33.333%, 1/3, or 4 months.... Jax has reached another Milestone!

Happy 4th Month to my little sweet pea!  Time is just flowing by way too fast!  I can't believe me little man is 1/3 of a year old!  Last time we weighed him (last week) he was 17 lbs! He's super "tall" and fits in selective 3-6 month clothes.  His favorite jeans are 6-9 months though, they're a little bit long.  He can't seem to keep socks or shoes on, so we don't stress that too much.  He rolled over a couple of times (on purpose) a couple of weeks ago, but we haven't seen him do it yet.  He still doesn't really care for tummy time, but he turns on his belly from one direction to another.  He tries to inch-worm his way towards toys, but we definitely don't have a crawler on our hands.  He celebrated his first Halloween on Wednesday with his gammaw, mommy, daddy, and mommy's friend Michelle.  We had a bbq and handed out candy to other little kids in the neighbor hood.  It was definitely a fun little evening.  We have attempted to try a little bit of cereal but we haven't had any true success.  He eats about every 4 hours for about 20 mins.  He sleeps through out MOST of the night.  He gets a bath around 7, is in bed around 9 or 9:30.  He usually wakes up at about 4 or 4:30 and sleeps again until about 8 when he goes to his Nana and Papa's.  He loves to play on his play mat, and likes to spin little circles in his Johnny Jump Up.

Jay and I also celebrated our 1st Anniversary since the last time I wrote.  We enjoyed a quiet candle lit dinner of steak, potatoes, and roasted corn at the house, with our wedding cake and a bottle of Champagne my mom gave us a wedding gift.  It was definitely a special evening.  We had planned to go on a family trip, but school is kind of causing me a lot of unwarranted stress, so it seems as if the rest of life is on hold temporarily.   I could really use a lot of prayers for my Adult Health Class... I'm really struggling with it.    Other than that things are pretty quiet around the Moore House.... until Next time....



Peace, Love, and Baby Slobber

3 Months- No Thick Mommy Skin yet

I'm two days late on our three month blog.  Please forgive me for the fact that nursing school has taken over my life.  Just a few more weeks and things will start to slow down. I hope.  So let's just jump right in...this has been a rough morning and I need to get to studying.   Jax is now 3 months old!   I don't know his exact weight but we weighed him on our home scale twice the other day and got 12lbs 2 oz and 14 lbs 4 oz.   Either way he's a growing boy.  We're officially in size 2 diapers although sometimes we find a left over size one and it seems to hold for a round.  He fully fits into 3-6 month clothes and can sometimes squeeze into just a 3 month outfit... depends on the material.  We're still eating about 6-8 times a day, and staying strong with the nursing.  Half way to my short term goal, a quarter of the way to my long term.  He prefers to sit up and really seems to like his bumbo.  He still sleeps in our room in the bassinet.  I don't know when we'll change to his crib in his room but I'm thinking somewhere between 4-6 months.  He is still such the talker... he knows how to make some screeches, and some giggle sounds which we find absolutely adorable.  He's starting to reach for toys on his mobile and absolutely loves to kick and "dance" if you hold him up right.  He's such a happy baby and loves to smile and talk.   Quiet time is rare around here lately :). Jax has made it to his first volleyball game, and his first high school football game now.  He hates tummy time, and it seems like he's getting really eager to start trying foods.  If I hold him while I eat he sticks his little tongue out like he's going to snatch up something before I eat it.  I'm really ready to start trying cereals and things next month!  While talking about Jax seems to be second nature to me (I feel like he's 99% of what I talk about all day) something that isn't so natural to me is talking about motherhood.   Yes I absolutely adore motherhood, this is what I was born to do.... raise babies.  I absolutely cannot express the joy and the pride being a mommy brings me, but with that being said...mommyhood is not for the faint at heart.
    If you know me, you know I am tenderhearted and get my feelings hurt terribly easily.   Mommyhood hasn't changed that at all for me.  It seems like when you bring a child into this world, despite the fact that you've been caring for it for 10 months on your own, you are completely unfit to raise it without everyone else's opinions and judgement.   From being called a "human's rights violator" because of circumcision or being "ignorant and causing unnecessary harm" by having your child vaccinated, being a mother isn't always the easiest feat.   People seem to constantly attack you for every choice you make... be it breastfeeding because of your diet, or not making your child wear shoes before the age of one, or co-sleeping or what you teach your children, how often you need mommy or mommy and daddy time, whether you practice the cry it out method or not, why you do the things you do, when to have other children, etc it is all about what people are going to think about you.  It's a jungle out there.  I hate the feeling of people even for one minute judging me for what I think is the best for my baby.  I know a lot of mother's have to feel this way, but then you have other mother's who judge you too!   It's a scary place.  I make all of my decisions based on how to care for Jaxon based on scientific research and what Jay and I feel is the right thing to do.  Granted, I know there is no way that I will always make the right decision and never make a mistake (which is a hard pill to swallow because we all want whats best for our children) but I do think that I am making the best decisions I can for our family.  I guess in all reality it first came when we found out we were pregnant.  People started throwing their opinions in right then and there.... but I guess I feel the need to defend it more now because being a parent brought me a whole new sense of independence.  Sure I'm curious to other people's opinions, but don't attack mine, and don't tell me what you know what is best for my child when you've never even spent a single second in his presence.  The old cliche "Mother knows best" has prevailed without any discussion.  Mother's are tuned in with nature to make decisions for their babies.  I do appreciate those people who are able to share their wisdom with me without making me feel like inadequate parent.  I treasure those tidbits of information that   Rant Over....


