Behymer Business

A first for Lyndon

2012-01-31T16:58:00.004-06:00

He wrote his whole name, all by himself and I wasn't even in the room. We've worked on most letters of his name here and there before. I've known he could write his L, Y and O's.
One morning we'd gone to Braum's for a few things (side note: I love their grocery department. The times when I need just a few things and would rather not unload us all and march around a big grocery store. Braum's makes it an easier quick). Some time back, like a year or two, Lyndon noticed the large Braum's trucks they have for sale. Most times when we're in there he asks for it and we tell him no, maybe some other time. It's a $35 truck. This time he asked if he could write Santa a letter and ask him for it. "Of course you can." Once home I get the paper and crayons out and then leave the room to go do something with Denton. And this masterpiece is what I came back to. The first time for him to write his entire name and all by himself. I was so proud. Shhh don't tell, he thinks that "letter" went to Santa. Little does he know that treasure is tucked away for his momma to keep for ever and ever!!!

Way to go Lyndon!!!

surviving or not surviving the specs and patch

2012-01-31T16:37:00.006-06:00

How's Denton doing 3 weeks into (he's now 11 months old) wearing his specs and patching 1/2 of his awake time each day (approx 4-5 hrs) some may be wondering...

We are surviving!!! I have to be honest it's not too terrible, all the time, lol. Specs (glasses) alone he does VERY well. I have personally been pleasantly and very surprised how well he does with the glasses alone. Key word is alone. He will go long periods of time without touching. Even up to an hour + without taking off at times. Since getting his specs he's started crawling. He's even doing very good keeping them on while crawling around, playing and exploring new things...As long as the patch isn't on. Once we get the patch on is when it gets rough and tough. Yes, there are some really good moments. Boy have him distracted with toys that make noise or people playing with him he does better. No lie, we truly think he knows and watches for when we aren't watching him and aren't in arms reach of him (although even when we're in arms reach he still gets it off) and off they go.

Two of the hardest times to keep the patch and glasses on are:
1. in the car. I think he's about at 98% of the time they come off before I even get over to Lyndon's side of the car. Nearly immediately they come off (along with his socks too)!!! So we just keep trying. I honestly don't know how that habit will be broken, but we just keep trying. We have to quickly get the patch out of his hand because one time I heard him in the backseat choking, on the patch. GEEZZ!!!
2. in his highchair, both with us close by and further away. Many times in the morning I will have both boys at the table eating while I'm either getting me something to eat, washing fruit or unloading the dishwasher. There are some mornings, just at breakfast time, we can go through 3 patches. I'm learned how to make mad dashes across the room.

But he is doing better. And we've been convinced and are believers in the reason for patching. His little brain has to be retrained to use that eye. One way this whole glasses and patching a baby has been made easier is by the help of a WONDERFUL 3 year old big brother. I tell ya, Lyndon is on the ball. "No baby no baby; no buddy; but you need these to help you see; no no no; momma's he's got his patch in his mouth (while in the car)" are just a few phrases I often hear the times I do leave his side.

So we pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and keep on.

Denton gets his specs

2012-01-31T16:04:00.007-06:00

Denton's cataract surgery was on December 16, then at his 1 week post op appointment the doctor prescribed his prescription (+7 in his right eye and plano (nothing) in his left) for his lenses and we ordered his frames. The Behymer's, and now I, have a family friend who works at the optical store located at our eye doctor. I tell ya she's been a jewel working with us. It was comforting having someone help us who I could be real and honest with my emotions and still know and trust she was being honest and understanding with us too.
Thank you Mrs. Janie!!
I had misunderstood the doctor and I thought we would be walking away that day with his glasses, but it would take a week to get the lenses in. Just another little extended bump for this momma's emotions regarding the glasses. But what this did give us was another week of no patching (sings praises!!) and also no difficult times with new glasses while on vacation in Colorado. Then January 2 came and there was no more avoiding it, we had to get them.
It really was a sweet moment when we first put them on and he just kept looking at himself in the mirror and patting on the table. It was truly the first time for him to see clearly and well in his 10 months of life. Which still breaks my heart.

He was fine in them for a few minutes, but then it didn't take long for him to realize there was something on his face and he wanted it off. But little did he know that wasn't it...then we tried the patch on with the glasses....no fun for any of us. But just as our doctor and our friend told us it will take plenty of time and patience for him to get used to them. This was not an unusual reaction.

Due to having the appt around the time of his morning nap he missed it, in return he slept most of the afternoon. So we didn't have much experience with the new specs and patch UNTIL it was time for me to cook supper. I thought life as I knew it had come to an end. I thought this will never work. I tried every trick I knew, except carrying him since I was cooking. I put every toy possible in front of him. And I really can't blame him, how weird and uncomfortable and new that had to be for him.

Look closely at this picture. I guess I thought he was going to keep it on and just play so why not take a picture...WRONG...can you see him ripping them off

Here he is, our sweet, precious, beautiful, blue eyed little guy in his new specs(we call them specs at home so when others out in public call them glasses he doesn't relate that word to his specs and hopefully won't pull them off). Without a doubt, even with premature birth, cataract surgery and now specs he is absolutely fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps 139:14) and All good and perfect gifts are from the Lord above (James 1:17).

More stories and info about our journey in the specs and patching to come...

Lyndon shaves now

2012-01-18T19:32:00.007-06:00

Lyndon got the funniest gift from his Behymer cousins: a Cars razor, shaving cream and bath soap. I just have to show you the pictures to see how much fun he had with them. It was serious business.

It was a riot!! He was in there forever!! I kept telling him it was time to get out and he kept informing he we wasn't done shaving yet. He "shaved" his arms, face and tummy!!! What a great gift idea!

Happy Birthday Jesus

2012-01-07T16:56:00.007-06:00

The past two years we made a tradition of having friends over to have a birthday party Jesus. Of course I wanted to do the same this year, even if it were a busy time due to Denton's eye surgery. Surgery was on December 16 and we had the birthday party of the 19th. Even with a smaller group, it was still a lot of fun and as always memories were made. I want it to be something we don't pass up on any year. Just as with our own kiddos, no matter how busy we may be, we will always have a birthday party for them. So I wanted to be sure and show Lyndon, whether or not he caught on to that part of it, how important it is to celebrate Jesus too.
big helper making the cupcakesdaddy even got in on the decorating action

I think Lyndon did a fine job decorating!!
Our crazy bunch!!! It's a blessing to get to have a birthday party for our Lord Jesus Christ!!

Flour face

2012-01-07T16:41:00.002-06:00

Look what Jeffery did to me while I was in the shower....I promise it's not inappropriate...

Loads of fun here at the Behymer house!!

Brandon's Christmas

2012-01-07T16:18:00.006-06:00

Just before Christmas, Jeffery and I had talked about selecting a child to help make their Christmas more special. I called our church and they said the next Sunday they were announcing a way to help. Our church partnered with the Oklahoma foster system and allowed church members adopt a child. I sent the email and signed us up during the church service...thank you smart phones. I requested a 3-4 real old boy if it were possible. When we had previously talked about a child we hoped to be able to get to a little guy around Lyndon's age and so we could really involve Lyndon with the shopping, etc. We then received Brandon's Christmas list, a 4 year old boy. He requested a toy gun, a badge and a cowboy hat, along with the request of a new bike. Perfect!! Before we actually went shopping for Brandon it was a really neat experience being able to talk and pray with Lyndon about Brandon. It was heartbreaking yet rejoicing too explaining to a 3 year old the circumstances Brandon had. Gosh just more and more reason to be thankful for your life and to think twice about the choices you make.
I have to say Lyndon was a champ while shopping and the point of dropping the bike off at church. I wasn't sure how he'd react at the last minute, if he'd really really want the bike and have a hard time dropping it off. He made us proud.

Fun times choosing the bike!
Letting Brandon know he's thought about, prayed for, loved and wishing him a Merry Christmas
What 3 year old wouldn't love riding a bike into church
Dropping it off with a smile

We still pray for Brandon. Thank you Council Road for giving us the opportunity to love on another child of yours.

The journey of Denton's eye surgery

2012-01-05T16:17:00.011-06:00

What a journey we've been on with this little cataract in Denton's eye these past 4 months. The time came when the doctor felt it was time to have the surgery and have the cataract and "bad" lens removed. The cataract had doubled in size and Denton was no longer tolerating his patch. Which could mean 2 things: a. he's gotten a little older and found the patch and wants it off or b. his vision has gotten so much worse he can't see out of that eye (we patched the good eye to force his brain to use the bad eye). And since he's 8 months old (at the time) and can't tell us anything it's all a guessing game. So we got on the books to have surgery on Thursday October 27. The weekend before he had started a cough, not real bad and not very often. By Tuesday night it was getting worse and a little wheezing had started. So Wednesday morning, as it wasn't any better if not worse, I called the pediatrician and see what we needed to do. With surgery scheduled for the next day she wanted to see us. End of the story is we cancelled surgery that day and began breathing treatments, a steroid and antibiotic. She thought it was weather and allergy related due to the drastic changes and ups and downs in the temperatures. But she didn't want to risk anything with his lungs. No argument here, we want safety for our little guy. The surgery center doesn't allow patients who have been sick to return for 6 weeks. So that's when we got on the books again, Friday December 2 was our date. With each scheduled date my heart would sink. We knew to expect this for a few months but when it got scheduled it became real. Next, he got better and we went on with our lives. Friday December 2 came, we arrived at the surgery center at 6 am, surgery was scheduled for 7. We didn't get to the back until close to 7:30. They started prepping him. He got his black X on his head above the eye to be operated on. Next it was time for the nurse to weigh him, as she was carrying him he coughed. He had started coughing again, not bad like the time before. So we had done a few breathing treatments. But obviously we thought he was fine since we went. Welp, we were wrong...we were sent home. They listened to his lungs and the anesthesiologist just would not allow it. ROLLER COASTER!!! Again we are thankful for them taking every precaution. But the ROLLER COASTER!!! So off to the pediatrician again, got on steroids again, breathing treatments 5 x's a day and basically quarantined us for 2 weeks. But it worked and on the morning of Friday December 16 sweet boy got his eye fixed. It was not a fun morning handing him over and having to wait the hour and a half. But the staff did a great job communicating to us.

Might I add he won over every nurse who crossed his path that morning. How could he not, I mean look at that face.
We were told surgery should only be around an hour, from being put under to completed. Once an hour and half came I was more restless. Not that I was worried something was wrong but I wanted to know why it was taking longer. Not long after out came our doctor. He is so good with us. He sat down and talked completely through it. He said there was a little more difficulty due to the size of the cone shape on the back of his eye and that's what took a little longer but nothing bad with that. He said we should be able to see him shortly. "Get me back there" is all I could think.
Then my time came...sweet sugar, bless his baby heart.

And of course he got some new pj's for after surgery, as everyone deserves after surgery. Once he began waking up he was a little fussy but thankfully not bad at all. Which I was relieved about.

Another praise is the only pain medicine we gave him was Tylenol 3 times. YEA for not being in pain. The big bandage patch stayed on until the next morning when we went to our first post op appointment... or something like that...

That's how we found him after his long nap. I can't blame him, I can't imagine how uncomfortable that was. But he did perk up to his normal, sweet and playful self.

He slept great all night, as usual. He did wake up about 1 1/2 hour earlier than normal, but he just ate and went back to sleep. Off to his post op we went. I was really anxious to see how the eye looked and also to see (no pun intended) if he could see. We later found out he really couldn't see any better. With the cataract he was near sighted, then after surgery with the new lens he was extremely farsighted and couldn't see well close up. See well is relative I guess. He could definitely see, just not clearly.

Here he is first thing after getting the big bandage patch off.
But the doctor said all looked great and the fun part was about the begin: the drops and glasses and patching again. Although he gave us the Christmas present of not patching for 2 weeks due to not having his glasses yet. And honestly, he gave a bigger present, the gift of Denton being able to see. But the drops. He got an antibiotic drop that we did every four hours for one week. Then a steroid medicine by mouth for the first week. Then the pink bottle, the steroid drop every 2 hours...along with an ointment we put in at night so we wouldn't have to do the pink bottle every 2 hours through the night. But you know what...my little guy has been through so much and is tough, strong and did great with them. A fuss here and there while prying his eye open, but he did great. His little eye got a little black, more dark, underneath. It was very blood shot. All was to be expected. At our 1 week post op the doctor was still very pleased with his healing process. Then...dun dun dun he gave us our glasses prescription and we ordered his first pair of specs. More on that to come....

Thanksgiving

2012-01-05T15:56:00.006-06:00

I know I know, it's only January 5 of flippin 2012 and this is a post of my Thanksgiving 2011...

Any who. We had a great Thanksgiving. Get this, I cooked again. Very scary thought I know. AND I did the turkey. Ok I have to clarify, it's was only 6 adults and my 2 little guys who I was cooking for...and I only cooked turkey breasts...but still I did it. And I'm told it all turned out good. Everyone ate, no one got sick and I didn't burn the house down. Success in my books.

But before our Thanksgiving feast we got to fulfill our Thanksgiving tradition of adopting the Nicu nurses. As I've mentioned the past 3 Thanksgivings that I can't go through the day/season without being so incredibly thankful for them. Without a doubt this year was even more so. They play such a huge role in what my family looks like. They have cared for my two tiny babies. The very very least we can do is bake some goodies for them, visit them and wish them a Happy Thanksgiving. Still seems like it's nothing compared. I was a little nervous. I just don't like when my emotions get out of control. But I did good. It was good emotion, well under control. Due to it being Thanksgiving and not a large number of babies it was a very small crew. But we were so grateful to get to see and hug and love on the ones we did.

The two ladies on the outsides took care of both of our boys. The one on the left gave us our tour of the Nicu when I was on bedrest with Lyndon and she was at Denton's birth. Special, very special.
I have so much to be Thankful for...more than I deserve.

Denton cuteness

2011-12-08T16:56:00.002-06:00

Just wanted to share to cuteness with others!!

Thanksgiving at school

2011-12-08T16:37:00.009-06:00

I got to be apart of Lyndon's Thanksgiving lunch at his school (Mother's Day Out). I loved it. I loved getting to see him interact with the friends he only sees once a week. I loved getting to see how he eats lunch at school. I also loved getting to know the boys and girl (yes only 1 girl and 7 boys) and his teacher.

I tried, key word, to be a little crafty. So Lyndon got to tell his friends he's thankful they're friends with these little rice krispie turkeys.

Lyndon seemed proud of them, that's a Win to me.

