When 2 became 3 by the Grace of God

5 months really????

2012-02-12T16:32:00.002-06:00

I know, I know, I have been a horrible blogger the last 5 months. I think about it at times I don't have time to sit down and type. Here are things that are going on with Kysen:
*A walker- He walks everywhere!!!! He took his first steps right before he was 9 months, and I was home to see them. It was wonderful. Ever since then he takes more and more, and within the last few weeks, he would rather walk than crawl.
*5 teeth- He is an AWESOME teether. One of his teeth we had no idea that it was even going to come out. He went to bed and the next morning he had a tooth.
*Talking- here are just a few words that you can say, Mama, Dada, Ball, Dog, Hi, Bye, No, OK, yeah, and you are trying your name, sometimes we get Sen out of you and other times we get Ky Ky. He repeats ever word that I say, or at least make a noise with the same tone that I use.
*Clapping is still one thing he always does. Now, he will play patty cake by himself.
*If he is crying, all I have to do is give him a book or show him a picture of a baby and he stops.
*He waves bye with both hands, and waves hi with one hand.
*He loves to give people high five, and we are working on bones(knuckles). He doesn't quit get to make a fist.
*He had RSV in January and that was an awful experience. He had a fever for a week. It got really high one night and had to take him to the ER. After 2 weeks, he finally started acting like himself.
*We are working on the word gentle when petting dogs or when we are around babies.
*He will just walk over to me and give me a hug and a kiss, he already knows how to melt a woman's heart.
*Some of his favorite toys are trucks he can push around, anything that will open and close, riding in his many cars that he has, and he still loves balls. He always has at least one in his hand no matter what he is doing.
*At his 9 month check up he weighed 20 pounds(30th percentile) and was 30 inches long (95th percentile).
*He is going to be a big cousin in August!

This is just a little bit of what Kysen can do! I can't believe he is a month away from being one. Time is flying. I love him more than I ever thought I could love anything.

6 months

2011-09-21T20:59:00.006-05:00

I hate that the 5 month mark got skipped, I do have a picture but no stats. I guess that is what happens when school starts and we didn't have internet at home.

For now, here is your 6 month stats:

You weigh almost 17 pounds- 30th percentile

Lenghth is 28 inches- 90%th percentile

Wearing size 2 diaper

Clothes is so hard because you are so skinny- pajamas 6-9 months, onsies 6-9, shirts 3-6, and shorts/pants are 3-6 month but falling off of you. When you wear 3-6 month pants they are way too short. Not sure how to fix this problem, but hopefully one day Mommy will.

Your 2 bottom teeth FINALLY broke through at the same time

You can sit all by yourself

Love playing with your toys and when you get bored with one you let us know and we move on to something else

You would rather be standing than sitting, but you don't have the strength yet to stand on your own, even though you try really hard.

You are rocking on all fours ready to start crawling

Your favorite thing is when Mommy or Daddy say your name .you stop what you are doing and look and smile.

Whenever you make eye contact with someone you give them the biggest smile.

People say you are the happiest baby they have ever seen. You never cry unless something is really bothering you, and your smile is amazing!

You love to belly laugh at your Daddy whenever he is playing with you.

You started Day Care with Ms. Tina and you LOVE it. There are many days you would rather be there than home, which makes me happy that you love it, but sad because I want you to want to be with me.

You still eat about 30 ounces a day and have 2 meals a day one with fruit and the other with veggies. If you had your choice it would be all food and no bottle.

You still don't really nap, maybe 10 min here and there in the mornings, and an hour on a good afternoon.

You go to bed at 8:00 and sleep between 5-6.

It is crazy how much you have grown in the last couple of months. Your personality has really come through and I cherish every moment we get to spend together. I cannot wait for the many more memories we will share. Love you beyond words!

A Promised Post

2011-07-27T13:25:00.003-05:00

On July 14th, 2010, a day Shaylor and I had been dreaming and praying for for 2 1/2 years finally cam true with a positive pregnancy test. I always thought I would tell Shaylor in a really cool way, but it didn't happen. I was going out with the girls that night and wanted to drink since I hardly ever got to, but took a test to ease my mind, keep in mind I had probably taken 100 test by this point. So not thinking anything of it, I took the test and walked away to get ready. I ended up taking a peek and saw two lines. I ended up taking 3 more test. Shaylor was already at work so I sent him a picture but didn't hear back from him, so I called his work and surprised him by telling him at work!!!! Needless to say, he didn't appreciate that too much. I called our fertility specialist the next morning and went and she took blood and confirmed I was pregnant, but I still took probably 10 more tests just to be sure. I had to have blood drawn every other for about a week just to be sure everything was progressing. At 6 weeks we got to have a sonogram and see our miracle. It is still so surreal that I have a son that I can hold and love and do everything else a mom can do.

We decided this year we would do something to celebrate the day we were given a miracle and we went and toured the cowboys stadium, which is awesome, had lunch with some great friends, and ended the day just getting to love on Kysen. I never know what we will tell Kysen about our journey, or if we even will. I do hope one day he knows that God is good and He does give us the most amazing blessings! July 14th will probably always be a day that Shaylor and I will celebrate, and hold so dear to our hearts.

I know many friends that are struggling with infertility right now, and are getting pretty beat down by it. Whenever you read this, I ask that you lift them up in prayer. Many people who read our blog either have dealt with infertility or have been by our side as we struggled and you know what we through.

Thanks for continuing on this journey with us!

4 months

2011-07-18T20:46:00.003-05:00

We can't believe Kysen Allin thata you are 4 months old. On July 14, 2010 we found out we were pregnant with you, so this milestone was really special. We will blog later with what we did to celebrate.

You weigh 14 pounds 2 ounces- 30th percentile

You are 26 inches long- 90th percentile

You are wearing size 1 diapers still

If you are wearing a one piece outfit then you are in 3-6 month clothing. If it is separates, bottoms are 0-3 months and still big on you, and your top is 3-6 months.

You smile the second you lock eyes with anyone, but when you hear Mommy or Daddy's voice, or see us, you squeal and smile your biggest smile. You already know how to melt some one's heart.

You have found your voice and talk ALL THE TIME!

You love to laugh when Daddy does babyquake.

You love to laugh when Mommy gives you kisses.

You are still sleeping in your swaddle, but we are trying to break you of that before Mommy goes back to work.

Sleeping is still a strong point with you. We just lay you in your crib and you put yourself right to sleep.

You get very cranky if you are not in bed by 8/8:30.

We can find you awake anywhere between 5 and 7, then you always go back to sleep until 9 or 10.

You have started talking instead of crying when you wake up.

You will not nap during the day.

Your favorite things to do right now is swim and play with your jeep.

