LIFE IS A HIGHWAY

Halloweeen

2009-11-01T08:43:00.002-06:00

Dryver was a Cowboy for Halloween. Addilyn was a cat coming out of a pumpkin. This was taken at the fire department. We go there every year to see the fire trucks and get their yummy treats! Dryver loves to lay his head on Addi's shoulder. She is not real fond of it and this usually turns into a wrestling match:) Although I thought this picture was really sweet!
Dryver trick or treating at Honey B and Pops. (Justin's parents)

Dryver, Addilyn and Keatyn. Keatyn was Ariel when she married Prince Eric.

Dryver right before Trunk or Treating at the church. He was not feeling well:(

This was suppose to be my wig as June Carter. It came out looking like a cave woman wig. But Dryver sure enjoyed playing with it!

I must move on!

2009-10-29T07:49:00.002-05:00

SO...I know I said we would play catch up from all my summer happenings. Well...sorry to say but that is NOT going to happen. I would never be able to blog about all that went on this summer PLUS all that has happened since the summer!

I am just going to start fresh and tell you what's happening NOW!

Dryver is now 21 months old. Time is flying by:( It makes me sad, while at the same time I am loving everyday! He seems to learn something new every day. Just a few random facts about Dryver at this point in his life:

1. He loves to talk about tee-teeing. He always wants to sit on the potty and have anyone around him go potty. He even lets his toys go potty.

2. He loves to talk. My favorite thing to hear him say is "I love you!"

3. He loves to wrestle. Sunday at church they came to us and said Dryver just put the new kid in a headlock. Justin was so PROUD!

4. He loves to give hugs. Which usually turn in to wrestling. He also likes group hugs, which we call a family hug.

5. He is a momma's boy. Although, if you say GO he will go with anyone, anywhere.

6. He enjoys running around naked after bathtime with his "hat" (towel) on his head.

7. He loves to sleep!

8. He has just in the past 2 weeks started eating meat.

9. He loves animals.

10. I am sure you already know this BUT he is the cutest and smartest little boy we know!

Miami Continued

2009-09-11T21:40:00.000-05:00

So, when I started telling people that I had the chance to go to Miami everyone said to look for famous people. Now, that I have been I see what they mean! I never really considered it a celebrity place but I guess it is.

This is some famous Latin American singer. I can't remember his name but at the time he was said to be the "Michael Jackson" of Latin music. So...I stayed close by the paparatzi and took his picture:)

Like I said in my previous post Jessica was at volleyball a lot of the time. Kara and I hungout at the beach and the pool. We looked for famous people constantly. Sadly, Kara had to leave a day early. So, the last day I was at the hotel all alone. When I walked downstairs to head to the beach there was a sign in the lobby saying "Sorry for the inconvience. We are filming an episode of Burn Notice today." WHAT?! This is one of Justin's favorite shows! So, I set up camp where I think they are making the set. I am on the phone with Beth giving her a play by play. Finally, I decide to head out to the pool. There was no action on the inside. When I got outside I immediatley spotted 2 empty pool chairs (which is no easy task)! So, I make my way over and get all situated when I hear "Quiet on the set". WHAT?! I had landed myself right smack dab in the middle of the taping of Burn Notice. Let me answer your questions now...1. NO, I do not think I am in the show. (you should have seen the extras! I had them beat on the tan for sure BUT not on the body or swimsuit, CRAZY!)2. NO, the show has not aired.

What I thought was going to be a pretty boring day turned out to be phenomenal!!! Jess eventually showed up and we preceded to watch the taping of the show poolside for the remainder of the day. SO FUN!!! The extras would walk right in front of my chair, then turn right beside me and head up 5 steps to the main characters/scene. CRAZY! I LOVE stuff like this.
Also, one night at dinner Brooke Hogan walked by our restaraunt! I watch her show and knew we were right around the corner from the gym she works out at:)
Just a side note...when I was at the airport leaving Miami these 2 ladies came up to me and starting asking me questions in Spanish! I looked around and realized they thought I was HISPANIC! I said "No, no ladies. I don't speak Spanish...I just have a really good tan!" Too funny!!!

Welcome to MIAMI!!!

2009-08-18T13:32:00.000-05:00

Where do I begin?! This summer I had the opportunity to go to Miami with my 2 best friends from high school. We had a BLAST!!! My friend Jessica coaches club volleyball and they had nationals in Miami. Kara and I were lucky that she asked the 2 of us to tag along. So here I go off to Miami.

Me, Kara and Jessica at Miami Ink. I went in and talked to the guys about getting my tatoo but it didn't workout. I REALLY wanted to say I had gotten it at Miami Ink but...my love for swimming took over. I can't imagine being out of the water for 3 whole weeks in the summer! So, my plan is to get one whenever swim season is over.

This is a LONG story!!! Here is the short version:) One night after dinner we wanted to go dancing. We decided to come on back to the hotel and just go to the dance club there. In our minds we thought this was safer and low-key. When we got to the hotel there were limos and cabs everywhere. The taxi driver told us Liv (the club in our hotel) is THE hottest night club in Miami. Well, fancy that! Here we are:) When we walked in we thought we would just go straight to the club. OH NO! They started blocking off the enterance and it was a RED CARPET EVENT!!! This is no joke! This is the picture of Jessica and I on the red carpet. The producer of Transformers was throwing a party for the cast! We saw the producer but no one else:( But we got in!

Here is us in the club. To get into the club you had to buy a table at $1000, 3 bottles at $300 a bottle and then pay $100 cash once you got in to get the waitress to bring you the 3 bottles you requested!!! Crazy! People were dropping some serious $ right and left. Lucky for us we befriended people with $ and they let us join them:) So, we got in by paying $30 a piece! PRICELESS!!! Only with these girls! We had a blast!!!!!

I will probably never again make it out to Miami. I am so glad Jessica gave me the chance to tag along with her. It was a trip I will NEVER forget with lots of great stories!
Stay tuned...I have another great story about Miami:)

Mini Reunion

2009-08-11T07:54:00.000-05:00

This summer Kara, Jessica and I planned a little mini reunion for our high school friends. Our 10 year is actually next summer! Where has time gone!!! These are the people that actualy stayed around for the planning of the reunion. Suprisingly ALL guys. We had such a fun time catching up and getting to meet everyone's families.

These are just the Lindale graduates. The spouses that are not Lindale graduates did not get in the pic. I so quickly forget not everyone has known their spouse their WHOLE lives:)

This is a random pic of Justin I thought I'd throw in. The reunion this year needed to borrow Justin's helment for decoration. When he got it out he of course had to try it on, assume the 3 point stance and teach Dryver how to tackle. Oh...and have me take his pic 50 times! Always the football player at heart:) I have to admit...it was a turn on! I have fond memories of meeting him on the field after games:)

Stayed tuned. If you know me, I am going in chronological order through our summer. The reunion took place the weekend of June 20. We still have a way to go!!!

Let me explain!!!

2009-08-06T07:31:00.000-05:00

I have seen many of my fellow blog readers lately and you guys have really reprimanded me for my blogging habbits this summer. Well...let me just say my computer crashed that has all my pictures (we are trying to recover them now)so we had to get a new computer and I got a new camera. I have not learned how to transfer my pictures from the new camera to the new computer. I am pretty technically challenged so I am waiting on my sweet husband to give me tutorials on the new camaera and computer:)
So here is our 2nd week of summer. A fun low-key family trip to Dallas. Every year we try to go to at least 1 ranger game. And a weekend getaway to Dallas.

Beth and I at the game. We do not look like sisters! Please take notice of the color of our skin:)

After an hour and 40 minute light delay Dryver was done. But he (and Justin) were good sports!

