Back in Conway

JJ's birthday party was great. It was a beautiful day and everyone came and enjoyed themselves. JJ enjoyed his cake but did most of the work with his hands - no nose dives or anything. It seems like yesterday that we were bringing him home from the hospital. Now, it is hard to believe that he will soon be walking and talking like a little toddler. We have great memories from the past year and I know they will just continue.

We made it back to Conway Sunday and it has been life as usual here. We bought a trailer for the bikes with which to pull JJ when we ride. We look forward to fun times being active this summer. JJ had a low-grade fever that was just a roller coaster from Sunday through Wednesday. It peaked a couple of times to 101 and 102 but also went back to normal. He is fine now so he either fought something off or was/is teething. We went on a day outing with four other moms on Wednesday to Wye Mountain for the Annual Daffodil Festival. We missed the peak time to be there but it was still pretty and I took some great pics of JJ. It was nice to be with some other moms too. Today JJ had his 12-month wellness check. He is doing great in all areas - he is just a little guy. We may do some tests just to make sure there are no issues with his growth but I am waiting on further word from Dr. Roach. We should know the next step by Tuesday.

Robert came home from work at a normal hour today. It was nice to have some help with JJ and I was able to finally give our lawn its inaugural mowing for the season. I did most of it in the dark but it is done now. Robert is getting an MRI done tomorrow for his back from the injury suffered last August when he fell off the platform at work. He still feels that his back is not fully healed and it has been a battle to get the attention of the doctor caring for him to order the MRI or even physical therapy. He is relieved to get some answers from this test. We have plans to set up our raised beds this weekend for our vegetable garden. I am very excited. It is our first year to have a garden even though we have wanted one for years. There is so much to learn about how to do it right. It is hard to find information about it too because apparently it is much more popular to do flower gardening. We will learn a lot be doing it and that is usually the best teacher. One thing is sure, I know it is going to teach me patience because the process (sowing, planting, caring, tilling, etc.) is long. I can't wait until our first harvest!

Update

Time got away from me since I last blogged but I have also been in OKC. Last Friday, we went to the nursing home and it was a nice gathering. I met some moms and two older ladies we sat with that lived there. I let them hold JJ and they just loved that. I plan to take him back there and visit the two women we befriended, Dorris and Clara Ann.
I had softball practice last Thursday. It was great to be playing again. It is an all-women's team and they all seemed to have past experience playing. When I signed in we had to put our age and I couldn't help but notice all the numbers starting with 2's. I was one of only three women over 30 and it really hit me that I am getting older. Anyway, I think I was one of the better ones out there so that proves that age doesn't matter. The practice did show me how out of shape I am but that is also very motivating to get in shape - something I need. Lindsey, the babysitter that watched JJ during the practice, was GREAT! I was so pleased that she played with JJ the whole time other than a quick nap he took. He really loved her too. The only bad part was having to pay her but that is the way it goes. I know I have to get out on my own so it is worth the price.
So, we are in OKC now and Robert's family gets here tomorrow. We had a quick one-night stay in Lowell visiting Megan and it was great to reconnect with her and her kids. I had not seen them since my wedding and they were so big. I was able to get in to see my dentist while I was here and found out I had cavities! I was so bummed but the doctor said that happens a lot with pregnancy so I felt better about that. I had the fillings put in this morning and my mouth is a little sore. It has been about a year and a half since I last went. During QuikDROP days we had no dental insurance and I did not go. I now firmly believe in the six month check-up. I don't think I will ever miss another one. I got my hair cut as well so I am getting all fixed up before I go back to Conway. Tomorrow will be a big prep day for JJ's party. I am looking forward to having all of JJ's family and friends together. Happy 1st Birthday JJ!!

What a difference a day makes

I am pleased to report that all sick symptoms are subsiding. I hope they are gone for good this time. It is so nice to be able to taste and breath through my nose! The MOPS group Monday was much better than the first group I attended in February. I wasn't feeling my best Monday so I laid low the whole time but there seemed to be many neat moms that participate. I'm going to plan on being a regular to this monthly meeting. The mom that runs it also organizes a playgroup each Friday. This Friday they are visiting a nursing home to sing and color. I know JJ would be welcome even if he can only clap. It is his new thing that is so funny. As soon as he hears music he claps. This means that if he is standing leaning against something he sits quickly so he has both hands available since he cannot stand on his own yet. He also wiggles his body back and forth to the rhythm. So cute! On another positive note, I found not one but THREE babysitters! Two came as recommendations and the third is a friend of one of the other two. They are all three good Christian girls. I only know that two of them are roommates at CBC here in Conway (Central Baptist College). So...Lindsey is coming tomorrow so I can go to softball practice! YEA! She was a nanny for a 6-month old two summers ago. I will visit with her more tomorrow. What a relief to have people I can call to watch JJ. When I get nervous about it I just think about what they will have to do - pretty much just be here. JJ is so easy and all the girls have to do is make sure he stays out of trouble. My practice is only an hour so no worries. This is all new territory for me. I am so excited to play softball!
Saturday we 3 will leave for Lowell, AR to visit my buddy Megan and her family. I have not seen her kids since they were in my wedding!! Then onto to OKC. Robert has training classes Mon-Wed in OKC and we will stay, of course, for the big event Saturday - JJ's birthday party. It will be so great to be home with friends and family.

Strike that from the record!

JJ has made a comeback! The day I last wrote he ate a banana and oatmeal. So, he is back in the highchair fashioning his bibs. I think he's going to do well with the time change too. On a lower note, I am sick again. I have no idea how but everything has come back. So, hopefully the doctor will send a refill in so I don't have to revisit him. I also missed softball practice today and am sad because I really don't know how I am going to be able to participate in that with JJ. Robert is my only support here and he is always gone. I do not have an answer for someone to care for him while I go play. I may try to find a babysitter I can trust and that would be the only answer. I know a couple of trusted sources who could recommend a sitter and so that may be the route I need to take. I think it is necessary for my own sanity - to get out and meet people and be active. Tomorrow is the other MOPS group. So, MOPS and doctor visit - the highlights of Monday.

Moving toward a milestone

JJ's 1st birthday is getting close. Invitations went out today and we are looking forward to a fun celebration. Nothing much has been happening here. There was snow here Tuesday and then there wasn't. We are supposed to get more this evening and through the night. The only thing I can report is that I am seet to join a softball team from Robert's work. I haven't played since Robert and I met so I am excited. Tapping into another source to meet people. Day in and day out I just hang with my buddy JJ. He has been on formula for about two weeks and has gained two pounds. He loves the formula but has lost all interest in baby food. Maybe a good dose of CAKE will get him back on track in a couple of weeks.