Good Bye 2010

So long 2010, you've been good and bad!

Here's a look back at our year...

• January:
• We ended the 1st trimester of pregnancy and morning sickness ended
• We had issues with the placenta previa, but all would turn out well
• We had a massive freeze outside and the sprinkler popped
• Tommy set fire to the backyard - nearly burning down the culdesac
• Chinese sex predictor test tells us we're having a girl
• Grandpa Louis turns 60!!
• February:
• I turned 38, got in a wreck and had a crazy man attack me on my b/day
• We found out Erin was a girl
• Tommy won $1,000 in a Superbowl pot
• Tommy turned 36
• March
• Baby Luke was born - he had Mize toe!!
• We got furniture and bedding and set up Erin's room
• I felt the baby move for the first time
• Pawpaw built Erin a toy box
• April
• We set up the "Vintage Toy Room" for Erin/Mommy!
• 4D ultrasounds with our first real glimpse of Erin Grace
• May
• Our Baby Shower took place
• I got my Flip Camera for Mother's Day - lights, camera, action!
• We started Childbirth classes
• Erin's first Jimmy Buffett concert (complete with t-shirt)
• June
• State Farm Baby Shower
• The doc estimated Erin would be a big baby
• Our Anniversary (7 years) and a trip to Kemah
• We enter month 9 of the pregnancy
• Tommy's first Father's Day
• My Tahoe becomes a "mom" car - the carseat was installed
• 2nd trip to Kemah - one last hoorah
• July
• Baby Watch begins
• We have a Happy 4th
• We make a dry run to the hospital in the middle of the night
• Baby Watch continues
• More Baby Watch
• My water broke
• 27 hours later, Erin Grace Mize is born - 8.13 lbs, 21 inches long
• We have a broken collarbone
• August
• Pediatrician appointments and shots!
• Colic sets in
• At the one month mark, we start sleeping thru the night
• Referral to Texas Children's for her collarbone
• September
• More follow up with the pediatrician, all is good
• Tommy's lost ipod is located after being gone for one year
• Grandpa and Granny Mize celebrate 40 years together
• The nickname Uncle Baby Erin is born
• Roxie goes under for a teeth cleaning
• Erin goes to her first kid's birthday party
• October
• Halloween "cow" pictures are taken
• Erin turns 3 months old!
• We graduate to the Bumbo chair
• November
• I went back to work, Gram and Pawpaw start full-time babysitting
• One year ago we found out we were pregnant
• We start rice cereal
• We take our Mize Christmas card picture
• December
• Follow up and the all clear on the broken collarbone
• Tortacolis is diagnosed and physical therapy starts
• Christmas parties begin
• Gram has a stroke
• We celebrate Erin's first Christmas
• Gram gets to come home and her and Pawpaw move in for a while

We have had a great year and two huge Blessings come to mind.  Erin was born and our lives changed more then we ever thought possible.  Momma had a stroke and we are so blessed to still have her with us.

Thank you God for all the Blessings. 

May each of you have a great New Year!  Thanks 2010!!

Especially For Julia

This is a shout out and video especially for Julia Ramsey.  I got a text from Bridgette specifically requesting more video.  It turns out that Julia - aka- Erin's Best Friend, loves to watch Erin videos on the blog.

Warning, this is nothing exciting... just Erin in her exersaucer playing.  You can see our arms in the video.  One of the toys on exersaucer is a teether and any other time, she can't wait to gnaw on it.  Of course, with the camera on, Tommy and I just look like a pair of big looming arms trying to force the baby to eat a plastic toy.

A Good Report From The Mize Rehab Hospital

My Momma went to her PCP yesterday for a follow up.  The doctor had nothing but good things to say about the progress they (her and Daddy) have made.  Momma is coming along nicely.  Amy drove them to the appointment so we would have a third set of ears listening in.  With everything Momma has going on, it gets a bit confusing. 

Daddy has put her on an eating/sleeping/glucose testing schedule and has been cooking all her meals.  This was praised work.  The doc gave Momma the green light to start her exercising.  She wants her to build up to 30 minutes a day.  So, they compromised at 15 minutes twice a day until Momma gets some strength back.  She already "hit the gym" this morning.  She pushed Erin's stroller around the house for 15 minutes.  I was still in bed - enjoying a little sleeping in on my week off - and I think Erin was doing her therapy with Pawpaw while Gram cruised around the house.

The doctor also told Momma that she can have one "cheat" meal a week.  She can get up on Sunday mornings and eat anything she wants from 8:00 to 8:30 am.  After that, she has to exercise and get back on schedule.  Anyone who knows my Momma, knows she is absolutely the world's slowest eater.  It takes her FOREVER to eat the smallest of anything.  Something tells me that she'll dig deep on those Sunday mornings, and find the strength to shovel her snacks in!  I know I would!

The funny part is that the doctor told her once a week on Sundays for her cheats.  Daddy on the other hand, changed it to once a month because my mom has a tendency to "negotiate" for more privileges.  Amy changed it to once every 2 weeks.  I'll be curious to know who will win in the end.  I'll keep you posted.

Mom has 3 more appointments coming up.  She'll see the Cardiologist and the Opthamologist this coming week and will see the Gastroenteritis doc the week after that.  Since they aren't the kind of doctors that would have waiting rooms full of sick people, Erin and I will be going with them.  Will report more on them later.

Tommy is enjoying his Wii.  It's funny, the thing has fantastic graphics and Erin bought some high dollar games for it, and we have it hooked up to our big screen LCD TV in the living room, yet he ends up finding a way to download some old school Nintendo games and has been playing Bases Loaded non-stop.  The old games have the worst graphics ever!!  It's video/graphics from the early 80's used on the very first Nintendo games.  But, it's his game and he's happy so who am I do question it? Ryder, Becker, Paste anyone? (You have to be a true Bases Loaded fan to get that joke.)

Roxie is cool.  She's wondering when all the excitement around here will die down.  She goes in and out all day and night.  Max, Gram and Pawpaw's dog, is here too.  He loves to go outside, so he stands at the door and barks.  Rox doesn't go out as often as Max, and never barks at the door, so this is a change of pace for her.  I think she enjoys Max being here until it's food time.  We have regular tussles over the food bowls.  Max is a very enthusiastic eater and tends to finish his then want Roxie's.  She is very slow to eat and prefers to graze all day.  This is not an option with Max in the house, so she has to spend hours guarding her bowl and putting Max to the floor.

