation, and many other occasions, but I had never been prouder of the job he did Wednesday night.  I'd post the whole speech so that everybody could watch, but he'd probably kill me, so I'll settle with posting this one part about Col. Stratton - a true Aggie hero!

I wasn't quite sure how Travis would do since the whole festivities were taking place after his normal bedtime, but he was great.  He was so good during the dinner part and even had his first "to-go" meal.  Once the speaking started, Grandpa took him outside just so we didn't have any squeals during Brandon's speech.  I'm so glad that we shared this special experience with Brandon, and super glad that we had Grandpa to help so that I didn't have to miss the speech.

In many lands and climes this April day, proud sons of Texas A&M unite.

Our loyalty to country, school, we pray, and seal our pact with bond of common might.

We live again those happy days of yore on campus, field, in classroom, dorm, at drill

Fond memory brings a sigh — but nothing more; now we are men and life’s a greater thrill,

Before we part and go upon our way, we pause to honor those we knew so well;

The old familiar faces we miss so much today left cherished recollections that time cannot dispel.

Softly call the Muster,

Let comrade answer, “Here!”

Their spirits hover ‘round us

As if to bring us cheer!

Mark them ‘present’ in our hearts,

We’ll meet some other day.

There is no death, but life eterne

For our old friends such as they.

Xoxo,
Gara