Summers last getaway

We decided to take the kids on an overnight trip on Friday and Saturday. We had considered an amusement park but with the temperature in the high 90's we decided a water park (Point Mallard) was a better fit. The kids really enjoyed the wave pool, high dives, and water slides.

The baby did awesome, I kept him in the shade and he was a real trooper. We stayed in a hotel overnight (2 rooms of course) and on Saturday visited the Great-grandparents that live in Huntsville. The ride home got a bit hairy with over tired kids sitting too close to each other and a tantrum throwing toddler screaming from the very back . We stopped the car and rearranged the kids seating and that fixed the problem.

All in all we successfully took a trip with all 6 kids with no major run ins. It was a bit humorous to me a 1 night trip required 2 large suitcase and 1 small suitcase. And Chik fila breakfast meal for the whole family totaled close to $40.00! But this little getaway was a nice way to end the kids summer vacation.

School Supplies x 4=$200

Notebooks, crayons and pencils galore.
Their all over the counter and spilled on the floor.

New backpacks and lunch boxes all ready to go.
The kids hoping for favorite classmates to show.

They each have a new outfit and brand news shoes too.
Because wearing new clothes helps the Back to School blues.

I think we are all ready to start the new year.
When the bus pulls away next Thursday I will let out a cheer.

Each year they grow and learn so much more.
But I will be honest I will miss my four.

Cute one of Collin

Macy took this picture of Collin the other day and I thought it turned out well. I wanted to give a update on him. Collin will be going to pre-school starting in 2 weeks for 3 days a week from 9-1. This all worked out perfectly because I was worried about him being bored once the big kids started back to school.

He is saying lots of funny things lately like yesterday he insisted at football practice that he was the COACH. He walked around and told everyone he was the coach and he needs a whistle.

Today he held a pen behind his ear and said I'm the Daddy. He has watched Brian place a pen behind his ear so he thinks thats a Daddy thing. It was too funny!

He is really growing fast and he is so excited about school.

Splish Splash

Hudson just LOVED his first tub bath. As you can tell from the pictures he didn't scream in protest until I took him out of the warm water to dressed him.

This week starts cheer and football practice. Next week school starts so we are pretty busy getting ready.

Friends till the End

The picture above is my best friend, Doron with Collin watching the fireworks earlier this month. She would most likely kill me if I posted any of the other pictures I have of her so I figured this one will do. We are similar in that aspect that we don't really like our pictures taken and we can find about 100 things wrong with the picture if we are in it.

I met Doron way back in 9th grade. We were friends through High School but lost touch not long after graduation. She did attend my wedding but stupid me didn't have her in my wedding and we still joke about this today. After my wedding I was off playing house and having babies (Logan and Macy) while she was going to college and doing the single thing for awhile, we didn't keep in contact for a few years. She got married when Macy was about 1 year old and I didn't know about her wedding till after the fact. And of course I have never let her forget that.

But in early October 1999 I was very pregnant with Molly I happen to run into her at the mall. Her son Nathan was just a few weeks old but still in the hospital NICU for breathing problems, that day we exchanged phone numbers and promised to stay in touch and we have ever since.

We have been through alot together. When Molly was 6 months old we moved to Huntsville for 2 years. Doron and I would talk on the phone for hours daily and there was no free long distance back then ($$$). They would come visit us in Huntsville or we would come down to see them a few times a month.

Our families have taken many vacations together and have celebrated everybody's birthday through the years. We have survived the pumpkin patch on a fall day, the water park in the blazing sun, more Pee Wee baseball and football games than I care to count, oh and lets not forget dance recitals too (groan). We have sat with each other during ER visits, the birth of my last 3 kids, during children having surgery, and recently she was the one to take me to the hospital while I was in labor.

There are so many stories to tell and inside jokes no one else will understand. We are the modern day Lucy and Ethel. She is Godmother to all my kids she may have only birth 1 child but she is a mother figure to 7! My kids love her and her whole family like they do their own and same with us and her son Nathan. The kids have been on trips, fun days, family get togethers they have spent the night with her family more times than I could possibly count. She has kept kids on a moments notice during crisis situations like my Mom's accident and surprise Labor and Delivery stay I had the night before Hudson was born .

We have grown up together. We have developed as wives, mothers and most of all as adults together. We love each other enough to be honest about bad hair dos and ugly clothes. We are constantly confused as sisters and I consider that a compliment .

I am sure in the years to come we will help each other through the kids teenage years and dealing with aging parents and somehow find humor in it all. I look forward to many more years with my best friend.

