First Smile!

Mason turned two weeks old today! His daddy was playing with him when all of a sudden Mason smiled and held that smile long enough for Travis to take this picture! I mean I know all mothers think their children are adorable....but pleasseee....have you ever seen such cuteness?

I'm so in love with him.

Travis and I are gaining confidence every day. My mom will be leaving in a few days and I'm absolutely devastated that our time is over. Still, she thinks we are ready to be on our own and is nudging us out of the nest. It's so funny to see how she gently pushes me to do stuff that I'm still freaked out about, like driving with him in the car. Today she insisted we go for a weigh in at Dr. Greer's and stood back as I got him ready and put him in his car seat. (BTW, our little man weighs a whopping 9 pounds already!) I feel like Rockey and she's Mickey. She pushes me to get out and walk, eat healthy and take naps. 40 pounds have already fallen off and I now have the confidence that the final 30 will come off too, if I continue to work at it. I can't tell you how many times I have snapped at her (I'm so blaming the hormones) and how many times we have absolutely fallen out in tears laughing over something (mostly my National Geographic Boobs)I mean I could put someones eye out with these things. Gotta love breast feeding. Anyway, we have really had a wonderful time and I feel closer to her than ever. What would we do without our moms. Mason, I hope you love me half as much as I love your grandma. Thanks Mom, for the laughter, tears, encouragement and love.

Merry Christmas

What an amazing time to bring new life into the world. Mom and Dad are here from Atlanta. My mom is staying with us for a month to help out. I feel closer to her than ever, which is amazing because she has always been my very best friend. Alan and his wife Tracey are also visiting. And my dad drove four hours back and forth from Atlanta to bring my grandmother's over for the holiday. Travis's parents, Tracy and William, Adam and Russell came for Christmas morning. Once again, everyone did way to much for us and our little Mason. I took five rolls of film of Mason, dressed in his Santa outfit! Super cute stuff.























Mason is a little angel. Does every mom say that? Mom....I'm a MOM! Anyway, he really is a good baby. He hardly ever cries. He loves to be cuddled and rocked. The only thing that seems to upset him is when he looses a sock. Travis can swaddle him in two seconds flat and I'm enjoying nursing. He has gained back almost all the weight he lost after he was born. We are having to supplement with formula along with nursing. Travis and the grandma enjoys giving him a bottle and Mason isn't picky, as long as he gets his dinner. He grew almost an inch in four days and is already holding up his head by himself.







We are slowly getting more comfortable handling him and transitioning from nervous parents into somewhat confident ones. As long as my mom is near, she is really a baby whisperer. I love being a mother. I can just stare at him for hours at a time, I'd rather be spending time with him that doing anything else.

I will never forget the feeling of pure love that washed over me when I first sang Mason The Itsy Bitsy Spider, I balled like a baby. We were rocking after I had nursed him he was falling asleep and I started singing, and barely choked my way through it. It was at that moment I realized I was someones mother. I wasn't overwhelmed, just satisfied with my place in the world. Thank you God.












Travis is an incredible father. He is so supportive of me, during those hormonal moments. Sometimes you will just cry for no reason at all!!!! He's up for every feeding, every diaper change and usually is the one picking out outfits for him and coordinating his socks and hats. During those first days Travis really took the lead as I followed, not as confident in my new role as he was. Plus, the c-section was no joy ride and I was not feeling physically like myself. I love that about Travis, he knows when to let me be...well....me. Strong, confident and full of myself. But he also knows when I'm feeling unsure of myself, and steps in and takes care of everything until I'm ready to be me again. I love leaning on him and he always shoulders the responsibility.


As I type, little Mason is swaddled and sleeping in his crib. In about an hour I will hear soft coos and maybe a few grunts and it's time to start our routine of feeding, rocking, changing and singing. I have never been so at peace, so content with my place in the universe, as a mom, a wife and a daughter. There is no greater joy. The reason for this season has never been more clear to me. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to our family and friends. We love you.

