3 years ago....

Three years ago today, I walked into Feeders Supply on my lunch break to get Eli a new bandanna.  As I walked to the front of the store to check out, a beautiful black dog caught my eye.  Making my way back to her cage, every dog in the adoption center was barking and begging for my attention but this little cutie just laid in her crate and stared at me with big loving eyes.  She was one year old and her family had moved to Chicago leaving her behind.  I asked if I could pet her and something clicked...she needed me and I needed her.  Unfortunately, I was all too aware of the fact that my husband would not be crazy about adding a second hound to our home.  I left the beautiful black dog at Feeders Supply and spent the rest of my day deciding how I would argue my points to Matt.  As we laid in bed that night I promised Matt that I would take care of her, I would do all the extra cleaning and tried to convince him it would be good for Eli as well.  A little after midnight I got the ok to get Molly. 

The next morning I sat at my desk waiting for the clock to hit 9:00am so I could call Feeders Supply to place a hold on the beautiful black dog named Pamela.  To my horror they told me she was already on hold.  My stomach dropped.  She was supposed to be mine, I could feel it.  I was so mad at myself for not adopting her on the spot.  As I sat at work that morning, I decided I was going to check on her on my lunch break.  I was heartbroken when I saw her with a big red HOLD tag on her cage.  I left my number with the lady and told her to call me ASAP if the family did not show.  To say I was sad is a major understatement, I called Matt in tears and told him the situation.  

My team at work knew how upset I was and my boss (being the rich animal lover that he is) decided he was going to take care of this matter.  We got in his Porsche and went back to Feeders (my second trip in two hours).  The workers looked at me like I was crazy as my boss slapped $300 on the counter.  His suggestion was that we adopt Pamela and leave the remaining cash ($150) for the other family to pick out any other dog...for free.    The answer was no. 

Not knowing that Bob (my boss) and I had just tried to use a couple Benjamins to make Pamela my dog, Matt headed over to Feeders Supply after he got out of class.  He asked if he could have the number of the family who had Pamela on hold.  He tried to tell the lady how much his wife wanted this dog.  The lady looked at him in shock...."Are you talking about the crazy lady who has been in here twice, once with a man throwing around hundred dollar bills?"  Oops, I forgot to tell Matt that part.  He called me, embarrassed and confused by my crazy antics.  I decided she was gone, I needed to move on.  

Doing what any best friend would do, Taylor asked me to see a chick flick (27 Dresses) to distract me that night.  As we sat through the previews I got my phone out just in case I should get a call from Feeders Supply.  Ten minutes into the movie, my phone rings and yes, I was the obnoxious girl who answered her phone in the theater.  I could not believe what I was hearing.  The family did not show and I was next on the list for Pamela.  I asked if I could come get her after my movie and they said no.  I had 30 minutes to get there as there were three other families on the waiting list for Pamela.  Taylor and I walked out of the movie and went to get my new dog.

All of this to say, Molly (yes, we changed her name) has been one of the best things to happen to our family.  She is an amazing dog with an extremely perfect temperament.  Any family would be lucky to have her, and we know how blessed we are.  We love Molly like a daughter :) and Harrison (and Eli) love her like a sister. I am so glad I went in for that bandanna, she was worth every bit of the stress and worry!! 

I'm becoming a pro (at this pregnancy thing)

Here I am with both of my babies, Harrison (left) and Harper (right), at 24 weeks.  I was curious how I compared in size because I feel smaller so far with Harper....and I am hoping that means I do not have another 9lb baby.  Here are some things I have noticed about my pregnancies:

• I was much more sick with Harper than Harrison (Harper required daily Zofran for 3 weeks)
• I have gained less weight this time around (at this point with Harrison I had gained 26lbs...so far I have only gained 12 with Harper)
• I have not started swelling....yet :)  With Harrison, my coworkers joked that I was baking bread in my shoes (and that probably had something to do with me wearing heels until I was 8 months pregnant!)
• With Harrison I had a MAJOR milk craving.  I drank almost a half a gallon a day.  With Harper, no cravings as strong, but I do eat a lot of cottage cheese and pineapples.
• Harper seems to be just as active as her brother.  Her kicks are just as strong and frequent, but I felt her much later than Harrison.  I felt Harrison at 14 weeks, but did not feel Harper until 19.
• My hair....oh man.  With both pregnancy my hair almost doubled in thickness.  I get so many compliments, but it is so much harder to manage.
• With Harrison my skin was perfect.  I was even told I had that "Glow".  With Harper, I can not live without my MAC Studio Fix powder.  My face does not know how to handle all of this estrogen!
• Charlie Horses come with both girls and boys I have learned :(
• Decorating a room for a little girl was much more "stressful" than a boy.  Too many possibilities.
• I have been sleeping great....but that didn't really come into to play with Harrison until week 34 or so.
• I am not as anxious this time around.  Especially about the delivery.  With Harrison I did not know what to expect.  With Harper, I am having a scheduled c-section (not by choice, but because my delivery with Harrison required an emergency c-section) so there will be no unknowns to stress over. 
• Time is flying by with the second pregnancy.  It is so hard for me to believe that I will be 7 months next week!!

