He's a Cowboy!

Austin got this fun Zebra toy from his Nana for Christmas. He finally leanred how to get on in and play. He loves to bounce on it and thinks it is the funniest thing. Here are some pics and some funny faces too!

Getting the Ball Rolling

Well, good news. I am finally getting the Photography business going. I think I can do really well. I have loved taking pictures my whole life, so I think this is what I was meant to do. I will have more information and a website coming soon. Jason is in marketing, so I am going to love that! He will get me into some shows soon to book some clients. I will specialize in Wedding and Children Photography, but the list doesn't stop there.

A Crazy Weekend...In a Good Way

The weekend started out on a downer. I woke up on Friday with a tickle in my throat which turned into a cold. I had lots of plans, and the cold wasn't going to hold me down.

On Saturday Morning I had an early appointment to get my hair done. There was no way I was going to miss that. It took 2 1/2 hours, but was well worth it. I got my hair cut a few inches, highlighted and glazed. I love my hairdresser, she has done my hair forever. She is a mom of 4, and has so many good tips for me. I love it! She is going to let me be her kids' photographer and tell all of her mommy cliets about me too! YAY!

After that I headed home to get Austin ready. We headed over to pick up Jenn and Bridget then went shopping for baby clothes. We only went to one store, it takes a lot of work to haul around 2 kids under 1 year old. We for sure have to do it more often though!!

The rest of the day was a lazy day. Sunday was a lazy day too, until Jason came home early. He wanted to take us to the Auto Show! I have been banned from the Auto Show by Jason in the past. I annoyed him too much because I was so bored. I guess he couldn't find anyone else to go at the last second and he wanted to take Austin. There was no way my Son was going to Detroit without me. So, we headed to good old Downtown Detroit with Austin. I wasn't sure how he was going to do, but he loved it. It is a very bright, fancy show. Austin loved all of the lights and displays. He was flirting with a pretty car model too. He kept smiling at her, then when he got her attention, he was bashful. It was so cute.

Here are a couple pictures from the Auto Show. I couldn't take many because my darn camera died!!

A Night Out with the Babies

This was about a week ago, and I still didn't post yet...whoops.

We went out to dinner with Chad, Jenn, Bridget and Jason's Dad. We had some super yummy pizza. I love pizza! It was Chicago Style so I couldn't eat much, thank goodness. Austin met a friend. He was a little boy about the same age. The little boy spotted Austin right away, and they just stared at each other a giggled for a while. It is so cute how babies notice other babies and are amazed by them.

It was nice to visit with everyone, and I got to spend some time with Jenn and Bridget. Here are a couple pics from the dinner.

Me

Some blog buddies have posted 100 random things about them. Taking the challenge and doing the same. I post so much about my Son, now it's time for me :) I do think I have changed so much since I had Austin. I have not thought about myself this much in a long long time. It's really fun. Here they are in no certain order...


