The Lowe Down

The death of pretty

2012-01-06T07:47:00.001-08:00

Such a great article! Having a daughter now this hits even closer to home and being a girl I understand the struggle we face.

http://www.ncregister.com/blog/the-death-of-pretty

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

2 months

2012-01-05T12:21:00.001-08:00

I cannot believe this little girl is 2 months old. It has flown by! I head back to work on February 6, and am already not looking forward to it but I know it will be fine. We are still nailing down childcare but praying we get that figured out son. She is the sweetest, smiliest thing right now and has started "talking" to me which I love. She is so relaxed most of the time other then a couple little bit fussy hours a day b/c of gas but as long as you hold her she is fine and I certainly don't mind that:)

We had her 2 month appointment and everything looked great. Her head is a lot stronger and she is close to being able to hold it up all the time. As you can see by her stats below she is growing great. She was in the 87% across the board which we sort of expected b/c Robbins has been big all along too. Even though she is gaining weight great she is not a huge eater. She is eating about 3.5-4.5 ounces every 3 to 3.5 hours. This maybe totally normal brother brother ate so much its just a change for us:) She is wearing 3 month or 0-6 month clothes right now as well. She is sleeping pretty good. Probably 4 out of 7 nights she goes from 10-5 which is great but then we have others where she might only wake up once(also great) but sometimes we have nights where she gets up multiple times which is exhausting but part of it. I am trying to remember to do tummy time and all that stuff with her but honestly I forget which I am told is normal with #2 and I am sure when she is in kindergarden know one will know how much tummy time she got as an infant. I think those are the things a 2nd child makes you realize and I am thankful for what she is teaching us that is helping us enjoy our time with her instead of stressing out about every little thing. It makes me see why people have so many kiddos, this phase just gets better each time, seemingly so.

Robbins continues to be so sweet with her and has started showing off for her. He is always saying "Landry look..." and shows her a toy or dances or does something to get her attention. It was fun for them to get to spend so much time together and all 4 of us over the New Years holiday. It was fun and very productive having J.Ed home as well. Lots of cleaning, painting and organizing ensued as we rang in the new year. Robbins continues to get more interested in the "big potty" but nothing too exciting just wanting to sit and then tell me he went when he really didn't. I am in no rush for this, we are just going to keep talking about it and let his interest continue to grow. He has had a lot of changes in the past few months and really as long as he's potty trained in the next year I will be happy. Below are some recent pics of what's been going on, as you can see, not to much.

Loves her hands

Sweet brother/sister time-I love this one

Robbins has learned how to fake pout. He is hysterical, he starts to do it and I call him out on it and he can barely keep a straight face. He starts laughing like crazy.

Merry Merry

2012-01-01T11:43:00.000-08:00

School Christmas party

So proud of the cookie he decorated

So artistic:)

Landry and her American Girl Itty Bitty Baby

Thanks Uncle Reno and Bryn, they gave him drums last year, one more instrument and we can start a family band.

The boys and Granny

Alicia and Ramsey came to visit

Landry in a dress is a little strange to me b/c she looks so much like her brother did so it's like Robbins in a dress to me!

Miss Priss

Granny and Landry

Sweet cousins

Opening and yes that is J.Ed in footie pj's. We both wore funny pj's on Christmas morning, new tradition:)

I love this "What are you doing?" face

Sweet brother/sister time

Showing off his skills

These two are hilarious together. If I had a quarter for every time we said "share" I would be a millionaire.

Landry modeling the outfit Poppy picked out and got her

Poppy and the kiddos

I can not believe it is 2012! What a blessing the past year has been.

We had a visit from the Nana and Pops the weekend before and did Christmas and had a great time seeing them and getting into the Christmas spirit.We had a great Christmas visiting my side of the family in Memphis. The kids and I came home the Monday before so we could get some good hang out time in and J.Ed headed our way on Thursday. After Robbins school Christmas party we went to my parents(shout out to my dad for coming to get us and take us so we would only have one car to bring home...you're the best). Unfortunatly all three of us were a little under the weather so we didn't do much but the extra help was wonderful.

Robbins and I went and visited my grandmother in Savannah with my brother and his fam one day and got to spend some one on one time with her which was great. Why do we ignore that generation sometimes? They are so wise and tell the best stories, don't they? Then we headed back to Savannah with the whole gang and got to play with all the cousins. It was so fun!

Christmas morning was a hoot, Santa brought Robbins a bike and a helmet and a few other goodies and we got him his annual, Want, Need, Wear, and Read. It is so hard to keep ourselves under control when it comes to gifts so the 4 gifts from us and then a couple from Santa are working well for us. It also helps us remember the real reason we are celebrating, a hard concept for a two year old:)We also got to visit friends and other family and have some QT out for dinner or drinks a couple times.

Our New Years was very uneventful as I was home with the kiddos while J.Ed went to his cousins' wedding where he had a blast. I am excited to start a New Year, I always am. I love what it represents, continuing blessings and new ones as well. I am overwhelmed by the grace God has extended our family in every aspect and pray it continues in 2012. Praying that He draws our family closer to Himself and that we are always reminded of the blessings not just once a year but everyday. Happy New Year everyone, I hope it is your best yet!

Evie

2011-12-09T12:36:00.001-08:00

Praying and loving some sweet friends today. Jonathan, Alicia and Ramsey Harrison lost their Evie one year ago today. We miss you Evie and know we will see you again one day. Harrisons, we love you guys so much. What God has done through you over this past year has changed peoples lives forever.

1 month

2011-12-09T11:42:00.001-08:00

Weight: 9 lbs. 6 oz.

Height: 21.5 inches

Schedule: Landry is eating about 3-4 ounces every 3 hours and we nap and play the rest of the day, very rigorous:)

Clothes: 0-3 months but she is wearing some of her brother old Christmas clothes that are a bit too big in the picture above.

Sleep: She usually sleeps about 4 hour stretches at night, which is awesome but sometimes we get more...or less:)

She really is the most fun and we have been enjoying our time indoors thanks to all the nasty weather. Robbins has proved a great big brother. The first thing he does when he comes home from school is say "Is her eyes open?" He's kind of obsessed with her eyes being open but I keep trying to explain to him how much she sleeps right now but soon she will keep them open more. He is ready for her to start playing which cracks me up b/c one day he is going to think she is the most annoying thing ever and she will think he is the coolest, trust me I know I am a little sister to a big brother. They are both getting so big and I can't wait to share her newborn pics but I am going to wait until after Christmas b/c they are presents for some folks as well.

Breakfast with Santa

2011-12-09T11:29:00.001-08:00

The church that Robbins school is attached with had a breakfast with Santa last weekend and he loved it! He walked right up to him hopped in his lap and smiled. He asked Santa for Spiderman, Batman and Transformers, boy much? We didn't have Landry join just b/c I am really trying to keep her germ free since the hospital visit but she was there in her Christmas best too:)

Dentist

2011-12-09T11:17:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago, Robbins went to see the dentist for the first time. His Nana, a former dental hygienist took him for me and as you can tell, he did great!

Thanksgiving and Four Weeks

2011-11-30T12:38:00.000-08:00

After a helpful week with Nana in town, we had a little bit of a scare the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Landry ended up with a 101.4 fever which is an automatic 48 hour hospital stay. Luckily they tested her for everything, I mean everything and she was cleared and her fever was gone within 36 hours but they are super precautions with the little ones. It looks like a little virus, probably passed through brother was al she had. We were able to leave Vandy on Tuesday and still head to Lexington on Wed for the long weekend.

Pumpkin #1

I love this one of J.Ed and Landry

Pumpkin #2

The kids cousins Abby and Grace aka best babysitters ever! Robbis had so much fun playing with all the kids and it was so helpful to have him entertained!

We went to visit Gram and Gramps. They are very proud to have a little girl.

Don't adjust your monitor, yes they are ice skating. It was hilarious. Robbins wanted to do it so bad all by himself but clearly he woud fall if we let him so eventually we gave up on skates and resorted to...

Tennis shoes on ice. Much happier boy.

Landry celebrating the Cats victory over UT. The first in 27 years and her dad was very happy! Her mom, not so much after the Auburn game.

This is Nana's best friends grand baby Harper(1 of 2)

Ellie(2 of 2)

J.Ed took Robbins to his first UK football game and he loved it. Clearly he was exhausted but he is still talking about it:)

Now here we are four weeks after she was born and it has flown by. She now weighs 9.5 lbs and is 21.5 inches long. She is so sweet and has such a relaxed disposition. Other then a few gas pain here and there all her eating stuff is figured out to and I am really glad to be able to still nurse. After my time with R, I was not so sure if that was for me but she is doing so well!

Two Weeks!

