Goodbye, My Girl.

"Dogs aren't our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” 

Monday started just like any other day.  I snoozed my alarm the  typical 30+ minutes and stumbled out of bed groggily to take the girls out.  We reached the door and the cold air hit me like a ton of bricks.  After Bailey and Jenna were outside, I turned around to begin to get ready for the day.

As usual, five minutes later, the girls weren’t quite ready to come in, but Jenna came running when she heard the food hit the bowl.  She rushed past me, but Bailey was still taking her merry time, as usual.  I turned around to head back to our bedroom, but decided to peek out and see where Bailey was.

That’s how some of the worst few hours of my life began.

As I peered out in the yard, I spotted Bailey on her side in the wet grass.  This is a dog that doesn’t like to step on wet grass, so I knew she wasn’t lying there willingly.  I ran out there, scooped her up and ran in, screaming to Clay to close the door so Jenna wouldn’t get out.  My heart simultaneously raced and jumped into my throat.

As she lay on the bedroom floor, I sobbed and shook and watched in horror as her breathing slowed down and became more labored.  I called the vet to figure out where to take her, and within minutes, had her on a blanket in my Jeep and was flying down the road, hazard lights.

I kept one hand on her the whole time and she lifted her head often, thankful for my touch.  As we neared Birmingham, she regained some energy and stood up to look out the window.  We flew into the emergency clinic parking lot and I ran in carrying her.  I had called to let them know we were on the way, so they were waiting to grab her from me.

I alternated between sitting and standing in the waiting room until they called me back.  The veterinarian said she was stable, her heart rate was normal and she was standing.  They were closing in less than an hour, and since she wasn’t in critical condition, decided to just keep on eye on her until our vet opened.

At 7:40, she was still doing well.  She was rather lethargic, but still looked more like herself, so we drove to her regular vet.  They had also been informed that we were coming, so we were ushered back quickly.  Upon arrival, her temperature was only 98 degrees, which is pretty low for a canine, so she was placed on a heating pad.

The doctor came in roughly 30 minutes later.  My first concern was when she listened to Bailey’s heart.  She didn’t say a word.  After the initial exam, she took her for x-rays, bloodwork and an ultrasound.  After nearly an hour, Bailey was back in the room, but I hadn’t seen the vet.  That’s when I looked up and saw her with a doctor on each side discussing something on the papers in her hand.  All three had looks of concern on their faces.  I tried to steady myself for the news to come, but nothing could have prepared me.

When the vet entered the room, she closed the doors that had been open the whole time.  She began telling me the prognosis.  She had a very large mass on the left side.  It was so big that it was pushing her stomach and spleen entirely to the right.  She also had fluid around her heart.  Once I was able to calm myself and really absorb what she was saying, we began to discuss treatment options.

While we were there, they could drain the fluid around her heart and do an echo to determine the cause, whether it was a tumor or heart disease.  Depending on the outcome of the echo, we may have been able to schedule a rather lengthy surgery to remove the mass. 

I spoke to the doctor in length about the potential dangers and effectiveness of surgery.  We discussed in great detail what the procedure would consist of, and what the long-term treatment would require.  I wanted to be fully informed so I could call Clay to fill him in, but mostly, to ensure we made the right decision regarding her care.  The echo would tell us what we were dealing with, but it could be painful to remove the fluid.  If we did the surgery to remove the mass, she may not even make it through the anesthesia because of her age, and if she did make it through surgery, it may not be successful, again because of her age.

When I called Clay, he made it clear that it was my decision to make and that if I chose to go through with the treatment, we would do whatever it took to get her well.  Together, we made the hardest decision I have ever had to make.  I had to decide to let my longtime companion go to Doggy Heaven. 

“Petting, scratching, and cuddling a dog could be as soothing to the mind and heart as
 deep meditation and almost as good for the soul as prayer.”

Upon making the decision, Clay left work to be with me.  My mom left work as well to say her goodbyes.  On her way, she stopped and got Bailey her favorite snack, a rotisserie chicken.  After getting off the phone with them, I pulled Bailey and her towel to the floor and laid down with her.  We spent the next few minutes “talking” about the things she had done to get Jenna in trouble and reminiscing over our time together.  I went from crying to laughing at things she had done. 

My mom arrived first and I explained the situation.  She had a few minutes with Bailey, then we got out the chicken.  As lethargic as Bailey was, she knew when I had opened the chicken.  She’s never been the most patient thing in the world.  I’m surprised she didn’t take a finger off!  She usually has to share the skin of the chicken with Jenna, but got every morsel to herself, and even got some of the meat Daddy never shares!

Clay arrived while she was enjoying her snack, and he spent a few minutes with her.  We called the doctor in and within a minute or two, she slipped through the pearly doggy door. 

