The Whatever Chronicles

All By Himself

2010-10-11T21:41:00.001-07:00

A few weekends ago, Derrek, Cash & I went to Brownwood to see Mimi & Grandpa Steve. Most people know that Cash is a very active, fun-loving, and often, mischievous kid. He wants to do EVERYTHING by himself. He wants to hold the drink or the fork by himself. He climbs in & out of his car seat and the car by himself. He wants to "wok" everywhere by himself. If I try to hold his hand or guide the drink, a grunt, whine or full-on tantrum ensues. He will even stop what he's doing in a stand-off fashion if I hold my hand close enough to catch him if he falls. It seems we're standing-off quite alot these days since this particular mom of an overactive, adventurous toddler happens to be completely neurotic when it comes to any level of physical danger. I really really reeeeeaaaallly want him to wear a helmet if he's awake. Don't worry! I haven't actually put a helmet on him but I cannot say for sure that won't happen at some point yet. Anyway, my point of this post (a point would be nice, right?) is that he was kind of different this weekend without Blake & Ashley around. Most of you know they live with us all but four days out of the month so it makes sense that he's not quite himself without his two sidekicks (or servants that he constantly bosses around). He was clingy and needy and shy and timid. We went to the Brownwood Reunion and he wouldn't pet the animals in the petting zoo or jump in the jumpy castles or slide or play in the huge tubs full of corn (you read that right). We missed the kids too but it was nice to soak in some good Cash time in the middle of volleyball, football (cheer), & soccer season. The best example of quality time I can think of is when I shove fast food to him in the backseat as we run all over the place.

Rocking on Mimi's porch.

Back off, Bambi.

Hiding from the scary petting zoo animals.

Derrek really wanted him to love the pot-bellied pig (can barely see it's hind end).

Bambi freaked him out but he's handling the camel well?

Nope. out of the corn.

He acted like he didn't even know what to do.

I'll just take a new bike. (We had to pry him off of this thing kicking & screaming.)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

In other news

2010-09-18T17:11:00.001-07:00

I'm hoping this iPhone app will get me back on track with my blog. It's cool if you're not holding your breath. :) While you continue to inhale & exhale, enjoy some pictures from this summer.

And this app is officially awesome.

First day of 2nd grade & 8th grade. Totally cool if time wants to stop now.

Picking up some school supplies for the sibs... He's a multi-tasker.

First ride on a carousel at the Gillespie County Fair. Removing him from the horse without anyone getting hurt was especially a challenge. He grew attached very quickly.

Last day of our mini vacation to the beach... Stopped in SA to pick up some school clothes.

Same day. Target dressing room floor.

Still in the target dressing room. The person before us didn't clean out the dressing room.

Long night at the PBR

He can totally play super Mario brothers. Well HE thinks he can.

Just the boys (with cousin Rance).

Road trips to CO can get a little hairy.

Big pimpin in a knee brace & aviators. Totally the latest trend in baby wear. Swear.

Summer locks (took some bleach but its gone now).

He's very loving....sometimes doesn't know when he may have given to many kisses (if there is such a thing).

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Anniversary Worth Blogging About

2010-09-17T22:18:00.001-07:00

I'm about to miss the actual anniversary but today marks two years since Derrek & Chris's surgeries. Each surgery changed it's patient forever and for the better. Thankfully, they remain healthy & that day two years ago is even easy to forget sometimes in the daily hustle. Now, derrek works for Chris. It feels right that they see each other. Even though neither is quite comfortable expressing it on a regular basis, their mutual respect & support of each other is obvious.

I'm still so proud of you, Derrek! It was never a question, I know, but that doesnt make it any less brave.

Mother's Day Part 1

2010-05-09T14:22:00.000-07:00

So, Mother's Day is a sensitive day in our household. The first mother's day after Derrek & I got married, I was a little forgotten. Actually, you could go as far to say totally forgotten. I didn't expect anything big. I didn't want a gift or flowers. I just wanted one of the 3 people that made me feel like a mother (Derrek, Blake & Ashley) to maybe say Happy Mother's Day to me. Many of my close friends and family know that since the second Derrek & I decided to be in a relationship, my devotion to Blake & Ashley was even consuming at times. They filled my heart like I'd never known. They let me in and I jumped in with both feet. Loving them and feeding them and dressing them and taking them to school and helping with homework and doctors and disciplining them (even when I didn't really know what I was doing) and, well, you get the point. I'd spent the previous Mother's Days helping them prepare special things for their mom and I know to them, their mother, OF COURSE, is what mother's day is about. But I thought, now that I was OFFICIALLY their step-mom, I'd get a little recognition. I'm not here to bash any of them either! Step families are tricky business. I am part of a step-legacy at this point. I get the drill. In fact, until Blake & Ashley left that day with their mom, I don't think even I realized how high I'd gotten my hopes that they would be as excited as me on that day that I had made the "mom club" even by marriage! I'm thinking my mom even made a call to my husband that day. When I got home from work, there was a card and flowers and hugs and apologies. He appreciated my devastation in a way - not because I was sad but just because it kind of startles you sometimes when others, even relatives, love your children so much. I really understand that now that I have Cash. So, we've had some growing pains. This year, Blake & Ashley are with their mom until this evening and Cash has been with my mom all weekend. (I'm about to walk out the door to meet her halfway to pick him up). Ashley texted this morning "Hey George". Then she called an hour or two later because she needed me to do something for her. Still, a little phrase was missing from our conversation. Derrek (always on his Mother's Day game now) & his brother, Dac cooked an awesome breakfast for everyone this morning and I told Derrek she'd forgotten. He disappeared for a bit and then a text from her magically appeared! "Happy Mother's Day!!!" I was a little bummed this morning but the more I think about it, the better I feel. If I had to write down the ways and times I've taken my mother for granted or probably forgotten to say "Happy Birthday" or "Happy Mother's Day" or "Happy Anniversary" or, even "how are you?" or "how are you feeling?" Or "what can I do for you?" I'd have a book that weighed more than I could carry. I have no doubt in my mind that Blake & Ashley love me as much as I love them. Mother's Day isn't needed to reaffirm that fact. In fact, I'm going with the philosophy that these small oversights actually mean that they love me as deeply as I love my own mother. I'm kidding myself to think I'm as unselfish and as giving and as unconditionally loving and as devoted and as self-sacrificing as she has been to me and my sister but I know she's been a good coach and there's an excellent probability that some of her has rubbed off on me. One day, they'll remember all by themselves to say Happy Mother's Day but by being who they are I'm reminded daily that I'm where I'm supposed to be in life. This is the day I get to relish in that.

Here we are.

2010-05-06T21:03:00.000-07:00

Older. Changed. Silly. Happy. Together.

How Sad

2009-11-06T08:04:00.000-08:00

I'm STILL here!!!! Please don't leave! I have no idea how I'm getting from one day to the next because it's all a blur! Here's what we need to talk about sometime in the near future when I'm not helping cook lunch at the bakery and just running to the office to "do payroll" (I really am doing it but I'm doing this too. Surely Destiny & Lea don't read this thing anymore right?). Cash is one. With MOLARS. Not walking yet...but I promise we'll get into that soon. Pictures too. I've missed an entire soccer season, an entire volleyball season and football (cheerleading) season. Blake & Ashley are with us full-time now, for a little while at least, and we're loving that. Cash REALLY loves it. Seventh grade is kicking our butts; there's tons of practices, homework, tests. Derrek & Cash have had birthdays. We've finally got lunch going at the bakery now. We've been at it a whole week. We're buying a house. Derrek's work has been a rollercoaster but we're hanging in there. Also, my mom and Steve just bought an awesome new house! No, it's not in Fredericksburg, unfortunately, but I haven't lost hope. Cash and I are headed up there tonight to help pack some things up. I think that about sums it up. So we'll delve into details very soon friends! I know I always say that but I've got pictures that are worth the wait. Promise. Here's a Halloween teaser:

8 months (July 3)

2009-09-08T23:00:00.000-07:00

the beach!

the sibs!

all Daddy

big boy

Compromise

2009-09-08T21:04:00.001-07:00

So, I blogged my heart out tonight. Okay, that's not completely accurate. I posted as many pictures as I could tonight. My goal is to do the same with July, August and September (so far) by the end of the week. I'm dying to blog witty and even, wordy posts but there are not enough hours in my days these days so I'm reduced to picture-posting until I get caught up. See you soon!

Soccer Camp (Still Blogging June, Friends)

2009-09-08T20:15:00.000-07:00

The Sharks (T-ball 2009)

2009-09-08T19:45:00.000-07:00

Once again, Blake played teeball this year. This year, however, Derrek was a coach and I think it was a great experience for both of them. It taught Derrek a good lesson in patience and it taught Blake how to be a leader since he was one of the oldest boys on the team this year (only 5 & 6 year-olds play). This year, of course, he was faster, hit the ball more and understood what was going on. Another highlight was that Brooklyn was on our team this year. It was perfect for me because I got to spend a LITTLE bit more time with Rebekah. Ahhh, I miss teeball:)

Aunt Niffer’s Birthday at the Beach (in June)

2009-09-08T19:17:00.000-07:00

Cash & I took a very spontaneous trip to Port Aransas to see my very good friend, Jennifer for her 30th birthday. We had a blast with Aunt Niffer and Aunt Jessica (another college friend). Jenn decided to start her weekend with a throwback to our infamous LA trip for the Grammy’s a few years back by camping out at the beach for about 7 hours waiting for me to pick her up. Long story but one highlight is when someone offered to get her something to eat because she looked homeless with her big bag. After I rescued her, we stopped at the grocery store and waited in a ferry line for over an hour (it was Friday afternoon about FIVE o’clock; great planning) to get to Jenn’s sister’s beach house. This place was AWESOME! I want to move in. Cash loved the sand and the waves and I even lucked into a babysitter for Jenn’s birthday night and got to go to Sharkey’s. I’ve heard a lot about that place and had a much needed night of jamming out to classic Michael Jackson and my Britney Spears.

Our beach ride. He loved facing forward with the wind in his hair!
He loves his Aunt Niffer!

All kinds of room to crawl and play at the beach house.

Wake up, girls! I want to play!

That means you, Niffer!

Mama & Cash

What you can't see in this picture is that I'm surrounded by the ladies. They loved me!

Stella & Dot

2009-07-30T15:49:00.000-07:00

I really am not sure why in the world I wanted to add anything to my plate but Stella & Dot found me and I couldn't pass it up! I'm selling this fabulous but affordable jewelry (over half the line is under $50) via my website (www.stelladot.com/jordanpenick) and in-home trunk shows. The trunk shows are pretty much just parties with snacks, fun people and pretty jewelry. The jewelry truly sells itself so I don't have to learn any awkward or embarassing speeches. I really got involved because I love the jewelry. Stella & Dot is a modern company that wants its sales team to be who they are and not imprisoned in a pair of panty hose. If you read any magazines or watch the Bachelorette, you've seen Stella & Dot. I have a feeling you're about to see it even more blow up. So when you hear about it, just remember me. Throw a party and invite me over. I'll bring the jewelry, you fix some cocktails. It will be fun.

