What I'm thankful for...

I know this is a funny picture to represent this post... but it's all apart of my overall theme. When I was young, my Daddy gave me and Tboy two bebe turkeys for Easter one year. You remember how you could get died bebe chics for Easter? Well, Daddy couldn't make sense of buying a chic that had been artificially dipped and died--- it is a bit inhumane, so he opted for a twist on the obvious: two bebe turkeys. They grew into the very best pets. The female was named Jerry and the Tom turkey (boy turkey) was named Tom, natch. Anywho, they layed eggs and we loved them. Daddy would load them up in the back of his truck and ride down the road with them, like you would a dog. Such good pets. Tom was my favorite because he was so kind, and full of himself. He would strut around all proud and perfect.

So when I think of being thankful, there are heaps and heaps of things that come to mind.

I'm thankful for my past... all things knitted together just so, to bring me to now.

I'm thankful for my parents and their ability to provide for us, and give us beautiful memories.

I'm thankful for my siblings: My greatest friends on Earth. My champions. My Encouragers. And all the memories we created together.

I'm thankful for Freedom, my citizenship. I'm thankful for all the people who came before me to ensure my right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.

I'm thankful for the selfless men and women who sacrifice their own safety, comfort, and family to allow me those rights.

I'm thankful for all the men and women who served as my teachers and professors. These people took their time and invested it in me. So many people took part in molding me into who I am today. I am forever thankful for their skill, kindness, tenderness, and presence in my life.

I'm thankful for my spiritual mentors who pushed me to grow my Faith and belief. I'm thankful to have been born into a Christian home who put our beliefs into daily practice.

I'm thankful for the Ultimate Sacrifice that ensures my salvation... and all the hope that springs forth from that gift.

I'm thankful for my husband. He's my best friend, my lover, and my protector. I'm constantly amazed at how kind and wise he is. He is the most generous person in my life and the love he gives me surpasses so much of what I deserve. I'm thankful that his hard work provides me the option of being a Stay at Home Mom with my son. What a priceless gift!

I'm thankful that Marcus is the father of my son. He is steadfast in his focus toward growing, raising, and providing for our family. He is patient with James. Tireless. Sincere. Selfless. James' future is so bright... because his daddy took the time with him yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

I'm thankful for James Neal. He's a promise fulfilled to me. He has made me the very best version of myself. I'm thankful for his nature, curiosity, and goodness. He's so smart. So smart. Funny. And well behaved! I love our conversations, his made-up words, and mad musical skilz. He's everything I've ever wanted in a child, a son.

I'm thankful for my friends. These women have lifted me up with their humor, encouraging words, and prayers. They've reminded me of who I am, even when I seem to forget. They've documented memories for me, surprised me with potted plants, talked with me for hours from foreign countries, showed up at the hospital to 'keep it all together' for me. They've sent cards through the mail. They've kept my bebe.boy to let me get through school. They've welcomed me into their homes to take part in their special family moments. They've let me hold their children, hug their husbands, and cherish their parents. They've heard my disappointments, my fears, my hopes, my failures. They've loved my family. They've taken the time to invest in my child. They've made me a better wife. A better mother. A better friend.

I'm thankful for the internet and the education and information that is at my fingertips!

I'm thankful for:

chapstick
tivo
makeup
music
prenatal vitamins
starbucks
big bathtubs
circus peanuts
creative people
my beautiful home
cameras
cameras
cameras
post photo processing
LSU football
wonderbras
magic erasers
dirt, flowers, bugs
powerstrips
lemons
Kitchenade stand mixer
Food processor
Santuku knife
blogging
Alton Brown
literature
Barack Obama and the nation which elected him
etsy
Dropshots
good cheese
the teacher in me
email
grand isle
jerry lees boudin
egrets
accents
organic food options
Land of Nod
socks
long distance telephone services
poboys
wind
fresh sac au lait
farmers markets
a good sale
odd jobs that pay!
the way James says 'feather'
the adjective 'chauny'
children's books
lampe bergers
baking stoneware
my culture
friendly neighbors
homemade food
*knowing how to cook
Noggin
the environment
my floral knife

The women who have helped me become who I am: my mother, Jan, Claire, Nancy, Lisa.
The men who've shaped who I am: my Daddy, my grandfather and superhero, Doyle, and Duke.

And the new bebies who've made it into this world to renew our thirst for knowledge, wonder, and hope: Rosebud, Miracle, and Zekial *and the mommas who gave them to us.

