Does she have red hair?

Hanging out in the swing...favorite pastime!

That was a question someone asked me today.  I am constantly amazed at who people think Turner looks like - Heath (pretty sure he does, but he doesn't just scream Heath to me), me (I don't see a whole lot of me), my dad, his dad, etc.  But today someone actually said "Does she have red hair?"  I must have looked at her funny, because she quickly said, "Oh, is it a boy?"  Again - blue blanket, anyone?  I thought that was a red flag!  It really doesn't bother me or hurt my feelings, it just makes me laugh.  And think I will FOREVER be cautious when talking to new babies!  4 people total have said he looks exactly like me, and 396 have said he looks like Heath!  We will see...I am just glad he is getting a little face now, you know?

I am loving how well he travels with me daily.  When I was pregnant people would say that he was going to be a baby on the go, and we are not letting them down!  I know someday soon it will be a lot harder for him to go places with me, so I am milking it for all it is worth!

Speaking of going places, is it redneck to take a new baby to the bowling alley?  Pretty sure I know the answer.  Call me redneck.  I think I would have laughed at someone with a baby in a pumpkin seat, but I was definitely that girl!  In fact, a couple of months ago when I was pregnant, I saw some toddlers in a pack n' play at Vestavia Bowl, and did not ever, EVER think that would be me!  However, my husband has fallen in love with bowling.  He mentioned it in his 25 list, but did he mention he has not 1, but 2 bowling shirts - one white that says "Triple H" and a teal one (the 2009 version) that says HHH.  Awesome.  I will try to get him to pose for a picture.

We went to dinner the other night and Heath had some bowling passes (from his league!), so Jeremy and Jeanne went with us.  We had a lot of fun, and Turner just looked around and cooed.  He was great.  In our defense, the bowling alley is smoke-free now.  Does that make it any better?  Hmm.

                            Best picture I could get of a smile...

Laughing!

Turner (on top of becoming a bowling league champion) is smiling all the time now.  It is very hard to get a picture of, but I will try!  He is holding his head up a lot more now, though we are still not Captain Neck Control.  Getting there.  And all last week he slept from 10 to 6 every night, though he woke up at 4 this morning.  But he went back to sleep until 8:30.  I will take that!  He loves his swing (the side to side, NOT the front to back - he let me know that), and kicks on the floor!

Valentine's Day

Yesterday was Turner's first Valentine's Day.  Heath was wonderful and took Turner for some father-son time and let me sleep in.  They went to Chick-fil-A and ran some errands.  Heath surprised me with breakfast, a candy heart, a dress and some earrings!  I gave him equally expensive Mario Kart for the Wii....Ha!

Anyway, then Heath and I decided to go to Auburn for the day.  It was actually Turner's second time to Auburn - he went for the first time when he was 2 weeks old.  We packed him up and headed down there.  We said it was to go to the basketball game (I didn't know they were playing until Saturday), but I really wanted to do some shopping at Ellie!  I love that store.  

We got there and ate at Big Blue Bagel.  Why does Auburn seem to have WAY better restaurants than Birmingham??  You would think it would be opposite, but I would take Auburn restaurants any day.  I lived there 5 years, and I never remember getting sick of them!  

Side note - Heartstrings said they were closing.  I asked them what was up, and they said the owners were retiring, so they were closing February 28th.  However, they were hoping to reopen March 3rd with new owners in the same location with shockingly similar things in the store.  Whatever.

After Heath's favorite part of the day (the Ellie shopping trip), I dragged him to the basketball game.  He called our friends Lee and Jamie, and they happened to be in Auburn, going to the basketball game.  What a terrific coincidence!  Great news for me since I don't care about basketball.  In college my dad would graciously (and unknowingly) buy tickets each season in the rare chance I wanted to go to a game.  I ended up giving the tickets away a lot.  Wasn't Dad generous??