From the time I found her in the yard to the time we left with her in a casket was less than 5 hours.  It hit me like a Mack truck: hard and with no warning.  The day before, she ate like normal and showed no signs of distress.

We went home and Clay brought her bed in and I grabbed one of her blankets.  We went outside and Jenna and I supervised as Clay dug a hole.  We put the bed in, then covered her with her pink paw print blankie.  Before we covered the grave, we sat around it in silence.  Jenna sniffed the box and scooted over to sit in my lap. 

It’s now Friday and we’ve made it through our first few days.  I’ve had meltdowns when I’ve gotten two snacks out of habit, and when I noticed a framed picture on my desk at work.  I even cried when Clay took his shirt off to get in bed and it stayed there instead of being made into a bed.  Each time Bryson calls out “Baaaaailey,” my heart breaks a little.  I know he’s actually calling Jenna because she’s his BFF and he thinks all dogs are Baileys, but knowing that doesn’t make it hurt any less.  Yesterday, I realized that Bryson wouldn't remember Bailey, so now when he calls her name, I tell him something about her.  It's been great therapy to my heart to share her quirks, silly behavior, smart things she's done and even what a brat she was at times.

“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.” 

Bay has been my constant companion for over 12 years.  She’s licked away many tears and kept me company when I’ve moved to a new city.  She’s made me laugh with her hyper running and jumping, and has amazed me with how incredibly intelligent she was.  She's cracked me up when she did her prairie dog sit in front of an unsuspecting person with food... and weaseled a bite every time.  I've been amazed at her skill to do the "Bailey Curse" and make a team lose to Alabama (ask the '09 Tennessee team- that was all her). She’s been an important part of my life, but also of Jenna’s. They didn't hit it off immediately, but eventually, loved each other like they were really sisters. 

Jenna has never really been alone, but has done great this week while we've been at work.  She seems to be very sad, but is getting the royal treatment.  Bailey even sent the remainder of her chicken home to her. 

When my first dog passed away, I said I would never get another one.  I think the same thing now, but I know deep down that the pain I feel right now pales in comparison to the joy Bailey brought to my life.  She will be dearly missed, but my memories are strong and will last longer than the pain.  One day, I will look at a picture and laugh about her excited expression instead of burst out in tears.  One day, I will tell Bryson about his oldest sister and how excited she was to meet him.  One day, I’ll be covered in sloppy wet kisses and rub her hairy little belly when we meet again at the Rainbow Bridge.

"Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day.  It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them." - John Grogan, Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog

Bryson: One Year

 

Weight: Your 12-month appointment was on 7/5.  At the appointment, you weighed 24.5 pounds.

Height:  On 7/5/13, you were 30.5 inches long.

Eating Habits: You, sir, make this parenting thing easy *knock on wood*.  I had been very concerned about ditching the bottle, but you did it by yourself.  You began playing with the bottle more than drinking it, so I started putting your formula in your favorite sippy cups.  You still wouldn't drink it, so we switched to milk and you chugged it.  You weaned yourself off bottles and formula right after turning 11 months.

You're so funny about food.  You won't eat certain things if they're in small baby-sized pieces.  You're great about not biting off more than you can chew... except bananas.  You would shove a whole banana in your mouth if we'd let you.

Favorite Foods: There's not really much that you don't like.  I think if you had to choose anything, you'd eat a banana.  You also really like pasta with tomato sauce.  You eat grilled cheese sandwiches, homemade chicken nuggets, yogurt, waffles with peanut butter, ravioli and chicken often.  You also discovered that you LOVE baked beans this month.  They end up all over your face because you pop them in your mouth by the handful.


Least Favorite Foods:  You've lost your affinity for blueberries and sweet potatoes along the way.  When I try to give you sweet potato, you make a face when it squishes in your fingers.  You don't like anything vinegary, like coleslaw, and refuse to eat anything green that isn't mixed into a sauce.  I'm sneaky, though, and hide broccoli or green beans in your pasta.  Bwahahaha.

Milestones: You have EIGHT teeth now!  One popped up overnight on May 30.  I didn't see it when we brushed your teeth before bed, but the next morning when we brushed them, there it was!

You've started brushing your own teeth!  I actually brush them first and you love it, but after we're done, you want a turn.  You put the toothbrush in your mouth and shake your head "no."  It's hilarious, but shows that you understand how it's done, you smart little cookie!







Favorite Things: 
You love to play tug-of-war with Jenna.  She's great with you and usually doesn't pull too hard.  I'm always so afraid you're going to tug as hard as you can and she's going to let go and send you flying.  Somehow you always end up doing it near the ceramic tile floor.