Santa day with friends

2011-11-30T16:01:00.012-06:00

I am very blessed and fortunate to have made some true friendships from when I worked. Unfortunately my friends and I don't see each other on a daily basis anymore we still have great times together. And now we have kiddos to join in on the fun.

The boys and I met up with our friends Megan and Brecken. Brecken is about 3 weeks older than Lyndon. We decided to make this a big fun filled day.
We started out at Bass Pro shop and enjoyed all of the Christmas fun there. So many little Christmas scenes, wrote a letter to Santa, colored, played with toys and of course saw the huge fish.

Then off for some pizza. I didn't get any pictures there. But let me tell ya, we stood out like a sore thumb. We went to this trendy, little, urban pizza place downtown (deep deuce to be exact). It was a lot of professionals there. And he we come, two 3 year olds and a hungry infant. Thank goodness for the dough balls to play with. Even amongst it all, it was a great time with my friend.

Our next stop was to the new park downtown OKC by the botanical gardens. Boy was it the most modern park I have ever been too. Although windy and chilly, the kids had a blast.

Then off to pictures with Santa, back at Bass Pro shop. You get a free 4x6. Love that. We got there a little early and beat the long line. Lyndon was so excited, anticipating him coming out...but once it was our time for our picture the excitement left him just a little. He even said he was scared...what, where'd he get that. But he braved through it and got the picture. These are the pics I snapped and we still have the professional one from them.

It was a wonderful day with friends and a GREAT way to start off the Christmas season...shhh because it was before Thanksgiving.

Denton's playdate

2011-11-30T15:57:00.004-06:00

with ALL girls!!!

And loving it!!!!

the Things of Halloween...

2011-11-30T15:23:00.009-06:00

FINALLY!!
We had a great Halloween season this year. I tell ya I try to soak up every opportunity I can to wear the costume and go have some fun. I'm even that girl who will go to a church's fall festival even if it's not my church.
I can't even remember when the thought came to me, but pretty early on of having two little ones I had the thought of having them be Thing 1 and Thing 2 for Halloween. Perfect. Then I had the silliest thought ever that I'd basically make their costumes. Yes I thought just doing a red sweat suit for Lyndon and a solid red sleeper for Denton, throwing on a piece of white felt circle, using a sharpie for the number and I'd have it. Silly me, nothing is that easy, for me any way. I had no luck finding a solid sleeper and a tough time finding a solid sweat suit. So where do you turn for help...EBAY!!! Amongst my search for those items I found a lot of Thing 1-4 sweatshirts (onesie for the little one). HMMMM, I thought no way Jeffery would go for it. As you will see below I was wrong...he was the BEST sport ever...he went ALL out, even wearing the blue wig.

First stop was the Yukon Community Center for their Spooksville event. I had the times all wrong. Before the carnival part opened it was the costume contest. Sure, my little guys are precious I'll enter them. Well since I was in costume as well, the lady who I was signing the boys up with said we should all be in the group category. Sure...why not...And WE WON!!! YEA!!!

The next event is when we crashed the church's fall festival!! It's the church right outside our neighborhood. And it was a lot of fun. Since I had the times wrong for the Yukon Community Center event, after we brought home the gold in the costume contest it was time to go home for naps. So the church carnival was the first carnival. Again, that Jeffery was the best sport. Lyndon was unsure of the games at first, he then got into them and had a lot of fun.

Then Halloween night came!! Boy I was looking forward to this time. 3 years old is just a fun age, and seems like the first age of really getting involved in things. We treated to some homes in our neighborhood, then went and spooked all at my parents neighborhood. LOADS of fun that night!!

Would you believe our fun didn't end on Halloween night?! We have the most generous family in our Sunday School class at church. The past so many years they have hosted the Holy Ghost Weenie Roast. So much fun. So much fun I didn't snap any pics. They bring in moon bounces, smore's, cookout, exotic animals and so much more. It's been lots of fun each year.

I guess it can all be summed up to a great Halloween...even as Things!!

Pumkin Patch

2011-10-30T22:21:00.009-05:00

We may have a new tradition started. This made the second year that we got to go to a pumpkin patch with my dear friends who I used to work with. Boy how I miss these girls. Not so much work, but yes these girls. I love how our families have blossomed and that the kids are growing up together. I wish we saw each other more. It was a great, fun day!!!

Not only was it our second time with our friends it was our sweet Denton's VERY FIRST pumpkin patch. I think he loved it!!!

Lyndon and I in a sack race
my pumpkins in the corn maze

friends on the hay ride

the two best punkins around!!

Happy Fall!!

A Day with Thomas

2011-10-30T22:07:00.007-05:00

One night when my in laws kept the boys Lyndon came home with his first Thomas the Engine toy. Technically it was Edward but the only difference is their numbers. From that point on a love for the Thomas character train has bloomed. Once we heard Thomas was coming to town we thought it would be a fun and special thing to get to do with Lyndon. Also it was on a Saturday which meant daddy could come enjoy the fun too. You know those daddies miss out on a lot of special things bringing home the bacon during the week. So off we went to see Thomas and Lyndon loved it!!

Jeffery got the special ticket and rode Thomas, really on one of the coaches pulled by Thomas. Jeffery said it's a good thing the kids love it because it was a really lame and slow ride. And as expected Lyndon had a great time.

I am so thankful for all of the hard work Jeffery puts in during the week so that we can get out and make special memoiries just like these!!

Toot Toot!!

Denton's eye surgery

2011-10-25T16:04:00.001-05:00

The time has come. This Thursday October 27 our little Denton will go in for his cataract surgery.
For those who don't know, about 2 months ago we noticed his eye wondering to the outside. We got into the doctor and that's when they discovered he had a cone shape on the back of his lens, prosterious lenticonous, that caused a cataract. We were then told that his lens would definitely have to be removed and replaced with an implant lens. When the surgery would be was the question. Without impairing his vision more the doctor wanted to get him a little bigger for surgery purposes. The cataract has now doubled in size which means it's time for surgery.
We want to ask for your prayers. First we are still praying for a complete healing on his eye. If that is not God's will, we ask prayers for Denton with the anesthesia, his body to receive the implant well, his little body to tolerate the steroids, and his adjustment to glasses after surgery.
We know he is God's child and we've seen the evidence of his hand on him already.

Lyndon lines

2011-10-06T20:46:00.002-05:00

While tucking Lyndon into bed tonight:
"but I don't see God when he's in bed with me."

Lyndon lines

2011-09-28T21:42:00.005-05:00

In response to Jeffery's grandpa passing away recently:
"Who drove grandpa to heaven?"
Goodness, to have a heart of a child. I am surprised at how many questions he did have. One day I'll get it that he's smarter than I think. One thing's for sure, it makes you think about what you really believe when explaining your faith and believes to a 3 year old.

Denton our little pirate

2011-09-16T08:38:00.007-05:00

I could easily say if it's not one thing it's another for us Behymer's. But I choose to see the many blessings in my life and pray for those who truly have tough times. Our newest and latest little hurdle is that Denton is going to have eye surgery. It all started with us about 2 months ago. Jeffery was the first to notice his little right eye was wondering to the outside. I hadn't noticed it at the time. It was maybe the next day that I did. We waited it out about a week then decided to call his eye doctor. A blessing is he already had an eye doctor due to his prematurity. ROP is a common disease in preemies that Denton had been checked for. So I was glad I knew right away who to call and they had a history with him and got us right in. We were suspecting weak muscles and that we'd patch for a short time and it would be all over with. Nope not his sweet eye. His muscles are strong and healthy. Get this answer, Denton has posterior lenticonus. Basically his lens has a cone shape to the back of his eye and now has a cataract on it. The lens has to come out and replaced with an implant lens. hhmmmph (blowing my lips out). We don't have a surgery date scheduled yet. The doctor is wanting him to get a little bigger before surgery due to anesthesia, as long as the cataract and his vision aren't getting worse. So as of now half of the day sweet Denton has a patch on his good eye. Due to his young age and his brain development we're forcing his brain to use the bad eye. A praise is he isn't bothered by the patch. Once we get the new lens through surgery he will still be patched so his brain can learn to use the eye. A month after surgery he will then be in glasses (and patched too for a time) from here on out. Again I know with ALL of my heart we have so many blessings in this little guy and there are really really truly sick kiddos out there that have to go through so much more. But I am still saddened by this all, even just the inconvenience of being in glasses. Just being real here. But we know without a doubt God has given us so much, more than we deserve. And this is just a part of the journey. I feel like this post was filled with a lot of rambling details. So with that, I will leave you with the cutest little pirate you'll ever see.

Lyndon lines

2011-09-16T08:37:00.002-05:00

"I'm glad God gave me a mom and dad."

Out of the blue, all on his own at the dinner table. MELT my heart!! Thank you God for my sugar.

School days School daze

2011-09-15T22:50:00.000-05:00

I can not believe it. (That seems to be my reaction to most everything these days. But it's true.) I can't believe Lyndon is going to school. Ok it's technically Mother's Day out, but we call it school. We'd decided not to put Lyndon in any program until a baby number 2 came. Clearly that day came. I only wanted him to go one day a week, not pay a fortune, for it to be most of the day to be a more beneficial time for Denton and I and for him to go some where in Yukon. I succeeded at all the above. First Baptist Church Yukon is his new (and first) little school to go to. I enrolled him this summer and we've been talking about it every sense. As the open house/meet the teacher day approached I honestly began considering not sending him. I know I know many of you are thinking "good grief Daysha it's one day a week." But I stuck to my guns and believed in the reasons why we were sending him. We know that it will be good for him to meet and play with new friends, have a structured day with a teacher (eating lunch is a big one), become familiar with a school day and it gives little Denton and I some time with just us two.

The first school night actually came. When I was making his lunch I just could not believe I was making a school lunch for my kiddo. Man will this stuff ever sink in that I'm a mom?

Here we go...nap mat, backpack and lunch box with his smile, all ready to go!

Let me just tell ya, Lyndon did GREAT!!! He was real excited to go. Jeffery was able to go with us and we got there a little early to take pictures.

Then it was time for us to leave. Hugs and kisses and I love you's...and in he went and directly to the toys.

Sweet big boy he is. And if you're curious to know...none of my tears actually dripped out of my eyes. They may have been filled to the max, but they didn't drip. The thing that gets me the most with this whole school thing is the reality that this is the beginning of school for a long time, the beginning of days away from me. Now when Denton gets old enough, he may be locked up in the house...we'll just have to see.
And the results of his first day: GREAT day. He played great with friends. He even slept during the rest time. That's my biggest surprise. Not so well at eating his lunch, which was what we expected. Needless to say I was thrilled to have him home.

Lyndon's first trip to the dentist

2011-08-19T22:40:00.004-05:00

3 has come for Lyndon so that meant going to the dentist for the first time. I was a little apprehensive about how he would do. It's a toss up for him on how he does with new and unknown. I had been really talking up the dentist a couple weeks prior. We get there and they had a game room for him to play in while we waiting. Then once the nice lady came and called his name he nearly froze. She even mentioned to me, pretty quickly, that her guess is that he wouldn't do much on this visit and that is ok, but we'll try. Let me just tell ya, he did GREAT!! We got x-rays and even sat in the chair and got his teeth cleaned. Since our visit he has been a pro at spitting the toothpaste instead of swallowing. Good job buddy. We are very proud of you!!

We miss our friends...

2011-08-19T22:32:00.003-05:00

terribly!!!

We were so happy that our friends came to visit. Although it was a short visit we had a great great time together. Please come back!!!

A couple first's for Denton

2011-08-19T22:23:00.006-05:00

In his 4th month we sat Denton in his little bumbo seat for the first time. He pretty quickly began leaning to the side and forward. But we kept trying and he's done better and better.

At 4 months and 3 weeks we fed Denton baby cereal. Although he didn't open his mouth and take it right away, like his brother did, he still did well. As time has past (since I'm a terrible blogger) we have come to realize he likes it and does much better with it when it's thick.

Stop it right now big boy, you're already growing up way to fast. But your daddy and I are extremely proud of all you're doing.

July 4th fun

2011-08-19T21:04:00.013-05:00

Yes I know, world's worse blogger here!!

But on to the fun stuff, even if it is in the past now. We had a great 4th of July this year.

Denton's first firework show

My mamaw got to come up this year. We always desire to have her here with us on the 4th. It's her birthday, and was my papaw's birthday too (her late husband) and their anniversary. On top of celebrating her birthday she hadn't met Denton yet. So it was a great time.

Best looking 77 year old around huh

As you may have seen last year my family loves the 4th of July parade. It's becoming more and more fun having little ones too.

Look at this outfit (it's a swimsuit and swim shirt)...to die for

Anxiously awaiting the parade

Although it was very hot we still endured the carnival with Lyndon. He loved the rides and had a great time.

brother even had fun at the carnival

Another great 4th of July down in my books!

Monthly pic comps

2011-07-12T21:58:00.008-05:00

I loved watching Lyndon grow and change from month to month. I stole an idea from a friend of mine and took pictures of Lyndon every month next to the same stuffed animal. And now I am loving watching Denton grow as well. Both boys have a dog we made for them at Build a Bear that has a recording of their heart beats while in my tummy. Those are the stuffed animals we used for their pictures. I thought it would be fun to show you pics of both boys from months 1-4. I'll be anxious to hear if you think they look alike or not.
I am so sad that I don't have a 1 month picture of our sweet Denton. Obviously he wasn't home with us yet. So we will begin with 2 month pics.

It will be Lyndon on top and Denton on bottom:
2 months

3 month

4 month

My sweet sweet boys!! Goodness!

Big things at 4 months

2011-07-12T20:10:00.005-05:00

Is it really true, lil bit Denton is already 4 1/2 months?!?!? It's true it's true. Being 4 months old does him very well. He said he's going to have a big month and he has. At 4 months and 3 days he decided it was time to roll over from his tummy to his back. He was on the floor lying on his little play mat and over he went. Of course the first time it happened of course I didn't have a battery charged camera any where close by. He did it twice that night and then not again for another two days. Now he's an official tummy to back roller.

At 4 months we brought out the 0-3 months clothes. Woohoo!!!

At 4 1/2 months, the Tuesday night after July 4th, he moved down the hall and spent his first night in his big boy room in his big boy bed. It's such a surreal moment when I realize wow I have two kiddos both sleeping in their own rooms. Not knowing if we will be having anymore kiddos makes it a sad moment thinking that there won't be newborn babies sleeping in my room again. But that's other thoughts for other days, not today!!

And we officially have a big smiler and a joyful laugher. LOVE IT!