After having Jaxon I felt like I had a new lease on life.   I wanted to repair broken relationships, strengthen present ones, and lay the foundation for lasting ones.  I know that over the years I have drifted from several people I once held dear.  I truly believe God puts and removes people in your life for a reason and since Jax I have come to realize who will truly cherish his life for what it is.   We have been very blessed with a handful of special friends who have fallen in love with our sweet boy and are going to be wonderful supporters of him as he grows and changes.   Those types of relationships were some of the most meaningful in my life growing up...my parents friends who were there for me through anything my family faced.  I am so happy to know that Jax will have a few of those himself.  I know he will forever hold dear those people who have helped us celebrate his life, who have prayed for him, loved him, and have made his life a little more special.  You will never know the love I have for people who have been a part of this sweet boys already wondrous life.   Being parents isn't always easy, and even though I don't feel like I need everyone else's over bearing opinion, it does take a village to raise a child.  A loving village.  To those who have been a part of our village, words cannot express how much we love and appreciate you.  Our families and those select friends are the reason I can attempt to give Jaxon ever bit of love he deserves.  Thank you for being there for us and for helping us realize that we don't have to be perfect parents.

Until next time... Peace Love and Support

Happy 2 Months Jax!

     The past two months have FLOWN by at the Moore House!   There has been a lot of excitement and some changes.   I started my FINAL year of Nursing School last Monday, which means, that Jax started staying with his Great Grandparents during the week.  I have hated leaving him but I know both he and my grandparents enjoy the time together!   Today was his two month appointment.  He weighs 12 lbs 0.5 oz and is 22 inches long.  His noggin is 16 inches around and he's a chunky, happy, little guy.   He is definitely animated like his momma!  He loves to talk and make crazy faces all day long.  He really doesn't fuss much, unless he's hungry, and you're not filling his tummy as much as he'd like.  He doesn't really care for tummy time unless he's laying on Mommy or Daddy's tummy and he's being talked to.  He's definitely a little rotten, but absolutely the most lovable little boy anyone could ever meet!     

     He got to go to his first Tech Game on Saturday.  It was such an awesome experience to get to share my love of Football and Texas Tech with my sweet baby boy.  He may not know now, but he'll always know he was exposed to good football at an early age!  He did great at the game!  Didn't fuss, stayed awake and alert, and even made a few "guns up" with his tiny hands (all on his own too!)   It was a fun little weekend.  We're hoping to make it to Cowboy's Stadium for the ASU game next weekend too but we'll see.  A little guy and a big stadium is a lot of work for this momma!    Jax also got to go to his first baseball game!   Such a neat treat for our little family!  

     Lots of exciting things have been happening for Jay and I too!  We just started the remodel on our guest bathroom (well so far we demolished the walls, and thats about it)  so that we can take care of the leaking that was occurring in the shower.  Jay is way excited for football to start, and we're having BOTH of our families over to our house for Grandparents' Day this weekend.  Like I said, I just started my last semester of Nursing School.  Definitely an exciting time for all of us!  It's a little overwhelming but I'm trying to remember that the END IS NEAR!   Couldn't have made it this far without my WHOLE family.  I also took on a new role this week.  Vice President of the Student Nurses' Association.   I probably sound like a glutton for punishment, taking on such a big role with a new baby, but I was so honored to have been nominated by my professor's that I thought I might accept the challenge!    I really hope that the SNA gets the boost it needs at ASU and that it ends up benefitting the awesome Nursing students that make it.   I'm definitely excited about the Howdy Party tomorrow to meet all the new and upcoming students!   I guess that means I better get all of my studying done tonight! 

Until Next Time, 

  Peace, Love and Family  

Mommy's first day of school. 

Our First Family Baseball outing!

Our first Tech Game as a family!

Jax and Gam-ma

Happy One Month Jaxon

Can't believe this first month has flown by so fast!   Yesterday marked Jaxon's first monthday!  (Kind of like a birthday but we celebrate every month for this year!)  He has already grown so much!  As of his one month check-up he was 8 lbs, 13 oz, and 21.5" long!  His head circumference is 14.1.  He eats about 3-4 oz every 3-4 hours.  We definitely have not mastered sleeping through the night (we have our days and nights backwards)  He wakes up every 2 hours and stays awake for 2 hours at a time at night. Usually he just wants me to hold and rock him and talk to him.  In his first month he's already attended 2 family reunions, and a couple of swimming parties.  He has changed so so so much!  His eyes are a dark blue/gray color! I really figured they would lighten up but they haven't yet!  I think they're absolutely beautiful eyes, but of course I am biased.  He's stayed once with his g-ma for a couple of hours and once with his jojo and grandad.   I really figured I would be a much more uptight parent than I am, but I guess I have learned to chill out quite a bit.  I am trying so hard to hold on to these days I have before I go back to school but they seem to be flying by!  I guess I better stop blogging and pick up my little love bug for some snuggle time before this afternoon flies by too.

