Celebrate Good Times...Come On!

This past weekend I celebrated my birthday. Yeah, 28 years old and starting to realize I'm getting old. Perhaps having a baby and being sleep deprived doesn't help but there it is. Evan turns 29 next week and he's already freaking out about turning 30 soon. ha. I can not remember the last time I had such a fun and special Birthday. Don't get me wrong, I've had some good ones but this year was just nice and easy going with nothing too exciting happening and usually there's a group outing or small party with lots of friends and family. Not this year...nope. This year it was just Evan and I having a date night!

Evan used his floater day from work for my birthday so was off work all day! His parents came over and watched both the girls for us (Our first time away from Alyssa) while we went to Lewisville and had Hibachi for dinner to celebrate both our birthdays. There was only 1 other couple at our table and the chef asked if we wanted a full show or just a nice quiet meal to which we both said the latter. LOVED IT! He was amazing still with the fire and jokes and showmanship of cooking our food but it was a short/fast version and we got to enjoy our meal in a much quieter setting than the majority around us. The other couple was older and the husband asked me twice how long Evan and I had been dating which was funny seeing as my wedding ring was in plan sight. As we were both leaving I made a comment to Evan about checking on the girls to which the wife seemed shock to hear I had 2 children let alone a newborn at home. The husband started congratulating Evan for doing a "Good job!" and then adding how good it was for us to "Keep dating" He was British so maybe I was missing something? Anyway, they made our dinner kinda funny and not so hush hush.

After dinner we wanted dessert but didn't know where to go. We debated on driving to Frisco for Cheesecake when I remembered that most Barnes & Nobles have a Starbucks cafe with desserts, so we drove to the nearest one. As we walked in the cafe we both recognized the manager as a guy we went to High School with, not just any random guy but my freshmen year he was one of my closest friends, he was also in the Chemistry class where Evan and I met and joined in on the journal we passed around and wrote notes in! Evan wanted to see if he recognized us so we decided not to say anything until after we ordered our stuff. Once he saw us he made small talk but kept staring at me when suddenly he realized who I was and came rushing around the counter to hug me and Evan and was super excited to see us. We hadn't seen each other since our Wedding so he was so happy to hear and see we were still together and had kids now. When he asked what we were doing we told him it was my birthday and he gave us our cheesecake for free and also made me a special drink on the house. It was so sweet of him and getting to catch up was also great. Evan and I will definitely be seeing him soon.

We headed back to Denton and rented movies then said bye to Nan and Gary and Avery as they were taking her for the weekend to have some one on one time with her (she was so excited). Ate our cheesecake, snuggled up on the couch after we got Alyssa down and watched movies until we both crashed.

Saturday was amazing as we slept in until 9am (Alyssa has been sleeping 6-7hr stretches). Cleaned the house a bit before getting ready to run errands. We shopped for Alyssa and Avery then drove to Grapevine to BassPro so Evan could try to find ammo and a cleaning kit for his handgun and just look around. After that we went to Southlake where we enjoyed Central Market for some goodies for us as well as our friends Ross & Therese who were in the area for the weekend and having dinner with us in Arlington. I love Central Market, seriously...I could spend a whole day there. Got to dinner where Alyssa continued to be the best baby ever by never crying or fussing but being super mellow and sleeping off and on. She only fussed once in the car and we were out and about for over 5hrs!

So if you read my blog, you know Ross and Therese. We met back in Feb of 2009 at an engagement party for Evans best friend Nick, whose (now) wife Kate went to TCU with Therese. Evan and Therese were in the wedding party and Avery was only 6wks old so we had her with us and Therese being a NICU nurse was instantly wanting to see and play with her. We soon learned we had a lot in common and both lived in Fort Worth. Add that Evan and Ross were both Architect majors and we hit it off great. After the wedding we started hanging out, going on runs together, dinner dates, movie dates and enjoying our mutual love of Central Market. Ross and Therese became very special to us. They literally made living in Fort Worth not so miserable for me. Then Ross accepted a grad school offer in Kansas and they moved away to Kansas City. I even went with Therese on her trip to KC to find an apartment for them to live in and we also helped pack them up on moving day. I remember driving back home and just crying, I thought for sure I'd never see Therese or hang out with her again.