P.S. I'm having a launch party on Thursday, August 6 at the Fredericksburg Bakery from 7-9 pm. I'd love to have you.

Oh and P.P.S. if you have a husband or boyfriend or partner or friend or dad or brother that's needs a little help in the gifts department, send them my way. I can help them out.

We'll Miss You, Ringo!

2009-07-30T14:59:00.001-07:00

Last week we lost a member of the family. It was traumatic for all of us but mostly for me because I was driving the car that killed him. It was just me and Cash in the car so the kids didn't see it. He actually walked away from the accident but the internal damage was too severe so we had to put him down. It was a very hard good-bye for me. Let me say, too, that Derrek was so wonderful that day. I'm a basketcase when it comes to saying any sort of good-bye and, even though Derrek was emotional as well, he walked me through the whole thing. He left work immediately to help get Ringo some help, make the hard decision, say our good-byes, hold him as he took his last breath, hold me after that, dig his grave and put stones on top of it and tell the kids. I really don't know how I would have made it through the day without him. Those are the moments you understand why God matched you with a guy that can't get his socks to the dirty clothes. Ever.

Ringo was such a loving dog. He was completely devoted to every member of this family. He always wanted to be a lap dog but didn't complain or get mad at us that he wasn't. Since we moved out to the Penick's he's smelled like a skunk about 85% of the time. He had a fat butt, a good heart and a penchant for chasing raindrops. I miss the comfort of him sleeping right outside the door to protect us. I miss his smelly snuggles. I miss his incessant licking. I miss the smile on his face. I miss him every morning when he used to greet me after he slept under my car for the night and I'll always wonder why he stayed there that Tuesday morning.

Here's how we said good-bye...

(no idea why this picture is turned!)

Seriously

2009-07-07T19:44:00.000-07:00

I'm a broken record and I realize this. Blogging is on the backburner these days. I'm still working at Root and the bakery doing the books. I've finally started taking Cash to a babysitter a couple of days a week. It was hard the first time but OH does it feel good to actually be productive! Not that spending all day with a child can't be productive but trying to give your all to work and your child at the same time feels anti-productive, if that's a word. I know many of my friends have felt this pain. Anyway, Destiny, Lea and I have also jumped (with both feet!) into transitioning the bakery. From the old to the new. From bakery to bakery plus (beer, wine, lunch). From Mike to the three of us. From country blue to turqoise. We have high hopes for revamping the bakery and building the business and we hope to kick off the first phase of our takeover during Octoberfest. Many things have to happen without a hiccup for this to actually take place but we're still hopeful. I had no idea what to expect when we started this but I have to say, it has been a blast so far. I know we have many years to go and lots of hard work ahead of us but spending my days with Lea and Destiny with similar goals in mind, has been fun. The point of this story, is just to convince my readers (if there are any left!) that I've added one more thing to the overflowing "plate". It feels great! Tonight, I've tried to catch up on some posts I started TWO months ago (see Cash's Baptism from May & the Horn Family Reunion from June) and see really how far behind I am. 10 posts behind to be exact. Probably 750 pictures to sort through. But I can do this. One post at a time right?

Cash Hearts Ashley

2009-06-23T15:48:00.000-07:00

Cash truly loves both of his siblings. He's completely mesmerized by the both of them. Maybe it's just that Ashley is more capable with him but his awe reaches a higher level with her. Unless he's starving, he reaches for her before me in many cases. Don't worry because I LOVE IT! They're so happy together and she is a fabulous babysitter.

Mutton Bustin'!!!

2009-06-23T09:35:00.001-07:00

This past weekend was the Stonewall Peach Jamboree (Rodeo) and Blake, Cole & Rance decided to try their hands at mutton bustin (sheep ridin'). Blake has really grown in so many ways in the last year. Besides the physical (taller, less baby face) and social (not at all as shy, listens very well) there is the mental/emotional growth. Last year, he had no interest in riding those crazy sheep. This year he stood at the end of the line and watched everyone else go before him. He saw plenty of them crash and burn and shed some tears and he still went for it! Not only did he go for it, that little sucker won!!!

Ever seen a mutton bustin' champion with a green mohawk? Didn't think so.

Here's the video.

Horn Family Reunion

2009-06-18T19:41:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, Cash and I met, Aunt Traci, Sam, Alice, Ruby, Mimi and Grandpa Steve (Ruby has renamed him Peepaw!) in Brownwood and traveled to Weatherford for the Horn Family Reunion. My maternal grandmother was Wilma Horn. She had four sisters. Clara Ruth (Aunt Sister) was the oldest and died in 1978. Wilma was then the oldest to Aunt Ila, Aunt Mary and Aunt Reba. You may recall, 4 days before Cash was born, my grandmother passed away. She had never missed a reunion and I definitely was missing her this weekend! It was a great time for Mom and my Aunt J'Lyn to visit with all of their first cousins. They all were lucky enough to grow up fairly close together and it's neat to see the distance and years between their get-togethers just fall away. They all laugh easily together and share and equally appreciate their joint upbringings. As usual, I was able to get a few money shots of Cash when we were there. My sister and I stayed an extra night at Mom & Steve's after the reunion. I miss my family:)

Mom, J'Lyn and their Horn Family cousins

Bathtime with Mimi

Do you think he knows he's cute?

Love this picture! I'm not really sure why she got so upset...

This may be one of my all-time favorite pictures.

Saying our good-byes..A slimey kiss for Alice.

A slimey kiss for Sam.

Seven Months? Are you kidding me?

2009-06-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it's seven and a half months. I'm a blogging loser these days. After this post, I think I will be completely excused. The last 6 weeks have been nothing short of a blur. Trying to communicate with this wirey, strong, climbing little ball of movement is challenging, to say the least. He's crawling. He's pulling up. He's yelling. He says "oooooohhhhhhhhhhhh". He can blow. He can say "dadadadadadadadada" (not to be confused with "Dada"). He - and has always - smiles with his whole face. If you're holding him when he's standing up and he wants to turn, he just turns so you have to be ready. He's calling the shots and it's our job to just make sure he doesn't crash and burn. He's eating now!!! What does he eat, you ask? Uh, mostly, BEANS. Much to my close family and friends sickening enjoyment, my kids favorite food is freakin' beans. In case you didn't know, I HATE beans. He doesn't just like them, he cries between bites to ready himself for the next mouthful of mushed up black, whole, pinto, baked or refried beans. The part that I do like about this is that most restaurants serve some type of beans. Most of the restaurants we patron anyway, since we eat 80% Mexican food. So I often find myself fighting a gag when I have beans ON me. Yuck. But I have to say, Cash eating until he can't eat anymore is so worth raising a bean-lover. He's also added bananas, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cereal, Puffs (excellent time-waster when I need to eat), prunes (NECESSARY with the drastic breast-milk-only-straight-to-table-food transition), and Malt-O-Meal. We're also down to two naps a day. It mostly comes from the fact that I spend too much time dragging him all over town for work & errands. But they are good naps. He still isn't really gaining much weight. He still hovers around 17 pounds. He seems to be changing though, right in front of our eyes. However, one physical characteristic that we love that seems unchanging, as of yet, is that he has this AWESOME patch of hair that grows right over his left ear. It has grown longer and thicker each month. It is also extremely straight and tough to tuck behind his ear.
He continues to become more attached to me and a little clingy when he's tired or hungry. So strange for a baby, right? Anyway, my goal is to have him with a babysitter a couple days a week by 8 months. I just have to make the call! It will be so good for us. Both of us. But look at that face!

Announcements & Reminders

2009-06-07T16:31:00.000-07:00

So I've posted some things out of order - well, actually, I'm keeping them in order, for history's sake - so scroll down for Cash's 6 month post. I'm going to be moving Easter into it's chronilogical location as well. Soon I hope to have his baptism and 7 month post up. Really, it's just about getting all the pictures together.

Also, Root & Beulah's had a fashion show last weekend and Ashley, Blake & Destiny were BEAUTIFUL models and you can see BEAUTIFUL pictures of them at www.portraitsbyjenn.com. Scroll to the bottom of the home page and click on "enter site". Then click on "clients" and type in "fashion show" for the password. It's best to just watch the entire slideshow the first time (it does take a while) but go ahead and click on "add to cart" anytime you see one you like so you don't have to try to find it again. Then you can edit your cart later. She usually sells the 4x6's and 5x7's for $20/each but these are on sale until next Saturday for $10/each. Cash made a few of the pics too!

Easter

2009-06-04T17:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Grandpa Steve!

2009-05-26T15:33:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Steve, We hope you've had a wonderful birthday. You probably worked. Now you're probably going to watch some TV after you cook Mom some dinner because she's probably working late even though she said she's not going to work as late anymore. Whatever you're doing, we hope it's happy and we love you!

No One Warned Me About This One...

2009-05-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

Cash is Baptized

2009-05-16T19:25:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was one of the best weekends of my life, I have to say. Both of our families gathered in Brownwood to witness Cash's baptism at St. John's Episcopal Church. Mom and Steve are members there and it is where Derrek and I got married. We really like Fr. Nelson and wanted him to do the baptism. It was a private family ceremony on Saturday. I was very excited about it but it was just so much more than I imagined. It was relaxed and Cash was well-behaved. The kids got to all gather around close to the baptismal font and watch. When Cash started to fuss a bit, Fr. Nelson took him and let him hold (and chew on!) the silver scoop he was going to use to pour water on his head. Then used his bare hand to scoop water for the baptism instead.He also did a very special family blessing and anointed all 5 of us with oil. I feel I almost always have a thankful heart but I was vividly reminded how blessed I am.

All the cousins, except Ruby...

All of the cousins, except Rance!

That picture posing is traumatic!

Cole & Blake

The ceremony begins

Here we go...

This is right before we were all anointed. Yes, I'm crying.

Thank you, Fr. Nelson!

Cash & his great-aunts, J'Lyn and Kay.

Ashley & Alice

Our crew at lunch.

The kids tables

At Mimi's at last to play! This is the same day he started sitting up AND crawling.

Happy .5!

2009-05-16T19:10:00.000-07:00

Every mom says it, I know, I know. But where DID the time go? He's growing and learning so fast! I'm pretty sure he's already smarter than me. I'm a puppet! He's found his voice and, at times, uses it in context. Like "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH give me what I want now." And then I do. He cannot sit in my lap anymore when I eat or work because in fractions of milliseconds he can snag anything from the table and get it in his mouth. He is still mesmerized by his brother and sister. Ashley can tough out his painful hair and face pulling but Blake steers clear. On his 6 month birthday he was trying to sit up a little bit but mostly just scooting and rolling around. A short week later, he sat up on his own and crawled all in the same day! So today he's been sitting up for a week and his quality of life has improved 10 fold. He still smiles & laughs easily. He still thinks he is very handsome when he sees himself in the mirror. When I hold him on my hip, he grasps me with his arms and feet, much like a monkey. He is being EXTREMELY difficult on the cereal/solid foods front. So not interested. It is killing me! Now I'm supposed to be feeding him solids three times a day and that is just three times a day I get really frustrated. I feel like a circus clown pulling out all of my best tricks to a stone cold audience. He does giggle at me but he's gotten good at keeping his mouth fairly closed through his giggle. Little punk.