Welcome to the World Jaxon Henry!

     So I'm sure by now everyone has read my blog I wrote the morning of July 2! My 5 am random blog about preparing for Jaxon.  Little did I know, at 11:30 that day, I would be laying in a hospital bed having an IV started, labs drown, and a plethora of questions to answer.  Jay and I went in for my doctor's appointment at 10:40 that morning with Dr. Harzke.  When we got there my blood pressure was higher than it had been, and I was showing lots of signs of preeclampsia.   While we were talking to our doctor about an induction date it became evident that he had different plans in mind.  Just a few minutes later his nurse was escorting us to Labor and delivery and my heart was racing with anticipation and excitement... WE WERE MEETING OUR SON TODAY!  I tried to stay calm, seeing how calm Jay was really helped me.  We rushed to get a hold of our families and get settled into the room.  After just a little over 5 hours of labor, our sweet baby boy made his grand appearance.  My mom and Jay stayed with me the entire time.. both trying to keep me calm and motivated.  I had refused the epidural and I wanted to labor naturally so it was a pretty scary few hours for all of us.  Needless to say it was really a pretty easy experience ( as easy as childbirth can be of course ).  At 5:07 pm that evening Jaxon Moore made his way into this crazy world.  He weighed 7lbs 2oz and was 20" long.  From the moment I held him I was head over heels in love with him.  He has the most precious little nose, and has a full head of hair!   He looks so much like his daddy but absolutely loves to snuggle with me.  Both of our families were there to greet our little bundle of joy, along with a few special friends.  After Jay and I got a little time along with him the room was flooded with people ready to see our sweet boy.  With all the extra hands snuggling my sweet boy I could finally have that Ham sandwich I had been craving since November, and finally got a nice cold Dr. Pepper to wash it down with.  Second best moment of that whole day ; )   .  I spent the entire night just staring at that beautiful boy and telling Jay how in love with both of them I was.  I couldn't even relish those moments enough.  My heart was overflowing with pride and joy and love.
     Over the next few days we enjoyed some very lovely company.  We were released from the hospital on July 4.  We spent the evening at home... we had seen enough fireworks for one year!  The next day I called Jaxon's pediatrician because I noticed that he was looking really yellow.  We rushed to the office for an appointment, and after what seemed like an eternity, we were told that Jaxon's bilirubin had more than doubled over night, and that we needed to head straight to the hospital.  Thankfully Jay is the calm one of the two of us, I just broke down in tears. We had JUST gotten that sweet boy home and here we were, already back in the hospital.  We stayed there until Saturday evening.  They had to hook him up to an IV and put him under a tent of lights for phototherapy.  Jay stayed by our sides the entire time.  Our families were so supportive and brought us food, encouragement, and a TJ's gift card! (If you know us, thats enough to perk us up anytime!)  When we came home, our pantry and fridge had been secretly stocked full of groceries!  I was in tears just thinking about how blessed we are! Jay and I both have absolutely spectacular families...and Jaxon and I have the most wonderful provider and father/husband anyone could ask for.  I have never loved any two boys so much in my life.   I am so grateful for both of them and would be absolutely lost without them....

now for what everyone has been waiting for...pictures of our newest addition.....

My little family...

Our sweet boy...and his precious precious nose! 

Proud parents <3    I was so exhausted... but I couldn't help but admire these two...

My mom lending a helping hand... 

Bright eyed as soon as he was born!   I never knew I could love someone so quickly! 

Super huge feet.... 

but he has his mommy's toes  

He was hungry from the moment he got here.. 

Getting ready to go home..

He's so tiny in his little carseat!~

Until next time...

Peace Love and Tiny Toes! 

July! July! July!

