Homecoming 2009 - Go Bears!

It is so hard to believe that it has been 10 years since I graduated high school. Tonight is homecoming at West Lincoln to honor the classes of "9". (I graduated in 1999)...It is wonderful to be working back here at "home". The kids enjoyed a wonderful pep rally this morning. Andrew was familiar with it...but Ben said it was way too loud. Here are some pictures of them...

Earlier this week, for costume day, Courtney wore an "OLD" costume. She was an old lady looking for her dog...who happened to be stuck in her rear....the kids loved it so much that she had to come back to the pep rally today...

Here is a picture of the cheerleaders...

And I can't post without adding a picture of my sweet baby girl. This was made a couple of days ago at breakfast...she is now 6 months old and has two teeth. I found them last Wednesday night during church :)

Pictures at Church

We finally got around to taking another family photo at church Sunday. I have a couple of snap shots of Ben and Sarah Beth too. As you can see, Ben is being his silly self! Sarah Beth is truly a bundle of joy! I don't know what we ever did without her.

Labor Day Fun!

I often wonder why holidays and weekends seem to go by so fast when regular work days sometimes drag. This weekend did FLY by...I did a workshop for teachers Friday night and Saturday...so I guess that probably had something to do with it!

Yesterday, Sarah Beth and I woke up before the "guys"...so I thought it would be the perfect time for us to get the grocery shopping done. She cooed and talked the entire time in Wal-Mart. I am so glad she is a good shopper. The boys...well...let me just say it...THEY HATE SHOPPING! We took our time and then stopped by and got breakfast for our "guys" at McDonald's before heading home. Roger unloaded the groceries and help me put them away and then we started packing for the lake. We decided to take the boys for a little outdoor fun. Nathan and Courtney (my brother and sister-in-law) along with another couple from our church were camping there. We arrived and enjoyed some grilled hamburgers and took a bike ride. We then headed for the beach. The boys were so excited. Roger took them for a swim while Sarah Beth and I stayed put on the shore...she was actually taking a little nap at the time.

My brother borrowed a jet ski from a friend of his to use for the weekend. Everyone enjoyed taking it for a spin. Roger took the boys for a few laps...they loved it. Then we enjoyed a lap together. Here are a couple of pictures...

The kids were all whooped by the days end. We didn't have trouble getting them or ourselves to sleep last night. We really had a lot of fun! Maybe one day we'll get a camper and start "getting away" more often. It is so nice to just enjoy each other's company...without the computer and tv and phones to get in the way. I have pictures of the kids...I'll post those a little later! Have a great Tuesday!

Here's one of Sarah Beth...

Where do I begin?

I must say it has definitely been a while since I have blogged...I have been so busy with the kids this summer...I am taking every moment to rock Sarah Beth that I can! She is so precious! It is going to kill me to leave her in a couple of weeks...yes, a couple of weeks! We go back to school on August 3rd. I know she will be in good hands with Nana (my mama) but I will surely miss both her and Ben. Andrew will be starting 2nd grade...so he will be with me at school.

The boys have enjoyed the outdoors this summer. They are all about some frogs and lizards! They have also enjoyed our waterslide and a small pool in the back yard. Ben is going to really miss Andrew when he heads back to school!

Sarah Beth...what a wonderful baby she is...very rarely cries unless she is hungry or tired. She is 3 months old already...my how time is flying. She is doing very well holding herself up and loves to look around and coo!! She is starting to look kinda chunky...she loves her cereal and fruit every morning and night...We'll soon try out some veggies!

My cousin Brooke took her picture this weekend...I love em'! A couple are at the beginning of this post...I am having a hard time trying to figure out which ones to order...

Well, I guess I'll stay in touch more when we start back to school and I have access to the Internet. We can only get dial-up at our house so I only get on when I go to the school or I'm here at Mama's.

Have a great week!!

First Day of Vacation!

We are having a blast so far on vacation! We arrived here at 4:15 a.m. this morning in Birchwood, TN where my mom's sister, Aunt Tracy and her family live. It is only about 20 miles from Chattanooga...where we enjoyed our first vacation activity today!

We took the kids today to the Discovery Museum. It was SO neat...educational and fun at the same time. Nearly every activity was hands on and the boys loved it...if you are ever in the area...I highly recommend it for families...