1. I work for Coca-Cola
2. I love being a Mother and a Wife. It is all I ever wanted to do in life. lol that rhymes!!
3. I have 2 older Sisters, and they are the best! I don't get to see them much, but I love them a bunch! Wow, that rhymes too. I sware didn't do that on purpose!! lol
4. I change my hair color too much.
5. Blond is my fav hair color - but it takes so much work(I'm going blond on Saturday, go figure)
6. I have 6 Nephews! No joke...6 of them!!
7. family is very important to me. I didn't have much growing up. I will make sure it is different for my Son.
8. I hate Hospitals.
9. I love Chocolate covered Strawberries.
10. I used to sneak out when I was a teenager.
11. I graduated from a Christian High school.
12. I miss my Childhood.
13. I was Prom Queen.
14. I love to Travel, the best place so far has been Cabo. Haven't been to many places though.
15. I am opening a Photography Business!! YEAH!!
16. I have an amazing Son, Austin. Born on March 14, 2007.
17. My husband is my World.
18. My Dad is my Hero. I wish I could see him more!
19. I almost always burn my tongue when drinking hot chocolate and it feels weird for the whole day. So annoying!
20. I have a Beautiful Goddaughter, Bridget.
21. I have too many regrets. I have to let them go and move on.
22. I hate change.
23. I love Pink
24. I love to blog Austin's life. Only while he is young though, lol. I hope he will be able to look back on it and like it. If not i will anyway.
25. I was Married on August, 7 2004 to the Man of my Dreams.
26. Cell Phones annoy me!
27. I am shy until you get to know me. Then watch out.
28. I had my nose pierced when I Was 17. I let it close up and got it re pierced in the same place 3 times!! It hurt so bad, what was I thinking? My mom had hers pierced too.
29. I love to scrapbook, but I am about 8 years behind!!
30. I must make more time for myself. I need to hang out with my friends more and just get out of the house.
31. I love to shop. It is some kind of a addiction/healing thing for me. Jason has put a stop to that. lol
32. I am very close to my Mother, she is super cool...really!
33. When I was a young girl I loved to draw. I wanted to be a cartoonist. I should have followed that dream to work for Disney!
34. I have never been to Disney World. I have drove by it, but never been there. That is on my Bucket List, lol!
35. I love Pizza, way too much. Seriously, I will eat myself into a stupor when pizza is near. UGH!
36. Lots of friends ditched me when I had a baby. Oh well, the good ones stayed around and that's what matters.
37. I want to move to Texas or Arizona, and we just might get the opportunity. If we do, I'm outta here.
38. When I was young, I had an obsession with Garfield.
39. I wish I were a SAHM.
40. I think Dane Cook is the funniest person I have ever heard. He has made me Pee my pants.
41. I am a fan of Jessica Simpson. Why? I dunno!! I just am!! I went to 2 of her concerts. I met many of her band members and thought it was so cool. I framed the pic, until I realized how lame that was.
42. I get motion sickness in the back seat of a vehicle. I can ride the biggest fastest roller coaster at Cedar Point without a problem though. weird
43. I have seen 3 poor little animals be hit by a car(Rabbit, Cat, Squirrel) and every time I cry.
44. I grew up wtih a Yorkie, Sassy. She just passed away last December. I miss her terribly.
45. I can't sing at all. Jason wants me to, never have nor will I ever sing for him.
46. I love to play sports.
47. I walk 20 minutes every day at work on the treadmill. I love that part of the day.
48. I am a light sleeper, and unfortunately, so is Austin!
49. I love to write. I want to write a book one day. Maybe??
50. I love to Dance! I want to take a class and learn every kind of Dancing I can. If I were a C list Celebrity I would so be on Dancing with the Stars!
51. I am about to go through some major life changes.
52. I love to do Laundry. It is relaxing.
53. I like to listen to music. It is my therapy. I love all kinds of Music.
54. I can't stand Shrimp. I can't even chew it because I am too grossed out!!
55. I want 3 more Children. 2 girls and 1 boy. I have names picked out. When I am old, I want to be surrounded by my kids and Grand kids. That would be so neat! Big families are the best!
56. Michigan Tech in the Upper Peninsula is one of my favorite places in the world!
57. I am terrified of Sharks. I can't go in a pool alone because of it. Makes no sense at all.
58. I have hazel eyes.
59. I love to Cook. Rachel Ray is awesome and has taught me everything I know.
60. I went on a cruise for our Honeymoon. We were stuck on it due to hurricane Francis. Talk about motion sickness!!! IT was horrible!
61. I love to sleep. I miss sleep. I have not slept in since Austin has been here. He is so worth it though.
62. I fear everything. I need to get over fear.
63. Slim-Fast is so yummy. I love it.
64. It takes about 2 drinks to get me drunk. It takes 3 to make me sick. I don't drink much at all.
65. My Grandma died when I was in 5th Grade. I wish I could have known her better.
66. I love to watch Disney movies. Something about them, they are Magical and make everything better.
67. Since I had Austin, I can't remember a thing. Please don't be offended, and keep this in mind. I really don't remember anything!
68. I was offered to go on a talk show 2 years ago. It was the Tyra Banks show. I can't say why. I wanted to take someone on the show and yell at them, lol. I filled it out because I was bored and they called me soon after. That person still doesn't know. Thats why I can't tell you any more!!
69. I know the Fresh Prince song by heart. I think every kid that grew up in the 90's knows that though.
70.I love that guy from the show Vegas who is engaged to Fergie. I hate Fergie.
71. My Husband has a funny obsession with Jessica Alba. He points her out on every magazine and on the Television. He loves to see her movies. My High risk OB looked just like her. How fun for me!
72. I tell Jason not to let me eat sweets or bad food. When he does I get mad at him and yell at him for telling me I can't eat it. Poor Guy.
73. When I get upset or sad, I drive to my hometown and I feel safe.
74. Austin's room is decorated in fall colors in Memory of his Sister, Autumn.
75. The news scares me. There is so much bad news and it scares me. I always think the killer is out to get me.
76. I am running out of things to put on here.
77. My husband is the smartest person I know (school smart.) I went to visit him at MTU and he took me to one of his classes. I was so confused and the professor had such a heavy accent I had not a clue what was going on. He gave me his palm pilot to play with so I wasn't so bored. Not that I am dumb, it was an Engineering class. I am better at English, History, Writing.
78. I wish I wouldn't have lost touch with so many childhood friends.
79. I was a Brownie and Girl scout in Troop # 547.
80. I love to watch my husband play Hockey. He is so good!!
81. My Son will be playing hockey as soon as he can walk. Gramps will make sure of it.
82. My husband has met a lot of the Detroit Tigers. He gets to have a dinner with them every year. He never takes me!!! GRRR
83. I am the worst with Birthday Cards and sending Thank Yous. My mother-in-law gave me Thank You cards as a Birthday gift and I still didn't send a Thank You card. I just can't find the time. Doesn't SAYING Thank You count for anything??
84. I worked in a Jewelry Store for 3 years. I had to pierce ears, and I was nervous almost every time, lol. piercing kids ears was the worst!!! They hated me and looked at me like I was evil.
85. I also worked with Santa in the Mall for 3 years or so. I was one tall elf, lol. Worked with the Easter Bunny in the Spring time. Parents are not so nice on the Holidays.
86. I love pictures! Can't take enough of them.
87. I work for one of the biggest Companies in the World. They have the most well known trade mark. You would think I could get more than a space heater and window air conditioner in my office!!
88. I am a Rockett... :)
89. My Maiden name means Ghost in German.
90. When I had my first kiss I was so nervous I about threw up and had to go home.
91. I need a date night with my husband.
92. My Son has a birthmark on his forehead. It looks more like a bump, its called a cavernous Hemangioma. I think it will go away by the time he is a few years old. People always come up and ask if he bumped his head. I am so used to it now.
93. My mom is a twin.
94. I have been to Ohio, Canada, Mexico (Progresso, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Cabo) Belize, Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky, New York, New Jersey and South Carolina.
95. I love to email and use MySpace.
96. I have never cut the grass before. I wouldn't even know how to do it.
97. I have the sweetest cat, Phoenix.
98. I went Snorkeling one time to make Jason happy. I will never do it again. It was one of the scariest experiences I have had. I refused to even look at the fish. I guess it wasn't really snorkeling then.
99. Jason is not allowed to ever go on a party boat again in Mexico!!
100. I miss Autumn.

