Jones From Louisiana

Crawford Arrived!!!

2010-09-12T10:01:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to announce that Crawford Shell Jones arrived on August 31, 2010 at 12:20 p.m. She was 7 lbs, 7.5 ounces and 19 inches long. The girls are in LOVE with their new little baby sister!

Crawford right after she was born

Crawford and Mommy

Emerson holding Crawford for the first time

Palmer holding Crawford for the first time

Hudson holding Crawford, she doesn't know what to think.

Gigi holding Crawford for the first time

Mimi holding Crawford for the first time

Grandma holding Crawford for the first time

Grandpa holding Crawford for the first time

PaPaw holding Crawford for the first time

Daddy and Crawford

Sweet Crawford

Crawford and Mommy

My four precious girls!!!

Heading home from the hospital

Aunt Kelley and Crawford

The six cousins

Cousins Noah and Crawford

Cousin Savannah and Crawford

Playing on her blanket

Crawford's first bow!

Palmer Turns Three!

2010-09-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

My sweet Palmer turned three. She begged for months to have an ice cream party. That girl loves some ice cream! So we decided to have her party at Ben and Jerry's. She invited a bunch of friends and they had so much fun.

The Birthday Girl

Blowing out her candles

All the kids

Hudson enjoying cake with Grandpa Jones

Mimi and Palmer

Chloe, Julia, and Emerson loving being in the freezer with the ice cream

Opening presents

Having fun with the ice cream favors

Shangri-La 2010

2010-08-28T12:56:00.000-07:00

Shangri-La is a family tradition for our family. We go to Lake Ouchita every summer for a week with my family and friends from back home. It's great! So relaxing! We just swim, go out in the boat, eat, and relax all week. Here are some pictures:

As soon as we got to our cabin, Hudson immediately found this cabinet she could climb in.

Sweet Cousin Noah

Emerson, Savannah, and Palmer playing Leapster

Savannah, Lorrie, and Emerson ready to go out on the boat.

Hudson in her shades

Palmer and Hudson ready for the sun

Little Noah

Hudson playing in Gigi's room

Savannah and Emerson in the pool

Emerson holding Noah

Palmer holding Noah

Savannah taking a break from swimming for a snack

Palmer playing with the water

Palmer chilling in her boat

CAN'T WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR!!!

My Crazy Girls

2010-07-16T19:46:00.000-07:00

My girls are so much fun and just full of life. Here's a little glimpse of some crazy times and fun around here:

Hudson enjoying some cake

Exhausted Hudson

Palmer after sneaking a brownie to nap time

Sweet Palmer

Emerson putting on her own play makeup

Emerson enjoying some king cake

Swim Lessons

2010-07-16T19:19:00.001-07:00

Emerson and Palmer took swim lessons from Kristi and Chuck Trisdale. I was amazed at how much they learned. Before lessons Emerson wouldn't put her face in the water and Palmer was scared of the water. By the end of the week they were both swimming as you can see in the videos below. I now have two little fish.

The swim group

Ms. Kristi and Palmer

Palmer "monkey crawling"

Here is a video of Palmer floating on her back and monkey crawling on the side

Here is a video of Palmer swimming from Ms. Kristi to Mr. Chuck

Emerson swimming underwater to Ms. Kristi

Emerson swimming through the hoop

Emerson swimming on her back with Ms. Kristi

Emerson jumping in

Emerson swimming to Mr. Chuck

Emerson floating on her back and monkey crawling on the wall

Emerson swimming from Ms. Kristi to Mr. Chuck

Fun at the Sprinkler Park

2010-07-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

There is a great Sprinkler Park here in Collierville at Johnson Park. The girls love to go play at it. Here are a few pictures of the girls playing with their friends at the park.

Emerson's First Dance Recital

2010-07-16T18:59:00.000-07:00

Emerson took dance at Miss Pat's School of Dance. She loved every minute of it. She took ballet, tap, and jazz. Her and her friend Amelia took together. She was so cute at the recital.

Emerson getting into the routine with her bear
Dance, dance, dance

Emerson definitely knew her routine

Emerson and Amelia performing!

Emerson was soooo excited bout her tulips

Showing off her twirl

Grandma Jones Retires

2010-07-16T18:21:00.000-07:00

Ryan's mom retired in May, so we all headed down to Franklinton, LA to help her celebrate. Her company had a nice dinner for her. Then the next day, Grandpa and Grandma took the grandkids to Global Wildlife Center, a place to see and feed zebra, giraffes, cows, deer, etc. It was soooo hot, but the kids had a blast.

Our family photo at the retirement dinner

Hudson and Keegan playing

Hudson, Anison, and Keegan

Grandma visiting with coworkers

Anison, Keegan, and Emerson

Grandpa getting some Palmer love

Grandma giving her speech

Family Photo

Ryan, Uncle Darren, and Grandpa taking the kids fishing

The kids looking at the kangaroos at Global Wildlife

Emerson, Anison, and Amarie waiting on the tram to go feed the animals

Grandpa Jones and Hudson

Palmer ready to feed some animals

Emerson ready to feed the animals

Grandpa, Hudson, Keegan, and Aunt Shannon

Hudson checking out the feed

Hudson feeding the deer

The girls feeding the zebra

Cousin Pres feeding the big Cow

Emerson excited about feeding the llama

Baby Noah-What an Adventure!

2010-07-16T17:37:00.000-07:00

Noah Anthony Hobson, my nephew, has been pretty dramatic already. Kelley's (my sister) water broke on May 5th. I got the call in Memphis and immediately made plans to go to Shreveport with the girls to see my sweet nephew born. Well, he had other plans. Noah is just like his daddy, he just can't sit still. Kelley's water broke, but they think it was just a small tear, b/c there was enough fluid to keep Noah safe inside for another week and a half. The girls and I got to spend a little time with Kelley while in the hospital, then we had to head home b/c we didn't know when little Noah was going to make his debut. Shortly after we arrived home, the doctor decided to schedule Kelley's c-section for May 14th. Just after Noah's arrival we headed back to Shreveport to see Noah.

Noah was born on May 14th, at 33 weeks. He went to the NICU and was there for 4 weeks. Luckily, I was one of the few who were able to see Noah in the NICU. The girls couldn't see him, but were happy to play with their cousin Savannah. A few weeks later we went back to Shreveport when Noah was able to come home from the hospital and everyone was able to hold him and love on him. Noah is doing great and growing like a weed!

Kelley awaiting Noah's arrival

Gigi reading to the girls at the hospital

Hudson taking a nap at the bassinet in Kelley's hospital room

Hudson and Uncle Tony

Emerson loving on Aunt Kel (Kelley may kill me for putting this picture on here)

Waiting, waiting, and waiting at the hospital

Sweet Noah in the NICU

Noah and Daddy

Sweet Noah

Noah again

Noah and Mommy

Happy mommy and daddy

Little Tiger

Wide awake

Me holding Noah for the first time

Sweet Photo

Noah at home for the first day

Family Photo

Emerson holding Noah for the first time

Sweet cousins

Noah's first bath

Easter 2010

2010-07-14T18:48:00.000-07:00

We did a lot to celebrate Easter this year. We went to an easter egg hunt at Trinity Baptist. They had a petting zoo, pony rides, and lots of games. We also went to an egg hunt in Arlington where the girls got to sit on the Easter Bunny's lap and have fun. Then of course the Easter Bunny came to our house for the girls and Easter church on Sunday.

Emerson hugging a llama

Palmer loving on a llama

The girls checking out the pig

Emerson holding a purple chick

Palmer holding a green chick

Julia and Emerson ready for the egg hunt

Palmer hunting for eggs with daddy

Emerson hunting for eggs

Emerson was so proud, she found the golden egg and got a prize!

