The Bindels

FW:q r

2010-12-06T00:58:00.002-06:00

FW: K

2010-11-25T19:14:00.001-06:00

how are you ?F
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all the best for 2010
Regards

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juliette irene bindel

2010-09-25T21:37:00.009-05:00

Marc and Carlye plus 3

2010-02-04T16:11:00.002-06:00

Haven't posted in a while so I thought I'd post something really really good.

Bindel kiddo #3 is on the way. We had no clue at all. I was supposed to get a colonoscopy this morning. They do blood work before those kinds of things so the doctor came in and said we couldn't do it today. I started to get mad because I thought he was going to say something about his schedule wouldn't allow it (all I was thinking about was how hungry, thirsty and cleaned out I was in preparation). He shared the good news and I was shocked. He had a nurse go get Marc and had Marc sit down before he told him.

Marc's still in shock but good shock. Our house is plenty big. I think Georgia and Sarah Jane will love sharing a room. The only thing is it will most likely be a football season baby. But hey, we're in Wichita Falls with all of our family. We couldn't be in a better place for a welcomed surprise.

By the way, my girls are huge and so cute. I need to post a picture.

Like a dog on a leash

2009-09-13T21:49:00.003-05:00

I was thinking today about how I would describe the way I've been feeling. The title sums it up.

I feel like a dog on a leash. Like a dog with an amazing master who provides everything yet I'm trying to run the other direction. My master loves me enough to not let go of the leash and keep walking forward though I'm trying my hardest to run into traffic.

There are major things going on in the Bindel house. We're buying a house, Stroller Strides has it's Grand Opening this week, it's football season and I'm trying to raise two girls as a football widow. Why on earth do I think I can do this without prayer?

WE GOT IT!

2009-08-31T14:52:00.001-05:00

Just found out this afternoon that we won the bid. 4713 Florist will soon be ours!!!!!!!

Do What You've Got To Do

2009-08-29T21:51:00.002-05:00

Georgia is just having the hardest time sleeping lately. She has woken up in the middle of the night for so long now that it's normal. I honestly believe it has everything to do with being potty trained. She has gotten up to poop several times and always says she has to pee. Most of the time she wakes up with a wet diaper. Ugh!!

She does not fall back to sleep easy either. Before this sleepless bout she would take super long naps and wake up so pleasant. Now she'll sleep for only an hour and wake up very grumpy. I normally try to do my Stroller Strides stuff during nap time. When she wakes up after only one hour of sleep I have to keep doing some work because she hasn't given me enough time to really get something done. She comes and gives me a kiss (a grumpy one) and then lays down in the living room floor, same place each time, and falls back to sleep.

I'm pretty sure a good and consistent mother would either make her get back in bed or pick her up off the floor. I know she is needing that sleep so much so I've just been leaving her there. I've taken pictures of three different days she's done this. I think I've missed pictures a few days.

She also has all 4 of her 2nd year molars coming in and the bottom ones look like they are bleeding a little. She hasn't complained yet but I think they might be waking her up at night, too. It must be hard being 2.

Grand Opening

2009-08-28T21:45:00.000-05:00

Stroller Strides in Wichita Falls is having it's Grand Opening Septmeber 16 at Lucy Park. I'm so freaking pumped about bringing this here that I almost cry when I think about it. Every person that's come to one of my "practice" classes has fallen in love with it . . . just as I knew they would. I'd love to share the joy with you so show up at Lucy Park Monday, Wednesday or Friday at 9:15 a.m. and be ready to go!!!!

www.strollerstrides.com

Please Pray!!

2009-08-23T21:38:00.002-05:00

The house I've had my heart set on since May is finally available through HUD. We have until August 30th to make a bid. Please pray that we get this. We won't know what other people are bidding and we basically only get one chance to do this right. I want this house so bad but I want God's will more. All we can do is bid and pray so please help us pray.

Also, school starts tomorrow. Yeah!! No more 2-a-days!!

Real Life

2009-08-21T22:10:00.002-05:00

Georgia in Walmart in Bay City . . . forever ago. She was so proud she figured out how to put her burp cloth on her head. I can't wait for SJ to wear that hat. It has little ears on it. By the way, I don't call her SJ, I just type SJ.

Georgia seriously fell asleep in her high chair . . . again forever ago in Bay City. I'm missing that place lot tonight.

Love

2009-08-19T22:40:00.002-05:00

Sarah Jane isn't sitting up yet but she did pretty good in the laundry basket. Georgia spent most of this day in her panties and high heels.

I hear this phrase 30 times a day, "Sarah Jane awake? Sarah Jane awake? Sarah Jane awake?" They just love each other so much. Sarah Jane is still in a pack and play in our room at my parents house. I wish I had a pretty picture to show you of the house we're buying but it just hasn't happened yet. I do look forward to the day when Marc and I will be able to carry on a conversation in our room without worrying about waking up Sarah Jane. Then again, I'll probably miss her.

Sarah Jane's First Meal (just for you Jodie!)

2009-08-19T22:31:00.002-05:00

Shocker! Chubby cheeks likes food!

So much of her daddy in her.

In every picture where the flash goes off you can see her blond hair. Without a flash she looks completely different. To see her in real life you'd think she's brunette. I've really never seen a baby look so different in pictures.

She's such a joy!! She's seriously such a wonderful baby that I'm ready to have another one right now as long as it's as sweet as her. She loves Georgia so much and only cries when she's just so sleepy she can't function (which isn't alot). I have been super blessed with my girls.

New Crib

2009-07-27T13:42:00.003-05:00

I know, I know. It's been forever since I've posted anything. It's still going to be a while. Maybe tomorrow.

For now here's the new crib I got for Sarah Jane this weekend and the StorkLand garage sale. It's beautiful!! Some day we will have a house where I can make a room as beautiful as this crib.
We've got that to look forward to.

Sasha Denman

2009-06-01T13:17:00.002-05:00

Here's the link to our friend's update blog. Her sister in law, Ruth, is updating it to let us know how she's doing. Please please please take a minute to pray for Sasha and Jeff. Also scroll down the blog to see a picture of the fire bowl that caused this horrible accident. If you have one, get rid of it and pass it on. It's way too dangerous!!!!

http://www.supportsasha.blogspot.com/

Tsunami Picture Blog

2009-05-27T22:28:00.005-05:00

Uncle Booch and Sarah Jane Memorial Day at Barb and Jack's. We get it George, you're tan.

Georgia is such a weirdo sometimes. We keep this blanket in the car and she loves to put it on her head.

We've been watching the bird's nest on our front porch.

I told Georgia that was a mommy bird with her Georgia and Sarah Jane birds. It's been pretty fun to watch this little family. All of a sudden there were two baby birds sitting there. It's like they were eggs one day and then almost grown the next.

These pictures are of course out of order. Here's the new front porch for the playhouse after it's finished. Georgia took the inaugural steps and thought it was pretty neat. When we move to Nommie and Grandpa's house we'll put some potted plants on it and be in it every minute we can. It had a front porch on it when we were growing up with little stone steps leading to the sidewalk around the tree.

Marc putting the finishing touches on the new porch.

"Hard at work or hardly working?" - Shrek

Funny for obvious reasons.

Thank you so much for the ballerina ensemble, Kate!!

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday we are at Veteran's Park in Arlington for Stroller Strides. Ducks have been paring up lately to start their own little families. This mom and dad duck were considering the playground we hang out at after our work out. All the kids gathered on this little platform and fed them. Marc was out of school that day so he just happened to tag along. Joanne is the other adult in the picture with all the kids: Georgia and Sarah Jane, Lilly, Kyle, Samuel and Adrien.

River inspecting Grandpa's stache. Just making sure it's real.

The last time all 3 of the Berre kids were home with their families we threw a surprise party for our parents birthdays. Georgia and Cruz waited as patiently as they could for birthday cake.

My mom's not pissed off, she's surprised to find all of their closest friends in the living room. It was a small party but it was perfect!! It was the kind of friends that are close enough to know to get my dad a ham for his birthday. He loved every bite of it!

2 months!!

2009-05-27T22:15:00.005-05:00

It's official, she's a HUGE Bindel baby!! Here are her stats:

Weight: 15 pounds 4 ounces
Height: 24 inches
Cheeks: chubby
Percentiles for everything: Over 95%

Here are a few sweet pictures of this sweet, sweet baby girl. She makes me want to have more right now!!

Asleep in mommy's arms.

Smiling at Nommie.

More sweet smiles for her Nommie. I guess Georgia was asleep otherwise she would not let Nommie hold Sarah Jane. In case Nommie forgot, she belongs to Georgia.

Not No, But Not Right Now

2009-05-23T22:28:00.002-05:00

So the house we made an offer on is for sure in foreclosure now. Originally it was going to be a short sale but the bank decided to foreclose on it. What does it mean for us?? It doesn't mean we won't get the house. It just means we're not getting it any time soon. The good thing is we're going to live with my parents rent free. The bad thing is we're going to live with my parents. They are of course wonderful in every way but what almost thirty year old wants to go back to their house? I am so thankful for them though.