We have really enjoyed our day here with Aunt Tracy, Uncle Craig, Cassie (my cousin) and her three children...Hallie, Mikai & Jaxon. The boys are really enjoying playing with the kids. Uncle Craig even took Roger and Andrew for a spin in the boat...Andrew loved it. I have nearly 50 pictures that I took today....but for some reason, blogger is not wanting to upload any pictures...I'll have to try again later....

Last Tee Ball Game of 2009

Well, we had our last tee ball game Tuesday night for 2009. It was SO HOT!! When we left the ball field...the State Bank sign said 102 degrees...I'm not sure if that was correct but it certainly felt that hot! The boys were miserable in the blazing sun...My wonderful MaMaw and PaPaw watched Sarah Beth while we were at the field...it was just too hot for her.

Speaking of my baby girl, she had a check-up on Monday and had her first set of shots. She definitely did not enjoy it!! She did not really act fussy afterwards...nor did she run fever...Thank you Lord! Ever since Ben had the febrile seizures (seizures brought on by fever...he had two and both scared me to death)....I am not fond of even a low grade fever. Anyway...she is growing like a weed...she is now up to 10.6 pounds and is 23 inches long! I am so thankful for a healthy baby!

The boys really enjoyed playing ball this year...next year Andrew will move up to buddy ball...but it was wonderful for them to play on the same team at least one year!

Summer Fun & Smiles!

How wonderful it is to be off with my kids for the summer. The Lord blessed us with timing of Sarah Beth for sure...she will be about 16 weeks old before I have to return to school. We have been busy lately...last week I taught two workshops which kept me busy for four of the days...the kids enjoyed time with Nana and also MaMaw Biggs! I am so fortunate to have such wonderful people to take care of them while I am working! Andrew somewhat misses school...here is a picture of him getting an award on award's day before school got out...

The boys are loving teeball...you can see some pics below. Andrew is really good this year...he should be...this is his third year...he started when he was four. Ben is not so good...but he is learning...he too is just four for his first year...he is so cute in his little uniform!

As for Sarah Beth...she is the BEST baby. She is sleeping six to seven hours without waking up at night...then she gets up for a bottle and goes right back to sleep...then she is up at about 9 a.m. I am loving this!! Ben was not a good sleeper so I can surely appreciate her. She is growing TOO fast. She is smiling...which melts our hearts...she is also getting better with holding her head...she will be seven weeks this Thursday. We go for shots next Monday...so say a special prayer for her and me!!

We are all getting excited about vacation...we are leaving a week from this Friday. We are headed to the mountains and have lots of fun things planned including lots of time for relaxing. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures. Well, Sarah Beth is demanding that I pick her up and I can't type fast holding her...so I'll go for now.

Pictures

Here are some updated pictures...some I took this morning...she is smiling some now...it is precious. She melts my heart as do the boys when they are sweet!

Our first days with Sarah Beth!

Where do I begin? My heart is full...having a sweet baby girl to add to our family has been such a blessing! Roger and I are both crazy about her and the boys...let's just say that they are VERY protective and love to love on her! Some nights she sleeps great and then other nights...like last night...she is up every two hours. We will soon be adding cereal to her diet and I'm sure that will make a huge difference. With the boys, I started adding cereal at two weeks...as you can tell...I am not by the books...I just go by what Mama says :) It works!!!

My labor was definitely a different and scary experience. I was already having contractions when I checked into the hospital. They actually started the induction process at about 5 a.m. on Thursday morning. The nurse gave me some pretty strong pain medicine at about 9 a.m. to help get the edge off until Dr. Mills could come and give me the epidural. I was only at 2 cm at that time. He came to give the epidural at about 11. While inserting it, he accidentally punctured my dumas sak which contains spinal fluid. I immediately got a terrible spinal headache. He then had to move the epidural and restick me. It was a horrible experience. I was trying to remain calm...knowing that what had happened was not good...having contractions...and trying to remain so still. After he inserted the epidural, he suggested I remain completely flat and still to try to help with the headache. He explained to me and Roger that this very rarely happened and that I would have to have a blood patch to fix it after the baby was born. I immediately thought about how bad it was going to be to have her with this terrible headache and pressure. But God made a way!! After the epidural was inserted, he checked me and I was at 7 cm...got there fast. It was only about an hour and I started pushing...I pushed three times and she was here. We were all so glad that she was here, healthy and happy :)

