"If that cat had nine lives, he just used them all."

 never thought I would own cats, but somehow I came home with not one, but two kittens.  I did not grow up with cats so this was a new experience to me! We had a dog whom we became overly attached too, but had to put him to sleep several years ago due to cancer. We both cried like babies! I have always wanted to get another dog but Adam says he won't get another dog until Ross says "Daddy I want a dog!" So I'm waiting patiently, but in the mean time I wanted some outdoor companions so I decided to get a cat.  Well, my mother-in-law said "kittens do better when they have another one to play with" so I got two! Adam thought I was crazy....

OK long story short......I ran over Tom, one of the cats last week!!!

My friend, Susan, Ross and I were leaving to go eat lunch and I didn't think about a cat being under my car and WAM....I heard a loud bump!! Susan and I looked at each other...I looked out the window and there was poor Tom crying and limping away from the car!! You get the picture. OHHH MAN I was so scared that I had really done some damage but after a few days of pampering Tom is doing great!! I refer to Tom as my dog because when I pull up he runs to the car like a dog and greets us as we get out.. I think he has a dog's heart in a cat's body! So needless to say here are some pics of Ross and his new best friend, Tomcat.

Best Buds..

The guys on the farm have been super busy. Since the weather has been clear and beautiful they have been able to cut rice everyday.  Adam ask me to take some pictures of the farm and harvest because he wants to start a "Farm" photo album! I thought what a great idea, so here are some of the pictures I have taken so far.  He told me his idea and my first remark was "Will you buy me a new camera?" Obviously there was no reply, but I am still wishing for a new camera! 

Adam waiting to pick us up behind our house. Nothing like curbside or should I say "ditch-side service!"

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Working on equipment seems to be their other side job!

Ethan, Adam's cousin, and Putt

 I know most of you don't care but my Mom wants to see pictures of her Grand baby so I give her pictures! Here is my attempt to take a picture of Ross and I while holding the camera!

And finally a sweet picture of our blessing!

until next time,
averie

Random

One of my best friends came to visit from Houston! We met at Louisiana Tech and pledged the same sorority. We were best friends the moment we met, and we try to get together as much as possible.  You would think that we would have taken tons of pictures, but we didn't! But we did cook some great food, visit for hours, and pig out on sushi and shopping!! I do have one picture we took as we were leaving for the airport but I will not post that picture because it was horrible!!

Ross is growing up to fast! I know people always tell me to remember him today because he will change everyday. Well they were right! We are now sitting up and showing a little attitude when we don't get our way. When I have irritated him or he is not happy he growls. Ok, more like a grunting growling noise. I need to record him so I can embarrass him when he gets older and is having friends over for a sleep over!! I am having to clean out his closet because he can no longer fit in any of his 6 to 9 month clothes. He is wearing 12 months!!

Playing with Dad when he gets home from work.

I've been cooking and am honestly addicted to reading The Pioneer Woman's blog and cooking some of her recipes! I have even joined  Tasty Kitchen and cook up others great recipes!

Found these cute shoes that I think Ross needs for this winter!! Cute moccasins, from Quemeez.

until next time,

averie

Big Boy Brown

Today was Ross's 6 month check-up.  Our trip to the doctor started great, I even had time to feed him a bottle before we left. BAD IDEA!! Ross has a tendency to gag on who knows what and you know what this leads too...Well, after we left the house he gags and let's just say I am washing the car seat cover as we speak! Poor baby....Luckily we were able to stop at my Mother-in-Laws and get him cleaned up and I had one onesie in the back of my car that we had taken off after church the other night. After all of this we get to the doctors office and "Thank Goodness" we don't have to wait at all. There is nothing worse then having to entertain a baby in a doctor's waiting room for 30 to 45 min. The doctor says we have a rather large child on our hands!!

Our 6 month stats:  20lbs. 8 oz
                              29 3/4 "

Triple B "Big Boy Brown"

I've found the greatest Razorback t-shirts! I have been looking for a long time for really cute tees and found the perfect shop Bling-T's! I have ordered a shirt to wear too I hope atleast one Razorback game or wear it as we watch a game on TV.  Who knows but they are still cute. Check it out....

Oh and by the way, you have to make this little dessert before peaches go out of season!!

You can get the recipe HERE!! I do believe it was the best peach dessert I have had, ever!!

until next time,

averie

Like Father Like Son

Harvest has started on the farm.  Today was Ross's first ride on a combine.  I was really worried that he would get scared because it is pretty loud but he was a trooper!! I tried to get some good pictures but it is kind of hard to hold Ross and take pictures of him at the same time...Adam tried to help but needless to say he was trying to drive. So I did the best I could. 

Watching Daddy drive!

Laughing ...Sorry the camera focused on the field not his face!

Round and Round we go...

I told Adam it's going to get crazy when he wants to push all the buttons!! He already wanted to help him drive.

Watching the rice unload into the grain cart!

And my favorite!! He was making sure Adam was doing his job right!!

