The England family!!!

Of puny babies and jealous big brothers...

2012-02-02T23:38:00.001-05:00

(This is not a "Sick Aengus" pic. A pic of that would get this blog shut down for "too much pitiful on the internets")

Aengus was pretty sick over the weekend. He was diagnosed on Friday with a case of pneumonia. This entailed 3 shots of rocephin, 2 lab draws and currently he's on oral antibiotics. I would have taken pictures of him but he insisted that no one touch, look at or speak of his boo-boos and that includes non-flash photography. Frankly, he's a bit of a diva when he's sick. Needless to say, there wasn't much sleep for us. He's much better now but Declan... oh, that Declan.

He's not the jealous kind, see, but when one is forced to sit through a 2 hour doctor's office visit that does not actually revolve around one's own self, despite the dare devil acrobatics and pull-ups on the very high exam table, only to have one's own sick and needy baby brother hog one's mama for 2 days straight... well, that makes ONE ACT OUT, ok? So, while Daddy took Aengus to the pediatrician on Saturday for a re-check, Mama took Declan on a special play date to see if we could maybe fight back at that old green-eyed monster eating at my blue-green-eyed boy.

We started the Mama/Declan-doodle-mama's-noodle Date off at Panera where Mama had a bagel and half sweet/half unsweet iced tea and Declan had some milk and the world's crumbiest heart-shaped cookie. He wolfed that puppy down like his life depended on it.

(Cro-magnon table manners aside, still the cutest cookie steam-shovel ever!)

Then we headed on over to the Hands-On Children's Museum where we played so hard that that place didn't even know what hit 'em. Declan got to do a little climbing:

A little kayaking...

Flew a little plane...

Drove a tractor...

And manned the helm of a riverboat through a school of amazonian barracudas

(or, at least a cousin of the barracuda)

We also saw a snake get fed (We didn't stay to watch her chow down, though. Maybe next time.).

Then we went to Pal's and picked up some french fries for a snack.

On Monday, our pediatrician called to check on Aengus' progress. He then informed me that I could have saved my $8 admission to the Hands-On Children's Museum and have Declan lick a few door knobs around town for free if putting his immune system to the test in the middle of winter was what I was after(I'm paraphrasing here, ok?). Crap.

Fast forward to Wednesday afternoon: Declan falls asleep at 4:30 pm. No big surprise since he often refuses to nap all day long until right around 4. But typically, by 5 pm Declan is up and at 'em. 5 rolls around. Then 6. Ben feeds Aengus and I put Declan's dinner in the oven. Still, Declan slept. He slept until 7:45 the next morning (or this morning, as I write this)... He woke up ready for action but his nose was very stuffy/runny. He also took a morning nap(VERY unusual). He still played hard, climbed everything in sight, excavated the back yard sandbox for an hour and a half, finger painted, had 2 baths and went to bed clutching a sippy cup of ice water. While Aengus does sick like Beyonce does child-birth (this link's for you, Dad), Declan does sick like a pioneer woman squatting in the middle of a row of green beans to give birth only to dust off and keep on harvesting.

That's all the news that's fit to print around these parts! Happy Groundhog day, friends!

***Re-edited this post on 2/3/2012 @ 9:18 am. Was unable to do so last night as the littlest England was refusing to be put down. Good times...Actually, it's kind of great times. ; )

IHF- Oh So Silly!

2012-01-30T09:46:00.000-05:00

Can babies be silly? I'm pretty sure it happens. In fact, I have photographic proof!

Get another whopping dose of "the sillies!" at

Iheartfaces!

On to lighter fair... The January wind-down

2012-01-25T17:51:00.000-05:00

(Ben giving us the Insanity fierce face!)

I'm not sure if I have mentioned this but if you know me in real life you've probably heard me ~~fuss~~ ~~whine~~ discuss that Ben and I have been working our way through the Beach Body Insanity Work-out Program after the boys go to bed. It's a 2 month cardio/strength training series that has effectively taken us about 8 weeks just to get through the first half(we DID start the program right before Thanksgiving AND ALSO moved in that time so we had to restart a few of the weeks a time or two). Well, we've started the 2nd month and if we stay on track we'll wrap it up around mid February. I'll post before and after pics once we've finished the program (and if I can build up the nerve to post awful pictures of my paunchy postpartum body on the world wide for anyone to see). We'll see. I haven't lost any real weight but I've definitely toned up and built up cardio strength and Ben looks GREAT! Also, it's been a great "Team Building" exercise for Ben and I because neither of us would work this hard without the other.

We did get a little snow earlier in the month and Declan thoroughly enjoyed it. It is so nice to have a back yard for him to run around in! I loved letting him play until he wore himself out!

Declan and Aengus received a red wagon from Nana and Poppy for Christmas and...

well, I think the pictures will explain it better than any words I can come up with...

Obviously, Declan is pretty obsessed with the red wagon. He talks about it all the time and it has stolen the #1 spot for "most awesome activity" from playing in the "Rump-USSSSS!! RUMPUS ROOM!". He is very particular, though. He wants the handle of the wagon to be within reach from inside the wagon at all times. It's pretty awesome.

Aengus has learned to say "Mama!" and it is Amamamamaazing! Declan said "Dadda" for about 6 or more months before bothering to call after me so I guess it's only fair. Aengus is also learning the meaning of friendship and has 2 best friends besides his big bro.

(Sweet Georgia Brown... our beloved boxer and Aengus' snuggle buddy BIG TIME)

(Baby C... They crawl around and laugh at each other. It's about the sweetest thing you've ever seen)

(Baby C's big bro is Declan's best bud. Declan hollers "Mon How-wee!"and Toddler H is there.)

Anyway, so that's what we've got! I hope that makes up for the last bummer post. If that doesn't than this should...

See ya next time!

Halley's Comet

2012-01-12T23:20:00.002-05:00

I have a confession. It's one that many of you may find somewhat unsettling. Maybe even highly disturbing. Declan, on the other hand, will find it VERY embarrassing in about 10 years. Naturally, I'm going to spill it. Ready? Here goes...

If Declan can say your name, chances are that we discuss your potty habits in depth and on a daily basis.

"Elmo uses big boy potty? Yes? Big Bird? Yes?"

"And Nana and Poppy, Stella and Georgia..."

"Grandaddy, Uncle Kip, Micah, Aunt Suz!?!?! Yeah, deh go bigboy potty."

Creepy as this may be, the good news is two-fold. Part 1: It's been decided that you guys are all pretty awesome at using the big boy potty. You should be sure that someone gives you your treat every time. It's a big deal guys. Seriously, those skittles are just gonna go to waste. You gotta get what's yours! Part 2: If you get mentioned on the potty list, you also get lots of turns on the bedtime prayer list.

As you may have gathered, the Halley's Comet of potty training interest has, yet again, swung by our house and we are determined not to undermine our own efforts this time. This has made for some real breakthroughs. He's telling us every now and then if he needs to go potty. He's also choosing to wear "big boy underpants" more than "baby diapers". I'm pretty stoked. We still put him in "baby diapers" for naps and bedtime, though.

The whole point of telling you this is to lay the groundwork for the following tale of nap time adventures...

Yesterday, Declan needed to potty before lunch so we went and it was successful. He decided he wanted to wear his "big boy underpants" (cotton training pants with firetrucks on them. You know, officially licensed and issued to/for all "big boys". ) and actually kept them dry through lunch. After lunch we tried to potty one more time(unsuccessfully) and then went back into our "baby diaper" and big boy clothes for nap. About 45 minutes into nap I hear an unusual sound coming from his room. I peek in only to find...

"Where are his clothes?" you ask. Why, in a pile on the floor, of course. His diaper, dry as a bone next to a puddle of something better left in a potty(thanks to Ben for putting down modular garage flooring so it just wipes right up).

The day before a similar scenario played out but ended up with a pile of something more... substantial (I didn't get a picture yesterday, though, I was too busy cleaning) and then he ran past me (completely naked) into the kitchen, grabbed Aengus' rice cereal from the pantry and proceeded to shake it out all over the kitchen floor, making a "snow angel". He then climbed into the fire place and rolled around in soot. Naturally, Ben chose that moment to walk through the door as I was running from one disaster to the next.

Good times.

I'm choosing to look at this "Strip naked during nap and pee on the floor" business as a sign that he wants to keep his undies clean. Yes? No? Maybe? Also, as dear friend Heather put it,"You'll need several rehearsal dinners for all the dirt you got on that kid". I think she's right.

Whirlwind December.

2012-01-11T11:47:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, I was really kicking myself the first half of December for trying to organize(Who? Me?! Shouldn't we hire an adult to handle this for us? Oh, right... Crap! ) a move during the Christmas season. It was a crazy month, indeed, and that's without even counting Christmas.

We moved on December 16th, the same day as Ben's sweet Grandma passed away. Our first week here in Johnson City, TN was spent in a haze of grief, packing peanuts and christmas paper. We are so incredibly grateful to be here, though. It was a stressful week but we kept our heads down and plowed on through. Can I just say how nice it is to be so close to family that you can see your cousins every day if you'd like? It's a blessing.

We finished our Christmas shopping up on the morning of the 23rd(I HATE not being completely done and wrapped before then but with the move, what could we do really? ), I locked myself in our bedroom with all the Christmas paper and a glass of wine and I didn't come out until everything was wrapped. Then, our dear friends, The Champneys, mercifully had us all over for dinner. It was delicious and fantastic! They have 4 littles and their two youngest are boys and are very close in age to our boys. It makes for some good times. It was there that we discovered that this one :

...had his own ideas about what constitutes "Busy". AS IF a big move, a funeral, lots of Gramma/Nana time and Christmas were not enough, Aengus decided that he would go ahead and learn to crawl AND ALSO cut 2 teeth (and alsonotsleepmorethan30minutesATaTIME!!! No, I'm not bitter. I'm just exhausted, y'all!) I thought I had at least another month. Seems to be taking after Declan.

Speaking of Declan, the kid is STILL talking about Santa Clause, Jingle Bells and the Angels watching "Baby DEEESUS!... ALL TRU DUH NIIIIIIIIGHT!!!" He had a great Christmas! Here's some pics from Christmas:

Have a Happy New Year!

Mamaw/Grandma

2012-01-10T11:41:00.000-05:00

I've been meaning to write this post but really didn't know where/ how to start (I guess that's what happens when we procrastinate... not that I would ever do that). December was, in fact, a bittersweet whirlwind of activity. The first half of the month I spent cursing myself for trying to move house during the Christmas season. The second half I spent a little shell-shocked.

Being that I'm not sure where to start, I'm just going to dive right in. Forgive me if I fall short. Around my birthday, Ben's lovely and amazing grandmother, Mamaw Durnin (or "Grandma" as Ben and his brothers and sister call her)went into the hospital for a medical procedure from which she couldn't quite recover from. She left the hospital on hospice during our last week in Lynchburg. Ben and I prayed for a miracle since we would be closer in just a few short days but it was not meant to be. She passed away just as we were driving out of Lynchburg on our way to Johnson City.

At this point, I need to stop and tell you a little bit about this extraordinary woman. She birthed 9 beautiful children. She lost her first son when he was about 5 (a pain I cannot begin to fathom nor do I want to.). She carried on. The family didn't have a car until nearly all the children were grown. Can you EVEN imagine grocery shopping with THAT many children and public transportation? (I can't shop with 2 and I HAVE a car)Amazing.

Not to mention, she had 21 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren and she knew EVERYONE'S name, remembered EVERYONE's birthday(even lowly granddaughter-in-laws)... and she had Christmas presents wrapped for all of her great grand babies before she even left for the hospital. How on EARTH she ever did it, I'll never know. I'm blessed to have even known her for the brief time that I did.

There was so much more to her life(CHOCOLATE!!!) and spirit(clever poems hidden all over the house, anyone?) than I could ever do justice. I guess this is a post better written by someone else but I'm manning the blog until someone volunteers to guest post about Mamaw/Grandma. I know we'll see her again and it's my wish that anyone without the opportunity to meet her on this side will get to know her on the other side.

iheartfaces Feet

2011-12-04T23:54:00.000-05:00

The last week of my pregnancy with Aengus found me with a camera in my hand and the desire to capture as much of Declan as an only child as I could get. I took this shot and the sight STILL makes my heart jump into my throat just a little bit.

Getting choked up just looking at those sweet feet.

