New week = New vegetable

Carrots!

And she liked them right away! There was one small look of confusion when the spoon touched her tongue, but then she gobbled them down. We will try these for a week and see if she has any reaction. If not, we have two veggies we like- green beans and carrots! Hooray!
Orange goop every where
I gotta say it again: Do you think this is going to change the color of her poo? I don't know how that works. I guess we'll find out soon enough. :)

Golf...if you can call it that

Dad, Julie, and I went to play golf on Saturday at a Par 3 golf course. Julie is planning on taking golf next semester at school for one of her kinesiology credits, but has never played before. I have not picked up a club in over two years. It was interesting as far as golf is concerned...Julie and I had a great time cutting up and laughing at ourselves. Dad was frustrated because he was trying to help us so much, he was not concentrating on his own game and did not play his best. It was an absolutely beautiful day, and I had a nice time riding around, outside, without a baby attached to me. I told Dad, if this weather holds up, I would be up for golf every weekend!

Here are some pictures from our day:

Ain't she cute? And she looks so natural...haha.

It was a fun afternoon, for sure.

Murder Mystery/ Lamar's Birthday

When Jesse told me we were invited to Lamar's 40th birthday party, a murder mystery party, where we were assigned characters to dress as, I was super excited. We never do anything "fun" or exciting and different like that. I dont think Jesse and I have ever dressed up for Halloween or anything since we have been together. So to find out that we were going as John and Jackie Kennedy, I was pumped.

On a side, random note: We went shopping last Monday to see if we could find costumes. We went to two different stores, and were not impressed. However, we were hungry. So we went next door to the TGI Fridays to get dinner. When they sat us in our booth, Jesse noticed there was a picture on the wall of our booth...of JFK and Jackie!! How ironic! We were kind of creeped out by it, actually.

The party had tons of people, mainly from Lamar's church, all dressed up as celebrities from the past. There was a "crime scene" and everything. We had to walk around and talk to people to learn clues to help solve the murder. What a great idea for a party!

Here we are without mask or sun-glasses; we just look like Jesse and Melody- not JFK and Jackie (except for the wig, of course).
Thomas and Lindsey- aka Bing Crosby and ??? (I forgot who Lindsey was)
Hayden and Lauren- aka Roy O and Anne Baxter

All six of us together :)
Hanging out- that's Lamar in the back, wearing the red shirt and fake beard. How about the lady in front in the polka dots...aka Lucille Ball?
More party guests
Elvis is in the house! And Rich/Rick something...(who ended up being the murderer!)
Lamar blowing out his candles, with his lovely wife Dana standing by.

This lady, aka Ginger Rodgers, was a fun, sweet lady.
My husband's (JFK) girlfriend, Marilyn Monroe.
Judy Garland and Elvis.
This was one of the hosts, who is actually the pastor of Lamar's church; dressed as the police officer from Village People?
We had a great time. It was clear to see that Lamar is indeed a "rich" man, as he had many, many friends there who all truly knew him, respected him, and loved him. They knew his personal sayings, his mannerisms and quirks, and went through a lot of trouble to make his 40th birthday a day to remember. He is a very special person to Jesse, and for that, I am grateful.

Thanks for letting us share in your fun birthday; Happy Birthday Lamar!

Crazy, fun, totally against the plan weekend

So, this weekend was planned out to be very busy, but very fun. Unfortunately, almost every "plan" fell through, and yet we still managed to have a very busy, fun, and scary weekend.

Friday was supposed to go like this:
-Hang out with Julie over lunch break; buy picture frames and put up in Ryleigh's nursery.
-Drop off Ryleigh at my parents at 6:00
-Lamar's surprise party at 6:30

Friday ended up going more like this:

I hung out with Julie over lunch. We ran several errands, found a good deal on some picture frames at Michaels, got a few last touch accessories for Jesse and my costumes, ate lunch at Chipotle, then stopped by Verizon. Julie wanted to see if she could replace her phone battery since it will not hold a charge. They gave her grief about it, and said (naturally) it was not covered by her warranty. So we were going to leave. Then I thought I would ask about a new phone, since I have not got a new phone in 2 or 3 years. Sure enough, I was due! So I ended up getting a new phone! Yea for me-- sad for Julie. We went back to my house and she helped me pick out pictures to hang, and hang them in Ryleigh's room. Here is one wall with the new pictures.
Julie took off a little later, and Jesse and I started to prepare for Lamar's surprise party. Only problem was his JFK mask, and my Jackie wig had not arrived! The FedEX man drove up around 5:30, and I met him at the curb. We headed over to Mom's to drop off Ryleigh, then went to the party. When we drove up, there were about 6 cars out front, but we did not see our friend's vehicles. So I called Lauren and Jesse called Thomas, and both were upset to know that the party was Friday-- they both thought it was Saturday! We assured them there were cars there and everything...but felt weird about going in if neither one of our couple friends were going to be there. We went back to my parent's house, and Jesse got on the computer to check the date. Sure enough, the party was Saturday night- NOT Friday! So, we got dressed up for nothing.
We were both frustrated and disappointed, so we went home, ordered greasy pizza and rented a movie. Not the best Friday night ever.

Saturday was supposed to go like this:
-I go golf with my parents and Julie
-Jesse go to the A&M football game with his Dad and brother

Saturday ended up going more like this:

Jesse had to work in the morning, so I got up fairly early and cleaned out the Escape. Then he came home and watched Ryleigh while I went to play golf with my Dad and sister. Mom was supposed to come along, but did not feel well, so she stayed home.

Saturday night we dressed up AGAIN for Lamar's party...which was not a surprise. We totally had it wrong! It was a murder mystery party, and ended up being a lot of fun.

Sunday was supposed to go like this:

-Church

-Lunch break

-Carol and JD watch Ryleigh, while Jesse and I attend Faithbridge membership class

Sunday ended up going like this:

Jesse got home from work as I was getting ready for church. What started out as an innocent conversation turned into a not-fun conversation, and emotional Melody got all worked up. We still went to church, but it was a tense environment. After church, we stopped for lunch then went to drop Ryleigh off at the Shulse's. Carol had just woken up from a nap, and JD was working in the yard. I changed Ryleigh's diaper and fixed her bottle, then handed her over to Carol, and we left.

We were in our membership class when I received a text message from my sister-in-law saying that Carol was sick and JD was taking her to the hospital. Jesse called back ASAP, and found out that she was running another high fever and had been the past 24 hours. JD called Justin and Jenn to come watch Ryleigh so he could take Carol to the hospital. (Keep in mind, they didnt just call us!) Justin and Jenn were on the other side of town, 45 minutes or more away. Of course, Jesse and I just left the class, and went over there. We hung around with Grandma Gertie for a bit, because Justin and Jenn were headed there, then we took Grandma home. We finally heard back from JD late Sunday night to say that they did not have to admit Carol to the hospital this time, but that they think she has pneumonia. That woman cannot catch a break!

Needless to say, we were exhausted last night. Jesse ended up taking off work today to recover from the weekend. Too many changes, plus no sleep, plus high emotions, makes for exhausted people!

More details to follow from the FUN of the weekend. :)

Tea time?

Every bottle in the house is up for grabs right now. Ryleigh recognizes that all bottles do go to the mouth, and especially HER mouth! She literally grabbed my green tea bottle from my desk and tried to get it in her mouth. Funny girl.
On a side note: I received an email today that said these Bumbo chairs (which I LOVE) might be recalled, due to babies falling over in them and hurting ther heads. The article specified that they should not be placed on high surfaces, like tables, countertops, etc, which is of course, where we use ours! So everyone who uses this chair- be EXTRA careful and watch your baby at all times while in it.

Cousins

Last week Justin and Jenn were out of town (in Maui!) so Grandma Carol watched the kids. She had to go into work 2 days, so while the others were in school, Major came to hang out with me and Ryleigh. He likes getting down on the floor, playing with her, showing her "new" toys, and talking to her. Honestly, I think he likes the fact that he is bigger than her. It is cute to watch him play big brother to someone, since everyone plays big brother to him.