Emerson riding a pony

Palmer riding a pony

Lilliana and Palmer playing games in the gym

Julia and Emerson being silly

Emerson, Hudson, Palmer, and Cousin Savannah with the Easter Bunny

Palmer and Gigi

Hudson and her kazoo

Emerson and Savannah ready to see what the Easter Bunny brought

All kinds of goodies!

Hudson checking out her loot!

Emerson and Palmer enjoying some early morning chocolate

Emerson and Savannah playing Leapster

Daddy and the girls

The girls ready for church

The best family picture we could get

Sweet Savannah

Emerson Turns FOUR!!!

2010-07-14T18:08:00.000-07:00

My baby turned four, I can't believe it! She wanted a "jumping" party at Pump It Up. The kids has so much fun. Emerson wanted a Strawberry Shortcake party.

Cousin Savannah and Emerson sliding

Daddy sliding with Palmer and Emerson

The cake

Hudson and Palmer playing

The dads playing some air hockey

Chloe and Julia sliding

Joanna sliding with Seth and Cohen

Trish and Dakota having fun

Cousin Pres and Grandpa Jones

Palmer and Gigi

The kids playing

The birthday girl with her strawberry shortcake shirt

Blowing out the candles

The kids enjoying some cake

Emerson opening presents

Emerson and her new bike, she loved it!

Hudson and cousin Keegan playing

Hudson Turns ONE!!!

2010-07-13T19:19:00.001-07:00

My baby turned ONE!!! I can't believe it. It seems like just yesterday she was born. We did a Very Hungry Caterpillar themed party. It was in Shreveport at Gigi and PaPaw's house. Lots of family and friends came to celebrate!

The Birthday Girl

Hudson Bess and Mimi (Bess)

Big Sister Palmer

The one minute she kept her hat on

The Cake that Mommy made

Checking out my cake

Yummy cake!

I want to touch everything with my icing hands

Grandpa and Grandma Jones with the birthday girl

Opening presents with Daddy

Playing on my new toy!

I love Caprisuns!

All the cousins fishing

Hanging out with Grandpa Jones

Cousin Keegan and Hudson playing

Hudson and Uncle Jake

Hudson playing with cousin Savannah

My Baby Girl

2010-02-01T10:21:00.001-08:00

My sweet baby girl, Hudson, is already 11 months old. I can't believe it!! She is such a joy! She has the best smile and cutest personality. She likes to move, move, move!! The others girls weren't this active at her age. She loves to stand and cruise on everything. She would rather stand than anything else. She likes to hold on with one hand and wave with the other. She is saying several words. Her favorites are mama, dada, hi, and bye. It's easy as the third child to get passed by, so I really wanted to put a few pictures of just my little Hudson.

Hudson love some Cheetos!! She loves to eat in general, she will eat anything you put in front of her, she hadn't eaten baby food in three months.

Hudson's first time with a marker. She found it somewhere and had a little fun before we got to her. She's following in Emerson's footsteps.

I love that expression

My sweetie pie!

So tired, she gave it up in her highchair!

Let It Snow!

2010-02-01T10:20:00.004-08:00

This past week we got some snow and ice. The first day it was snow, so I let the girls go outside and play for a little bit in the snow. They had so much fun. However, the next few days we were iced in and they were so stir crazy.

Emerson and Palmer going out to the snow

Emerson throwing a snowball at me

Hudson checking out the snow

Hudson trying to see if she likes the cold snow

Palmer having fun in the snow

The Girls First Trip to Chuck E Cheese

2010-02-01T10:20:00.003-08:00

Our friends from across the street were moving to Washington State. They have a precious little girl, Ava, who is Emerson's age. As a going away playdate, a bunch of us went to Chuck E Cheese. It was my girls first time to go there. They had SOOOOO much fun! They ask all the time now to go back.

New Years Eve

2010-02-01T10:20:00.001-08:00

For New Years Eve, we had a few friends over. The kids has a blast playing and having a slumber party. The women enjoyed chit chatting and the guys enjoyed playing Wii. Here are a few pictures from our evening.

Emerson, Amelia, and Shea being silly

The girls

Hudson and her buddy Walt

Sweet Hudson

Sweet Walt

Nash playing with the girls

Walt and Hudson

The girls all ready for their movie

Comfy and Cozy

Watching a movie

Me, Laura, and Annah Mary

Steve, Jon, and Ryan playing Wii

Christmas 2009

2010-02-01T09:59:00.001-08:00

We had a great Christmas. First, Santa visited the girls at home in Memphis. Then we went to Ryan's family in Franklinton, LA, then we went to my family's in Shreveport, LA. Ryan actually got a whole week off work and it was nice to see everyone.

Here is what Santa left for the girls. Yes, that is a swing set in our living room. And it is now in the back yard. Santa did not want to put it together in the cold and dark.

Husdon enjoying her loot.

Palmer loves the swing!

Emerson is all about the princesses!

The big girls enjoying their fold out princess couches.

Grandpa Jones and Palmer

Cousin Keegan

Cousin Pres

Cousin Amarie

Cousin Anison

Hudson and MawMaw Dot

Making Gingerbread houses

Hudson and Keegan

Grandpa and Emerson cooking

Christmas in the Oaks in New Orleans

Grandpa and some of his girls looking at lights

My girls wainting on the train ride

Finally, we all get to ride the train

Some cousins on the couch

All the cousins in front of the tree

On to Shreveport, Palmer and Gigi

Mimi (Bess) and Husdon Bess

Aunt Kelley and the girls

Emerson LOVES strawberry shortcake!

Hudson gets a swing!

Savannah and her Big Sis shirt

Palmer and Elmo

Palmer loves her umbrella

Hudson loves her lion walker

Sweet Palmer

Savannah lost two teeth

The girls making a rice crispy Christmas house

Alpine Village and Starry Nights

2010-02-01T09:56:00.000-08:00

We stayed so buy over the Christmas holidays. Two of the activities we did was Alpine Village at Trinity Baptist Church and Starry Nights. The girls had a blast at Alpine Village. There were little cottages set up all over their gym where the girls got to make something to take home, we also saw a puppet show, Wisemen, fake snow, and Santa Claus.

When we arrived we ran into Emerson's friend Julia

Puppet Show

Emerson decorating a gingerbread cookie

Palmer getting reindeer food

Emerson throwing snow

And throwing it on herself, she loved it!

Rocking on the rocking horses

Checking out the Wisemen gifts for baby Jesus

Santa and the girls

Starry Nights was an outside light display that you drive through. The girls had so much fun looking at all the lights. Here are a couple of pictures to get an idea.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-13T22:32:00.000-08:00

We had a very laid back Thanksgiving this year. We didn't have any family coming in town and we had no travel plans. Some of our good friends, Liz and Clay, graciously invited the five of us to their house for Thanksgiving lunch. The food was great and the girls had a blast. Here are a few pictures of my three little turkeys:

Halloween 2009

2009-11-02T15:44:00.000-08:00

Halloween lasted longer than one day for us. It was three fun filled days. Thursday the girls had a Halloween parade, trick or treating, and Halloween parties at school. Friday morning we had a fun Halloween playdate at a friend's house and Friday night we went to a Halloween party where the kids painted pumpkins, the dad's played Wii golf, and the moms chit chatted. Saturday we went to our church for Trunk or Treat and a magic show, then we went back to a friends house for trick or treating and playing. The girls really enjoyed getting to wear their costumes three days in a row! Emerson was Strawberry Shortcake, Palmer was Strawberry Shortcake's kitty cat, and Hudson was a strawberry. Here are a few pictures of our fun weekend:

My Girls

My Little Strawberry in her class

Emerson in the parade with her class

Hudson in the parade

Palmer in the parade

Palmer and Ms. Connie

Emerson and Emily, her best friend at school

Palmer decorating her pumpkin

Palmer and her scary teeth

Emerson and her scary teeth. She loved these, she thought they were so funny.