You love to play "Where's Bryson."  You do it frequently with your bath towel or blankets we use in the living room or in your crib.  You've even done it with the blankets on the dog beds (eww) and just your fingers.  You cover your eyes and we say "Wheeeeere's Bryson?"  You pull whatever is covering your eyes down and we exclaim, "There him is!"  You LOVE it and will do it forever.  We were in the Jeep for 5 hours on the way to the beach and I sat in the back with you for awhile.  We played it for at least 30 minutes. Your hiding place was behind the head rest on your car seat.

You have picked up this new face that we're pretty sure Aunt Christa taught you.  You do it ALL. THE. TIME.  It's funny until you do it when you get in trouble.  Okay, I'm lying.  It's funny then too, but we can't laugh then.  We've tried to get you to stop doing it, so when you make the face, we grin like idiots.  All that's done is change how you do the face.  Now you make it, then immediately grin really big, showing all your teeth.  You're a little nut!

Not-So-Favorite Things: You're going through separation anxiety again.   Fortunately, you're fine when I drop you off at daycare.  You've only cried twice when I've left you.  At home, it's a different story.  You can be playing contentedly, but if you catch us walking out of the room, you go to pieces.  You even do it sometimes when one of us is still with you.  You're really bad about abandoning Daddy in the floor to follow me from room to room.  You do it to me sometimes too, especially if Daddy is just getting home.  You have to follow him to our room when he changes clothes and always to the bathroom.  haha

You've also started wanting to be held more.  If we're holding you and try to put you down, you stiffen your legs so they won't bend for you to sit on the ground.  Both of these make getting things done pretty difficult.  I'm a sucker, though, and love the extra cuddles.

The bubbles weren't really working.

Other Bryson News: On Monday, June 3, you got tubes put in your ears.  You didn't get to eat anything after you went to sleep the night before until about 9:30 AM, but it didn't really faze you.  What did bother you, though, was the nurse trying to take your vitals.  She had to distract you with bubbles.  From the time I handed you over to the nurse to the time you were back in our room was 22 minutes, so obviously it wasn't invasive, but I'm not a fan of you going through that stuff.  You handled it like a champ, so we got a free day of playing when we got home.

We went to the beach on Thursday, May 30.  You absolutely LOVED it.  When we got to Florida, our room wasn't ready, so we went grocery shopping.  When we got back, our room was ready, so we checked in and went in to unpack and change clothes.   You went straight to the balcony door to look outside. You kept turning around to look at us like you were asking if we were seeing this too.  I loved watching the wonder on your face.



We went down to the beach quickly and you showed us you're a beach bum like us immediately.  You've never really liked wind blowing on your face, but as soon as the ocean breeze hit you, you lit up and started clapping.  At first, you weren't too sure about the water hitting your feet, but it didn't last long because you started slapping and kicking the waves as they rolled in.  Each wave made you laugh, which of course, cracked us up.  You loved to get out deeper in the water and let the waves hit you and Daddy.  You were immediately enamored with the sand, as you can tell by the bottom right picture.  You hadn't been sitting there for more than 10 seconds when I took that picture.  As per typical Bryson fashion, you had lots of snacks on the beach.  All that fun in the sun made you hungry!

Before we left on our trip, I was worried that you would either skip naps and be over-tired or we would spend the whole day in the hotel room.  Neither happened.  You took naps at your normal time and were perfectly content doing so on the lounge chair or a blanket on the sand.

Daddy and I started a tradition on our first beach trip together.  On the last night, we take a walk on the beach and pick up shells.  At first, we were going to choose just one, but I can't narrow it down.  We have a vase full of shells from our trips, even from our honeymoon in Jamaica.  On the last night of our first trip as a family, we went shell hunting.  You dug up a perfect shell with your toes, so we kept it as your shell.  I even labeled it with a Sharpie, so years from now when you go through my treasure box, you will find your very first shell!  (Yes, I'm a sap and potentially a hoarder)

You and I like to play a game where we make silly faces.  We do it all the time, but when we go out to eat, especially if it's just the two of us, we have to play.  Both of us will lower our heads and look up at each other then crack up laughing.  I have a hard time getting a picture because you crack yourself up so quickly, but I was able to get one picture.  I laugh every time I see it.  You're so silly!


You are such a joy and incredible blessing, my little stinky Stinkbug.  My life was forever changed when you entered it and I wouldn't have it any other way.  Your Daddy and I love you more than you can possibly ever imagine.

Love always, Mommy

Bryson: Eleven Months

Weight: 24.5 pounds.

Height: You haven't been measured since your 9-month appointment, at which you were 29 3/4 inches.  I would just about bet you're over 31 now.  Your 12-month jeans are a good inch too short.

