Happy Baby, Mad Momma

Okay, so I was really excited to go and get my swing for Boston. I had been waiting FOREVER to get it because my parents wanted to give it to him and they waited for the shower to do it. So we went and looked for swings, I picked out the one I wanted and was SO excited to get home, put it together and let Boston sit back and relax in his new swing! So Chad put it all together and we sat Boston in it. We started the swing...and it didn't go. We pushed him a little thinking that would help get it started but after a few minutes, it had stopped! I was SO MAD because he loved it so much! The second it started moving he was PAST OUT! He LOVED IT and yet the stupid swing didn't even work! So then we had to take it apart, put it back in the box and now we have to drive all the way back out to BFE to Baby's R Us and return it and get another one! I'm so annoyed! It's such a hassle that isn't necessary! I'm nervous to get the same swing because I don't want the same thing to happen. But I LOVE that swing and I wasn't really sold on any of the other ones there. I guess I'll try it one more time and if its broken...I'm going to be one MAD MOTHER at Graco AND Baby's R Us! Look at Little Peaceful Boss!
The Cherished Swing...trust me the thing does wonders even though it didn't even really work!

Because TODAY is our...INDEPENDENCE DAY! All the counsins in their 4th of July outfits!

I'm so sorry that all of you couldn't have joined us for the 4th. It was such a fun day and I know you are all jealous you missed out! We invited the Richardson's and their whole clan, Jared and Courtney Rawson, Gary Crowton (YES LSU'S OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR!) and his family, and of course the whole Bluth family minus Kent since he decided he had to be in Dallas instead. It was a total of about 30 people. You know its always a great day with fun people to visit with, a pool, and most of all FOOD!

Boston sportin spirit for the 4th

All the women sat around and chatted while the men had their competative..I mean COMPETATIVE game of pool basketball (YES Papa Bluth included!). They all came out of the pool with scratches all over their chests and backs. Some even had blood! It was hilarious to watch them practically drown each other just to get the basketball! The kids tried to swim but the men were all over the place! Poor kids...all they wanted to do was enjoy the water!

This was just the warm up...trust me it was much MUCH worse than this!

After we all ate our hamburgers, Mom pulled through with her annual 4th of July homemade ice cream! It was absolutely DELICIOUS! Once it got dark enough, everyone headed to the front for the firework show! I don't think we new what dad had in mind! At first the kids played with Roman candles and small fireworks (yes, we're true southern rednecks!). I was about to be let down thinking to myself that if dad really spent as much said he did on THIS then it was REALLY a waste of money! But he proved me wrong when all the sudden the guys started lighting the real stuff, "One Bad Mother and One Bad Mother-in-Law!" I swear our show was bigger than the show downtown Baton Rouge that night! The show went on for like 20 minutes! We had ash and debris falling down on us so we had to keep moving our chairs farther and farther back closer to the house! It was AWESOME! Both kids and adults were quite impressed!

Renecks sitting outside in our lawn chairs without shoes enjoying the show

The Pre-Show

Only of glimpse of the REAL show

The day really was alot of fun and I'm sad more of ya'll couldn't have joined us...even more sad that my hubbie was unable to participate in the bball tournament! There were definately some memorable moments made:

• Austin (Amy Richardon/Bascom's lil boy) asked his dad if he was drinking alcohol when Eric had an IBC Rootbeer...in the glass bottle...in his hand.
• Sophie got too close to the edge of the wading area without her floaties and drowned...don't worry Chad and Seth both dove in IMMEDIATELY and saved her life!
• Gary Crowton gave us the low down of LSU's offense this year...the highlight of my NIGHT!
• Mia (Amy's lil girl) asked me what my name was then said, "Are you a boy?"
• Courtney Richardson introduced herself to Crowton's wife not knowing who she was and said "OH ARE YOU RELATED TO GARY CROWTON?!" Her reply being, "Yes actually...he's my husband and he's right over there!"

