Another Thing That Makes Me Real Happy....

In case you haven't heard, my best friend Mandy is PREGNANT again!!! After two ectopic pregnancies, two emergency surgeries (one to remove a tube another to remove an ovary), and a miscarriage, the girl finally has a healthy baby growing inside of her. And that makes me crazy happy! For pics of their growing bambino and of their 2 year old, Harrison, a.k.a Emmy's betrothed click here. Whew, I'm glad I don't have to keep that bottled inside anymore.

On another note, I know I have been MIA, but I have been busy. Sorry. I've been on the road for the past 2 weeks for work. However, I have 6 more days before I leave town again, so I'll do my best to get some new pics and antics of little E soon. Until then, enjoy this...

Adam, it was so sweet of you to get this girl pregnant. Mandz, you really should stop posing like this for pictures. I have WAY to many pics like this.

Things That Make Me Real Happy

There are lots of things in life that make me real happy. But for the sake of time (I'm not sure how much longer E will actually sit and watch the "On the farm" video I just put in), I will just list a few very quickly.

Thing #1: After another visit to the Pediatric Cardiologist (and more more medical bills), we found out that our little boys heart is developing perfectly NORMALLY! What a huge answer to prayers. So, unless the Pediatrician finds something after he is born, Emerson will be the only Reed family member going to the Cardiologist regularly.

Thing #2: This picture. I am fairly confident I have posted this picture before. The quality isn't so great since I took it with my phone. But, I love it. It captures my little girl so perfectly. If you want to know joy, hang out with this kid. She rocks. G and I love her and her little heart so much. I hope our little man loves life as much as she does.

Thing #3: Remembering our vacay with the Brantley's a few weeks ago. It was pretty much perfect. Here's a little photo recap.

Much to Garrett and Adam's disapproval, Mandy and I let Em and Harrison take baths together every night. They loved it. We will put an end to this when they get a little older. But for now, we'll allow it.

Harrison wanted to make sure E got cleaned adequately. Notice the giant shiner on his eye. E punched him cause he got to frisky. I'm kidding. He actually fell a few feet off of their porch onto some brick about 10 minutes after we got there. He's hardcore so it didn't phase him much. That's why Em wants to marry him.

Harrison, really likes to drive. I'm not kidding...the kid knows his way around a vehicle better than I do. If he could reach the pedals, I would actually let him drive little E somewhere. This is them getting ready to go on a date to the beach.

Our little buttercup just being cute.

G and Em on the beach. Don't worry her arms didn't pop out of socket.

Running towards the water....which she loved.

We were in Myrtle Beach so we of course played Putt Putt. Harrison wanted to push Em around the whole time. So, we let him. He only made me nervous once, or maybe twice.

Does she look scared?

"No ma, I ain't scared!"

Garrett and Adam thought it would be fun if they color coordinated with their kids.

The Brantley's took it a step farther and decided to all color coordinate. They are such a classy bunch.

And this is why we love them and miss them so much. We enjoyed every second of our trip. If you get a chance, you should go spend a week with them too. They're a good time.

Alright, that's enough of the things that make me real happy for now. Em is spitting her strawberry milk on the floor (yes we have to slip high fructose corn syrup into her milk in order for her to drink it, so what). Also, I should note that the look of our blog has changed yet again. I fully realize I am a serial background changer. But, I'm fickle like that. I change my mind a lot. One day I want color the next I want simple. There is a reason I do not have a tattoo.

Bicuspid Aortic Valve

I had no idea what a "Bicuspid Aortic Valve" was...until today. A few weeks ago at little E's 1 year check-up her Pediatrician told me that he thought he heard a heart murmur at her 9 month check up, and that he was hearing it again at the 1 year visit. We also found out that our little lady, while in the 75th percentile for her height, is only in the 7th for her weight (our pediatrician wants her to gain weight, I think she should consider herself freakishly lucky). Anyway, our Pediatrician scheduled us an appointment with a Pediatric Cardiologist at the Duke Children's Hospital for today. Our Pediatrician told us that what he was hearing could very well be nothing but that he would feel better if we went to a specialist. So, we went.

Our appointment was at 9am and I think G and I were both thinking we would be on our way home by no later than 10:30 (in fact I was daydreaming about eating breakfast at one of our fave restaurants that is across from the hospital). We were wrong. After an EKG and a thorough exam by our Canadian Pediatric Cardiologist (which had we been done then, we would have been done at 10:30), we found out we were on to more testing. The doctor said that in addition to murmur he was hearing a clicking sound that could indicate problems with the valves in E's aorta. Therefore, he wanted Em to have an echo cardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) asap.

In order for them to do this, they needed to sedate Em since she is on the feisty side (just letting the doctor listen to her heart is difficult). So they pretty much got Em baby drunk until she passed out. **No mom they did not give her actual alcohol, just something that had similar effects. They promised she wouldn't have a hangover afterwards. Anyway, she fought it for about 30 minutes until she finally passed out. The nurse said she couldn't believe how much energy she had...she compared her energy level to that of a 2 year old...lucky us! It's not everyday you get to see your 1 year old drunk. So, we took a video. Don't judge us. I just happened to have my camera and we thought, why not. Warning: you may feel drunk watching it b/c you will have to turn your head sideways to watch it. When will I learn that vertical videos don't upload well to the blog?