Healthy living

2009-05-17T21:49:00.003-05:00

I'm sure I heard this analogy somewhere else but it's so true. Prayer and time in the Bible are exactly like eating healthy and exercising. I think about this all the time.

Think about it. You hear about all these magic diets all the time where you don't have to give up the foods you love and you don't have to exercise. Guess what, they don't work. Even if you try them and loose a few pounds, it's only temporary and you're going to end up in maybe even worse shape than you started in. The only way to truly live a healthy life is to combine eating healthy and exercising. Yes, you can be pretty healthy by just eating right. Yes, you can be pretty healthy just exercising. But put those two together and you're unstoppable.

It's exactly the same when it comes to having a real and growing relationship with God. People want to get closer to the Creator by reading a certain book, listening to a certain pastor or speaker. Those things are all good but they aren't a substitute for time studying the Bible and praying. Yes, you can have a pretty healthy relationship with God by just reading the Bible. Yes, you can have a pretty healthy relationship with God by just praying. But put those two together and you're unstoppable. The Bible is our food. Praying is our exercise.

There's no other secret to a good spiritual life. That's it. Plain and simple. Study the Bible. Break it down. Get some notes on what was going on at the time a certain book of the Bible was written so you can better understand the context. See if there's any area of your life you can apply what you're reading to. If you don't see anything, just keep it in mind for the future.

Turn around and pray. Tell God thank you for the breath you're breathing. Tell Him thank you for anything and everything. When you feel like you don't have anything to be thankful for, thank Him for paying the price through the death of His Son so that you can even be talking to Him and have Him listen. Tell Him what's going on in your heart. Tell Him what you're feeling, what you're thinking. And just like you would in any other relationship, let Him respond and listen. It's hard to understand His voice right away. When my best friend and I were starting to get to know one another in jr. high, before the days of caller i.d., I'd have to ask who was on the other line when she called. After talking to her for a while, I recognized her voice right away. It's the same with God. The more you talk and listen, the quicker you'll recognize His voice.

When we're healthy in our relationship with God, we're healthy in life. Life's not easier, make not mistake, it's just better. He is our peace.

It's 10:06 p.m. and Georgia is still singing in her bed. The girl is a night owl!!

My girls

2009-05-17T21:46:00.001-05:00

How wonderful is life??

Not running behind just more caught up

2009-05-12T14:33:00.001-05:00

Sorry there haven't been any new blogs lately with pictures. The truth is that we're actually moving at a good pace here now which means I'm not sitting around "resting" as much. I just uploaded 161 pictures yesterday so I'll have to do a tsunami blog soon.

Moving to Wichita Falls June 20th. Kidney surgery June 25th.

That's it for now!!

I get that alot

2009-04-28T16:38:00.003-05:00

This is who my dad thinks I look like with my new hair cut. It's shorter but still, not quite the modern compliment I was looking for.

Tests are done

2009-04-28T14:47:00.001-05:00

I had both tests for my bladder and kidneys today and they went well. I got to watch the VCUG, the one where they put dye in my bladder to see if there's reflux into my kidneys. Unfortunately there was into my left kidney, the one with the kidney stones. Don't know what we'll do to fix that. I didn't get to see anything from the IVP, the test where they pump dye through the rest of my body to see everything else going on in my kidneys. My Urologist, Dr. Sambell, should be calling me tomorrow or Thursday to let me know what's next. Keep praying. I've had surgery before for the reflux problem but that was 24 years ago. So weird that I can say I did something 24 years ago.

2009-04-09T13:06:00.001-05:00

A bird pooped on my head yesterday.

Cruz on the Cob

2009-04-06T21:57:00.001-05:00

Cruzy had corn on the cob for the first time at our house this weekend. He did a great job eating it. Val was taking pictures and when we went back to look at them we noticed Georgia making this face in the back ground. She of course did not touch her corn on the cob.

2009-04-06T21:49:00.002-05:00

It was very important that Cruz and Georgia drink their juice together where ever they were. Aunt Val, Duncle Dale and Cruzy came to see Sarah Jane on Sunday and spent the night. They were adorable together!

How cute is Cruzy?

Sarah Jane finally lost her cord so I was able to give her her first official bath. It had been so long since had used the tub. She's HUGE!! She loved every minute of it. Didn't cry one time. Georgia hated her bath the first few times but then grew to love it. Again, she's HUGE.

What a big girl. She likes to have her snacks in Sarah Jane's seat. She angles the little mirror so that she can see herself, kind of like the geek in Sixteen Candles when he and Molly Ringwald are sitting in the car at the school dance. Watch it. Laugh.

2009-04-06T21:38:00.002-05:00

My friend Lisa "cooked" Pappasitos for us this past week. What a chef!! We gorged ourselves on awesome fajitas but Georgia loved the bag most of all.

She's helping me do everything else lately so why not cook? She did a great job making pancakes.

Georgia loves wearing my shoes. Yes, I do own another pair of shoes besides my Asics and Crocs.

Sweet sister kisses. No wonder both girls got colds and ear infections.

Grandpa has been stopping by on his way to and from different jobs in the DFW area. Each time he walks in the door he goes straight to the bathroom to get a wet rag and apply a temporary tattoo to each of Georgia's hands. He bought a big supply of Mickey Mouse tattoos that he keeps in his car now.

Catch up Blogs

2009-04-06T21:21:00.004-05:00

I'm just going to post pictures with captions because I haven't blogged in so long. We have a ton of pictures and I don't know if I'll be awake long enough to post them tonight. All I can tell you is Sarah Jane is HUGE and getting bigger everyday. For real, she's almost out of 3 month clothes and she'll be 5 weeks old tomorrow. I love fat breastfed babies. Healthy healthy healthy.

The picture above is a great illustration of my life sometimes. Sarah Jane chilling, Georgia being goofy and laundry that needs to be folded and put up.

How sweet is this picture? Daddy and his girls.

Nommie, Georgia and Sarah Jane.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. This was the second time I let Georgia play in the potting soil before her bath time. I should have learned after the first time that I have to bathe her after she plays like this before I put her in her clean bed. This time she was taking fist fulls of dirt and throwing them over hand into the yard. She would start releasing the dirt right as it would pass over her head/shoulder so she was totally filthy.

This picture is pre-potting soil. She brought bear and piggy out to see the bubbles. When she put bear in the wagon she talked to him in her high pitched pretend voice and said, "Look bear, bubbles!" She had worn pigtails earlier that day. She always pulls them out when she's in her car seat. Post pigtail hair = Doc Brown hair.

Accents and Moby Wraps

2009-03-23T16:47:00.002-05:00

Georgia is starting to actually sing the words to songs rather than just requesting for me to sing them while she dances. Poor thing. Her Texas momma has already taught her some bad habits. Rather than singing, "Twinkle twinkle little star." it sounds more like, "Twankle twankle little star." Georgia's version is really, "Twankle twankle twankle twankle". She goes to Awanas at our church on Sunday and is in the Puggles class. They sing a song about being a Puggle to the tune of Twinkle Twinkle. They also have t-shirts they wear and Georgia always wants to wear her Puggles shirt. Last night when I picked her up she was singing her own version of the Puggles song, too. "Puggles Puggles Puggles shirt." That was the line she sang over and over. Too cute.

Moby wraps are awesome because Sarah Jane is wanting to be held this afternoon. No problem. Put her in the Moby wrap. She's happy, my hands are free. I can get some house work done and be a good mom.

March Madness

2009-03-15T21:43:00.000-05:00

Marc always runs a Yahoo Tournament Pick Em' for March Madness and it's pretty fun. You can win some good money. If you want to join us this year just email either me or Marc and we'll send you the info. Hope you want to play - C

Abundant Joy

2009-03-14T11:23:00.002-05:00

I really don't think life can get any better right now. I love my girls. I love staying home with them. I love my husband and I'm excited about our future.

Here are a few thoughts I have right now:

I love MY newborn babies. For some reason I always forget how to hold other peoples newborns, but I love holding my own.

Our family is amazing but it's not complete. Weird to say just a few weeks after giving birth but I know we need to have more kids. Maybe I'm just spoiled to my two wonderful and easy going girls.

The second kid is much easier in so many ways than the first. Georgia was not hard at all. She didn't cry for no reason and she was pretty healthy. It's just that I know what I'm doing a little more now with Sarah Jane. Falling back to sleep after a middle of the night feeding is so much easier. I know what her sounds mean, I know when she needs me and when she doesn't.

Friends bringing meals is so valuable and amazing. I don't know how we would be making it if they weren't!! Knowing that we are taken care of makes me able to at least get one thing done during the day because I know I don't have to worry about that.