We met up with Lee and Jamie, and we had a blast.  I watched the first half of the game, then I thought it was fascinating (and probably uncomfortable for some readers) that they will let nursing mothers use the First Aid room in the coliseum during the game.  I was walking out of the coliseum to find somewhere to feed Turner, and one of those security people (who used to wear yellow at the football games, but now wear white) came up and walked me to the First Aid room.  I apologized in advance to the lady in there, but she said that was actually what people mostly use that room for.  Silly me, I thought it would be for a medical emergency!  I had to take a picture, because that was definitely a first for me at an Auburn sporting event.

Turner sitting on the bed in the "first aid" room.

When we were heading up to our seats, we ran into Mark and Sarah.  Sarah and Heath grew up together in Andalusia, and Mark was our boss at Camp War Eagle - my dream come true and where Heath and I started dating.  They have a daughter Turner, and our Turners had to meet.  Especially for Heath, because he was uncomfortable naming Turner that because he said it was their little girl's name.  As you will see in the picture below, it fits perfectly for a boy or a girl.  Aren't they cute??

  Mark with his second favorite Turner.

After the game, we went to Amsterdam.  However, it was a 2 to 2 and a half hour wait.  We weren't super surprised, remembering Valentine's from when we were in college.  I love Amsterdam, but not that much!  And they weren't even seating people outside, though it was warm.  Huh.  Well, Lee got smart and called Niffer's and put our name on the list.  Again - shout out to the restaurants in Auburn.  It was wonderful, and we didn't wait long at all.  I guess it was not the romantic choice for Valentine's, but it was awesome!  We were having so much fun, that I even let the creepy/somewhat nostalgic (because he was there when we were at Auburn)/Keith's cousin/balloon man make us some balloon shapes.  I was reeled in when he said "I mean, I can make absolutely anything."  Lee asked him for a bicycle like from the movie "Wedding Crashers" but we settled for a Valentine's heart for Turner.  When he made it, he asked if Turner had teeth.  I am still not sure why. 

   Niffer's balloon man?!

The whole situation was making Heath uncomfortable, so I thought it would be funny to ask for something for myself.  He made me a flower "corsage" as Heath was trying to find some cash to begrudgingly tip him.  I had to do it - so many years of this guy asking if we wanted a balloon animal, and never getting one.

We ended the night with TCBY.  What a perfect Valentine's Day!  Did I mention Auburn beat Mississippi State - oh wait, you can tell the food and shopping were on my mind!  Heath, Lee and Jamie did love watching the game.  I loved it just because we were in Auburn again.  I love that place.  

Bonus - this was Turner dressed up for a birthday party a couple of weeks ago.  He wore cousin Kate's lobster costume from her first Halloween.  I thought it was appropriate, because I have always said Heath was my lobster (thanks for the reminder, Star) from a Friends episode (Lindsay J.)  Every time I see it, I laugh!  Laurahelen came over the other night, and Turner had to try it on again.  Hilarious.

        Our LOBSTER!

25 Things (x2)

Larkin tagged me to write 25 random things about myself.  Well, I am copying mine from facebook.  But, as an added bonus, Heath has written his very first blog post of 25 random things about him!!  This was a great surprise that he agreed to do it!!

Kelly's 25 Random Things

**Heath thinks some of these are "inappropriate."  Have you met me??

1.  I have an unhealthy obsession with black albinos.  It is fascinating to me that they are completely black and completely white at the same time!  Once in college, I was having a day and my friend Milwee brought my friend (who happened to be a black albino) to the dorm to cheer me up.  What a friend!!

2.  I love falling asleep to the t.v.  I wasn't allowed to have one in my room growing up, so it all started in college!  Currently, though, I like falling asleep to the sound of Turner's breathing.

3.  I have a sister 14 months younger and a brother 18 months younger than her.  I have loved this for as long as I can remember.  And we never fought!  HA!  We still do.  We were in elementary, high school and college together.  So fun!

