Days with the Dodds

2011-08-06T21:36:00.000-07:00

2009-09-13T20:17:00.000-07:00

Summer time update. Soaked up as much family time with Eric as possible in June. Eric and I were caught a few nights away at the Driskel in Austin and left the kiddos with Grandparents . Much needed little escape. In and out of Austin alot this summer. Did the McCoy reunion. Had a mini reunion cookout in Brad and Sandra's backyard with Eric's best buddies from highschool, " the 4 horsemen", and their families.Back in Texarkana some highlights were taking the top off of the Jimmy with the kids in back Sonic drinks in hand and enjoyed an evening with the familiy at a firework show in town. We also enjoyed some awesome BBQ that Eric's brother Kevin grilled. Kevin, Tonya and Avery came in from Kansas and our parents came up from Austin to celebrate Tate's 1st and Eric's 33rd birthday in early July and see Eric. Food, family, fireworks, church. Great time! A week later Eric left for North Carolina to start training for his upcoming deployment to Afghanistan. Eric leaves NC to Afghanistan this week and he is ready to get this started. The kiddos are doing well though Nate misses daddy and finds this all a little confusing. Nathan proudly wears Eric's dog tag around his neck and is always willing to show it off. He understands Daddy is working far away and will be back but has no concept of time. The kids and I have started our fall routine here with preschool, church, and just daily living. Adjusting and trying to adapt to this temporary change in our family dynamics and all that comes with that has its challenges. But we are just plugging along. That's it for this brief and very incomplete update but I just have a hard time (really lack of it) keeping up with blogging. Enjoy some our summertime family photos and please keep Eric and his saftey in your daily prayers these next 9 months or so.

2009-07-14T21:17:00.000-07:00

My sweet dog is driving me crazy!!! As if a 1 and 2 year and a deploying husband wasn't enough I decided to get a dog. Yes I am a dog person but what was I thinking???!!

June

2009-06-22T22:21:00.001-07:00

Updating... Tate is almost 1 year old. He is standing alone now and cruising but it wont be long before he walks. This kid is very passionate about his feelings and when he is happy he is very happy and when he is upset he is very upset.. he's great though. He wants so badly to keep up with the bigger kids and loves being chased. I finally weaned him this month. Nate is definitely a 2 year old! He is carrying on conversations now and enjoys the hiding game. Nate loves cars and monster trucks. Both boys love being tossed around and playing with their daddy...

Eric is getting ready to go to North Carolina to begin training July 8th in prepartion for Afghanistan come Septemberish. We have greatly enjoyed having Eric home this past month and have been able to go to Austin and see family too. While in Austin Eric and I were able sneek away for a few days together on a mini vacation. A very needed few days might I add.. we stayed at the historic Driskell Hotel, ate some good food, and relaxed. All the while the kiddos stayed at the Dodds where they had a great time playing with their cousins Ian and Mackenzie and visiting Grandma and Grandpa. Now back in Texarkana we are just trying to wrap up lose ends and get Eric packed up. We are planning to celebrate his 33rd birthday and Tate's first together here in Texarkana with Brad and Sandra and my parents from Austin and his brother Kevin and his family and possibly a few friends. It will be alot of fun to have their company to celebrate the holiday, birthdays, and to say goodbye for a while. The kids and I will be eagerly waiting to see him again as we are going to miss him GREATLY.

We got a new dog. Izzy from the SPCA. She's a Welsh Springer Spaniel mix. Cute and very sweet.

Me.. just along for the ride. One day at a time. I'm a busy, tired mom and wife but a VERY blessed one.

Horse, Hair, Happiness and More

2008-10-14T20:55:00.000-07:00

September we went to the Rodeo/Fair in town. So fun!!! We went with some friends who have a son, Sammy, just a little older than Nate. So the boys were driving buddies on the car rides. And the petting zoo was quite entertaining as Nate made animals sounds at each different pen. Seriously, I'm sorry people, but my kiddos are so cute! Nathan said YeeHaw the entire time he was on the pony. If the pony rides weren't cash only I think we would have done that the whole time we were at the fair! Nathan had a blast and I think Eric had just as much fun.