I will treasure these pictures one day when he is driving that combine!! Such a sweet baby with a sweet spirit...

until next time,
averie

Moment

Well today I had a moment. One of those moments where you look back when you first became a Mom and realize you had NO idea what you were doing.  As I was going through old pictures of Ross today, I was SHOCKED to see how skinny he was at his 1 month mark...Let's go back and I will explain why this is such a moment for me.  When Ross was born I had decided that I was going to try breastfeeding and had sworn my whole life I was never going to do such a thing. But when Ross was born and they put him in my arms it was a different feeling. I felt it was my duty, and it was such a bonding experience while we were in the hospital both learning at the same time! I had no idea what the heck I was doing. Well you go home and your baby drinks around 2 oz. of breastmilk and let's just say that is all I was producing. I'm not your Mrs. Duggar (if you get my drift). No Elsie the cow here! But anyway I fed Ross 2 oz for the longest time every three hours on the dot.  Well we go to his first doc appointment and we are met with an over the top doctor who LOVES I mean literally has an obsession with every mom breastfeeding. So from that moment I was a little intimidated and knew he would be greatly disappointed if I quit breastfeeding, so I kept it up 2oz. every three hours. Ross had not lost much weight by his first check-up so I was really excited and knew he was getting enough to eat.  Well we go home and Ross keeps eating his 2 oz.  and acts full and does not fuss a lot.  Well skip several weeks and we go to our 1 month check-up and they weigh Ross and he has only gained a few ounces past his birth weight! It didn't hit me, and I didn't notice because I see him everyday and you know when you are around something you don't notice a change.  Well, the doc wants me to start breastfeeding 24/7 to get my milk production up and get Ross's weight up as well. Let's just say that I almost fell out of my chair when he told me that Ross was in the 25% range with his weight! So as many Mom's know you feel so helpless because you have done everything you know you are supposed to do and can't believe you were starving your child. From the docs office I was going to visit my Mom, Dad and Chrisanna in Lewisville.  Well we get there and I had a breakdown. I told my Mom and sister what the doc said and they said "Ave, you have to feed that baby more!" So we start feeding him 3oz and 4oz and he does so well. (Yes, I was feeding him 2 to 3 oz still by his 1 month check up...Don't slap me now but HONESTLY I HAD NO IDEA).  My sister gave me the best advice ever. She said, "Either breastfeed that baby 24/7 or go to formula!" So I started feeding him formula and he did great!! After I left my Mom called and said "Averie, your Dad was so upset when you left because he was so shocked at how small Ross was! He wants you to feed that baby formula and quit that breastfeeding business!" Got to love your Dad.....So from that moment on we went to formula. And let me say it was hard to switch to formula, because I felt like I was giving up and letting Ross down by not giving him the best nourishment. But that was due to all the crazy hormone episodes I was having after he was born.  Let me tell you that I was so scared to go back to that same doctor, because I knew he was going to give me a lecture and be upset with me because I was not breastfeeding anymore. Well, I thought "How crazy! I am scared to go to the doctor because I chose not to breastfeed anymore!" I found a new doctor and Ross has grown by leaps and bounds.  I was really embarrassed to post the picture of him but you can't get the full effect of my story until you see the picture.  So please don't think I was neglecting my child. I was just a young first time Mom who thought she was doing her best, but had NO IDEA!! So share this story with other new Moms who might need a little encouragment.  Next time I will know what to do!!

This picture was at 2 months. This is what set off my moment today! Glad I didn't see a picture at 1 month!

This is 6 months and  "HUGE" change!

Now you realize why I LOVE these chunky legs!! He will kill me one day when he sees this picture!

Lounging in our new chair !

Worn out from his long day!

Ross is 6 months old and such a sweet baby. People keep telling me that they hope my second child is as laid back as Ross! But I have a weird feeling that the second time will be totally different. The Lord wants to test my Faith!! :O)

Until next time,

averie

Ready for Fall.....

As I walk outside I am hit in the face by a wave of thick humid air! I can not explain in words how EXCITED I am about that one morning I walk outside and can actually breathe again.  It's about time for Fall to get here..And guess what this glorious season brings? RAZORBACK FOOTBALL, MUMS, PUMPKINS, AND WONDERFUL WEATHER!! It puts a smile on my face to think about all of those things, so I guess I will keep dreaming of Fall as the weather cooks my future MUMS in this HEAT WAVE A.K.A Arkansas weather!....I feel so sorry for my husband because he has come in two times today and change clothes because he was soaked from sweat as they prepare to start draining rice to harvest! When he was home on his last change of clothes I had to get a picture of him and Ross playing on the floor.  I guess I can't complain as I sit in my recliner and feel the nice breeze from my air conditioner! :O) Thank you Lord for my Blessings!!!

