10.09.2012

What a week.

Thursday was well. . . A lot. I had an appointment with a local photographer, Emily Cottingham, at her studio to have the kids pictures made at noon. My mom came to help me. Stratton was really good, could have been the bribe of a big prize, but it worked! I think she got some really goodones of Arden, we will see if there are any decent ones of both kiddos. Stratton didn't want to participate for long. He was like ok, I got my picture made, I'm done! I'm glad my momwas there to keep him busy while Arden was having hers done. They went for a walk downtown and went to a coffee shop and had a snack!

When Jarrod got home he dropped the bombshell that I'm still unable to really talk about. We lost our cat, Taki. She was outside while we were gone, and some dogs ganged up on her. A neighbor saw the dogs but by the time he got to her it was too late. We don't think they were vicious, they were just playing and got too rough. The neighbor was able to get the dogs pictures and even took pictures of their id tags. We had some friends bringing is dinner so after they left we headed for HR and dropped the kids off at my nanny and papas house since my mom was staying with them that night. Then we took Taki to my mom and dad's house where we buried her alongside our other pets that have passed on. We are just devastated. Poor Stratton doesn't really understand. He asks about her, we told him the truth, so he has lots of questions. It just breaks my heart to have him talk about her. Last night he asked if she went to heaven because God needed a cat since he didn't have one? It's just beyond bizzare not having her around. We haven't really had the time to give her much attention lately, but we sure miss her.

Friday after we took Stratton to school, Jarrod, Arden and I headed for Pocahontas to look at furniture at Dawsons. We stopped in Walnut Ridge and ate lunch at the Pizza Den. We had a great visit with Josh and LeAnn. They were glad we brought Arden and we stayed at the store most of the afternoon. I didn't find anything. I will probably have to order a new couch and chair. We got back to town and picked S up at school, came home and fed Arden and then went back to town to look at the Ashley furniture store, and had dinner at "Tomato's" . . . aka Fazoli's, per Stratton's request. He was very good, surprisingly!


Saturday we took it easy. The kids were both so good and quiet! Jarrod got up with them and I slept till 9! The razorback game was at 11, so we just hung out and we all took a nap! Then we got around and decided to try our luck and Jarrod tried to take S to get new boots, but he wouldn't try any on, so that was a bust, then we went out to eat with both kids again. This time it didn't go as well. I will leave it at that! Then we ran to Target, and back home by 7pm! But it felt so much later!


Sunday we tried, but again didn't make it to bible class. We just haven't found our grove yet! Seems like even when we get up early and prep and prepare we just can't get it together! After church we went to eat with some friends, Arden slept like a champ and Stratton was great! We came home took naps, back to church and then we had dinner with our usual group. Stratton was pretty good. I am hoping that things are going to continue to get better.



Monday, I got out by myself (with Arden) for the first time. We went to Target, had breakfast at Panera, ran to Kohls and then back home all before noon! Then we took a short nap. She had a good might last night and Stratton was also pretty good.

Today I didn't get much done. Arden wanted to be held all day, I'm not sure whats going on with her, but tonight she just screamed for like an hour straight. If it happens again tomorrow I'm calling the doctor! Whew! I can't figure out if she is upset becuase her stomach or if its something else.

Tomorrow my cleaning lady is coming, so Arden and I are going to visit our Friends Erica and Livy! Then on Thusday I am finally getting my hair cut and colored! I think I'll feel like a new person afterwards! I'm glad that I can get out and about a little! I'm so tired of being stuck at home! On the agenda soon is a mani/pedi!

Arden is 3 weeks old

Saturday, September 29th

Aunt Brandye got Stratton an autographed jersey from Ryan Aplin! He was excited to wear it to the game on Saturday! Jarrod's parents came to town and the guys went to the game and us girls went to the mall and then to Red Lobster.


The week went by really fast. Especially considering we are getting by with such little sleep. Arden's sleeping is still very sporadic. One night she'll eat and go right back to sleep, other nights she's up crying for hours?! Its very frustrating! We had an especially hard night on Saturday. We didn't get to bed till late since the guys were gone to the ballgame and it was a rough night being up with Arden. I don't think we got more than 2 hours of sleep. . . So Sunday morning we packed the kids up and headed for the Ridge! We ate lunch with my parents and grandparents and left Stratton there for the night!! We did take Arden by my nanny and papa's house since they hadn't gotten to see her yet.

Tuesday night Jarrod had to work late and it was the first time I had the kids by myself. Stratton was awful. He threw such a temper tantrum that I had to give myself a timeout so that I didn't lose control! That boy is wearing us out. And the thing that is the most frustrating is we don't know how to deal with it. You can't reason with him when he's like that and you can't put him in timeout and spanking him doesn't phase him either. Nothing works! Plus, I'm still not really physically able to fight him and he knows that. He is really taking advantage of the whole situation. Please pray that we can figure out a punishment that works, or that he gets over this phase!

Wednesday, October 3rd- Arden's 3 weeks old