21 weeks and Happy 2009!

Wow 21 weeks along on the first day of 2009...what a neat thing. I don't have alot to add about be 21 weeks along-I feel surprisingly well and it's almost scary. The sleep issue I'm experiencing is bad *read as horrible and unimaginable as you can think of* but I will take no sleep because I am blessed a thousand times over expecting another child.

Anyway, 2008 has been a great year for us...

In January, Owen began walking at just 14 months of age!



In March, we celebrated our 10 year anniversary:



Then, we excitedly earned and took a cruise to the Bahamas with TJ in the spring.



When the summer came we really enjoyed the time outdoors with the boys and working in the yard.




TJ even got to do a skateboard camp (no photo;-( and Jake did a dino camp

AND played his first year of t-ball


In June we celebrated Father's Day at Holiday World:





Owen progressed and excelled beyond my wildest dreams and is really enjoying "school". He speaks in sentences and runs and keeps up with his big bothers.








We also enjoyed a great trip to WI in August to visit the WI fam and I was able to shoot this, my fav all-time pics of my 3 boys;-)


We were blessed by Tim having the opportunity to open another Walgreens, this one only minutes from our home.




And I was blessed by the wonderful opportunity to help open the L&D floor at this new great hospital working with wonderful women (note the pic of me and just one gal is Jessi who I helped orient as a new nurse and she is a ROCK STAR-love ya dude!).




TJ started 3rd grade at FCS:



Jake started PreK4:



Owen began infant care aka "school":



This fall we also took a second cruise of the year with my Sis Amanda and her hub Jason. We took TJ and Jake along and were floored when they upgraded our room to a fabulous suite (it was SWEET!).







Of course, coming home from that cruise provided the biggest blessing of the year-learning the news of expecting our fourth child.

Then just days before Christmas learning the baby appears to be a very well-growing healthy BOY!




Wow-5 Valiant boys and not just 4 anymore:-)




What a year it's been-thank you Lord for ALL the blessings AND trials in our lives. Thank you for friends and family and for the free gift of salvation through your son Jesus.



I pray you all enjoy a blessed and marvelous 2009 and also pray that the Valiant Family is blessed in 2009 with a healthy 4th child (who will hopefully have a name soon) and that we all stay healthy and able to keep sharing what about what is most important in life-Glorifying God and loving others as Christ loved us.

Merry Christmas...20 weeks!!!

Well, it's actually Merry Christmas Eve...but I can practically taste Christmas. I am so excited for the boys. Tim has told me about a gazillion times that he is so excited about what he got for me-I wonder what it could be;-)

I am just so excited for Christmas morning...ok, I'll spill it-I got Owen ELMO LIVE!!! I couldn't see spending $60 on a silly doll but man is this guy cute AND the best part is bargain shopper me found him new, online, with free shipping, on sale for $50 and 20% off plus 15% more off...so yes, I spent $34 ish but I really think he will love it as we go to "see" Elmo every time we go in ANY store that sells him;-)

The boys have their Wii and will be ecstatic about Mario cart along with the 2,000 gifts from Grama Becca that they are sparkling with anticipation to open. Talk about spoilage!

Have I mentioned I am excited about Christmas? I will also be tired as I work all night delivering those Christmas babies:-) There was a little baby boy tonight that I got to snuggle on and he was SOOOO cute...still in name limbo. My rules are really causing me issues;-)

So, I am also 20 weeks Christmas Day! The pregnancy websites say Baby V is the size of a banana. I haven't felt him as much as I would like but soon I hope to feel him rockin' and rollin'...sweet baby boy;-) Did I mention that the US tech said she was so sure about his gender that she'd bet her car on it (and she said she really loves her car;-). He also measured all above 19 weeks and I was 19 weeks exactly that day so that was very reassuring after the Owen pregnancy saga;-). Another website says that you are probably feeling wonderful about your regained energy...my question-what if you have no energy to regain?;-) I was caught waddling down the hall at work last night *nice*. Fat and sassy. Oh and my doctor has given me to my appointment just after New Year's to figure out what we shall do with my pathetic self (waddling and all;-). I'm not worried-I'm so glad to've made it through Christmas and this schedule at work...thank you Lord! And thanks for praying for us too...the prayers are getting us through days and weeks.