The girls decorating pumpkins (Angie, hope you don't care I stole this picture from your blog)

My Little Kitty

Emerson and Julia at church

Hudson at Trunk or Treat

Palmer and Emerson riding the train at church

Strawberry Shortcake

The family at the festival

Trick or Treating

Playing Catch Up

2009-10-04T19:06:00.000-07:00

It's been forever since I've blogged, so here's my attempt to try and catch up. We've been very busy the last month and a half and had a lot of fun. Here's a peek:

Palmer Turns Two:

Palmer had a fun birthday party at Buckhead Creek. We had water toys and a bounce house. The kids ran wild and had a blast. It was a frog themed party.

Sesame Street Live:

Meeting Curious George:

Emerson Starts Ballet and Tap:

Emerson and Amelia

My three girls first bath all together:

Disney on Ice:

Emerson and Marianna

Fall Festival at our church, Faith Baptist:

What a month!! We sure were busy. I'm going to try and do a better job of keeping up!

Applique Contest

2009-08-28T07:33:00.001-07:00

I have entered an applique contest at Planet Applique. The competition was to purchase 5 appliques from a theme set and use all 5 appliques in a project. I made a ocean themed hooded towel. I thought it turned out pretty cute. Please go to www.planetapplique.com/vote2.html
and vote for Under the Sea Beach Towel - Tracy Jones!

First place is a new embroidery machine. It's my dream to get a new bigger, better embroidery machine. According to my husband, I will not be getting a new embroidery machine anytime soon unless I win it, so PLEASE go vote for me. The voting goes until August 30th.

Thanks so much!

Hudson's Dedication

2009-08-07T20:06:00.000-07:00

Hudson was dedicated at our church, Faith Baptist, Sunday July 26th. All the family came in for the weekend and we had a great time celebrating our little angel! We are so blessed to have such a sweet gift from God!

The girls sitting on daddy's back

Andy and smiling Hudson

Grandpa Jones, Hudson, and cousin Keegan

Hudson and cousin Keegan playing

Hudson, Andy, and Joyce

Ryan and Emerson reading

My grandmother gave the four granddaughters necklaces. This is the girls opeing them.

Palmer showing off her necklace

Hudson and Joyce

Emerson and Andy playing with his iPhone

Our little family

Ryan and his girls

Hudson's dedication at our church, Faith Baptist

Hudson's beautiful cake done by my friend Annie

Another cake view

The girl of honor, Hudson

Cousins and sisters helping Hudson open her presents

Princess Breakfast

2009-08-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

Emerson and her cousins, Anison and Savannah, went to breakfast with Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. They had so much fun! A place here in Memphis called Glitz N Glam does birthday parties and princess camps. Over the summer they did some princess breakfasts and the girls were able to go to it. Emerson was really excited b/c Snow White is her favorite princess! Snow White did the girls' nails and makeup and Sleeping Beauty did their hair. The girls got to have breakfast, do a craft, have storytime, and even do the Hokey Pokey with the princess. Here are some pictures of our princesses having a blast:

Princess Anison, Princess Emerson, and Princess Savannah

Emerson and Sleeping Beauty

Snow White doing Emerson's nails

Snow White doing Emerson's makeup

Emerson checking out her makeup in the mirror

Sleeping Beauty doing Anison's hair

Snow White doing Savannah's nails

Snow White doing Savannah's makeup

Anison getting her nails done

Anison looking in the mirror

Sleeping Beauty doing Emerson's hair

Sleeping Beauty doing Savannah's hair

Snow White and Emerson

Princess glitter hair

Emerson showing Snow White that she has a collar just like her

Emerson posing with the princesses

The girls eating breakfast

Snow White serving breakfast

The princesses serving breakfast

Anison eating a princess donut

Emerson and Sleeping Beauty doing a craft

Dancing with the princesses

Story time with Snow White

Emerson wouldn't be quiet during the story!

Getting a treat from Sleeping Beauty

Our 5th Anniversary

2009-07-11T06:13:00.000-07:00

Ryan and I had our 5th wedding anniversary on July 10th. We decided to do something special. I've been dying to see Wicked for a long time. We found out that it was going to be in Memphis and was going to be playing on our anniversary. I knew that's exactly what I wanted for our anniversary. It was so nice to have a night out with no kids, eventhough I thought about them the whole time. I only texted the babysitter once to check on them. I can't believe it's been five years. A lot has happened in five years - we bought a house, moved to Memphis, had THREE kids, Ryan finished his residency, Ryan started his pediatric cardiology fellowship, I've worked as a speech therapist, I've been a stay at home mom, we found a wonderful church, established some great friendships, and so much more. These five years have been great and I'm looking to many more!

We started the night out going to the Magestic Grille in downtown Memphis. It was great! Definitely glad we had reservations, it was busy. They offer a pre-theater menu with a set price for three courses. We enjoyed having dinner at a nice restaurant with just the two of us, not having to worry that our kids are distracting everyone around us. Then we headed to The Orpheum theater for Wicked. I was giddy like a little school girl, I was so excited. We had great seats! The show was fabulous! Whoever wrote and came up the idea for Wicked is very creative. I went into the show not knowing anything about it except that it was the story of the witches before the Wizard of Oz. There were so many twists and surprises in it. If you haven't seen it, it's definitely worth the money!

Here are a few pictures from our adult night out:

My flowers from my wonderful hubby!

Me and Ryan in downtown Memphis

The Magestic Grille

The Orpheum Theater

It was a great night! We definitely need to do more date nights!!

4th of July - Take Two

2009-07-08T13:38:00.000-07:00

We went to the fireworks that our church, Faith Baptist, put on. It was great and the girls had a lot of fun playing with their friends!

The girls in their 4th of July outfits mommy made them

Emerson, Julia, and Davis playing

Emerson, Palmer, and Julia eating candy

Emerson and Marianna

Best Friends - Emerson, Marianna, Julia, and Chloe

Quinn and Palmer

Emerson and Palmer enjoying ring pops

Palmer and Emerson waiting on the fireworks

Marianna, Emerson, Julia, and Chloe

Palmer watching the fireworks

Hudson watching the fireworks

The big girls watching the fireworks

Palmer and Hudson with Daddy watching the show

The 4th of July

2009-07-04T17:51:00.000-07:00

We've had a fun weekend so far. Ryan had to work all day and all night on the 4th, so we had a little family fun on the 3rd to celebrate. Emerson got a new pool and the girls swam in that. We played outside and had fun while daddy grilled for us. On the 4th, I braved going out to a festival all my myself with all three. We had a blast and the girls were really good. Emerson got to jump on several bounce houses and the big girls got to ride Thomas the train. The biggest surprise of all was getting to meet Dora!! The girls loved that! Hudson of course slept through most of the festivities

Palmer sliding down the fish slide

Emerson sliding

Palmer playing in the spraying water

Palmer playing with the water table

Fun with the tricycle

Daddy grilling some good food!

Chowing down! The girls love to eat outside!

Hudson hanging out in her red white and blue

My three patriotic girls

Emerson climbing up

And sliding down

Emerson jumping

Riding the train

Thomas the train

Hudson snoozing

Eating snowcones

Getting patriotic tatoos

Palmr decorating her cup

Meeting Dora!!

Eating dinner, Hudson actually woke up for that

Tomorrow night we're supposed to go see fireworks that our church puts on. Hopefully it doesn't rain, so the girls will get to see some great fireworks and get to hang out with their friends. Right now the girls are supposed to be in bed, but they are staring out the window in their bedroom watching all the neighbors fireworks. They are amazed with them.

Hudson is four months old!

2009-07-03T07:30:00.000-07:00

Hudson is four months old now. Wow has time flown by!!! She is such a joy! We gave her cereal today for the first time. She did great with it! Emerson decided she needed to feed her baby cereal too! Here are a few video clips of Hudson.

