The Copponex's

Our Fridge

2012-01-29T05:00:00.000-05:00

What is on your fridge? I thought this was fun!

A magnet from Sarah as a bridesmaids gift,

the Hi Tech Healthcare card for Bradys monitor

A Dominos Magnet

A Tybee Island Sticker

Macy's school schedule

Magic Kingdom Castle Magnet

A vet reminder that the dogs need a bordetella shot

Another Disney Magnet

The Ten Commandments

Ben & Jessica's Save the Date

The McIver Christmas Card (held by a Disney magnet)

and the weeks menu

Baby Jack!

2012-01-28T05:00:00.000-05:00

We try to get together with Gina and Kevin at least once a week for dinner.

Sometimes we see Glen and Mary 2-3 times a week!

It's really nice and we love to catch up!

Here is Greg and Jack at Taco Mac

The boys at Carabbas

And Gina sent me this picture of him a while ago. HAHA His faces are SO FUNNY!!!

We LOVE YOU baby Jack.

Jack-Jack, Jackson, Flap Jack, Jack POT!

That's Whatcha Get!

2012-01-27T05:00:00.000-05:00

**If you are squeamish, don't read this post, graphic picture!!**

Greg and I BOTH have run into our garage door. When I did it, I had a great reason (of course!) and it only did minimal damage. Greg on the other hand knocked the CRAP out of it and knocked it out of the track. He was trying to get it back in and somehow he got his hand caught and had to go to urgent care.

Auntie Julie came right up and took the babies for us, which was so nice! She really saved the day!

Check out Greg's cutie doc.

The damage. How many stitches do you think he needed? I said 6-8 but she only gave him four and they all popped open :P BLECH gross.

It is healing and looking better. We calleda professional- the Garage Doctor- who was AWESOME and I totally recommend him. If you need garage work, I can give you his number!

New Years!

2012-01-26T05:00:00.000-05:00

This New Years Eve was one for the record books.

We had no kids, an abundance of friends, and good food and drinks!

Check out Camille's adorable decorations

Camille and Desiree

The hosts, CJ and Camille with Rick Stephanie and Dean (6 weeks old)

The rowdy boys

Some pretty girls!

Another Greg, and his wife Elizabeth "Eli"

John and Katie, getting married this year!

Jessica and Ben! Also getting married this year!

This is the next morning.

The Christmas tree was a black crisp but I plead the fifth on what happened to it.

Happy 2012!

Miller Christmas

2012-01-25T05:30:00.000-05:00

We opened our gift Christmas morning at Glen and Mary's house, while my parents and Sarah and Weston opened their stockings.

Tybee is the MASTER Present opener.

Since Gina had her baby early that morning AND we hadn't gotten home until about 5:30- we decided to open presents around 2 PM on the 26th. It was AWESOME!

Let me just say- Macy got THREE Disney Barbies for Christmas. Cinderella from us, Ariel from Brad and Peggy, and Belle from Sarah and Weston. What are the odds?!?

Greg's parents AND my parents got Macy a chest of dress up clothes. She wears them every day and just goes from wearing one to the next.

Sadly, these were the only pictures we took. Terrible I know. :(

We will do better next year, I was just a sleep deprived zombie!

Baby Taylor's Debut!

2012-01-24T14:56:00.002-05:00

OK, I have been SOOOOOO excited for Gina and Kevin to have their baby! They did NOT find out the sex and it was due on Christmas Eve!! That day came and went and we all agreed we would be happy if it waited until the 26th so we could enjoy Christmas together. We didn't know it but after Bonefish Gina was having mild contractions through the night. All morning while we were opening presents she was having them but she didn't tell us! About 10 when we were taking a break she said- "Rach, what do they feel like, like I need to go to the bathroom?" I told her yes, but I didn't know she was HAVING them I thought she was just asking. I gave her and Kevin a video of their wedding and we were waiting for them to come up from downstairs to watch it. It was taking a while, and finally they came up... but Gina was in tears! She told us she was having contractions and they felt close together and she was scared. We were THRILLED and assured her she was going to do great and there was nothing to be scared about. We timed her contractions and they were about 5-10 minutes apart!

They went home and rested for a while. About 4 when we were at my Gramma and Grampas we got the call that she had checked into the hospital. We went to Jack and Judy's for a bit- but then headed down to the hospital with Brady in tow. At that point she had had her epidural (which didn't work :( ) and was about 7 cm.

The rest of the time was a blur, I was honestly so excited! After Mary came out and said she was pushing I started praying. I knew she was in pain and I hated that so much for her. I was really surprised that Kevin was doing so well (Ya'll he threw up the first time he felt the baby kick- he does NOT like blood etc) As time went on I started getting really nervous. We had not heard anything for a few hours and they weren't responding to texts. I got up to go to the bathroom and as I was walking back I saw 2 or 3 nurses rushing with a baby in a NICU bed with a top on it and Kevin right behind it. My heart dropped literally to the floor. I froze and as they rounded the corner out of sight, Kevin's dad caught a glimpse of Kevin who gave him a half smile. Mark thought it was a good sign that Kevin smiled, but I knew what I had saw and I was the only one. I was SICK. I couldn't even talk. Glen noticed and asked if I was ok and all I could say was that I was very worried. I didn't want to be the one to tell everyone something was wrong when I wasn't POSITIVE something was. I just knew.

It was about 25 minutes later and Kevin came out and you could see how distraught he was. Tears were welling up and not the good kind. We knew this was out of the ordinary because Gina and Kevin wanted to tell us the sex together. All he could say before he broke into tears was "He's really struggling.... He is having trouble breathing" Honestly I can't remember anything else. Greg and Mary rushed back to Gina, Kevin's family huddled around him and consoled him and I sat on the couch with Glen I think with my hand on his arm or something. He was beside himself, and rightfully so. I remember him saying "This can't happen again...." and I was thinking the same thing. My mind immediately went into overdrive and tried to think of what we needed to do. We needed to find Jack and talk to his doctor immediately to get some news.

This was where Northside (YES THE BABY FACTORY) totally dropped the ball. I am NOT one to complain about much, no seriously, but that night the communication was the worst thing I have ever seen. Kevin joked that we got the "Christmas rejects" but there was NO reason for how poorly the whole situation was handled. NO ONE communicated anything to us. NO ONE let us know what was going on. At one point they moved him and we didn't even know where he was. It was the worst 3 hours of my life. THREE HOURS with very little information and all you could do was see him behind a tiny window struggling to breathe. I can't even put it into words. Once we got the news that he was slowly coming off oxygen and that he had an IV for antibiotics we headed home. We weren't able to visit them that day but we came back on the 27th baring Carrabbas :) We were able to see him, but not hold him in the NICU. He came home with Gina and Kevin 2 days later.

I am so proud of my sister. The past ten months she was SICK and stressed but she did so well. She has been a wonderful mother to Jack and I can't wait to see her in the future. Kevin is also a fantastic dad (and uncle!!) AND husband. I have been so impressed with him. I feel so lucky to have them as my family!

OK I know ya'll LOVE pictures- so you have to watch THIS MOVIE!!!

Dahler Family Christmas

2012-01-23T04:39:00.000-05:00

The past few years we have been trying to make our rounds to everyones house on or around Christmas. Sometimes that is hard- but I am always glad we did it. The hardest part is leaving one place to go to the next- but I would rather get to see EVERYONE and be fair (even though I hate that word!) I try not to say something isn't fair because LIFE isn't fair and it is one of my sticking points.

So anyway- Christmas morning we did at Glen and Mary's with Gina and Kevin. After that we loaded up and went to my grandparents house. Everyone was there- including MARK! I honestly don't know the last time I saw him- I fee like it has been at least a year and a half? Like, before Tripp was born. He used to work out of the country as a contractor.

Picture of Mark and his son Jace. Of course I picked this one because they are looking at pictures of Jace's first trip to Disneyland!

Grampa and ~~a squirrel he found in the yard~~

I mean Ollie ;)

No Christmas would be complete without an irritating almost impossible puzzle!

The kids spent a lot of time in the basement playing with Jace's train!

While the "big kids" played Apples to Apples.

Brady taking a snooze

Macy opening presents

HAHA It looks like Macy is saying "Dad, put your phone down!"

Gramma's pretty tree

Jack and Scott in front of the tree

Sleeping with Nana

He woke up for Auntie Laurie

And NOW! The group cousin picture we take every year.

Here is 2008

And 2010- our silly picture with Bubba teeth

Poor Tyler, the ONLY boy

So, usually Auntie Laurie hooks us up with a ridiculous prop to take a picture with. It's actually pretty funny ;) I will admit I don't always want to play along but I have come around. We were all disappointed when she said she didn't get anything this year because everyone poo-poos it. WAAAH! So we improvised. But it is back on next year! (in past years we have worn masks, light up noses, mustache/glasses combos.)