Lastly, I'm thankful for motherhood. I'm thankful for my healthy body who continues to allow me to function how I wish. I'm thankful for the Miracle of Life and the ability to carry my own pregnancies... the ability to birth healthy, beautiful children. I'm thankful for chunky.whitty.numero.two. I'm thankful for every flutter and kick!

***ThankYOU for all the kind words, comments, and emails you've taken the time to send me. Your time and caring words are more than passing thoughts... they become inspiration and affirmation to me. I appreciate your thoughtfulness. !!!

More to come on this bebe.business.

I hope yall all find yourself overcome with thankfulness this season.

Peace, love, and pecans.
xo
lmkw

*Over the Moon*

That's officially what we are: Over the Moon!!!

God is great! We got to take a close look at our little growing BOY today! Yes, another boy! Can you believe it? I can! I'm totally excited.

Our appt was this morning with the Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor. It went well. We had this suped up ultrasound and got a close look at Chunky.Whitty.Numero.Two. Both the doctor and the ultrasound tech seem fairly sure that we've got a boy on our hands. But there is a chance that it could be a girl... we should know more as I get further along. I don't expect it to change. I just KNOW he's a boy. *So Excited*

I'm happy that James has a brother.
I'm happy that I get to gather my boys around me... boy.bebies are so loving to their mommas!
I'm happy we have both and offense and defense when we play ball here at the house... however, now there is NO WAY to avoid yee ole tackle football. *yikes*
I'm happy I get to have three boys all to myself!

It's such a funny feeling when you find out the gender. It was the same for James... when you find out that the bebe is one gender over the other- it's almost like you have to 'give up' the other gender. In other words, before you know, you sort of have BOTH a boy and a girl- depending on what you want to think/dream about at the time. So, once you know, you have to let the other gender go. So, no girl for me this time. I'm not sad about it though... which is sort of odd. I've just always seen myself as a mother of a brood of boys. Sweaty, rough, and perfect. Plus, this just keeps my dream of adopting even more alive. Picture this: My boys, and a beautiful little Ethiopian girl bebe... *sigh* I know, it's an incredible idea. Maybe that's what God has in store for us. We'll see.

Now as for the name: Please weigh in dear friends, are we having a Lucas or a Jackson? *Those are our two top favs... can't go wrong with either really... So what do you think? I may add a poll to the blog, for fun. The starbucks barista threw his two cents in for Jackson...

Our bebe.boy looks nearly perfect. The ultrasound tech did find that he had Choroid Plexus Cyst on his brain. This could possibly mean that the bebe has Trisomy 18. Most cyst clear themselves up around 24 weeks of development... however, if I was of advanced maternal age (33+) and/or the bebe had other abnormalities show up in the ultrasound, then the chance that the bebe would have this disorder would increase. I believe the odds are around 1 out of 375 pregnancies... I was offered a blood test to see if I was at higher risk for this. I declined it because regardless of the outcome, we would not terminate the pregnancy. Plus, we would not get the conclusive test of an amniocentesis because the risk of miscarriage is just too high to risk it. So for now we watch, wait, and pray. I will have several ultrasounds to keep an eye on things.

I'm not overly nervous about this situation... James had a bladder issue during his first ultrasound that showed a 'soft marker' for Downs. And it was resolved inutero... so I'm going to keep my wits about me. It's ultimately in God's hands and nothing will happen that He doesn't follow through with His mercy and grace. He won't give us anything we can't handle. *So say a few prayers that this bebe is the exception to the rule, and everything heals nicely.

*I'm toying with nursery themes... Prepare yourself for this! What do you think about a Cosmic Space theme... with stars and planets... robots and rocket ships!?!?! Something playful and whimsical... Mod meets Vintage. *Oh* I think I'm on to something!

Thanks for reading, following, and loving us!

Peace, love, and outer space,
xo
lmkw

*Oh, and Carmen, I will post a pic of his little beautiful face soon!!!!!!! The Hotness has the pics at his office! Rats! But tomorrow? Yes!

Anticipation

This is just a quick entry to log away some recent feelings I've been having. One of those things that if I don't sit down right now and express them, they will get lost in the daily grind of the to.do.list. So here I am for the next few minutes!

I've been thinking a lot about this new bebe coming. It's been moving around so much lately, especially in the evenings and late at night when I get still in bed. We go to out MFM dr. on Tuesday and will most probably find out the gender in their ultrasound. At first I thought it would be a girl.bebe because of the stark differences in my pregnancy. Now, I'm convinced it's a boy.bebe. I guess only a few more days of not knowing.

