Our Cruise to Mexico

In March, Josh and I took a 5 day cruise to Cozumel and Calica, Mexico! We had an amazing time and created so many great memories. This was our first trip away since Carter had been born, so it was both rejuvenating and challenging.

We started our journey, with my mom and her friend flying into Pensacola to stay with Carter. It was a great feeling, knowing that Carter was in good hands and he would have a great time with his nana.

After the hour long drive to the cruise port, we grabbed our suitcases and embarked on our journey to Mexico. We signed up as VIP, so we were first to check in and board the ship. This allowed us lots of time to explore our suite and the 5 floors of fun. We found the casino, restaurants, souvenir shops, cigar lounge, pool, hot tubs, mini-golf, buffets, leather lounging areas and coffee shop. We quickly learned that there were itinerary sheets for each days with events that we could look over each morning and check which things we wanted to do. We also learned from our attending housekeeper that we could order breakfast in bed and room service 24/7 every single day, which we fully took advantage of. One of my favorite things to do each night, was to order cheesecake and eat in bed! Pure luxury!

We enjoyed Pina Coladas in coconuts with face on them, all-you-can eat meals around the clock, self-serve soft ice-cream cones, free massages, laser tag and dance shows in the evenings. There was so much to do, we never got bored!

On the third day, we made it to Cozumel. We walked around the tourist area until it was time to go to our Zip Line Adventure. We took a short bus ride to the site, got geared up and took a quick zip line class and we were off! We flew over the tree tops and got some amazing pictures. After zip lining, we took a taxi to the shopping district where we bought tons of souvenirs, recieved free gifts and ate lunch at Senor Frogs. We spent a few hours enjoying the beautiful island before boarding back onto the ship. We had a great time, but we were EXHAUSTED after all the walking and excitement.

The next day, we ported in Calica. When we first arrived, we expected to do a glass bottomed boat kayaking adventure, but due to high winds and waves, our adventure was cancelled. So for the next half hour, we debated on which adventure to replace it with. We settled with the Xcaret Park. It turned out, that this change of schedule was the best part of our trip. This place was amazing and BEAUTIFUL. As soon as we exited the tour bus and got into Xcaret, we booked a Sea-Trekking Adventure and headed off to look for the Mayan cave river to float down. The lazy river was breathtaking and relaxing, we both enjoyed this very much! As soon as we finished floating down the river, we headed to our Sea-trekking class. We were told that a space looking helmit would be placed over our heads and oxygen hoses would be connected to it. We were also told not to bend forward or back or the helmit would fill with water. After the instructions, we were led to the waters edge, where we climbed down below the surface 20 feet and led through the ocean by a bar that we hung onto. I took about 10 feet, felt the water bumping my chin and was startled by a giant fish that raced past my face...this sent me into a panic and I motioned for the scuba diver to take me back to the surface. I felt terrible, because Josh did this adventure alone. But it gave me a chance to use my little spanish skills to talk to the locals. As soon as I came up, I said "NO ME GUSTA" and all the guys laughed! It was great! After Josh surfaced and told me how awesome it was, we headed over to the tiki huts to kick back and enjoy our enchiladas, giant beer and pineapple fruity beverages. This was one of my favorite parts of this day. To end our day, we explored the animal areas, which included baby sea turtles, sting rays, sleeping dolphins, sharks and parrots.

The next day was spent cruising back to the states. The motion sickness got to us the worst this day, but we took motion sickness tablets and refused to let it ruin our time. We relaxed at the tiki bar by the pool and soaked up our last hours of responsible-free time.

By the fourth and fifth day, we were itching to get back to Carter, we missed him so much! As soon as we were given the clear to line up and prepare for disembarkation, we were ready! We were stacked high with souvenirs and our luggage, but this barely phased us because the excitment was overtaking us! Since we were VIP, we were the first to exit. We expected to be searched or questioned as we entered back into Alabama, but the authorities just asked us a couple of questions and waved us through. We practically sprinted the long distance to where my mom and Carter were waiting. As soon as we reached them, all I wanted was to hold and kiss my little man. We were also extremely excited to share our stories and memories with mom and her friend.