Mommy and Tate at the fair as spectators of the fun.

Ready, Set, Go!!!

Moooo!

At 23 months Nate got his first hair "trim". He has beautiful golden curls! I love it but I must admit it needed a little shaping. He did a great job as Joey worked fast and Nate was pretty distracted by the ocean creatures on his apron.

Nate got a tool set from Brad and Sandra for his birthday and her he is drilling (working) on his Lightening McQueen Car

Nate and his birthday cake. Not sure what to think of everyone singing to him.

Over the past few months we've had visitors. Last weekend Brad and Sandra came up to see us, to watch the big Longhorn vs. Sooners game and celebrate Nathan's 2nd birthday!!! Golly, time just flys! Nathan is at such a fun age now. Everything is so exciting and he soaks up everything. We have a routine we've used with the Nathan since birth that works like magic. To put him down for bed at night after usually reading, Nate turns out his light, mom or dad turns the lamp on, he pushes the music button of lullibies on, tuck him in, prayers, goodnights plus all the hugs and kisses, out the door we go. Well when I was putting him down to sleep for a nap the other day I was not quite as elaborate in the rountine... I did not say a prayer. I put him in bed and he hopped out, I started getting a little irritated as I kept telling him it is nap time, lay down ect. but he kept getting up. He was telling me something of which I was not listening because mommy was very eager for his naptime that day too. What he kept saying was God, God, God. But I put it together when he folded his hands together beside the bed and said God again. This is one of those moments that warmed my heart. As a mother and Eric as his father we are doing exactly what we should be. It was encouraging as parenthood is not always such a glamorous job. Way Cool!

Tate slumbering away in Grandma's arms

Justin and Karissa

So my sister Karissa is engaged. She is engaged to a guy she has been dating for almost 5 years and they are planning to be married December 19th of this year!!! Justin is a great christian man with a good head on his shoulders and we are just thrilled! Can't wait to officially have him as my brother-in-law and he is going to be an awesome Uncle. So there is excitement in the air as the marriage date approaches and wedding plans progress. Yippee!!! What an exciting time! We love you both!

Juicy

2008-09-24T21:42:00.000-07:00

So last Friday Tate went in for his ~2month well baby visit and guess how much he weighed...? 15lbs and 4oz. He is definitely not starving... the Pediatrician described him as "a juicy breast fed baby". I thought that was a cute way of saying he's a big boy!

So Good and So Sleepy

2008-09-11T20:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I went a little crazy sharing the pictures but aren't they so cute!! (That isn't up for debate) Things here are really good. We are adjusting to life as the four of us. I feel like there is never a moment of rest but I am so glad to have these two little boys. Nathan is a great "big" brother. He is so sweet. He wants to hold Tate, he helps by putting in his pacifier when it falls out, shushing Tate when he is upset, alerting me when he spitsup, throws away dirty diapers ect. All the while he is just 23 months now so we also are dealing with all that comes with that age too, like testing the limits, constantly getting into stuff,ect. Tate was a really fussy baby at first, alot more so than Nate was BUT he is doing much better now. We have developed our routine. He does not sleep through the night yet which is tiring but he will sleep for good stretches at a time and he goes down easily. Now if I could just get myself to bed much earlier that would be helpful. Eric still works like crazy BUT he is having a fantastic month at work. We are doing well and God is good. Hope you enjoyed this very brief update. Now I gotta go get some sleep while I can!

The Dodd Brothers.

Mommy and the boys

Daddy and the boys.

Tate as he sleeps. So precious! 1.5months

Tate at 2 months and finally I captured his darling smile

Nate is all boy! He loves frogs and isn't scared to pick up all kinds of creepy crawly things... "Sorry frog".