We had Denton's 4 month well baby check appointment at 4 1/2 months. I must say Dr. Bowen and nurse Mrs. Sheila were very proud of this big boy. He weighed in at 12.6 lbs, and that puts us on the chart at 10%...can you believe it, the same little guy who at one point weighed 2.15lbs. His length is 23 1/2 in (3-10%). Get this, my two boys are walking hand in hand with their stats. Lyndon's 4 month was at 4 1/2 months too and his stats, 12.10lbs and 24 1/2in. We look at Denton and he seems bigger than we remember Lyndon being. Maybe that 1 in shorter makes a difference, or maybe it's just that hard to remember 2 1/2 yrs back. Who knows. But I am so happy and grateful and thrilled about how well Denton is doing. Developmentally he's doing wonderful!!!! Thank you God. We did leave the doctor's office with something new, a nebulizer machine for breathing treatments. This is new for us, Lyndon has never had one. Denton has days were he weezes a lot so we'll see if this will help. I'll let you know. Like I started with, really is he already 4 1/2 months? I just can't believe it. I look at those pictures from his first 6 weeks of life and can't do anything but praise God for where he's brought my baby boy.

Lyndon scare

2011-07-02T12:26:00.003-05:00

Well we had another first around here, unfortunately not a great one. This past week our Sunday school class had a swim party for moms and kiddos. Lyndon and I were really excited. The day before the party I had a small skin procedure done (a spot removed) that resulted in me not being able to get in the water. Not a big deal Lyndon's had swim lessons, right?! Just teasing, I don't think that he's able to be all on his own. But with his floaties on he is good to go. Can you tell where this story is going? I tell ya it happened just like you've heard the other stories...so fast, before I even knew it. We hadn't been there but a few minutes. In fact the floaties weren't even out of the bag yet. We were standing right next to the fancy hot tub pool, also often used as the little kiddie pool, that has the seat along the inside. I had two other moms standing right there too. I say that A. to make me feel better, B. to show how quick it happened. The next thing I know I see Lyndon under water in the middle of the hot tub kiddie pool. His feet weren't touching the bottom and his head was completely under. It was like he was bobbing in the middle. I could see that his sweet big brown eyes were wide open. It was the worse and craziest feeling. It felt like time slowed way down and I couldn't get my feet to move and me in there fast enough. But I did get in there and got him up. My first instinct was to hug him. He must've had his mouth closed and blowing out of his nose because he wasn't coughing at all. Praise God. I didn't want him to be scared of the water so I showed him how proud I was of him and how brave he was. And he was fine. He seemed very surprised but not scared. SCARED ME TO DEATH and broke my heart. I assume he stepped right off the seat and went right down. I still can't believe it happened. But I am so so thankful to God for keeping him safe.

I love you Lyndon.

Productive Parenting

2011-06-30T16:09:00.007-05:00

Would you believe someone would want feature me as a mom? To my surprise, too, someone did. I am the feature on this blog. Along with the blog, it's a site for mom's that is loaded with goodies. Productive Parenting is something all moms should see. It's full of great activity ideas that are age specific and also stories from "real" moms. That's everything I need. I hope you enjoy it just as I have!!

Father's Day dedication

2011-06-24T09:49:00.004-05:00

We had a special Father's Day in our house. Not only was it the special for Lyndon and Denton to love on their wonderful daddy, we also got to stand before our church family for Denton's baby dedication. We got to have Lyndon's baby dedication on Father's Day too. Which has made them even more special for Jeffery. Baby dedication for Jeffery and I is a big deal. We are truly going before God and our church family as witnesses committing to raise this baby in the ways of the Lord. They did something at this baby dedication that I don't remember our church doing before, for sure not when we dedicated Lyndon (we have a new children's minister so I do believe it was new). Just as you say your vows of commitment at your wedding, they had us parents say our commitments too. Our pastor read statements of commitment and we responded with "we will". I loved this. It made the commitment feel even more important. I'm a very visual, hands on type of girl. Hearing the specific words hit the right cord with me. I feel so blessed to have a husband who has the same desire and intentions when it comes to raising our children.

Happy Father's Day Jeffery and baby dedication day Denton!

Swim lessons

2011-06-21T16:17:00.005-05:00

Big things happening at the Behymer house. Both boys are growing big and in their own ways learning new things. Lyndon just completed a big 2 weeks. His first time for swimming lessons!! Last summer he did great in the water, he was very comfortable. He had his first venture with only arm floaties. He would even float away from us. With all of that being said I was so excited for him to begin swim lessons. I felt like he was so comfortable in the water last year that he'll be ready. We first, key word first, enrolled him in the preschool class. It was 6 kids and 3 teachers. So the first day came. Lyndon seemed to actually be excited. Once we walked up to the pool he stood right next to the entrance gate waiting to go in. The teachers of each class come to the gate and call the names of each child and they follow them. Then the hesitation began. He didn't want to walk in without me. The sweet teachers allowed me to walk him in. I handed him his towel and slipped away. Once I got over to where the parents sat I saw this sweet picture.
My big boy sitting on the bench so bravely and listening closely to his teacher.

I still can't believe how big he is. Will I make it when he goes to school, mother's day out, for one day next year? Ok back to swim lessons. Next the teachers walked his class over to the side of the pool and had them sit down on the side with their feet on the drain. Check, he had no problem with that. Next, one by one a teacher lifted each child into the water. Lyndon even had no problem with that.... Until he was in. It seemed as soon as his feet touch the bottom of the pool he turned around and headed to the side and got out. Bummer!! His sweet teachers let him sit there until he was ready to get in. As he was sitting on the side of the pool he was still being a good little student and listening to his teachers. He would raise his arms when the others did, and even splashed when the others did, but with his feet. By now our 30 min class is over. He came out and met me with a smile on his face. I asked him why he didn't stay in and he just said he didn't want to. So the rest of the day and into the evening we talked alot about getting in the water the next day, and how much fun it will be. Well, needless to say all the talking about it didn't change a thing. He was just as excited to go this morning too. But sitting on the side was all the fun he wanted. And let me just tell ya, he knew he had a price coming from me and his nanny if he got in and stayed in. But nope, didn't happen. This time one of his teachers came out to meet me too and suggested we do the mom and tot class for the rest of the 2 week session. I had considered that class in the beginning. But he had been so comfortable the summer before, so I chose the preschool class. I had no problem with the mom and tot class, and boy did it make a difference. Just as I knew he was comfortable in the water. He was great. Other than the Oklahoma wind that made our 10am class a little chilly we had a great time. It was only us and one other mom and tot. So our 2 weeks came and went and Lyndon passed with flying colors, his report card is the proof.
Even with 2 days sitting on the side of the pool, I consider it a success. I'm pretty sure Lyndon would agree too. His Nanny had a prize for him every day.
Way to go Lyndon. Momma is very proud of you!!

3 already

2011-06-01T15:21:00.012-05:00

Can it really be so...it must be since it's been so for 2 weeks now. Lyndon is a big 3 year old!! I just can't believe it. But what fun he is. On his first birthday Jeffery and I decided that we would make it our little family tradition to go to the zoo on Lyndon's actual birthday. I know this will continue even when he's 13, 16 and 21 right?! Don't burst my bubble. So that's what we did this year as well, on Wednesday May 18. It was a beautiful day, cloudy over cast with a really nice breeze. What a special treat that began this year, of course having his little brother with us.

Our traditional picture we've taken every year as we leave

My parents got Lyndon a bike and helmet for his birthday. So he wouldn't be consumed with it and nothing else at his birthday party we decided to let them surprise him with it on the night of his actual birthday. So much fun, he loved it!!

And last but not least it was time to celebrate with the party. I was really looking forward to his party. It wasn't anything fancy. Just as we've done the past 2 years we invite friends and play in the backyard. Lyndon has really been into the Thunder this season. His Pope' has taken him to 2 games and his daddy one. He can name every player and their number. So it was no question in my mind what type of party to have for him. A Thunder Party. I really want to make my kiddos birthday cakes as long as they will let me, and with a theme, again as long as they will let me. I went an easy route this year and just made a regular round cake but made it look like a basketball. We are so blessed and honored to have friends and family come celebrate our sweet boy with us. It was a great day.

I think he made out really well

all in our Thunder gear, even little bit

Happy 3rd Birthday sweet boy. Your daddy and I absolutely can not imagine life without you. You're smile and laugh brings so much joy to our lives. We love you!!
Lyndon's 3 year stats: weighing in at 28lbs (10-20%) and 37 1/2in (50%)

Happy Birthday Jeffery

2011-06-01T15:17:00.004-05:00

Happy 31st Jeffery, Daddy. All 3 of us love you! Thank you for taking such great care of us!

Big big day

2011-05-23T21:49:00.008-05:00

May 7,2011...what a big big day!! First off it was my due date for sweet Denton. Clearly we didn't make it to that date. This was a huge milestone for what all we can do with Denton as far as getting him out and about and around others. And what better way to celebrate his due date than at the March of Dimes March for Babies walk. We have been apart of this charity since Lyndon was born. Of course our hearts grew more and more passionate to be apart of this organization since our Denton's premature birth. We were so happy to be able to bring our two SOONer Boys to the walk this year. The past two years our team name was Lovin' Lyndon. Of course we had to include our new little one. One evening while Denton was still in the NICU and Jeffery was up there with him he had the realization that preemies are sooners. We have 2 SOONer Boys. That's where our new team name was developed from. Way to go daddy!!
We celebrated big at the walk. It was emotional and weird for me all at the same time. Yes, without a doubt I am standing on the truth that God chose this to be our families story and that he has had his very powerful hand all over my boys. But it is still a realization that gives me a lump in my throat that this is the story of my boys. But from here on out we will sing "Praise Ye the Lord" for these two little boys. Now for some fun pictures of the day.

Our family and friends were so wonderful to come and celebrate our boys with us.

So exciting that Rumble came out to support the March of Dimes, he made Lyndon's day!

We love how our shirts turned out. The back has our last name and the number 2, since there are 2 SOONer Boys, then also the stats of my 2 little guys.

Thank you March of Dimes for all you do so that One Day All Babies will be Born Healthy!!

Welcome Home Denton

2011-04-21T15:35:00.003-05:00

yes yes I know I'm 2+ weeks behind in this post...but for journals sake and also to share with you how the day went.

After our rooming in night we knew that Denton would not be coming home over the weekend, but we had strong word to plan for his homecoming to be on the next Monday, April 4. And sure enough it was. As I'm sure you can imagine none of this went as planned as to having our second child, including our last days with big brother before little brother came home. Yes we had nearly six weeks to plan and spend time as we would want, but let's be real those 6 weeks weren't normal. So our last weekend with Lyndon alone at home was pretty busy to say the least. But we got the house cleaned (thank you sweet Jeffery for having a lady come clean our house real good from top to bottom. This was actually a couple weeks before), I cleaned the carpets, our dog Rowdy got bathed, base put in the car and then some special meals out with Lyndon.

We weren't sure what time he would be released on Monday. So I took the morning slow and had some last extra special times with Lyndon (geez makes my eyes cry now). Once we got around I took him over to my mom's and went to the hospital. We knew Denton was coming home on a heart monitor. Before that could happen we had to be educated on the monitor and to feel comfortable using it. I called the hospital on my way there just to get an idea and they said the monitor man was coming just after noon to meet with us and that we would need to do 2 feedings on the monitor before going home. So I spread the word to the troops (Jeffery and my mom) that our plan was to have Lyndon up at the hospital when Denton came out of the NICU and for us all to ride home together. So after talking to the nurse we were thinking probably not until around 6, and for Lyndon to go ahead and take a nap.

I get up to the hospital and I had so many many emotions. But not as many as I had the night before. On Sunday evening I wanted Jeffery and I both to go up there and be together for his last night feeding, so Norman (Pope') came and stayed with Lyndon. I tell ya I cried the entire way there (a 2o minute drive), walking in, and even more walking into the NICU. Poor Jeffery wasn't sure why I was crying. To be honest me either. But really I did. It was just so emotional. We had been taking that route/path for so long and it was actually coming to an end. I just couldn't believe it. (geez still tears) Just lots of emotions that for some reason I still can't even put into words here. Crazy. But it was a good night there with him and just telling him that tomorrow he gets to go home. That was also his last hospital weigh in...and he weighed in at 5lbs even.

So back to Monday. I got up there, packed his stuff up, got in a feeding and just waited for the monitor man, and Jeffery to get there. Well silly Jeffery didn't end up making it there for our tutorial of the monitor. No pressure, all of that on my hands. Just kidding it was fine. Pretty easy stuff yet enough to make me nervous too. So once that was all done I suspected I had to wait until 2 for the next feeding, then also 5 before going home. Our sweet and precious nurse (Sandi) came in and asked if I felt comfortable with it and said "you wanna go home?"!!! Well heck yes. The nurse practiononer came in, looked him over and told us good job and good luck and said we could go. YEA!!! So I got the call to my mom, "don't put Lyndon down and head this way." And they did. We continued to pack up (we got some serious freebies, ok not freebies we paid for it all didn't we), put him in his going home outfit, took some pics, got big brothers present out and ready to be given to him from his new little brother and waited for big brother to get there.

Lyndon wore this same outfit when he came home

Then it was time, it was really really time. We walked out of the NICU WITH our little boy and came all together as a family of 4.

Look at the face on this sweet sweet boy.

Due to the changes in the times we'd get to leave neither Jeffery or I had lunch. By the time we left it was 3 o'clock. So once we left the hospital before getting home our little family of 4 made a pit stop to the drive thru of none other than Bueno. That will always be a funny memory to me.

Lyndon's new buddy in the backseat with him. I have 2 kiddos now..WEIRD!!

At last we are home. It was such a precious precious moment as Lyndon got to hold his baby brother for the first time. He was so gentle and even gave him a kiss on his head without being prompted. My heart is flowing over and over and over with Joy.

OH MY GOODNESS!!

I am one blessed girl. Yes this was not how I wanted to have my boys, but I am trusting and standing on the words of the Lord, Isaiah 55:8 "My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine."