Eating Habits:  You're down to 2 small bottles a day, once when you wake up and one right before bed.  You're getting the majority of your calories from real food and are a master at feeding yourself.  You are also getting diluted juice, which you LOVE.

Favorite Foods: You're definitely your Mama's boy because you LOVE spaghetti.  I make it with whole wheat elbow noodles because they're easier to hold than regular spaghetti and you absolutely go to town on it!

You eat bananas like they're going out of style.  Each morning, you have a whole banana and a waffle.  You always go for the banana first.  You have figured out how to peel them, but if you hold the whole banana, you shove it in your mouth and take a huge bite.  I'm talking a bite so big that you look like a squirrel with a mouth full of nuts- cheeks fully extended and banana hanging out of your mouth.  You think it's hilarious too because you always crack up.

Chicken, ribs, cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches and macaroni and cheese also top the list.

Least Favorite Foods: The only thing you refuse to eat is peaches.  I just don't get how you don't love them.  You're also not a big fan of most green things, but will occasionally tolerate a few small pieces of broccoli or green beans.

Notice the spaghetti face? :)

Milestones:
You, sir, are a tooth-making machine.  You have SEVEN now.  So far, teething has basically been a breeze.  You're a tough little cookie and don't cry when they're coming in.  On every tooth except one, you've gone to sleep and woken up with a new tooth. Daddy says nature is just taking care of you because you need all those teeth for all the meat you eat!

It probably seems like an odd place to put this, but as a boy, the first time you touch a frog is definitely a milestone.

We went to Aunt Sandy and Uncle David's house for Maw Maw Hill's 93rd birthday party and there was a big tree frog on the side of the house. I picked it up and held it in front of you so you could see it.  I kept it enclosed in my hand with just its head peeking out so it wouldn't jump on your face, but you wanted it!  You immediately reached for it.  When its head popped out, you did your excited dance, then started poking at its eyes.  I didn't want you to hurt it, so I let it go quickly.  We'll play with frogs again when you're big enough to touch and not to gouge eyes.  Ha.

You are a crawling master now.  You army crawled for about a month, then lifted yourself to your knees and hands.  I have to tell you how this happened because it's too funny not to share.  You LOVE to have some naked time after your bath each night, so I give you about 5 minutes to let the lotion absorb in your skin.  You usually stay in your room and pull all the books off the shelf, but one night, you decided to venture next door to your play room.  I tried to stop you, but you were persistent.  I knew the ceramic tile would be cold on your tummy, etc., but I thought it might make you give up the belly crawling, so I let you do it.  The floor wasn't that cold on your belly, but as soon as your weewee touched, you shot up like a rocket and haven't army crawled since.  I don't think I've ever laughed so hard in my life.


Favorite Things: You love to sit at the front door and watch what's going on outside.  When we open the door, you take off with a shot and join Jenna on watch.  This is the only time when you are truly still and don't need a toy.  We live on the main road of the neighborhood and are in an intersection, so you see a lot of cars, puppies, kitties and people.

I have a full-length mirror in our bedroom that I sit in front of to get ready.  You make your way to it often and carry on conversations with the boy in there for minutes at a time.  He must be absolutely hilarious because you crack up mid-sentence.

If you pass a mirror, you always have to look at yourself, and you usually smile.  I guess if I was that adorable, I'd smile at my reflection too. :)









Since you've been crawling, you've discovered a whole new world.  Our house has some super fun things in it, one of which is the dryer.  If it's on and you're passing by the laundry room, you sit in the hall in a trance.  I started turning the drum light on and now you have to make your way into the laundry room to watch it spin.  I love to watch your wide-eyed curiosity as you discover these new things.  You're so intrigued by so much and learn so much from your exploration.



We took you to the outdoor pool at the gym and you absolutely loved it.  You have been in the pool before, but this time, it was PACKED and there were tons of fun people to watch... and splash.  You got splashed a time or two and didn't miss a beat.  The pool is a walk-in, so it starts at about 1/2 an inch deep and gets deeper the further you walk.  We sat you down at about the 6-inch mark and you immediately start slapping the water and even tried to lay back and kick your feet.  You totally ignored your water toys and just wanted to splash.  Everyone had to get out for a 30 minutes, so Daddy and I found some loungers and in a minute or two, you were sound asleep on my chest.  You didn't move a muscle when Daddy lifted you off of me or on the walk to the Jeep.  When I put you in your carseat, you immediately slumped over, sound asleep.  The pool wore you out!

For the longest time, you didn't move in your sleep, but now you're all over the place! Each morning, I like to peek in on you and see how you're sleeping.  Sometimes it's on your side with your hands under your cheek; on other days, you're sprawled out on your book with your hands are behind your head.  My favorite, which happens most often, is when you're on your belly, hands tucked under you and booty straight in the air!