If you're bored, come on by.  It's never dull here! :) 

Wii Love!

Erin bought Daddy a Wii for Christmas.  With everything that's been going on, we didn't get it set up until this afternoon. 

As you can see, Aunt Mimi and Daddy are having a very good time.

(You can see Gram's head in this video too.  She was up and at 'em this afternoon.  Gram sat there holding Erin while these two went at it.  You can hear me laughing the loudest with my running commentary.)

Rollin', Rollin', Rollin'

We caught it on tape!!  And it took us long enough!!!

Erin is rolling like a freight train now.  She's decided that tummy time is way over rated.  She rolled over for the first time on Halloween, but has since not really done it much.  That ended today.

Aunt Mimi was here for a visit and was playing with Erin on the floor.  She put her on her tummy and said she immediately rolled over.  We all gathered around and sure enough, she did it again.  Tonight after we got home from Aunt Mimi's birthday party, we gave Erin a bath and I layed her down on the floor again to see if she was still on her anti-tummy time campaign.  She was.  The following short little video is what happened right after we put her on her tummy again.  (Yes, those are I love Santa pjs.  Give me a break, it's still technically Christmas vacation!!)  You can hear the dogs in the background on the video.  They are not impressed.  This means Erin is one step closer to figuring out where the food bowls are and becoming mobile enough to get to them!

Good News, Bad News

We've had blog silence lately because I've been too busy to blog.  My Mom had a stroke and just got out of the hospital yesterday.  We've been busy trying to keep up with a 5 month old, work full-time, have Christmas with all the extended family here and visit Momma in the hospital.  Whew!

Mom complained of a major headache but has always had migraines.  We were all concerned but not overly concerned as we thought it would be like all the others and pass.  She had an appointment with her PCP on the Wednesday before Christmas to do some blood work.  Once they got to the appointment, they immediately took her for a CTscan.  From the CT place they took her to the ER.  They ran some more tests and decided to admit her.

One of the tests came back and it was determined Momma had suffered a stroke some time the week before Christmas.  During the battery of tests they ran, it was also determined that she has Diabetes in addition to her High Blood Pressure.  So, she hit the trifecta.

Thank God the stroke didn't leave her with any right side paralysis, but she did lose some vision in that eye.  Both eyes were effected, but the right seems to be worse.  She said she sees wavy things in her peripheral vision and her forward vision isn't clear.  She isn't allowed to drive anymore for a while and is on a very, very restricted diet.  While she was in the hospital, she was given antibiotics and that killed off the good bacteria in her stomach in addition to the bad bacteria.  That then caused some bleeding and she was kept in the hospital while they figured out what it was from and what to do.  More antibiotics were given to restore the good kind of bacteria to her system and the internal bleeding was stopped.  So, she was much better yesterday so she got released.

At our insistence, they have temporarily moved in with us.  We have the perfect set up,  Mom and Daddy have taken over the front guest bedroom/bathroom.  They are on the complete opposite side of the house, so it's like they have their own space.  Momma has like 9 different medicines she's taking right now, so we're able to help Daddy figure all of this out.  They are both so tired and worn out from being in the hospital with round the clock nurses poking and prodding.  We figured 2 more sets of hands to help out was much better.

In the meantime, we've all been studying Diabetes and trying to figure out what she can and can't have.  It's very hard to cook a low fat, sugar free, low sodium meal that tastes anything like actual food!  Daddy is a champ, he's committed to changing his diet right along side my mom.  While they're here, we're all eating healthier.  We're going to get her strength and vision back and then we'll start some kind of exercise program.

The doctors are optimistic that in a couple of months, her vision will come back.  The Good Lord has watched over us so far, so we continue to pray for her recovery and trust in Him.  It was bad that the stroke happened, and we'll all work like dogs to help her get healthy, but we're thankful that it wasn't much worse.

It turned out to be a Merry Christmas after all!

Happy Anniversary

My parents have been married 42 years today!  Yeah Gram and Pawpaw!

As legend goes, a skinny Texan was in the Navy with Sandy's brother.  They went into port and Jimmy Jo Wistner went home with an equally skinny Rich Berg.  The skinny Texan met Rich's sister, Sandy, and fell in love.  My crazy parents knew each other for 2 whole weeks before they got engaged.  Daddy had to ship back out, for another three months before he was honorably discharged.  They spent the next 3 months writing back and forth.  When he got out, he went back to Washington, they were married and my mom moved 2,000 miles to Texas and to an extended family she had never met!!  I was born 4 years later.  Amy came 3 years after that and the rest is history.

They only had to wait 41 years to have grandkids! :)

When I stop and think about it, the story is crazy.  They would kill me and Amy if we tried something like that! 

I guess when you know, you know.

I know they had ups and downs, fights and parties, good times and bad times.  Through it all, they are an inspiration.  And, I can honestly say, I think they are happier today then they were 42 years ago and probably even more in love!

5 Months Old Today!

I cannot believe it's been 5 months!  Time has just flown by.  Everyone said it would, and they were not joking!  Just yesterday I was giving birth, and today I have a 5 month old!!!

To celebrate, Erin is starting oatmeal (it's a far cry from birthday cake).  She's been on rice cereal for the last month, and now we've graduated to oatmeal.  Gram and Pawpaw said she likes it better.  I'll find out tonight when I feed her.

As you can see by her face, she isn't really digging the solids just yet.  So oatmeal may be an improvement.

But, on a lighter note...we love our exersaucer!  We've gradually eased into it.  Since she has more coordination, she is fascinated by the toys on there and grabs them.  She can "stand-up" in it and loves to stand and stretch her legs.

Roxie is still waiting for Erin to go back to where she came from :)

Therapy 101

We had our 2nd therapy session today.  Miss Penny could really tell that we've been working with Erin.  She praised us a lot for the good work and said Erin has more range of motion in her neck this week.  Yay!  I told her we have to thank Gram and Pawpaw for most of it.  Since they're here with Erin during the day, they do her first 2 therapy sessions.  She's suppose to get 3 a day.  I do the last one in the evenings.

I brought my Flip today and shot some video.  I wanted to make sure I was telling Pawpaw exactly how it needs to be done.  There was a lot of editing.  I cut a 45 minute session down to 5.30 minutes.  Warning!  This video is long and not too exciting, but does give you a little insight as to how they do physical therapy on a 5 month old.  Her sessions at home aren't 45 minutes.  They're only 15 minutes long. 