Mason is here

Mason Alan Spratlin is here! He was born Dec. 16th, at 9:01 am. He weighed 8 pounds and 4 ounces and is 21 inches. He is beautiful and we already can't imagine life without him. So we are super busy, feeding him, changing diapers and taking pictures. Here are a few that Uncle Russel took at the hospital.

Thank you for all the cards, flowers, outfits, food and other gifts from our friends and family. We love you all!

I hope.....

This time tomorrow I will be a mom. What an amazing, scary, exciting feeling. We are leaving bright and early for a quick drive to East Alabama Medical Center. I need to be there at 6:30 to be prepped for our c-section at 9. Travis and I are so excited. My mom and dad are driving in from Atlanta. They too are excited. My mom will be staying with us for a month to make sure all we have to worry about is taking care of Mason. She is superwoman, supermom, everything to me. I hope I can be half the mother to Mason that she's always been to me.

Now a note to my son.....

Dear my little Mason,

I can't wait to hold you in my arms. To see your face, the color of your eyes (I hope you have your daddy's eyes) your hair (we are in big trouble if you have my red hair). I can't wait to count your ten fingers and your ten toes. I know you are perfect. I can't wait to smell you and cuddle with you. I can't wait to see your dad stare in awe at you. I can't wait to hear the reactions from your grandparents as they see you for the first time. I'm so ready for you to be here. So are they.

I pray that I will be the best mom I can be for you. I hope to raise you in a home filled with love for both Christ and family. I hope you love dogs as much as I do and experience that type of pure love. I hope when you are a grown man that I'm the first person you have to tell when something fantastic happens. I hope I'm the first person you turn to when you are scared or something bad happens. I hope I can be a great mother-in-law to the woman you love.....just like I've had a great mother-in-law who loves me. I hope you love sports and hunting with your dad. I hope you love bugs and dirt and trucks. I hope you love books like your Uncle Alan and space ships and science like your Uncle Russell. I hope you are kind at heart like your Aunt Tracy Spratlin and sweet and loving and spirited like your other Aunt Tracey White. I hope you are strong like you Aunt Gayle. I hope you love your cousins, Kate and Campbell. I hope you have Kate's quiet strength and Campbell's spunk. I mostly hope you are like your dad, his dad and my dad. There are no other men on this earth like them or equal to them.

So little Mason, sleep well tonight. Tomorrow our life begins.

Love,
Mom

Quick Update

Hi Everyone!

Okay, so I'm one week away from my due date and I haven't dilated or dropped. Boo!
So, Monday they did an ultrasound. We found out Mason is heads down. Yay!
The measurements indicate he weighs about 7 lbs. 15 ounces Ouch!

At this point they could pull Mason out of my nose or ears and I wouldn't care. I'm just ready to have him. We are hoping I dilate some by the 16th, our due date. The doctor said if I had he could try to induce to speed things up a bit. If not, it looks like we will have a c-section.

I guess it all hit me about five minutes ago when the hospital called me on my cell phone to remind me that Dr. Alverson had me scheduled for a c-section on Tuesday, the 16th. It was like, wow, this is going to happen! Soon! Our baby, our son, is almost here, with us. We will be able to hold him and see him and love him and read to him and feed him and rock him. I'm overwhelmed. My heart just feels so full, with love for him, my husband and our family. Thank you God for this blessing.

Counting Down The Days

So, a few weeks ago our lovely families and their friends hosted a shower for little Mason. I know it has taken me so super long to blog and post pictures about the shower, but I felt getting the thank you notes out first would be better. We are so blessed to have had so many people show up for the event and there were lots and lots of thanks to be mailed out.

My side of the family drove in from Atlanta. My mom and dad were there, my handsome brother and his beautiful wife, Tracey, came. So did my parents best friend and second mother to me, Mrs. Baldwin. My "Busy" grandma was also there. Travis and I always comment to each other on how well our families get along. It's such a blessing. We have some great times together and know when Mason gets here, he's going to have two sets of grandparents that will spoil him and love him...plus some great uncles and aunts. We love our families and thank them so much for leading by example and showing us the type of parents we can only hope to be for little Mason.