Check out more tootsies at

www.iheartfaces.com

Hold Me Closer, Tiny Dancer...

2011-11-16T16:23:00.001-05:00

(Aengus channeling Sir Elton)

So this is gonna be a big post. The Grandaddy gently reminded me of how much he loves the blog and how it's DEFINITELY beyond time to give a little family update. I suppose I agree. For those that don't know, we are moving back to Tennessee in exactly one month. While we love our dear precious friends that we've made here in Central VA, our beloved family resides 5 hours away (or 7, if you're traveling in a car with 2 small ~~minions~~ ~~clones~~ children). Ben has accepted a position with an Orthopedic group in North East Tennessee about an hour and a half away from our family. An hour and a half is about as long of a road trip one can make with min... er, children without everyone completely losing their ever-lovin' minds and prolonging the trip with extra potty/candy bar/ beer stops. I'm only kidding, our kids aren't potty trained and we have a strict "no candy bars until you can hold down a job"policy. Fine, I'm kidding about the beer, too... fun ruiners. All joking aside, it's going to make a world of difference being such a short drive away from family.

We were actually in our soon-to-be-new hometown over Halloween weekend and we found a house to rent as well as a house we might like to buy should it work out for us to stay. Big thank-you to Nana for driving up to spend some quality time with the boys while Daddy and Mama perused the real estate market. We spent a little time with Uncle Kip and Aunt Valerie and were also able to visit with the great grandparents Durnin. It was a jam-packed weekend that ended with a double-baby-badger nap...

And a Halloween Party at the home of our dear friends, The Champneys, where the boys dressed as their spirit animal... the Raccoons.

(Declan TOTALLY lived up to the costume and immediately began foraging for food and turning over trash cans)

The costumes were a hit! Will repurpose the fur vests next year. Hooray!

***

I suppose I should blog a little bit about what sorts of mischief the boys have been into these days. Declan is getting smarter by the second. He knows his alphabet, can tell you what each letter is, can count to 11 and then, once he gets to 11, he starts over at 8. It's a vicious cycle. He has a talking Eric Carle book that he calls the "Chicken book" and he can name all the animals in it. (Sparrow, dragon fly, woodpecker, rooster, crow etc...). He's speaking in complete sentences more and more and learning to recognize feelings and rudimentary concepts ("Oh, no! Aengus SAD!", "Dat breakfast bar GOOD!"). You can actually see him carefully choosing words to place in the sentence. Language development is truly AMAZING! I'll never take it for granted again, that's for sure. Here is a picture or two...

Did I forget to mention what an AMAZING big brother Declan already is?

He's absolutely amazing...

and THIS GUY...

Totally knows it.

Speaking of this guy...

Apart from looking EXACTLY like his father and ALSO being the sweetest baby in the whole wide world, he's growing like a weed. Today he had his 6 month check up and shots. He weighs 17 lbs (50th %), is 27 & 1/2 " long (75-90%) and the head is 17 & 1/2"(shut up, you already know what percentile that giant noggin is in.). He's meeting milestones like he owns them. Rolling over both ways, you say? Oh, that is soooooo last month . Raking fingers to grab things? PUH-LEASE! He invented that move. Imitating speech? Come ON, don't make me laugh. He totally babbles in 5 different languages. What about any other exceptional talents? Does facial hair count?

'Cause we got that too!

Happy Thanksgiving, Y'all!

IHF Hands

2011-10-10T16:30:00.000-04:00

This was one of the first pictures I ever snapped with my camera. It's a picture of my darling godson/baby grand-cousin, W, hiding behind his mama, my cousin. Lina is beautiful from head to toe and her hands are equally lovely. I think this was one of my favorite captures ever. I hope you enjoy!

Go check out more lovely hands at www.iheartfaces.com

A touch of sun... IHF

2011-09-19T14:41:00.000-04:00

This was taken on Declan's 2nd birthday. We played all day long and even went SWIMMING, which is Declan's most favorite activity on the planet! Enjoy more sunshine at I heart Faces.

IHF "White" photo challenge

2011-08-29T08:59:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I was nursing Aengus when I watched Declan slowly rise to his feet, walk to the "kitchen" side of the downstairs and out of my vision (I should note that we live in a rented town home presently and the bottom floor is one big open space divided by the kitchen counter/bar into kitchen/dining area and living room.). I didn't hear glass breaking, loud banging, knives clanging, a thud or crying so I was not initially concerned ... but then I heard a strange sound I'd never heard before. A swishing sound. Curious, I put the baby in his bassinet and walked over to see what was going on when I saw this...

My funny boy making "Baby Powder Angels".

I guess it speaks volumes about my mothering when my first thought is to grab the camera versus getting the mess cleaned up or, you know, putting clothes on my child!

Check out more "white" at iheartface.com

Beautiful Eyes... I heart faces.

2011-08-14T22:42:00.003-04:00

So, I've been a little out of the game when it comes to entering the weekly I heart faces photo challenge. My computer was getting on in years and it was time to replace the old gal... and then we went to the beach... and, I'm out of sorry excuses. Finally, though, the computer situation has been handled and I even have a brand new photo editing program! (Lookout!) So, without further adieu, I introduce my entry for the "Beautiful eyes" photo challenge :

My beautiful, sand-covered toddler. Only his eyeballs were clean. Still, I find the pout, the sand and the over-cast day makes for a pretty neat pic. I think it's pretty clear that the kid knows how to play hard.

Enjoy more beautiful eyes at

www.iheartfaces.com

Let's hear it for the boys!

2011-06-20T00:50:00.001-04:00

In celebration of Father's Day, I Heart Faces contest is celebrating boys. I thought I'd post my favorite picture I think I've ever taken of my husband holding our baby son, Aengus. This was taken over Memorial Day weekend. He looks so happy and proud!

Bright and Vivid!

2011-06-13T20:39:00.001-04:00

The I Heart Faces contest this week is entitled "Bright and Vivid". This wild boy of mine sucks the marrow out of life. He lives in the moment and has more personality than I knew was possible within a 27 lb body. This is a pic of Declan laughing at marmosets at the zoo!

Best Face of May...

2011-05-31T00:13:00.000-04:00

The most beautiful new face I saw all month was obviously the one I had spent the last 9 months growing... Let me tell you, sweet Aengus is such an alert, sweet, wonderful baby and this pic I snapped in the hospital captures his angelic, wide-eyed personality. Can you tell I'm just a little bit in love???

Check out more beautiful faces at Iheartfaces

OH MY GOODNESS!!!

2011-05-26T17:16:00.000-04:00

Monday was the first day that I was left alone, outnumbered by my offspring. It went very well. Everybody got fed. Everybody got changed. Nobody deliberately gave themselves a concussion while throwing a temper tantrum. I considered it a win.

Then came Tuesday. It was exactly the opposite of Monday. Declan dropped a 5lb barbell on Ben's big fancy TV we bought at New Years with Christmas money. It no longer has a picture and apparently that is a very VERY bad thing. A "can't be repaired" kind of bad. I would have loved to have prevented this very bad thing from happening but I happened to have Aengus James in my lap and he's irreplaceable, you see, and the TV can be replaced just as soon as we feel like we want to pony up at bestbuy. We grabbed a much less fancy/large/expensive replacement because the sesame street dance party must continue on, y'all. Thankfully, it's just stuff and with Declan (a.k.a. Toddlerasaurus Rex) around, it's best not to get too attached to "stuff". Oh yeah, I made dinner for the fam. Still winning, Charlie Sheen.

Wednesday came and with it came an AWESOMELY HUGE diaper blowout... and then another... and another. It was gross... and also why Declan has not worn pants or shorts over his diaper since yesterday morning... Because I can spot blowouts before they happen this way. Also, it provides more freedom for awesome dance moves!!! I was also able to make dinner for the fam and it was DELICIOUS! Ben gave me an awesome opportunity to go to target ALL BY MYSELF last night. It was fabulous. I listened to Steve Earle on the way home and felt like I was 24 years old again. Oh freedom!

Today has been much like yesterday. No-pants dance party for the toddler, snuggling the beautiful newborn, herding dogs yadda yadda. Best part is that I'm going on a date with my handsome, charming husband. WOOHOO!

I'll leave you with a few images of Aegus (And before you tell me I'm being unfair to Declan, Mom, there are 2 video links above of Declan getting down... So I'm totally even Steven! )

Mother's day revelations plus other news...

2011-05-15T12:33:00.000-04:00

This is what I looked like on Mother's Day, this year:

Huge... 36 weeks 4 days pregnant but measuring 43 weeks

And the next few images best illustrate every waking moment of my life for the past few months:

But mostly, I tried to savor these little moments with my first-born despite my obvious struggles:

Because, as he has taught me, he will grow up much too fast.

On to other news...

On May 10th ( officially 4 days more pregnant than I had ever been with Declan)I decided that I would likely be pregnant for 2 more weeks so I might as well get comfy. I went to Target and purchased 2 soft maternity t-shirts 1 size up from what I've been wearing as well as a size bigger shorts. I also booked a prenatal massage for the weekend. I went home and made homemade pizza for dinner... then I ripped the tags off the new maternity clothes and threw them in the washer, thus sealing my fate.

No sooner did the spin cycle start then the first contraction hit. 6 minutes later another. They stayed 6 minutes apart for an hour. I got in the shower and they stopped as soon as I hit the water. Then I stepped out of the tub and was immediately greeted with a huge wave of nausea and contractions that were 4 minutes apart. Ben went for a quick run. They worsened in intensity and length for 2 more hours. I requested Ben go ahead and shower. He stretched out on the floor instead and we watched an episode of law & order (duhn duhn!). Half way through, I looked at Ben and said,"Did you hear me? I think you need to go ahead and shower, I'm going to call the OB on call." Ben's eyes got huge and he sprinted to the shower. I called the OB and the babysitter.

30 minutes later the car was packed, the babysitter was here and the contractions were still kickin'. We arrived at the hospital around 1130pm. I was put on the monitor and checked. Turns out I was in labor. Contractions regular, increasing etc and cervix dilating to 4 and soft...and baby's head was not engaged in my pelvis. Having no desire to wait around to dilate to 9.5 cm and still have baby not engaged (like last time), I turned down the opportunity to vbac and the OR was prepped.

At 1:50 am on May 11th, 2011 after much struggle by the OB to even deliver him surgically, our beautiful son, Aengus James England was born. He weighed in at 8lbs 11 oz (technically considered a preemie since I went into labor at 36 weeks 6 days) and 20 inches long.

We're home now and he's even more beautiful!

He's alert and sweet and he nurses like a champion.

The best part of all is that this one, while a little confused about all the commotion,

Is still pretty happy about the whole thing.

(and so am I! I have 2 sweet boys now!!!)

iheartfaces-Pet Week

2011-04-23T22:24:00.002-04:00

When the pet faces photo challenge was announced on www.Iheartfaces.com, I knew the picture I wanted to enter. This week's entry is of my first "baby", Stella.

When I graduated from college, I spent part of my first pay check to buy the cutest, squirmiest little black pug puppy I'd ever seen. She weighed a kg ( 2.2 lbs) and could fit in my purse... So she went everywhere with me. I took her to the music store, to the park, to the baseball field, I even smuggled her into the bar to see bands play.

Sweet, sassy Stella has been my constant companion through some major changes in my life: the addition of another new puppy (her equally wonderful and treasured boxer sister, Georgia), the purchase of my first home, a few bad boyfriends, one really amazing boyfriend (that I immediately married and found out that he was, in fact, an even better husband), the loss of my beloved grandfather, the birth of my first human baby and a move to a new town. In her sweet, bulgy, east-west eyes I see nothing but the unconditional love she has for me and I am most humbled by it. While she's no longer the squirmy little jet-black puppy, she's still my best girl. Although some might call her "pug ugly", she's extraordinarily beautiful to me.

Please go check out more beautiful furry (or feathered or scaly) faces at :

Iheartfaces

If you get a chance today, tomorrow or whenever...

2011-04-04T16:29:00.000-04:00

Please go over to Iheartfaces and cast your vote for entry #22(Martha-Cate, my favorite photog EVER and also kind of my mentor) and entry #88(that's my entry!) and then pic out 8 more wonderful faces to vote on!

Also, in case you're interested and not on my facebook, I have 3d pics of Baby Ben Jr. version 2.0. Brace yourselves, he looks EXTREMELY familiar and super chubby.

Have a great day!!!

Viewers Choice- Best Faces of March!

2011-04-03T12:27:00.000-04:00

So this week's photo challenge from I heart faces is entitled "Best Faces of March" and it's judged by VIEWERS so you can actually go and vote for this picture (and 9 other favorites if you'd like!) on Monday afternoon.

I chose this pic of Lily, Declan's awesomely photogenic little buddy here in Lynchburg. She came over to help me test out the new double stroller and play on the neighborhood swing set about two weeks ago. I snapped a couple (ok, about a hundred) pics of her beautiful face enjoying the warm, sunny day. I hope you like it! I know I do!

Let me know what you think in the comments... And don't forget to check out the rest of all the great pictures and vote for your favorites!

"A Slice of Life" I heart faces!

2011-03-27T06:15:00.000-04:00

One night, a few weeks ago, Declan woke up feeling yucky. We gave him a dose of tylenol and tried to rock him back to sleep. He was having none of it. He wanted to snuggle on his Daddy's lap and watch home movies of himself. Much to Ben's chagrin, I grabbed the camera because the moment was too sweet to miss.

My hope is that it's suitable for the I Heart Faces weekly challenge.

The Entry for I heart faces Sun flare contest!!!

2011-03-13T23:48:00.001-04:00

Is this!

(I KNOW! It's not any from the previous post!)

Iheartfaces.com

I'm entering a photo!!!

2011-03-13T21:16:00.001-04:00

I've decided to enter a photo contest at I Heart Faces

I'm trying to decide which photo I like the best. The photo contest wants a picture with Sun flare. Which one is your favorite?

Photo #1

Photo #2

Photo #3

Photo #4

Leave your vote in the comments!

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Big news!!!

2011-01-22T23:33:00.000-05:00

Since I haven't updated this bad boy in a month of Sundays, I thought I'd take the time to do so now. Declan is going to have a little brother in late Spring. A beautiful baby boy and he already looks like a little Declan/Ben clone. See for yourselves!

Consider me officially smitten.

In case you missed it...

2010-10-12T13:52:00.003-04:00

Declan turned one. We had a big family party and it was so much fun! A friend of mine came to take pictures and she got some beautiful shots of our handsome little guy. Check it out here!

he has a new nickname...

2010-09-16T23:43:00.000-04:00

Best Cousins...

Declan and Grandaddy fixin' to work in the garden.

Declan and Bo tellin' secrets!

This isn't Jacob Foster. This is actually Declan.

(Cool pic, eh? It's an app for my phone. LUUUURVE it!)

Gone is the baby. He's 100% little boy these days.

He still hates naps...

As for his new nickname... It's "Peeps"

September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness month...

2010-09-02T12:07:00.000-04:00

I just did a brief google search about September being childhood cancer awareness month and, for obvious reasons, this website caught my eye. A child with the same name born just 2 days before my own son very near to where we currently live. Heartbreaking, but proof that this horrible disease can affect any family and leave countless broken, devastated lives. When you say your prayers tonight, say an extra prayer for all the researchers, physicians, nurses, families and most especially the brave little patients fighting this horrible disease... and give your babies an extra goodnight kiss.

rounding the bend...

2010-08-18T13:24:00.000-04:00

It's almost that time of year again.

The end of Summer.

The 1 year anniversary of when I became a mother.

Most importantly, the 2nd year anniversary of when I became Ben's wife.

I watched this today and it made me think of that day and how the beauty and gravity of the pledge we

made to each other unfolds and reveals it's self with every passing day...

"I promise to be true to you ..."

That SURE is a handsome man!

2010-08-08T15:04:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to post this super cute picture of my sweetheart-honeypie-smoochy-smoochy-husband! He makes my heart sooooooo happy!

Declan...

2010-08-08T00:22:00.000-04:00

In 21 days Declan will be a year old. He's the sweetest, snuggliest boy! Today we asked him who is best friend was. Did he say "Dadda"? Did he say "BaaMaa"(That's his attempt at "Mama")? No, He furiously made the sign for "Milk". Ha!

He spends at least 25% of his waking day laughing at Stella and playing with her. He spends another 25% cruising around the living room holding onto Georgia. I am so incredibly blessed to watch those three sweet little souls play all day long! Declan is all- boy in his love of canines (seriously, he smiles, waves and laughs at every dog he meets and every picture of a dog he sees!) and I can't help but think that it's in part to how sweet and gentle his own pups are with him. I'm one lucky Mama!

Today, we also discovered that Declan will give hugs and kisses if you ask him for a "Hug and a kiss!".

Here is a video I shot with the phone and edited on the computer of Declan bouncing, playing with Stella and his new snuggly, huggy trick!

Love,

Katy

Not another video!!!

2010-08-03T18:03:00.000-04:00

Double click on the video to bring you to the youtube site and watch the full screen...

little tiny heartaches...

2010-08-01T19:04:00.000-04:00

My son just took 5 deliberate steps. With every little pound of his feet I could feel my heart simultaneously swelling with pride and breaking... and the quiet little voice in my head started singing "You're no longer the mother of an infant... he's officially a toddler". Time to buy someone some shoes.

Lots of footage = long video...

2010-07-29T22:45:00.000-04:00

This is for you, Daddy... and for anyone else who might be suffering from Declan withdrawal and might also have 10 minutes and 22 seconds to watch a youtube video

Love,

Katy

ps. My husband and my son look so cute and adorable... I, on the other hand, look quite haggard but very much in love.

cute overload...

2010-07-13T00:43:00.002-04:00

Sainthood

2010-07-11T01:28:00.002-04:00

*I know it's been forever since I've updated but we've been a little busy moving. I'm truly sorry. *

I want to discuss two candidates for sainthood. These two people have helped us out tremendously throughout this move.

My mother-in-law, Saint Cindy, helped move us up here and entertained Declan through the packing up and the moving in. She also sent me "Cheer up" gerber daisies yesterday because she knew I was having some "transition issues". Oh yes, and also, she went back to our house in Knoxville and cleaned our floors. Seriously, the woman is a Saint. She can be the patron saint of Wild Baby Boy Wrestling (she's the best I've ever seen. She has had enough practice, I'd say) and the Weather Report (She ALWAYS knows the forecast. It's amazing!)

My father-in-law, Saint Tom, came over and helped us pack and haul. He also repaired our trim on the porch posts and cleaned out our gutters... Then he mowed the yard and pulled weeds in the zinnia patch... then he hauled two loads to the dump and moved more furniture. Then, at the end of the day, he came into the house and wanted a beer. The one time we had no beer in the fridge to give him. I felt so bad! Tom surely is the long suffering Patron Saint of patience with ridiculous, old-house loving daughter-in-laws and Experts in home repair and yard work in time of crisis.

DId I ever tell you that I prayed hard for my husband? I not only prayed for a sweet, wonderful, perfect-for-me husband (which I got, btw!) but I also prayed for good in-laws. Let me just tell you, God delivered BIG time in a BIG way( I got TWO sets out of the deal!).

Oh yeah, here's more Declan!

I just realized the way the video embeds in the blog that it cuts off the viewing window. If you double click or right click it should bring you to the Youtube page directly so you can watch the full screen.

Here's more cute.

2010-06-26T16:03:00.001-04:00

Please bear with me as I try to figure out all of the ins and outs of video posting. Thanks!

Try not to lay down and die...

2010-06-26T13:30:00.002-04:00

I know this is way more cuteness than most people can handle... You've been warned.

Got 10 minutes?

2010-06-25T12:33:00.003-04:00

Are you a fan of bad editing? Do you love horrible/mismatched music dubbed over home videos? Do you also love babies kissing? Well, this link is for you!

Not yer average cooking blog...

2010-06-16T17:48:00.001-04:00

I started a cooking blog...

Because no one told me not to.

Let the hilarity ensue!
(Oh food! How I love you!)
http://munchiemcenglands.blogspot.com/

Also, here are more pics of Declan because, really, that's the only reason you're here in the first place

Climbing in Daddy's chair! (Seats are for bottoms!)

How cute is this expression?

(can you see those top 3 chompers?)

"I am a parenting genius" ...

2010-06-14T10:29:00.001-04:00

Is only true prior to becoming an actual parent. True fact. Another true fact is that even AFTER becoming a parent, one might still tell themselves that they are, in fact, a parenting genius but it will certainly be proven otherwise just as soon as that smug little gem is uttered or thought of.

Before I became a mother, I was a pediatric nurse. I had an unending supply of patience and an uncanny knack for soothing even the most colicky baby to a sound slumber. I had tips and tricks for every parenting pitfall and from my perspective, they seemed to work. And then Declan was born...

Suddenly, I could no longer settle my own wild, milk-drunk fuss monkey to sleep. As soon as I discovered the tight swaddle/hair dryer cd was working (It took several nights to notice) I thought, "I am a parenting genius"... and he immediately had a growth spurt that doubled his strength and allowed him to burst forth out of the swaddle. Sad day.

You think I would have learned. Oh, but that smarmy streak of mine is long and wide and it gets me every time. EVERY STINKIN' TIME!!! Such as my solution to the diaper-unfastening trick he's been mastering.

Remember this?

As luck would have it, he does enjoy using the big boy potty. I've learned that it's best to put him on the potty about 10 minutes after eating. It saves me a diaper. Also, he seems to handle his business as soon as I walk out of the bathroom. Maybe he likes the privacy. Also, if he doesn't have to go, he manages to climb off the potty and flip it upside down. Also. Also. Also. Oh Katy, when will you ever learn ?

This morning Declan nursed then he ate then I put him on the big boy potty. I left to make the bed (Seriously, our house is tiny. I'm actually only about 10 feet away from my son as I do this. ) and give him his privacy. No sooner do I turn my back than that mental pat on the back worms it's way into my crazy mom brain. "Look at me! Multi-tasking! My son needs his privacy. He would NEVER turn a full potty over. He only does that when he is bored and doesn't need to go! My son is a little baby genius and I AM A PARENTING GENIUS!" Immediately after that thought has been thunk, I hear a clanging clink sound. I take two steps and I'm in the bathroom... with my son happily clanging his upside-down potty while it's former contents decorate the floor.

And I suddenly hear a different voice in my head. It belongs to my mother-in-law and she's telling me the story of... (Cindy, you know what the story is about.) Nevermind. The story is not important. Only the moral. Let's just leave with the thought that Declan is his father's son.

SO I have this wild and crazy idea...

2010-06-13T01:13:00.000-04:00

That I can feed my family a healthy, well-rounded, mainly vegetarian diet without my husband or myself missing meat too much... and without my having to choke down any beans. I hate beans. Yes, even black beans. Even in chili. Beans are gross. Well, all beans except green beans and garbanzo beans. This little Mama loves her hummus. Can this be done?

I stumbled upon this hair-brained notion after reading this great little book called Food Rules. It's awesome and so simple that it really got my wheels turning. Now that I'm a stay-at-home Mama/Wife (Domestic Engineer), I've got more time to focus on slow food versus "fast food". What if I cleaned up our diet and moved our family away from over-processed, high fructose corn syrup-filled "edible food-like substances" and moved us towards a more whole foods approach? I'm certain it can be done but it isn't going to be easy.

My husband is super picky ("No white condiments. No zucchini. No sweet potato. I don't like it when you cook with wine. Let's get a pizza and on my half I want bacon and sausage and diet mountain dew ... " ok, so this isn't a direct quote exactly and I might be fabricating the part about diet mtn dew on a pizza but still, he drinks that stuff ALL the time.) and I'm not much better ("Ew gross, beans! Ketchup only on my burger! Does this chicken salad have pickle relish in it because if so I won't eat it! I will only drink mayfield's skim milk or else I'll just die of brittle bones!") and we both eat healthy about 50% of the time which isn't enough. It just isn't.

My goal is to prepare hearty, healthy and delicious veggie-based meals that are so awesome that no one misses the meat. I'm not saying remove meat all together, I'm just saying at least 5 nights a week make meals with no meat. Maybe a little fish here and there. Move our healthy eating to 95% of the time. It's going to take baby steps and lots of help. I'm thinking that I might even start a blog all about it with recipes and ideas. Maybe not. It might be the lamest blog ever. I'll have to think about it.

Now, I ask very little of my readers but today I am asking you for help. Please comment or email me with ideas, blog links, recipes as you run across them, your opinion on whether this little idea of mine needs a blog all it's own or not. Thanks so much!

maternity leave reprise...

2010-06-07T22:30:00.000-04:00

Thursday was my last day of work at Children's Hospital. Many, MANY tears were shed. Also, I hate goodbyes. HATE THEM. Our little family is having to say far too many goodbyes over the next month and it's killing me....But I digress. As I was saying, Thursday was my last day of work. I've had a paying job since I was 15 and I have worked at Children's for the last 6 years of my life so this will take some getting used to. Also, I LOVE being a nurse and am fortunate to not only have amazing coworkers but I happen to have taken care of the best patients to EVER be sick. Seriously, my patients are the BEST. Where am I ever going to find that again? I'm not. That's where!

Friday was a jam-packed day of doctor's appts for our handsome, tri-toothed sugar-monkey. He's 9 months old, you know. Since I have such a hard time saying goodbye and since we were in the area anyway, Declan and I went to the GI for Kids office in the Children's Medical Office Building (that's where I've been specifically working for the last 2 plus years). Declan was super charming. He got his picture made with several of my sweet work friends but this is the only one I have access to at the moment...

This is Declan with Mama's dear friend, Angela.

After visiting with our friends at the GI office, we went over to the hospital and visited with my dear friends at the Oncology Clinic. I worked with these girls on the inpatient side and we all moved to other areas about the same time. I remembered quickly why I was a pediatric oncology nurse for as long as I was... I really miss those girls and those sweet little bald-headed kiddos! Here are two pics from Oncology Clinic...

My dear friend, Brittany. I'm going to miss her soooo much!

This is Declan and Gail. Declan is sporting some sweet headgear.

So, I guess today counts as my first OFFICIAL day of Stay-at-home motherhood. I did four loads of laundry, changed the sheets, went to the gym and did the grocery shopping. It was quite a busy day. It may be more work not to work!

Memorial Day Weekend!!!

2010-06-01T21:59:00.000-04:00

On Friday we bought Declan a play floor...

As you can see, He LOVED it!!!

Then Daddy and Mama got dressed up and took Declan to Nana's and went to a party!!!

(Sort of dressed up... I didn't exactly brush my hair or anything)

On Saturday, Declan went to the pool for the first time!!!

He LOVED it!!! He's quite the little swimmer but...

I didn't get any pictures of him in the actual pool... Just in-between dips while smothering him in sunscreen!

Saturday Night we went to dinner with the Fawvers where we were thoroughly entertained by a most rousing game of Peek-a-Boo with this little cutie...

(Could you just EAT her?!?! I had to steal this pic from her mama's facebook as I forgot the camera!)

On Sunday, we spent some time with our dear friends, The Jahnkes!

I forgot to pull out the camera but it was super fun to spend time with them and their stinking adorable little fireplug, Little David.

After that, Declan and Daddy played in the yard for a minute...

And it was so fun!!!

Then we went to Sunday dinner with the fam where my baby grand-cousin, Avery, ACTUALLY let me braid her hair...

Have you ever seen a more beautiful girl in all your life???

What a wonderful weekend!

I hope yours was blessed and happy!

Love,

The Englands!!!

My husband, the liar!

2010-05-25T19:31:00.004-04:00

***This blog is in no way meant to be construed as mean. I love my husband more than anything in this entire world. I consider him the answer to earnestly prayed prayers. I worship the ground he walks on. I think he's the most wonderful human being on the planet. This blog is merely here to show the reader a funny facet of the gem that is the man I married...and maybe give him a little grief while I'm at it. ***

My husband is a very private person. Let me illustrate...

- He didn't introduce me to his parents for 8 months.

-He doesn't want to hire a housekeeper every other week because he doesn't want people going through his things.

- As a child, he locked his comic books up in a little orange chest ( he still has the little orange chest to this day!) to keep them away from his brothers.

-He keeps a passcode lock on his phone (I know the code... he's not hiding anything from me). He "says" it's to protect patient information but really it's so that in case his phone gets lost or stolen, no one will read his text messages. (NERD!)

-"I don't know what it is about your generation that makes you want to put all that private information on the internet!"-direct quote from Ben when I told him that I'm writing this particular blog.

Maybe he's private. Maybe he's borderline paranoid. Don't ask me, I'm just the lucky girl that married him!

(See? See how lucky I am!?!)

Where he is most private, though, is when his patients ask him small-talk questions about his life. He's soooooooo private that he makes up ridiculous, bold-faced lies when confronted with said questions. He readily admits this, too. It's actually hysterical. According to Dr. L.L. Pants-on-fire, I am not a nurse but actually a certified underwater welder and a mason(Brick or Stone or Shriner in training, I don't know, he didn't specify). Also, Lady Gaga was my college roommate. Nevermind the fact that I'm about 5-10 years OLDER than her. It's not important. What's important is that Ben finds it imperative that he shield his patients from the plain ol' dorky/boring truth. Regardless, I love him.

(Look at how handsome and sweet he is! )

Every new day seems to bring...

2010-05-24T21:26:00.003-04:00

a brand new trick for my little magician to perform.

This weekend he began saying "Dadda!" as well as complete, grammatically perfect sentences such as ,"Ah-goo Ah, Dadda! Dadda Dadda ah Dadda." and the succinct ,"Gah! Lalalala, aaah Dadda!"(all the while, gesturing emphatically with his open palms). Seriously, my child is a little baby genius!

In addition to his oratorical prowess, he also has the ability to teach valuable lessons. Such as on Saturday when we went to a friend's baby shower and he proceeded to warn those baby-hungry party-goers of the dual nature of adorable infants. He attempted to single-handedly clear the table by jerking fiercely on the tablecloth. This is the SECOND baby shower that he's attempted this little trick so if this scenario sounds vaguely familiar, it's because I didn't learn my lesson the first time. The lesson being that while Declan LOVES bathtime and real showers, he HATES baby showers... or at least pink plastic tablecloths.

This weekend also brought a brand new baby item into our home. Since Declan has been removing his own diaper I felt like it was high time to buy the little prince a thrown of his own. Yes, Declan now has a fancy schmancy little red potty all his own. And before you roll your eyes, he has actually used it... At least 8 times! No, we aren't exactly pushing hard-core potty training on an 8 1/2 month old infant but it won't hurt anything to start gradually introducing the potty into his day to day life. My mother says he's "training " me instead of vice versa and that is fine. But ya gotta admit, he seems to have a pretty good time on that ol' potty.

See?

In addition to all the talking and the gesturing and the guerilla-style attacks on pink table-cloths and the massively awesome pottying skills... This morning, after he finished nursing, he began... CLAPPING! It made me feel like Miss America! I guess breakfast was extra good because I've never been showered with applause afterwards. Pretty exciting! It's so cute to see him clap his little hands! He is so much fun! I can't wait to see what other tricks he has up his sleeves! He makes me proud to be his mama every single day!

Thanks for reading, dear friends! We love ya'll so much!

love,

The Englands

If you could take a picture of what is in my heart...

2010-05-17T21:17:00.001-04:00

It would look like this.

Shenanigans

2010-05-11T20:45:00.000-04:00

Baron T.T. Von TeeTeePants (This is what the original nickname, "Mr. Cheekers" has evolved into.... also known as Declan's alter ego, "TeeTee" for short, "TT" for shorter) has been up to his eyeballs in 'nanigans this past week but most especially today. Here is a brief overview.

THIS PAST WEEK
- TT sprouted his first tooth at the beach and shortly thereafter began trying to prove that he's man enough to eat steak by climbing and rolling out of the inflatable bathtub-duck/baby-pool with the gusto of a sailor climbing out of a submarine...
-And giving high-fives.
-We went out to lunch one day at the beach and our son, the one who CLIMBS and ROLLS and STANDS but refuses to crawl, began dancing in his high chair with surprising rhythm to classic rock (the WHO's "Baba O'Reilly" more specifically) It was quite the show he put on.
-He still refuses to crawl... unless you've got the red Monkey rattle from Nana's house, then he'll think it over.

TODAY
-Today the note from daycare read "Declan climbed ONTO the toy shelf and picked out his own toy".
-This afternoon when we got home, I noticed that Declan's diaper was unfastened. This is the third time this week I've noticed this but have, until now, contributed it to slipshod/in-a-hurry diapering skills. I refastened his diaper with great care only to find him pulling the tabs loose and then rolling out of said diaper.
-When Ben got home from work, the mattress on the crib was quickly lowered to the lowest setting.

Here are pictures taken of Declan TT.

After the bath

(note the "reverse superman" pose)

Flossing his tooth

Why the crib mattress was lowered

I am madly in love with two men at the same time...

2010-05-09T23:35:00.000-04:00

And they made my Mother's Day wonderful!

(Oh, don't act like you didn't see that one coming!)

I've been basking in their attention all day long and LOVING every second of it!

Back to work tomorrow.

Happy Mother's day!

As you may or may not know...

2010-05-06T00:06:00.000-04:00

The McEnglands are moving in July. We are leaving our beloved east Tennessee home and heading for Lynchburg, VA. Ben has found an amazing job there doing what he loves and working with some truly wonderful people. We will be selling our sweet little water-front home and moving into a fabulous downtown loft hewn from an old tobacco warehouse. It's sure to be a wonderful new adventure...

But I'm still heartbroken. In fact, the decision has been made since February yet it has taken me this long to blog about it. This is a huge, life changing deal and I am just now blogging about it? I'm not exactly sure how to process this big giant change.

This week I have done a LOT of thinking about what's ahead. I've decided to make a little list of things that are exciting about the move in order to boost my spirits. I thought I'd share it with you...

1. Virginia sells wine in the grocery store! Imagine the convenience!
2. Lynchburg is 3 hours from Washington, D.C.. Think of the amazing museums and opportunities to learn and explore that sweet Declan will have? Not to mention dinosaurs!
3. There is an amtrak station there meaning that we can take the train to Washington, D.C., Atlanta, GA, New Orleans, LA and even Buffalo, NY if we wanted. How fun is that?
4. Lynchburg is lush and green and looks like home.
5. Lynchburg is a college town full of adorable coffee shops, interesting restaurants and fabulous old houses.
6. Living downtown will give Stella ample opportunity to walk off those extra puggy pounds.
7. There is an awesome bookstore called "Little Dickens" which is geared towards children and families. This is sure to be an England family favorite.
8. Declan and I are going to take a water babies swim class at the Lynchburg YMCA.
9. This is an opportunity to make new friends and learn a brand new town.
10. I will be with my beautiful husband and darling son. Really, isn't that the most important of all?

My heart...

2010-05-03T20:56:00.000-04:00

Beats fast and hard....

for the beach...

And these two breathtaking men.

I think this may be the most beautiful site I've seen in some time.

8 months...

2010-04-28T23:32:00.001-04:00

We became parents 8 months ago. I am stunned that something can simultaneously feel so recent yet so far away but that is how I feel. Declan has grown and changed so much and so fast that it seems to have created a timewarp of sorts in my life. I can't believe how lucky I am that God chose ME to be his mama!

Declan has been super busy...
He doesn't crawl forwards or backwards but... he crawls in a circle like a compass.
He also rolls.
He also climbs.
In short, he gets anywhere he wants to go.
He can pull himself up on our fingers (not sure that counts but I'm counting it.)
He balances well.
He sits and reaches.
He opens and closes his fist for "bye-bye" but he doesn't quite grasp the "bye-bye" concept yet. The wheels are turning, however.
He does give high-fives.
He ADORES peek-a-boo (we say "pee-pie", though) and will look around the pee-pie towel to try and find me.
He gives Mama super-sloppy kisses on the cheek but will NOT give Daddy's scratchy face any sugar whatsoever!
He LOVES to dance to music. He sways his little head and moves his hands and feet rhythmically to the music. It's so sweet to watch!
He LOVES the hammock and being outside.
He LOVES the girl dogs and pets them surprisingly gentle for someone his age. The sweet girl dogs are equally fond of their little human baby brother.
He LOVES food.
Speaking of food, we have now successfully added lamb, asparagus, cherries, blueberries and yogurt to his diet. This boy LOVES food (did I mention that yet? Ok, well, it just bears repeating!) and we have been truly fortunate to have no issues with food allergies thus far.

I will leave you with a few oldies of sweet Declan's first few days...

(Can you get over how different he looks? I certainly can't!)

Adventures in baby wrasslin'!

2010-04-18T22:26:00.000-04:00

Declan was diagnosed with Pneumonia on Thursday

THEN

Ben left for a conference in Mexico on Friday morning

THEN

Declan was put on Steroids an hour and a half later

THEN

Declan's antibiotics gave him diarrhea

THEN

The 'roid rage started

THEN

I noticed he was TEETHING....

THEN

I realized Declan had 3 more days of Steroids and Ben would be gone for FOUR DAYS.

It's been a LONG weekend.

I was tagged...

2010-04-18T22:01:00.001-04:00

Shell-bell tagged me several days ago and was interested in the contents of my purse... Lucky for me, I'm in the midst of changing over from my winter to my spring/summer bag so the timing couldn't have been better...

I'm transferring from the black patent bag to the discontinued vera bradley print that my brother and father bought me two Christmases ago. I've become less of a bag person since I've become a mother... probably because I have to carry more bags. What you see before you are the contents of my bag.
*Zebra print wallet
*3 pens(one of which is neon orange)
*super-cute yellow change purse given to me by my dear friend, Molly. I keep $1 bills in it to pay for parking in the close garage (or when I hit up the mouse's ear... I KID!!!)
*1 zone perfect bar
*Sephora gift card/compact
*silver case that uses to hold gift cards
*burt's bees hand lotion. It's the world's STINKIEST hand lotion but it feels sooooo good!
*4 pink lip glosses and a tube of lipstick. (Don't judge me! I like variety. )
*Hand Sanitizer
*Nail Polish in "OPI Red". It's my signature red. I've worn it since High School. Opi discontinued the color for a while but brought it back (Thank the Sweet LORD!). I just keep my bottle in my purse so that when I gotta get a pedi in a hurry, I'm good to go!

Sadly, if you did a "What's in your bag?" diaper bag edition, you'd find much of the same stuff.
Now it's my turn to tag some people...
Meredith , Jamie, Elizabeth and Allison.
I want to know what you girls are packin'!

Declan's weekend of spring time adventure!!

2010-04-12T20:55:00.000-04:00

This weekend was so beautiful that we spent as much time as possible out of doors! I got as many pictures as I could stand to get but there are some missing... because sometimes a mom just has to live in the moment and not worry about a silly camera!

Declan looked super duper sporty in his shades

He LOVED the hammock...

But was none too thrilled to roll around in the patch of violets!

(this one's a little blurry but he looked so cute in his new hat!!!)

In addition to our roll in the hammock and grass, we also had a snuggle picnic under a shady dogwood and played "Peekaboo" for hours while Daddy did manly yard-work things and the dogs looked on. This weekend felt like the closest to heaven that I've ever been for sure. Thank GOODNESS Spring is here!

Love,
Katy

PS. Keep a dear friend of mine with a big heavy special intention in your prayers please. Thanks!

A brand new day...

2010-04-06T23:08:00.000-04:00

Today we are thrilled to announce that our beautiful son was reborn in Christ! Declan was baptized by Father Charlie Donahue this afternoon while Grandparents, Godparents and Mama and Daddy looked on.

Father Charlie gave a beautiful homily (or sermon, if you will) about how the Holy Spirit came to Jesus' baptism in the form of a dove and how the dove is a sign of peace because the dove is such a fragile animal that it requires peace to thrive. How doves can live their entire lives in one tree. How Declan is like a dove in that he will thrive in a peaceful, loving, Christian home and how, like a dove, he will always be able to find his way home. He also brought up the fact that since the first century when babies are baptized, they are anointed over their fontanels so that "they will always have a soft spot for God".

It was like he knew that today was something special! After the service, most of us went to Calhoun's on the river for dinner. It was lovely. Declan's "Fairy Godmother" (Aunt Susanna) snapped this beautiful family photo outside of the restaurant.

SO I didn't post his 6 month stats yet... and he's half way to 7

2010-03-20T10:50:00.000-04:00

Ht: 2ft 2 and a quarter of an inch (45%)

Wt: 18lbs 10 oz (65%)

Head Circumference: ?" (90%...they're keeping their eyes on it)

Talents: Being so very brave through his recent surgery(he's my hero), putting his feet in his mouth, giving kisses, petting puppy dogs, sitting up and playing, singing, smiling and laughing. Reaching ... for Mama, Daddy, Cousin Charley. Standing and holding on for long periods of time.

Favorite foods:(after breast milk): Roasted bell peppers and carrots! Nectarines! Avocado!

Still has his Daddy's hair cut, pretty eyes, eyebrow(s)and cute little nose. He's also got his father's brute strength and focused attention span!

Has Mama's cheeks, smile and sense of humor! Who am I kidding, he's a Ben clone. Nevermind!

Just wanted to say...

2010-03-19T23:36:00.000-04:00

My son is my hero.

Declan at 5 months...

2010-02-08T20:13:00.000-05:00

Wt: 16lbs 10 oz
Ht: somewhere around 2 feet tall
Eye color: Blue as a summer sky!
Hair: reddish brown and thick and spiky!
Newest talents: Can tripod sit, sit unassisted for 30 seconds, laughs ALL THE TIME, interacts with his favorite girl dogs, and can now roll from front to back... if there's a toy or a Mama out of reach.
Favorite Foods (other than breastmilk ): green beans, sugar snap peas, nectarines and bananas/avocado/lime juice (the lime juice keeps the avocado and banana from browning)

Here's a few more pics of our super handsome fella!

Green bean party

Sittin' like a big boy in a highchair for the first time

Exersaucer party

Snugglin' his dear ol' Daddy

Laughing at Mama while Daddy computerizes something...

Seriously, have you ever seen a more beautiful boy?!?! He's as handsome as his Daddy and laughs loud and often just like his Mama! He melts my heart and then explodes it!

Happy Valentine's day!

little tiny miracles...

2010-01-13T19:38:00.000-05:00

Yesterday evening a poor, tiny country on the island of Hispaniola saw the rage of Mother Nature. A devastating earthquake shook Haiti and the number of lives lost as a result will be, without a doubt, staggering. Please pray for all of the Haitian people and that the Holy Spirit cloak them with God's loving comfort and peace. Please pray for the relief workers and that Christ light can shine through them in this dark time.

In less important news, we had some crazy real world adventures today. Declan woke us up at 4:45 this morning with a barky ol' cough. Ben brought him into our bed so I could nurse him. When he was finished I brought him back to his crib. Walking back to bed, I noticed a foul cat-pee smell. While we do have a feline friend, he has NEVER peed or marked a thing. I woke Ben up and told him I suspected a gas leak.

I called into work because it was obvious that Declan's week-long cold had morphed into croup and he needed to be seen and Ben called KUB to check it the odor. As it happened, KUB came right out and found the problem and fixed it while Declan and I were at the pediatrician's office. Declan received a dose of a liquid corticosteroid called decadron and that was that.

I'm choosing to look at this day as a day full of tiny miracles... My son can still breathe and our house did not blow up. My son did have a little 'roid rage as a result of the decadron but it wasn't anything that can't be forgiven and forgotten with a nap and a piece of chocolate!

I hope you all are well! Love, The Englands

We had a photo shoot today...

2009-12-27T23:03:00.002-05:00

Martha-Cate is the best photographer in the world! She's from East Tennessee and her family still lives here. She lives outside of Charlotte with her darling husband, Andy, but she'll gladly make the trek back to these parts to take your picture!

Here's a link to the pics from today!
http://mcatephotography.blogspot.com/2009/12/mcenglands.html

Oh, I almost forgot!

2009-12-22T22:00:00.000-05:00

Hello, all you beautiful McEngland blog readers! Today was a MUCH BETTER day than yesterday. Ben took Declan to my Mama's and I felt much better today. Also, my afternoon infusion was cancelled last minute and I got to pick up my sweet son while the sun was still out ( Not seeing a peak of daylight ALL DAY really messes with my ol' mood for SURE). My appetite is still gone as I just picked at lunch but that's ok. I think I'm gonna be alright after all. I guess Ben won't need to get that paper route after all (You dodged a bullet on that one, Honey Pie! *wink*)

I forgot to give the 4 month update on our little fella. He only gained 3 ounces from last month to this month but he grew almost an inch! The Doc wasn't worried in the least as he gained so much the first 3 months (He's 70% weight and stable at 38% height) He also gave us the all clear to slowly start baby foods if Declan seemed so inclined. Declan also had to get 4 month shots. He was much easier consoled this time around but the after-effects were worse. He was cranky and he ran a low grade fever off and on for 36 hours after. No FUN!

What was fun was letting Declan try some organic brown rice cereal! He's doing really well with it. Next food on the menu: AVOCADO! Yum! Here's a pic of my handsome prince on his throne enjoying his first feast!

Ok, here's another because I just can't decide which one I like best

And here is one for the ladies...

"Here's lookin' at you, Nana!"

First day back at work...

2009-12-21T23:02:00.000-05:00

*I sobbed the entire drive to my Mama's.
*I sobbed when I nursed my son one last time before leaving.
*I sobbed when I kissed him goodbye.
*I sobbed when I drove away.
*I was glad I wore water-proof mascara
*I couldn't remember my clock-in number then...
*I thought I remembered it suddenly.
*I lost my appetite.
*I talked to my Mama at lunch and guess what (here's a hint...I SOBBED!)
*I discovered I was double booked for the afternoon.
*My second infusion was an hour and forty-five minutes late getting started which means...
*I didn't get to leave work until 5 minutes before 6.
*I didn't remember my clock-in number after all...
*I sobbed all the way back to my Mama's.

My son, however, had a GREAT day. Gramma took him to get his picture made with Santa and then they met a friend for lunch. I don't think he even noticed that he hadn't seen me all day. Oh well.

Tomorrow better be easier or else Ben will have to get a paper route. Keep me in your prayers!

This time last year...

2009-12-19T02:18:00.002-05:00

Ben and I were celebrating our first married Christmas and Declan, well, he was just a twinkle in his Daddy's eye and a longing in his Mama's heart.

This year we celebrate our first Christmas as a family.

As my maternity leave comes to it's inevitable end and we bid adieu to what has been a most amazing year I can't help but feel a little bit sad to see them both come to a close. This past year has been chock full of so many blessings for our little family ranging from Ben's fellowship to the discovery, growth and delivery of a healthy, happy bouncing baby boy. Being Declan's Mama is the best thing I've ever done next to marrying his Daddy and I have been very fortunate to have such a long and joyful maternity leave. I've learned so much in these last four months with my beautiful Son! Thanks to Declan, I can experience Christmas with a deeper understanding of the Blessed Miracle and God's incredible sacrifice. It makes my heart explode with gratitude. I hope all of my lovely readers have an amazing Christmas and that 2010 is full of great things!

With so much love,

Katy England

Declan has officially been to 5 states!

2009-12-14T15:04:00.000-05:00

This past weekend we went to Hattiesburg, MS. It really was a neat little college town. It reminded me of a cross between Mobile, AL and Chattanooga, TN but smaller and less established in areas than both of those places. We really had a great visit. Declan and I were taken around town to look at neighborhoods and visit several schools while Ben was in meetings and interviews.

It was unseasonably cold in Hattiesburg but that didn't stop Declan from being happy!

Ben really loved the job, set-up and benefits and I really loved the Catholic school in Hattiesburg. Sacred Heart is pre-K through 12th grade and it is AMAZING. The kiddos are READING by Kindergarten and the whole place hums with curiosity and excitement. The students love to learn at that school and it's truly wonderful. The school infuses the arts into EVERY subject and there is a real focus on community service. It's everything a Catholic school should be and it is exactly the kind of education I want for Declan as well as any other children we may be blessed with.

It has everything we want except all of our loved ones (friends, family, friends that have morphed into family and vice versa). Hattiesburg would be the perfect fit if it were two towns over or even still in-state or if we could just bring everyone we love with us. The thing is that we are so happy and content here in Knoxville. What if we have to move somewhere and we never find that sense of completeness and belonging again? What if where we move never becomes home to us? It's terrifying... which is why I'm asking for prayers.

I know this isn't an easy thing to do especially since so many of you want exactly what we want, which is for us to stay right here. None the less, please pray that we may find our place and that we end up where we can do the most good. That God's plan prevails and we can trust his will... and learn to suck it up and answer his call no matter how far it takes us from where we want to be.
Thanks, sweet friends.

Tomorrow...

2009-12-09T23:39:00.001-05:00

*The Daddy will have his first real live "I'm a REAL Doctor" job interview.

*The Mama will be turning 30.

*The Baby will be leaving town for the SECOND time in his life. (Fancy boy!)

The England family is flying to Hattiesburg, MS for Ben's interview. Please keep us and our pilots and fellow travelers in your prayers. Also, please pray that the group LOVES Ben as much as we do and decides they can't live without him OR that if this job isn't a good fit that we can discern that pretty quickly. In addition, if it isn't too much trouble, pray that our first England family trip is a good one.

Thanks, ya'll!

Did you know that Declan's girlfriend is a supermodel?

2009-12-05T18:43:00.001-05:00

Her name is Bridgette and she's a real live cover girl! She's about to be on the cover of KnoxMom's magazine! She's the daughter of our dear friends, the Fawvers. Way to go, Bridgette! We love you and we're so proud of you! (Here's a pic of Bridgette and Declan together!)

Declan and the snow...

2009-12-05T01:05:00.000-05:00

(taken from behind a windshield)

As many of you know, Declan and I are spending this weekend in Buffalo with the McDonald grandparents while Ben in is at a conference in Arizona. Today was the first time I've been fortunate enough to be up here for a big fat lake effect snowfall. It was BEAUTIFUL and, of course, Gramma and Mama decided to bundle Declan up and go... SHOPPING!

Our shopping trip was cut short, however, when Grandaddy called Gramma and said "I've spilled something on my shirt, could you bring me a sweater?" So off we went to Grandaddy's office where Declan decided to do Grandaddy's job for a while.

Here he is in Grandaddy's chair...

Here he is testing out Grandaddy's couch...

Here he is being toted around and doted on by Gramma.

Here he is snuggled in his jammies after a long day.

Declan isn't totally certain about what a CEO does but if today was any indication then he's pretty sure it involves spilling stuff on your shirt, sitting in a chair, laying on a couch, being doted on by Gramma and snuggling in your pajamas with your lambchop lovey. Watch out, Grandaddy, Declan is gunning for your job !*Wink*

Two pictures from Declan's first air travel experience

2009-12-03T00:18:00.000-05:00

First plane ride...

Sitting in the Charlotte airport just talking about Daddy! Declan LOVES his Daddy!

Getting to know you

2009-12-03T00:14:00.001-05:00

Wednesday night Ben and I went to Target to pick up a few items for our assorted travels to Phoenix (Ben flew out yesterday), Buffalo (Declan and I flew out today) and Hattiesburg (All three of us leave next Thursday). It was there that I discovered something about my husband that I had never noticed before...

Ben LOVES anything in miniature. In the travel aisle I watched in amusement as Ben delighted in filling the buggy with little mini sized toothpastes, itty bitty deodorants, teeny tiny cans of shaving cream, petite bottles of face wash. When I pointed this out, he noted that his love of miniature did not stop at toiletries, it also encompassed his little wife. So sweet! I could kiss his face off, he's such a love!

Three years ago today...

2009-12-01T20:50:00.001-05:00

This very handsome man...

...met this short and goofy girl

and suddenly everything became so clear.

Happy December 1st!

Declan's very first Thanksgiving...

2009-12-01T01:10:00.000-05:00

Started on Tuesday when the McDonald grandparents came in.

Wednesday, he got to watch Mama bake some cakes and back on up to the big house we went, where he strolled in his stroller as Mama and Gramma walked and talked... and Bo, Uncle Jamesy's big ol' bull-in-a-china-shop of a boxer, got sprayed by a skunk. Fun City.

Thursday, that dear Daddy of Declan's was off work for the first time in about a month and a half. He got to go for a nice long run and when Daddy gets to run, the whole house hums with happiness! After Daddy had a shower, we packed the car and headed on out to get our thankful turkey party started! We dropped off a cake at the big house only to find that Uncle Micah had purchased a silver Vespa. We left and headed up to Kingsport for the Durnin family Thanksgiving. As you can see, Declan...

was the center of attention!

We also were lucky enough to visit with Ben's sweet Aunt Sabra and Uncle John. Cousin Laura and Cousin Heath were there too. They had their Christmas tree up and Declan just LOVED watching the lights. It was so very sweet.

Friday was an entire day of Man-Time with Daddy while I participated in a long-standing McDonald female tradition of shopping and lunch with my Mama (Gramma) and my aunt Barbara (the grand Barb!) Cousin Reece and her dear mother-in-law, Debbie (Aunt Nana!)... Did I mention that lunch includes wine? Very well, then.

Saturday was super fun! Declan got to meet his Nashville cousins at the England Family Thanksgiving. It was so sweet to see Paige and Preston play with Declan. Nan and Bop-Bop were impressed with Declan's heft and also all of his England charm! Declan was impressed with Nan's ability to snuggle and sway at the same time!

Sunday was "Festive Christmas Family Picture" day at the big house with Gramma, Granddaddy, Jamesy, Micah and us. The following photo best exemplifies the chaos of Thanksgiving this year...

And this next one is how Declan feels about his routine being messed with since Tuesday...

This would be a pouty frown. Sad day!

Monday morning found Daddy with a very painful back, Mama with a sinus infection and Declan unafraid of vocalizing his displeasure about being slighted out of all those naps! Whew!

I hate to break it to him but the next few weeks will find Declan's cheese DEFINITELY moved.

That's all for now!

Looooooooong Day, BUSY BABY!

2009-11-24T23:33:00.001-05:00

So Declan had his 3 month check-up today. He's 86th percentile in weight at 15 lbs and he's 38 percentile height at 23 and 1/2 inches. The practitioner that saw him recognized his Daddy's name. Turns out, he was from Maryville and graduated from William-Blount with Uncle Kip and Aunt Valerie... Apparently, was best buddies with Aunt Val. Does Benjamin Batchelor ring a bell? He was very good to Declan and said that Declan looked WONDERFUL and healthy and is developmentally on a 5 month level but to not be surprised if he ends up a little behind in rolling over. Apparently, roly poly babies don't always roll as fast as their svelte baby friends. Ironic, isn't it?

After our fun-filled visit to the pediatrician's office, I headed over to the GI For Kids office to show off handsome baby Declan to my coworkers. He slept for most of the visit but a few people got to see him with his eyes open. As we were leaving the office, my parents called to say that they had made it in to town and please hurry and bring Declan over.

We went straight to the big house to see the McDonald grandparents. Declan had big fun with his Uncle Micah and Uncle Jamesy. He enjoyed snuggling with Gramma but he really had a good time laying in Granddaddy's arms and watching the ceiling fans. Here's a picture of all that rowdy partying...

Two peas in a pod, if you ask me.

Veteran's Day...

2009-11-11T16:32:00.000-05:00

My Grandpa Wilkinson was in the Navy and was stationed in the Pacific during WWII. His sister, my great aunt, was an Army nurse on the banks of Normandy D-day plus 2. My Grandaddy McDonald was a bombardier in the Army Air corps during WWII and was shot down over Europe... He made it home alive, though, and just in time to marry my beautiful Grandmother. I am proud of these veterans. I am proud of their service...and I am proud to be their granddaughter and her great niece. Thank you for being so brave. The freedoms we enjoy were paid for by your courage and the bravery of all of your fellow veterans that we remember today.

Lady Vols Scrimmage...

2009-11-06T11:40:00.000-05:00

Last night we took Declan to watch his first basketball game. It was at Thompson-Boling Arena and there was much to see.

He had a really great time! He's just gotten to where he can see and focus well and there were lots of fun new sights and sounds. He saw lots of people and heard the band play. He also got to spend time with his dear ol' Daddy... which makes us all very happy.

In the end, though, he was still up past his bedtime...

Public Service Announcement

2009-11-03T14:49:00.000-05:00

Declan and I have something in common... Chubby Chipmunk Cheeks. This is a facial feature that many find "adorable" and "cute" and feel the need make comments about. This attention is all fine and good. Sometimes, the attention goes too far... Usually at the hands of well-meaning distant relatives and others without Chubby Chipmunk Cheeks (CCC).

Pinching.

IT JUST HURTS!

So please, next time you reach to pinch some infant, child or adult suffering from CCC, stop...and remember that Cheekies are for smooching ONLY!

Thank you!
That's MUCH better.

my love affair with cloth

2009-11-01T22:38:00.006-05:00

(Remember when he was this tiny?)

As soon as we got home from the hospital, Declan began wearing cloth diapers. We tried several different types but in the end our favorite turned out to be the bumgenius all-in-one fitteds. They don't leak, they come in great colors, they wash up well and are just as easy to put on and take off as a disposable. I am proud to announce that I love cloth diapers sooooooo much that tonight I ordered sized mediums of the fitted bumgenius as well as a new product called "Flip".

Here is why I love cloth diapers...

#1: We never have to run to the store to buy disposable diapers.

#2: Super cute fun colors!

#3: Soooo Soft!

#4: We get to use these same diapers for each and every baby we have!

#5: In countries where cloth is predominantly used, the kiddies get potty trained faster. Fingers crossed that Declan follows suit. :)

I have a few more reasons but I won't share them here because Ben just looked over at what I'm typing and said "I think you're gonna gross people out talking about diapers."

I guess he's right.

Goodnight, All! I hope everyone had a happy Halloween and that the upcoming week is full of happiness!

Love,

Katy

Big Friday Night!!!

2009-10-30T22:19:00.000-04:00

Since Daddy works high school football games on Friday nights, Declan and I usually relax at home and catch up on housework. This friday night, we decided to show off Declan's awesome Halloween costume at Nana's house! I channeled my mother's creativity and made the garden gnome costume myself! Declan loved the costume for all of five minutes and then got too hot and cranky. WE removed the costume and he was in a much better mood after that.

We then ate a little dinner and went over to spend time with cousin Charley and cousin Elias. Elias was a wild man and showed me all of his fun toys. While we were there we had a baby photo shoot with cousin Charley, who is only 1 month younger than Declan and about 5 lbs lighter.Both babies were squirmy little buddies until we arranged them next to each other. They both melted into baby relaxation immediately. It was so sweet. I think they are going to grow up to be thick as thieves if tonight was any indication.

I hope all of you bloggy loved ones are well and have a happy Halloween!
Love,
The Englands!

the day after...

2009-10-29T22:13:00.000-04:00

Declan had shots yesterday. He was a little cranky baby bear yesterday.

Today, our little cranky bear decided to hibernate. It's better than crying, I suppose. When baby bear DID wake up today, he was sure hungry! That little bear melts my heart!!**sigh**!!

just thought I'd add

2009-10-28T15:08:00.001-04:00

My son is so handsome he could be a baby supermodel. I could be humble about it, but, as my friend Misti in NYC says ,"Why lie?"

Oh the horror!

2009-10-28T14:44:00.001-04:00

Declan had his 2 month shots today. He threw the biggest fit I'd ever seen while the Doc was examining him and this was BEFORE the shots. It was almost as if he knew what was coming. The Doc said our fella looked great and meeting all of his milestones. Declan spit out about half of his rotovirus vaccine (It was oral) and the rest were given by injection into his chubby little thighs. He cried his little heart out until I nursed him. He calmed down as soon as he latched on and then he slept the whole way home.
Here are his stats so far.

AGE: 2 months on the nose
WEIGHT:13 lbs (this is 78th percentile weight for age)
HEIGHT:22inches (this is 22nd percentile height for age)
HAIR COLOR: Reddish brown and he still has all of it but his head is getting bigger so it's spreading a little thin on top. WE are seeing new growth, however.
EYE COLOR: Dark blue-ish, gray-ish green-ish.
HAS MOM'S: Cheeks, chin, mouth, smile
HAS DAD'S: Eyes, nose, hairline, dimple and appetite!

Stay tuned for more crazy England antics!

Because one day he'll be an adolescent...

2009-10-25T21:05:00.000-04:00

And I'll need something to hold over his head...

We had a big weekend...

2009-10-25T12:47:00.001-04:00

Ben was called away to work one of the medic stations at the Marine Corps Marathon (ooh-rah!) this weekend. He left on Thursday and was so sad to leave because it was the first time he's EVER spent the night away from Declan. He was heartbroken to leave us and we were as equally sad to see him go. Thursday night it was just Declan and me and the girls all by ourselves. We did alright, I think.