So wrong. Over the past 3yrs Therese has been down here to visit about once a year and once Ross surprised her with a trip down to Fort Worth just to have dinner with Nick, Kate, Evan and I. We also email, FB and Blog stalk each other and have random days where we txt nonstop and an occasionally phone date. Therese is just one of the biggest blessings in my life and our friendship although not big on face to face time is still one of the strongest friendships I have. So when she txt me and asked what Birthday plans we had I was super stoked when she asked if they could be a part of them since it just so happened they were coming to DFW for the weekend as Ross had a conference at UTA!!! Talk about awesome timing and an amazing gift for my birthday.

So we had dinner at our favorite Sushi place, Piranha Sushi, and got to catch up over delicious food. You'd never think we hadn't seen each other in almost 2 years! They also got to meet Alyssa which was neat since Avery was that little the first time we met them! I know they were sad about missing Avery this time as they adore her too. It was the perfect ending to such a nice day with Evan and it made my Birthday that much special. :)

 Meeting Alyssa.

 Just like old times.

 The original group. Evan, Me, Nick, Kate, Ross & Therese.

 Avery helping "Tree" Move to KC.

Just Chilling with Mr. Ross.

From Therese last visit in 2010

Girls Night Out.  Before she had to go back to KS.2010

                                        Us 2013                                      Us 2009

One of many activities together...

I said it on FB but I'll say it again. I've come to learn with age that when it comes to friendships I'll take Quality over Quanity anytime. Some friendships are just too special to let distance, time apart, life and other things take away from it.

Happy Birthday Avery Claire!!!

I hate that I didn't get to post this on Avery's birthday as I have the last 3 years but truly, life is always hectic around the holidays and her birthday seems to be the kick-off to the hectic-ness.

So yes. Hard to believe but...Avery turned 4 on December 19th!!! I seriously can not keep up with her sometimes and she just needs to stop growing up on us. She's no longer a toddler anymore and that was hard enough to handle when she left the chubby baby phase. This year we celebrated with a small party at Chuck E. Cheese, or as Evan and I code named it "Charles E. Queso". She had a blast and it was so sweet to see her surrounded by such fun friends.

She was a happy girl and got ridiculously spoiled with what seems like a million My little ponies. (Her new fave addiction)

Sweet Avery Claire,
 I doubt there will ever be a birthday that comes for you that I don't get emotional or feel overwhelmed by. You are still and continue to be the biggest and brightest light in your daddy and I's lives. You make us so proud and when we think of how it seems like just yesterday when you were brought into this world, way ahead of schedule, on a ridiculously hot December day....time truly has seemed to have flown by. You are 4yrs old now and going on 6! You are still one of the most polite kids we know, you never meet a stranger and your sweet spirit enraptures everyone you meet. Your smile is always on and your goofy laugh is infectious. Your love of the Lord makes me feel in awe. How you soak up everything and love to pray daily or recite your memory verses and get excited when you get it right. You are such a Blessing to us and our prayer for you this year is that you continue to grow in the Lords love and light, that you stay true to yourself and what you believe in and continue to grow in all ways. That your smile never fades, your laughter never dies and that you cherish each new thing this year brings you as you approach so many changes with becoming a Big Sister and soon.....Pre-School. I'll never stop kissing you and hugging you no matter how many times you wipe them away and beg me to stop, I love you so sweet girl and can't believe you are 4 now.

XOXO,
Mom

Thankful: Day 14

Day 14-

I am Thankful for the little things in life that make it all so wonderful..

Like today for instance, a typical no plans, no agenda Saturday. Evan went with his dad to help a church friend move into a new apartment so it was just Avery and I. I decided to bust out some cleaning and organizing to make way for Little Miss. Avery slept in which is rare but it gave me a relaxing and quiet morning to myself while I made muffins, drank coffee and listened to music. SO NICE!