2011-11-17T06:04:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, this sweet little girl was two weeks old. I can not believe how fast it is going by. So we decided to celebrate her big day by taking her on her first shopping trip. We bundled up and headed to lunch and shopping at Nordstrom. It was really nice to have lunch with friends and stay out of the house for a while.

We went to the Dr. and she is doing so much better. She has gained almost a pound and is barely jaundice anymore. PTL! We also had her newborn photo shoot with Jocelyn Smith Photography. It was so fun but really exhausting for both of us I think. She is eating about 3oz. every three hours and is thankfully going back to sleep after she eats at night(this is quite the departure from her big brother). Speaking of Robbins, he is doing pretty well with the transition. Other then initially in the morning not wanting to go to school and wanting me to do everything for him, he is adjusting well. A few regression things here and there but nothing we did not expect. He loves his little sister and hugs and kisses her all the time. He is heading to Lexington to spend the week with Nan and Pops and J.Ed and I will head up there Wednesday for Thanksgiving. I am really excited for the rest of the family to see her and all the kids to get to play together. Hope everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving!

First shopping trip!

I took this one with my phone but how cute is this set up for her newborn pics!

My little frat boy...polo, sunglasses and cell phone. Wow!

She looks just like Robbins here

Robbins baked cookies with Nana, patience is not his strongest quality:)

His beautiful baking skills

Hospital pics and Week One

2011-11-10T17:52:00.001-08:00

Well, here we are one week later. I thought I would have some big dramatic tale to tell but actually all is pretty quiet on the home front. We came home on Saturday afternoon and boy did the phrase home sweet home ever ring true. As much as I like all the help in the hospital there is nothing quite like having your own space, bed, kitchen,etc. We have been mostly hanging around the house except for some Dr.'s appt's but even still the week has gone by so fast! She is sleeping pretty good and other then some feeding issues that we are working out, she is pretty awesome. Robbins was such a fussy baby so this quiet disposition she seems to have is a welcomed change. One prayer request is her jaundice levels are still pretty high b/c of breast feeding and not taking in enough so say a prayer that they start coming down soon. No major worries, but a hospital visit for the light therapy could happen if it does not go down soon. She is eating like a horse now so we are prayerful that all will be better in the coming days.

Birth Stats:

Weight-8lbs. 6oz.

Height-21 inches

One week stats:

Weight-7lbs. 6oz.(hence the feeding issues,she has lost over a lb. since birth)

Height-21 inches

(Sorry pics posted from newest to oldest)

Heading Home

Loving on little sister

Long Day

Playing with the truck Landry got him

Seeing her for the first time

Pops and Landry

Poppy and Landry

Nana and Juju with their new little girl

Our newest addition to the fam

She's here!

2011-11-02T15:29:00.001-07:00

Landry Katherine Lowe
7:55 am
8lbs. 6 oz.
21 inches

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Patterson St,Nashville,United States

Trick or Treat!

2011-11-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

What a fun day we had yesterday! I went to Robbins school Fall Festival Party(aka Halloween) and got to Trick or Treat with him through the church. So fun seeing him and all his little friends. Spider man loved having me there but it is pretty confusing for the kids to have parents come and leave in the middle of the day. As it was ending a few(a lot) of meltdowns ensued. Below are some pics of his adorable class. I got a few of them doing games like ring around the rosie and my personal childhood fave "We're going on a bear hunt" which apparently my elder husband did not get the joy of doing as a child b/c he looked at me like I was nuts while reenacting it.

The gang

Going on a bear hunt

McCartney and Jackson, so cute!

Ring Around the Rosie- Does anyone else notice how giant our child is?? I forget how tall he is until I see him next to other kids. I don't think this is a good or a bad thing just crazy, how fast he is growing:)

Robbins and Ansley

Belle Meade Children's Center Room 3

Later last night we headed out Trick of Treating with our neighbor and Robbins favorite, Evan and his parents. These boys are so cute together and were so sweet waiting on each other and Evan was great at showing Robbins what to do since he is a year older. It is so nice to have such sweet neighbors with a little boy for Robbins to play with. I see lots of shenanigans in their future. I think J.Ed and I were both surprised at how much fun we had. I don't know what I expected but it was awesome, I felt like a kid myself.

Daddy was a UK Basketball player-I am going to assume a walk on:)

I'm not going to lie. I was impressed. He would say Trick or Treat and thank you to everyone. We did have to learn not to go in people's houses or stick our head in their bowls of candy but once we got that down, the night was a success.

Maverick and Spider man

So our neighborhood goes all out, like crazy all out for Halloween. There were multiple houses with garages turned into haunted houses and a few where you had to walk in to get candy. it was awesome!

Here he is with his stash. We let him have 2 pieces last night and told him he could have one a day until it ran out. Guess what his first words were when he woke up this morning. "Where's my candy?" Definitely our child:)

Trunk or Treat and Gentry's Farm

2011-10-29T12:17:00.000-07:00

Today we headed out to Gentry's Farm, a great place in Franklin to visit this time a year. They have it all for fall fun as you can see from the signs below.

Jumping of course, there is no stopping him ever when it comes to jumping.

Slides in the hat maze

This is pretty much what we were looking at all morning. The back of his head as he ran from place to place.

The sheep

loving the train/wagon playground

Playing in the wheat and corn box

The cows on the hay ride. I guess they got hungry and pumpkins were it.

Checking out more animals

He loved loved loved the tire swing

Last weekend we had Trunk or Treat at our church. It was so fun but exhausting! As you can see our cars theme was Christmas and I took my friend Anna's advice and made the most out of the belly. I was a package and J.Ed and the others were just tacky:)

Robbins on the hay ride at the church all by himself. I was very impressed.

Here is what he was supposed to be but it was kind of hard to walk in so he decided to dress up as a really cute little boy aka Robbins Lowe.

The guys took charge of our game. Kids would come and have to throw an ornament through the wreath to get candy. I have to admit to have been thrown together last minute I thought it was pretty great!

Sweet Haynes and Williams, two little monkeys.

The Tacky Christmas Car

In more exciting news we are about 3 days out from Landry's arrival and could not be more excited. As you can see from that pictures above I am about to pop and feel like a balloon! Friday was my last day at work, which was very strange but I am looking forward to having Monday and Tuesday to get some stuff together, like oh I don't know my bag, the car seat, and all the other last minute details we have been putting off:) Last night J.Ed and I went on our last date for a while, I suspect. We went to dinner and then to see The Avett Brothers. I have to say if you love, like or have never heard of this band, check them out! We have loved them for years but this is the first time we have been able to get tickets to a show. They might be one of the best live bands I have ever seen. Think Johnny Cash meets the Beastie Boys with a cello, strange I know. Not only can they sing but their ability to play every instrument blows me a way and not to mention their lyrics make me melt:) So long story short, I am a fan and am so glad I went. I kept going back and forth and decided what the heck, I could sit down so it wasn't bad and totally worth the back pain and tiredness today!

I am going to try to post from Halloween but then that will probably it until we are back home from the hospital with little girl. Prayers for the surgery and recovery as well as for Robbins adjustment is most appreciated. Hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween!

Robbins Room

2011-10-22T07:28:00.001-07:00

About 2 months ago we made the switch with Robbins from the crib to the bed. I was by far the apprehensive one. I love that he loves to sleep so my theory was if it ain't broke... But we did have the new one coming along and I really did not want to buy a new crib for a couple months use. We just started talking it up one day like, "Check out your special room, I love your big boy bed" and by the grace of God it took! He absolutely loves it and has slept just as well. We also go in there at night and read so I think he really does see it as his own space with toys and all.

I found a woman online who did this painting. It is one of my favorite verses and it has all these layers and textures that I was not brave enough to attempt.

J.Ed made the pallet headboards and thanks again to the ladies at Adele in Lexington for help with the Serena & Lilly pillows. I mixed them with a Target comforter and sham, I mean $19.99 vs. $159 per bed(we have 2 and that does not include the duvet!)..I loved the S & L one but not that much, it has already been put in the washing machine once:) I love Target!

We were able to use all his Hatch Show Prints from the nursery, I love them. So Nashville!

I got this idea off Pintrest. Its outlines of TN and KY, our home states.

Super cute and very easy.

Love the design aesthetic that bed rails give-Safety first!

38 Weeks

2011-10-18T08:48:00.000-07:00

So the countdown continues. I am officially 2 weeks from the big day, Wednesday, November 2nd. I am really getting excited and even though there are still some last minute things to do, like final date night, put the car seat in, pack a bag,etc. I am just really ready for her to get here! Feeling pretty good, actually better then I have felt in weeks, suprisingly. I still having contractions and progrssing but still feeling better somehow:)

This past weekend a friend of mine from Auburn came to visit and it was so great. Sarah is one of those girls I only get to see a couple times a year but when I do, it is destined to be fun. She makes me laugh more then any person I know. We hung out went to dinner and then came back to the house and had smores outside on the deck and watched our Auburn Tigers beat the Gators. Wareagle! Big shout out to the hubs for all the parenting he did this weekend so we could hang out and have girl time.

