Nolan Brian Cullinan

My sweet nephew decided to make his debut 5 weeks early. He was nice enough to let my mom return from her Mediterranean cruise and for us to finish our vacation.

I received a phone call very early on Monday morning from my mom...I'm terrified to get any phone calls these days with all of the bad news...but assumed it was about Staci and the baby and was praying for good news! And it was...I would be an Aunt again before I made it home to Atlanta!

Nolan was born at 10:55 and is perfect!!! The little guy is having a hard time breathing on his own so he is having to do a short stint in the NICU. He will be out of there in no time! He is a little fighter!

My sister looked amazing and is such a pro. She has been through having the twins in the NICU, but it does not make it any easier. She was a little emotional, but so strong. Emory at John's Creek is an incredible hospital! I'm pretty sure Nolan had the NICU to himself tonight and a lot of one on one attention. The nurses and doctors were so nice and taking unbelievable care of my sister and my nephew!

My heart melted when I met Nolan tonight. He is ever so scrumptious and I can't wait to hold him in my arms and for him to go home with his sweet family. Praying for the newest addition to our lucky family! We love you Nolan!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations Steve and Bibby

We went to Florida for several days to attend a wedding and have a miniature vacation with some of our best friends!

We stayed in a beautiful house in Watercolor, laid out at the pool, the boys golfed, the girls shopped, and we ate delicious seafood! We also celebrated Dave's 35th bday!

Bibby and Steve had a gorgeous wedding with a fun reception! The whole weekend was so laid back and fun, just like the happy couple!

I really needed to get away and clear my head too with everything that had been going on in our lives at the moment. I was definitely able to do that! I have not laughed so hard in such a long time! It was so much fun being with my wonderful friends and they definitely cheered me up. I love you guys so much, you have no idea!
Even though Jason and I had a wonderful time with each other, our friends, and enjoyed our kid free time, we definitely missed Declan!

RIP Angie

One of my dearest friends passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on Sunday. If you know me or read my blog, then you know all about Angela and The Five.

Angela and I started teaching special ed. together ten years ago at Pinckneyville. We became friends immediately. She had one of the biggest hearts of anyone I have ever known. She is one of those people who would be there for you with a drop of a hat if you needed her. She was always sending us or Declan random gifts to let us know that she was thinking about us and that she loved us.

I looked up to her so much. She was an incredible mother to her five children and her unconditional love for them was evident in every conversation. I have watched The Five grow up into amazing young adults. Angie did a phenomenal job raising them. I cannot imagine being a single mom of 5 and supporting, providing, teaching, guiding and loving them like she did. She was so incredibly proud of her children and would do anything in the world for them...and I mean anything. I honestly think she felt the same way about Declan.

If you were loved by Angie you have felt a love like no other. Her friendship meant the world to me. I'm going to miss her so incredibly much.

She sent me this text on my bday....
"I hope your day is going great. I often think of you and wonder with all the horrible things surrounding me, I am blessed to have a friend that is the best daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, teacher. I am so proud of you from the deepest part of my heart!"

I let her know I felt the exact same way. Never thought that would be our last chat with each other, but I'm thankful we knew how much we meant to one another.

I'm praying for The Five....Susie Q, BJ, Antonio, Benjamin, and Jawania...I'm here for you always and forever! Love you guys and I know your mom would have done the same for Declan. She loved you guys more than anything in this world and could not have been more proud of you.

Burt's Pumpkin Patch

We randomly decided to go to Burt's today. Typically this is a trip that we take with my sister and kiddos, but nothing had been planned, so we decided to go today. Jason and I are leaving on Thursday for the beach! We are staying at a house with some of our closest friends and will be going to Bibby and Steve's wedding at Watercolor! I cannot wait! My sister will be keeping Declan for a majority of the time and my parents will have him for the last night. I'm so lucky to have my family to help!!! Staci is 8 months pregnant and offered to keep The DEW without hesitating...not sure how she does it, but we sure do appreciate it!!!Mom would have helped more, but she is on a Mediterranean cruise (let's not feel sorry for her). Kidding, Mom...you deserve it.

Anyway, that is why we went to the mountains on a whim today with our little family. Declan had a great time and was so good. He had pneumonia this week and this was the first day he felt like himself and wanted to get out. The poor little guy was sleepy today, so we left when he was ready. It was a fun day with my boys!

As much as I love Declan, I can't wait to get away with Jason and friends! I know The DEW is in good hands;)



Picking out his pumpkin!


Me and my precious little boy!


Our little family:)


My boys! Jason was a trooper! Best Dad ever!


Lunch at the Varsity! Yum!


He was cracking me up! He is a funny little boy!!


Love this face...snot and all...he is perfect!!!

Harold

I pretty much had 4 men that were extremely influential in my life...My Dad, Uncle Ted, John, and Harold. I say "had" because I have lost John and Harold in the past month.

We lost Harold the beginning of this week, also suddenly, and attended his funeral yesterday.
Harold was my Dad's first friend when he moved from Atlanta to Washington D.C. I have known Harold for my entire life. Some of my first childhood memories have Harold in them. He also lived with us for a short time and I have wonderful memories of our time together then. He had such a great sense of humor and always made me laugh!!! I can hear his voice and laugh now with that Jamaican accent that he never lost. I miss him already.

It truly makes me physically sick when I think about how I will never see either of these amazing men...ever again. They both had such a huge impact on my life and I just imagined life with them always there.

My heart hurts so badly for my parents too. They have lost another best friend. They are being so strong and I'm so proud of them. I know it is not easy...

I have also let my dad and uncle know that I will personally kick their ass if they even think about leaving me now!!!


I have also learned that life is way too short. People always say that, but I actually get it now. Pretty crazy that I learned it at 31, but I have. These two men have taught me to live life to the fullest and take nothing for granted!

The day after John's funeral, Harold showed up randomly at my parent's house. Harold knew John and was so upset to hear about his sudden death. Harold visited with my parents, caught up on life, shared memories, and maybe had a cocktail or two. After leaving their house he tried to call my sister and catch up with her(not sure where my call was...joking). Take away from that story what you want, but I find it very coincidental and it gives me goosebumps, but I will leave it to you to interpret it. I do know in my heart that John greeted Harold in heaven and they are having some drinks and smiling down on all of us:) I have to believe that. It makes my heart happy!

Here's to you Harold! A shot of Jay Wray & Nephew!!! RIP! Love you!!! "Jamaicans never lie!"- HDS



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Paws for a Cause!

We headed down to Centennial Olympic park to meet my parents and enjoy the beautiful weather! It was one of my favorite days! Everyone was in a great mood, the weather was perfect, Jason wasn't working, and watching Declan with my parents warms my heart! Family is so important which we all know, but it has definitely been put in perspective for us lately.

I'm Back!!!

Wow! I finally figured out how to blog from my new ipad2!!! Jason got me an iPad for my bday for personal use and to use in the classroom. I LOVE it and it is the
best gift ever!

I don't even know where to begin with updating everything that has been going on in our lives?!

We have been keeping very busy and enjoying what is left of the nice weather! Here are some photos to help jog my memory....

Grandparent's Day & lunch with Grandmama/Gigi and Cyn Cyn











Our husbands even came to help celebrate, but we were home in time for the game!

Location:Deering Rd NW,Atlanta,United States

Testing 1 2 3

Trying out blogging from my new iPad2!





Yay!!! It works!!!

Location:Deering Rd NW,Atlanta,United States