IS IT FALL YET?

Happy weekend everyone!

It's Saturday night and football is on! Even if it is a pre-season game, it still makes Brett really happy. I'm am VERY ready for fall. I want shorter days, football Sundays, Halloween, and I really would like to pull out all of my autumn-smelling candles. Yumm. But mostly I WANT COOLER WEATHER. This heat it completely miserable this summer. You can barely breathe when you walk outside. The heat seems exaggerated to me since I have a baby and he can't be out in it at all. You can only walk the mall so many times with an infant and be entertained. I'm so ready for fall weather that I bought a ton of fall and winter clothes for Orien Friday (TAX-FREE!) even though it's still about 2 months away. 

Enough about that. On to the more important stuff...

We were tested this week. Our emotions, bodies and minds were tested to their fullest! But with God by our side, we made it through a tough past few days. Last Saturday morning Brett received an unexpected call that his Grandma Christianson passed away. Although she was 82 and had a pace maker, this was sudden, sad news. The entire family was devastated. We continue to keep everyone affected in our prayers and hope God brings them comfort in this difficult time. She truly is in a better place now, with no pain. We were very happy that she met Orien at least once. I know that she adored him and enjoyed our brief visit. We miss her so so much and will be sure Orien will know all about his wonderful, selfless great-grandma Mary.

This past week I took Orien to the doctor since he suddenly wasn't sleeping AT ALL. Every 15-20 min he would wake fussing or crying. After THREE nights of sleeping through the night and then this, I knew something was up. The doctor discovered poor Orien had a virus...most likely a cold. We were shocked because he showed zero signs during the day - just some sleepiness. Thankfully, he's on his way to being 100% again. The sleeping isn't back to normal yet, but it's improving. 

To say that we've been totally and completely exhausted is an UNDERSTATEMENT.

Last Thursday Brett and I were both at the end of our rope. I prayed and prayed all day to God to please please let us get some rest in order to function properly to care for our son! And for our sakes! After a long, emotional day (funeral), God answered our prayers. GOD IS GOOD! He truly will not give anyone more than they can handle. We were tested, but not broken. We have seen how strong we are and how much our love for our child will push us beyond our limits. Praise Him.

We have finally started going to church again on a regular basis. I didn't realize how much I missed it until we went again. The pastor, people and worship at River Pointe is beyond amazing and enriches our lives so much! We have joined a Home Team with our church. A Home Team is a small group of people who are around the same age as you and usually in the same stage of life. We are in a group with 4 other couples, some with kids, some without. It is something we really enjoy doing weekly and it's much-needed in our lives. I have also started serving at church by watching the little ones. Last week I watched the one-year olds (they are a HAND FULL!), but from now on I'll watch the infants (newborn-crawling age). YAY! I just can't get enough babies :) Orien has been going to the childcare while we attend church and he's doing very well! Better than the first week when he cried and cried.

Ok, I'm off to join Brett on the couch for some Texans football. Thank you to all of our family and friends for always supporting us in our lives. During times when we are struggling, it is SO comforting to know we have lots of love from others. We are very blessed to be able to raise Orien with so many loving people around him! 

Good night and God Bless!

Patricia

PS. Does anyone want a boxer and a raccoon? 

Just Had to Share...

Last night he slept through the night.

I think that's the 3rd time since he's been born. He's been sleeping better the past 3 weeks, but he still wakes at 1-2am to eat. Then he wakes early early morning, but usually puts himself back to sleep now.

We've been working hard to put him down to sleep AWAKE. We gave up on that at first, because we were so desperate for sleep ourselves that we rocked him/held him until he was sleeping hard. That is a thing of the past now! (Thanks partially to Aunt Rhonda's crib toy she gave him)...Orien doses off without mom and dad's help!

PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE!

We'll be PRO'S the second time around :) Let's hope...

Patricia

QT with Mom & Dad

Photos from this weekend...

Orien is 19 weeks!

Half of the weekend we laid around, watching Tiger and football...

Half the weekend we ran errands (bought new wood floors!)...