4.  I love Auburn, but not as much as my husband does!  I had a dream to be a Camp War Eagle counselor, and LOVED it.  That is where Heath and I met!

5.  We dated for 3 years and got married after I got my Master's.  We went to Hawaii on our honeymoon and it was so wonderful!

6.  I teach second grade and I love my job!  An elementary school is probably the happiest place on earth to work.  I laugh all day, and get to work with some of my best friends!

7.  We have a black pug named Gordon.  He is beautiful.

8.  I am completely addicted to sugar and caffeine.  I can't go a day without them - not even when I was pregnant!

9.  I think Tivo is the greatest invention EVER.  T.V. is one of my favorite things, and I love that I can save shows up and watch them!  I used to truly stress out if I was going to miss shows...no problem anymore!

10.  Currently my t.v. obsession is Jon and Kate Plus 8.  It is hilarious, and they play a lot of marathons of it on TLC.

11.  I was an ADPi at Auburn and loved it.  If you know me, you know most of this.  I am pretty transparent.  Ha!

12. I don't like squirrels.

13.  I love being married to Heath.  When we were Camp War Eagle counselors, we had to take personality tests.  He and I were both ESTJ personalities, and scored 30/30 on extraversion.  We are never quiet.

14.  I am lucky to have one of my best friends as my sister-in-law.  Makes "family time" more fun.

15.  The actual experience of having Turner was way more fun than being pregnant.  I never thought I would describe the labor experience as fun, but I was blessed with a wonderful experience when he was born!  I had a great pregnancy, but it was not my favorite thing!

16.  I lovingly refer to Turner as my favorite toy ever.  I know that is crazy!  He entertains me for hours.  Every hour since December 5th actually!

17.  I love jewelry - not expensive, just necklaces and earrings.  It is hard to pay regular price for it after you see it in Atlanta at Market for so cheap!  Heath has put me on jewelry restriction before...well, he tried.

18.  Celine Dion is SO AMAZING!  I have seen her 3 times in concert and teared up every time because her voice is so incredible.

19.  I love to exercise.  However, I have to work on consistency with it.  I really enjoy it, but I have to make time for it.  I am trying out the Wii Fit, and it is fun!

20.  I have a blackberry, and it is attached to me.  My mom especially hates that, but ironically she has one too!  I know why they are called crackberries.

21.  I am a blog stalker.  I started one (this one) when Turner was born.

22.  I had 13 bridesmaids, and I wouldn't trade it.  Sounds excessive, but I loved it.

23.  I am extremely uncoordinated.  Junior high cheerleading tryouts were hilarious, I am sure.  Needless to say, cheerleading was never my "thing."

24.  Breezeway is an amazing chicken establishment.  I ate there (almost) every Wednesday night for 4 years after chapter.

25.  I love being a mom more than I ever thought I would!

I felt bad after I posted this on facebook.  Even though it is so silly, I didn't mention my love for Jesus Christ.  In junior high, a bible study leader told me that prayer is like an ongoing conversation with Him, all day long. I love that!  Without Him, I am nothing.

All right, now for Heath's 25 list, written by him:

1.  This is so out of character for me.  I had to think way too long about this.

2.  My faith and my family are the two most important things to me.  Followed closely by my passion for politics.    

3.  I cried like a baby when Turner was born.  He is awesome.

4.  I hate wearing my contacts.  

5.  I love naps, especially on Sunday.

6.  I am addicted to my blackberry.

7.  I press the toothpaste from bottom up.

8.  I love to read the newspaper.  I read the Birmingham News and the Andalusia Star-News daily.  Seattle Times anyone?

9.  I have a strong disdain for facebook.  I much prefer the use of the telephone for keeping in touch.  I will get a facebook page the day after my mother-in-law gets a page.

10. I love books, and therefore do not like people to borrow them.  I am a bit OCD about them.  When I read, I will not crease the pages, only mark my place with bookmarks.  Please do not place my books on the floor, especially the floor of the car...right Kelly?