You drink 6, 6 ounce bottles everyday.

We love you big boy!!!!!!

Happy 3 Months!

2011-06-28T11:53:00.002-05:00

*You weigh 12 1/2 pounds, not sure length

*You are in size 1 diapers

*You are still in 0-3 month clothing. You are so long and skinny that 3-6 month bottoms fall off of you but are the perfect length. Shirt wise 0-3 months fits your skinny torso but we can hardly get them buttoned around you.

* You hate tummy time and it is a fighting battle with you every day. I have a feeling you will walk before you will crawl.

*You always want to be sitting up or standing (of course with help) and not laying down unless it is night time.

*You have discovered your hands and feet and always have them in front of your face. This makes you smile so big.

*If you are not in bed by 8:00 you scream which has made it hard to go and do anything in the evenings.

*To sleep, you have to be swaddled, not sure how to break you of this.

*You wake up between 5-7 and eat then go back to bed for another 3-4 hours.

*You have 6, 5 ounce bottles a day.

*You are smiling all the time and talking nonstop. It is so sweet.

*On your 3 month birthday you went to your first doctor's visit for being sick. Luckily it was just a cold, but you couldn't take any medicine so you had to just tough it out.

*You are so alert and love watching everything.

*Best of all, Mommy loves being home with you every day in the summer. She could get used to this.

Long Overdue

2011-06-15T17:36:00.002-05:00

I am so sorry that I have been slacking in the blog. I went back to work for the last 3 weeks of school then we went on vacation for 10 days. It was hard to go back to work, but my mom and mother-in-law watched Kysen for me which of course eased my mind a little bit. I have never looked more forward though to a summer and getting to spend it with my little man!

After school was out, my family went on a vacation to Ruidoso. It was so much fun and relaxing. My sister and her family came and it was fun to watch Taryn with Kysen. She was such a big help and always wanted to know where "Baby" was. Then we went to El Paso for a couple of days. We got to see some friends and they got to meet Kysen which was awesome.

As for now we are just enjoying summer and I am loving every minute I get to spend with Kysen. I just hope this summer doesn't fly by! I will update everyone with pictures and his stats soon, I promise. :)

Accomplished???

2011-04-20T23:45:00.000-05:00

To me, YES!!!!!

Shaylor has a crazy work schedule, and Kysen and I have had to adjust. It was hard having him home for 2 weeks after Kysen was born and then him going back to work. Shaylor usually handled the late night feedings, etc. Well when he went back to work some nights it was just me. I know from previous posts I have told you how he worked over night. We have a little boy that is a night owl. I try to put him to bed at 9 and it doesn't work. On Wednesdays Shaylor works until at least 1 am. Most of the other nights during the week he is home and gives Kysen his last bottle usually around midnight then puts him to bed. Every time I try Kysen just cries and cries and cries. It gets so frustrating, but I guess I don't have the touch that Shaylor has. I must not swaddle him right, or give him the right kisses, or say the right thing, but only at night. During the day we have no problems and he goes right to sleep. Shaylor has come home many times to me crying because I don't know what else to deal and I feel like a failure as a mother since I can't even put my child to sleep. I am trying to do what they say in Baby Wise, but it's hard.

I am sure you keep asking yourself how do you feel accomplished? I have been dreading tonight all day. I didn't want Shaylor to go to work, and leave me tonight. My good friend Nicci came over to keep me company and she and her daughter played with Kysen to give me a little break. Well then they left and I didn't know what was going to happen. So, at 9:30 I gave Kysen his bottle, and then put him in his crib at 10:00. HE DIDN'T CRY!!!!!! He went right to sleep and has been for an hour and a half. To some of you this may not be a big deal, but to me it is HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!! He may wake up any minute and I would be OK with that, knowing that I can get him to go back to sleep. What a great feeling!

Happy 1 Month Kysen Allin

2011-04-18T19:10:00.003-05:00

One month...
-I just started drinking 3 1/2 to 4 ounces of formula every 3 hours.
- I am still in newborn diapers.
-I wear newborn shirts and 0-3 month pants. I am tall and skinny!
-I sleep between 7-8 hours a night.
-I don't like to go to bed before 11:30-12:00. If you put me down before that I will kick, scream, and throw a HUGE fit until someone comes and gets me.
-During the daytime all I want is my mommy, and at nighttime I want to be with my daddy.
-Cuddling is my favorite thing to do with anybody that will hold me.
-Some days I like tummy time, and some days I scream the whole time.
-I am a lot more alert, and love looking around.
-I got my first prescription of eye ointment because my tear ducts have still not developed.
-I just started sleeping in my crib and I love all the room I have!
-I am a growing boy and gained 1 1/2 pounds in 2 weeks. I now weigh 8 pounds 11 ounces.
-I think everyone is adjusting to having me around, because I sure do get a lot of love.

What's Been Going On???

2011-04-11T19:01:00.002-05:00

Our last post talked about all of Kysen's firsts he had going on. He loved every moment of it. He was spoiled by lots of my old friends on Saturday. He was loved every moment of it and soaked it up. We did get to skype with my parents, and it was so neat to watch him. He just stared at the computer and it was like he was really listening to Nana and Pops. I think they enjoyed it too! Kysen has been taking one nap a day in his crib in the afternoon and he really likes it. I think it will be a smooth transition for him to go to his crib, but I am sure for me I will be a basketcase. I will probably be sleeping in there for awhile. He loves being outside in the evenings. Shaylor bought me new patio furniture so we have gone out a couple of times and he just looks and is so peaceful. The first evening we took him out, the dogs looked at him like um what are you doing out here, this is our domain. It was so funny, and before long they were being the protective dogs they are with him even outside. My sister, Ace, and Jason, Zio, will be here this weekend. They of course are bringing Taryn and I am so excited to see her! Ace has met Kysen but Zio and Taryn have not. Once they come then Kysen has been fortunate enough to meet his whole family. The best news is the last 3 nights Kysen has slept between 7-8 hours. I am hoping this is a new trend for him. It sure helps when waking up in the morning and feeling refreshed. We hope everyone is doing well too! Come visit us soon. We miss and love you all.

Pictures

2011-04-07T15:23:00.003-05:00

Those pictures below are horrible and I could not figure out how to delete them so here they are in a better quality!

Firsts by Kysen

2011-04-07T15:01:00.007-05:00

Lots of "firsts" are happening. Here they are:

-I went shopping at Target today with just me and Mommy.

-I wore overalls for the first time today.

-I am going to some one's house, which happens to be Aunt Roo's house, for the first time tonight. My mommy hopes I am on my best behavior.

-I took a nap in my crib today and LOVED it!

-I have my first birthday party to go to this weekend. Happy 2nd Birthday Emma!

