Ice Storm Update

Lots of people have asked about Mom and Dad, so I will give you a little update.

Their power went out on Tuesday morning at 4 AM. It came on for about an hour that morning and has been out ever since. Power isn’t expected to be restored for at least another two to three weeks.

They have a gas fireplace in the den and are toasty warm, but don’t have any hot water.

They are eating like kings, since everything in the deep freezer is thawing. Steaks and hamburgers and lots of veggies. They have a gas grill that they can cook on. They got tired of tuna fish really quickly.

Almost all of the trees in the yard have lost limbs. Mom said there were so many limbs down in the front yard that they couldn’t see across the street. One large tree in the back yard has lost almost all of its limbs, leaving just the trunk. Luckily nothing has hit the house.

Dad took my cousin to Paducah yesterday and said that the roads were awful. One lane in most places just to get around trees and fallen power lines. Lots of power poles are down too.

Brian the Lurker works for Paducah Power. He had carpel tunnel surgery and isn’t supposed to work yet, but he is running dispatch and doing everything that he can to help. He foresees weeks and weeks of work. (Larry The Lurker’s power came back on at midnight last night…..so Catherine and Lily are enjoying staying with their grandparents right now!)

People are waiting in line for hours for tanks of gasoline to run their generators.

Walmart is open, but only allowing a limited amount of customers at a time. You can only pay with cash or check, since the lines are down to run credit machines. Kentucky Oaks Mall is open, but the stores are closed. They are letting people go to the mall as a warming shelter.

AT&T’s power is out and they are running on backup generators as well. All cell phone service is down and there are only a limited number of land lines. This is the reason that I can only get in touch with Mom randomly. I usually get an “All circuits are busy” recording.

Clay and Lauren took her mom and Nanny to St. Louis to stay with Aunt Debbie.

I keep begging Mom and Dad to come stay with us, but they are afraid to leave the gas fireplace on while they are gone for too long. If they turn the fireplace off, they run the risk of pipes busting. They are staying put for a while.

Keep sending lots of prayers their way. Things are going to get rough for the next couple of weeks. People at the utility departments have a rough road ahead of them. I pray for everyone’s safety! Remember if anyone needs a place to stay, hop on the road to Dickson!

Shortymom – check in with me! I am worried about you!

Mom Jeans Are Next

A few rare pictures of me and EC together, since I am usually the one taking the pictures. These pics are good examples of why I avoid the camera....no makeup, messy hair and dark circles under my eyes. I love being a mom.......I just don't like looking like one!

Pressing My Buttons

Birddog has been teaching EC about "big boy toys".......like the remote control.

Finger Lickin' Good

Who needs carrots??? These fingers are yummy yummy!!!!

Carrot Top

EC went to the doctor on Friday for his four month checkup. Everything looked great! Dr. Patton told us to keep doing whatever we were doing!

EC weighed in at 16 lbs 10 oz, but I swear that he should have weighed more than that. That put him in the 81st percentile for weight. His length had grown to 25.5 inches, which means that he was in the 71st percentile for height. His head measurement was in the 89th percentile and Birddog said that was because of his massive intelligent brain.

One of the exciting things that Dr. Patton told us was to start with some veggies! I know that I could have started this a little earlier, but I am glad that we waited. As soon as we got home, Birddog put together the high chair as fast as he could!

EC started out with carrots and he LOVED them! It took a little time to get used to it, but it was squeals and giggles after that. Be prepared for some more food shots in the coming days……..we have lots of new veggies and fruit to try!

Month Four

Dear EC,

Today you turn four months old. It is hard to believe that one year ago this week, we found out that you were on your way. You were the answer to so many prayers and what a blessing you have been since you arrived!

This month, you survived your first Christmas. I have to say that you fared much better than me. You were the perfect little guy, no matter how tired you were. Lots of friends and family smothered you with kisses and wonderful presents. You handled the traveling and the busy schedule like a trooper. Santa Claus came to see you too! You got a few outfits, a book, fun stocking stuffers and even a musical-crib-light-up-thingy. You loved it all!

(You had this shocked look on your face for most of the holidays.)

Around Christmas time, you decided that you like television. This has been AWESOME for me trying to get ready in the mornings. After your morning bottle, you watch Little Einsteins and My Friends Tigger and Pooh. You kick and wave your hands and talk to the characters like they are your best friends. Last weekend, Daddy thought that you were not paying attention and he changed the channel. I thought that WW III was going to break out. How dare he turn the channel away from Micky Mouse Clubhouse!?!?

(You really enjoyed the Casper Christmas Special.)

You started making all sorts of new noises this month, but there is one that is your father’s favorite. It is a deep throaty "ooh, ooh, ooh". I think you sound like a monkey, but Daddy pegged it when he said you sound like Forrest Gump. Daddy will say, "Boy, your momma sure does care about your schooling." or "You don't say much. Do you, boy?" and then you will start the "ooh, ooh, ooh" and everyone dies laughing. You think it is pretty funny too! Your giggle is infectious.

You are starting to pull everything into your mouth to chew. This would be okay, but you want to fit the entire object into your mouth. Like both of your fists or my whole shoulder. Or the entire exersaucer. You get really mad when you try to fit the whole pacifier in your mouth and it gets stuck. I am surprised that your fingers are not continuously shriveled…….and poor Mortimer The Moose, it looks like you are French kissing him all the time.

For the past week you have been so sick. You have had a stuffy nose and a low grade fever. Your poor little cry breaks my heart. It isn’t really a cry, but more of an “I don’t feel good” whine. Kind of like the sound that your Daddy makes all the time. All you wanted to do this weekend was snuggle and cuddle and sleep. I was not complaining! I love your cuddles.

Even when you are sick, Daddy and I have a continuing conversation about what a GREAT baby you are. You only cry when you are wet, hungry or really tired. You like to play by yourself. You fall asleep in the crib by yourself and you sleep through the night. You play and talk in the mornings until someone comes to get you. Other than changing your own diapers, you are a perfect baby!

I love it that you are getting into the fun baby stage. You do something new everyday! It is so much fun seeing your personality start to shine. You light up my life and I am thankful for you every day!

Happy New Year! 2009 is going to be so much fun!

I Love You!
Mommy

Christmas Cuddle

EC loves his Aunt Misty!