Fun with Rosie.

Hugelland

2009-05-16T17:47:00.000-07:00

So, Hugelland means Hill Country in German. Uh, I think? That was the name of Ashley's volleyball club and her 12 and under team consisted of some great girls from different schools in Fredericksburg (we have 3 private schools here). She made some new friends and learned A LOT about volleyball. They only played (practiced or went to a tournament) once a week starting in December. Meeting only once a week for two-hour practice didn't allow much time to work on fundamentals but they really got a handle on the importance of teamwork and wearing matching socks. Seriously, they really did come so far from the first game. Volleyball is a complicated game and they had to quickly learn the different positions and scoring. They also had a chance to experience those moments of knowing they weren't the best team but realizing that working hard and working together actually gave them a shot at winning some games.

I hope she plays again next year. She was one of the first to pick up the rotations and confusing logistics they were introduced to them after the first couple of games. She even hurt her wrist mid-season and stayed at the tournament any way to support the team. It excites me to see her soaking up every aspect of the game, including bonding with her team.

I am ashamed I never got a team picture!!! No one did! We're a horrible group of team parents but I'll have some next year. I did, however, get pictures. Some show a couple of Cash and Blake being awesome little brothers and acting so sweet at these cramped, loud-whistling, high-pitched-preteen-screaming all-day tournaments.

These pictures are very random and out of order, but I'm finally blogging and I'm doing it in a hurry so this will do!

Annual Fishing Trip

2009-05-16T17:24:00.000-07:00

In April, Derrek went with his friends to Port Aransas for their annual (and extremely competitive) fishing trip. I'm happy to say that my man's team won. Again. I'm sad to say there was only one picture that was blog appropriate, thanks to our dear friend, Tony. That's all I'm going to say about that.

Yo

2009-05-04T08:03:00.000-07:00

This is just one of those "lots of posts are on the way" posts. Thing are a little hectic as usual. This weekend, we kept the kids for their mom and everyone but Derrek and Cash had the stomach bug. Thank the Lord for Derrek. I think he was so excited to go to work today and get out of the house. Also, my little camera broke that I take videos on (and I'd wish I had it now because Cash is head-butting a big box of diapers right now that's about 5 feet from where I laid him down). But, of course, Cash turned 6 months yesterday so we'll have to catch up on that, Ashley's club volleyball, Easter, Derrek's fishing trip, our new family obsession of Wii Fit & Cash's defeat of cereal in the 3rd round. I know I'm probably destined to have a picky eater on my hands because it is one of my biggest pet peeves! So, I know I'm being taught a lesson for being a know-it-all before I had any idea what I was talking about. Things could still turn around. Maybe my milk is just so sweet and delicious, the cereal and peas and carrots and pears and peaches and apples and bananas and green beans and sweet pototaoes just don't stand a chance. We're gonna go with that.

Cash vs. Cereal: Round 2

2009-04-17T07:28:00.000-07:00

So we've tried the cereal for almost two months now. At one point, we kind of took a break just because he really wasn't getting it and it was not worth the daily battle. So, a couple of weeks ago, I finally started trying it again. I could get some down but he gets so distracted. His toes, the dog, the spoon, the bowl, anything else in a 10 foot radius can take his attention away. At my mom's house this weekend, he at least started licking it for me but would push it all off the spoon because his lips were closed so tight and his tongue would just jump out without warning. But I finally saw the effort there and knew we were about to turn a corner. Then, I think it was Monday morning, I asked Patsy if she could watch Cash while I took the kids to school so I didn't have to wake him up. When I got home, there they were sitting in the kitchen and he was opening his mouth and swallowing cereal and bananas like he'd been doing it for years! That night I finally got him to eat for me but he's sooooooooo much better with Daddy & Mammaw. I think I need to work on being more entertaining but I'm not too sad about others having to feed him every once in a while!

Woe is Me

2009-04-16T06:51:00.000-07:00

Okay, these aren't true "woes", please know I understand that. I know my family is happy and healthy and I know it's really not cool to feel sorry for yourself about small things but Cassell's blog inspired me today to use my blog to "journal" a little more. I usually just report the facts (my facts) about what is going on in my life but today, I'm gonna whine a little.

So why do I feel sorry for myself today? Mostly, because of my sub-par blog. I know. Most of you are probably already tearing up. But seriously. I don't even have a cute page. It's only one of those templates that you can choose from on blogger. My friend, Paige, tried to tell me how to make a cute header (if that's what they're called) like hers and all of her rad blogger friends. That's another thing. She likes meets people through her blog. I think I must not be utilizing this blog to its fullest. I was so sure of my blogging for a while and now I feel like a wannabe. My pictures haven't been all that great lately. I haven't focused on capturing the moments like I used to. I think I'm in a rut. It probably has to do with the fact that I feel a little guilty when I blog because now that I'm working from home I feel like every minute Cash is asleep, I need to be working. So when I do blog, I'm always in a hurry so I don't write like I used to either. I used to think I could really tell a story. Not so much. So, instead of blaming myself I'd like to blame all of my blogging friends. Mostly Cassell, Paige & Seana. You all and your blogging skills can kiss it. I, of course, am saying that with love. Kind of.

One Day Without Shoes

2009-04-16T06:34:00.000-07:00

Makin' Pretzels

2009-04-04T14:37:00.000-07:00

My mother-in-law, Patsy and her mother, Fritzie make the German pretzels sold at the bakery. They go in almost every day and spend a few hours together putting together these yummy treats. Ashley has always liked to help and every once in a while she gets the chance. These pictures get me all teary. She looks so cute.

Let's Go Fly A Kite!

2009-04-03T21:46:00.000-07:00

There was some kite flying. Some kite crashing. Some kites stuck in trees. Some kites attacked by dogs. Some horses FREAKED out by the kites snapping in the wind. Some laughing by me and kids watching the dogs and the horses and kites. And a grown man climbing a HUGE tree to retreive a his dad's kite purchased in Hawaii 20 years ago. It was funny to see Derrek sweat a little about getting in trouble by his dad. I mean, he headed to town for a huge ladder and scaled a tree that scared him to death as it swayed in the gale force winds to get that thing down before Mike got home. Wish I scared him that much sometimes. You know, just to get some stuff done:)

Kite #1 in flight.
Kite #1 stuck in a tree.

Kite #2 preparation for take-off.

Kite #2 in flight.

Kite #2 chased down.

Another take-off. My guard dogs.

Kite #3 HIGH in the tree.

Austin Turns 30

2009-04-03T13:59:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, Cash and I made a day trip to Austin for one of my best friend's, Austin Mitchell, 30th birthday party. So I totally should have pictures of the birthday boy right? Right. But I don't . My friend Molly was there with her son, Trent. He was born 5 weeks after Cash and this is the first time we've all seen each other since our boys arrived. Trent is sooo cute. His lips are super kissable and his eyebrows are perfectly manicured. I asked Molly if she was already plucking and she swore she wouldn't do that...unless he developed a unibrow and then she might start him before kindergarten:) Please look at his rosey cheeks!

And since I forgot to actually take a picture of the birthday boy, here we are a couple of years ago at my wedding. I love you, Austin!

5 Month Baby-No-More

2009-04-03T13:39:00.001-07:00

So it took all of what felt like 3 seconds for my baby that liked to be held sweetly and cooed at me and gently played with my face and liked to kick his legs a little bit to become a kid that's flip-floppin all over the place and yelling loudly and yanking my hair and laughing big and SCOOTING around and sprouting TEETH. That's right 3 days ago, Cash cut his first tooth. It seems like things have just settled a little bit since then. Two weeks ago, remember I tried to give him some cereal and he just wasn't all that into it. I tried for few nights then gave it a rest. Last night, we tried it and he was all over it. In two weeks, he's figured out how to open his mouth for it and move it around and swallow it!. Another first that happened last night was, not only did he sleep through the night, he slept 11 hours!!! Woo-hoo!!! Mama might be herself again! So the game plan from now on is to stuff that kid full of food before bed. Good plan! He's taking great naps, although I'm still not being all that productive during his nap. (We're still not officially settled in our new digs and it seems I'm the only one that is still working on it. Funny how that happens. I helped everyone else with their stuff but no one seems to be helping me with the rest? A day in the life of every mom, I know. Anyway, I'm torn between work and moving in and battling allergies/cold/whatever. I'm really good at excuses, by the way.) Yes, he's a little crazy now but it really is so much fun. He's starting to give wet kisses. Not on demand, of course, but there's nothing better than him squeezing my neck and sliming my whole face. That's love, my friends.

Hanging out with Big Bro on the floor. Just rollin' around. You know. No big deal.

Trying to soak it in with Big Sis while she still lets me in her room!

This is the first of all the pics I took trying to get that silly tooth! I had to include them all.

I think if my flash wasn't reflecting off all the saliva, you'd be able to see it here. In fact, I think you can!

I was persistent but the little toot put up a good fight.

Cash's first bite of cereal.

He quickly moved on to the toe. Much more tasty.

We love our jumparoo!

Bath time with Daddy!

That crooked smile.

Tonight has been another first. I'm not sure if it's another tooth, allergies, a cold, an ear infection, or being overtired but tonight Derrek and I couldn't console or make him comfortable for about 4 hours. We finally decided to get him in the bath because he LOVES the bath (as you can tell) and it worked. Until we took him out. But it was nice to see him smile again. He's trying to sleep now but he's having trouble battle the pacifier with all of his congestion. Poor guy. Here he was just before the crying started. The nose obviously had started to run and his eyes were puffy but he was still his happy little self!

Is It Over Yet?

2009-03-20T21:13:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe if you know me or Derrek very well but we're actually not completely finished moving yet. We started 2 weeks ago. We've battled bronchitis, bad weather, the kids' spring break, a four-month old, a borrowed trailer with a borrowed truck that we couldn't use longer than a weekend and a neverending house full of crap. The excuses will be over on Sunday and we'll bite the bullet but here are some pics of our first day of moving. Rosie was very concerned with all the packing. She's usally full of anxiety when we're packing for trips but this was on a new level. She'd follow us to and from the trailer. Back and forth. Until she finally figured out that she was going to make sure she ended up wherever our stuff ended up and she planted herself in the trailer. She stayed for over an hour and was almost completely covered up before we had to drag her out. We love our Rosie.

Ready? OK!

2009-03-20T21:02:00.000-07:00

Yeah, they don't say that anymore. By "they" I mean cheerleaders. By "cheerleader", I mean ASHLEY!!! She made the squad! They only took three 6th graders and four 7th graders. We , actually weren't exactly sure if she wanted it or not because well, she said, "I'm not sure if I want to be a cheerleader or not." At one point she told me that it might be a relief to not make it. (Her mom is very into the cheerleading thing and she felt as if she was only doing it for her). However, when she saw her name on that list, it was like we were crazy to think that wasn't what she wanted all along! It was awesome though. She was soooooooo happy and excited. She and her mom did like a movie twirl thing in the middle of the street. Hilarious. I'm loving the other moms. All the girls on the squad all seem like really genuine girls. The year ahead should be fun. Go Billies!

Oh, but would anyone like to buy some cookie dough or a magazine subscription. Cheerleading uniforms ain't cheap!

