Happy New Year 2012

On the eve of 2012, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on the year that just flew by. Wow - where did it go? It seems like only yesterday I was pushing through the nausea of pregnancy to stuff my face with Christmas treats. Now a year later, I've been blessed with a beautiful baby boy who is reaching out for any Christmas treat that my 2.5 year old daughter hasn't already snatched from my hand. So much has happened this year and I can honestly say that each year seems to get better and better - 2011 was no different.

In 2011, our family welcomed a big, beautiful baby boy. Kellan Hayes Grimes was born on July 5 (also Brooklee's birthday). He was 8 lbs 15 oz and 22 inches long. He's definitely been a more hands on baby than Brooklee was, but we've finally reached the age of which he's sitting up, wanting to crawl and can spend short periods of time playing on his own. He's been such a blessing in our life and Stephean, Brooklee and I are so very thankful for him.

I quit my job at America's Junior Miss/Distinguished Young Women and became a stay-at-home mother in January. I can't believe that it has been a year ago, and though I miss my job, being home with my babies has helped me to realize the important things in life. I've been able to invest more time in my husband and children, do a better job at keeping our house clean, food on the table and money in the bank, and I feel like I am a much calmer and content person. Its amazing the way priorities and perspectives change for the better when work doesn't consume your every thought!

This year certainly had its struggles. We've worked hard to repair a strained relationship, exhausted our brains trying to sell a house in a terrible market, and had our share of financial woes. But regardless of the hardships we've faced, God has been faithful to not only bring us through them, but to strengthen us in them. Oh how little we deserve his mercy!

In 2011,one of my sisters delivered a handsome baby boy only a few weeks before her first son turned two years old. My youngest sister fell in love, had her heart broken, and ended the year as a strong, beautiful and mature single woman who knows more about what she wants and deserves in a relationship than most married women even know. My mom and dad have enjoyed the addition of two new grandchildren, changes in their jobs and a renewed outlook on life as they've seemed to enjoy more time together than I've ever seen them before.

We took a trip with my in-laws to Utah where Brooklee got to see "real snow" and fly on an airplane for the first time. Pinterest has changed the way I cook, decorate, parent, and pretty much anything else. I've finally had the time to create photo books of Brooklee's first two Christmases, get rid of junk we've been hoarding since we got married, and create a home management notebook with family goals, budgets and meal options - or at least the shell for it.

Above all, with each year I am learning more about living in the moment instead of living for the future. While a balance of both is certainly preferred, I have always tended to spend so much time planning for and anticipating the future that I forget to enjoy the moments. Enjoying time with my children and a compilation of messages from God have helped me to slow down and bask in the time we have now - when the children are still little, we are still young, and we still have time to spare.

In 2012, I pray that God will continue to bless and mold our little family to fulfill His purpose for us. I pray that He will strengthen our marriage, help us to be better parents and teach us how to take care of ourselves better (as we vow to begin eating better and exercising). I pray that He will bless our children as they continue to blossom and grow into amazing little individuals.  Above all, I pray that we can continue to set our priorities in order by focusing first on God, second on family and third on others.

Goodbye to 2011! We welcome 2012 with open arms!

Christmas 2011

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Merry Christmas 2011

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Just Another Day in Paradise

So last night after a "romantic" dinner at Cracker Barrel, Stephean and I decided that we should pick a new song. So much has changed since we were dating and claimed "I Don't Know Much" as our tune (not to mention the fact that I really don't know the words to it so it must not really be "our song.") He suggested "Float On" by Modest Mouse: And we'll all float on alright, Already we'll all float on, Now don't you worry we'll all float on."


