3 months New!

It's very hard to believe that it has been three months since my little man joined our family. He is the pride and joy for all of us. He loves laughing as you can see, eating, eating, and oh eating. We love him and I guess we'll keep him. Besides Phoenix likes her new toy.

Great Women

I am super blessed to have been raised by some of the strongest women on earth. My mom, my Aunt Vi, and my Aunt Mary. These women taught me far more then I could have ever imagine growing up. I only had seventeen years with my mom but, I really learned how to be strong in the face of conflict. She taught me people may not always agree with you but, respecting yourself and standing for what you believe will make you stronger.

A lot of these values I am sure my mom learned from her mother. I am so very grateful for everything I have learned and I will one day teach my daughters. I guess I am feeling very sentimental today because my Aunt Mary passed away on Tuesday, she was in her eighties. She was one of the women in my life who taught me that there are no limits to being true, caring and forgiving. My aunt was so cool, she was the one we could always get to say yes whenever my mom said no. Don't get me wrong she was firm when we needed it, it was important to be in and stand for God at all times. She made the best banana pudding too. She was very special to me and always will be. I am glad my daughters got the chance to me her and will hopefully enjoy all the stories I tell them about the great times I had growing up.


So I guess I am dedicating this post to one of the greatest women in the world,



Mary Alma Spralls.

..............and then there were 10!

Fingers that is, yes Mason our second Polydactyl, had his extra digits removed yesterday and must I don't he was too happy about it. I told him he will thank me in the long run. The experience itself was less than desired. He had actual surgery versus Payton nip/tuck in the Drs. office procedure. I think it was just a ploy to get us to pay more money. Anywho here is the before and after:



BEFORE


AFTER

Hanging in there!

It has been almost a month and I still have my hair and some sanity, I don't know what day it is usually but that is okay. My main goal lately is to be showered by ten everyday, so I some since of accomplishment. Most days I do get this done because goodness know I don't want to be stinky and tired. The kids are fun they eat most days and I have not forgotten Payton at school....yet. So as of right now things are okay.

He's White like Daddy!

I give you one guess as to who said it and if you guessed right give yourself a pat on the back. Yes, it was Payton, Phoenix does not speak that well and Marquis well he's Marquis.

I arrive home with babe in tow and Payton of course is very excited, she asks if she can hold the baby and I of course say yes. She is such a great big sister. She washes her hands and sits down next to me. She is looking at the baby and his many fingers when out of no where she says, "He is White Like Daddy", and "I said yes he is does that bother you", she said "no, but will he get black like us". I laughed and said he would probably darken a little. I also told her she used to look like that. She said that was cool that she "used" to be white too.

That was one of the many funny things that happen here is another.

All of my children have been born around some major sporting event, Payton, the world series, Phoenix, the final four, and Mason, MNF, (Monday Night Football), for all of you who don't watch the game. Not only was it the season opener, the GBP (Green Bay Packers) were playing.

My dear husband had the audacity to say to me, to be sure I am done and in my room before 8 so he can hurry home and watch the game. YES, he said this out loud. Only after coming to me a few days ago and telling me he had a conflict with the date I had chosen. He actual said the Packers are playing and if possible could I moved the day to Tuesday. I walked away, I'm sorry, correction, I wobbled away shaking my head because he was serious.

Needless to say I was in my room on time, and Mike could have been home on time to be watching the game in front of his new television but he was not. His choice not mine; was it a wise choice, of course it was.

MASON XAVIER HART

Let's start by saying he came out holding a stop sign, he is the last child and wants to keep it that way. These were his words of course. Well we made it and I must say I am happy to be home with my bundle of joy.

Things went pretty much like we expected. Got the hospital at 7am with Pay and Cha Cha, checked in, filled out way too much paperwork and then went back to start our transition from five to six. I got hooked up to the ever waiting IV's and monitors. Oh what fun. I really can't stand needles. Any who after I was all hooked the ana, ana, ana, the pain guy came in (who could not believe I was in such a good mood) and went over my options for medicines he could use. I choose the spinal block because it is in and out of your system quickly, the down side is that it makes me itch form head to toe. Dr. Lee said no problem he would take care of it.

Well Dr. Lee, Mike and I were all talking, about what I don't remember. Then all of a sudden he says to Mike get ready to take pictures. I am lying there like when did they start, Dr. Lee says, "they almost have the baby out". Sure enough a few moments later I here my midwife say, "it's a boy, you have a boy Paulette". Music to my ears, I knew deep down inside it was a boy. I think Mike is still shocked, all he kept saying was, "it's a boy". Yes Little Mason Xavier Hart (it is a soft X like xylophone)was here, him and his twelve fingers. As soon as my surgery was over Dr.Lee put Benedryl in my IV and the itching was almost nothing. I got more Benedryl a few hours later and I was good to go.

C-sections are not fun and trust me I my labors progressed normally I would do it the old fashion way, but I am not that fortunate. So the pain afterwards is not bad but it must be nice to be able to get up and walk not long after giving birth. The up side to my c-sections is the stay in the hospital; although I did come home a day early this time.

Nevertheless, I had the best hospital staff one could ever ask for, for the second time. I delivered the same place I had Phoenix. I had a lot of the same nurses too. It was really funny one of the nurses, Kathy, saw Mike in the hallway and asked what are you doing here? She was really happy to see us. Even more excited when Phoenix came in that afternoon, she just could not believe how big she had gotten. Then I had Jill, my sweet, sweet Jill who was still having back trouble. She walked into the room and just smiled and said welcome back. So it was great to have so new faces as well but it really felt good to see the old ones. Not that they were "Old" just familiar.

That being said my stay was coming to an end, and Dr. Sussman gave me the option of staying until Thursday or going home Wednesday, I choose Wednesday (Mason had already been release). I had tons of help at home anyway. Of course the second I walked through the door, I was wishing I had stayed one more night.