Today I remembered that I had bought Ross one of those things that you can put fruit in and they can chew on it without swallowing. (OK. The only reason I explain what it is for is because I can not, for the life of me, remember what it is called, so I will call it the "fruit chew toy for babies!" OK, let me just explain how NASTY that "fruit chew toy" can get when your son gnaws and sucks on it for a while! I mean disgusting...I had to get pictures so if you have a weak stomach refrain from viewing.  :O)

And this face shows the attitude I got after I took it away!!

And did I mention that I love a good glass of sweet tea with lemon!!

Just had to share this picture. I can already see him talking his way out of trouble.

"Mom, What are you talking about? I did not do anything!! I swear."

Until Next Time,

averie

Did I do That??

I spent the last two weeks traveling around with my little man  " Ross" visiting family.  The first leg of our trip put us in Summerfield, LA. My parents are living in their camper as they get their land ready and begin building their house.  We had a great time, even though we were crammed in their camper for two nights.  Speaking of crammed, if you have ever camped you understand the problem that comes with taking a bath or shower.  Well since Mom and Dad's camper only had a shower, we had to figure out how to give Ross a bath. Well Mom suggested the sink!! So we CRAMMED Ross in the tiny camper sink and he LOVED it!! It was just his size, but am sure next time he won't fit.  

We were able to visit the other set of Brown's and take some memorable pictures of Ross and his Great-Grandparents. If you don't know us you wouldn't know that Adam and I shared the same last name. NO we are not related, but Ross is going to be pretty confused when he learns that all of his grandparents will be known as Grandma Brown and Grandpa Brown... I can here it now "MOM, which one are you talking about?" So we are trying to figure out names that will not confuse our future children as much! :O)  Guess we will have to start numbering them!

Our next stop was Mississippi! We spent several days with my sister and her family. We had a great time! Ross was so entertained by the three boys, if he only could run around with them! Just kidding, I think I can wait for that moment ....At times it can get pretty wild, and that happens around 6:00 pm every night. So if you want to talk to someone who might be on the verge of a nervous breakdown then call my sister around this time!! :O) We went swimming to try to make the hot days more tolerant, but even the pool was pretty warm! Ross loved the water and relaxing as the cousins swam and entertained!

These trips get hard sometimes, because I enjoy visiting with my family and begin to wish we lived closer! But as they say "Distance makes the heart grown fonder!" 

Since my last blog a lot of things have happened and I think "I need to blog about that" then I forget! But I do remember this particular thing that happened .....A Foot in Mouth Moment.....

I posted this on facebook, but just had to write about it on my blog. Ok, Ross and I went to Wal-Mart when we got back from our mini vacation and we had to do some major grocery shopping. As I was in the baby section getting formula and looking through their baby clothes I noticed this nice young girl with BABY ITEMS in her cart. She watches Ross and I and I begin to think "Oh, she is having a baby and she is admiring Ross because she is due any moment!" The reason I think she is due any moment is because if I were a betting person I would bet that she was pregnant. She had the prego belly I mean it was rather large..Not a sagging belly but purky...You know how pregnant belllies look " Purky!"  And the other reason I figured she was pregnant is because I made a conscious effort to look her over pretty good and noticed her baby clothes in the cart, and I thought " How fun! She is buying baby clothes for her new arrival!" Well Ross and I walked by and she said "How old?" I looked at her and said " 6 months." She said " He is too cute!" Well, I felt bad and knew I had to respond with something so I did.... "When are you expecting?" She says,  " I'm not!" Ohhhh great ...Are you kidding me, I was thinking at this moment "YOU MUST DIG YOURSELF OUT OF THIS HOLE, IMMEDIATELY!!" And how do I respond during this most embarrassing moment....."REALLY??" Yes, that's right! I responded by saying "REALLY?" As if she was lying about being pregnant...I guess I expected her to say, "No I'm just kidding I really am expecting a child I was just pulling your leg!" FOR REAL, what was I thinking....She said " Guess I haven't lost the baby weight from the first baby!" Ohh and I keep talking " How old is your baby?" She says " two years!" I promise I just nodded my head and walked off....Rolling my cart with shame! I'm sure Ross would have kicked me in the mouth if he could reach my face...This wouldn't be such a big deal but this is the second time I have done this and I swore after that conversation with a lady at Larry's Pizza that I would never ask anyone again! But I wanted to be nice..Who knew my nice would turn into utter humiliation for me and I am sure this nice young lady...

After my most embarrassing moment, I was mortified and knew I needed to get the heck out of dodge before I run into this girl again. So Ross and I went and checked out!! As most Mom's know it is hard to load the baby and put up the groceries at the same time, and today was a little different because it was 110 degrees outside and I knew I had to hurry so Ross wouldn't be in the hot car. To top off my trip a VERY NICE LADY who works at Wal-Mart and was gathering carts walks up and says " Let me load those groceries for you, and you stay with the baby!" Oh my goodness, there are nice people left in this world!! I know now that one day when I see a young Mom trying to load groceries and putting baby in the car I will have to do my duty and offer help! The world would be a better place if more people were like the nice lady from Wal-Mart and not like me calling people pregnant who are not pregnant!!

Until Next Time,

averie