You can see towards the end of the video that she's getting a little fatigued.  She likes Miss Penny and I think she has fun when we go, but today, she was ready to hit the showers when we were done.

Santa, I've Been Very Good!

We took Erin to see Santa tonight at the mall.  The line wasn't too bad.  The elves could have been more efficient, but all in all not a bad experience.  We timed it so she would sleep for part of the time.  Erin woke up smiling and laughing at the other people in line.  Of course when it was our turn and the camera was on we decided not to smile!  We sort of smirked instead.

Erin spit up on Santa too.  I was apologizing and wiping him off with the burp rag and said, "guess it's an occupational hazard."  Santa laughed, winked at me and said, "Santa had 5 elves of his own".  At least I think he was winking at me.  The mall Santa kind of had a wonky eye.  Very nice man and I think his beard was real, but a wonky eye.  Couldn't really tell where he was looking!

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Go Texans! And, Heart Attack Time...

Erin has a very special custom made Texan's outfit that Granny had made for her.  We finally grew into it, and it was a home game, and Daddy said we could wear it for luck!  So tonight we debuted our outfit.  We were more then happy to strike a pose.

 I know I'm cute!

 This bow is as big as my head!

Daddy doesn't look this cute in his Texans gear!

The heart attack came later.  I'm home alone with Erin because Tommy is at the game.  We ran some errands tonight and came home, ate and got ready for bed.  Gram and Pawpaw told me she learned to suck air in and make noises today.  She didn't show me she could do it until after her bath and she was alone in her bed.  I had the monitor on and was out in the living room when she started "gasping".  I ran in there in a panic only to have her look up and smile at me.  I stood there watching and she started doing it again.  She sucks her breath in and makes the gasping sound.  Then she smiles and laughs at herself. 

My heart hasn't returned to normal rhythm yet.



On top of that, while we were out tonight I saw an elderly couple in a broken down car.  They were stopped in the middle of traffic on the feeder road without their hazards on.  The little old man was out of the car in front of it popping the hood.  I called 911 to have the police pull in behind them so they didn't get hit.  I wanted to help them, but didn't want to take any chances stopping with Erin in the car.  No one was stopping to help and people were zipping by.  The Claims Adjuster in me could just see a terrible accident unfolding and the old man getting hurt when someone slammed into the back of the car.  Very scary. 

After I calmed down from Erin's excitement I laughed at myself.  Surely one person shouldn't have to call 911 twice in one day!!!  Thank you Erin Grace!  You took 10 years off of Mommy.

Merry Mize Christmas

We had two additions to the annual Mize Family Christmas Party.  Erin and Luke were added to the mix this year.  (This is where I brag on how well my kid did!  She was all smiles and sweetness as she was passed from cousin, to aunt, to granny and back again all afternoon.)  We had a great time.  It was at Tommy's cousin Lori's house/compound!  They have everything a kid could want out there and the little Mize/Wiseman/Thompson kids can run wild.  Lori has 4 kids of her own, so there are plenty of toys and animals too keep them all happy.  Their house sits off on a huge piece of land, so no one worries about cars and big mean bad guys.  The weather was nice, so they kids were in and out all day.

This year's theme was a little Feliz Navidad.  We had fajitas with all the Mexican fixins'.  Yum.  Lunch was followed by visiting and then we got down to the business of unwrapping presents.  Woo Hoo!  It really is fun to watch the kids tear into their presents.  Erin got quite the haul this year too.  She got a little doll, a glow-worm like seahorse, a My Pal Violet doll and some cute little pjs.  (She has a pair of the pjs on as I write this blog...and napped today with her dolls!) 

Once the kids were done, we had the adult male/female White Elephant Christmas exchange.  I think I got the best present...fudge from Buccee's!!  Little Cousin Morgan talked me into picking that present and Jake was kind enough to help me open it.  (Jake helped everybody open presents.  He's not stingy, they don't just have to be for him to make him enjoy opening them!)  There is usually a lot of stealing and re-stealing in the girl's gift exchange.  And I say that very tongue in cheek, usually, I end up unwrapping most of the presents while people steal them from me.  I'm not sure how/why it happens, but it happens almost every year. 

The boy's are always a little more boring.  They all end up with some sort of hunting knife/knife sharper, tool set, camo hat or flashlight.  This year Tommy bought a little pink tool set and wrapped it up.  His dad was first and picked it.  Jake helped him unwrap it and of course no one wanted to steal it.  When it was all said and done, Tommy pulled out the real present (Craftsman tool set).  They all got a good laugh.  We were just going to take the little pink set back to Sears but it turns out Granny liked it too much!  So, Granny and Grandpa both got tools!!!

Here's a picture of the kids.  There were like 7 cameras so they are all looking in different directions.  Not all of the grandkids could be there this year, and they were certainly missed!  Maybe next year!!

From far left: Micah, Luke, Peyton, Erin, Paige

Mykala, Morgan, Jake, Jacob, Jared

(not pictured but there, Baby Reese - to appear in February)

Alone Time

And people tell us we shouldn't let Erin be an only child...  Here's a little video I snapped today.  She was on the floor playing by herself and being just as happy about it as she could be.

(Please ignore the mess on the floor.  Mommy went to the grocery store today and while I was gone Erin and Daddy had play time on the floor.  I walked in carrying groceries and they were both sound asleep!  Play time and nap time - fun, fun, fun!)

Torta What???

Erin had her first therapy session today.  She has been officially diagnosed with Torticollis.

Torticollis: an abnormal position of the head, usually with the neck bent to one side, caused congenitally by contracture of muscles, muscular spasm, etc

The therapist is of the opinion that Erin was cramped in the womb.  (Really?  No kidding!)  She said it can happen with bigger babies or multiples.  She said the broken collarbone made it worse because she probably was guarding that side. 

Basically it's a condition that she'll outgrow with the therapy.  They did exercises on her today and gave us instructions on what to do with her at home.  Erin was a champ.  She just smiled and laughed her way thru it all.  Miss Penny had her on her tummy and was turning her neck and massaging her.  Erin just took it all in.  Miss Penny was impressed by how good natured and happy Erin is.  She put her on this ball thing too and said she saves it for last because most kids don't like it.  Erin just rolled with it - literally! 