Then later, her and I spent an hour outside sweeping leaves off the back and front patio, just enjoying sunshine and the cool weather. Before that we had a princess tea party while watching Alice in Wonderland.

Again, BLISS.

Just a multitude of little things today that have no lasting or lingering effect on our lives but that made today special.

It's the little things I tell ya.

Thankful: Day 4

Day 4-

I'm Thankful for our Church family.

We have always been Blessed in this way from MSBC to now Gracepointe. Even with the church merger and life happening and people moving away or going elsewhere we have made some of the best friendships and relationships through our church families. We have an army of love from them and in times of need they have come through for us in ways we can never fully repay them for.

We love our church, our pastor, our small group. We love watching Avery go to school there and the friendships she's making. Before she was even born and the Children's building wasn't even up and running I doubt we knew just what exactly it would mean to us and our family in so many ways. Avery has been there in the MDO/ Kidzone program since birth, I've worked there for 3yrs...just so much for us to process and be Thankful for from just the Children's building, the ministry alone.

Seriously, I don't even know where to begin the more I sit here and think of all the amazing people we have in our lives just from our Church family.

So Thankful for them, for Gracepointe Church, for Pastor Dave and his love and passion for the written word and for his fellowship.

September Already!? :)

I feel like such a broken record with my poor blog. I could have sworn I updated a few times in August but apparently I didn't! Same with my HLC blog which I'm starting to wonder was worth all the hype but I know it's just the pregnancy and summer-ness getting to me on that end.

SO much to catch up on and I warn you now you oh-so-AMAZING reader, I've got much to update and just pour out about. Maybe need to hash things out in a 2-parter and just keep this entry as simple as possible.

Life at the Hartfield casa seems to finally be slowing down after a busy summer. We just got back from a weekend trip with Evans parents (always and I mean ALWAYS fun being with those two amazing people!). Avery started school this week too which means new routine and schedule and not too mention a little free time for mommy and daddy.

Check out my big girl!!!

She is Blessed with two awesome teachers this year and I just can not tell you how EXCITED Evan and I are that she gets to have this experience. She really loves her school and the 1st week is done and she already has made new friends! She's also ridiculously taller than her classmates.....

We had 2 more foster litters come and go and we even got our sweet mama kitty, Layla adopted! I know it sounds dumb but after having her be at our fence, deck and slowy into our home after 2 years, I kinda didn't expect her to get adopted and she was adopted just 2hrs after I took her to the shelter!! When I was notified about her adoption, I sobbed. I'm talking...wailed! Boo-hooed and did the full blown ugly cry. I loved her and was so used to her ALWAYS being with us even though she really wasn't ours. After the last kitten was gone it took me 3 days to realize I wasn't hearing kittens or needing to get up and feed them. Paris and Gus are sure happy and Evan has asked that I not bring home anymore Little's until after our own new little arrives. :)


Speaking of our Little.....

IT'S A GIRL!!!!!

We are having ANOTHER girl! We found out 2wks ago and are super excited. For now she is referred to as "Little Miss" since we are not sharing her name until she is born. (I told 2 friends on accident and Evan told his parents so now we are being VERY strict with this rule!) Sadly, this is the best sono pic I have so far but I have my anatomy scan on Tuesday so hopefully I will get a better pic to share.

I'm 21wks today! Crazy to think we are already half way there! I started feeling her at 16wks but as of last week she has decided to let me know EVERY move she makes! With Avery it was a few stretches in my ribs and hiccups but this one....she's a roly poly!! Usually around 7am and 10pm she is most active and I am loving every second of it. I'll get a 20wks picture uploaded soon and show my 14wk/16wk & 20wk belly shots. :)

So far we know she has her daddy's booty, chin and profile, just like Avery did. She is super long and has little feet.

