Pieces of Meeks

Keep Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'

2008-12-28T20:25:00.000-08:00

That is how we feel right now. Christmas has come and gone and we feel blessed to have such wonderful families. We made a week long trip to San Antonio to spend the holidays with my family. It feels like a whirlwind when you are traveling with a 3 1/2 year old and almost 5 month old. For the most part they did great. We all came home tired and Chloe came home sick. She would tell you she was "fine", but the cough and fever said otherwise.

Tucker is just a few days shy of 5 months old! Where does the time go. How is it that he has almost been here half a year. It makes my heart hurt to think how quickly it goes. He is rolling over like a champ. Sister likes to "help" him although Jeremy and I dont consider it help so we try to keep her from bugging him to much.

J is working hard finishing out one more year of sales. God continues to bless our family and J is such a wonderful husband, father and provider.

I am still hard at work - at work, at home just where ever. I have been inspired by my older sister. She is an attendance administrator at an elementary school and during her time has met a few friends of the canine variety. Sunny, Paisley and Grace are golden doodles and are Delta Society therapy dogs. My sister has watched these amazing animals help autistic children, and works with all inclusion children. They are simply amazing. Well- my sister and I have a dream of having our own therapy dogs. The school district we live in has nothing like this that I know of- so I would like to train a dog through the delta society and either work through our local hospital with terminal patients or through the school district. I think it is amazing work and as many of you know I have a heart for doggies!

Well that is what we are up to. Just rolling along!

Thanksgiving, Baby Blessings and 4 Months...

2008-12-02T09:09:00.000-08:00

Life at the Meeks house is hopping as usual- we are now just hoping around Christmas decorations. Last week for Thanksgiving we enjoyed our little family of four in pajamas all day, with a fire in the fireplace. I cooked a small, scaled down meal with turkey, sweet potatoe casserole, mashed potatoes and rolls. I used a recipe from Tyler Florence from the Food Network and it was awesome! It was so nice to just spend time and our house enjoying the kiddos.

On Saturday Jeremy's mom and dad came in town. I went shopping at Target (after black Friday) I didnt want to shop but my huge baby boy is in some 6 month but mostly 9 month clothing. My sweet friend Summer gave us all of her little boys cute cute stuff since she had precious Addie, and I am so lucky for that. Had I bought him clothes like I did Chloe I would be in so much trouble. Chloe was always true to, or behind in size. She is still such a petite little thing her brother is going to catch her. So luckily we have Ethan's stuff and I have added to it as I needed to. I would have been totally off on seasons had I bought to early for him. So I got some good deals at Target- although Carters is always a pretty good deal for cute comfy baby clothes.

Then on Sunday we had his baby blessing at church. Have you ever had one of those moments where you are so overwhlemed you feel your throat well up and you feel like you could burst out laughing and crying all at the same time. That is what Sunday was like for me. To see my sweet little girl so proud of her little brother march up on that stage, and then to hold a perfect little boy and to see our congregation pray over his little life is such an overwhelming thing for me. I love the part in the prayer where our preacher says " and we pray for his tiny lips and anxiously await the day when they profess you as Lord." I mean isnt that what every mommy prays for. A healthy child- yes, a sweet spouse- yes, college, success, the list goes on and on, but salvation and knowing Jesus love- what a burdensome prayer that is as a mother. Wanting your child to so badly know salvation. I just love that piece of the prayer.

Today- our little man has been with us four months. Although my rear end size still thinks it has only been three days!! He has changed and is the most pleasant, sweet and smiley little boy. I cant help but kiss him 100 times and almost suck his cheeks off when I do. His sister loves to "hold" him. I hope babies can feel love, because this little boy is so loved. Our life is sweeter everyday with the two of them. (Remind me I said this when the teenage years hit)

Chloe is anxiously awaiting the arrival of Santa - and snow. YIKES!! Last year we were in Ruidoso at Christmas and there was snow that entire week- a Texas Christmas might be a little disappointing! Either way- Santa will come through. She assures us she is a good little girl. And one of her requests is "chalk for her Tweezle." (That is an easle!!!)

We are loving life and feel blessed. It is hard as a mother to not worry and panic and pray every moment for their safety, but I know the Lord will take care and provide no matter what peak or valley we are in.

One Lucky Woman

2008-11-13T12:48:00.001-08:00

Not only am I so lucky to have a great photographer to take these pictures. I am one lucky momma and wife. What a precious faces I get to wake up to in the morning. Hope you like these. Thank you Debbie for not only making my face smile but for making my heart smile. And Jeremy thank you for marrying me and giving me these sweet faces. Can you tell how much that man loves his babies? What a great daddy.

We Are Just Worn Out!

2008-11-04T12:38:00.001-08:00

This picture says it all- we have been so busy- I wonder if you are all even still out there!

I cant even begin to explain how busy the late part of September and the entire month of October has been. I will just say that I have had 4 fundraising events, a three year old, a newborn and husband who still expects to have clean clothes. So I apologize immensly for my lack of updating so here we go-

She is 3 and busy. We have signed her up for a Pre K program for next year. I am so excited about what a precious school she will be attending. The teachers seem so great- along with the administration. I am really excited about her having such a great cirriculum with such sweet people. Where she has gone has been great but she will be 4 and I think it will be so good for her.