-At the party, I am going to get to meet a lot of Mommy's friends from college.

-I finally love bath time and fall asleep when my mommy is giving me a bath.

-I am going to have my first Skype session with Nana and Pops on Saturday, and maybe even Ace, Zio, and my cousin Taryn!

-My mom and dad are going to attempt taking me to church on Sunday.

As you can see, we are very busy! Kysen did so much better last night sleeping. Shaylor was home and took great care of him so I could catch up on some sleep. I was informed this moring that tonight Shaylor is sleeping and I have to get up with Kysen. I do owe Shaylor one because he is the one for the last 3 weeks that gets up with him every night, so this is the least I can do. We are looking forward to this weekend even though it is going to be a busy one, we are excited for everything we have going on. It should be lots of fun, I just hope Kysen is good.

Survival

2011-04-06T19:44:00.004-05:00

We survived last night, barely. Kysen did not want to sleep for anything! I tried everything with him. He would finally calm down and fall asleep in my arms and just as I would put him down, he would start screaming and crying again. I knew he was fine because he had been fed, clean diaper, and no temp. I kept telling myself "Everyone says just let them cry it out, they will be ok." But as a mom that is really hard to do when it is your own child and you want to comfort them. Overall we got about an hour of sleep. When Shaylor got home at 6, he fed him and Kysen went right to sleep and slept until 10 this morning. I don't know if he was just missing his daddy since Shaylor has not been home at night since last Thursday or what was going on. All I know is I told Shaylor that he can never work over night again as long as we have a 3 week baby at home. Needless to say we have all been pretty tired today. Shaylor once again is closing tonight, but tomorrow he will be home at night. I am hoping that tonight and tomorrow go a lot smoother. Thanks for all of the support!!!!! We need it during this time.

Day 2

2011-04-04T18:33:00.003-05:00

So we are surviving our second day of it just being me and Kysen. Yesterday we had a rough day, but made it through. I decided I was going to try to make dinner, what was I thinking with having a fussy baby? He wanted to be held all day. I would put him down and he would scream. I did make dinner and let him cry and scream. The funny thing is dinner was ready at 6:30 but was not eaten until 8:45 when Daddy finally got home. Today has been a great day! We even ventured out on a trip to Target. We need diapers, pacifiers, and formula! He did great, slept the whole time. Tonight instead of trying to make dinner, we are going to have leftovers or sandwiches. Kysen really enjoys play time/tummy time! He loves looking at the lights and himself. He is holding his head up so well, but he has been doing that since he was born. He is a really strong boy, and I am not just being biased. Shaylor will be home with us tomorrow during the day but will be working over night on Tuesday, so please say a prayer for us. Shaylor usually takes all of the night feedings which is usually only 2, at midnight or 1 and Kysen doesn't wake up until 6 or 7. I hope I can survive.

He's HERE!!!!

2011-04-02T21:49:00.004-05:00

I have been so bad about blogging! I am going to try to do better because I know there are many friends and family that read this and want to keep up to date on our lives, and our new addition.

Kysen Allin Richards entered this world on March 16th. He weighed 6 pound 9 ounces and was 20 1/4 inches long. We had a very long and hard delivery. I was at an 8 for over 4 hours. Kysen became stressed and only liked one position and that was with me on all fours. As I am sure you can picture me on all fours with an epidural. It was exciting, let me tell you. At one point, they came in and prepped us for a c-section. My doctor came in and said we are going to try having this baby first. I am so thankful for someone like her. The scary part was I looked up and saw about 10 doctors and nurses standing around with so many different tools, this doesn't include my doctor and the 2 nurses that were helping me. My heart dropped though when I heard the roll call and NICU was a part of that. Luckily my doctor made it happen and we didn't have to have a c-section. When he came out he barely whimpered so of course I was so worried that something was wrong. Shaylor reassured me numerous times he was ok. They had to run a bunch of test before I could hold or see him, which took about 30 minutes. We later learned that our son had more of a whimper than a cry. Once he hit 2 weeks, he showed us his lungs.

God truly has blessed us with a miracle. Many of you that read our blog are the ones that said countless prayers for us. We cannot thank you enough for the love and support you have shown us. I cry every time I think about who God has put in our lives. It amazes me that there are people out there that read our blog and prayed for us. I hope our story can touch some lives and give people hope. I thought I would never be where we are today, but now I look back and thank God for the trial He gave us.

So Blessed

2011-01-23T18:10:00.002-06:00

We have had 2 baby showers so far, and are just so overwhelmed by the love people have shown us. It truly is amazing how blessed we really are.

Kysen's room is slowly coming together. Thank goodness for all the goodies we have gotten so far. I see other people that are due in March already have everything finished, and we are no where close to that. Trying to organize everything has been really fun. I have had to make some sacrifices and give up my closet to Ky could have somewhere for his clothes, and toys. I got rid of a lot of clothes, but the hardest part was to get rid of about 30 pairs of shoes. I cried! On a more positive note, we do have the necessities we need to have a baby right now: car seat, bassinet, and some clothes.

I know that Shaylor and I both could never express how much we appreciate everything that has been done for us and our blessing!

It's a...

2010-11-23T16:37:00.002-06:00

BOY!!!!! We weren't going to find out, but there was no denying what we saw. So Kysen Allin Richards will be making his debut in March, hopefully as close to March 25th as possible.

I didn't gain any weight but I didn't lose any weight, so we are going to just keep trucking on. Kysen is growing and is healthy, which is our main prayer. My belly is growing which is so much fun now that people can tell that I am pregnant and not just fat. It is amazing to feel him kick and turn. It truly is a God thing to feel a baby inside of you. Every little kick, move, etc. I am reminded of what God has blessed us with.

Here is a picture of me at 20 weeks, I am now 23 weeks:

OOPPPSSSS

2010-10-31T17:47:00.002-05:00

I forgot to put one more thing in the last post... I wanted to tell yall our names we have picked.

Boy name- Kysen Allin (Allin is my dad's middle name) Nickname- Ky
Girl name- Brynlee Ann (Ann is Shaylor's mom's middle name) Nickname- Bryn

Time Flies

2010-10-31T17:36:00.003-05:00

I can't believe we are almost half down with our pregnancy. I am 19 1/2 weeks, and it is going by so fast. We are registering at the hospital this week, we are so excited!

We are going to the doctor on Nov 10th, our anniversary, that would be when we found out what the gender is, but we don't want to. Some days I want to know really really bad, and other days I think about the incredible experience we will have when we meet our bundle of joy. Those of you that know me, know that I hate surprises, but this is one that I am really looking forward to. The nice part about not finding out is the planning began a long time ago. The nursery is already painted grey. Shaylor's step dad is making our crib, and my mom is making the bedding. Our bundle of joy is already spoiled rotten. Our colors are black, grey, white, yellow and a little turquoise. It is all so pretty together. I can't wait to post pictures and show you.