Can't believe our month is finally here!  It's finally July, which means we can finally meet our sweet baby boy!  Our last doctor's appointment didn't go to hot, so unfortunately getting sleep isn't really on the agenda for tonight (I have my follow up in exactly 6 hours... definitely ready to have that over with.)  At the last appointment (Thursday) my blood pressure was high, way higher than normal, and uncomfortably high for my OB apparently.  After we got through the initial reading we had a little chit chat about a possible induction, and then he sent me off for an Ultrasound, a Non-Stress Test, 2 Blood Draws, and another Urinalysis.  Needless to say I was very thankful Jay was able to make that appointment with me (to date he's only missed a couple...and that is solely because he had to work out of town those days).  He scheduled to see me back Monday (Today) with no more to be said.  This weekend has absolutely drug on.  In spite of the unfortunate event of racking my brain over a possible "complication" I have tried to be as calm and prepared for anything that I can be. I know full and well that God definitely has a plan for us and it's all in his hands.  The nursing student in me, is really struggling with not calling the doctor's office daily until I get the results of every blood draw, and test, but, I'm not going to.  I know that if there is something worth talk about... it will be discussed very soon (Plus let's face it... this isn't my original doctor...and quite frankly I don't have a very established relationship with him.)  Definitely missing Dr. Hajovsky right now!
      In other news... the nursery is finished... and is absolutely adorable.  My shower was the 23rd of June.  It was absolutely adorable.  The ladies' that threw it did an amazing job!  Jaxon and Jay and I were so blessed with all the wonderful gifts everyone brought.  From precious little outfits, to loads of diapers, to homemade blankets and anything else you could imagine.  This little boy has no idea how loved he is already.  We asked that people bring books instead of cards (because Jay is already tired of my 22 year old card collection) and may I say... it was a wonderful idea.  I've already snuck in the nursery and sat in my new glider and read my belly a few sweet stories.  Everyone's sweet words on the insides of the covers are what make these books even more special.  I know he'll love to see all the wonderful blessings people shared with him.  After the shower, Jay's guy friends had a small get together of swimming and some guy time.  They all brought lots of diapers (thank the Lord, because I know Jay will be getting in LOTS of diaper changing!)  It was really amazing to see the guys getting excited about our little man.  I know they'll be great with him when he's old enough to be fishing and raising a ruckus with them.  That Sunday... Mom, Jay and I spent the entire day washing baby clothes, putting together gifts, organizing and decorating the nursery, and just relishing in all the teeny tiny socks and things we had to put away.  I am so absolutely in love with all these sweet clothes that make up Jaxon's closet.  I cannot wait to dress him up for his first sunday at church, for his first Texas Tech Red Raider's Game, for his first Ranger's game...and all those little days in between.  Never did I think that I would be married to my absolute best friend, and get to have his sweet wonderful child(ren).
     Other than the normal preparing for baby stuff... we have spent a little time just enjoying the in utero babysitter we have, and just soaking up the last few weeks of just being the 2 of us (well minus ranger, he definitely makes 3 of us... he's growing like a weed.  4 months old and he weighs 40+ lbs!) I spent a little shopping time with mom yesterday getting some small things for the house, and enjoyed a saturday night all to myself.  I just sat around watching chick-flicks and eating some cereal, but lets face it...at 38 weeks pregnant there's not much else I'd rather do.  Jay had a nice little 24 hour "guys" trip with Cory and Jordan and Jordan's brother Jaxon ( no, that's not where we got his name, I didn't even realized they were spelt the same until way after we chose our name) at Jordan and Jaxon's family's ranch.  I was super nervous about having him not be home, but I know he needed a break, and some guy time, before he gets cooped up in this house with me and the little one when he takes his paternity leave.  Once he got back in to town we snuck in a few "maternity" pictures and enjoyed some dinner and a movie.  Mom definitely wanted us to get a few pictures in just in case tomorrow doesn't go well and for some reason we have to be induced.  I'm trying not to get my hopes up either way.  If we do get induced tomorrow, I know it's better for both of us, if there is any complication, but if we get to go a little bit closer to our due date, I'll be thankful that there wasn't anything wrong and we're both as healthy as can be.  Until then... I guess I better try to get some sleep.  Here are a few pictures of the nursery and of our mini "maternity" for your viewing pleasure.

Until Then,

 Let's face it... my picture taking ability and lighting preferences are not ideal at 4 am...but there are a few pictures of the nursery....

Our first "Homeowners'" picture :) 

 Peace, Love, and Happy July!

My Dearest Jaxon

     Today has been one of the most hormonal of my pregnancy... actually to be honest, the past week has been extremely hormonal and emotional, but today was an all time new for me.   I was sitting here editing pictures and talking to Jaxon and decided to turn on my iTunes and listen to some music.   While my library was playing through I came across a song I don't think I've ever honestly listened to since I first hear it.  As the song played on and on I found myself lost in the lyrics and realized that the song was describing the love I already have for our little bundle of joy.  The song was "times" by Tenth Ave North.  I'll post the lyrics and then finish my blog...

First Verse-
I know I need You
I need to love You
I love to see You, but it's been so long
I long to feel You
I feel this need for You
And I need to hear You, is that so wrong? 

"My love is over. It's underneath.
It's inside. It's in between.
The times you doubt Me, when you can't feel.
The times that you question, 'Is this for real? '
The times you're broken.
The times that you mend.
The times that you hate Me, and the times that you bend.
Well, My love is over, it's underneath.
It's inside, it's in between.
These times you're healing, and when your heart breaks.
The times that you feel like you're falling from grace.
The times you're hurting.
The times that you heal.
The times you go hungry, and are tempted to steal.
The times of confusion, in chaos and pain.
I'm there in your sorrow, under the weight of your shame.
I'm there through your heartache.
I'm there in the storm.
My love I will keep you, by My pow'r alone.
I don't care where you fall, where you have been.
I'll never forsake you, My love never ends.
It never ends."