Looking forward to Trunk or Treat at the church this weekend. We are in charge of decorating a car and we are doing a Christmas theme. It is super simple b/c it's cheap, easy and all the parents can just do tacky Christmas- which for this group of ex sorority and frat peeps this no problem, in fact a pleasure:) My friend Anna, had the great idea of tying a bow around my belly and making myself a package of sorts, I think it will be adorable and not to mention I don't think my go to tacky Christmas outfits(yes I have multiple, what can i say it's a popular party around the holidays)will be a bit snug. I will post pics next week of how everything turns out!

This pic is just because-we found a new bfast that we are liking these days. Oatmeal with pumpkin and craisans, Happy Fall Ya'll!

Landry's Room

2011-10-14T07:56:00.001-07:00

Landry's Room

I have these vintage alphabet cards to hang from the clothes pins in the frame.
The beautiful curtains her aunt Alicia made

Love the carnival glass from my Ma-ma's house. It belonged to my mother's mom and my mom gave me a bunch of it when they moved. I love that it's now in Ma-ma's great grand daughters room. Also, the silver bowl in the picture above was my moms, it has the Robbins(little boy's name sake) fanily crest on it and I treasure it!

Love the Serena & Lilly bedding from my good friends at Adele in Lexington. Thank you Heather and Meghann and Juju and Poppy for the shower gift!
I made these out of three of my favorite verses for her. I was having the hardest time finding wall art I liked so I just whipped these up and got the frames for $4 at Michaels!

Entire project-$16!
Thanks to Nana for getting Landry's changing cover and monogram on it for us!
Got these plates at an antique store for $12 for all 3!
Loved this mirror! I thought the style went great with the dresser and it was on sale for $17 at Three French Hens in Nolensville. If you live in the Nashville area go check it and Roost out. They have the cutest stuff and the best prices. I also got her dresser there with the crystal knobs for less then the identical knobs at Anthro! Dresser with knobs or just knobs? hmmm, tough call! You can see the dresser here, option #2. Not sure why I didnt get a good

pic of it today. We used the same chair that we used for Robbins.
I love these little pieces. I have kept my eyes open over the past couple months and just picked up random trinkets here and there. These were from PD's in Nash and Post 31 in Germantown.
This is where the vintage alphabet will hang.
Love a good window pane:)

Overall I am really happy with how it turned out and event happier at the cost. My original "budget" was not so much a budget as wishful thinking but thanks to Pintrest and a lot of elbow grease, it was dare I say...affordable. Now I just can't wait to get her home and show it to her!
Pics of Robbins big boy room coming soon!

37 Weeks

2011-10-12T06:27:00.000-07:00

So the countdown is officially on. I am three weeks away today, assuming no early apperances by Landry. The last month of this pregnancy has been so different then Robbins. He was a week late, I was induced and he still would not come out so i had a c-section. Not once with him did I have early contractions or even drop. This time is a complete 180. I am having contractions and have been for about a week. They are not consistent but every few hours and sharp. I have dropped to the point where my dr. said yesterday she can feel the entire baby if she tries...yikes, i asked her to not try:) All together i just feel like she could come at any minute. Luckily I am full term and her coming now from a development standpoint is fine but her coming from a my work, family and hoime life is in order would not be fine.

Some of you know I got a promotion at work and am very excited but trying to train two people to take my old job as well as try to learn the ropes of mine is a bit daunting in the few weeks time I have had from getting the job to when I head out on leave. I know that I am leaving everything in more then capable hands it's just I feel bad leaving so much on other people's plates! Oh well, thank goodness God's timing is perfect and for some reason he wants me to come back from maternity leave 10 days before the Heart Gala, my new event:)

Things have also come together in the nursery and Robbins has been sleeping in a twin bed for about a month and killing it! i am so proud of him and equally terrified that there is no way this next baby is going to be as good of sleeper as that kid. I will post nursery pics this weekend but below are a bew randoms from what we have been doing around here. Looking forward to a visitor this weekend, then trunk or treats, birthday parties and of course the arrival of Landry Katherine.

Robbins and dad tailgaiting the other weekend. He loved the wildcat and talked about it for days. And I quote " He's not scary he's pretend"

First fire of the fall

Robbins 1st S'more

Cheesing it up for the camera

So this child will not watch tv for more then 3 minutes but as you can see his preferred seating arrangement is on the coffee table-safe I know.

Lexington Weekend and 35 weeks

2011-09-25T05:36:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago we headed to Lexington for a weekend of football and fun! We had such a great time hanging out with friends and even though the Cats and Tigers lost, we still had a great weekend.

On the baby front, I am over 35 weeks now and can not believe it! Feeling good just so big and not a lot of comfy positions for big mama at this point. I am gearing up right now for our Nashville Heart Walk this weekend so prayers for a good event and knowing my boundaries(I do not want to go into labor:))would be much appreciated.

Robbins LOVES his Aunt Ryan...and cupcakes
...and Cheetos

A Shower for Landry

2011-09-14T05:36:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my mom and sister in law threw Landry and I the best shower. It was so fun to see people and catch up. I did not take very many pictures but below are the few that I did get. Mom took more of the other guests and a ton of me opening but you don't need to see all of those, just know that if her name is not Landry or she is not a girl, we are in trouble! We got so much adorable stuff and feel so blessesd by all of our friends who were there that day to celebrate with us. I can't believe we are getting so close, my baby center email popped up today and said only 49 days to go, yikes! We are pretty well stocked and almost have the room done, I really now just need to start stockpiling the necessities like diapers and wipes and we should be good to go:)

31 Weeks

2011-09-02T06:36:00.000-07:00

I can not believe we are getting so close to the big day. We went ahead and scheduled the C-Section at my last Dr's appointment, so November 2nd is the official day. So crazy! I am feeling really good, out of shape but good. I actually have had sort of a second wind and had more energy the last couple weeks then I had in the middle. Sleep is not great but I am not going to complain b/c I know it could be much worse.

I am excited to head to Memphis next weekend for a baby shower my mom and sister in law are hosting. With this being #2 I am only having one shower so am looking forward to seeing friends and celebrating. We have been working on the kiddos rooms and Robbins is done but we just haven't tried yet to make the transition. I think I am super apprehensive b/c he sleeps so well and I hate to ruin a good thing but everyone keeps assuring me that he will be fine. I will post pics of both rooms soon. With 1 Heart Walk on October 1 and another on October 30, I think this is going to go by very quickly!

Food for Thought

2011-09-01T12:45:00.001-07:00

These are some things I have been mulling over this week. The first applies to a hard time I am having at work and the second to the strength needed by the men in this world to hold a family and everything together in these times we live.

1. I read this quote and it was like God silencing me, my complaints and my heart:

But the bottom line is that the right choice was made. God is the orchestrator. He is not hung up on qualifications. Ask David. Ask Mary. Ask Moses.
He knows what is best and my job is to embrace what is in front of me. He doesn’t close doors of opportunity only to open windows of lesser things. He’s not out to play whack-a-mole with my dreams. Door and windows are lame. He wants to blow the roof off and do more than we could imagine. Ask David. Ask Mary. Ask Moses.
My job isn’t to compare. My job is to build. And the first building blocks? Thankfulness and humility.

2. I am overwhelmed everyday at the images, words and ideals thrown in our faces in today's world. Don't get me wrong, I am not a prude nor do I have some overly idealistic version of life but when I turn on the radio and hear someone singing about not knowing who she is on bed with and not remembering anything from the night before, I shudder. Shudder at the messages being targeted at our children and us for that matter. Not because those things don't happen but because we sensationalize then into the rule and not the exceptions. I have been deeply moved by a new song by casting Crowns called Courageous. It's an all call to the men of this world to take back their families and lay down their lives to lift Him up. It brings me to tears every time for multiple reasons. It makes me overwhelmed with appreciation for my husband who tries and sometimes succeeds and sometimes fails to put the Lord first in everything especially with regards to our family. It also breaks my heart for those around me who don't know the comfort, peace and joy that come from abandonment to the Lord. Life is hard no matter what but it can be joyful and peaceful when you know decisions in your life are being made prayerfully by someone and yourself who truly love God more then you love each other. My prayer is for this to continue in my marriage as well as those around me because relationships are hard enough without taking God out of the equation.