Surprise, my boys got to meet

2011-04-09T20:17:00.006-05:00

As the weeks were passing, actually as March came and went, the thing I was struggling the most with was that our family of 4 wasn't together. Every thing in me knew that it hadn't been complete yet, and it was getting really hard on this momma. Our lives were being lived separately with our two sons. Lyndon had a new baby brother and he hadn't met him yet. We'd go eat at a restaurant, or go to the park, whatever it may be, and I just felt and knew something was missing. I wasn't pregnant and yet I didn't have my new baby with us either. So that's my poor me, lower moments I was having. I just could not wait for Lyndon to get to meet Denton. Well that day come sooner than we thought and as a total surprise. On Saturday morning, April 2, after our rooming in night, Jeffery left me at the hospital with Denton so he could take Lyndon to breakfast. Later in the afternoon they came up to the hospital and Jeffery and I took turns staying with Lyndon in the lobby. We had done this on a few Saturdays before while we were out and about so we could go and see Denton but also to show Lyndon were momma and daddy were going so often. Well I was the one sitting with Lyndon in the lobby while Jeffery was in with Denton. Then to my very big surprise Jeffery comes out the door with the video camera in hand and says "come on, come in and bring Lyndon." I was shocked. I asked a few half questions while stuttering on my words. Some how or another, I'm still not real sure how it happened, Dr. Pickens knew Lyndon was out there and said it would be fine if he came in and met Denton real quick. Jeffery and Denton had been in the normal area of the NICU but they told him to go back to the rooming in room for Lyndon to come in. Oh my gosh, my stomach was in a knot, I was holding back my tears and yet anxious too, ALL at the same time. So here we are really quick preparing Lyndon for meeting his little brother. As we got into the room Jeffery took Lyndon into the bathroom immediately to wash his hands. The whole time Lyndon is asking, in the sweetest, most curios voice, "where's brother, where's brother?" Finally his sweet little hands were clean and then the time came...they met (as I am crying as I type this)...

OH MY GOODNESS, look at him holding his hand. He asked how come Denton doesn't have a pillow...isn't that so sweet and cute.

This was a short meeting, but oh oh oh so perfect. Thank you God, and Dr. Pickens, for giving us this special treat. My boys have met now!!

Rooming in...

2011-04-09T19:51:00.004-05:00

or our first over night with Denton. We knew our time at the NICU was close to coming to an end. Denton was gaining weight, his episodes had basically come to an end (with the exception of a few here and there) and the big one he was taking all of his feedings from a bottle or breast feeding. Which taking the feedings for a full 24 hours is one of the final steps to go home. Denton had been doing this. The doctors chose to keep him a few days longer since he was still young (gestation wise) and to watch him a few more days after he had been off his caffeine to make sure the episodes were going to stay gone. We were prepared that most likely Denton would come home on an apnea monitor, to be cautious of the episodes. Again since he was born so young, and still so young, and newly free of episodes they wanted us to room-in over night with him. Which we wanted to do any way, just to make sure we were comfortable. We didn't do this with Lyndon. He was episode free for enough previous days, didn't go home on a monitor and we spent so much time there we were pretty comfortable as well as the doctors comfortable with us. On Friday night, April 1 we spent the night up at the hospital. The purpose is for the parents to do all the feedings and all of the care without the help of the nurses, but still having them close by if you need them. This was our first time to spend this much time with our new little boy. Also our first time, Denton being 5 1/2 weeks old, to do the night feedings. I know I know I know it's hard work feeding newborns in the middle of the night, but please don't take it for granted... So, we had been told it was not very comfortable arrangements that they had in there, that the bed was small. That was an understatement...we thought it was a small, uncomfortable pull out sofa bed. NOPE!!! It was just a small couch that didn't fold out.

I was honestly worried, there was going to be no way we would get ANY sleep. So I went out and asked the receptionist if we had it right, that it didn't fold out any bigger? She said yes that's it, oh but would you like an extra cot? WELL YES!!!! Phew, she saved the night.

We actually did get some rest and it was a really good night with our little Denton. He did have some episodes but we knew how to handle it. YEA for one step closer to coming home to us.

Denton's 1st roommate

2011-04-09T19:29:00.005-05:00

Believe it or not we have had many blessings on this NICU journey with Denton. Just one of them was meeting the sweet White family. One of the biggest blessing of meeting and now being friends with the White's is that I got sit holding my little Denton, behind our little curtain in his little room of the NICU and pray for this family before I had even seen them, knew their names or met them. Denton and I were behind the curtain as Mason, the White baby boy, was admitted. I sat there and prayed for Mason's little body, his lungs, his heart and his brain. I prayed for his momma and daddy. Geez it was breaking my heart knowing there was a momma down another hall without her baby and her husband, because daddy was down with the baby. I knew, I knew what she was going through. If you sit in the NICU long enough you hear a lot of information on many different babies but you will rarely know who they are talking about. The whole HIPPA rule. The doctors and nurses say baby "last name" when talking about them. So back to the White's. Since I could hear what was going on, I could tell that what was being said was about this new baby. I learned that the momma was insulin diabetic. I then began praying for her health and body. In the next few days we had seen these parents in passing but hadn't had the chance to meet them. Nearly a week after Mason was born I finally got to meet the momma, Natalie, at the elevator. And what a joy it has been to have her and her husband Bryan and Mason around. Once you walk this NICU road, you have an instant bond. Not only was Mason a miracle to be born to soon, the life of his momma was a miracle too. In the NICU there are some babies who have bunk mates, roommates. Lyndon never had one, and for most of our stay Denton didn't either. One Sunday evening when Jeffery and I were there for the 9pm feeding he says in passing, "I wonder why we haven't had a roommate." I told him to hush so that we won't get one. Selfishly, it was just nice to not have to share the already small space. Low and behold I got up the next morning and I find out we've been moved to another room and I just had a feeling we were moved in with another baby. YEPP!! Sure enough. I blame Jeffery. BUT what a blessing it was with Mason and his parents. We learned that other than twins, once babies have roommates they're close to going home. We were more than glad to be up close and personal, and believe me us mommas had to get close and personal, with this family. We thank God for the health of baby Mason and Mrs. Natalie, and thank him also for our new friends. Now we really look forward to our boys being able to meet outside the hospital!!! Soon, real soon!!

Blood Transfusion

2011-03-31T16:38:00.006-05:00

Denton finally got a blood transfusion. I finally because we talked about it for 2 weeks. At first the idea of a transfusion scared us, we thought it meant something was really bad with Denton. As with all the information on this journey once we got the details we understood better. We were told that a baby of his age, it would be more surprising for him to go home without receiving at least one transfusion. Basically his red blood cell count got to low, and the red blood cells is what carries oxygen to the body. Although our bodies make new red blood cells it was such a hard job for his little body to make new ones. This most likely was resulting in him having more episodes, dropping of the heart rate and not breathing at times. He became a little pale and became anemic. All most likely resulting in the low red blood cell count. They told us that getting the transfusion would help him not have to use energy to get a higher count. So Jeffery got the privilege of donating his blood to give to Denton. This was a special thing for him to do. So he did that, then they kept and kept putting it off. Talk about moments of truly having to trust in the Doctors and God's hand on them. They were telling us that he just wasn't low enough, or wasn't having enough episodes and that they were hoping he would be able to rebuild his count on his own. It got frustrating. But finally on Sunday, March 27 (Denton was 4 1/2 weeks old and 34 weeks gestation) he got is daddy's blood.

Here he is receiving his daddy's blood. It looks worse than it is.

We were relieved and really looking forward to the improvement it would make. And it did just that. It first decreased his episodes to one a day for a day, and now he hasn't had any since Monday. Praise the Lord, huge answer to prayer. Also, as of yesterday he is off of his caffeine. He was getting his very own coke two times a day. That was to help keep his heart rate up since it was dropping. But praise the Lord he's doing that on his own now too!!! We are certainly on our last leg of this NICU journey and we can't be anymore ready. He's so strong, healthy and a growing boy. He is officially weighing in at 4.13 lbs!! Can you believe it?!?! We most likely will be taking home a 5 lb baby. Lyndon came home weighing 4.1lbs. Thank you dearly for all your prayers and love you've given to us all.

Big milestone week

2011-03-20T07:08:00.011-05:00

We have had a major week of milestones. As of today, Denton is 33 weeks gestation and 3 1/2 weeks old. Let's back up for our week long timeline:

Sunday March 13: as of late evening that night sweet baby got to put clothes on for the first time. It was at the 9pm feeding and I was the only one there for it. His very first outfit was his big brother's very first outfit too. Who's who?!

it's Denton, Lyndon, Denton

Daddy did get to see him in it the next day. What this meant, not just first clothes, but that they believe he was ready to hold his own body temperature. The isolate, incubator type bed controls his body temp. If he gets low it would go up, or too hot it would cool down. Holding own body temp is a must to go home. So they start by slowing turning down the temp of the bed to eventually off. He not only was in clothes but also stayed swaddled. He did great and the bed temp slowly went down.

Thursday March 17: not for any important reason, Denton and his entire pod of baby friends got moved to another pod. I asked if this was a step up or anything. Basically it was just for making room for new babies in the other pod, but the nurse did say if he weren't stable they would not have moved him. So good deal. When I was there and began taking his temp and change his diaper the nurse noticed they forgot to turn his bed warmer back on. Thing is, praise the Lord he is strong and healthy and did great. But that could have been bad. BUT he did great. We checked his temp and he had done very good. So this day they opened the top of his bed and kept the warmer off. If he could hold his temp for 24 hours they would move him to an open big boy bed....

Friday March 18: .... And he did just that. At the 3o'clock feeding we got him all moved!! So big.

Friday was a REALLY BIG day for him. Rarely do either of us make it to the 9 am feeding time. We've decided to try and keep breakfast normal with Lyndon. This morning I just decided to ask Jeffery what his morning looked like, and it was flexible enough for me to run up there. Once there the nurse practitioner decides since he's doing so well let's change his feeding tube from out of his mouth into intestine to his nose to tummy and let's try bottle feeding, and asked if I wanted to try nursing first!!! What!?!? He's a day shy of 33 weeks and we were prepared to not start this until 34-35 weeks. Then here came the tears. My nurse was like this is a good thing. I told her I know it is, I know it's huge, I just can't believe it. And he's doing great. Jeffery's given him the bottle the past 2 nights (he only gets 1 bottle a day, can try and nurse 1 time a day, and the rest through his tube), and he takes more than half of it. 1 whole ounce is in the bottle and who took 1/2

As of Saturday night at 9 pm he is 4.09 lbs!!!!

Denton isn't the only one who's had a big week of milestones. Check out Lyndon's big accomplishments!!!

We ask that the prayers please continue and to also join us in praising God for all He has done.

"God is so good" and "How Great is our God"

Big Boy in Big Boy undies

2011-03-14T17:50:00.005-05:00

I have to share with my little blog world how proud we are of our sweet big brother Lyndon. We had decided that we would basically wait until real close to his 3rd birthday to potty train him, which Denton was due 2 weeks before he turned 3. That method was what we had heard the most success stories. Also knowing there was a good chance of regression once baby was home, that just made since to us. Also I just wanted to do it on his time, and have little to no tears and frustration. So that was the plan. We had a little Valentine's Day party and one of the little friends was potty trained, so that day Lyndon went on the potty 2 times. Then we had some neighbor friends over for the Super Bowl, and the little friend was potty trained and that night Lyndon went 3 times. I thought he may be ready, so let's try this. We had some big boy undies that my mom had bought him for Christmas, I had bought a little potty seat, and that night I made his cute little potty chart all ready to start the fun Monday morning. Away we went, setting the timer every 15 minutes...and long story short here we are over a month later, his life has been rocked and he's been staying with a lot of other people while we take care of Denton at the hospital, and he's done FABULOUS!!! He will even tell us when he has to poopoo on the potty too. We still put him in a diaper/pull up at night and nap time. But other than that he's basically potty trained. We are so incredibly proud of this little boy. I truly believe it was all God's plan, even potty training. I felt like he was ready, and I still think he was and that's why even through the craziness right now he's still doing good. PHEW!!!

His new potty stool I got to make with my friend Melodie!!

Way to go sweet Lyndon, you've gone great in your Big Boy Undies!!!

Denton is 32 weeks gestation!

2011-03-12T17:32:00.001-06:00

Yea for 32 weeks!! Lyndon was born at 33 weeks. Denton's 2 1/2 weeks old and now weighs 3.9lbs!!! This is a big deal. Since he's over 1600 grams he may get to put clothes on soon. We're sending clothes to the hospital tonight. YEA!! This little guy is doing wonderful. Thank you so much to everyone for praying. We know without a shadow of a doubt God is the great physician and all over this little guy. If I can continue to send out specific prayer request: please pray for his red blood cell count to go up. This isn't anything alarming or unusual with a little guy his age, but just as his momma and daddy we want it to be higher; to keep gaining weight (as the day comes where he will begin bottle feeding weight gain will slow down, so we want as much as we can now); continued prayer to keep infection away; and what we call in the NICU world episodes, for them to continue to stay at a minimum to none; along with continued prayer for sweet big brother's heart, peace and comfort and for momma and daddy's wisdom with him; and lastly for us momma and daddy too!!! It is the weirdest emotion being a grown family of 4 and still not living it all together. But as we know and are standing on, we will be soon and this is all in God's plan.

"My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine." Isaiah 55:8 NLT

Thank you everyone!

Denton update

2011-03-12T16:45:00.002-06:00

written on 3/4
We don't have a lot of specific updates just a ton of praises. Sweet boy is still doing so well and is so strong. He's tolerating his feedings very well, and they keep increasing the amount. He's close to being off an iv, no more fluids soon. Our huge praise is the brain scan came back clear, showing no brain hemorrhaging. Praise God!!! He is almost back to birth weight, as of last night (3/3) he was 3lbs 3oz. We are just so proud of him. A specific prayer request for him would be to pray that he can maintain a good heart rate. He's having what are called episodes. Many of the nurses believe it is due to reflux. If could pray for his little body to tolerate that and be healed of that if it is the trouble. But mainly no matter the reason for him to be strong enough to maintain a good level heart rate. They have started physical therapy on his little body. So please pray that his little body responds well to the therapy and it does what it needs to do.

Sweet big brother has had a very good week. We are relieved and so thankful for the prayers for him as well. We're trying to get the schedule figure out and we know it's helped him so much. Today as I was at the hospital we "face timed" with Lyndon on our phones so he could see baby brother. And Lyndon kept saying, "where's my brother"!!! I loved hearing that. If you would please keep in your prayers as our journey does continue. As Denton begins to bottle feed Jeffery and I will be up at the hospital more learning to do that and get comfortable. So that will be another adjustment for Lyndon. Then of course once Denton is home too. AND today we had our first poo poo in the potty!! Big deal around here!

We truly have been given so much. Thank you so EVERYONE who is praying, your sweet sweet words, cards, meals, phone calls, and more and more of things people are doing for us. Thank you so much. Most of all please keep praying and also praising God with us for ALL He has done and will do as well. I know this is a lot of random thoughts...just a clear picture into my mind right!!

I am so thankful for the scriptures you're sending to me, please continue that as they come to mind as well. One that is an encouragement that we're living by:

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful! Heb 10:23

Momma to two sweet boys!!