Doesn't it look like we are missing teeth?

Brady and Auntie Sarah in Macy's antlers from school. I loved those things and put them on him all the time. LOL

Family picture. Macy will grow out of that face right?

Next generation of cousins. And Macy is the only girl! Angela! You need to have another one!

Macy and my dad

Our two BRAVE cancer SURVIVORS! And look at how much hair they have now!!

SO proud if them!

I think Sarah is saying "SERIOUSLY? You picked there card and not mine?"

The newly engaged couple, Jeanette and Scott

Maybe Jace didn't want us to leave?

Brady packed up to go! We left Macy and headed to Jack and Judy's to "represent" since Gina was in the hospital having her baby!! That post tomorrow!

Kisses from Uncle Chelly

2012-01-22T18:00:00.000-05:00

Chelsie posted this picture a long time ago and I like it so it's going on the blog!

Love you Chels

Copponex Disney Christmas 2011

2012-01-12T19:20:00.000-05:00

These pictures will be out of order. KINDA LIKE MY LIFE?!

SO, we had, for a VERY long time planned a trip to Disney at Christmas!! I HAVE NEVER BEEN at Christmas, and was just dying to go. Can you believe I have never been at Christmas? Well now I can say I have! And I LOVE IT. It was probably my favorite. I love the cooler weather and the decorations!

We booked a studio room at Saratoga Springs Resort. We stayed there in May for Gina's wedding. It was awesome! Macy slept on the couch, Brady in his little bed and Greg and I in a queen. (Which is do-able in do or die situations, but I told him when we first got married if he wanted the marriage to last I needed a king ;) )

So let me pick up where we left of. We left Big Canoe and I was sad to go. I LOVE spending time with Mike and Anne and their girls. We don't see them nearly enough, but I finally feel like we are at a good point in our life where we relate to each other and our kids can play together.

I don't know if you remember I had no options for giving Macy a drink last time we went to Florida so I gave it to her in Brady's bottle. This happened again, and I gave it to her in one of Brady's bottles that had been cleaned, but not ran through the dishwasher. She could smell the formula and gagged and wouldn't drink it (I don't blame her!) This was the beginning of us learning that she gags a lot when she smells stinky stuff. IT IS SO FUNNY

We drove down in one day, which was fine. We actually left a day earlier than we had planned and stayed at The Rosen Shingle Creek Thank goodness Greg is so good with Pricelines "Name Your Price!" I recommend using it, we get great deals on there all the time. We had dinner at Margaritaville in CityWalk at Universal. That place is a LOT of walking! Dinner was good- Brady was a bit of a challenge, and both Greg and I were thinking... can we do this for a whole week by ourselves?? haha

We checked out Monday and ran around Orlando. We both had some work stuff to do. We checked into Saratoga Springs about 2. I had no idea, but when Greg was checking us in, he bought us annual passes!! UM HELLO!? I couldn't believe it and immediately text Emily Parker because I knew she would be jealous :P

So, I was unpacking and Greg said... Do you want to go to Magic Kingdom tonight? I hadn't planned on it, but SURE! So we hopped on a bus and went over there for the night. We had a great time, and stayed pretty late, I think around 11? Which meant we didn't get home until 12:30. Macy is AMAZING though, and when she gets tired, she just falls asleep in her stroller no problem! If she starts getting whiney I tell her to lay her head down, and she does and doesn't wake up at all!

This picture was taken a few days before we left for Disney, but to cute to not include as an example!!

I caught her SUCKING HER THUMB! What's up with that?

The first ride we did was It's a Small World. It is Macy's favorite! Brady slept and I am sure Greg wishes he could have. I'm just kidding, I think he secretly likes that ride. And if not, he loves to see Macy happy so he would ride it over and over again for her! I love that about him.

Checking out the castle!

The double stroller is a GOD SEND and a MUST if you have two kids. I would not recommend two umbrella strollers because what if you need to have both kids? You can't push two strollers at once!

Watching the parade

I love when she gets super excited and starts waving at them :)

Macy would NOT stop talking about "Mickey Jungle" so we went to Animal Kingdom on day 2.

Brother getting ready

We did the walking trails, the safari, dino-land, lion king and watched the parade.

(waiting on Greg to get back with my snack!) Money exhibit behind us.

Brady was absolutely adorable that day!

Triceratops spin!

That afternoon we went back to Magic Kingdom because I really wanted to watch the castle projection show again! We also caught the fireworks and went straight home after that.

I don't think I have pictures from Wednesday? I think we went back to Magic Kingdom. We had dinner at Ohana, which honestly was a disaster. It was GOOD and we loved it, but Brady had a MELT DOWN. Come to find out, he was having tummy issues, I had to buy him a new onesie :( Macy slept through the whole thing.

We decided to go to Hollywood studios after that and see the Osborne Family lights. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. So glad we didn't miss that.

Thursday was our Epcot day! I LOVE EPCOT. I am a weirdo I guess- but it might be my favorite? We rode Spaceship Earth, Nemo, Soarin' I can't think of anything else?

After that we went to Le Celliar and OH. MY. WORD.

Best steak I have ever had. And BOTH KIDS SLEPT. It was great, they let us bring our stroller in and pushed it up to the table. Greg and I were pinching ourselves that we got this lucky!

We stayed for the Candlelight Processional. It was AMAZING. I wish Macy wasn't so SENSITIVE to loud noises. She was squirming and covering her ears most of the time. The closing number was the Hallelujah chorus and I just cried and cried and thought about Hallie and the Greens. We went home after that!

This was the ride home.

HAHA

Brady with his sign for Hallie :)

We had a great trip! I hope we go back EVERY year at Christmas time!

It's kinda neat, all of my kids have birthdays three months apart.

Tripp in March

Tripps heavenly birthday in June

Brady in September

Macy in December

We have planned a trip in March for Tripp's birthday.

I think we will be back in June and maybe even in July too for the 4th!

We will likely be back in September and already have reservations for December's Christmas Party!

Copponex Christmas

2012-01-10T16:47:00.000-05:00

We had a great Christmas. This year, we decided to break it up and do things a little easier on us. I am SO THANKFUL for my families being so flexible and understanding.

We went to Crosspointe for church with Gina and Kevin and Glen and Mary. Honestly, I didn't love it. I think nect year we will go to Hopewells, and hope our family joins us! We like to all be together as much as possible at the holidays, but my heart is drawing "home" and I want to be at our church.

After church we went to our traditional "Christmas Eve dinner" at Bonefish. It was SO GOOD. MMMMMM

Originally I had made the reservation for NINE hoping Gina and Kevin's baby would have arrived by then! (She was due Christmas Eve) She was SUCH a trooper though and didn't complain one bit about being pregnant on Christmas. I sure as heck would have been miserable, but Gina is such a sweetheart :)

Kevin, Gina and Macy

Last Christmas with out a baby!

Kevin, Gina and Baby Taylor

(they did not know the sex- Taylor is their last name)

Macy and Greg

I LOVED Macy's dress!

Mary and Brady. I love his antlers :)

Stockings

OH I just love this sight.

Brady boy and me. He is getting SO BIG

Gina and Brady

The front of the house. So pretty!

Lined street, I love that all the neighbors do this!

Making cookies for Santa with her santa slippers

Gramps is very particular about his cookies (shocker)

Mary setting up coffee for the morning

Kevin relaxing

Macy put out some reindeer food. If I was a reindeer I would eat cheerios and marshmellows.

HAHA she was upset the dog was eating it :)

Taking out the cookies

Christmas morning we were showered with gifts, and opened for three hours. Seriously, it is to much.

One of Macy's fun toys, a bicycle.

Check out her helmet! She liked it Christmas morning but later told me he had a mad face and it didn't match the princess bike.

How cute is this hat? She can wear it in March!

One of the big things this year was dress up clothes.

I was TERRIBLE about taking pictures this year. Like... really really bad. I always talk so much at Gramma and Grampas house and there are always so many other people taking pictures I figure I will just steal theirs. But it takes them so long to post to Facebook I don't like to wait. HAHA

This is the only picture I took... Gramma and Brady. WOW he looks huge here. That's because he is!

We ended up leaving early to hit Jack and Judy's party. We wanted to say hey to everyone and "represent" since Glen and Mary were at the hospital with Gina and Kevin!

Stay tuned to find out if we had a Christmas baby!

I also took NO pictures of opening presents with my parents and Sarah and Weston. We got my mom and dad a few nights at a hotel to go to Disney with us in March!