The next day we went to the Fort Worth Zoo. Dryver loved feeding the birds.

Dryver, Keatyn and Addilyn at the gator. Keatyn always ready for a photo op. The babies...ready for a nap!

I will try to do better on my blogging. Stay tuned...it was a wild and crazy summer for the Cowart clan! Miami, Beth's 30th, New York and Dryver's new haircut.

1st Week of Summer

2009-06-07T07:37:00.000-05:00

We started summer off running!!! I am SO excited about this summer. I think we have some fun, exciting and new things planned. I would like to say I will blog each week to tell you about all the fun things we are doing. But...I know that probablly won't happen. I will do my best.

The 1st weekend of summer I went to Forney (random) to meet my 2 very best friends from high school, Kara and Jessica. We had such a good time in the small town of Forney. As you can see they are highlighting my hair. Those girls can talk me in to ALMOST anything. Fun times!!! We also went to dinner with friends, a birthday party for my cousin and the drive in movie. Busy weekend!

Then that Sunday the kiddos were dedicated at church. It was such a neat experience because Beth and I were the only 2 families in the 1st service to do child dedication. It was very special to have Dryver, Keatyn and Addilyn all dedicated together. They all 3 showed their unique personalities:) Sweet cousins!

This was my 1st week of teaching swim lessons this summer. It looks like I am going to be teachiong 4 weeks of lessons. What a blessing that there are that many kids wanting to take this year! This is Dryver's sunscreen spike:) Although the sun has pretty much turned his hair blonde, he has not burned. Don't worry he is only out there an hour a day. But he does have a pretty cute tan!

Arica and I teaching Dryver and Elle to blow bubbles. Dryver will be in Mommy and me classes for 4 weeks. By the end of this 1st week he is already wanting to be Mr. Independent! He will jump or walk off the steps and kick to the top! Pretty amazing!!!
This past weekend Justin and I went to Shreveport and spent the night with one of my cousins. We had a blast! We went to eat at this wonderful mexican restaraunt and then to a comedy club. The next morning we ate out for breakfast and then shopped at the Boardwalk. When we got back to Lindale we went over to some friends house for a cookout. I LOVE summer!!!!! I think this will be a fun summer for our little family!!!

Random Pics and 1st Haircut

2009-05-21T11:23:00.003-05:00

All these pictures are in the wrong order. But I can tell the story anyway. This is the final product of Dryver's 1st haircut. I think it looks better than this picture. I will try to take some better pictures and post them.

Dryver getting his 1st haircut. My mom, Justin's mom and dad, Dryver and I were al there for this monumental occasion:) Brenda held Dryver, mom entertained him and fed him while Jamie and I took pictures. He actually did really well!

Dryver has just recently started riding on the mower with Justin. He loves it! In fact, he likes to play on the mower too. The other night while he was riding with Justin he fell sound alseep. It was so sweet!!!

This was Dryver pre-haircut. I still liked it but Justin was beyond ready for him to get it cut. So I FINALLY gave in. Reluctanly, I took him to get it cut. It turned out cute BUT I sure loved it long.

This is Dryver and I with our boots on heading to the Lindale Rodeo. Fun Times! He loved the rodeo. He called every animal a dog:)

San Antonio

2009-05-18T11:26:00.000-05:00

Dryver and I got to go to San Antonio with Justin's parents. We had so much fun!!!

The first night we went to the river walk. Pops, Honey B and Dryver. We ate outside so that we could still see the river. We also rode the boat on the river.

The next day we went to the San Antonio zoo, the wax museum and Ripley's Believe it or Not. I am a sucker for a good wax museum!!! So, here is Dryver with Forest Gump:)

The last day we went to Sea World. At the entrance we got our picture with Shamu and the dolphin.

This is Dryver with his Shamu puppet at the Shamu show. We saw 4 shows and he loved them all. We had a BLAST!!!

Easter

2009-04-20T20:33:00.000-05:00

Stephen helping Dryver dye eggs. We had a great time Saturday morning going to my parents house to eat breakfast and dye eggs with the girls.

Dryver was not feeling well Easter weekend. We had to wake him up for church and he was not too happy! Notice the paci in one hand and the tylenol in the other. Poor Guy!!!

He was very handsome in his Easter outfit. He LOVED the balls (eggs).

Look closely and both of their mouths are blue and orange. The dyed eggs went straight to their mouths. Pretty funny!

What a difference a year makes!!!

2009-04-11T15:55:00.002-05:00

Last year at Easter Dryver got these yellow bunny ears. He was so sweet. He just layed there and let me take his picture. He was about 2 months old. Too cute!

This year we pulled them out and took his picture again. It was much harder this time! We couldn't get him to be still long enough to take his picture. But...I did like this one of him laughing:) Still... a year later...TOO CUTE!!!

Easter Egg Hunt at the gym

2009-04-06T08:16:00.000-05:00

Dryver got an airbrush tatoo. He kept laughing because it tickled!

No real significance here. I just LOVE this picture of my 2 favorite "men" walking!!! They are so sweet:)

Once he got an egg for each hand he was done. He thought the eggs were balls. So he kept saying ball, ball, ball. He was so glad when we finally let him pick them up.

We are having some truly windy days here in Lindale. So, with the wind, the eggs and their age it was impossible to get everyone or anyone looking at the camera. But here are my 3 most precious kiddos!!!

Fun TImes in March!

2009-03-24T14:14:00.000-05:00

Justin loves for Dryver to wear overalls. I thought he looked so sweet in these before church! If you know Dryver, this was before all the drool, food and runny nose. He doesn't stay clean for long!!! ALL BOY!

Dryver and Addilyn in the tub. Keatyn was also in there but I was informed that now that she is 4 we no longer need to be taking naked pictures of her. I can see that. So here are the sweet babies!

This is Dryver's neighbor/girlfriend, Elle. We love this girl!!!

Keatyn had a carnival for her birthday. Some how Justin ended up being the one to "volunteer" for pie in the face. As you can tell Keatyn loved it! He is such a great uncle!

Fun Times!!!

2009-03-07T13:02:00.003-06:00

Dryver petting the goats at the zoo. The goat didn't eat his shoe but I am not real sure where it was. We found it later.
Keatyn putting chip clips in Dryver's hair. As you can tell he was not enjoying this. But it was funny! He will get her back someday:)
Dryver loves to wrestle with Keatyn. Or anybody for that matter!
This is what my house looked like with 8 college friends, a 3 year old, 2 year old, 1 year old, 10 month old and 4 month old. I thought I would never get my house back to normal. Such a small price to pay for good times with friends. I love this picture of Macy and Keatyn under the table. Too cute! And of course Miss Addi-belle being the cutest thing since sliced bread. She just can't help it.
Dryver and Macy sitting on the kitchen floor waiting to be fed.
Sorry Lincoln. No pictures of you. Next time be more demanding:) Those kiddos got their pictures taken!

Random New Pics

2009-02-19T13:57:00.003-06:00

His 1st bloody nose. This is what happens when a 1 year old little boy starts walking.

This was a crazy hair day after nap;)

I love this picture! Dryver playing with a truck he got for his birthday. He loves it!

3D Anyone?

2009-02-03T06:45:00.000-06:00

Did anyone else go pickup FREE 3D glasses at Target or Dollar General before the Super Bowl? Well, we did!!! Justin heard there was going to be a commercial in 3D and Chuck. We took our glasses to the Super Bowl party and of course had people fighting over them and rewinding the commercial to see the 3D action :) Then last night was Chuck. So, this picture is proof of Justin and I sitting in our living room watching Chuck with our 3D glasses on. Dryver has no idea what kind of crazy stuff goes on after he goes to bed!

What a Difference a Year Makes!!!