Nathan in the brownie batter. You pick your battles. Give the kid a chocolate covered spoon and he will then be distracted enough to quite hovering at my feet so I can finish in the kitchen.

Nathan

Baby Boy is Here!

2008-07-09T16:13:00.000-07:00

Tate Erickson Dodd
Born July 7th
8lbs 14oz and 20.25in

Everything went pretty smoothly and quickly. The Doctor broke my water about 2:30pm and I had Tate by 5:51pm. I got my epidural about 3:15 which I was happy to get. Within about 10 minutes after my water broke I had my first good contraction and from there on they quickly magnified with intensity. We had some issues with the epidural as it obviously wasnt taking care of all the pain after about 30 minutes of crying the anesthesiologist came back to my rescue adding something new to my pump. He explained something about the baby's position being so low that the pressure was causing the meds not to circulate as they should.? Anyway, he fixed the problem and then from there on out life was good. Tate was born with a head full of dark hair. He has a rounder head and face than Nathan and his skin is darker. I think he is going to have blue eyes. We'll see... Eric was a great help for me during the delivery, my Doctor is fantastic, and the hospital staff was so sweet I actually really enjoyed my stay in the hospital.. I think I would have stayed longer it they would have let me. :) The second time around having a baby is definitely easier I'd say all around. We are all adjusting to life with our newest addition. Nathan like to give Tate lots of "Sugars" as he says and I have to watch him like a hawk as he can love his brother too hard. ect. Tate is a beautiful baby I'd say and are happy to have him with us!

Sorry these pictures are all out of order I am not the best at this. And I will write more later just trying to get some pictures out for family and friends.

Due Date Come and Gone

2008-07-06T19:54:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken midnight July 4th and obviously baby boy is still cooking. I was optimistic after my 40 week appt. with my Dr. on Thursday because he told me he was confident baby would arrive this weekend. Well it is now Sunday night at 10:00pm and he is still cooking. I was trying to wait it out and let him make his arrival on his own time but my patience is wearing thin. I am seeing the Dr. again in the morning and we will see what tomorrow holds.

38 Weeks Today!

2008-06-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

Keeping you up to date..So... I went to the Dr. today with hopes that I had perhaps progressed in preparation for delivery. Granted I am still 2 weeks away from my due date of July 4th I had been having some irregular contractions particularly at night accompanied by extreme abdomenal aching and constant backache which pretty much was constant day or night. These feelings had started about 3 days ago. But I knew it was just pre-labor/false labor symptoms because the contractions never increased in severity or regularity and would always subside with activity. Anyway all this to say, I was convenced though that I at least must be making some progress and starting to dilate some... NOPE. I went today and after a quick check Dr. said I still had not progressed from the 1 cm I was at when I was 36wks. How is that? Oh well. This is sort of a new experience for me though having given birth to one child already I was induced at 39weeks and hadnt experienced any of these common pains prior to the induction. So the plan this go around as of now is to allow things to just happen without induction and go into labor on my own before the 41wks when they wont let you go any longer. We'll see... it will be exciting to see when this little guy decides to come... and hopefully he wont decide to go over my due date (dont know that then I will be quite so patient :)) I am excited to meet this new little boy but until then I will enjoy and savor my one on one time just Nathan and I.

Since April... updates

2008-06-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

I know and confess yes I am the worlds worst blogger. But here are a few up dates since April and some more recent pictures.

At the end of April very suddenly our almost 3 year old cocker spaniel, Sally, suffered a serious back injury and as a result she very unfortunately is no longer with us today. It is amazing how much an animal becomes part of a family. She was the sweetest, most gentle, loving dog and was excellent with Nathan. We are really sad not to have her any longer. And in early April, my brother, Casey moved in with us as he works here in town as a paintless dent repair tech and he is still with us today. I have so enjoyed his visit here as all of us get to spend time with him. Nathan just lights up when he walks through the door shouting his name over and over.