In your exploring around the house, you have discovered door stoppers.  You slap them and the springs make a noise you love!  With the way our house  is designed, the sound echoes all over, so when you get going and hit it fast, it sounds like a machine gun is going off in the hall.

Not-So-Favorite Things: At times, you don't like being put down.  If we start bending to put you in your walker, you lift your legs so they're parallel to the floor and won't go in the walker.  If we're intending to sit you on the floor, you stiffen your legs so they won't bend and we can't get you to sit down.  Seriously, kid?  You're a stinker!

You have developed a serious attitude when you don't like something.  You do this weird scream/screech/squawk noise and throw your hands in the air to tell us you're displeased.  You really only do this if you're hungry or sleepy and aren't entertained by what we give you or you are being put down against your will.  Otherwise, you're pretty content.

Other Bryson News:
May 11, 2013 was our first Mother's Day together.  I have been blessed to be surrounded by incredible role models in your grandmothers and great grandmothers, so this day is full of celebration.  We went to Cullman to see Grandmama Heald, and as usual, you were the life of the party.  Fortunately, it was a nice day, so we got to play outside for awhile.  Granddaddy Heald, Aunt Christa and Daddy were playing washers, and you were so curious as to what they were doing, so you spent a lot of time belly crawling in the grass.  You eventually fell asleep on my shoulder, which is one of my favorite times of the day.  I love Bryson snuggles.

You may have your Grandmama Heald wrapped around your little finger.  You took a nap after just about everyone had left, and when you woke up, were still a little grumpy, so Grandmama held you.  You played with her necklace and laid on her shoulder, very contentedly.














On May 18, we went to Holly Pond for Maw Maw Hill's birthday party.  We currently have 5 generations living on my dad's side, which is incredible!  Maw Maw Hill is an amazing woman and I'm so glad you've been able to spend some time with her.  She just loves you to pieces.  As soon as she sees you, she holds her arms up so I'll hand you over and she smothers you in kisses. I know your great great grandfather, Papa, loves you too, and is watching you from his perch in Heaven.

While we were at Aunt Sandy and Uncle David's for the party, Grammy T took you to see the cows.  They weren't very enthused to see you, but you were amazed by them.  You stared with wide eyes for a long time, then looked at me to see if I was seeing them too!

Bryson Reed, I've said this so many times, but I love you so much.  There isn't a day that goes by that Daddy and I don't tell you that and we try very hard to make sure you know it by our actions as well.  At this point, it's hard to remember life without you, and almost inconceivable that life was happy without you in it because you fill us with so much joy now.  You are the greatest thing that either of us have ever done and are so incredibly proud of you.  You amaze us day in and day out and we feel so blessed that God chose us to be your parents.  We love you, Stinkbug, more today than yesterday and less than tomorrow!

- Mommy

Bryson: Ten months

Seriously, how is it possible that you're only two months from being one?

Weight: At your appointment on April 30, you weighed 22 pounds and 12 ounces.

Height: You haven't been measured since your 9-month appointment, at which you were 29 3/4 inches.  You've definitely grown since then because we soared past 12 month pajamas and you're in 18 month pjs now.

Eating Habits: You're down to 4 bottles a day for a total of about 23 ounces.  You're still a big fan of your baba, which really sent me into a tailspin because the bottle will be gone soon!  You eat breakfast, lunch, supper and a snack of "real" food.

Favorite Foods:  You LOVE bananas now and can finish an entire one in one sitting.  I gave you blueberries for the first time this month and went through 10 quickly without dropping one.  The next carton we got was pretty bitter, so you won't eat them.  Ha.  In addition, ribs, chicken, waffles, strawberries, sweet potatoes and carrots top the list, but you eat most things really well and aren't super picky. Grandmama made a chicken casserole that you devoured, so I've been making it too.  I also make chicken nuggets with ground carrot and apple inside that you chow down on.  In one week, you finished about 25 of the nuggets!

Least Favorite Foods: You don't like peaches AT ALL.  I've tried fresh, canned, pureed and even in a healthy cobbler, but you won't touch them.  It's things like this that make me wonder if we're really related. :) You don't like corn either.  I thought you'd like to try corn on the cob because it's different, but it turned into a hammer and your green beans were flattened all over the kitchen!

Milestones: 

You're crawling!  We had your buddies, Kellen and Levi, over one day.  You were the only baby not crawling.  As soon as they left, you deserted your toys and started practicing crawling.  A few days later, you were zooming all over the house.  Of course, by "zooming," I mean slowly making your way around, considering your crawl is mostly Army-style with a few regular crawling steps mixed in.  I was thankful that you waited until tax season was over to start crawling because you are in to EVERYTHING, especially since you're speeding up now!