We do have a prayer request... I have been very sick this whole pregnancy. I have lost a lot of weight. The doctor is finally very concerned. I have until the 10th to gain weight or we are going to have to go another way. I didn't ask too many questions because I don't want to know what is going to happen. Our baby is growing, but taking all of my nutrients. I am on a prescription which helps some, and I eat, just can't eat a lot! So, please pray that I gain weight. I don't want to know what road we are going to have to go down if I don't gain anything.

I am still and forever will be grateful at the continued love and support my blog family shows me. I am overwhelmed but what God has shown me through many of you. Thanks again!

Milestone

2010-09-12T18:30:00.004-05:00

I am so excited to finally get to announce to our blog family that I am 12 1/2 weeks pregnant. I am due March 25th. We are so excited and thrilled.

We want to thank all of you for your continued prayers, love, and support. We definitely felt them. We know that God has blessed us with a miracle. Please continue to pray that everything goes smooth. We are so excited to share in this next chapter of our lives with yall.

Nothing big

2010-07-22T13:34:00.001-05:00

I know it has been awhile since I have updated. Pleae continue to pray for Shaylor and I, and that God's will be done!

Hannah's Hope

2010-06-21T16:29:00.002-05:00

This book is incredible. If you know someone that is dealing with infertility, miscarriage, or even adoption loss please go buy this book for them. Before you give it to that person, read the end of ever chapter, this is the part for family and friends. A lot of times, I know it is hard to talk to a person dealing with any of the 3 areas above, you don't want to say the wrong thing. So it has some really good pointers for you. You can even read the book to have a better understanding of what that person is feeling. It has hit everything on the head about my thoughts, feelings, emotions, etc. This book was recommended to us by a couple that has been dealing with infertility for 6 years and they are finally expecting through many trials. Their testimony is incredible.

Once again here is the info- Hannah's Hope written by Jennifer Saake

Just in case you are wondering, it didn't happen for us last month, so we have started all over again. We will be doing the IUI around July 1-3, so please say an extra prayer for us! Thanks!

Calling for lots of Prayers, Please!

2010-06-01T13:34:00.002-05:00

I went to the doctor to this morning to get my follicles measured. I had one, but remember that's all it takes. It measured at a 26, which is the largest I have ever had! It was on my left ovary, and they are never on my left. So please pray that this is our month!

Update Time!

2010-05-24T12:55:00.003-05:00

I guess it is time for an update. I know you were all sitting at the edge of your seat to hear one.

No, I am not pregnant. We were hoping, then all the cousins would have a birthday in January, and how much fun would that have been?

My levels did go up, Praise God! I still have to take clomid though because we all know without it, they wouldn't be where they need to be.

Once again, it was another heartache, another pity party for the Richards! I just wish I knew why we were chosen to go down this path.

The hardest thing I think for me is we have now started month 3. Our window of opportunity is 3-6 months. I am freaking out that we are halfway there. I don't know what will happen if we reach the 6th month and we are still not pregnant. My doctor told me that after 6 months we were pretty much a lost cause unless we want to do In Vitro (IVF) which is about $15,000. So we don't see that in our future unless we win the lottery. So, I just hope and pray that God will bless us before it gets to that point.

My husband has been amazing! I know it is so hard on him to watch me suffer month after month after month. As hard as I try to not cry or get upset, it always happens when he holds me and just says "It's OK, I love you!" It's crazy how just those few small words are the biggest support you could ask for. I try to be there for him too, I know this can't be easy for him either. I am just thankful to have a husband that loves me, cares for me, and makes me feel better. At least I can say God blessed me with the most amazing man!!!!!!!

Blood work Sat

2010-05-05T11:37:00.002-05:00

I go in Saturday morning to have blood work. The doctor will be checking my levels and see if they have gone up, which they should since I took Clomid. The next 2 weeks are the hardest weeks. The first part of the cycle month goes so fast, taking meds, going to the doctor, OPK, there seems to always be something we are having to do. The last 2 weeks, we just sit and wait and go get blood work at 8 DPO. Then we wait another week for either AF or a BFP! I am hoping for a BFP! I will update you once we get our results front the blood work!

Doctor Visit this morning

2010-04-28T14:36:00.002-05:00

We made it through the clomid and now we start the monitoring. We went to the doctor first thing this morning to measure my follicles.

She checked my lining and it was really good. It had 3 lines, which I never have and that is what you want. Then we checked my follicles. I have 3 on my right ovary that are growing big and strong but not ready to be released. Nothing on my left ovary. So we hope that one of them on the right ovary will be our miracle. I usually have one, at most two, so the fact we have 3 is very positive!

Will update when I know more!

Infertility Awareness Week

2010-04-26T21:50:00.000-05:00

This week is National Infertility Awareness Week (April 24-May 1, 2010), a movement to raise awareness about the disease of infertility.There's a 1 in 8 chance you know someone with the disease of infertility. They may not look sick on the outside, but they are probably suffering on the inside. Infertility effects nearly 7.3 million Americans of reproductive age.

Infertility Awareness Week

2010-04-26T21:49:00.003-05:00

I did not know that National Infertility Week would ever mean so much to me. It is something that Shaylor and I struggle with on a daily basis. There is nothing we can do to change it.

Maybe this week you can say an extra prayer for all the couples out there that are experiencing or have experienced infertility. God hears all prayers, and they go a long way!

Count Your Blessings One by One

2010-04-20T07:33:00.003-05:00

If you read my last post, you know that I was having a pretty hard time with everything. I cried Friday felt sorry for myself and Shaylor. I was angry that God is putting us through this, and I didn't understand why. I just felt defeated, that's the only way to describe it. No words of encouragement could have changed me. People who have not gone through this will never truly understand what it feels like.

Saturday was a new day. Shaylor ended up working over night on Friday, and when he got home Saturday, he woke me up and wanted to go to breakfast. I really didn't want to, I just wanted to lay in bed, but I got up and we headed off. We talked some about what was going on in our lives, etc. It was a nice escape from the heartache I had been feeling. I took Shaylor back home and headed to the doctor. She really is awesome that she gives up her Saturday mornings to help the patients with infertility. We talked for awhile, she did the sonogram everything looks good. She even said my body tried really hard to get pregnant. That was like music to my ears. I left the doctor's and had a new sense of hope. My body has changed and hopefully it will be our time. Shaylor finally got up and we spent the rest of the day together and looking towards a new direction for us.