Well, Merry Christmas to everyone! I'd say I'll post lots of pics from Christmas but our camera is dead...maybe that's what Tim got me-love ya honey;-)

As Elmo would say "mmm hmmm...Kiss Kiss".

It's a........

I'll let the picture speak for itself:






Oh what a plan God must have for me;-) Here's to praying for four lovely, caring DIL's.

PS The name debate is looking to be a good one...Valiant vs Valiant so you all might as well chime in too...remember to follow my rule that the name must be able to be cutesie-fied (ie TJ is Timothy Jr and was Timmy as a baby, Jacob is Jakey, Owen is Owey)...you get the idea-the rule may not stick though, we'll see-wa-ha ha ha ha < evil cackle >.

Christmas Cheer-tag! You're it!!!

Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!!
Just copy this entire post and paste into a new post/e-mail that you can send with the changes in answers so that they apply to you. Then send this to a whole bunch of people you know, INCLUDING the person that sent it to you......Tis the Season to be NICE!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? ok, strangely enough, I prefer to wrap presents but I love gift bags and have a million of them.

2. Real tree or Artificial? No question here...FAKE FAKE FAKE! Who can deal with the expense and mess of a real one? Ugh!


3. When do you put up the tree? Usually after TJ's birthday, which is November 9th. I love putting up the tree early enough to enjoy it;-)

4. When do you take the tree down? anytime I have time after Christmas but preferably before New Year's and this question should read "When does Tim take the tree down?;-)"

5. Do you like eggnog? Yes...I have an easy and yummy NA recipe for it too...but I must confess, I had a McD's egg nog shake tonight that made me feel sick;-P


6. Favorite gift received as a child? Oh where do I begin? My mom always tried so hard to give us a great Christmas even when funds when ziltcho. My fav memory is probably getting a Cabbage Patch Kid doll named Gallagher which I shamefully made my mom feel bad about since I didn't want one with dark brownish red hair and certainly not a boy one. Now I feel guilty about this selfishness and realize how hard the silly doll was to come by.

7. Hardest person to buy for? There are so many...BIL Jason, I'd say (sorry Jay)

8. Easiest person to buy for? Owen b/c he has no clue...no seriously my kids are very easy to buy for and so far they are very grateful

9. Do you have a nativity scene? yes, many but my fav is my little people one;-)


10.Do you send cards or email cards? if you are lucky you get one in the mail but otherwise, I try to post it here;-)


11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I have no idea-stumped.

12. Favorite Holiday Movie? Definitely Christmas vacation followed by A Christmas Story

13. When do you start shopping for Holidays? if not before on the day after Thanksgiving;-)

14. Ever recycled a Holiday present? of course, who hasn't?

15. Favorite thing to eat at Holiday? My cookie pressed sugar cookies with buttercream frosting and sugar sprinkles-yum yum!

16. Lights on the tree? yes...um, mine are those led colored lights from Sams club since my husband thinks he's being energy efficient;-)

17. Favorite Holiday song?

18. Travel at Holidays or stay home? stay at home-hubby in retail...sadly haven't been to mom's house in 9 years;-(


19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? I had 7 and was ostracized here at work for originally typing them here:-) one I spelled wrong-oh well.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? A star right now but I don't care for it.


21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? EARLY Christmas morning;-)

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Traffic, lines and snow (cold weather too)

23. Favorite ornament? The new one I get each year with the year and each member of our family listed. This year mine says Renay and baby-awww...;-) My close 2nd is a tie for the Christmas Pickle and the Stake that really reminds me of what Christmas is about.

24. Favorite for Holiday dinner? Cookies...seriously? I guess ham or turkey but I have no idea how that will make it on my table this year since I work;-(


25. What do you want for Christmas this year? How hard is this? I want my boys to be happy and healthy and to know that amongst the presents and food, the real reason we celebrate Christmas is to rejoice in the birth of our Savior. I pray you all rejoice in this free gift also.

Merry Christmas!!!

18 weeks and our Christmas letter;-)

I am so blessed to be writing that I have made it to 18 weeks and am up and about enjoying the "Holidays" so far...I snuck another peek at the baby last night (no sex hints) and he's getting so big...it's amazing how big he's gotten from the last look-wow! You can see fully formed arms and fingers and it's AMAZING!

Anyway, I'll keep this one short as I have included our family Christmas letter and pics of the boys...here's to a great report in a week!