A special thanks goes out to Mama Joyce. Her name wasn't listed as a host, but it should have been. She always goes all out and her love for Travis and me is amazing. I have some friends who comment on how awful their in-laws are, esp. the Moms. I'm so lucky and I know it. I love her so very much. Thank you MJ for loving us and Mason as much as you do. We love you back.

Just a few more things. Travis built a beautiful bookshelf for the nursery. Russell and Daddy Dean helped out a lot.Travis was so excited to get it finished and put Mason's books, piggy banks and stuffed animals on it.He's already a wonderful father. He also hooked up our baby monitor. Thanks Mom and Dad!!! It's really cool, it allows us to watch Mason on an LCD screen as well as hear him. Travis plugged up the monitor and get this, he put it on HIS side of the bed. God, I love this man. He is so ready to be a part of this. I swear, if Travis could have been the one to be pregnant, he would have.

So, we only have a few more weeks to go. We have our suitcase packed, so do my parents. I think we both hope my water breaks in the middle of the night and we rush to the hospital, all excited and ready to see Mason. We call our parents and they rush to get to the hospital. Travis wants the movie version of labor. I just want the freaking epidural. So maybe the next time I blog, Mason will be here. Please pray for us, for Mason, for our families and for a safe delivery.

Baby Shower Fun

So, last week our wonderful friends hosted a fantastic and fun baby shower for us. Chip and Allyson went all out.Chip put the Bar-B-Q on at about midnight, despite not feeling to hot. I'm sure his upset tummy had nothing to do with the Halloween party he went to that night!??! He was such a trooper!

Allyson as always made everyone feel welcome and at home. She has become such a wonderful friend and I honestly don't know what I would do without her. She was there from the very beginning. Listening to me cry my heart out when another test came back negative and now she is like my walking pregnant encyclopedia. Any and every question, no matter how silly or sometimes embarrassing, she always has the answer. It's so wonderful being close to someone who has "been there done that" so recently. She's such a wonderful mother to Karlee. I have learned so much by just watching her with her precious angle. From playing referee while Travis and I registered at Target, to loaning me my first pair of pregnancy jeans, Allyson is a blessing to our family

We are so lucky, to have so many true friends. Gina drove all the way from Atlanta, Amy and Heath also made quite a trip to be here. Wanda, who's like my mom at work, made my favorite pound cake. Gayle just puts up with me, even when she probably shouldn't. She's the sister I never had. So many of our friends came to help us welcome Mason into the world and showered us with love and gifts. We are so thankful. When we got home, Travis and I couldn't stop talking about how much fun we had and how fortunate we are to be surrounded by such a supporting and loving group of friends.I was ready for bed, but Travis had other ideas. He had to put together the pack n' play, our fabulous gift from all the hosts and hostesses. In fact after he had it all assembled (Pebbles helped) He had me time him to see how long it would take him to take it down!!! He did it in 5 minutes! Hilarious!

Baby Boy Owen

Congratulations to the Thomas family! Thursday we welcomed beautiful baby Owen to the world. He's 21 inches long and weighs 8lbs.14oz. Big boy!! He already has chubby cheeks and looks exactly like Rachel and Jeremy. Lucky kid. We stopped by to see the trio on Friday. Rachel is doing great, Jeremy couldn't stop smiling and Owen was sleeping like a little angel. Our favorite Aunt Zetta is now a grandmother. We are so excited for her. Owen, we can't wait for you to meet your little cousin Mason. You guys are going to have a lot of fun growing up together.

Happy Anniversary

This night, three years ago, was the last time I was single and the eve of the first time I would become a whole person. I married Travis on October 22nd, in a beautiful ceremony at Auburn United Methodist Church.It was the best day of my life. I think he would say the same.

