Last Week

Last week was CRAZY!!  I think because it was short - we had an action-packed Labor Day weekend, and then it was already Tuesday.  I have  a long post, but so many things to tell.  Important?  Not mostly.   But hopefully entertaining.

I will try to go chronologically.  We went down to Auburn Friday night for Turner's first Auburn game.  Don't worry - I know there has been another one since then.  I will end with that.

Saturday morning we walked around campus.  Heath's parents have a house in Auburn and it is so nice to be able to have that as a home base for Turner.  He had a morning nap and then we walked around campus.  I found one of my college best friends, Laura.  The last few years I have only seen her about once a year, but now they live in Griffin, GA so they will be closer.  It was fun to watch Turner interact with her son, Grayson.  And she also has a 3 week old (well she did in this picture - now she is 4 weeks).  How great does Laura look?!

Laura, me, Choron/Boney (who told me not to post this pic...but looks cute with her little pregnant belly!)

Future Auburn buddies - Grayson and Turner

We headed back to the house (after seeing Aunt Gina) and then went to the game. 

Us with another pregnant buddy, G (Turner is very sleepy here!)

 He was a squirmy worm but LOVED the game.

  Not bothered by the noise or all the excitement.  He was sweaty, though, so he and I headed to the Letterman's Lounge during half time.   Thank you Jeremy and Jeanne!!  We played with anyone that would hold Turner.  He liked Jeanne because she let him taste her chips (he hated them at first, then could not get enough) and then Jeremy threw him in the air.  Always a favorite.

  However, at one point, Turner spilled my drink and as I was cleaning it up, he spilled the rest of it.  UGHHH!!  I was about to throw him (not really, but sort of) and all of a sudden, someone grabbed him out of my arms and took him.  I looked up - grateful - and it was my mom!  She and her friends were in there, too, and she relieved me at just the right moment.  We left shortly after - in the third quarter - and he and I headed back to the house so he could go to sleep.

The next day we headed to Atlanta to visit Uncle Jay and Aunt Kate.  We went to a Braves game and Turner lasted the whole time.  3 plus hours, and even napped there.  It helped that we were in the shade! Heath wore him in the Baby Bjorn and he was pretty happy!!  Uncle Derek even came over to our seats to visit.  And, Kate fed him blue icee and he kept grabbing for more.  Little weasel.

After the game, Heath had some interesting drama.  We went to help Jay take down an ATM (a business venture), and Jay realized he didn't have anything to clip the wire ties.  So, he dug in his car and found a knife.  The Henderson boys have used (and abused) knives for years!  Well, Heath was using it, and stabbed his left hand - pretty deep.  When I walked up, I almost threw up at the sight of all the blood on his hand.  These Caribbean ladies were at the next booth and saw him bleeding.  They started saying "We old school.  Salt will stop the blood."  As Heath was saying "NOOOO" they dumped packets of salt on his hand.  Wow.  It stopped the blood, but Heath said he now understands the saying "It's like salt on an open wound."  He got in the car, and (against his wishes) we headed to the ER.  Well, Heath and I went in and Melissa and Kate kept Turner.  As we got in, there were 60 plus people all over the waiting room!!  People laying on the floor, looking pitiful (and disgusting), some wearing masks.  After the male nurse told us he would "put us through the fast lane" and it would still be at least 2 and a half hours before we were called, I went and sat down.  Heath went to get us some masks (ha! but seriously - sketchy).  Some guy jumped in his seat and I was surrounded.  And Heath was still holding salt on his bloody hand.  All of this together and I looked at a masked Heath and said "We're out."  We called Kate, and within 30 minutes we went to an Urgent Care near her house.  It took an hour (way better than 3 plus) and Heath got 4 stitches.  He has been okay since then - said the Tetanus shot he had to get hurt worse!  I wish I had a good picture.

Anyway, then Turner and I started Mother's Day Out on Wednesday.  We went Wednesday and Friday.  Turner might go some Mondays, too, but I work Wednesday/Friday.  It went well!  He loved it.  Here are some pictures.

Right before we left the house for his first day!