He tried to do the blood patch after labor, but was unsuccessful...so he had to leave the epidural all hooked up....which was very painful in my back on top of the headache. And oh, they are remodeling the LDRP floor at the hospital so the rooms weren't the greatest. There were not even any tubs where you could soak...but anyway, the next morning, he was able to do the blood patch and it did help the headaches. I still have them some and the back pain is still there somewhat...but it is getting better everyday. She was worth it all!! I love holding her and rocking her and spoiling her! After all, this is most likely my last baby and I want to enjoy every minute of it. I will be off until we go back to school in August. I am so thankful to have this time with her and the boys. Andrew only has three weeks and he will be home with us. Pray for that...he gets bored easily...I am going to have to find some things to keep them occupied!

Here are some recent pictures...some are from church...and YES, she was in church her first Sunday in this world...as were my boys...the way we see it...God gave them to us...if we honor Him and bring them to His house...He WILL protect them...and he has. Our church members are very good about steering clear and not getting too close. She has not been to any other public places...definitely not Wal-Mart!! She have to wait a while for that adventure! Well, I take that back...the card reader isn't working and she is wanting a bottle...so I'll have to add the pics later...sorry!!

She's Here - Sarah Elizabeth "SarahBeth" Lofton

Wow! She is gorgeous! SarahBeth made her appearance yesterday afternoon at 4:15 p.m. She arrived weighing 7 pounds and 10 ounces and is 19 inches long. The hospital has free Wi-fi so I thought I could at least post a few pics now...I'll tell about the labor experience later....Here she is...Thank you Lord for this sweet baby girl!!

My Final Day at West Lincoln Before Maternity Leave!

Well, I have made it as far as I can go with my students...since Dr. Mills will be admitting me tomorrow night, I decided to take off tomorrow to spend with Ben before going into the hospital to welcome SarahBeth. It will be an adjustment for him moreso than Andrew I think...since he is used to being the baby...he is excited about his new sister though.

My contractions came pretty frequently yesterday afternoon so I went in to be checked...they must have just been the fake ones b/c they eventually stopped after I got relaxed. I will go back to the Dr. tomorrow afternoon at 3. Hopefully I will have dialated some more by then...regardless, he is supposed to put me in! He is on call on Thursday....so I'm sure he will! My sub is all lined up to come tomorrow. I hope the kids don't give her too hard of a time!!

I love teaching by my patience has grown thin. I am ready to have my sweet baby girl and get back into my normal clothes again...I love being pregnant...but at the end...it can be a challenge to do most things!!

How much will she weigh? Who will she look like? How long is she? I am so excited that I get to answer these questions in about 48 hours!!

Stay tuned for pictures and keep us in your prayers!

Update on Doctor's Visit

I really appreciate all the prayers! I did have some progress since last week. I am a good one centimeter dialated and the baby has dropped a good bit. I am now 60% thinned...so at least I am going forward and not backward!! Dr. Mills will see me again next Wednesday if I haven't gone into labor on my own. If everything still looks good, he will induce on Thursday morning. I am praying that I just go ahead on my own but if not, at least I have a definite date now and know that I won't be pregnant forever. For those of you who have had babies...you know what I'm talking about!!

I just met with the lady that will be taking my place in the classroom and I feel really good about leaving things in her hands. I have everything for the kids all ready to go and organized by color in folders...I really tried to make it easy for her. The kids only have about 4 weeks plus exam week to go...so I won't miss that much!! I am going to enjoy being off with Sarah Beth and Ben and then in a few weeks...Andrew too!!

Please keep us in your prayers and I will keep you posted!! I can't wait to add pictures of Sarah Beth to our blog!!

Easter 2009

I am so very thankful for the true meaning of Easter...our Saviour arose and defeated death and the grave and sin...all for us!! He is truly a wonderful God!!

We are still anxiously awaiting Sarah Beth's arrival...if some of you have heard the Christian song, The Sooner The Better, then you know what I've been singing. The song talks about the coming of Jesus...but I have been singing it in regards to the coming of Sarah Beth!! It says, "the sooner the better, today would be just fine"!

We had a family picture made at Mama's on Sunday afternoon....My hubby and the boys looked so handsome!!