Now we are on the verge of another miracle, the birth of our son. I can't tell you how much He has blessed us and how thankful we are. Travis, thank you for being the most wonderful husband. More importantly thank you for being my very best friend. I can't wait to see you hold Mason for the first time, kiss him for the first time and just stare in awe of him for the first time. What a life we are creating together.

Neighbors and Friends

Sunday was our first baby shower! I have been looking forward to this for so long. My neighbors and friends, Elizabeth, Julee, Amanda and Barclay outdid themselves. The food was amazing, the diaper cake and wreath Julee made were super cute and so many folks showed up. I felt so special and cared for. It was so nice. We got all kinds of diapers and wipes (Lexi helped us unwrap) Elizabeth and Holly were sweet enough to get us a diaper champ!!! The gifts are great. But most of all it was wonderful to be surrounded by amazing "super moms" and get their advice. Travis and I have been fortunate enough to see how these moms interact with their children. They are so loving, kind, patient and just plain cool when it comes to raising their kids. We feel so blessed to have dozens of hands ready and willing to pitch in when little Mason gets here. We love our house, but our neighbors make it a home. The support means so much. Again, thank you for a great afternoon. It was so special and I will never forget your kindness.

Cankles and Coach

I have "cankles" according to my nice pedicure lady. Or at least that's what I think she said as she slipped off my shoes at the nail salon today. She's a wonderful Asian woman I've been going to for years. We've never had a conversation, but I love her. So, I couldn't really understand what word she uttered when she pointed to my huge belly, then pointed to my feet and gave me a sad face. But it sounded like "cankles." Or maybe that was the only word I could hear in my head when I stared down at two feet that did not look like my own. I did tear up a bit. I think that's why my wonderful, quiet pedicure friend gave me an extra 10 minute leg massage. I love her.

So, I came home and waddled my way to my shoe closet. I tried to put on my favorite pair of Coach sandals. Let's just say it was like watching Cinderella's wicked step-sister try and cram her big fat foot into that damn glass slipper. I've never really liked the step-sisters, but at this point, skinny Cinderella can kiss my....cankles.

It's one thing not to be able to wear your wedding ring. You expect that and you get to buy a big fake one to wear. However, taking away a girls favorite pair of Coach sandals (THAT I GOT ON SALE) is just cruel.

You may feel sorry for me now.

Power or Bliss?

They say knowledge is power. However, after tonight's baby birthing class I'm thinking more along the lines of...ignorance is bliss. But I digress. So we had our second class tonight. I'm proud to say Travis and I acted like adults and we didn't get in trouble. Point for us. Anyway, we were shown another film, which illustrated different kinds of births. We saw natural births, a birth mom that got an epidural (YOU GO GIRL) and a cesarean. All in all it was a little "TMI," as in too much information. They crammed all of these different birth scenarios into a 10 minute video. I felt a tad bit overwhelmed at the end. Travis reminded me that we were with the YOU GO GIRL, so I just really needed to focus on her epidural induced, pain-free experience. She seemed to smile more than the other ladies in the video. And it wasn't I'm smiling cause they are filming me smile, it was a real smile. Believe me, I know the difference. So, I think we've chosen the correct "labor plan" as our nurse likes to call it. Done deal. Bring on the smiles.

Then it was time for our trip to the hospital. I have to say I was so impressed with East Alabama Medical Center. The birthing suits were huge and they seemed to be equipped with all the latest gadgets and gizmos. That made Travis happy. He loves gizmos. I myself like the gadgets. I did notice, out of all the fathers, Travis seemed to ask the most questions. Which I thought was really sweet and cute. And the teacher seemed to ask him to do the most favors, like hand out papers or hold doors. Some in our group started calling him "teacher's pet." He loved that too. I just rolled my eyes a lot.