Even though I am loving this pregnancy, I can not wait for her to make her grand debut.  I am so excited to add this little life to our family and see the joy she adds to our lives.  I could not be more thrilled that Harrison will be a big brother.  I can not wait to watch the love of this brother and sister blossom and grow over a lifetime together.  It is my prayer that they will love and protect each other.  Be there for one another, especially when Matt and I will no longer be.  Be friends, sharing a lifetime of laughs and memories.  I know the joy my sisters have brought to my life, and I can only pray that my children will be able to experience that kind of love and friendship. 





Animal Lover

With Lovejoy blood running through his veins, how could he not?!?  We Lovejoy's are known for our crazy love of animals, and I am happy to say that trait has been passed on to my son.  In our home we have two dogs (Molly and Eli) and a cat (Reese).  Harrison shows our animals lots of love and for the most part, they return it.  Eli has always been a momma's boy, and I am convinced he holds a small grudge against Harrison.  Out of all three, Eli keeps the most distance, but Molly and Reese are always up for extra lovin.  Harrison has recently learned if he throws a tennis ball, Molly will return it.  She is thrilled to have a new fetch buddy!!  The little one you see above would be Auntie Lolo's dog Bailey.  Harrison is especially fond of her because she is just his size.  She even lets him carry her around.  He is so lucky to be able to experience the love and companionship of animals at such a young age.  It is my job to teach him to love and respect all of God's creatures!!!

Things I Am Loving Right Now

• My belly.  I really do, I LOVE being pregnant!
• Oxy Clean Max Force (if you have kids, this is a must!  No stain stands a chance!!)
• Bruno Marrs.  He is present at all of our morning dance parties :)
• My Boppy total body pregnancy pillow....why did I not have one of these when I was preggo with Harrison?!?  It is wonderful!
• Petunia Pickle Bottom.  There is a Petunia Pickle bottom diaper bag at Von Maur with my name all over it!!!!
• Matt's sweatshirts.  Yes, I have become the typical stay-at-home pregnant wife wearing my husbands clothes.  Unfortunately (or I guess fortunately), I have a very fit hubby so the only thing of his I can pull off is his sweatshirts.  I thought he was supposed to gain weight with me :)
• Harrison's 3 hour naps. 
• Watching my belly move.  I LOVE to lay on the couch, pull up my shirt and enjoy the show.  Harper has surprised me in that she seems to be just as active as her brother was in there.  I am starting to get a little nervous about the energy level of my two sweet peas!!
• Modern Family.  Oh my, how we love this show!  Every week Matt and I find ourselves rolling as we watch this fantastic comedy.  Hands down my favorite show!!
• The Grocery Game.  Staying home has given me the time to work on being a coupon queen, and I could not do it with out the help of this amazing website.  Every grocery visit is a challenge to see how much I can save.  And yes, I now shop with a list, coupons, and a calculator.  I take my job as a domestic goddess (Thanks Viv :) VERY seriously!!
• Play Groups.  This is something I originally thought would be fun for Harrison, but quickly learned they are just as much for me as for him.  I love the precious mommies I get to mingle with and the advice and parenting tips I pick up from them is priceless.  I am so lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful moms who are willing to share their successes, frustrations, and even failures.  We are one big support group and I LOVE IT!! 
• Aveda Bliss Oil.  I have always had thick hair. but this little dudette has given me lioness status with these tresses.  My hair is so huge right now, it takes quite some time (and quite a bit of product) to get it under control.  I am an Aveda lover and this oil works miracles!
• Cottage Cheese and pineapples.  This has been my number one pregnancy craving with Harper.  I eat it on a daily basis.  For those of you scrunching your nose in disgust, don't knock it before you try it!!

Cruisin'

Check out what was waiting for Harrison at Lovie and Pop's house....(cue Bob Barker) A NEW CAR!!!!!

Oh the love of Grandparents....and their endless ability to spoil little ones.  No wonder he claps every time we enter their neighborhood. 

He figured out driving pretty quick.  This little man cruised the driveway for a half hour!!  Unfortunately, this did not help my child's obsession with the outdoors.

Seventeen and Spunky

1. You LOVE animals.  Mommy is teaching you different kinds of animals and the noises they make using magnets on our fridge.  You love sheep and saying "baaaaaa", but your favorite animal is Reese our kitty cat.
2. You are starting to try to repeat a lot of the words said to you.  You already have several words you use on a daily basis, but you are quickly learning more (this morning you said "Apple Juice"!!)
3. You think it is soooo funny when you burp or hear someone else burp.  So funny, in fact, that you fake burp and then you laugh at yourself.  I should tell you no, but it is so cute and somehow infectious.  You have everyone around you fake burping just to hear your precious laughter.
4. You give good kisses.  You pucker up just like a fish and wait to be kissed.  I think your favorite kisses come from daddy because you ask him the most (and he doesn't mind at all!)
5. You have been going to the nursery at church for over a year now, but just in the last month you have started to cry when we drop you off.  Daddy and I watch you from the window to make sure you calm down.  I hate to leave you crying, but you are in there with your friends, and last week you learned how to say "Jesus" and "Bible"!!!
6. You said bye-bye to your high chair.  That's right, you think you are too big and now demand to sit at the table with Daddy and me.  We bought you a special booster seat to meet your demands.
7. You will only eat if you can feed yourself.  You have mastered the art of eating with a fork and spoon. 
8. You have always looked like your daddy, but now you look JUST like your daddy!  You just got your second haircut and even daddy can't believe how much you look like him!
9. You are one curious little boy!  You are constantly getting into drawers and closets pulling out items and studying them intently.  Daddy has often said maybe you will be an engineer.
10. Breakfast is your favorite meal.  You eat a scrambled egg almost every morning with fruit (your favorites are blueberries and raspberries) and sometimes you aren't finished and want a little yogurt too!
11. You LOVE to talk on the phone.  I am constantly putting the other person on speaker phone so that you can participate in the conversation and somehow you manage to walk off with the phone dominating the conversation.  Thank goodness for you, everyone that calls me doesn't mind talking to you too :)
12. You are still a dance machine.  You dance anytime you hear music!  My favorite is when we are in the kitchen having our morning dance parties and you discover yourself in the reflection of the oven.  You dance with yourself and think it is hysterical!  Your favorite song right now is Vampire Weekend's "Holiday".  It makes me smile just thinking about how excited you get when that song is played.
13. You love Sesame Street and I let you watch it everyday.  It is a whole hour long, but that doesn't seem to bother you.  You don't know the words, but you love to sing along to Sunny Days, Abby's Flying Fairy School, and Elmo's world.  Auntie Chelsea bought you your very own Elmo and he is your favorite stuffed animal (we even brought him along to your surgery :)
14. You are officially a toddler....Temper Tantrums and all!!!  Yes, you my precious boy, have a very mean streak in you.  You show no mercy to your victims, and you also do not discriminate with who you chose to have a tantrum with.  You make sure to include all of the pleasantries associated with a tantrum (throwing yourself on the ground, screaming and crying, pulling hair, scratching, hitting) but somehow you come out of them still very loved, even by those you have just attacked.
15. You still love my hair.  You cling to it when you are nervous or scared about what is happening, but you also like to twirl it when you get sleepy.  Unfortunately for me, it has also become one of your war tactics and mommy is seriously tender headed....Not cool little man.  Not cool.
16. Daddy noticed a few weeks ago that when you play by yourself, you like to sing little songs.  You don't use words, you just blabber away to an unknown tune.  It is so adorable, but every time I try to secretly video tape you you notice me and stop immediately.  I really hope I can catch it one day!
17. You are becoming more and more independent everyday.  I know it is part of growing up, but it is sad for me when you do not want my help.  You have even stopped letting me carry you places (which is probably good timing since sissy is getting so big in my belly). 

 You make Mommy and Daddy smile every day.  We can not get enough of your huge personality, you are seriously one funny little person.  We also like to go into your room every night to watch you as you sleep so peacefully.  We love you more than you will ever know.  Here are some pictures from our trip to the park yesterday.  You certainly are daddy's little boy....you wanted nothing to do with me :(  Apparently I was just there to be your photographer (and I was ok with that).