While some days it certainly would work, we agreed that Phil Vasser's "Just Another Day in Paradise" pretty much sums up our world! Seriously, its almost scary how closely the lyrics of the first verse align to a day in the Grimes household. Makes me wonder if someone was secretly spying ahead at our future when they wrote these words:


The kids screaming, phone ringing,
Dog barking at the mailman bringing
That stack of bills - overdue
Good morning baby, how are you?
Got a half hour, quick shower
Take a drink of milk but the milk's gone sour
My funny face makes you laugh
Twist the top on and I put it back
There goes the washing machine
Baby, don't kick it. I promise I'll fix it
Long about a million other things

Well, it's ok. It's so nice
It's just another day in paradise
Well, there's no place that
I'd rather be
Well, it's two hearts
And one dream
I wouldn't trade it for anything
And I ask the Lord every night
For just another day in paradise

Friday, you're late
Guess we'll never make our dinner date
At the restaurant you start to cry
Baby, we'll just improvise
Well, plan B looks like
Dominoes' pizza in the candle light
Then we'll tippy toe to our room
Make a little love that's overdue
But somebody had a bad dream
Mama and daddy
Can me and my teddy
Come in to sleep in between?


So the second verse is a stretch....I mean how can kids come walking in at night when they are already sleeping in between? And dinner date for us usually includes Domino's pizza in front of the tv or a restaurant with a crying baby and toddler who wont stay in her highchair. But, you get the picture.


Truth be told, there was a much calmer, romantic time in our lives when the bills didn't outweigh the paychecks, neither of us knew who Dora was, and the house didn't look like Toysrus blew up. When something tore up we called the landlord. When we wanted to go shopping, we just got in the car and went. Packing for weekend trips did't feel like we were packing up to move (though Stephean would beg to differ on that one.) 


But those were also the times when an adorable little girl wasn't there to greet you at the door at the end of the day and then take off running because she wants you to chase her. A cute little boy wasn't there to wiggle as close to you as he can possibly get because you're the only thing in the world he cares about. "Rain Rain Go Away" didn't make you smile every time you hear it and a baby cooing didn't make you smile and tear up all at the same time. We are so very  blessed with what we have!


So by the time we left Cracker Barrel, Stephean and I reached a conclusion: Sure, life was much simpler "back then", but we couldn't trade our "little paradise" for anything in the world. We could just "Float On" and realize one day that our life just floated right past us, or we could savor these moments - good and bad - and be thankful for everyone of them.






"And I ask the Lord every night for just another day in paradise." 

Birthday Party for the Dogs

When we got Macy and Kade, we had no children so they were super spoiled! We bought them Christmas presents, bought them outfits, and took them with us when we went anywhere "pet friendly." Macy even went to Puppy Training School at PetSmart, though she dropped out a little early.

However, since the kids, the dogs hardly ever get attention. So when I got an email from our local vet saying "Happy Birthday Kade!" I had a great idea to throw him a birthday party. Brooklee is obsessed with birthday parties right now and we had no plans for a Saturday afternoon, so why not?

Brooklee helped me make the cupcakes! She is in the stage where she loves to help me with things like cooking and doing laundry. I wish that stage would last through the years when she could do it all by herself!

I used scrapbooking paper to make party hats and little place settings. The dogs had dog food, we had goldfish, and Kellan's had his pacifier. 

Kade was less than thrilled that he had to (a) wear that hat (b) be sung to and (c) wait until after we sang before he could get his snack to eat.

Brooklee enjoyed the cupcakes almost as much as her daddy.

And even though he made fun of our little party, he did enjoy the cupcakes!

Kellan slept through most of the party, but joined in there at the end.

And the aftermath....note Stephean and Brooklee's stack of cupcake wrappers!

First Six Weeks with Kellan

We've enjoyed our new little man during this first six weeks of his life. In ways, its flown by! Of course, my favorite baby/toddler stage is not the first six weeks when all they do is cry, sleep and eat, but for the most part he's been a great baby!

Just a couple of days old and he is super alert!

Napping with Daddy!

First day in cloth diapers! Yep, we're doing cloth diapers!!

Brooklee's first bath vs. Kellan's first bath.