We were made to be courageous
We were made to lead the way
We could be the generation
That finally breaks the chains

We were warriors on the front lines
Standing, unafraid
But now we're watchers on the sidelines
While our families slip away
Where are you, men of courage?
You were made for so much more
Let the pounding of our hearts cry
We will serve the Lord

We were made to be courageous
And we're taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight
The only way we'll ever stand
Is on our knees with lifted hands
Make us courageous
Lord, make us courageous

This is our resolution
Our answer to the call
We will love our wives and children
We refuse to let them fall
We will reignite the passion
That we buried deep inside
May the watchers become warriors
Let the men of God arise

We were made to be courageous
And we're taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight
The only way we'll ever stand
Is on our knees with lifted hands
Make us courageous
Lord, make us courageous

The Homestead

2011-08-26T05:55:00.000-07:00

Last weekend J.Ed and I headed to Hot springs, Va. to The Homestead. His cousin Joe and college friend Leslie were getting married so Robbins went to Juju and Poppys's and we had our last solo weekend before Landry gets here. Our friends Lee and Ryan have raved about this place as Ryan's family comes every New Year. It really was beautiful and so relaxing. We enjoyed getting to hang out with friends and some of J.Ed's family we don't get to see as often. Robbins had a great time at my parents and I think they loved having him around too. Apparently he and my nephew just played for three days straight.

The view up the mountain

Here is Katherine with her finace Stephen and Anne with Her husband Lynn and their adorable little girl Alice. She was the best little flower girl I have ever seen, she literally stood there the entire time and just stared at Joe and Leslie as they got married.

Robbins 2 year pics

2011-08-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

We had our friend Misty Trone take Robbins pictures a couple weeks ago and as usual they are so precious. We did a couple family ones, but since I'm not big on pics of pregnant me it was mostly focused on the little man. Click the link below to see a slideshow of the images. It has to buffer but I promise it's worth it.
http://animoto.com/play/fPNCJtge7SgZY6tbodiGjQ?utm_content=main_link

Happy Birthday Robbins!

2011-08-10T08:12:00.000-07:00

I can not believe it has been 2 years since this little boy was born. Where has the time gone? So in honor of your 2nd birthday little boy I'm going to list 20 things I love about you in no particular order(I figured 2 won't suffice:))

1. Your smile 2. Your eyes because they look like mine:) 3. The way you say big jump and outside 4. The way you love on Sophie and Benson 5. They way you come give me random hugs and tell me "I wanna give Mommy hug" 6. When we rock and you tell me"song, song" making me feel like an actual good singer 7. You stubborness- this is a positive and a negative
8. The fact that you are such a good sleeper-I have been thankfuk for that for a long time 9. That you are so sensitive when you get disciplined but strong willed enough to push back
10. That you sing Jesus Loves Me to us when we say our prayers 11. That you say Tank you mommy so sweet when I give you something 12. That anytime your dad is out of town, no matter what for, you say "Daddy play golf". It cracks me up everytime 13. That you have started hugging my belly and saying hi Landry. 14. That you have given me just a tiny glimpse of God's love for me-patient, unconditional and true 15. You precious curls- no matter who says you need a haircut:) 16. Your persistance- i love this b/c I get it. Keep that never quit spirit and you will accomplish anything or at lease will be able to say you tried 17. How you have made me love your dad even more by seeing how he loves you 18. That you love and request cous cous-you maybe the only 2 year old with that palette. 19. How sweet you are with your friends at school and how you talk about them on the way home everyday. 20. How you tinker and concentrate just like your dad. I see the engineer in you already

I could really go on forever so i'll will end this with you are such an incredible blessing to our entire family and I can not wait to see you as a big brother. Here are some pics from the birthday party last weekend. A little rain didn't stop these kiddos from having a great time. We just moved it from the pool to our house.

Santa Rosa Beach and 26 weeks

2011-08-03T07:17:00.000-07:00

Lots of beach pics! Some of my favorites in no particular order.

Wareagle! Clearly I felt the need to represent amongst the Kentucky and Alabama fans

Tounge out in concentration and kicking a soccer ball. genetics are incredible, I guarantee you the Lowe's have this picture of J.Ed somewhere.

I think these sum him up:)

Dance Party- this was hilarious!

We had an amazing week at the beach with the Lowe's last week. Thank you for everything, especially all the extra hands to help with Robbins!

I can not believe i am almost 27 weeks pregnant. It is flying by and its hard to believe that 3 months from Friday Landry will be here. I am feeling good, just still really over this heat. She is all over the place and is now to the point where I can see my stomach move when she does. I have not gained any more weight this time than I did with Robbins but I am carrying her different and feel huge this round. We(especially J.Ed) has been working really hard to get Robbins room together for his big transition to a big boy bed in a couple months. It is really coming together and I think he will love it. We realized we are gone so much over the next couple months that we better start now to have everything ready in time. We are also gearing up for Robbins 2nd birhtday party on Saturday. We have about 10 kiddos and their corresponding adults coming for a pool party so it should be a blast. I will post pics next week of the festivities!

25 weeks and counting

2011-07-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

I had another ultrsound and Dr. appointment this morning and everything is good to go. Praise the Lord! I am contiuing to measure about 5 weeks ahead but my Dr. looked back and I am on the exact same track as Robbins so she said it is no big deal. I am feeling good just so over this heat. I had to lose my real wedding ring b/c swollen hands were making it impossible to get on an off. Now I have a lovely $16.99 cz beaut from overstock.com to prove I'm married:) Other then swollen hands and feet I feel great. i will have my diabetes test when i get back from the beach and then another one at 30 weeks. This is a new thing for my Dr. Two glucose test! Boo. Below are some pics of Landry and as always it is so fun to get to see her.

This is my favorite because she looks like she is laughing

Even thought we knew the tech thought we needed a money shot for proof she is a she:)

I know this is strange to say but I see some of the same featres from Robbins 3D pic at 30 weeks. Specifically the nose and duck lips:)

Santa Barbara

2011-07-19T05:29:00.000-07:00

I just got back from the most amazing girls weekend ever in Santa Barbara. We laughed, cried and literally reminisced about everything over the last 15 years. I hope everyone has friends like these, I am so blessed to be surrounded by these Godly women who remind me of what's important. Thank you Anna, Alicia & Hayley for an amazing weekend! Can't wait until next year:)

The resort was so beautiful!

We were suprised one morning with mimosas and breakfast. Thank you, you know who you are!

The beach club was very awesome. Nothing like poolside service and comfy chairs for a relaxing afternoon.

There was even a celebrity there! oh wait that's Alicia:)

Anna and I were the early birds so one morning we drove over to the Santa Barbara Mission and the coast to check it out.

Saturday afternoon we got picked up by Brendan for a tour of the wine country. We went to 3 vineyards and had a picnic lunch at the third that was incredible. i kept looking at the girls and asking if this was real life. Pregnant or not a wine tour is fun no matter what!

Say hello to the family dog!
Overall it was seriously one of the best vacations I have ever been on and again i am so thankful for these women. We have been through ALOT together and it is so great to spend the time together. For Alicia's post on the trip go http://www.threedoodles.blogspot.com/

Happy 4th!

2011-07-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

What a fun 4th of July weekend we had. All the fam in town and we literally just ate and hung out at the pool the entire time. We may have done a little shopping for Landry's room too:)

My little daredevil-big jums, as he says, are his favorite

Clearly dad is giving some very important advice here.
Waving at the Choo-Choo
Parade time

The Lowe Boys
The parade

Loves some watermelon
just chillin'
too cool
I had to get one of all the boys in their Vineyard Vines swimsuits, just too cute and too preppy:)

I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday. I am having a hard time getting out of vacation mode and back into the swing of work but no worries b/c with two fun trips on the horizon, I think I can handle it.

What's In a Name

2011-06-30T13:23:00.001-07:00

The naming of baby girl Lowe has been a neat little Journey for J.Ed and I. I have to admit I pretty much had creative license over the naming of Robbins(my mom's maiden name) Bilby(my MIL's maiden name) Lowe(I guess this is J.Ed's contribution):) so I really wanted J.Ed to feel apart of the process this time. Well, apparently I forgot about that and decided before we found out it was baby girl is that our girl name would be Patterson(my great grandfather's middle name) Katherine(J.Ed's grandmother's middle name and after my granny Kate). The funny thing is I said this out loud on multiple occasions and not once did J.Ed object or really even give an opinion. he just kept saying, i want to wait to find out what it is before I really think about it. That's my engineer, the practical to my ridiculous, the level head to my day dreams and the thoughtfulness to my impulse. Love him.

So the big day came, baby Lowe is a girl. Great, can't wait to meet Patterson Katherine I think and right about this time my well laid plans begin to crash around me(drama added for effect). J.Ed tells me, I don't really like the name Patterson for a girl. Can you hear the crash?

Well after a couple weeks of back and forth with double names(J.Ed was going that direction). He pulls out the one. It's beautiful, strong, and sounds great with Lowe. Little girl will be Landry Katherine Lowe. The alliteration, the mongram, aah perfect! I really love it, even more than Patterson now(funny how things work) and I love seeing J.Ed beam with pride for coming up with it. So that's what's in that name and I can't wait to meet the face that goes with it.