She is also starting gymnastics this Thursday- after a birthday party we went to for a sweet friend she decided gymnastics was for her. I am sure there will be plenty of funny stories to tell.

She is the sweetest blessing. She amazes me how smart she is, she is so independent yet lovable. She never forgets to tell me what a "sweet mommy" I am, and there is no more pure compliment out there. I love to kiss her bossy little lips and smell her sweet head. I don't know what we did before we had this little petite wonder in our life. She makes us laugh all the time and the list would be to long to even begin to tell of the funny things she says. Did you know there was such a thing as a "combotard" well there is- it is in your "bafroom" and we apparantly have one. So if you know what it is- please fill me in!

As for the newest member. Time is flying by to quick. He just turned 3 months on Sunday but he wears 6 month clothing. He is weighing in at 16 lbs!!! He loves cereal and now that I mix it with fruit it is a real treat. I am pretty sure he will be my BIG teddy bear. He loves to cuddle and smile but he is much more laid back than she ever has been.

How God finds a way to fit all this love in a mommy is indescribeable. I look forward to many years. I pray for protection over them almost constantly- but I relish in this time because it is all to fleeting and it is truly the best time of my life. Hopefully it wont be to much longer till I post again now that work is slowing again.

Yes! He is Here and We are Alive

2008-08-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

So sorry in the delayed blog. I know you are all waiting to see some pics of our precious kids and it has taken me way to long to get them up. He is two weeks old as of yesterday and it has pretty much taken me that long to get back on my feet. This was a hard realization for me since I was back on me feet after three days with Chloe. The problem was not the actual birth of him- which went very smooth and quickly:

- Check in 8:00 already a "three"
-Check me at 10:00 and administer an epidural "six"
- Tell the nurse at 12:15 that I feel like I needed to push- she checks I am a "10"
-Start pushing at 12:40
-He arrives 8lbs 8oz and 23 inches long at 12:58

So where is the problem? Well when they gave me the epidural they couldnt find the place it needed to fit so I was poked four times with the epi needle (big, long and messes with your spine) Either way it was worth it to me to let them dork around back there- I have a high pain tolerance and it wasnt bothering me- J on the other hand had to leave the room...
This resulted in a spinal headache and back spasms for the last two weeks. It meant I had to take it easy- I dont like taking it "easy". It also meant that I had to take it easy carrying him, feeding him etc, because I couldnt sit up alot. Not fun for a new mom!

Also they found out the ten minutes before I delivered that I was anemic from eating so little the last week or two- we now know I wasnt hungry because I was housing baby huey!! But either way I lost alot of blood in the process and had to have a transfusion...this TOTALLY creeps me out. It was "stangers" blood and it just makes me nervous that with my luck I will get some disease or something. They swear it was screened- oh gosh I hope so!!

So that is the long and short of it. Here is what you are all here for- follow this link and you can see ALL pics taken from then until this morning!!

www.flickr.com/photos/jkmeeks/

Welcome to the Meeks: Breathing and Sleeping Optional

2008-07-27T18:19:00.000-07:00

Well we are 6 days away from my induction. I have had moments where I thought I might forego being induced and just let him come on his own. Then I remember that I havent slept a full night in two weeks because of contractions and pain and that breathing full deep breaths has become something I only dream about. On top of that- when I get up at night to come lay on the couch I tend to wake Chloe up and so it is me and a three year old hanging out at 3 am.

I know, I know toughen up- Kate Gosselin had 6 in her at one time! :) What I wuss I am. Well that is about all I have to update. We are going through all the normal things right now. I am nesting trying to get all closets and the pantry and rooms and clothes and blankets and bottles; you get the idea....in order for Saturday.

Chloe officially turns three tomorrow which means three years ago to the day I was this big and hot and uncomfortable! Jeremy is not allowed near me in November ever again! :) We had her Tinker Bell party a week ago with our friends the Fuquas and she loved it. We sang to her and she got a cake- that is all that mattered to her right now. I can wait for 16 when she will want "car" over "cake"...

I will keep blog land updated if anyone still reads. Oh yeah- we finally decided on a name-

TUCKER BLAKE

If you dont like it- keep it to yourself because I dont want to loose sleep over it anymore! :)

I Should Be Ashamed

2008-07-01T06:53:00.000-07:00

Last night as I was shaming my friend Wendy for not having updated her blog I was sadly knocked off my high horse as she informed me that my post was actually three days older than hers! OOPS! :) Where does the time go?

I guess we are officially in countdown stages. Four to five weeks to go depending on when he decides this baby needs to come. Originally I has said I wanted to try to hold it in until the 4th, but now as things are getting closer and my body is getting more and more tired and sore the idea of the 1st isnt to sounding to bad. I am a wuss. I wish I could just wait and let him come, but if the doctor is promising relief and oxygen again before Tucker chooses to make his appearance I am going to have to say okay! Good thing I never lived on the frontier!