The funniest part of the night came when our teacher asked who wanted to cut the umbilical cord. Well, I thought Travis was going to jump out of his skin to get his hand in the air the fastest. He actually said out loud, "Oh yea, that's for me." That elicited quite a chuckle from our group. Then he proceeded to tell me in a proud, loud whisper that he was going to use his "Leatherman" knife to do the deed. He was serious. Later, he explained to me he had "field dressed deers" before (whatever that means) so he was prepared for the blood and other fluids. He was dead serious when he explained this to me. Only my husband can compare the joy of child birthing to HIS joy of hunting. Still, you gotta love him and his enthusiasm. It was a good night. I'm lucky to have such an involved "labor coach." Mason, your daddy sure does love you and one day he will teach you how to use your own "Leatherman" to "field dress a deer." It will probably be one of the best moments of his life and yours.

News and Nursery

I'm posting some pictures of Mason's nursery. We had a blast designing and decorating it. It was truly a family effort. Thanks to everyone who helped out!!




Also, in the news today, we learned putting a fan in Mason's nursery can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. I posted the article from FOX news below. Take a look and buy a fan!!

CHICAGO — Using a fan to circulate air seemed to lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome in a study of nearly 500 babies, researchers reported Monday.

Placing babies on their backs to sleep is the best advice for preventing SIDS, a still mysterious cause of death. Experts also recommend a firm mattress, removing toys and pillows from cribs, and keeping infants from getting too warm.

Such practices helped slash U.S. SIDS deaths by more than half over a decade to about 2,100 in 2003. But SIDS remains the leading cause of death in infants ages 1 month to 1 year.

"The baby's sleeping environment really matters," said study senior author Dr. De-Kun Li of the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, Calif. "This seems to suggest that by improving room ventilation we can further reduce risk."

SIDS is the sudden death of an otherwise healthy infant that can't be attributed to any other cause. These babies may have brain abnormalities that prevent them from gasping and waking when they don't get enough oxygen.

The new study, published in October's Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, offers another way to make sure babies get enough air.

More research is needed, said Dr. Fern Hauck of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, but she said that because fan use is in line with theories, it may be worth considering.

"This is the first study that we know of that has looked at this issue," said Hauck, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics SIDS task force.

Researchers interviewed mothers of 185 infants who died from SIDS and mothers of 312 infants of similar race and age. Moms answered dozens of questions about their baby's sleeping environment.

Researchers took into account other risk factors and found that fan use was associated with a 72 percent lower risk of SIDS. Only 3 percent of the babies who died had a fan on in the room during their last sleep, the mothers reported. That compared to 12 percent of the babies who lived.

Using a fan reduced risk most for babies in poor sleeping environments.

The study involved infants in 11 California counties. It was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health.

Laughter Through Tears

So, we had our first baby birthing class last night. It was great, but we had a few missteps along the way. The class begins with each person introducing their partner and saying what the other person is concerned about and then excited about. The mothers and fathers before us spoke about their concerns for a safe delivery and having a healthy baby. Then it was our time. I said, "Travis is most concerned about a safe delivery and how I'm doing." I'm keeping it simple and hoping Travis will follow suit. So, it's Travis's turn to introduce me. He says "My wife is most concerned about the shot. You know, how soon she can get her epidural. She doesn't want to be in any pain." Well, I was a tad bit embarrassed, I wish he would have said I too was concerned about a healthy delivery, which I am. But on the other hand he could have said my biggest concern was loosing the baby weight quickly, so all things considered it was a good answer. Point for Travis.

So, then we got in trouble. It all happened as we were getting on the "elevator." For those of you who are not familiar with the elevator exercise, it involves a woman tensing and then releasing a muscle that is supposed to help her during birth. yes, THAT MUSCLE. Well, this was just silly to me. I mean I'm tensing this muscle in front of strangers, who know what muscle I'm tensing cause they are tensing the same muscle. It was uncomfortable so I started giggling. Well, our wonderful instructor politely but firmly asked me to quiet down, because there were couples who were trying to learn the "elevator" technique. Oops.