There is definitely a difference between boys and girls. Mason LOVES his mommy. Do not take her away or he gets a little testy, it could be that he knows where the milk floweth.

Well I am glad to be home, I will now indulge in my helpers who have been waiting on me had and foot. Gotta love your friends and goodness knows I could not have done this without Liz and Taunie.

Here are a few pics of my little bundle of joy:

Tatauay!

No matter what this baby is boy or girl we will call it Tatauay! Why you may ask, because the other night we had game night and we were playing Beyond Balderdash, one of my favorite games of all times. Well one of the clues for definition was Tatauay, and one of the written answers was, the name for Mike and Paulette's new baby. It got a huge laugh, thanks, Kharin. I guess you had to be there!

HERNIA EQUALS RITAS!

Pain is relative, it either hurts or it is manageable. Well I have had the hurting kind for about 3 months now and when I say hurt I mean PAIN. But when you are a mom you learn to suck it up quickly. Well I am a mom of soon to be four children with about a week left to go before I deliver, and this will be the first time I am venting about my pain.

Walking has now become the last thing on earth I want to do,along with sitting, standing, lying down and anything else that requires my hips to move. I am awaiting the moment I arrive at the hospital so I can get the spinal block and the pain will be done. I described this pain to my hubby as: let me hang two fish hooks with string from your each of your umm...........testicles and allow Phoenix to swing from it. I could have Payton but she might break the line.

That is the pain I have in my hip.

Now on to my hernia. This is a funny little guy that should have been repaired after Phe was born and I was done nursing. well as you know I got a little surprised by getting knocked up which meant I would have to wait...........AGAIN. Lucky me.

So the other night I get a phone call from my friend Dawn, who ask if I was still awake because wanted to drop something off. No problem I said come on by. Well she dropped off Rita's Italian Ice. I don't know if you have ever had this but it is good, I mean really good. She also brought one of my favorites Georgia Peach. I thought how sweet of her, she must really love me.

A few days later Dawn travels with me to pick up Liz from the airport and we are in the car talking. And says to me how do you do it? I am like do what? She said function in the amount of pain you are in. I thought this came out of nowhere. Well her husband Rob had explain to her in detail what an hernia is in detail he even drew pictures. So she understood that I was in CONSTANT pain all the time. Dawn is one of the few people who knew the extent of my hip pain. Dawn said I seemed so relaxed and happy on the surface. Then she said poor Mike, I must really be letting him have it. I told her he was okay, but I don't think he understands how much pain I am in either.

I told her pain is relative and I had pretty much learn to channel the pain to happy thoughts and the blessing I had received. I never asked for the pain to go away, I just asked to make it manageable and it is.

Anyway I am so happy I got Rita's. If that is all it takes, I hopes she remembers how much pain I will be in after I deliver. HINT! HINT!

Shut your Yap!

One of the things I absolutely love about Pay is her honesty, one of the things that drive me nuts about Pay is her honesty. I picked her up from school yesterday and it was followed the usually banter of, How was your day? Everything went well of course. As she was eating her snack before piano lessons, she begins to tell me the story about the little girl in her class who is EXTREMELY rude and has no manners. The little girl kept pushing her to move and and telling her she was in the way.

Pay said she was finally fed up and told the little girl to, "SHUT YOUR YAP". I will let you guess which one of Payton's parents uses this expression, (hint ain't mommy). I immediately told Payton she was being just as rude by saying such a mean thing. Pay said the girl was really getting on her nerves and had been for sometime and she just couldn't take it anymore. She also said, "besides mommy told me I should stand up for myself more", I did. Mainly because some of the things should was complaining about at school she could handle.

Well I proceeded to tell her if when people are "on your nerves" there is a proper way to let them know with out being rude. So once again I gave the kill them with kindness speech and informed her there is no way possible to say shut your yap nicely. She relented and asked for suggestions. So we came up with a few:

1. I will do what you ask when you ask nicely.
2. I can't be friends with people who don't have nice manners.

My all time favorite:

3. You are embarrassing your mother with that behavior (we learn that one this weekend, Thanks Tina).




She does not like this picture but mommy does!

Day of firsts

We have had the first day of school for Payton, followed by Phoenix's first haircut. One of these went extremely well the other did not. Can you guess which was which?

I felt bad because Payton entered first grade this year, Payton and school is now met with some trepidation. We chose not to move her grade wise so she could stay in the spanish program. Should she been in second possibly third yes. But she loves Spanish, but is bored to tears on the English side. So I am still supplementing her at home. Well she came home Monday excited that they were doing subtraction. "Finally", she yelled. I don't know who was happier me of her. Anyway this year seems to be starting off well, her current teachers are aware of her zest for learning, I just hope it goes as well as last years.




This pic is from my phone, camera is on hiatus until i get my lcd screen fixed.

Lil Miss Diva, aka Phoenix has needed a haircut for sometime now but I kept putting it off because I am pregnant and tired. Well I was with someone else who was getting a cut for school and one of the stylist said she would love to cut Phoenix's hair. I said go for it, if she will let you do it. Well Phoenix of course gave her the death stare, which basically meant touch me and you will die. It took a while to convience her it was okay. Not it did not who am I kidding she was never okay, I had to hold her down and sing Popcorn Popping the whole time. All is well now with my little curly hair diva, see for yourself:

Walter Payton Jersey

Mike Jr. AKA Payton is a little sensitive to the fact that Phoenix's name is everywhere, it is a city, a cleaning business, construction company, coffee shop and even the name of the movie theatre where we live. My heart goes out to her, because most of the time she takes it all in stride, but for those of you who know Princess Pay Pay, (please do not call her this unless your name is Tom Cavanaugh), she can be slightly dramatic at times.

