Been Too Long...

Hey Everyone!!

Ok, I know it's been forever, but I decided to finally update my blog! It's been busy around the house lately, and I just can't seem to find time to do it. So, once again I'm going to recommit to updating my blog on a weekly basis. Get ready...here come the updates...

1. Malakai: He continues to be the joy of my life. It's hard for me to believe he will be 5 months old tomorrow! This time last year I was just realizing and understanding that I was pregnant. Oh, how life changes in a year! Malakai continues to surpass his developmental milestones. He started rolling over at 3 months (front to back), and then both ways about 2 weeks later. He started eating rice cereal just before 4 months. He loves to eat, but is still a little squirt! At his 4 month check up he weighed 12 lbs 4 oz and was 25 inches long. He's in the 15th percentile, but the doctor said he's absolutely perfect in his proportions. The Dr. gave us the go ahead to start veggies and fruits. So far, he's mastered carrots, squash, green beans, peas, sweet potatoes, peaches, applesauce, and pears. Like, I said...he loves to eat! His hair continues to have curls in it, and his eyes are still blue. His pediatrician is fairly confident that they will stay blue....woohoo. We went to IL to visit my mom mid-September and had a wonderful time. While we were there he started sitting up unsupported...he's really a big boy now! Since we've been home he started scooting a little bit, and rolls everywhere!! He's a big time cuddler, and loves to play with his Daddy! He is a pretty happy baby (most of the time) and his laugh can make any day better. Tony is doing well with him in "daddy daycare." They are so cute together! Malakai has become a little bit of a "mama's boy" lately. Although it's heart warming to know that he's missed me while I've been at work, it can also be a tad frustrating. Tony has to distract him when I walk in the door just so I can change clothes and wash my hands. If he sees me walk in the door he starts crying and reaching for me!! He's still struggling with his sleeping routine, but he's had some disruptions. He's getting back on track though, so hopefully we can get to 10 hour nights soon!

2. Family: While we were visiting my mother, my step-mother called and told me that my father had a heart attack and died. It was very shocking and unexpected. My dad and I have had a rocky relationship, although it was starting to get better. I have no doubt in my mind that my dad loved me, but he had a hard time being a "long distance dad." We left a lot of things unsaid, and it is very sad to think that Malakai will never know his grandpa. I went to spend a week in TN with my grandparents, and it was a very hard week. Thankfully, my brother was also there. And of course Malakai was there to cheer everybody up. My dad wanted to be cremated, which was also hard for me, because I didn't have a chance to say any good-byes or see him one last time. He wanted his ashes spread in the river where we spent a lot of time with him. We had a memorial service at Bald River Falls, and it went better than I thought it would. I thought I wouldn't have the closure that a traditional funeral would give, but it was actually really nice. My granny also bought us all yellow lilies to throw in the river, and it gave all of us a chance to say good-bye in our own way. It's still hard for me to believe that he's gone, and I'm sure it's a struggle that I will have for years to come. I haven't sat down long enough to grieve on my own, but I'm sure that time will come eventually.

3. Work: Thankfully, I have been super busy at work this week. It has definitely helped to keep my mind off the loss of my dad. I was subpoenaed to testify in a murder trial for case I was involved with at DFCS. Without getting into too many details, the dad was accused of beating a 2 year old to death (mom's child by another man). It was a very emotional case because there were 3 children that were also removed from the home that have been dealing with this trauma for the last 2.5 years. Anyway...the trial lasted all week, and today the father was found not guilty on all charges. It was a huge shock, and I'm struggling to understand how it happened. I also have another trial coming up soon, which hopefully will turn out better.

Anyway...I think that is enough updates for now! Be sure to look at the post below to see a bunch of pictures from the last few weeks!!

Until Next Time...

Catching up on Pictures...

I love this smile!

This is his "serious look."

"Gimme that camera!"

"Are you looking at me?"

At the lookout with Uncle Josh

Looking precious in Josh's hat

Kissing the flower for his grandpa...

At the top of one of the mountains we used to go to with my dad

Flying!!!

It was kinda cold!

Bald River Falls...this is where we had the memorial service for my dad

4 month pictures...so sweet.

Nothing beats a baby in an apple bucket!!

Big Boy!!!

Are you ready for some football!!!

My sweet boy...

Happy boy!!

4 month picture...

Love the overalls!

Eating some oatmeal with grandma!

4 generations...

I love my grandma (and I'm pretty sure she loves me too!)

Taking a nap with Uncle Josh...

Sitting up!!!

Just lounging!

First rice cereal...yummy?

Love my exercauser...look at those little legs!!

Hi grandma!!

Man, I'm cute!!