She is already responding to the things we've been doing at home.  We now have a standing Wednesday appointment booked thru January.  They'll continue to assess her, but it all sounds like it's something we'll have to work on but will get better with the therapy.  We have to buy a special pillow to use in the car seat.  The whole trick to it all is keeping her head straight in alignment with her bellybutton.

I'm sad that she has to go thru all this but I'm positive because it is a very minor case.  The therapy didn't hurt her and she seemed to kind of like it.  There were kids there in wheelchairs and kids with cancer there.  In the end, a little tilt of her head is very minor compared to what some of those kids and parents are dealing with.  I don't want it to be that way, but I can't help but be thankful it isn't so much worse.

And yes, she did wear her fabulous pink leopard track suit.

That's Love...

Gram and Pawpaw kept Erin and Roxie tonight while Mommy and Daddy went out to eat.  Tommy took me to my favorite place, Tommy Bahamas.  I love, love, love it.  As usual, it was great.

After dinner, Tommy actually volunteered to go to the mall with me to pick up a couple of Christmas presents.  WOW!  Double WOW!!  I can count on one hand the number of times we've been to the mall together in our 7 1/2 years of marriage.  I actually started off nicely too.  I went in thru Sears Hardware Dept.  He spent the first 20 minutes of the mall trip drooling over the Craftsman section.  (Do I know my man or what?)

Typically, a mall trip with Tommy is a living hell for both of us.  We BOTH avoid that at all costs.  Tonight I was pleasantly surprised.  Thanks Babe!  Is this where I also mention the double doozey chocolate chip cookie that was purchased too?

Short little Roxie story.  I love beef jerky from Bucees.  Tommy stopped last weekend and got me a bag.  I didn't eat much lunch today because I was busy.  So, this afternoon I grabbed a piece of jerky to snack on before dinner.  I was walking around the house putting things away and didn't notice that Roxie was practically in my back pocket.  I bent down to get something out of a bag and I guess I waved the jerky a little and didn't realize it.  The next thing I know, I hooked a big one.  She came out of no where and chomped down on the end of my jerky.  She was getting ready to go to town on it when I yelled at her and yanked it out.  (In the end, she got the jerky anyway.  I love my dog, but I wasn't going to share my snack with her, even if we did just spend a fortune getting her teeth cleaned!!)  As I write this, she's stretched out in the living room watching football with Tommy and snoring.  I'm sure she's dreaming of beef jerky because I swear she's smiling. :)

Good News!

We were back at Texas Children's Hospital today for Erin's follow up with the Pediatric Orthopedic doc.  I have to give props to TCH.  Our appointment was for 10:40 and at 10:44 we were in radiology getting our x-rays.  Very impressive. 

Dr. Horwitz didn't move quite as quickly.  We were shown to the room and had to wait for a while.  An Intern came in and did an assessment.  It was around Erin's nap time so she was passed out in my arms.  He woke her up to feel the break area but she woke up in a great mood.  Dr. Horwitz came in about 20 minutes after that with yet another intern (very much a teaching hospital!).  She was sitting in my lap just smiling and giggling.  He did his poking and prodding and Erin took it all in stride.

Dr. Horwitz said the break is completely healed.  He said she's 100% good as new.  We talked about the therapy Dr. Elahee has recommended.  He took a long time looking at her and touching her shoulders and neck.  The whole time Erin just smiled and laughed at him.  She really was turning on the charm.  He said that neck/shoulder condition has a name, and he used it, but I can't remember what it's called.  Anyway, he said he doesn't think she actually has it but said the therapy certainly won't hurt.  He said he would not diagnose her with that condition but if she does have it, it's very, very slight.

I already had her therapy scheduled.  Next Wednesday, Erin will start her Physical Therapy for her neck/shoulder.  They will assess her and give her therapy there.  They will also give us home exercises.  (How sad is it that I already have her therapy outfit picked out.  She has the cutest pink leopard tracksuit.  She just HAS to wear that to work out in!  Now, I just need to find a cute little pink Richard Simmons headband to go with it.)

It was a great visit to TCH and we are to thankful to God for His blessings.  It's heartbreaking to see some of those kids at TCH and it just makes me even more thankful for my healthy, happy baby.  Thank you all for your prayers.

Christmas Card Outtakes

We took our annual Christmas card photo tonight.  Tommy was a trooper.  He wore the antlers without much fuss. 

Shout out to our fabulous neighbor Suzie.  She has the rockin' camera and brought her boys over and snapped away.  It was great.  She knows that you have to be quick to get good ones when you're dealing with babies, dogs and impatient men in Hawaiian shirts and antlers!  We were literally done in 5 minutes. 

Here are a couple of outtakes that just didn't make the cut. 

Hudson felt bad that Tommy was the only boy in the picture.

(Look how Erin lights up at him - BFFs forever!)

 Somehow we all managed to look bad in this one. 

(I'm pretty sure Tom is choking Roxie!)

 Look Ma, no flash!

Someone help me, please!

The finished product will be coming soon to a mailbox near you!

Rub-a-dub-dub

These are the pictures that will one day haunt Little E.  The naked bathtub pictures that every parent takes!

Of course, when the camera came out she stopped smiling.  She loves her bath and just splashes and kicks and giggles.  It's really just too cute! 

Can't you just smell that sweet fresh and clean baby smell right now but by looking at her?

Thanks for Thanksgiving

I'm a little late with this post.  We were at dinner tonight and Tommy said he was surprised I didn't post a Thanksgiving post on the blog.  Duh!  I got so busy with life, I forgot to make a post.  I just take for granted that everyone knows how thankful I am for my many blessings. 

With that being said...Let me emphasize how thankful I am for all my many, many blessings.  Let's start at the beginning...

I am so thankful for my parents.  Jim and Sandy celebrate their 42nd wedding anniversary in December.  They are the most supportive and giving people.  They taught me everything I know and have shown me how to love.  I can't be thankful for them without being thankful to Louis and Jimmie.  They just celebrated their 40th anniversary in November.  They are another impressive example of love and faith.  Tommy and I are so fortunate to have such great parents.  The four of them are a daily example of all that we strive to be.  

That leads me to Tommy...Seven and a half years ago, God and State Farm brought me my best friend.  We knew each other enough to say hi, but then that one fateful day he called me about a claim...the rest is history.  Tommy and Angela = forever!  I am so thankful to have found the love of my life and my best friend all rolled up into one terrific, funny, caring man.