Wow, I can't believe I finished that!! Was kind of neat, You should try it. I didnt think I could come up with that many random facts about me. Sorry if it was boring!

No Teeth, First Steps...and DaDa

Jason was getting ready to leave for work yesterday morning and was reaching for Austin. I let him go and Austin took a couple steps on his own to his Daddy! He was very clumbsy, and he couldn't do it again, but it was still so sweet. He is sure trying to do it, and he moves around so well.

I can't believe this kid still has NO TEETH!! Not even any sign of teeth. I'm not rushing him to grow up, so he can take his time. I love his toothless goofy grin!

UPDATE:

I had to come back and post something he started doing just yesterday while with Grandma De. He started to say DaDa. When I picked him up De told me he has been saying it all day. Once I got him home I didn't hear him say it at first. He was just playing and hanging out with me. When it was time for dinner I put him in the high chair and that really makes him mad. He started to fuss and say dadadadadada. It was so cute. I tried to call Jason really fast, but once he got on the phone Austin stopped. He is doing so much right now. So excited about it and really enjoying him!!

Happy 10 Months!

Austin is 10 months old today!

He is making great progress and seems to change or do something new every week. He is moving around great. I don't think it will be long before he is walking. That boy has no fear. Sometimes when he stands he will be holding onto the couch. He wants to get down to the floor, he will think about it and look back and forth. He just lets go and does a belly flop onto the floor. I look and think he is going to start crying, but he doesn't. He just gets up and crawls to where he wants to go!! A little tough guy, lol. We call him our busy bee!!

He is eating more solid foods now and snacking on cheese and the puffs - loves those! They are a lifesaver when we are out and about. If he gets fussy he eats puffs and loves them then he is all smiles.

When he gets upset and fussy he babbles and says MAMA and BABA. This morning while I was getting ready in the bathroom for work, Austin was fussing at my feet for attention. Jason went to get his bottle and started to Call Austin and said " I have your BABA." Austin didn't hesitate to go see Daddy and drink his morning bubba. We are working on DADA. Also we are working on his shapes, colors and people. He is still loving to watch his morning programs on Disney.

Sleeping is going great. We eat dinner at 6, bath at 7 and bed by 7:30-8. We put him in there and he doesn't fuss anymore. He may wake up a couple times, but he stays in there until 7am!! YAY!! We are all sleeping great again. I do go and check on him a few times and sometimes I am greeted by little eyes peeking over the crib and have to run out or hide. I think he is a light sleeper like Mom!