With all of that said, my sweet, sweet friends had a baby shower for me this past weekend and it was so great. We got such great stuff and feel so blessed (and spoiled) to have so many people that care for us and are waiting with us as we await his arrival. Thank you girls!

We are in constant prayer that he arrives safe and sound. It is hard to not let your mind wander on to all the things that could go wrong. We have no reason to believe he wont have a safe delivery, but your prayers are definately appreciated.

Work is busy, busy and I am looking forward to starting my maternity leave in three weeks. The week of downtime will be nice to rest and hang with Chloe. She is one excited big sister. We have discussed everything her little three year old mind can think of from what we do with dirty diapers, to feeding him, to bathing him and even to how he will not share with her until he is "big like her."

Life in the Meeks house is moving along at rapid paces right now. I have to stand back and take it all in as I am still in disbelief I am going to be a mother of two!

Continue to pray for the closing of our house. We are waiting anxiously for this to all be tied up and done. Two house ownership has not been for us! We are thankful for this contract though and just pray that it all ends up smoothly.

Sorry for the lack in posts and sadly I dont even have alot of pictures to post. Jeremy has taken over the managment of our photo accounts and they are not very user friendly...we are currently in negotiations!

As Promised

2008-05-30T07:26:00.000-07:00

...so what if they are six months late!

I wanted to post some pictures of our sweet little girl. She tells everyone she is 2 and 1/2 and it struck me the other day when we got our friend Ethan's invitation- oh my goodness, she is turning three in two months. How time flies when you are having fun, and we truly are. She is hysterical and keeps us laughing all the time. She makes up words when she cant think of the right one and is completely obsessive about things happening "as they are supposed to." She is a schedule junkie just like her momma!

We are anxioulsy awaiting the arrival of baby Tucker in just about 8 weeks (no- I havent made up my mind yet about his name) and Chloe asks daily if he is coming out today. Here is a conversation we had on the way home from school the other day:

Chloe: "When will Tucker come out"

Mommy: "In August- right after your birthday when you turn 3."

Chloe: (thinking- not sure when August is)

Mommy: (more clarification) "When you turn three on July 28 baby Tucker will be here just a few days later. It will be like a birthday present for you!" (smiling big trying to envoke excitment)

Chloe: (Long pause) "well - lip smack- will I get other presents too?"

So as you can tell we have lots of laughter at our house and that is good for her daddy and I. It is hard to imagine having two to love this much, but I cant wait.

House Update: We have an offer and a contract- it isnt perfect- but hey beggars cant be choosers so we ask for your prayers that it all falls into place, the inspection goes smoothly and that we are able to close in July as planned.

Now for the pics-

Sweet Pose for Daddy

Turned Silly Face Fillin' up Mater- her gas doesnt cost $4.00 a gallon

Multiple Choice

2008-05-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

I said I was set on it. I said I wasn't changing my mind. BUT, I am a woman and it is my prerogative to do so. After many sleepless nights because I was not "in love" with my sons name I have decided to consider other options. I love the name Tucker. I have like that name forever and think it is so cute. My problem comes with my OCD personality. I love the name Jarod too, but I don't like it being his first name. "Okay, so switch it." Well it doesn't sound the same to me. I just don't like it as much. So in order to appease my personality and my ear I have come up with five new choices- some familial and some that I just like the sound of- and since my husband has decided as long as I name him Tucker he doesn't care I am reaching out to blog land for guidance and opinions. No feelings will be hurt just cast your vote. Chloe is named after my grandmother. I love her name and it warms my heart. I want the same for him. A name is so important. He will carry it all his life so I need help making sure he has a name he can be proud of ( and of course sounds good over the loud speakers at Yankee stadium- "now up to bat, catcher, Tucker Meeks" you see where I am going with that.) It has to be good initials, look pretty monogrammed and something a girl will want to say, "I am dating Tucker Meeks, you know the quarter back." So cast your vote here and help a crazy pregnant lady out. I mean we are two months away people- the monogramming must commence!

a. Tucker Everett (Everett is my dad's middle name- he hates this name, but I would be proud if my son carried a piece of him around)

b. Tucker Emerson (my grandmother's maiden name)

c. Tucker Hayes (just think it is pretty)

d. Tucker Cole (just think it is pretty)

e. Tucker Zachary ( my little brothers name- again so proud for him to wear)

It is up to you blog land! I will let you know the outcome.

I Was Tagged!

2008-05-12T10:29:00.000-07:00

I have never been tagged before- it was so exciting. So thank you Wendy, for giving me something to blog about that doesnt involve real estate, work or uterusus. :)

What FIVE skills or hobbies would you learn if you had unlimited time, money and tools?

1. Sewing- at the risk of sounding like Donna Reed I have always wanted to be able to whip up a cute pillow or curtains. I mean I seriously paid good money to some people here in town to whip up a two fabric panel curtain! I mean think of all the cute girl clothes I could whip up.