They got Macy more dress up clothes. I am telling you, she has not taken them off, except to put another outfit on.

Next year we will be staying home and doing Christmas together. I think?

Brady Denham's Birth Announcement

2012-01-08T15:04:00.000-05:00

It took me a really long time to do Brady's announcement. First... I do not have my addresses cataloged the way I should. I always have everything done, but an envelope with name only waiting for addresses. That is so unlike me, but one area I can not get it together.

Anyway.

It also took me a really long time to pick an announcement. Greg was SO picky. I was surprised. I didn't want to spend tons of money on them, because I was also planning on sending out Christmas cards too... umm that never happened. So if you didn't get a card from me, don't feel bad! No one did!

But if you didn't get a birth announcement from me, then I am sorry, and here it is on the blog :)

I really liked this one the best, because I liked the colors. Greg hated it.

Aren't those little shoes so sweet?

I liked this funky font. Surprise, Greg didn't!

We settled on this one.

Oh my goodness I can't believe he was ever that small.

Big Canoe Christmas

2012-01-07T16:07:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite traditions every year is to go to Big Canoe with my dads side of the family the week before Christmas and do our "Miller family Christmas!"

This year, we decided to do something different. It was getting CROWDED there, with only 3 BR and 2.5 BA and 11 adults, 3 teenagers, 4 kids and 4 dogs. That's not even everyone!

Anne and Mike and Greg and I and our kids got a "Treetopper" It was SO MUCH FUN and we will definitely do this again, until we sell the Big Canoe House and rent a mansion for the weekend for all of us :)

Our treetopper brought back so many memories, both Anne and I remembered visiting Grandma and Do-Daddy at their timeshare. Our TT overlooked the chapel parking lot (Greg and I got married there!)

The morning was so beautiful and we got to see the sunrise! It was FREEZING!

Oh my goodness this was cracking me up!

I don't know why but the tree is really important to me! Two years ago we bought this tree after christmas and when we brought it up we had some pitiful lights and a few ornaments. This year we went to Big Lots (YEAH!) and got some cheapy ornaments and lights and an angel. I think it turned out pretty! My dad said it looked like it rolled down a hill and picked up a bunch of pinestraw! OH I love his humor :)

A gorgeous quilt Mary made my mom for Christmas! How adorable is that?

I don't want to confuse ya'll but this is "Sarge" our nickname for Mike Brady, whom Brady was named after and my Uncle Walter

Macy opening her stocking.

Brady slept through it

Everyone watching. I love how everyone is in PJ's and my dad is in khakis and a button down.

Emma Kate and her scarf her momma made (Pinterest!)

EK sister Christian

Macy "reading"

Macy playing with Sarge

Big Brady with Baby Brady

Baby Brady has more hair HAHA

Tybee and Coco

Macy came up to me and had no idea she had icing all over her face :)

It's a new tradition to go eat at Fuegos on Saturday night. I took a picture of everyone with the person to their left and right.

HAHAHAHA

Sword fight with straws

We had to leave early Sunday to head to DISNEY but before we left 3 deer ran in front of us... I think there were 6 more waiting to cross.

I love Big Canoe!! Hope Sarah and Weston can join us next year!

Brady - 3 Months

2012-01-06T15:29:00.000-05:00

Brady! You are three months old!

My how time has flown by....

We actually took this picture on 12-24 since we weren't home on the 20th.

Brady wears size 2 diapers and is eating 6 oz bottles of Enfamil AR every 4 hours. He is sleeping "through the night" but is not on a schedule so sometimes he takes a bottle at 1 AM and then 8 AM or 10 PM and 5 AM it just varies. He is not rolling over yet, but loves sitting in his Bumbo and watching Macy play. Recently he has been doing a lot of "talking" and loves to be held.

He is a VERY happy baby, and it such a joy to be around. He does get a spell around 6-7 where he cries for a bit for no reason (?) but all of my kids did that. Luckily they grow out of that fast. He loves bath time, and is in mostly 6 month clothes. No hair cut yet, but it might be coming soon.

We love you Brady boy, and we hope God blesses us with MANY more years with you.

Gifts

2012-01-05T15:22:00.000-05:00

I was really excited about the gifts we gave this year. We got Gina some Coach sneakers (and they got me some gold sparkle deck shoes- we were thinking alike this year!)

We got Kevin the ESPN 30 for 30 vol. 1 DVDs. (This is a great gift- the stories are so cool!)

Glen and Mary are REALLY hard to buy for. They don't want anything, and they always return what you buy them. Seriously! I have bought things for Mary that I thought she would like or enjoy... nope... they go right back to the store! So, this year it was a challenge to so something that she would love and not want to return. OR do something that she can't return!! HAHAHA

I ended up scanning a TON of pictures from their basement and made them into a movie! Here are a few of the pictures:

Greg... doesn't this look like Brady?

Mary was one of 5 kids. Charlie was 13 when Mary and Lisha were born... and then 10 months later Nana had ANOTHER set of twins, Nancy and Beau. YIKES!

Look how hot Mary was at the casino on a cruise :)

Greg... or little Macy. She kept saying... "That's ME!"

I think Greg looks JUST like his dad.

Baby Greg. I will admit all our kids look just like him. Dang he has some strong genes I guess...

This one REALLY looks like Brady

Totally Brady

So duh they loved the movie and it made them cry (double score!) I also made a movie of Gina and Kevins wedding! I will upload them and share with ya'll!

It was the Holiday Season

2012-01-04T15:05:00.002-05:00

Wow, the holiday season was a whirlwind and just as fast as it came, it left! We had a great Christmas. We got to see everyone, make memories, and welcome new people into the family!

Lots of new posts coming, but for now an iPhone photo dump

Brady had a two month check up. Perfect specimen!

We decided to stop using his apnea monitor and returned it this month.

At about three months he started sleeping 6-8 hour stretches through the night! Hooray!

I found the ring my Grandmother left me. It was never "lost" but it wasn't in my jewelry box. I knew I hadn't worn it out and lost it, so I knew it was around here somewhere I had just never looked really hard in fear I would FREAK OUT. I did eventually find it in a bag. I presume I put it there to keep it safe (from myself)

I think I forgot to blog about this? My dad had a kidney stone on Thanksgiving night. We rushed to the emergency room (you never know- he has Hepititus C, so we don't take any chances) Sarah and I stayed with him overnight at the hospital. We played Family Feud on the phone and I read off "@NotKennyRogers" tweets to keep my dad laughing. Weston modeling a mask HAHA

Sarah and I both slept on the tiny chair that did not recline completely. Good thing we like to spoon. If you care, I was the big spoon HAHA

Molly and Lola got hair cuts! The red on Molly's head is a feather bow... so cute. I loved it Greg said it looked like blood (?) haha

This was taken at the Florida Aquarium. Brady loves to be in the Bjorn.

This was in Safety Harbor, FL at the Paradise Cafe before we went to the Aquarium. Doesn't she look old here?

Sleeping.....Bottoms up!

Macy got the VTech "iPad" for kids for her birthday. I LOVE THIS- it keeps her entertained forever!

I think this was Thanksgiving

This must be old?

Greg ran out of diapers and put a pull up on Brady :P

My permanent retainer came out!

Look at these CUTE OUTFITS that Brady and Macy will wear next Christmas to see Santa. (HAHAHA- Brady will kill me when he is older but I think it is the cutest thing ever!!!!)

Whose who?

Brady (L) & Tripp (R)

I think they look similar but their face shapes are different. People say Brady looks fatter, but he actually weighs less than Tripp!

Taken yesterday. He is getting so big and soooo adorable!

Coming up: Big Canoe Christmas, Disney Christmas, Copponex Christmas, and me becoming and Aunt!

Hope for Hallie

2011-12-24T14:00:00.000-05:00

I have been silent on my blog about the Green family and baby Hallie. It's not because they aren't on my mind- because they are. Almost every moment. Now I understand the sorrow other people felt for us, as they grieved right along with us. Hallie's life has caused so many emotions for me. Joy- that they were able to meet her. Hope- that others would draw nearer to God. Sadness- at the reality that Hallie's life will be short. It's so hard to explain. As a mother- I feel so badly for Katie. I can relate to her in so many ways... ways I wish I didn't. I know she is so thankful for EVERYTHING God has given her- and so proud to be the mom to Bella, Farrah, and Hallie. Most people she interacts with daily will never know she has had three daughters. When she sees people getting frustrated with their children and yelling at them, it will take every fiber of her not to scream at them and say "Be patient! Be thankful you can discipline your child!" When she sees people complain on Facebook about their kids waking them up in the middle of the night, or being uncomfortable because they are pregnant she will get tears in her eyes because she would give anything to be able to go back to those days when she had Hallie here. When she hears Chris crying late at night when he thinks she is asleep her heart will break into a million pieces. When Bella and Farrah ask her why they can't go to Heaven and get Hallie she won't know what to say.

