Praying....

This morning little Remington weighs heavy on my mind. As I woke up I gathered my babies and we prayed, prayed that his surgery goes well and that they are able to go into his heart and do what is best for that sweet baby. God willing the doctors are able and that sweet boy will be coming home. I know this has been a long hard road for him and his parents and all those who love him. We are praying today and thinking of them during this time!!!

Little Remington show them what a fighter you are we are anxiously awaiting to welcome you home!!

Horrific

You dont realize the horrific damage and just how low this plane was flying until you see it in person. Crazy crazy crazy....... the access road is permenantly closed as the building is going to have to be demolished and the worst part is and innocent person was killed due to someone else's misery.

Moments....

From this moment to this moment to the current. I have always wanted to give my children the world. I want to grant them a life without pain or sorrow. I'm not in control of that, but I can love...and my ability to love has grown with both of them in my life. My 1st moments with my children where not what I expect and planned for.....their births where scary and NOT ever what I had dreamed, imagined and hoped for. With Callen they kept loosing his heartbeat and it resulted in a emergency c-section due to a prolapsed cord. It was a cold room I was put completely under-not getting to hear my sons 1st cries, not getting to see him not having my husband by my side.....With Paisley it was the pit of my stomach type fear.... I knew that morning something wasn't right...words cant even begin to describe the feelings that come with the unknown. Luckily I was able to have my rock beside me to pray with me and to let me know what was going on....I did not have to be put under and I was able to hear her 1st cries and see that she was small yet still a nice small size....I didn't get to look at her or kiss her or smell her first sweet breaths like I have envisioned but when I as able to finally see both my children for the 1st time I was able to take those moments in...

So you ask where is this post going.....let me share

Life is short--- immeasurably short...don't take moments for granted, enjoy the moment you are in, take it all in, don't relish in the things you cannot change, don't let the bitterness take control of your heart. Life is more grand then many of us realize and at a moments notice it can all be taken away or any part of it can change...

I look back and I cant remember rubbing my pregnant belly with Paisley one last time ( that aches my soul) or caving in and reading that one last bedtime story again to the little boy nagging me..... don't get caught up in the material things life has to offer because when it is all layed out on the table you would give it all away just to have your family safe or your newborn daughter be ok ( i have been there and Chris and I would have both given ANYTHING that morning to have Paisley be ok). Life is precious it is a gift and it is the one thing that should not be taken lightly. When they say children are life's greatest blessings there MOST DEFIANTELY ARE!!! I tell many my babies are my heart walking around on my sleeves and they are! I would give anything and everything for the two of them....any parent feels that way. Everyone is given path that are different we all face different obstacles but at night when we all lay down the one thing no matter what that we all have is FAMILY and at the end of the day that family is going to be there through thick and thin..good times and bad.. so today I would like to say

Thank you for being my family--- You are my light in dark tunnels, an ear when I need one, you have shared the good times and the bad, you have been there through rough roads and you have been there for all the milestones. With out each of you we wouldn't be where we are today and for that I am grateful!!! And while some of you may not be blood related and just friends you are still family!!

Sending love across the miles and hoping you are all blessed beyond belief for what you have done in my life, my husbands life and my children's lives.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Prayer Warriors Needed

Please pray from baby Remington and his parents as they face some of the most difficult decisions in regards to there sons heart. Please pray for Remington and that his little body can with stand the surgery and that there is healing. We all know that the Lord works in miraculous ways-- Sweet baby Remington you have a army of hope and love standing behind you......We love you little guy!!!

Update...

Well we made it to the 9 month check up visit just days shy of 10 months...Ooops shame on momma for forgetting the 1st appointment. They couldnt have been more pleased with Paisley's developmental skills she actually meets and exceeds them and they could not believe that she pulls up but they where able to see 1st hand this girl wants UP.... thank the heavens above that she is doing sooooo well. There is not a day I ever take for granted when it comes to my children and there health especially the sister as she has overcome so many obstacles. Of course we did get the news flash that she is defiantely going to be my ITTY BITTY--- she is a whooping 15 lbs and 26 inches long....of course her head well it is as we all know BIG and the only thing on (well almost off) the charts. Thank heavens for that because it makes caring her BIG bows much easier ;)

She has also officially passed BOTH her ear test...whoooo what a sigh of relief!!!