Major says to me, "Aunt Mel-dy, look how much bigger my feet are than Ryleigh's!" Great observation, Major! So I took a picture.
We had a lot of fun playing, and it wore Ryleigh out to have a buddy to "play" with all day. She refused to nap, too busy watching every little thing Major was doing. Too cute.

I hope these kids grow up to be as close with their cousins and Jesse and I are to each of our cousins.

5 months

I cannot believe Ryleigh is already 5 months old. I just know her 1-year birthday is going to be here before we know it!!

She is still in a very fun stage; laughing and interacting with us all the time. She has started to jabber to herself, practically non-stop...especially if Mommy is on a conference call! She wants to join in the conversation! Ryleigh lights up when Daddy walks in the room and immediately starts cooing and talking to him. :)

Now that she rolls over constantly, she has discovered that she is a side sleeper. Literally, the second I put her down to sleep, she immediately rolls to her side.
Crib, play mat, it makes no difference. When Ryleigh is ready to sleep, she curls up and falls asleep.
Ryleigh is also doing better with her 1st foods from a spoon. She likes her rice cereal okay, as long as I add enough milk. No chunky cereal, for sure. She's not too fond of Oatmeal cereal yet. Jesse tried to feed her some last night, and she got all dramatic on him, squishing her face, trying to gag, etc. We of course, laughed. (Great parents, right?)

Today, Jesse came home on his lunch break, so we watched as Ryleigh tasted her 1st vegetable: green beans! I just knew she was going to love them, since they are one of my favorite veggies, and I ate quite a few of them while pregnant and nursing. Her reaction to the first bite was priceless; turned her head to the side, closed both eyes, and did the "shiver" as she spit them back out. <lol> Naturally, we both laughed again. She did take a few more bites for me, and we will continue to give her a few more bites for the next few days.

She definitely had more green bean on her face than she got in her mouth or even attempted to swallow. :) I know you all don't want to know this, but I must say, I'm curious what her poo will look like after this! ( I am officially a mom!)

The night time routine is...okay. She still wakes up several times a night, though I honestly need to quit getting up to check on her. Half the time, it sounds like she is awake over the monitor, but by the time I get in there, she is asleep again. The other times when she is actually awake, I pop her pacifier back in and return to my room. She typically puts herself back to sleep within 5 minutes once the pacifier is secure in her mouth. There have been a few nights over the past week that have just been plain rough. She wakes up several times throughout the night, not happy, and not falling back asleep. Tuesday night was one of those. After I had been up over 6 times, Jesse finally got up with her, and when he could not get her down, we were out of ideas. And she was crying. I gave her a tiny bit of Tylenol (thinking perhaps her teeth were bothering her), and she finally fell back asleep. Luckily, she got to sleep in until 9:30, whereas Jesse and I both had to get up and go to work!

As of yesterday, she started sounding incredibly congested. I have used her nasal aspirator, and cannot seem to "get anything out." Yet, she sounds like she is stuffed up! I have a small tub of the Vick's Baby Rub, you apply to their chest and back to help them breathe easier, and I imagine I will try some of that tonight, as well as her humidifier. I don't want to take her to the doctor for it just yet, especially since she is not running a fever, but I'm sure that adds to her discomfort and inability to sleep at night. I'll wait it out a few days and see if it improves. If not, I'll give the doctor a call.

Other than that, everything is great! She plays on her mat for hours and hours, and even plays in her pack-n-play while Mom and Dad do their workout every night. She seems to prefer the freedom of playing in an open environment more than sitting in her swing or bouncer. That makes me kind of sad...and scared to think of a mobile baby in a few months! It is so cool watching her learn new things and reach new milestones, but it also means she is getting bigger. And bigger means more challenges. Every time I think I have some part of this phase of life "down," it changes. A constant adjustment. A constant challenge.

It frustrates me...but I absolutely love it. :)

Invisible

I know this is long, but I received this email from my aunt today, and it just hit home. I think as women we tend to feel this way a lot...like we work our tails off, and no one even notices. In fact, it is expected. Assumed. And a lot of time, it wears us out. Wanting just a slight acknowledgement. A word of appreciation. But nothing comes. This short story reminded me that someone does notice. Someone does acknowledge all our hard work and sacrifices. And someone is grateful. And that someone is more important than any other.