4 Month Check-up (Again 2 weeks late!)

2009-03-19T16:47:00.000-07:00

As every parent can testify, SO much changes from month to month when you have an infant! Cash continues to "talk" non-stop but, as you witnessed in the video, he likes to make all kinds of new sounds. Sometimes when he's getting mad, he'll remember he can blow bubbles with his slobber and it cheers him right up! He's officially grabbing toys and hands and earrings and faces and anything else he can reach and holding them himself. He's putting most of those things in mouth too. Just after his check-up he started rolling over! Now he rolls from his back to his tummy to go to sleep. The best part about that is that he sleeps much longer on his tummy! We still use the magic blanket and if its near and he's tired, he grabs it and puts it over his face and falls asleep. We love the magic blanket although some strangers may think I'm smothering him. He's still (and probably always will be) completely enamored with his brother and sister.
His mother has not worked hard enough to get him on a really good schedule (see my posts coming on moving & spring break) so he sleeps through the night but not on a regular basis. Hopefully, now that we are moved in (for the most part) I'll be able to figure something out. One more excuse I'd like to share is it complicates things when we have Blake & Ashley half the time. It's hard to keep the schedule the same! So we're working on it. Another negative effect of this no-schedule thing are that we aren't confident to leave him with a babysitter and be sure he'll take a bottle and/or sleep. I'm dedicating this next week to our schedule and using the bottle a little more with Daddy.

At his doctor's appointment on March 6, Cash weighed 15.7 lbs and was 25.5 inches long. The doctor said we could start him on cereal and Stage 1 fruits and vegetables! We just started the cereal last night because I received some good advice from Rebekah to not start it until I was ready to do it every day. Again, the move really threw things off.

He's healthy and happy and growing. What more could we ask for?

I know there are an insane amount of pictures but I couldn't choose!

Watching Ultimate Fighting with Daddy...

Why did you leave me alone with Sissy?

Napping outside the office at the bakery.

Yeah? So.

Irresistable.

I can lift my head getting my diaper changed.

Sleeping.

Riding.

and playing.

What about it? I'm big.

Slobber

2009-03-11T09:52:00.001-07:00

Still no time to blog but I did have time to stick my funny video on youtube. Cash is cracking me up everyday. His Mammaw says he's "wirey". Never stops wiggling and squirming and trying new things with his mouth (blowing bubbles, yelling, biting, sucking, slobbering). Check him out here.

So Much. So Much.

2009-03-09T12:10:00.000-07:00

I have so much to talk about but way behind at work because we're deep in the middle of the move. So if I'm not packing, I need to be working even though I'd rather be blogging. I'm also trying to squeeze in two hours somewhere where Cash & I can sneak off to see Confessions of a Shopaholic. Ashley's cheerleading try-outs, Cash's 4 month check-up, a video of his new trick & our move! All coming soon.

Brothers from Another Mother

2009-03-03T11:24:00.000-08:00

Blake
Cash

The Craziest Birthday Party Ever

2009-02-28T08:01:00.001-08:00

Six year olds know how to party. For. Real. I felt like the 3 hours we spent at the bowling alley last night was a complete blur. It was a dead sprint from start to finish. I'm always saying I want my house and life to be a circus, of sorts, but maybe again, I'm not completely ready. First there was bowling and a beer. I remember that part. And my mom & Steve were there helping with Cash but he was a little fussy and probably a little overwhelmed as well. Then the kids starting getting there and all of our closest friends. The pizzas came out and Gayla tried to get the kids to eat but they had reached some sort of not-hungry adrenaline high. Then the cake. Then the part I can't remember or may even want to forget is the opening of presents. Ripping and tearing and throwing paper and screaming and "who's it from?!" and "what is it?" and "here's the next one!" and "oh wow!" and kids all around. And let me just tell you, that is so Gayla's speed. She was right there in the middle of it keeping up with no problem. I would have been saying, "slow down!", "back up!", "breath!" So that's why I'm the one taking pictures. The most important thing is that Blake had a blast!

Cole, Blake's cousin, stayed over after the party. Things calmed down pretty quickly when we got home because those boys literally ran in circles (this was after the present-opening madness) for about an hour and a half. Derrek put fake switchblades in the goodie bags we gave out and they were a huge success. I love Cole because when he gets tired of something, he's very clear that he's tired of it and he's clear that he's tired and clear that he's ready to go be calm. So when we got home, Derrek set up a tent in the living room and Cole promptly climbed in and passed out. Blake watched a little SpongeBob but followed closely behind.

Best of all, Cash let me sleep a good 5&1/2 hours (not the 7 hours we had going a month ago but I'll take it!) and I needed it.

Right after the birthday wish.

Our friend, Luke tasting the cake.

Caleb, Blake & Cole
Mimi & Cash
Grandpa Steve & Cash

Here come the gifts...

Happy Birthday, Blake!

2009-02-27T12:58:00.001-08:00

So, Big Brother Blake is 6 today! I cannot believe it. You know, when Derrek and I started dating Blake had just turned 2. He's grown into such a great kid. And, he's oh so very handsome. He's been counting down the days to today for about a month now, never losing track. This morning Daddy fixed his hair in a mohawk and we put on a snazzy shirt. We blasted some Def Leppard "Pour Some Sugar On Me" (his favorite song) on the way to school. Derrek and I also joined him for lunch and took some cupcakes to his class. I hope the teacher lets us come back! The kids were getting a little creative with their faces and the colored icing!

He's asking for a Wii Fit for Daddy's house and I'm not sure what he requested from Mommy. He also loves Hot Wheels, Transformers (our party theme!), monster trucks, dinosaurs, anything remote control and he likes art supplies too. He's so excited about his bowling party tonight because all the people he loves will be all together. I think he probably secretly wishes we actually lived with his mom or at least next door. He really has trouble with the back and forth sometimes. Who wouldn't? Sometimes when we're having a really fun moment at our house, he'll say, "I wish Mommy was here" or "Mommy could see this". Then a couple of times he's told me he really wishes I could come over to his mom's and play sometime. Like his mom says, "He's a lover."

Happy Birthday, Blake! You've brought more joy to my life than I ever knew possible! You make me so proud. Here are some of my favorite pictures of you!

Cosby Kids

2009-02-24T14:56:00.000-08:00

Most of you that remember the Cosby Show remember that they could never get all of their kids to move out of their house. As soon as one family would move out, someone else would move in. Well, my wonderful in-laws might as well be the Huxtables. Destiny & Dac's family have taken turns during times of limbo staying in the extra wing of the Penick's house and now we've decided to take a turn as well. Fredericksburg appeared to be fairly protected by the economic crisis until October. Even up until early January, Derrek and his two partners were feeling fairly secure about the future of Texas Home Crafters. Unfortunately, home owners are backing out right and left. New construction, like everywhere else, has come to an abrubt and painful hault. We are just lucky that we have somewhere to go to wait out the recession and stay afloat.

Before you really feel sorry for us, I should tell you it's not like we're moving into a dilapitated old backhouse or crowding into one extra bedroom. We're actually going to have 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms to ourselves! So the extra room will be a really nice change for Ashley, especially. She needs some space. She needs alone time. She deserves it. Now, all five of us don't have to be in the bathroom at the same time in the mornings (although, secretly, I love that). We'll have a pool and a treadmill and I'll have an office. We'll have better TV. I think we're gonna get through this! The most difficult thing may be (besides the huge amount of pride Derrek and I are swallowing) is getting the kids to move out when we finally figure out our next move. It may be a little difficult convincing them that our rules have to follow them to Mamaw and Papaw's house but I'm sure we'll work that out as well.

So, in one month we've gone from filling out loan applications to moving in with the in-laws but like I said, we're definitely one of the lucky ones. There are so many people around that don't have support like this. Derrek & I were both blessed with extremey giving and selfless parents. There will never be anyway to repay or properly thank Mike & Patsy. In fact, they might be crazy to let us in but we're gonna move in as fast as possible before they change their minds! Most importantly, we are all healthy and happy and excited about making some new memories. We'll come out of this...maybe with a little less money (maybe not) but definitely with a new and thankful perspective.

NBC

2009-02-16T19:10:00.000-08:00

That's Natural Bridge Caverns! These Penicks took a spontaneous day trip an hour and a half down the road for some underground adventure! We kind of got a late start, Ashley got carsick and had to puke half way there and we were definitely late to volleyball practice in the afternoon BUT it was such a good day regardless. Cash was a such a champ. It was his first day facing outward in the Baby Bjorn and he LOVED it. He'd just swing his arms and kick his legs and talk. About 30 minutes into the tour, he griped a little so I turned him around and he instantly went to sleep. Then about 30 minutes after that he woke up and wanted to turn back around. It was about 70 degrees down there but with 99% humidity! So we took off the hat and socks and he was much more comfortable. Blake and Ashley were awesome as well. They are really fun to travel with and totally get into it all. I handed over my camera to Blake and he took pictures the whole time. It was beautiful down there and it was so fun that everyone appreciated it and the time together. It's a day I'll never forget.

Here we are standing under the 65' "natural" limestone bridge above the
entrance to the cavern.

Here we go!

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-16T18:27:00.000-08:00

We had a great relaxing day with all three kids. Derrek made us all a delicious breakfast. Then we lazed around until dinner time. That night we went out to Mike & Patsy's to put the kids' new Valentine's swimsuits to use in the hot tub. We also made a "picnic" dinner with fruit & cheese & crackers & salami & ...Monte Cristos (turkey, ham & swiss sammy dipped in funnel cake batter & deep fried dusted with powdered sugar)! Oh, those are good. Derrek and I had them at Nutty Brown a few weeks ago and we haven't been able to stop thinking about them. We're both on a fairly strict diet (don't get me started), so needless to say, we broke it that night! It was a cozy night with Mammaw and Pappaw...but poor Pappaw was the unlucky one that had to go into the hot tub that night. It was pretty chilly and it's kind of a long walk from the tub to the house!

PS. Cassell, we borrowed the Bumbo! I'll bring it back this week:)

We were all really laughing at him because it's still so weird to see him sitting up. He did not know why but just tried to laugh along with us.

Valentine's treats.

He really wants that toe! He just found it this week.

What Are You Gonna Wear?

2009-02-13T20:26:00.001-08:00

Here is Ashley & her friend, Brooke before the Valentine's Dance. They shopped for these outfits after school on Friday at Beulah's and Ashley wil be doing chores and babysitting to pay us back for at least a month. Maybe two...depends on how hard she decides to work. But we were weak. I mean, they were so cute about it all. And so desperate. They HAD to wear the same outfit. It was a close one when Ashley decided her shoes weren't as cute as Brooke's. You just have to refocus the conversation. And you have to do it quickly. Oh those were the days...when you WANTED to wear the same thing. When you weren't horrified someone else had on the outfit you worked so hard to put together.

Snaggletooth

2009-02-13T20:17:00.000-08:00

This is tooth #3. #1 was lost at school the day of Derrek & Chris's surgery. Blake was staying with Derrek's parents so the Tooth Fairy went to their house. #2 was lost at Uncle Adam & Aunt Happy's house. But it was really lost. He didn't even know it was out of his mouth. So no money for that tooth. #3 was pulled by Daddy. It was VERY loose and didn't take much but Blake got to put it under his pillow. He also woke up early with excitment to see what the Tooth Fairy left him. $5! That's also what the Tooth Fairy left him for #1 at Mammaw and Pappaw's house so I guess the Tooth Fairy has set a certain standard for herself. Awesome. For Blake.