I Phone Pics and 21 weeks

2011-06-27T08:35:00.001-07:00

We had a great weekend just relaxing and running around town. With J.Ed off golfing my parents came up and we headed out. Went to the farmer's market in the morning and then headed to two great antique stores in Nolensville. I found both of the dressers below for baby girl's room but can't decide if the blue and white one(I love it) will go with my bedding I picked. I think it can "probably" work but I hate to buy based on probably! The we headed to Wendell Smith's, this incredible meat and three as seen on the food network where I proceeded to have fried chicken for the first of two times over the weekend! Oh the joys of pregnancy. Then we followed it up with an ice cream at Bobbie's Dairy Dip. To say I was full was an understatement! What a great and filling weekend we had though.

21 week update:
Headed to the Dr. Friday and still moving right along. Apparently I am carrying baby girl really high b/c her weight is on track but I am measuring 26 weeks at 21 weeks. I asked the Dr. if she was sure it wasn't just big mama but she pointed out that little girl is almost in my ribs so this might get uncomfortable soon! Still feeling good but I am starting to get that full all the time feeling where everything makes me feel like I have eaten to much no matter what the portion size. We have my 24 week appointment and another ultrasound at the end of July so more chances to check out the little one again in a couple weeks.

We are gearing up for a great Fourth of July weekend with the fam. Hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th!

Dresser option 1 for little girl's room

Option #2
Hamming it up for the camera at Loveless for breakfast

Water play at school

Matt and J.Ed practicing in our front yard before their weekend golf trip

There goes our bank account...

2011-06-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

I kid but seriously. Want to know why? Because we are having a GIRL!! We had our ultrasound this morning and everything looked good and we found out sweet baby Lowe is a little girl:) I had completely convinced myself it was a boy so I am still trying to wrap my head around this but completely cried when they said it was a girl so needles to say I am happy. J.Ed has thought it was a girl the whole time so he was not nearly as suprised by equally excited. More importantly everything looked good and she is right on track. Thanks for all your prayers and support over the past few months! We can't wait to welcome baby GIRL Lowe in November:)

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T18:09:00.001-07:00

J.Ed in his #1 dad hat that Robbins made for him

My heart:)
His hat and card from Robbins
How cute is that, and how big are that kids feet!
Playing in Piper's pool with Haynes What a fun Father's Day we had! We started off with presents for dad. A custom, #1 dad hat and card from Robbins and a cordless drill from me. After church J.Ed and I headed to see Allegria, cirque du solei. It was great, I had never seen anything like it and it was a great afternoon for J.Ed and I to just have lunch and get to hang out. Then we headed over to the Kelton's for a cookout with our community group. To say I adore this group of people is an understatement. Who would have known 4 years ago and 10 kids later(including those that have moved away or are on the way) we would all still be fellowshipping together to laugh, learn and just have an all around good time. J.Ed, Robbins and I have been very blessed by our church family and look forward to many more years! So to you J.Ed the best father and husband in the world...Happy Father's Day. Carter said in church today that the #1 way a father can love and teach his children is to love the Lord and his wife first and model that in his life. Thank you for loving me and loving God even more. I am so grateful for your love, friendship and leadership in our family:) I can't wait to see what God has in store for our expanding family. I also want to give a shout out to J.Ed's dad,Pops, and wish him a fab father's day! He is hilarious, always a good time and a dr. of mixology but most importantly a deeply supportive man and he loves his boys(and his girls) to no end. Thanks for all you do for us!

I also want to say Happy Father's Day to the other best dad in the world, my dad! There are not enought thank you's in the world for you poppy. Seeing is how we are so much alike, below are the things I am thankful for that you have given me or things I want to be like you in:)

1. your eyes

2. your confidence

3. your stuborness

4. your generous spirit- a constatnt prayer of mine to give the way you do and so freely

5. a love of sports- J.Ed informed me the reason he married me was because of my love of Sunday golf watching-thanks dad!

6. your rule following- i struggle with this one sometimes but overall I am a pretty big stickler for the rules. Unless I have a better idea obviously(insert sturboness here).

7. Overall interest in politics, religion, current events- I always loved our in depth talks when we walked and our ideas to solve the world, even though they differ sometimes.

This is just a tiny glimpse of the things I am thankful for about you but most of all the joy of seeing you love mom and us through all the ups and downs and seeing your love for the Lord and your desire to follow Him grow is the greatest gift you have given me and my marriage. Love you Poppy! Happy Father's Day to all of you out there!

A Daily Challenge

2011-06-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

As I constantly battle with the idea that I don't do enough, enough for my family, my friends, my work, my God, the quote below speaks to me as a reminder that God loves little offerings when given in faith.
"Giving up what you cannot keep does not necessarily mean giving up your home, or your job so you can go serve somewhere else. It is giving up yourself. Lay yourself down. Sacrifice yourself here, now. Cheerfully wipe the nose for the fiftieth time today. Make dinner again for the people who don’t like the green beans. Laugh when your plans are thwarted by a vomiting child. Lay yourself down for the people here with you, the people who annoy you, the people who get in your way, the people who take up so much of your time that you can’t read anymore. Rejoice in them. Sacrifice for them. Gain that which you cannot lose in them.
You cannot have a heart for the gospel and a fussiness about your life at the same time. You will never make any difference there if you cannot be at peace here. You cannot have a heart for missions, but not for the people around you. A true love of the gospel overflows and overpowers. It will be in everything you do, however drab, however simple, however repetitive. In God’s hands, your offerings will be broken, and broken, and broken again, until all who have need of it have eaten and are satisfied. And even then, there will be leftovers."

Happy Birthday to William, Robbins 22 month update and 20 weeks pregnant(almost)

2011-06-13T17:39:00.001-07:00

Playing with William's new toy

Hammering away

Happy Birthday William
Singing to the birthday boy
Making muffins with Nana
So sweet

His first culinary masterpiece- I'm not going to lie we switched the canned blueberries from the box for fresh and they really were the best muffins i have ever had.

We headed to Memphis this past weekend to visit for my sweet nephew William's second birthday. I absolutely love when these two are together. The play so great but also bring things out in one another that I adore. like Robbins is a bit louder then Robbins but when there together they just squeal with excitement and William knows his way around my parents house and toys so well and it's as if he's like"follow me Robbins I'll show you how to do it". So sweet.

I also got to spend some quality time with some great friends including one late night talk fest, thanks Alicia for introducing me to Jimmy Fallon's Thank You notes. My new favorite:) As most of you know I am a talker so 5 hour convos with a friend of 15 years is one of the most precious gifts to me. There is just something that swells your soul when you connect with people on a level like that. So grateful for relationships like that and looking forward to spending time with a few more of these type friends in July. You also might start to notice me getting a little more detailed and frequent with these posts. I love the idea of getting this printed for a baby book so i want to make sure I capture all the details. So feel free to skim over the baby details if it bores you.

Robbins 22 month update:

Little man is not so little. At his sick visit two weeks ago he was 32 lbs and 36 inches. He wears a size 8 shoe and is a jumping fool. He is really into balls especially basket and soccer balls and shooting hoops on his goal. He wants to be just like his dad and fix things so I found this great tiny little hammer at Loews so he can copy dad when he is out in the garage. He is such a talker and it amazes me how these sentences, full sentences, are coming out of his mouth. His favorite foods right now are waffles, strawberries, bananas, spaghetti, turkey dogs and cheese. The craziest change from this summer to last is to see him in the pool. This kid is crazy! He really has no fear so he is wearing a vest b/c he will jump in off the side of the pool without any warning (we are working on this) so we literally stand there with our hands out ready at all times. I love that he is a daredeveil but we really want to instill a healthy fear/respect of water as well. So since most swim lessons around here require you to be 2 (those that are not a million dollars at least), my friend Kelly who was a swim coach is going to come over and work with him some just to teach the basics. He already holds his breath under water and loves going under so I hope that is a good start for many years of good times in the water.

Almost 20 weeks and the gender reveal:

I will be 20 weeks Saturday and we find out what baby Lowe #2 is next Thursday. Right now things are moving right along. I feel good and have noticed the baby moving more, especially at night. I will say it is already hotter here in June then it was during August when I was pregnant with Robbins so that part is not awesome but our whole little family loves to be outside so pretty much I just drink a ton of water and deal with it, swollen fingers and all.

Random Pics (Second post of the day...go me!)

2011-06-08T06:58:00.001-07:00

Here are some cute pictures from my phone I have collected over the last couple weeks.

A big thanks to the Meyers for Robbins first set of real gof clubs. Yes he is on a putting green, and yes it is in their garage. Their son is on his way to being the next Tiger Woods minus all the scandal of course.

Doing ready,set,go with Nana.

Helping dad in the wood shop/garage:) I want to eat those curls.

Thanks uncle Lee for my first UK visor.