2011-03-12T16:08:00.008-06:00

Here we are, I am officially a momma of two, we're a family of 4...just a little sooner than we'd thought. Little Denton was due on May 7 and joined our family on February 23, at 29 weeks. Which is ok, God has a plan for us and is already proving to us he has a plan. We thought we'd give just a little update of what happened, and how everyone is doing now.

Back up to a week before Denton was born. I began having mild contractions in the evenings starting Tuesday a week before he was born. But I would be perfectly fine by the morning and all day long, until the evening again. Due to it going away after rest we wondered if this was just apart of a second pregnancy and having a 2 year old. We even took a small trip to Dallas that weekend. Looking back we're terrified at the thought of what could have happened. But so glad we got to have special time with special friends. I even got to make this.

Sunday night the pain started a little sooner and was a little more intense. Nothing major but just noticeable. So we called and got my next appointment and ultrasound bumped up from Thursday to Tuesday (2/22). The day of the appointments is the first day that I did wake up and the contractions had continued. We had ultrasound in the morning and it showed that my cervix had thinned some in the last 6 weeks and baby was up next to my cervix. This made us nervous, but when they called my doctor she didn't want to see me any sooner than the scheduled 3 o'clock appt. But to be honest I was still nervous. Mostly nervous about getting put on bedrest and how that would effect my last few months with just Lyndon. So what did we do?...we went and had an ice cream date, then a special little picnic lunch on the living room floor.

My heart of hearts was preparing for bedrest, and my emotions kept the tears coming. So off to the 3 o'clock appt. The first words out of my doctors mouth was "well piddle". She wasn't alarmed yet, gave me a shot that knocked the contractions right out, put me on new meds to keep contractions away and placed me on just a very light bedrest at home (just stay off my feet). Well I was contracting again by 8pm that night and we were back at the hospital by 4 am. Then after every med possible and much fluids running through me our little guy just couldn't be stopped and at 29 weeks he was born at 1:32pm weighing 3lbs 4 oz and 16.25in long.

So we are now 5 days old (written on 2/28)and can I just tell ya our little guy is so strong. He's totally off oxygen and breathing on his own. This is a true miracle from our God above with how early he was. His body is tiny but so strong. Just like his big brother he is working and fighting really hard each day. We do have a long journey ahead of us, but we are totally and completely trusting in God to walk with us through it, and he already is.

If I may I'm going to give our prayer requests:
first and foremost for Denton's little body to stay free of infection and to continue to develop and stay protected, for precious big brother Lyndon as he's going through a MAJOR transition with all of this- we pray his heart will always feel a peace and comfort and know he's loved so much and for whatever he can understand that he would, for our schedule and balance of our time in our days ahead, and for Jeffery and I as momma and daddy to communicate well to each and to rest and for our hearts to have peace and comfort too, then also for all of the nurses and doctors who are taking care of our baby.

A peek into my future...

2011-02-02T19:26:00.005-06:00

Let me just tell ya. I truly had a foreshadowing moment of what life will be like having 2 sons. This past weekend was what our church calls Big Weekend. It's a discipling weekend for the high school students, they stay in homes by grades and college students come in to teach them. We hosted the 11th grade boys. Jumping to the end, it was a great time. We had a blast. But I do have to tell ya many times throughout the weekend I had the thought and mental pictures of this being my future. There was a lot of basketball playing (on the Fisher Price, plastic, indoor goal of Lyndon's), watching ESPN, wrestling, ping pong and eating. All boy right!!! There is one moment that does make me go "oh no" about it all though. It was Friday night and I already said my goodnight and left Jeffery with the boys, it was about 1:15 am. At that time some were inside and some were in the garage playing what they call sting pong. Due to my growing belly I have to have a pillow between my legs to sleep more comfortably. We had set out some extra pillows in case someone needed one. Since I had already done the "motherly" rounds checking to make sure all were taken care of I knew that there was at least one pillow not being used. So without even thinking I made my way out of my room. Well at that point all of them were out in the garage and laughing and having a grand ole time. So I think I'll go see what's so fun, I can't miss out on fun right. So I come around the corner, 2 or 3 boys standing there at the door laughing hard, but they clearly see me coming...and don't bother to stop me. Then I enter the doorway of the garage to find one of the boys standing up against the wall at the end of the ping pong table, A. with Lyndon's little 4wheeler helmet on, B. shirt off, C. ping pongs being hit at him in the stomach and chest HARD and D. only in his boxers!!!!! I screamed and walked away!! Now I know it's not the biggest of deal since it was boxers...but still!!

OH GEE!!! BOYS!!!! I know from now on, once momma goes to bed she must stay in bed and leave the boys to daddy.

Someone got a big boy bed!!

2011-01-16T16:47:00.009-06:00

Lyndon has officially been in a big boy bed now for 2 weeks!! YEA!!! It was actually a quick transition for us. We have been discussing it, telling Lyndon this was going to be the big boy room, and planning to do it just after the new year. The week before Christmas we spent most days at my parents house. So nap time would roll around, and since we were planning to move him soon I thought what the heck let's try it here and now. So he took 2 naps there in my nephews twin size bed. The first day it took him 1 1/2 hour of singing, talking and just rolling around before he finally went to sleep. He never asked to get up, just kept singing. The next day it only took 20 minutes to fall asleep. And both naps were at least 2 hours long, he did great!! Then came our Colorado trip. We had decided this would be our big week of trying out a big bed. A. I didn't want to pack and take up luggage space with a pack-n-play. B. I just had in mind this would be a good way to transition. I was prepared that if it turned into a nightmare we'd go and buy a cheap pack-n-play and just donate it to the house where we stay. It went wonderfully!! We'd put him in our bed for his naps. We'd sometimes lie down with him for a minute or so, but for the most part tell him goodnight and be on our way. One day he did get up before falling asleep and knocked a small lamp over on his way to go lie in the suitcase. But other than that it was great. At night we'd put him down in our bed, then once we came to bed we'd carry him to his little "special" bed I had made for him in the closet. I knew without a doubt I would get NO rest with him in the bed with us. He slept in every morning still. In fact, with us still in the room he'd stay in the closet and just talk and kick until we came and got him.

At home we hadn't officially switched his room over. We were putting him in the guest room, taking out the queen size bed and putting in a twin size, but leaving most of it the same since it was mostly decorated OU already. But the beds had not been switched yet, nor his clothes or toys. So on our way home I asked Jeffery what do we do, do we back track a small step and put him in his crib until the room is ready or just go for it. He suggested going for it and I knew that was best too. So off he went to the big boy room. Which I was a little sad that his last night in his crib wasn't made into a big deal since it wasn't really thought about. Oh well.

He did great the first night in the queen size bed, and even slept until 9 o'clock the next morning.
The next day I just had to get the room finished, everything moved over. If it was going to be his room then I wanted it to be his room fully. So I ran and got his sheets and bedspread I was wanting, moved clothes and toys over, switched out the bed and hung his Lyndon sign!!!! It's officially his room!!!
Knock on wood or whatever but as of now he has not gotten out of bed once before falling asleep and he calls out to us every morning for us to come in his room before he gets out of bed.

We decided to not put any temporary rails up with hopes that he will learn to stay up against the wall or the middle. In the 2 weeks he's fallen out 3 times, so we feel that's pretty good. If there is any kink in this transition (which I don't consider it a kink) is that he is getting up around 30-45 mins earlier most mornings. He was such a later sleeper so I'm really not complaining.

I wanted to take the queen size out and use the twin for 2 reasons. First reason was I wanted more floor space for him to be able to play on, and second is because this bed is a heirloom. Lyndon is the 4th generation to sleep in this bed. His daddy did, his Pope' did and also his great grandfather did. Isn't that so special. The dresser in the room is a piece with the bed as well.
Lyndon whether I like it or not you are growing into a little boy. I am so proud of you. You have done so good in your big boy bed!!

Colorado family vacation

2011-01-14T14:33:00.005-06:00

We got to take our 2nd Behymer family vacation this year. We left the day after Christmas, 2 vehicles in tow, 4 children, 6 adults and lots of stuff in tow and headed to Colorado. One thing we always like to do when we go to CO. is snowmobiling. That's a guarantee even before skiing. But Jeffery, Norman and Sommer all skied as well, and Lane went to snowboarding school. Along with those two snow events all kids, except Brier, and some adults went sledding a couple times. I have to admit, I really am a true beach/sunshine girl through and through. But considering we just don't see snow like that here at home I do love to get out in it. I realized on this vacation I am not one to enjoy just getting away and relaxing even if it's just sitting around at the house, no schedule, just relaxing. I want to go most of the time. Especially with this rare opportunity of snow, I want out in it and I want Lyndon out in it. Due to my "condition" I didn't partake in any of the listed activities, except for being the photographer. Which I was glad to do. Lyndon loved sledding. And I loved watching him sled. So much fun. I think maybe even more than sledding he loved his new snow boots. Simple little guy. It was a great week with family. I'm so glad we get to do it. Probably the highlight(s) of the week for me is watching Lyndon and his cousins playing together. Sadly we only live 30 minutes apart yet we just don't see them enough. So it was lots of fun seeing them play. Due to pic overload I made a slide show!

I have to add this fun video of Lyndon sledding.

Christmas morning "ride"

2011-01-06T15:04:00.003-06:00

Christmas morning was so fun this year with a 2 1/2 year old. Can I just tell ya my son slept until 10 am!!! Our church has an 11pm candlelight service we go to, so he was up late. A couple weeks before Christmas Jeffery informed me that he had bought a gift for Lyndon that was from Santa to go along with the already bought Santa gift (a baseball shaped beanbag). I thought that was so sweet of him to go out and do something on his own. of course I asked what it was. Nope, he's not telling, it's a surprise for me too. I'm just going to show you the video to see how fun it was. I have the first sight videos of Lyndon and I seeing it on the main video camera. So this video is a little later. I think you'll enjoy it too.

Isn't that so fun!! I was cracking up and just waiting for the moment when he would run into the tree!!! LOL We had thought about getting him a 4-wheeler for Christmas and even looked at used ones. But finally decided on (so I thought :) ) waiting until his 3rd birthday in May. Well daddy just couldn't resist. And it is a lot of fun. It's brought joy to us to watch how much fun he has.

2010 Decked Halls

2011-01-06T14:43:00.007-06:00

As usual I'm behind in blogging. Oh well...
One of our family Christmas traditions it to buy a new ornament each year. I plan to buy a new one for each child that represents the past year and then give that child all of their ornaments when they get married. I also buy an ornament that represents our year as a family, or something I just like too.

For Lyndon's ornament this year I was on the hunt for a motorcycle, a bulldozer or a digger. Those 3 things have been favorites to see this year. I found this pretty Santa riding on a motorcycle and loved it.

The plan is to do one each year. But Lyndon had an exciting event this summer that I wanted to represent, his first time to the ocean and beach. So I found this simple but cute one as well.
As for our family ornament I really only wanted something that represented that it the was only the 3 of us this year. For the obvious reason, of baby boy #2 coming, I have many thoughts about how this is the last (put in event or day) as just the 3 of us. So I decided on this one that gave the year and our names.
We went on vacation to Colorado with the Behymer's the week after Christmas. All on his own, Jeffery went to a Christmas decor store and found an ornament that is just as perfect. Unfortunately it's already packed away and I got ZERO pictures of it. But I"ll try to describe it. He really did so good. It's 3 little snowmen sitting on a wooden fence, each with a little sign around their neck. He had each of our names written on one of the signs and 2010 written on the fence. But also, hanging on the fence was a little wooden sign and he had them write "baby boy" on it. I love it.

Along with these traditional ornaments that I'll give to my kids one day and the ones I'll cherish forever as they represent each year, I also LOVE the handmade ones. This is one Lyndon made at church. I cherish it already.

We're having a baby...

2010-12-22T08:41:00.007-06:00

BOY again!!! This is really a fun and exciting time for us. I already sit and daydream about having two little boys playing in the backyard, eating all my food, wrestling in the living room, and secretly giving me hugs and saying they love me as teenage boys. Although it's really hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that my little guy Lyndon won't be the little one anymore...(could bring a tear). But we really are so thrilled.

When we were pregnant with Lyndon we had his name nailed down before knowing he was a boy. If this baby would have been a girl it would've been the same story. As of now we have a name we like, but not sure if it's his name yet, we're still open to it changing. Although it's only been one other time I've had a name throughout a pregnancy it's still weird to not have a name nailed down for him. But we will, he will have a name.

As for the ultrasound that revealed to us that we're having another "stinky" little boy, I'd say it was pretty clear.

look at this profile, sweet baby

And here I am the day of the ultrasound, 1 day shy of 20 wks.

Lord we do pray for you to guide and direct us to raising young men who love and serve you.

Happy Birthday Jesus

2010-12-17T15:16:00.014-06:00

Lyndon got to throw his 2nd annual Birthday Party for Jesus. It was so special this year. I tell ya the more and more this little guy knows and learns it just melts my heart even more, was the even possible!!! I began talking it up a week or so before, just like a friends birthday party. Kids love birthday parties and I wanted him to be just as excited for Jesus'. The day before we made Jesus' birthday cake.

Isn't he sweet!!

looks festive and fun doesn't it such a big helper Didn't Lyndon do a great job decorating it!! The morning of the party as we were talking about the party Lyndon asked me if Baby Jesus was going to be at the party...Love that!!!

Here are some fun pictures from the party!!

here's Lydon working on his graham cracker Christmas tree Amber and the beautiful tree she made!! I think singing Happy Birthday was one of the sweetest moments. I tried to video it but it was cut way to short. But here's the snip-it.

And of course we had to get a picture of all the kiddos together on the couch. There were a total of 14 fun kids. Get this, 2 sets of children were sick and couldn't come. That would have added 5 more friends!!! I didn't get any pictures of the presents. But what is a birthday party without presents. We asked our friends to bring a non-perishable foot item and we'd give it to a food pantry. Celebrating Jesus and being his hands and feet. We are so thankful for all of our friends, we very much missed the ones who couldn't make it. Let's all join together in singing happy birthday to our Saviour who was born on this day!!

Rudolph

2010-12-09T13:40:00.005-06:00

It's been tons of fun this Christmas season as Lyndon is learning more and more, even fun Christmas carols. Here's Lyndon's rendition of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer for you...I think you'll like it!!

In honor of Rudolph we made a really fun Rudolph puppet today. Thanks Nanny for the great idea.

a momma to a boy

2010-12-03T15:11:00.003-06:00

I come from a house of girls with the exception of my dad. So I can tend to get a little timid with thinking of "real" boy activities to do. But I have to say I think I may be ok.