I've been more relaxed about my house than I was with Georgia for several reasons. The first is that my mom left us set up for success. She cleaned everything that could be cleaned, washed everything that could be washed and organized everything that could be organized before she left last Sunday. The second reason is my wonderful husband. He's been given the gift of being a good straightener. He can straighten any room like a pro.

I know now that life won't "get back to normal". We're going to discover a whole new normal. I think there's peace in understanding that. If I thought things would go back to the way they were I'd constantly be frustrated because you can't ever go back. Who would want to?

My main source of peace is that God's Word never changes. Though my life is constantly changing, His Word, His character, His peace and His strength stay the same. As soon as Georgia goes down for her nap, I put Sarah Jane on my chest and we spend some "Quiet Time" together reading God's Word and praying. That of course always leads to a nice peaceful nap.

Our New Life

2009-03-11T20:39:00.002-05:00

I love the pictures like this where she's just passed out in Marc's lap. I have so many of Georgia like this.

Sarah Jane's first picnic. The weather the first week of her life was unbelievable. If putting a baby in the sunshine through a window is good for jaundice then surely straight sunshine is healthy, too. Georgia loves having picnics.

This was Sarah Jane's first morning home. We didn't get home from the hospital until around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday night. I'm glad we came home though, there's nothing like your own bed and nothing like being able to sleep without nurses coming in every few hours to check your vital signs. Georgia was so excited when she saw that Sarah Jane was at her house.

Our first family picture. I love how Georgia is looking at Sarah Jane.

As soon as Georgia saw Sarah Jane she wanted to "hold it". We didn't get any great pictures of this moment so this will have to do.

More SJ Goodness

2009-03-11T06:30:00.000-05:00

"Lord Give Me Strength!!"

2009-03-04T13:18:00.002-06:00

That's what I shouted about a zillion times last night at the end. I've done this the natural way now and I'm here to say . . . It's NOT for me again! More power to the women who do it for every child. Maybe it was the fact that it basically all happened in a hours time but whoa. That's really all I can say, whoa.

I will say that recovery has been really easy which is nice. Since Georgia was breech and I had to have her in the OR I wasn't able to hold her right away. As soon as Sarah Jane came out they handed her straight to me and I didn't have to give her back for a long time. That part was amazing. I have to admit, I wanted another girl. Georgia and I went to Target yesterday and I looked at all the matching Easter dress possibilities and knew I would be in heaven if I could have another girl. Of course I would have been thrilled to have a boy but I love my girls!!

I'll write a little birth story later on when it's not so fresh in my mind and I'm not so bitter towards Eve. My mom made a good point this morning, if Eve hadn't screwed up we would have. If you don't know what I'm talking about just email me and we'll chat.

Love to you all and thank you so much for all of your sweet text messages, emails and calls. - Carlye Jo

Day 2 with Sarah Jane

2009-03-04T09:11:00.005-06:00

I have, for the most part, just been posting pictures on here. I'm sure Carlye will get on here later and give you her thoughts on everything from Natural Childbirth to edible cheeks.

Here's the text message of the night (from Scott Muehlberger):

"...if my math is right, you now have 2 girls! Which is hilarious..."

Yup, Scott, that is hilarious. Marc Bindel has TWO DAUGHTERS. My God.

~Marc

More Goodness

2009-03-04T06:21:00.001-06:00

Sarah Jane vs. Georgia: You Decide!

2009-03-04T06:11:00.006-06:00

Georgia - Day One

Sarah Jane - Day One

Can't tell if they're the same or not.
Sarah Jane's got those puffy cheeks.

With Daddy

2009-03-04T00:15:00.002-06:00

Her Info

2009-03-04T00:01:00.006-06:00

Name: Sarah Jane Bindel
Goes By: Sarahjane (like a hick - it's one word)
Birthday: 3-3-09 (Square Root Day)
Time: 8:50 p.m.
Weight: 8 Pounds, 2 Ounces
Height: 20 inches
Cheeks: Chubby
Cuteness: Off the charts

Sarah Jane is Here!!

2009-03-03T23:52:00.004-06:00

Walkin' on Sunshine

2009-03-02T21:10:00.004-06:00

This is Georgia and our good friend, Katie, dancing. Cruz's party was a dance party so the kids got to go nuts dancing. Like I said earlier, even the little funny things were even funnier cause she was wearing a tail.

Watching Georgia dance to this reminded me of that scene from Look Who's Talking where John Travolta is dancing with the kid. Remember that?

Cruzy's 2!

2009-03-02T20:58:00.002-06:00

Cruz turned 2 on Saturday and we had his birthday party Sunday night. It was honestly one of the best birthday parties I've ever been to. I hope my 30th is as good as Cruz's 2nd. It was a dance party and Marc DJ'd. Every song was a hit. Val's friend, Katie Riley, brought tails for Georgia and Cruz. They clip on the back of their clothes and I think they both forgot within 3 seconds of them being on that they were even there. It made all the funny things they did even funnier because they had tails.

Georgia and Duncle Dale. You can see her pink tail sticking out on Dale.

Georgia and Cruz eating together at the table. We never have chips at our house so of course that's all Georgia ate. She didn't touch her meat or sweet potatoes. She did have a big piece of Nommie's homemade chocolate cake. Her cake is so good that most of the boys went home with at least two left over slices.

This is a good shot of Cruz's tail. He got lots of Thomas the Train stuff and a few tractors and trucks.

De Ja Vu

2009-03-02T20:56:00.000-06:00

Georgia's first Up Do

2009-03-02T20:50:00.002-06:00

My sweet mother came in town Thursday night because I was feeling alot of pressure down stairs and we thought I might go into labor. Well, here we are Monday night, mom's gone home and no baby so far.

Georgia got really spoiled to having her Nommie here. One night after her bath I grabbed a bobbie pin and gave Georgia a little French Twist. it was so cute. I couldn't snap a picture quick enough of Georgia giving Nommie a kiss but I did get one of them touching chins. Too cute!

Daddy Time

2009-03-02T20:41:00.002-06:00

No explanations are needed for these.

Her B-I-B-L-E

2009-03-02T20:33:00.003-06:00

Georgia has a little pink New Testament Bible that Betsy's parents, Barbara and Jack Wolfe, gave her for her first birthday. She has become attached to it. The other day she woke up from her nap and told me she wanted to hold her Bible. We went in her play room, she picked it up and then sat down in her hippo. Not on it, in it. There's a picture in the front of her Bible of baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph and some shepherds that she loves to look at. She's infatuated with Mary and wants me to sing a song about her but I don't know what she's talking about. I usually end up singing Away in a Manger cause I figured Mary was at least there. I love it that she's already drawn to God's Word.

Ahhhh . . . Life

2009-02-26T12:45:00.002-06:00

Today is one of those days you're so glad you stay home. Georgia and I had a picnic outside for lunch. After we ate I put on my bikini top and have been sitting outside enjoying the sun on my stretch marks. Georgia is running around shirtless getting some good vitamin D.

This morning I asked her what we should name the baby. She said yogurt, puppy, donkey and zebra.

Georgia ate one piece of broccoli last night. That was HUGE for us.

She dipped a strawberry in ketchup at lunch and ate it. I just about puked.

We are planning a big Walmart trip tomorrow evening after dinner since it's payday. How great would it be if my water broke in Walmart?

The REAL 38 week update

2009-02-24T16:54:00.002-06:00

"Whoa! Girl!" was my doctors reaction when he checked me today. He asked me if I had started experiencing any signs of labor and I told him no and that I didn't think this was happening any time soon. Then he checked me. I'm dilated to a 4 and 75% effaced. We all laughed that I was so far along and had no clue. I knew I was dilated but not that much. I was hoping for a two.

He said as soon as I have a contraction or my water breaks he wants me to get on the road. He also said if at my appointment next week I'm at a 6 he'll go ahead and keep me because that's just so far along and my labor with Georgia went so quickly. Basically, if you've volunteered to keep Georgia get ready cause we'll be dropping her off quickly.

Is it weird that I don't want to go into labor until Friday? Weekends are just so much more convenient for having kids. Everyone's off work and can come visit. Marc will have gotten his next paycheck. Just good.

38 week update

2009-02-23T16:39:00.001-06:00

It's official. I have pregnancy brain. I showed up for my 38 week appointment today only to find out it's tomorrow. Glad I drove 30 minutes to find out I have to drive it again tomorrow.

Middle of the night post

2009-02-23T04:32:00.003-06:00

It's 4:32 a.m. and I am awake. Just a part of pregnancy. Can I tell you how thankful I am that I don't have to go to a job tomorrow morning?? If I am too tired to go anywhere all I have to do is hang on till 1:30 p.m. and then I can take at least a 2 hour nap. That alone right there is worth being a stay at home mom!

Here are a few thoughts I'd like to share since it's the middle of the night and we're up talking.