2009-01-28T09:53:00.002-06:00

The top picture is Dryver on his BIRTHday January 27,2008.

This is Dryver on his 1st birthday January 27, 2009.
WOW!!!!!

1st Birthday Checklist

2009-01-28T07:47:00.002-06:00

Let me preface this by saying this is just "MY" 1st birthday checklist. This does not pertain to everyone. And I do not think any less of you or your parenting if this does not apply to you.
Also, if you have been around me as I parent Dryver you have come to realize I am a bit military style:) What I mean by that is that if I have it in my head that he will do a certain thing, then by golly if it is up to me HE WILL!
As is everything else in my life parenting does not come without its list. AMEN!!!
1. eat only table food. check
2. no more bottle or breast. check
3. no more formula. check
4. taking steps. check
5. eaten eggs. check
6. tried honey. check
7. on strictly whole milk. check
8. facing forward in the car. check
9. start limited paci use. check
10. loved by his momma. CHECK!!!!!

Dryver's 1st Birthday Party

2009-01-26T21:09:00.002-06:00

Sunday afternoon we celebrated Dryver's 1st birthday. His actual birthday is Tuesday. We had the party at Justin's parent's church gym. It was so FUN!!! He got lots of fun gifts and got to spend time with a lot of his friends and family.

Dryver's cake was served in a little dump truck. He LOVED it!!! Obviously:)

Here is Dryver when we were singing HAPPY BIRTHDAY to him. He really didn't notice until we got to his name and then his face just lit up.

This is Dryver's birthday cake. The theme was dump trucks and we served dirt cake.

11 Months old

2008-12-30T09:10:00.006-06:00

Waking up Christmas morning.

Dryver got a 4 Wheeler (Dad's request) from Santa. So fun!!!

This is the mess we had to deal with after Gabby gave him a toffee bar. Notice his outstretched arm wanting more:) Thanks Gabby!

I can't believe in less than a month we will be celebrating Dryver's 1st birthday. It is hard to believe. It seems like time really has flown by. We had a great 1st Christmas with him. We now have more toys than we know what to do with.
He is starting to make the changes to a one year old. He is eating mostly table foods and drinking milk. He does great with his sippy. He is still a good eater and sleeper. He is standing by himself and cruising around all the furniture. He is pretty much in to everything. I have had several people say he is all boy. I am not real sure if that is good or bad. But I can definitely tell a difference between him and my sweet nieces. I guess boys just know how to be boys;)

10 Months Old

2008-11-30T22:12:00.000-06:00

He makes this face often. It makes me laugh:)
Such a happy baby.
Helping daddy put up the Christmas tree.

I can't believe Dryver is 10 months old!!! I just know that the next 2 months will fly by and we will be celebrating his birthday. He is currently all over the place. I find myself constantly fishing things our of his mouth. Whatever he finds goes straight to his mouth. He is pulling up to everything and cruising around the furniture. He still has just the 2 bottom teeth and drools constantly. He also has a pretty good sense of humor. How can you not when your daddy is Justin Cowart?! I love to watch him play. He is at such a fun age of exploring. He will say momma and dada and shake his head no. I am so excited about celebrating his first Christmas and Birthday. They are both just around the corner.

Some Halloween Pics

2008-11-10T14:48:00.003-06:00

Dryver as a clown at the Lindale Fire Department. The kids got to get in the fire truck.

Our Little Family at the fall festival.

The Bills at the fall festival.

Just the kids. Have you ever seen a cuter skunk, Little Mermaid and clown?!

I am just now getting around to posting our Halloween pics. Our festivities started out on Wednesday. Dryver was a skunk that the Cowart's gave us. We went to a fall festival in town with all of my family, us and Justin's parents. Then Friday night Dryver and I went Trick or Treating with my family. Justin had a football game. Dryver and Addilyn were both clowns on Friday night. My mom made them both the cutest clown costumes. Keatyn was The Little Mermaid. After that we went to my parents house and Beth and Stephen invited several of friends over for hotdogs and smores. We had a great first Halloween!

9 Months Old

2008-10-27T20:49:00.003-05:00

He loves football. Great weekend, Eagles, Longhorns and Cowboys all won!
MAN!!! Time flies! I cannot beleive I am sitting here blogging about my son being 9 months old. As I write this tears come to my eyes. I have been very emotional these last few days about Dryver growing up. I can't believe he is changing so much. He is now crawling and pulling up. He has this one toy that he "cruises" around but that is all so far. The other day we went to the zoo and he was riding in the stroller eating his snack off the tray. What a big boy!
He is also learning to fight getting his diaper and clothes changed. He is very strong and has an attitude just like one of us:)
He is so much fun! I just cannot believe he is growing up this fast!

Hook Em Horns

2008-10-22T09:05:00.002-05:00

Unfortunatly, we did not get to watch the Texas/OU game with our friends this year. We both had to work. But after work we went to their house for dinner. When we walked up (they are our neighbors) Bevo was there to greet us. So, Dryver and Elle (their daughter) got their picture taken with Bevo. Elle is 5 months old and Dryver is almost 9 months. Aren't they a cute couple?!
Sorry to my aggie friends but we are Texas fans through and through. But I do have to give a shout out to SFA. Go LUMBERJACKS!!!

Dryver is 8 months old

2008-10-09T08:23:00.003-05:00

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Busy Life!

2008-09-16T08:38:00.003-05:00

Well, I am sure if you are a reader of Beth's Blog you are well aware of how busy my life has been lately. But for any of you that don't read her blog I wanted to catch you up on what all is going on with our business, Stitches and Threads.
So, we joined the Lindale Area Chamber of Commerce last Thursday and had our Spirit Store Debut on Friday night at the football game. It is going GREAT!!!
This Thursday we will set up at the Freshman/JV game. We will try to remember the camera so that we can take a picture of the store. Next weekend is homecoming so we will set up both Thursday night and Friday night. We will be setting up for all 4 home football games.
We are also going to be setting up at Lindale's October Fest. Actually 2 booths. Stithes and Threads and The Spirit Store.
We will try to add more pictures to the Stitches and Threads blog as well as start up a website.
Thanks for all of your interest and support.

Not Again!!!

2008-09-11T09:22:00.003-05:00

The images you are about to see may be disturbing.

Dryver once again had a blowout! Your first question is probably "What kind of diapers are you using? OR What are you feeding that kid?" Well, I have tried all kinds of diapers and he eats just about anything. I think this is just coincidence. The one thing in common with both of these events is that he was sitting down. My mom always says it is hard for the babies to poop when they are sitting down. It is obviously not hard for Dryver BUT extremely messy!

This is how I found Dryver after I smelled the poop.

This is a close up of all the poop we had to deal with. Keep in mind this is minor compared to our last explosion.

And this was the look on Dryver's face. This is the same look he had after the carseat blowout. Always smiling:)

So, Justin called me into the kitchen and said Katherine look at him what do we do? I of course responded 1st we get the camera. So we took some pictures and then Justin decided he would clean up Dryver and I would cleanup the high chair. That didn't go over so well. I go into the bathroom and find Dryver sitting fully dressed playing in poop water. So, I take off his sopping wet clothes and diaper. Drain the tub, clean the tub, clean the sponge and then we proceed to give him his bath. So, I told Justin, next time I will clean Dryver and you clean the mess. Dads, they try so hard, you've gotta love em:)
Thanks Justin for all of your help. It is greatly appreciated!!!