First day of school - playing in his classroom

  One is right before we left the house.  Don't worry, he pooped in this outfit before we even got out of the car, so we got to change outfits in the parking lot.  Side note - I don't always have extra outfits, but you are supposed to bring one for Mother's Day Out.  Guess I'll start keeping a COUPLE of them!!  Ughh.  So, that is why his house picture is different from his "classroom" picture.  He didn't cry at all when I left.  We went back to church that night for Bible Study, and he did cry when I dropped him off.  Don't worry - it was because he was hungry and ready to eat, but I told myself it was because he missed me.  The sweet nursery ladies said "She'll be back..." and I tried to believe that was why he was upset.  But, miraculously, he was totally fine when he ate his dinner.  Again, weasel.  I was 95% glad that he did well, and just 5% sad he didn't miss me at "school."  I had my hands full, though, in the almost 2 room.  I am sure many stories will follow.  Much different than second grade!!

Fast forward to this weekend.  Turner hit up the Auburn/Miss St. game, and did even better than last week!  He lasted the whole game, and took a long nap during half time and most of the 3rd quarter.  It was very nice to have so many Hendersons (and Stinsons) to help out and play with him during the game!!  War Eagle!!  

War (Snore) Eagle!

The Zoo

What's up??

Turner went to the zoo for the first time this weekend!  I had a last minute change of plans on Saturday morning, and at the same time, Charlie and Courtney and Harrison called to see if we wanted to meet them at the zoo.  It was so fun!

When we walked in, there was a very tan, 60ish gentleman with a wife beater and white chest hair poking out standing with his wife? in front of the zoo.  He was yanking a hair from her chin.  A couple passed us and said "Dang, I think he is pulling out her whisker."  To which I replied, "It's awesome!"  with a thumbs up.  I thought Heath was going to die.  I think the woman being plucked should have been the one about to die, but she seemed mighty happy to be getting rid of the pesky hair!

Anyway, back to Turner and the zoo.  He liked it - and he sat in his big boy stroller (I know - he is almost 9 months, about time).  He loved the stroller and chilled out in recline mode most of the time.  Harrison walked and rode in a wagon, and he definitely knew his way around the zoo.  What a great tour guide!

Wouldn't give me a great shot in the stroller - way too busy people watching!

We tried to get a picture of Turner with Mr. Lion (seen above) and the real lion.  Didn't happen.  

Turner's favorite animals were the squirrel monkeys (hurts me to say squirrel).  They were yellow and little and jumped towards the glass a lot.  Probably because a man had his daughter in the window with a ginormous stuffed snake around her neck, and every time he could he would tap the snake's head against the window - hard.  Turner was loving it - I am thinking more because of the bursts of yellow in his face than actually knowing he was looking at animals.  The children's zoo was closed, so that will be a first for another time!  We made it to everything we wanted to see (I mean - Turner was pretty laid back about it this visit), and then it began raining.  A torrential downpour.  We ran back to the front of the zoo and tried to get under the awning while the guys got the cars.  We definitely got wet, but not too soaked!  

Here are some pictures:

On Sunday night, Heath and I went to the Glory Revealed II concert at Shades Mountain Baptist.  I gave the concert and c.d. and book to Heath for our anniversary.  It was INCREDIBLE!  What an awesome concert!!  I have always said that if you could marry someone based on a voice, I would marry Mac Powell.  His voice is so unique.  Before you start feeling sorry for Heath, I think he would marry him for that too.  We are equally obsessed with him.  Also, Trevor Morgan was there and did not disappoint.  Sidenote - Lauren and Jennifer, not sure if you read, but it brought back memories from Stampede Gatlinburg - was it 95?  I love him!  Aaron Shust was there - I didn't realize how many songs I recognized of his.  And Laura Story and Shawn Lewis.  The artists sang all together - they all knew each other's songs.  The songs written from the tour were almost completely scripture quoted in song.  It had a folky feel to it, and they had the words up (Heath didn't need them - already memorized all the songs) for those of us to follow along to.  David Nasser spoke - he and Mac Powell headed up the concert initiative.  Then they had a surprise guest come onstage.  It was Chris Tomlin!  Heath and I were LOVING it!  What a great date night!  It was unbelievable to be able to worship led by so many wonderful artists and stand in a room praising God with 2800 other people.  Praise the Lord!