3 Months!

2009-02-11T19:19:00.000-08:00

I think I've said before that there are times when I'm living my life as a blog. Always thinking about how I can add some event that I'm enjoying or need to vent about to the blog. Now that finding time to blog has become very difficult I still am thinking "in blog" but I'm sitting here and I feel like I've forgotten it all! Now that I'm behind all the time, I try to fit so much in at once so the blog quality is suffering and I apologize. Anyway, I'm working on it. I hope I haven't lost anyone. My mom says she still checks it every day so that's good. Of course, if my mom wasn't reading this, that probably means no one is reading this. Wow, I'm really rambling. Focus, Jordan. Here we go. Back to Cash.
So it was a week ago, Cash reached this awesome milestone. Three months is the golden number, of sorts. "Everyone" says things just kind of click at three months. It all comes together. I'm still waiting to see if this is true because on Feb 3, his official 3-month birthday, he stopped sleeping through the night and became a finicky eater. It's fairly conclusive now that he's officially teething! Poor little guy. Drool? Check. Low-grade fever? Check. Loss of appetite? Check. Chewing on anything and everything (including some very painful areas!)? Check. I didn't believe it for a few days. Three months is early. But my mother says that I cut teeth at three months as well so that helped convince me. So things are going quite as smoothly as they were at 2.75 months but holy cow, is it still fun!
His smile is bigger and comes more often than ever. He almost winks because one side smiles a little bigger than the other. If he's fed and not extremely tired, he'll flash it to anyone. It may be accompanied by some drool and/or spit up but it just adds to the charm. He would rather be standing most of the time so he can be face to face with you when he smiles. Derrek and Ashley can get a pretty good giggle out of him. Blake & I are still working on it. He is finally starting to touch all of those things he's always staring at so intently. The best is when he touches my face. The. Best. He's also found himself in the mirror and, from what I can tell, thinks he's as cute as the rest of us do. His "talking" offers much more variety now. He'll throw in a good squeal or scream among the "aahs" and "oohs". When he's really thinking hard about something (touching something or getting splashed at bathtime) his arms and legs go straight and his eyes get HUGE and he purses his lips. It's so awesome. He loves to watch tv or anything electronic that lights up. I don't like him to do it much but it's great when I need to get some things done in the evening and he chills with Daddy watching tv. He also is ALWAYS trying to sit up. If he's not sleeping in his carseat, he's holding his head up trying to get out. Or when I lay him down and he's tired of that he just lifts his head as long as he can or until I pick him up. When I walk away from him in his play thing that he got for Christmas (so need a new name for that), I never know where he'll be when I come back. He usually makes the best of it no matter where he is. Also, like a real big boy, he arches his back when you put him in his carseat to make it really difficult to get him in. Sometimes he's whining and crying but sometimes he just laughing at me as I struggle. He's hit a point when you're holding him or he's sitting in your lap that you have to be ready for anything. He can be a bit spastic.

Fred's Party

2009-01-20T20:42:00.000-08:00

Every two years, there is a charity event in Fredericksburg called Fred's Party. It is themed and people go all out decorating their tables and dressing up. This years theme was "celebrate". You could choose to "celebrate" anything. People buy tables in advance and choose the individual theme of their table. If you are invited, you bring a bottle of wine or liquor for the bar and a donation. Then it's an open bar with all of the donated liquor. People were celebrating Wall Street, college (Revenge of the Nerds theme), family game night, trailer trash, birthdays, and lounging. There were actually too many tables for me to soak in and remember! Adam & Destiny invited us and we were celebrating color. Derrek & I were green (obviously). I so wish we'd had more time to put some effort into our outfits but we had fun regardless. I hope we can buy a table next time so I can get involved. It looks so fun. So many people went all out on their costumes. You'd see a face of someone you're pretty sure you know but under all the face paint or wig they just didn't look the same. One of our favorite tables was celebrating rock and roll. They had people dressed as ZZ Top, Cher, Tina Turner and Kiss. The event raised $40,000 for local charities and several hundred people had a darn good time dancing all night to an incredible cover band from Austin. The only thing that went wrong that night was that Cash decided he did not want to take a bottle from Billie Jean so I had to run home (love living in a small town!) and feed him and put him to bed really quickly. It feels great to be the one to comfort him but I need to work on getting him comfortable with other people too. But, he spends at least 10 hours a week with Billie Jean and she couldn't console him. Oh well. It was nice to see him halfway through the night! Now I have two years to save some money for one of those tables!

Destiny & Adam's table

Kay's Table (she was celebrating Black!)

Here's my dad and Sandy. And his hair is NOT that color. I didn't recognize him!

Here's my sister-in-law, Lea. She was at the Trailer Trash table. Her shirt says
"Queen of our Double Wide"

Adam & Destiny...hot pink.

A red Mike & Patsy (Mammaw & Pappaw)

There was a table celebrating Love. All of the guys were cupids with these fake butts on. Here is my friend, Kathy. Obviously, she's Tina Turner. I did the Walk to Emmaus with her and she is Cash & my doctor's nurse. Her husband, Mark, was a member of Kiss. They were hilarious all night and seriously, truly partied like rock stars.

There's Mark in the middle. He didn't know any of the words which made it SOOOOOOOOO much better/funnier. Luckily, Gene Simmons knew every word.

Root Fashion & Babies

2009-01-20T09:16:00.000-08:00

So, some of you may have read that I'm going to change up what I'm doing a little bit at Root. Hopefully, the change (read about it in Cassell's words here - she put into words better than I even knew how!) will keep me at home a little more and allow me to be even more flexible than I am now. I know some of you are thinking I'm ridiculously spoiled. I mean, I work at Root with girls I love AND I get to take Cash to work with me. How could it really get better? I guess I'm not necessarily going for "better" overall, just "better" for me and my little family right now. I just want to contribute as much as possible during this economic slow-down and if I'm able to work a little more from home at the same time, then it's a win-win. Of course, I will have to be MUCH more disciplined and work at night sometimes and on the weekends. I will not get paid for having fantastic conversations with my girlfriends during the day like I do now...but I hope I will be disciplined enough to get things done most efficiently to save some time for that. Like Cassell said, it's my therapy and without it, I may have to pay a stranger for it. Okay, I'm seriously rambling. My point is, Root is such a wonderful place to me. For five years or so, I've loved to shop there. It was the perfect escape from my horrid job at Chocolates El Rey. Then, it became such a huge part of my life as I got more involved. Cassell has become one of my dearest friends and I've learned so much from her. She reminds me that what I am is enough when I'm worried about doing more. She's as proud of being a working mother as I am and has taught me that you can do both...it may take longer to get things done but they can all still get done without compromising what you put into motherhood. She laughs easily. Her style, naturally, is annoyingly innate. Then there's Rebekah. She owns Beulah's next door to Root. She has Brooklyn, Camden & Wolfgang. She is our WonderWoman. Her own business, three kids, and this ridiculous drive and talent to throw the best parties. She is always thinking about what she can do for other people. How does she have time for other people? When Derrek had his surgery and when Cash came, she made sure we had food every night. Did I even take her one meal? Oh my gosh, I'm just realizing exactly how lousy of a friend I truly am as I write this. I think I want to throw up. Then you have Billie Jean, our babysitting...or should I say baby juggling sales associate. She can keep track of all the customers in the store, answer the phone and entertain, feed and put our babies to sleep all at the same time. I wish I was exaggerating but I'm not. Cash knows her as his Brown Mama (Billie Jean's sister, Javette came up with that one:)) When she's in a bad mood, she's really funny...probably because her bad mood is about as bad as my best mood. The best part about Billie Jean is she shows up every day to do all of this and we're completely dependent on her! The high school girls that work for us are great too. They show up too! So, to make a short story very long, I love going to work. In a short 19 months, the kid count has gone from 3 (Ashley + Blake +Brooklyn- unfortunately not pictured!) to 5 (+Camden+Willa+Cash+Wolfgang)! Sometimes it's a little crazy but the best kind of crazy.

Miss Camden.

Camden & Willa are 9 months apart.

Willa cracks herself up all day long.

Willa peeking at Cash in the crib in the office.

What? I'm just playing with deoderant.

Cash in the crib we roll up to the front by the cash register. This is
where he hangs with Billie Jean.

Here he is taking his first official nap on his tummy. He started out flat but when we took the covers off in the end, we found him like this.

Billie Jean & Cash

This is WOLFGANG! He's growing like a weed.
Possibly a pound a day. I'm thinking he weighs more than
Cash but it's hard to tell. They're four weeks apart!

Rebekah & Wolfie

Christmas in January

2009-01-20T07:19:00.000-08:00

My side of the family has started a new tradition (hopefully) of celebrating Christmas together after the holidays. We usually try to do it before the kids go back to school but this year it couldn't happen. For the last 3 (or 4?) years we've rented a lake house - this year on Lake McQueeny - to house our celebration. It's such a blast. The older kids usually have their own room and a yard to run and play in. My mom, sister and I usually stay around the kitchen and the guys can nap, read, talk, play with the kids or whatever they like. Since the craziness of the holidays is behind us, it's easier to relax, I think.

Ruby was a little more receptive to Cash this time and even played with him a little bit in his new play matt/rocker thing. We still don't know what to call this thing but it's AWESOME. Cash loves it and it has allowed me to get so much more done. Oh, like blog. He's in it now. Talking to the pelican and monkey that hang over his head and swing every time he kicks his legs. Back to Ruby. So maybe, she didn't want him to touch her. Like, at all. But at least she got close to him and the look of disgust was gone...well, unless he touched her.

Sam, Alice, Ashley & Blake had an awesome swing to play on in the back yard. They were outside alot which is really nice for everyone:) They also all have Nintendo DS's that keep them extremely occupied as well.

It was hard to NOT take pictures of Ruby because she was so entertaining all weekend and even harder to pick from the pictures we took to post! But keep checking back...I'm waiting on Traci to send me an awesome picture of all of us together. I'm always a little annoyed when its time for the group pic (sorry, Mom!) but always SO glad we did it when it's done.

Two Month Check-up (3 weeks ago)

2009-01-20T07:04:00.000-08:00

12.8 lbs. 23 1/2" long.
But I totally forgot to ask what percentile he's in in each category? So I can't officially brag about how he's growing. He seems huge to me but Wolfgang is quickly catching up so maybe not.
At two months he is holding his head for long periods of time. He smiles ALOT at us. He's having fun with his new Christmas toys that we've hung from the handle of his car seat. He is so much easier to figure out. 95% of the time I know why he's crying! It's a great feeling. I know we're not home-free by any means but we're definitely getting to know each other. For the most part, he's sleeping at least 5 or 6 hours every night...but there are those few he wakes up every 3 hours. His "fussy time" in the evenings is over. But he does fight sleep a little more at night than during the day. He is now out of the hammock that was in his baby bath tub. He loves bath time (even though he looks a little freaked out in the picture - that's his "excited" face) and is starting to make a mess on my kitchen counter with all the splashing. We'll have to move to the bathtub very soon. When Ashley, Blake or Rosie are in the room, he follows them the whole time. He LOVES the three of them. Ashley & Blake's voices make him smile almost instantly. During his first tummy time, the day of his check-up, he pushed up all the way and then leaned and rolled over! Okay, I know that rolling from tummy to back is the easy one but it was his first time to be on his tummy. So he's awesome.