Oh and PS Thank you to the many who are commenting and praying for us;-) To answer a few q's...we have not settled on names-in fact Tim hasn't even wanted to discuss names until we knew the sex...I have a girl's name chosen...so we have our work cut out for us. I think we will share the name when we decide;-) I'll certainly announce the sex;-)






~Valiant Family Christmas Letter 2008~

It’s back…we’re back…I’m back…

Okay, so I’m still a little crazy and a lot busy. Let’s get this update started:

The Lafayette Area Valiant Family has been very blesses over 2008…

Let’s start with Tim: He has opened yet another Walgreens this summer! It was a grand opening and he is enjoying his new store and new challenges. He competed in Faith Christian School’s 5K and came in first for his age group! He also has been keeping very busy counseling via his financial counseling ministry and is enjoying our newest activity at our church, the College Ministry…what a fun and dedicated group of young men and women we can minister to. As always, Tim is enjoying our 3 boys-playing with them, reading to them and he even coached Jake’s T-ball team this past Spring.

Renay has been very busy also…what a change for our family as we have phased out our Pampered Chef business and Renay took a position here in Lafayette as a full-time Labor and Delivery nurse, helping to open the unit at the new Clarian Arnett Hospital just minutes from our home. As if working full-time hasn’t been enough this fall, we are also excited and blessed to announce we have another little Valiant on the way! The little fella (just a good guess) is due in May and Renay is doing well, enjoying her second trimester. The official ultrasound won’t be for a few more weeks, so if you want to know before next Christmas what we are having/had, log onto our family website anytime for updates: www.valiantfamilyupdates.blogspot.com.

TJ is a bustling 9 year old Third grader. He has finally lost his first tooth just weeks ago and is working on a couple more…he may be singing to the tune of “All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth…” He is an active boy and loves playing with our wonderful neighbor kids and his friends from school.

Jacob is an inquisitive 5 year old Pre-K4 at Faith Christian Preschool. He’s developing right on track and his teachers at school all have wonderful things to say about him. He also loves playing with our neighbor kids. He enjoyed his first season of T-ball this past summer and looks forward to playing again this coming year.

Lastly, Owen is our full of energy 2 year old! He is also in school…we enrolled him in Faith’s infant care when Renay began working again this fall. He has began talking up a storm and even says sentences and is always making us laugh with his crazy antics. He is catching up, though still small-we were ecstatic when he reached the twenty pound mark at his 2 year check up. His school is even working on potty training him!

We pray this Christmas season is full of joy and fun for you. Remember the true reason for the season and spend more time with those you care about this year! We also pray 2009 finds you healthy and happy!

Merry Christmas! Love, The Valiant Family
Tim, Renay, TJ, Jacob, Owen, and one on the way

Case won...

In the case of Valiant vs Sinnott, MD, the defendant has sentence overturned and she wins her battle to not be put on house arrest.

Yes, it's better news! I am happy to report (and even a bit dorky as shown by 1st sentence) that Dr. Sinnott spoke a different tune with me today at my appointment. He has decided to not take me off work quite yet but with a firm warning that my appeal can be disputed by him any day. I told him I really just hoped to make it through Christmas but he was actually hopeful for me and said he did not think I would have to go on bedrest this time at all...I laughed at him and told him I truly believe in my heart it's just a matter of time...he was encouraged by my realistic attitude. I really WILL do anything he wants me to do for mine and the baby's health;-) I believe I even made him feel guilty so I got myself an earlier ultrasound...next Thursday will be this lil' ones chance at getting a name..come on baby, work with me here;-)

Thanks everyone for praying-I do believe it made a difference. Please keep praying that me and the baby remain healthy...bedrest won't be the end of the world...I'd just prefer to not have to start it quite yet;-)

So, I'll be back with hopefully nothing more than a boring 18 week update Thursday or Friday and then a HUGE announcement (which will probably be no surprise) in a week and a half;-)

Warm hugs to all!

17 weeks & happiness to despair...

I am 17 weeks. The little fella is the size of a small pomegranate (or a large apple if you compare sites;-)...He is finally porking up, gaining baby fat and his bones are hardening. We are weeks away from viability but I feel his precious movements usually daily. Still no sure signs for the sex...but it really doesn't matter.