Dryver

2008-09-05T07:51:00.003-05:00

When I posted about him being 7 months I really didn't give too much info on what he is up to these days. So here it goes:
-he is a great sleeper. usually about 12 hours a night. 8-8. give or take a little on either side.
-he is a great eater. he will eat pretty much anything we give him. he is not a fan of the baby food meats but that is the only thing he has turned down.
-he loves the avocado slivers from the soup I get at Pasados.
-when he is asleep in his crib he usually has one arm under and one arm over the bumper. like he is hugging it. i am trying to get a picture of this. it is too cute!
-as of yesterday he is getting his 1st tooth. when he woke up yesterday morning he was nawing on my hand and I felt someting sharp. of course i called mom, beth and justin to tell them:)
-he is wanting to crawl but always pushes himself backwards.
-keatyn is beginning to play dress-up with him. this is something my family has joked about since we found out he was a boy. and it is starting. i am trying to get a picture of this. i have caught him with a necklace and wand, a wedding veil and a barrett in his hair. let the games begin:) he will have some fun times with those girls!
-he still has to be swaddled to go to sleep at night and for naps. i know this is crazy but he loves it.
-we are working on momma and bye bye. he makes the b and m sounds a lot.
-he loves to laugh and we love to make him laugh.
We are so blessed to have Dryver. I am trying to capturing some of these things on camera and post a slide show. We'll see.

My Song

2008-09-04T14:08:00.002-05:00

So, the first song you hear playing when you look at my blog is what I call "The Motivational Song of 2008". Corny, I know.
I first heard this song when Beth and I were in Spin Class and I literally thought I was dying. To me it struck me as very motivating to finish the class and continue going each week as I work on getting in shape and losing weight. As Keatyn says "We go to the gym to be healthy."
As I listened to the song each Tuesday that I am in spin I get a new lease on life. The song makes me think this is it. I am truly having the time of my life. This is everything I have always wanted and more.
I KNOW this is a corny blog but it is how I feel each day when I wake up. I get to live my dream today. Now, there are bumps in the road but overall I am really loving life.
What makes this the time of my life is the fact that I am finally a mom, staying at home, raising my son, working with my sister everyday, seeing my nieces everyday, family meals with my WHOLE family, married to a wonderful man, my sister and I once again live in the same town, with our wonderful parents.
Seriously, as I am typing this I am thinking, it doesn't get any better than this. I have always DREAMED of Beth and I being stay at home moms, living in the same town and spending everyday together. She might think this is a nightmare but it is the time of my life!!!

Dryver is 7 Months

2008-09-02T07:26:00.002-05:00

This picture says it all. Dryver is now 7 months old. For the past month we have been working on these "Spirit Totes" nonstop. So my life has benn Dryver and the Spirit Tote.
When Justin and I decided that I could stay home with Dryver this year it was understood that I had to find something to make a little extra money. A coach's salary can only get us so far:)
So, since Beth is also home, we decided to really start pushing our embroidery business. Stitches and Threads. It all started with this bag and has now BLOWN UP!!!
We have had almost 100 orders for this bag just in Lindale alone and they are not slowing down. We have also been asked to run and supply a Spirit Store for Lindale. It will be like a trailer at a college football game. We are so excited and this is such a great opportunity.
So, this is now Dryver's diaper bag because we need to be a walking advertisment:)
As far as Dryver goes, he is doing great. Sleeping like a champ. Eating like a champ. Enjoying every minute he has with his cousins everyday. (Which is a lot.) He is working on crawling but not there yet. He loves to eat anything we give him. I would say he is a GREAT kid!!!

Should've Had a Camera

2008-08-27T08:15:00.002-05:00

Yesterday Keatyn, Dryver and I were running errands. I started smelling something not so pleasant and asked Keatyn if Dryver was poopy. She said "No KK he is just playing." When we got to our next stop I went to get him out and he had this greenish brown stuff ALL OVER him. With a huge open mouth smile. Classic Dryver! It was all on his face, down his arm and down his leg. I said "Oh my Keatyn what happened to Dryver." She said "KK I'm scared!" I just started laughing. So I smell and it is definitely poop. I was hoping for throw up but no it was poop. Luckily we were at my mother-in-law's work. So we took him inside stripped him down and gave him a bath. The car seat was FULL of poop. I had to take it apart and wash it and disinfect EVERYTHING! My mother-in-law is a church secretary. So, we gave him a bath in the kitchen sink and used towels from the nursery. As we were cleaning him up the other secretary helped us. She said "I can honestly say, this NEVER happened with either of my children." And Mrs. Cowart agreed. So I guess I am one of the lucky moms whose son had a blowout in the car seat. This brings a new meaning to "Boys are GROSS!!!"

Inspired by Beth and Nicole

2008-08-13T08:25:00.002-05:00

When I read Beth's blog I cried. I can agree with her on every level of the blog she posted about self. Then I read Nicole's about who am I and what do I like. Again I can relate. So I decided I would write one of my own. I could easily sit and write 10 things I like/love about Justin and Dryver. But to really think of 10 things I like outside of my boys is hard. So here it goes.
1. Swimming-This is something I know I love. I teach swimming and find every chance I can to be in the water. I take water aerobics 3 times a week and take Dryver to the gym to swim at least once a week. We joined a gym with an indoor pool so now I can swim year round. YEAH!!!
2. Reading. I love a good LOVE story.
3. Baking. I am not so much on cooking but I love baking. Probably because I love desserts. Too much:)
4. Friends. I love to hangout with my friends. It is like a boost on life. I know that is corny, BUT after hanging out with friends or communicating with those I don't see very often, I feel so energized. (That is such a Beth comment:)
5. Organizing. ANYTHING! If you have read my previous blog you know I love making lists. Also, calendars and cleaning out closets.
6. Football. This helps because Justin is a coach. I love Lindale football, Longhorns and Cowboys. My goal is to make it to a Longhorn game this year.
7. Family. My favorite day of the week is Sunday. Me, Justin and Dryver go to my parents house and have lunch with mom, dad, Beth, Stephen, Keatytn and Addilyn. That is my favorite meal of the week. All 9 of us together.
8. Games. Justin and I have some friends that we love to play games with. We put the boys to bed and play games into the wee hours. So fun!
9. Traveling. Even if it is just to see friends. I love to get away for awhile.
10. Movies. I love to go to the drive-in, the theater, rent one or watch one from our collection. It is fun to get wrapped up in another world.
Those are 10 things I love. It was very hard for me to not put things about Dryver and Justin. But all of those things are made that much sweeter when those 2 are around.

Slight Obsession

2008-07-30T14:57:00.002-05:00

Ok, I have always known that I really like magnetic notepads. If you know me at all or have spent any time with me, for even one day, you know that I LOVE lists. My friend Jessica always tells the story of me losing my list on the way to a game one day and I totally flipped out and cried. TRUE STORY!
I believe that my life revolves around lists and they are what keep me going. Is it a sickness? YES! But it is who I am.
So, I went to Tyler for Dryver's doctor appointment and did all my errands there. I seriously go to Tyler once a month. Which is very rare. Anyway, as I was running errands I obviously came across one too many magnetic notepads. (Side note: another obsession of mine is the dollar area of Target, Michaels and any other store that would like to start this. I am a SUCKER for a dollar item.)
So, when I get home and start unloading the car I realize I bought 6 magnetic notepads for myself and 2 for gifts. I go to the fridge to see if I am really in desperate need of some. NO, there are already 5 on the fridge. 2 in purse, 2 in the car and 2 in my mommy bag. Not to mention a box of them in the closet, just waiting to be used! I guess you can never be too prepared to make a list:)
I would like to blame my friend Brandi on this slip up. She was with me and obviously didn't stop the madness of the magnetic notepad buying.
So, if you ever need to pick up a little gift for me or any other organized or disorganized friend I would suggest the magnetic notepad:)

Half a Year, WHAT?!?!?!