It was definately a true southern mormon 4th spent with great friends and family!

ALL IN WHITE

Sunday was Boston's big debut...it was his blessing day! It was such a stressful morning. I was trying to make sure everything was ready so we could get there on time. I was running around getting him ready, packing the diaper bag and stressing because my hair was frowing! I planned to give him a bottle on the way to church but I was so distracted because my feet were so hot they were swollen and wouldn't fit into my shoes!!! So instead of thinking about his feeding..me, the selfish one, stuck my feet in front of the AC the whole way TOTALLY forgetting about feeding him! We got to church just in time and I finally got to sit and relax! Boston sat quiely sleeping up until his blessing and he started to fuss MOMENTS before going up! All of the sudden it hit me that I hadn't fed him! I leaned over to Kent and gave him the bad news! It was too late to try to feed him anything! All I could do was pray he wouldn't fuss during his blessing! Well that didn't work because the WHOLE way through he cried! Poor Kent couldn't even concentrate on what he was saying! He was nervous enough and then to add to the stress Boston was crying! I honestly didn't hear a word Kent said because I was just listening to him cry! I guess I'm just a terrible mother! Oh well...it happens....right?!?!?

Here are some pics of our day:

Our little family!
Boss' blessing outfit
Rylee and Sophie dressed in white too in their cute little matching dresses!
After church the Hooper's and Bluth's united and had some lunch in celebration of Boston's big day! It was fun to have everyone around and visit.
Sophie kept wanting to hold Boston but she'd hold him for like 2 seconds and then say, "I'm done!" Then a few minutes later she'd come back wanting to hold him again followed by a quick, "I'm done!"
Bluth clan
Neal and his semi-new wife, Gwen.
Dark Chocolate+White Chocolate=Milk Chocolate (Heather Marie..she's a doll!)
Jerry and his Beloved Wife......Colleen.

Other than Boston crying through the whole blessing, the day was actually really nice. It was nice to have friends and family come to the blessing. We really appreciate everyone who stood in and helped bless him:

Papa Bluth

Chad Withers

Brandon Combe

Jerry Hooper

Neal Hooper

Taylor Nielson

Chris Tarver

Aaron Saxon

Thanks for such a great day!

ITS A BABY SHOWER!

Since my sister's never got to throw me a baby shower before Lil Boss came into the world, they decided to throw me one when we were all getting together for Boston's baby blessing! And who can say "No" to more presents?!? The day was great! So many people came including friends I hadn't seen in forever and I got to show off Boston to EVERYONE! The colors even match my planned nursery...Kristin's pretty good!

This was the cute invitation that Kristin HAND MADE! How she had the patience to do that I don't know but I'm grateful she was because I certainly couldn't have done it!
Isn't the cake BEAUTIFUL! Janelle Easley made it and I L-O-V-E-D it!
The cute decor Kristin again so patiently took time to make!
Guests...
Guests....

Kiers and Taylor came all the way from Dallas! Such a good BFF! THANKS YA'LL!!
And more guests!

The day was fabulous! We got so many great gifts and it was so fun to see everyone. My sister's did a great job! I couldn't have asked for anything better!

Texas or Bust!

As of Thursday morning we will be heading out of Charlotte and on our way to start our lives in Dallas once again! Kent just wasn't happy here selling alarms. It was affecting him way too much for him to stick it out for the summer. He was doing REALLY well the first of the summer but with all the drama and things that have happened, it really effected him and brought back past memories of F*line! Its alot to explain but basicially we have learned one thing, money isn't worth it if you're not happy and satisfied with what you're doing. It can really take its toll on you and you must find a job that brings happiness into your life...its not always about the money. My dad is flying down Wednesday to help us drive to Louisiana (I'm still incapable of driving) which is really sweet of him to take time out of his busy schedule to help. We are blessing Boston this weekend in LA then Kent will head over to Dallas to start working and I'll hang out in Louisiana until July 14th. Then I'll be off to Dallas to start our lives there for the time being!