When I got out of the car to walk into the concert (and try to race hundreds of other people in the door), my black Volatile flip flop busted!  I call it by name because this is the THIRD pair of Volatile flip flops this has happened to.  I shouldn't have been surprised.  I mean, we stepped out of the car and klutz here turned my ankle (not unusual) and the shoe broke!  So, it was awesome to walk in with one foot barefoot.  I eventually just took the other shoe off and ran up to the balcony barefoot to talk to someone.  Impressive.  A little girl from school saw me and yelled, "Mrs. Henderson - why are you BAREFOOT??"  She looked appalled.  I am sure her mom was, too.  Oh well.  Luckily, my friend Jane Ann brought me a pair from home.  I happened to be talking to her when it happened.  Speaking of Jane Ann - I have been lucky enough to teach both of her daughters and they are great family friends of ours.  She brought her oldest, Meredith.  They sat with us, and it was especially precious to be able to sing and worship with Mer Bear.  She is in 5th grade, but her heart for the Lord was so evident and she knew almost all of the songs.  What a blessing watching her genuinely worship our .  I pray Turner will be like that at her young age.  

Well, not much else going on around here except that Heath might die of excitement for Auburn football by the time Saturday gets here.  Fan.at.ic.  Turner's going to be in Auburn this weekend - pictures to follow!  Until then, he will just keep helping me with the laundry...

ADD

I drove up to my mailbox last week and found a package for Turner.  I opened it up and this is what I found!  Heath's aunt Laquetta made this and monogrammed it.  How perfect for football season!!  I love it - what a wonderful surprise!!

People usually say they can hear my voice when they read this blog.  Probably because I write in streams of consciousness.  This is not good or bad - I just know that I could never write an anonymous letter!  I was driving to Lindsey's house yesterday and had these thoughts on Mountain Brook Parkway - thought I would give you a peek into my brain.

Hearing Turner scratching his feet against his broken down mirror, "I wonder if he is growing out of that carseat?  Pretty sure he is since the girl at Dale's Southern Grill yesterday told me that he could cut his feet off if he slammed real hard against the backseat (thanks for that - then she ran over to tell me to go ahead and go all out for the one at Target because her 3 year old daughter is almost 50 pounds and she would have had to buy another one.  See - I am already off topic)...Am I doing him a disservice because I selfishly still like taking him out to eat in that carseat because he stays pinned down?  Speaking of disservice, am I a bad mom because I don't have a big, mom camera?  I am not sure I need one yet because I don't take as many pictures as I should with the nice camera I have now, and will I ever learn to work the big one?  I am pretty lazy.  Why is that old man running down Jemison Trail barefoot?  Gross.  Where are his shoes? (I kept looking out the window for them) Why take them off?  Did he start out without them or just get really sweaty or wet feet from the trail?  Why are Nike shorts so popular?  Kate says they are all the rage in Auburn.  Used to be Soffe shorts, now Nike shorts.  Will my hips and stomach ever look like they did in college?  I didn't appreciate them nearly enough then.  What was I thinking?  Babies do a number on your body." Okay - the drive was not that long.  A few miles.  Can we say ADD?  How about all my teachers growing up loved to mention this to my mom in conferences.  Well, she refused to medicate, so here ya go.

Moving on.  We had Gina's baby shower this morning.  So sweet.  Since I have some time on my hands, I made this little project for her shower. 

 I love making chocolate suckers, and they are so easy!  And I have a million baby food jars lying around and my hot glue gun from school, so voila!  Then Lindsey whipped up the little number for the top, mix in some cute blue and brown ribbon and Gina seemed to love it!  I can't wait to meet Baby Luke.  He will definitely have enough monogrammed things to last a lifetime.  Look at the cake and then Volree's creation.  Impressive.

Wish I had taken pictures of people, photography is not my thing.  Good thing it is Gina's thing!