I was finally feeling less emotional, having a better appetite, and had come to terms with my insulin dependent GDM.

Yesterday was a day full of happiness...I Christmas shopped for nieces and nephews and stocking stuffers galore for our precious boys. I was really into the Christmas spirit and even loaded up for my secret Santa at work. It was such a nice day. It ended with Jacob having his Christmas program...but sadly, though I remembered the camera, the battery was dead;-(. He was so cute though and you really could hear him over other kids singing in his precious voice. I got to watch my favorite Thursday night shows and got almost all the Christmas letters ready to mail.

Then the despair hit...sounds a bit dramatic but I haven't come to terms with it yet...in fact, I in serious denial. I didn't sleep well. I was up by 4am and finally gave up and got out of bed at 7:30am. I did my usual and weighed myself...up 4 pounds in 1 day-uh, oh. My rings are tight and won't come off...red flag. To the dreaded blood pressure machine...146/90 something...ugh. Oh no...

So I waited until 8am to call my MD...who unfortunately was not on. Luckily, his nurse who knows my history answered the phone and communicated my concerns to him via phone. He asked for me to come in and have labs drawn...oh, and call off the weekend. Ha, ha...yea right, I work the next 4...no way.

So, I waited and wondered and worried. I called no one and told no one. I had no intention of calling off. I'm not done working yet...I'm just not. And for that matter, how could I possibly lay around all weekend? Loads of laundry, dishes, fighting kids....work is way less stressful-seriously.

Anyway, I headed to work and thought it was weird that my MD's nurse never called me with my lab results but I knew everything looked ok otherwise so I went to work hoping to take it easy and not see my MD.

Busted...no not by him, but as I was done with report at 6:15pm they said I had a call. It was the good ole nurse. She said my labs were fine but that the doctor really does want me off work. I explained my case to her and frankly at only 17 weeks, I may go crazy if I am put on house arrest-until I get orders for strict bedrest and am told to go on short term disability I am not doing it. So she agreed and told me to see my MD early next week. Which is when he will be mad at me for not listening to him.

In the meantime I am mentally preparing for a long, sad winter. I truly know in my head that if my B/P stinks (which it's been much better here at work and I can get my rings off again;-) bedrest and no more work is the best thing for me and the baby but in my heart I am dead set against it. I'm just not ready yet...I am praying the Lord heals me and gets me through the Holidays...please just the Holidays...

So, then Tim called and inquires what the nurse wanted...oops, busted again. So, I spill my guts to him and he was his usual sweet understanding self and asked what he can do. He actually agreed with my sick rationale about staying at work and we're hoping the MD lets me try some meds before slapping me with the bedrest sentence.

Above all...I still haven't has my official Ultrasound yet and am nervous about what they will find...I'm praying to be blessed with a healthy baby. The sad realization though is if I have to start bedrest soon, I will likely deliver preterm again...I really don't want that for my baby just because my body isn't the best incubator...it stinks. Enough pouring out my whiny heart for now.

Please pray for us all;-)

Remembering Lydia Grace...

My heart is very heavy today as I remember my dear friends Amy and Mike and the year's anniversary of the birth and passing of their precious daughter Lydia Grace.

Words fail me...

I love you Focosi Family!

Read about Lydia's legacy here.



Please send some prayers up for the Focosi's today...

16 weeks, & a lil' cute stuff

Yay! The 16 week mark...it made for a very thankful Thanksgiving to hit 16 weeks. I feel more flutters everyday and still think he's a he. No baby sites compared him to fruit this week so I think the days of size comparison to fruit are over (sad). ***Oh wait...hold the phone! I was looking back up what a site has to say about being 16 weeks and they said he's as big as an avocado-YAY!!! Thank you babycenter.com!!

I'm getting more and more anxious for my ultrasound but know that I have to wait nearly a month! Oh well, a great Christmas gift it will be. Boy those sites for pregnancy are right on though...16 weeks and you may be experiencing increased breakouts....yes indeed-blemishes are abound and NOT my friend! And while I don't like to discuss the "chests" of women, let's just say mine has grown...eh hmmmm.