My Helper

Thanks little dude for helping mommy out---your sister thanks you as well!!!

Double Trouble Bath

These two....melt my heart....occasionally he is in the mood for sister to take a bath with him...make our life easier....and they LOVE sharing bathtime...yet this only happens once is a blue moon because the brother likes HIS extended baths!!!

Giving...

This weekend we donated blood.....it was FUN--- my girl loved playing with Sherri's girls...makes my heart ache because I miss them Oh so much!!! and if it takes giving blood to see them count us there!!!

Of course getting weighed in front of everyone was NOT as funny as they thought--lady I know my weight and I am still barely able to donate!!!

Changes...

Wow--- just when you think life has slowed a bit and you are getting ready for the BUSY crop season it get even crazier then you can imagine.... ARE YOU SCRATCHING YOUR HEAD YET? Up to this point we have been very hesitant to let the cat out of the bag however now it is signed sealed and ALMOST delivered that we have SOLD out house. So as it looks in the midst of planting we too will be moving with two very young kids. We are very excited for the road ahead. It has made for some extremely busy days and some even longer nights. Callen has been very upset with me lately for taking down the pictures, tearing his playroom apart however when you ask him what we are doing he will tell you "PACKING to move to our new house." Chris and I are in the midst of house plans, narrowing down a builder and scurrying to fill out endless amounts of paperwork as I should have started 8 months ago had I even remotely thought we would sell our house. Hopefully the end of this year we look back and chuckle and realize this was all WELL worth it for now I will continue to question it daily. We are thrilled with the possibilities that lye ahead however we too are very very hesitant and nervous as this is a whole new world. In the end what ever happens will be based on what is best for the kids sake and ultimately and happy home for our sweet babies is all that we ask for.

It is bittersweet to say goodbye to our 2nd home our 1st was the home Callen was born in our 2nd Paisley was born in our 3rd will be where we raise these sweet babies and you can tell the sister is SUPER excited.

Callen is very excited as well he has been looking at colors for his new room.....and we have been thinking about all the possibilities.The boys checking out our future home site.....just across from our current home on the 3 acres we kept creekside. Hopefully God willing in a few months the scenery there will look alot different.

This busy pace is tiring and taking its toll even the sister is now sleeping a bit more....guess she is tired of paperwork from 1-3 in the morning...it makes her playtime at that hour less fun ;) With these changes come many changes for the 2 sweet children in our life. We are trying to keep life as normal to them as possible of course there are a few hiccups here and there...Callen has agreed to have a party after March along with packing up endless amounts of stuff for others who are in need. Paisley well she is busy climbing and pulling up on the boxes not very aware of what is happening just little miss HAPPY GO LUCKY. Chris I am sure is stressed beyond belief as this is the toughest time of year that just got harder....me well I am a crazy women ;)

Have a wonderful week we are sending all our love across the miles!!!

35 Months....

Just 35 months ago this sweet boy made me a MOMMY--- and while he is definately my strong willed stubborn child there is no doubt that I wouldnt change ANY of it!!!

This little dude is growing by leaps and bounds and is anxiously awaiting is birthday---he has started a list and knows his birthday is next month--the hard part is he doesnt yet realize his party wont be for several months but we will definately make Saturday March 20th as special as possible for this dude.

sooo what is he up to these days

1. His vocabulary is growing by leaps and bounds and is amazing what he comprehends

2. He loves his siter to the moon and back...this morning it was just the two of them in bed and he was soooo sweet to her...she is definately his #1 BUD

3. It is official after months of no realy tractor play we have once again pulled out the tractors--I think he knows that daddy is about to get even more busy

