Starting with ours! BABY #1!!!!!!!!!!!

We'll start with Trey! As you all know his official name is Robert Lloyd Patrick III. He was born December 18, 2006 at 12:31 AM, which was actually 6 1/2 weeks EARLY! That day when I went into the hospital just thinking it was a false alarm and Rob was begging to go hunting for the last day of hunting season - thank GOD he came with me. A little more than 12 hours later I gave birth to a 6 lbs 4 oz and 19 inches long with a FULL head of jet black hair baby boy.

Trey is an amazing little person. When he was born his cord was wrapped around his neck 2 times and he was not breathing. Boy were we scared. We were already freaked out because we were at the hospital giving birth, let alone knowing that there may be something wrong. He was never laid on my tummy & we didn't get to hold him, shortly after he was born they rushed him to the NICU. And when we went in there to see him, he already had all the cords attached to him. And band aids on his little feet where they had to give him medicine. Our hearts were breaking in front of our eyes. The emotions were overwhelming.

We spent one night in the hospital and the next night he was admitted to Children's Mercy in KC. It was a feeling I will never forget when Trey's doctor came into my hospital room and I was alone (Rob had ran home to take out the dogs) and he told me that Trey would have to go to Children's Mercy. His words; "We have some concerns". From the outside Trey looked completely normal (besides all the cords attached to him) and he acted normal - as any 6 1/2 week early baby would. But the doctors decided it was best for him to be seen by the best babies doctors in the business. And rightly so, they transported him to Children's Mercy about 9 o'clock the night of the 19th. He actually ended up getting a pretty nice "suite" at the hospital with a window, a little side cubicle all to himself.

Well, he spent one full month in the hospital and day after day - they still couldn't really tell us why he was still there. They changed doctors so much, who also changed opinions. The change of doctors was because we were there over the holidays; rotations are more frequent during that time of year. Basically what that meant - was that the decision to send him home kept getting pushed back; to allow the next doctor to make the decision. It was a grueling month for the entire family. I stayed with Trey all day, every single day he was there and I only missed a few nights. There would be days that the doctors couldn't really give us a straight answer to why they were keeping him and then other days that they would tell us he would be going home at the end of the week but never would get to go. Every single day was stressful and full of the unknown. And to see his busied little hands and feet, because of all the shots he was given was truly unbearable. We truly wanted to smuggle him out of there. By the second week he was no longer on any medicine. The only cords used were to monitor him. That was frustrating in itself - why stay for only monitoring him - we would do that at home. Even though our situation was horrible, we had faith that God was with us. He put our family in the position that I didn't have to get back to work and I could stay with Trey every day. Which I couldn't even imagine it any other way. And we knew that having him there ultimately would give him the best chance of "recovery".

Rob would come before and after work; stay late with us - he had to work and keep the business going, someone had to put bread on the table. The hospital had a strict rule of no sleeping next to the babies' bedside and only 2 visitors at a time. Which only made things harder on everyone. Even so, we felt so blessed to have had so many of you visit and send us your prayers. It meant the world to us.

Fortunately for us I was able to nurse Trey. I nursed around the clock. Which I believe encouraged the nurses to allow me to take short cat naps if needed while Trey, with all of his cords, was in my arms. We ended up spending Trey's 1st Christmas and New Years' Eve with him at the hospital. We made the best of both holidays and were just happy to be together as a family.

By the grace of God and the power of prayer Trey came home to us on January 18, 2007. And after each follow up visit he got released from further medical care. Within 2 weeks he was completely released and was tagged as healthy - he'll always be a preemie. Ever since he has thrived miraculously. He is described daily from strangers on the street, as "the happiest baby".

At home we call him Nugs. Which that nickname came from Nugget. I would call him my little Nugget. He will also answer to Mr. Nuggles, Nuggie, and he'll do just about anything for cookies! He has also been described as "all boy". He loves his tractors, trucks and cars more than anything. He'll sit and figure out how things work; loves tires and gears. He loves to climb up and down stairs. His favorites are his doggies and the great outdoors. And he no doubt loves to be in the water. He loves Teocali rice and refried beans. And he never met a BBQ rib bone he didn't like. He loves to be go fast and be wild! He's the happiest when he is surrounded by his family and friends.

Trey is our daily reminder of strength and courage. He truly is our gift from God. We have had an amazing first year with Trey and I couldn't even tell you what our lives were like before him. He is an angel in so many ways. He came into our lives when we needed a sign of hope and love. His laughter and even his cries remind us each day how blessed we are to have a thriving little boy under our care. Thank You Jesus!

Weddings, babies, & new homes . . . OH MY!

What a couple years it has been here in KC for us! After getting married and having a baby almost 2 years ago - many many of our family and friends have done the same. What a wonderful chapter in our lives! It is such a blessing to be able to share in your joys and you in ours.