James has been pretty adorable with bebe.Cake this week. He's so suited to be a big brother. His kind nature and gentleness is really incredible. I can't wait to introduce him to his brother or sister... and watch that special relationship grow over the years. After James was born, I assumed that each subsequent bebe would lose it's 'new.experience' luster. But it hasn't. Everything is different now... I'm already a mother. And I feel like I am really good at the job, too. I've already grown from a selfish girl to a more rounded, wise(er) woman who knows how to nuture and instill confidence, character, and values into my child (family). I'm not worried about my body failing me... or gaining weight... or never losing the bebe weight... or losing my style altogether. I worried about that when pregnant with James. Now I realize that I did just fine, and will do fine again.

I'm also getting really exciting about nursing again. For those of you who know the intense feeling of satisfaction and intimacy that comes when nursing your bebe- you know what I mean. I can't wait to have a soft bebe in my arms, nuzzled against me... that soft little head... those sweet smells and that sweet 'clicking' sound that comes with each breath and swallow. I can't wait to feel that closeness and accomplishment again.

And lastly, I can't wait to see a bebe in MarcusHotness' arms again. He's simply the best Daddy. As made for motherhood that I feel I am, he's the male equivalent. He was made to be a daddy. Kind, gentle, patient, and unselfish to a fault. I can remember the days before James started crawling that he'd call home from work and tell me that all he wanted to do in the afternoon is to hold his bebe all night. From the day James was born- he woke up with him every single night (except one)... still does. Even when I nursed, he would wake up and sit next to me and rub his head, change him, get me water, etc. He's selfless. There isn't a job that I do with James that he considers 'my' responsibility. We are totally equal there. He wants this new bebe so badly... I can't wait for him to meet his new son... or daughter.

We are in a good place now. I'm so grateful for God's timing and grace. When I sit and think about where I am in my life and where I've come from... and even where we are going- I can't help but become overwhelmed with appreciation to my Creator and Savior. The fact He loves us so much still boggles my mind! I'm sure it always will...

That's all for now! Thanks for reading!!!
Peace, love, and hot baths,
xo
lmkw

*Perks*

I took these shots last week. Moments like this one pictured, makes me realize the ultimate privilege it is to be a stay.at.home mom. James was fully dressed and in his playroom... he came out to show me his 'improvements.' Right then, in that moment, I felt the overwhelming gift of motherhood. I'm so grateful to be there, living in the moment... present... with my son. I was made for this.

My sister and her family are in for a week long visit from California. I'm loving our time together. Yesterday we spent the afternoon at Momma and Daddy's for a big seafood*bash. Daddy's famous fried fish, shrimp done half a dozen ways, seafood gumbo, *my* bread pudding... and lots more. It was delicious. I love my daddy's fried fish. It's light, just salty enough and as fresh as it could possibly be. We eat only the fish we catch... and seeing how he fishes on average at least once a week, we always have the most delicious supply of sac au lait. It's comfort food to me.

My sister has the most beautiful children. They are so smart and kind and gentle. I'm so proud of her and them. Dylan is five months older than James Neal. They are soul mates and best friends. I've never seen a sweeter connection. Kate is as pretty as a little rose bud. She's 8 months and as alert and interactive a bebe as I've ever seen. And she's a fair skinned red head, just like her YaYa. I just savor every snuggle I get... she feels so good in my arms and she smells like heaven. I love her so much.

Danyelle is the coolest girl I know. I'm a typical little sister: I idolize pretty much everything she does. Of all my siblings, we are the most alike... in a lot of ways. I wish we lived closer. She dazzles me.

Today we brought the boys to the zoo. Small town living sometimes makes for a slow Monday; many places are closed! But we had the best time with the boys at the zoo. I only snapped a few pics, because my main agenda is to soak up the moment without feeling the pressure or need to document it all. *Which I will elaborate on soon... just thought for another post* The boys held hands when they walked and hugged each other so many times, my hormones sent me into a love*induced*headache. I can't wait to watch them grow up together.

Here are a few snaps from my *new* point and shoot camera. She's super sexy and I haven't played enough to really enjoy her... She's the slightest shade of gold, and has a 3.5 inch touch screen. Something that sexy requires it's own name. So Lucia it is.