Hudson eating cereal for the first time:

Hudson talking:

Hudson rolling over:

Here's a few cute pics:

Hudson

2009-06-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

Hudson is almost four months old now. She is the best baby in the world. She doesn't fuss much at all and just goes with the flow. I just moved her to a four hour schedule and she adapted beautifully and sleeps 12 hours straight at night. I stopped waking her up at 10 just to eat and it didn't phase her at all. She is just a blessing and a happy little baby. She's been rolling over both ways since she turned 3 months and is a pro now! She loves to smile, laugh, and talk all the time. I'll put her in the swing and Palmer and Emerson love to swing her. The higher they swing her the harder she laughs. Here is a couple of her 3 month pictures and a few short video clips.

Here is a video of Hudson rolling over. It's really dark, b/c there weren't many lights on. I had to post it b/c I finally got her rolling over on camera. She rolls over all the time, but when I put the camera on her all she does is look at me and refuse to roll over.

Here is Hudson hanging out on her blanket talking to me.

The shots are here

2009-06-08T10:52:00.000-07:00

Palmer's medication has arrived, she's taking Increlex. The nurse came to train me on how to give her the shots. She is getting two injections a day. We have to rotate the injection site, so she doesn't get sore or build scar tissue. She gets the shots in her leg, arm, stomach, and bottom. Palmer is handling it pretty well. She know what's coming when she sees the shot and usually tries to run. She just fuses for a second when she gets the shot and is over it pretty much immediately. The needle is really small. I've adjusted pretty well too, it's just part of our day now. We go back to the endocrinologist in August for a check up to see how much she has grown. Here are a few pictures to see what we're dealing with and of course one cute one of Palmer playing:

Emerson's Latest

2009-06-02T21:21:00.000-07:00

For those of you who know Emerson very well at all, you know she's always up to something. Here's her latest. Tonight when it was dinner time she wanted to go get in her pool. I told her no and that I was getting dinner ready. Emerson and Palmer were playing nicely in the living room when I left to go fix their plates in the kitchen. I went back to get them and they were in my bathroom. Palmer walked out laughing with her hair soaking wet. I asked Emerson what she put on Palmer. She gladly told me "sunscreen". When I asked her why, she told me that they wanted to go swimming and she was putting on their sunscreen. Emerson somehow sprayed her and Palmer's right eye. They both had a swollen, red right eye. It's was crazy, the eye was red, the skin around the eye was red, they had red splotches on their forehead, and half of their nose was red. Thankfully, we just took a bath and rinsed them. By bed time the redness was almost gone. It didn't seem to stop either one of them, they were both still happy and playing. Here are a few pictures of their red eyes. Palmer's were worse than Emerson's. Somehow or another Palmer always get the short end of the stick. These pictures were after their bath at dinner saying "cheese".

My Littlest Love, Hudson

2009-05-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

Hudson is such a sweet little baby. I feel since she is the third she's not getting the picture attention I gave to the other two, especially the first. I really have to make an effort to make sure I take plenty of pictures of her since life is crazy around here with three little ones. She has the most beautiful smile. All you have to do is talk to her and call her name and she just lights up. She is a very laid back baby, which is essential with two big sisters in your face all the time. Thought I would share some snapshots of Hudson. She's getting so big so quickly. It seems that she's growing faster that the other two did. I try to take time everyday and just sit back and enjoy some time with her. She is such a precious gift.

Palmer's Results and Diagnosis

2009-05-09T05:29:00.000-07:00

We heard from Dr. Cohen and we have finally figured out what is going on with Palmer. The reason she is so small is b/c she has IGFD (Insulin-like Growth Factor Deficiency). Basically, she is deficient in one of the hormones to help her grow. Her stimulus testing showed that her growth hormones were normal under stimulation, which meant that the deficiency was in the IGF, which is primarily procudced in the liver. All the specifics are really technical and confusing.

Here is a little info I found on it: The process of growth is complicated. Insulin-like Growth Factor Deficiency also called IGFD or IGF-1 is a relatively new discovery. There are many links in the chain (so to speak) which must all work correctly and work together before healthy growth can happen. If there is a kink in the process anywhere at all the growth process may be halted or disrupted so that growth is occuring but at a less than normal rate. This new discovery about Insulin-like Growth Factors is extremely helpful to families who have been previously told that their child's growth hormone levels were normal because children with low IGF-1 usually do not respond well to growth hormone therapy-they need IGFD therapy.

The next step for us is to start therapy, which is two injections a day. Her medication, Increlex, will be delivered to our door every month, b/c it is very rare. A nurse is going to come to our house to train me how to give Palmer the injections. As far as side effects go, the most common thing is hypoglycemia (her blood sugar could drop). Because this hormone is similar to insulin, it has the same type of effect.

I feel much better that we have finally figured out what is going on. I am very thankful that this is something treatable and won't effect her cognitive development. I'm a little anxious about the injections. Palmer and I are going to have to get used to the injections. I know if will be hard for her at first, but she will get used to it. Please pray for our family as we adjust to everything.

Palmer's Testing

2009-04-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

We went to LeBonheur, the children's hospital here in Memphis for Palmer's testing. It was stimulus testing to test her growth hormone levels. We were there for about 3 to 4 hours. She got an IV in her little hand. They drew blood from the IV several times and put medincine in through the IV several times. She also had to get a shot of medicine in her arm. She did really good considering her age. The worst part was that Palmer couldn't eat or drink anything after midnight. She cried this morning for her milk, it was so sad. After the test, they gave her some apple juice and graham crackers. I've never seen her leap toward her juice so fast!! She was sooo thirsty and hungry. We won't find out any results for about 2 to 3 weeks. Here are a few pictures from our morning at LeBonheur:

Emerson's Goes To The Dentist

2009-04-23T11:32:00.001-07:00

Emerson went to the dentist for the first time today. She did great and had a blast! We went to Dr. Freeman in Cordova. She opened wide and cooperated for everything. They cleaned, polished, flossed, and put floride on her teeth. No cavities!! Thank goodness, hopefully she doesn't get my teeth! She got to pick out a toy and play in the game room. She had so much fun that she didn't want to leave!

I talked to the dentist about her thumbsucking. The roof of her mouth is narrowing a little bit. He doesn't usually put appliances in for thumbsucking until 4. He wants us to try other things for the next 6 months, then we will talk about an appliance. He said most three year olds don't cooperate and understand what's going on, but she seemed to understand everything and cooperate very well, so we may do something before she turns four. Here are a few pictures of her first trip to the dentist:

Finally Some Answers!!

2009-04-13T08:41:00.001-07:00

We have been worried out Palmer being small. We've been going to the Nephrologist for the past six months and the medications seem to not be working, so we were referred to the Endocrinologist. We have finally have some answers, but we still need a lot of prayer for her. The doctor called on Easter Sunday while we were at church to let us know the results. Dr. Cohen is our endocrinologist and he is wonderful!

They did bloodwork to test for all types of hormones. When they tested her IGF (Insulin like Growth Factor), the level was so low that they could not measure it. This is a marker for growth hormone deficiency. We have to go to the children's hospital, LeBonheur, for an outpatient procedure. This test will measure both her growth hormone level (which is in the pituitary gland) and her IGF (which is in the liver) to see which one is the one that is low. From there we will figure out what needs to be done. The good news is that this is something that is treatable.

Please pray for us and we figure everything out. Also, pray for Palmer's procedure, it will last about four hours. For those that know Palmer, keeping her still for four hours is not going to be fun. We do not have it set up yet, so I don't know excactly when it will be. The doctor will call us with that information. I feel much better that we have figured out what is going on, but nervous about what's to come, so please keep our entire family in your prayers. I will keep everyone updated on what we find out and what the next step will be.

Easter Egg Hunt and The Easter Bunny

2009-04-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

We went to an easter egg hunt at Trinity Baptist this weekend. They had pony rides, petting zoo, egg hunts, and games. The girls had a blast! Then we went to see the easter bunny at the mall. Here are some pictures of our day:

Palmer kissing Hudson

Hudson
The girls in their outfits I made.
The girls again Emerson and Palmer heading to the easter egg hunt
Emerson playing games
Palmer playing games Say cheese
Palmer found an egg! More eggs
Palmer racking up on eggs Emerson finding eggs
And more eggs

Palmer checking out the animals

Emerson and the baby goat

Palmer and the pig

Palmer petting the baby goat

Palmer kissing the baby goat

Petting the bunny

Palmer feeding the cow

Emerson feeding the goat

Checking out the turtles

Looking at the chickens

Emerson riding a pony

Posing with the pony

Palmer riding the pony

Palmer did great riding all by herself

Emerson loved the ferret

Emerson wanted to sit on the train eventhough we couldn't ride it. It had a flat tire

Emerson and Palmer playing with balloons

Palmer, Hudson, and Emerson with the Easter Bunny

Happy 3rd Birthday Emerson!

2009-03-30T19:39:00.000-07:00

Today was Emerson's third birthday. I can't believe my baby is three! We had a fun day. We had a great photo shoot with Elizabeth Wiggs. Then we went to celebrate at Mamma Mia's Pizzeria. It's a new place in Cordova where the kids get to make their own pizza. We thought it would be something that she would like and she loved it! Then we went to the Cookie Company and had cookie cake and cookies. Here are some pictures from our day. There are a few others of the girls around the house. Enjoy!

Birthday Girl!!

Emerson and Palmer saying "CHEERS!". Their new favorite thing to do at the table.

Emerson shaking her booty. Another favorite thing to do!

Palmer enjoying some food.

Emerson and Palmer dancing

Hudson hanging out

Emerson putting the sauce on her pizza

Putting on some cheese

More cheese

Emerson loves pepperoni!!

Palmer getting some drink

Hudson hanging out

Ta-Da! Look at my pizza I made

The family at Mamma Mia's celebrating Emerson's 3rd birthday

Emerson about to eat the pizza she made

Enjoying some pepperoni

Emerson enjoying some cookie cake for her birthday

Palmer enjoying a big cookie

Picking off all the icing

It's my cake!

Yummy!

Say cheese!

Palmer Update

2009-03-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

Thought I would update everyone on Palmer, it's been a while. As most of you know, we've been concerned that Palmer is small. We've been to the Nephrologist a couple of times now. Dr. Delos Santos diagnosed her with Renal Tubular Acidosis (RTA) and put her on medication for it. He thinks the cause of it was a definicincy of Vitatmin D, so she's also on a multivitamin. The results of her last labwork showed normal levels of Vitamin D, but her bicardonate is still in the low normal range, so he increased her medicine. She is still growing, but at a small rate. The medicine is supposed to make her grow faster, but it hasn't done that. We went for her 18 month check up and she weighed 17 pounds, 6 ounces and was I believe 28 inches. Because the medication doesn't seem to be doing anything we have been referred to the Endocrinologist. I don't know all the details of what an Endocrinologist does, but I know he specializes in glands and growth. So we'll see what happens. Please be praying for us and Palmer. She has a nephrology appointment April 3rd and an endocrinology appointment April 8th. Hopefully we'll know more then. Poor baby just hates being poked and proded at. Personally, Ryan and I still think she is just petite. Being small definitely doesn't slow her down! She is fiesty as ever and can definitely hold her own. Her favorite thing to do right now is give her baby sister kisses all the time.

I have a hard time posting about just one of my girls, so I have to put a tidbit in about my other two. Emerson is going to be three next week, I can't believe it. She is just as independent as ever and very opinionated! I know she gets that from me. She's such a good big sister, she loves to help out with Hudson. Hudson is almost three weeks old now. She is just a wonderful baby. She's adjusted well to having two big sisters who want to hold her and be in her face all the time. She is doing great at night and on her schedule. She is a sweet, cuddly little baby. I just love my three girls so much. My camera is broken right now, so that's why there are no pictures with this posting. I've ordered one, so get ready more pictures to come soon!

The Zoo

2009-03-19T08:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went on our first family outing as a family of five to the zoo. We met up with some friends. I've been stir crazy and figured Hudson could use some fresh air. Emerson was so excited to see some of her friends. It was a beautiful day at the zoo, but also crowded. We has lots of fun!! Here are a few pictures:

Davis and Palmer haning out

Ryan will the kiddos looking at the Panda Bear

Our Family

Palmer

Hudson sleeping in her sling

Palmer and Quinn

Emerson hitching a ride with Daddy

Julia, Emerson, and Chloe looking at the giraffes

Palmer and Emerson waiting on mommy to finish feeding Hudson so we can go home

Palmer checking out the toys in the gift shop

Hudson is one week old!!

2009-03-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

Hudson turned one week old yestereday. She is such a sweet, cuddly baby. We're really enjoying her! My mom stayed this week with us to help out with the girls. Emerson and Palmer just love to love on her, sometimes a little too much. We are getting adjusted to having three little ones around the house. Here are some pictures from our last week. Everything from the girls loving on her to them giving her a bottle to friends visiting to her first bath to a one week celebration. Enjoy!

Baby Hudson has arrived!!!!

2009-03-05T16:53:00.000-08:00

Ryan and I are very exited to announe the arrival of our third daughter, Hudson Bess Jones. She was born today, March 5th, at 12:13 p.m. She is 7 pounds even and is 21 inches and beautiful as can be. We had a wonderful delivery, I had a c-section. I'm feeling great now and am sure I'll be hurting tomorrow. Emerson and Palmer are having so much fun holding and kissing their baby sister. Here are some pictures:

Our first photo with Hudson

Hudson Bess Jones

Mommy and Hudson

My three girls!

Emerson holding Hudson for the first time

Palmer holding Hudson for the first time

Getting lots of love from Emerson

Getting love from Palmer

Grandpa Jones and Hudson

Grandma Jones and Hudson

PaPaw and Gigi with Husdon

Cousin Savannah, Aunt Kelley, and Hudson

My sweet Hudson angel!

More to come later!!!!!

Valentines and the Circus!!

2009-03-02T13:10:00.000-08:00

I know this is long overdue, but better late than never. We had a fun Valentines Day! We opened cards and candy at the house, then we went to the circus with some friends. The girls had a blast! Here are some pictures:

Emerson and Palmer in their Valentine outfits I made

The girls opening their cards and candy

Emerson reading her cards

Emerson enjoying her chocolate

Palmer enjoying her chocolates

All smiles!!

Palmer reading her cards

The Circus!!!
The fam at the circus

Silly Palmer!

Emerson eating cotton candy
Palmer enjoying cotton candy

Say cheese!

Our friends, Quinn and Chloe

The ringmaster

A cool act

Emerson waving her glow stick

Palmer having fun on Daddy's shoulders

The girls posing

Emerson, Palmer, Quinn, and Chloe
Friends - Emerson and Chloe
Emerson with a clown

Emerson having fun on Daddy's shoulders

Emerson the Gymnast

2009-02-04T08:39:00.000-08:00

Emerson has started taking gymnastics at River City Gymnastics. She loves it sooooo much. She calls it "my nasitcs". She has been taking for about a month now. Her teacher says that for her age and being a beginner she is really good. She has no fear and loves to do everything. She loves to do her front roll and hand stand on the wall by herself and is getting better at doing bridges. Here are some pictures of a day at gymnastics.

Emerson swinging on the rings

Kicking the scarves

Doing the obstacle course

"TA DA!!"