I'm finally getting the reality of it I think. I've been telling people how weird it is for me to be so lax about EVERYTHING with this pregnancy but once we found out SHE was a SHE I started planning and thinking and list making. Evan and I went to Babies R Us and started a registry, we've got her and Averys room laid out so I know where to start from there. I just wish I could narrow things down and stop being so indecisive. SO much has changed on the market since we had Avery and we both feel weird about asking people to buy Little Miss gifts for her shower which.....hasn't even been planned or talked about and I'm not even sure if I'm having one.

Her colors are Gray and Lilac with no theme for her nursery. I'm just going for colors and patterns. Super Hartfield, I know. ;)

Alright, that should do for a sufficient update. I'll get belly pics and another update out and about before the weekend hits full throttle.

Thanks for sticking with me and my lazy, nonblogging self.

-Brittnye

10 Years.

Crazy how time can sometimes be at a stand still in life and yet, other times it just refuses to slow down.

I find myself looking at Avery after she's done something out of the blue and so grown up to me for a 3 year old and I almost go into a panic. Slow down! Stop growing up on me. I think to myself over and over or You were just my baby girl yesterday....where has the time gone!?. I kid you not, I found her pink baby blanket 2 nights ago and literally grabbed it to my chest and sobbed like a weirdo in the bathroom. How is it already possible that this pink blanket can't even cover her legs anymore when just yesterday I was swaddling her in it!!

Today marks the 10th anniversary of my dad passing away.

10 years.

Already.

I sit here and think of everything that has happened since this day back in 2001. I can still see myself, sitting at work and getting the call. I still remember my friend coming to pick me up and my youth pastor meeting me in that horrible consolation room at Denton Reginal. My mom, sitting with the funeral coordinator and a hospital staff member and her being so calm and yet knowing she was falling apart on the inside. How confused I was when for the last 3 years we had done everything from a nursing home to home care to hospice and roughing it on our own to keep him with us and just like that, he passed away in bed at home. How upset at myself I was. I had moved out  months earlier from it being just too hard to live there with other family members moving in and helping out with his care and to also escape how painful it was to deal with all his medical issues and watch him become a stranger to me.

As Nan has told me repeatedly, it's hard to not have regret with death.

I have my regrets, I've dealt with this regret and am no longer haunted by it. As much as I wish we could get do overs I also know he knows how I feel about him even though I never really made it easy on him and I never truly told him  how much I loved him as much as I could have. Yes, he was my grandfather, but he was also my dad. A true definition of that word in every sense. His actions spoke so much for what we both lacked in communication. I didn't even attend his memorial or his ash scattering ceremony. I left the day after he died to a ski trip with my youth group(at the urging of my mom) and never skied but just dealt with it all with a few friends and my youth pastor. 2 weeks later, I missed an entire week of school just lying in bed and crying. I was so sick for 3 days letting it all sink in.

I think the hardest realization of it hit me on my wedding day. Something I shared in a past entry about thinking about the walk down the aisle and how I wished so badly that Jonathon wasn't the one giving me away and how weird it was to not have a Father/daughter dance at the reception even though my biological father was there. Gary did dance with me and I remember thinking how wrong it was! He just wasn't the right man for that job on that day. (totally different now as he IS my dad)

The only other time his death really came up again was the day Avery was born. Here I was, a mom finally. Surrounded by those who would love her as much as they love me, a day of joy and celebration and a very important man was missing. Evan knew this and simply reminded me that he had already met Avery before we did and how he loves her in heaven just as much as if he was down here with us. We still keep some of his traditions going with Avery so she can keep them going when she has a family. For me that says a lot for my dad. He was always trying to make everyone happy, he always kept traditions and he always had a smile of his face.

So yesterday when it dawned on me what today would mean, I didn't cry (I did today). I just sat in bed and started thinking of Avery and all the things that have happened the last 3 years and about my brother and his son and just overall how HAPPY and proud my dad is of us even though he isn't here with us. I know he would approve of who I am at 27. I know he would be proud of everything I've done and of Jonathon too.

Just so weird to think it's been a decade since we lost him.

XOXO,
Brittnye