He is really growing, this weekend he started to wear some 18 month clothes! They are kind of big, but a good enough size to wear. 2 weeks ago he was 21 lbs 4 oz.

So that is whats going on in the world of Austin. Stay tuned!!

Prayer Request

This hurts my heart. It is so sad that babies have to go through this. I really hope all of the research going into finding causes of preterm labor can help as time goes on. It has helped me with Austin and I am greatful, but not every outcome is a happy one.

A fellow Sidelines friend has a preterm Son, Ian. He is not doing well right now. He had a surgery to correct his intestines and when they went in it wasn't good. They found infection had fused all of his intestines into a big ball. At first he wasn't doing good and they didn't think he would make it. He has been showing improvement since, and hoping and praying for the best.

This really touched me and it hurts that I can't do anything to help. I am sending out the Prayer Request because Prayer is a very powerful thing. I don't know Ian or his family very well, but I am sending all of the love, hope and prayer their way and I hope you can do the same. Ian's Mom, Christy is so strong for her Son.

Curly-Q

Well, it has happened. I knew it would, but was hoping it wouldn't. Austin has curly hair like his mom!!! I never liked my curly hair, but it seems to be very cute on Austin. It is mostly on the sides and back of his head. He is handsome with those curly locks!!

Silly Boy...Socks are for Feet!!!

Austin started to do this weird thing a few days ago. He will find one of his socks and put it in his mouth. He will crawl around and play like this for a while. Don't worry, the socks are clean!!!

Austin in the Tub

Austin has started to splash and kick on his belly in the tub. Don't worry, it's not that deep. He tried to blow bubbles and eat the water. He just loves bath time!

Back to "Normal"

I'm happy to say Austin is better and finally sleeping in his crib again! It hasn't been easy to get him back in there, but had to do it. Austin puts up a good fight at first and cries for 45min to an hour, but he finally gives in and sleeps! He wakes up a few times through the night, but we don't go in there and he falls back asleep fast. The Doctor swares after 3 nights it gets better...Tonight will be night 4.

He is feeling better. He coughs here and there, but nothing like before. I took him to the Doctor last week again because I Was very concerned about his coughing. We waited forever in the waiting room, but Austin made a lot of friends. It was cute. This little boy who must have been about 4 or 5 came over and visited with Austin.

The Doctor said he thought it was Allergies!! This is crazy, it's not in the family that I know of. He said it could be to Animals or dust. I don't think so, because Jason caught whatever he had. He gave us two prescriptions. When Jason went to pick them up, the pharmacist wouldn't release one because she said it was not approved for children under 2!!! What was that Doctor thinking?? She actually called and it was OK for him to take a small amount. I didn't give it to him though, it didn't seem right. He was on the Albuterol to help his breathing for about 2 days and seems fine.

I am so off with my picture taking this month. I will post more soon! Watch out Austin, Mommy will be chasing you with the camera all weekend :)

The Story of Us

It's hard to believe, but Jason and I have been a couple for 9 years! I remember when I met him. We were both 17 years old. He was a shy, easy going, sweet guy and I was a outgoing, bad girl going in the wrong direction. I wasn't horrible, but I was not as "good" as Jason, lol. I had my nose pierced, and hung in the wrong crowd. Jason was busy with school, Hockey, working and family. Me with friends, friends and more friends. I guess my priorities were in the wrong place.

I remember the first time I saw Jason. I had just moved from my home town of Gibraltar to Trenton. We lived across the street from each other. I was looking out my new bedroom window and I saw a guy pull up across the street in a convertible. I couldn't see his face, but I saw that he was a lifeguard fron the shirt he was wearing. I wanted to go over and say hello, but I didn't know what to say. This went on for months, we would both see one another outside, but would never talk to each other. I think he was scared of girls.

I had a good friend who lived in Trenton, Monica. I asked her if she knew anyone with a convertible and she said yes, Jason Rockett. I couldn't believe it. Not that I knew him, but I knew of him since Monica and I were little girls. She was my very best friend when we were little and Jason was her boyfriend for years. It was so innocent and they never talked to each other outside of school. They never held hands, and they were scared to talk to each other. I think that is how it should be in Elementary school though!! I would go stay over Monica's house and she would not shut up about Jason. I never met him, but sure felt like I knew him.

After a whole Summer of seeing Jason and us never talking, I decided to finally go for it. I looked up his number in the phone book and called him. I was nervous, but I just did it. You have to remember I was the outgoing one then. I called him and said I was the girl who lived across the street with the red car. He was so scared and didn't know what to say. I let him go because he had stuff to get done and I gave him my number and said he could come by anytime. I think it took him a while, but he finally called and we met. I couldn't get over how shy he was.