Lee giving Robbins a birds eye view of the harbor in Charleston.

18 weeks and Memorial Day!

2011-06-07T17:38:00.000-07:00

What a great but busy few weeks we have had. We went to Lexington to celebrate Pops 60th birthday and had such a great time with both sides of our family and all of our friends. We all gave him the "Nascar Experience" where he got to come to nashville and drive a for real race car! He loved it.

Then Robbins and I packed up the car and headed out on our first long distance solo car trip to Charleston. J.Ed had a business trip so he flew in later. I have a good friend who does this all the time so I reached out to her for tips and any advice for staying sane on a 9 hourish car trip. Luckily the kid was amazing, there and back. He had so much fun with Lee and Ryan and they were the best hosts. We went to the pool, the beach, ate great food and just had good relaxing qt together. We are very lucky to have them as friends. Charleston is so special to J.Ed and I and we were excited to get to bring Robbins back "to where it all began" 7 years(insert gasp here) ago.

Then Robbins, Dottie and I headed for a quick trip to Lexington last weekend to celebrate Ellie and Harper Chambers who will be joining us in August. It was so fun getting to see Emily open her gifts and celebrate with people who have been praying for these babies long before they were here. On a funny note, Robbins went crazy and when i say crazy I mean jumping from couch to couch and running in circles crazy. Why you ask? Well it was totally my fault. I am not a person who is anti some sugar or chocolate now in then by any stretch, it's just in reality we don't keep it in the house b/c yours truly and my other half will devour anythign like that. All that to say Robbins does not eat a lot of it. So trying to appease him as a tower of delicious cupcakes sat waiting to be eaten during the shower, I kept giving him M&M's to keep him away. Anyone who knows me will find it even funnier that it was M&M's as they are also my kryptonite. Anyway after about 10 minutes of M&M consumption and half a cupcake I literally had a mad man. It's funny now but at the time I really was like I think I might pass out and who's child is this? It was quite an experience and definitly made me a believer in the power of sugar in kiddos.

Well I guess I should talk a little bit about Baby Lowe. I will be 18 weeks Saturday and am feeling good. had a slump there for a couple weeks with neck pain and allergies but a trip to the chiropractor and some Zyrtec and all is well. At our 16 week appointment the heartbeat was great and everything looked good. We are finding out boy or girl on June 23rd. I am super excited but despite others beliefs I really don't care what it is. There are lots of little girls being born around the time I am due which would be great but I also love the idea of Robbins having a brother, there is a lot to be said for same sex siblings and their relationships. Anyway, sorry for the long one but I am a slow blogger so I had some time to cover.

Beach Baby
Think they are cut from the same cloth?

Mother's Day and 14 weeks

2011-05-11T06:47:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day 2010

Mother's Day 2011...What a difference a year makes

I made it. The first trimester is over and things are looking up. Fortunatly I have actually felt better for a few weeks but for some reason baby Lowe #2 hit me hard for about 4 weeks. I am talking flu like sickness that my first pregnancy couldn't rival. I know it's strange but part of me misses it b/c you go for a while without a dr. appt or ultrasound so that sickness is sort of like a reminder that yep, I'm pregnant. So needles to say this mothers day has taken on a whole new meaning with one awesome 21 month old(ps I'm so ready to start using years) and another on the way.

We had such a great weekend. All the grandparents came up and the men folk worked their tails off building Robbins his early birthday swing set and playhouse. We figured go ahead and do it now so he can enjoy it all summer instead of waiting until August. The moms took me maternity clothes shopping and oh my was it sucsessful and we had a great time celebrating Mother's Day with church and a great meal. It is so strange to think about Mother's Day last year compared to this year and even crazier to think what next year will be like. As I was celebrated by Robbins and J.Ed I realized how blesses he and I both are to get to celebrate the mothers we get to celebrate.

My mom is beautiful, nurturing, tells it like it is, a friend to everyone, selfless, and godly. J.Ed's mom, the woman who raised this boy to become this man who loves the Lord so deeply and leads our family, is seriously the sweetest woman in the world, hilarious, has a servants heart and shows her love for all of us in so many different ways. I am so thankful b/c I know it is not like this for everyone and I pray that I can be half of what BOTH of these women are one day. Happy Mother's Day!

Perspective

2011-05-03T14:17:00.001-07:00

Love this outlook on Easter and what it really is. i know I am behind on this but I just saw it and had to share.

"So between ages 0-30, I celebrated Easter the fun way: with bunnies, baskets, and expensive clothes. I mean, what better way to say “Jesus reigns” than dressing my preschooler in a $45 outfit to show him off in the church lobby? (You’re welcome, Jesus. Be blessed.)
Jesus is a redeemer, a restorer in every way. His day on the cross might have looked like a colossal failure, but it was his finest moment. He ushered in a kingdom where the least will be the greatest and the last will be first, where the poor will be comforted and the meek will inherit the earth. Jesus brought together the homeless with the privileged and said, “You’re all poor, and you’re all beautiful.” The cross leveled the playing field, and no earthly distinction is valid anymore. There is a new “us” – a ruined people rescued by the Passover Lamb who adopted us into his family and transformed us into saints. It is the most epic miracle in history.This is why we celebrate. May we never become so enamored by the substitutions of this world that we forget."

Amen

Easter and other happenings

2011-05-01T11:02:00.001-07:00

So we had a wonderful Easter weekend celebrating with friends in nashville. We realized this was the first time we had been in Nashville for Easter as a family in 5 years. So it was really nice to get to share this amazing resurrection day at West End Community, our church, and together as our little family. Speaking of our little family...most of you know this but I did want to officially post that we are expecting another little Lowe in early November. I am 13 weeks and had an ultrasound last week, Everything looks good and we are so excited. A little nervous but overjoyed.

This weekend marks one year since last years flood here in Middle Tennessee and it is terribly hard to celebrate with all the flood parties this weekend while so many in the rest of the country especially Alabama and Mississippi are suffering from the devastating tornadoes. Weather never ceases to amaze me and still I don't take warnings of bad weather seriously enough. For multiple reasons this recent string has made me realize the importance of those warnings and now we are looking after a whole family and not just ourselves. Our continued prayers to those affected in the last week.

Our garden. This was about a month ago it is doing quite well.

Playing in the sprinkler

Church Easter egg hunt

Charlie after dessert. I think he enjoyed it:)

Our friends Katherine and Colby had a "nest" party Easter weekend and it was so sun to hang out with everyone!

Getting his prize on the nest hunt

Robbins and Dad on Hutch's trampoline

Happy Easter!

Our last month

2011-04-08T07:05:00.001-07:00

All of these pics are from My Big Back Yard. He had so much fun!

Seriously? Garner Bennett, those baby blues and smile are to die for! Look out John and Rachel you have a heartbreaker on your hands!

We have been quite the busy bunch over the past few weeks. Two trips to Memphis and a visit from Nana and Pops has left Robbins a bit attention starved as you can imagine. First, we headed to Memphis while the hubs celebrated two of his favorite things, his friend Brian who is getting married next week and the Kentucky Wildcats in Atlanta in early March. Our visit was so great we got to go to My Big Back yard with tons of friends and I got to have dinner and visit with all my Memphis peeps. It was so nice to get some QT with everyone.

Then we had a visit from Nana and Pops and got to take advantage of the amazing yet ever fickle weather we have been having. We were literally outside the entire weekend. On that note, Robbins is OBSESSED with being outside. If we are inside we are whining to be outside, if we are outside we are talking about being outside. He has even been getting really upset about having to come in so we have started going to the window when we come in to tell outside night night. It's the only way he is ok with coming in and pretty stinking cute.

Then we headed back to Memphis for a very special weekend. Some of my best friends Alicia and Jonathan, whom I have talked about before, lost their precious Evie back in December. Robbins and I headed to Memphis for a celebration of Evie's life at her garden on friday and then a celebration for Ramsey, her sister's birthday on Saturday. I was so glad to be there for Alicia and Jonathan and it was so good to be there with Alicia, Hayley, Anna(all the way from TX!) and Amber, 5 parts of our d-group from high school. It is amazing to spend time with people who know each other on the deepest spiritual level, its humbling to have friends like this. Their minister said a beautiful prayer and read scripture and then we all released pink balloons to Evie. Although so sad, it was an honor to be there.

Then on Saturday was Ramsey's "Tea for Two" party and it was so stinking cute. You can see the pictures on Alicia's blog but it was Alice in Wonderland theme and Alicia went all out on decor and them(a girl after my own heart). The other highlight of the weekend was having my best friend Anna and her awesome little man Will in town. Anna and I talk every single day but its just not the same as seeing each other and we both hadn't seen the boys in ages. We got them together for a little bit and it was so fun.

