"Thumb-Sucker"

Well, despite all of our efforts to hide it, Connor has definitely found his thumb. Now, to me it's really not that big of a deal. In fact, I think it's quite cute; but, Chris really did not want his son to suck his thumb! But, what can you do?? It's kinda hard to keep away something that is attached.

We've been giving Connor a paci since the day he was born, and grant it, he still LIKES his paci, but he LOVES his thumb. It's quite entertaining watching him trying to get his thumb into his mouth, but, boy once it's in there good luck trying to break that suction! Sometimes it looks like he's struggling with his thumb because I think he wants it to be bigger ;). But, despite the occasional fussiness because he can't get it to fit perfectly in his mouth, he's a fighter, and he's determined to make it a perfect fit. I have no idea if this habit will stick, but if it does - O well...we'll fight that battle when we come to it.. but, right now, it's just downright cute.

My not So Bloggable Life

Well---this is hilarious..I have absolutely NOTHING to blog about, but I'm afraid if I don't write something that I will get out of the habit...I'm sitting here racking my brain and asking my husband to give me ideas for a blog, but yes, folks, it is really that bad. Not really, but sometimes I find my days just all meshing together until a week has gone by and I haven't even blinked.

SO, I will simply just chat for a moment and hopefully not bore you all with my chatter. Last night, Chris called me on the way home from work and asked me to call one of our friends to ask them if they would watch the baby so we could get out for a little while by ourselves. I don't even think he realizes how fun this was for me. We went and got dinner and Steak n' Shake where one of our good friends is a waitress, then walked around Pier 1 Imports, one of my absolute fav's, then picked up a movie, and then took the long way home so we could talk about anything and everything and more importantly, just to be with each other. It was soo nice! While walking in Pier 1 the lady kept asking us if we needed help, and about the 4th time of asking, I finally just told her with a smile-"We're just enjoying being out together." We stayed in there until closing and enjoyed every bit of it. (By the way, my hubby bought me an awesome tree looking thing (hard to explain) for our fireplace.) =) It's lovely..

Anyway, we got back to our quiet little home, sat down with a cup of joe, and enjoyed our movie together. I know nights won't always be as peaceful as that one, so I tried to not take one minute for granted! Tomorrow we are headed to Dollywood and Gatlinburg to enjoy some more Fall Fun!

You see, my life really isn't THAT bloggable, but it's the simple things in life, right??

"Losing it With Jillian"

Okay, so maybe I stole the title from one of her TV shows, but that title is exactly what has been going on in this household the past week. Although I LOVE being a mommy and adore my sweet baby boy; there was much more added to our lives than just a baby...yep, you guessed it- weight.

Although I tried to keep myself under control when I was pregnant with Connor, and tried to eat healthfully, but nevertheless, pregnancy hunger and cravings are rough and honestly, sometimes I just caved in..which I don't necessarily regret, but it just means that now I have to work extra hard. I'm not sure how this worked out, but Christopher has also gained some weight since the pregnancy. Of course, he's a guy and he is far from being obese, our goal has become more than just losing weight but rather to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Now, to make this even more difficult, I had a c-section, so I really am just now feeling completely back to normal. During my last month of pregnancy (partly because of a lot of water retention), I hit a number on the scale that I really don't want to ever see again..

SO- it was time for a change- I always worked out when I was in high school and I really liked doing it, but when we got married, I just got out of the habit. Chris was a runner and a swimmer, but of course, also got out of that habit when we were married. We started a week ago doing a workout called the 30 day Shred. It is only 20 minutes long, but it is a consistent workout that combines cardio, strength, and Abs. It is very HARD work, but it is kind of fun having a workout routine every day. We charted weight and measurements the day we started and are going to do it again November 12th. (30 days from when we started) I'm excited to see the results.

Again, my goal is not to be something that is not me. I am a mommy, and I know my body will never be the same as before I was, nor do I want it to be. My goal is simply to get in shape, increase my energy, and remain healthy. If I can do it, anyone can!

Grandpa

Today I received a call from my mom, telling me that they took my grandpa to the ER because of something having to do with what they think to be his heart. He will be admitted shortly so they can monitor and see what the problem definitely is. You can imagine the helpless feeling I have being so far away, and I thought I'd share a little about my grandpa so you all can maybe feel a little closer to my grandpa whom you may or may not ever have met.