2. Working out- just cant stay committed. I really really wish I loved lifting weights and stuff and could have a trainer to hold me accountable so that I could have a super hot body- sorry J- like I said, no love for it at all.

3. Decorating- I have an okay eye for this and love to put together and atmosphere, but the questions was with unlimited tools and money- that is the tricky part.

4. Baking/Cooking- I am with Wendy. I can cook most anything I think and I love to entertain at the house, but I would love to have more time to do it and make it really special with "table scapes" and matching dishes and a neat atmosphere. There is that money thing again though! Plus I would want to upgrade all my kitchen tools and stuff so that I could be really good!

5. And my dark secret one is gymnastics. I did it for many many years and LOVED it. I stayed in shape and was pretty good at it. Truth be told I contacted a gym here- pre pregnancy of course- and told them that I wanted to start up again. They asked me my age and then sat silent because there classes stop at 18. Talk about making a woman feel old. So I actually have the time and the money for this small hobby apparantly I just dont have the right birth year! :)

3 Month Countdown

2008-05-06T07:18:00.000-07:00

When I was pregnant with Chloe I blogged everyday about every little thing. It seemed like she would never get here. I think J and I sat around daily wondering what she would look like or what her personality would be- fast forward three years later- I am 6 months pregnant with three left to go and I cant even hardly remember Tucker's pregnancy and its not even over.

Things are still fairly crazy at the Meeks' house. J's job situation has settled down and thankfully it doesnt look like we will be moving. Our house still hasnt sold and we now affectionately call it our "vacation home" because you know if I could afford one it would only be 10 minutes across town! ha! But we press on and have faith that it will sell during the up and coming busy time of year.

Tucker is scheduled to arrive August 8th now but of course plus or minus a few days. I will most likely be induced again because I loved it. I know I missing the whole agonizing pain thing of "going" into labor and racing to the hospital, but for an OCD person such as myself the planned way worked so great.

Although things have seemed so crazy and we hardly have had time to sit and breathe we are so excited to meet him and wonder what life will be like with this new member of our family. It feels wierd to say his name or talk about him. I guess I feel like it should just be Chloe all over again.

I will try to post pictures soon, but for now it will just have to go on the to do list.

Choosing to Follow

2008-04-07T07:09:00.000-07:00

Okay I know it has been a while, but I have a really, really good excuse! To say that life has been crazy around here would be an understatment. At the beginning of March we were told to expect some MAJOR (negative) job changes for J. With a baby on the way, a two and a half year old with a developing shoe fetish and two house payments we were a bit paniced! We began to pray- I coupled that with crying- and we begin to see some door open up. The story is really to long and drawn out to explain, but needless to say I am so glad it is April. God is showing us His faithfullness, and although I dont understand the events of the past few weeks I know that He does and in some amount of time I will be able to look back and see His hand all over this. I have told so many people that I had seen God's fingerprints in so many areas in March, now I seem a bit more confused by that because things that we felt we were led to do have "fallen through" but I am trying to believe with my whole heart that He knows the "plans he has for me..."

I am relieved that we arent having to move or have another house on the market, but at the same time I am still confused at what he is trying to teach me. I know J feels that way because a lot initial confusion came with the past four weeks. I know I am being vauge. Most of my readers know the chain of events and have been faithful in prayer so I wont bore you with details. More than anything I guess it has called into question my ability to fully trust what I think the Lord wants or is doing. I go for a twenty four week ultrasound today and all of these events have put a sort of fear in my life. What if something is terribly wrong, what if Tucker is not okay, what if I am not okay? I feel like, more than ever things are just up for chance.

As a Christian I know I am not supposed to feel this way and more than anything I am allowing Satan to use doubt and fear to run my life. No matter what I am choosing to trust Him, I am choosing to follow a path that gives me no clues as to what is ahead. And I know that I am blessed to have a wonderful faithful husband, a happy precious, silly, giggly two year old who loves me and that makes this journey just a little bit more bearable.

Under Pressure

2008-02-27T07:23:00.000-08:00

You know that song. I love it. I mean I love the beat and all of that. When it comes on the radio in the car I cant help but bob my head along with it. Just because I love the song doenst mean I like the way it feels to be "under pressure."

Things with Tucker seem good. No huge changes and we are still planning on him at the beginning of August. Chloe is excited to have him here, but I think I am allowing other things to steal my joy of this fun time. We STILL havent sold the house. I understand all the "facts", we arent selling in a "desireable" price range, it is big and the market is so slow here, but that doesnt mean that I am happy about it. A few months ago when we had the FULL PRICE OFFER in one week after it was on the market, and then it all fell through 4 days before our move, we just felt like we were making the right decision. Surely the house will sell so quickly. It is a great house, with great charm and character. If someone would have told me this is where we would be, I would do everything differently. And I HATE THAT!

I think of myself as pretty business savy, smart, and I am not a risk taker at all. I let myself take a risk that I now regret and because of this one thing I cant let myself enjoy anything else. I stress over budgets and bills. I am angry that is cost so stinking much to have a baby and annoyed that I have to pay an extra $350 for him to be circumcised. I want to decorate his room (or atleast start) yet I will not let myself spend the money and that is frustrating.