Anyway on to cuter things...let's start with this conversation: Me: "Owen, do you want a hotdog for lunch?" Owen: "Ot-dog pwease". Me:" And ketchup" Owen: "pep-pup" - "Otdog and pep-pup". Me: "Ok be patient, I'll cook it. Hey Jake, do you want a hotdog for lunch?" Jake: No, I'm allergic. Me: "what, you're allergic???". Jake: "Yes, allergic". Me: "what happens when you eat one?" Jake: "I had one the other day and didn't like it anymore so now I'm allergic". Me: "ok Jake". *Shaking head*.

Picture me while sitting on the couch eating a snack, Owen walks up and says "bite of it". Picture me, jaw dropping..."Owen, you want a bite of it?". Yes pwease he says.

TJ has done lots of cute things too lately but I'm drawing a blank right now. He did snuggle up to me on the couch and put his hand on my growing belly...so sweet. He also reportedly prays for me, the baby, and my diabetes everyday at school. My little prayer warrior;-) He's also working on being a real life song star "all he'll want for Christmas is his two front teeth;-)"

Hope to have more excitement for my week 17 post:-) Maybe more pics too;-)

15 weeks and not much else...

Being 15 weeks has been good. In keeping with the fruit theme...apparently the baby (with a penis) is about the size of an orange;-) I wasn't able to sleep last night since I was post 2 twelves and pre my last for the week and while I was lying in bed *not sleeping* I really think I felt his tiny kicks-YAY! How fun!-right? I love that part of pregnancy...feeling the baby move inside me makes every sleepless night, blood sugar check, insulin shot, etc ALL WORTH it!

So next up...the ultrasound-and it's none too soon. Unfortunately, I need to wait until at least 19 weeks so the heart chambers are visible-ugh. But, it'll be worth it. I'm guessing the little stinker will be shy that day-oh well. He can't conceal his parts forever and I've already been told I'll get serial ultrasounds due to the gestational diabetes.

One of the pregnancy sites says the baby is developing taste buds this week....hmmm, what will he taste-ummm salad, salad, and more salad. I'm also digging Fazoli's baked spaghetti. And lastly, the ever-famous staple of McD's nuggets and fries-ahhhh yum.

So, lastly on my boring post...I'm thinking about re-doing-or should I say "doing" my bedroom. I'm excited about this prospect. That's about it for my 15 week review.

9 years and 1 week...

that's how old this tooth is:



TJ said his goodbyes to his poor chipped little tooth that was hanging on by mere threads and I easily pulled the sucker around 7 o'clock last night. I never thought I could get so emotional over this tooth. I mean I did wait 9 years and 1 week for him to lose one...but geesh, get it together. He knew how much it meant to me for me to be "there" when the momentous occasion occurred so he let me pull it even though he was quite resistant to the painful idea. Luckily, it popped right out with "no pain" he said;-).





The "tooth fairy" very bleary eyed rounded up a few bills and some change to shove under his pillow. He came into my room this morning and declared the tooth fairy left him $5.56...maybe the ole tooth fairy is real...I really didn't think my small handful of change would be quite so much...oops. Jacob then declared it's not fake! He's on a holy roller kick...he thinks if it ain't in the Bible, it ain't real. My sweet evangelist;-) Oh his sweet innocence.

So, the end of an era has come...on to puberty I suppose-UGH! Maybe not so much.

And I must give some redneck props to my Nascar driver-a champion in my book...Carl Edwards-he just narrowly missed the title but he did it with style winning last night's race (doing all he could do to possibly close the gap) but not the championship berth...kuddos to Jimmie Johnson for his 3 time win.




I actually fell asleep and missed my Carl's season ending back-flip but checked out Nascar.com first thing this am to see if he possibly edged out Jimmy. Oh well, there's always next year and frankly, Carl won 9 races this year (which is an amazing feat in this elite sport). Congrats Carl on a great season!

And to leave on a note that really gives credit to my true love...

Tim is a great husband. He knows I am struggling with all that stinks re: pregnancy (ie insulin and tons of blood sugar checks, yet having to eat or not eat to stay healthy). So, when I said nothing sounds good last night he offered to go get me something (and this was at 8pm BTW)...so I selfishly agreed to "let him" go get me an Olive garden salad...

So, the poor guy comes back with the funniest look on his face and says "I think I got you all you wanted" so I asked what he meant and he shared that his options were a regular or large salad so he opted for the large...16 dollars and lots of salad later he returned home...let's just say I have a lot of salad to enjoy. Thanks sweetie;-)

14 weeks and the rest of my life...