End of busy season party. Y'all were both happy it was over!

Speaking of tax season, we made it through your first tax season.  Right now, you don't get how difficult it can be, but tax season is tough since Daddy is a CPA.  There were some days that he didn't get home until I was already in bed, so he missed seeing you those days.  Most days, he left work early enough to spend some time with you, then worked after you went to sleep.  He works very, very hard for us!





After tax season was over, we took a few days off work and school and just spent some time together as a family.  On April 18, we went to the zoo and you had a BLAST!  The first animals were saw were the elephants and you stared in wide-eyed amazement. When you would see something you liked, you always looked back at me to make sure I was seeing it too.  On occasion, you would laugh and point.  Your favorite animals were the squirrel monkeys because they moved so fast and were apparently hilarious.



You said "Dada" for the first time on Saturday, March 30.  We heard you say it and tried to get you to repeat it.  Daddy was especially excited and wanted you to say it again.  You looked up at him and with an attitude, said, "Mama."  You're a little stinker.  To add insult to injury, you busted out laughing at yourself.

You got your first professional haircut on Friday, April 19, 2013.  You were SO GOOD during the cut.  The woman who does my hair, Alexa, did it.  You sat in Daddy's lap and just let her cut.  You were curious about the scissors at first and when she turned the clippers on, you jerked your head around to see what the noise was, but turned right around and let her work.  You looked so handsome and so much like a big boy with the new 'do!

Your first Easter was a blast!  We spent the day with Nana and PawPaw in Fayette.  You got dressed up for church and everybody there wanted to meet you since they've known your daddy since he was your age.  People passed you around like crazy and kept telling you how handsome you were.  One woman told you that and you rubbed her face softly and sweetly.  I thought she was going to melt into a puddle of goo.  Always the ladies man.  After church, we went to Nana and PawPaw's house and you played with your cousins and had an Easter egg hunt.  It was raining, so we hunted eggs inside.  You really enjoyed getting your Easter basket.  You had a monster truck, Snickers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Bubbles, maracas, a crinkle monkey and Easter eggs that look like footballs and baseballs.

When we went to see the Easter Bunny, you looked around like you had no idea what was going on.  The Bunny's helpers couldn't make you smile and neither could any of your toys.  I started doing the silly mommy dance and you smiled.  I heard at least 5 people giggle and say "Awww," as you smiled, confirming that people had been watching me be silly.  Thanks, kid. ;) Nah, it was worth it to have such a great picture.  I LOVE this picture.












Favorite Things:  You love to play outside.  I take a blanket out with us when we go outside, but in true boy fashion, you're on the grass instantly.  You love to feel it on your toes and pull it out and throw it.  You better be careful showing your fascination; Daddy is itching for you to mow!

We've been blowing bubbles a lot and you love them.  I started blowing them right at you the other day and you squealed each time you caught one.  They're the one thing that will keep you occupied as long as they're around.

As much as you love bath time, we decided to take you to the pool when we joined our new gym.  You absolutely loved it.  Actually, love is probably an understatement.  As soon as you touched the water, you began splashing around and didn't care that the water hit your face.  We took you deeper and deeper and Daddy even held you under the water showering down.  You stuck your hand and head straight in.  A little girl kept coming up to you to play and you were polite and didn't splash too, too much until she left.

Not-So-Favorite Things: Outside of the few foods you don't like, it's hard to come up with not-so-favorite things.  You're the happiest baby I've ever seen!

You still fight naps, but all it usually takes is a few rounds of "Jesus Loves the Little Stinkbugs" and me rubbing your head or patting your booty and you're out.

You aren't a big fan of being strapped in the car seat, but as soon as you see the scenery changing outside the window, you're happy.

Other Bryson News: You have 6 teeth!  I hope all your teeth come in as easy as these have.  You don't complain at all; we just notice a new tooth that wasn't there the day before.  Of course, you won't let me snap a picture, you little Stinkbug.

You've been a master at standing up for months, but now, you like to stand up and play.  The ottoman is your favorite play mat.  Your monthly pictures are getting harder to take since you want to crawl away, so I thought I could get you next to the ottoman.  That didn't work well either.