Brooklee loves to cuddle with her new baby brother.

Isn't he handsome! I'm loving his dark hair and blue eyes!

This is a perfect moment for me. I love my babies!!

Just one of the many times that Brooklee takes care of or loves on her baby brother. 

Kellan at 6 1/2 weeks old

How can you resist that smile?

Welcome Kellan!

I spent this entire pregnancy thinking that this boy would come early! I was positive about it when I learned that he was about a pound heavier than average at our last ultrasound. I mean I was huge!!

However, despite my predictions, Kellan arrived on July 5 (yep, same birthday as his big sister), two days after his due date - and I even had to be induced. The doctor made the comment before she broke my water that he was "just hanging out" and didn't seem to be in any hurry to come.

Well I sure am glad that I got induced because this big ole boy weighed in at 8 pounds and 15 ounces. Just a few more hours and he might had been a 9 pounder!

Even his feet were huge!!

We were two happy parents!

Of course Brooklee wasn't sure what to think at first, but she almost instantly wanted to hold him and love him. She's a great big sister. 

We missed Brooklee very much! Those two nights in the hospital were only the second time we've spent the night without her since she was born, so we were very excited each time Mom brought her to the hospital to visit with us and her baby brother. We gave her a little newborn Cabbage Patch doll so she could take her new baby home with her (we told her it was her birthday present from baby brother).

And since it was Brooklee's birthday too, Stephean's parents brought a birthday cake so we could have her a little party in our room. Can you tell she loves cake?

We are thrilled that Kellan is finally here! 

Happy Birthday Brooklee!

Our daughter, Brooklee, turned two on July 5, but because we were expecting to have Kellan at that time, we hard her birthday party the weekend before. I didn't want to go through the hassle of trying to clean up the house for a bunch of party guests, so we decided to have her party at the Eastern Shore Centre where the fountains are located. Brooklee loves to play in water and always wants to "take a shower" when we pass the fountains out there, so it seemed like a great place for a party!

Turns out a little unexpected thunderstorm (I don't even think that rain was in the forecast that day) cause a little bit of a kink in the plans! There was another party going on at the same time, but under the tents instead of under the pavilion with us, and since their decorations and setup was destroyed during the short little storm, we invited them to split the pavilion with us. Extreme heat, wet decorations, about 25 party guests and an extremely pregnant mama......Need I say more?

Despite the thunderstorm and heat, Brooklee had a great time and got to do three of her favorite things: play with Sage and Grandad, eat cupcakes and open presents! Here are some fun photos from her party:

Yummy cupcakes! I made the decorations several weeks before time for the party just in case we had the baby early and I wouldn't be able to get them done. I wanted to make the cupcakes, but changed my mind at the last minute....to much stress with my due date so close to the party!

Sage and Brooklee playing (right after she ate a cupcake and had icing all over her face). Even though they are just cousins, they act more like brother and sister, and many times people assume they are twins.

Opening up presents! Brooklee got some great gifts from some really awesome people!

 After the party she enjoyed playing with all of her toys.

Her very own laptop (and it can get fake emails from Mommy, Daddy and Sage) and her own special chair.

The LeapFrog Tag Junior set (in purple). 

Her new Dora doll and a baby stroller to push her in.

I think that we are lucky that I was so pregnant at the time of her birthday, otherwise I would have been a sentimental wreck! My baby is growing up WAY too fast!!!

Brooklee Reagan Grimes

I remember standing in church on a Sunday morning shortly after Stephean and I learned that we were expecting our first child. I had a conversation with God that morning about the life and future of the child I was carrying, telling Him that I knew the child within me was His child and thanking Him for giving me the opportunity to raise him or her. I remember asking Him to help me be the best parent that I could and telling Him that I would be thankful for every day that He allowed me to spend raising His child. I meant every word of that prayer, and though I sometimes find it hard to admit that she ultimately does not belong to me, I still have conversations with God on a regular basis about her life and the plans that He has to use her for His glory. She is His child and I am honored to be her mother during our time on earth.