Please excuse the vent...I know that there are greater, much more sad things going on in the world, but today I had to get it off my chest. No cutsie, smushy "the baby is coming" blog. There are just alot of things out there in my little world that seem to be pressing in and stealing my joy. In Exodus God leads the people through the wilderness, He parts the red sea, yet when they are standing needing a drink of fresh water and all there is, is a bitter drink, they get mad and forget what he had done for them. Maybe this is what I am doing- NO! This is what I am doing. I am allowing Satan to push me to be mad, and steal my joy- forgetting all the time what God has done for me and my little family, and that he has always provided. I guess I will work on finding the joy in the small things until the big things are under control!

And the Winner is...

2008-02-18T10:49:00.000-08:00

Okay ladies (and anonyomous person) you did it! 10 comments, although there was a little cheating I will still reward you.

I do have to say first- Kara- you win! Your comment and advice on the peeing cracked me up over and over again! I think I will have to try it just for the "game" of it!

Drum Roll Please....

Jarod Tucker Meeks - to be called- Tucker.

Suprise, Surprise

2008-02-13T13:16:00.000-08:00

I dont know why it has been so hard for me to update lately. It guess it could be that I have just very recently (though not completely) returned back to the land of the living. Unfortunatley at times pregnancy does not suit me well, and one of those times happens to be weeks 7-14 of pregnancy. But I approached 14 on Tuesday (yesterday) and on Monday actually has a failry normal day.

This sickness, also coupled with the fact that I work at the one place on earth that has no sympathy for a "typical" pregnant woman, as we tend to work with some very "atypical" woman who have it a lot harder than me, and women who cant concieve children naturally- so my everyday run of the mill pregnancy seems almost blahsae around here, so work is piling up as I try to stay just ahead of the curver to not hit the wall.

But today was a turning point and as I got up bright and early this morning, feeling quite well, I dressed in my suit for a big meeting I had, got in my car (and realized it was a dwelling place of disrepute) vowed to get "my life back in order." I have since cleaned out my car and had it washed, cleaned my office including dusting and hiding away the jumbo bottle of Maalox and planning out my marketing calendar. And when I get home if the energy is still intact I will be attacking the hole that is our bedroom.

My precious husband and daughter have been nothing short of fantastic but their 2 year old and 28 year old male definitions of clean differ quite a bit from their OCD mother/wife. So I am glad to be feeling better and taking control of life again. Now you might ask what this blog has to do with the cute pair of Robeez I have at the top, yes it is the start of college baseball but that is not it... let me just tell you!

On Monday we went for my 14 week check up. My good doctor wanted to do another ultrasound at the end of the first trimester just to check out the growth of our little sprout. Well as he proceeded to turn on the machine and find our little wiggly bundle this is the conversation that ensued...

Dr. A- "Well there is our very photogenic little baby...ummm...and kids...(Katie interrupts as she looks in amazement at the screen)

K- "Is that a pee pee" (yes this is the medical term for boy parts!)

J- "What!?"

Dr. A- "Yes it is Katie. That is a very healthy looking boy" (he meant in general not size of or anything)

From there the conversation pretty much went downhill. Jeremy is whooping in the background and I am asking the doctor if it is normal that it is already "there" and will it be "abnormally big" -which apparantly something men dont worry about- because it has all this growing time. He assured me that sometimes the baby is in the right position and we get lucky enough to see it this early and that I should not worry. He also said had nothing been there we just wouldnt have thought anything yet (like girl or boy), but fortunately (unfortunately) we have a very UNASHAMED little boy and so we were lucky and and able to find out that we are:

"HAVING A BABY BOY"

Now people I need some adivce on how not to get peed on! And if you want to know the name we have picked out for him I will have to have atleast 10 comments!

Quick Update

2008-01-28T07:42:00.000-08:00

We are starting week 11! I am still feeling puny and it hasnt helped that I got some sort of sinus and eye infection on top of being pregie sick, but...I did go to the doctor last Wednesday and everything looks great. He did a sonogram and the baby was just flipping and flopping as happy as could be! It was really good for me to see that. I have felt and questioned if I was pregnant or just had a terrible flu. Plus on occassion I do get bumbed because I cant be there for Chloe like I want to be playing.

Chloe loved seeing the picture of the baby and talks all the time about being a big sister. We will see how she feels when she ACTUALLY IS!

Time to Start Again

2008-01-08T10:41:00.000-08:00

When I was pregnant with Chloe I journaled alot of it through my blog. It consisted mainly of me griping about my indegestion or growing waistline, but nonetheless it was a journal of my pregnancy with her. I feel like I should do this for baby number two as well, although I feel that this journal will take on a different shape. Having been through pregnancy before the morning sickness has not come as a big surprise -or in my case morning, afternoon and night- and neither is the idea that in a few months my body will take on a whole new appearance, and with round one running happily around the house as a beautiful, silly two and a half year old those things that seemed so "annoying" during the first pregnancy, now seem to be- well- worth it! So I can see this new pregnancy journal taking on the thoughts and feelings I am having as i am about to do this whole mommy thing again.