I have a doctor's appointment again today at 3:00. Please pray that I have dialated some. My suspicions are that he will tell me to come back next Wednesday and then if I have dialated some, he will put me in on Thursday morning to induce...I know that doesn't seem like long but it is to me...I would rather he put me in on Monday or Tuesday!! Who knows? Or maybe she'll just come on her own!! That would be fine too!! I'll let you know how it goes!

Well...Nothing's Changed :(

My appointment was somewhat frustrating yesterday. Dr. Mills said everything looks good but I haven't dialated anymore. I guess that at this point...I really shouldn't be...but with all the contractions, I would like to think my body is doing something productive!!

Sarah Beth's heartbeat still is precious music to my ears. I can't wait to hold her and feel it in her chest!! A lady was at the clinic that had a two week old. She looked so small. It will be an adjustment to have a little one again...so exciting!

Dr. Mills will see me again next Wednesday...April 15...and will check me again. He wants me to be at least 1 or two centimeters before he induces...which he says he will do anywhere between the 39th and 40th week. The 39th week begins on April 20 and the due date is April 27th...so hopefully, I will have a baby between those dates...unless she decides to make her appearance earlier...which would be perfectly fine with me!! At this point, she is considered full term and would be fine!!

I am planning to walk and exercise during our Easter break...tomorrow-Monday. Maybe that will help the situation a little. I also want to work in the yard a little if the weather is nice. Anyway...stay tuned! Thanks for your continued prayers!!

Another Check-Up This Afternoon!

Well, since we are getting close, I am having to go to the Dr. every week now. I must say that it can be very frustrating. I usually have to wait at least an hour....it just gets boring. Today being Wednesday, my time is limited anyway as we try to get ready for church and get baths and eat supper all before seven. Luckily, Roger usually is a big help in making sure that the kids get clean!! Andrew pretty much is independent in that department now...I just have to make sure he picks out appropriate clothes for church and that he and Ben don't make a water mess in the bathroom. Ben still has to be bathed but he is learning. He definitely prefers a bath but we are encouraging the shower too some!! It is quicker and less messy for days like today.

Last night we attended the bike night at the place where my brother, Nathan, works. (Honda of Brookhaven) Roger rode his motorcyle out to the festivities...which he says he nearly froze! We followed in the van. It is sponsored by a local Christian Motorcycle organization. They had barbeque, popcorn, drinks, motorcycle games and door prizes. Nathan won every game. He let Andrew do one with him where Andrew rode on the back (at super slow speed of course) and tossed hula hoops onto orange cones. That is all I have heard from Andrew. He thought he was something!! Ben didn't get to ride and was disappointed...but we weren't sure he would hold on tight enough. Roger didn't participate in the motorcycle games...he is a little shy when it comes to doing things in front of others!!

Well, hopefully Dr. Mills will have some encouraging news today. He tells me that he will induce a week before my due date which I am guessing will be around April 20...April 21st. That is close and I am ready! Sarah Beth is out of room in my tight belly!!

I'll update everyone tomorrow on any news from the Dr. Have a great Wednesday! And oh, Happy Birthday, Lane. My nephew Lane is 4 today. Mama is baking him a cake...yum!!

A Beautiful Baby Shower!

The Lord has truly blessed me with the opportunity to work with some really GREAT people. Yesterday afternoon after school, my co-workers hosted a beautiful shower. Everything was PINK, of course, and the refreshments were yummy!

I received the nicest gifts!! Sarah Beth's closet is getting full very quickly!! Mama, Courtney (my sister-in-law), Anna Grace (my beautiful niece), my MaMaw and the boys were all present. I haven't taken any pregnant pictures so far but was forced to for this occasion. I have gained a total of 18 pounds...lots better than I did with the boys...I sure hope to get back to the size I was when I married after having Sarah Beth...she is the caboose so there is no reason not to...Here are the pictures!! The first is of the canvas that I will be hanging above her bed. My co-worker and former teacher when I was in the 8th and 9th grade had this made for me. In fact, her daughter, Allison painted it and she and I graduated together. I never knew she was so talented. She also painted the smaller sign which I plan to hang on the door at the hospital. She is going to add the date, weight, and length on the sides and bottom.

So many nice gifts!!

From Such Sweet People!!

Cute! Cute!