2008-07-30T10:03:00.000-05:00

Dryver and Addilyn. He loves to chew on her fingers when they are laying side by side.

The teacher in me can't help but read to him everyday. We are already working on comprehension:)

We are woring on the sippy. He is actually doing pretty well!

He loves to chew on the fruit in the mesh thing. Peaches!

I can't believe Dryver is already 6 months old. In no time we will be planning his 1st birthday party. (Literally, no time. If you know me you know I am already working on the guest list and theme.)
He is such a fun baby!!! Every day with him is something new. When we went to the 6 month checkup we were given the go ahead to try lots of new things. So far he is enjoying the veggies, fruits and cereal. We have also began trying the sippy and mesh fruit chewie. And we moved up to the 6 month pacifier. WOW!!! Lots of changes at six months. He is sitting up on his own and wants to crawl. He can get his legs up under him and his arms but not all at the same time. He LOVES to laugh. If I laugh at him he usually laughs back. Sometimes we get so tickled. I will try to do another slide show when there is more time. I think he might be about to wake up from his morning nap. Then we are headed off to playdate. Mommy and me swimming, so fun!

A Few New Pics with Dryver and Friends

2008-07-16T15:24:00.001-05:00

Trying out a slide show!

2008-07-09T22:33:00.001-05:00

I Can't Believe He Is 5 Months Old

2008-07-01T11:04:00.002-05:00

Man time flies!!! The other night Justin and I were watching home videos we have taken since Dryver was born. It is amazing how he has grown and really changed our lives.
I am now officially a stay-at-home mom. And I LOVE it!
This is how our day is looking:
1. Wake up and eat.
2. I eat.
3. He eats cereal.
4. Go to the gym.
5. Come home and take a morning nap.
6. Wake up and eat.
7. I eat lunch.
8. Play.
9. Afternoon nap.
10. Wake up and eat.
11. Dinner.
12. Cereal.
13. Bath.
14. Eat.
15. Bed.
If you know me, you know I thrive on a schedule. So does this guy. He does not sleep very well if he is off his schedule at night.
Sorry there are no pictures. I will have to get them and do a picture post.

Vacation

2008-06-17T08:25:00.005-05:00

We went on vavation to Beavers Bend last week.
Our first stop was about 45 minutes to an hour from home. We stopped and ate lunch at a school parking lot. In our minds we were going to have a nice picnic at a roadside park. But when you are traveling with a 3 year old, 8 week old and 4 month old nothing goes as planned:) Beavers Bend is only about 3 hours from Lindale. We stopped about 4 times on the way up. Someone needed to eat, get their diaper changed or go potty all the time. It just became a joke! We spent one day at the lake and the babies stayed in the tent the whole time. It was too cold for them to "swim". But they loved playing in the tent. It was such a good day! We also went on a train ride through the woods, road go carts, played putt putt and rested. The trip home was more successful than on the way there. We made sure everyone had pottied, had on a clean diaper and had been fed. We had such a great time. It was exactly what our family needed! Some time away to relax and enjoy each others company. It was so great we are going back for Thanksgiving.

Memorial Day/4 Months Old

2008-05-27T20:38:00.003-05:00

Dryver's 1st cereal experience

High School friends

Dryver's 1st swimming experience

Me, Dryver, Brandi and Chase swimming

We have had a crazy Memorial Day Weekend!!! Friday we left school early and took Dryver to the dr. Everything looked great! Then we ran some errands. We saw some friends from church at Babies R Us so we decided to go out to dinner. So, we didn't get home till bedtime. Saturday we woke up and tried to put up a "pool" in our backyard. It is a 3 feet deep 15 feet across pool. I LOVE it! Justin has had some minor battles with it. He put it up Saturday morning and then let out all the water. Saturday afternoon we went to a party and didn't get home til late. Dryver stayed with my parents. Thanks! Sunday we got up and went to Canton to meet some friends from high school. After that we headed to a birthday party. When we got home Dryver and I got into the pool while Justin was filling it up again. He moved locations hoping it was more level ground. It is more level but not enough. We got it to about 2 1/2 feet of water and then the flooding began again. So next weekend we will let out the water, level it again and fill it for the 3rd time. Anyway, Monday we went to a party at the lake and then came back home and had some friends over to "swim" and eat dinner. We also played Wii Fit and Mario Kart. Both great! So if you know me I am PUMPED about the pool. You've got to come see it:)
Dryver is now 4 months:
decided to quit sleeping through the night
eating rice cereal 2 times a day
laughing
rolling from stomach to back
yelling
swimming
We love this kid more and more each day! 3 days till summer!!!

It's Been Awhile

2008-05-20T16:35:00.006-05:00

Our first family photo

Cousins, nothin better:)

Dryver Laughing

I have wanted to blog for some time now but things have been crazy busy. I had a wonderful first Mother's Day. We took our first family photo that day. Justin had breakfast and a magazine waiting for me when I got out of the shower. He said it was suppose to be breakfast in bed but I got up before him. Imagine! Then he gave me a sweet card from the 2 of them. He also gave me Mario Kart for the Wii. It is so fun!!! Dryver gave me the movie 27 Dresses. This is the movie we were watching when I went into labor with him. I also got a shepards hook and hanging basket. In the spring we love to both get out there and work in the flowerbeds. I LOVE to make the outside look beautiful. For lunch we went to my parents and the guys made lunch. It was great! We didn't have to lift a finger. They even cleaned up and took care of the kids. The 3 of us girls played cards. So fun!
This past Sunday was our anniversary. My parents kept Dryer and Justin and I went to eat, to a movie and ran some errands. It was fun to be just the 2 of us.
Lindale had the annual Rodeo this weekend too. We took Dryver Friday and Saturday. We like to think he had fun. We sure did!
Only 7 days left of school. I am so excited. I am a little overwelmed at packing up my entire room. As an elementary teacher I have accumulated a LOT of stuff!!
This summer I am teaching 3 weeks of swimming and then I will officially be a stay-at-home mom!!! Can't wait!

3 Months Old April 27

2008-05-02T19:39:00.002-05:00

I was three months old last Sunday. For some reason my mom can't find time to blog now that she is back to work. Probably because when she walks in the door she picks me up and doesn't put me down till bedtime:) So, I will just tell you what's going on in my exciting life.
Right now mom is back at work for a little while. Only 19 days left! YEAH!!! I am staying with Gabby, Honey B, or Daddy during the days. I am actually having a pretty good time. I go to see mom at school everyday. She loves to show me off, and I love to give those ladies a smile:)
I have started eating every 4 hours now instead of 3 and mom is thrilled! Also, she tells me I am a great sleeper. I eat and then dad gives me a bath and we play as a family. It is so fun!!! Then they put me to bed by 10 every night. I usually sleep until 5:30 but the last few nights I have been sleeping until 8. WOW! They say I am doing great.
I love to laugh. This is a picture of me laughing during family play time.
I HATE being put on my stomach. They call it tummy time I call it torture. They say they are doing what's best for me, to make me stronger. They will probably be those kinds of parents that say they give me spankings because they love me. PLEASE!
Well, that's all for now. Headed to the bath.

Back at Work

2008-04-24T14:34:00.002-05:00

It would be very easy to sit here and list all the reasons I wish I was still at home with Dryver. But instead I am trying to look on the bright side and list the good things about being back at work. Here it goes:
1. He is being kept by family.
2. This gives my mom, Justin's mom and Justin a chance to form a special bond with him.
3. Justin will see what it is that I do as a stay-at-home mom.
4. Beth is pretty much home bound for the next few weeks, so I am not missing anything big with her.
5. I like to think Dryver is happy to see me when I come home.
6. I am able to see my work friends.
7. I know there are only 25 days left.
8. I will be at home with him next school year.
9. I am not having to clean my house. Who ever is at home for the day does that.
10. I get to see Dryver everyday at work.