11. I like all topics for the books and have books ranging from politics (Presidents Nixon to Bush 43, even John Adams), American History (mostly revolutionary history hence the John Adams), Fundamentals of the Faith (5 Points of Calvinism, John Piper, CS Lewis, et. al.), even some old southern mysteries.  I once read a book about the Six Day War as a project with one of my friends, Sean, to map the hand of God throughout time.  This is quite interesting and often how I find new reads.

12.  My wife thinks that I am an old man, and sometimes boring.  I love her anyway.  

13.   I iron the clothes in the house.

14.  I love Auburn. Kelly and I met there.  It is where I met most of the best friends that I have.

15.  Kelly bought me my first pair of jeans since 9th grade for my 27th birthday.

16.  Two of my best friends wear speedos.

17.  I am in a bowling league.  Before you knock it, try it.  The best entertainment ever.  I once bowled a 52, in a league game.

18,  Two people that I would like to share a drink with...at the same time: Bill Clinton and Pat Dye.

19.   Going to the Master’s with Dad was one of the coolest things ever.  I love golf, but I wish I was better at it.

20.   I really do not like our pug, Gordon.  Does anyone want to take him off our hands?

21.  Kelly talks about our matching ESTJ personalities, but when we first found out, our instructor (Dr. Nancy McDaniel) said there are not many personalities that you have to worry about...I was the one who asked, “Well which ones would you worry about?”  Harmless question, right?  She grabbed my results (30/30 ESTJ, off the Charts) and responded, “Well, yours!”  Fortunately for me, Kelly is the same!

22.  I went to a Celine Dion concert once.  I would spend the money to go again.

23.  Spontaneity is not one of my strong suits.  I tend to have things scheduled out, much to my wife’s dismay.  By the way, Kelly had to spell spontaneity, I cannot spell...”cat” is K-A-T.  She edited this before posting it.

24.  I pride myself on cooking steaks on the grill. 

25.  I have been boycotting sports talk radio all together since July/August of 2008, wonder why?  I have been boycotting Paul Finebaum since 2004.  My life is much better because of both.  JOX, however is still the #1 setting on my radio in the car.

Peace, 

HHH

First ever post!!

Finally (Kelly again), I tag only one person.  This would be my dear friend Lindsay.  She wouldn't do it for facebook, but since she blogs so dang often, she can't make any excuses.  I am not holding my breath.  Tag!  I would love to see this from anyone - totally addicted to reading them on facebook even if I don't know the person - just don't want to pressure you (except Lindsay) to do it!!

Our First Son

The Christmas card that was never sent because it said "Waiting for Turner" and he came 17 or so hours after we sent the card to be printed!

   

Okay, so Gordon is our 4 year old pug who has been neglected the last almost 2 months.  The baby knocked him right off of my radar, poor little guy.  So, I thought I would write a blog about him in a sad attempt to not completely forget him.  Also, I am trying to convince Heath that we are not getting rid of him.  I will get to that.  

Let me start from the beginning.  I am not a dog person.   Probably because my mom is the least dog/animal person on the planet.  When I was in sixth grade, Lindsey was dying for a dog.  She took care of the neighbor's dog so much, that she gave us Mac.  (Side note - Heath is really wishing we had a neighbor who loved to come take care of our dog).  I liked him, but I remember telling my parents that I didn't want to get a dog, because I would like it and then one day it would die and I would be sad.  Commitment issues?!  Wow.  Anyway, Mac ran away in high school, and I briefly wanted a kitten named Neill my senior year (why?) but besides that, I haven't desired animals.

I don't remember what made me start wanting Gordon.  I guess we got married, had a house and thought a pet would be cute.  Maybe because I was working in second grade and they talk a lot about animals.  I don't know.  I decided I wanted a weiner dog named Herman, but Heath shot that down.  One day he was at Panera and saw a pug in a lady's purse and thought it was cute, so he decided we could get a pug.  