And we mixed in LOTS of playtime with Orien :)

Enjoy!

PB

Where's my Bottle?!?

We started little O on baby food last week! 

The doc gave us a list of a new food to try each week. First on the list? SQUASH! Poor Orien. He didn't like the taste very much. I wouldn't have either - it smelled horrible. 

Now...several attempts later... I'd say he's getting the hang of the spoon but not crazy about the mushy stuff mom puts in his mouth. He's thinking "WHERE'S MY BOTTLE?!"

Enjoy. The last photo is priceless.

PB

Best Friend's Wedding

"Going to the Chapel"...for a THIRD time this summer!

This time it was my BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING!!!! (Dallas, TX) I've known Emily and Preston for about four years now. I met them both at Baylor. Emily and I are both Alpha Chi's and were roommates my senior year. It's been wonderful to watch her and Preston's friendship grow into a beautiful loving relationship. God truly made them for each other. Their wedding was just as expected - a PERFECT & elegant! Emily would have nothing less of course :) It was very fitting for her. I was a bridesmaid, which made for a very full weekend. Also Emily-style...there was an extremely detailed schedule of events. Right down to the minute! I love schedules/lists so I actually enjoyed it, haha. 

Friday, all the girls had pedicures by the pool, complimented with a wonderful light lunch and drinks. Saturday started off early at 10:30am @ Emily's parent's house. All the house and bridal party met to get their hair and make-up done, while enjoying amazing food and drinks! The food kept coming throughout the entire day - I loveddd it. It was quite a site to see nearly 20 girls and women getting all prepped and pretty for the big event. Finally around 3:30pm we were off in the limo to the church...for MORE prep time!

We had a few too many girls in the limo, but made it work :)

After getting dressed, dressing Emily and lots of photos...the Roush-Keith wedding began! Besides the fact that the bridesmaid shoes were hands-down the MOST uncomfortable shoes I've ever worn and I literally almost fell walking down the isle (sorry Em!), the wedding was just awesome. It was SO great to witness their big day. The reception was on the top floor of a building in Dallas and had amazing views of the entire city. We danced the night away with all of our college friends. Good food. Good hotel. Great wedding. Awesome friends. Amazing weekend! 

(But we missed our little "O" BUNCHES. We got up early and ran back to him ASAP Sunday. Haha)

Enjoy the pics.

PMB

(And YES my tan is fake, yay spray tan!)

Rehearsal dinner time (with a side of a few swirl margaritas!!!) 

P&B

Me and lovely Em :)

3 Bests.

BEEE-autiful.

Waving bye to family and friends - leaving her house and GOING TO THE CHAPEL!

Me and Beth with the bride! On the way to the church...

SUPER full limooo with house/bridal party.

"WOAH!"

Ok all dressed!

Reception time...party time.

We look the same in every pic! Still cute :)

Her wedding wouldn't be complete without the Alpha Chi song! It's tradition... Look how many AXO's were there, like 15, woooohoo!

Teething

Orien loves his teething ring that we put in the freezer. He can hold it himself but has a hard time getting it in his mouth since it's kind of heavy. Dad was helping him hold it. A baby with numb gums is a happy baby!! 

We had a great time at our friend's wedding in Dallas this weekend. I'll post photos soon. But after 2 1/2 days apart from Orien, we were VERY ready to get back home to him. All week we have 6 family visitors in town!! Woohoo! I'll be sure to post photos from this week as well later. We saw them for a little bit today and they loved little O. It's so fun having new people meet him. Ok - off to bed! I'm exhausted after traveling. 

Love,

Patricia

Thanks Dad for helping me!

Yummm.

Around the House in July

This week I am working from home since my mom is out of town. She usually watches Orien during the day while I'm at work. Aunt Glenda came by yesterday to spend some time with us!! Orien thought she was pretty comfy :) 

I took some photos of Orien in his sailor shirt for his Aunt Judy! He has been wearing the 9-12 month clothes she bought for him for several weeks! We love the little shirts on him; they're too cute.

Enjoy! 

Love yall,

Patricia