He Hears Us

Good News!!! Hudson passed the 3rd hearing screen at the ENT today. I joked with the doctor that since he passed we will stop screaming at him. I could tell that at home he would be startled by loud noises so I figured he must be hearing something but there was still that little bit of doubt. But everything is A-okay!

Collin the Lion, Hudson the Lamb

Collin insist on putting the baby's boppy pillow on his head and playing lion. I have to admit that's pretty creative of him and cute too.
I worked on taking some more pictures of Hudson today. He is 12 days old and is doing well. As for me I am recovering still, just feeling tired and rundown basically I feel like I just had a baby. I am not the sit around the house type so this is not easy for me but I am enjoying my new lil guy and he is so worth it.

Photo Shoot Rejects

Picture from today of Molly and Huddy-Buddy (his newest nickname)


We finally got word yesterday afternoon Hudson's bilirubin count was down to 12.8 and he no longer needed the lights. Yippee!

I was thrilled to be able to enjoy my new baby and have alittle fun taking some pictures. I can't show you the best ones because these pictures are going to be used for his birth announcements . I don't want to spoil the surprise for when you receive it in the mail.But I promise no babies were harmed in the taking of these pictures, he was just a tad ticked off to be naked but he did finally get over it and we got a few good shots.

In other news Hudson will see the ENT next Wednesday to repeat his hearing test again. Hopefully it was a fluke and we can relax even more. Please keep him in your prayers.

Woohoo Progress

HUDSON @ 1 WEEK WITH HIS SERIOUS FACE
THE LIL' BROTHERS

Hudson turned one week old today. The nurse came bright and early to weigh him and take his blood again. We did end up taking him with us to the OB office to get my staples out, afterwards we stopped by CPI (Maw and Mimi's office) for a quick visit. It was nice to get to enjoy him alittle today and do the things I normally would do with my new baby.

The nurse called on our way home and said his level had dropped. It went from 17.8 on Tuesday to 15.8 today. Yippee it is going down and maybe we can be done with the lights by Friday.

Tuesday night I kinda had moment. Gotta love those emotions after having a baby! But Brian understood because he was feeling the same way. I just wanted to get to enjoy my baby, I wanted to hold him and snuggle him and soak him up. He was very restless laying on the lights and we finally decided he needed lovin' for alittle bit and thats what we did. I told Brian to me it felt like having a brand new car that you couldn't drive. You can look at it in the driveway but you couldn't drive it anywhere. But there seems to be a end in sight! :)

Update on Lil' Squash

Last night wasn't as restful of a night. Poor Hudson was not as comfortable because he wasn't swaddled like he likes because of him Bili bed. I was up multiple times to tuck his arms back under the blanket and pat him till he relaxed. It dawned on my during this time we needed a bean bag like they use in the NICU to place on the baby which makes them think someone is touching them. I called my Mom this morning to make us up one which she did and so far he likes it and it is working perfectly.

The home health nurse came out today to do the bilirubin count again. The Dr. called a few hours later and told me it is now at 17.8 (sigh). I was really hoping it would be going down already because he is a Pooping/Peeing machine. I am not happy at all that I have to go to the OB's office tomorrow and can't take him to show off to all the staff there. That is part of the fun of going to get my staples out.

I really want to take more pictures of him but right now we are being very diligent about only having him out of the light to be changed and fed which leaves no time for a photo shoot. Hopefully we will see a drop in levels tomorrow.

Life at home

Life at the Moon house is going well. Hudson fits in perfectly and is so laid back.He has been sleeping 4-5 hour stretches at night which is really good. After he wakes to nurse and get a diaper change he settles right back down on his own and drifts off to sleep. I feel so lucky to have it so easy thus far!

Collin is adjusting well. He is very clingy to me right now and lays down with me to fall asleep at night but he is constantly saying "Where's Hudson?" or "I love Hudson, Mommy". He shows no jealousy against the baby but just needs extra Mommy time, which is normal and I can handle that.

Hudson went to the Dr. this morning to recheck his bilirubin count and we found out his level is at 17.5 and he needs the home light therapy.We have a home health nurse coming out to check on him each day for the next few days.He is in his BiliBed in the pictures above. Hopefully this will do the trick and his number will go down because if not it could mean a hospital stay, I really want to avoid that. Right now I call him my Lil' Squash because of his yellow skin color. His weight is right at 7 pounds but that should be increasing each day. He is feeding well and making enough diapers so the Dr. isn't concerned.

