God's Will

As I began to write this post, I really didn't know where to start and no title would come to mind. But as I thought about the situation, the first thing that popped in my mind was "God's Will". All in a week, we went quickly from being excited and overjoyed to pure sadness and shock. Last Thursday, I woke up to experiencing something that I hoped and prayed would never happen to me, we had lost the baby. We just couldn't believe it was really happening and it has been a very hard time, although each day is getting easier. I had heard from many women that had gone through this and my heart would just break for them and just seeing the hurt, I prayed and hoped that I would never experience it myself. Well, that day had come and I truly believe that without my faith and trust that I have in God, I probably would have had a harder time than I did. When things happen in our life, we always want to ask "Why"? I don't think it really matters and I don't need to know why. There is a reason it happened and I believe it is how you deal with that situation determines how you will go through it. Of course, it doesn't take away the pain and hurt you are feeling during it. I don't believe God expects us to not grieve and be upset. If we lean on Him and with the support from family and friends, He will see us through it. For me, after already being blessed with a child, we have had the chance to experience the joy and love that a child brings into your life. And when I think about that, it breaks my heart knowing that this one will not be here. I am thankful it happened as early as it did because I think it would have been even harder further into the pregnancy. However, I still think of where I would have been in a few months, the baby would have had a name. I joked that I was really looking forward to looking like a beach whale at the beach this summer. And of course, the due date and the baby would have been here for the holidays. This is what is hard but I know in time, it will get easier and I do believe that we will be blessed with another child someday. Sometimes I think we focus more on what we want and "our" will when all God wants us to do is trust Him. He knows the desires of our heart and in His timing, God's Will for us will come.

We will be ever so grateful for all the thoughts and prayers from everyone. It is wonderful knowing that God has surrounded us with such loving family and friends. Love you all!

The "First" I've been dreading....

...and that is getting Cohen's First Haircut. But I finally made myself do it and this mommy was glad. Like I mentioned in the 18 months post, after getting his pictures done, I knew it was time so I called Jelly Beans and set up the appointment. I was nervous not knowing how he would react. I had this vision of him just getting really upset and while the stylist was going for a cut, he moves and she messes up. To my surprise, my little boy was Great! I had GG meet me there just in case I had to hold him in my lap and insure that someone could take pictures of this big event. He played while we waited and once it was his turn, he went straight to his chair and sat there playing with a toy while the stylist went at it. Never cried or fussed, he didn't even say a word. I was such a proud mommy and was very impressed that the stylist did a good job. I was told that after his first hair cut that he would look totally different and they weren't lying. I was amazed how quick my little baby boy turned into a little boy.

18 months

Cohen just recently turned 18 months. Everyday, we just cant believe how much our little boy is growing. There is such a huge difference from 12 months and 18 months. One being, he has hair. I had battled prior to getting his pictures done if I should cut it or not. Well, I decided not to. I just couldn't bring myself to cut his baby hair and it wasn't until after I got these pictures done, that I knew it was time. Cohen is definitely "All Boy" and loves to get into everything. He is constantly trying to learn new words and repeat what you are saying. It is so funny to hear how some of those words come out. I cant imagine the changes to come over the next six months before the Big Two. I thought I would show a picture of him at 12 mos to show the big comparison.

12 months

18 months

Here are a few more pictures from the photo shoot. These are off the disc, so all of them have been altered or changed in some way.

Visit from the Purinis

On Saturday, we had the pleasure of getting to see a dear friend Kelly and her 2 year old son, Caleb. They are expecting their second, Joshua, in June and she wanted to drive up from Columbia to do a little baby shopping here. It worked out for us to meet for lunch at Mimi's Steak House. This would be the first time for Cohen experiencing a Japanese restaurant and besides the fire, he seemed to like it. It was a treat getting to see them, catching up and letting the boys play. I wish we could have had more time. The boys had a blast running around, and thanks to Grandma (aka my mom) for watching them while the mommies chatted some.

Birthday Fun....

Sunday, we were invited to a birthday party for the grandson of a friend/past co-worker of Charlie's. It was held at a place called "Climbin' High", one of those indoor facilities that has rock climbing and the huge bouncy things. That was the first time ever going to a place like this and it was really fun. Cohen had a blast and he especially loved the slide. Should have known after the first time, he would not want to stop. It was wearing this ol'lady out, so daddy had to take over for a while. Although I wish I had attempted the rock climbing wall, we had a great time!

My Not-So-Original Valentines!

