The Cox Corner: February 2012

Time has a way of getting away from me, and then I find that there are so many things I never blogged about, but wish I had. When I first got pregnant with Marabeth last summer, I was so tired and didn't get around to blogging as much as I had wanted too. Then, as you all know we experienced lots of difficult days with Ryleigh in the hospital last Fall. We also got the news that Marabeth would most likely not survive the pregnancy, so everything else seemed to get put on hold. Although 2011 is not going to go down as my favorite year, I will forever cherish it, because it was the year Marabeth was born. There were so many days last year that were unforgettable, but God taught me some important life lessons along the way. I learned so much about myself, I learned to depend upon God in a way I never have, and I grew closer to my family and friends. I am grateful for that!

So, we begin our journey back to July of 2011.......

This picture makes me smile. Ryleigh eating her first nectarine in July! I love her facial expression. Seeing this picture makes me miss Ryleigh's baby fat! Why do kids have to grow up so fast!

I know this is going to seem crazy to some, but Panchos Mexican Buffet was Tami and I's FAVORITE place to go to when we were kids. Tami has one really close to her house, but we had never taken our kids there. So, last July, we decided to finally let our kids in on our little secret. It still brings back some really happy childhood memories. (However, I don't think the food is amazing like I once did as a child.) Raise the flag!

Our kids loved Panchos too!

Also in July, Aubrey and I took a trip to Midland to see my close friends the Meeks! Jenny and I have been close friends ever since we taught together in Las Colinas years ago! She is so dear to me, and I was eager to see her. At the end of July, Aubrey and I flew to Midland, and left Ryleigh and Rod at home. The first time Aubrey flew, she was still a baby. Things were much different this time!We practiced what the plane was going to do before we got on it, we talked about all the fun snacks, and how she was going to sit in her seat, etc.. She was also excited to get to see her buddies Colton and Sadie!

Aubrey and I saying goodbye at the airport! I was sad to leave Rod and Ryleigh, but I was looking forward to some time with just Aubrey! (Aubrey looks so much younger to me in these pictures too! If only I could make time slow down!)

Aubrey seemed a little nervous, but her baby was keeping her busy.

Once we got on the plane, she got whatever snack she wanted, and she even got her very own Dr. Pepper. (Usually she just gets sips of my drink)

The plane ride there was actually very bumpy. During the landing, there was quite a bit of turbulence. Aubrey didn't seem to mind it at all. (I was actually very anxious, but I hid that from her) Other passengers also noticed how well she did, and made sure to tell her after the landing. I was a proud Mom!

Finally, in Midland! Aubrey loved playing in their backyard, and the boy toys were a special treat!

We went to a Minor League Baseball game while we were there too! Go RockHounds! Aubrey was terrified of their mascot, but she had fun playing with Colton at the game.

We went on a walk our first morning there. I was amazed at how much cooler it felt in Midland than the Metroplex!

The playgrounds there are filled with sand, rather than wood chips.

Jenny took us to a great little kid museum! I thought it was so neat! Inside there was a pretend grocery store where the kids could pretend to shop. There was also a pretend fast food restaurant, a very realistic kitchen, and much more. Aubrey's favorite spot was the grocery store!

Aubrey and Colton were being so SILLY when we were trying to get one last picture of the two of them together!

It was a great trip! Way too short!

Aubrey did great on the way home from Midland too! Good job Aubrey!

Moving on to last August........

Who does not love Marble Slab in the hot summer?

The first weekend in August, Rod, my Dad, and my Brother In Laws all had a work weekend at the ranch. So, we had a weekend in Grapevine! Tam came too! It was a memorable weekend, but not for good reasons. Aubrey got strep and a double ear infection; but that's not the worst part....