It literally took 2 hours to get her drunk, get her to pass out, do the ultrasound, and then get back up to see the doctor again. As it turns out the doctors initial hunch was correct, Emerson has a Bicuspid Aortic Valve.

"A bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a defect of the aortic valve that results in the formation of two leaflets or cusps instead of the normal three. Normally only the mitral valve (bicuspid valve) has two cusps (instead of three); situated between the left atrium and left ventricle. Valves ensure the unidirectional flow of blood from the atrium to the ventricles, or the ventricles to the major arteries and veins."

The way it was explained to us is that part of her aortic valve is fused together (resulting in 2 leaflets instead of 3), which is what is causing the murmur and the clicking noise the Cardiologist was hearing. The fusion of the valve can cause extra stress on the aorta (aortic stenosis). Right now the additional stress the BAV is causing is minimal and considered to be very trivial. However, it is something we will have to follow for the rest of her life.

Additionally, because it is a congenital heart defect, that means that baby #2 is at a higher risk for a similar defect. So, I have to go back soon for a fetal echo cardiogram so they can take a look at his heart. Exhausting.

Sorry for the long boring medical lingo. But, it's our life. We will gladly accept all the prayers we can get for our little children and their beautiful hearts. We love these babies so much it is overwhelming and we find a lot of comfort in knowing that the Lord loves them more than we ever could. After spending an entire day at the Duke Children's Hospital, the Lord has also burdened my heart for the MANY families with extremely sick kids that are there. I started crying multiple times while we were in the lobby waiting, not because of our situation, but because of all of the kids I saw that were fighting for their lives. I couldn't think about how precious those kids are to their families and to the Lord and how he never intended them to go through this. How sweet the day will be when we are all restored in perfect health and perfect relationship with our creator. I am claiming that and rejoicing in that for those kids and their families.

I have been claiming Jeremiah 29:11 all day for us and our kiddos, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and future." And at the same time I am acknowledging and rejoicing in the TRUTH of John 16:33, " I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Lord we love you so much. Thank you for blessing us with these precious kids. We know that you are good, even though we live in a world with pain and sickness, we rejoice in knowing that you have already overcome all of that. In you, and only you, we have peace.

Intelligender is 1 for 2

Remember that Intelligender test I took a while back that says it can predict the gender of your unborn child with 80% accuracy as early as 10 weeks gestation??? Well, my friend Kelly took it and it says she was having a boy...turns out they are having a girl. As I posted previously, it told us we were expecting a little boy and as it turns out...it was right! Of course Garrett is thrilled and I'm excited too. Little E is gonna have a baby brother. I can't believe we are already half way through this pregnancy! Here are some pics of our little guy. Yes we realize he looks like an alien.

Sorry for that last one, I know it's a little risque. I'll never do it again. I promise! Stay tuned for a few pics from our recent vacay.

May 19th...Our Favorite Day.

May 19, 2009 was Garrett and I's favorite day since our wedding day. Almost exactly one year ago (to the minute), Emerson Grace Reed entered the world. I still can't wrap my mind how amazing that day was for us. I would relive that day a million times if I could. But alas, I cannot. So we will just celebrate like crazy every year instead. We have celebrated so much this week, that G and I are both freakishly exhausted. So, I'm gonna sum up E's birthday week in pictures. However, as soon as I get more than a free 5 minutes, I will add some words. If you don't enjoy obscene amounts of pictures and the occasional video...you may want to end your journey through this post now. Otherwise...enjoy!

We had a party for E at my parents house this past Saturday. It was so much fun to have our closest friends and family there to celebrate our little munchkins life. I was pleasantly surprised at how well Emerson did with the crowd. She definitely LOVED the attention.

We didn't have pony rides but there were a few wagon rides.

Emerson just smiled and clapped the whole time...the new Radio Flyer is a hit.

There was lots of socializing (mostly with boys)....

E chatting it up with Liam.

And sitting in the grass...

while Dylan watched.

And cute boys running around... (if you have ever visited this site before, you know that the handsome young man in this picture is Emmy's future husband, Harrison).

And this is another one of her bestest male friends, Bryson. He really liked climbing the stairs. His mom, Kristin (aka my maid of honor), is 38 weeks pregnant...so she just let him climb the stone stairs. No worries, he's really good at climbing.

More chatting with friends...

Dylan eating some cake with his wonderful mom, Alexis.

Lindsay, my best friend from childhood. We have been friends since we were E's age (ok, that's a stretch, but since the 4th grade for real).

Kristin and Bryson...

Bryson is the best eater I know.

Mary Beth and Charley enjoying some cake (sorry the giant sunflower blocked out your face MB...I wish we could see your face too...I love it).

The Brantley's (we will be seeing y'all this weekend when we head to the Murrell's Inlet forvacay...yay!!!!)

The beautiful cake made my sisters mother in-law, Gayle. She is amazing!