In May, Nate and I made a quick trip home where we got to see both sides of the family, go to the annual fish fry on my side, have dinner with my best highschool friend, Summer, and I went to my 10 year highschool class reunion lunch at the Oasis. It was nice to see everyone and catch up a bit. Eric and I also had our 5 year anniversary... we hadn't been able so celebrate it until last night when we were able to get a sitter and Eric could actually get away long enough from work. We combined our nice dinner out celebrating both our anniversary and father's day. This is Eric's second father's day and he deserves all the praise as he is a great father and husband. Nate and I are blessed to have such a wonderful caregiver and leader for our family. As a side note to this month Eric has also been gearing up on getting his mustang running. In the baby bump picture you will see his project car behind.

Since April I have grown...out. I am currently 37 weeks pregnant now and am anticipating our newest arrival anytime. I am feeling physically very well considering how large I am. Of course the sleeping is a bit uncomfortable by now, I am always hot, and I contemplate everytime whether it is really neccessry or not to bend over to pick something up off the floor. There are always things to pick up with Nathan around. And I am looking forward to the baby shower next Sunday that my church is so kindly throwing for us. Anyway, I am sure I am leaving something out but that is okay. Nathan has no clue that he is about to have a baby brother and has actually been acting so clingy lately and is developing a bit of an attitude...he is getting close to that "two's" stage but I also wonder if he might be sensing that something is about to change...? I'll be better at blogging as the big baby arrival date gets closer... I hope.

Caterpillars

2008-04-04T20:56:00.000-07:00

Caterpillars are neat little creatures. They are soft and fuzzy with such detailed patterns and colors, when they come out in spring they come by the thousands it seems and they move slowly...

I have a little boy... who is fascinated by them! They are everywhere he looks... on the ground, on the porch, crawling up the house, in the grass, on the playscape, over the cars...

My little boy is darling! He squeels with delight as he spots them. He'll squat down to watch them, point at them and excitedly jabber to me all about his thoughts on his new found treasures...

I listen and we watch them together. We talk about how God made these beautiful caterpillars, what they look like, how they feel when we so gentley touch them, we sing the fuzzy caterpillar song (with the hand gestures)... And AGAIN how gentle we must be.

SQUISH...

It always ends with a SQUISH. Everytime!!! Those fascinating, harmless creatures just move too slowly for my 18 month old darling boy. While this is so totally disqusting and creates extra clean up and work on my part to protect the lives of a few of these caterpillars and to teach Nate... it so makes me smile and laugh too.

Nathan... I love you. And I am about to be blessed with another baby boy in just 3 months! Tate... I already love you too. I so look forward to having boy(S).

We are having a BOY!

2008-02-10T20:06:00.000-08:00

The latest baby news... we are having another BOY!! Last Thursday we went to the Doctor to have our sonogram and if all is right according to them that's what we are having. I have so enjoyed my sweet baby, Nathan. I can only imagine I'll be just as happy with another baby boy! It will be very neat for Nate to have a little brother to be buddies with too. Praying for a happy, healthy baby!

Barfaroo!

2008-01-30T08:24:00.000-08:00

That is what we'e been up to this week! Poor Nathan! He is the one who has had the stomach bug this week. Began Monday night and lasted all night... I'm sure all mommies know what that consisted of... many loads of laundry, several changes of clothes both of mommy and sick child, changing of linens, an unhappy child, not much sleep... I was actually glad Eric was having a hard time going to sleep this night because that meant we were all up together until the wee hours of the night kinda like a slumber party! (Ha,Ha) Anyway, thought it was over because no throw-up happened on Tuesday.. Yay! Then suprise... it's back again Wednesday morning! Oh well, the life and times of a mom.

Family Time

2008-01-02T20:31:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas this year! For many reasons... Nate and I made a trip to Austin to spend some early holiday time with my parents and siblings as well as with extended family in the hill country. We had a great time playing catch phrase with my family and nightly watching the Planet Earth while sipping cider! We also got to see my inlaws for a great day decorating the Christmas tree and relaxing with Sandra and then out for dinner to Chuy's with them both! Yummy!! I got to go shopping with my Mom and Karissa which was so nice. And oh to have company and help with Nathan!!! Great! BUT the best part of the holiday season was to actually spend time together as a family just the three of us, Mommy, Daddy, and Nathan!!! We haven't spent this much time together the whole time we've lived here I don't think. Eric actually got some good time off from work!!! This was a blessing to us on so many levels. I think Eric actually felt like he got some rest, both him and Nate had some time to bond, play, and interact together. I was able to get a break... Eric let me nap and watched Nate on several occasions just because he was here so he could. This holiday season was uplifting for me physically to have some break, mentally and emotionally because it reminded me again of what life is like outside recruiting duty... that I wont always feel as alone and tired as I have this past year and a half and I can have a more functionaly balanced family life again one day!!! We have had a blast being about to relax and play together. Eric enjoyed working on his car, watching football, and spending time with us. We went to the park and fed the ducks several times.. so fun! Nate is always learning something new everyday it seems which is so neat to watch... he enjoys being outside so he can explore. Hope you all had a great holiday season too!

There is another BABY on the way!!!

2007-12-26T11:48:00.000-08:00

Many of you have heard our news and many of you haven't yet. So there it is... we are having another baby! I was very suprised myself of this news as we had tried for a year and a half to get pregnant with Nathan with a little help from Dr's. I was weaning Nathan at about a year old and we weren't trying when it happened. So here we are. I guess God had his own plans on timing but I can't complain about this new blessing. I have been SO TIRED this pregnancy. It seems I can't get enough sleep! The nausea is primarily in the afternoon/evenings but is getting better now as time goes on. We are very excited. Although I have times of feeling a bit overwhelmed with the idea of Nathan being my "big boy" at 21 months while I have a brand new infant and question if there will be enough me to go around! I know many people have their kiddos closer together and have survived so I am sure I will be no exception. My friend Lori Dow and sister-in-law Tonya Dodd and I are due within in weeks of eachother which is kinda cool to go through the pregnany with others. Anyway... I'll keep you up to date with new exciting baby news. Oh by the way, I am due July 4th!

Back from Summertime Fun... Finally!!!

2007-11-03T19:18:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's been a while... and thanks to all the emails and phone calls to spur me on with blogging... I'm back. What happened is Nathan became mobile and the summertime busyness hit. But yes all is fine and dandy here in the Dodd home. Nathan just had his first birthday. Eric is still working 24/7 and I'm just busy trying to keep up with everyday life! I can't recap the whole summer but I will let you in on October. Nate was sick the first part of October with fever and congestion issues, he had his first birthday which we celebrated twice, once casually with a few church kids and then the following weekend Granna and Pawpaw came to visit and we celebrated again but this time with carrot cake and a few gifts. The following weekend Nathan and I ventured to Abilene for ACU homecoming. That was an exhausting but fun weekend. It was so neat to see all the changes on campus and reminisce. It was neat to visit with friends from college that are now all "grown-up" with families of their own, my sister, and my parents who came up for a quick visit!!!! The next weekend Eric, me and Nate went to Dallas for the Marine Corps Ball. So FUN!!! We left Nathan for the first time overnight with Eric's cousin. Nate did great and Eric and I enjoyed some much needed down time together. Enjoy the pictures!

Summer Fun

2007-06-05T13:02:00.000-07:00

Summer time is always fun because you can go swimming! We went swimming... or rather wading in the pool. It was Nathans first adventure to the pool and he did great. Nate sat in the water and played and he also floated in his yellow floaty ring and had a blast. Isn't he just darling in all his swim attire?