From Jim and Sandy and Louis and Jimmie I also got two sisters and two brothers.  Only one of them is biologically related to me, but I am thankful that the others were brought into my life as well.  Amy, Matthew, Mark and Stephanie are the 4 people in the world Tommy and I can count on the most.  It's very reassuring to know they are always there for us.  I'm also thankful for two little pint sized Mize boys.  Jake and Luke were added to my big family three years ago and I can't remember what life was like without them. 

Last but not least, our healthy, happy, beautiful Erin Grace.  Four and a half months ago, she took her sweet time coming into this world but oh how it was worth the wait.  I am thankful for her every minute of every day.  My heart could just explode I'm so happy and in love with that precious baby.

Thursday was a day to honor all that we have been given.  I stopped and thanked God, but I forgot to tell everyone about it.  Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Right Back at Ya Mom!

Erin has learned two new tricks this week.  First, she discovered her feet.  So, when she lays on her back, she grabs her feet.  She grabs them and kicks while still holding them.  It's cute, but that trick isn't as impressive as our other one.  She's learned to spit back at you.  It's all fun and games until she has a mouth full of milk or cereal.  I've taken a couple of hits to the face this weekend. 

She was on the floor entertaining herself and I got down there with her.  I would do it and she would do it right back at me.  Of course, when the camera came out she got shy.  But, you get the picture...

Christmas, I'm Ready!

I showed restraint this year.  I didn't put the tree up until the day after Thanksgiving.  Okay, restraint wasn't the real reason.  I would have done it last weekend, but we had company. 

Tommy did his duty and got down all the boxes.  I've added stuff every year so every year there is more to get down.  I did actually purged some of the old stuff this year and Goodwill is reaping the rewards of Christmas past.  Erin napped on and off in her little chair in the middle of it all and Tommy helped.  I think it was more fun for him this year since we have Erin.  In the past, he's gotten the boxes down and disappeared upstairs when it was time to decorate. (This worked out well for both of us :))

BEFORE...

AFTER



I also started my Christmas shopping.  I didn't go to the crazy Black Friday sales on Friday morning.  But, I can totally see me out there in years to come searching for just exactly what Erin wants.  I'm sure there will be 4 of them in The Woodlands somewhere and 50,000 moms out there looking for them.  (Remember, I'm scrappy, so look out ladies!)

Tommy left Friday evening to go hunting.  Erin and I were bored and in the Christmas spirit.  We went to Target and Garden Ridge.  We bought some presents at Target along with some cute little pjs for Erin.  She's getting to tall for her 6 month jammies and we're upgrading her to 9 months.  (That seems absurd that she's wearing 9 month jammies and she's only 4 1/2 months old!  Who do they make these pajamas for?  Midgets?)

Over the years and travels, Tommy and I have collected a couple of Margaritaville Christmas ornaments from the various locations we've been to.  I thought this year would be a good year to have a Margaritaville/beach themed Christmas tree.  They have a ton of beachy ornaments at Garden Ridge, so Erin and I did some Black Friday shopping after all.  We bought a little 4 foot Christmas tree to put up in Daddy's Game Room.  Daddy will be so surprised when he gets home.  We know what a Parrothead he is.  He'll love it.  (The picture doesn't do it justice!)

The Beach Tree!  (Complete with Star Fish tree topper!)



Roxie has had a very taxing weekend.  Cousin Bailey is staying with us while Mark and Steph are out of town.  Roxie is counting down the minutes until they come pick her up too.  She isn't used to having to stand over her empty food bowl all day and night guarding it.  They are so funny.  It's empty, but Roxie doesn't want Bailey anywhere near it.  I forget what it's like to have a young dog around too.  Rox isn't much on playing with all her toys.  She has a couple of favorites, but usually we instigate a game of fetch and it doesn't last too long.  Bailey on the other hand plays with every toy we have.  She'll pull them out of the basket one at a time and play with them for about 2 minutes.  I'll go behind her picking them up and she'll get them right back out.  My living room/dining room/entry hall is littered with baby and dog toys.  I give up.  They win!!

There was a squirrel on the back fence.  This caused much drama, but we chased him away.  Everyone can rest at ease tonight.

What's Up Doc?

Erin had her 4 month check-up today.  It was a hard appointment on all 3 of us.  Since she was scheduled to get her shots, I thought this would be the perfect time to have her ears pierced too.  (Yes Aunt Mimi - we did it!)

The doctor came in and did her check up.  Erin tends to favor her left side.  She tilts her head and draws her shoulder up on that side.  I have noticed it but thought it was just a "habit" that she formed due to her broken collarbone.  The doctor seems to think that it isn't because of the collarbone.  So, she referred us to an Occupational Therapist.  The therapist is suppose to assess her and give us some exercises to do at home.  Hopefully, this will strengthen the other side.  The doctor said it's not a big deal, she would just rather correct it now while she's still small. 

As far as the rest of her... Little E is growing like a little weed! 

Weight:    15.8 lbs  (88% percentile)
Height:     25 inches  (74% percentile)
Head:       16.5 inches (75% percentile)

They did the earrings before the shots.  Dr. Elahee actually did the piercing herself.  They are the cutest little cz studs.  They're especially for infants and don't have to be cleaned and turned and all that junk you used to have to do to earrings.  We leave them in for 6 weeks then take them out and replace them with a "real" pair.  Maybe Santa will bring Erin some cute earrings for Christmas!  Erin was a champ.  I had to hold her arms and legs while the nurse held her head and her Daddy stood outside pacing and not looking.  She cried, but they gave us some numbing ointment to use before hand and I think it helped.  I guarantee it was harder on Mommy and Daddy then it was on Erin.  She's fine now and doesn't even act like she knows they are there.

Big girl got 3 shots today too.  The nurse that gave these was top notch.  We will have to ask for her again next time.  She was super fast.  Last time the nurse was a little too timid and took too long.  It's bad enough that they have to stick her, but to take forever doing it drives both of us crazy.  She got super upset about the shots.  Poor baby cried herself to sleep before we could even get out the door.

The doctor said to start her on rice cereal.  She didn't want us adding it to her bottle (like I was already doing...).  Instead we're supposed to mix it up and spoon feed her.  We shot this video tonight.  It's the first time she's ever been in her highchair.  She looks so tiny in it!!  I don't think she's a big fan of rice cereal just yet.  Hopefully, we both get better at this with time.