But......

When she looks at her C-section scar she will smile and remember why it is there. When she wears her Hope for Hallie bracelet, she will remember the thousands of people who were praying for her. When she flips through the encouraging signs people made it will touch her heart every time. When she is able to give back, and honor Hallie's memory in whatever way she chooses she will be strong and have fulfillment that she is doing good things in Hallie's name.

Katie will never tell you how amazing she is. But I will. My sister Sarah and her sister Chelsie have been best friends for YEARS. I think since fifth grade? I have always thought- Man I bet Katie is so awesome, Chelsie is amazing- and from what I know about her parents and the rest of her family, she has gotta be so cool. I didn't really talk to her to much until Tripp died. She, Kelly Ford and Emily Parker were HUGE in setting up my support system. They did things you couldn't imagine. Text me late at night, sent me emails, sent me food, organized a Facebook group, and collected donations to buy us some things to help us honor Tripps memory.

Katie knows that when I say I am praying for her- I am. And I know the same for her. I always tell those girls the big things in my life, some of my innermost secrets because I know that they will bring whatever struggle I am having to the Lord and pray with me. When she first told me (very early on) that she had a positive test, I was SO EXCITED. My gut was a GIRL. I don't know why- I just feel like they are destined to have 4 girls :)

My first thought the moment she text me to tell me the news that Baby #3 had a chromosomal abnormality and a heart defect was "surely they won't keep the baby" Right? I mean what would you do? I am so ashamed that that was my first thought. I just can't imagine losing another child. But Katie never wavered. She wanted to see it through, and let God's will be the way and so it was. I immediately started researching once we heard the horrible news of Trisomy 13. There is some pretty horrifying things that I found online- things that I just couldn't shake. I didn't want Katie to go through that. I didn't want her to have to face such an unknown future. But God knew. He knew exactly what would happen and Katie trusted that.

As her due date neared, I was very anxious. Every day I was expecting news. Bad news, that Hallie was in the 50%-70% that die before delivery. But I was wrong. Hallie Lynn Green was born on December 19, weighing 4 lbs 15 oz and 18 3/4" at Northside Hospital. There were no expectations- just questions to be answered after they assessed Hallie and told Katie and Chris the severity of her condition.

It wasn't good- she had a valve that was missing. Oddly enough, heart valves were the only thing that we could donate of Tripps organs. The doctors allowed them to bring her home and told them she would likely pass within two months. Can you imagine the grief mixed with joy? They were trying to enjoy every moment with her, already grieving at the thought of losing her. Every single person in their family allowed themselves to love her recklessly, knowing that she would not live long.

On Christmas Eve, at just six days old, Hallie joined Tripp in glory. And that is how I think of it. I TRUELY believe they are together and that makes my heart so happy. Hallie is now perfect and whole. She has no pain and is in the presence of our Heavenly Father- what better place?

Katie is probably crying hourly. Mourning over what she has lost and what will never be. Every year at Christmas time, it will be tinged with sorrow. When she goes places she will see women with her sisters and know Bella and Farrah will never get to grow up with her. When the school has a father daughter dance she will cry because Hallie won't be there. When she goes to weddings and hears "In good times and bad" she will bow her head and say a quick prayer for the couple, because she hopes no one she loves will ever have to go through the pain she has experienced.

We have been raising money for Hope for Hallie- we didn't know WHAT for, just to possibly get them some small gifts to remember Hallie by. Emily, Kelly and I were all worried, that possibly we wouldn't have a great support for it, with it being so close to Christmas. Boy, were we wrong. God slapped me silly FOR SURE. We are doing some things for Katie and Chris, but the majority of the money is going to go to something KATIE came up with. (Let me tell you how amazing she is.)

Here are her own words:

"Hey girl. Sorry I haven't had much in me to reply to anything. But we are overwhelmed by all the generosity. Before labor started I told mom I want to do something to help other infant loss people like us. I of course would be honored to honor and remember Hallie in some way. But my heart really wants to help others. (making boxes for families at hospitals, preemie dresses, blankets, etc stuff we were given and helped so much coming from someone who had also lost a baby) Anyway, I'd love to somehow turn it into Hope FROM Hallie and people can know that the money is going towards helping other familes. I don't know at what point, and maybe it's something I could blog about to tell how touched I've been. I say all of this because I figure from the support it's a big donation bank and I'd love to return a large part to others hurting. I think helping others is going to help me heal and help me carry Hallie's name after I don't have her anymore."

Wow.

I was speechless. I literally started at the phone for a few minutes not knowing what to say. I eventually told her that she was an incredibly giving person and as a mom it is an honor that people know her name and know her story. I also told her I would do anything I could to help make those dreams a reality.

So here goes.

I want to challenge you. Go sit in a quiet room and pray for God to speak to you. If he leads you in your heart to make a donation to Hope from Hallie, you will no be disappointed. Keep checking back to see the great ways we honor Hallie's life and memory.

And please continue to pray for the {little} green family.

Love to all.
Rachael

Macy and Brady Meet Santa

2011-12-24T12:42:00.000-05:00

We have started a little tradition to go to dinner at Carrabbas (YUM!) and go to see Santa afterwards. We try to go on a week night to avoid the crowds. This year we invited Gina and Kevin also. Originally they weren't going to come but surprised us! Macy was thrilled :)

We went over to Bass Pro Shops to get a picture with the free Santa but they had given out all of their passes. It was literally the only time we had to see Santa, so we walked to the opposite side of the mall for the Santa you pay to see. He was the same Santa we saw when Macy was one. Let me just say... they are not very friendly there. But there was no line (shocker!) so here are the results!

2010 Christmas With a good looking Santa and background!

And 2009 Christmas.

Macy has ALWAYS done great with Santa but next year will be a bit tricky I think :)

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2011

2011-12-21T13:02:00.000-05:00

We have a slight Disney addiction. I have no problem with that!

We had plans to go to Disney before Christmas but realized that when we were going they were not having the Very Merry Christmas Party! When Greg decided to take the NPSI certification course and we decided we would go with him.... Greg suggested we "swing by" and do the party. YEAH!

So, my parents were going to be down there for the course- and we though, why not invite Greg's parents and make it a "birthday" party for Macy? I wish SO BAD Gina and Kevin could have come, but she was 37 weeks. Not a great idea :( She still hasn't had my niece or nephew yet! I'm sending her labor vibes right now!!

So, anyway- after a bit of a crazy morning we were OFF for the party. We all met up at the All Star Music where our parents were staying. (We stayed at the Wyndham Grand- it was very nice!) Here are all of the girls (and Brady!) It was WARM! Probably 75!

Macy was SO excited to be on her way to Disney. The tram was a "ride" haha

Even Brady liked it!

My little snuggle bunny for the night

JOY

She FLIPPED on the monorail when she saw the castle. People around us were like... is this her first time? I said... no it's her fifth. HAHA It's ALWAYS magical to see the castle!

Mainstreet was decorated very nicely- I was a bit disappointed they had a LOT of beans, equipment, drop cords etc out. We found out later Justin Beiber was at the park the next day and they were filming the Christmas special they are airing on Christmas day. GLAD WE MISSED THAT INSANITY!

A great one of our crew!

The first thing we did was take a picture in front of the castle. The second thing we did was take a picture with Minnie and Mickey. I wanted to do this while we were "fresh" :)

HAHA

The next thing we did was hit the bathrooms, feed Brady and change him into some warmer clothes. There was a parade about to come by so Mom, Mary, Glen, Brady and Macy sat right on the curb and watched the parade at the very end of the route. Greg, Dad and I went to Casey's to grab a hot dog (we had not eaten since breakfast- it as about 5:30!) As we walked back the parade had just ended! I really wanted to watch the "Lighting of the castle" so we walked to the front and waited as it got dark. We got some popcorn, as we had to wait for about 30 minutes. It was worth it though... watching it light up WAS magical!

Mickey and Minnie came out to get the castle lights turned on. Macy (and Glen!) went crazy!! hahaha

Beautiful

Reflection in the water

After that, we headed to ride some rides in Fantasyland. We rode Smallworld (no wait) Winnie the Pooh (10 minute wait) Cinderella's Carousel (no wait) and Dumbo (15 minute wait)

After that it was about 7:15 and everyone was getting hungry and we wanted to go to the Dance Party! We went to Cosmic Rays and Macy LOVED dancing with Goofy. Chip and Dale were GREAT dancers but more of a breakdance style. :) Chip did come over and fawn over Brady a bit :)

We all had burgers and salads and some free hot cocoa and cookies!