Here is a quick snap of a beautiful rainbow we spotted on our way to dinner the other night. It was a full rainbow, where we saw the beginning and the ending. It was stunning. Don't you love the reminder? *God's covenant with Noah!*






Tomorrow? The boys are off to spend the day with Tim and PawPaw at BassPro. Us ladies? Shopping at the Bungalow, Circa, and our other favs... oh, and lunch at Roman's. We are taking bebe.Cake with us. I'm bringin' my bebe sling because there isn't a thing I'd like more than wearin' that bebe girl while I shop. Did I mention that she really does smell like a rose?

Peace, love, and shade trees.
xo
lmkw

A quick post before my weekend begins...

Yes! It's here. Friday, at last! I had a doctors appt. Monday where the Hotness could meet the ridiculously.goodlooking.OB. Maybe I should just start calling him my rgOB. Yes. They met and hit it off. The doc is a huge LSU fan, grad. from LSU med school, etc. So with the Hotness' big ole championship ring on his finger, the rest was history. I was so lonely on that examination table while that sat trading stories and chattin it up. After the exam, rgOB said that since I was the last patient, he wanted to take us into the ultrasound room and 'play around with the bebe.' So, we got a suprise peek of our little chunky.whitty. It's just as magical the second time. We got to see it move and wiggle and jump about. This whole process is such a miracle, and I'm so blessed to be having this opportunity AGAIN!!! I'm just on cloud nine.

rgOB decided to rule me as a high risk pregnancy... based on my history, small size, large bebe history, yada yada. So that means I'll begin to see the Internal Fetal Medicine doctor at Woman's as well as my regular checkups with him. I'm not alarmed. It's kind of nice. The more eyes on me and the bebe, the better off we will both be. So I have an appt with the specialist Nov. 25th. In addition to an exam, we will be getting an in depth ultrasound done as well. I'm assuming we will learn the gender then! We will have another ultrasound on Dec. 1st. *so*excited*

I'm not wishing for either a boy or a girl... I want a healthy tot. With James taking my world by storm, I sort of hope to have all boys... but the suprise of a bebe girl would be nice, too.

We went to the shi.shi dinner for Marcus' work. It was nice to meet his pals and their wives. I felt good in my new*threads and enjoyed the night out. Of course, I had to refrain from kissing perfect strangers on the lips when they would say, "You don't even LOOK pregnant." Music to my ears... I guess. I'm glad the Hotness is so happy in his new job. It's such a blessing!!!

Hmmm, still processing my infant shots. Working on getting my photog.business up and running... that's crazy*exciting. Did a shoot at an elementary school for their Thanksgiving day play. It was a blast! Oh, got my hair cut... love my time with Duke. James came with me to visit his Poppy.Duke. The two of them together is something else. Duke spoils him as much as he does me... he walked away with his very own bottle of 'smell.good.' aka cologne... named 'Tiger Juice.' Perfect. Plus Poppy cut his hair into the cutest faux.hawk. Some of my maternity threads came in today: fab! And now I'm out the door to get some La Mads with my boys and make big groceries at the WholeFoods. I've given up on our groceries here. I miss my Texas groceries to NO END... my Randalls and Heb in Kingwood was just like a WholeFood Market. SO, I'm boycotting all groceries except WholeFoods.

*Oh, and lets not forget that my sister and her fam are flying in from Cali on Sat! A whole week with my FAVORITE PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait!

Peace, love, peppermints.
xo
lmkw

Shopped. Dropped.

Oh.my. Where to begin?

I've come to realize that I've been quite in denial the past couple of weeks. I've been more than busy. But no complaints.

I did a beautiful infant photo shoot yesterday. I'm working with the images now, and I'm more than pleased. Not only did I get to hold a newborn and hear her breathe, but I got to enjoy a day of good friends, AND got to spend a few hours behind the camera. I took my mother clothes shopping today and she grabbed several bag fulls of beautiful things. I've got a dinner with the Hotness tomorrow night. It's a work ditty at White Oak... so that sent me searching for a frock. Ended up with something I'm pleased with.

Tomorrow I'm out bright and early to do at shoot at my old elementary school. The prints will be sold as a fundraiser... Then to a dr.s appt. Then to dinner as a wife- not a mother... and that means a few things: change over to little purse.aka.you.don't.have.to.carry.the.kitchen.sink.beby?what.beby? purse. And meditate on 'adult conversation'... to be brought up later at dinner with the wives later.

And that's that. I'll be back later gators.