Sunday came around and Shaylor was actually off so we decided to go to church. We had been going to this one church since we both moved down here. We really liked it, but for some reason, which I learned later we went to a different church. It was such an amazing experience. The sermon was on being discontent and about how we desire so many things in life instead of being thankful for what we had. I cried the whole church service just thinking about how all I have wanted is a baby and have forgotten about everything else. The preacher referred to a hymn that is now what I say to myself everyday to remind me of the blessings in my life.

Count your blessings
Name them one by one;
Count your many blessings
See what God hath done

So the Cycle Begins

2010-04-16T09:16:00.003-05:00

Here is our little story of the last couple of days. We were on a roller coaster ride, that's for sure. My period was a couple of days late, and I am not going to lie Shaylor and I were a little excited and hopeful. So, after going back and forth all day yesterday, I decided to stop and get a test on my way home. Shaylor wasn't going to be home until 5 so I thought perfect, if it comes out positive I have some time I can do something exciting to tell him we are pregnant. So, I get home and pee on the stick, nothing happens. No lines show up, NOTHING. I had a faulty test. I was so frustrated that of course that would happen to me. Shaylor gets home from work and says, "Lets go buy a test." I told him I already did and showed it to him, he just laughed. I just knew that was a sign that I shouldn't have done it. So, this morning lo and behold Aunt Flo showed up. To the doctor I go tomorrow.

I was pretty down last night. I just feel that I am failing my husband. I can't give him the one thing that he deserves more than anything in the world. It has been a hard battle internally for me. He reassures me that he doesn't feel that way, and that he is just blessed to have me as his wife.

We are going to give it the 6 months that the doctor said to give it, and just hope and pray that something will happen. It is in God's hands, and He will bless us with a child one way or another. I just pray for strength to make it through these next few months.

The Results Are In...

2010-04-11T16:33:00.002-05:00

And they were not what we were hoping for. My levels are lower now then when we started this journey. So, back to clomid and being monitored all month long. The good news is we know it works for me, so why not give it another chance. Hopefully with knowing now what our not 1 but 2 problems are we can get pregnant.

Please keep the prayers coming.

The Waiting Game…AGAIN!!!!

2010-04-08T14:38:00.001-05:00

So we sit and we wait again! Seems like when it comes to getting pregnant that’s what you have to do. I went on Tuesday to get Day 21 blood drawn. (Day 21 is to check ovulation and progesterone.) When we first started this battle, my progesterone was low and I had to go on Clomid. My body responded very well to it, but I did NOT like the side effects and neither did Shaylor. I have not taken it since August and it’s been a nice break. We took the blood on Tuesday to see if my levels went up so hopefully we don’t have to take it any more. When your levels are low you risk a high chance of a miscarriage. After all this, the last thing we want is to deal with that.

So, here we are waiting for the results and wondering what is in store for us in the coming weeks.

ANSWERS!!!!!!!!

2010-03-30T11:28:00.003-05:00

I am all recovered and ready to share the news we received!!!!! We got answers and that is all we hoped and prayed for. Here was our experience on Wednesday, March 17th...

We, my dad, Shaylor, and I, got to the surgical center Wednesday morning. We got all checked in and I was feeling at peace, which is a shock for those that know me. I am a very anxious person. The OR we were going to had some complications and the surgery before ours took a lot longer than expected. I went in 2 hours later than planned. The doctor told Shaylor and I it would be a 45 min to an hour procedure, and they wheeled me off and Shay went back to the waiting room with my dad. The surgery ended up taking an hour and half. Our doctor told us on our follow up appointment she was just about finished and decided to check one more place, under the uterus. She picked up the uterus and it was covered in Endometriosis. She scraped it all out and got rid of it. All of the other reproductive organs look great. She said the best time for us to conceive is in the next 3-6 months. We are excited and hopeful again. It is a GREAT feeling!!!!!! The only down part about endometriosis is it slowly comes back, so in about 2 years we will have to do this again. I will take that.

I can't even began to tell you what a huge relief it is knowing that there was something stopping us from getting pregnant and we would not have been able to conceive until it was cleaned out. I told Shaylor all the people that said just relax and then it will happen, I want to go to each and every one of them and say NO it wouldn't have, we have a medical issue.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers. We could not have made it this far without the power of prayer and love and support from yall. I hope soon I can give you an updated report with good news.

Wednesday

2010-03-12T12:34:00.002-06:00

For those that read and want updates about our struggle with infertility... here is the latest. We have taken quite a long time off, since Sept. We are on the bandwagon again. On Wednesday, at 7:00 am we are having a diagnostic laparoscopy to see if there is an underlying issue that has not shown up on any of the other test or sonograms that we have done. I will be out of commission for about 5 days, it just depends on the severity of the problem, if any. My parents are coming to be here with us during this time. Really, my poor dad has to take care of me. My mom will be at a training in Dallas so we will see her at night, and Shaylor has to work, Wed. night, Thurs, and Friday. Then it will be his turn on Sat. and Sun. I am hoping, and praying that this gives us some answers. Over 2 years of dealing with infertility has taken a toll on us. We are so ready to be parents and know that our time is coming soon. Please as Wednesday approaches if you think about it, we would appreciate any prayers.

Not Really Sure How to Title This!

2009-10-08T17:08:00.005-05:00

I am so sorry to all of you that actually read our blog to see updates in our baby making process. We took a couple of months off, starting in May. The end of May, I got really sick and had an awful pain in my side. Shaylor decided at midnight to take me to the ER. Those of you who know me, know that I DO NOT go to the doctor, so I reluctant to go. In the end, I am so glad he made me. I had to get my appendix out and we made it just before it ruptured. So that put a little damper in our time off because of the recovery time. We were forced to take time off.

In July, Shaylor and I prayed and talked about what we wanted to do. We decided with it being the summer that we would take our next step which was for us to do an IUI, which is simply artificial insemination. The first month we did it, I only had one mature follicle, the nurse tried to keep us positive by telling us you only need one. Well, that one didn't take. When we went in for a sonogram, they found a cyst on my ovaries. They think my follicle never released. So, in August we tried again. This time we had 3 mature follicles. We felt pretty confident, the doctor and nurse, that if this was going to work, it would be in August. Well, guess what, it didn't. We were devastated. Shaylor and I sat down again and just talked about what we wanted to do. It was nice in the summer to do the IUIs. I had to go to the doctor about 6 times in the month for monitoring and measuring and whatever else we needed. With school starting back up, I just told Shaylor I don't see how I am going to be able to go that much, so we decided to put things back on hold.

At this point, we were both so discouraged. We started looking into adoption and maybe some of our other options. We had an appointment with the doctor to discuss what her plan was for us. So, in the doctor world, she wants to do a scope and go in surgically with cameras and check for scar tissue, endometriosis on the inside of my ovaries (they have already checked the outside), clean my tubes AGAIN, and just have a closer look at what might be stopping my eggs from releasing.