Brooklee was born in the heat of the summer - July 5, 2009. I was the Communications Director with America's Junior Miss (now Distinguished Young Women) at the time and had prayed that she'd wait to be born at least until after the National Finals on June 28 (she was due on July 3). She did even better - she waited until exactly one week and a day after the National Finals, giving me enough time to not only make it through National Finals, but to also wrap up some of my job responsibilities and make sure everything was ready for my six week maternity leave - both at work and at home.

Brooklee was an easy baby, too. She didn't cry much and she started sleeping through the night very early. I can remember only a few times when we didn't get much sleep, though getting up every two hours to feed a baby can still make you feel like you've been hit by a train. Brooklee nursed well right away, never spit up, wasn't overly fussy and seemed to be the perfect little baby.

Then Brooklee turned six weeks old. She began to spit up a couple of times that weekend, but it wasn't until that Sunday that she began throwing up every time she nursed. I was suppose to return to work on Monday, so I made arrangements to come in a little bit late that day so I could take Brooklee to the doctor first thing that morning. The doctor was concerned about dehydration, so she gave me the option to admit Brooklee to the hospital to make sure she had enough fluids. I graciously agreed - being a new parent was scary enough without having to worry about your little one being dehydrated. I appreciated that professionals would be there to help me as Brooklee got better.

The downward spiral began there. Brooklee was admitted to the hospital on a Monday and it wasn't until two weeks later that she'd be released. During the first week, she was a patient at Mobile Infirmary. The doctors had no diagnosis for her and we continued feeding her breastmilk and sometimes tried formula instead. If she ever kept a feeding down, the next one would bring all of it back up with it. She was getting little to no nutrition, had IVs to keep her dehydrated, and had everyone puzzled.

Both of our employers were gracious enough to allow Stephean and I to stay by Brooklee's side - making our home in small hospital rooms that were constantly filled with friends and family. While I certainly don't want to sound unappreciative of the love and support that our family and friends provided, perhaps one of the most difficult parts of this process was having a full audience around the clock. Both Stephean and I are very private and introverted people and we were still very new to being parents and still recovering from having visitors come to our house around the clock to see our new baby. Now here we were again with visitors around the clock - forced to share every moment of weakness and frustration with a room full of people. Every time Brooklee vomited, a room full of people were there to witness it and watch you clean it up. When the doctors came to talk with us, the conversation was public - open for everyone to hear and give input. In addition to being tired and feeling helpless as we watched our baby girl get sicker and weaker, Stephean and I grew more frustrated and began to take it out on each other. I remember leaving our room on several occasions to find an empty hallway where I could cry.

Finally on Sunday, the doctor transferred her to USA Children and Women's Hospital. Upon arrival, we were  told that a milk protein intolerance was suspected and that if I planned to continue breastfeeding after Brooklee got better, I should eliminate dairy, eggs, peanuts, red meat, shell fish, soy, chicken, wheat, and corn from my diet. Until she got better they put her on a special formula and began to perform many tests to rule out other issues, including a spinal tap to rule out meningitis. We knew that Brooklee would never remember this traumatic experience, but it was still extremely upsetting to know the pain that our new little one experienced with each test, IV and feeding/vomiting session.

All other tests came back negative and finally a procedure was performed that allowed the GI Specialist to look at Brooklee's  throat, stomach and digestive tract. This procedure confirmed that a milk protein intolerance was the culprit, but we still had a rough road ahead. The milk proteins had been building up in Brooklee's digestive system since birth and left her body in havoc. Even after starting her on a formula that was dairy and soy free, her body still rejected food and she continued to get paler, weaker and skinnier. She was put on a feeding tube that helped deliver food directly to her stomach in small amounts around the clock, ensuring that she was getting some nutrition, but at first her body still wouldn't digest it. We feared that her digestive system would completely shut down.