I wish there were more but I can't think of any right now. If you know of any send it my way. I will try to do a post with pics soon. I am not home so I do not get to take too many pictures. Or do I want to take the time to blog when I can be with Dryver.

Addilyn Is HERE!!!!!

2008-04-16T17:01:00.005-05:00

We are proud to announce the arrival of our niece Addilyn Sloan Bills.

She was born at 8:13 AM and she weighed 7lbs 15 ounces, and was 22 inches long. Her and Beth are doing great. We are so excited that everything went great and can't wait to get her home.

Keatyn wasn't 100% sure about her when she first arrived, but she sure has warmed up to her now.

We are SOOOOO EXCITED. We can't wait for everyone to meet her. Well we will post more later.

A Monumental Day with No Pictures

2008-04-09T20:57:00.002-05:00

1st: Dryver had his 2 month appointment today. He weighs 10 lbs. 2 oz. We are so excited he is in the 5%. I know what you are thinking. BUT last time we went he wasn't even on the chart. We are so excited he is on the chart now. He is making his own little curve and doing very well. The dr. said Dryver is right where Dryver thinks he needs to be. That pretty much sums Dryver up:) Things just the way he wants them. He is 24 inches long. This puts him in the 75%. So he is tall and thin. Justin and I say "WHERE THE HECK DID THAT COME FROM?!" He also got three shots and a vaccine by mouth. He cried, I cried, Beth teared up and Keatyn hid. Needless to say it was a little traumatic for all of us. After that we headed straight to Toys-R-Us. Thanks Gabby for the prize. We all deserved it:)

2nd: Dryver laughed his 1st REAL laugh tonight! It was so sweet. Justin and I were getting him ready for his bath. He was just in his diaper lying on our bed. I was tickling him and kissing him all over. When I kissed his arm pit he started laughing. It's crazy the things parents do to get little ones to laugh. I LOVED the sound and just kept making him do it. When I called my family he stopped. I guess he's going to be one of those kids. He wouldn't perform. We will try to get it on film. You will love it!!!

Two Months Old

2008-04-01T07:47:00.003-05:00

Dryver and Keatyn watching TV. She loves to lay on a pallet with "her baby". They are the sweetest cousins. I can't wait for Addilyn to get here!

Dryver turned 2 months old March 27. We have been so busy I am just now able to post about his 2 month progress. It seems that we are learning new things about him everday.
D- Does NOT like his car seat
R- really enjoys "talking" right after he eats
Y- Yeah! he is smiling all the time
V- very cuddly
E- enjoys watching Keatyn
R- ready to laugh

Easter and Friends

2008-03-25T19:37:00.005-05:00

On Easter Sunday we lost our camera. So I have no pictures from the actual day. I took pictures today of Dryver in his bunny ears that he got in his Easter basket.

My friend Brandi and I had a photo shoot of the boys today. Brandi and her husband Jim both went to SFA and so did Justin and I. So, I made these onesies for the boys that say "Future Lumberjack". They looked so cute and this is one of the first times they have interacted because usually one of them is alseep. They were so funny Brandi and I were laughing so hard!

The picture of Dryver by himself is his version of an 80s Workout Video. Can't you hear him "Lift your leg and kick and one and two, work it ladies!" I was dying laughing:)

Random New Pictures I LOVE

2008-03-21T20:40:00.001-05:00

This picture is of Keatyn. When she sees the camera she poses. And I LOVE it! She is Miss Drama!!!

This picture is of Dryver and his best friend Chase with their daddy's. They both look just like their dad's.

Most mornings when I get up to feed Dryver I hand him to Justin so that I can go to the bathroom. One morning when I came out this is how I found them. It was too sweet to resist. So, I left them there to sleep and I went and had some alone time. I really didn't know what to do with myself:)

This is a classic Keatyn picture. The other night we loaded up the whole family and went to the drive in movie to see Horton Hears a Who. We went ahead and put the kids in their pjs and Keatyn just had to wear her pink cowgirl boots. It was too cute.

This is just a picture of Dryver smiling. This smile melts my heart. There are times when I get the camera out and he starts to smile. I know, he is BRILLIANT!

St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-18T11:04:00.002-05:00

We went to the zoo with Beth (BB), Keatyn, Brandi, Chase, Julie and Tatum. We had so much fun. The girls really loved it. Chase and Dryver slept through it which actually made it enjoyable for Brandi and I . Afterwards Dryver and I went over and hung out with Chase and Brandi for a little while. It is hard for us to find a time to take pictures of the boys when they both have their eyes open and not crying. Here is one of them. Dryver is wearing an outfit I bought for him last year on clearance. It is HUGE! I thought I would have a big baby because Justin and I neither one were small. However, that is not the case. But he had to wear it:)
I will try to post more pictures later. I have some good ones of the crazy weekend we just had. Life is so busy right now in the Cowart family. Actually in the Bills family, we are just a part of everything:) It is so fun to have family close!

1 month old Yesterday

2008-02-28T08:23:00.003-06:00

Wow, time flies! Dryver is already a month old. We have had so much fun:0) We have learned so much about him since we have come home from the hospital.
1. he loves to be swaddled.
2. he will take a pacifier long enough to calm himself down and then he spits it out.
3. he loves music.
4. he is mesmerized by keatyn.
5. he likes to read books.
6. he has an attitude. (this he gets from me)
7. he gets an upset stomach if moma eats to much dairy.
8. he does not like to be naked.
9. he likes to talk when he is getting his diaper changed.
10. last but not least HE IS THE PERFECT BABY!!! just ask his grandparents:)

And yes, he still looks just like his daddy!

Breastfeeding Issues

2008-02-20T09:41:00.003-06:00

I have gone back and forth about wether or not to blog about this certain issue. After much thought I decided my story needed to be shared. At least to have it out there if there is anyone who might read it and learn from it. I feel the same way about my infertility story. If people had not shared with me there infertility stories, I would have felt so alone.

Dryver was born not wanting to suck. He was born at 2:42 on Sunday morning. We should have gone home on Monday, but this was not the case. The on call pediatrician watched Dryver closely and decided he was not acting like a typical newborn. He told us he was going to take Dryver on Monday morning and do an ultrasound on his brain. He was afraid that his brain had not developed correctly and therefore he could not suck. As you can imagine, this was very scary for us.

We were told we would know the results by the end of Monday. Of course, yet again this was not the case. We didn't find out our results until Tuesday morning. What a long night. The results were unremarkable. So to our family that means he must be GT:) We were very excited with the results, but still curious as to why Dryver wouldn't eat. We were at the hospital until late Wednesday afternoon. During that time we continued trying to breast feed religiously every three hours, but he still wasn't sucking.

We were very excited the first time he sucked on his own. Then again when he did 2 sucks on his own, and so on. The issue was always sucking, not breastfeeding. So that meant that we couldn't just go to formula feeding out of a bottle. We had an array of techniques used to get him to start sucking.

We tried bottle feeding, syringe feeding, sugar water, supplemental breastfeeding system, pumping, breast shields. You name it, and we probably tried it. When we left the hospital he still was not eating on his own. They chalked it up to hard labor and delivery that left him stunned, as well as a child that was born not needing to eat.

Since then he has been eating like a champ. I have been able to successfully breastfeed on my own. I share this story because I have never heard of a child having an ultrasound of their brain. Hopefully you or someone you know will never have to go through this, but if it does occur you will know that you are not in this alone.

Words of Wisdom

2008-02-18T12:36:00.002-06:00

As of late, I have received lots of words of wisdom. I thought I would share with you those that have really stuck with me.