My funny Valentine, you make me smile with my heart....

 Happy Valentine's Day!!!!  Hoping to make this day special for my wonderful hubby.  I pretty much lucked out with him....he is amazing :)

Harrison and I spent Friday morning and this morning at wonderful Valentine parties.  We both had a blast!  Friday we went to our friends the Renner's and decorated heart shaped cookies and played with friends.

 

 

 

 This morning we joined our friends at the Stover's home for a fantastic Valentine party.  Sherri had crafts set up for the kids (they made puppy dog faces out of heart shaped paper and decorated envelopes for their valentines), decorated cupcakes, had story time, play time, and we passed out valentines!  It was also fun to see so many fellow pregnant friends! 

 

Check out my little man's new do....doesn't he look adorable!!!!  Thanks Auntie Lolo :)

Adult Night Out

Saturday night my entire family (Courtney and Ryan included) went bowling.  I can not tell you how wonderful it was to have the whole family together.  What made my night even more enjoyable was that my mother in law watched Harrison so I actually got to relax.  It was fantastic.  We made quite the scene dancing, laughing, and making fools of ourselves, but it was a night to remember.  Especially for my smokin hot hubby :)  Not only did he beat his all time high score with a 197, but he beat my dad and mom as well(you know people take their bowling seriously when they show up with their own shoes and balls :).  Here are some pictures from our family bowling night.  I hope you enjoy your family as much as I do mine :)

Update on Harrison

Harrison's surgery went perfectly this morning.  He was able to straighten his thumb at the hospital!!  The Dr. said to watch his pain because the anesthesia would be wearing off in 6-8 hours, but I am so happy to tell you he has been playing hard all night and has paid no attention to his thumb at all!  He has been using his hand all night and I could not be more relieved.

We checked into the hospital at 7 am and waited patiently to be called for our turn.  Every time he asked for milk or breakfast my heart sank because I was unable to give him anything.  Poor guy just stared at me, so confused as to why he was not receiving his scrambled eggs and blueberries.  Once we were called upsatirs to be prepped for surgery, Harrison made his rounds greeting each and every nurse, doctor, and patient on the floor.  He was in such a good mood and dragged Elmo along as he said his good mornings.  The loopy medicine did not take long to kick in.  Withing 11 minutes, Harrison was walking like a drunk, smiling and going "Lalalalalala lalalala" (which was awesome since I have never heard him make the "La" sound.  We try all the time when practicing Lolo and Lovie).  We then changed him into his gown and the nurses took him away.  That was one of the worst feelings in the world.  My baby being carried off to surgery as he cried, reaching for me.  I had to walk away fast, I was quickly crumbling. 

Matt and I waited downstairs with our parents for an hour and a half.  After what seemed like an eternity, the nurse came and got me.  And I quote, "Are you Harrison's parents?  We will need you upstairs.  You have quite the spunky child and he is not to happy with us right now."  When Matt and I walked into the room, he was screaming.  He had ripped off his monitors (leaving scratch marks down his chest) and pulled out his iv.  The poor nurse holding him was doing everything she could to not drop my flailing son.  As soon as I took him in my arms he melted.  He stopped crying and laid his head on me as he quickly fell asleep.  I can not describe that feeling, but knowing that my son was comforted by being in my arms was an amazing feeling.  After an hour in the recovery room, we were given the green light to go home.  All three of us were exhausted. 

 

Before surgery and immediately after.

This is what his little hand will look like for the next nine days.  The Dr. said that this dressing must remain on his hand until his follow up appointment.  He can not take it off or get it wet.  Yup, no baths for Harrison.  He loves bath time, and washing his hands....really, anything that involves water.  Looks like sponge baths it is.

Harrison was visited by two of his favorite people tonight.  Auntie Coco and Auntie Lolo came to visit with lots of presents for their favorite little man.  I think you can tell he is feeling much better :)



12 hours from now.....

Twelve hours from now this will all be over.  My baby boy will have his surgery completed and we can go home to recover and get some rest.  I have a feeling I won't be sleeping all that well tonight.  I am so anxious to have this behind us.  If any of you precious souls are awake at 7 in the morning, please remember my Harrison in your prayers.   I will update you tomorrow on his condition and maybe even include a picture of his stitches (you all know how much I love this kind of stuff :) 

Love,
Momma D

Come and play.....