I've got to say, this vacation was my favorite one of all time and we will remember it all for the rest of our lives!

The Start to One Great Year...

I can honestly say that 2010 has come in with a bang! I layed in bed this morning reminiscing about the year so far and all I could do was smile and feel so blessed. The memories we continue to make are sometimes so amazing, I can't find the right words to express the meaning of how wonderful it all is.

New Years was spent at home with our good friend Kirsten and her sweet baby girl Gretchen. We ate dinner, sipped wine and played Uno as we rang in 2010. We would much rather stay home and enjoy ourselves than go out in all the craziness. It was not just another new year, it was Carter's first new year...so there was no other perfect way to celebrate than as a family in our home.

Carter has also started physical and speech therapy which he gets twice a week and he is making huge progress! I have learned to let go of the feelings that I have done something wrong and inadequate, because not all motherly instincts are natural. We know that Carter has low muscle tone, so the special exercises and techniques have been vital to us in guiding Carter to a healthy learning ground. The response from our family and friends has been an outpouring of love and support and I am forever grateful to everyone who has given us words of wisdom, hugs of comfort and an ear on lend. This whole experience has motivated me to write and I am hoping to turn it into a book to help other moms of children with Developmental Delays.

I think one of the biggest things so far this year is Carter turning ONE! We are still shocked that our baby boy is one year old. We decorated the house, had a cake, dinner, and tons of snuggles to celebrate his first year of life. We discovered that Carter LOVES cake! We just know that this year is going to be HUGE for him.

2010 has also had it's bittersweet moments, such as my first birthday away from my twin sister. When Dani told me she was having a mini party with friends and family, I broke down. It just didn't feel right that we were apart and that "our" birthday was being celebrated without me there. As I sat and cried, Kirsten and Josh decided to take me to New Orleans for the weekend. So off we went on the spur of the moment adventure. We went to my favorite restaurant "Benachins" and walked the town. Carter and Gretchen are becoming quite the travelers. The whole weekend was spent shopping, walking, site-seeing and eating at amazing restaurants! Josh also surprised me with a 4 hour spa day ON my birthday, a kit of facial spa products to keep up my facial, perfume and beautiful cake! I must say, my 24th birthday was one of the bests I have ever had.

Last Friday, Carter had surgery. It was very nerve racking for Josh and I. I can't even describe the feeling of leaving your baby in the hands of the people will hold your baby's life in their hands. It was terrifying for us. But we are relieved it is over and that his tear ducts are finally unplugged. It's great to no longer have to wipe his eyes several times a day and he is loving it too. He also had a modified circumcision, which ended up being a little more extensive than we thought. He has over 25 stitches. But he is being quite the trooper and seems totally unaffected or phased! He has taught us to be strong even when we are at our weakest, he is our little hero. When we first got to the recovery room to see him, the nurse warned us that he may be agitated and fussy when he woke up...but as Carter always does, he seized to amaze us. He slowly opened his eyes, reached his hand up to touch my face and was totally calm. Our new daily experience since his surgery is getting peed on during almost all his diaper changes. This may seem annoying to most, but we are proud of this new change.

These things are the only the beginning to what the year has in store for us. In just a few weeks, Josh and I are finally taking our honeymoon on a cruise to Cozumel and Calica. My mom is flying down to stay with Carter. And just a couple weeks after our cruise, Kayleigh and Dani are flying down for spring break! In August, we get Kayleigh for 5 weeks and while she is here for summer break, my sister-in-law, brother-in-law, niece and nephew are coming down for a week. We have a Disney World trip planned, a trip to the aquarium in Atlanta and many beach days in store!

I'm not sure how I am going to hold down my patience, but I have to! So when I think about 2010...well...2010 is amazing so far! That's all I can say!

A new year for new changes!

So much has happened since my last post and I'm not sure where to start. Let's see...