Anyways, the song is about a conversation between a man and God... a father and a son... and all I could think was "Wow! I'm going to love my child this same way!"  I was completely overcome with emotion.   To think that I am going to get to love this sweet little boy through all the good and bad times of his life.   No my love will never amount to the love of his heavenly father, because I am human, but with any help he will feel my love through anything life throws him.  I cannot wait to hold this sweet boy in my arms, and see his sweet face.  I'm hoping he looks just like his daddy, because lets face it... I love his daddy more than words can describe!  To know that we are being blessed with such a miracle blows my mind...I feel like everyday that gets closer to our due date I fall in love with Jay even more.  I know he's going to make a fantastic father, I couldn't be more proud to have him raise our children.  God has blessed my life with both of these boys more than I can even say... his plan for my life has already proven to be 100x greater than the plans I had made for myself.   

Now that I've shared all the ooey gooey mess that I've been feeling... I guess I should update on the pregnancy itself... things are going really well... I'm 35 weeks and 5 days!   Getting to the end of this long road!  My due date is 30 days away and I cannot wait!  We almost have the nursery ready, just missing a 6 drawer organized and the mini blinds, and of course the decorations ( I'm waiting til after the shower to go out and finish the walls) but its absolutely adorable! I cannot wait to post pictures.

A few other family updates....

    Jay is definitely kicking tail at work!  He's been growing his customer list and reaching out to new customers left and right! I'm definitely proud of him ( But i'm also really ready for his leave to spend sometime with us!)  

    Ranger just got fixed this week, and hasn't seemed to calm down at all!   He's still a handful but he's a blast... he's starting to learn a little bit faster!  We still absolutely adore him..and nothing melts my heart like having him come lay his little head on my belly (even if it only lasts for a split second).  

Other than that we're just staying busy :)   We'll keep updating as time gets closer to our little man's grand debut!   

Until Next time

 

Peace, love and lyrics 

Our New House, and our Newest Edition

     As of yesterday we have officially lived in our new house for a month! I still haven't finished decorating or unpacking therefor there aren't any pictures for me to post just yet...so I won't talk too much about the house... except for the fact that we love it and are enjoying every moment of being home owners.... including the leaky toilet, the spraying for bugs, and the maintenance... strangely enough.  We also decided that our first home needed an additional family member... someone to keep us preoccupied until Jaxon makes his grand debut... so after much deliberation... we decided we would get a puppy!   It was actually a really lengthy process, lots of false leads, lots of debating, and lots and lots of indecisiveness.  We finally decided on a yellow lab with the most gorgeous green eyes.  We named him Ranger (we really wanted to name him Pudge because he was such a chunk but we knew we would always think about James' Pudge when we called him.)  We got him from a lady in town who had 5 puppies ready to go, 4 little boys and a little girl. I of course, wanted the little girl, because I did not want to be the only estrogen producing body in this household, but I fell in love with the chunky stinker in the corner.  He's been an awful lot of fun, and a little bit of chaos.   We definitely have already began spoiling him, and I have been super paranoid about making sure he's as healthy as can be.  Jay is such a great trainer, and spends lots of time teaching him "manners" and how to just not be too much of a handful.

       He definitely keeps me company through out the day when Jay is at work.  I definitely don't mind, because now that school is out I don't like being home alone all day.  But I am enjoying finally getting to decorate and unpack.  It's so overdue.  Ranger is full of energy, and keeps us laughing.  He definitely knows how to be a sweetheart, but he's also got a wild streak a mile wide! (I'm guessing I'll be saying that  about another little boy in this house in just a few years!)  Like I mentioned, the semester is over...which is a huge relief.  It's great to know I passed all my classes (specially my adult health class! it was definitely the roughest class yet.)  I got an A, a B and a C, and of course passed my clinical.  Not the best semester but a pretty good one none the less, specially in the midst of all the stress and craziness we've had going on.  One more year and I'll be completely done!  Kayla Moore, RN, BSN will be the sweetest sight! 

      Who could have known that 4 years ago as a college freshman at Texas Tech University majoring in Exercise and Sports Science that all my big plans would change so drastically, and so would my last name!  I could have never imagined how blessed my life was going to become!  At 18 I was so set on graduating from Texas Tech, getting my doctorate in Physical Therapy and definitely had no idea I'd marry my best friend, or get to be the mother of his children!   Now, at 22, I am a MOORE, a mother-to-be, a homeowner, an Angelo State Ram, and a nursing student!  I won't be working in Africa or Afghanistan for 2 years, I won't possibly be joining the Navy, I won't be graduating in that scarlet and black, and I won't be wondering what my life could have been like had I passed up the opportunity to go on that first date with Jay, after 7 years of crushing on my football star.  I could not have asked for a better life for myself!   Definitely glad to know that God's plan is so much better than our own...if we only let him have our lives and not try to take control of them ourselves!    