As I look at Chloe it is hard to remember her as that tiny little baby I brought home that Saturday in July, and yet at the same time it seems like it was yesterday. It took me a few weeks to get balanced out on work and mommy life and it has taken me longer to get both being a working woman and a mom to happily coexsist together. For us- so far- this mix has worked for our family and just before I found out baby number two was in route I was telling J how I felt like I had this under control. I knew what I was doing and minor hiccups in the schedules of the day didnt seem to make a difference anymore. I had found the energy, the desire and the ability to "do all I need to do" to be a good mom, wife and employee. Then God laughed and said, then it is time for round 2!

It is hard to believe that we are doing this all again, and I know to some two children, three years apart seems like a cake walk (Kara, Leslie, Hannah, Allison...the list goes on) but it is hard to believe that I will be a mother of two and it is hard to believe that this time could all be different and that it wont be Chloe we bring home again. It will be a completely new ballgame with a completely new child. One who could possible be- not as healthy as Chloe or who has a senstive gag reflex- Chloe has never thrown up (knock on wood) So this time around I imagine this journal will be more about what our family of three will be like as a family of four. I am excited, happy and blessed- but I am also a little sad to be giving up our little family of three, I am nervous about what baby number two will challege me with and I find it almost mind boggling that I could love another child the way I love our first little one.

So dear readers (which I have found out from the previous entry there are more of you than I realized- lurkers!) bear with me over the next nine months as I get ready for the challenge as a mommy of TWO! Dont worry- you will be rewarded with pictures.

Let it Snow

2007-12-31T13:03:00.000-08:00

We are home safe and sound from all of our holiday travel. It was so much fun spending time with both families and boy did we rake in the loot.

We spent the weekend before Christmas with my family and Jeremy and I got and AppleTV which is really cool. Then we headed to Ruidoso to spend Christmas day with Jeremys family. It was so neat and it snowed. We went on a sleigh ride and Chloe got to sled - which she absloutley loved. She got a Texas Tech cheerleading uniform and a baby piano that is pink. She plays the piano while wearing the uniform. She loves being a cheerleader though. Must run in the genes. Thanks to hunny and papa for that gift. We had a meltdown when it had to be washed.

I got a kitchenaid mixer (red) which I have wanted since J and I got married and J and I both got Sirius radio for our cars. J will definately love this with his job and traveling.

The biggest gift we got this Christmas and the one that we will remember most is that we found out we are expecting BABY NUMBER TWO! I know...we werent expecting it either. We are thrilled I am about 8 weeks along and due August 14th (Chloe was due August 11th) so once I get over the all day vomiting I will be excited. So there is the news. We go to the doctor on the 22nd to get the first sonogram- so keep baby Meeks number 2 in your prayers.

Merry Christmas and Happy 2008!

Update...Finally!

2007-12-03T10:54:00.000-08:00

Sorry there has been no update in a while. Things are crazy in our little world. Work is great and defiantely keeps me busy. House is always a mess so I try to keep it clean and everyone fed and clothed and bathed. We have traveled alot for Thanksgiving which was wonderful to get a way and see all of our family. We are very much looking forward to the continuation of holiday travel.

In addition to our crazy lives- as some of you know in Ocotber we had sold our house after only a week on the market. It was a great wonderful older home with tons of charm, but was more than J or I could handle keeping up with right now due to its size. Plus with the slew of dogs we have we needed a little larger yard. So we put it on the market for a "trial run". We were in no hurry to sale and if it happend then that was great. Well within a week we had a full offer. Made it through the inspection, and were on our way to the closing table. We waited three weeks until we were three weeks from closing and we put a contract on a house that was under contruction. Our goal was to get back to the "new" house for convienence sake. We were downsizing in square footage but this house seem to fit us. We were so excited. THEN...four days before we were to close and move out of the old and into the new, the bank pulled the financing on the people who were buying ours. NIGHTMARE!!! ABSOLUTE NIGHTMARE! Now I know there are worse things in comparison, but lets just say my stress level was out of wack! We didnt know what to do, because if we hadnt put a contract down on another house we would have been homeless. If we hadnt started packing we would have made the movers mad! So now we were left with the decison of walking away from our contract and loosing ALOT of money or moving and hoping our house would sell again. Well....we moved. We are enduring and it is NO FUN! It affects everything, but I know that God is faithful, and He will work it all out in His own time. Sometimes I just wish His time and my time were on the same timeline!

Old House

New House- Still underconstruction

So that is what we have been up to. We love the new house. ADORE it! It is all Christmased up and Chloe loves the tree. We had snow and that was so neat to watch her play in it and be amazed with it. Today it is 70, so who knows how to explain Texas weather to her. And now for the REALLY big news....