We're also supposed to transition her to her own room!  Yikes.  She's been sleeping in our room (yes, still in her swing -don't judge.)  It will be strange to have her upstairs instead of in there with us.  My plan is to try this over the Thanksgiving holiday.  We'll be off, so if it doesn't go well we haven't lost sleep while trying to work.  Fingers crossed. 

Tommy already said that if Erin sleeps upstairs, he's going to start sleeping up there too.  I can see this now.  She'll be tossing and turning in her crib and we'll be wide awake on the floor in her room having an over-protective parent camp out.

 

Fun Weekend! But Lala is Tired!!

Bridgette and Wade came in this weekend with the kids.  It's the first time they've come in and stayed with us since Erin was born.  It was a lot of fun.  Loud, but a lot of fun!!!  I'm not sure you know this, but 3 kids and a dog can make a lot of noise!

Friday night they got here after dinner so we just hung out.  Erin had had a good day and was especially charming.  Here's a shot of all the kids with their jammies on. 

Saturday night was a pizza dinner at a local mom and pop place.  Gram, Pawpaw, Aunt Mimi and Uncle Matt came to join us.  Erin ate her dinner and passed out in her carrier.  It was all I could do to fight off Gram and Pawpaw.  They were insisting on waking her up to hold her.  Needless to say, I won.  (And yes, after dinner they were especially loud hoping she would wake up!)  Then it was back to the house for visiting and brownies! 

We think Erin is the prettiest, smartest and best baby ever - as all parents do, but Wade and Bridgette confirmed it.  They kept bragging on what a good baby she is.  Bridgette was funny and reminded me that while she's good now, she could turn on us any time now! Erin really did have a good weekend.  She only had one little episode on Saturday night.  It was a crying fit about 15 minutes long.  (When she gets tired she fights sleep and it all turns to crying.)  After she conked out, it was all good.

It was such a pretty day today that we went to the park.  It was Erin's first time there.  We all trooped down there (even Roxie) and hung out for a while.  The boys played a little baseball, Julia played on the playground, Erin hung around and Roxie panted and looked for shade.  Erin got to swing and Bridge and Tom put her on the slide.  All in all, the playground was a hit. 

Erin takes after me with sunlight and glare - she hates it.  We put her shades on her for the first time too.  She didn't mind that they were on, but she kept knocking them off.  She'll have to work on that if she ever wants to be "Too Cool For School".

 Miss Cool

 Going down my first slide!

 I'm not sure about this...

 The 4 Mizes

 This isn't how the big kids do it.

  No explanation needed.  Playground supervision is very taxing.

The Grandparent Series - Part IV My Pawpaw

This is my Pawpaw. 

He is so crazy about me it isn't even funny!

My Pawpaw comes over almost every day to see me.  He buys me books and reads me my stories.  I love to sit in his lap while he reads to me.  I've started "talking" to Pawpaw.  He repeats, "Pawpaw is my favorite" and "I want to go to Pawpaw's house" over and over again and tells me I need to practice saying those two things. 

Pawpaw and Gram babysit me everyday.  While they're here, Pawpaw watches the Military Channel on the big screen TV.  He thinks it's funny that I lay on the floor in my little gym and look up at the TV.  Pawpaw says I'm going to be a history major in college and specialize in WWII history.

My Pawpaw makes me things too.  He made me a toybox before I was even born.  Mommy put the bling on it, but the toybox was all Pawpaw's idea.  He made me a little picnic table too.  It was such a hit, he's now filling orders for other people!!  Me and Pawpaw make a great team.

I love my Pawpaw!

The Grandparent Series - Part III My Grandpa

This is me and my Grandpa. 

He's a real live cowboy!!

My Grandpa gave me my very own calf when I was born.  He let my Mommy pick it out.  Granny named her Buttercup and she was so pretty.  One day Grandpa was loading up some of the other calves to take them to daycare at the sale barn.  Buttercup loaded herself up with her friends.  Grandpa knew that was my calf, so he told her she couldn't leave.  He got in the trailer and got Buttercup unloaded.  When Grandpa turned around again to load some others, Buttercup snuck out and loaded up again.  Grandpa said Mommy can just pick out another calf for me.  Buttercup went to live with another little girl in a magic kingdom far, far, away!

My Grandpa tells me all the time how pretty I am.  I love to lay on his belly in his recliner in the country.  I go to sleep there sometimes.  It feels so good to be all warm and stretched out on his belly.  I can't wait to grow up so I can ride around on the back property with him and Daddy looking at all the deer.

I love my Grandpa!

The Grandparent Series - Part II My Gram

This is me and my Grandma. 

I'm her first grandbaby and she spoils me rotten.

She calls me "Dolly".  Her and Pawpaw fight over who gets to hold me whenever I'm around.  But, when I'm upset and screaming, I love my Gram.  Pawpaw takes off, and Gram gets me all to herself!!  She cuddles and snuggles me down and the next thing I know, I'm sound asleep!

Gram got a new smart cell phone just so she could get better pictures of me!  She even learned how to text message just for me!  Now me and Momma send her pictures all the time. 

Gram and Pawpaw watch me during the week while Mommy and Daddy work.  I smile really big at her when they get here in the mornings.  Grandma likes me to be in my pajamas because she thinks I look so cute - especially my red and pink polka-dot pair with the bear on the rumpus.

I love my Grandma!

The Grandparent Series - Part I - My Granny

This is me and my Granny. 

I'm her 3rd grandchild, but first granddaughter. 

She totally spoils me rotten.

Before I was born, Granny joked that her and Grandpa were going to have to take "Little Girl" classes.  They raised boys and had lots of Grandparent practice on Jake and Luke.  So, God decided to make me a little girl just to throw them a curve ball!! 

She calls me "Little Miss Pink".  Because she knows my Daddy so well, she had the cutest Texans outfit custom made just for me!  We wear it on game days to support our Houston Texans.  Daddy puts on his Texans jersey and I put on my little Texans jeans and shirt.

Sometimes Granny comes in from the country to spend the day with us.  She went with me and Mommy to have my Halloween Cow pictures done.  Thanksgiving will be up the country this year.  I can hardly wait.  My Granny is the best cook.  (That's what Mommy says anyway!)  She'll have plenty of good food and treats for me when I'm older.  For now, I just have to take Mommy and Daddy's word for it. 