After this we walked to the Tomorrowland Christmas Show

The show was VERY good!

After the show we headed back to the castle to watch the projection show. We had no idea what it was, but wanted to get a good seat!

I have already blogged about the castle projection show. It was the most amazing thing I have ever seen. Seriously. I have NO IDEA how they do it! Immediately following was the fireworks. They were SO neat, and Macy did great. I was SHOCKED- because she is very scared of fireworks and loud noises (She doesn't even like my laugh! She says it is too loud) After the fireworks a LOT of people cleared out because most of those people had watched the first parade and were going to ride the rides! We inched closer and got a great seat for the Christmas show in front of the castle, and were able to turn around to have a front seat for the parade!

I have to blog about this so I don't forget. They had these horses in the show that were SO off beat and they were knocking their heads into each other and "doing the pony" dance. My Dad was ALMOST rolling on the floor....

Here comes the parade!

These guys were awesome!

Hey Santa! I have been REALLY GOOD this year!

Snow on Main Street U.S.A!

We has a BLAST. It was SO FUN to do something Disney that we had never done before! We already have booked our trip for next year! (DUH!)

The Florida Aquarium

2011-12-20T18:00:00.000-05:00

We love very close to a very popular aquarium. And we have never been.... HA!

It took us going to Florida to go to an aquarium! One nice thing, we are trying to get in everything free we can for kids "Under 3"! We couldn't decide if we would go to the zoo or the aquarium. I was worried the zoo might be to cold for Brady- so off to the aquarium we went!

Macy and Gigi in front of the big statue outside

Brady is under there somewhere. It was cold that day!

Mom at the touch tank. Macy was freaking out... "You CAN'T TOUCH GIGI!"

Giant crabs

Neat jelly fish

Do you see the owl?

We had to rent a stroller, Greg had taken ours with him to his certification class! Luckily they had them at the aquarium!

Brady had a sweeeeeet ride....

This is a leafy seadragon. SO COOL and SO amazing. God is so creative and what a neat animal!

Whenever Macy saw a small fish, especially the seahorses she would say "Awwwwwwww.... where is his Mommy and Daddy?"

Brady having his lunch

Watching sister

Macy was so hyper and being such a goof. It took a LONG time to get her to eat her lunch but she eventually did.

I love this... it perfectly personifies her. She is ALWAYS singing, clapping as she walks and swinging her hair side to side...

They had a penguin show. Macy said "Those penguins pooped and they need to clean it up Mommy!"

During the show this huge sea turtle cam in to steal the audience for a bit

They had a really neat outdoor area. It is also a water play area in the summer, we could have stayed there forever! Macy loves a sandbox.....

Gigi and Macy playing

She did this salute on her own it was so adorable

That night we went to Brady's BBQ! I HIGHLY recommend it. It was delicious and the people there were SO nice. The owners name is BRADY and we told him... well this is Brady too. Guess who got a free T-Shirt!?! It will be a long time before he can wear it, but what a great memory.

Up Next! Our Very Merry Christmas Party with Mickey at Disney World!

Clearwater

2011-12-20T15:06:00.000-05:00

On the way down to Clearwater, we saw a great rainbow!

Macy was enjoying brothers toy

We were enjoying donuts

This cracked me up... I had no sippy for Macy.... I did have an extra bottle! She downed that in a hurry!

Macy and Grampa going to watch the sunset

I love her jacket!

She said..... "The lion is roaring... He doesn't like me."

Macy and Gigi

My parents

My handsome Daddy!

Gorgeous Momma

Macy and Grampa on the dock looking for fish

Looking as tired as I feel!

Alphabet made the trip! Silly elf

Macy loving on Brady

Tripp

2011-12-18T10:16:00.000-05:00

In July I took this picture to send to Greg of the dogs and Macy's booty. It is sticking out so far because Brady was in my belly!

I don't know how I feel about ghosts, spirits, orbs etc.... but I took this picture in Tripp's nursery which was a rare place for me to be before Brady was born. It just made me smile because I felt Tripp's presence as I sat there feeling like I had all of my babies with me.

Children's Museum

2011-12-17T10:28:00.000-05:00

Back in September when Sarah was here for Brady's birth they took Macy to the Children's Museum. This is something my mom and Aunt Laurie take Macy and Jace to do and they LOVE it. Macy talks about it all the time. Right now she is telling me about how she and Jace rode the loud shiny train and that she holds his hand in the parking lot.

She just said "Look at my face!" and laughed. She said "Look at Jace's eyes, he is funny."

"That's me and Jace and Auntie Sarah!"

"There's me and Gigi!"

On the escalator

They have different themes and right now it was Fairy Tales!

"Jace and me were playing the piano Mom!"

Having dinner...

Painting with Auntie Sarah

Milking the cow.

She loves the sand table. "Look at my cupcake!" she said

At the Sundial Restaurant

They had an issue with the bathroom!!

Water was pouring out of the wall!

Riding MARTA

I just love this one. They are great friends...

Auntie Sarah & Uncle Weston Visit

2011-12-16T09:03:00.000-05:00

Sarah and Weston came out for Kailie's wedding. Weston got to met Brady and we got to spend some time together!

Isn't this adorable!

I love spending time together with them!

Kailie + Nick

2011-12-15T09:02:00.000-05:00

Warning this is a long post!

My youngest cousin on my moms side- Kailie got married at the beginning of November.

She was married outside in front of close family and friends. It was a BEAUTIFUL day for a wedding.

I loved all of the personal touches.

Weston meeting Brady for the first time!

Weston Greg and Brady. The boys stick together :)

Grampa and Macy!

She LOVES her Grampa

Cousin Angela and her mom Laurie

Good picture of Sarah!

Auntie Jeanette being walked in by her son Tyler

Nick walked in his mom and dad. Getting a hug from Beverly.

Bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Nicks sister was the flower girl.

Seeing these pictures of Macy's hair makes me miss it!!

So sweet of Macy and Auntie Sar.

Here comes the bride! Nick turned around so he couldn't see her.

She was stunning

Nick was in awe!

They wrote their own vows. the only thing I remember was Nick saying there are things I can promise you and things I can't. I can't promise I will always be this good looking. HAHA

Nick washed Kailie's feet, which is a great way to show his dedication to loving and serving her like Christ has served us. She was laughing because he said "I peed like 17 times today"

Kiss the bride!

They skipped out!

The ceremony site Uncle Tracy made

Beautiful tent and dance floor

Sarah and Macy

Daddy and Brady

The colors of fall!

Macy LOVED dancing!

Cake cutting (Cake by Celso - Danielle!)

All the cousins

Me and Chelsie

Macy and Jace

A great one of my dad

Sweet Macy

Yummy grooms cake

Head table

Sarah and Chelsie

First dance

Greg, Dad and Weston. Weston just had knee surgery.

A great one of Sarah and Weston

Me, Mom and Sarah

Family picture

Sarah and Chelsie goofing off

It was a gorgeous night!

Leaving

We really enjoyed the day- congratulations to Nick and Kailie!

Copponex Thanksgiving

2011-12-14T08:51:00.000-05:00

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving I went to Mary's to help her decorate and plan. Yeah, it was last minute but it was SO FUN!

We had GIVE THANKS place mats from Swoozies. Also, we had napkins with a Bible verse about giving thanks from Hobby Lobby.

We made caramel apples that we decorated with chocolate and sprinkles

The "kids table"

Some of the food.

Another table

We made some candy Turkeys aren't they adorable?

Faith Hope & Love candles with dried green peas and a burlap table runner

Another table

Have you noticed the Redneck Wine Glasses? Mary and Gina saw them at Swoozies, I think they were $15-$25 dollars each! Mary saw them and thought.... I can make that! So we did!

A $2.50 candle stick from Hobby lobby and a Mason Jar, glass glue and a ribbon!

Gina and Brady. She is getting SO CLOSE!

Lisha and Mary

Glen and Mary

Lauren and Macy, who wouldn't put down the candy turkey.

Granny, John and Michael visiting

Allison and Gene visiting

Clay and Coleman (Coleman and Allison were here from Scotland)

Judy and her daughter Ashley

Shannon and Cheryl. Cheryl doesn't like her picture taken. Isn't she BEAUTIFUL?! She reminds me a lot of my mom.

Clarke, the youngest of the grandkids

Bobby and the bird

Clarie, Rickey and Susan

Greg, Kevin and Justin

Macy and her Annie Granny

Books, always reading books...