The past 10 months have flown by.  I watch you playing sometimes and miss my squishy baby, but I also love this age and watching you grow.  You are so much fun and have such a wonderful personality.  You're laidback and have fun in every situation.  You very rarely get upset and I'm pretty sure have never had a bad day. I love to watch you discover new things and the amazement that's apparent on your face.  You are very inquisitive and pick up new things very quickly. Bryson, you are such a joy and bring so much happiness to our home and family.  We love you more than you could possibly know.  Mommy & Daddy

From Freezer to Slow Cooker

Before Bryson was born, I stocked our freezer with easy crock pot meals .  Since he came along, I've found it's so much easier to spend an hour or two in the kitchen on Sunday prepping meals for the week than to cook each night.  I have to clean the kitchen once instead of every night, which leaves a lot more playtime with my little man.

I got this crazy notion to prepare a month's worth of crock pot meals, thanks to my friend, Kim.  Since I don't have the freezer space for that, I cut it in half and did 16 bags that provided supper for Clay and me, as well as lunch for one of us.  It took me 96 minutes to get everything chopped, measured and bagged.  Clean up each night was as simple as packing leftovers and tossing the slow cooker liner!

This round, I made:
- pesto ranch chicken x2
- meatloaf (1/2 ground turkey, 1/2 ground beef) x2
- garlic beef stew
- balsamic roast
- ribs
- sweet Asian meatballs x2
- fajitas x2
- Philly cheesesteak
- beef w/ sugar snap peas
- chicken teriyaki x2
- tex mex chicken

Coming up with the list of things I wanted to make was the hardest part.  I tried to make similar recipes so I could use all of what I bought.  Since I was buying so much in addition to the groceries we needed for the week, I also matched sales and did a lot of ad matching.  What can I say?  I love a couponing high!  I got all of this plus our regular groceries for less than $150!

To start, labels bags with what's in it and the date.  DO NOT skimp on bags.  Great Value and other cheap bags leak and the last thing you want is garlic beef stew frozen to the bottom of your freezer.  I prefer Hefty slide zipper bags.

Start with a staging area.  Get everything you plan to use in one area that's easily accessible.  Open cans and jars.  It makes things so much easier when you can just grab and go.

I used to drag the garbage can beside me and dump everything as I went, but have started using a Rachael Ray trick and keep a garbage bowl handy.  It prevents me from tripping over the trash can.  Now I only have to worry about Bailey being under foot...

Invest in Reynolds slow cooker liners.  They're something like $2.50 and prevent you from having to wash the crock pot with each use.

All of the recipes below are either my own creations or adapted from recipes I've found online.  We prefer to eat as healthy as possible and live on the AdvoCare/Paleo diet, so all of these recipes fall into that category.  When possible, I've included a link to the original recipe.

Pesto Ranch Chicken Source

- 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 

- 1 small jar Classico pesto

- 1 package dry Ranch dressing mix (I use homemade Ranch mix)

- low sodium chicken broth 

- Combine chicken breasts, pesto and Ranch mix in the bag.  Add chicken broth when cooking.  I use roughly half a box of broth- it's never enough to cover the chicken as I don't like the texture too much broth gives chicken, but does give it some flavor and moisture.  Chicken doesn't need to cook long because it dries out. The max I ever leave chicken in the crock pot is 6 hours on low.

Meatloaf

- 1 pound lean ground beef (I use 97/3)

- 1 pound lean ground turkey (I use 97/3 when possible)

- 1 egg

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 small can no salt added tomato sauce

- 1 tablespoon dry Ranch mix

- salt

- pepper

- Mix all ingredients except the tomato sauce and half the mixture.  

- Form the mixture into two loaf shapes.  Top each loaf with tomato sauce and place in individual bags.  

- When cooking, just place in crock pot.  No liquid necessary.  This doesn't take long to cook, but can go all day if necessary.  I did 6 hours on low.

Garlic Beef Stew Source

- 1.5 pounds lean steak, cubed, or stew meat
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3-4 medium carrots, sliced
- 6* cloves of garlic, finely diced
- salt
- pepper
- no salt added tomato paste
- 2-3 cups low sodium chicken broth

- Combine all ingredients in the bag and just toss in the crock pot when you're ready to cook.  No additional steps needed.
- * I never tried this because I had a stomach bug when we cooked it.  Clay wasn't a huge fan of it because it was pretty garlicky.   I think I'll probably reduced it to 3 cloves next time.  I like green beans in my beef stew, so I'll probably add some frozen cut green beans to the bag.
- I used a soup/stew preset on my crock pot, so it cooked for 3 hours on high and 6 on low.

Balsamic Roast Source

- 1.5-2 pound roast 

- 1 large onion, sliced

- 8-ounce can no salt added tomato sauce

- 1/2-cup balsamic vinaigrette (I used Marzetti brand I got on sale)

- extra virgin olive oil

- salt

- pepper

- garlic powder

- Season each side of the roast with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet and brown the roast on all sides.
- Allow it to cool, then put in the bag with the remaining ingredients.
- When cooking, just put everything in the crock pot.  No additional steps required.  Cook low and slow- I did 8 hours on low.  