Concentrating on the balance beam

Doing a hand stand by herself

Getting ready for her front roll

Doing a back flip with Coach Liz

She loves to do TA DA and pose

Climbing, climbing

Building blocks from the pit

More fun in the pit

Waiting her turn to jump

Jumping on the trampoline

Emerson's class

Snow Fun!!

2009-01-28T11:28:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of the girls playing in the snow today. For us, living in Memphis and being from Louisiana, this is snow. We don't get it very often and it's a treat when we do get a little bit. Emerson woke up this morning so excited yelling, "Mommy the snow came back!!!". Emerson really liked playing in it and didn't want to go inside. Palmer enjoyed most of it, she just didn't like when she face planted in the snow and it got on her face. We also went on a walk with the wagon around the neighborhood to see all the snow. The girls had a lot of fun!

Palmer's first touch of snow

Emerson and Palmer in the snow

Emerson making a snow angel

Palmer making a snow angel and not knowing what to think

The girls cheesing for the camera

Palmer walking in the snow

Palmer

Emerson

Emerson making another snow angel, she loved doing this

Wanting to make a snowman, but not having enough snow

A snow walk

Palmer not liking the snow on her face

Boudreaux's Explosion

2009-01-22T11:34:00.000-08:00

Emerson and Palmer have moved into the same room to make more room for Hudson coming in six weeks. We trained Palmer to sleep in a toddler bed in her room first, then moved it into Emerson's room. She hasn't slept in it one since it's been in Emerson's room. She likes to sleep in the bed with Emerson. Of course it now takes them much longer to go to sleep because they like to play, but it's working out.

One night, Emerson found the tub of Boudreaux's Butt Paste. She decided to paint her and Palmer's hair, face, and pjs. She also thought it would be fun to paint her baby, pillows, sheets, headboard, and wall. I heard them giggling and went to check them. The second I opened the door Emerson said "I'm sorry mommy!". I immediately knew they were into something. They were having a blast getting messy together. So, for those who need to know, Dawn dishwashing soap applied several times gets Boudreaux's out of hair. They had greasy hair for a couple of days. That's life with a very mischievious 2 1/2 year old and a 16 month old who does anything with her sister.

Here's a picture of my two angels sleeping together in the same bed:

Here's what they looked like when I walked in:

Too Much Christmas

2009-01-03T10:43:00.000-08:00

We had way too much Christmas this year. But had lots of fun! The girls got way too much of course. Here our some of our Christmas pictures from Memphis, Shreveport, and Leland, MS.

Christmas at Home in Memphis

Making cookies for Santa

Palmer, my little present

Wanting to eat Santa's cookies

Santa was good to the girls-dollhouse, vanity, train table and lots of other goodies

The girls and Daddy opening presents and stockings from Santa

Palmer eating chocolate Christmas morning

Emerson playing at her makeup table (as she calls it)

Palmer playing with the train table

Christmas in Shreveport

The cousins playing

Palmer, Emerson, and Savannah trying to sit still for a picture by the tree

Daddy opening presents with the girls

Emerson and Savannah opening more presents

Palmer feeding her new baby

Palmer opening a present

Emerson in her new dressup dress and trying to get into her new makeup (Thanks Gigi)

Sweet Palmer

The Family

The girls playing with their new tea set from Aunt Lorrie

Palmer Bug playing with a bag

The girls playing with Savannah's new Barbie house

Savannah and Kelley with their new cars!!

All the girls riding in the new Escalade

Too Cute!!!

Palmer opening her new ballpit
Emerson opeing her new easel

Palmer and Aunt Lorrie

Fun in the ball pit, it's huge!!!

Christmas in Leland with the Jones

Meeting Cousin Keegan for the first time

Aunt Shannon and Baby Keegan

Uncle Darren handing out treats

Emerson opening presents

Palmer riding on her new tiger

Baby Keegan-Born Dec 10

Playing Go Fish

Grandpa and Keegan haning out

Anison and Palmer playing

Palmer, Keegan, Grandpa, and Holly

Pres and Aninson holding their baby sister

The five cousins all lined up

Santa Experience

2008-12-14T14:14:00.000-08:00

I wasn't sure how seeing Santa was going to go this year. Emerson talks about him all the time and knows he's going to bring her toys, but didn't know if she would go sit and talk with him. If you know Emerson, she doesn't know a stranger and will talk to anyone. I figured Palmer would probably scream, b/c she's not real excited about strangers. We went to the Enchanted Forest here at the Pink Palace Museum for Ryan's work Christmas party.

Emerson kept asking where Santa was. We told her at the end of of the animals and toys. She rushed through because she wanted to see him. We got in line to wait our turn. Ryan and I turned out heads for a second to look at Palmer and the next thing we knew everyone was laughing. Emerson had run up and bypassed everyone in the line and jumped in Santa's lap. Everyone thought it was so cute, but I made her wait her turn in line. So she got to sit in his lap again and tell him what she wants for Christmas. Needless to say, Emerson has no fear of Santa Claus. Palmer did pretty good too. She didn't cry, so we got a pretty cute picture. Of course Palmer doesn't really know what's going on with the whole Santa thing, but loved seeing all the animals and toys at the Enchanted Forest. She loves chasing around her big sister and trying to keep up.

The Girls First Movie

2008-12-01T08:47:00.000-08:00

On Thanksgiving we took the girls to see their first movie. We went to see Bolt. We debated whether or not to take Palmer with us. But she was actually the best one. My mom, sister, and neice also went with us. It was alot of fun. The girls really enjoyed it. The big girls got a kids snack pack, which they really loved. Palmer sat in my lap and ate popcorn the entire time. Here are a few pictures of our adventure.

Ryan and the girls walking up to the movie theater

My mom walking with Palmer

Ryan sitting with the girls before the movie

Emerson enjoying her popcorn

Palmer eating popcorn

Savannah and Emerson enjoying their snacks and my sister and mom in the background

Palmer watching the movie

My Girls

2008-11-30T18:23:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to take a few minutes to talk about my girls.

Palmer is 15 months now and is just precious. She is walking everywhere, no more crawling for her. She is amazing and has the cutest personality. She is saying several words and using several signs. She can answer questions appropriately by shaking her head yes and no, it's amazing. I forget how much she can do, since she is so little. She loves to read books and play with puzzles. She is very independent and doesn't like anyone in her space. She will definitely let you know if she doesn't like what you're doing.

Emerson is 2 1/2 now and can I say ATTITUDE!!! She is fiesty, but lots of fun. She is definitely a girly girl. She love to dress up and put on makeup. She is our little actress and very dramatic. We have to really keep an eye on her, b/c she gets into everything. And smart as a whip. She amazes me everyday with what she knows. She is a great big sister and does good sharing. She likes to carry Palmer around. We're working on putting her down gently.

Both of my girls are so much fun. They both love animals and will touch any animal, wild or tame without fear. They are playing together better everyday. Here are a couple pictures of them. Emerson told me they wanted to play in her room by themselves. When it got a little too quiet, I opened the door to check on them and they were sitting there quietly each reading a book. It was so cute that I couldn't resist taking a picture. Lately I've been taking mainly pictures of all the messes they've been making, so this was great!

I can't leave out my little girl on the way. Sweet Hudson. I'm 26 weeks now and feeling her kick all the time. Emerson talks about her all the time. She always says that Hudson has to grow so she can get big, so Emerson can hold her. I've started working on Hudson's nursery. I'm sewing several things for it. I'll post pictures when I'm done, but it'll be a while. I can't wait until the first of March to see her sweet face and hold her for the first time. I'm so lucky to have three sweet little girls.

Palmer is Walking!!!!

2008-11-09T18:03:00.000-08:00

Palmer has been walking now for a little over a week. She still crawls a lot, b/c it's faster but walks more and more every day. She can stand up from the floor by herself and is so proud of herself when she walks. She did not want to preform for the camera. She would walk really far when the camera was off, then only take a couple of steps with the camera on. Here are a couple of videos.