Friday, my dear friend Jan came up for a visit and she brought Declan SUNGLASSES!!! Woohoo! Jan stayed until this morning. We went hiking on the trails at Ijams on friday afternoon and then the three of us went to dinner.

Saturday we decided to make an early start of it and drive up to the aquarium in Gatlinburg. Well, early starts don't exactly happen as planned with a little 2 month old snuggle bug so we didn't get out of the house until 11:30. And we made the mistake of taking the interstate instead of Chapman Hwy. Sad day! 4 HOURS LATER we were barely past the visitors center in Gatlinburg . We decided that we'd rather outlet shop than drive the 45 minutes it would take us to get to stoplight five in G'burg only to spend $20 a head to get us in to see the aquarium (which was likely just as overcrowded as the traffic). So we turned it around and headed back to the outlets. We did a little shopping. Declan was a total trooper up until we went into the maidenform outlet. In typical male fashion, he got overwhelmed and flustered surrounded by all of those mysterious female underthings and had a total meltdown. We got out of there pronto and packed ourselves and our goodies up in the beetle and headed back to the house where we unloaded, fed and changed the baby in the quiet of his own room and felt settled enough to pack it all back up and go get Mexican for dinner...ARRIBA!

It's Sunday now and Jan has left after a fun filled weekend and Declan is sleeping in his crib. There is a load of diapers running in the wash and Daddy is still in DC until the marathon is over and he can come home (a LOOOOOONG 8 hour drive) to us. We had a great weekend but we are both tired and cranky and Declan needs some man time with the Daddy.

my newborn son...

2009-10-19T17:48:00.000-04:00

My beautiful newborn son is now nearly 2 months old... which means he isn't a newborn anymore. As you can plainly see, he is so beautiful he makes my heart ache for a dozen more just like him. He's growing so big and so fast right before my eyes and I wish I could live in the moment better or stop time just for a second to take him all in.

Here are the updates for our darling Declan.
He is sleeping from 7:30 pm to 7:00 am with a "wake-up and nurse" break around 11:00pm and 3:45 am and he eats and goes right back to sleep. This is much improved from the "wake up and nurse" breaks that occurred every hour to hour and a half. Ben and I both find we love him EVEN MORE now that he lets us sleep longer (haha)

His smiles are about a 50/50 ratio of gas to true amusement now.

He grasps and pats my shoulder and pulls Ben's chest hair.

He whacks at toys and clutches his frog lovey at bedtime.

He holds his head up VERY well but every now and then swings it around like a belligerent drunk baby... Don't worry, we haven't let him into the liquor cabinet yet (We only let him get milk drunk, people!).

Also, you should know, he aces his "tummy-time" work outs. We are having so much fun with this little fella that we can hardly stand it.

Love,
The Englands

let me catch my breathe!

2009-09-09T01:15:00.000-04:00

I should still be pregnant but I am not. Our beautiful son, Benjamin Declan England, was born a month early on August 28th at 10:46 at night. This was the same day as Grandaddy Bop Bop England's birthday and the day after Nana Pangle's birthday. It was also 9 days before our first anniversary. His Grandaddy and Gramma McDonald and Uncle Micah were in town from Buffalo for vacation so... Declan really has perfect timing!

As of day 11, Declan has surpassed his birthweight (which was 7lbs, 3oz... thank GOD he was early)and is now 7lbs 6oz of pure breastfed awesomeness. He smiles ALL THE TIME (especially in his sleep) and I know it's probably just gas at this stage but it still melts my heart!

He has Ben's eyes, nose, dimple and feet and he has my hair (sans the double crown),chin and chubby cheeks. I could seriously eat him up. I can't believe how blessed and lucky I feel. He's healthy, happy and HERE!

true love...

2009-08-21T14:07:00.001-04:00

Since it's growing dangerously close to our first anniversary of happily-ever-after wedded bliss and since I just read a friend's blog where she filled out the same survey, I thought I'd do the same because... Well, sometimes my heart explodes with so much love for my husband that I wish I could meet him for the first time all over again. Here goes:

1.) Where did you meet?

East Tennessee Children's Hospital. 2 west front nurses station.

2.) Who introduced you?
No one. He looked up my name on the patient board and asked me a question.

3.) What was the first thought that went through your head when you met?
"What big eyes he has! They're very nice eyes. His last name is England. The only other England I ever knew was Ali England from my drama class in high school. Surely they wouldn't be related since they look nothing alike". Turns out, Ali is his sister.

4.) Do you remember what he/she was wearing?
Scrubs and a white coat with his name on it.

5.) Where was the first place you kissed this person?
My porch after our 2nd date.

6.) How long did you know this person before you became a couple?
About 23 days.

7.) How did he/she ask you out?
He'd kill me if I put it in writing so I'll just talk about the first unofficial date... Our first unofficial date was after he passed me in the stairwell of the hospital rushing to get to work having been called in. He asked me if he could get me anything from the cafeteria and I said "sweet tea, 5 lemon packets." He did and then later that day, we split a coke float in the med room.

8.) Do you have kids with this person?
Well, I'm growing our first as I type this. We'll have this babe in arms in about a month.

10.) When was the first time you realized that you really liked this person?
About 3 days after meeting him, I was starting to figure it out. About 2 weeks after meeting him, I found myself peeking around the corner of the back nursing station where I was charting to see if he was going to bring his charts back there and keep me company.

11.) Do you get along with his/her family?

Yes. They are so wonderful and sweet and they seem to like me even though I'm short and cantankerous.

12.) Do you trust this person?
With anything and everything.

13.) Do you see her/him as your partner in the future?
Yes. That's pretty much why we got married...and the point of it all.

14.) What is the best gift she/he gave you?
His vow to love me and be faithful to me until we are parted by death, my wedding band, the baby... in order received.

15.) How long have you been with this person?
3 years in December. When it's right, it doesn't take very long to figure it out.

16.) How well do you know your man or woman?

Pretty well. I can predict his reaction 9 times out of 10.

17.) What features attracted you to them first?
His eyes and big eyebrows and smile... then his personality...then his biceps and smell.

18.) Hair color?
Brown.

19.) Does he/she let you wear the pants?
We share the pants.

20.) Do you have a shirt of hers/his that you sleep in?
He has several shirts that are older than the shroud of turin that he won't let me throw out. I make it a point to wear those to remind him that maybe we should donate them to the smithsonian ... you know, since they are sooooooo valuable.

21.) Does she/he make you happy?
I thought I was a happy girl before I met Ben but now it's a whole 'nother level of joy. I never knew life could be this much fun.

22.) Does she/he have any piercings?
No dice.

23.) Does she/he have any scars that you know of?
He has a laproscopic and open appendectomy scar. He also has few scars on his left shoulder and a tiny scar on his lip.

24.) Is she/he Outgoing or Shy?
He can talk to anyone and if you didn't know him well, you might say "outgoing" but he's got a quiet, introverted streak.

25.) Does she/he sing?
Sometimes and I LOVE when he sings. He doesn't have a classically beautiful church choir voice but he has a uniquely beautiful (albeit not always in tune) voice and I love when he sings.

26.) Do you like her/his friends?
Yes indeed.

27.) Does she/he have any tattoos?
No.

28.) Does she/he look like their mom?

Yes. He has masculine versions of her eyes and nose.

29.) Do you like her/his sisters/brothers?
Yes. He has a big family and I like them all.

30.) What is the most romantic date you have ever gone on?
It depends on how you want to define "Romantic" and "Date". I don't think he's ever orchestrated an elaborate romantic date but we've had some really special times just sharing brownies on the porch.

31.) Do you have any nicknames for each other?

I call him "Bear" and he calls me "KatyMac" or "Mac" of "Mac-a-neudo" or "Mac-a-roni" or any other mac-like pun.

32.) Do you live with this person?
Yes. For almost a year now.

33.) Do you have any pets together?
We have 2 funny dogs that he married into... and a sweet kitty that joined the clan about a month after we got married.

34.) Where is this person?
At work.

35.) What is your anniversary date?
We met December 1st, 2006. Our first OFFICIAL date was December 23rd, 2006 and our wedding date was September 6th, 2008.

36.) When will you guys do something next?
Later tonight we'll probably go to the international house of pancakes so that he can eat after the gibbs game.

Ok, so that is the survey. Also, as a tribute to my darling husband I thought I'd share a link to a super-funny blog...

http://myhusbandisannoying.com At least he can be happy that I didn't write it.

Have you ever seen...

2009-08-06T20:00:00.000-04:00

A more beautiful 33 week babe-in-utero? I can't believe we helped God create such a perfect little miracle!

woohoo!

2009-07-27T22:42:00.000-04:00

Today's addition to the nursery: Rocker/glider (ooh la la!) and crib mattress (the bedding came in a while back so we went ahead and made the bed.)

Nearly there!

2009-07-26T22:45:00.001-04:00

Ben was quite the worker bee this weekend! He finished painting the trim, put up the blinds, moved the big desk...AND he put the crib together. The nursery is really taking shape! Hopefully, our rocker/glider will be on the Pease delivery truck tomorrow! I can't wait!

I really have to hand it to Ben, so far he's shaping up to be one super great husband and a dear ol' daddy! I'm a lucky/blessed wife and mama.

It's a very good start!

2009-07-22T22:48:00.001-04:00

Dear Baby,

Over the past few days, while you were busy playing,"Mama, Guess what limb THIS is!" and I was busy hunting (the internet) and gathering (just the perfect baby items for you), your sweet old Daddy has been busy fixing up your awesome bedroom. A few weeks ago, your dear Daddy began moving furniture, cable and junk out of your room and then the real messy work began. He taped up all the walls and painted everything with a thick coat of primer and then he began the fun part...
Painting the whole room in two coats of this beautiful green just for you. Your Daddy and I agree that it's just about the most perfect shade of "Welcome home, brand new baby" happiness EVER! Of course, the blue painters tape will come down and we'll paint the trim bright shiny white this weekend. Hopefully, by next week we'll have your crib put together and maybe the new glider will be delivered soon after. A few other odds and ends here and there will need to be done but after that, all that we'll have left to do is wait for you! Don't worry, Stella and Georgia already know that that room is...(see below)

We hope you like it! We love you!

love,

Your lucky folks!

Look-y here!

2009-07-20T19:06:00.000-04:00

My new favorite purchase for Baby England... why, Union Jack babylegs, of course! You know if I could have found them with the Irish flag or shamrocks then I would have snatched those up too. As it stands, this child already has plenty of "Kiss me,I'm Irish" gear so the O'Connor/McDonald/Durnin blood will be well represented. I can't wait for this little dumplin' to get here so I can kiss that sweet little nose and nibble those little baby toes!

at long last...

2009-07-05T22:22:00.000-04:00

We have begun working on the nursery! We've moved our cable for internet as well as Ben's desk out of the baby's room and into the front room. There is much to move/ throw out but I'm feeling very confident that things will be moving much more quickly over the next two weeks!

Family Medicine Graduation

2009-07-01T20:07:00.000-04:00

(My redeye photo editor gave Ben the crazy eyes... Sorry!)

Dear Baby,

Last night I watched your handsome, wonderful daddy complete his formal training in family medicine. Your dear father worked very VERY hard for 23+ years of formal education to get to the podium last night. It took lots of sacrifice, not only from him but from his amazingly supportive and loving family (which happens to be yours and mine too, now, and yes, we are quite lucky). He made everyone at our table very proud last night. He EVEN won the Dr. Moon award. The Dr. Moon Award goes to the graduating resident that most exemplifies what it means to be a family physician. The presenter said that your daddy was a very smart, very good physician that genuinely cares about his patients and their families and giving them the best care. They said he had an "Amazing" bedside manner... and Baby, do you know that your daddy is so humble that he said he didn't deserve it? That daddy of yours is something else.

Baby, if you grow up to be even half as spectacular as your daddy then you will be at least twice as spectacular as nearly everyone else I've ever met. I hope you get more than just that ol' daddy's nose. I hope you get his super-smart brain, his work ethic, his great big loving and humble heart and maybe his dimple... I also hope that you always know how much I love your daddy without even having to be told about it. I love you, too, sweet kicky baby. You are, by far, the coolest miracle I've ever been blessed to be a part of.

love,

your mama.

I should have stayed in bed today...