Travis and I also got the giggles during the breathing exercises. We were staring into each others eyes and panting like dogs, again uncomfortable and kinda weird. As I'm practicing my breathing, I'm thinking when do we learn about what kinda drugs we can take?? That's the next class.

In all seriousness, we both learned a lot and our teacher is wonderful. We feel so much more prepared and can't wait for our next class. Plus, I felt very close with Travis. I love it when you look at each other and know exactly what the other is thinking, without even speaking. Then we giggled together. To me that's intimacy. Real intimacy.


As one of my favorite southern ladies said "Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion." (Dolly Parton, Steel Magnolias) After last nights class (and video) I'm certain of one thing, we are going to need a heck of a sense of humor, each other and an epidural to get through this beautiful process we call birth. We can't wait. Bring on the labor. Right Mom??

Child Birth 101

Travis and I had another doctor's appointment this morning with Dr. Alverson. He is so wonderful, so is his nurse Vickie. We are so fortunate to have them taking care of us. I measured just fine and Mason has a strong little heart beat at 151. That's my boy! I'm having some crazy dreams lately. Dr. Alverson assured me vivid dreams are normal and not to be concerned. Poor Travis, I keep waking him up in the middle of the night. He always calms me down. Thanks hon.

Tonight is our first child birthing class! I'm so excited. We have no idea what to expect, besides the infamous video! Oh Lord! I think Travis is a bit nervous we might have to share our feelings. He's not big on group sharing, so this should be interesting. Plus, Travis and I have the tendency to laugh inappropriately at group gatherings. Like Weddings. We will get tickled over the silliest things, like bees. Seriously bumble bees have sent us both into hysterics while a groom and a bride were exchanging their vows. I'm hoping we can act like the mature adults we are (or should be at this point). We were also told to bring two pillows?!?! That makes us both a bit nervous. Bless his heart, Travis has been so wonderful through all of this. Wish us luck!! More tomorrow!

As for work, what a day! My story was about two children, both under the age of 5, that had tested positive for meth. Opelika police have a suspect and should make an arrest soon. Addiction is awful. These stories get to me so much more than they used to. I can't imagine putting my dogs in danger, much less our little Mason. I pray for those two kids. I hope they have someone in their life to protect them and care for them. Every child deserves that.

Weekend Fun

We had a wonderful time this weekend. Mom and Dad came for a surprise visit from Atlanta. We cooked tons of food Saturday for the games and watched as Alabama won and Auburn lost. To Vanderbilt?!?!? Anyway. Chip and Allyson brought little Karlee over for a visit, she was so much fun to be around! She's a wonderful baby. She just crawls and giggles. She loved the dogs. Russell and Adam came over, Kate and Campbell were a joy and MJ had a good time too. It was great to spend the weekend with those who we love the most. Today, I'm resting and recovering. I'm starting to swell a bit, and carrying a few extra pounds (Well a lot of extra pounds) is slowing me down. But I know it's all going to be worth it!!

Welcome to our Blog!

Hi and Welcome! Travis and I are so excited about our online scrapbook and how it's going to allow our family and friends keep up with our precious little Mason. Of course none of this would have been possible without our friend and neighbor Amanda Parker. She designed this blog for us as a shower gift for little Mason. By far it's the most precious, personal and special gift we have gotten. We thank her so much. If you would like more information on how Amanda can help you design a blog or if you would like to give a blog as a shower gift, you can go to her website: kissmyblog11.blogspot.com, I will post a link as soon as she shows me how! :) Thanks Amanda, it's good having friends with such talents. So, little Mason will be here before we know it. Travis and I have been busy, getting the nursery ready, buying and washing clothes and mentally preparing ourselves for the huge change our life is about to take. We have no idea what to expect. However, we have no idea what we did before we were pregnant. It seems our entire lives have been leading up to the moment when he is here, with us. We can't wait to meet you little Mason.

Look at Your Cute, New Blog!

Elizabeth,
Your new blog is going to be so much fun for you! I love the kit you chose -- the colors are great!!