I have mixed emotions about this move. I'm somewhat excited to get settled down for a little while and get into a house. But at the same time we're leaving some close friends behind who have been really good to us! We really have enjoyed being in North Carolina regardless of all the drama...plus doesn't drama just make things exciting sometimes any way?! Stella is going to miss hanging out with her best friend Camden! Hopefully Romy and Roddick will welcome her into there little friendship. But I'm sure she'll never forget Little Camden and the fun she's had with him! Most of all I'm just excited for Kent to be happy with what he is doing and to see him be himself again. That of all things will make this move worth it no matter how hard it is for me. So Texas...HERE WE COME!

Beach Baby

So this weekend we kinda planned last minute to head to Wrightsville Beach, NC with Brandon and Amanda. It was a short trip...a little TOO short for me...but it was worth every minute that we were able to be there. We spent the day at the beach and just soaked in the sun. Boston even cooperated (which I was TOTALLY worried about) but he did okay for his first time there. Kent bought a big umbrella so that he could be in the shade and I think that made a world of a difference. Since I'm still caring baby weight (mainly self conscience about my belly that's still lingering around), I kept my swimsuit cover up on and stayed clear of the water and just basked in the sun reading my US Weekly. I'm going to have TERRIBLE tan lines when I actually do feel comfortable stripping down to just my swimsuit but I'll have to worry about that when the time comes. I'm not going to let myself sit around being pale ANY longer! Plus its summer and I'm going to take advantage of the sun as much as I can.

In the meantime, Brandon and Amanda didn't mind getting in the water and said that it was actually pretty nice! Oh well, so I missed out on a little OCEAN water. That's probably my least favorite thing about the beach is the way you feel when you get out...sticky, sandy and just NASTY!!

Oh and we also dined at this nice seafood restraunt that sat right on the river front. We ate outside on the patio which gave such a nice feel to the whole experience! Now I'm totally not into seafood so I didn't leave with a full belly like I would have liked but oh well...the view and the company were well worth it! Over all the weekend was great! It was so relaxing and has helped me solidify my decision to one day own a cute beach house...which by the way I found some really cute ones in Wrightsville that gave me some pretty good ideas of what I'll have mine look like one day!

WATCH THE WIND BLOW BY...
Since I gave birth via c-section, I have not been able to get out and about too much. For the first few weeks I'm not supposed to drive, go up and down stairs or push it too hard and be too active. I have tried to go to the mall, Target and on a walk but shortly after doing these things my stitches start to hurt and I have to go back home. So I have had to find other things to do to pass the time away. What better way to do that than to READ! Yep! I'm totally into this whole reading thing lately and I've been quite impressed with myself!

I just got done reading "I am a Mother" which I totally recommend to everyone who is or will be a mother. It totally makes you feel that being a mother is probably the most important thing you can do! So please go and read this book...you will love it! Also while I was at Borders picking up "What to Expect the First Year" to help me with my parenting skills, I also decided to give in and read Oprah's book club book from a few months back "The Measure of a Man." I haven't finished it yet but so far I am enjoying it. So instead of going shopping (which I probably shouldn't do any way), laying out (because my body IS NOT ready for a swimsuit yet!), or working out (unfortunately I can't do that for another few weeks but I'm DYING to go do) more than likely you can catch me with a book in my hand reading while rocking Lil Boss to sleep! That's the way time is passing by in my life right now as I sit and wait to be active again!

SLEEPLESS IN CHARLOTTE

You would probably never look at this face and think that someone this precious could cause any issues! But never in my life have I ever been so tired, so helpless feeling BUT never have a felt so much love for someone who causes this kind of stress. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything else in the world. I am now for the first time in my life REALLY learning what patience and selflessness is. He is worth every minute! My boobs may be extremely sore, my eyes may have bags under them, I may get pooped and peed on consistently every day and I may not have money to go on a shopping spree because diapers and wipes cost a pretty penny per week but the happiness this little man brings into our lives is unreal and totally worth every minute. Am I ready to have another one just yet...NO! Ask me in a few years but for now, Boston is the sweetest joy in our life!