Georgia went to Awanas at our church last night for the first time. When did my baby get so big that she's able to do this stuff? It is a little frustrating that she's not big enough yet to tell me every detail of what she did while she was there. Don't know if you've realized it yet but I'm into details. When I drop her off at the nursery during church I normally don't tell her goodbye or anything because I don't want her to get upset. I did the same thing with Awanas. I need to re-think this. She pretty much runs to the room because she thrives on socializing, learning and the yummy snacks they provide.

I think I am going to start kissing her goodbye for two reasons:

1. I'm pretty sure she can handle it.
2. I need a goodbye kiss.

When I went to pick her up from Awanas she was sitting at a table with some other kids eating Pirates Booty. If you don't know what it is, pick up a bag at your local Central Market, Whole Foods or some Tom Thumbs and enjoy. I recommend the one with spinach and kale but that's beside the point. When I called her name, she looked up at me, smiled and waved and went right back to what she was doing. I kept calling her name and telling her it was time to go but she didn't want anything to do with it. I guess that's what I get for not keeping all those chip and cracker type snacks in my house. Ask anyone in Stroller Strides, Georgia is a mooch and loves any snack anyone will give her.

It took a good 10 minutes to get her to leave. She didn't get upset, she just didn't come to me. I had fun visiting with her leaders and I was one of the first ones there so we weren't in a hurry to leave and they weren't in a hurry to get rid of us.

Next subject: When #2 comes.

Marc and I have been preparing ourselves as much as we can to do natural childbirth using the Bradley Method. We've been reading up and have been practicing a few things. We didn't take the class because we're cheap/broke . . . but happy.

The main thing we are getting from what we're learning is relaxation. I feel like there are a few things I won't be able to prepare for like what position will be most comfortable and what type of music I'll really want to listen to if any at all. But there are a few things I do know we'll do.

The first is that both our cell phones will either be off or totally on silence once we're in the hospital and settled in. If you try to call one of us be prepared to go straight to voice mail until #2 is here and we're all smiling. No text messaging either.

The second thing I know we'll do is head straight to the hospital as soon as we know it's for sure happening. This isn't typical for natural childbirth from everything I've read and from my friends who've shared their natural stories with me. The reason we'll go right away is two fold:
I'm planning on delivering almost 30 minutes away from my house because I loved my OB with Georgia and am using him again and I won't be able to relax until all the details of "home" are dealt with.

Since we're going to be driving we'll have to get Georgia taken care of with a properly packed bag, call my mom to get on the road, get my bag finished, get Marc packed, drive to Waxahachie safely and slowly (no speeding tickets) all while I'm trying to relax and let the contractions work their muscular magic. Can you see where I'd want to get all this over with as soon as possible? I feel like the sooner I'm in the hospital, the sooner I can let all those details go and just focus on the task at hand. The delivery rooms at Baylor in Waxahachie are gorgeous, much prettier than my house so why not go there quickly? Gorgeous hard wood floors, beautiful lighting and a better stereo system than what we have.

My doctor is really great. He said I don't have to be in the bed until the end and prefers for me to be up and moving . . . if that's what I want at the moment. I actually wrote out a birth plan for this kid and he said everything on there was great.

When I had Georgia, my water broke at home and I didn't feel a contraction until I was totally checked into the hospital and sitting in the bed. I was already dilated to a 4 and moving quickly. The rumor is that the second kid goes even faster. That's what I'm betting on. I was only in labor 6 1/2 hours with Georgia. I wouldn't complain if this one is quicker. My dream is to get to the hospital and already be at a 6 but that is just a dream. I've given this whole process to the Lord and am resting on His wisdom. This child is a gift from Him so I'm going to listen to Him and trust His plan for this delivery.

On a different note, I saw a sign today that read, "I buy houses!" on the first line. The second line read, "Datmonkey.com". My first thought was, "Is he like a funny Vietnamese guy?". Don't know if you'll laugh at that but I did.

I hope this blog finds you well. If you've read this far, thank you. You're a better friend than I am. If a blog doesn't have pictures and isn't a heart wrenching true story, I normally don't read it. Please don't let that deter you from blogging. If you read mine I promise to make a good effort at reading yours.

At what point of insomnia do you just bite the bullet and start reading Twilight again?

Too Two

2009-02-22T13:36:00.002-06:00

Just in case you didn't know, Georgia is 2. Last night she had Marc help her put on her tutu and she put her purse over her shoulder and looked so adorable. When I went to take a picture of her, she remembered that she's two and decided to get upset and lay on the floor and cry. What's funny about her doing this (and it happens a few times a day around here) is that I know she doesn't really know why she's upset. When this happens she very slowly lays down on the floor on her face and lays there and cries. I normally walk off so that she knows this doesn't phase me at all but I had to take a picture of it last night. Yes, that's how ugly my kitchen floor is. Why do I even bother mopping it? I guess so that a two year old can throw a fit and not come up with a dirty nose.

The past three days Georgia has been a huge Daddy's girl but her fit carried over to Daddy's arms last night. Marc looks way more intense than he really was. I have a feeling when #2 gets here that intensity will be for real.

SHHS Teacher Talent Show with Medium Wayne

2009-02-20T13:56:00.002-06:00

Marc got to show off his musical/comedic talent last night when he preformed a Piano Compilation at the Teacher Talent Show. He walked out on stage up to the grand piano, sat down, put on a red baseball cap he borrowed from one of his football players named 'Waco', put on a gold chain and sunglasses and proceeded to play a medley of Lil Wayne songs. It was HILARIOUS!! Georgia and I got there early and snuck in before any of the kids were allowed in so that we could get the perfect seats to film Marc. Marc and I decided I should film it with our new Cannon camera instead of our awesome video camera because it would be easier to upload and put on youtube right away.

As he was ending his performance the camera went black which was weird because I knew the battery was charged. When I pressed the record button again to get it to come back on I saw that the record light did not come on. I quickly realized I had it in camera mode rather than video mode and missed filming everything!! You, our loyal friends and family, have been deprived of one of Marc's greatest moments . . . and he's had some pretty great moments.

Here's a re-cap of other great Marc moments that have been captured on film that I need to put on this blog: Micah and Ashley Anderson's wedding when Marc went up to the stage balcony and preformed Yeah by Usher. I laughed so hard then that I ended up on my knees in a dress beating the ground with my hand. When I watched it months later on DVD, I fell off the couch laughing. Next is Marc's competition for Mr. Red Oak when he was a jr. high teacher. He preformed feats of strength, agility, an amazing magic trick and an unforgettable evening wear spectacle all while wearing a loin cloth and an Afro wig. He of course won. Then there's him and Coach Westerberg doing the Superman dance thing at the Bay City pep rally last year. This video is on youtube. Just search for coachbindel and you'll find it. How did I get so lucky to marry "That Guy"?

A kid in the crowd told me last night that they'll have DVD's of the talent show for sale. As soon as I get my hands on one we'll put Marc's part on youtube for everyone to see.

Grandpa the Tatoo Artist

2009-02-19T10:30:00.002-06:00

Since Grandpa's job brings him to Dallas sometimes, he gets to stop by and see Georgia every once in a while. A few months ago he drew a face on Georgia's hand and she has not forgotten it. He stopped by last night and after Georgia warmed up to him she crawled into his lap, pulled out a pen from his overalls and showed him that she wanted him to draw on her hand again. All while wearing a purple tutu.

Georgia's Buddy

2009-02-18T21:58:00.002-06:00

Georgia's friend, Olive, came over for lunch today with her mom, Kelly. Olive is one day older than Georgia and they are too cute together. They are finally at the age where they interact with each other when they play. Of course much of their interaction involves one person taking the toy the other is playing with and the other one getting upset. They really were sweet together. They're reading in Kelly's lap after I tried to explain that my lap isn't the most comfortable to sit in right now.

Some of you may remember before Georgia could walk she would hold on to something and shake her hiney while I sang our little Shake Your Booty song. Now she can dance dance dance all the time. I hadn't sang that song in a while so I sang it today and she loved it. When I would finish she would say, "More booty! More booty!" For real. It was too cute.

Georgia and Olive had a blast dancing together. How cute is Olive??

The Life of Georgia

2009-02-18T21:41:00.002-06:00

Georgia avoids vegetables at all costs. She is still served them at every meal but somehow knows that she should follow the stereo type and not eat them. Solution: give her some of my smoothie that has spinach, cucumber and celery not to mention lots of good fruit. She loves smoothies.

Maybe one of Marc's proudest moments. Georgia ate her pancake in such a way to reveal the Bat Symbol. Was she really calling for help?

Georgia with a mouth full of pancake. She has no clue how excited Marc was when he was taking this picture.

Georgia loves Christy and her daughter Adrianna. Christy is one of the instructors for Stroller Strides and has been a great friend to me and Georgia. This was taken at the Luna Mom's Club Valentine's Party where I ate a million tiny quiches.

Georgia and I escorted Marc to his football banquet. It really was fun. Marc made three videos that were shown and we were really proud of him. He made a season highlight video, a really cool video of all the kids that signed with colleges and then a great video tribute to one of their players that passed away.

