Looking Back!

13 years ago I was laying in the ICU after having an emergency c-section with my son Benjamin. My first pregnancy was no walk in the park. At week 26 I was in a car accident that sent me into pre-term labor and bedrest with medication to stop the contractions. I was scheduled for a c-section but my water broke at 37 and 1/2 weeks.  My son was breach and as soon as my water broke my body went into a tail spin.  My blood pressure was so high they were afraid I was going to have a stroke and I went into Help syndrome. It was crazy. I didn't remember seeing my baby boy when he was born and after surgery I was whisked to ICU and didn't get to see him until 24 hours later.

Through it all the end result was a healthy baby boy who changed us as a couple and made us into a family. Now a young teenager (yikes!) The BIG 13, he's a sweet loving young man who still hugs his mom and likes to be tucked into bed.  Our daily struggles seem big but minor in comparison.  A good kid that has started showing signs of his independence and breaking away from the nest.  If I could impart anything to him it would be to make choices that truly lead him a happy heart. That he lives his life in the grace of god and loves big. Don't be afraid to be different, God made you unique for a reason so share your gifts.  Be good to your family because in the end they are the people who will be by you through thick and thin.  They love you in the beauty and the ugliness of your days.  Don't be so quick to grow up because there is no turning back.

Happy Birthday my dear sweet Benjamin.  I never knew my heart could hold so much love for one tiny little being and how much you would teach me about myself.

Winter Break Highlights!

Well last week we decided we had had enough of the sub zero cold and snow.  We literally decided 8 days prior to buy tickets to go to Florida for the kids winter break.  The fun part about this trip was that we did not tell the kids we were going until the day before we left.  We sat them down and told them we needed to have a serious family meeting...those poor kids thought they were in trouble! So funny.  You can see their reactions here!

I didn't really realize how much we all needed this trip until we were there!  I was able to sit back and relax a little, now that the kids are older and good swimmers I'm not running around chasing them which is fantastic!  We took the kids out for a bike ride around Sanibel Island one afternoon and we went through the wild life refuges.  Another day we walked a Slough preserve and of coarse a lot of pool time.

 The hubs and I got to go on a date night...an awesome sushi bar called BLU.  It was nice to sit back relax, listen and talk.

Our first day at the pool everyone got right into relaxation mode.  I love it when my little guy just lays down on his own. He's very aware of when he needs a nap.

The kids were troopers on our bike trip. It was 85 and sunny.  They biked a total of 13 miles! 

On our walk in the Slough preserve we saw wild hogs- which my daughter of coarse wanted to take home, a super creepy poisonous snake (cottonmouth) yuck, alligators and lot's of birds!

Pool time!

We did a few dinners out and Pepere imparted his english muffin recipe secrets on my oldest. 

Overall a great time was much needed and had by all. This was the first trip that I got to really sit back and observe my children and I have to say these kids are amazing. They are super curious, respectful of each other and are fun to be around.  I guess as a mom there isn't much more you can ask for.  :) Can you remind me of that when I'm yelling about home work or messy rooms?

Thanks!  ox~ deana