It has happened. Chloe is potty trained. I have to admit it was easy, seeing how she decided it for herself after matching "Elmo's Potty Time" one too many times. She is an absolute champ at it and has only had one or two accidents. So all of you moms out there who are jealous, please dont be! As great as it is that she is growing up there is a certain amount of sadness that comes with watching her grow into a little girl and not be a baby anymore. I guess no matter what I will always consider her my baby, even if she loves wearing red high heels and pottying in the pottie pot!

Sassy Little Girl!

hope all my readers have a great week, and J and I would ask that you keep the sale of our home in your prayers.

"RAFFE"

2007-10-31T07:28:00.000-07:00

If you have spent any time at all with our little family, you would know that most of the time we are accompanied by Chloe's little friend "Raffe." Chloe since being a baby, has loved the one floppy, soft animal that happens to be a giraffe. She sleeps with him, carries him to school, and has rubbed his poor little tail until it is now a nappy little mess. I tried to replace Raffe one time with a new "clean" Raffe, but I failed and now that Raffe is refered to as "the utter one." So, I have washed the original Raffe so much that he now holds no more of the little beads that made him floppy, he has a whole in his chest from little fingers picking at him, and he occassionally is attacked by a killer pug named Lilly, before Chloe freaks and mommy runs to the rescue. I give you all the back history for a reason. Since the Great Love of 2005 began Chloe is obsessed with everything Giraffe. The ones at the zoo, the only blanket she likes is Giraffe print, and the other day at the mall when I was drooling over the new Dooney and Burke Giraffe print purse, she cried ALMOST as hard as I did, when we couldnt get it because it was $425!!! So for halloween it seemed only fitting when my sweet friend Summer ran across the Gymboree Giraffe costume on sale that it would be the perfect costume for her this year. Well she couldnt look cuter and so I will get to the reason you all come here...the pictures! Happy Giraffeoween!

"Quick, Quick!"

2007-10-22T09:23:00.000-07:00

That is the statment that Chloe makes to me when she is wanting to do something that I dont want her to do, i.e., "Chloe don't go outside to give the dogs a treat, you will get dirty and we are running late." To which she replies, "Momma, I will be real quick quick." I feel as though this scenario could also play out something like this, "Chloe don't grow up, please stay my little girl forever." "But momma, it will be real quick, quick." And it is....

Chloe is almost two and a half, and as I look back I cant figure out where it has gone. What is even worse, is that my two year old doesnt act like a baby, she acts like a 16 year old. I remember telling Jeremy, that when Chloe is three or so I would like to have another baby...well three is almost here, and I just cant be ready. Not because I dont want another baby, but because as soon as that baby is here, this precious time with our first born all by herself is gone.

It is bittersweet to watch your child grow up. I never quite knew why my parents couldnt just "let go", but now I do. Even though she has only been with us a short two years, she has changed our lives forever. Her smiles, her dancing, the converstations we get to have at dinner, everything has changed. I had to call Jeremy the other day at work to let him know that Chloe had poo pooed in the pottie twice that day. He said what I was thinking, "wow how our phone calls have changed." Chloe has changed everything. She has made me feel more love that I ever thought I could. Love for her, love for her daddy. It is easy to love your children, but when you see how the man you marry loves her and will try his hardest to fix the hair bow at the football game, or will walk so that she can better see the cheerleaders despite the fact it is not the best view of the game, or hold her little hands as she says her prayers; you find a love with him like you have never known. Jeremy is the best daddy. He will forego hunting, to shoe shop and spend his Friday nights playing "Baby Stella" instead of watching ESPN.

Life is forever changed, and as Chloe would say it all happened so "quick, quick." There are times before Chloe was born that I wonderend how would be married for 50 years, and times that I was scared of the next months trying to figure out marriage, but after Chloe I can imagine being the mommy of any other little girl, or the wife of any other copier salesman. I just wish it didnt have to go so "quick, quick."

This weekend was our alma mater's homecoming and she loved the game, the cheerleaders and the idea of seeing where mommy and daddy went to school. Never before in the last 4 years have I been proud of where I went to school. I mean I liked college and all, but I didnt bleed purple and white. Until this weekend, when we stood on the campus where I met my little girls father and we began our life together. A life that God has not only saved, at times, but has blessed more than I ever deserve. As we swung on the swing last night, it was almost to much to take in. I am the luckiest woman in the world.

Here is a picture of our little wildcat....she is showing you her paw print, with the signature Chloe smile. And just a teaser, she will be starting gymnastics in January, so as you can imagine there will be alot more great picture to come, i.e., Chloe in a leotard!

OK OK

2007-10-01T20:17:00.000-07:00

I get it. I am a terrible blogger. Well that isnt completely true, I read everyone else's blog I just dont update my own. And honestly I didnt realize how long it had been since I had updates and felt terribly gulity after looking at it tonight. So...here it goes. First I was tagged by Wendy to give 8 things about myself:

1. I was really, really short all my life and actually had to take growth hormone to be the whopping 5 foot 6 I am today.
2. I have terrible skin. For whatever reason the skin God gave me on my face has been trying to reject me since I was 16! (Thank you microderm!)
3. Jeremy and I broke up alot while we were dating.
4. I have had four different settings for my wedding ring. DONT ASK...just know I have really bad luck and you should never take me to Vegas with you.
5. In reference to number 4, I loathe gambling. I dont know if it because I could never win, but if you really want to gamble your money away just give it to me.
6. I have a serious obsession with buy awesome shoes and bags. I mean I really probably need help!
7. My daughter is named after my grandmother Clotile, her name is just Chloe though. And if you ever met my grandmother you would know why...she is absolutely the greatest woman!
8. J and I were told we couldnt have children (due to #1) and were in the late stages of adopting when I found out I was pregos!