Needless to say I have found a throwback jersey with Walter Payton's name on it, finally. I had been searching for a while and voila there it is. I call my dear hubby up to tell him I finally found one and we could have it by her birthday. Well lets just said he was not thrill to pay $80 bucks for a jersey. Then he calls back to say he is not sure about her wearing a Bears jersey and for me to look for Walter Payton's college jersey.



I think I will go with white!

Yes he (Michael) is still alive but I cannot say for how much longer. I don't think he realized he was talking to his very pregnant wife.

FOOTBALL SEASON IS BACK!

What a complete waste of time!

Baby Update #2

Okay, we are a few steps closer to being ready. We bought Payton a new bed with a trundle, move the room around to make the most of the space. We are still lacking closet space for now, but we will get it figured out. The missionaries were over and put together a bunch of furniture stuff and rearranged a bunch more.

I visited my midwife she said stay off my feet as much as possible)to help with swelling) and there are bets going on in the office if I actually make it until Monday, the 8th. We have three more storms approaching so we shall see. She also said there is a reason I don't have babies naturally because this one is pretty big. I am measuring three weeks ahead so we shall see, I am guessing 8 pounds. I won't tell you my guess on sex you will just have to wait and see. I think my midwife is more excited than we are to find out what it is. She said the surprises are the best deliveries for her. Since we have two girls already it will be fun to see what this baby is.

Other than that everything is going well. Mike is now in official dad mode (it takes him a while). He calls constantly to make sure I have not gone into labor. I keep telling him if I do he will be my first of second call for sure. Well that is all for now, I should be napping because Phoenix is but I am not, I will regret this later, I'm sure.

He's 18 and I feel REALLY old!

Today Marquis turns eighteen and I must admit I have never met a cooler kid in my life. Our last seven years with him have been quite enjoyable as parents; he has really turned out to be quite the young man. Michael and I are very appreciative to have him in our lives. I remember the day he came home from the hospital, he was a scrawny overdue little thing with peeling skin. I secretly thought to my self, "I hope he gets better looking". Needless to say he did, to our chagrin of course. I guess the turning point for me was when Marquis and I were donating blood and Marquis was being hit own by this lady who had to be at least forty. I kept thinking "ma'am he is seventeen and your eighty please leave him alone". Oh well not much I can do now.

I am proud that he has turned out to be a very caring, (a side most people don't get to see), intelligent, and hysterically funny young man, who finally finished his Eagle Scout. Although we are never sure what the future holds for ourselves let alone our children, I pray he will continue to grow and be the young man he was meant to be.

I often think about how my big sister would feel knowing that her firstborn is now legally an adult and I can't help but think she probably would feel old too, but I also think she would be very happy at the young man she created. I know she is somewhere laughing and crying all at the same time.

Marquis I love you more than words can ever express!

She is allergic to dairy~

Well it took us awhile to figure it out but we did. Phoenix is allergic to dairy, yes milk, ice cream, cheese, and anything else with a hint of dairy in it. How do I know this, because I am smart. Well, yes I am smart, but I stop listening to the doctor who kept saying it was a stomach virus. Well this stomach virus was lasting for ever, followed by the fungal issue she kept having. Once it may have been those problems but a month later I think not. So on a whim and suggest from a friend, I removed all dairy from her diet and low and behold it clear up in a matter of days. No diarrhea, no rash, no crying, no nothing she was fine. So needless to say Phoenix lives a no dairy life for now. I hope she grows out of it, do you know how hard it is to fine dairy free cheese. She is officially the so queen of the house and let me tell you not all of it taste good.

Baby Update!

Baby is doing great, I on the other hand can't wait for this to be over. Did I mention that this is really the last one. I can't do this again! My body has said "I am over it". Mainly it is my hips talking to me this way, they can be quite vocal at times.

Besides we have not done anything to prepare for the upcoming birth and I feel guilty, I am just too tired to bother. We are suppose to go this weekend and buy new bed for the kids room. We'll see. I have a little over three weeks (if all goes to plan) before the big day. My friend Liz will be here soon so I am excited about that. She will be followed by Taunie and the newlyweds. So I should be taken really good care of.

I must say I am really worried about Phoenix, she hugs my belly and give the baby big kisses, but I really wonder if she knows how her world is really gonna change. I tell my helpers it will be the new baby they are helping with because Phoenix is a MAMA'S Girl. I don't think they mind.

As for Payton, she just keeps asking if I will save her if there is an emergency and she needs help. I tell her "nothing but death will keep me from it" (I don't think she gets the Color Purple movie reference) but I tell her mommies hearts only get bigger with each baby the have and that seems to make her happy.

Marquis, he just keeps the fact the he is graduating soon on the forefront and if this one is a girl, Mike can't pay him enough to stay home.

Well that is all for now, I will explain in a later post why there is no pictures!

Atleast we are beating the ol' lady!

My current speed in slow, no really slow. I try but I can no longer keep up with Phoenix and she knows this. I can tell by the little smirk on her face when ever I ask her to come to me, she laughs tilts her head and takes off. Even when I try to corner her she knows it. I know she is secretly thinking, "the tubby one with the big belly can't move like she used to, a quick left then a right and I can shake her". She's right.

While we were on our wonderful vacation on Captiva Island, we took a cruise to Useppa Island, which is just off the coast of Captiva. It is a little island with A LOT of history. Well, the island require a lot of walking, something my hips don't like very much right now. So my dear hubby and I had the opportunity to to get a golf cart escort. Thank heavens one of the places we wanted to see was the museum on the island, which was a mile and half walk from the boat. Anyway I felt bad when I saw this lady who was probably about eighty making the trek. But then I thought good for her, but it is to hot and too long of a walk for me.

