Praise be to God!

November 29, 2007

All of my test results and Maddy's came back normal! All of Lil Mama's chromosomes are in proper order and so are her fingers, toes, and other organs! The genetics test also confirmed that she is a girl. DNA is as definitive as it gets.

Below are the scary ultrasound pictures. At Max's we could tell that he was going to look like Rodney. Maddy, so far, I am just not sure.

After Thanksgiving Sale

November 23 - 24, 2007

The day after Thanksgiving we took a trip to Branson, MO for shopping madness. We had a great time between Max's "mine" fits. We got lots of great stuff. I think we covered most of the family and friends for Christmas. I also got a whole new maternity wardrobe. Thanks Mama!!

These pictures on the Bob the Builder ride were the happiest that Max was for the whole trip. Expept for when he had free reign of the hotel room with KWK.

Semi-Homemade

November 22, 2007

This year we had a very eventful Thanksgiving. Our morning started out at 4 am with a fire alarm, after we got that straightened out it was off to the grocery store, with Max in tow. Although we ordered dinner from Kroger, Mama and I still ended up cooking all morning and early afternoon. Dinner was served at 3, which is early for us and everybody was there. I guess we should never invite people and it will always guarantee a house full of family.

Momma and Jadarian (my nephew) - We haven't seen him in months.

Rodney, with his "men should be watching football" attitude!

The menu included smoked turkey, cranberries jubilee, broccoli and cheese casserole, and rolls from Kroger. Mama and I added greens (we were able to save some from the fire scare), mac & cheese, candied yams, sauteed mushrooms, dressing, sweet potato pie, and pound cake. Malcolm and Mercedes topped the meal off with the cornbread.
Kobi Janai (my niece) ate so much she ended up having to have a bath. We were pleasantly surprised to have Lenieka (my sister-in-law) join us.

James Jr. and Kobi (my dear sweet brothers)

Kamron (my nephew)

The dynamic duo - Malcolm (my godson/cousin) and Javon (my nephew)

Merceds and L'Myia (my cousin and her baby)

"It's a Taco, not a Turtle!"

November 19, 2007

Here I am looking all plus sized, not pregnant; I am 17 weeks now. Today I had an amnio; it was quite uncomfortable. I made it to work long enough to eat at the Thanksgiving potluck. Thanks to all who brought a dish; it was the best one we've had so far, I think. I went home afterwards; I didn't feel well - I had just been stabbed in the stomach with a big needle. I won't get my test results back for 8-10 days, but I did leave Dr. Chatelaine's Office with a little bit of promising news. The title of this blog, which is a direct quote from his nurse, indicates that we are having a girl!!! Dr. Chat says he did not spy any outdoor plumbing! We are super psyched! I couldn't figure out how to get the ultrasound pics on here, but we have a shot of every bone and organ in Lil Mama's body, including an alien shot of her face, if anyone is interested. I can't tell what she looks like yet, but again, I am really excited. Pray for the best on the test results.

Fall Cleaning

November 16-18, 2007

Markisha, self portrait, US Pizza Parking Lot

Saturday morning I was determined not to lay around in bed all day. I woke up early took Max to get a haircut, picked Kisha up, met Shana for lunch, and went shopping. I found a cute little Christmas sweater and plaid shirt for Max's Fall picture.

Shana says she needed makeup, but I say she never makes it into the pictures. She really does exist!?!?!

Sunday, I woke up at 7 AM showered me and Max and made breakfast. I spent the rest of the day cleaning up which I am paying for now. I did about 8 loads of laundry, cooked three meals (including the breakfast), hand cleaned the stairs and the walls, baseboards, and door facings in the hallway, vacuumed all of the upstairs floors, and cleaned the sun room and laundry room from top to bottom. Thank you Rodney for mopping the sun room floor!! About 5:30 PM, I fell through the grate in the floor near the kitchen table, and that was all she wrote. I called it quits and laid on a heating pad, watching TV for the rest of the night.

Long Weekend

November 10-12, 2007

We had a long weekend and somehow the camera did not make it to one event. But in the spirit of keeping up with my blog, I feel like I have to post something.

Saturday:
I attended a wonderful Baby Shower Brunch in honor of my line sister Katrina. It was big fun. Congratulations Katrina and Jeremy, I can't wait to meet Baby Jaxon in February!

Immediately following I met Max and Rodney at Olivia's Elvis themed birthday party. Happy Birthday Olivia! Max had a great time with the guitar pinata. I am still amazed that a four year old knows who Elvis is. Shamefully, I must admit that I am really enjoying the Elvis CD that was in the treat bag!

Halfway through that party, we rushed off to catch the end of Hannah's 2nd birthday party. She is one of Max's classmates. She had a big backyard festival with a jumping thingy and frozen lemonade and my favorite cake from Mickey's.

Sunday:
Was a little more quiet!