I went to the Birmingham Area Moms of Multiples sale last night.  I didn't have the patience to look for many clothes, but I did get these fun toys for cheap.  Here is the little weasel enjoying them!  I did see an anonymous blog (and real) friend who I would love to admit on here to buying a teacher/Halloween sweater circa 1986 for her daughter.  I say this in love....I wouldn't tease you if I didn't love you.  (I have to put that in there because I am not "sensitive" or "appropriate")

I came home and Heath had dressed Turner.  I laughed, but it wasn't too bad!  You know Turner didn't care!

Here is a Mommy picked outfit.  Not Heath's favorite.  Again, Turner was indifferent.  Lindsey whipped up the little monogram here, too, but you can't really see it.  Here is a better picture.

"Excuse me, I LOVE my bottle.  Don't tease me."

8 Months

Hanging with his buddy Harrison

Okay, Turner, too much love

Turner is 8 months old!  He giggles all the time now, which makes me laugh really hard.  For example, this morning he was eating breakfast and FloRida was singing on the Today show.  I started singing "Get Low" with the t.v. (as opposed to precious nursery rhymes - oops) and every time I would say "Give that big booty a smack" he almost fell out of his bumbo seat.  Hilarious.

He has started grabbing my hands when he wants to stand up.  I love that.  Also, in the car I will lean back and look at him (because his mirror keeps falling down) and I will say "Boogie?!" (I don't know why I call him that) and he will turn his head and look at me and grab my finger.  So cute.  And he does this ninja flip thing when I am trying to change his diaper.  Funny, but then annoying.  But he just thinks it is funny.  

He loves his loveys - Mr. Lion is the favorite, but he also loves his duck and lamb.  (Boring?  I want to remember this stuff later).  Not so much of a paci lover, though.   He'll take it if he is tired, but more just to play with it.  But if you stick Mr. Lion on his head, he is a happy camper!  Also, he is FINALLY enjoying baby food.  I guess he has been for a month or so now.  He can't get enough of it!  Sometimes he will wake up from his nap starving and have to eat it right away.  What a big boy!

Looking irritated in Daddy's favorite bib

Did I mention that I am going to teach 2 year olds at Mother's Day Out in the fall?  I didn't plan on this, but then a friend recruited me in and I am really excited.  I have gone up to our church to meet people and help out a little and Turner has been hanging out with some of the nursery workers, who he LOVES.  Okay - as I say this, remember that I am not politically correct.  Just a notice.  But, they are mostly black women, and he LOVES their voices, and (inappropriately) their boobs.  His favorite ladies are the older, big bosomed ones who pull him up to their laps.  That little weasel is in heaven!  I need to get a picture ASAP.  But, he likes going and playing, and that is great with me.  And Heath is just glad I have a "job".  Ha.  

Which reminds me - this has been a weird week with school starting and me not being there!  I thought that I would be really sad, but it has been fine.  One of my dear friends and former parent from my class had a Prayer Breakfast at her house yesterday morning.  She asked me to come pray for the teachers and then a bunch of the moms prayed for the kids at school.  So sweet.  It was such a blessing to meet and pray with former parents of mine over the years and friends!

My class last year - from our field trip to Golden Flake in February

I do miss my babies from school, though.  I went bowling with one of my favorites (Mom says I shouldn't have favorites - but seriously?) from last year and she made me cry.  She said something like "What if I am not having a good day?  You won't be there!"  That ripped my heart out.  Which is what she is wanting to do - she knows me well :).  Anyway, that is what I will miss a lot.  Those relationships.  But, I am telling myself that I can see them often, and they know I can't stay away from the school forever!  I have to check in on my little ones.

I went up to the school last week to visit, and though it was weird to see someone else in my classroom, I was good with it.  I just look at my little sidekick, and I have a peace about being home with him.  It is such a hard decision, and there is no right way for any family.  I am very proud (and jealous) of those moms who can balance work and mommyhood and do it beautifully!  

Picture from the pool last weekend.  Turner and his BFF York hung out in the pack n' play at the pool.  They had a ball for 2+ hours while the adults hung out!