BABY CRAZE!!!!

My new plan is to fly to Lehi, Utah and get Boston's baby pictures taken! To some of you this might sound a little crazy BUT if you had a child you might understand! This website explains it all....these pictures of these little babies pretty much brought tears to my eyes. I absolutely LOVE it and in the mean time I have to talk Kent into buying me a plane ticket!

http://skyejohansen.com/

LIL BOSS IS HERE!


I have forced myself to sit down today and blog about whats happened the past week of my life. Really its not that big of deal but I thought I do some filling in...HA! WHATEVER...I SO HAVE A BEAUTIFUL BABY BOY FINALLY after such a LONG 9 month+ wait! But he was worth it!

Boston Robert Hooper

Time of Birth: 10:01 pm

Weight: 8 lbs

Length: 19.5 inches

Since my doctor told me I could induce if he wasn't born by Thursday I was THRILLED! I was so ready to get this child out and get rid of my GINORMOUS belly! So we checked into the hospital at 7:30 am Thursday morning thinking that probably by noon or so we'd have a baby. I have never been so wrong in my whole life! The doc came in to try to break my water and couldn't do it because it was "too thick" and I was still only 3 cm dialated (no progress from my doc appoint a week earlier). So....noon came around and finally he was able to break my water but yet I was STILL only 3 cm! My contractions finally started to kick in and the doc came back and said he leaves at 6 and I'll be turned over to another doctor...me thinking WHATEVER I'll have this baby by then these contractions are REALLY coming now! Before I knew it, it was 6:30 and the new doctor came in...checked me and I was BARELY 4 cm!!! After all that time of pain and agony only 1 cm progression!!!!! I finally broke down got my epidural which KILLED by the way and sat back waiting. The epidural although painful getting was WONDERFUL! I couldn't feel a thing. I was numb from the chest down pretty much....modern day medicine its a wonderful thing! The doctor told me that if that baby doesn't start progressing we would probably have to get him out by C-section because my contractions were too strong and the baby's heart beat kept dropping every now and then. So....we waited...8:30 past....still almost 4 cm...9:30 past still almost 4 cm. So they prepped me and wheeled me in for the C-section. For some reason I wasn't too nervous probably just more anxious and frustrated. I mean HELLO I'd been there all day...nurses were being pulled from my room right and left to help with deliveries and here I was having NO PROGRESS!!!

They laid me out on the surgery table and it seemed like only seconds past and I heard my little son start crying! It was seriously the cutest, most relieving sound ever! Everything else after that seems like history but we stayed in the hospital until Sunday and have been home ever since.

Here are some pics from that eventful day last Thursday! Enjoy!

Minutes after being born

First time I got to hold the little guy
I look totally exhausted and extremely pale!

Right after being pulled out of my belly
(pre-circumcision)

Proud Daddy

Kent all geared up right before entering the surgery room

We have been home for one week and are still trying to adjust to the life of a baby. Thank goodness my mom has been here to help out...she has been absolutely WONDERFUL! So besides sleepless nights, boobs that have grown FOUR cup sizes (34 G to be exact!) and sore nipples, back and gut things are on the up of getting this whole parent thing down. We love our little guy and enjoy every minute of him!

Kent with Lil Boss after basketball
Mimi and Boston

Lil Boss sleeping...what he does best!

After his first sponge bath. He LOVES getting his hair washed but HATES being cold and naked after the bath.
Sucking on his pacifier which Kent thinks is a bad idea to let him have...but I say he shuts him up and I don't have the patience to just let him cry and cry and cry!

Just chillin on the couch when I was down and out with my terrible headaches and nausea. Boston came to make me feel better!
All bundled up and nappin in his favorite chair