Andrew & Anna Grace Smiling for the Camera!

I love being a Mama! I can't wait to add Sarah Beth (well outside of my belly) to this picture!! My boys are truly a blessing from God...we are so excited to add a female to the mix!! Wonder which one she'll look like...light hair and blue eyes like Andrew...or dark hair with brown eyes like Ben...we'll see in about 2 1/2 weeks!!

Special Thanks to the hostesses: Elaine Case, Gwen Dickey, Karen Dunaway, Linda Franklin, Margaret Gee, Vicky King, Janice Holmes, Holli Pepper, Becky Smith, Debbie Smith, and Janet Smith

1st T-Ball Practice

It's so funny to see how different two children from the same two people can be! Andrew is now in his third year of t-ball...he missed moving up to buddy ball by one day...and Ben (Bless his heart) is starting his first year! He was so funny...especially trying to throw the ball. He wanted to throw it from his glove...not with his bare hand!! I am so glad that they get to be on the same team at least for one year!! Unfortunately, Lane (my nephew) is on another team and will be playing on a different night of the week...so we'll be visiting the ball field quite often in a few weeks!! Our first game is May 5th...the same day that Ben is to have a lot of dental work done...so I'm not sure he will be up to playing! We'll see. We'll have Sarah Beth by then too!! It seems unreal that she will be here in a just a few weeks! And we'll not know what we did without her!


Andrew is actually one of the more experienced on his team, so he played on the pitcher's mound yesterday. He did get hit smack in the eye...it was black for most of the evening but looks fine today! He didn't cry or even act like it hurt...he was tough!!

Ben did his best at hitting. He does great at home but gets a little nervous in front of everyone. Here is a picture of Ms. Heather (the coach's wife) helping him....

Here's a couple more snapshots....

After practice, we went to visit with some family that are here visiting from Georgia....The Hawthorne Gang. They used to live here but moved last summer. Andrew so misses playing with Elana and Ben and Colton get along so well together. We enjoyed barbeque chicken and ribs and even hamburgers. It was late but delicious. Here is a snapshot of the boys with my PaPaw...I treasure each time that the boys get to spend with MaMaw and PaPaw...they love it and it is making memories that they will never forget!

Sarah Beth's Nursery

Pink and Brown and Polka Dots Too!!

I am so excited!! Sarah Beth's room is almost complete (still need to put some things on the wall!!) My Mama (the best in the world) came over last Wednesday and painted her room for me. I spent the morning cleaning out toys and moving the boys into the same room. Ben had a tough time understanding why we were painting his room pink but quickly caught on to the idea that he and Andrew were going to share a room. They have been sleeping so good in their new bed...it helps since Ben is a kicker and he kills me when he comes to get in bed with us. At this point I guess it doesn't matter since I am not sleeping well at all anyway...between heartburn and leg cramps and a big belly...but I am so thankful for being able to have babies! Please don't think I'm complaining!!

Roger put up the crib on Thursday and I was able to work in her room on Friday, hanging clothes in the closet and organizing her dresser. My wonderful, sweet friends in Starkville (Leanne and Ms. Marilyn) sent me a wonderful surprise with monogramming...one was the beautiful burp rag (this was the first time that I had seen her name monogrammed...I almost cried it was so beautiful) and then the other....a beautiful white bib which I plan to let her wear on her first Sunday to church. Thanks again sweet friends!!

Our Newest Addition - Buttercup

Well, my Daddy did it. He got the boys another dog. We had a beautiful lab named Scooby that got poisoned and I was a little reluctant to get something else right now...but since Popa aquired this cutie for us, we won't complain.

Buttercup is a very small dog...she is 1/2 Jack Russell Terrier and 1/2 something else (that's really small). She is already tough, has to be with Ben wagging her around. The boys have loved having her around. So far, Andrew has been feeding and watering her. Roger made sure that he understood that he would have the responsibility of caring for her. Right now she is in a little pen on our carport but we hope to soon move her out to the big dog house where Scooby used to reside.

When we got home from school yesterday, they quickly let her out of the pen. She stayed right with them in the yard, running and chasing them. She was so tired when we finally came in. One time we got to looking for her and she was almost asleep under the shed...they really gave her some exercise.

I know it's not fun to read a blog entry without pictures, but I don't have them with me today. I'll try to post a few tomorrow.