On Christmas Eve 2004, we drove to Albertville to pick up our dog that we found in the newspaper.  We knew he would be black, so on the way there we were trying to think of names.  Heath was not as into it as I was (I should have seen the foreshadowing).  I was set on a human name.  We passed a sign for a man who sold insurance named Gordon Henderson, and that was it!

We pulled up to the very rural home in Albertville, and there were puppies everywhere.  Chihuahuas in the den inside, pugs in a very cold cage outside.  This little black puppy was tiny and shivering and looked up at me with very sad eyes.  I picked him up and I told Heath that we had to keep him, because he couldn't live like that.  Anyway, we signed the papers and paid the money and we had a puppy!  So sweet!  Before we left, Heath asked the large country man about pugs' temperaments.  He said, "Well, I reckon they take on the temperament of their owners.  If you are hopper (hyper), then that pup's gonna be hopper (hyper)."  Heath and I looked at each other and laughed, knowing I was a hopper one!

The afternoon we got him, we took him to mom and dad's house.  Mom was wrapping Christmas presents and said "Get that thing off of my carpet!"  Compassion was oozing.  

Fast forward to starting school after Christmas.  Gordon has been a huge part of my class ever since then.  When we learn about adjectives, they can describe him in extreme detail, never having seen him!  Crazy, but second graders love dogs, especially funny looking ones.  He was even our mascot this year for a school fundraiser.  It involved him wearing a t-shirt and putting his paw in on top of our fists in a huddle.

I am trying to remember some highlights of his 4 years with us.  One time I walked in the kitchen when he was just a few months old, and he was nowhere to be found!  I panicked and checked the door and it was locked.  Then I checked the doggy gate - still standing.  He was not in the kitchen!  I was close to tears when I looked down and saw his doggy bed inching across the kitchen.  He had chewed a hole in it, flipped it over, climbed inside and flipped it back over.  Hilarious, once I realized he was not going to die of heat exhaustion.  

Another time that summer, I had gone out of town for a few days.  When I came back, I was petting him and found a tick.  I freaked out and called the vet - it was his first tick.  They laughed at me (because I was hysterical), then told me how to get rid of it.  Oh, I bet Gordon wishes he could get a tick now and see me care that much about him again!  Oh well.

Another story was last summer when we were walking around the neighborhood.  It was the middle of July, and he kept laying down on the grass, rolling around and panting.  I told him to stop being so dramatic, but he kept doing it.  I mentioned to the vet that he was dramatic, and the vet told me that he was actually passing out.  Duh!  

That reminds me of the other time when he was a puppy and I let him eat oreos.  He loved them.  Then Lindsey and Derek both told me that chocolate would kill him!!  Oops.  

So many stories - this is not helping my case as a mother for Turner.  Hopefully I know more about humans!!

One last memory.  Two years ago we were walking on our street, and a small Indian boy (4 years old or so) looked VERY puzzled as we walked by.  He asked if he could pet Gordon, and then he, very seriously, asked, "Is that a dog?  Or a pig?"  I was dying laughing.

Well, all this to say, Gordon is existing pretty well with Turner.  Today was the first time that he heard Turner scream, and started growling.  But I felt like it was a territorial, brotherly growl.  Needless to say, Heath does not agree.  This weekend he stepped in a little present from Gordon, and swore he was going to disappear soon.  He even said, "If you come home and he is not here, I don't know anything about it."  And lately when we are at parties or in public, Heath will announce that we are giving away a pug, and try to talk him up to people.  Not so!

I will leave you with a picture of Uncle Derek with his very first nephew.  Look closely, because you may recognize him soon at a nearby animal shelter.  Call me - not Heath- and I will come pick him up!  Sorry, Gordon, your mom is fighting for you!!

           Who would say Gordon is ugly?!