4. He is the pickiest eater EVER----unless it is Spagehtti, nuggets, chicken, pizza or JUNK he does not like it (for easter I have decided I am ONLY hiding fruits and veggies ;)

5. He still has stunning blue eyes that melt my heart

6. He is dying to get back outside as that is his favortie place to be and the weather has NOT been cooperating!!!

7. He can count to 20 in spanish and english as of yesterday---Way to go little dude!!!

8. He loves to help mommy cook!!! and he loves to play in sissy's kitchen as well!!

9. He is my heart and I am sooo greatful the man upstairs let me be his mommy

10. He is MR. INDEPENDENT and dont you forget it because he will definatley remind you!!!

His Style---

ROCKS my world----

Remington Scott Chanek

arrived Feb. 16th weighting 8lbs 14 oz. and was almost 22 inches long. I have spoken to his sweet parents this morning and he is doing well. They are thinking his 1st heart surgery will be Monday as they are still running several test. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers...while they are able to see and touch there sweet boy they are unable to hold him. For any parent the unknown road is very hard. I know he is being well taken care of and watched over by all. However as a parent not being able to hold and cuddle your sweet bundle is hard and not knowing what is to come in the days to come can be even harder so please pary for this sweet couple. Thank you

Now lets be honest...

He likes to do MANY things his sister does....I think because she gets some of the attention for these sweet foolish things....but little does he realize it is only cute becasue she is a baby

And as we all know BIG boys can act like BIG babies---although he would beg to differ--heehehe

She like to do what he likes to do...

And it drives him CRAZY---when she comes after his toys......but what are siblings for!!!

I have to admit---that sweet face just wants to be right by her brothers side

And that sweet boy likes being his sisters #1 Fan....so he will have to understand when she follows him like a shadow it is just sisterly LOVE--

Isnt he the SWEETEST

He is such a GREAT BIG BROTHER!!!

And he loves to help---last night he fed his sister all by himself all of her food. You can tell she was in AWWW of him

BIG bite sissy!!! Open wide!!

Wishing you all---

A blessed and HAPPY VALENTINES DAY from our family to yours!!!

(THANKS UNCLE DANIEL FOR THE AMAZING CARD AND KASSIE THE PICTURE IS PRICELESS)

CALLEN HANDED THESE OUT TO HIS CLASS WITH CUTE LITTLE CRAYONS THAT WERE HEART SHAPED THAT WE MADE---WE HAD DADDY PEELING CRAYONS FOR DAYS---THANKS A BUNCH DAD FOR THE ASSISTANCE

Happy 9 Months--

It is hard to believe just about this time 9 months ago it was a whirlwind at the hospital. They had determined I was in labor that couldnt be stopped as I was dialated to 7. They right about now were just giving me a shot to slow contractions and another shot to help quickly developed baby girls lungs..... it was a terrifying adventure for any parent....however the end result is melt your heart precious. I couldnt be more proud of where my sweet girl is now...she has over come obstcles, faced challenges, defeated many of the odds and in all reality developmently she is right at her age milestones. I am a PROUD mama-- and while she may be little we lover her more then anyone could image......

Here is what my girl is up to these days-- (and yes it is a bruise on abover her eye MOMMY's fault)

1. You are still my eating champ although do to reflux you now get 2 premie formula bottles a day because we need weight gain by your next appointment on OOOPS today and now rescheduled for the 22nd

2. You are still the happiest baby ever unless you are HUNGRY

3. You are most definately a mommas baby and you even say momma (melts my heart)

4. You are crawling EVERYWHERE and as of last night you are sitting un assisted for 5-10 minutes (and I was worried because you werent sitting yet)

5. You love your BIG brother 2 the moon and back and I could watch the 2 of you for hours

6. You are still the biggest bow wearing baby around and I love the fact you never mess with them (thank you for allowing mommy that one little quirk!)