Gene led us in prayer. Here he is with Granny. This picture makes me tear up.

A gorgeous picture of Sharon.

We had a great evening. So sad that it had to end!

Haircut

2011-12-13T08:45:00.000-05:00

I know some of you are FREAKING OUT right now.... Haircut WHAT!?

Especially Mimi in GA. (Hey Mimi!)

Okay, let me just say bath time for Macy was MISERABLE. With long hair she had to have a hair washing bath every night. She hates having her hair washed and brushing her hair was..... just unbearable. Sometimes we were both crying. But she cried every time. So I decided to do a trim. I am not a hair stylist. Obviously. I will NEVER attempt to cut hair again.

Last long hair picture

She was crying because I had just brushed it

And here is what I cut off. Oops, more than I had planned. I will not lie after I cut it I panicked because I did not mean to cut off more than a few inches.

Hair grows, and it will grow back. I want it to be longer. Not AS long as it was... just a few inches longer.

It is still long! I think it looks so short because she is so little :) But trust me, it looks good. And it will grow again.

Miller Family Thanksgiving

2011-12-12T08:42:00.000-05:00

The same day of Gina's shower we had our Miller family Thanksgiving.

Here is Uncle Walter and Brady!

Our spread. Pretty yummy!

I was looking at the Brady's book of their Disney trip in 2009.

Baby Brady with his namesake- Mike Brady!

Cousins Annie and Emma Kate (or Emma Grace as Macy calls her!)

Sweet Emma Kate

The girls being silly. I love this of Macy

Annie and Christian

Having fun!

Our Miller Family

from l-r

Ray & Susan Messick, Mom, Auntie Cathey holding Brady, Uncle Walter, Annie, Cathey Emeline, Dad, Mike, Christian, Emma, Anne, Greg, Macy Rachael and Uncle Vic

Macy with Anne Brady

HAHA I love this one.

Cathey Emeline, Anne and Mom

A great picture of Uncle Walter and Annie

Mom and Cathey Emeline

So sweet of Anne and Mike

Can you feel the love?!

It was a great time, can't wait to see everyone in a few weeks at Big Canoe for Christmas!

2 Months Old

2011-12-11T08:46:00.000-05:00

Brady Denham Copponex you turned TWO MONTH OLD on November 20th!

What a big boy you are! At two months old you weigh 12 pounds 2oz. Macy weighed 10 lbs 14 oz. Tripp weighed 12 lbs 12 oz.

You sleep the majority of the day and your favorite thing is to be held. Second to that, you like to be in the bouncy seat and have mommy put her foot on it and bounce. For hours.

You eat between 4-6 oz each feeding and you eat about 6 times a day. We have never put our kids on a schedule so I can't tell you exact times. At two months you have almost figured out night/day. You now enjoy baths and love your nightly routine. You get lots of attention from Big Sister which you ADORE. You still ride in your infant carrier. You can wear size 0-3 month clothes and a few 6 month clothes. You went to your first GA game and spent some time in the baby bjorn. You wear size 1 diapers and go through 6-8 a day. You poop on average 2 times a day (sorry!) You have been SO GOOD and you do not pee every time someone takes off your diaper like your brother did! haha

These two blessings mean the world to me. I am so lucky to be their mom!

Ginas Shower

2011-12-10T08:36:00.000-05:00

The weekend before Thanksgiving Greg's dads side of the family threw Gina and Kevin a baby shower.

Here is Gramps and Brady:

May May and Brady

Beau getting a drink from Poppy

Macy and Beau helped open

They got some great gifts. One was a Coach baby bag- very cute!

Another great gathering with the Copponex Clan!

Macy's Christmas Tree

2011-12-09T08:30:00.000-05:00

The beginning of November we got our tree up. Last year someone bought Macy her own tree so we set it up too! Macy was dressed and ready. (Carrying a bag is a must. At the end of the day there are bags all over the house with random things in them)

She LOVED doing this.

Showing me her ornament

We also pulled out Elf on a Shelf. Our Elf was named: "Alphabet" How adorable is that? This was a bit early for Alphabet to make his entrance so he flew back to the North Pole until after Thanksgiving. We continued to read the book though. I love poem books, but it is a little bit over her head and I end up explaining the rhyme to her. She loves to find the elf in the morning (Alphabet is unisex and she insists that sometimes he is a boy and sometimes she is a girl)

That night we made her Christmas list.... let me see if I can remember it.

Bows, a pretty skirt, a penguin and a happy rainbow. If anyone can tell me where to find a happy rainbow let me know :) HAHA

Christmas time has made me so much closer to Macy. She loves Christmas just like her Momma. She picks up on things I say and will point things out to tell me how beautiful they are, or things she likes. It is SO FUN!

Nap

2011-12-08T08:34:00.001-05:00

How cute is this? Macy loves to drink her water right before bed... Here she fell asleep with it.

Big Sister

2011-12-08T08:34:00.000-05:00

Macy has done some crazy things lately... She started having a ton of accidents and went back into a pull up. The day we left for Florida she started telling us EVERY time she needed to go and even had a dry diaper through the night. After Brady was born, she stopped taking a nap and we had a rough few weeks. She now naps regularly and is back on her (loose) schedule. She will sometimes sneak his paci and hide in a closet to suck it. Or just stick her head in the couch as if we can't see her. (haha) She has also shown a lot of interest in Brady's toys...

None of this bothers me. Except the peeing on the floor... which was remedied QUICK with pull ups. It's a part of adding a member to the family. At almost 3 months old we have adjusted to a being a family of four. It gets better and better!

How I Love You Child

2011-12-07T22:50:00.000-05:00

I really don't blog a lot about Tripp. Ironically, it's why most of you are here. It's just so private for me, which is weird because I am not a typically that way. I do better talking about things than writing I guess. I always get a giggle when people say they love my blog and that they love how I write... I am terrible at it!
With that being said, I wanted to share a quick story. Last year I was in the choir at Hopewell Baptist Church and we did a fantastic Christmas program. I got to sing with some incredible women... Laura Adams, Lakeisha, and Lisa Copeland (my friend Camille's momma) It was truely a blessing to be there and I miss it terribly. We have not been to church in a year. Writing that, I can't believe it. It doesn't seem that long... but it has. Only my very close friends knew why... church was the only place that I was feeling VERY emotional about losing Tripp. Being in familiar situations like work and family gatherings did not effect me, but seeing people I didn't know interacting with their children was really hard for me. I see now that was Satan attacking me in the very place I needed to be. We are going back, definitely. I can't wait actually- some of my very best friends go there. I could write pages and pages about this... but I don't want to forget the point of my story!

So, today I was going through a pile of CD's and found the Christmas CD from last year and I remembered one song that was SO powerful and emotional for me. I listened to it tonight and it is still as striking as it was then. I would listen to it over and over in the car to practice and try to get used to singing it without bawling. I really wanted to be able to sing this message to my church family. It never worked.... I had to mouth the words with tears streaming down my face. It was oddly comforting, considering I don't typically cry in public.

Go to minute 2:50 to hear the song performed by our choir.

When the night is falling,
And the day is done,
I can hear You calling, “Come.”
I will come while You sing over me.

When the night surrounds me,
All my dreams undone,
I can hear You calling, “Come.”
I will come while You sing over me.
When the night would hide my way,
I will listen until I hear You say…

How I love you, child, I love you.
How I love you, child, I love you.
How I love you.
How I love you, child, I love you.
How I love you, child, I love you.
How I love you.

When this life is over,
And the race is run,
I will hear You calling, “Come.”
I will come while You sing over me,

How I love you, child, I love you.
How I love you, child, I love you.
How I love you.
How I love you, child, I love you.
How I love you, child, I love you.
How I love you.

Congratulations to the Parkers!

2011-12-07T19:49:00.000-05:00

It's a girl!

Brittlynn Avery Parker born at 5:20 pm, 7 lbs, 13 oz and 20.5 inches!

So Thrilled!

2011-12-07T17:07:00.000-05:00

I am SO EXCITED because Emily Parker is in labor!

Please join me in praying for a speedy and healthy delivery.

Halloween

2011-12-07T10:00:00.000-05:00

Macy LOVEs to dress up like a princess. This year Halloween was a bit cold. She didn't want to wear tights so she wore jeans instead.

Aunt Gina was very excited to pass out candy and watch Macy TOT.

Glen and Mary's neighborhood is nice, safe and gives out great candy. One downside... loooong driveways and lots of brick steps.

I did get to drive the golf cart though, that was fun!