Here is what baby center says about 14 weeks:

This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, his facial muscles are getting a workout as his tiny features form one expression after another. His kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth. He can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb.

In other news: Your baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces.


Notice how they said "He" and they said it multiple times...well, I'm just sayin' -I think indeed, Tim only produces Y chromosomes. I've sneaked some peeks of this little lemon and for a lemon, it has quite a protrusion between it's legs so, back to boy names we go...until I hear something more official than my lemon assessment.

I saw my OB Tuesday for a check-up. All is fine and he does indeed believe that my diabetes is gestational. No other news there except that he hinted strongly at looking to a repeat cesarean-ugh.

TJ went in for a well-child check-up on Wednesday. He weighed 65 pounds and was 52 1/2 inches tall. He passed his hearing and distance vision screenings with flying colors. He then got THREE whoppin' vaccines. Hep A, Chicken Pox and the flu shot-poor kid. He already had a stuffy nose.

So, shockingly, on Thursday he was sent home from school with fever (likely from the chicken pox vaccine). He was pathetic and laid around all afteroon-so I followed suit to make him feel less loser-ish;-)

Then, Friday I went for my GDM appt. I get to sit in a room with other women who are pregnant and have Diabetes...most of which who are way worse off than me. Fun.

I was relieved to find out that one test that shows how bad my blood sugars have been over the past 3 months came back pretty decent...it averaged out to blood sugars around 100 which isn't too bad at all;-) Yay. I did have my insulin increased (again) and am supposed to eat more. I wish I was excited about mmore food, but it's really just more work;-( Whaaaa.

And to cap off my week, I have to work Friday and Saturday. I got to work Friday night and was quickly interupted with a phone call...it was Tim with whaling in the back ground and TJ was saying he was having chest pain and couldn't breathe. Super fun. So, he rushed him to the ED (the new hospital where I work). It was an amazing experience. TJ ends up being fine BTW, in case you are worried. But, we got put in a room in under 1 minute. Had a nurse (a real nurse) at our bedside at the same time. There was someone from registration who came to us (no waiting, no leaving TJ's side), AND the MD was in the room within 10 minutes!!! TJ was being treated with an ECG, chest x-ray, etc all at his bedside (no weaving thru multiple floors or hallways). He was given a "cocktail" for indigestion, I suppose, and was feeling better, but not perfect within 20 minutes or so and the MD was back in the room to discharge us...it was a very surreal experience. The kicker was, it's not like they weren't busy. They had plenty of patients but also plenty of staff. Everyone was really nice to TJ and all of us. I felt super cared for and not dumb at all for rushing him to the ED for indigestion (which BTW, now I feel stupid for...and it will sting even worse when we get the $$$bill;-(. Plus, I was back up to work in no time;-)

Tim and the boys are all at home now doing just fine. Thank God;-)

That's my week in review...fun, fun.

PS Pictures will be added just as soon as I can-I have no access to photos at the moment except for this gem-one of Owen's 2 year pix from Target;-)

Happy Birthday Timothy Ryan Jr.!...call Guinness!

My precious first born son turns 9 whoppin' years old November 9th! I can't believe 9 years has passed since his blessed entry to this world. I was such a wreck waiting for his arrival---FIVE days OVERDUE!!!! It was seriously like an eternity. Being an L&D RN can allow your mind to go places moms minds should never go. So, needless to say, I was very nervous and desperate for him to come. Finally, I was induced on November 9th 1999 and TJ was born at 8:37pm. He weighed 8 pounds 3 ounces and was 20 1/2 inches long (at least I think that's right;-). He had huge hands and feet and was so alert. He was a happy baby and I've always called him my angel. I think as the teenage years more and more near, I will decide that he indeed, is not an angel.



I let him invite 7 kids to Chick-fil-a for a party and then the boys stayed the night (what was I thinking???). Four rambunctious boys up most of the night rough housing-ugh! I was so glad for noon to come today (to get them all home;-).




So, I think it may be an official record...could someone from Guinness contact me? TJ still has ALL 24 of his original baby teeth (2 are slightly loose though)...and yes, he does has permanent teeth under them (I know you were wondering). Even his teacher noticed his little chicklet teeth and that none have worked their way out of his precious mouth yet.



Happy Birthday my Love!