WEEKEND IN IOWA

My parents went to Dallas for the weekend to visit my brother and sister-in-law, so this was a great weekend to have some "me" time. I headed up to Iowa Friday after work, and had a long relaxing weekend "dog-sitting". Well, it would of been more relaxing if there weren't 3 dogs to control ;)
Snickers- the 7 year old Rat Terrier loves to play ball and bark.

Luke- the 3 year old Cocker Spaniel wouldn't let the other dogs near me- he was taking advantage of my parents being gone by acting out - bc he knows I will let him :)

Laddie- the 8 month old Brittney Spaniel is WILD......

This was the first time I had spent the weekend at my parents alone without my beloved Buddy.... It was hard being there without him. We would go for car rides and walks and he was quite the snuggler. He was with us for 12 years- and it is very hard going to my parents knowing he wont be there to greet me :( He passed away in April- so it is still very fresh for me. I love this picture of him, taking a ride to town with dad in the truck. This was taken a few days before he died. This is Buddy at his happiest :) (notice his hawkeye collar ;)

Mom and Dad had a nice time touring the new Cowboys stadium, and hitting up the local farmers markets and antique shops. My brother even took my dad to his first NFL game. Too bad it was a boring one- Cowboys beat the Redskins 7-6.
By the time Sunday rolled around I was ready to head home to pet-family of 2 cats!!! I was definitely missing my little man

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUSTIN

Our little monkey turned one yesterday. We opened presents and had cake- just the three of us. Austin wasn't too sure about his cupcake though, and he did not like getting messy. Lets hope he continues to be like that :)

It is amazing that he has been with us for a year. We love him so much, and he has brought us closer togethor as husband and wife. We have learned to me more loving and patient, we now stop and enjoy the moments as they happen.

It was a rough year, but I wouldnt change a thing. The trips to the hospital, the sleeples nights, the occasional ear infections... It was all worth it :)

We are excited to see what the next year will bring. All the things Austin will learn and experience. We love so much Austin :)

One Year

One year ago today I was in the hospital hooked up to all kinds of monitors, wondering if I would have a premature baby. I was told I had HELLP Syndrome and the only way for my body to heal was to deliver the baby. At 5:32 PM Austin was born! This past year has brought so many challenges, emotions, and a feeling of indescribable unconditional love.

I am very excited to start new traditions, and fill Austins life with love and happiness. Im anxious to pick him up from the babysitter tonite, to give him presents and to let him eat his cake :) His birthday party isnt for another week, so he should be a pro at making a mess with his cake and with ripping open presents.

Its funny- looking at him now, I cant believe he was just 3lb 9oz when he was born.

Halloween

Halloween was pretty uneventful. We didn't take Austin out for Trick-or-Treating. I figured he wont remember that he didn't get to go. We did dress him up for pictures in his cute little dragon costume though. Erica and Tyler came over and had pictures taken with him in their costumes as well.We had a nice weekend at home. Watched another exciting Iowa game- I thought for sure we were going to lose. And that is why I took a nap with Austin in the third quarter. To my surprise I woke up and didn't believe Kyle when he said that they had won.
On Sunday Erica, Karmen and I went to see the Michael Jackson movie "This Is It". I found myself wanting to get up and sing and dance (even though i cant do either). We even had some hard core fans in the theatre with us. At the beginning of the movie, some woman decided to yell- "We love you Michael" and alot of people would clap after each performance.