I love my Granny!

Smiles and Tears - Say Cheese!

The three Mize Grandkids took their Christmas picture today.  I had booked the appointment weeks ago.  It was actually a great day to take a Christmas pic.  A cold front moved thru last night and it was nice and nippy today.  (I was tempted to come home and put the Christmas tree up!)

Three children under 3 in dress clothes.  What were Stephanie and I thinking???

Looking back, it was comedy.  We would get Erin to look at the camera and Luke wouldn't smile.  We'd get Luke and Erin to look and smile and Jake would be a turd and move or make a face.  Then Erin would pull her hands up and put them in her mouth.  Then Luke would try to crawl away.  Before we left, Luke cried, then Erin cried, then leaving Jake fell down and cried.  I'm pretty sure the woman at Sears cried too when we left...tears of joy!

The outfits on the kiddos were too cute.  Erin had on a red frilly dress and the boys had on little black pants with ties and vests.  We bought them at different times, but it all matched perfectly.

We were in the studio for about 30 minutes and got a handful of cute ones.  Luckily, there was one of all three of them that turned out cute.  We decided to make this an annual event.  (Remind me next year to have a couple of margaritas before we go!)  On second thought, next year Tommy and Mark can take them and Steph and I will stay home and watch football!  Go Texans!

The Fat Lady Sings

Erin has discovered her voice.  When left alone to play by herself this is what we hear.  It doesn't really matter if she's on the floor, in her chair or in the swing.  She starts making these sounds until someone comes into view. 

Notice on the video how she stops once Tommy is standing right there with her.  You can see the TV flickering in the background.  Pawpaw had just left and the TV was still on the Military Channel.  (Yes, he and Erin watch the military channel all day while we're working.  Granny took Friday off, so Pawpaw was here by himself, and this is what he subjected my child to all day long.)  If Pawpaw has his way, Erin will ace history!

Giggle Girl

Okay, here's a short little video of Erin giggling.  Tommy had her going pretty good.  I ran and got the camera and she giggled some more, but not like she was before it was lights, camera, action.  (He's asking her if she did something bad because of the way we were laughing before he walked in.  Turns out, Erin and I were laughing at the way Daddy had put on the diaper!  It wasn't pretty, but it held and that's all that matters around these parts!  Yay Daddy!)

Now if I could just catch a video of her rolling over...

WOW - 1 Year Ago

I should have posted this last night, but I forgot to sit down at my computer!

I sit there all day on the work computer and I just don't have much time at night to get on my personal computer when I'm done.  I would rather spend the time with Erin and Tommy.  Right now, it's after midnight and they're asleep.

Yesterday, November 8th, was one year to the day when we found out we were pregnant.  I can't believe it has been a year!!  It seems like just yesterday I walked upstairs after the home pregnancy test and told Tommy.  Three pregnancy tests and one year later, we have the light of our lives. 

Smiley Girl

Here are two short videos of Little E.

I wish everyone could see just how smiley she is.  When we're home and she's comfortable, she just laughs and smiles all the time.  As usual, I was trying to get it on video and she decided not to cooperate.  These two videos are just two examples of how Mommy and Daddy will act like silly fools to get their girl to giggle.



And Daddy's turn...


Notice she still didn't giggle.  The girl has all the power here...

Happy Birthday Granny!

Today is Granny Mize's birthday.  She got a video from Jake and Luke this morning so Erin said she wanted to do her own video.  We also took a birthday card picture and sent it to Granny on Facebook.  Roxie was in the original picture, but Erin wouldn't smile.  We got Erin to smile and Roxie took off.  Dogs and babies are not the most cooperative subjects.

Happy Birthday Granny



An interesting fact about the Wistner/Mize birthdays... Erin kicks off the "birthday season" with her birthday in July.  From then on we have one or two birthdays a month until March.  We don't skip any months in between and all the birthdays are consecutive with no one left out of sequence.  (This list includes Erin, both parents, all 4 grandparents, both aunts, both uncles and both cousins!!)  I just think it's kind of cool.  From July to March we have at least one family birthday to celebrate. 

Party on!!

Happy Birthday Granny!

Today is Granny Mize's birthday.  She got a video from Jake and Luke this morning so Erin said she wanted to do her own video.  We also took a birthday card picture and sent it to Granny on Facebook.  Roxie was in the original picture, but Erin wouldn't smile.  We got Erin to smile and Roxie took off.  Dogs and babies are not the most cooperative subjects.

Happy Birthday Granny



An interesting fact about the Wistner/Mize birthdays... Erin kicks off the "birthday season" with her birthday in July.  From then on we have one or two birthdays a month until March.  We don't skip any months in between and all the birthdays are consecutive with no one left out of sequence.  (This list includes Erin, both parents, all 4 grandparents, both aunts, both uncles and both cousins!!)  I just think it's kind of cool.  From July to March we have at least one family birthday to celebrate. 

Party on!!

Chaos I Tell You

This week has been very hectic.  I started back to work on Monday and Gram and Pawpaw started their new full time job -Daycare Workers.

What can I say?  It's going to take a little time to get back in the swing of things.  It took forever to get logged back on the State Farm system on Monday.  Since I was out for so long they moved me to an inactive status.  Three long phone calls and an overnight processing later, I'm up and running.  I have over 1,100 emails.  I think the end total was close to 1,200.  Talk about info overload!!!  I'm taking this week to go thru them all and to figure out what has changed since I was gone.  I'll go back on rotation on Monday.  Here's to hoping handling claims is like riding a bike...

The great thing about SF is that they're letting me work from home right now.  Eventually, I'll have to go into the office 1 day a week.  I'm going to start 4/10s, so I'll have one day off during the week to give our Daycare Couple a break.  Not sure what day it will be, but I'm hoping for Fridays or Wednesdays.  More to come on that later.

Gram and Pawpaw are easing into their new duties as well.  They got here super early on Monday and have since tried to get the arrival timing down.  They come to our house everyday to keep Erin.  This week is our trail run.  Next week, we're going to start on a regimented routine.  I've been trying to juggle getting ready, working, and feeding her and I think it's time to have a concrete plan instead of the ad hoc approach we've had.  Momma needs her structure!!  I know I'm too "Type A".  I just feel better going to bed at night knowing that there is a plan in place.  Crazy!

