baby girl is here

Yesterday, the White Hot household welcomed their sweet baby girl into the world.  She has no idea how much she is loved, but when she gets a little older, we'll tell her the story.

The story of how we prayed for her, cried for her, and then rejoiced and cried again when she arrived.  What a blessing this little one is... all nine pounds, five ounces of her.

And that hair!  It's pretty amazing. She's gorgeous just like her mama.

Lofton and I deposited Reese in LG early early this morning so we could scoot up to Augusta.  There was no way this baby's arrival was passing without me loving on her for a bit.

And love I did.  I had forgotten the delicious smell of a newborn baby.  I wanted, desperately, to smuggle her home in my purse.  Alas, her parents are pretty taken with her.

Welcome, Penelope Catherine, to the world! Aunt Lizzie, Uncle Lofton, and especially Reese {who is super angry that he didn't get to go} love you to the moon.

ugh.

I've been a little sad this week.  I know, it's hard to believe after the elation of last week.  My sweet boy has been going through a rough time at school, though, and it's weighing on this Mama's heart.

Other than mentioning our issue with student of the week, I've been fairly silent about my dislike for Reese's teacher.  I realized early on that she and I weren't really going to be seeing eye to eye on everything, but as a fellow teacher I also realize that in life you don't always get to pick your children's teachers.  Every experience is opportunity for learning, and teaching, and training Reese in the way that is right.

But this week, as things have come to a head, I've been overwhelmed.  Lofton and I have had to have some very honest conversations about Reese and what we want for him the next two years {before Kindergarten}.  We know that we only have a short time left in this three year old room {yay!}, and going forward next year we are thrilled with Reese's placement.  It's just the now that hurts my heart.

I told my sweet, still pregnant, best friend this afternoon that the revelations I've had this week are hard.  Even though sweet boy is only three and a half, his every move in life is no longer always in my hands.  I think that's a hard thing to realize as a parent.  Sure, things like soccer practice, potty training, and swimming lessons are a flashing light in our face that he's growing up.  Fast.  But this other stuff... this real life, mean people saying mean things, stomping on my bubbly boy's spirit stuff.... it's so, so hard.

And so I'm embarrassed to admit that last night while we watched American Idol, and Jessica sang Dance with my Father Again, I cried.  And then I snuggled a little tighter to my favorite boys.

an anniversary of sorts

Eight years ago today,  I took a handsome frat boy to KD formal.  The formal was held at what used to be Auburn City Limits, and I can honestly say my memory of that night is hazy.

I was beyond nervous {and also I consumed an ungodly amount of wine to ease my nerves...}, but I remember distinctly my shaking knees, sweaty palms, and racing heart.

And even now, many moons into our journey, he still makes my heart race.

a little sunshine

Reese and I returned to some gloomy weather in Opelika.

It's a mess, but our hearts are far from gloomy.

In fact, they are bursting with sunshine...

It's been a long few months, friends.  The longest of our lives.  And now we can take a breath.  Or maybe just let out the one we've been holding.

Daddy's scans were clean, his blood work looks great, and Dr. Peters doesn't need to see him again until October.  If I can dry my happy tears, Lofton and I are going to have a celebratory dinner {with Reese, too} when he gets home from work.

Our focus now turns to happy things-- these three in particular:

• the birth of Cassie's baby girl
• my baby brother graduating from high school
• the wedding of one of my oldest and dearest friends

I suppose the happy tears won't be stopping anytime soon.  But I'll take sunshine tears any day.

Really cheesy side note: If you have prayed for my family over the last few months, thank you. I have been overwhelmed with sweet notes, messages and texts.  Really.  And now, the sweet texts keep on flowing... with messages of joy.  My heart is beyond grateful and full.  We are truly blessed. End of cheese!

home sweet home

Reese and I made it home without getting lost this morning. It's an accomplishment considering our last jaunt had me a bit off course. You know, cause I haven't ever driven to Pensacola.

We are enjoying our time with Buck, while anxiously awaiting Emo's return and Buck's doctor appointment Thursday.

If you're in a prayerful mood, we will take them!

rocky start

Spring break 2012.  I didn't think we'd make it, but here Reese and I are, in bed blogging and cartooning. I'm joyful.

Yesterday, however, not so joyful.  Let's back up a bit, shall we?

Wednesday, we told Reese that we were going to go to the zoo after church Sunday.  It has been two years {almost to the day} since our last zoo adventure.

At this point, I'm sure you are thinking, but wait Reese hates animals... You'd be right, but I guess that escaped my tired, over-worked teacher mind.

So with our plan in place, we headed out yesterday morning.  Except instead of going to church we hit up Auburn Urgent Care.  You see, sweet husband stepped on a nail Saturday.   Went clear through his foot.  Ouch.  While he was there getting a tetanus shot, Reese and I hit Walmart for a few essentials.  It's here I should mention that Reese was running fever.  One hundred point seven to be accurate.

And yes, we were still going to the zoo. Lofton insisted he was fine, and well, three year olds don't exactly like to deviate from a plan.  Even when they are running fever.

Lofton got fixed up and we hit the interstate, arriving at the zoo right around mid-morning.  Reese's immediate reaction, "Mama, what is that smell?"

Needless to say, with Lofton limping {which later turned to gritted teeth and mumbled cursing}, and Reese basically refusing to look at most animals then later getting a blister and me having to carry his forty+ pound self, a fabulous time was had by all.

Reese did say he had a "great time."  But then again, he was carried through the zoo.  We also sprung for the train ride.  It was a bit disappointing because it went around the perimeter of the zoo and you saw NO ANIMALS, but we snapped this keeper:

So we can always remember that we spent a delightful Sunday at the zoo.

Tomorrow Reese and I are hitting the road.  Pensacola calls.  Actually, my mama is out of town and I'm pretty sure my daddy needs supervision.  He's spring breaking it this week, too.  Funny side note-- Daddy went to the grocery yesterday.  When I talked to him he told me, "You know, going to the grocery doesn't take real long if you stay away from the apples and salad. "  He bought: frozen waffles, doughnuts, toaster strudel, and potato skins.  Yep, he basically shopped on ONE aisle.

a perfect combination

This boy of ours keeps us in stitches.  The things that come out of his mouth never ceases to either amaze me OR make me hysterically laugh.  The older he gets {cue the violin}, the more we realize he is us. The most perfect, God created, combination of us.

This weekend, as Sally and I talked outside with Mamie and Susan, she mentioned that Reese was so funny.  She talked about his story telling-- there are always a few "and then" moments because his stories go on forever and ever. She also mentioned his words.  He makes them up.  And a certain other handsome Beasley boy does the same thing.  In fact, Lofton calls himself a "word-ologist".  He thinks Webster should consult him next time they revise the dictionary!

Then last night at soccer Reese was a bit of a non-participator.  Over dinner I asked him why he didn't want to play with the other kids.  He exact words to me were, "I don't know those children."  True, I told him, but you might make some new friends.  I almost fell over dead when he said, "But I already have friends at my school day."

Of course, Lofton immediately pointed at me.  Like it's my fault that Reese is anti-social.

Oh please...