"Sometimes motherhood means sucking it up. Go suck it up."
Sally Field, Brothers and Sisters

This is the comment that really spurred the blog. I was watching Brothers and Sisters when this was said. I immediatly called my mom and told her I think this sums up motherhood. I am writing this down and putting it on my fridge!

"In the middle of the night when he is crying, before you let your feet hit the ground say "PRAISE THE LORD!"
Penni Jordan, mom

My mom's grandmother always said this to her and she has passed the advice on to Beth and I. And it really works. I feel it especially works well for me because of all that we went through to get Dryver here. We are so blessed to have him, even at 3 in the morning:)

"Get up and get fully ready for the day every day."
Beth Bills, sister

Beth told me this while I was pregnant with Dryver. She said it will really help to fight off the baby blues. So I have religiously gotten up every morning and taken my shower, fixed my hair, makeup and gotten dressed for the day. It really has worked. I for one feel productive and like I am getting back to my old self.

"Challenge yourself to brestfeed for 1 week, and then 1 month, and then you will love it."
Stephanie Shelton, SFA friend

I am so glad she told me this. I KNOW that breastfeeding is not for everyone. I admire women who do it but I am also the first to say I admire those women who know it is best for them to formula feed. I personally REALLY wanted to breastfeed for so many reasons. This advice has really stuck with me and I can say I really love breastfeeding. Especially during the waking hours!

"Enjoy every minute with that baby. It goes by fast!"
Countless mothers

This is so true! I can't believe he is already 3 weeks old. He is already changing and I am trying to soak up every minute.

Happy Belated Valentines Day

2008-02-15T14:26:00.000-06:00

Dryver and I had a photo shoot on Wednesday. It is amazing how my time is now not my own. My plan was to post this Wednesday or at least Thursday. That obviously did not happen. But better late than never:) This picture is of Dryver right after he ate (his happiest time). He is wearing a bib that says My 1st Valentine's Day! The bib covered him from his neck all the way to his diaper. He is a pretty little guy!

This is the Valentine's Day outfit I bought him before he was born. I love the puppy dog hat and matching socks. Yes those are socks, not leggings. I guess he will grow into them. His onesie says Puppy Love. I was so proud of myself! I got the whole outfit at Target in the dollar section. So the hat, onesie and socks cost me $3 all together. What a steal!!!

This is my favorite picture we have of Dryver so far. I think that is the sweetest expression. But I guess I am biased:0) But you have to agree!

Hopefully I will be able to update more often. I am learning the whole camera, to computer, to blog thing. I am not the tech person in this family! But I am trying:)

My New Best Friend!

2008-02-01T21:18:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, my mom took me to meet my new best friend. His name is Chase Everett Woodley. I was so excited to meet him, because mom had told me so much about him when we were in the hospital. Mom said she and Chase's mommy found out they were pregnant with Chase and I at the same time. Throughout the pregnancy, they became very good friends. Chase was due to come into the world on Jan. 23. I was due to come into this world on Jan. 31.

As you all know, I was born Jan. 27. Chase's mommy came to see me in the hospital. While she was holding me, I told Chase he had better hurry. Then Chase was born on Jan. 28. I was so excited when mommy told me he was here. I could not wait to meet him. So, yesterday I met him and then today we played together more. I think we will become the best of friends, just like our mommies have.

The first time I saw Chase I said "How big a boy are you?" I weighed 7 lbs 4 oz at birth and Chase weighed 8 lbs 10 oz. Chase's grandma remembered to tell me, the bigger they are, the harder they fall. But mommy told me to remember I will always be one day older and one day wiser than Chase.

I can't wait to have more play dates with my new friend Chase.

He's Here, Finally!

2008-01-27T10:34:00.000-06:00

Well, as the people of the old days said it. It's Done. Katherine delivered Dryver on Jan. 27, 2008. He was born at 2:42 am, weighed 7 lbs and 4 oz and was 20 in. long. Just take my word for it. The boy liked his mama and her belly. He did not want to come out.

Katherine started pushing at about 10 pm on the 26th. After pushing for about an hour the nurse noticed that he wasn't completely ready to deliver. The cervix still had a lip covering some of his head. So what happened after that was, well we'll just say it was tough. Katherine's meds were running out, so she spent the next hour to hour and a half in "VERY MUCH" pain. The anesthesiologist came in and gave more meds. She had to labor more to get Dryver ready. So that lasted until about 12:45. Then she started pushing again.

So when we got done with all of that, there was still a lot to go. They cleaned him up and then Katherine got to hold him. So that is the 2nd picture. We are SOOOOO happy. He is a good looking baby, with a lot of my features. We are pretty sure that Katherine is the mom, but you probably can't tell from Dryver's looks, yet.

This is the morning after. He is definitely already changed so much. He looks so cute. We are truly blessed. Thanks for all your prayers, and Dryver is looking forward to meeting all of you.

Now We Wait!

2008-01-26T18:47:00.000-06:00

Hey guys,
This is Justin. Just wanted to update you all. We are at the stinkin HOSPITAL! Can you believe that? We aren't due until Jan. 31st.

But last night, at about 1:00 a.m. Katherine started feeling contractions. She wasn't so sure that it was a contraction, because it was all in her back. So she was up ALL last night and I did my best, but you know how it goes. I could only last a few minutes at a time.

So at about 10:30 we headed to tyler and got checked in. We had to register and then take a wheel chair ride up to the 4th floor. After about an hour and a half of checking and waiting they finally admitted us. They had to break her water at about 2. Then she had her epidural at about 3:15. And since then she has just been waiting. They started giving her patosin to speed it up, but we are just waiting.

So this is our family in various states at the hospital and waiting. We have had a lot of family and friends here and are very thankful for them.
Keep us in your thoughts and prayers, and as soon as there is more news, we will let you know.

Justin

39 week update!

2008-01-24T18:50:00.000-06:00

Well, this week was a much better report than last week. He said I am now dialted 1-2. If it is my choice I will take the 2:) and 50% effaced. As we were leaving he said he was going to call labor and delivery to set me up for induction on February 6. So, in less than 2 weeks we will be parents to Dryver! Oh my goodness, I can't believe it is finally here. We are so ready to meet this little guy!
Saturday Justin got sick and was sick all day Sunday and Monday. He went to work Tuesday and then I was sent home from work Wednesday with the same thing. So I did not go today. We have both had severe head colds and fever. I think we are better now. Hopefully! We were so thankful to have that run through our house this week instead of when Dryver gets here.
Also, I feel that I am on a time schedule to have this baby and everyone is putting in there requests. Either they have work conflicts, social conflicts or want a specific day. I think I have come to the conclusion he will come when he comes. It is really not up to us. Although I am giving him pep talks daily:)
Thanks everyone for your advice and words of encouragment last week!
We will let you know when he gets here or how the appointment goes next Wednesday!

NOTHING!!!

2008-01-17T10:54:00.000-06:00

Yes, that's right, NOTHING! We (Justin and I) went to the doctor yesterday. When we left I felt like we were given nothing but bad news. Of course Justin had other things to say.

First of all let me say I LOVE my doctor! Even though I did not like what he had to say yesterday. He basically told me I am going backwards in this birth process. He asked me if last week he had told me I was a 1. And of course I said YES! Then he said well, I guess you could say you are still a 1 but I think you are shrinking. HELLO!!! Not at all what I wanted to hear. I asked him if he believed in any of the wives tales I have been hearing: mexican food, sex, walking, Casteroil, the full moon...He said NO! The only thing he believes in is prayer, and patience. That is why I like him so much. He always reminds me that God is in control. I love that he is also a believer. He also said he wasn't sure if he was feeling his head. He could have possibly turned again. So, we will see next week if I have progressed and if Dryver is turned the right way.