Stephean and I finally asked for the doctor to post a "no visitors" sign on our door and told our families that we would not be seeing visitors for a couple of days. We spent some time getting to know our little girl - learning how to comfort and love her in times of pain. We began to enjoy the privacy of our room, learning to lean on each other during the hard times. Churches, friends and family sent cards, notes, text messages, and gifts to let us know that they were praying. Brooklee was placed on the prayer list at several churches and we were told that a few churches even held a special time of prayer for her.We began to feel stronger and Brooklee began to feel better. We recognized that prayer was working!

Toward the end of the last week of Brooklee's stay at USA, she finally began to keep some of her feedings down. The doctor began checking in on a regular basis, keeping us posted on her progress. We monitored her weight and kept up with how many feedings she had to keep down so the tube could be removed. When the tube was finally removed, we began to anticipate the moment when the doctor would allow us to take Brooklee home. Finally, on a Monday afternoon, that day came. After two full weeks of hospitalization, Brookee was finally gaining weight, keeping her food down and regaining her color and energy. We were elated!

It's been about a year and a half since then. Brooklee will be two in a few months and is able to eat most anything she wants, though we still give her soy milk and avoid ice cream, yogurt and other pure dairy products. I was able to resume nursing her after she gained enough weight, though I had to eliminate foods with the nine major allergens for almost the entire year. Now she's healthy and smart, and it would be an understatement to say that she's the center of our lives.

Many people have asked us about our experience with Brooklee's sickness and have commented on how close we were to losing her. Though we knew that at the time, I can honestly say that losing her was never a concern for me. Through I was frustrated with the circumstances, overwhelmed with sadness for her pain and desperate for someone to tell us what was wrong with her, I had a peace the entire time that my little girl was in God's hands and He would take care of her. I never doubted it.

During those two weeks I remembered often the conversation that I had with God that morning in church and would remind God of my prayer to Him for Brooklee's life. I told Him that I knew she was His child and that I trusted Him to take care of her. I remember the peace He gave me. I knew that this time of hardship would pass and that Brooklee would be okay.

I can't say that I will always be as strong as I was when Brooklee was sick. The strength that I had during that time was not something that I expected or can explain other than to say it was God's way of helping me through that tough time. I don't know the reasons for Brooklee's sickness, but I know that she is His child and that His plan for her life is greater than anything I could ever imagine for her.

I am thankful to God for blessing us with Brooklee. I know that He has and will continue to use her life to impact others - starting with her parents.

Someone to lean on....

There are times in my life when I wish I had more privacy. When it feels like people are everywhere you turn and you are constantly having to answer to someone - family, friends, coworkers, etc. I'm a very private person and I like lots of space. Sure, I love my family and friends, and I enjoy every minute that I have with them, but I also love having a lot of time to spend with just my husband and daughter - or sometimes just by myself (luckily I have a little one who enjoys entertaining herself and being independent sometimes, which allows me some down time by myself).

But there are other times when even in the midst of so many people, I can feel so alone and isolated. I tend to have a hard time trusting people in general, so when someone breaks my trust, hurts my feelings or does something that I don't understand, I can sometimes take it very hard. During these times I like to throw pity parties, telling myself that no one else could understand the pain, disappointment, (insert many other emotions here) that I feel at this moment. It really is quite ridiculous, but it happens - even more during the emotional hormone roller coaster called pregnancy.

I think its times like this that God uses my trials and roller coaster of emotions to remind me of what it feels like to be Him. Recently, I had a situation in which I felt very betrayed by someone that I love. I had a good several days full of pity parties for myself. Why me? What did I do to deserve this? In a relationship where I felt like I had given everything that I had, why was I the one who felt betrayed, neglected and ignored?