Going back in time a little bit . . . . . Starting with Betsy (Rob's right hand girl & a dear friend of mine) and Seph got married last summer. They got married at the high class Milldale Farms in KC.

Secondly, came Beth & Orlando (another one of our dear friends in KC). They got married with a small reception this year, although they plan to do the 'real' deal this summer!

Thirdly, Burt & Sarah (another dear couple friend of ours). They ran off to Vegas to tie the knot; giving us all about a 48 hour notice, then came back to KC and had their reception at a super fun upscale bowling alley.

Fourth, Tory (Rob's best friend in KC and dear friends of mine) and Beth Ann got married at a gorgeous vineyard in Herrman, MO and came back to KC for their reception at the KC Zoo.

Fifth, Deanne (my best friend from Minnesota) and Steve got married. She planned a wedding in 2 months, in hopes that her dieing father would be there to 'walk' her down the aisle. And by the grace of God he did. The wedding was held at The Depot in Minneapolis at the start of the winter season. It was truly a winter wonderland - incredible!

And most recently, Bebe (Rob's Aunt) and Mark got married. At amazing venue - The St Louis, MO History Museum. It was truly breathe-taking.

In the next blog . . . . come the babies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome Harry!

We would like to introduce you to the newest member of our family, Harry the bunny!

He is a mixed bunny, so there is no telling how big he will get - although Rob doesn't know how long he will truly survive in this household with two dogs and a baby. . . . . Although I reassured both Harry and Rob I will take good care of him so that no one hurts him - on purpose or by accident.

So you are wondering, why in the world would we get a bunny. . . . Or how in the world I talked Rob into getting one. Well, for one thing I grew up with bunnies. My dad got us two bunnies when my sister and I were little; not realizing that one was male and the other female. So we ended up having lots of bunnies. And we just loved it! Secondly, I just knew Trey would love a bunny. He just loves animals all together.

Already Harry as been a great addition to our family. Trey seems to love having him hop around and actually loves getting into the cage with him. He also fed Harry carrots. It was one of those 'one for you, one for me' feedings! It was too funny. Now as for the the dogs; they are a bit confused. . . . "why is this bunny being protected, while the other bunnies are free for chasing?" Jake & Pedro sat in front of the bunny cage just staring at Harry, while Harry just sat in there freely munchin' on his carrots. Finally we had to tell the dogs to get a life and leave poor Harry alone.

So if you are in the area come on over and meet Trey's new bunny, Harry!

DOGS!

OK as many of you know we have two dogs! As others of you who don't know - here's the scoop. Pedro is the small dog. Jake is the big dog. We adopted both dogs a couple years ago after we lost our first dog, Sammy. And they have made a great addition to our family ever since.

Pedro and Jake are the best of friends. You couldn't find two dogs that were much more opposite in appearance than these two or two dogs with totally opposite personalities. Although they are two peas in a pod. They are loyal, well behaved (most of the time) and very protective over all of us. (As soon as Trey came home from the hospital they would sit on their blocks and watch over him.)

The funny thing is that Pedro over rules Jake, or at least from a glance that is what you think when you see him on the big bed and Jake on the little bed. . . . Or when Pedro eats out of Jake's big dog dish that gets 2 scoops of food -hence Pedro's over weight issue - and Jake doesn't do anything to stop him.. . . . Although if you really pay attention to their personalities and behaviors you realize that in reality its Jake that ALLOWS Pedro to feel like he is control. Jake will always know that in one small swat of a paw Pedro could be taken out, so for now he just sits back and let's Pedro feel like he's the boss. :)

We do love them dearly. Even though there are days when I threaten to send them off to Minnesota with my nephews!

Trey's newest girlfriend!

Trey's newest girlfriend - most adorable - Kylie Claire was born April 10, 2008 - weighing in at 8 lbs, 19 inches long. Perfect as perfect can be. Two pushes and she was out. An amazing gift from God.

Kylie's mom and dad, Shelly & Andy, brought her home last weekend and have transitioned into parenthood beautifully. They are naturals.

You couldn't ask for a better baby. Kylie is doing all the right things! Just as baby's do - eat, poop, & sleep.

Trey has been keeping a close eye on her. When ever she cries - he watches carefully, uncertain what to think. Then moves on to playing with his buddy Hercules (their dog). Trey has been extremely helpful by turning on her bouncy chair; when she is laid down. And I can see it in his eyes that he is awaiting the days when she can play cars and trucks with him. This is a start to a long and everlasting friendship.

Blog newcomers!

This is a whole new world to me. Blogging. . . . mmmmm. . . . I'm not sure what to think about it all, although I am very excited to start my very own blog. I will admit I am not the best writer out there. I do love to write letters (email), unfortantely that's about as far as I go. When I was younger I used to journal. And I say journal - I mean journal. I think there are about 12 diaries roaming around back home . . . . and elsewhere.I have started my blogging journal for so many reasons and I am not even sure who will read my blogs. And I don't really know what to write or anything, but here goes nothing.