So there you go blog world. I have updated. Alot has been going on around the house and with me personally but it is just to much to get into at 10:3o at night, but just know that I will be back. And if you want me back I seriously suggest you leave a comment, because I am getting tired of updating this thing for Wendy and Summer I can call them on the phone~! :)

Clarification: I recieved a comment and re read what I had posted, to clarify the time in which I was pregos was the last one when I was pregnant with Chloe. So calm down people no new little Meeks on the way...yet. :)

Everything Good in Life Comes in Twos

2007-08-02T10:22:00.000-07:00

Almond joys, husband and wife, Reese's Cups, my daughter. She turned two last Saturday and I found myself looking at the clock and thinking "two years ago at this time..." and then staring at her in amazment as she talked to me about something or did something so "big kid" like. It seems like just yesterday I found out I was pregnant and I thought it would never end, and here we are two years later and it has gone by to fast! We went for her two year old check up today and she is a happy, healthy two year old with a very extensive vocabulary. Chloe can say anything. She is so smart and picks up on things so quick. Her daddy and I have to be careful not to say something that should not be repeated by a little mouth. Jeremy makes coffee every morning and this morning I heard over the monitor when she woke up, "I want coffee." Needless to say she didnt get any. She loved to eat, loves to giggle and tickle mommy and daddy. She is such a sweet little girl. She is as strong willed and independent as her momma, but as loving as her daddy. She is shy around people she doesnt know, but loves to hug her friends, especially Casen, who doesnt seem to thrilled with that idea. She is the joy of our life and makes our days full of laughter. There is not a day that goes by that I dont call my mom to report a Chloe "ism". She notice and picks up on everything. I love to watch her learn and play, but more than anything I love it that she still wants me to rock her at night. Here are some pictures of her that we have taken over the last few weeks. That is what you all are really here for anyways! We havent had a party yet, she asked to go see the whales and lions (sea lions) at SeaWorld. We took her a few months ago with her best friend Casen and it was a huge hit. So we will be hitting the park again in celebration of her birthday.

If You Happen to See the Most Beautiful Girl in the World...

2007-07-10T18:27:00.000-07:00

She's mine!!! We recently had pictures taken with the MOST wonderful photographer in the world...Debbie Riggs! She is the sweetest most talented woman and my daughter loved her. Infact she cried when her "friend Debbie" left. I havent been able to see all the pictures yet but I did have to post this one that is off her blog. Can a two year old look sexy? You tell me~ But I have to say, check out those baby blues! I feel sorry for the man that will have to endure those filling with tears one day...including her daddy! If they are all as great as this one then I will be so very pleased. And I have to point out that Debbie will be THE best grandma one day because she knows how to play with little kids and get them to laugh! So if you need a great kid friendly photographer I am sure she would love to hear from you~

To Perfect?

2007-07-05T19:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I look at my life and the blessings God has given me and my family and it is overwhelming. You would think most people would look at their wonderful handsome husband, beautiful daughter, gorgeous house, wonderful grandparents, aunts and uncles and fabulous friends, not to mention great jobs and our health and be SO grateful for all these things...which I am...more than I can even talk about without getting emotional. But lately there has been this fear in me. Maybe it is because people all around us are sick with cancer, have lost parents or children so unexpectedly or are struggling just to get by. I look at all of it and I ask God, "why me?" Why am I so blessed, why have I been sheltered from tragedy and most of all...WHEN?!?! When is it going to hit my family and what is it going to be and how am I going to be able to survive it. Loosing jobs or homes are hard, no doubt...but loosing family or my husband or GOD FORBID my child, I dont know how I would survive it. I think I wouldnt be able to breathe. I look at people who are having to endure things like this and I wonder how they are getting up in the morning. And then on the 4th as I am cleaning the house for our party to have our great friends and thier precious children while talking to my mom on the phone its like it hits me...is it to perfect?!? How is it that I am so blessed. So treasured. So protected. It makes me feel even that much more vulnerable.

Dont get me wrong. I am not having a meltdown. This is just one of those posts for blog land. Something that I feel completely neurotic for feeling. Like, "come on Katie, just be grateful!" But I would hope that I am a normal mother and fret about my child and her safety and the freak things that happen everyday. So tonight as I pulled in the garage with my 2 year old singing her ABC's in the back seat, it hit me again and tonight I decieded to write about it. So there you go blog land there is my "deep" post for the year. Next week we will be back to our regualrly scheduled Meeks family updates!