Palmer taking a few steps.

Palmer standing up by herself and taking a few steps.

Palmer standing up by herself and taking a few steps when she didn't know I was recording her, then my camera died, so I missed all of it.

Halloween Fun!!!

2008-11-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

Emerson dressed up as a horse and Palmer dressed up as a cowgirl. They had a blast last night! We went to our church with some friends. They had trunk or treat, games in the gym, and food. Emerson picked up very quickly that all she has to say is trick or treat she people hand her candy. She was so cute doing it. Palmer followed behind her in her stroller. Then we went to our friends house, The Wrights, and went trick or treating on their street. The big girls had lots of fun trick or treating and the little ones had fun riding in the wagon. The weather was great. We stayed at the Wrights and let the kids eat some candy and play for a while. We ended our long evening by going by our friends Liz and Clay's house to show off the girls in their coustumes. We had fun hanging out with them and the girls enjoyed playing. Here are some pictures from our fun and exciting evening.

Palmer as a cowgirl and Emerson as a horse.

My little cowgirl

The girls again.

Palmer, Emerson, and Julia

Davis as Goofy and Julia as Lady

Davis and Julia again

Palmer with her gun

Emerson at trunk or treat

Julia and Emerson getting more candy

My cowgirl hanging out

My girls

The clan - Davis, Julia, Emerson, and Palmer

The three muskateers - Emerson, Chloe, and Julia

Emerson and Julia fishing for ducks

Emerson digging for treats

Going trick or treating - Emerson, Chloe, Palmer, and Quinn

Palmer enjoyoing the ride

Emerson trick or treating

Chloe and Emerson trick or treating

A Day at the Nephrologists Office

2008-11-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

We went to the neurologist yesterday. We went to Dr. Noel Delos Santos. I really liked him. However, I hate the UT system. It is horrible! We were there forever!!! I've heard from my old clients how horrible the system is and I lived it yesterday. Palmer had a rought time, b/c she was hungry and tired. Anyway, to the results.

Dr. Santos still thinks that she has Type 1 RTA. He does not believe it is hereditary. He thinks it's due to a Vitamin D deficiancy. So he has put Palmer on a multivitamin and continuing her bicarbinate supplement. The doctor seems to think this is something she could possibly out grow after being on the medicines for a while, it may not be lifelong for her, which was great news. The renal ultrasound showed that her kidneys are normal and there were no calcium deposits (which is the doctor was worried about). Her kidneys are in the 5th percentile for size, but that's normal for her since she is in the 3rd percentile. So, Palmer will take her medicines for the next two months and we go back to the Nephrologist then to see how they are effecting her. Hopefully, she will grow and start to catch up a little bit.

We had a nutritionist come talk to us at the doctor's office about what Palmer eats and if that could be a possibility as to why she is small. But if you know Palmer very well at all, you know that's not the problem. She can eat most people under the table, including me. The nutritionist was very surprised at how much and the variety of what Palmer eats.The other thing is that the doctor wants us to go to see a geneticist. Palmer's glucose is a little low and that combined with her being so small could add up to something. The doctor thinks it's not very likely, but wants to make sure. So now we have to start the process to get an appointment with a geneticist.

So bacially, more waiting. Wait to see if she grows over the next two months and if the supplements are helping her. And wait to see the geneticist, which I've heard can be a long wait. Through all of this, Palmer has been great! She is a very very happy and playful little girl. She has the funniest and cutest personality and makes me laugh everyday. I just love her so much. I'll keep you all posted on her progress.

The Latest On Palmer

2008-10-28T06:28:00.000-07:00

Well, to catch everyone up. We've been doing blood tests and urine tests on Palmer for over a month now to try and figure out if there is a reason that she is so small. The last urine test showed something. The doctor called me back after he talked to the Nephrologist and said they think she might have type 1 Renal Tubular Acidosis (RTA). So, they are starting her on some medicine, Bicitra, three times a day. It is very bitter tasting, so it's not going to be fun to get down her. We start it this afternoon. Tomorrow we are going to Methodist Germantown for a renal ultrasound, an ultrasound on her kidneys. Then Friday, we have an appointment with the Nephrologist to go over the results of the ultrasound and discuss everything. So, hopefully we will finally have some answers. The only thing that this is effecting is her size, developmentally she is doing great.

I'm doing okay with everything. In everything that could be wrong, this is minor. This is something that is managable. I'm just ready to get it all figured out. So be praying for us this week as Palmer is poked and proded at. You can't help but fall in love with this beautiful smiling girl!

Pumpkin Pictures

2008-10-26T17:39:00.001-07:00

I really wanted to go to a fun pumpkin patch and doing something extravagant, however, life around our house has been very crazy and busy. It's hard to find time between Ryan's schedule, birthday parties, weddings, out of town trips, and just life. So I had to settle for some pictures with a few pumpkins. I still think they turned out pretty cute. Here are a few pictures of Emerson and Palmer in their matching pumpkin dresses I made for them.

Fun at the Children's Museum

2008-10-26T16:53:00.000-07:00

We went to the children's museum here in Memphis with a few friends about a week ago. Emerson and Palmer both had a blast. Here are a few pictures.

Julia and Emerson dressing up.

Palmer dressing up too!

Marianna and Emerson dancing.

Marianna as a monster.

The girls brushing some big teeth!

Emerson and Palmer on the motorcycle. Emerson is squeezing a little too tight.

Palmer and the dalmation.

Emerson driving the firetruck.

Palmer crawling under the dog.

Emerson painting.

Where's Palmer?

Peek-A-Boo!

Marianna, Julia, and Emerson painting.

The girls playing!

Emerson and Marianna shopping.

Emerson checking out.

Davis and Palmer playing.

Palmer riding the horse.

The girls in the police car.

Emerson doing the butterfly. I swear she did not learn that dance move at home!

Emerson shaking her booty.

House Full of Girls!!!!

2008-10-16T16:00:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let eveyone know that it's another GIRL!!!! That's right Hudson is a girl! We are very excited. Ryan is definitely out numbered. Three girls in three years! Emerson and Palmer have so much fun playing together and with both be great big sisters! I can't wait to get busy planning a new pink nursery and sewing three matching dresses now instead of two!

Palmer's Most Recent Test Results

2008-10-14T16:54:00.001-07:00

I heard from the doctor this evening. Palmer's bicardinate level is still a little low. So, he is going to talk to the nephrologist to get his opinion. To see if the nephrologist wants us to see him and follow Palmer or if the level isn't low enought to worry about. The doctor said he wouldn't get a chance to talk to him until at least Thursday, so we are just waiting again. Also, some good news. Last time Palmer's phosphorus level was low, this time it was normal. Which is good, b/c it was be an indicator of RTA. I will let everyone know once we hear back from the doctor.

Answer to Prayer

2008-09-30T14:27:00.001-07:00

Thank you everyone for all your thoughts, prayers, and sweet notes. We just found out today that our quad screen results were wrong. Everything is okay! To make a long story short, the lab messed up the test. They calulated the results at me being 19 weeks, when I was actually 15 weeks at the time of the test. As my doctor said, A Huge Mistake. A week later and lots of tears shed, we figured it out and it is all cleared up. I no longer have to go see the specialist. I will see my regular OB on the 16th for my regular checkup. That's when we find out what we are having. I'll keep everyone posted.

More drama

2008-09-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

I received a call from my OB's office yesterday. My quad screen (which screens for possible birth defects in the baby) came back positive. So we have to go see a specialist. It could mean nothing, there are alot of false positives with this test (especially at my age). Or it could mean there is something wrong with the baby. The nurse said that it didn't show any birth defects, but b/c it was positive we need to go for further testing. I have an appointment with a Maternal Fetal Specialist, Dr. BK on Oct 7th. All I know is that at that appointment we will meet with a geneticist, have a high tech ultrasound, and meet with the doctor. Please be praying for us over the next few weeks.