Finally last weekend you could have called us Mr. and Mrs Green Thumb! We planted our first real garden with all kinds of great fruits and veggies, I'll post pics later. I am super hopeful I don't kill these things. I have done herbs and they survived but watermelons and asparagus are a whole new ballgame and I'm a little nervous!

We are heading to the beach for a quick wedding trip next weekend and I am so pumped to get this pasty body in the sun. It is amazing how little sun I got last summer since Robbins wasn't really in to laying out:) I've got my beach read downloaded(The Hunger Games...b/c clearly a teenage thriller is right in my age bracket) and my sunscreen ready to go. Nana and Pops are coming to watch Robbins and are surely in for a good time. Now that he actually communicates like a human telling you what he does and does not want, it is so great. He is so independent and yesterday Anna and I were talking I was like I love this independence but...could do without the attitude! Seriously sooo independent, what can I say though I respect that.

Anyways all that being said we are so glad for this beautiful weather and looking forward to a fun filled Spring/Summer!

First Haircut!

2011-03-08T18:24:00.000-08:00

So Robbins got his first haircut on Saturday. He did great and so did Kristie, the girl who cut it. i told her we wanted it shorter but not all gone, I just love those curls to much.

Sitting in my lap, he wasn't so much in to sitting int he chair alone.

He was very intrigued by the whole process.

Before-my little frat boy

After-All clean cut but still has those sweet curls.

After-from the front

What i want for my child/children

2011-03-08T12:29:00.000-08:00

I have to share this amazing post from another blog I read. yes, I read lots of blogs! I love the feeling of encouragement from reading about other believers who are trying to do the same thing J.Ed and I are; raise children who love others more than themselves and love the Lord more than anything; nothing too tough right! This is a long one but well worth the read.

"There are two things I desire for you, precious loves. There are two things that I spend most of my time as a mother trying cultivate in you. Happiness ain't one of them. The first is, I want you to be content. Being content is so much different from being happy. Being content is not based on your surroundings. Being content comes from within. Contentment is a spirit of gratitude. It's the choice you make to either be thankful for the things you do have, or to whine about the things you don't have.Being content and grateful leads to consistent joy.As you know, because I've told you lots of times, Paul talked about being content. Paul said that he had "learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." And Paul was in some rotten situations, kiddos, really rotten.How could Paul be content whether he was in prison or if his life was literally a shipwreck? Because Paul was constantly seeking to be in the will of God instead of his own, was constantly sacrificing his own comfort for the sake of the gospel, and was constantly being confirmed, strengthened, and blessed by God because of his obedience. He was given a supernatural power - that means something kind of like magic, God magic - to do things that most other humans could not do. And guess what? The bible tells us (in Ephesians 1) that God will give you the exact same power! If you want it!

Which leads me to my second desire for y'all.

I don't want you to be happy. I want you to be holy. That means, I want you to seek that God-power to make you content. I want you to want the Kingdom of God more than your own kingdom. And that's hard, babies, that is so hard. And that usually means passing up a lot of what the world considers happiness. But it means that you will achieve blessings directly from God that most of the world never dreams of because they are too occupied with the achieving the perfect birthday present!This means you may be poor, 'in want' as Paul said, and that's okay. It will never, ever be okay with the world for you to be poor. So you'll be up against the world. But not your dad and me, loves, because it was never our goal for you to be wealthy - at least not in the way that the world considers wealthy.Darlings, we love you so much. You will never even grasp how much we love you until you have children of your own, and then you'll get it, and then you'll apologize for the ways you treated us ;) But our goal is not to please you. Our goal is to please our Heavenly Father. But the Lord does command us to care for the orphan around fifty times. He does tell us to care for the poor around 300 times. He does tell us that when we care for the neediest, we are caring for Jesus Himself. And in chapter six of the book of Matthew, He tells us to seek His kingdom first, and let Him worry about the rest."

Love this quote

2011-03-03T07:41:00.000-08:00

A blog I follow and love used to have this quote as the header of her blog. I absolutly love it and believe it to be 100% true.

“And the fundamental mission of motherhood now is the same as it always was: to nurture, protect, and instruct children, to create a home environment that enables them to learn and grow, to help them develop a heart for God and his purposes, and send them out into the world prepared to live both fully and meaningfully.”

Family Time and 18 month info

2011-02-28T10:41:00.001-08:00

**WARNING: Lots of pics and 2 videos at the bottom. Be prepared:)**

William hanging out while Robbins takes a nap

Tractor(really its an old lawn mower) time!

Robbins showing off

Took a few minutes to figure out why there was someone else in the bath.

So I have not done the best job at keeping up with what Robbins is up to and into these days so here goes.

18 month stats:

31 lbs.-97%

34.5 inches-95%

He is such a jibber jabberer all the time and it is incredible to see how fast their vocabularies grow. Favorite words:

Outside-hands down favorite

Mommy/Daddy

Doggy

Ball

Cracker

All Done

Bye Bye

Bath

All the grandparents names-Nana, Juju, Pops and Poppy

PeePee-yes you read that correctly. He walks over to the toilet and says pee pee all the time.

He is so curious and sprints to get everywhere it seems. he absolutly loves his tool bench and I can already see the little engineer in him as he takes his toy screwdriver and tries to unscrew real things. His dad is so proud. Seriously though, he may look more like me but it is amazing how much of J.Ed I see in his attention and way he gets focused in on something and the faces he makes are 100% his dad i.e. tounge sticking out while concentrating...anyone reading this who knows J.Ed has seen it before.

This weekend we were blessed to have my brother, his wife Melanie and our awesome nephew William come to visit. Michael and Melaine stayed with us Friday night and then ventured out for an adults only afternoon and night while we kept both boys. Luckily the weather was perfect so we played outside a ton which was great for both boys. That night we went out to dinner and then to get ice cream and seriously J.Ed and I still haven't stopped talking about how fun they were. They chase each other around, hug each other, and crack each other up. It is so fun to watch but they are definitly monkey see monkey do so you can also tell when they are putting on for one another, which is even more interesting to watch. We really are so thankful for this time together and look forward to many more!

Home Sweet (New) Home

2011-01-24T06:00:00.001-08:00

The new house

Ramsey and Sophie in a staring contest.

These boys were so precious playing together. They laughed and laughed!

Alicia practicing with her new lens. Lele- your apperature is amazing!hehe

I love this one of Robbins and Ramsey.

One of my favorie lines in from one of my favorite movies Garden State. The main character who has come home for a funeral says:

"You'll see one day when you move out it just sort of happens one day and it's gone. You feel like you can never get it back. It's like you feel homesick for a place that doesn't even exist. Maybe it's like this rite of passage, you know. You won't ever have this feeling again until you create a new idea of home for yourself, you know, for your kids, for the family you start, it's like a cycle or something. I don't know, but I miss the idea of it, you know. Maybe that's all family really is. A group of people that miss the same place. "

I know at first readt it sounds sad, and maybe he meant it to be, but to me it just means the feeling of home is about the people not the place. It's something that is created by lots of people coming together wanting the same thing.

I say all this because my parents recently moved from our childhood home about 10 minutes down the road into a house that is nothing short of perfect for them right now. Our old house was perfect for us growing up. We had so much fun and so many memories in that place. Just ask any of my friends from high school and I guarantee they spent many a nights at the White House swimming or having parties for no reasons like...Oscar parties, WWF wrestling watching parties,etc.:) That was home then and it was wonderful. Being home last weekend I realize the new house is home now and it's also wonderful . My parents are so happy and at peace with their decision it's hard to not be so excited for them.

Don't get me wrong I agree with Miranda Lambert that houses build people but even more then that people build people and no where does it say just one house builds you. The house on Elmhurst was where hundreds of amazing memories were created. Where pre and post pance parties happend, great times with great friends but now the house on Calumet will be the house our kids know and love, what a great way to start a new chapter. We had a great time at home last weekend and here are a few pics to wrap our weekend at the new home.

I believe in Auburn and love it!

2011-01-11T09:36:00.000-08:00

Today's paper
Toomer's Corner after the big win. For you non AU'ers out there this tree gets rolled for any Auburn victory, I mean any.

A view of the field right after the game winning field goal. I admit it, I may have cried just a bit:)

So excited for the big win last night. What a game! To say I wish I was there is an understatement so these pics that I took from other people who were there will have to do.

THE AUBURN CREED

I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn. Therefore, I believe in work, hard work.

I believe in education, which gives me the knowledge to work wisely and trains my mind and my hands to work skillfully.

I believe in honesty and truthfulness, without which I cannot win the respect and confidence of my fellow men.

I believe in a sound mind, in a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid, and in clean sports that develop these qualities.

I believe in obedience to law because it protects the rights of all.

I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all.

I believe in my Country, because it is a land of freedom and because it is my own home, and that I can best serve that country by "doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God." And because Auburn men and women believe in these things,

I believe in Auburn and love it.