On the way back after lunch at this really cool inn on the island the golf cart came to pick up back up and our driver asked if we would mind if he added another passenger. We of course did not mind, to our amazement it was our little old lady from earlier who just not able to make it back down. It was cool she was a former teacher turned writer who had raised 7 kids of her own, she was a widow who was spending her days traveling.

As we got of the cart, we were heading back to the ship where everyone was waiting for us. Mike turned and said "Well at least we are beating the Old lady". Indeed we were! It felt great not to be the last person to get on the boat!

A BIG THANKS!!!!!!!!!

I am the bigger goofball when it comes to our children, I am always the one who never wants to leave them with a sitter. I enjoy our children. So needless to say I am super picky about who they spend ANY amount of time with and if we can trust people to make good decisions when you are away. It is much harder when you are not on home turf, but we have adjusted and learned lessons like everyone else. So needless to say our list is small and I am a neurotic. So when Mike and I were planning to go away we asked months in advance to see if our "family" was available, of course the Cavs and the Sals and indeed they could help. Sals had arrangements at the last minute but the Cav girls were ready to take on the challenge. A challenge it was, Phe tried to get sick the day before we left, I got nervous. But Mike help me quickly get the point that we chose Taunie for a reason, if anyone could handle illness and Payton she could. And needless to say our kids had a blast, they went everywhere, like the mall, pool, Dairy Queen. All the places mom is to tired to go right now. And for three days they were angels. Taunie and Cait were sure life savers they even stated she can't wait to get back in the weeks when the newest Hart arrives. I am sure things will be heck of crazy then. But, I know I have someone who truly understands our girls personalities as much as we do. And in life that is a wonderful thing to have because it truly takes a village and I love my Florida village.

Thanks Taunie and Cait, and the rest of you, you know who you are!

Captiva Island

The best feeling in the world is being able to go on vacation and that is how we spent our 10th anniversary. We went to the Island of Captiva for three days. Words can't express just how beautiful this island paradise truly is, but pictures can:

The Sunset, simply beautiful!


Mike on the golf course, no he did not play it was our time.


Dolphins love to play!


......and play!

10 YEARS!

Ten years is a long time, just ask anyone, try being married to that same person all that time and still manage to say each morning you love them more now then you did the day you married him and I truly do. I am so blessed to have someone to love and who loves me. I happy that I am guided each day by the love of Christ who helps me understand why the unit of Husband and Wife are SO important to His eternal plan. So needless to say when I woke up this morning I thank God for sending me an angel. One who understands me, most days, the father of my soon to be four children and the man I will spend all of eternity with. For this I am truly thankful. Ten years, we are just getting started, I cannot wait to see what the next ten years bring. For I truly love my husband beyond measure! Michael, I am your wife now and FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Honey, I bought a car!

With the new addition due in two months, we needed a larger car; after long thought and consideration we decided to buy a new to us car, (we don't buy brand new it is not worth the money). So for about a two months I have been researching and looking at different vehicles. It came down to the Dodge Caravan or the Toyota Sienna. Both had everything we wanted it just really came down to price and color. Well I found a Chrysler Town and Country, (it is the same as the Dodge), at a dealership near Michael's work. He wanted me to go look at it, I wanted him to go look at it. I told him I am not in the mood to drag the children to the car dealership so you go.

It took Michael four weeks to get there, (he is a busy guy). Anyway on Thursday of last week he said he was going to go an look at the van after work. I thought it was a great idea maybe by the weekend we could have a vehicle that would fit all of us.

To make a long story short three hours later I get a call, I bought a car! "Great" I thought. "What kind of car I asked?" "Just what you wanted", he said, I thought "great, something to get me from here to there and I'm happy". Well Michael bought the best car ever! I got a Toyota Sienna, with evrything a soon to be mom of four could possibly want. It is white, automatic everything, you name it does it, except drive itself. So what can I say I have the greatest husband EVER! Not just because he buys me things, but he is ALWAYS thinking about his family. Who would not want a husband that does that!

Americas Next Smart Model

As a mom today was hard, I watched Payton in a photo shoot for her modeling portfolio and I cried. My little girl is growing up right before my very eyes. She was such young lady getting her makeup on and hair styled. I could not believe it. Payton has always had just the most gorgeous eyes and when they were framed so beautifully, I could not believe what was happening right in front of me. I wanted to take a picture but she would not let me. All she kept saying is "I glad dad's not here" and boy was she right.

Anyhow she did very well in the shoot, I was amazed at how well she took direction, but then again I should not have been since it was someone other than me telling her what to do. Here is one of the photos from today:



She will ALWAYS be my little girl!

Stepha Henry Follow-up

Recovered
Police: Evidence Proves Stepha Henry Was Murdered
Miami-Dade Police detectives, with the help of the New York Police Department's Intelligence Division and their Regional Fugitive Task Force, have arrested 32-year-old Kendrick Williams in Brooklyn, N.Y. Williams has been charged with second-degree murder.

The Car Was The Key
Police say Williams picked up 22-year-old Stepha Henry the night of May 29, 2007 and took her to Peppers Cafe Nightclub in Sunrise, Fla. He originally told investigators he had left the club early and that Stepha stayed behind. But police were able to recover the dark-colored Acura Integra Williams was driving that night, and say they have found substantial evidence that led prosecutors to charge Williams with Stepha's murder.

Rapids Water Park

I guess I had a slight fear that Phoenix would be afraid of water, I don't like comparing the two but if you know Payton, you know that she is a fish in the water. I must confess that Phoenix hates taking baths and would prefers that you don't bring water anywhere near her face.

So needless to say I thought it would be like this with all bodies of water. Boy, was I wrong! This kid completely took me by surprise this past Thursday. The kids and I went to Rapids water park with some friends of ours, well while they were off playing, Payton, Phoenix and I were hanging out in the kids section. Phe is only 15 months so there wasn't really much for her to do.

I saw some parents going down a slide with there younger kids her age and I thought I would give it a try. Well she loved it. She loved it so much that she would walk up the stairs all by herself just to get on the slide. Well mind you I am seven months pregnant and after about the fifth time I was done.

Phe was not, it was so bad I had to leave that section completely and go hangout in the lazy river. After awhile we saw our friends and they took turn taking her down the kids slide and as you can see she ha a great time.

Little Bananas

Aren't they the cutest!
You gotta love little bananas! They are perfect. Phoenix loves them. She eats them like there is no tomorrow which is good for me because I use to by the fullsize ones and she would never finish them. It would annoy the heck out of me because I ha to eat the rest. I am not a fan of bananas. I used to think little bananas were just dumb but now I think they R.O.C.K! I can't live without them. Which reminds me I must get to my favorit fruitstand and stock up.




Who could deny this face a nana?

Happy Father's Day!

I should probably tell you the story about the flat screen television Mike received for Father's Day, but I think I will spare him the embarrassment and talk about what a great dad he is. As you can see Mike as doing one of his favorite pass times, sleeping. But this was after he had played golf, nine holes to be exact. He cut it short to spend the rest of the day with us. Well let's just say he is the light in his children's eyes. Our children are truly blessed to have a committed father, we unfortunately live in a time were it is trendy to be absentee dads. I don't just mean dads who aren't there physical but even the dads who are there physical but unavailable to their kids emotionally. I cannot say that about Michael. You can guarantee our children are seeing one of the best examples of what it is to be a true FATHER. And for that we love him and will keep him around. Besides somebody has to pay the mortgage!

I'm a lady!

Oh boy, I have created a monster and she is six years old. Had to take the kids to the dentist..............in Central Florida this week. I know it is a drive but I really love this dentist, he is fantastic. And plus this gives me a reason to see my friends. While we are there at Hotel Cavanaugh, we are getting ready to eat dinner. Payton and Caitlyn are asked to set the table. We are all in the kitchen when Payton looks up to me and says, "Mom, I'm a lady, and you said if there is a man around I should NEVER do any work". Tom quickly left the room but not before texting my husband to tell him just what happened. My husband replied,"See what I have to live with".

Okay back story! This past Sunday we were walking into church, Payton was holding the door as Marquis walked through it. I said to her Payton if there is a man around you should never be opening and holding doors. Let the man do it. Just like when dad opens the doors for mommy. Somewhere in her mind she heard never do work when a mans around. Needless to say, I kind of like that way of thinking. Too bad dad's hardly home.

Gadget follow up!

The other night Payton and I are driving home from getting a mani and a pedi. We were in mom's boring no frills car when she asked the following question: "Mom what song is this", "I replied, I have no earthly idea." For those of you who know my husband he loves to play who sings this song. I on the other hand HATE this game. Mainly because I am normally wrong. Moving on.............. Payton replies look at the screen, so I did, it said "97.9", I told her. She said no, who sings it not the station. I quickly informed my second oldest, mommy's car does not tell you who sings the song, what year it was recorded and what type of underwear (if any) they are wearing. She said "HUH". "Never mind", I replied. I have just a plain old radio/CD player. You turn it on it plays music, most of the time. My fear is Payton is among the new generation of kids who will not know what it is like to drive a basic car with no frills or GADGETS! I must changed this immediately.

PS
I need XM radio I feel so out of the loop.

Happy Birthday!

Every once in a while a person comes along and REALLY touches your life, makes a difference, a lasting impression, and a friend FOREVER! Today one of those people will celebrate her 34th birthday. I want to wish her the best day ever. I know we don't see each other as often as we would like but I want her to know, I admirer her so very much. You are a fantastic mom, sister, and friend. For without you I would walk in circles knowing no one else in the world understands me the way you do. Thanks for being the coolest friend ever. I LOVE YOU!

Baby Update

Looks just like daddy!

Okay, I have finally had enough time and patience and desire to put my thoughts in writing so here it goes for some of you this will be new news for others you will be catching up, so here it goes. We found out we were pregnant on January 11th of this year. It was a huge surprise to both of us since we were never to get pregnant without medical intervention anyway, KOPOW! (Some of you are laughing right now!) So I go to my midwife, she is a lovely woman, and get everything confirmed....yep you are pregnant. "Nursing only works as birth control if it is done exclusively, Paulette" nurse Sylvia chuckles. "Thanks", I smiled.

Time for the ultrasound! according to my records I should have been about 7 weeks along by the time I had the ultrasound, but while we were there, the tech was unable to locate a baby or a heartbeat. Hmmmmmmmmmmmm, I thought. My midwife calls a few days later to say I am no longer pregnant and I would need to come in for a D and C. Were we sad. Very sad. But not as sad as Payton. She cried and cried because she had been praying we would have another baby. We talked to her and said sometimes God has other plans and we have to accept them. She continued to pray we would get pregnant again. She just knew our family was not finished.

Anyway, you may want to go get a drink this is a long story trust me. I have to go in for blood work before the D and C can be preformed. Ta Da! The blood work says you are still pregnant. Confusion!!!!! "Go for another ultrasound", Latisha says. She is my other midwife. I go to the another ultrasound not really expecting anything. Michael waits outside, while the test is being given. Lo and behold not only is there a baby there is a VERY strong heartbeat. Thank heavens! We are both so overjoyed we can't doing anything but smile. We still do not know why at seven weeks this kid decided not to show its face. Telling Payton the news was by far the best feeling I had had in a long time. You would have thought I had just told her we will have Christmas everyday for the rest of her life.

She screamed , "I knew it, I knew, I knew the baby did not go back to heaven"! She was really excited. For those of you wondering why we told her so early in the pregnancy, had it not been for Payton, I would have never known I was pregnant in the first place, she told me.

So now that we are pregnant we were still rather reserved because this process took almost three weeks to confirm so we were crazy this entire time. Blood work comes back, I get another phone. "Hi Paulette, this is Latisha, we need you to come in so when can talk about your blood work". ????????????? Is what I was thinking, but of course I went in. This is what I found out:

Latisha: Paulette your Hemoglobin is unusually high!

Paulette: So what does that mean?

L: Well, according to the blood work you are the carrier of Beta Thallsemmia.

P:Beta Thallsemmia?, Please explain.

L:It basically means that if it is passed on to your unborn baby you could miscarry or the baby would not be able to survive long because it could not produce Hemoglobin.

P:Interesting, I thought. What is our next course of action?

L: Your husband will need to be tested and in the mean time you both need to see a geneticist.

P: Okay, set up the appointment.

We go to the appointment, only to find out they cannot test Michael there (they thought they could but our insurance said no, he was not technically the patient. So since we have no results on Michael, it made no sense to do the amniocentesis. I was very relief those don't seem like much fun. Any way we are counseled and we find out I can lived in very high places like Colorado and would be a good candidate to climb Mt. Everest. Yeah for me. We also find out that Black folk are not the dominant carrier of this gene, Mid Easterners and people of Greek decent are. (now I am more into genealogy then ever. By the way there was a one in four chance this baby would have this disorder if Michael and I are both carriers.

We received all of this information the day before we were to leave on vacation. So this meant we had to wait another week to get the blood test done. We get back from vacation Michael has the blood test done and TADA! He is free and clear of any trace of the gene. Although his cholesterol is a little high (will blog later about his new OBSESSION with trans fats). So once again we are super happy and can't wait for our newest additions arrival. So will soon have Payton and Phoenix tested to see if they are carriers. But as of right now our lives could not be better.

I am gonna miss the wedding!

First I send the biggest congratulations to Shaun and Elizabeth. I am so happy for the both of you. I am sure you meant no harm scheduling your most precious day of your life the same month I am due. I am okay with that. In fact I am just so happy for the both of you, you would think it was my own kid getting married. Which is really not the that far away. Any who I am sure it is going to be the best day and rest of eternity for both of you. I am VERY happy for you both. Please stop by before you head out on you're cruise.

Great Weekend!

It was a ton of fun to be in Central Florida this weekend, it was so relaxing (okay not really I am still recovering) and great to see friends. It had been a while since we had attended a Corn Boil and I must say it was a tasty one. Game night was the topper on the cake. We are just silly............all of us. And the later it got the sillier it got. We are goof balls all of us. We stayed at the four star Cavaugh Hotel, you really have to check this place out it awesome. I really miss my Central Florida friends. I will have to wait until July to see them again, TNT are coming down to watch the girls so Michael and I can celebrate our 10 year anny. I know I can't believe it either. We just have to decide where to go. Anyway it was great to be among people who love you they are more than friends to us they are family and we would not be able to make it without them. Best part of the weekend was this:

Yes, that is Phoenix and her new best friend Godiva. The story behind this picture is that Phe loves Godiva so much that she could not stand to see her kenneled up, she literally kept opening Godiva's cage and letting her out. This time she decided to get in. It was so funny! Godiva followed her around the whole time we were there. It was really cute. I think that means we need a dog.

I need to learn French/Creole

No, I really do. Besides living in one of the best weather places in the USA, I am talking about the nice tropical weather we have most of the year. It is cultural mecca of the USA also. On any given day, I can travel to the Bahamas, Haiti, England, Cuba, Mexico, Ireland, Africa, Turks Caicos, and that's all without leaving our subdivision. It one of those things either you love it or leave it. I happen to like it a lot. Mainly from a cooking aspect, I have learn a whole knew breed of seasonings and way of cooking it blows my mind.

The reason I want new to learn French is because everyone here seems to think I am Haitian anyways. I always feel bad when I can't understand or can't give directions. I was recently being hit on and I was unaware of it. My friend's eleven year old had to inform me. It is now a running joke with them. Maybe I should have gotten his number, because any guy willing to hit on a pregnant woman with three kids must be a real catch. (That was a joke for those of you who don't understand).

I went to Denny's this evening with friends from church after mutual for a quick snack, (Lugnut and Lizzie Pooh are moving away next week). Well our waiter was Beau, he spoke with a very thick French accent, so it was hard to understand what he was saying sometimes. My friend Dawn kept looking at me and asking me what is he saying. I said Dawn, I am from Wisconsin, I have no idea. If he starts talking like, you know der hey, and you got any brats, I might be able to help you. But, I have no idea what the heck Beau is saying. So we all were laughing, (after he walk away of course).

This is not the first time this has happen. I think it is rather funny and all in good taste. It just goes to show you not matter what people may look like you have no idea who or what they are, the only obvious thing is that we are all human beings and that should be most important.

Adios!
Yes, I know that is Spanish but I did not know how to spell, the French word for good-bye.

So, what does your husband do?

To be completely honest, I am not exactly sure. He leaves the house every morning and he is gone for 10-12 hours each day. He leaves with a briefcase, laptop, and a cell phone. I never really know where he is I just know he is not home. Sometimes he is gone for days at a time. He always has projects he is working on and he uses he phone A LOT. He also has a lot of documents marked "classified". I ask what are some things for and he starts to explain and I fall asleep during the discussion. I think the information cast a spell on me. Oh yeah he always leaves the room to talk. I guess I should be concerned?????????????

Just kidding he works in the electronics field. You know circuit boards, LED's, components, that stuff. On the surface it is pretty boring but the outcome of some of the projects are pretty cool. I just get ask this question a lot,mainly because most people have not met my husband and believe I have made up the whole husband thing, and I keep getting pregnant by some fictitious being. So there ya have it. He really does exist and he has a real job..................I think!

Sample of what a circuit board looks like; he sells the components, on the board.