I know so many people say not to have the quad screen done, b/c there are so many false positives. However, I have always had it done with my pregnancies. My opinion is that it doesn't matter if there is anything wrong with the baby, God gave me this baby and he/she is mine. It doesn't change my love or feelings for the baby. However, if something is wrong I would like to know ahead of time so I can start preparing myself for what is to come. The next week and a half is going to be very stressful for me, but I think in the long run it's worth it to me. As many of you know, I'm a very emotional person, so this has hit me pretty hard. The wait until our appointment is the toughest part. I'll keep everyone updated.

Palmer's Test Results

2008-09-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

It's been a long couple of weeks. We had the blood drawn, with no problem, except that they had to stick her twice. Collecting the urine was a horrible experience. They gave us a bag to put on her to collect it. That didn't work, we tried for five days. Everytime we put the bag on her, she would hold it all day, all night. We would finally explode, the bag would always come off. So, we had to take her in the be catherized. We survived, the worst part is that Palmer hates being held down. The nurse told me the doctor would call me with the results later, b/c he was busy. With the way she stated it, I just new something was wrong.

The doctor called that evening. He said that everything was fine with her urnine and that almost everything was okay with her blood. He said that her kidneys are fine and her thyroid is fine. Her amino acids were a little low, that that's fine, they worry when they are too high. He said that she has acidosis of the blood. Most of you are probably like me and don't know what that is. Basically, one of the chemicals in her blood is low. The bicarbinate is low. The doctor said that it was not significantly low, but that it was low. He wanted to consult the nephrologist at LeBonheur, the children's hospital here in Memphis. They would talk and decide if everything is okay or if we need to go for further testing. My doctor said that the acidosis could be nothing or it could be something more serious. It could just be that Palmer was a little dehydrated that day or it could mean that she has RTA (Renal Tubual Acidosis). Ryan was able to talk to the doctor. Ryan isn't worried, b/c he has so much medical knowledge and knows that the levels aren't very low, so everything should be okay. However, me being Mommy, it was horrible. The fact that there could be something wrong with my baby about killed me. I've been emotionally a wreck. I'm trying to be postive, but it's hard. The doctor said he would call me once he talked to the other doctors. So here is where the waiting game began.

I talked to my doctor last Monday and hadn't heard anything by Friday, so I called the doctor's office. He called me back that afternoon and apologized that it took so long, but he hadn't heard back from the nephrologist all week. He called him that day until he got him on the phone, so he would have something to tell me. Both doctors agreed that Palmer's bicarbinate levels were low, but not significantly low, so they decided that we need to redo labs in 2 to 4 weeks to recheck and go from there. They also want to recheck her phosphorus level in her blood, b/c it was low. If this is RTA, then that would explain why she is so little. However, we might do bloodwork again and everything will be fine and that just means that she's a petite little girl with a great metabolism. Let me tell you, this girl can eat like a champ. Some nights she eats more than I do, and that's saying a lot considering I'm pregnant. So, now we get to continue the waiting game. I'm going to take Palmer to the lab on Oct. 8 and the doctor said he would read the labs on the the 13th or 14th. So we have to wait until then to get an answer. Please pray for Palmer and myself in the next few weeks. The waiting is the hardest part. I'll let everyone know once we get the results.

Palmer Update

2008-09-10T12:10:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, we have been concerned about Palmer's weight. I took Palmer to her one year check up last week. She weighed 15 pounds and was 26 1/2 inches. She gained one pound in two months and grew two inches. I was really expecting her to weigh more, she eats like a champ. The doctor decided to run some baseline tests on her. We think she is just petite, but will feel better once the tests are done. The doctor said he doesn't really expect to find anything from the tests. He also thinks she is just petite, but we need to run some tests just to make sure. She is still growing, she's just really small. She's in the 3rd percentile for weight and height.

We went to the lab today to have urine and blood drawn. Poor little baby, it was so sad. They stuck her arm and drew a lot of blood. While we were waiting for her to urinate, they said they were going to have to stick her again, b/c it wasn't enough blood for all the tests the doctor ordered. So now they stuck her other arm and took more blood. She was actually really good, considering. Of course she screamed, but it wasn't as bad as I anticipated. Emerson was there to help entertain her. Actually, she entertained everyone there. I dont' know when we'll get the results back, hopefully sooner than later. Here are a couple of her one year pictures:

How do you get Sharpie off of skin?

2008-09-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

I came downstairs after only a couple of minutes of putting clean clothes away and this is what I saw. Palmer's face covered in bright blue sharpie smiling at me. Emerson had a little on her face and chest. And my living room wall was now blue. I was immediately angry, but had to pause and take a picture first before punishing Emerson. It's times like this that you just have to laugh, don't get me wrong Emerson definitley knew she did wrong. Next step was to get the sharpie off. Palmer has eczema and sensitive skin, so I called the Pediatrician's office. They said soap, water, and time is all I could do. Other things would dry out her skin and I definitley don't want to put anything on her face. So, hopefully it will be gone soon. I'm sure it will still be there tonight at church, I just hope it's gone by Palmer's birthday party on Saturday. I scrubbed the best I could with soap and water. It is definitley lighter, but you can still see it. Oh well, what can I do. Here are some picture for your laughter.

What I saw when I came downstairs

My blue girl
The culprit
All smiles
More blue
This is my wall above my couch in the living room
Emerson mad at me for taking a picture
Time to scrub!

My Baby Turned One Today!

2008-09-02T16:09:00.000-07:00

Palmer turned one today. I can't believe it, where has the time gone? She is such a sweet little girl! Here are a few pictures of Palmer today.

Palmer eating a cupcake at Brandy's house

Happy girl!

Just chilling in one of my birthday outfits mom made me.
Here is a video of Emerson signing Happy Birthday to Palmer. She needed a little encouragement in front of the camera. She's been singing happy birthday to her for a week, but of course would not perform on camera. As you can see in the video, she will work for treats.

First Haircut

2008-08-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

Today was Palmer's first haircut and Emerson's second haircut. We went to Ms. Lisa at The Germantown Salon. They both did great! Palmer sat in my lap and Emerson sat up on the stool with the apron on her. Here are a few pictures.

Palmer's First Day of School

2008-08-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Palmer's first day of preschool. She is going to St. Paul's Preschool in Lakeland. She did great!!!! I was worried she was going to have some separation problems, but she didn't. I think I had a harder time than she did. Here is a picture of her with her teachers, Ms. Jennifer and Ms. Rene. They just fell in love with her and Palmer already has them wrapped around her little finger. As you can tell by the smile on her face she had a blast.

Fun With A Big Box

2008-08-03T11:11:00.001-07:00

It's amazing how much fun kids can have with a box. Here's a video of Emerson and Palmer playing with a huge crib box. They've had so much fun on it that I hate to throw it away.

Here are a couple pictures of Palmer in her new crib. Our old crib was recalled, so she got a new crib. (Thanks Emily for the recall information.) As you can see in the pictures she's always standing in her bed these days.

Exciting News

2008-07-27T07:27:00.001-07:00

We wanted to let all of our friends and family know about our exciting news. We are having a baby! Yes, believe it or not baby number 3 is on the way. I am 8 weeks along and have already gone to the doctor and seen the heartbeat. What an amazing sight! My due date is March 11. We are very excited!! Emerson and Palmer are 17 months apart and Palmer and this one will be 18 months apart. I know many of you may think we're crazy, but we're so excited and looking forward to it. As many of you know, I am a serious planner, so you won't be surprised to hear that we already have a name picked out. Whether the baby is a boy or girl, their name will be Hudson. We are still debating on the middle names, we each have our preferences. Please be praying for us over these next months for a happy heathly baby. We will keep everyone updated on any news.