When we left the doctor Justin said well, that was good news. My reaction to that was WHAT! He said Katherine, you and Dryver are both healthy. That is all that matters right now. What a wonderful husband! I am so blessed!!!

So now I am trying to make a list of the positives of Dryver coming late: (since that seems to be a BIG possiblilty)
1. I will not have to come back to teach as much at the end of school.
2. I could possibly be off when my niece, Addilyn, is born.
3. If he comes in February he will be the only person in my family with a February birthday.
4. If he comes in February he and his cousin Ryan, on Justin's side, will both have February birthdays.
5. Justin and I will have a little more time alone.
6. I can reorganize his room yet again:)

If you can think of other reasons please let me know. I am trying to stay positive in the fact that it may be longer than I thought before I meet my son! One thing I know for sure, my doctor will not let me go over a week late. So, we are garunteed to have a son by February 7. That is only 3 weeks away, I think I can handle it:)

Dryver's Ready!

2008-01-07T13:04:00.000-06:00

Thursday I will officially be 37 weeks, meaning I will be considered full term! I am so excited!!! So, I went to the doctor today for my 37 week check up. I will now be going every week. I know I told some of you about the prospect of a c-section. Well, he is head down and ready to go. So, no more guessing. If all goes well I will have him naturally(with drugs). He had been breach but he has turned and is now in "ready position". Today was pretty eventful. I first had a sonogram. They are saying he is currently 5 lbs. 14 oz. And that everything looks great and right on schedule. Then I saw my doctor. I had the Group B Strep test today. Not "fun" but not too bad. Then he checked me. WOW!!! I was not prepared for that! But the good news is I am dilated to a 1. So, at least there is some progress. I go back next Wednesday afternoon and we are hoping for yet again a good report and more progress.
A little shout out to my mom. Thanks so much for going with me today. I have to admit I was a little nervous about the sonogram. They are always fun but I do get a little nervous. I guess Dryver's Gabby and Mom (wow, reality check) are the last ones to see him before he makes his grand entrance into the Cowart family. I can't wait!!!
Stay tuned...I will either write again on Wednesday after the appointment. OR if he arrives. We are hoping for the later:)

Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Cowarts

2007-12-29T12:43:00.000-06:00

This is the picture we intended to send out for Christmas cards this year. The more I thought about it, the more I thought I would just blog about the year. Some people love to read about other peoples year end review and some do not. I personally LOVE to. So for those of you like me here it goes.
As I think back to January 07 I am consumed with thoughts of hopelessness. I was on the breaking point thinking we were never going to have children of our own and ready to adopt. So, I definitely drew closer to God in my time of hurt and confusion. The days went on and turned into months. We celebrated my nephew and niece's birthdays and the whole time I was dying on the inside.
Then came mine and Justin's birthdays. By this time we had both been through several infertility treatments and 3 rounds of drugs. We had made an appointment with a infertility specialist and for the first time I felt hope. Oh, and I through Justin a surprise birthday party that was TONS of fun!
In May I had a Reunion Brunch at my house for the girls I graduated high school with. I love to host parties and this one was well worth it:) This year was mine and Justin's 5 year anniversary. Around that time we went to see the infertility specialist in Dallas. Little did we know at that time we were already pregnant with our little boy. For those of you wondering YES, God does have a sense of humor!!! We were prescribed a fridge full of shots to begin taking. As you can guess we never even opened the shots. It was Memorial Day weekend and the shots were about to expire so Justin pretty much made me take a pregnancy test. And as they say, the rest is history. We are now anxiously awaiting little Dryver Jordan Cowart!!!!
The picture is from our family vacation to Gulf Shores this past summer. We had a blast! We went with my parents and my sister and her family. When we got back Beth and I through my mom a GREAT surprise party for her birthday. She REALLY did not see it coming. We were very proud of ourselves.
During the summer I taught swimming lessons again and Justin worked football camps. It was a really good summer.
When school started back up we were straight in to football. After football season we went straight in to basketball season and that is where we are currently. Not Justin's favorite part of the year, to say the least. The fall semester flew by. I am hoping the spring will also. We have been blessed with several great showers and we have 3 more to go. I can't wait to get his room ready and bring him home. Not long now!
Oh, and my sister is also pregnant. She is due April 16 with a baby girl Addilyn. I can't wait to be an aunt again! I LOVE my niece Keatyn, she is blast!
Well, I guess that is all the major events of 07 in the Cowart famliy. It doesn't get more major than adding a baby to the family!!!
We will be sending out birth announcements so send me your address cowartsjk@hotmail.com.
Have a great 08!
Cowarts

A Friend's a Friend Forever

2007-11-19T15:02:00.001-06:00

Okay, how many of you thought of that corny song?! I know it's corny but it's SO true:) This past weekend I went to Waco for a Baby Shower for one of my friends from college. It was so fun to see lots of my college friends. On the way home, Beth and I talked about old times at SFA and how special that time was in our lives. We were truely blessed with some incredible friends during those 4 years at SFA. Those people and that time in my life will always be very special to me. So, thanks to all my SFA friends for making this past weekend so fun and our 4 years at SFA so memorable. Seeing you guys is always a treat. I can't wait to see you again. Say, January 5:)

Why putt when you can DRYVE!!!

2007-11-12T19:43:00.000-06:00

Thanks for the title Beth and Stephen:)

I'll be honest this post is for my mom and all her sewing friends. It's kinda crazy but she is the one who has been wanting me to start a blog. So, here it goes mom.

Last weekend my mom and her good friend Susan worked on baby bedding ALL weekend. Hence, why putt when you can Dryve:) Not just any baby bedding. Dryver's and Susan's soon to be grandaughter Clara. They say they had lots of fun. It looked like work BUT I was very pleased with the outcome. Because they were going to be making the bedding I had to get a bed. If you know me you know the stress this caused. I ended up with 2 fever blisters, 1 meltdown with my husband and in the end 1 perfect crib:) This is just how I work!

Mom did a great job on the bedding, quilt, diaper bag, pillow and diaper stacker.

The camo backpack is the 1st thing I monogrammed for Dryver. I LOVE IT!! and I think he will too.
I am so blessed to have such a talented mother!!!! She is so giving of her time and energy to make Dryver's nursery perfect. Thanks Gabby! Not to mention his Poppy(my dad) gave him one of his very own drivers(golf club) as the curtain rod. It looks perfect Poppy! Thanks! Dryver is going to be so blessed with such wonderful grandparents

My First Post

2007-11-12T19:03:00.000-06:00

Well, this is my First Blog. I hope all of you are doing good. We are SO excited about our new son Dryver Jordan Cowart.

I went to the doctor today for my Gestational Diabetes test. It was not much fun. But everything else looked pretty good. When we look at how much time we have left, it is not much at all. He is going to be here in only 2 1/2 months. WOW!!!!!

We are starting to get all of our registries ready for all of our showers. We are excited about getting to see a lot of people that we haven't seen in like FOREVER! But other than that, we are just working at school and staying busy all of the time.

Justin just started Basketball today. He was not very excited about it. Football just ended 3 days ago. But I guess, the sooner he gets started the sooner he will be in the middle of the season, and then it will fly by.

We have all of our furniture for Dryver's room already ordered, and so we are just waiting on the stuff to come in. We hope it is here soon, because ya'll know me, I am starting to stress about not being ready yet. The bedding is already done. It is all shades of brown with accents of Camo. It is a really cute idea, and my mom did a great job making it.

Well I hope that you guys enjoy this. I will do my best to update it as often as possible. I look forward to hearing what ya'll think.

Enjoy!

Katherine