Life Lately

2009-02-11T16:09:00.002-06:00

Here are a few pictures of the Bindel family lately. Enjoy

Look closely for the little hands that are reaching up to play Marc's piano. I just thought this was too precious! Marc has learned to play the theme song to Doogie Houser, MD.

Here it is, a belly shot. I don't like belly shots and I think I only did one with Georgia at about 30 weeks. I'm 36 weeks and trust me this is a better picture than the one with Georgia. With this kid at 36 weeks I'm sitting right on the edge of the 150's at 159 and with Georgia at 36 weeks I was 185 already. Yeah. That's a big difference. No wonder I feel better! My goal was to stay in the 150's but I think I'm going to miss that unless this kid comes in the next hour. Oh well, I'm not far off!

Just another Friday night in the Bindel house. Laundry on the floor, Georgia running everywhere and Marc playing a musical instrument. In this picture he's playing Tush by ZZ Top, practicing for the Sam Houston High School talent show. Georgia loved loved loved Marc playing the bass. She danced beside him most of the time except when I was taking a picture.

Our little weirdo loves to feed herself either with her eyes closed or with a napkin on her head. This is an almost every meal thing. My favorite is when she reaches for her drink and has to feel around the table to find it. She always brings it to her mouth and then lifts the napkin up to take a drink. I'd say this is the Marc part of her personality coming out. I think she would do this even if I wasn't sitting there laughing at her.

Update

2009-02-05T12:41:00.002-06:00

Potty Training is on hold for a little while. My sweet friend Megan texted me Tuesday afternoon to see how potty training was going. She got a whole other world of news from me. Georgia got very spoiled to all of Nommie's attention while I was gone. I think it just hit her this morning that I had been gone. Other than that, she had no idea because Nommie spoiled her so much.

Finally feeling better. The worst part of it all was having to stay in bed so much and then getting so bloated everywhere from constant IV meds. The morphine ended up giving me a horrible horrible head ache. I haven't had many hangovers in my life but this certainly felt like one.

I read on Webmd about kidney stones and it said over and over again that you have to drink a ton of water to prevent them and to pass them. I'm going to be drinking more water from now on to keep this from happening again, at least to keep it from happening before #2 gets here. Marc said he's going to start drinking more water, too.

Back to normal life. Laundry calls and I'm thankful I feel like doing it. Thank you all for your prayers, sweet calls and emails and offers for food. I love each of you and will be the first in line to help when you need it. Thanks! - C

Day 4 ended with the Stones and not the Rolling kind

2009-02-03T08:14:00.006-06:00

Day 4 was insane! Georgia started the day with a pretty big accident in the kitchen that again devastated her. We went on to Stroller Strides and she did great!! Held it the whole time. When we got home I didn't put her on the potty right away and she had another big accident. I felt guilty because I didn't take care of her and give her the chance to be successful. And then after that we had our first #2 accident. We're not giving up because I know she can do it. Honestly, I'd rather wash panties and pants than diapers any day.

So then . . . . . I had joked around with my Stroller Strides girls that I had to be dilated and that a foot had to be sitting right on my cervix. When Georgia went down for a nap and I was really really really uncomfortable. I ordered Prince Caspian on PPV, got my Becky Bag (Bindels know what that is) and laid down. I kept getting more uncomfortable and my back starting hurting more and more. I finally got to the point where I called Marc, told him to come get me because we were going to Dr. Brown, called my new SUPER FRIEND Joann to come sit with Georgia and then called Dr. Brown to let him know I was coming in. A few miles outside of Waxahachie my back starting hurting worse than any pain I've ever known and I threw up. We got to Dr. Brown's office in 28 minutes, a record time trust me.

Dr. Brown examined me (I'm 1 cm dilated by the way, nothing big but just 9 more to go in 5 weeks) and when he touched my back on the left side he knew what was going on. I clued into it, too, and knew it was kidney stones and nothing to do with labor. They wheeled me over to the hospital (his office is right next door) and by this time I was crying and in terrible pain. They took me up to L&D so that they could monitor the baby who was doing just fine and still moving a ton. I threw up again in triage and after a few minutes finally got my first round of pain medication.

From there I'm not really sure what all went on. I know I had a sonogram of my kidneys and got checked into a room. During that time my pain medication wore off and we were back to what Marc is calling 'Vietnam Pain'. At some point a urologist came to see me and told Marc I had kidney stones in both kidneys but it was my left kidney that had a ureter that was being blocked by a stone. He also said I had one about 5 cm big in there. WHOA! My mom came and kept Georgia and Marc went home to get a few things for himself and relieve Betsy who had come to relieve Joann. While he was gone my IV pain meds had worn off and I had been asleep for 2 hours so I hadn't been pushing my little pain medicine button for myself. 'Vietnam Pains' were back. The crappy thing about getting kidney stones when you're 35 weeks pregnant is that they can only give you a few kinds of pain medicine and they can only give you so much. I had all of my allotted doses of Stadol, Delotted and then another one that started with and F that's not Finegrin.

I passed some stones at either 2 a.m. or 4 a.m. Marc and I can't remember. I could actually see one of the stones. You always hear that kidney stones are as painful as labor and that's totally true. If you know anyone that's had them give them a huge hug the next time you see them and then pray that you never get them. My OB just came in and said I'm staying another night just so they can monitor things and because there was a bacteria in the stone I passed.

- Carlye Jo

P.S. If you came to see me in the hospital when Georgia was born I'm in the exact same room! Kind of cool huh?

Day Three aka Living on a Prayer

2009-02-01T20:28:00.002-06:00

Day Three is over and it was great! One little accident before church. I know the normal thing is to just stay home while you're potty training but I made the mistake of starting this the weekend that we were joining our church which meant we were getting introduced. Kind of had to go. She went on the potty in her nursery room because it's literally a little toilet. The nursery workers told me that most kids love going on that potty because it's so little. She had one more little accident toward the end of church and that was it for the day!! She went 4 times this evening because she got the connection between using the potty and getting an M&M. She eventually started asking me for M&M's and I'd tell her she'd have to tee tee. She'd go straight to the potty and squeeze out a few drops. Seriously like 2 drops but that's good enough for me. No #2 at all today. I think she's holding it in. Thanks for keeping up with Georgia's bathroom progress!!

Here's your bonus for reading this: Georgia prayed for the first time tonight and it was hilarious!! Marc and I pray with her every night. We each hold one of her hands (when he's not there she holds bears hand) and I pray. Tonight before I could even start praying she started. It went something like this, "Mommy, Daddy, Doree, Doree, Nemo, Nemo, Nemo, puppies and a boy. Night Night." At first we didn't know what she was doing. She just said her favorite things. How sweet is that????? I've been praying about how I can truly show her Christ in our everyday lives. I don't want to just color pictures of Jesus or read books about Jesus. I guess God is drawing her to Himself by putting it on her heart to pray for her favorite things. Our prayer for her is that she'll, "know You, love You, love Your Word and that others would come to know You because of her love for them." It's just so wonderful to see God working and know that it's His work. She's so beautiful! - C

Day Two

2009-02-01T13:35:00.002-06:00

Day two is complete and she had a victory!! She let out just a few drops but we celebrated like no other. She got one M&M and a special Berre Hooray for Georgia Porgia song. She had three accidents and they were devastating to her. For real, I think her hear broke each time. I'd clean her up and then she'd just want to be held and cry. I wish she understood what we're saying when we tell her it's all right and that she's doing good. Surely she knows by our tone that she's not in trouble. It's going to take a while but Marc and I are committed. I know she can do this. - C

Potty Training

2009-01-31T13:28:00.002-06:00

One day down, many more to go. Georgia is being a good sport about all of this. She loves wearing her panites and I think her little rear end is just about the cutest thing in the whole world. She's had a few accidents and has not made it to the potty in time yet, but I know it's coming. Marc and I have decided there's no going back. We know she gets it and we know she can do it. Turns out she doesn't pee as much during the day as I thought. My SIL, Amanda, told me to notice that.

She gets really upset when she has an accident but we try and hug her and encourage her . . . after we've cleaned her up. So far it's not too bad but I can tell it's going to take a while. We're up for the challenge. Thank the Lord it's so nice outside so we really don't have to stay inside while we're doing this.

SuperMarc

2009-01-26T13:34:00.002-06:00

Marc is pretty much the most awesome husband in the entire world. When Georgia's party was over and my back was killing me, he cleaned the entire house by himself while I visited with a few friends. Didn't even ask him to do it. Dishes were done, trash was all picked up, the playroom was clean and most of Georgia's new toys were opened and set up. For real, he's amazing!! And the rest of the day he didn't remind me one time that he had done it so that he could relax. He is genuine and I am so lucky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He's pretty good looking, too. - Carlye Jo

Georgia's 2nd Birthday Part 2

2009-01-25T14:24:00.003-06:00

I of course took the cheap route and made the cupcakes for Georgia's birthday. She loves loves loves puppies so I googled puppy cupcakes and found instructions for these. I think they turned out pretty cute. By the way, chocolate mint Milanos are delicious!