The rest of the kids are doing well. Parker turned 7 on Saturday and we took him to Red Robin for lunch on the way home from the hospital. Macy's birthday is today and Doron and Steven took the kids to the Water park for the day (Thank you both, big hugs). Brian and the kids will go out for dinner to celebrate her 11th b'day but Hudson and I will stay home so he can be under the lights as much as possible.

Hudson on Day 3

It really amazes me how easy going Hudson is. I mean seriously he is so easy going it's almost boring at times and I am waiting to see how long this last. But it will make life at home when I am not only tending to a newborn but the rest of the Moon clan too.

He is nursing well, messing up plenty of diapers and sleeping so sound. What more could I possible ask for?

I have to laugh and shake my head when the nurse told me Hudson has failed his hearing test twice. The nurse said sometimes there is still fluid in the ears and that we will have to follow up with the pediatrician. So if you will cross your fingers and say a prayer for this issue to resolve own it's own. Whatever happens we can handle it I know that without a doubt. But Gee whiz what's with the ear curse?

Tomorrow we go home and settle into a new routine of a family of 8. I am ready be home with all my kids together and begin a new chapter in our lives. I feel so blessed that it blows me away at times. Yesterday was my Mom's 6 month mark since her accident and it was great to have her here at the hospital to help me with the baby. I have so much to be thankful for.

Hudson is here!

Hudson Bennett Moon arrived yesterday July 9th at 8:53 am. He weighed in at 7 pounds 15 ounces 20 1/2 inches long. He is healthy and beautiful and we are all madly in love already.

Here is a copy from Brian's blog that pretty much sums up how he came about being born yesterday.

"Well, it was not as planned, but he is here. Our 6th child, Hudson Bennett Moon came into the world this morning at 8:53AM. All of our children have been born via C section. The plan was to come in at around 10AM on the 16th to deliver Hudson the same way. Well, yesterday my wife starting having some pains that the doctors did not like. They watched her overnight and decided this morning to go ahead and perform the C section this morning. It was a whirlwind. We waited all night to see what was going to happen. Then, at 8:25AM, the nurse came in and said that we were doing it at 8:45 and that my wife was to be wheeled in to the OR in 5 minutes. We franticly called friends and family. None of them were there. We assumed (you know how that goes) that we would have an hour or something. No such luck. So, by 8:53 he was here and at 9:40 we were all in a room with baby and family. Everyone is healthy. Mom feels better than she did the last 3 weeks."

We are very greatful for family and friends for helping out with the rest of the gang. I am feeling pretty good and glad to be on the up swing. I am sure there will be alot more pictures in the days to come.

Click here for a slideshow

July is here

Click on pic to enlarge.

Finally July is here! And yes I am still very pregnant. From here on out any day is a good day to have a baby but most likely he be born on his scheduled day of July 16th just 9 days away, but who's counting? Here's what we've been up to lately.

The Moon family spent the 4th of July with the Hines family at the water park about 30 minutes from home. This was the first major thing I have done in over 2 weeks since being on bedrest. We had a nice time despite the incredible crowd and sudden down pour of rain. Later that night we met up with my family downtown to watch the fireworks display like we pretty much do every year.

Sunday we celebrate an early birthday for Macy who is turning 11 on 7-14 and Parker who is turning 7 on 7-12. We had a swim party over my parents house. All the kids seemed to have fun and even our nephew Blaze went for a dip in the pool. Blaze turned 7 months old on Sunday and he didn't seem overly impressed with swimming. But he did look very cute in his little swimsuit.

Today Mr. Million $ Ears (Collin) went back to the ENT for a recheck. Dr. Black explained that the tube in his right ear is no longer where it should be and will need to be replaced.. AGAIN. He told us to come back when he has problems again or in 3 months which ever comes first. I have NO hope we will make it 3 months but we will see. Right now is not a good time to put Collin through another surgery. The Dr. explained he may need a new set of tubes every year for awhile. Poor Kid!

Tomorrow and Wednesday Macy and Logan are going with Brian to Huntsville and the kids will get to visit with their cousins from Spain. They are very excited to see them again and catch up with the cousins. This will be Brian's last time trip up to work in Huntsville till probably August once the dust settles after Hudson gets here.