Sarah Beth and I are doing good...I have started having contractions (Braxton Hicks) pretty frequently throughout the day...just a sign that her entry into our world is getting closer. She is still very active at night...Oh, how I pray that she is a good sleeper. Ben was not until he was 18 months old...I'm not sure how I made it through except by God's grace! I'm not sleeping good already with this big belly, and I'm sure it won't get much better. But she'll be worth it I know!

I hope you all have a TERRIFIC TUESDAY!!

Another Check-up

Well, yesterday was another check-up for me and Sarah Beth. We had to wait over an hour while Dr. Mills was delivering a baby and making rounds at the hospital. I tried to get in a cat nap but those tables are so hard and it hurts to actually lay on my back with this protrusion in the front. She was very active, especially when he started listening to her heartbeat. He measured me and said everything looked good. I have gained a pound in the last two weeks. At this point, he said that babies are gaining about 1/2 pound a week so I suggested that that pound was HER pound!! :)

I have 6 weeks and 4 days to go until he suggested that I may be induced (April 20th). We have exams next week and then spring break so I'm sure time will start flying by....at least I hope so!

To make room for Sarah Beth, we are going to move Andrew and Ben into the same room. They already sleep in the same room but in different beds. I have ordered them new furniture for their room...check it out....http://www.ashleyfurniture.com/Showroom/LargeProductImage.aspx?PageId=Showroom&SetDomTab=1&ItemNo=B373-55. They will share a full size bed and each have a chest of drawers to match. It should be here tomorrow. They are excited!

I hope to have my daddy build a large shelf for toys...we will be moving the toy room into their room also...and then I can start working on her nursery. Lots to do in six weeks! Keep us in your prayers :)

My Sweetie's Birthday

Well, today makes 31 for my sweetheart! I fixed him breakfast this morning and we are going to his favorite restaurant to eat for supper (Bo Bo's Chinese). He loves that place...I honestly think he has craved more during this pregnancy than I have. Yesterday he was craving Charms Blow Pops...go figure! Mama is making him a birthday cake with a motorcycle on it...Mama makes the best cakes EVER!!

I have to say that God has given me the best husband in the world! (Everyone should feel that way about theirs!!) He takes such good care of us! He may seem like a big bully on the outside but he truly treats me like a queen. I can't say that it has always been a bed of roses...we've had our ups and downs, but since we got closer to the Lord, you couldn't ask for a better marriage! He is a wonderful best friend too! He has seen me at my worst and at my best but still loves me!!

So, to you honey, I wish you the best birthday ever! I am sorry that we can't get you what you really want...A new motorcycle...but we are getting something even better in a few weeks ;) I love you!!

3rd Sonogram and Check-Up

I went for a check up yesterday. I have started going every two weeks now. Dr. Mills wanted to see how big Sarah Beth was getting and to make sure everything was good and it was. She weights approx. 3 pounds and 12 ounces. She was so sweet on the monitor. Roger was not able to go to this one with me so Mama and the boys went. The boys were amazed. Andrew especially liked hearing the heartbeat. The sonographer did it twice for him. Ben says he is ready to go back and see her. She is a very active baby in the womb. More so than I remember my boys being. I have gained a total of 11 pounds now...so that's not bad if you ask me. She will start gaining a good bit probably from here on out. They expect that she will be average size. The boys were 7.3 and 7.13...so I suspect she'll be about the same. It's getting closer. Dr. Mills said I should have a baby around April 20th or 21st....which is only 8 weeks from Monday. I really want to get her room setup soon...I'll post pics when we get that done!! Here are the sonogram pics. My next appointment is on Roger's birthday, March 4th.

Mud Ridin!

This past Saturday, Roger and the boys had a big time while I went to get a haircut. When I returned, they were all pretty muddy. A couple of weeks back, Roger brought home a tractor and tried to clean up in the back yard....after all the rain, it was pretty muddy on the back side of our land. So he took the opportunity to let the boys have some fun. Andrew rode his four wheeler while Roger and Ben were on his. Andrew had a time getting himself and his bike all muddy!

Roger and Ben...aren't they cute!!

What will we do when Sarah Beth arrives?? Will she enjoy the outdoors as much as Ben and Andrew??? I'm sure her daddy will have her loving the four wheeler as much as they do for sure!!