G bringing E her first birthday cake. There was lots of singing in the background too.

Yumm...cake.

For some reason my mom bought Garrett a bunch of mustaches. The boys thought it would be fun to wear them. It was creepy. Joe's is real (yours isn't that creepy Joe).

Nina thought it would be fun to wear one of the mustaches as eyebrows. I think it's a good look for her. Nina, you'd be beautiful even if you had a giant third eyebrow.

Garrett tried to make Em wear a mustache...she said "Heck no, it's my birthday."

So to make up for being a bully, Garrett took her to the pool aka her new favorite place.

She said, "Thanks dad."

After all the weekend fun, we headed back to the Dirty D to celebrate E's birthday together as a family of 4 (I'm counting the baby growing inside me, not Stabler). So, we all busted into Em's room this morning to wake her up singing Happy Birthday. I can't wait to torture my kids with this every year.

Emerson's Grandmom Reed gave her this awesome plate for her birthday. So, I made her eat every single meal and snack off of it today. I think she loved it as much as I did.

And, we let her feast on this little creation from Kroger tonight. It was yummy.

Instead of blowing out the candle, she tried to grab it...dad saved the day.

I guess she liked it?

Stabler really wanted in on the cake action.

Emerson is so selfless and obliged him.

Well, after all that we are pooped. So we are headed to the South Carolina coast for the weekend to watch one of my best friends from high school get married (yay Kristy and Kirk!), and for some well needed vacay time with the Brantleys. We planned this trip months ago and I had no way of knowing how well timed it would be.

Yay for Emerson being 1 and yay for a much needed vacation!

A Little Bit of This and A Little Bit of That

Due to the insanity that is the month of May, my blogging may be limited over for the next little while, but I'll do my best. I really don't even know where to begin. Hmmmm.... The month began with a little trip the upstate. A few days at Garrett's parents house and few days at my parents house. I also managed to get some professional pictures made of Emerson during this time. If you want to see a little preview you can go to my facebook page. If you don't have facebook or we aren't friends on facebook, then I guess you'll just have to wait. Anyway, the few I've seen turned out really well...I can't wait to see the rest.

My 1st mothers day was great, and very low key (which I appreciated immensely). I had a quick trip to Atlanta at the beginning of this week for a training meeting, and then we are headed back to Greenville tomorrow to celebrate Emmy's first birthday with our family and a few friends. I can't believe she is gonna be 1 a week from today...unbelievable.

Then next week, Garrett's brother, Cullen, and his wife, Amber, are moving back to the states after living in South Korea for the past 2 and half years....we are so excited we can hardly stand it! Then we head are heading to the beach the weekend after that to go to one of my best friends from high school's wedding and to spend a few days with the Brantleys for a little vacay. Then we head back to Durham to have our big ultrasound to make sure baby Reed #2 is healthy and to see if little E is getting a sister or a brother!

And last but definitely not least, on May 31st (also known as Memorial Day to you people that actually get this day off of work), we begin a huge new product launch at work, so that means lots of work for us. However, in the midst of all the chaos this month, we have managed to have a little fun too. Here's the proof.

We make E wear this hat, a lot (what could be more fun than that). Cullen and Amber sent it to us over Christmas. Apparently it is the "it" look for kids in South Korea.

She'll wear it for hours...it's great (for us).

One of my great friends from college, Wendy, lives right down the street from us. So, E and her little girl have been playing in the baby pool. Emerson could not love this thing more.

E's on the DL (not the down low, the disabled list)

I've only got a second so I'm gonna sum up the past week or so real quick. We've had some big leadership changes at G's store, so that means more work for both of us. So we never made it to a baseball game and definitely have not enjoyed any beach music. We have however been interviewing new babysitters because McKenzie is leaving us for the summer...boo. It's also looking like I am going to be going back to work pretty full-time over the summer...I can't lie, it makes me a little sad.

Anyway, before life took a turn for the crazy (don't you hate it when it does that), G was taking E to play Frisbee golf every afternoon so I could take a nap. She was his caddy...it was cute. Real cute. She seriously holds his Frisbee's for him the whole time.

Em has also been sporting some super cool sunglasses. Ok, so I put them on her and she takes them right off...it's still cute.

She's also really into digging in her toy baskets and pulling everything out one at a time but at an extremely rapid pace.

Sometimes when she gets to the bottom she falls into the basket and her feet flail around in the air. It's awesome.

Then when things get stuck in the basket (in this case her cash register) and she can't get them out, she makes this face. It's even awesomer.

Sadly, little E burnt the tar out of her fingers by touching a light bulb the other day. One of our new babysitters was here when it happened and we didn't notice it until the next day. I'm sure we looked like great parents taking our kid to the pediatrician with a burnt hand swearing we had no idea what had happened (we didn't talk to the babysitter until after the visit to discover what really happened). It is really sad b/c all of the skin on two of her fingers is peeling off and blistering. I feel so bad for her. We have antibiotic burn cream for her and I tried to put band aids on her fingers. She pulled them off within a few minutes.

No worries, she's still her joyful self. We really love this kid.