Mama's Boy

2009-01-04T19:14:00.000-08:00

Okay, my doctor told me that you can't spoil a baby before they're 3 months old and I just want to say right now that I think it's a crock. Cash is proving that theory wrong more and more every day. I think he's officially spoiled rotten. I know there are a million do's and don'ts when it comes to raising a baby and everyone's list is different and one of the hardest things about being a first-time mom is sorting through it all and deciding what you want. Well, one of the things I chose to work on was trying to put Cash down when he was still awake so he could put himself to sleep. I don't think it's the end of the world when it doesn't happen but it's the goal. Last week, I kind of bragged that I could put him down and he put himself to sleep the majority of the time. Well, I guess he heard me and didn't approve because now he always wants to be held! What is up, Dude? He's such a mama's boy! Yes, that's what I want really but I need him to PRETEND he's a daddy's boy sometimes. Or at least just be cool, man. He just can't do it. He's started this new cry to where he doesnt' breath for what feels like an eternity. Just because he needs to be picked up. So, this will be hard but starting at 3 months (only one little short month away!), I'm gonna get tough. Well, tougher.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T11:30:00.000-08:00

This post is going to come out so cheesy but I'm cheesy today. Cheesy start to the new year. Whatever. My life is near perfect right now and I’m so blessed to have my family.

For the last week we’ve been able to see the kids quite a bit even though they are technically with their mom. On Sunday, Derrek’s uncle Jimmy took the whole family to the Rockbox. She let the kids come with us and it was so fun. It’s great music and a relaxed atmosphere. The show is great but the warm cookies at the intermission may be the best part for me. Then they got to stay with us a couple of hours while Gayla went to work. When she came to pick them up that day we offered to help her out the rest of the week too because Derrek was taking the week off.

The picture below is the only picture we got of the day. Cash and I had a great time at the Rockbox and luckily he slept most of the time!

So on Tuesday, they met us at the bakery and showed Pappaw how to play games on the iPod Touch (I got one with my birthday money). I think we should get Pappaw one of his own…I’m sure solitaire on the computer is getting a little old by now. Then after lunch with Pappaw, we went to Derrek’s office/workshop, so I could get some work done and Derrek could make a little tray for Cash’s changing table pad. The kids entertained Cash for me. Click here and here

to see.

That night, I got some quiet time in with my babies. Rosie has been a little neglected as you can imagine so hopefully times like these give her some comfort.

And Cash FINALLY found his thumb. It's probably not a good thing at all but he's been trying for about a week and a half now and it's just so cute!

So Wednesday, Ashley & Blake's mom had big plans for New Year’s in Austin so Wednesday morning the kids came over for the night. I had to work a little but they hung out with Derrek all day. They had a full day of running around for a job of Derrek’s, meeting a donkey named Gretchen, singing to their new mp3 players (click here - its a little long but pretty funny) and playing games on the iPod.

Cash & I had some fun of our own at work with Cash's new girlfriend (actually, I think she's double-timing him with Wolfgang), Gracie. She's 5 months old and beautiful and very friendly. You can see Cash is in love.

When I got home, we all decided we wanted to have a picnic (the kids favorite meal - derrek cuts up summer sausage and cheese. We have pickles and crackers and turkey and salami. It's awesome) and watch some movies while we waited for the ball to drop. So, we all packed up and went to the grocery store and Blockbuster. At home, we snuggled in our pajamas and sat down to our picnic. As we sang the prayer song we sing before we eat, I thanked God for such a perfect night. The kids were happy and sharing with us and acting goofy and singing fun songs and dancing on the table. The best part is they were both just as happy to be there with us as we were to be with them. I know that our family NYE's are destined to come to an end so I'm going to soak it up. We missed the ball dropping because we were too into the movie but it really didn’t matter. We were together and cozy and safe and healthy and happy.

2008 was such an exciting year. I got to experience the incredible adventure of being pregnant and giving birth to a healthy baby. He has already developed such a personality and I can't really remember life before him! Derrek donated a kidney to Chris. It was emotional and beautiful and brought us all so much closer. It still amazes me how brave he was and how he went for it with no reservations - never thinking about himself. Ashley has made excellent choices and made better grades in middle school. She's made NICE, new friends and become even more comfortable with herself (a near impossible task at her age). Blake has flourished in kindergarten and he's more outgoing and lives to learn. I don't know how t could have been a better year. I'm so blessed.

In 2009, we pray for the kids to keep on the same path and to stay healthy. We pray work will be steady for Derrek and things might pick up at Root. And we pray we can move our (hopefully still) growing family into a bigger house.

New Year’s Day was the first morning Cash woke up and just talked and played in his bassinett until I felt like getting up to get him. When I walked up to him, he gave me the biggest grin and I knew 2009 was off to the right start.

Happy Birthday, Willa & Carson!

2009-01-01T11:28:00.000-08:00

Willa's birthday was on December 27th. Last year, the day Willa was born, Carson's mom, Stacy came to see her. While she was holding her, her water broke and Carson was born the next day. Carson had his party on Friday night (the 16th) and it was so fun to see the two of them playing together after that dramatic start to life. Here's a video of Willa trying to put on her sock (with little help from Carson!). She's so close!!!

Willa had a small party with family (I love being "family" by the way) on Willa's birthday saving the big first blow-out for her half birthday so it won't be so overshadowed by Christmas. Here's another video of Willa...she's great to video...she always delivers!

Back to the Land of the Blogging

2008-12-27T19:52:00.000-08:00

Blogland, I think of you every day. When Cash does anything new or cute, I can't wait to run and tell you. As Ashley & Blake opened presents and celebrated the holidays, I wished I could have had you there with me in real time. Every picture I snap, I can't wait to show you. I miss you, Blogland!

But because I've been gone so long, I have to do one of those long recaps that certainly won't do complete justice to each event but, hey, it's better than no blogging at all right?

First, I have to show you all how the little guy is growing....

So we left off at Ashley's birthday. A few short days later, I turned 30. That's right. The big 3-0. It really wasn't so bad. Well, Derrek and I had just recovered from strep throat and I did not get to see Ashley & Blake on my birthday and I don't have any pictures yet (I have to get them from Destiny - so keep checking back)but the actual turning 30 was fine. I feel young and love my life and I feel like I'm in a wonderful place to celebrate a big birthday. Derrek threw together a little party at Auslander. There was dinner and a few glasses of wine. Cash had his first babysitter! He loves his Billie Jean! She works at Root so they hang out. It actually wasn't that hard to leave him! But holy cow, was it great to get home!!! Not only did Derrek plan the dinner, he also got me a digital camera that I can stick in my pocket so now I have even more pictures to upload! I've also been taking tons of little videos and here's one I love. Derrek worked really hard to make my birthday a special day and it was perfect. Here are some birthday pics of Cash...pictures of me will be posted soon. Well, maybe.

The day after my birthday, Derrek, Cash & I met my mom and Steve in Mason for a late birthday lunch. I think it was just a good excuse to see Cash but that's fine with me. Mimi missed her newest grandbaby...and can you blame her?

(He was VERY sleepy!)

Derrek, Cash and I also went to Blake's class Christmas party. Wow. God Bless Kindergarten Teachers!!! That's all I can say.

A couple of kids really took a liking to Derrek. Blake was sweet to share his Dad.

Blake has a couple of "fans" in his class. This is Ashby.

Sam, Alice, Ruby, Aunt Traci & Mimi came to visit the weekend before Christmas. It was Sam, Alice & Ruby's first time to meet Cash. This was a great visit for a few reasons. 1) Sam, Alice, Blake & Ashley love hanging out. They're all equally excited to see each other. This warms my heart every time since they're cousins by marriage and I love them all so much. 2) Sam can finally put up with Blake. Although the four of them love to see each other, it was a rocky start for Sam & Blake. Blake never really realized but Sam used to have very little tolerance for the poor little guy. Maybe it's because Blake has learned a little bit about how to not be annoying in Kindergarten. Maybe Sam is just lightening up a little bit. Either way, it's so much better for everyone involved. 3) The kids got to ice skate and make gingerbread houses. We met up with Cooper, Cameron, Cole & Rance at the bakery to decorate gingerbread houses. The kids do it every year and it was nice to have Sam & Alice join in. (Although, I'm waiting on pictures of those as well!) 4) I love having my mom and sister around. They read my mind and still baby me a little and I feel like my brain can relax a little because I can ask them what do to. 5) The first meeting of Ruby & Cash was hilarious!!! She was NOT having it. My sister was holding him and Ruby just looked at him with complete disgust. Then she cried a dramatic little cry and positioned herself squarely between Cash and my sister. (This is another video, I'll have on youtube)

(Ruby is mortified)

Then, the same weekend, on Sunday, we celebrated Christmas with Derrek's family with a progressive dinner (I need more pictures for this post!). We had cheese fondu at Destiny's house. Everyone came to our house for some bok choy salad (and BeeGee's on vinyl!). We moved onto Lea & Dac's house for stir fry. We ended up at Mike & Patsy's for dessert and presents! Every year the grandkids always get new pajamas and this year was no different. These may have been my favorite pj's yet. It was touch to get a good picture of all of the kids because it was getting late and they just weren't cooperating but you get the idea of exactly how cute these pajamas are. Cash got lots of new clothes, a noise machine and a play matt. I was just starting to feel guilty about not having any toys to look at now that he's becoming so alert so I was so excited to open that gift! She also got him some toys to hang from his stroller & car seat. Ashley got an awesome new cell phone (and thank goodness because she was a bump on a log until she opened that gift! Sam & Alice kept her up late.). She also got some really cute clothes. Blake got an awesome remote control car, some clothes and some monster trucks.

(This is kind of mean but his eyes are kind of crossed. He had a couple of weeks of being cross-eyed most of the time.)

Can someone that knows photoshop, photoshop that spit-up out for me?

Then could that photoshopper cover up the spit-up stain on my shirt in this one? Thanks

She's alive!

Derrek & I headed to San Antonio to do the last 95% of our shopping. It's a tough day to shop with an infant and a husband 3 days before Christmas but we survived. I also used my birthday money to buy an iPod Touch and I was so excited but now I'm having iTunes issues on my computer so I'm really frustrated. The highlight of the day was seeing my friend Jenn. (And I have a great picture of us but it's totally out of order because you can't insert pictures in this thing so if you forget one you have to either REupload all of them or post it later...it will be posted later. Along with all the other missing pictures I've been talking about!) She followed us around shopping and holding Cash. Then we had a beer and some onion rings and chit chatted some more. It's SO great to be around good friends like that. She's one of my besties for sure. She brought the cutest sleeper gown and onesie for Cash and his bestie Wolfgang.