Look it's a road made out of tape for his little cars. 2 points for Daysha. Ok all that bragging and being proud of myself...Lyndon really wasn't/hasn't been real interested in it, LOL!!! Oh well, I still think it was a good shot.

Thanksgiving tradition

2010-12-02T20:07:00.005-06:00

The first Thanksgiving we had Lyndon we couldn't pass up the day without being so thankful for the NICU that took great care of him. So we've made it our family tradition to adopt the nurses at the NICU, especially the ones who were away from their families on Thanksgiving. We do nothing extravagant, but we take a tray of goodies for them to enjoy.
Mostly we want them to know how much they're appreciated and thought about. It's been true every year while I bake and prepare it all my heart and mind goes back to the days that they played a huge role in caring for my baby. The days when me as his momma couldn't be the one to care for him. It's also been pretty emotional the day of as well, but good emotion. And this year was no exception. I was real excited, we even got to see the neonatologist, Dr. Cho, along with some sweet nurses.
We hope and believe it does their hearts well to see a strong and healthy little guy that while in their hands was so small and fragile. Without a doubt they are not forgotten or taken for granted and we hope we are successful in assuring them of that.

Jeffery's the Dirty 30...still

2010-12-02T19:50:00.005-06:00

It's only been 6 months since Jeffery turned 30, but we just celebrated again with his gift. You may recall for his present I wanted something memorable. So I bought him 1o laps driving a race car and then 5 laps with the professional driver. This took place at Texas Speedway in Dallas. He got to drive a Z06 corvette. I know nothing about cars, but I guess this is a fast one. He sat through a 45 min training session, which he said was very helpful, then off he went. I could tell he was getting real excited. With the number of drivers they had that day he actually got to be the only one on the course during his drive. I was worried that would be a discouragement for him, but he said he preferred it. From what I could tell he drove really fast and did great! Then it was time to ride with the pros. Let me tell ya, you could tell the difference from the moment they took off. When he got out of the car that time that was the smile I was hoping for. Any who, here's my 30 year old professional race car driver.

ready to go

That's daddy in his car, I love this shot of Lyndon watching

Happy Birthday (again) babe. I'm glad you had fun, but more that you are safe.

Fall crafts

2010-12-02T19:10:00.008-06:00

Those who know me, really know me, it's no secret I am just not a crafty nor creative girl. I leave all of that to my creative husband. But I am really trying to pull some tricks from my sleeve (or the internet and my friend Melodie) with raising this little guy of mine. As summer went and left us and we were forced to be in doors more I've really been wanting to amp up the creativity and craftiness with Lyndon. What perfect timing than Fall crafts. So here are Lyndon's 2010 Fall Crafts!!! his first time to play with glue

we collected leaves and made a piece of art for Grandpa Behymer

and my personal favorite, Lyndon's pine cone turkeys

Not necessarily a Fall craft, but my mom's birthday is in November so Lyndon "baked" for the first time. He was a wonderful help with the mixers, during and after.

daddy said good thing he has his football jersey on since he's baking

first time to lick the mixers

I think it was a hit

ta-dah!!

Scarecrow Halloween

2010-12-01T15:45:00.013-06:00

GOODNESS I'm a bad bad blogger...

I feel like I've been real lucky to find the cutest and cheapest little costumes for our cute little Lyndon. His first one I basically made and the 2nd was from a thrift store. The costume he wore this year I found at a consignment sale LAST YEAR!!! It was 2T so I snagged that baby up for a total of $6. And it was precious let me tell ya. I had at least 2 people asked me if I made the costume. Are you kidding me?! But that's how cute it was...or is that how terrible it looked, lol? No I know it was cute.
Our first outing as the not so scary scarecrow was to go visit Jeffery's grandpa, who lives in a retirement village place (sorry I just drew a blank on what to call it.) We hoped to bring a few smiles and I think that's just what Lyndon did.

Our next stop was trick or treating at the Yukon High School. Students line the halls and pass out candy, you then end up in the gym where there is a carnival of games. It's been lots of fun every year.

see this cute little face, I literally had to crawl in to get him out...

Next was our Sunday School party, called the Holy Ghost Weenie Roast!!! A sweet sweet family in our class puts this on every year (past 3 or 4 yrs now). It's loads of fun with games, moon bounce, exotic animals, clowns, sack races and of course food. This year Lyndon even won the costume contest in his age group. I told ya he was a cutie!!!

Halloween night was a big OU football game(and a late one too) so Lyndon and I told daddy to go and have fun. After the SS party we decided to go trick or treating at my parents house. But along with trick or treating I wanted to see what kind of fun my dad was having. As we drove up we saw his garage with sheets hanging inside, blacked out with only a red light hanging in the middle, smoke coming out, spider webs all over and a man sitting in the middle with a jason mask on and holding a chain saw. THAT'S MY DAD!!!!

I will let you know right off that he did not scare any little ones. His joy comes from scaring the big kids. Which they get many of. My mom was standing near by letting him know if any little ones were around. If not...believe me there he went. He'd start the chain saw and chase the big kids down the street!!!! Any who, my mom and I took Lyndon to a few houses. Then we went back to man the haunted house. Lyndon at the very first wasn't sure of the man behind the mask, until we strongly assured him "it was just pawpaw." And that's exactly what he would tell the kids (big or little) as they'd walk up and be unsure if the man in the garage was real or not. He'd say, "that's just paw paw, you have to come over to hear to get your candy." Needless to say it was a fun night!!!!

whoops as you can tell some pics are HUGE!!! I am so sorry. But I'm to lazy to fix them this time...sorry.

Fight for Preemies

2010-11-17T14:18:00.006-06:00

It’s hard to believe it’s been 2 ½ yrs since my little preemie was born. 2 ½ yrs ago yes I would have been saddened when someone had a premature baby, but nothing like I feel today. Premature birth has rocked my world. The rocking of my world began at 12:30 am on Friday April 25, 2008. So I am taking part in raising awareness to the crisis of premature birth. Because of research and medical advances that have already taken place I was able to stay pregnant until week 33 after my water broke at week 30. First and foremost I give credit to God and His sovereign plan and His protection over me and my baby boy.
Do you know a baby that was born too soon, too small, unable to suck, unable to breathe on his own? Premature birth is a health crisis that jeopardizes the lives and health of nearly half-million babies each year. It is the #1 killer of newborns and can lead to lifelong disabilities. It can happen without warning and for no known reason. My situation is a clear example. I had a text book, so called perfect pregnancy until week 30. Until we have more answers, anyone’s baby, could be born too soon. Medical advances give even the tiniest babies a chance of survival, yet for many babies premature birth is still a life or death condition. It’s the #1 cause of death during the first month of life. And babies who survive face serious health challenges and risk lifelong disabilities. In half the cases, we simply don’t understand what went wrong. We need to fight for answers. And, ultimately, preventions. Eight states earned a better grade on the 2010 March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card and 32 others and the District of Columbia saw their preterm birth rates improve. Following three decades of increases, in 2008 the nation saw the first two-year decline in the preterm birth rate, a 4 percent drop from 2006. The 2008 preliminary preterm birth rate dropped to 12.3 percent, from the 2006 final rate of 12.8 percent. The March of Dimes says 79 percent of the decline was among babies born just a few weeks too soon. Overall, the United States received a “D” on the report card, when national preterm birth rates are measured against the Healthy People 2010 goals. The United States has a high rate of preterm birth compared to top scoring states and, notably, most industrialized countries. March of Dimes, along with your help, is making a difference and saving babies lives.

So I do ask that you would take a few moments and visit the March of Dimes website to learn how you can make a difference. Let's fight for these babies, so they don't have to.

One Day All Babies will be Born Healthy!

from this little bit...

to this big boy...

love,
Lyndon

Lyndon's annoucement to our blog world

2010-10-28T15:02:00.004-05:00

can anyone interpret him?

Tell me, just tell me he isn't cute!!!

2nd Annual Girls Trip...

2010-10-27T20:28:00.013-05:00

but technically my first. Two of my closest friends from high school decided it's time we begin taking an annual girls trip. Last year being the first year but I didn't participate. Boy let me tell ya it was not a good one to miss. My sweet friends Cara and Jenn started out BIG...in the BIG apple. Neither Jeffery or I have ever been so I decided to miss out with the girls to save a trip with Jeffery...hush all the boo's. But this year I wasn't missing it. Our official trip planner, Cara, looked for places where we could drive yet it was also a place fun to visit. So the winner was Albuquerque, NM and attending the Balloon Fiesta. We invited a few other friends to come as well (still wish you could have come), and also my bff-college roommate lives in Alb. Yippee loads of fun with friends for me. So we 3 girls met up in Altus and headed West from there. I have to say that the drive down on Thursday night, being that it got late on us and we got the giggles, is one of my favorite memories from the whole trip.

Even including our fancy dinner stop, whatever town we were in.

We got to our hotel at about 11:30 that night, NM time so 12:30 for us, and we practically got in the room and immediately crashed. Party animals aren't we?! It gets even better. The next morning we were all awake by 6:30am NM time, 7:30 our time, but we were all being so kind and didn't want to wake the others, whom we thought were asleep. Little to find out we were all 3 lying there awake. After a nice continental breakfast, showers and getting ready we headed out to this really fun outdoor shopping mall. Being from a different time zone we even got there before the stores opened. We spent the morning there, taking our time and just strolling from store to store. Then my sweet college roommate met up with us to have lunch. Good day. Then we got to spend the evening living it up like children at heart. We went down where the hot air balloons are and got to see many be inflated and participated in the glow. It was so cool. I think the 3 of us were fine with not going down there, not knowing really what it was. Luckily our tour guides, Jenn's aunt and cousin, insisted we go. I called Jeffery while down there and said this is a MUST for us to come to with kiddos. Here are a few pics, yet they still just don't do it any justice.

The next morning as we each woke up we psstt'ed at each other to see if anyone else was awake...and of course we all were. One thing that's popular at the Balloon Fiesta is to go down to the ascend of all the balloons. Sounds really neat, but they say you have to get down there around 5:30am, so we opted out of that. Although we were all up before 6:30, lol. Since we were all awake, we literally jumped in the car in our pj's, after brushing our teeth of course, and headed towards where the balloons ascended. We figured we'd be able to find a coffee shop or donut shop to sit at and watch them fly over. Better yet once we got about a couples miles away we saw many cars pulled over on the side of the road and watching from their cars. That's exactly what we did. We even got asked by this man if we were pro's of the fiesta and do this every year. Little did he know we were first timers who where merely following the crowd. Again, we were like children in a candy store. It was the neatest thing. They were literally flying directly over us, and there were so many. Just another thing to make the morning perfect was our breakfast of choice, that just happened to already be in the car...flat coke, no bake cookies, trail mix and puff corn!! Good times.

So we headed back and had a real breakfast and got ready for the day, more shopping. We decided to try out Old Town and it was so fun. Tons of fun jewelry, any kind of t-shirt you'd want and a great restaurant.

Then we got to top off the evening with yet one more dinner, and Nestle Toll house dessert with my friend Meg.

We even had more kicks on Rt. 66 with some fun photo ops on our way home.

Girls, what a great tradition. I am looking forward to more!!!

Beach Vacation

2010-10-21T17:22:00.002-05:00

YES!!!!! We got to take a family vacation to the beach this year. In so many many ways did we, ok mainly Jeffery and I, but we all needed it. We waited until late summer hoping to get some better deals, it was the last week in September. 5 years ago Jeffery and I went to Palm Beach, FL to celebrate our 1 yr anniversary. We loved it so much that's where we decided to go this year. Lyndon flew with us on a short trip to Chicago when he was 5 months old. Other than then this was his first time to fly and most definitely his first time to see the ocean and beach. I personally just could not wait. Man I think I'm supposed to live on the beach. I LOVE IT!!! We wanted to have every moment we could in FL. To do that we looked for early flights out there, so we'd still have that late afternoon and evening there. Then we looked for later flights out, so we could have the morning and some afternoon there. Well can I just tell ya we were successful with that, ESPECIALLY on our flight out. We left OKC at 5:30 am, 5:30 folks. We woke up at 3:15 ish and got Lyndon up at 4 AM and put him in the car and left. CRAZY!!!

5:30 AM

But can I tell ya my little guy is such a trooper. Not only was it butt crack early in the morning but he actually was still sick, on the mend. He did wonderful. He didn't even go back to sleep until around 11:30 that morning on our second leg of flights.

Sweet boy. And yes we were in Palm Beach by 1 that afternoon. Good times good times. Our main thing for the week was to relax, get some sun, enjoy the ocean and beach, eat out a lot and make tons of wonderful memories. We did just that. Most of us slept in, not I!!! Darn me, oh well. Since we knew I would be the one to rise the earliest and knowing Lyndon would go to bed before we would (although he'd still go down between 11 and 12 each night) we gave Lyndon his very own special room.

Don't hate!!! He loved it!!!

Off to the beach we go. I hope you enjoy my memories!!!

Day 2 we got some beach toys. Lyndon really could have done without the ocean. The first two days we were there a tropical storm was blowing in. So it was windy and tons of big waves. I think the noise of them kind scared him. But playing in the sand was a hit.

Luckily our hotel had a continental breakfast, and a good one at that. Lyndon was so cute, every morning we'd go down (usually while we let daddy sleep in even longer) and he'd go to the same table every time. He won the heart of the sweet lady who worked the breakfast. I'd get him his milk first, then off to make our belgian waffles. Once ready Lyndon would dip his pieces into syrup AND blueberry yogurt.

Like I said, it was a wonderful vacation. We absolutely loved having the time with our sweet boy. Even after being stuck on the airplane, on the tarmac (however it's spelled) for 2 1/2 hours on our way out, I think we can, will and do say it was a Perfect Family Vacation!!!
Thanks babe for taking us.

Great State Fair of Oklahoma

2010-10-14T15:16:00.010-05:00

The fair here in OK has come and gone. I do love the fair. It just may come from the fact that in a past life of mine, oh about 8 years ago, I WAS A CARNY!!!! You read it correctly, I was one of them, a carny. One of those people who work at the fair that you aren't sure whether to be afraid of them or the say a prayer for them. Although I may be leading you down a wrong path, I wasn't one of the carnival carny people. I worked in one of the food booths, yummy cheese on a stick and lemonade...now you're all jealous aren't you?!?!? I friend of mine who I was also working for at the time worked there every year and asked if I wanted to. We could work as little or as often as we wanted and got paid cash every night. WHOOP WHOOP!!! And being a girl who loves the fair WHY WOULDN'T I? It was fun. So there's a new tid bit about Daysha that most probably don't know.