She gave me hope again. I was ready to throw in the towel and be done, but not now. We aren't going to make any decisions right now as to what we are going to do. Shaylor and I are going to sit down in January and talk again about what we want to do.

I never thought having a baby would ever be this hard. It has been such a long hard battle. I know when God finally does bless us with a child, it will mean that much more to us because of all the struggles we have faced.

Please continue to pray for us. Even though we are taking a "break", it's not really a break.

Update and Time Off

2009-05-03T16:19:00.002-05:00

There is not too much to update. It is the same thing, levels go up, do everything right, and not pregnant. Shaylor and I have had a lot of discussion lately and we are going to take the next couple of months off. We need to, well really, I need to get myself back together. Every month it gets harder and harder and I just can't do it right now. The heartache and depression it causes is too much right now for me. So the next couple of months will be nice to just regroup and enjoy my husband. I am going to take a couple of months off of the blog too. It is a constant reminder of the hardships we are going through. Unless something happens, then there won't be any updates for a couple of months. I am sorry to depress you, but I hope you understand.

Before I go, I want to just send a special thanks to my family and Tara and Dusty. The support they have shown to us goes above and beyond what I could ever imagine.

I appreciate all the prayers, PLEASE, PLEASE don't stop. We need them now more than ever.

Hopefully the next time we update, there will be good news.

What a month!

2009-03-31T19:37:00.002-05:00

There has been so much going on. I know many of you are just waiting to hear what news we have this month. There is nothing positive to report. My levels went up again to 57. This is incredible as the doctor put it. So after we found that out, we were anxiously waiting. I had decided to not test until last Sat. That morning I started. It was so hard because my period was late and we were just hoping for the best. I have probably taken it harder this month than any other month. I am trying to stay strong and positive but I am beat down. I know it is in God's hands, but I don't know what else we can do. We are going on 14 months of this trying business. I guess right now, we are talking about our options and maybe other routes we can go down. I am hoping God will give us some answers as to what we need to do. I know it has started bothering Shaylor more and more, but he is such a supportive husband and trying to stay positive for me. He keeps reassuring me that we will have our day. I don't know if I am taking it so hardthis month because I ovulated on Shaylor's birthday, and i just knew that would be the best birthday present I could have given him. Shortly after Shaylor's birthday, my grandmother passed away. I was hoping to have a little bambino breweing away, so I could say "You were in Mommy's tummy the last days of Granny's life." I am hoping Granny will send some baby dust our way from Heaven. It has just been a hard month for us. I know many of you are praying, and we appreciate it more than words can express. Please don't stop now, and if anything PRAY HARDER PLEASE! I know that is asking a lot, but yall are our family and I feel like I can ask that of you.

I am going to the doctor in the morning for an u/s to check my ovaries. I am hoping to have enough courage to ask some pretty in depth questions and to try to get some answers. I will start round 3 of clomid tomorrow. Let's just pray that the third time is the charm!

LOVE YOU ALL!

The Latest News

2009-03-02T13:08:00.002-06:00

I got an awful e-mail this morning from Grandma, (Shaylor's gradnmother), mister, her dog passed away this morning. It is just heart breaking. We were over there yesterday and we all knew that he wouldn't make it much longer but didn't realize it was going to happen this morning. Grandma wantes some pictures of Mister and luckily we got some yesterday. So, say a little prayer for Grandma, as I am sure it will be a hard adjustment.

On the baby making... I started Clomid again on Friday. The doctor gave us some things to change. She was really surprised that I was not pregnant since my levels were up so high. Knowing what is going to be happening the next couple of weeks, I know that it was a God thing why we didn't get pregnant. I have faith and trust God that everything will happen at the right time. Please don't stop praying now.

Nothing

2009-02-25T10:48:00.001-06:00

There is nothing to tell yall about the progress. I am really sorry. I will let you know something when I do.

It worked

2009-02-18T13:50:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to give my blog family an update since you are family to me too. I heard from the doctor this morning and my levels went up! They went from a 9 to a 39.4. That is a HUGE increase for those of you that don't understand the levels thing. Dr. Luck wanted them at a 15 and well we surpassed that by a lot. So, PRAISE GOD, the Clomid worked!!!!!!!! We are still unsure about being pregnant, won't know that for a few more days.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Thank you for all your prayers, but don't stop now!

Waiting Game

2009-02-10T13:09:00.002-06:00

So I am sure many of you are dying to know what's going on, no I know not really, but I thought I would let you know.

Finished the medicine, was pretty emotional, but made it through. Shaylor got a little testy with me, but overall he understood. Last week we did the ovulation kit and on Friday we got a positive surge, which means I released a hormone that you release right before ovulation. So that is a good thing. I am going on Saturday to get blood taken. This will check my progestrone levels and see if I did ovulate. Hopefully we will have some news next week about our pregress.

The waiting game is what is killing me right now. I am one of those people i want to know now and don't want to have to wait a couple of weeks. In the past year, I have learned it is not that easy.

February marked a year of us trying. Needless to say, it has been a long, hard 12 months. People say it usually takes a year, so I am hoping that our year marks the pregnancy of a little bambino. Shaylor and I both are very anxious. When I know something, I will pass it on to yall.

I know I say this every time, but thank you so much for your prayers and please continue to pray. We wouldn't be able to make it through this without prayer. We love you all!

Day 5

2009-01-30T14:11:00.002-06:00

Today is the last day of the Clomid. The side effects haven't been too bad. I have just had really bad hot flashes. I will take that. Yesterday and today, I seem to be a little bit moddier than usual. My class probably gets it more than Shaylor. I always feel bad and apologize to them. They didn't do anything wrong! So now it is jsut the waiting game! I am very anxious but I know our time will come. All I can ask is for all of you to keep praying! It means a lot to us. All prayers are always welcome.

On the bright side of things, Addison Hope Richards was born on the 28th. We are leaving today to Houston so we can see our new niece. We are really excited and can't wait to be with Shaylor's family again.

Day 1

2009-01-26T15:05:00.002-06:00

Today hopefully starts the first day of the rest of our lives. I start the meds today so please, PLEASE, pray for us this next month.

One of the side effects is mood swings, so you might need to pray for Shaylor too!

Update

2009-01-16T14:43:00.002-06:00

So... here it is.

Christmas was wonderful. We had a fabulous time in El Paso. There were 6 dogs, and 6 people. I know my parents loved having everyone home. I am sure it is hard to be by themselves. The weekend before Christmas we went to Houston. All Shaylor's mom wanted for Christmas was to be with her family. So Shaylor and I , and Tiff and Benji drove down to Houston and suprised them. It was great to be able to spend the Holidays with both families. Hopefully we can do that every year.