Macy did surprisingly well with the scary costumes. One sweet little boy in a very scary mask took it off and said "it's ok, It's just me!" He must have a little sister :) The big costume this year was those full body suits....Greg was working late setting up a parks and rec show so he missed the majority of it. Hopefully next year will be a family affair!

Brady's Halloween

2011-12-07T08:33:00.000-05:00

This little guy spent Halloween snuggled with May-May and Aunt Gina. He wouldn't of had it any other way!

This adorable outfit is from Aunt Debbie and Uncle Mickey. He wore it A LOT! His monitor requires the clothing he wears to either have snaps or have a hole cut in the bottom of his footies. When Suzanne gave us all of Grady's clothes I didn't keep most of the snap up PJ's because they are such a pain compared to the zip ups. Now I need snaps. Go figure :)

Macy's Thanksgiving Program

2011-12-06T08:38:00.000-05:00

Macy's "school" program was a lo of fun! Mrs Pam, her teacher, taught the kids a Bible verse and two songs.

Her class is very small and at our Church. Macy and Andi are the only two girls! Andi and Cooper are my friend Chelsea's twins. In her class is also Jack, who is Camille and CJ's nephew!

Tell me this hat is not adorable!

Macy and Jack

Sweet Jack

Macy and her usual face. This is a phase right?

We had a feast and Macy loved the desert portion of course :)

Christmas Version of The Magic, The Memories & You

2011-12-05T22:04:00.000-05:00

I am DYING to blog about this. Die-hard Disney people, I am not spoiling anything if you watch this show.... it was 1,000,000 times better in person, I PROMISE. This is my ALL TIME FAVORITE thing I have EVER seen or experienced at Disney.

They have a special Castle Projection Show for Christmas... you HAVE TO WATCH IT.

Here are my favorite parts in the clip:

2:12 This was visually one of the neatest effects, the blocks rotating

2:24 You can hear the crowd gasp as we see our first really bring light as the castle is TRANSFORMED

5:23 Watching what looks like a rocket take off

7:00-8:00 This TOOK MY BREATH away.... the quick transition.... I could literally have watched this show OVER AND OVER

9:50 What a neat Tribute to Walt- it was SO incredible to hear his voice and know this was all HIS vision.

10:00 I didn't notice this until I watched it back, they time this so incredibly, that you can see the projection of the firework and once it comes out of the castle you see the real thing.

IT IS UNREAL!!!!

Itsy Bitsy Spider Dress

2011-12-05T08:23:00.000-05:00

I PROMISE to get all caught up! Let's go back to late October...

Opening weekend Greg went hunting and I went to Glen and Mary's house. It was a full house with the dogs and kids but we had a great time :)

Here they are, pre hair cut.

I love this... little shaggy booties....

At one of the fall festivals Mary got this adorable dress for Macy. I hope she can wear it next year too!

Glen and Mary have a yoshino cherry tree that their sweet neighbors gave them.

This face cracks me up

This is the way Macy pouts. It is a full body thing. So funny!

Watch me jump!

Wow!

2011-11-28T08:19:00.002-05:00

A lot has happened in the past two weeks! It's so funny, because I read Emily's blog and think.... wow she is so behind... (she is catching up now) but I haven't even posted Halloween yet!!! So, it's coming I promise!

I typically sit down for a few hours and write out 20 entries.... then it takes me about 10 days to get motivated to do it again...s o really I only blog once a month. HAHA. So, maybe I can get some done today!

Birth-6 Weeks

2011-11-14T11:49:00.002-05:00

I am really loving my iMovie application on the Mac. It does take a little while but I love the end result! I remember as a kid loving to look at pictures and watching home videos of me when I was little. I created one for Brady's birth- 6 weeks!

Enjoy!

Ready for Game Day!

2011-11-12T08:38:00.001-05:00

Headed to Athens! See you there?!!

Brady's Birth Story via Vimeo

2011-11-10T21:15:00.002-05:00

I KNOW Brady is 7 weeks old and I TOTALLY owe you all MY version of the birth story. I know I kept you satisfied for a little while with Greg's version, and now it is time for my version. In true "Rachael" style, it is going to be via video. I am so happy with how it turned out I hope you like it also. Be sure you have the volume turned up!

Enjoy.

XOXO

Rachael

Family Time

2011-11-10T11:17:00.000-05:00

The day before Brady was born I wanted to run into Ulta and get a few thing so Greg went to the Christian Book Store nearby. When he picked me up he said he had a surprise for Macy. They had been reading the Bible at night but Greg's Bible is special to him and he was worried Macy might rip it or draw in it. So, he bought her her own special Bible, Pen and Journal to write down what they read that evening.

His Bible has a special letter from his Dad inside from when he left for school at Riverside Military Academy. He wrote Macy a note inside of hers. It is the most precious thing I have ever read. I would post it but Greg is pretty private and wouldn't appreciate that. It basically says that everything she will ever need to know is in that book. I will share my favorite line: "Use Gods word as a roadmap and life will be simpler but not easier. If you lose your way you can always find it here... always. You will read this many times before you understand it. It will also be many years before you really understand how much a father loves a child, however this book will give you some idea as it tells of our fathers love for you."

..... Yeah..... I will keep him......

When we got home from the hospital Greg couldn't wait to give it to Macy.

He said, "Macy I have something for you!"

She obviously loved it.

They have been reading it most nights and it is something special just for her and Daddy.

Daddy and Brady Are Working

2011-11-09T11:16:00.000-05:00

I thought this picture was so cute. I think I told Greg to act like he was working so that tickled him :)

Piggy

2011-11-08T11:15:00.000-05:00

Auntie Sarah took this picture and I thought it was to precious not to share....

Doesn't that pig look real?!

Macy's Hair

2011-11-07T13:41:00.001-05:00

WOW, I didn't know you were so passionate about Macy's hair, it brought out some people.... haha! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE IT and I don't want to cut it, but it is hard because she cries EVERY BATH and EVERY TIME we brush her hair. Sometimes it really effects her mood and she hates getting it brushed. If we do cut it it would only be 2-4 inches. She has only had one haircut and that was very slight so it would be really hard for me to cut it. I had hair a lot like Macy's, (but I had bangs :) HAHA) I know you are DYING to see a picture of me at 4 years old..

Comparing these two pictures make me realize that Macy looks exactly like her dad, but she has my facial expressions. She might have my mouth?

Gifts, Food, & More!

2011-11-07T11:08:00.000-05:00

People's kindness and generosity continue to amaze me. I don't know why- we certainly have been shown a lot of support and love recently. We have some of the best friends and family.

Macy people have sent us gift cards for food places or ordered us food in.

Pizza from Kelly Ford :)

Flowers from work

They also sent Brady a Monkey :)

I was so happy and surprised to get a card from everyone at my old job, the Solicitor's Office. Megan, Thank you!

We also got flowers from Lauren and Clint

OK, I know you all are SUPER JEALOUS that I am friends with Desiree because she does stuff like THIS for me:

She came over and said... "Oh I was just trying a new recipe and wanted to being you a FEW cupcakes. Now give me that baby!"

She makes cupcakes that are to DIE FOR. These were seriously the best cupcakes I have ever had. If you like Oreos you would have been in HEAVEN.

Duluth Fall Festival

2011-11-06T10:59:00.000-05:00

Glen and Mary have been FANTASTIC and very helpful with Macy lately, allowing us to get some sleep and spend some time together and with Brady. They took Macy to the Duluth Fall Festival and she got some "crazy hair" She LOVES this! I am guessing they love her hair too.

Speaking of, we are debating cutting it. What do you all think? No, Yes and if so how much?

Taking it down!

It made her hair very curly. It was beautiful!

Sorry these are out of order (BLOGGER ugh)

Showing a little SASS that has peeked through lately...

Brady's First Bath

2011-11-05T10:54:00.000-04:00

Brady's first bath didn't go over so well as you can tell :)

He hated it, and I can't blame him. Macy LOVES to help with bath time and often "plays" with him, showing him bath toys and singing to him. Recently he has stopped crying when we bath him and he focuses on Macy.

His cord fell off very quickly, lucky for us, because his hair was getting very dirty from everyone touching it!

Macy, always watching.

She often tells him "SHHH brother don't cry!"

Gifts for Big Sister

2011-11-04T10:46:00.000-04:00

Macy ADORES being a big sister. If you say "You are silly!" She will say, "No I am not silly, I am MACY!" or if you say "Hey little girl" She says "No, I am not a little girl, I am a BIG SISTER"

People have been so generous and often include a gift for Big Sister when they send something for Brady. Macy has EATEN THIS UP. She LOVES it and it is so sweet... I will definitely be doing this myself, even if it is something SMALL like stickers or a can of play dough, the older siblings love to know that they are special too. As if we don't tell them enough... ;)

I knew Macy would be particularly excited about this gift from Uncle Walter and Aunt Bev because she LOVES hooded towels

A smile from her is priceless.