Now to the fun part, pictures of Lyndon at the fair. Lyndon and I had the privilege to go twice his year. Loads of fun. Our first trip was with our friends the Boyce's. Let me tell ya, that little momma friend of mine is super momma, she had 3 kiddos in toe and they all (4 including mine) did great. I didn't take as many pictures on our first trip, but I did get some cute ones of Lyndon being a farmer for the day.

We were then lucky enough to get to go a second time. I know you're jealous right?!? We just love it. Nanny, aka my mom, treated Lyndon and I to go one day along with her and Boo, aka my nephew. Even though Lyndon wasn't feeling well we still had a wonderful time!!

Nanny and Lyndon were royalty at the fair

now tell me this face doesn't say "I LOVE THE FAIR"

Notice in either trip to fair no Jeffery, and he isn't complaining. Hopefully I'm creating another carny in the heart of my little one. Thank you Oklahoma for having the Great State Fair!!!

The dog days of S...

2010-09-16T14:25:00.003-05:00

September, not really summer I guess. Although it is still running in the 90's here. I asked Lyndon what he wanted his sandwich to look like today and he chose the dog bone, not the dog but the bone. So we had a doggie themed lunch.

and a couple books to enjoy as well!

YEA the ice cream truck

2010-09-09T14:14:00.005-05:00

Who doesn't immediately recognize the sound of the ice cream truck when it's anywhere close to them? Everyone right!!! Who doesn't just love the ice cream truck? Everyone right!!!! Actually it spooks my husband out. He wonders why "all" (since he's seen them all) of the drivers have to be creepy looking men who seem to be on the prey for small children. Ok when you put it that way it can freak me out too, but none the less I do love the ice cream truck. And I think it's official Lyndon now does too!!! As I said most can, he can hear it blocks away and knows exactly what it is. In his precious little voice he says "iiicreeeam truuuck!"

I would love to have documented his first ice cream truck experience, but this isn't it. Lucky for his Nanny and Pawpaw (and actually Momo too) got to be the first to enjoy that moment with him. But this is the second experience and first on camera!!

Now on to the fun part, the aftermath of the ice cream, ok we got a popsicle.

the ice cream truck is such a summer icon, oddly Lyndon is having his treat on the weekend to bring summer to a close, Labor Day weekend.
Now tell me, aren't you all jealous you missed out on this with us?!!! Believe me we wish all our friends were here with us to enjoy it too!!!

Breakfast picnics

2010-09-08T16:28:00.003-05:00

In my efforts to try and break up the every day in and outs Lyndon and I have had a few breakfast picnics. Two have taken place on the picnic table in the backyard, the majority have taken place on the front porch. The mornings when Jeffery and Lyndon get to see each other Lyndon likes to go on the front porch and wave bye bye to daddy. That's how our breakfasts began on the porch. Many times I'd turn on the water sprinkler while we had our toast together.
Here's one morning on the red picnic table.

Makin memories just makin memories!!

Just another fun day at the park

2010-09-08T15:43:00.007-05:00

Last week the weather was cooler here, highs in the low 90's and high 80's. Remember, I am a Summer time girl. But I am ready for the 100's to be gone, the days of literally just stepping outside and you're sweating see ya. But I don't want it to get cold, I don't I don't. I know most are lovers of Fall. Like I said I enjoy it went it cools off "some". But the only thing Fall says to me is cold is right around the corner. That's the way it happens here in Oklahoma. One day at 3pm it will be a beautiful nice 85 degrees then by 8pm the bottom drops out to 50 degrees. Listen, I'm not exaggerating. So that's why it's hard for me to totally enjoy Fall, like most. But I do take advantage of the cooler days. So off to the park we went. And can I tell ya, I was one smart momma that day. First let me fill you in on a little something, Lyndon just recently (to be exact the weekend of our anniversary trip) began to enjoy playing in the sand. His nanny and pawpaw helped with this. At one point we thought the little guy may NEVER get his hands dirty. But just as I figured all in due time. So this morning I thought to throw his dump truck and sand bucket and shovel in the car. And what a fun time he had!!!

Look closely at this pic, I love his face here

Then some good playground fun!

kisses for momma

swinging like a big boy!

Fall you are welcome to stay, just don't bring the cold until the week of Christmas...PLEASE!!!

Fun times at lunch

2010-09-08T15:17:00.005-05:00

Lyndon and I have a pretty basic lunch usually. If it's not leftovers then it's usually some sort of sandwich. Ok with the exception of a quesadilla or a bean burrito. So I guess we do have a variety but still pretty basic. Lyndon really does enjoy most kinds of sandwiches. Here are the ones he usually has: peanut butter and honey, grilled cheese and then a lunch meat, cheese and mayonnaise sandwich. I really enjoy following Muffin Tin Mondays blog. So far Lyndon is a good eater so I haven't had to try and make it fun so he'd eat it. But the other day I thought it was time to make it fun. Once I came across the muffin tin blog I bought some cookie cutters. Get this, I got a box of 100 cutters for $10. At Wal-Mart folks. So check out Lyndon's first of many fun lunches!!!!

In honor of OU football season beginning,

we have a football helmet sandwich an a football slice of cheese!!!

On this day I asked him what he wanted his sandwich to look like, and he said a basketball.

It looks like one right?! And we had basketball grapes and tomatoes, along with talking about circles!!

Then we had dino sandwiches.

Thank you maker of cookie cutters. You have made our lunches a little more fun!!

Meaningful gifts

2010-08-19T21:55:00.005-05:00

I have to admit sentimental gifts can sucker me in and they have for almost all of the 6 years Jeffery and I have been married. Every year for our anniversary I try to follow either the modern or traditional gift for that year. There's been I think 2 years I haven't done that. Some things are more difficult than others to do. For 6 years the materials are wood and iron. I have also learned a little in these 6 years that Jeffery really doesn't care as much as I do...ok that doesn't sound nice. Let's just say he isn't as sentimental as I when it comes to the gift. When I came across a wood idea I just loved it. My first thought was I'd go for it and give it to J as his gift. Then the lessons I've learned were ringing in my mind. So I decided to just make it "our" anniversary gift and I think that went over well. So here's our fun wood anniversary gift.

It's above our kitchen cabinets (hence the stuff sitting on boxes)

For the iron gift I thought of something that's kind of popular right now, stamping on silver. I got Jeffery something just for him, a small key chain with a silver (kind of iron right) disc on it and had "still chosen 8-6-2010" stamped on it. When we got married our little phrase was "I choose you". So through the years I've used "still chosen" on some things.

I'm pleased with them both. I love having celebration tokens that we'll have through the years to remind us of where we've come.

Celebrating 6 years as a Mrs.

2010-08-15T16:37:00.011-05:00

On August 6 Jeffery and I celebrated 6 years being married! I love to get away with Jeffery (not that I just love time away from Lyndon but I know the importance of mommy and daddy having their time together and I do love that time with Jeffery) and I love surprises. My husband knows me well and treated me to a weekend of just that!! I knew we were getting to go away for the weekend. I kept teasing Jeffery by saying to him "oh I just know you're taking me back to paradise where we went on our honeymoon", knowing darn well that was just not going to happen right now. He kept asking me "do you know what we're doing, where we're going." I had my guesses and definitely was wondering. So the night before we left he asked me what I thought we were doing, I told him my guess and I actually guessed some of it right. He did take pride in the fact I didn't guess everything. So Friday afternoon we dropped Lyndon off at the Behymer's (then the second night my parents got to enjoy him over night) and off we went to Dallas. We stayed in this lovely hotel that seems pretty fancy to me, the Omni Hotel in Las Colinas. We had a balcony, suite room...I just loved it. I'm a sucker for staying in hotels. Always have been. When I was a kid it was always so fun to stay in hotels, actually then it was motels. So back to our celebration weekend, we lounged a bit and then went to a nice dinner at a steak house, and went out for ice cream afterwards. We're pretty exciting aren't we...welp it's just right up our alleys.

It was all healthy and stuff, LOL. Home grown in Texas.

mmmmmmm

Once we got back to the "fancy" hotel, we noticed our bed was turned back...see fancy I tell ya. The hotel is on this little lake, river something or another, basically there is a really nice walk way along some water. So we decided it was a nice night to take a stroll, explore the property and the hotel. We came up to the workout room and decided to pump a little iron and burn off our ice cream calories...for a total of 10 minutes. It made for a great end to the evening!!

On Friday night I took some NyQuil with hopes I'd be able to sleep in really late on Saturday morning. I made it to 8:30, not to bad. I ate my wal-mart bought breakfast (something else we did Friday night was buy me breakfast at Walmart so I wouldn't have to pay for room service. Not Jeffery's call, my cheap self call), sat out on the balcony and looked at facebook. About 10 oclock I woke Jeffery up and said "the pool and the sun are calling my name, are you coming?" So off to the pool we went. I LOVED IT!!! I love the sun, I love the pool and I love just being able to float and relax in the pool. PERFECT!!! Later at lunch time we decided to be frugal again (reminder: wal mart breakfast instead of room service) and not order something from the hotel. Although it was tempting, remember it was a fancy hotel and they would have delivered it out to us at the pool. I liked the idea of that, but went for Jeffery going to get Subway instead. We enjoyed our sandwiches, got showered and ready for the day and off to shopping we went at Grapevine Mills mall. See Saturday night was the part of the weekend I didn't know what we were doing, it was still a surprise.

So once we did a little retail celebrating we headed to downtown Ft. Worth for more celebrating. I, and I think Jeffery too, hadn't ever been to downtown Ft. Worth. It was such a neat place. In a way it kind of felt like a downsized downtown Chicago. There were lots of people there, walking around and a lot going on. But it didn't seem to be just the big corporate buildings. Tons of shopping, restaurants, bands playing outside. It was really neat. So once we get down there Jeffery tells me to be looking for a restaurant called Billy Miner's...looking looking looking and there it is I found it. It looked like a happening fun place. We parked and headed our way over there, go in where there are tons of people and low and behold who do we see...my friend Melody McGarrah!!!! She and her husband "just" happen to be eating there at the exact same time...Surprise!!!! My sweet, dear friend who moved away from us to the DFW area and Jeffery arranged for us to meet up with them for dinner. It was such a good time with great hamburgers and really tasty fries!

Dang the girl who took this, ok that isn't nice I know...but come on!

Yet my surprises kept coming, we walked literally right across the street and went to my very first comedy club. Melodie has told me about this place, Four Day Weekend, and how she and Jeremy love to go there. Boy was it a treat. It's an improv club and it was so much fun. Then to top it off, they over sold the show, and we ended up sitting on the stairs...BUT we got our money back!! Whoop whoop. You know this cheap girl loves that. But the show was well worth the price of the ticket too. And of course loved seeing my friend.

Thank you Jeffery and friends, I had a blast!!!

Then what better way to end the night than with more ice cream!!!

Sunday morning I left J in bed as I headed down to the pool to catch a few last rays!! Loved it. Then we headed out of our pretty hotel to do some final retail celebration at the Allen Outlet mall. While there my friend Cara met up with us. I guess we got to wrapped up in shopping that I didn't get a picture but we did enjoy a tasty caramel apple with some other yummies from the Chocolate factory. Then we headed North to go get our little guy. It was a good get away but the time came where we just couldn't see his face soon enough.

Sunday lunch!!

Thanks babe for spoiling me!! Happy 6th Anniversary.

An official Carnie!!

2010-07-19T17:23:00.008-05:00

Drum roll please...Lyndon is an official carnie and I can't be happier!!! Ok, maybe there are things in life that make me happier, but this was loads of fun for me. One of our 4th of July traditions is going to the Bethany parade. It started out so good this year. The firetrucks opened the parade which of course we love. Lyndon just kept waving to them.

THEN...came the rain, no the down pour. That really stunk. Made me sad. That made our day much different that we'd like to celebrate the 4th. But later on that evening the rain passed and we got to go and enjoy the carnival. This was the first year Lyndon would be big enough to ride the rides. He was so brave, did so good and had a great time.

His first adventure was the carousel. He's been on a carousel before at other places, but it was still fun and exciting.

Next were the motorcycles. First off, Lyndon loves to see motorcycles drive by. So this was really exciting for him. This was the first official ride all by himself (with another little on). He did so good, held on the entire time and just grinned.

Off to the dragons. We were prepared for this one to go down hill. It went real slow but it went up and down a little bit. At the time Lyndon was getting on there was no one else, which meant no other kiddo to ride with him. But again he was so brave and did so well. The look on his face wasn't as excited looking as the motorcycles, but once he would make it back around to see our faces he was good to go. I think it was a winner.

Then the grand finale...back to the motorcycles. He was more confident this time and was basically so brave he didn't even need to look at his momma and daddy every time around. So brave.

Way to go big boy. You not only made this momma proud but it was just joy to my heart. I loved having my own little out there riding the rides. It was a great introduction to the carnivals!!!

We finished off our 2010 4th of July with a 2 sets of great fireworks. Again Lyndon was brave, did great staying up way past bedtimes and Loved them!!

Summer playdates

2010-06-22T14:41:00.005-05:00

We are lovers of Summer and sun and swimming!!! Ok maybe I know I for sure am and I'm dragging Lyndon along for the ride. We had the privilege to have some really fun play dates lately, involving all of the above.

Our first one was special because it was with 3 girls from my high school who I don't see regularly. They so kindly invited Lyndon and I to the Mustang Aquatic Center and it was lots of fun. Jeffery and I took Lyndon there once last year, of course he was a bit small. This year I think will be great. He was a little timid at first. The big water falls are loud and so many people. But he really did great and loved the water. I didn't get any pictures in the water but here are the sweet kiddos before we left.

(Kamden, Lyndon, Parker, McKinley and Hesston was still swimming)

We've also started our play group back up at my friend Raylee's house. Although we missed 2 sets of families this week we still had a really great time. They have a rectangle kiddie pool that is deeper than ours, although they didn't have it filled very deep. Lyndon loved playing with the buckets and throwing the balls to make splashes. He also experienced a slip n slide for the first time. So fun. I was so proud of him. He'd run and slip onto his bottom and be excited to do it again. Again no pictures of the kiddos playing but always fun to enjoy a popsicle after playing in the water.

(Aaron, Lindy Kate, Emery and Lyndon, the big boys are at the table)

Then we had my friend Amber and her kiddos over to play at our house. Kate and Colin were lots of fun and it was a great day. Lyndon hasn't been the biggest fan of playing in sprinklers. But as Amber said a little peer pressure can be good. He loved playing with the big boy Colin.

This is all just another reminder of how thankful I am to be home with my little guy. So many memories are being made. Thank you God for giving us this opportunity and thank you Jeffery for working so hard for us. And we Still TOTALLY miss our friends out of town!!!