All I really wanted for Christmas was a miracle from God. It didn't happen, but we did get some answers at the beginning of 2009. My progestrone levels are too low for us to get pregnant. Ther are boderline lever. Because my levels are not where they should be, we have a high risk of having a miscarriage. So, I really do feel it is a blessing in disguise that I haven't gotten pregnant. I am going to start taking Clomid on my next cycle. The research I have found shows that there will be a good chance of it happening in the next 3 to 6 months. So, continue to pray and keep your fingers crossed for us. I feel at peace knowing that there was a reason that it had not happened yet. It is crazy how God works. I wish I could express the relief that I felt when the doctor called and told us there is something wrong, but it is fixable.

I got a new car in Dec. so that was exciting for us. We are going to spend the weekend cleaning out the garage so she can have a home.

Shaylor has been taking real estate classes and is almost finished. SO YEAH!!!!! Hopefully he won't be at Home Depot much longer. I am ready to have my husband on the weekends. He has been working nights. He goes in at 9:00 pm and gets off at 5:30 am. He has had the weekends off, which has been extremely nice. We go to church together, go to the movies, or just veg! I think I am a bit more ready than he is.

So, that is all I can think about right now. I am sure I missed a bunch and if I think of it, I will try to post it. Hopefully I can update more frequently. Hope yall enjoy your weekend!

Update

2009-01-09T20:49:00.001-06:00

Update coming soon!!!!! There is so much going on. Stay posted.

Craziness

2008-12-03T17:13:00.002-06:00

I thought I would let yall know how the love dare is going. AMAZING!!!! Shaylor and I have never really had problems. We are blessed to have such a great marriage, but this love dare has taken it to a whole new level. I suggest that any married couple should take part in it. The only thing you have to lose is about 30 min a day and a much stronger marriage. I don't think it matters if you have been married 1 month or 70 years, you will benefit from it. It's been fun to do it together.

We are getting things ready for Christmas which is fun. Last year seemed so stress since we had just gotten married and had come back from our honeymoon. This year, I feel a little more relaxed and ready for the holidays. We are headed to El Paso for a few days. Cecily and Jason will be there too, so that will be nice.

No new news on the baby making. Shaylor got to experience me first hand when I realized we were not pregnant. He was really sweet and just held me while I cried. It is nice to know he is so supportive of me. He never says anything negative to me. He is always encouraging. I know he has a hard time with it, but he stays so strong for me. That's why he's the best. Please continue to pray for us and God's will.

We love you all and appreciate you being in our lives!

The 40 Day Love Dare

2008-11-24T11:43:00.001-06:00

Shaylor and I went and saw Fireproof. Wow what a movie. Acting was horrible, but such a great Christian message. Shaylor and I are going to take on the challenge of the 40 day dare. I am really looking forward to coming closer to him and God at the same time. There is a blog that I have read and included it under my loved ones section. It is called 40 day love dare. Read it if you want to see the journey that this couple went through. I will keep yall posted on how it is going.

FYI

2008-11-20T10:52:00.003-06:00

Since, I know many of you have been praying for us, I thought I would let you know what I know. I had a sonogram on Wednesday. They found a cyst on my ovary but they are hoping it was from ovulation. How that happens, I will never know. I guess now it is just the waiting game for the doctor to call and let me know. When I know more, I will let you know. Thanks again for all the prayers. It really makes a difference. We are so blessed to have all of you in our lives.

Update

2008-11-14T18:16:00.006-06:00

I figured I should update everyone on the process we are currently going through. Since, on the last post I pretty much let the cat out of that bag about our struggles we are encountering right now. We have started running test to see why I have not gotten pregnant yet. I have gone through two testand have one more to go on Wednesday. So far they have all come back showing no problems. If they all come back normal then it will be Shaylor's turn. Hopefully it won't have to come to that. It has been hard. I am still not sure why we are having to go through all of this. It seems like the world is passing on by while we are at a stand still. I just hope we get some answers one way or another. This has been a desire my whole life, to be a mother. I know God gives us our desires of our heart for a reason. If we can't have children, Shaylor and I both have agreed together we will adopt through CPS. Dealing with children day in and day out, I know those are the children that need a good solid stable home. I do want to be pregnant and know what it is like, but I am also preparing myself that that may never happen.

Enough about that... our cruise was amazing. We had the time of our life. Shaylor and I both are ready to book our next cruise. We were so glad we could share this time in our life with such special friends who we love dearly.

I will keep you posted as we find out results. Please keep praying that we keep our head above water, because it feels like right now we are drowning!

Cruise

2008-10-16T13:40:00.002-05:00

All I have to say is 21 days and we will be cruisin'. I can't wait to get away. I have just been overwhelmed with life right now and really need a break from it all.

Please continue to pray for Shaylor and I. Last month was extremely difficult for me when we didn't get pregnant. We decided to take this month off and start again in Nov, that way I could enjoy the cruise a little bit more. Also, I couldn't go through another month of it not happening. 7 months has been hard enough. I know God has a plan and it will happen when it is supposed to, but that doesn't make it any easier. It seems as though nothing ever comes easy to us. Please keep praying that I will have strength and patience, they are being tested that's for sure.

On a brighter side of things, my family came into town this past weekend. We had a blast! We spent all day on the lake. Cecily caught a fish and Dad just caught a sad ole bait fish. It was sure nice to have all 6 of us together. Those are the memories you cherish! I wish it could just happen more ofter! I will post pictures as soon as my sister sends them to me.

Study Hall

2008-09-24T13:21:00.002-05:00

I am sitting here watching students during study hall. What a drag. I have so many things that I should be doing, but I thought hey why not blog instead. There is not too much of an update on our lives. Just trying to stay busy. Some really good friends got married this past weekend, actually two couples. We made it to both wedding and they were both stunning! We are so happy for both of them. We got to watch Olive while Trey and Nicole went to San Antonio for a mini-honeymoon. Olive is Miller's girlfriend. They are so cute together. I will have to put up the pictures of the two of them enjoying the cowboys game on Sunday. It is adorable. Olive went home yesterday and Miller sure did miss her last night. I am sure they will see each other again.

I can't believe either that our one year anniversary is fast approaching. We are going on a cruise with some of our closet friends. I cannot wait. We leave on Nov. 6 and come back on the 10th. Shaylor has never been on a cruise, so he is really excited! There is actually 3 people going that have never been before. So, it will be a fun experience for all of us.

Well, the kids are coming in from recess so it's time for us to start our writer's workshop. I hope to hear from yall soon!