What comes to my mind when I think of Grandpa is a young-at-heart, barbershop-singing, family-loving, gentleman who loves to make people laugh. He loves my grandma so, and anyone who knows my Grandpa and Grandma knows that they are truly a "match made in Heaven." You don't get much of a sweeter couple than those two. Not once growing up do I remember there ever being hardship between the two. They are always lovin' and huggin' on each other, and when you are near them, you can't help but have a good time. You'll hear things like, "Hunny-Pot", and "Charlene"( this is a little bit of an inside joke with the family), and many other endearments.

My Grandpa is a retired Southern-Baptist preacher and sang in Barbershop quartets as a hobby. Still to this day, every time the family gets together he gathers all the guys around to sing a barbershop tag or two. (and sometimes, if the guys are not getting their parts, he'll pull in us girls to help too.) =)

The magic of my Grandpa has always been that he or my Grandma never seem to get older! Up until just recently, they have taken care of their garden(which my Grandma still continues to do), which is one of the most beautiful flower gardens I've ever seen, they'll just decide out of the blue to go on a fun little drive somewhere they've never been and discover a little city that no one knows about, and they exercise and just keep moving. They help every year at the polls as election judges, and so on. Their life has never been at a stand-still. My Grandpa means so much to my family and he has had such a unforgettable part in making my parents and now his grandchildren's homes what they are today.

He is so special to me in so many ways, and being the youngest of his grandchildren, I have had so many opportunities with him that I will never forget. I used to go to their house in the summer growing up, and they would always take me to places that most of you have never heard of, but to me are some of my greatest memories. I loved to hear my Grandpa preach. He has such a heart for people and has taught me so much about living the Christian life and living it to its fullest...

Surprisingly to all of us, recently time has started to catch up to Grandpa. He has been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, and it has affected his lungs, and is very painful to him. He has been put on a breathing machine pretty much full-time, but sometimes he "forgets" about it when he's at home. ;) Right now, he is doing well at the hospital, in stable condition, but we're just waiting to hear the news. They think maybe pneumonia could have set in, or maybe his medicine isn't working right, but whatever it is, they're doing the best to take care of Him.

Life is wonderful, family is wonderful, and I'm so thankful for all the people that God has placed in my life to make it SO wonderful. I guess I always knew when I was younger, that the day would come when my Grandparents would get older and things would change, but that time has come all too fast.. It's so hard to see life change, and the ones we love suffer, but I'm so thankful that my Grandpa has a better place than this world to look forward to, and someday we'll all be together again.

The situation today has made me think of him, and I felt like since I'm so far away, the only thing I could do to not go crazy was to write about him. I wanted to share a bit of my Grandpa's legacy with you all, because he deserves all the honor in the world. He's the best Grandpa in the world..

He's my Grandpa. He's my hero.

A Final Attempt

Well, yes it's me again!! I am back after a hiatus from blogging. Attempt # - well who knows how many attempts I've made at this blogging thing. If it doesn't happen this time people, it probably just won't happen. But, I so enjoy reading other's blogs that I am determined to get back into it.

Since I have blogged last, a new person has been added into the Stivers Clan! A fiery, lovable little man who claims the name Connor Judson. July 10, 2010 was the infamous date of our little guy's arrival. He was 2 weeks early but very ready to come. He arrived at 4:35, Saturday afternoon, weighing in at 6 lbs. 12 oz and measuring 21 inches long!! I have discussed with other moms since then the surreal feeling of that moment, when you welcome your very own, unique, and most precious baby into the world. There is nothing like it.... Since then our 3 month old has grown to be over 14 pounds and is now cooing, holding his head up, and exercising his little legs and arms as fast as they'll go. Where have the last three months gone? I ask this because I know this is how the rest of our lives will be.. trying to catch up to yesterday. My sister-in-law said to me.."If you want your life to be put on fast forward just have children." And that is so true.

Please allow me to brag on my husband also for a moment- Chris is now supervisor at the Verizon- Cellular Sales Call Center, and is loving it. His bosses are extremely pleased with his work and how every department that he is placed in, grows. For those of you who don't know Chris, let me tell ya, you're missing out.. He is the funny, intelligent, caring, Mr. Fix it husband of mine, and I couldn't ask for more. He's got the whole "dad" thing down to a tea also. There's so much of the unknown that comes with having your first child, but we're learning it together and loving every minute of it. Through all of his and my stubbornness and differences, it is beyond evident that we were created for each other, and the Lord knew exactly what he and I needed to be better people. I am so thankful and blessed to have him.

I have many pictures, and other items to show, but as all of our files are on an external hard drive right now , that's a bit difficult. They will be posted soon though!