I wish I could bottle her up and keep her this way forever.

Brady's 1st Doctor Visit

2011-11-03T09:27:00.000-04:00

Brady's first doctor visit was September 26 (how did I get SO BEHIND?!) Everything went great, and he was back to weighing in above his birthweight. He weighed 7 lbs 9 oz. I also was seen that day to check my blood pressure because it had actually gone UP after I had him. This is rare (?) it is supposed to go down after delivery. When I say it was high, it was higher than before but not high enough to be put on medication. Thank goodness for Sarah, otherwise it would have been through the roof I am not kidding. Greg was right back to work and I couldn't of handled Macy and a brand new baby.

At the 2 week appointment he weighed 8 lbs 5 oz. I am guessing he weighs between 11-12 pounds already. He eats a lot and often. We are still adjusting to what formula works best for him, we have been having issues with that. No offense son, but he has been the hardest for me to "figure out" I often don't know why he is crying- he seems to have stomach issues :( I have never had such a gassy baby!

Love him anyway :)

Sleepy Babies

2011-11-02T09:26:00.000-04:00

Both sleeping on daddy... so precious

November 1st!!

2011-11-01T12:39:00.001-04:00

Wake up Brady it's Christmas tree time!!!! Every year we put up our tree on the 1st ;). Not long now til Christmas! And that means Stephanie Emily and Gina's babies will be here soon!!!!

Fall Party

2011-11-01T09:14:00.000-04:00

When Brady was about a week and a half old I took him to the Reisners fall party. Elizabeth, who took Brady's newborn pictures, did a great job hosting. There is NO WAY I would ever have that many kids in my house with markers, glitter and chocolate.

Elizabeth is amazing and typically everything is adorable and homemade from scratch.

I snapped a picture of her wedding bouquet wasn't it preserved in a gorgeous way?

Entry

Some of the crafts, the kids painted farm animals.

Brady slept the whole time :)

Making chocolate covered apples

Her daughter, Elle Marie has the visor on :)

Corrin's son, Braylen

Amanda's boys, Harper and Emerson

Hope you had a great Halloween!

Glen & Brady

2011-10-31T09:10:00.000-04:00

Glen, my father in law is not a very big baby person. It's rare for me to capture a picture of him holding one of my children. I don't have one of him and Tripp, so you better believe I made sure I got one of him and Brady. I think it turned out great :)

He's the best Gramps around!

Visiting Granny

2011-10-30T08:47:00.000-04:00

Greg's paternal grandmother- Granny- recently moved into an assisted living facility for people with Alzheimer's/dementia. You may remember we just celebrated her 90th birthday recently. She is in incredible physical shape but is now in need of constant care and supervision.

She lives very close to my parents house, so we try to visit her as often as we can.

We took Brady to meet her when he was about a week and a half old.

Granny visiting with Glen Brady and Macy

Granny may not always remember who we are, but she is always so welcoming and loving. She has a very big family (6 kids, 15 grandkids and 7 great grandkids plus everyones spouses) so can you blame her for not remembering all of our names? :)

A cute story, we were in the car going to Gina's shower and she said "Now what are you doing calling your mother Mary?" She was confused and didn't know she was my mother in law. Oh Granny, she may be older, but she is still going to speak her mind. In some ways, things haven't changed a bit!

Macy's School & Field Trip

2011-10-29T08:38:00.000-04:00

The week after Brady was born we put Macy in our church's day school. It is from 9-1 and M-Thurs. She loves it, and it is the perfect amount of time. Plus she is still learning and interacting with kids.

Pictures from the first day of school:

Thank goodness Sarah was here to help me!

A few weeks ago they had a field trip to a children's museum and we went together and had a great time. I learned a lot about Macy that day... I had no idea how much she loves to read books. She just sat there for hours reading.

I did talk her into going to the "grocery store" They had Technibilt shopping carts in there (a company we represent) but they were all taken. We had to settle for this ol' piece of junk. Macy actually has a red shopping cart at home from Technibilt :) You can get one too for only about $175! (shipping is crazy, right Nicole? :) )

Can I just say that I would be the worst contestant ever on supermarket sweep. For example, I have no idea what milk costs... $5? Eggs I would guess $2.55 LOL that number just came to me.

Little Brother

2011-10-28T08:22:00.000-04:00

Macy has been amazing with her little brother. She imitates most of the things I do and wants to be involved. Mostly during bath time, but she also will rock him or bounce his seat when he starts fussing. She wanted to feed him the other night so we let her. It was a sweet moment.

This is one of the only pictures I have of Macy with Tripp. Not intentional, but Brady and Tripp are wearing the same outfit. :)

1 Month Old!

2011-10-27T08:21:00.000-04:00

We are continuing the tradition of monthly pictures with a bear in the same chair. Here is the best one from Brady's one month birthday!

And, here is Tripp at one month old.

I am telling ya'll- I can not tell any of my kids apart if they have hats on. The only way I can identify them is by their hair- otherwise, they all look so much alike to me.

In case you are wondering... Macy had very thick black hair, Tripp had thin on the sides and light down and Brady has medium brown hair and thick but not as thick as Macy!

I'm going to be an Aunt!!!

2011-10-26T16:11:00.004-04:00

Exciting news! Greg's sister Gina and her husband Kevin are having a BABY and are due on CHRISTMAS EVE! We are all SO EXCITED for them. They are NOT FINDING OUT THE SEX (YESSSSSSS!!!!!) and I can't believe how soon it will be here! Last Sunday two women Gina babysits for threw her a shower. We took Granny with us and had a great time. I didn't take as many pictures as I would have liked because I had Macy, but here are a few:

Adorable and yummy cake!

We decorated onesies

Gina with her cake

Gina with her mom

Macy eating cake haha

Mary & Lisha made Gina a diaper wreath that turned out very well!

More baby shower posts to come! She has two more in the next few weeks!

Hello!

2011-10-26T16:05:00.003-04:00

OK I have been thinking about blogging for a long time now but haven't for a few reasons:

one is that I didn't take a whole lot of pictures the day Brady was born but my family did so I need to get their pictures. Another is that three weeks ago I went back to work (part time from home) but it has been crazy getting adjusted to that. Brady still isn't on a great feeding/sleeping schedule and I feel like he has been my hardest baby to figure out.

On to other things... WOW we have been busy and with the holidays it only gets busier. I MISS YOU GUYS and even though I am not commenting I am still reading everyones blogs and enjoying them. I will try to get some free time and post some blogs even if they are out of order!

Starting now!

Brady's Newborn Pictures

2011-10-20T16:20:00.008-04:00

My very dear friend Elizabeth took pictures of Brady when he was 5 days old! I met Elizabeth at the Solicitors office ( my previous employer) I was her legal assistant and she was an assistant solicitor. Elizabeth is an AMAZING woman. She is smart, talented and balanced. She is unique and can do anything she sets her mind to. After she had her daughter Elle she got into photography and now does it from her home (in addition to being a solicitor for several cities in the surrounding area) I am incredibly impressed with her work and I love that she took these pictures of Brady. I would not have trusted anyone else to do them. I did not have newborn pictures taken of my other children because they are so little and I didn't want to take them out of the house and it all seemed to over whelming. Elizabeth was so relaxed and easy to work with. She let me relax and she and her mom took care of all of the poses. The room was warm and comfortable for Brady, and I got these amazing pictures! So, now for what you came to see. I will number them so you can reference your favorites. I am not sharing the one we used for the announcement yet, I will once we mail them!

Photo by: Elizabeth Reisner

What do you think? I would love you hear your favorites!

Good Evening!

2011-10-18T19:30:00.001-04:00

We have been busy enjoying each other. Guess who is four weeks old today?!

Feeling Festive!

2011-10-15T10:01:00.000-04:00

Good morning!

2011-10-14T09:43:00.001-04:00

Happy Friday!

Night time

2011-10-12T21:23:00.001-04:00

Adorable...

Looks like Tripp to me today...

2011-10-07T16:35:00.001-04:00

Brady is looking more like Tripp to me as he gets older... :)

Macy, Brady & baby Mickey

2011-10-06T18:29:00.001-04:00

Sent from my iPhoneSomeday life will settle down but for now I will try to update you with cell phone pictures. This baby Mickey is from Emily Parker. Does she know me well or what?!

Happy Saturday!

2011-10-01T13:55:00.001-04:00

Enjoying our day- hope you are too... There's nowhere I'd rather be... Than loving on this little guy!