Again, she was unsure about the flames coming from her cupcakes.

After everyone had their chance to grab a cupcake we just let Georgia go after the leftovers. She ate the tops of about 6 cupcakes, I think.

Here are a few of Georgia's friends that came to her party. Most of them are friends from Stroller Strides so we get to see them all the time. She had a few football friends come, too, which was nice since it's not football season which means we don't see them every Friday night like we did in the fall. I think everyone had a good time.

Georgia's 2nd Birthday Part 1

2009-01-25T13:47:00.003-06:00

We had two birthday parties for Georgia. The first was in Wichita Falls with our families and good friends. This was her first trip to Chuck E. Cheese and she loved it. Her guests were Granda, Nommie, Grandpa, Leslie Bailey, Joseph Abbousie, Uncle Tim, Kate, Mary Clare, Jason and Rachel Archer, Emma Grace and Graham Archer. Tons of fun!! This is the best family picture we took that night and of course Georgia isn't looking.

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Nap time Al Bundy style

2009-01-18T15:44:00.002-06:00

Since Georgia is in her "Big Girl" room now she has a little more freedom. She has freedom to get out of her bed when I put her down for her nap. It really doesn't bother me when I hear her playing or reading after I put her down because I know she will eventually fall asleep. I had to wake her up a little early yesterday so we could go to a cookout. This is what I found when I opened the door. She was knocked out in her chair with all of her books around her. What I didn't notice until I had showed the picture to Marc was that she has her hand in her pants like Al Bundy. I now realize I have not been washing her hands as much as I need to!

Only this morning did I think about the fact that she most likely sleeps in that chair most days. I always lay her down in her bed but every time I hear her wake up from her nap, she's sitting in her chair reading. Hmmm...

The Falls

2009-01-03T21:16:00.003-06:00

Georgia's first trip to Scott's Drive In, a Wichita Falls staple. As you can tell by the background, Val had no problem with her son playing in the truck bed while she was safe in Betsy's car.

Yes, my eyes are open real wide. Val said my eyes looked slitty so I compensated. Of course it's the best picture of Georgia and Marc. Doesn't Georgia look like a big kid?

The Berre clan. We couldn't get a good group picture with everyone looking but this was the best one with the exception of not being able to see any of the kids faces. It was my dad's idea to go feed the ducks at Lucy Park and it was really alot of fun. If you would like to see how much fun it was, go to youtube and search for You're Gonna Get Me Arrested. It's worth it. After that, search for Is That Betsy.

Georgia and Marc feeding the ducks/Georgia. The gas station we went to was out of bread so we got the next best thing . . . popcorn!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-30T12:40:00.004-06:00

Marc and I got a new digital camera for Christmas, unfortunately we didn't get it until the day after Christmas. We don't have a ton of Christmas morning pictures but we have a ton of Christmas Eve and Christmas morning videos from our awesome video camera. We'll post some videos soon. These pictures are from Val. Enjoy!!

Georgia, River and Cruz Christmas morning.

Grandpa and Nommie got Georgia and Cruz each a tricycle. I honestly didn't think she would even pay attention to it but she loved it so much. She's almost gotten the hang of pushing the pedals herself. She mostly just sits on it kind of like Pheobe did when Ross gave her a bike. Georgia loaded up this year. She got a kitchen from Santa Clause (via the Foleys and Papa Tony), a baby doll and stroller, a grocery cart and then the tricycle. Santa also brought a slide to her house in Grand Prairie. I'll post pictures of that later.

This one is my favorite. It's from one of the days before Christmas. They both just look so natural. I think Cruz got a little tired of Georgia being so dramatic. I don't know where she gets dramatic from at all!!!!

Nerd Alert

2008-12-01T08:05:00.000-06:00

Georgia like Geegocks a.k.a Ewoks.

Georgia Lately

2008-11-24T19:31:00.002-06:00

Georgia went to her friends birthday party. She's good buddies with brothers whose dad coaches with Marc. It was Braxton's 2nd birthday and Brock's 4th. She was the cutest girl there.

One of their cakes was a dinosaur so the cupcakes the kids got had green icing. Perfect for little boys!! Watching Georgia devour her icing you could tell she doesn't get sugar very often. She knew to take advantage of the situation.

So yummy!

I guess I did take one picture on Halloween. This is Georgia and her friend, Olive. Olive goes to our church and is one day older than Georgia. She and her family had an awesome Halloween party at their house. They had two bounce houses, sno-cones and a big screen tv in the back yard playing kid movies. Tons of fun!!

10 year class reunion

2008-11-14T21:02:00.003-06:00

I didn't take these pictures, they've been sent to me from other people.

Marc and I spun danced to Coolio's Fantastic Voyage.

I'm on the left filming.

I got to be the MC. This is my impression of Earl Hickey reading off "The Most . . . " results.

Me checking people in and making sure they paid. Everyone did. I was happy.

It's been called "The Party of the Decade" and I'm not going to argue. I had pretty high expectations for the whole weekend and they were surpassed with each event. At Friday's tailgate party we had a pretty good turn out of about 40 people. The hamburgers were unreal they were so good!! A big group of us sat together at the game, I think again about 40 people. Most of us left at half time because it was so cold.

After the game we headed to the Party Barn where it got real fun. We ended up with about 120 people there just having a good time talking. The Senior Video was playing on a big screen and it was so much fun to get to watch people laugh and enjoy that. It made the work I did 10 years ago more than worth it.

Saturday we had a picnic at Rider in the cafeteria where everyone brought their kids and got to show them around the school. Everything except the classrooms was open. Rider has changed for the better. It's still one of the ugliest high schools but it looks better than it did!

Saturday night was the cherry on top. We had a little less than 100 there and it seemed like everyone was dancing. The DJ, Jahue Anderson, was the best ever. He played all songs from the 90's that we heard in Jr. High and High School. I believe I graduated with a unique group of girls who know how to have fun no matter where they are. I wanted to join in all the fun but having given birth to one kid and being pregnant with another prevented me from doing all the dancing I wanted to (Moms, you know what I'm talking about and I wasn't the only one doing some gentle dancing). The best compliment our reunion received was when friends of ours from our rival high school came over to ours after theirs was finished. When you have a good party you're going to draw a crowd. It was good to see them!

If you ask anyone what their favorite part of Saturday night was they will without a doubt say, "Watching Marc do the Superman Dance". Jahue played Soulja Boy just for Marc and he danced the entire song. I was proud that everyone got to see my man in action. When it got to the part where they say, "super soak that ho, super soak that ho", Marc acted like he was pumping up a super soaker and spraying people. Only me and the guys that were watching got it but it was hillarious!!!!!

Here are a few pictures from the weekend. The dork that I am I didn't take any myself so The Bindels aren't in a whole lot! I'll post more as I receive them from people - C

She Came In Through The Bathroom Window...

2008-11-02T14:13:00.002-06:00

I was "watching" Georgia while she was playing in her room. Her floor-level window was open and she pushed on the screen. The screen gave out...

Sorry, Mom.

River Berre and the Bindels

2008-10-24T13:44:00.002-05:00

Marc and River Redding

Georgia, Aunt Carlye and River Redding

Georgia gave River tons of sweet kisses in between tortilla chips.

The Bindels love River Redding Berre. I wish our eyes weren't shut though!

Georgia lately

2008-10-23T18:51:00.002-05:00

I got a wild hair / first phase of nesting push today. I started cleaning out the boxes in Georgia's "Big Girl Room" and came across this tutu of Kate's and my old lady hat from this summer. Georgia had a good time!

I also finally unpacked her Christmas (2007) present from Marc's mom, Granda. I can't believe I had this thing stored for so long. It's her new favorite toy. This was the best picture I could get because she would sit on the chair and say, "cheese" and be back by me to see the picture I was supposed to take before I could take it.

We took advantage of the nice weather last week and had lunch outside. We don't have any patio furniture besides chairs so we made due with them. Georgia constantly lines her 3 chairs up. She rarely sits in them, just moves them around the patio and puts them in straight lines. By the way, she learned her lesson about not leaning back in a chair too far soon after this picture was taken. No worries, no blood.

Marc's high school, Sam Houston, has Young Life!!!! Campaigners is held at our house every Wednesday night. Georgia does not know she's not in high school. The girl in the green is one of the leaders and they are dedicated to these kids. They go pick them up and take them home each week. That's a better leader than I was!!

River Redding Berre

2008-10-11T15:36:00.003-05:00

River Redding Berre was born Saturday, October 11, 2008 at about 12:45 p.m. to George and Betsy Berre. His name was chosen several months ago and it's just a coincidence that he was born on Red River Rivalry day.

We had a little "Waiting for Baby Berre" party in the waiting room. Tons of fun!!

First trip to the State Fair 2008

2008-10-08T17:53:00.002-05:00

Georgia and I met up with some of our friends from Dallas. This is Georgia and Gracie Isbell.

