State Fair

We took Bre to the State Fair of Texas for the first time last night. It was the last weekend of the fair and we didn't want to miss out, so off we went. We also took Max's younger brother Lloyd and his friend Terrance. We had a lot of fun and Bre really enjoyed all the sights and sounds! Here's few pics from the fair:Bre and Mommy showing Daddy the new car they want (Buick Enclave)...."Don't we look good Dad?"

Lloyed at the Toyota Ring Toss, trying to win some gloves.

Max at the Ring toss.

"I'm pooped!"

Family photos

Here are some photos of my extended family.

This is my mother (4th from the left) and her brothers and sisters (from left to right: Dale, Nancy, Ann, mom, Dave, and Dick) This is me and all most of my cousins on the Leach side (my mom's side) (Top row left to right: Kent, Jason [my brother], Todd, Bart; Bottom row left to right: Debbie, Linda, Me, Scott, and John; Front: Sherri)

My mom's side of the family are some of the only people I've ever met that can make me feel like I'm short! As you can see, I'm one of the shortest of the bunch, and I have heels on!

Some of Bre's most recent pictures...

"We Are Dreamgirls!" (Nana's birthday party)

Bre and her great-grandfather (Papa Homer)

Time for a close up!

I'm ready for my first day of daycare!

Yeah! This is fun!

Pumpkins!

Fall Harvest!

I know I'm cute!

Don't I look much older than 8 months old???

9 months and crawling!!!

Breanna turned 9 months old yesterday. Man, is time flying or what??!! Only 3 more months until the big 1 year birthday party. It is so amazing how much she has learned over the last 9 months! On Wednesday she finally decided she could really crawl (she's been army crawling for over 2 months now). I think that going to daycare and seeing the others in her class that are mobile has helped to motivate her. Since learning to crawl, she has begun exploring the house (every nook and cranny)....and she is really keeping me on my toes!!!! Every second she is trying to get into something that she should be getting into, and I know it is only going to get worse!

I am really pleased with the daycare that we have choosen for Bre. She has adjusted well and seems to really be enjoying the other children. The staff is wonderful and so attentive. They knew my name and Breanna's from day one.

Here is a video of Bre's first attempts at crawling:

Daycare

Today was Bre's first day at daycare! This day is filled with mixed emotions for me. Let's just say that this mommy had a hard time leaving her baby with strangers! On one hand, I know that she will do fine and will love being with the other kids. Also, Max and I researched different daycare facilities and both feel this is the best place for her (great referrals, great ratings, Christian based). On the other hand, I don't REALLY know these people who are taking care of by child everyday. Bre did not cry when I left (at least not that I know), but I sure did! I held it in until I got to the car, but after that I had to shed a few tears. It was VERY difficult! I just wanted to run back in, get my child, and go back home. But that's not reality! The hardest part was the look on Bre's face when I turned back to look at her as I was leaving. She was just staring at me like, "Mom, where are you going?" I know that we have been so blessed to have Max's mom watch Bre for the last 8 1/2 months! I never could have done this when Bre was only 8 weeks old. Linda, thank you so much for taking such excellent care of Bre. You are such a blessing! We love you so much and I know Bre will miss spending everyday with you.

1st Illness

Well this past week Bre had her first illness. She got a nasty stomach virus that has been going around. She woke up vomiting on Tuesday morning (12am). Max and I heard some strange noises on the monitor and Max went to check on her. The next thing I knew, he was yelling for me to come to Bre's room. I got up and went to her room and she had vomit all over herself, the bed, her blankie, and MooMoo (her stuffed cow). She had this expression on her face that said, "What the heck did I just do?" So into the bathtub we went and the bedding was stripped off the crib and put into the wash. After a quick bath, I got Bre dressed again and checked her temp. No temp. Bre didn't seem to be hurting or upset. She was ready to play...that is until she started to gag and throw up again, and again, and again. Needless to say, none of us slept much more that night. Max and I camped out in the living room and took turns holding Bre. The next morning Bre woke up and seemed to be doing better. We decided not to take her to daycare (she was suppose to start last Tuesday), and I got her ready to go to Nana's house. On the way to Nana's house, Bre got sick 2 more times. It was time to go to the doctor! The doctor said she had a nasty virus that was going around and she should be fine within 48hours. The rest of the day was spent hanging out at home and sleeping! Later in the afternoon, Bre got a temperature and then was really not feeling well. The next day Bre was feeling much better, but still not 100%. Unfortunately, she gave the virus to Mommy and Daddy and they were both sick at the same time Wednesday night and all day Thursday. Overall it was a rough week, but we all survived and are now virus free!

Grandma Leach

My grandmother passed away on Sunday, September 23rd. She lived 88 wonderful years and was healthy all her life until the last 2 months. My grandmother was one of the two most wonderful women I have ever met in my life (my mother being the first). She had such a heart for God and was such a wonderful Christian model for our entire family. She was the glue that kept us together. She was beautiful inside and out. In the 28 years that I knew her, she taught me so much. I loved her more than words can express and I am so sad that she is gone. However, I know that she is no longer in pain and she is in heaven with her Lord and Savior. She is HOME! She was definitely a living testament. I have memories of her that I will cherish until I see her again in heaven. I am so thankful that she was able to meet Breanna and spend time with her before her death. Although Bre will not remember her time with Grandma Leach, I have the pictures to show her and stories to tell her. I also have a Bible that my grandmother gave me that I will someday pass on to Breanna. I thank God that such a special lady was part of my life. I am a better person because of her. Grandma, I LOVE AND I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN SOMEDAY!