Gadgets!

We live in the age of gadgets. We have gadgets everywhere, in our home, schools, jobs, and even cars. I was driving in Michael's car just the other day and overwhelm at the number of gadgets he has in one vehicle.

1. GPS (Global Positioning Satellite)
2. An IPOD
3. XM Radio
4. Cell Phone
5. Blue tooth Ear Piece

This is not to mention everyday stuff like, standard radio, air conditioning, cruise control and other basic car features.

Then I thought about everyone else who had all of these things in there car driving around here Florida and I cried. (This is why I pray each time I get in my car). There has yet been a day where I have had a near miss of some sort. Not to mention I am still apprehensive about the accident I had last year, yeah the guy who was drinking and driving. Florida has one of the highest rates of accidents, we have, teen drivers, elderly with oxygen tanks, tourists, natives, foreigners, New Yorkers, and those who just don't know where they are going, So I cringe at the thought of all of these individuals with same gadgets in their cars and I can only think one thing.

STAY AT HOME!

He ain't heavy...................

My Real American Hero!!!!!!

.................he's my husband. I am so proud of you. I hope you are proud of yourself. I know things get stressful both at home and work, but I want you to know I am so happy to be your wife and the mother of your kids. Thank you for being such a great example to us. We could not have a better man to take care of us. Today just showed how hard you work and good things paid off for you, I know you will be great because you are in everything else you do and we love you for it.

How rude!

We lived in South Florida, which is heavily populated by older adults. Sometimes they are just too cute and than there are the times when they are on the road driving and cutting me off. I usually bow my head and say a small prayer for them and me. The one thing I try to be is helpful and not rude, because there are a lot we can learn from our wiser more experienced friends. Well today, I was grocery shopping. Not my favorite thing to do right now but we were out of lunch meat and I HATE giving lunch money, (especially since I am so sure Payton's school is ripping us off). Anyway, while I was in the organic juice aisle, I overheard this nice woman ask for help finding silver polish. She was told by someone else it was on aisle 13. She could not find it and merely wanted help looking. The younger clerk told her it was on aisle 13 and if she did see it they did not have it. I was so angry with this young man I followed the lady to aisle 13 to help look. I found it and handed it to her. She was very thankful for my help. I told her no problem, it was the least I could do. She started playing with Phoenix and for those of you who know Phe she just stared at the lady like she had a third eye. Anyway, she was still very thankful. I don't have parents who are alive but if they were they would have been around this woman's age and I shudder to think that someone would be treating my great aunts or even Michael's parents this way. It is just RUDE! Yes I did take his name and report him to the manager!

Just Take our Daughter, Please!

Just kidding, I love my daughters. Today was take your kids to work day; this year was the first year Payton was really able to get the concept of what this means. Needless to say it was the highlight of her week. She couldn't wait until today. She started the day off by sleeping in, I was surprised dad is usually up and gone by 7 or 8. but today they left at about 9:30. They went to a few customers and then ended the day at dad's office were Payton thought she should sell things like dad does. So she did just that! She sold all of the books I sent with her to read just in case there was times when dad was busy. Well she made almost ten dollars. You should have seen her when she got home. She was so excited about her little business venture. I hope this does not mean she does not want to be a doctor anymore. Oh, by the way she did come home and ask me what I did all day. I told her "nothing as exciting a dad's job dear, mommy does not have time to golf".

Twins separated at birth, I am not kidding. She is his mini-me.....or him.whatever.

Like father, like daughter!

I think I will keep them both, because I am the luckiest women alive to have such a great FAMILY and a stud for a husband!

Phonex's 1st Bday!

I can't believe a year has gone by already! It feels like we just brought her home yesterday. Okay I know she is almost thirteen months, give me a break I have been busy. But yes she is finally 1. she is our pride and joy of the entire family.

First she serenaded us with a little tune on her piano.

Ecstatic, she took a bow, the little ham.

Then turned it over to her big sister, who then played Happy Birthday.

We celebrated with all of our friends with a hot dog bar, it was a huge it.

Topped it off with a little purple hippo cake, made just for Phe, by Janice.

She liked the cake she just wanted to open presents already.

She had a great time and can't wait to do it all again next year.

We have come such a long way. I can't wait to see what is in store!

She was over it!

And frankly so was the rest of us. Our STRESS-CATION, aka trip to Wisconsin was just that, stress full. For those of you who know us we are pretty laid back, we like to enjoy life and our kids. they are funny. But going to Wisconsin has finally taken a toll on all of us, EVEN Payton. Who came home saying, "do we have to go back, why can't we just go on cruises, they are more fun and not so cold". I asked her which does she prefer, she gave me the "duh stare" and said "CRUISES MOM". As you can tell by the look on Phoenix's face she was over it too.

And I can't say I don't blame her. We live a pretty quite existence and WI is the complete opposite of that. We are are laid back, do things when we feel like it kind of people and we like to keep our vacation that way. Let's just say things were being planned for us before we even got there. It drove Michael and I nuts. I made a small wager that he would be ready to go before I would be, (because I am use to the craziness). Well I was wrong, by day 2 I was over it. It was cold, raining, snowy and down right depressing. We were stuck at the airport for four hours and did not get into Brew town until 1 am our time. You would think consideration would be shown for people with young kids, it was not. For some reason that turn into a party. I am still trying to figure it out. Oh well, I had to finally concede defeat and say Michael was right, it is not worth the time, energy, or money for us to make such a trek. I agree vacationing someplace like the Caribbean or the Bahamas is a much better idea. I am thinking about setting something up for the summer and not waiting for Marquis' graduation present. Hey that 10 year anny is coming up, where can we go minus the kids?