This Valentines was spent a little different this year. Charlie and I decided that we were not going to celebrate and since we had just enjoyed a few days alone, well February 14th was just a regular day. The morning started off with Cohen and I making our way to the grocery store which was a fun trip. Cohen was doing his best to wish everyone a Happy Valentines Day and he sang (very loudly) his Bye Bye Baby song. Afterwards, daddy and Cohen headed over to GG and Pops to visit for a while and I made my way to the movie theater to enjoy a movie with my friend, Lindsay B. We checked out "He's just not that into you" and it was for sure a chick flick. Enjoyed the movie but more importantly, enjoyed spending time with my friend. Love ya Girl! As she headed back home to her hubby, I met my two valentines at GG and Pops. We hung out and enjoyed some yummy pizza. Although I don't have a picture of my No. 1 Valentine, here is one of my lil'Valentine sporting his "Rock My Valentine" shirt. Hope that everyone had a special day with the one(s) you love! And if you aren't feeling any love, just remember God loves you and is always there for you no matter what!

Casa Time!

Lindsay, me, Bridget, Shea, Kristen and Crystal

Last night, us gals got together for our 4th Girls' Dinner and Chat. As expected, we had a great time enjoying some good food from Taco Casa and some great laughs. I may add that I got the same thing that I would always get and prepared by the same guy (with a little bit of grey hair) 13 years ago. Kristen brought some old pictures as far back as middle school and it was hilarious looking at some of our old classmates. This group of girls are such wonderful ladies and a pleasure to hang out with. I am glad that we have continued to get together and hopefully we always will.

A Day with My "Cool Dude"

Since I had the day off with my little man and it was going to be a pretty day, we decided to get out and enjoy it. First, we needed to go shopping for a new pair of tennis shoes for Cohen. What appears to be little feet, they sure are growing really fast. After a few more stops, we headed home to enjoy some lunch and play time outside. Cohen loves it outside and would stay out there all the time if we let him. The only downfall about hanging outside is that Cohen's attention goes straight for the road. You definitely get exercise when you are outside with him.

Lil' Mr. Gibson, Where are you going?

Since we couldn't find the big ball, I manage to locate a smaller one inside. Cohen would get tickled after I would kick it and he would chase after it. The sleepy signs started to show, so we headed inside to settle down for a nap.

This is what I found after I had been in the kitchen cleaning up from lunch. I knew he was making noise with all toys but had no idea that he had actually climbed in.

"My little Jack-in-a-box"

Childless week cut short...