The gift that keeps on giving

2010-05-31T17:44:00.006-05:00

This year for Lyndon's 2nd birthday I really wanted to get him a swing set. So we looked around to see what we would want and to see what we could afford. We asked both sets of grandparents if they would want to and be willing to go in on it and that would be their gift. They all were so kind and giving and did that. I am thrilled, simply thrilled with what we got and how it looks and so excited for the fun times ahead.
Much much praise needs to be given to my husband, my dad and my father in law. Those men worked their tales off, in the heat. I am so grateful.

Here the boys are whistling while they work. This is approximately 5 hours into the job.

And the beautiful finished product, 13 1/2 hours (ok 95% done, we lack the glider swing)!!! Isn't it great!!! I think Lyndon is loved.

I think he loves it!!

Thank you so much Pawpaw and Nanny, Pope' and Grammie and Daddy!!!

I have a 2 year old!!!!

2010-05-31T16:37:00.008-05:00

Call me crazy, call me nuts, but I just still can not believe that I, Daysha, have my very own two year old son. And such a sugar of one at that. Well it actually did come. Lyndon did turn 2. I have to admit, once I did start planning his birthday party I really did enjoy it. Lyndon has really enjoyed sports lately. If you recall for Christmas we got him a basketball goal that he has just loved. He loves watching basketball and football on tv...'bout the only thing his mean ole momma lets him watch. And now of course baseball, he has really enjoyed watching his two boy cousins play. So it made perfect sense that we'd have a little sports themed party. But before the party on May 22, was his actual birthday, on Tuesday the 18th.

Lyndon woke up to a birthday sign, balloons and a new baseball, baseball bat and a tee in the front yard from his Nanny and Pawpaw. Of course he loved them!!

Last year on his actual first birthday Jeffery and I took him to the zoo for his very first trip. So I thought it would be a fun tradition taking him to the zoo on this actual birthday if his party isn't on that day. I assumed Jeffery would have to work so I invited Grammie, Jeffery's mom, to come. She hadn't had the chance to come with us yet. Then Jeffery just couldn't stand not being apart of Lyndon's day so he took the day off. I was thrilled about. It was a wonderful day at the zoo. Not being real hot yet many of the animals were out. It was a great day.

We took this same pic last year, but this year we're 2 (see fingers)

Worn slick from the zoo!!!

And finally party day. I have decided that I really want to make my kiddos birthday cakes. I have a friend who made a half of a golf ball cake once. So I thought I would attempt making a baseball cake. I think it turned out pretty well.

Let me tell ya, we are so blessed having our families lives close. I think we take that for granted at times. But this day I was blessed to have them all here. And then not to mention precious friends. We are so thankful for those who celebrated with us. OF COURSE Very sad and missed the one's who couldn't. But we also COMPLETELY understand. It was a BEAUTIFUL day!!! We put out all the sports toys and other outside toys and let the kiddos just run and play. It was a wonderful day full of memories!

Even Lyndon's friend Mark came to celebrate

Some quick stats on our little guy: at his 2 year appt he weighed in at 24 lbs and 15 oz...dang it we're calling it 25lbs (10-20%) and 34 in. (50-75%). Literally in the past month, if not 3 weeks his language has picked up. It is truly amazing to watch or listen I guess as this little baby turned into such a big boy. Quick side note praise story: at our 2 year appt. our pediatrician was so proud of Lyndon and how perfectly healthy and developmentally right on he is. She said before she saw his weight on his chart she had planned to come in and tell us to stay on whole milk, assuming he'd be low on his weight. But nope, even at 10-20% she was proud and pleased and said be heart healthy and move on to 2%. God has truly blessed us with this little fella. We are smitten beyond what words can express.

Jeffery's the Dirty 30

2010-05-28T14:09:00.005-05:00

I married a younger man. Ok only by 9 months, but still younger. This year Jeffery left his 20's and entered into his 30's. I wanted to make this birthday special for him for 3 reasons: A. I do love him and want to make him feel special, B. it's a big birthday and C. he's commented more than once now that his birthday is 5 days before Lyndon's his will now and forever be forgotten about. Don't you all feel sorry for him!!! In the past I've done a couple different surprise parties. I didn't do a surprise this year because I thought he'd probably suspect it since it was a big one, and honestly it's just to much trouble to be sneaky. So I planned a fun bash here at our house with his closest friends. Jeffery was celebrated a lot this year. His first celebration of his 30's was a surprise. His parents were going to be out of town on his birthday but they still wanted to celebrate him. So they arranged a surprise family birthday party (including my family) at their house on May 8th. It was a great time with everyone.

On his actual Birthday we dined at Salt Grass Steakhouse, his choice. And the best part of that night...getting our entire meal for free. We happened to be seated after a huge party, like 40 people. Which in turn it took some time for our food to come out. Although it really didn't seem so bad, but it was about an hour wait once we ordered. So they covered the entire meal. I love it when that happens!!

Then finally his big Dirty 30 bash!! It was seriously so much fun. Can I tell you how many adults and children we had here. Some where in the range of 25 adults and 23 ish children....AHHH. But you know I do love it, makes my heart happy. When I was planning this I planned a cookout in the backyard since I was expecting such a large crowd. The weather that day/evening was so beautiful. But it had rained the past few days so the backyard was very muddy. So we cleared out the garage, brought all of the outside toys in there and into the front yard. It worked out great. I remind you, that was a ton of kiddos playing near the street, but the dads did a great job manning the road. I really wanted to make Jeffery feel special, I hope I was successful at it.

here's my dad saving my rear. We grilled burgers and dogs for everyone and I didn't want Jeffery to have to do that at his party, so I was going to do it. Well I'm no griller that's for sure. My grill was flaming, I lost patties in the grill, we would have been there until midnight waiting on me. He saved my hide.

Not only did I want to celebrate him big but I also wanted to get something so called big, special, out of the norm for his gift. I think I may have scored on this one. I bought him a certificate to drive a race car. Like for real race car, at very fast speeds. He will go through a quick training and he'll have a professional driver with him but he gets to put the pedal to the medal. I then paid a little extra for him to get 5 more laps with the pro driving. Which of course will be even faster. I hope he likes it and I hope I don't have a heart attack.

Happy Birthday babe!!!

March March March for babies

2010-05-11T16:12:00.003-05:00

We had a wonderful Saturday as our family March for Babies with the March of Dimes. Technically this wasn't our first experience. But really is was. Last year was postponed due to lighting and rain. And the rescheduled event was very informal and not the true experience. This was what I would call the main event. There was a guessed number of around 5,000 people there, all marching to raise awareness to the cause that One Day All Babies will be Born Healthy. I felt completely honored to be apart of this event. Is that weird for me to say that I'm honored to have had a scary season of life? Well see that's exactly what God does for us when we trust in him through the storms. Something as scary as your body going into labor 10 weeks early, and having your child 7 weeks early and to not come home from the hospital with you. That's right. God promises us he will not give us anything we can't handle. I have been able to be apart of so many precious miracle stories, pray with many mommas and for many mommas I don't even know, of course pray for precious tiny babies and try to be of a help and walk this journey with others... With all of that and many many more privileges is why it was an honor to march last Saturday. Yes it is still very hard for me to believe that this is the story of Lyndon my child. Yes I would've loved for him to have an easier beginning to his life. But oh my lands...He's perfect!!! He's perfect first and foremost because of his sweet creator Jesus who formed his little body in my body. But secondly he was born so much healthier than expected because of the March of Dimes. Money from the March of Dimes helps fund research that educated my OB doctor and she knew how to keep me pregnant for 3 more weeks, and provided us with an amazing NICU. Any who this is not where I intended this blog to go. Being apart of such a special family at the March for Babies warmed my heart. We could not have had better weather. Thank you so much to everyone who supported our team or someone through the March of Dimes. Enjoy some fun moments from the day.

Our Lovin' Lyndon shirts

We're so glad to have this little guy

Pre March aerobics with Pawpaw, cousin Boo and Grammie

warming up with Nanny and Pawpaw

And we're Marching. We were so grateful to have our family there to support Lyndon and this wonderful cause

Our sweet niece Aubby even got to be apart of it. Her family was there walking for her youngest brother who was also born too soon

4 families ALL from Altus with March of Dimes babies

(Cason Brola, Gerick Bass, Asia "Dash" and Lyndon "Bonds")

Thank you March of Dimes. We most certainly cherish our angel Lyndon. As there were many families walking in memory of their angels. Everyone give an extra hug and say an extra prayer of thanksgiving for your little ones.

Wonderful Easter Celebrations

2010-04-06T09:42:00.009-05:00

What a joyful time Easter is. We first and foremost love to celebrate Easter because it truly is the reason why we worship Jesus. Jesus is Risen, He is alive. Along with celebrating Jesus, this time of year welcomes the wonderful season of Spring. My favorite season of them all. The sunshine joins us again which I welcome with many open arms. Flowers bloom, although for a short window that does bring misery for me with allergies, but OH WELL!! The colors are all bright and beautiful. I simply love it!!! Having a little one around brings even more fun during these times. Lyndon and I were invited by a friend to come dye Easter eggs. We were so excited and offered to bring cookies to decorate. It was such a fun time.
We just knew they'd be amazed at the color change of dying the eggs. I don't know if it was age, gender or what, but Lyndon just wasn't to amused and didn't last to long. But still lots of fun.

Then came time to decorate our yummy sugar cookies. That seemed to be a little more fun for the little guy. Especially when you can decorate with one hand and eat one a cookie in the other!!!

Then of course Easter Day. Our Jesus is alive and it's such a blessing to get to worship a risen Savior!

After church we spent the day with the Behymer family. It was a BEAUTIFUL day full of sunshine. I even got sunburned on my shoulders. For those who know me well you know that's always exciting. The kids were so much fun. Lyndon did great on his Easter egg hunt. It was just a great time.

We then got to conclude our Easter with my parents. It was a beautiful evening to play outside and ride tricycles. Lyndon then played in water puddles with Pawpaw and pawpaw finished the night with a great fire in the outdoor pit.

Who could ask for more. We are truly blessed all around!!!

Fun first in the inflatables

2010-04-06T08:33:00.009-05:00

Lyndon was invited to celebrate a friend who was turning 1 this past weekend. We all received an "Admit One" ticket to the Carnival. It was a fun and exciting party. Lyndon passed on the hot dogs and the cake, but did choose to experience a huge inflatable slide and bounce house for the first time. I think I enjoyed watching him smile, giggle and have fun just as much as he enjoyed playing. Although this little guy is growing into a little boy right before my eyes, I'm beginning to accept it and know that the days ahead are even more fun!!

Enjoy the smiles and joy on the "boyS faces!!"

Daddy had fun on the slide too

Loads of fun with this fella!!!

First day at the park for 2010

2010-03-04T15:58:00.004-06:00

The sun is out, the temperature is above 50 (actually near 60) and Lyndon and I got to enjoy it. These few nice days we've had Lyndon hasn't been able to enjoy them much. Since the warmest times right now are during his nap time. Well this momma was proactive today. We had bible study this morning, and since I knew it was going to be nice I packed us a lunch for afterwards. After bible study we headed over to a small neighborhood park near by and we had it all to ourselves. First we had our lunch at the picnic table.

Then Lyndon was able to show his momma how big and brave he his. He climbed all over this playset, up the ladder and down the slide he went. He did so well and had lots of fun.

Spring and Summer we welcome you any day!!!

Story time

2010-03-03T16:12:00.005-06:00

Lyndon experienced another first, due to old man winter still sticking around. I've had intentions this whole winter to go to story time at the local library, for a couple reason. First, and most obvious reason is to get out of the house. But second I want Lyndon to have more interaction with other children. He gets to play with friends at church twice a week, but a third reason to go to story time is to meet "new" friends. But I would always seem to think about it lying in bed before I fell asleep. Then of course it would have completely left my mind by the next morning. Until last Tuesday I remembered while at the breakfast table. So I looked on the website and story time for Lyndon's age group was the next day from 10:30 to 11. Great, note to self DO NOT FORGET Daysha. So Wednesday rolled around and we made it. And it was a great time. They, of course, listened as Mrs. Carla read a few different books. They sang songs that had hand gestures, even the hokey pokey. Mrs. Carla told a story using the felt board and felt figures. They have this huge rug on the floor with a sunshine, clouds, numbers and the alphabet on it. They then played a color game of "if you have this color on stand up." It was lots of fun. I sat there thinking goodness he's so big now. Although we are one of the youngest ones there. The age group is 19 months to 3 years. Most are 2 and over. We then got to go a second time. My child was so comfortable and not shy that he thought it would be fun to run out of the room and giggle all the way down one of the library isles. Geez. So, I guess we have a fourth reason to go to story time, so he can learn there are times to sit down and be quiet, lol. But still he did a great job. One of my favorite parts is watching him stand in line at the and wait patiently for his sticker!!!

making friends

sweet boy waiting patiently

and so proud of his sticker!!

My boys working together

2010-02-12T14:21:00.004-06:00

What would I do in 20+ years if I didn't have my camera now? I love what I get to capture and I know without a doubt I will love them even more in the years to come. One evening Jeffery was hanging a towel rod in Lyndon's bathroom. Lyndon needed in on that action, so he grabbed his power tool and helped his daddy. Goodness, I just love this. Thank you whoever invented the camera, better yet the digital camera, so that I will have the help of these pictures to NEVER forget these moments.

Just look how cute they are...

Look how proud he is.

Big Eater

2010-02-11T16:50:00.010-06:00

Lyndon has had some big food milestones lately. Typically he'll eat bite sized foods with his spoon or fingers. Well he's getting closer and closer to not needing his momma, ((very sad face)). His first time was eating a bean burrito all by himself at Bueno. And of course I didn't have my camera with me, but we did capture a second time at a mexican food restaurant. Give the boy a tortilla with some beans and cheese on it, cheap meal that he loves. He did so good and was so proud to be holding his burrito.

A little tradition he and his daddy has started was eating pizza in the living room on the nights momma was gone. So cute to imagine. But daddy would hold the pizza and Lyndon would take his big ole bites. Well, Lyndon's Pawpaw got to be in on a first. One night while at Nanny and Pawpaw's Lyndon enjoyed his very own piece of pizza, and LOVED it.

If I remember correctly Lyndon has only had one hamburger before but again I would tear it in to pieces for him. Since he'd had such good success with the other foods we thought it was time to try a little guy sized cheeseburger. And boy did he love that as well.

Now you listen here little boy, Momma is very proud of your new accomplishments but you must remember you still need your momma sometimes!!