Ribs Source
- rack of ribs (I used baby back, trimmed of all visible fat)
- pepper
- salt
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- cayenne (I didn't add this because Bryson was eating them)
- BBQ sauce for dipping, if desired
- 1/4 cup reduced sodium chicken broth

- Rub the ribs with the seasonings and place in the bag.
- Pour the broth in the bag before freezing. It will act like a brine and make the ribs more flavorful and tender.
- Cook on low for 8 hours.

Sweet Asian Meatballs Source
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, minced
- 1 large can crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- 1 egg
- salt
- pepper

- Combine all the ingredients and form into balls.  I made the meatballs palm-sized, but you can do mini balls or big ones.  Totally your preference, just make sure they're the same size.  Separate the balls into 2 bags.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4, depending on the size.

Fajitas
- 2 yellow onions
- 4 bell peppers (I used one pack of tricolor and a green)
- small handful of taco seasoning (I make my own from this recipe, minus the salt)
- 4-5 boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat
- 2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth

- Rub the chicken breasts in taco seasoning.  Toss everything except broth in 2 bags, no need to chop the chicken.
- Dump the bag in the slow cooker, then pour in broth.  Cook on low for 6 hours.  As the chicken cooks, it will become very tender and will shred easily.  Shred the chicken using tongs or two forks, then wrap up in a tortilla or put on a salad!

Philly cheesesteak in a bowl Source
- 1.5 lb lean steak, sliced thin (I use eye of round most often)
- 1 green pepper, sliced thin
- 1 yellow onion, sliced thin
- 1 tbsp low sodium worcestshire sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- pinch of black pepper
- pinch of chili powder
- 1 tsp-1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1/2 cup low sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup part skim mozzarella shredded cheese (optional)

- Combine all ingredients except broth and cheese in the bag and shake well.  Toss in the crock pot and add chicken broth.  Cook on low for 6-8 hours.  Since the steak is sliced so thin, it doesn't need long, but does get more tender the longer it cooks.  Eye of round is super lean, but can also be chewy, so the extra time in the crock pot really helps the flavor and texture.
- Add cheese on top in the last 30 minutes to give it time to melt.  Dairy isn't allowed on the 24 Day Challenge and some Paleo eaters avoid dairy, so if you follow either of these, leave out this step.
- We've eaten this on a wrap, but it's good all by itself!  No carbs necessary!

Beef with Sugar Snap Peas  Source
- 1.5 - 2 pounds lean steak, sliced very thin (I used sirloin)
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger (or about 2 tsp dry ginger)
- 5 scallions, sliced on the diagonal
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, either finely minced or made into a paste
- 1.5 - 2 cups snow or sugar snap peas (fresh or frozen)

- In large bag, combine in all of the ingredients except the peas.  Toss to coat everything in the sauces.
- Put the snow peas or sugar snap peas in a smaller bag and place it in the big bag.  I used sugar snap because I couldn't find snow peas.  I've since  made it with snow peas and they're both fantastic!
- Cook the ingredients of the large bag on low for 6-7 hours.  Add the sugar snap peas in the last 30-45 minutes.  They'll give the dish a freshness and crisp crunch!

Chicken Teriyaki Source
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp Splenda brown sugar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup low sodium, low sugar teriyaki sauce or 1 teriyaki chicken seasoning packet
- 2 scallions, sliced on the diagonal
- 1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth

- Pour soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, sesame seeds and teriyaki sauce or seasoning in the bag.  Close and shake to mix.  Break up the brown sugar with your fingers if it clumps.
- Add the chicken to the bag, then toss to coat.
- Pour the contents of the bag in the crock pot, then add chicken broth.  Cook on low for 5-6 hours.  In the last hour, add the scallions and stir to make sure they're covered by the liquid.
- If you want to make a sauce, pour the leftover liquid from the crockpot into a pot and get to a rapid boil.  Let it boil for 3-4 minutes, then reduce to a simmer.  It'll take a while to reduce unless you add cornstarch, which of course, I don't do, but it will reduce to a thicker consistency and it's soooo good!

When you've made all of your bags, lie them flat and remove all the air you can.  Place them on the bottom of your freezer, as flat as possible.  When they're frozen through, you can file them like books on a shelf.  Thanks for that tip, Grandmama!  It saves so much space in the freezer!

Tex Mex Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- no sugar added salsa
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 bunch cilantro, roughly chopped
- juice of 2 limes

- Put the chicken in the bag and add all ingredients.
- Cook on low for 5 hours.  I shred the chicken when it's cooked and add to a salad with black beans.