Monday:
I spent all day with Max. Daycare was closed for Veteran's Day. By the end of the day we were fighting about "his baby." He wants to poke at and tackle my stomach. I guess that's a sign that he will be trying to wrestle with his new little sister or brother.

Thank you!!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!

November 7, 2007

Thanks goes out to Stacia from work. She uploaded all of my photographs and then I went back through with the wording. She is our resident super blogger and criticizes me relentlessly for not keeping mine updated. So I asked her to help me and she did. Stacia, you're the best!!!!

Max visits at Nate's House

November 4, 2007
Max went on his first playdate this weekend! He went to visit one of his favorite daycare buddy's Nate. Nate's dad, Aaron, watched them while us mothers went to a craft party. The boys had a blast! And Dad took lots of pictures when he wasn't roughhousing or jumping on furniture with them! Thanks again, Aaron, for taking such great care of my little Max!

Eating McDonald's Happy Meals on the den floor. My child is such a ham! Why is he crossing his legs?

Running through the house! Again with the big grin!

Playing with the wooden train set. Guess who's getting a train table for Christmas!

The miniature chefs enjoy the cool miniature kitchen in Nate's room. Max loves the kitchen, but his Daddy won't let him have one. Nate's dad is a chef!

Chef Max!!

I guess they only had one chef's hat so Nate opted for a bowl.

Just hanging out, watching a little football, and having a drink! Boys will be boys!!

Beta Club

October 30, 2007

On Max's actual birthday we decided to attend Markisha's Beta Club induction ceremony. To be a member of Beta Club you have to have a 3.0 GPA and good citizenship scores. We are very proud of Markisha. She is a senior at Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School this year.


Markisha and Max. Kisha has on a fabulous black dress that my mother picked out for her and Kisha bought aginst her will when we were on vacation in Chicago this summer. I wish we had a good full shot of her in it; she looked like a doll!

Proud, but frightened looking Daddy. Rodney doesn't make it into most shots because he's usually taking the pictures, but I did manage to get this one. That expression on his face is indicative of his feelings about Markisha growing up and graduating from high school this year. Afraid . . . very afraid!Mary (Markisha's mother) and mini-Mary. We are all so proud of her!!

The Terrible Two's For Real!!!!

October 28, 2007

Max turned two (2) on Tuesday, October 30, 2007, but we celebrated his birthday the previous Sunday at The Wonder Place. A good time was had by all. Thanks to all who helped and all who attended. I can't believe my baby is 2!!


The birthday boy arrived in his "big boy"outfit. Longsleeved striped Ralph Lauren shirt with khaki pants and tan oxford shoes to match. He was really excited, although I don't think he relized what was going on.
He was all grins for the birthday song!!

They had pizza and punch before we served cake and ice creamand of course he enjoyed his cupcake . . .

Anita and KJ play in the small water feature. The Wonder Place is a huge playroom with lots of areas set up for kids 6 months to about 8 yrs old.

Elena, Blake, and Blake's mom sit in the infant/young toddler area.

The party continues......

October 28, 2007

More party pictures. It was a big party!!

Some of the older children got together to do a fire safety play. Rodney recorded it and it is absolutely hilarious. Those pictured above (l to r) Lamaria (Family friend), Kamron (my nephew), Ethan and Emma Lee (Rodney's Godchildren)

One of Rodney's best buddies and his family. Ron, Holly (my belly buddy we are due 2 days apart although she doesn't look as pregnant as I do), Ethan and Emma Lee.

The kids got to do a Halloween ornament as their craft project.

Juanenna (from work) and her daughter Jade put on a puppet show.

Kobi Janai (my neice) had food in her hand the entire party! Chandra (friend from high school) and her son TJ explore the playroom.

Juanenna and Tasha (both from work) are all smiles. Juanenna is my belly buddy too; she's due the week after me. There's something in the water!

Kisha is hiding my belly, but this was the first time I have worn a maternity outfit. From left to right Shayla, me, and Markisha.

Lordy, Lordy! Guess who's 40!

September 11,2007

We a had a small family gathering for Rodney's 40th birthday. Look for your invitation to the big soiree next year.

The cake was way too big, but absolutely delicious.

The pregnancy hasn't soaked in yet, so I am still smiling.

Rodney and his twin Markisha, she's such a Daddy's Girl!

Max really enjoyed the cake! Shana joined us, but somehow the only picture she was in didn't come out properly.

Kisha helped me make dinner. We had ham, greens, potato salad, candied yams, and cornbread. Served up on our beautiful wedding china.

My boyfriend's back!!

September 10, 2007

My favorite boyfriend Mikey is back for Oxnard, at least for now. He's been gone for about 5 years, so I was glad we got to visit at his mom's house in Hot Springs. I have missed him and I hope we get to see more of each other.

IT'S A........

September 5, 2007

We're pregnant again!!! My due date is April 30, 2008 and we are hoping for a girl!!! Send us your name suggestions and pray for a healthy, happy little sister for Max!