It started to happen gradually. One day I was walking my son Jake to school. I was holding his hand and we were about to cross the street when the crossing guard said to him, 'Who is that with you,young fella?'

'Nobody,' he shrugged.

Nobody? The crossing guard and I laughed. My son is only 5, but as we crossed the street I thought, 'Oh my goodness, nobody?'

I would walk into a room and no one would notice. I would say something to my family - like 'Turn the TV down, please' - and nothing would happen. Nobody would get up, or even make a move for the remote I would stand there for a minute, and then I would say again, a little louder, 'Would someone turn the TV down?' Nothing.

Just the other night my husband and I were out at a party. We'd been there for about three hours and I was ready to leave. I noticed he was talking to a friend from work. So I walked over, and when there was a break in the conversation, I whispered, 'I'm ready to go when you are.' He just kept right on talking.

I'm invisible.

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?' Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all.

I'm invisible.

Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car to order, 'Right around 5:30, please.'

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again.

She's going¸ she's going¸ she's gone!

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.'

It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: 'To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:

No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names.

These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished.

They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.

The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it.' And the workman replied, 'Because God sees.'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, 'You're gonna love it there.'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

~~Author Unknown

Everything

This video is a really great picture of all Jesus tries to do for us, fighting sin and temptation on our behalf. Very cool.

A true friend is always willing to lend a hand...literally :)

Here is the picture I told you about.

Clearly, I was not joking earlier when I told you that literally EVERYTHING that comes into contact with Ryleigh's hands goes straight into her mouth...even if it is the hand of a friend. Gabriella was so nice to share her little hand with Ryleigh. :)
I can't wait until these girls are grown a little and we can show them this picture!

Here's the scoop

For those who have been waiting in agony from my hanger last week (I know none of you are in agony over my blog, but go with it), the secret is out.

Jesse and I are starting a new program that should hopefully change not only our bodies, but our minds, and ultimately our lifestyle. We have been anxiously preparing to begin, converting our garage to a home gym, ordering the program, and purchasing a few key equipment items. Now it is all here and ready, and the transformation is about to begin.

Instead of trying to meld my two stories (life and workout journal) into one blog, I went ahead and created a separate blog to keep up with our workout stories and physical progress. I doubt I will be posting any of our pictures on there until I feel comfortable enough, but hopefully we will in fact see some results in the future, and then you can bet I will post pictures. I'm also excited to announce that Jesse is so pumped about this, that he created his own account so that he too can post on our blog. It will truly be "our" blog, and each writing from our own perspectives. Granted, I doubt we will be writing every day, or even every other day (these workouts are going to keep us pretty busy for the next 90 days...), but there will be entries! So check it out, every so often. I have added the link to the side of this blog, for your convenience.

The cool thing, is that a few people have already found our blog and made comments! The program is pretty widespread and well-known, so you can find a lot of good information out there regarding the workouts, as well as a great support group.

Keep your fingers crossed and say your prayers that this program helps us. Pray that we will persevere through these first few difficult weeks, and continue to make time to really work at this. It is way past the time to get healthy, and we are finally motivated enough to take the plunge.

The Shulse's P90X Experience is about to begin!! :)

Fall is here!

Well, almost here, anyway.

I woke up yesterday, and when I went to let Jersey outside, I felt the cool breeze and lack of humidity that I love. I immediately knew what Ryleigh was going to be dressed in for the day...blue jeans! She has 3 pairs now, and they are so cute, but it has just been too stinkin' hot to even attempt to put them on her. So yesterday, I jumped the gun and dressed her up.
The little bow clip goes in nicely, but comes out just as easily...


Cutie pa-to-te. :)

Ryleigh's play date with Gabriella!

Hooray! Stacey and Gabriella made the long haul down to Texas, and Ryleigh and Gabriella were finally able to meet, at 4 and 1/2 months old!