In November, Carter was admitted to the Children's Hospital here in Pensacola for a high fever and white blood count, he was there for 2 days. He had been struggling with a cough and wheeziness for about 6 weeks. While in the hospital, I finally admitted to the doctors something I had carried on my shoulders alone for so long. Carter wasn't developing at a normal rate and wasn't even sitting up by himself yet. I was so afraid for so long to tell anyone, because I was terrified to hear that something was wrong. Josh and I tried everything to help him learn, but he just wasn't getting it. He lacked motivation and drive to do even the smallest of things. This confession to the doctors finally opened up a gateway of opportunities. We have since been set up with the Early Steps program and Carter starts therapy this Friday morning. His evaluation was about 3 weeks ago and we learned that he has more than a 25% delay in his speech, cognitive and fine motor skills. He also sees a pediatric neurologist on the 14th to rule out any further issues he may have. I am so afraid of what he will have to say, but I am coming to terms with the fact that he NEEDS help and we can only get the appropriate treatment by finding what it is that's wrong. There's a good chance that nothing is wrong, that he is just developing at a slower pace...but we just don't know yet.

On a lighter note, we recently moved out of our small apartment and into a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house in East Hill! We love it. We live only a few blocks from our good friends, Kirsten, Brian and Gretchen! We are enjoying our spacious home and couples dinner nights. Once Carter starts getting around, he will have so much space to explore. I am waiting for that moment like my life depends on it.

I have started going to the gym with Kirsten in hopes that I can get down to my desired weight and be beach ready in a few months. This is one of my New Years resolutions...

For Christmas, we drove to Michigan to spend the holidays with KayLeigh, my mom, Al, Raymond and Dani! It was a fantastic trip and we accomplished so much. We were only able to see KayLeigh for 4 days and it's just never enough...we miss her so much! While home, we celebrated Carter's first birthday since it was the only chance to have our family and KayLeigh there. It was perfect!

That brings me to Carter's big day. This to me, is amazing. I can't believe my little baby boy is going to be a whole year old. I remember the day he was born like it was only yesterday! So many firsts, so many things still yet to be. I have etched every single special memory into my mind. The first time he smiled at me, the first time he giggled, the first time he ate sweet potatoes, the first time he sat all by himself and the first time he planted a big wet kiss on my face! One thing that is certain, is that I have learned to never take anything for granted...Milestones to us are like gifts we have waited all our lives for. They aren't just moments, they are monumental! I appreciate everything.

2009 was such an amazing year and I only hope that 2010 can top it! I for see great things to come.

August Adventures

This last month has been full of excitement and wonders! Kayleigh flew down with Dani on July 28th, Kayleigh's first time flying! Watching her with Carter, is wonderful! Kayleigh seems so grown up and wise beyond her years. She is so gentle and sweet with her baby brother and he absolutely adores her!

On August 15th, we drove the 7 hour drive to Disney World where all of Kayleigh's dreams came true! We stayed in a really nice hotel with an awesome pool. As soon as we got to Magic Kingdom, Kayleigh picked out her pink Mickey ears with the tiara and became a princess! She met Snow White, Mickey & Minney and Alice in Wonderland. She was in heaven seeing all the characters she loves so much. She was tall enough to ride everything and she was so proud of herself for riding the fast "trains", teacups, magic carpets, log water ride, haunted mansion tour and Lilo & Stitch escapade. Disney World is not only a place of dreams come to true for children but it was an amazingly fun for Josh and I.

Kayleigh is in love with the white beaches and is the highlight of her week when we go! We take her to the pool almost every day, took her to Hibachi, and to the private island. Every day is an adventure!

Unfortunately, Kayleigh's time with us is coming to an end this Friday. The last 5 weeks have flown by. Our flight to Michigan should be a mini-party. Raymond, Kirsten, Gretchen, Kayleigh, Carter and I will be traveling together!

I am hoping we will be able to wrap up the week with another Hibachi dinner, pedicures and snuggle time!