On Tuesday, Cassell and Rebekah sent a photographer to our house for our first official, for real, for real, family pictures! It was my 30th birthday present and I can't thank them enough. Please go to http://www.portraitsbyjenn.com/, click on "enter site", then "clients", then type penick & a slide show of the pics will come up.

No presents were under the tree until Christmas Eve. I think Blake was in a state of panic. I put a big keep out sign on the door & wrapped as fast as possible. Derrek and I also took turns running around town for some last minute gifts for the kids and each other. We're pathetic but consistent. Christmas Eve night, the kids and I made some cookies for Santa. I can't wait to have a bigger kitchen one day so we can bake more often. It used to be one of my favorite things to do and it's one of my favorite memories with my mom. I hope that I can make it the same for my kids.

Christmas morning was awesome. Santa brought Ashley a new digital camera and Blake, a new MP3 player and lots of little army guys. Cash got new stuffed animals and rattles for his wrists and feet. I love those things! We got Ashley a ring with her birthstone in it, a UT jacket (I know, I know) and some games for her DS and Wii. We got Blake a digital camera (that we're returning), some boots and games for his DS. Derrek and the kids got me some accessories for my iPod and new rainboots! Although...I think they're too small. We got Derrek a new bedside table that just happens to be a minifridge. Not joking. My cousin/brother-in-law gave him the idea and he's wanted one for a while now. We had a fantastic morning. I wish it could have lasted so much longer. Sadly, at noon, we had to take Blake & Ashley to their mom's house. It's probably the worst part of this whole situation. We're prepared for it and we know it's coming and dropping them off isn't even all that bad anymore but driving home to an emptier house? It's AWFUL. Derrek, Cash and I actually couldn't even come home. We drove around and looked at houses for sale for a few hours. Anything to get our mind on something else and dry up the tears a little bit. Next year, we'll be the house they'll come to on Christmas day but we won't have Christmas morning with them. I think I've decided I'd rather them come to our house that day just because dropping them off is so hard. Mimi came later that afternoon and I was so glad to see her. I was so tired so I wasn't much of a hostess but, believe me, she's used to that.

So, I think we're caught up. You're probably tired of me saying that I'll really try to be better, but I'll really try to be better!

Cowboy Santa

2008-12-19T14:29:00.000-08:00

So, I was a little hesitant going to Santa at the local feed store but it was really Santa in his cowboy gear. Very authentic. I'm pretty sure this might be a new family tradition.

Happy Birthday, Ashley!

2008-12-09T08:19:00.001-08:00

So, I started this post on Ashley's actual birthday (December 9th) and finished it and was uploading my pictures when I found out my internet was not connected and wasn't saving the whole time so I lost everything. It was devastating. I've had internet issues ever since so uploadng pictures takes a VERY long time. Anyway, I'll see if I can quickly review.

Ashley turned 12. And I'm not just saying this because she's my step-daughter, but she is probably the smartest, coolest 12 year old out there. She chooses her friends so wisely. As soon as they get too dramatic for her, she moves on. She doesnt' really take all of this middle school stuff too seriously. For example, she had a slumber party (see pictures below) the Friday before her birthday and, of course, she could not invite all of her friends. So, it got out that she was having a party and they weren't all invited and some of the girls gave her a hard time at school. For a few days she even had to find a new place to sit at lunch. But she didn't let it get her down! I think, in fact, I was more traumatized than she was.

So, not only is she way ahead of the curve on the social front, she's funny, laughs at herself, is kind to others (except her brother sometime:)) and is all about enjoying the right now. It's started happening a little more often but for the most part, Ashley doesn't sit around wishing for this or that. She just makes the best of what's going on. Now, I know I've said before she's getting a little bit of the pre-teen bug where she is pretty sure she's smarter than us but I think Derrek and I nipped that in the bud a little bit, at our house anyway. Now she's figuring out we were both in middle school once and actually know a little bit about what she goes through every day.

She's also had her first boyfriend, in theory anyway. He asked her to be his girlfriend to her face! I was very impressed. That was probably the only reason she agreed...because she didn't know how to turn someone down to their face! But I'm afraid, after that they never spoke again! I think after 2 months or so of having absolutely no conversation or interaction, she ended it.

We were so nervous about middle school. The middle school here in town does not really have the best reputation. We didn't know if it was the staff or if middle schoolers today are just into more than we were. The pregnancy rate at the school is disturbing (one pregnant 7th or 8th grader is terrifying...it's insane that there's actually a "rate"). Drugs definitely have a presence there as well. So, we are thanking God everyday that we've got a girl with a really really really good head on her shoulders. Right now, she's decided she doesn't even like to hang out with kids that say bad words. One person, she told me said the "c" word and I almost cried but I made her spell it. "C. R.A.P." she said. Little did I know, the 25 times a day I say that word, she's not impressed.

She's the perfect mix of a tomboy and a young lady. She likes to look cute but would opt for chapstick over lipgloss any day. It's an act of God to get her to take a shower but she would die if there were any bumps in her ponytail. We're becoming closer friends every day and I think that's a really good sign as she gets further and further into this school of doom. Another great sign is that she and Cooper (her cousin) went to separate elementary schools but have managed to find themselves in the same GOOD group of friends. Now Destiny and I can help keep tabs on everything. Since we don't get to see Ashley everyday, we still get the scoop on what's going on with her at school, so it's been wonderful.

So, for her birthday, we had a little get together to watch the Christmas Parade at the bakery, then a few girls spent the night with us at Derrek's parents house (I don't think we could have handled all those girls and a newborn in our tiny little house!). Then on her birthday, the family got together at Mamacita's. (I was sick with the beginning of strep throat!).

In conclusion, Ashley is 12 and awesome!

The Latest on Big Brother

2008-12-08T19:34:00.000-08:00

So, I think I've mentioned before that Kindergarten has been a WONDERFUL experience. Blake has completely come out of his shell. The shy little guy has been replaced by this vibrant kid that has an incredible appetite to learn. He's constantly singing his kindergarten songs and reading everything he can. One of the funniest things he does is he constantly rhymes. He'll catch a word that he just said and say "Oh, George! Cash rhymes with crash!" Then he follows it with all these rhyming words that aren't actually words. Like "and pash! and zash! and fash!" If you tell him those aren't words, he lets you know that they don't have to be words to rhyme. And actually he's right! He also used to be so timid to answer questions or talk to adults or talk to kids he didn't know. Now there are few strangers and he's making friends left and right. He's already excited about the Christmas break being over so he can bring home more books from school. I mean really.

Some things will always be the same. He wants more than ever to hang out with his big sister and she is wanting more than ever for him to leave her the heck alone. Poor little guy. He also still gets a little sidetracked in the mornings when he's getting ready. You'd think he'd fall into a rhythm but there's just too much to do to remember on his own.

There have been a few challenges in bringing Cash home...mainly, explaining the breast-feeding to Blake. I am always covered in front of him and we've just kind of left it a mystery and not addressed it. He started asking questions a while back but I didn't really know how to answer. I asked if he'd ever seen other baby animals eat from their mommy and the answer was no. I was like not even a cow? And he said he only saw milk come out of cows with machines. But we just kind of left the issue. But he told his grandmother that he thinks Cash drinks out of my belly button, you know, "like a cow.". So, I finally just came clean and it turns out, he'll probably never ask about it again.

He's becoming an excellent big brother. Cash loves to hear him talk and looks at him with very bright eyes. This morning Cash was laying in his crib staring out the window (I have to get the poor kid a mobile or something) and Blake walked up to the crib and said "Good Morning, Cash." and Cash returned it with a huge grin. I love seeing them all get to know each other.

Welcome Wolfgang Legend Parsons!

2008-12-04T10:01:00.000-08:00

Cash's bestie was born today. We had to wait a whole month! Wolfgang Legend Parsons was born this morning at 1:34 and he weighed 7 lbs 14 oz. and was 21 inches long! He's sooooooooooo cute and he and Cash are going to be kickin' it together real soon.

1 Month, Baby!

2008-12-03T20:21:00.000-08:00

Cash here. I’m one month old today and I’ve had a great day (except for when Mama stuck this hat on me to take a 1 Month Birthday picture. She wants me to have a "Birthday" hat on every month using a different hat. Really looking forward to it as you can tell. Maybe next month, my hat will fit). I kept Mama and Daddy up for a few hours this morning around 3 so they’re kind of tired but I’m good to go. Mama weighed me this morning and I’m 10 ½ pounds!!! She’s feeding me well. It helps that I’m a great eater. Mama thinks I get that from her but Daddy’s no slouch in that department either. I hit a growth spurt this week so I want to eat all the time. For some reason, it’s really frustrating Mama. She keeps talking about some “schedule”, whatever that is. She's always taking pictures of me when I'm laying on her so my head looks funny. She still thinks its cute...whatever.

The last month has been eventful. I was born, of course, and that was a doozy. Then I hung out with Mama and Daddy and Mimi and Aunt Traci and Ashley and Blake for a while at home. Then Mama started taking me to work every once in a while. I’ve been really good when she takes me to work. I lay in my basket and play and then I take a nap. Of course, then I eat. I do a lot of that, eating, playing and sleeping. Not always in that order. I like to call the shots sometimes. My cousin, Willa is at work too. She plays and sometimes eats but she never sleeps. I dont' know how she has so much energy? She's going to teach me some fun stuff when I get a little bigger. Like how to scream really loud just to hear my voice. And how to squish my nose up so everyone in the room thinks I'm the cutest thing ever and they'll give me whatever I want. Oh and you should see her work a room. She really puts on a show. I think she could make it big in Hollywood. She's awesome.

Also, I had my first Thanksgiving. It's some sort of holiday and all Mama and Daddy did is eat. Like, a lot. First, on Wednesday night, we went to Mammaw and Pappaw's house for Thanksgiving Mexican food. I had my first bad bout of gas that night and now, luckily, we don't leave home without Mylecon. That was no fun! On Thursday we went to Aunt Lea's church at Cave Creek and ate with her family for lunch. It was nice and relaxing and delicious! Well, judging by how much everyone was eating. Then after Mama, Daddy and I took a good nap, we went to Uncle Johnny's for dinner. I slept through most of the dinner. It had been a long day.

Mammaw's pretty table

Ashley and Cooper having some sparkling cider.

Aunt Happy and Uncle Goober (Adam)

The other six grandkids. Blake (aka Bubba), Cooper, Ashley (aka Sissy), Cameron, Rance and Cole.

Here I am snoozin at Uncle Johnny's. Mammaw really knows how to get me to relax.

The Friday after Thanksgiving, Mama had to go to work without me. And I was sad to see her go (not as sad her though. She definitely cried) but it was cool to hang out with Daddy. We watched the Deadliest Catch marathon and took lots of naps. We kind of made a mess somehow. It was weird because I don't really remember leaving the couch so I have no idea how we made a mess like that. Daddy just really knows how to make a mess. I'm sure it will rub off on me.