Until next time, here are some pictures of our sweet Ranger, the currently love of our little life!   

Peace, Love, and Puppy Dog Tails <3 

 

After playing in the rain

Two of my sweet boys!   This was the first day we got the little chunk! 

Me and our boy! 

One Friday night the three of us camped out in the living room (our AC went out and that was the coolest place) and this is what I woke up next too!    Melted my little heart! 

Our boy!  8 weeks old!  He's already grown so much!

Of course a blogged picture of us too!   This was last saturday on our way to Cory's Graduation Party One of the few times we've gotten to get out lately due to all the busy work we've been doing around the house!

I Will Praise You In This Storm

     Needless to say, things have not slow down around the Moore Household one bit since I last wrote.  In fact they've probably gotten a little more crazy that I could have imagined.  Bear with me because this may be a long and crazy update.  I guess we should go back to the end of March, after I last updated... Landry Shea Schoenfield made her grand debut 15 Days earlier than expected on March 20, 2012 at 8:20 pm.  She was 7 lbs 3 oz and 19.5".  She's absolutely beautiful and I just can't get over how stinking crazy I am about our new niece!  I can't decide if she looks more like Kenzie or Maddie... I usually say Kenzie but in some of her pictures she scrunches her face up just right, and she looks more like Maddie. Her Uncle Jay sure loves her too, and I absolutely love getting to see how sweet he is with her (makes me get little butterflies just thinking about how it's going to be when Jax gets here).  Marlayna has been such a trooper... she did great through the delivery and just seems to be pretty much back to her normal self ( I hope I'm half as rocking as she is in a few months!).
     With Landry's arrival meant another Moore was in attendance for the big wedding.  It was absolutely gorgeous.  Lacey and Wendell both looked extremely calm and collected and they all decorated the ranch beautifully!  ( I will say they had some awesome little projects they had completed throughout the wedding that completely blew me away)  The ceremony was beautiful, right before sunset and the reception was absolutely a blast.  We definitely enjoyed getting to see everyone, eating some wonderful food, and dancing the night away.
     A few days after that, one of the sweet little girls I have been babysitting and loving for the past 4 years was diagnosed with ALL, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.  Needless to say my heart absolutely dropped.  When she arrived at Cook's Children's Hospital in Ft Worth her Leukemia Levels were 75-80% , as of monday they were .08%.  God has definitely had his hand over her and her family over the past couple of weeks.  She turned 6 on Saturday, and although she really wasn't feeling to great I know so many of us rejoiced at the blessing of having her here another year.  You never realize how precious life is until the unthinkable happens to the undeserving.
     Monday was also Mom's appointment with the great wonderful Dr. Oz ( Ok his name isn't Dr Oz but as I'll tell this story you'll understand why I'm referring to him as that).  I drove to Dallas early monday morning to take mom to her surgery at the UT Southwestern Medical Center.  When we got there we valet parked our car (yeah crazy I know) and headed up to her appointment. We got there and the doctor hastily reviewed her MRI's, Myelogram and other scans her Doc here had sent... then he proceeded to lazily perform what should have been a Cranial Nerve assessment (this little nursing student was NOT happy with all of the HUGE flaws he had during his exam)  only to tell mom that her damage was not severe enough to warrant surgery and that she needed to explore some other kind of options.  While we felt pretty blessed that there was no significant damage to her spinal cord or neck, we weren't happy with how hastily he made the decision and how rudely dismissed her pain as unimportant.  So we're taking matters into our own hands and exploring options that will help her manage her pain and return to a more normal living situation.  Just continue to pray for her.
     Tuesday, well yesterday, was my 26 week appointment to check on Jax and myself.   Other than the fact that I've been a little puffy, swollen,  and more exhausted than usual, the appointment went well.  My weight got a little out of control over the past month, but I think that also has something to do with the immense amount of water I retained over my long trip monday.  Jax's heart beat was strong and fast just like we hope for, my blood pressure was normal (well a little below my normal which is really good news) and she said my Fundal height ( the height of my uterus) was exactly on track.  Always good to get a good report from our OB.  My next appointment will be April 24 when we'll finally get to see the 3D sonogram of our growing boy, and they'll also do the glucose testing for gestational diabetes... this is something I'm a little uneasy about, because of the high risk I've always run for diabetes (My Grandmother passed away at 46 due to diabetes) and it definitely makes me quite anxious and nervous.  I've tried to eat healthy and protect both myself and Jaxon from any complications so I'm really praying that God has his hand over us and we can get some good results.
     A few other things have been going on in our home.  I have been struggling severely with school, and been trying really hard to overcome a hard class that holds the entire future of my nursing school career in the palms of its cruddy hands.  Looks like I may still pass, its just going to take some serious hard work on my part and some grace on the part of the big man upstairs.  T
    Tomorrow we finally close on our house!  I cannot wait to move in (I'm not packed because we aren't going to be able to just move in one day but I am so very excited to finally have the keys to our house and have a lot more room for my little family to grow. We are so thankful for our realtor and our lending agent who have hoped make all of our dreams come true!  