We got to see the Kiddie Rodeo and Georgia of course loved that as well. You have to be 3 to participate so maybe next year she'll get to show off her cowgirl skills.

She climbs everything. She's on her way down in this picture.

I thought I'd get a little belly shot while I was spotting my monkey of a daughter.

Fun with the Foley Girls!!

2008-10-08T17:50:00.003-05:00

Georgia loved having her cousins Kate and Mary Clare visit. We live in a house big enough that they could actually spend the night with us. Georgia also loved loved loved giving Mary Clare kisses.

Pumpkin Patch 2008

2008-10-03T14:09:00.004-05:00

Today was pumpkin patch day with our friends from Stroller Strides. We got a brown bow just especially for this day and this dress. The pumpkin patch was at a local church and they did a whole program for us. A lady dressed kind of like a scarecrow read the kids two stories and then they gave them a picture to color and they each got to pick out a little pumpkin. It was truly a cute idea and all the stories were centered around Christ. We only got to hear the first one because Georgia did not want to sit still.

This is our friend Carter. He's the cutest boy ever and Georgia felt like petting his head today.

These are two more of our Stroller Strides buddies, Samuel and Claire. Claire reminds me so much of Georgia at that age. She's very social and very vocal. I put this picture up because of the sign behind Georgia. I didn't read it while we were there and I only noticed it while looking back through the pictures. It reads, "May your heart for others be bigger than your pumpkin."

Dallas Buddies and Baby Bump

2008-09-30T08:04:00.002-05:00

Georgia's friends from Dallas came to visit and brought her some fun toys. She got a pink popper to push around, a fun animal puzzle and a tiara. They came to visit on a Friday and I dress her in her "Georgia" cheerleading uniform on Fridays.

This is as close as I've come to a belly picture. it's still a little small but you can tell it's there, at least my butt is enlarging to balance out a belly.

Georgia and her popper.

Georgia's buddies John, Kate and Stella came to visit us last Friday. Their moms surprised me with baby gifts and chocolate chip cookies, too. We were only in Dallas for three months but made some life long friends.

I had a revelation this morning. It goes along with my David Bowie revelation and Micah's Matt Damon revelation. I like The Clash alot. Every time a song by The Clash comes on the radio I turn it up pretty loud. (I have my speakers in my car turned totally to the front so there's no super loud noise in the back with Georgia.) My David Bowie revelation came in 2003 when I was burning alot of mixed CD's. Almost every one of them had a David Bowie song on it. I finally realized, "I think I like David Bowie more than I thought before."

Small Victories

2008-09-23T08:40:00.003-05:00

My camera is still not working so here's an old picture from 1986. People like blogs with pictures.

My old jeans from before Georgia fit. I had to quit wearing them at 11 weeks with Georgia and in a different way they haven't fit since January.

Georgia said, "Cool" today.

She also answered, "yes" with her normal nod. We started working on saying yes and no with our head shakes and nods.

My big toe is now leaking stuff but at least the pressure isn't as bad. (Long story)

I might be getting highlights in my hair. It's a return to the fall of 1998. - C

Andy, Oppie and Aint Bea

2008-09-17T14:09:00.005-05:00

Since it's just me and Georgia in the mornings I've been turning on the TV to the Today Show for some background noise and maybe a little news here and there. When I turned on the TV this morning it was on some other channel and was in the middle of an episode of The Andy Griffith Show. Georgia was mesmerised. She stood there watching it so I just left it on and watched it with her. I don't know if it was entertaining to her because it was black and white or if she just liked watching Oppie because he was a kid or what. She was into it. Kind of funny - C

Hooray for Georgia Porgia!!

2008-09-12T11:48:00.002-05:00

We've introduced going to the potty to Georgia but haven't started formally potty training. I've heard from several moms, including my own, to go ahead and have the potty out and let her start sitting on it so that when she is ready we're all set up. She's been sitting on her potty for about a month now and I've started letting her sit on it without her diaper. Either last week or the week before she accidentally tee tee'd on the potty. Last night and today she has tee tee'd twice and I'm so excited.

I bought some M & M's to keep in the bathroom to use as a reward and I was so thrilled to give her her first one last night. It was funny. She hadn't ever seen one before so when I gave it to her she didn't know what to do with it. She looked at her potty and then at the toilet like maybe she was supposed to put it in one of those. I got one for myself and showed it to her and then ate it. She was still a little hesitant. After she ate it she asked for more. Even after she went the second time I had to remind her to eat it. Kind of funny. I'm just so proud of her. The next big step is going #2! - C

P.S. Either my camera or memory card is not working. Not that you would want to see any pictures celebrating these moments!

Amarillo by Mornin

2008-09-02T16:02:00.003-05:00

Luke and Ben have a Longhorn football helmet that Georgia enjoyed for a minute. She put it on and of course we could not grab the camera fast enough.

The Kemps keep their house at 67 degrees during the night so Georgia had to borrow some of Ben's sweat pants to sleep in because we only brought onezies for PJ's. We both loved the cold house!! This is Georgia, Ben and Luke all ready for bed the first night.

There was something about the Kemp's bathtub that Georgia liked more than her own. I think it was the two fun people in there with her. She splashed half the water out of the tub the first night. She is smiling just like Marc in this picture - real big and a little crooked.

Here's baby Kate in her new bathtub duck. Ben kind of thought it should be his duck, too. Somehow we didn't get any pictures of Georgia and Kate. Oh well, we'll just have to go back to Amarillo again!!

Georgia and I had so much fun on our weekend away. She did great on the flight there and passed out on the flight back before we were even in the air. Luke is 4 1/2 and makes things with Legos that I'm pretty sure are hard for a 12 year old to make. Ben is almost 3 and is Mr. Social Man. He loves to be doing whatever your doing and is a sweet heart. He and Georgia did pretty much everything together the whole time. When we went for walks, he rode with Georgia. When we were walking through the parking lot, he held Georgia's hand. Too cute!! Kate is just the second sweetest baby in the world, Georgia is still the first. She's just sweet all the time and watches her big brothers do everything. I really think she'll be walking in a few months because she wants to keep up so badly. Precious family.

Olympics

2008-08-11T07:59:00.002-05:00

Please tell me you watched the men's 4 x 100 m freestyle relay Sunday night!! Marc and I aren't really into swimming but we are into the Olympics this year. As the race started we both tensed up a little bit. I don't know why I do this, but I kind of kick my legs a little bit thinking it will somehow make them swim faster. When Leezak (spelling?) made the turn and was on the French guys heels Marc and I both stopped breathing. If you haven't seen the replay in slow motion a million times then you're missing out. I still can't believe we won. It was crazy. I jumped up off the couch with a huge celebratory fist pump. Marc had the lap top in his lap so he stayed seated. It was a great time to be an American.

Please tell me you watched the opening ceremonies!! With every new thing the Chinese did it solidified my thought that we might not be able to pull something like that off. I can't believe the printing block things were people. The little boy that walked with Yao Ming was just adorable and kind of inspiring. I was going to say heartbreaking but it was his situation that was heartbreaking, not him. The final torch bearer was crazy!! I watched that part with George and Betsy. When he got to the top of the stadium and pulled one of the side cords off to give him the angle he needed I thought he was going to fall. It took a few minutes for our hearts to get back to a normal beat. And the fire works . . . WOW! I wish NBC hadn't cut to commercial. I would have loved to watch the whole thing. It was just over impressive.

Why are we into the Olympics this year as opposed to other years? The 2004 Olympics fell at the time of our wedding. Actually our wedding fell at the time of the Olympics. I can remember watching a few things on our honeymoon but lets be honest, we were on our honeymoon. We didn't watch the Olympics but we sure didn't miss Monday Night Football pre-season. During the 2000 Olympics I was working in Colorado and our TV didn't get any stations since we were living on a mountain. All we could do is watch movies which is why I know almost every word to 10 Things I Hate About You (RIP Heath). Marc didn't see the Olympics because he was too busy explaining to his parents why he had flunked out of UNT.

We're older now, we move a little slower in the evenings therefore we are watching the Olympics. I was debating last night whether I should go walk around the block a few times or not (walking at night helps me sleep, it's a pregnancy thing). When NBC showed a little clip of the 33 year old gymnast competing for Germany, I decided I could get my 28 year old butt of the couch and walk a little.

- Carlye Jo

Georgia and Cruz

2008-08-01T22:01:00.003-05:00

Georgia loves loves loves to give people kisses, especially people her size. Cruzy was in town a few weekends ago and she got to see him at Duncle Dale's birthday party. We went out in the front yard and stripped the kids down to their diapers so they could play in the sprinkler. I can't count how many times Georgia tried to hug and kiss Cruz. Val snapped this cute picture of them. They aren't really "kissing cousins" but at this age it's cute!

