2 Month Pictures and Reflections (pic/word heavy)

Hi All!

I can't believe how quickly time is passing now.  The first few weeks after Everett's arrival, I was so sleep deprived and deep in the PPD, that I couldn't wait for time to pass.  Shame on me!  I just celebrated my 37th birthday and I have to share how much has changed in the one year since my last birthday and the approach of my 1-year surgiversary:

1)  I had RNY on July 2nd and have since lost over 100 pounds.  Having RNY surgery has helped me be the person on the outside that I always thought I was on the inside. 

2)  After years of fertility/retention issues, I conceived a child one month post-op (despite using BC, in case anyone thinks it's a cool thing to do on purpose)

3)  I found this Pregnancy forum and some of the best friends and women I have ever known

4) During my pregnancy, I was hospitalized so many times I lost track, spent 4+ months on bedrest and worried myself sick that this baby wouldn't survive, let alone be healthy and of normal birth weight.  Thanks to God and a great OB practice, my baby boy, Everett, came into the world at a whopping 7lbs 4 ozs and is healthy! 

6)  My 8 year old and 4 year old now have a Mommy that can run with them, play with them and teach them how NOT to abuse their bodies.  They are now healthier as a result of my mistakes.

7)  Though my hubby is gone over 17 hrs a day and we only have 10 minutes to see each other every night (and sometimes not at all), we are closer now than ever.  We survive by text messaging, sending each other pictures of the kids and hugging whenever we can.  It isn't much, but knowing so many of you that have husbands on active duty, I am all the more thankful for the time we have.

I am happier and healthier than I've ever been and I couldn't have traveled this far were it not for the support, wisdom and kindness of all of you.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!


Everett (2 mos), Emma (4 yrs), Ethan (8 yrs)



Emma holding Everett



Everett "talking" to me



Everett @ 2 Months Old



Everett asleep on his dad (I love his squishy fishy mouth when he sleeps)


 

Ethan holding Everett and singing to him too


 

WOW What a year! First off congrats on your surgiversary and being 100 pounds lighter!  I was just telling a dear friend today that I am amazed every day how many wonderful people my WLS has put me in tough with - several of these people (actually many) I know in real life as well and consider them in my closest circle of friends.

You have a BEAUTIFUL family! You kids are gorgeous and Everett looks so happy!

I have a hubby who works second shift (12-9 getting home around 10) and I work an early first shift (6:30-4) so he kisses me when he gets home at night and I kiss him when I leave in the morning - but we are so much closer now then ever and we truly enjoy every minute together.

KEep the pics a comin! LOVE those curly ques on Emma!

I love your pictures. Your family is very handsome!

I am closer to my husband when we don't see as much of each other. Familiarity breeds contempt.

WOW a lot in one year. BIg congrats to you girl!!! You have got some beautiful babies,I love the picture of Ethan singing the Everette(that is just sooooooooo precious).
 



BIG hugs
Sandy

You always have such insightful posts, Jo!  I am glad that you are finding yuourself in a good place; your family is beautiful!

Tanja

Lots of great memories and successes! Thanks for sharing. Gorgeous family!

my goodness that IS alot for 1 year!!! im glad everything is working out for you now though :) ur kids are SOOOOOO cute my god!! i hope things just keep getting better for you!

congrats & hugs to you and smooches to the kiddos!

I agree with Tanja.....you are so insightful and I ALWAYS love your posts.....this was another beautiful one....

CONGRATS on an amazing year....WOW....you are so incredibly blessed.....and your family is INCREDIBLY beautiful.....soooooooooooooooooooo beautiful.....thank you for sharing from your heart!!!!!

I am blessed to know you via this forum....I am hoping to be more blessed by meeting you one day....

xoxo

Jo, you my dear are one of my favs here on the board... You are always so insightful for sure as other posters have said... Glad to have you as a friend on FB as well so I can keep up with you & the kiddos... Everett is sooo darn cute.... All the kiddos are actually and you have every right to brag & be proud... I know what you mean about time going by so fast... Zander is now 6 1/2 months old and it seems like just yesterday I brought him home from the hospital... WOW!!!

Anyhow, I am glad to see these pics and hear how well you are doing... Kids are wonderful... And although I won't be having any more babies myself, I am considering adoption in a few years possibly... I know there are tons of little ones out there who need a mommy & a daddy to love them... So at least that door is still open for us...