Update: birthday, school, life, etc

2008-09-03T18:03:00.002-05:00

So... my birthday was awesome. I have the best friends and family that made it incredible. Shaylor and I and some of our best friends went to the Rangers game for dollar dog night. We had a blast. That weekend, I went to San Antonio to meet my mom and sister there. We went to Beth Moore which was just what I needed before school started. It was very refreshing to my soul. Then, my mom and sister and I celebrated my birthday and had the best girls weekend. I am so glad we have started this tradition and can't wait for next year.

Now, school. It's been a pretty good start so far. I have 22 kids in my class. 13 girls, and 9 boys. That is hard for me, boys are just easier, but I do have to admit I have a class full of wonderful students. I have a few students that are challenging but are very rewarding at the end of each day! It is very stressful having so many kids, and I feel overwhelmed but I am getting used to it. Overall it has been a good start to hopefully a great year!

Now life. Everything is going pretty good with Shaylor and I. Shaylor is busy working. He really likes working at the service desk. He has been closing quit a bit which is a bummer for us not being able to see each other too much, but we are surviving. On that note, I can't believe we have been married almost a year. What an amazing year it has been.

Please pray for Shaylor and I as we are trying to figure out which path we need to take. We would really appreciate it.

I hope things are going well for everyone! Love you all.

Summer is over!

2008-08-14T12:54:00.002-05:00

So as this summer comes to an end I am a it sad. I feel like I need more time. It has been a busy summer but a lot of fun. I am looking forward to a new school year. Last year was a rough one so it's always good to start over. We are still in the search process to fill in our 8th spot. We had hired a teacher back in May and we just recently found out that she isn't coming. I never thought it would be so hard to find someone to teach second grade. I thought everyone wanted to teach the best grade. Hopefully we will have someone by Monday when Staff Development starts.

My birthday is next week and we are going to go to the Ranger's game. I am excited. It's dollar dog night. YUMMY! Then, that weekend, I am meeting my mom in San Antonio. My sister, mom, and I are having a girls weekend. It should be a lot of fun just having girl time.

I have had a hard time lately. I have really missed my friends from back home and college. I don't know why, I talk to them all the time. It's just been hard. I wish I could have my friends and family all living in the same area so I can see them. I am just so blessed to have the greatest friends in the world.

I hope everyone is doing well. I will update after school starts and let you know how it all went. Say a little prayer, the frist week is the hardest. The first day is August 25.

Been awhile

2008-08-03T10:24:00.002-05:00

It's been awhile since I had posted anything so I thought I could catch yall all up. july was super busy. Friends and family coming to visit just about took up every weekend and every week. It's slowing down now with the end of summer fastly approaching. We are still hoping some family will still come see us though. Of course friends, you are more than welcome to visit too. Just beware... we are in the process of remodeling our kitchen. When my parents came down we ripped out our old countertops and we installed new ones complete with tile and stones. I must say they look pretty good. I am ready for them to be finished. I at least have half a kitchen and can cook in it. A week without cooking felt like an eternity.

Miller is getting big, he's probably around 20 pounds right now. The three dogs are getting along just like brothers do. They play fight, get irritated, and annyoed with each other, but in the end they are the best of friends and don't want to be away from each other. It's sweet.

That's about our life right now. I am just trying to get things ready for school. I am not ready at all. I could use a few more weeks. Hopefully I will get there before it starts.

Miller

2008-07-06T15:01:00.003-05:00

Here a couple of pictures of Miller. Hopefully we will get more soon. He is growing so fast and is already 13 pounds. We went to the vet last week for his checkup and shots. The vet, who we are very pleased with, said he is going to be a great dog. He is so smart. He has already learned how to use the dog door. This week he learned how to sit and "sit pretty". Hopefully we have many more tricks to come.

Our New Hobby

2008-06-30T12:59:00.004-05:00

So... Shaylor and I have decided to take on the game of racquetball. We have both played before but never together. Today was our first day to play against each other. I got my butt handed to me. I always hit the ball to Shaylor but he made me run around like crazy. I am glad because I got a much better workout then he did. We have plans to go again tomorrow. We will have to see how it goes. Hopefully I will get better and make Shaylor have to work for the win.

Our new addition

2008-06-22T15:16:00.003-05:00

So, Shaylor and I were debating between a baby and a puppy and we decided... a PUPPY!!!! As many of you know, Shaylor and I have had experience with strays. They seem to just love us. So, we had decided our next dog would be a rescue dog. I had gone to Petsmart with my mom. I knew it was a bad idea on a Saturday. The sweet helpless dogs just stare at you and you can help them. Well, I walked in and had to look. There sat two black lab puppies that were 2 months old. I called Shaylor, who was about to take a nap before our concert, and told him to come up here to see this puppy. I have wanted a lab for a really long time, and was hoping he would say yes. He came up there and fell in love. By the time we left we had a new puppy, names Miller. He is precious and seems to be a good dog. He has had only one accident in the house and that was when we first got home. He slept in his "bed" last night. He started off crying, but within some time he stopped and slept for 7 hours. I actually woke him up. No accidents in the "bed" either. Miller so far comes when you say come, and he will fetch his rope when you throw it, so far so good. Max adjusted pretty well. Diesel is still having a tough time, but in time we know he will be ok. Max is actually protecting Diesel. It always takes Diesel a little time to adjust to a dog being in our home. Hopefully by tomorrow, Diesel and Miller will be playing. Once I get some pictures, and Shelley explains to me how to do it, I will get the posted. Until then, say a little prayer for us...3 dogs!!!!!

Coming Home

2008-06-18T19:04:00.002-05:00

Shaylor and I experienced our first time away from each other. We spent not quit a week with my parents in Ruidoso. We had a blast. We went to the horse races, lost money, went to the casino, lost money. So we thought let's play my parents in putt-putt. They even beat us in that. Shaylor had to go back to work, so I decided to stay in El Paso with my parents. I haven't seen my husband in 8 days and cannot wait for tomorrow. I finally get to go home. Don't get me wrong, I love being with my family, but I miss my husband. Bless his heart; he has been eating ramen noodles. I guess he is living the life of a bachelor. Thank goodness all of that will change tomorrow.

We have an exciting weekend planned. Some friends are coming over Friday and we are going to cookout. Then on Saturday, we are going to Rascal Flatts. I am so excited.

Catch up

2008-05-28T13:24:00.000-05:00

Where to begin. Our life together as The Richards has been wonderful. Shaylor and I got married on Novemeber 10, 2007. It was the best day of our lives. We honeymooned in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. If you ever get a chance to go, go! It is amazing.

Before we got married, Shaylor and I bought a house. It has been a lot of fun fixing it up and putting our own personality into it. We have an extra bedroom, so come visit.

I am hoping this blog can help to keep you up to date on our lives. I will try to update as much as possible.