Erin is being a toot and not rolling over when we want her to!!  She does it when we least expect it and never when the camera/video is out.  Tommy still hasn't gotten to see her do it.  I've seen it once, and she has done it a couple times for Gram and Pawpaw.

Roxie has enjoyed having Gram and Pawpaw here.  They bring Max so she has company during the day.  (When she's not sitting in Gram's lap!)  Monday she was very out of sorts and stayed upstairs with me all day.  I would come downstairs to check on things and she would be on my heels.  The minute I went back upstairs she was with me until she heard food wrappers downstairs.  Then she was out of there so she could beg along side Max.  (And FYI - the begging pays off.  The old people are suckers!)

Chaos I Tell You

This week has been very hectic.  I started back to work on Monday and Gram and Pawpaw started their new full time job -Daycare Workers.

What can I say?  It's going to take a little time to get back in the swing of things.  It took forever to get logged back on the State Farm system on Monday.  Since I was out for so long they moved me to an inactive status.  Three long phone calls and an overnight processing later, I'm up and running.  I have over 1,100 emails.  I think the end total was close to 1,200.  Talk about info overload!!!  I'm taking this week to go thru them all and to figure out what has changed since I was gone.  I'll go back on rotation on Monday.  Here's to hoping handling claims is like riding a bike...

The great thing about SF is that they're letting me work from home right now.  Eventually, I'll have to go into the office 1 day a week.  I'm going to start 4/10s, so I'll have one day off during the week to give our Daycare Couple a break.  Not sure what day it will be, but I'm hoping for Fridays or Wednesdays.  More to come on that later.

Gram and Pawpaw are easing into their new duties as well.  They got here super early on Monday and have since tried to get the arrival timing down.  They come to our house everyday to keep Erin.  This week is our trail run.  Next week, we're going to start on a regimented routine.  I've been trying to juggle getting ready, working, and feeding her and I think it's time to have a concrete plan instead of the ad hoc approach we've had.  Momma needs her structure!!  I know I'm too "Type A".  I just feel better going to bed at night knowing that there is a plan in place.  Crazy!

Erin is being a toot and not rolling over when we want her to!!  She does it when we least expect it and never when the camera/video is out.  Tommy still hasn't gotten to see her do it.  I've seen it once, and she has done it a couple times for Gram and Pawpaw.

Roxie has enjoyed having Gram and Pawpaw here.  They bring Max so she has company during the day.  (When she's not sitting in Gram's lap!)  Monday she was very out of sorts and stayed upstairs with me all day.  I would come downstairs to check on things and she would be on my heels.  The minute I went back upstairs she was with me until she heard food wrappers downstairs.  Then she was out of there so she could beg along side Max.  (And FYI - the begging pays off.  The old people are suckers!)

Tricks Instead of Treats

Exciting day here in Spring, Texas.  Miss Erin Grace Mize rolled over for the first time!!!  She and I were having tummy time in the living room.  Tommy was at the table on my computer.  She's been rolling up on her side for a while now.  She did it then stopped and looked like she was thinking about rolling all the way over.  Sure enough, she did it.  I got to watch the whole thing.  I hollered and Tommy came running.  Of course, she didn't want to do it again.  We put her back on her tummy and she would go up on her side, but wouldn't roll over all the way.  (Don't worry - we'll be practicing this week and I'm sure I'll have it on video before the week is up!)

Cul-de-sac Halloween party tonight.  It was cute.  We set up tables in the culdesac and all the kids trick or treat and help themselves.  We live so far back in the subdivision that we don't get much foot traffic.  There are always a couple of brave souls from further back in our section, but the turn out is never huge.  I say this but we have a ton of kids on our street, so I should say the turn out from other then our street is low.  The 5 year old next door brought Erin a trick or treat bag the other day to collect her candy.  Of course, she removed the candy that she already had in the bag before she gave it to Erin, but it's the thought that counts.

Happy Grandparents



Erin snacking on her hand instead of Halloween candy!



Trick or Treat Daddy!

She should have been a Wiggle Worm instead of a cow!

I would pay $1 million to know what she was thinking

at the exact moment this was taken!

Tomorrow is my first day back at work since July 9th!! I have mixed emotions on it. Part of me will miss being home with Erin, but part of me is looking forward to getting into a routine. I'll be working from home until after the first of the year. Pawpaw and Gram will be coming over everyday to keep Erin. I'll be upstairs working, so the transition won't be so hard. I am not cut out to be a stay at home mom. Hats off to those that can do it. I'm too lazy! Most days Erin and I don't get dressed until lunch time! Tomorrow will be a rude awakening.

Tricks Instead of Treats

Exciting day here in Spring, Texas.  Miss Erin Grace Mize rolled over for the first time!!!  She and I were having tummy time in the living room.  Tommy was at the table on my computer.  She's been rolling up on her side for a while now.  She did it then stopped and looked like she was thinking about rolling all the way over.  Sure enough, she did it.  I got to watch the whole thing.  I hollered and Tommy came running.  Of course, she didn't want to do it again.  We put her back on her tummy and she would go up on her side, but wouldn't roll over all the way.  (Don't worry - we'll be practicing this week and I'm sure I'll have it on video before the week is up!)

Cul-de-sac Halloween party tonight.  It was cute.  We set up tables in the culdesac and all the kids trick or treat and help themselves.  We live so far back in the subdivision that we don't get much foot traffic.  There are always a couple of brave souls from further back in our section, but the turn out is never huge.  I say this but we have a ton of kids on our street, so I should say the turn out from other then our street is low.  The 5 year old next door brought Erin a trick or treat bag the other day to collect her candy.  Of course, she removed the candy that she already had in the bag before she gave it to Erin, but it's the thought that counts.

Happy Grandparents



Erin snacking on her hand instead of Halloween candy!



Trick or Treat Daddy!

She should have been a Wiggle Worm instead of a cow!

I would pay $1 million to know what she was thinking

at the exact moment this was taken!

Tomorrow is my first day back at work since July 9th!! I have mixed emotions on it. Part of me will miss being home with Erin, but part of me is looking forward to getting into a routine. I'll be working from home until after the first of the year. Pawpaw and Gram will be coming over everyday to keep Erin. I'll be upstairs working, so the transition won't be so hard. I am not cut out to be a stay at home mom. Hats off to those that can do it. I'm too lazy! Most days Erin and I don't get dressed until lunch time! Tomorrow will be a rude awakening.