After a few months of getting to know each other, we officially were a couple on January 4, 1999.

The relationship was a very tough one, but we loved each other so much nothing has gotten between us. His Mother never approved and didn't want us to be together. I think she did all she could to keep us apart, but it didn't work. After we graduated he headed off to Michigan Tech. That was tough, he was over 500 miles away from me most of the time. Even when he was home, we had to deal with his mom again. I went up to visit him when I could, wit out his mom knowing. I miss going up there to visit him. We had some of the funnest times then. We did actually break up for about a month in 2002. It was hard with him away and I think he needed his space. We both dated other people, but it didn't work out. Didn't last long, we missed each other so much. When he came home for Spring Break we were back together again.

I remember the last time I went to visit him at school. It was for the Winter Carnival in 2003. A short time after I came home I found out I was pregnant. This kind of ruined everything for Jason. He doesn't think so, butI know it did. He had to come home from school that summer and tell his mom. She didn't react too well. We were living together by the end of summer and were preparing for our daughter. Jason was going to go to school local and we were both working. About a week after we moved in together I had our Daughter, Autumn on August 16, 2003 and she was premature. She passed away on August 31, 2003. This was by far the toughest time for Jason and I. We stayed tighter and worked through the pain and were Married on August 7, 2004.

We have both changed so much from when we first met. Now I am the shy one and Jason is the outgoing one. Funny how things work out. He helped me a lot and guided me in the right direction.

We have been through a lot of good too! I loved to watch him play Hockey in High School, and we went to all of the school dances together. Broomball at Michigan was fun! The freezing cold in the Upper Peninsula and several feet of snow - I will never forget that. We had fun times with Chad in the summers. I loved spending time with Jason when we could.

We will stay strong Always and Forever.

Love you Jason!!

New Beginnings in 2008

2008 is a year for new beginnings. I want to change a lot about myself, and how I live (aka my new years resolutions.)

I want to lose the baby weight. To be honest, I haven't even had time to try yet. I need to work out more, drink less pop (hard when I work at Coca-Cola who seems to be the nemesis) and eat less junk. I just saw an inspirational video and it says to set small goals. With that being said, my 1st weight loss goal will be 10lbs.

I want to be a girl! Explanation - Since I had Austin, I haven't had much time to get my hair done, nails done, buy nice clothes, hang out with other girls, The list could go on for miles but you get the idea, right?

Get Organized and Stay Organized!!

Set a 2008 Budget and Stick with it!!

Build my relationship with my husband. He is the sweetest man in the world, but sometimes he can be a pain in my ass! I am sure he thinks the same of me. We hope to have a date night every week so we can reconnect.

Try to not have any enemies. I wouldn't say I have a lot. If you know me, you know the battles I have with a certain person or certain people. I need to forgive, and I need to be the bigger person. This will be a tough one!!

Happy New Year!!

My Birthday

New Years Eve was my 26th Birthday. It was a very good, calm day. I usually go out and hang with family and friends. Well, I guess the saying is true. "Having a Baby Changes Everything." We started the day off by cleaning the house. We were supposed to get this done before my Birthday, but Austin keeps us busy and on our toes. After that Austin and I were both sleepy, so we took a nap together. I was tired because he kept me up all night because he isn't feeling well...still. Anyway, while I was sleeping my Mother-in-Law stopped by. I didn't hear her and Jason was in the basement, so we missed her, oops! She left my gift on the porch.

After I woke up, my mom stopped by and watched Austin while Jason and I went out. He took me to Olive Garden, then to a movie. It was so nice, we saw Enchanted. Jason so did NOT want to see it, but he took one for the team, lol. He even admitted it wasn't that bad of a movie and he stayed awake the whole time, lol!!

We came home about 5pm. Jason ran out to get me Cold Stone, mmmmmm. We all cuddled in front of the television and watched Ratatoullie. After that we watched the ball drop gave New Year Kisses to Austin, and crashed in bed.

Not the most exciting day, but it was so nice to be with my family.

You must excuse the bad picture of all of us. I didn't take any pics, and realized at about 11:30pm, so I made Jason take this. We are tired, Austin is sleeping, it's dark and we look..well, you can see how we look. I had to take and post it though.
The original plans were to go to Chad, Jenn and Bridget's house to Celebrate with them. THat went kaput when Austin got sick and is still sick. We didn't want to take him out and sure didn't want to chance Bridget getting sick too.

Thanks to everyone for the Birthday Wishes.
Thanks to Jason and Austin for a great day.
Thanks to Mom for watching Austin.

Christmas PIcs