...and that was O.K. with me. The previous post I had mentioned that Cohen was going to be gone all week, well things changed and he came home Wednesday night. And the reason why was not because a mommy was missing her little man (which I wish that was case in this situation) but my mom became sick and was running out of energy to tend to a toddler. Have one those? Then you might could understand. With that being said and having both GG and Pops still out of town, I was trying to figure out what to do with Cohen on Thursday. Friday would be clear since GG would be back in town late Thursday night. I have officially decided that in the future, we need to have an emergency contact if this was to occur again. But fortunately, I work for a place that doesn't frown on these kind of things and I decided to take the day off.

~~~

Now, let me back up to Wednesday. Since I was still at work and would not have time afterwards, I had Charlie go pick Cohen up from my parents. I knew that I was going to miss them getting home since I had my Life Group class that evening. Which by the way, IS AWESOME! Not only have I had the chance to meet some wonderful people but in our lesson that night, I can tell that it is going to be wonderful and I look forward to this good change God is bringing. With all the laughter and fun I was having, I didn't realize that it was already 9 o'clock. I better get home even though I knew Cohen would already be asleep. A part of me was hoping that he wasn't since I hadn't seen him since Sunday but had already prepared myself to wait until morning. As I was trying to come inside very quietly, Charlie informed me not to worry about it because that little boy was wide awake. As soon as he saw me, he got down and ran to me. Gave me the biggest hug ever. Hug after hug after hug and with some kisses in there too. We just sat in the middle of the floor having a mommy and son time. Oh, how I missed him and I could tell without a shadow of doubt, that my little man missed me too.

Bye Bye Baby...

...Bye Bye Baby, we hate to see you go. This is a little song that GG taught Cohen and he sings it all the time. However, mommy was singing it last night as we packed up Cohen to go stay with Grandma and Papa for FIVE DAYS AND FIVE NIGHTS.

As GG enjoys some girl time at the beach and Pops visits Papa Gibson in Georgia, my parents are taking on the challenge of keeping him all week. It is about a 30 minute drive and though they don't live too far, we felt it would be easier on Grandma and not to mention, saving the gas, for him to just stay with them. It started off with getting him this morning and keeping until Thursday night. But I already have plans Thursday evening, so I said just keep him until Friday. Then to save on mom having to get up so early this morning and since she was already going to be in the Greer area Sunday evening, we decided to send him on his way then.

The longest he has been gone is about 3 nights, so two more days can't be that bad. He was 2 1/2 months when I left him a few hours and that was with his Daddy and Uncle Clint. Then, he was about 3 1/2 months when he spent the night away with my mom for the first time. The earlier months was a very hard time for this mommy but as I was growing into this motherhood thing, it got easier and easier. Now, Cohen stays with GG and Pops on Tuesday nights and we try to, once a month, send Cohen off for a weekend to have mommy and daddy time. I am a true believer that a married couple needs to take time for themselves and have date nights often. "A happy marriage makes a happy family."

So what am I going to do all week? Since I already have Life Group class on Wednesday and my monthly girls dinner on Thursday, that only leaves me with tonight and tomorrow night. I am sure that this week will go by fast, hopefully. We plan to take care of some house duties and enjoy this alone and quiet time.

Preschool Ready!

As most you know, Charlie and I were truly blessed to have the opportunity to leave Cohen with my In-loves instead of placing him in a daycare. There are no words to express of how thankful we are for this. And we know that it gives much joy to them as it does for us. I am thankful everyday that God has placed me into the Gibson family and be able to have the close relationship with them as I do.

Although he is in some of the best hands in the world, we feel like he also needs to have some kid interaction before sending off to kindergarten. After narrowing it down to three and battling with which one to send him too, we have finally made a decision on which one to place him in this September. Being one of the first of many decisions that we will have to make for Cohen, I had a hard time deciding. All three had good reputations and very convenient to get to. With decision made, I feel good about and believe he is being placed in another set of good hands.

He will be attending a Two year old class, two days week from 9:00 to 2:00. We truly believe he is going to love it. For a kid that isn't around other kids that often, he seems to play very well. In our church nursery, we were informed that our little boy is a flirt and wanted to hold a little girl's hand during snack time. Even though it is cute and adorable now, I hope that this will not be a big distraction for him in the future and he will be able to keep his mind on school, LOL.

But we are excited, so excited this mommy couldn't wait until later this year to purchase his preschool backpack. But it has worked out, because I now use it instead of a diaper bag. And Cohen loves to books into it.

Butter, are you serious?

You never know what your little boy will get into. Last night, we were over at my in-loves to enjoy another one of GG's delicious meals. As we were waiting, Cohen wandered into the kitchen, ready to eat. He proceeded to climb into a chair and play with whatever his little cute hands could reach. Thinking that all he was messing with was the plates and silverware, I decided I better check on him and this is what I found. "Eating butter". Those butter hands seemed to touch everything in sight. Luckily he was so into it, I had time to get the camera and catch a few shots.

I am not too surprised though. Cohen loves to get into everything. We are constantly fighting with him to stay out of Bogey's food and water bowls and one time, I was sitting on the couch reading and Cohen was playing. When he walked up to me, I noticed he was chewing and had something in his hand. To find out, this little booger got into the trash can and pulled out left over toast from that morning. Can I say Gross! I am learning that "Boys will be boys".......And it is so much fun!!!

Lovin February!

It is so hard to believe that we just started the month of February. I feel like it just turned January 1st. But time does go by faster these days, especially having a child involved. I get excited about this month and it is sad to say, it isn't because of Valentines day. Charlie and I have never been big on celebrating this day. I don't care to receive chocolate candy, I can buy it anytime nor do I care for flowers. I mean, the flowers are beautiful and a very sweet gesture but they are going to die. I would rather receive flowers on a day that is totally unexpected anyway. If I was going to receive a gift, my preference would be something from him that I will be able to keep and remember that certain Valentines day. We all have our likes and dislikes. Who needs just a day to celebrate your love for one another, we should be expressing that love every day!

So what is it that I love about this month? Well, it is TAX TIME. Pathetic, I know. But I just cant wait to gather all the necessary documents, which by the way, Charlie's past employer did not have his W-2 post marked by the 31st, but we will not fuss too much, we got it yesterday. Then, I set up a time with my favorite tax advisor in the world, My Aunt Donna!

"If you need or looking for a tax advisor, let me know and I will be glad to pass along your information to Donna"

I love getting that call from her and letting us know how much we will be getting back. We have never had to pay so I hope we continue to keep it that way. It was great when we got to itemize, and then came the extra deduction a.k.a Cohen. This year, whatever the amount is we are putting straight into savings, Never know what will come up in the future!

A little flashback to February 2008, when our little boy stayed put in one spot. Oh, how he has changed!