It was during those days of grieving that I was reminded during a quiet time that God must feel that very same way about how I treat Him. As many times as He's been there for me and as much as He's given and invested to have a relationship with me, I can't imagine the way He feels when I decide that I just don't feel like having a quiet time with Him or that I really want to do something that I know I shouldn't do. I bet He is so hurt and disappointed when I turn away from his outstretched arms of strength and comfort during difficult times so I can grieve alone needlessly. And I bet he feels betrayed and neglected when I take for granted all that He has invested to have a relationship with me and give me everything I could ever need or ask, yet I show no interest in being thankful or spending time with Him.

I am thankful that He forgives me and remembers that I am human. I am grateful that He doesn't give up and that He's always there when I decide to acknowledge Him. And I'm extremely thankful that He doesn't wait for me to ask for help - He's continuously working on my behalf to shape my life, map out my path and meet my needs. When I start to feel alone, I am reminded that my creator, who knows me better than I know myself, loves me and is here for me. People will always disappoint me and let me down, but my God will never leave me or forsake me.

Things Change....

People say it like it has no meaning, but to many people, change is something scary, sad or depressing. I've always been one to look forward to change, mainly because I am anxious to see what is next to come. I think its because for the most part, change has always been a good thing in my life.

Growing up my dad was in the Navy, meaning we moved around a lot. I'm sure it was hard, but mostly I remember the excitement of being in a new place, making new friends and experiencing new things. Even when we settled in Excel, Alabama when I was in first grade, we lived in seven different houses before I got married and had a house of my own. Going to college was exciting for me, as was graduating and each new job I've had since then. Marriage was exciting for me and the birth of my daughter was an exciting change to our family. Sure, there have been a few changes that I could have done without, but overall change has never left a bad taste in my mouth.

My husband, on the other hand, can't stand change. Not only does he dread it, but he usually is pretty sad about it for a while. Most of the changes that he experienced growing up weren't positive ones for him. His parents divorced when he was little and from the memories that he shares about that period in his life, I can tell he took it harder than normal. When he shares his memories of visiting both families and grandparents, his stories are usually focused on how hard it was when it was time to go. He has lost several important people in his life, two of which I was able to witness the deep sadness of the losses to him. Change has been hard for him, thus his view of change is much different than mine.

But regardless of how each of us view change, change is inevitable. Things never stay the same. Take the trees at Auburn University. In light of the recent news that someone has poisoned the beautiful oaks on Auburn University's campus, many people are heartbroken and angry. These trees have been part of the campus and tradition for over 130 years. They've been covered in toilet paper countless times, been the backdrop of may gorgeous weddings and been the focal point of beautiful pictures. But now, according to scientists, all of that is about to come to and end as the trees are likely to die - pretty quickly.

The loss of the trees on Auburn University's campus is a reminder that very few things in life are permanent.  Most likely, our children will never have the pleasure of visiting Toomer's Corner after a football game to see the trees decorated in toilet paper. When we visit Auburn University on game day, we'll walk across the lawn and tell them about the trees that were there when we were young. They'll learn from others about the old traditions of the school.  The memories will live on, the spirit of Auburn will live on, and many other traditions on the campus will live on, but the trees will not. But there will be new traditions, and eventually more trees. In about a decade, the students at Auburn University will remember little of our old traditions and will instead be celebrating the new ones. It may be sad to many of us, but its life - and its real.

The trees on Auburn University's campus don't define Auburn University. They don't create the spirit of the Auburn Tigers, nor are they the reason that Auburn fans join together to celebrate a win. They are merely symbols of those things - one of many symbols. The spirit of Auburn lives on and her fans will still celebrate on game day. We will still come together to share in game day traditions, and though they may be different, they will mean just as much as they ever did.

And speaking of change, oh does the man who killed the trees have some changes coming.......  

As we go through life, we will experience many changes. Some will be good, some will be bad, and some might be permanent. Some might be funny, some might be sad, and some might surprise us. But one thing is for sure, change will happen. It's inevitable - Things Change.


"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."  - Mark 13:31