Poop Happens

2007-05-21T12:22:00.001-07:00

Poop Happens... thus Nate is taking a mid-day bath. He literally had it up to his ears (I know too much info. but this is my life now and mommy's deal with all kinds of baby things... poop included). And he is still darling to me no matter what he's up to his ears in.
ON A MORE SERIOUS SIDE,
Poop Happens... thus the Democratic party is the majority in Congress right now.
ON AN EVEN MORE SERIOUS SIDE,
Poop Happens... thus tragedy striking even good, good people. (I won't include here examples of tragedy) I don't intend to be a downer just thinking about life and in doing so there are just obstacles we all face.
ON THE MOST SERIOUS SIDE, AN UPSIDE,
How awesome it is that we as children of God have HOPE for a life beyond our comprehension in Heaven because of His great love!!!

Praise the Lord, O my soul: all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisifies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Isreal: The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our trangressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children- with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules overall. Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord, O my soul. Pslams 103

The small things matter

2007-05-14T09:47:00.000-07:00

I woke up at 7:20am Sunday morning and it is time to get ready for church. I drag myself to the shower and begin the morning mad dash so we can arrive at church on time, clean, with bible, and all baby paraphenalia. And if no unpleasant confrontation between Eric and I takes place as we go about this race can arrive in the right mind frame and with happy faces for church. Sunday mornings can be wonderful or miserable depending on how smoothly the morning routine goes before we get out the door.(Most all of you know what I'm talking about) This particular Sunday morning was a great one!!! It was my First Mother's Day! And ends up I was honored all day long!

As I flew out of the shower I was greated by a hot cup of coffee waiting for me on the counter. Yay!!! We are off to a great start. Eric brought me coffee, how sweet. Throw on make-up, do hair, oh, is that Eric taking the dog out??? Yes, Yes, Yes!! Check, the dog has been taken out this morning. Feed Nate and hand him off to Eric for a diaper change, clothes change, and quick clean-up while I dress. Awesome! Nathan looks great, we are ready and out the door not running (too) behind. On our way to church I get a "babe, you look great this morning" from Eric. Oh good.. he still thinks I'm pretty!!!. We get to church, fellowship with loving people, have a great sermon reminding men to be the loving godly leaders their family needs by loving the Lord and taking to heart their responsibilites as a christian mate. Awesome!!! I AM blessed by my mate. He loves the Lord, leads and provides for his family in all ways. Thank you Lord!!!

Get home and we are starving. Nathan needs food NOW!!! While tending to Nate, Eric pulls meat out of the freezer and begins defrosting it. Eric says to me, "I'll just make taco pile up for lunch". Yes, Yes, Yes!!! I dont have to cook lunch!

We enjoy lunch. Eric helps me with some yard work as we are still trying to get our yard green and with success but with lots of hard work. Break. Eric calls his mom to wish her a happy mothers day. What a guy! No suprise, but he loves, respects, and enjoys his mom. Cleanup, and we head to the park. Yes!!! I've been wanting to get out and show Nathan the ducks. Oh my stars, Eric is soooo tired! When was the last day he had off work??? I can't remember... oh, and he has to work all night long since he took today off to be with his family... for Mothers Day!!! I enjoyed the park. It was a fabulous day and their were lots of ducks and even geese to spectate. Then back to church... and the evening continued and so on.

All this to say... all the small things matter. Small things add up to be big things. I am truly blessed this year to have such a precious baby boy and a husband who honors me. Eric, thank you for considering me in all the small things. What a wonderful Mother's Day!

I'm Here!

2007-05-12T09:24:00.001-07:00

Good Morning! I am now on my second cup of coffee and enjoying a relaxing Saturday morning at home. My darling baby boy slept in late today until 8:15!!! I guess he knew it was mothers day weekend and was giving me the little extra gift of sleep. Eric is in Arkansas today working (not his favorite state... something about education, a former president, and welfare?? :))He works so hard and does a great job providing for our family thus I am joyfully a stay at home mommy! I married an awesome man and I am blessed by an awesome loving and graceful God!!! These are just a few of my thoughts this morning. And it looks like I have finally made it to the blogging world thanks to the encouragement (and constant reminders :)) from my sister-in-law Amy and good friend Summer to jump aboard. Here I am !!!