It's going to be a long 4 months before seeing Kayleigh again!

Deep Sea Fishing Adventure

On July 18th, Josh and I went deep sea fishing with our friends Kirsten and Brian! It was for Kirsten's birthday! We had the time of our lives!

Deep Sea fishing has been one of the things I have dreamed of doing! And it was every bit as awesome as I imagined it to be.

We arrived at the marina at 5:30 a.m. to begin our trip. Captain Chuck was friendly and funny.

On our voyage out to sea on the fishing boat, it was a beautiful site. The sun coming up over the water and the beautiful blue water sparkling as we passed, I was in heaven! The further out to sea we got, the higher the waves soared. Captain chuck told us they were at least 4 foot high. Luckily we brought motion sickness medication, so none of us lost our stomachs. We went out about 14 miles! Once we found the sunken tug boat location, Captain Chuck showed us how to reel out our lines. Brian instantly caught a Red Snapper causing adrenaline and excitement to flow through our veins! Once all of our lines were in, we were catching those Red Snappers left and right. Unforunately we were only able to keep 2 for each passenger minus the captain. We caught our alotted 8 Red Snapper within an hour plus a few extras that we had to throw back. Kirsten caught 2 huge Amberjacks...the biggest fish I have ever seen caught! Right before we decided to call it quits, Captain Chuck put a steel leader on my line, since something kept biting right through my line. Almost as soon as I got reeled out, I got the tug of a lifetime...it almost pulled me over board! I still have the 2 inch long bruise on my shin to prove it's strength! Captain Chuck had to grab my pole from me quickly as the fish was swimming fast and hard around the boat. He was able to save it by rushing around the front of the boat and under the anchor. As soon as he got it to the other side of the boat, he handed it back to me to reel it in. I pulled in the most magnicificent King Mackerel! The teeth on that thing were massive and scary! We had to cut the line once we had it in the boat to save our fingers!

That evening, Brian grilled the Mackerel and Amberjack up for us to eat! VERY YUMMY, I must say!

Our deep sea fishing trip is a memory I will never forget!

Our first 4th of July in Florida was so much fun! It was a laid back day with traditions mixed in. We started out the morning with a big yummy breakfast and we all got into our red, white and blue apparel. We then went to Red Lobster and Josh had King Crab Legs for the first time. He liked it, but said he is more of a chicken guy! I'm still so proud of him for trying it. After lunch, we went downtown Pensacola and checked out a small festival. There were pony rides, live bands, craft vendors and food. Last but not least, we went down to Pensacola Beach and found a cozy quiet place to sit in the sand and waited for the fireworks to begin at 9:00 p.m. Carter absolutely loved all the colors and lights! We weren't surprised at all that he liked them so much...he loves everything!

We had so much fun exploring and experiencing our first 4th of July here in Florida!

Father's Day

I wanted to express to Josh how much I appreciate all that he does for Carter and I and no better day than Father's Day! I am the luckiest woman in the world to have such a perfect, wonderful husband and father of my child. He works so hard every day so that I can be a stay-at-home mom and we have everything we could ever want or need. As soon as Josh gets home from work each day, he immediately picks Carter up to play and cuddle! Carter's face lights up the instant he sees his daddy! Everything we have and enjoy is only possible because of Josh's hard work, ambition and love for us. We love him more than anything in the world.

A week or so ago, Carter and I made him a T-shirt with Carter's footprints and handprints on the front and back. A few days ago, I took pictures of Carter in Hawkeye gear and had him hold up the letters to spell DAD. I even put Carter in Josh's Hawkeye jersey and took some adorable pictures to frame!

To start the day, I let Josh sleep while I cooked him a big breakfast and brownies. Carter made him a card! I set it all up on the table for Josh to find when he came to eat! He was absolutely delighted!

The rest of the day, we spent snuggling, napping and playing with Carter! Carter loves his daddy time!

Josh never lets a day go by that he doesn't tell us how much he loves us and does all that he does for us. He is our life, our world, our everything!