Mr. Roper

I think this outfit that Turner has is hilarious.  It is from Gap, but it reminds me of Mr. Roper from Three's Company.  I laugh every time he wears it!

I have a bunch of random things to share this blog.  (Is that different from others? Hmmm.  This one might be extra scattered!)  Here goes:

1.  Last weekend was Heath's sister's wedding.  I was a horrible photographer, so I stole these 2 sweet pictures from Kate's blog.  She was a good photographer!

Us with Jay and Kate (Heath's brother - I am pretty sure everyone who would be reading this  knows that, but who knows?)

Bride and groom.  The former Kelly Henderson - ha!  After 5 years, the name is mine and she got a new one!

Anyway, the wedding was at the Grand Hotel and it was gorgeous.  I have heard people talk about it for years, but wow.  It was super nice, and we had a wonderful stay.  The bay was beautiful and the wedding was outside.  The weather even cooperated.  Well done.  Here are some pictures I took.

Turner and his toy (hairspray - very safe) sitting on the table hanging out in the bride's room

Playing with Granny Eloise

And then Granny Fran - 2 great grandmothers in one room!

Kate and me before the wedding

Turner rocking out at the reception.  Uncle Jay took over the mic after the band.  

I have to brag on Turner.  He did so great during the whole weekend!  We stayed in Andalusia, a condo in Fairhope, The Grand, and a condo in Orange Beach.  4 places in 6 days!  He didn't bat an eye.  Good thing he loves Mr. Lion (his lovey) and his pack n' play.  Also, he came with us to the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.  Then he attended the Groomsmen Brunch and pre-wedding festivities and pictures.  Then my parents came and he took a nap with them in our room and they brought him to the wedding.  He made it all the way through the reception.  He cried at the end, and I was disappointed until I realized that I had forgotten to feed him.  Oops.  A bottle and he was all better until the end!  What a blessing.  I am serious - I am glad he can just roll with us!   Our days are probably numbered with this.

2.  A few months ago I saw a child that was 9+ months in a pumpkin seat.  I was walking with Abby and of course had to comment because the kid was way too big.  Well, now I am that mom.  Turner is definitely growing out of his pumpkin seat, but he does so well in it and we can take him everywhere, so he may stay in it until he is 6 years old.  Seriously, I am going to endure the ridicule as long as he will go along with us everywhere.  I need advice on a good carseat (since we are still in his base) and a stroller that we can take with us and he will sleep well in!  He likes to chill in his chair.  At the beach, Mom and I laid out by the pool and stuck him under and umbrella and he played and slept in his chair.  For 4 hours each day!!  Selfish, I know, but I am milking this as long as I can.  I went to get my camera to get a picture, and that turkey woke up.  So, no picture.  That is why I am okay with him not quite crawling yet...I am holding my child back!  Oh well.  It won't last long!!

3.  I am obsessed with black albinos.  Or African-American albinos.  Well, really any kind of albinos, but especially black human ones.  Let's not pretend like I am politically correct.  (Though my husband is, and he will die that I am posting this.  Oh well.)  Anyway, we were on our way to Andalusia last week, and we stopped at Wendy's to eat dinner.  I stayed in the car with Turner and Heath ran in.  He casually mentioned when he got back in the car that he saw a black albino in there.  WHAT????  Of course I jumped out of the car and ran in to pretend to get straws and napkins and assess the situation.  I walk in and see a large WHITE woman with little braids in her hair taking care of some black children.  Imagine my disappointment when I had to inform Heath that that was not a black albino!  I don't know why, but the REAL THINGS are fascinating to me - completely black and completely white at the same time.  Amazing.  Anyway, I know it is insane, but I nearly foam at the mouth when I see them.  

4.  I have been watching last season's Real Housewives of Atlanta on my DVR over the last few days.  They are ridonkulous.  That word itself is crazy and I know Lindsey will laugh at me for using it, but that is all I can say about these idiot women.  T.V. is my weakness, and I just can't commit to another show like Jon and Kate and get my heart broken.  This show promises to not break my heart!

5.  Yesterday was our 5 year wedding anniversary.  Heath did a good job!  He set up a pattern - he woke me up with a card with 5 gift cards in it.  Then we went to 5 Guys for lunch.  I didn't pick up on the 5 pattern until we left and were walking around Ann Taylor Loft.  Then all the 5s made sense!  When we got home, he gave me 5 bottles of bubble bath from Bath and Body Works.  He gave me pink roses - said he tried to buy 5 of them, but they only sold them in a dozen (thank goodness!).  For dinner we dropped the 5 pattern, and went to Carrabba's and saw The Ugly Truth (the movie) while Turner played at Gigi and Pop Pop's house.  Great anniversary.  I laugh, because we talked about how at our 5 year anniversary we would return to Hawaii, where we went on our honeymoon.  Oh, well.  Quitting my job halted that a little (not that we really could have afforded it before I quit my job).  Yesterday was fun and affordable!!  On a serious note, I cannot believe it has already been 5 years.  I am truly blessed with a wonderful (very patient) husband who is a godly leader and trusted friend.  Praise God for the blessing of marriage!!

Here are 2 of my favorite pictures from my wedding day.

Sitting Up!

Turner decided that 7 months was just the right age to begin sitting up all on his own.  He had been wobbly, but this day decided he was going to do it right!   This picture was from the doctor's office (2 weeks ago - don't worry, we've been back since).  He sat up the whole visit.  Great with me!

This past weekend, Heath's parents came to visit and spoil Turner.  I had to miss Aunt Kelly's bachelorette weekend.  I just wasn't sure if Heath was ready for all Turner all weekend (and neither was Heath!).  Luckily, Kelly stayed with us this past week to do a rotation in Birmingham and we were able to spend time with her.  And she was a great help with Turner!

Anyway, Heath's mom and I went to get Turner's pictures taken, since he had decided to sit up and all!  Here are some samples.  They make me laugh.  Don't worry - they are cheesy.

While we were there, this turkey laughed the whole time.  When the photographer was taking his picture, another woman came up and said, "Ooh, a baby.  I will be here for backup."  My photographer said to her, "No worries.  We have about the happiest baby in the world."  Praise God!  He really is.  I hope he stays this way.  He smiled and smiled and laughed when a 2 year old little girl walked up and put a Teddy Graham in his mouth.  I laughed too, but I was really looking for her mother!!  So was Melissa.  Melissa "MeMe" helped me dress Turner for his wardrobe changes (ha!) and entertain him.  She was also a big help in picking out poses, because wow, there were a lot!  

MeMe and Pap took us to dinner and then watched Turner Bug while we went to a friend's wedding party.  What a blessing!  They also spoiled him with some clothes and toys.  Here they are playing on the floor.

Meanwhile, I think precious Teddy Graham girl helped out in the fever virus that has overtaken our lives since Tuesday.  He has had 103 and 104 until today, when I thought we were in the clear.  But no, we are holding strong at 101.  Kelly and I were amused that when he had to get his temp taken (in the - you know) he smiled and giggled.  Kelly said, "What baby does that?"  He has been in pretty good spirits, with only a few meltdowns.  These have happened when his whole face is pretty much purple it is so red from the fever.  So sad.  Did I mention this is the one week out of the summer that I was working?  Of course he would get sick this week.  From Sunday to Friday I have spent all day at our county in-service center teaching a math class.  Mom kept him Monday and Lee (his wonderful daycare teacher from his short-lived daycare days) kept him on Tuesday.  She was supposed to keep him on Thursday, but you know how that goes.  Luckily, Heath stayed home and worked from here - mostly working with Turner.  He did a great job, and like I said Kelly helped so I could go surprise Laurahelen for her early birthday party!  Anyway, Mom and Heath tag-teamed on Friday.  I guess that is how it goes with a baby.  So this week was crazy busy!  Luckily, we didn't have much going on this weekend, so we're still recuperating.  Here is Sicky Sickerson.  

Next week we head to Fairhope for Aunt Kelly and Uncle Jonathan's wedding.  Pictures (and stories) to follow!