 

Everything's A-okay!  Sesame Street has become a daily activity at our house.  Harrison does not act all that interested in things on TV, but when he hears Murray introduce the "Word on the street"  he drops everything, grabs his stuffed Elmo, and plants himself in front of the TV while clapping enthusiastically.  It is such a precious sight, and I enjoy the time it allows me to get things done around the house :)

Never Say Never

"My child would never....." Yes, I am guilty of completing this phrase countless times throughout my adult life.  Parenthood has taught me so much about the judgements I used to make.  Parenting is a lot harder than I thought.  I am quickly learning that my son will not always be on his best behavior, sometimes his clothes wil get dirty, he will forget the things I have been working so hard to teach him, and I can not control when he decides to have massive diaper explosions.  Unfortunately, I experienced his greatest diaper explosion to date last night....at the AIRPORT!!  Last night the family met at the Louisville Airport to welcome home Courtney from Alaska and this was the welcoming sight she recieved coming off the plane....

Yes, that is my son running around the airport with no pants or socks.  Due to his untimely accident, my child was forced to show his chunky legs to all arriving in Louisville.  I stopped packing extra outfits when he was 6 months so I was definitely unprepared for this situation.  Of course I thought he still looked adorable, but I could feel the stares buring into the back of my head.  Never again will I start a sentence with "My child would never" because sometimes things don't go according to plan :)

Surgery it is....

Tuesday morning Harrison and I packed up and ventured to the city.  We had a 10:00 am appointment with Dr. Thirkannad, one of the best pediatric hand surgeons in the area.  First off, let me start by saying that I HATE driving in downtown Louisville.  I can get to and from Matt's office just fine, but that is about the only place I can drive downtown.  I was not made to be a city girl.  Needless to say, the so called "easy directions" the office mailed me left me lost and I could not find the parking garage of one of the largest hospitals in Louisville.  Unfortunately I knew all too well where the children's hospital garage was so that is where we parked.  I thought we were parked a lot closer than we were so I decided to carry Harrison.  Even though it was 5* outside, I found myself sweating.  Finally, we sign in to the front desk with a whopping 2 minutes to spare....but for those of you who know me well, getting anywhere on time is a huge accomplishment!  So there we are in the waiting room of Kleinert and Kutz Hand Care.  Harrison and I waited for 57 minutes before we were called back. 

Dr. Thirkannad quickly diagnosed Harrison with a condition called "Trigger Thumb".  This condition is very common among babies and tends to heal itself by 12-18 months.  Unfortunately, Harrison is almost 17 months and has a fairly severe case of trigger thumb.  The Dr. reassured me that this is completely treatable, but does require out patient surgery.  Still in shock, he asks me if we are available in one week for surgery.  Suddenly my eyes began to sting....this is really happening.  My baby has to have surgery and in one week!

While we fill out the paperwork needed for surgery, Harrison's lollipop from the Dr.  disappears .... thus begins the greatest temper tantrum of all time  I had never seen him this way before and we had been trapped in a 5 x 5 room for an hour.  It was now nap time and lunch time and I began to panic.  The stupid walls were so thin and I did what every mom would do....I begged for another lollipop :)  It worked, silence!

The sweet nurse told us we were all finished....."up here".  "You now need to go to the first floor for preop paperwork and a health screen".  I wanted to scream.  Harrison was tired and hungry and so was I!  We make our way downstairs to find another waiting room and another hours worth of forms, questions, and nurses poking my baby.

Exhausted, I walk out of the Jewish Medical Center.  Not only am I weighed down by the winter coats, Harrison, my belly, my purse, a diaper bag, and now surgery paperwork, but now my mind is racing.  I can sum up my feelings in one word: Defeated.  I was ready to cry and the only thing stopping me was the thought of my tears freezing to my cheeks as we walked to the car. 

We finally reach the car and before pulling out of the parking garage, my precious little boy is off in dream world completely unaware of what is about to happen.  My mom had offered to come and help me that morning, but in all honesty I thought it would be a regular Dr.'s appointment and the surgeon would tell me he jammed his thumb and all would be fine.  They say mommas know best.  Well mine really does, and unfortunately this little momma is still learning. 

With all of that said, I ask you to please keep praying for Harrison.  We go back Wednesday morning for surgery and the recovery should be pretty quick.  I know it is nothing life threatening, and we will be back in our cozy little home in time to fix dinner, but the thought of my baby having surgery still is upsetting (see pregnancy hormones).  I appreciate all of your messages.  To know I have so many wonderful people praying for our son is very encouraging, and please don't stop.  I will keep you updated next week on how it all goes. 

Thank you!!