For those who don't know, Gabriella is the daughter of my dear friends, Ben and Stacey, whom I have known since middle school. Stacey and I always seem to be in the same "place" in life at the same time, and I love getting together and chatting it up about our lives; which always seem so similar! As a matter of fact, last summer when she came down, we met and were chatting about our decisions to start a family...turns out we got pregnant at the exact same time. Gabriella was born May 17, exactly one week ahead of Ryleigh's May 24 appearance.

The GREAT news is, that Ben will finish up school in December, and they are moving back to Spring- literally right around the corner from my house. I cannot tell you how excited I am to know that Stacey and I can meet up for walks, and have play dates with Gabriella and Ryleigh, teaching them that other people DO exist outside our little bubbles of home life. It is going to be awesome.

Anyway, I know the real reason you are reading this post, so without further adieu, here are the adorable pictures from their meeting.

YEA for baby girls who look like their Daddies!
Ryleigh kept trying to grab onto Gabriella, pulling her shirt, holding her arm, and even stuck Gabby's hand in her mouth! (Stacey caught it on camera, and it is such a cute picture!)
Cheese! (for Stacey)
Cheese! (for Melody)
Awww-- these girls are going to be great friends, I can already tell.
Stacey,
Thanks so much for taking time out of your hectic visit to come see and play with us! Ryleigh has already been asking when we can invite Gabriella over for more play time, and I told her I was more than ready to have more "chat" time with Gabby's mommy! We love you!

Latest pictures

Ryleigh is a smiling machine! Especially when the camera is around...

Yes, this is actually up-side-down. I went around to see if she would follow me, and she started looking up, still smiling all the way. Silly girl!
Playing in her crib with her crocheted blanket from Auntie Sus
Aww :)
Look at me sitting in my new high chair like a big girl!
I love it!
Yes, her hands are always in her mouth. I think we might be beginning the teething phase.

Just wanted to share! Hope all is well with everyone!

Rollin', Rollin', Rollin'!

Ryleigh started rolling all the way over!! She was slightly behind schedule, but I knew she would do it in her own time.

Last weekend, we were having cuddle time in our bed, and she kept rolling over to play with Jesse. She did roll all the way over, and we got very excited. Of course, it helped having the flexibility of the mattress to give way...

Two days ago, we were playing on the floor, and she did it all by herself! Rolled from her back, to her stomach, and then back again. And now she has been doing it ever since!

Of course, she has not quite learned to tuck the arm she rolls over, and sometimes gets "stuck" on her stomach.

I cannot believe I jump and squeal and get SO excited about these developmental milestones. Funny stuff.

Training them right! :)

Oh my goodness, talk about 'brain-washing!" I must say, this is pretty darn cute!

http://picasaweb.google.com/TracaMiller/Sept07/photo?authkey=Gg8iMUO2f9E#5112454912157208674

To be revealed shortly...

Jesse and I have a new 'project' that will soon be in motion. I dont want to tell you just yet, but be excited!! We are both very excited, and looking forward to all the change this new project will bring.

Be watching for details to follow at a later date...

Sports Day at work

TIGER held another party at work last week. Though we did not have as many people show up as normal (it was on a Friday, and a lot of people were working from home), we did have a large number of new faces for the company come. And some new people volunteered to help coordinate the event...yea for TIGER recruits!

Following the "sports" theme, we served hot dogs (complete with homemade chili), nachos, popcorn, peanuts, Gatorade, and lemonade.
More goodies...
Everyone 'fixin' their hot dogs.
For my family, the man in the grey shirt is Woody, my boss. :)
Happy Birthday July, August, and September babies!
Tammey and Tarana cutting and distributing birthday cake.
Jean, Jason, Kevin, and Mary waiting anxiously for their turn at the food.

EJ, Tarana, Terri, and Resa
Our CEO, Deborah, even decided to drop by and make herself a chili dog. :)
All of the dressed up sports fans...not as many as I had hoped, but that is okay. I guess not everyone likes or supports sports teams.

(Dont you love the fact that Ana is popping her head up from her desk?? Haha!)
Our "most spirited fan" award went hands-down to Jennifer. This is only half if her spirit...she had the whole front of her desk decorated, and little Tech gizmo's everywhere!
A fun time was had by all.