Million Dollar Ears

Collin is having ear troubles AGAIN! The poor boy is fighting an infection in his right ear and we are going to the ENT this afternoon.We have been using drops at home that haven't really helped. Just a recap if you have forgotten Collin is not yet 3 years old , he has had tubes surgical placed 3 times already. Collin knows the office too well and has the same reaction most dogs have when going to the vet. He is okay till we get back to the exam room and then the crying starts and he tries to flee the building. But I want my lil' boy in tip top shape for when he meets his little brother. I hope the good Lord remembers my request for Hudson to have healthy ears.

Nesting on bedrest

You might wonder how one person gets out the nesting urge while on bedrest. This is the plus side to having older kids. Today at my house it is a cleaning day. Deep cleaning like inside windows,window sills, doors and door facings. Along with the normal activities like vacuuming, sweeping, mopping and laundry.

It feels good to see some progress and getting the house ready for the new little one. I do wish it was something I can do myself but being up and about too long leads to contractions. So I just have to be happy with the job my little helpers can do.

Please don't feel sorry for them they lived a pretty charmed life most of the time. The girls will be at Girl scout Day camp all week and the boys will enjoy not being bothered and playing video games without the sisters.

Oh and it seems Brian might be nesting too. He worked out in the yard today without me nagging him to do so. He and Logan were busy trimming, mowing,using the blower and they treated the yard for weeds and bugs. So all in all it was a pretty successful day.

Doctor's Appointment

Today I had my OB appointment. I am close to 36 weeks now. I saw a doctor I haven't seen this pregnancy. Of course he knew nothing about me or my situation. My weight was down almost 2 pounds. Blood pressure was normal. He listened to the heartbeat, measured the belly and asked if I had any problems.

I gave a brief run down about what happen Friday and the contractions. I told him how the side pain is worse when sitting or standing and how the contractions start up then too. He didn't seem overly concerned he told me to just rest till next Friday when I will be 37 weeks and considered full term. I tried to explain my fears about the effect of contractions on my poor worn out uterus but he just brushed it off and said if anything changes don't hesitate to call.

So thats the news for now. I am just hanging out in bed for another week unless something changes. I am very greatful to my family and best friend for helping care for the kids while Brian is out of town. Time passes so slowly without the chaos of them running around. But I know the kids are being taken care of and are having a good time and I am thankful for that.

Coming Home Outfit

Collin in the Coming Home Outfit

We have a tradition that we started 12 years ago when Logan was born. The boys have all worn Brian's Feltman Brothers baby blue bubble suit home from the hospital. And the girls all wore my coming home gown that is white with tiny pink rose buds but it didn't hold up as well over the years like Brian's has.

Since I am trying to pack up the hospital bag I had the girls on the search for where I stored the boy outfit. After much digging they found it! Yippee!
The blanket in the picture was also used by all our boys. It was handmade and cross-stitched by my sister in laws Mom, Florence. It was a gift at Logan's baby shower and I have always adored it. I hope to have it for my future baby grandsons to use someday.

Ticking Time Bomb

I am beginning to feel like a human ticking time bomb. Within the last week we got the pleasure of going to Labor & Delivery not just once but twice. Sunday nights visit was for a migraine headache and Friday nights was for horrible right side pain. While hooked up to the monitors the nurse noticed I was having regular contractions 4 minutes apart. They did increase in intensity and were getting a bit uncomfortable before they decided to give me a shot to make them fizzle out.

I have decided to go ahead and pack a bag with the hopes if I am prepared we won't need it and we'll have a July 16th birthday after all. I think my uterus is waving a white flag declaring that it is ready for retirement. For now I am told the take it easy and rest, 2 things that are hard to do when you have 5 other kids but I will try.

Happy Anniversary

Ron and Kay pictured at the top and Larry and Daphne pictured at the bottom.




Brian and I realized an interesting thing early on in our relationship that our parents were all married on the same day but 1 year different June 19th. Larry and Daphne will celebrate their 38th Anniversary today and Ron and Kay will celebrate their 37th Anniversary.

Our parents have been amazing examples of love and commitment through thick and thin. They have lived the vows,through sickness and health, for richer or for poorer, in sadness and in joy. Somehow through it all coming out the other side stronger and closer to each other.

When Brian and I married 13 years ago we had a realistic idea of marriage. We didn't think everyday would be a cake walk but we knew we could overcome anything just as our parents have done.

Today I want congratulate you all on your many years together. It is my hope that you have each other for many years to come and that you find pride in the family that surrounds you. We love you all!

Fun with picutres

Collin and I (and some others) had fun with my computer one night. Some neat photos in here. Click the one below to see more.