This week I decided to start smiling at Mama every morning. I look her straight in the eye and give her a grin. She says it makes her day but she still hasnt' captured it on film. I did it for Daddy a while back and I think she was a little jealous so I’m throwing her a bone. Last night/this morning when I really didn’t want to go to sleep, Mama remembered how much I liked to hear running water when I was really young . Turns out I still like it when I’m upset. I’m going for a record on the water bill. Daddy was in the bathroom with me running the shower for about 2 hours. Music to my ears. He kept trying to put me back in my bassinet but I kept telling him I didn’t want to go to bed yet so we’d head back to the bathroom. What a great Daddy. This trick really works in Mama's favor when she wants to take a shower. I just chill in my cool bouncer (that I'm big enough for now!) and listen to the water. What else is new? Oh and this is really fun. At night, my daddy talks to me and exercises with me. I stand up on him and straighten my legs. I totally hold up my head by myself for a really long time. My greatest show of strength, though, is how I can take Daddy to his knees when I get a good grip on his beard. I think I made him cry the other day. And sometimes I talk. I really try to impress when I have the energy. I’ve really been working on my cry too. I want to get it good and loud so everyone can hear me. Also, just the other day, I found my hand! It just popped up in front of my face and I followed it for a while. It was so weird. It’s like I was controlling where it went. Then check out the pictures of me holding my pacifier. I had it in my hand for a good two or three minutes. I’ve got a good grip even if it wasn’t totally on purpose. Please don’t tell my mom that it probably wasn’t on purpose. She was really excited. She keeps telling me I’m “advanced”. Tonight my Daddy started feeding me with a bottle. It tasted the same as what I get from Mama. They were saying something about “bonding” with Daddy. I’m not sure why crying in the evenings when he gets home isn’t considered “bonding” but I like this too. Okay, and when I yawn, Daddy calls me Mr. Magoo. Whoever that is.

Kickin' it in my bouncer. Being big is awesome.

I love to look out the window.

This is my Mr. Magoo face. ?

Holding my pacifier.

Oh look, I've still got it!

Here I am big & strong holding up my head.

Oh Daddy, I'm falling...

You're beard is so scratchy, Daddy!

Some things about me haven't changed. I still have the little white patch of hair on the back of my head. And I'm still spitting up buckets of milk every day. Mama has no idea how I'm still growing. What can I say? My eyes are just bigger than my stomach sometimes. Happens to the best of us. Mama just has to do a lot of laundry these days. I still really like to have lots of noise around. I can't handle it being so quiet. Daddy thinks that's the problem with me going back to sleep at night so hopefully, he's going to get me a good noise maker of some sort.

So I hope you enjoy the pictures. I really miss my Mimi and Aunt Traci and I can't wait to meet Sam & Alice & Ruby. Cousins are awesome and I've got so many. Mama is constantly wishing she had her camera even more because she thinks I’m so cute and she wants everyone to see. She's a very smart lady.

The First 2 Weeks in Pictures

2008-11-21T14:52:00.000-08:00

This is a horrible picture of me but I love that you can see his little blonde spot on the back of his head.

Daddy can always calm him down...

Aunt Traci is finally here!!! We love her and we needed her the first week.

You can almost see that dimple!

Aunt Happy

Aunt Lea

The first bath. I was too scared to do it so Mimi and Aunt Traci did it for me. I decided to be the photographer.

He loves the water on his head.

Cash is so relaxed with his big brother. He makes Blake look so big and grown up!

Big Sister looks a little too grown-up these days too.

She has been such a huge help! She can read when I'm frazzled and she always makes sure she can help.

Too bad this picture doesn't have sound. Derrek was snoring really loudly and it was soothing to Cash. Mimi and Aunt Traci didn't know how he could sleep through it but he'd been listening to it for 9 months already.

This is right before Aunt Traci left us. It still gets me teary.

Man, I miss that first week of naps. I need to reinstate the nap.

This, sadly, was one of my first few diaper changes. Mimi and Aunt Traci did so much for me! Mimi and I were excited because Cash was finally starting to straighten out those legs. It made his diaper changes very difficult at first!

Rosie still doesn't get too far away.

Cash got a horrible diaper rash the first week so he's on these towels trying to air out a little bit. He hated having his diaper changed anyway but when you added a circumcision and a diaper rash, it was heartbreaking every time. To make it worse, he pooped about 10 or 12 times a day. So glad those days are over.

Grandpa Steve finally made it.

Here's Mimi and Cash right before she left me. I still can't really talk about it.

Billie Jean came to visit her Cash Money.

This is his hair right after a bath! I love it!!!

Day 2 - Home Sweet Home

2008-11-18T14:27:00.000-08:00

Since the hospital was slightly understaffed and I wasn't really getting much rest there, we decided to go home on Day 2. I don't even think Cash was there for 24 hours! I would have been terrified if my mom wasn't there but I figured I'd get more rest at home with her help. Anyway, the day started with a visit from Rebekah. Then we relaxed and got cleaned up. The doctor came around lunch time to check on us and said she had no problem sending us home. I was having some fairly severe cramping so I got a prescription for that. Thank goodness. I couldn't have survived the next couple of days without it. Okay, I could have but it helped alot! Anyway, next we got him all dressed in his "going home" outfit to take him just a few blocks to our house. Abbie (my aunt Kay) was in Chicago when he was born and pulled into town right as we got home. They couldn't wait to meet each other! Then Cassell came over to help me clip Cash's nails. Actually, she just did it for me. So, yes, she drew a little blood but that's okay! I never knew it because the tough little guy didn't even flinch. If he's okay, I'm okay. Also, the kids' mom brought them over for a couple of hours so they could welcome him home as well. When all of the excitement died down, Rosie got to meet Cash. She's definitely found out that her life is not the same but I think she's protective of him already. Maybe a little jealous, but mostly protective. I think.
That first night home wasn't quite as tough as the first night in the hospital. I did check for breathing a couple of times but he slept between feedings and let me sleep. That night is still kind of a blur. I've never been so proud of myself and doubtful of myself all at the same time. So excited yet so terrified. So empowered yet so mortal. I wanted the Circle of Life to stop right there. Just one day of being a mom was all I needed to know there's nothing better. Rebekah, Cash and his bestie (hidden under her shirt - only 3 more weeks to go!!!)

You know, in the hospital it was almost amusing when he cried because no one seemed worried about it and it was always shortlived. Yeah. It's not quite so funny now...especially at 1 o'clock in the morning.

All ready to go.

Mommy loves me.

Uh, so the carseat is a little big. I have an infant seat in my car that's not convertible so we bought an extra base and replaced this seat for a while...until he grows a bit.

He was like, "What in the world is going on?"

Hello, Abbie.

Home, Sweet Home.

Here's Cassell maming my son. (just kidding, Cassell!)

The best big sister.

The best big brother.

The best big dog - I just know they'll be best friends in no time.

Here We Go...Day 1

2008-11-16T20:11:00.000-08:00

So I'm really behind and everyday I wonder how am I going to say it all? So, instead of one big post trying to say two weeks worth of motherhood, I'm going to break it up.
Here are my pictures from labor and his arrival.
And thank you, Cassell for being my guest blogger on the big day and keeping everyone updated. I probably should have commissioned you for the last two weeks since I've done such a crummy job of keeping up.
My water broke at home so I was having mild contractions at this point. We had just gotten settled into the room and ready for the wait.

The wait got a little painful so we didn't take any more pictures until here...right after the epidural. I was doing great.

The kids got out of school right after my epidural so they hung out a little bit in the room. I heard the waiting room was a mad house...they opted to hang out there most of the time with all of the other kids.

I had to have a double-dose (of sorts) of the epidural so I got a little nauseous a couple of times...so glad my mom was there:) They also had me on a small drip of pitocin so labor was progressing...it actually progressed much faster than we thought.

Here he is! All swollen and slimy!

He hated the footprints and then stopped crying when they gave him a big shot in his leg!

Daddy calmed him down.

I can't believe I'm a mom! Just like that.

Ashley & Blake came in to meet their brother before the rest of the family. We got a few moments alone just the FIVE of us!

Mimi

Mammaw and Pappaw

Granddad and Sandy

Aunt Lea and Aunt Happy (my sisters-in-law)

Auntie Jayne and Uncle P

Monica

Cassell

After his bath....

Unfortunately there were so many babies born that day at our hospital, there wasn't enough staff to send Cash to the nursery for the night so I could get some rest. So here he is sleeping with Daddy. I still didn't get much rest. I had to check for breathing and I woke up to every grunt or sound he made. Still the best night of my life.

Tomorrow, I'll tackle the rest of the two weeks. Right now I'm not sleeping when Cash is sleeping. Big mistake!

Please Stay Tuned!

2008-11-09T12:15:00.000-08:00

We're here! Trying to get this new person/new mommy thing figured out! I told my friend Cassell that it's stressful but it's like the best stress in the world. I have tons of pictures and tons of commentary to come. Every day brings a new challenge. Today, we don't understand exactly why he poops so much! Like twice what all the books say he should be pooping. I'm sure it has something to do with him being really good at everything he tries but I'd like to talk to an expert about it. The most horrible part of it all is that my mom leaves today (I'm tearing up as I write) so I'm officially thrown to the wolves and scared to death. Luckily, I have good friends and a knowledgeable sister just a phone call away to keep me afloat. Blogging is a priority though so keep checking back. I know I can do this!

Cash Leo Penick

2008-11-03T19:51:00.001-08:00

Well the Penick clan is doing great. Jordan is a little tired and in some pain, but nothing out of the ordinary. And I only know that because I heard her talking to the nurse. You would never know it by looking at her because she is ALL SMILES. Derrek too. And Ashley and Blake. They are all so proud and so in love. I wish I would have gotten a photo of the whole family, but I couldn't coordinate it. I'll leave that one to Jordan.

Cash is Here!

2008-11-03T17:50:00.000-08:00

Derrek just let me know that Cash was born about 30 minutes ago.

7 pounds, 5 ounces
19 inches long

I'm heading up to the hospital now, and will post more info and a family photo a little later.

Making Progress...

2008-11-03T12:12:00.000-08:00

Just got another text from Jordan that read, "epidural time!" They haven't checked to see how much she has dilated. (She was 1 centimeter this morning at her appointment.) Apparently, it will cause too much risk of infection since her water has already broken. But her contractions are about 2 minutes apart, currently, sometimes less. Keep in mind, she is actually texting all of this to me, through the pain. (I can't even imagine.) She also said that they are talking about possibly giving her some Pitocin after the epidural to move things along.

Here He Comes!!!

2008-11-03T07:55:00.000-08:00

Hi there, its Cassell. Jordan has asked me to be her temporary guest blogger for the time being. I heard from her just a little while ago via text message, and here's what I know:
This morning, after she woke up, her water broke. She went on to the doctor's office for her appointment. They went through with the scheduled sonogram and were able to determine that Cash is in the proper position for his short but arduous journey. Jordan also mentioned that they got a great final picture of Cash in utero. For the next one, he'll be in her arms. I'll head up to the hospital with my camera, so you can expect it here, later today.
She has been having mild contractions for the past few days, as she wrote in her previous post. But now that her water has broken, they have changed to a more intense pain. She assured me, though, that she is having "good breaks in between." She's so tough! And they just arrived at the hospital in the last half hour. Derrek is so excited, doting on Jordan and keeping her relaxed and in good spirits. Check back often, I'll keep you posted!