Aubrey, Ryleigh and I were in a horrible car accident. We were heading to McDonalds in Southlake, before heading back home. I was driving slowly through a green light, and my Mom and Tami were behind us with Kate and Carly. Out of nowhere, a man came zooming through the intersection. He never saw his red light, or the light at all. My car went crashing into his driver side. Luckily, there were lots of witnesses, (including my Mom and Sister) who all saw the man run the light. Aubrey was extremely upset by it, but Ryleigh never made a peep. She never cried, or reacted at all. At the time, I had just found out I was pregnant with Marabeth. It was extremely scary, and not a day I want to ever have to relive! I was so glad that it was me who received most of the impact. My girls were fine, and I had a few scratches and bruises. The air bag did deploy, which I didn't even realize due to shock.

Tami and my Mom were so relieved when they saw that we were all fine. It was scary for them to watch as well.

Okay, moving on from that!

Also in August, we used Aubrey's birthday money to get her a trampoline! We had been saving it since June, so it was time! It was a huge hit for both the girls!

I love these two pictures of the girls last summer!

Oh, the bottle days. This was another summer day that Ryleigh was chilling out and relaxing in Aubrey's play tent.

My friend (Jenny) gave me the idea to buy butcher paper and tape it to the coffee table for easy enertainment. We noticed it at her house, and tried it ourselves. It was great for hot days last summer. Notice how happy Ryleigh is? She loves the markers and crayons! Unfortunately, she still thinks markers and crayons are meant to decorate everything in the house.

My girls love Splash Parks! We are always excited when they are up and running!

Ryleigh had fun playing with Aunt Candice last August.

Moving on to September.....

This was the beginning of September, before the hospital visits started...

This was on September 8 (My Mom's Birthday)

Ryleigh was still as happy as could be!

My Mom's Birthday Party

It was also Aubrey's first day of school

That weekend, Mimi and Papi came to visit. That Friday, (September 9) we said goodbye to my Aunt Sandra.

This picture was taken on September 10. We had taken Ryleigh to the doctor that morning, and they had said if she got worse to go to the ER.

Just a few hours later we were there.....

This brings back some bad memories! We were there for 6 days with Ryleigh after finding out she had Rhino Virus. Although, I did write about our first hospital visit at Childrens, I couldn't help but post a picture.

This picture was taken at the end of September,when I had first tarted showing with Marabeth. This was before I knew anything was wrong with the pregnancy. I miss those days....

I already posted about October, so moving on to November.....

A fun playdate at my house at the beginning of November...

I love these girls!

These were pictures were taken the day my parents were doing their Christmas Card last year! Everyone looked so cute!

This was taken the day of Aubrey's Thanksgiving Feast at School. I was glad I took this picture, since Ryleigh spent Thanksgiving Day in the hospital.

We love Preschool Pals!

We LOVE Mrs. Julie too!

On to Thanksgiving Day......

We ended up in the hospital, and found out that Ryleigh had RSV. Not the way we hoped to spend Thanksgiving last year! (We spent 8 days there this time)

We were lucky to have family that good bring us a tasty Thanksgiving Meal!

I love my Mom and Sisters! My oldest sister Lori was not there, because she was taking care of everyone's kids. Thank you Lori!

Ryleigh was not happy!

Until she got food!

Ryleigh cheered up when Aubrey was around too. They have the sweetest relationship!

Aubrey made Ryleigh laugh!

Reading books on the playmat

Waking up to a big donut!

Poor Ryleigh was so worn out!

Aubrey was such a trooper with all the hospital visits. She stayed the majority of the time with my sister Tami, but she also spent some time with Nana and Papa, and Mimi and Papi during all the visits to the hospital. She had a great time with everyone. I missed her terribly, and I was glad when we were all underneath one roof again!

On November 5, Aubrey got her first haircut! I was so proud of her! She did great! We took her to a kid friendly place called Snip-Its. Aubrey got a toy at the end, and loved it!

Good Job Aubrey!

Also in November, our small group did a fun service project for Thanksgiving! The kids got to deorate a bag with their handprints, and then they got to grocery shop for all the items in the canned food drive. Our friends (The Blackstocks) hosted, and it was so much fun!