Better Than Hallmark

I stood in Walmart last week reading through countless Father's Day cards. First I looked at the serious sentimental type and then moved on to the jokey funny cards. Not one single card seemed to fit.

There wasn't a card thanking Dad for teaching a kid how to properly do a Rear Naked choke wrestling move. There wasn't a card showing gratitude for cleaning up a child's vomit in the middle of the night and sitting through hours of dance recitals. Nothing was mentioned about taking them camping when Dad isn't a outdoors man or the countless softball pitches thrown in spite of a good case of carpal tunnel and a bum shoulder.

I could have posted a dozen more picture of the kids with their Dad each one showing the love and commitment he offers to all of them equally. He didn't grow up dreaming of having a big family but he says he wouldn't change for the world now. My kids are blessed with a great Dad and I am lucky that I get to sit back witness the fun times they have together. There is no greater gift than time together it is priceless and I can see it in my children's faces daily. Thank you for everything you do Brian and Happy Father's Day.

Random pictures

In the first picture you should see 3 circus dogs. Oh I am only joking those dogs are my parents youngest babies. The black pug is named Belle and she fits in so perfectly with our crazy family. Belle is a recuse dog that came into the family just about a month ago. She is tiny in comparison to the other dogs but she is starting to fatten up a little. Belle was meant to be in the Fortenberry family because we are no strangers to odd medical issues and Belle came with her fair share. She has limited eye sight in one eye and the other eye she is currently battling with a eye ulcer.But through it all Belle is so laid back and content with everything. I am sure she might be bit confused why she must dress in clothes everyday after being nude for her first 5 years of life. But with her carefree attitude she humors my Mom and goes along with the other dogs.
The other dogs a Polly and Toby. Toby also a rescue has only 1 eye, he lost the other from neglect by his previous owner. It seems Toby is like most men he thinks he is still slim and trim and he tries to squeeze into small spaces often knocking things over in the process.
Polly a true princess in her own mind. She thinks if you sit down its because you want to hold her. I have to remind her often that I prefer not to wear a fur coat on my lap.


The second picture is Macy and Molly on the climbing walls at Girl Scout camp. Yes that is Molly at the very top. Macy also made it to the top. I was pretty surprised Molly made it all the way up being her legs have been her biggest problem since developing JRA 6 years ago. I am not sure where they get these athletic abilities but I am thrilled that they are able to do these things through girl scouting.
I kinda of fell into the position of being a Girl Scout leader somewhat by default several years ago. But I love the opportunity it gives to my daughters to be involved in and do things that they wouldn't do otherwise. The encouragement to go after their dreams and try new things. It was heart warming to watch our troop cheer each other on as they each tried to get to the top of the climbing walls. The sense of self and pride they get out of so many different girl scout activities is awesome. The girls are also involved in doing service projects. In this day and age kids need to be reminded that there are others in need and the world does not just revolve around them. The girls love their troop and I can see them having a bond forever.

And last this is just a cute picture of Collin. He is getting so big, most people are shocked he is only 2 going on 3 years old in September. He is enjoying summer with the big kids. He loves the water park and often just goes right up to other kids and starts talking trying to make friends. His world is about to change but I think he will be an awesome Big Brother.

Oh and 32 days left. I am getting more and more ready to have Hudson here. I think it will be nice to let someone else carry him around for a bit.

Summer has Begun

Me @ 31 weeks with the Girls

What says summer better than Bubbles and a Lollipop?


Summer is in full swing at our house. I feel the pressure to cram in as much as I possibly can before I can no longer waddle fast enough to keep up with the crew. We have already started wearing out our Water Park season pass. The kids love it there and it's fills up a whole day with fun and sun.

The spend the night calender is constantly changing. But I know they enjoy time with friends, or being at Mimi's, or Maw's, or with the cousins. Thats one of the best parts of summer, never being home. I am sticking firm that they must do chores first and rooms must be kept in order. I have already had to call home a little blond girl (not naming names of course) for leaving with her room in a state that it should have been declared a danger zone complete with the yellow tape.

As far as pregnancy goes it is moving along. I am ready for his arrival mentally but not ready for the stuff that will happen soon after his birth like the start of a new school year. They will be starting back this year on August 7th and I know it will be here way too fast.

For now I will just focus on relaxing by the pool while sipping on a few more slushies. I will be constantly reminding myself that the kids really do love each other even if it appears they are trying to drowned one another. And they will someday look back and remember all the good times and not the things that could land them in some therapy session. Overall life is good even though they are making turn gray early!Lord give me patience. :)