Anyway it was great to see people I had not seen in a awhile. We had a funeral to attend while we were there. This might sound morbid but that was the highlight of my trip. It was really funny during the funeral when music was being played, (I think someone was singing). Phoenix was jamming like she was on Soul Train. It was so funny and a little embarrassing or so I thought. Afterwards, several of my COUSIN'S said it was refreshing to look over and she her getting down, oblivious to what was going on around her. It really lighten the mood. Payton was really surprised to find out she had so many biracial COUSINS, (she has a lot). She had a great time doing gymnastics with her COUSIN Raven. Which, I now truly believe the flexibility comes from my side. Anyway, Monday could not come fast enough, especially by the third day I got a fever that turned into bronchitis. We brought this home and all of the girls got it. We are still not better. Thanks to my husband, the doctor, he took really good care of us. He is such a big stud. I think I will keep him.

Speaking of big studs, one thing I also notice is that the kids, the younger two anyway, are very attached to their dad. I thought about this and realized that they really don't get to see him that much especially Phoenix. She is usually asleep when dad leaves and asleep when he gets home. I now know we need VACATIONS were we can just be us!

PARENTAL RESPECT!

Attention to everyone, kids need discipline, my husband and I are firm believers in discipline. No we do not beat are kids. Kids need and want structure, and since we are trying not to raise the next generation of self loathing, the world owes me something when I have done nothing little moochers. I would like to take the time to thank those of you who respect us as parents in not undermining our rights as parents. I recently experienced such disrespect last week so much so I literally had to bite my tongue to the point were I shed blood. I had clearly told my six year old she could not have something and it was clear, concise and to the point. Both my daughter heard me say no and the adult in question heard me say it. In turn this disrespectful adult gave my six year old something I said she could not have. Part of me wanted to scream at the top of my lungs what are you doing followed by a right cross to the kisser. But I have self control. I simply got into my rental car. As we drove away I took the item from my daughter and explained to her that what the adult did was wrong; and when mommy or daddy say no we mean it. All this adult did was confuse my child because she is six and looks up to adults and could not understand why an adult would purposely do something to get her in trouble. I told her sometimes adults make bad choices too. But this was a intentional disregard for our authority as parents. Nevertheless, I take this time to let all my fellow parents know, I vow never to do such underpinning to you. I also give a big thank you to those of you who have helped us become better parents by guiding and respecting our views even when we did not always agree and in the times when we were not there upholding the standards we have set for our children. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!

I don't like the beach!

Well, I had an unofficial GNO last week; my dear girlyfriends who came to visit me. It was so much fun, we went to Rita's Italian ice every night it was the best time I had in a while. I have four days of bliss, I did not have to lift a finger at all. The best part was staying up to 3 in the morning laughing like a bunch of teenagers. It did finally get to the point where we were laughing at the craziest things in the world, like Taunie saying I don't like the beach, it is hot all the sand and the sharks bite your feet. Taunie said it as if this happens every time she goes to the beach and of course Teresa and I laugh for the rest of the night and all of the next day. Needless to say it was great to be with friends and be silly for no reason at all. Friends, I have the best in the world. These are two of the best women I have ever met. And I love them.

Young and Old.

I took these photos this weekend. A friend of mine liked some of the photos in my house and asked if I would take their family photos for them. Needless to say I had fun, but photography is hard work. Here are a few of my favorites:


It was grandma's 60th birthday! Here she is with Abby.
This is Abby holding hands with her grandfather.

Oh no we didn't! Oh yes we did!

Well it is official, WE are EXPECTING AGAIN! What, you might ask ……………..a baby. Surprised? No more than we were. Baby Hart is due September 20, 2008. We are excited now that the shocked has settled in. No, Phoenix is not a year old yet, we told her she did not seem to care. Payton overjoyed with happiness, she said she will have two people to boss around. Marquis, well he mumbled something about turning eighteen soon and walked away.

Drama Drive

Yes, I live on it. Sometimes it can be fun other times it can drive a person to drink Mountain Dew by the gallons. For those of you who have not met my daughter Payton, she is a very brightand articulate 6 year old. And sometimes she challenges me as a mother, most times she challenges me. Then there are other times she makes me very proud to be her mother.

Recently, Payton had a problem with one of the kids in her class. This boy told her that black people were bad and cannot be friends with white people. As a mother this hurt me a lot because I was not there to protect her. I asked her how this made her feel, she went on to tell me this: "I feel bad for him mommy, I told him that a long time ago Dr. Martin Luther King said all people are equal and can play together. It does not matter what color you are." This brought a tear to my eye. I was happy that she listens to the things her father and I teach her, I was also happy she could stand up for herself. I know that it is hard enough to have children as it is but multi-racial children have it a little harder sometimes. We have always taught Payton that who she is as a person is far more important then what other think about the color of her skin. We have taught all of our children to be proud of who they are and where they come from. This time it was just nice to see Payton was not going to let some little kid who was not taught the best things change who she is. I hope she is always this way. Standing your ground can be a great thing. She does it a lot especially when I tell her to clean her room. My little African American, Polish, Irish, German Princess. I LOVE HER!

I am SO tired!

Explanation, I am not ready to talk about that just yet. It is the new year and I must admit it is welcomed with great joy as to what this new year will hold for us. Mike is still loving his job. I want a job, mainly something that would allow me to work from home. I cannot imagine for one second being away from Phoenix. She reminds me so much of myself. She is stubborn, only laughs if she feels like it, she loves to look at you like you have lost your mind. That is my favorite one. People walk up to her with the biggest smiles and she just sits there like what the heck you smiling for idiot. At first it was hard to watch and I felt bad for people but now people walk away a lot quicker when the see she won't laugh. This great for me it allows me to get back to what ever I was doing. (Payton as a baby would laugh at everyone and everything, so I never got anything done, quick errands would take all day). Phoenix is quite comfortable with people she knows it is the strangers that freak her out. They freak me out too.