These are the bracelets we made to support our sweet Avery and to raise money to donate to her and her treatment.  We will overcome!  

Here is uncle Jay with Sweet Landry... Love them Both <3 

Until Next Time-
Peace, Love, and Welcome Mats

A Quick Update

     Well, while I should be working on a Care Plan Summary before my "Spring Break" comes to a screeching halt, I think I'll take a break to update everyone on the happenings around the Moore residence.   Well like I've mentioned, probably a dozen times by now, we are buying a house... We were SUPPOSED to be closing tomorrow, but, thanks to miscommunication and technology, we won't be closing until the 16th of April... much to our dismay.  That's how we started my Spring Break...with that irritating little tidbit of information.  But, I guess it's all in a plan, and it'll all work out. I'm really eager to post pictures of our new home, but I think that may be weird until we actually have the keys (the current owners may find that a little creepy!) I've spent most of my week talking to our lending agent and trying to get every last piece of paper in place for her.  I've also spent lots of time simplifying our current residence and trying to get rid of things that are not absolutely necessary to keep and or move.  Needless to say Spring Break as a housewife isn't much of a break at all it seems.
     Other than all of that excitement we had another appointment this week to check on Baby J.  At 22 weeks everything seems to be right on schedule. His heart rate was at a steady 152 bpm and he has been super active these last few days.   His movements are getting stronger and more distinguishable!  It's such an amazing feeling! I'm so ready for Jay to be able to feel him so that he can share in some of the excitement.  His room is finally coming together, even though currently, the majority of his belongings are sitting in the dining room of our tiny one bedroom apartment. (We've decided to go with a fishing theme, not sure if I've already said that or not but with the number of times i've been asked I'm just going to volunteer that now.)   He now has a changing table, and the most adorable round crib I could have imagined.  We are getting ready to paint and redo the furniture so that it all matches, which is going to be an exciting project in itself.  (If you know me I love to craft!)
     Speaking of excitement, as March slowly gets close to April there is lots to be celebrating in the Moore Family.  March 31, Jay's cousin Wendell and his fiancé Lacey will tie the knot at their ranch.  We are so excited to celebrate such a fun and exciting day with them!   I've loved both of them since I met them for the first time at Thanksgiving almost 2 years ago.   Soon after that, April 4, little Miss Landry will be here, she's our new niece! Marlayna and Josh are going to have a full house with 3 of the most precious nieces Jay and I could have ever imagined. I'm pretty sure that's one of the sweetest gifts the "easter bunny" could bring this year!  With all of the excitement following the next month, I'm really getting eager to see this semester come to a swift close. Blame it on pregnancy, or burnout, or just a lack of interest to this semester, but I am EXHAUSTED and thoroughly ready to be done with what I believe will be the most excruciating semester of nursing school yet.  Although, with a baby, and two clinical classes next semester this may be a premature accusation to make.  Needless to say, I am so ready for summer!  Ready to have time to spend with our families and watch them grow!  I'm ready to have time to work on our house, and our garden we plan to grow.  I'm just ready to have something other than medications, policies, and patho whirling around in my head.  Maybe being a patient in the hospital this summer will be just what I need.... as long as they don't keep Jax and I too long of course!

Until Next Time,

Peace, Love, and Calendars!

Trust in the Lord with ALL your Heart....

Gracious!  
     So much has been going on in our crazy little family.  Lot's to update on, and quite frankly I just need to write, write, write!   Some of you know, and some of you don't that My Mom has been having some really bad problems with her neck.  We finally found a Neurosurgeon with a specialty in Cervical Spine Surgeries.  So I'll be taking mom to Dallas sometime soon to have her surgery done with him... the Dr's here really didn't have a positive prognosis for her problem, which put a HUGE stress on all of us.  He basically told her that if he did her surgery she would be "crippled" for the rest of her life.  We are definitely glad we found this new doctor.  He has a much more positive outlook and has studied similar cases and has a much better plan of care.  Thankfully Jay has been so supportive and patient through the mix of pregnancy hormones, tough days, and full out crying fits.  It's been really nice to have him to depend on when I'm so used to taking care of all of these kinds of things on my own.  I am definitely blessed beyond my wildest dreams!
     Today is also the last day of the "Option Period" of our house buying process, the last day for us to back out.   I've definitely struggled with the idea of such a big commitment, specially one with this much financial responsibility, but I couldn't be more excited.  (Definitely no backing out for the Moore Family!) It's been an interesting process of actually being first time home buyers, from applying blindly for the loan, to hearing how much our credit scores have approved over the past year, to finding the perfect house, to the inspection, getting insurance, and now just waiting for the closing... April 26 is the official date!  I cannot WAIT to get out of this over crowded old apartment and into our cozy, precious, first home!  I cannot wait to be there with Jay and Jax and hopefully to have a puppy!  It'll be so nice to be able to have bbq's and little get togethers again!   We already have a list of things we need to do to the house to make it feel like ours, but we are so excited to put some sweat and blood into making this place home.  It's been such a rewarding feeling to buy our first home by our very own selves.  It's rewarding to know that at 22/24 we are making head way beyond what we dreamed just 2 years ago.  We still have lots of work to do, and still some headway to be made but, we have managed to bring our selves quite a long way.  Nice to know that no one will ever be able to take away the confidence we've gained through this process!  
     In other news, tomorrow Jax will be 21 weeks in the making!   These past 2 weeks have honestly been the most "pregnant" feeling weeks... I feel like I'm starving ALLLL the time... I seriously have to eat a pretty good snack at least every 2 hours, and I have had some uncontrollable cravings.  This week it's been ice cream, sour punch straws (that's been the hardest to control), big red, lots of vegetables, orange juice, and some graham crackers..   It seems to be something different every week so hopefully I can keep up with it all so maybe Jax will know why he likes so many of my favorite foods :)  He's been moving around a lot lately this week.  He usually wakes me up around 4 in the morning, and definitely doesn't rest until much later.  Last night Jay and I were watching Swamp people and he was moving and grooving as fast as we could.  Those are the moments I treasure the most... it's so reassuring to know that he's just growing and growing!  I know Jay cannot wait to feel him kick... and I'm ready to share that with him! We're just expecting it'll be a few more weeks.
      Well I feel like I've probably caught up for now.... this weekend will finally be a calm one! Tomorrow is our niece Maddie's first soccer game! Can't wait to watch her play!  I know she'll do great... besides that it's going to be time for much deserved rest, relaxation and some organization around the apartment so we can start packing before too long!  Until then....