Peace, love, skinny jeans.
xo
lmkw

Tonight

History was made... The United States of America is the greatest country on Earth. Our spirit, our freedoms, our religions, our people, our diversity... Unbelievable.

I'm grateful to be an American. I'm overwhelmed by James' opportunity to grow up in an America that still strives to achieve a more perfect union. I'm humbled by the men and women who have fought and died to ensure my freedom to voice my own opinion. I'm grateful to the women who stood up against the majority and fought to ensure my ability to cast a ballot.

John McCain is a true American Hero. I am happy that my candidate won this election, but it's impossible for me to be happy that McCain lost. He's a great man... a hero.

I've always said that we as a people, are much more alike than different. I believe that Barack Obama can identify our common ground and unit us together as a people and move us forward to a new day... a bright place for our country.

Cynicism is behind us. The nation's people have spoken... both the popular vote and electorate has moved toward Change.

Peace and Hope,
xo
lmkw

Things I'm thinking...

1. I love being pregnant. Today was a very busy day for our chunky.whitty. This afternoon, I felt flutters galore. I was trying to cook dinner, and I kept pausing-- holding my breath and pressing on my tummy. There is really nothing like it. I'm so excited to be having this bebe.

2. Playroom time. We've never stopped to 'do' the playroom up right... So we've gotten some new organizational furniture and the place is coming along nicely. I've got a great idea for the walls... I hope to start on that this week. Fun!

3. Apples. I've never been over.into apples. Sure, they are great... but they've never rocked my socks... UNTIL I met my first honeycrisp apple. It happened nearly five years ago while I was living in The Forest. My local heb.grocer turned me on to the most incredible apple there is. I'm sure it's the kind that Eve tempted Adam with. I can't find them here... cause our groceries only sell mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, and olive loaf. BUT I did find a batch at Sams... *OH* I'm in heaven.

4. Getting this election done. I hope Barack wins... not because he's the perfect guy, but because he's the best choice. In a million ways. Plus, if I have to deal with Sarah Palin, I think I may lose my mind.

5. Christmas. I can't wait for it. I've never been a christmassy gal... but this year I can't wait to have Christmas here in our home with my boys... and chunky.whitty. We will know the gender in a couple weeks!

6. Happy. I feel as happy as I've felt in a long time. Feeling happy is such a treasure. I'm happy in this space... in our home... with James in all his glory... with my MarcusHotness... and my growing belly.

*that's it for today.
I'm processing the pics from our trip...

Peace, xo.
lmkw

Remember this day, men, for it will be yours for all time.

*I'm issuing a Claire and Erica WARNING***Prepare yourselves...




I've always called James my prince, but for a day... or three, he was a king.

We're in for one wild night.

Ready your breakfast and eat hearty, for tonight we dine in Hell!

Taught never to retreat. Never to surrender. Taught that death on the battlefield in service to Sparta was the greatest glory he could achieve in his life.

The world will know that free men stood against a tyrant. That few stood against many. And before this war is over, even a god-king can bleed.

Their arrows will block out the sun…Then we shall fight in the shade.

Only one among us keeps his Spartan reserve. Only him. Only our king.

Hundreds leave, a handful stay, only one looks back.

Spartans! Prepare for glory!!

A new age has come, an age of freedom. And all will know that 300 Spartans gave their last breath to defend it.

Give them nothing! But take from them everything!

We Spartans have descended from Hercules himself. Taught never to retreat, never to surrender. Taught that death in the battlefield is the greatest glory he could achieve in his life. Spartans are the finest soldiers the world has ever known.

Have you noticed? We've been sharing our culture with you all morning.

Only Spartan women give birth to real men.

****
We had a blast. It was hard not to be distracted by the idea that James will never be two again... I hold on to every shred I can... but time has a way of bringing something new to him. I've always said that {this} is my favorite stage... each day bringing something new to dazzle me. But one day, him being small will be gone.






I'm pleased with how his costume came out... much cuter than anything I could have bought... it reminds me of making his cobra costume. I *have got to* post one of those pics here.

It never fails to amaze me how good natured my boy is. No matter what the mood, he's so gentle and kind... always so innocently happy and good and pleasent. I can't help but see his daddy in him. Such generous and happy fellas... and it's me they adore. A girl has never had more...

Happy Sunday,
Peace and love,
xo
lmkw

These pics were taken will my point.and.shoot... I plan on staging some better shots with the prof. gear. Maybe first of this week or something...