8 weeks and counting

2008-08-01T21:33:00.002-05:00

It's not so bad so far. I started getting tired about 6 1/2 weeks, which was alot sooner than I had hoped. Georgia and I go to Stroller Strides everyday and get some good exercise in. For real, it's alot harder than I would be working myself if I were alone but it's all safe for moms-to-be. Today we worked our booties. Georgia goes down for a nap at noon and usually sleeps until at least 3 p.m. giving me plenty of time to take a 2 hour nap. The only time I feel a little yucky is in the evening after dinner and after G goes to bed. Maybe I'm hungry again, I don't know. I think I probably feel the same as I did with Georgia but I'm able to take better care of myself since I'm home. All in all, it's better than I thought it would be. I've still got a few more weeks until I'm feeling good all the time so I guess it could get worse!

Dizzy Jimmy Buffet

2008-07-29T16:21:00.002-05:00

Last night Georgia did her own Young Life skit. She held her head back while drinking her sippy cup and spun around about 5 times. She then dropped her cup and attempted to walk forwards. She slowly fell to the right and laid on the floor for a few seconds. Marc and I almost fell off the couch laughing at her.

I had to get a new battery in my car today which meant I had to reset the stations on my radio right away. I love the oldies station in Dallas, 98.7 KLUV. It's great. When I got it set today Margaritaville but Jimmy Buffet was on and Georgia IMMEDIATELY started dancing to it in her car seat. I listened to it and I guess it does kind of sound like a kids song. It has a xylophone and a kiddish beat to it. I thought it was funny. The next time you hear it you'll have to tell me what you think .

Big Sis

2008-07-22T21:54:00.006-05:00

Georgia and her cousin, Caroline, got to share the good news with their families that they are both going to be Big Sisters!! Aunt Amanda made these cute shirts for them to wear after Mary Clare's baptism. We didn't say anything to anyone, we just let them read their shirts and figure it out. Of course Buffy (Aunt Stephanie) was the first to catch on. She walked in the door, looked at Georgia's shirt, and looked straight at me. My mom hugged Georgia, picked her up, let her sit in her lap while she ate some fruit and paid no attention to the shirt what so ever. Stephanie had to point it out to her. Here's a picture of my mom's shock.

Baby Bindel #2 is due March 9, 2009!

Georgia's New Favorite Past Time

2008-07-01T22:01:00.003-05:00

Our new kitchen has more cabinets than we need right now. Georgia has her own cabinet with toys in it just for her but she prefers this empty one much more. Marc set up the camera while I was gone. Just keep your eye on the cabinet door to see what Georgia loves to do all day. We laugh like crazy every time we watch this. - C

The Dallas Zoo

2008-06-26T16:03:00.004-05:00

Georgia, John and Stella.

Georgia and the sleeping tiger. I saw something I hadn't ever seen before . . . a horny toad. It scurried up really close to the tiger. I had heard about them all my life but hadn't ever seen one.

One of our official last hoorahs was to go to the Dallas Zoo with our StrollerFriends playgroup. Since gas is so expensive we decided that a few of us would meet at Mockingbird Station and take the Dart (Dallas's transit train) to the Zoo. The Dart lets out right in front of the Zoo gates and you get a discount for riding it. The Zoo opened at 9 so we met at 8:15 a.m. to make sure we were there as soon as it opened. We weren't the only ones trying to get somewhere one time. The train was filled with people going to work down town so it was quite cramped but that just made it more fun! Here are a few pictures from our Zoo adventure.

Georgia and Daddy

2008-06-22T21:53:00.001-05:00

I love her.

~Marc

2008-06-14T21:22:00.002-05:00

Getting ready to get in the pool at swimming lessons. She loved running around the locker room.

Checking out the pool. Something about the water made her not smile. We took several pictures and she didn't smile in any of them. For her last lesson they gave us a refrigerator magnet with a picture of her in the middle. It looks like a mug shot because she's not smiling. It makes me laugh every time I look at it.

She's my little booty girl.

Tag Answers

2008-06-11T13:09:00.002-05:00

I got tagged to answer a few questions so here they are . . .

1. What were you doing 10 years ago?
I had just graduated from high school and I was life guarding at Fain Pool. It was the best job ever! I got paid to get tan and bleach out my hair.

2. What are 5 things on your to-do list today?
- get bananas and paper towels from the store
- change diapers
- wash diapers
- play with Georgia
- set up utilities for new (rent) house

3. What are some snacks you enjoy?
Georgia eats yogurt called Yo Baby. It's organic and I love it. I eat the apple flavor. It tastes like a yummy fruit dip.

4. What would you do if you were a billionaire?
I would not get a nanny, but I would immediately hire a cleaning lady and a chef to cook healthy meals for every meal. I'd do most of the things Megan said, mostly selfish.

5. What are 3 of your bad habits?
- picking my lips
- picking the back of my arms
- not putting laundry up after I've folded it

6. What are 5 places you have lived?
- Wichita Falls
- Houston
- Waxahachie
- Bay City
- Dallas

7. What are 5 jobs you've had
- TCBY
- Lifeguard
- Young Life
- Assistant Manager of Apartment Complex
- Customer Service Representative

8. What is currently playing on your ipod?
Rehab by Amy Winehouse. The words make me laugh because it's like, "Really, you think you don't need to go to Rehab? If you're writing a song about how you don't need to go, you most likely do."

9. What are the last few books you've read?
- Pride and Prejudice - I just started this a few days ago. I never had to read it in high school so I'm starting now.
- Family Driven Faith - almost done.
- Lonesome Dove - Best book ever!!!!!!!!!!!

10. Who do you want to tag?
I'm a party pooper. This will end with me.

Ward's Wedding Weekend in Wichita

2008-06-09T07:45:00.003-05:00

Marc and his surrogate family, the Smiths (minus Amy).
The Bindels
Marc and Teddy being real cool.

We were in the Falls this weekend for John Ward's wedding. We got to see some of our good friends we hadn't seen in a while. It was a blast. We have a million pictures but I'm only posting a few. I'll share more later - C

Booch and Bets House

2008-05-16T21:47:00.002-05:00

Words cannot begin to describe the beauty of George and Betsy's back yard. These pictures don't even do it justice but it's a start. Their backyard is terraced down to a beautiful creek with fountains and ducks and catfish. Can you see why I'm in no hurry to move closer to Arlington?

Older pictures

2008-05-16T21:31:00.007-05:00

If a good afternoon is sitting with your shirt off while your uncle does the same and your cousin walks around naked at the back of a moving van . . . you might be a red neck.

In case you didn't know, Georgia is too cool for school. Nommie bought her some sunglasses while we were packing to move. Georgia wore them for several hours. She now has 2 pairs that she wears all the time. She's already more stylish than I'll ever be.

My girls!! This is my aerobics group in Bay City. First Baptist has a wonderful ministry of exercise. We met Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30 a.m. (or close to it) and worked our rear ends off. Litterally. These girls are the reason I lost my weight and the reason I loved Bay City so much. They are already greatly missed!

The weekend before we moved from Bay City, Marc had to fashion a gate at the bottom of the stairs because Georgia mastered climbing them. Easter Sunday we weren't watching and she made it almost all the way to the top of the stairs. We're proud of her athleticism but scared that she might fall. She did actually fall off that step she's sitting on about 2 seconds after I took the picture. Life's lessons are hard to learn.

Arboretum Play Date

2008-05-16T15:40:00.003-05:00

We met some new friends at the Arboretum for a play date this morning. Georgia is posing with her little buddy, John. It was so much fun to let Georgia walk around all over such a beautiful place. She ended up being more interested in the dirt and rocks than the pretty flowers but I wasn't shocked. She's already a little bit of a tomboy, but a cautious one.

Little Gym Graduate

2008-05-16T15:33:00.006-05:00

There's a Little Gym just a few blocks away from Bets and Booch's house. Georgia went on Tuesdays at 3:45 and loved it so much. Her semester ended last week so we took some pictures. They sang songs, explored all the equipment, did flips and back handsprings (with some help) and got to play in the bubbles. If you have a Little Gym near you, check it out. It was worth every penny!! We'll miss it.

Learning to use utensils

2008-05-14T20:55:00.002-05:00

She's getting older. Georgia is starting to use spoons and forks. I didn't have a kids fork the first time I let her try so we just did the good ole plastic fork. She's better with a spoon and yogurt. I can't believe how much she's growing up.

Beautiful Girl

2008-05-11T12:46:00.003-05:00

I dressed Georgia up and took some pictures to give as Mothers Day presents. This one turned out perfect. It's in George and Betsy's backyard. She's just so pretty!! - C

Georgia Dancing

2008-05-11T11:09:00.005-05:00

Georgia loves, loves, loves, loves, LOVES to dance. She was dancing for Carlye, Betsy, Betsy's mom Barbara and Betsy's sister Bridget. She was very hyper.

Walking Girl

2008-05-08T15:21:00.004-05:00

I finally found my camera. Here's one picture of Georgia walking. I'll post more with some older pictures later. - C