- Peace, Love and Sour Punch Straws

-- Jay and Kayla Moore

This Road We Call Life.

     Well, our other blog some how got hacked into and shut down.  So we're starting over, but thats ok because EVERYONE needs a fresh start.  Jay and I got married in October in front of 300 people.  We celebrated with a wonderful reception filled with dancing, yummy food, and wonderful friends.  Just a Month later, we found out we were expecting our first bundle of joy!  Yes! a baby!  Due on July 14! Needless to say there were several emotions flowing in our house, excitement, shock and even a little disbelief.  Now, 20 weeks pregnant we are nothing short of elated to welcome a beautiful baby boy to our family.
     The first 12 weeks or so were filled with immense morning sickness.  Exhausting fatigue and food aversions to anything that wasn't fruit.  We kept the secret for several of the first weeks.  But when we did finally tell our families they were all very excited.  Baby J is already loved more than he will ever know.
     In January we went to Cancun for our late honeymoon. It was such an amazing vacation!  Jay had never seen ocean blue like that and I had never been on a vacation that big with my husband!  We spent 8 days and 7 nights at the beautiful Omni Resort in a Presidential Jacuzzi Suite!  Every honeymooner's dream!   We spent our week snorkeling, exploring a nearby island, shopping, exploring the jungle, and just relaxing on the beach.  It was definitely wonderful.
      When we returned we had our first big sonogram with our OB.  That's when we found out Baby Moore was a little boy!  We were so so so excited!  Jay has always wanted a son, I've always just wanted to be a mommy, but our families were both eager for their first grandson on either side.  We finally decided on a name sweet Jaxon Henry.  Jaxon was a name I've always been in love with since I had first watched Steel Magnolias.  and the spelling was just for a big change.  Henry was my dad and my granddads middle name, and without my last name I figured it might be nice to see a name that had some ancestral ties.
     We've had one more sonogram since January and everything seems to be going perfectly.  He already has huge feet, and really really long legs...just like his daddy! Now that I'm not battling insane morning sickness it seems like I'm so hungry all the time.. I crave random things, like beef and bean burritos and hot cheetos, concession stand nachos, popcorn, pickles, peanut butter, bacon and jelly sandwiches, anything salty spicy tangy or sweet!  No real consistencies there! haha!   The last sonogram was my favorite...he was "talking" and sucking his thumb and even waved his little fingers at us!  He has already been an unbelievable blessing in our lives!   Jay talks to my belly a lot, and I've been feeling lots of little flutters.  It's really been an awesome experience!
     With the news of a little one on the way, we knew we HAD to find a new place to live.... a one bedroom apartment just was not reasonable for a family of 3.... so we began looking for a ouse a few months ago... nothing to extensive until we got approved about 3 weeks ago, and found the perfect house about a week ago.  It's a 3/2 home near Jay's parents in a quiet neighborhood, with a covered back patio and beautiful hardwood floors!  Its so quaint and cozy, and the room we are planning for Jaxon's nursery is already the color I had been thinking of painting it!  Tell me THAT'S not a God thing!   We just signed on it today and will close and move in on April 26, when our lease is up.  We are both so thrilled!  We have done so much growing up in the past year, and are eager to see where our life will take us!  Sorry this is such a long post....lots of catching up needing to be done!   Until Next time!

Peace, Love, and Onesies!

This was our final day in Mexico.  In front of our gorgeous hotel!