Fiesta

We spent most of last week in San Antonio for Fiesta. My second cousin Meg was a duchess, which is apparently is a pretty big deal. The girls spend 10's of thousands on their dresses and have party after party during the 10 day celebration honoring the heroes of the Battle of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. The whole city is decorated and participates...who knew? We stayed with my mom's aunt and uncle, Moppy and Jack. They were very excited to see Hampton and had lots of treats for him...one of his favorites was sausage on a stick wrapped in a pancake (NASTY). He loved them though and I let him eat the whole thing. My grandmother was there also so she got to spend some time with Hampton which I'm sure she enjoyed. Hampton was very excited to Sweetie and Pops. He adores them both and I am so thankful for the time they are able to pour into his precious life.

We spent much of our time outside because Moppy and Jack's house is way too tempting for a toddler. We went to the park, drove through the water by the zoo (which H loved), went to the parade, threw acorns in the driveway, and jumped. I think the highlight for Hampton was riding the train with S and P. Sweetie and I told him on Thursday that we would ride the train when Pops got there. As I was putting him to bed Thursday night, he was squirming and didn't want me to put on his jammies. I told him that we needed to go to bed so that we could see Pops in the morning. His eyes got big, he grinned from ear to ear and said, "Pops...ride choo choo... yea." He sat still to get his jammies on and went straight to bed. He was so excited when Pops got him up the next morning. I love watching their relationship.

Walking to the parade

Watching with Sweetie

Watching intently and enjoying his new favorite...a BOX of raisins

The best seat in the house

Hampton likes flags and points out "Biiig flags and Beebee flags" everywhere.

Dancing to the drums with Mommy (the bump on his head is from falling down the stairs the first day there)

Meg on her float (the 3rd girl)

Grand Connie ~ Jack ~ Moppy ~ Alan

On our way home from the parade, we asked Hampton what his favorite part was. He has never had an answer to questions like this, but not this time. He excitedly announced that his favorite part was the "rums." He still tells you that the drums were his favorite part of the parade.

Watching the ducks with Sweetie and Pops

Whenever you squat to talk to H at his level, he copies you and squats too. Precious boy!

This boy loves water and anything related to it...he takes after Daddy who loves to watch sprinklers :)

After throwing acorns in the water with Pops, H spotted this duck and chased him yelling, "Hug...Hug duck."

Riding the TRAIN!

Hampton is still talking about riding the choo choo with Sweetie and Pops.

Meg's Dress

Here are some pics to show the detail of Meg's dress. The queen's and princess' dresses were even more elaborate. These gowns take about a year to make completely by hand. All the design work is made from gem stones, Swarovski crystals, and other beads. The dress and train (10-12 feet long) weigh around 100 lbs. EXTREME

Just after this pic was taken, Hampton ran right across the dress...a little stressful since it cost around $50,000 :)

SMILE

New Look

After catching up on all my usual blog readings, I've decided I need a new look...BADLY. I know many of you have used FabulousK to update your look, but have any of you done your own. I don't want to pay someone else if I can do it myself. Any tips?

Daddy Fummy

Hampton had the hiccups the other night. Ben was mimicking him which was apparently very funny. The quality of this video is terrible because we were in a dark car, but the content is precious. I am so thankful for my boys and the joy they bring into everyday life.

Joy in Pain

After my last post, I received many emails wondering what was going on. Since this is pretty much Hampton's baby book and our family journal, I figured I would make an official post. This is not to seek your sympathy, but to help our family remember.

Last Wednesday, Ben and I went to my doctor for what was supposed to be a really exciting and joyful appointment. We had known for just over 4 weeks that we were expecting our second child in early November. We waited to go to the obgyn until I was over 8 weeks pregnant because I wanted to make sure we were able to have a good sonogram.


I have always been nervous about having a miscarriage because I know so many women who have, but at the same time I never thought it would happen to me. As we were waiting to see the doctor, I told Ben that I was nervous that they were going to tell me that I wasn't pregnant anymore. He, in his unwavering optimism reassured me that everything was going to be fine and healthy. Our conversation then turned to how we were going to tell our family and what we would name the baby if it were a boy (We think we have a girl name, but probably won't tell you if you ask :)).


As soon as the sonogram picture came on the screen, I knew that my suspicions were truth. Ben said I teared up almost immediately. My doctor explained to me where the pregnancy sack was and where the baby grows and develops. I said to him, "But, there isn't a baby there." He was quiet for a few seconds and then explained that an inevitable miscarriage had occurred probably caused by a chromosomal abnormality. He then turned off the screen and stepped out of the room. He said I was trying to put on strength and that I needed to cry because my baby deserved my tears. Those tears have flowed freely and abundantly since.


When Dr. H returned, he informed us that 15% of pregnancies result in miscarriage and that because 1 had occurred that did not mean that I was more susceptible in the future. More importantly, he encouraged us that we were not alone in this, that God was crying with us and He had not left us in our pain, but knows all too well the pain of losing a child.


We left the doctor's office desperately needing hugs from Hampton. He has been a little ray of hope and strong reminder of the joy in our lives despite the pain of our circumstance.


Thankfully, I was able to have a DandC the next day. The procedure and physical recovery was a breeze. I joked with my mom the next day that the only pain I had was where my finger was sore from the prick to test my blood. The emotional recovery is a process that we are both working through. Although we are sad and I often get teary, we are both feeling an overwhelming sense of peace. We lost our baby, but are somehow confident that Jesus is still in control and will have the best for us.


We have been surrounded with faithful family (Drew left work immediately to come to our house and Jonathan came over as soon as he could - Ash had to keep the kids, but sent goodies) and gracious friends. Caren took Hampton to playgroup on Thursday during the DandC...Stacy brought us dinner...Trisha took H to breakfast so I could sleep in on Friday (Ben had to go to Austin Friday morning)...Jamie and Caleb had Hampton over to play Friday afternoon. Many called, more offered to help and even more lifted us up in prayer.


Friday night, some of my closest friends and I went to Canton for the weekend. We planned the trip months ago not knowing how important it would be to me. I am so thankful for these girls! I love them all for many different reasons and through this trial, they have shown their love for me and my family. I wouldn't trade their friendship for anything.



Although my weekend was a great escape from the reality at home, I was very ready to be with Ben and Hampton. I needed some hugs and was excited to show them my "treasures."

This is what I came home to...

Watching "Daddy mow-een" through the fence

Playing football with Cameron (our neighbor)

Playing keep-away from Cameron

Admiring Haley's crocs

Lying on the nap mat I got him in Canton

Coloring at the desk that Emerson, Sadie and Campbell gave him

We are thankful that even in the midst of such pain we are able to find joy in Christ!

"Hold unswervingly to the hope you profess, for He who promised is faithful."

Hebrews 10:23

In Christ alone my hope is found

He is my light, my strength, my song

This Cornerstone, this solid ground

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease

My Comforter, my All in All

Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh

Fullness of God in helpless babe

This gift of love and righteousness

Scorned by the ones He came to save

'Till on that cross as Jesus died

The wrath of God was satisfied

For every sin on Him was laid

Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay

Light of the world by darkness slain

Then bursting forth in glorious Day

Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory

Sin's curse has lost it's grip on me

For I am His and He is mine

Brought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death

This is the power of Christ in me

From life's first cry to final breath

Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man

Can ever pluck me from His hand

'Till He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

Today I am resting in the promise that Jesus commands my destiny!

The Cliffs

Our last big event was a trip to South Carolina to The Cliffs. We met Gran and Poppy and David, Candice, Anna Kathryn, Isabelle and Carrigan. We stayed in a great house that was set up perfectly for our family. There was plenty of room for the kiddos to play inside, outside or in the garage if it was rainig.

The first day was absolutely beautiful. Poppy, David and Ben played golf while the rest of us enjoyed the weather. We made a trip the the "equestrian center" to see the horses. Hampton loved seeing the horses, throwing rocks and running free with his cousins. He is absolutely crazy about his cousins. Hampton went to pet one of the horses who thought he was going to feed him. The horse caught Hampton's hand in his lips. It scared us both! Now whenever we talk about horses, which is often, he says horse, mouf (mouth). The scare didn't slow him down...2 days later all he wanted to do was feed the horses hay from the barn (we talk about that daily too).

Anna Kathryn and Isabelle petting the donkey who tried to eat AK's crocs.

Carrigan

David, Candice, Ben and I spent the 2nd day visiting the Biltmore Estate. We enjoyed some adult time and were very thankful that Gran and Poppy were willing to watch all 4 kids. We took the Roof Top Tour which was fantastic. The weather was less than desireable, but we still enjoyed stepping out on some of the risky balconies to see spectacular views of the house and property. Unfortunately, the yucky weather meant that Gran, Poppy and the kids were stuck inside all day. Thankfully, they all took great naps and were ready to play when we got home.

On our third day, Gran and I went to a yoga class and then we all went back to the barn for the kids to ride a pony. The skies were clear, but it was cold. Most of our ride time was spent walking up and down the alley inside the barn. H convinced them to take him outside though...the boy loves to be outside no matter the weather. All of the girls enjoyed the pony ride as well. Such a big boy!!!
Anna Kathryn riding SugarIsabelle

H was not a big fan of the helmet and kept saying, "Hat, off, mease."
Feeding the horse hayFeeding Sugar treats

Someone told us about some waterfalls not far from us that were a very light hike from the road. After our pony rides, Gran, Poppy, Candice and I set out to find them. With very little direction from our informant, it was amazing that we found them. The four of us decided to check them out before we drug everyone. It was an easy walk up to these beautiful "Twin Falls." We never made it back with the whole crew, but the four of us enjoyed it.

As usual, when you travel with Johnny and Rosie, you dine far more than sufficiently. This getaway was no exception. We enjoyed some fantastic meals at the Clubhouse and , if I do say so myself, a pretty great one at home too.Dinner at the clubhouse

Love from Gran and Poppy


The whole crew (those of us in SC)

Our flight back to Dallas was in the evening on Sunday, so we had some time to kill. We walked around downtown Greenville and had lunch, but still had plenty of time at the airport. We passed the time by running on the grassy lawn, throwing sticks in the fountain and of course, riding the escelator over and over and over.

Thanks for the great trip Gran and Poppy!!!

I am daily amazed at what a little sponge Hampton is. He says words that I haven't taught him, asks for things I didn't even know he could understand and has started to carry on 21 month old style conversations. For example, today H went to childcare a 24 hour fitness...a place he has never been, but gladly entered. I must admit, it did look fun with the new and exciting toys, big tv and great play equipment like a Chick-fil-a or McDonald's. The workers had to come get me about an hour into our workout because he "kept crying." When we went in he was crying at he base of the big play "thing" (I'm not sure what to call it). On the way to lunch we had the following conversation:

H - Cry...cry-een

Me - Cry? Did you cry at the play place?

H -uh huh! (shaking his head yes)

Me - Why did you cry at the gym?

H - Up, mease.

Me - Up?

H - Help... Mommy... mease

Me - Oh, did you need Mommy to help you climb up high in the play place?

H - Shakes his head with raised eye brows and kicks his feet with excitement.

What a bummer that the childcare people couldn't figure out that he was crying because he was frustrated that he couldn't climb up into the play "thing."

Man, I love that kid!!!

Here are some pics...just for fun!

Playing Hide-n-Seek

Wearing the cool shades Daddy brought him from one of his work trips!!!