2009-06-22T20:01:00.000-04:00

Our sweet boxer baby, Georgia, is brave when it comes to big scary strangers and monsters that go bump in the night but when it comes to thunder and lightening, well, she falls all to pieces. She has woken up Ben and I with whining and nudging and whimpering every other night for the past week whenever the thunder starts. We've tried benadryl and blankies and snuggling to no avail. She woke us up at 4:00 am this morning shaking like a big furry leaf... and I should have known then that staying in bed would have been the best plan of action.

Since I got up extra early this morning thanks to my nervous puppy alarm clock/weather warning, I decided to get ready and head out to hardee's to treat baby England to an egg biscuit and orange juice. Did it go smoothly? Oh no. I busted a big fat flat tire pulling into the hardee's parking lot. Called ye olde hubsy wubsy to bring me some clean scrubs (because I'm a brave and independent woman and was fully intent on changing that flat ON MY OWN) but darling hubs was nowhere to be found and I couldn't get the tire out of the trunk... A nice gentleman that pulled in next to me kindly pointed out that my spare was flat so... I called a tow truck and 45 minutes later help arrived and husband was still unreachable...

Friendly Mr. Tow Truck man helped me into the cab of the big tow truck and loaded my little red beetle on the back (It is admittedly somewhat amusing to watch regular sized men try to maneuver in and out of my drivers seat without moving the seat back). He dropped me off at work and toted the love bug off to get new shoes. Hubs was still not heard from. I was starting to get nervous.

Then I started to panic.

Then I became convinced that my darling husband must have passed out in the shower and was drowning.

Then I was certain that he had choked on his cereal and the dogs were unable to give dear Ben the Heimlich maneuver and I would find my blue faced husband dead in the kitchen and be forced to raise this wild kicky baby all on my own.

So what did I do? I called and paged and texted and emailed AGAIN. Then I called the graduate school of Medicine. Then I called the UT dermatology clinic. No one had seen or heard from Ben. I also sent URGENT text messages to Ben's brother, Kip, and my peach of a mother-in-law (who knew exactly how I felt). Let me just say that if there were a "Worry Olympics" that Cindy and I would be stars on the US team. Likely gold medal winners.

Finally, I called in the big guns... Cousin Caroline. The reigning queen of South Knoxville. I begged her to pull a drive-by and see if Ben's truck was still there. Being that she's a complete angel that would give the shirt off her back to help out a stranger, she was more than agreeable.

When she drove by, his truck was there!!! She found Ben... Very much alive and obliviously puttering around the house. My gratitude was overflowing. Ben had no idea how much peril he truly was in.

The good news is that NOW the car is happy, foot loose and flat-tire free, Georgia is calm and happy and brave (until the thunder starts again) and my sweet, beautiful kicky baby has a daddy that is alive and well and treated us both to a big juicy litton burger for dinner.

Thanks be to God!!!

So we took a little blogging nap...

2009-06-19T17:18:00.000-04:00

We're back online now, though. Much has happened since we last checked in with ye olde blogspot. Ben dug up our back yard and started to build a patio. Ben had shoulder surgery( more on that WITH pics later). Ben's brothers and dad spent many long hot hours finishing patio (Thanks Englands! It's nice not twisting my ankle on the way to the laundry shed PLUS it looks AMAZING! )... I'm here growing a giant baby that kicks me to pieces. My stomach is HUGE ! Oh yeah, and we also had a 3d ultrasound. I'm accepting that while I'm doing all the heavy lifting in re: to this pregnancy this kid looks WAY more like Ben than me (Not fair in the least) which is why I'm guessing now that it's a boy. I'm still hoping against hope for a girl. I don't want to hear it from anyone, though. It's best not to bring it up with me or else hormones get the best and I'm a huge puddle of tears. Seriously. Don't bring it up. I am so grateful that this baby is healthy and at this point I'm just praying for a safe delivery, an effective epidural and a cheerful baby.

That's the news from the McEnglands ! Happy Fathers Day!

The McEngland intrauterine swim team...

2009-04-22T18:58:00.000-04:00

Starring Baby McAwesomepants England as the star swimmer has officially had it's first big practice. I'm guessing she's in there working on her flip turns because I have been feeling kicks and flips EVERYWHERE all afternoon. I'm not gonna lie, though, it's been pretty great and exciting... and I sure am proud!

Oh yeah! Today marks week 18 so I guess that she can vote in her fetus elections and sign up for the fetus draft. Oh, this post is just getting more and more weird so I probably should end it here.

Love,

Katy England

...sorry for the hiatus...

2009-04-20T18:55:00.001-04:00

Ok, So I'm trying to hop back on the blogwagon... As I'm sure you know, the McEnglands are growing a brand new baby McAwesomepants. Baby McEngland is due September 23rd, 2009. This is 2 weeks after our first wedding anniversary. It's been a pretty big year.

SO I guess I'll post answers (some of them a little snarky) to questions I've been getting pretty frequently (as in daily). I bet you can guess the questions so I'll leave those out...

#1. I am feeling great. Yes, I had horrible morning sickness and I threw up my toenails at night on a regular basis. I'm over that for the most part but I've got heartburn that could start a 4 alarm fire.

#2. I'll be 18 weeks this Wednesday... Yes, It's almost half way there... 4 and a half months. Pregnancy is 10 lunar months.

#3. No, we don't know what we are having.

#4.We can find out at the next appointment but we are going to wait until Baby McAwesomepants gets here.

#5. I feel in my heart of hearts that it's a girl. Yes, Kip, I know Tom England didn't make girls and neither did Seth on his first attempt at fatherhood. J.D. McDonald never sired girls (and he had 4 boys)... But guess who had 4 granddaughters? J.D. McDonald.

#6. We have GREAT, well thought-out names picked out. We aren't telling because we don't want them stolen nor do we want people to try to talk us out of them.

#7. Our baby was definitely the happiest surprise God ever planned for us up to this point. So yes, technically, this pregnancy was planned.

#8. I am showing but not very well in scrubs. I lost 4 lbs the first trimester and I have only gained back 2 and a half.

#9. I have been feeling her move and kick. It feels like a soft little poke and it happens several times a day now. Ben can't feel it from the outside yet but I'm betting it won't be long!

#10. Yes, my darling husband is THRILLED!

#11. I'm sorry, my car is not for sale. I am determined to find a way to put a carseat in the back of the beetle.

#12. The dogs are going to LOVE the baby. Pugs and Boxers are both breeds known to be EXCEPTIONALLY awesome with new little humans.

#13. No, the nursery is nowhere close to even being started...

Sorry it took so long! I hope everyone is doing well!

love,

Katy and Ben and Stella and Georgia and Iggy and Sweet Baby McAwesomepants England.

have you ever tried to write you life story in under 100 words?

2009-02-14T19:55:00.000-05:00

9lb baby girl born to Catholic Feminist Hospital Folks. Catholic School and Catholic Church. Brothers born when 5 and then 13. Family, Theatre, Books and Music. Swimteam = Summertime= lifeguard. Catholic College turned from actress into nurse. 1st job Catholic hospital where folks met. 1,000 bad dates. 2 sweet puppies. 2nd job found purpose working with sweet sick kiddos. Bought little old house. Bought little red bug. Met sweet beautiful Ben at kiddo hospital (soulmate!). Married soulmate. Got stripey kitten. Made a love child with soulmate. Due date September 23rd, 2009. God is so GOOD!

Under 100 words! love, Mrs. McEngland!

the mcenglands...

2009-01-27T20:55:00.001-05:00

have a little secret! Prayers are appreciated more than you'll ever know so if ya feel like sending up some special intentions up to the big guy on our behalf, we'd be much obliged.

Also, dear sweet husband and dear sweet father-in-law tiled the floor in our teeny tiny bathroom this weekend. I can't tell you how gorgeous it looks, you'll just have to see for yourselves. Next time you're in the neighborhood, stop on over and have a sit down in our ladies room (I mean big handsome doctor's lounge, Ben!).

Oh! P.S. Thanks for the prayers for Ben's fellowship! He got it! WOOHOO!

Our pretty new kitchen!

2009-01-04T21:48:00.000-05:00

Ben and I became super-productive this weekend. When I first bought the house about 4 years ago, the kitchen was ghastly. The backsplash and the countertops were vinyl... melted-plastered-and-painted-over-hunter-green vinyl. Friends came over and helped me rip it down and my brother, Jamesy, and his best friend for ever, Steven, came over and put up beadboard paneling on the walls where the ugly melty vinyl had been and then tiled the backsplash and countertops... SO SWEET except they ran out of grout and the sides remained tiled but groutless for almost FOUR YEARS... and the beadboard never got painted. Today, loved ones, I am proud to announce that the kitchen remodel is nearly complete! Have a look! We also painted the walls a pretty light aqua!

BEST.CHRISTMAS.EVER!!!!

2008-12-26T23:00:00.001-05:00

Hi friends and family! I'm Sweet Georgia Brown England! Most people call me Georgia and Mama calls me Sweet George B or Georbie! Mama said I get to write the Christmas blog since it's my very favorite time of year EVER in the history of the world!

We had such a great Christmas this year! Daddy talked Mama into getting a real live tree instead of decorating house plants and it looked SOOOOOOOOOO pretty! It was the prettiest tree ever ! The best part is that we get to plant it in the back yard so that in the summer time when I miss Christmas, I can go back and visit our tree any time I want!

Oooh! Did I tell you that Santa came, too? We thought he might skip us this year since Iggy knocked 3 ornaments off the tree and I ate a whole box of baklava... but it wasn't bad enough, I guess, because he still came! I got a new red bed and a pretty pink collar and some new toys and a raw hide. Stella got a round bed, purple collar and some new toys and Iggy got a new blue square bed and a bunch of mice toys... but Daddy got the best present of all... Mama had Daddy's old trombone polished up and guess what?!?! Santa brought him a NEW MOUTH PIECE... Daddy played a little bit in the living room and I got to sing along! Mama said I have perfect pitch! Oh! Guess what else? Santa brought Daddy SEA MONKEYS!!! I am SO EXCITED that I can't even stand it one bit! I'll tell you all about them once they hatch!

Wanna hear the best part? Mama and Daddy have not had to work very much at all which means that we can all play even more! That's the best part about Christmas ... spending time with the people you love the most in the whole wide world!

Love,

Sweet Georgia B.

The England family!!!

Of puny babies and jealous big brothers...

IHF- Oh So Silly!

On to lighter fair... The January wind-down

Halley's Comet

Whirlwind December.

Mamaw/Grandma

iheartfaces *Feet*

Hold Me Closer, Tiny Dancer...

IHF Hands

A touch of sun... IHF

IHF "White" photo challenge

Beautiful Eyes... I heart faces.

Let's hear it for the boys!

Bright and Vivid!

Best Face of May...

OH MY GOODNESS!!!

Mother's day revelations plus other news...

iheartfaces-Pet Week

If you get a chance today, tomorrow or whenever...

Viewers Choice- Best Faces of March!

"A Slice of Life" I heart faces!

The Entry for I heart faces Sun flare contest!!!

I'm entering a photo!!!

Big news!!!

In case you missed it...

he has a new nickname...

September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness month...

rounding the bend...

That SURE is a handsome man!

Declan...

Not another video!!!

little tiny heartaches...

Lots of footage = long video...

cute overload...

Sainthood

Here's more cute.

Try not to lay down and die...

Got 10 minutes?

Not yer average cooking blog...

"I am a parenting genius" ...

SO I have this wild and crazy idea...

maternity leave reprise...

Memorial Day Weekend!!!

My husband, the liar!

Every new day seems to bring...

If you could take a picture of what is in my heart...

Shenanigans

I am madly in love with two men at the same time...

As you may or may not know...

My heart...

8 months...

Adventures in baby wrasslin'!

I was tagged...

Declan's weekend of spring time adventure!!

A brand new day...

SO I didn't post his 6 month stats yet... and he's half way to 7

Just wanted to say...

Declan at 5 months...

little tiny miracles...

We had a photo shoot today...

Oh, I almost forgot!

First day back at work...

This time last year...

Declan has officially been to 5 states!

Tomorrow...

Did you know that Declan's girlfriend is a supermodel?

Declan and the snow...

Two pictures from Declan's first air travel experience

Getting to know you

Three years ago today...

Declan's very first Thanksgiving...

Looooooooong Day, BUSY BABY!

Veteran's Day...

Lady Vols Scrimmage...

Public Service Announcement

my love affair with cloth

Big Friday Night!!!

the day after...

just thought I'd add

iheartfaces Feet