7. You love having Daddy take and pick you up from Miss Gina I think it is the humm of the diesel but every evening you are snoozing--and we all know that is soo not the girl

8. You dont like to sleep and you dont want to miss a thing

9. You prefer BIG brothers toys but you are really into your baby with hair

10. You are our little snuggler and your daddy and I both love that--and kisses I think you have been given more kisses then ANY baby-it is most definately the chunky cheeks (they are by far my favorite)

Happy 9 months little Girl----

This is what you resort to.....

when you dont have a younger brother or sister....UNCLE BLAINE is the culpret here although I have to admit I got quite a few laughs and as you can tell Callen didnt mind a bit because he thought he was cool little did he know this was Blaines form of torture!!!

It 1st started with a cap---as you know by now Callen likes to strip to is "WONDER WEAR" and play for countless hours with nothing on. Inside our home and a few select others we let him...otherwise it is FULL clothes for this little boy.

Then Uncle Blaine gave him a TAIL----doenst he look like a monster with that grin---

Callen was laughing little did he realize all the chuckles we directed towards him...this kid is a CHARACTER let me be the 1st to say I have NO idea where it comes from!!

Next Uncle Blaine added Callen's baseball helmet----

And WALA you have Dr. Whistle the super hero----yes you have to know the who doctor whistle story to understand but as you can TELL Callen was proud and Uncle Blaine was even more proud becaue his torture was a success!!!

The girls is OUT....

Finally I feel like I am a little more safe taking Paisley out and about amoungst larger groups of people. Over the holidays we opted out of my families BIG Christmas because we didnt want to risk the Paiser's getting sick. She is still getting her monthly shot----lets pretend like it is something FUN that we do the second TUESDAY of every month. In fact it isnt----she HATES it, my heart breaks yet I know deep down that what when we choose to give her this shot it ment a BETTER chance at a normal life and keeping RSV AWAY (or should I say lowering her risk)....RSV is scary and honestly I would pay anything to keep it away from my sweet girl....and I think it is doing the trick (the shot and lots of TLC afterwards).

She loved seeing her Great-Mema and Great-Papa---and LOVED the belly kisses
We also got to see Aunt Theresa and her stunning girls---OH my 3 girls that TRUST me when I say turn heads!!! Paisley ate them up---but that is for my later post ;)

As you can tell this bright-eyed beauty is my world and my heart. Her and her brother are the 2 best things that have ever happened to me and I am soooo THANKFUL for them. And thank you to all the visitors while we were at Mimi and Pappy's we had a great time!!

Saturday morning after Callen got done being Dr. Whistle (ask him anytime what kind of doctor is he going to be and you get a Whistle doctor) we decided to head out the Zilkr park to ride the train. It was a perfect day and it reminded me of why I love Austin---It was a little chilly when we headed out so we bundled up the girl who wasnt sooo sure what was going on...

These 2 grabbed some hot chocolate and we waited paitently for the train to arrive back to headquarters for our turn...Callen was a bit hesitant at 1st (this is his 2nd time to ride it)however he quickly warmed up to the idea and realized its horn is not near as loud as what we are accustomed to.

Paisley snuggled into her Pappy's lap and the adventure began-- we saw the balloon man, the guitar man, lots of animals, we went over bridges, by the water and in tunnels, we waved to the children and even went right under the bridge at the park...it was a great time and there were 2 children that enjoyed it sooooo much.

After the train ride Callen and mommy visited the balloon man. He was GREAT he interacted so well with all the children.....Asking them what the wanted, what colors and even getting them to help creat there balloon.

Callen wanted a green airplane---he is fascinated with planes and loves the color green.Does that face tell you how excited he was when he got his airplane balloon?He ran straight to sissy and Pappy....he was sooo sweet when we were at the balloon man he wanted to get sissy a flower (just touching) or course I explained sissy was too little and a balloon could hurt her etc. He listened and the said he would show her is and share...what a BROTHER!!!Can you tell she loved the balloon....in all honesty she loves him to the moon and back...and I tell everyone this but the best thing I have EVER given my children was a sibling it is something that until you experience it you will NEVER understand!!!

After that he headed to the playground and was just a kid with so much wonder and excitement-I cannot wait to see what his future holds