Birthday Fun

This morning the birthday girl woke up and she was already one year old since she was born at 6:47 am. She wasn't quite sure what to think of all the presents!














We had her party tonight and decided on an alligator party since we call her our Abigator.


The take home treats


Smash cake


After a 2 hour nap, she was ready to party!



But, please, nothing on my head, mommy!


Okay, one picture and then it's coming off!





I think Abigail might be the only one year old who got an iPod. But, she loves it and it's a gift she can grow with, right?


Let's tear 'em up!


Just kidding. I'm going to sit here and watch you open my presents because I'm a princess. LOL!



Although I do think I'll try this out! (She actually didn't get as messy as I thought she would.)


Honk Honk! She loved her Minnie Mouse car and her laptop and bath toys, and and and. . .she got a lot of great stuff!



Still can't believe she is one year old already! Wow! She is so sweet and cute and smart and such a blessing to all who know her! Happy birthday, Abigail!!

Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Happy Birthday Abigail!!

World Prematurity Day

Yesterday (yes, I’m about 30 minutes late) was World Prematurity Day.  Since my blog is centered around the premature birth of my children, I felt I needed to contribute.  I honestly could post one picture and it would just about say it all.

Olivia at just a few days old.

This picture can still bring me to tears.  The uncertainty, the pure terror, the worry and anxiety, the confusion, the devastating loss, the panic at every ring of the phone, the grief, the pangs of guilt. . .it all still exists inside of me.  As time goes by, the farther it gets pushed back, but it never takes much to bring it right back.  A smell, a place, a comment. . .and there I am sitting in the NICU watching my babies fight for their lives.  I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.  They say that what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.  I don’t know that I’m any stronger. . .maybe I am.  It’s made me feel more vulnerable, more aware, more cautious, more knowledgeable, but some days I still don’t feel very strong.  Now, Olivia. . .she is the definition of strong.  One would never peg her as strong with her petite frame and cautious spirit, but her strength never ceases to amaze me. She has an inner fight that will allow her to accomplish anything she desires. 

I love how Olivia always refers to us as a family of five. . .always, without question.  She talks almost daily about her brother.  She will make sure he is never forgotten or overlooked.  Yes, I am raising two children, but I am a mother of three. Prematurity can never take that away from me.

Olivia and Abigail have become such great friends lately. Over the past year, Olivia has struggled with jealousy a lot. . .A LOT, so this warms my heart like you can't even imagine. Olivia asks to help feed her, gets her a drink, reads to her and they love to play together. Too precious!











Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

We Got A Dog

Ok, maybe I should back up a bit. Our new dog is at least 30 years old and sat on my grandparents' fireplace all of my life. I loved this dog so much.



This past weekend, he came to live with us, on our fireplace. I don't recall him ever having a name, but we have officially named him Jackson after my grandpa and grandma Jackson. So happy to have him as part of our family!



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Thursday, November 14, 2013

I love this picture of Abigail and Tobey. They often stare out the front door together.



Such a beauty!


Olivia has been playing so well with her sister today. Proud of them both!


And, Olivia, my non-girlie girl has had so much fun picking out her favorite lip glosses. So far, Beach Bronze is her favorite!



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Mary Kay

I'm official!


I received my first Mary Kay pin at my meeting last night. I took the Mary Kay oath and I'm also officially a star consultant. I am LOVING it and am so excited! I would love to practice on some of your beautiful faces! If you live in town, contact me for your complimentary facial at jglunt@marykay.com. And, of course, I'll throw in some samples to find exactly what you are looking for! You can also find my website on my sidebar. It is at www.marykay.com/jglunt.

Mary Kay is releasing a limited edition vanilla sugar satin hands on November 15th that I'm really excited about! Contact me about how to get your hands on one!

Let me know what I can do for you!

Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Almost One Year

Abigail turns one year old next Wednesday. Next Wednesday! When did that happen? It seems like she has been a part of our family forever and yet it seems like I had her yesterday. Sounds cliché, but it's true. She is going to be walking before I know it! We are having an alligator party since we call her Abigator. Isn't it funny how you can't really choose your child's nickname ahead of time? It just sort of happens? And she's our little gator. LOL!

Here is her first birthday outfit that we had made.







Tootsie roll pops are basically her favorite thing ever. I don't let her suck on them for a real long time because I don't want it to break off the stick. Boy, does she scream and cry though when you take it away! Haha!











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My Cuties

Just can't ever get enough of my girls. They make life worth living!













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Leaf Party 2013

Every year we have a leaf party at Ryan's parents' house. Olivia and Abigail are now the only grandkids left in town on that side of the family. Olivia wanted another kid to play in the leaves with so two of the neighbor kids came and we invited cousin Izzy (on my side of the family.) It was a blast, but everyone was sorely missed!


































Cookie break and nap time for Abigail! These were delicious!























Jodi- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone