Well...It's Been A While!

I haven't had much time to blog lately but I wanted to share some recent pictures of my 'blessins'....Sarah Beth is walking now...all over the place. She'll have her first birthday next Friday. I can't believe it has been a year! Time has flown by SOOOOOO fast! She is absolutely precious...I am so thankful the Lord has allowed me to be her Mama!! Here are a few recent pictures of her...

As for Ben, well he had his shots last week to get ready for school...yes, he'll start Kindergarten in the fall. We actually go for registration tomorrow. He is still loving preschool and has started practicing for teeball. He is full of life! Here he is in the tree he was trying to climb on a recent fishing trip with his Daddy! He is my BEN!!

As for Andrew, he stays busy! Between studying and projects for school, and practicing buddy ball...he never stops. He is getting to be such a big boy. He loves to be outdoors, especially fishing with Daddy. It's a good thing God blessed me with a girl because the boys leave me in a heartbeat when their Daddy is going somewhere....who knows...Sarah Beth may be the same way. She does have her Daddy wrapped!!

With three kids, there is hardly a spare moment! I couldn't do it without the wonderful man in my life. God has given me the best husband in the world! He is my best friend and I love him more than words can say!
A few more pics to share...

Easter Family Pic 2010

A few more snapshots!!

Here are a few more sweet snapshots of Sarah Beth and Ben...Ben is a character all of his own! Here he is as Mr. Potato Head...LOL!!

And here is Sarah Beth in one of her Christmas presents...a new cozy coupe...(we had one with the boys but it was time for a new, pretty edition!!!)

Wrapped....

Sarah Beth has brought such joy to all our lives. The boys just love on her constantly...although she is starting to push them away some and shake her head NO at them. She was nine months old on Saturday (the 23rd) and I just found her third tooth on that day. She got the first two at 5 1/2 months...so this one has been a long time coming. She is crawling everywhere and is just an angel with her sweet smile. She definitely has one parent wrapped...can you tell??

And she waves....
What can I say...they all three have both of us wrapped!! Thank you Lord for my precious children. We go today for Sarah Beth's 9 month check-up. I am anxious to see how much she has grown!!

I'm Back....

I know it has been forever since I posted to my blog...sorry...life is just BUSY! So, I guess I'll just start with recent happenings in the Lofton family. Last night Andrew played his first peewee basketball game. He did very good for his first time...but boy was he tired. They played their first game at 8:30 and then their second at 9:00. It was 9:30 before we were able to leave the school. So he was in bed at least an hour past his bed time. He was so cute!!

In case you didn't know, that is him in the green! He looks like Popa (my daddy)...don't you think???

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