-George Petrie (1945)

Christmas 2010 part 1

2010-12-29T17:57:00.000-08:00

SSOE Tacky Christmas

We went to Savannah to do Christmas with my grandmother and Michael, Melanie and William. It was so much fun and the boys had a blast together.

Time to wrestle

Robbins ~~crushing~~ hugging William

At Gram and Gramps in Paris

Hanging out with Gramps

His new rocking horse from Nana and Pops

Hanging out with Aah-B and Zase (what he calls Abby and Grace)

Listening intently as his cousins explain the Elf on the Shelf

His new work bench

Helping Pops unwrap his gift

About to pounce on another present apparently

Uncle Reno and Robbins in their John Wall and Randall Cobb jerseys

Playing the piano before church

Sporting his new UK hat

I can not believe that in 1 day it will be 2011. We were in Lexington for Christmas and had a great time with family. This holiday had a different feel to it after some dear friends of ours suffered an unbelievable loss. It really opened J.Ed and my eyes, along with the 1000's of people they have touched, to the real blessings of the Holidays. We love you guys.

(For some reason this did not post earlier:)

Lexington was such a good time. We got to hang out with friends thanks to a couple parties and get together's as well as an excellent Christmas Eve with most of the Lowe/Archdeacon clan. Robbins had such a great time with his cousins and the girls were the perfect little sitters. Other than a fever and a quick bout with pink eye all was well. Not to mention now 4 of the 5 adults have colds, but nothing to major. One thing we noticed over the break is how big the little man's vocab is getting, I might even call what he's doing communicating, it's pretty wild. My favorite is still the way he says outside but I wish he called me Mommy instead of Bobby:) I missed seeing my girlfriends from home this Christmas especially but hope it was great for everyone!

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and that 2011 is your best year yet. My parents just left today and I will post some pics from that as soon as my dad sends them.:)

Happy Thanksgiving, better late than never!

2010-12-07T17:13:00.001-08:00

Drinks pre Harmon baby shower with the Harrison's, so fun!

Hanging out with Garner Bennett, we were not super happy about our Auburn Tigers the first half, but it turned out ok:)

Slam dunk-he loved this!

Loving on his Poppy-which he is still saying constantly

Playing football with the big kids

All the kiddos

Dad and his boys

Granny and her boys

Looking like trouble in this one:)

We had a great Thanksgiving in Germantown. What a blessing to be able to spend the last Thanksgiving in my childhood home. We had a great time but it was bittersweet, I may have shed a tear during the dinner prayer. Congrats to my parents who moved in their new home today. It is so perfect for them and so lovely. We had a great time seeing family and friends, including a baby shower for my long time friends Brad and Lindsey Harmon and their little girl on the way, Bailey Kate. It was great seeing everyone.

This past weekend I headed to Chicago with a great group of girls, my mol, her sister, niece and a family friend. We ate, drank, shopped and even made time for a little Auburn football, WAREAGLE by the way. I also got to have drinks with Sarah a college friend of mine and I just treasure that catch uptime and love how it's like no time has passed when we see each other. (By the way, Jennifer and Sarah, can I interest you in a chocolate martini? Oh wait the inappropriately dresses 12 year old knocked it over!) We had so much fun, but it goes by too fast! I am campaigning for a longer trip next year:) It was an all boys weekend in Nash as Pops, J.Ed and Robbins had quite a productive weekend painting our game room. We are in holiday high gear but I love it. This is my favorite time of year by far and I feel so blessed to get to celebrate with my incredible husband and little boy. In my work Thanksgiving dinner we went around the room and said what we are thankful for and mine was so easy. Besides my faith, it's J.Ed and Robbins. J.Ed stepped up in a way that was above and beyond. It was our first Heart Walk season with a little one and he was so unbelievably helpful making those 14-16 hour days a little easier to manage, making me love and appreciate him even more then I already did. Luckily my amazing job is only like that a couple months but what a learning experience that I was grateful to have. I hope you all were able to think about what/who you are thankful for and that you get to enjoy them this Christmas season.

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-01T20:42:00.001-07:00

a well deserved rest after a very long day!

Church friends

Pumpkin patch

An attempt at a class pic

Snack time

Trick or treating at school

We had such a great weekend. The weather was perfect and the little cow was a happy camper:) We had a big Sunday of church, pumpkin patch, Halloween cookout and trunk or treat. To say he was exhausted is an understatement.

We are still here!

2010-10-08T04:37:00.000-07:00

So handsome

Ready for the races

hanging out with his cousins on the hammock

eating up all the attention from Abby, Grace and Jack

Loves the hammock

Chasing bubbles

playing the piano with Nana at Gram and Gramps

tailgating

tailgating with the ladies

Wow, it has been quite a while since my last post. Since then we have had a beach trip, football games, started school and of course a Heart Walk. The latter being why I have not been on here much since the AHA has been my primary focus of time the past two months. Robbins is almost 15 months old. Can you believe that?! It's so crazy.

He is absolutely loving his school, Belle Meade Children's Center, and his teachers Mrs. Kim, Amber and Suzanne. It is amazing in how just 2 months he has changed. Already a talker, now a full fledge babbler, making all kinds of sounds and words like this, hello, bye bye, outside and others. Now, I am not going to pretend for one second that all of his words can be understood to the unsuspecting ear, but we've got his new language pretty figured out. They have music and art class which his teachers say he loves anything music, must be the Nashville influence. It is so nice to have him somewhere that he loves and we feel so good about. I feel really blessed to have found a place after my cousin because she was amazing so the next caretaker had a lot to live up to!

We are more than half way through football season and after this month J.Ed will have seen the Cats play...alot. They had a boys weekend last weekend b/c I loaded up to go see my bff of 25 years in Dallas and her two kiddos and another college friend. I felt bad not taking Robbins but J.Ed put it best that with 3 kids and 2 of us we would have to move from man to man to zone defense.

Again, sorry for the hiatus but we should be back on track now that my largest event is over. More Robbins to come soon! The pics above are just a few from the fall. I will post Halloween pics after this weekend too.

And he's off

2010-08-21T18:23:00.000-07:00

It's official...on August 10th I'm became the mother of a walker. I can not believe it! He started taking steps in mid July but low and behold on his 1 year birthday I was greeted at the door by a walking Robbins. Here are a few videos to show his skills. We just got back from the beach so lots of cute water baby pics soon.

What a Year! Happy Birthday Robbins!

2010-08-10T11:52:00.001-07:00

5 minutes!

1 month

2 months

3 months

4 months

5 months

6 months

7 months

8 months

9 months

10 months

11 months

1 year!

I can not believe a year has gone by so fast! What a blessing this precious child has been to our entire family. To give you all an update we pretty much have a walker. He takes about 5-10 staps and then starts crawling but he can for sure walk if he feels like it. It's sort of bittersweet, I am happy for him but he seems like such a little boy now instead of a baby. He is "talking" like crazy and love to raise his hands above his head when you say How big is Robbins? So Big! It might be the cutest thing I have ever seen. he eats all kinds of big people food now but is partial to bluberries and cut up oranges. Watching him play or figure things out is so cool\, it's like watching consiousness being born. he is so aware and involved with his surroundings. he loves to give and get hugs, especially if you are of the four legged and furry breed:) All this to say it is incredible how much a little person grows and changes in one year and how much a little person can grow and change you.

We had Robbin's Big Top Birthday last Saturday but I am still waiting on the pics which I will post later so until then...Happy Birthday Bud!!

New website!

2010-07-12T20:20:00.001-07:00

So...although it's a work in progress and I am still updating, I wanted to share with you my new Lowe Down Designs site. I am really excited about it and hope you all like it too!

http://web.mac.com/lowedowndesigns

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-05T06:29:00.001-07:00

Here's our 4th in pictures!

Oh What a Weekend!

2010-06-20T14:38:00.000-07:00

The Lowe's

Their first dance

Groomsmen

At the reception

Me and the beautiful bride

J.Ed and I just had the pleasure of spending the weekend with some of the most fun people we know. Lee Weatherly, J.Ed's best friend since college and Ryan Killeen got married this weekend in Washington DC. To say it was beautiful would be an understatement and to say the bride and groom were beaming would be an even bigger understatement. There are two things I can always count on in a weekend with J.Ed's college friends...lots of laughs and not much sleep...check and check. We had the best time in Georgetown hanging out and shopping and the wedding itself was so beautiful in Bethesda, MD and the reception at Congressional Country Club. The weekend can be summed up like this...dancing, crying(the good kind) and lots of celebrating! Thanks to the Killeen's, Blair's and Mr. Weatherly for hosting us on such a great weekend. I put lots of pictures on facebook. Here are just a few to show the weekend!

Memorial Day and William's 1st birthday

2010-06-13T11:42:00.000-07:00

Me and William! Happy First Birthday!!

He REALLY like her

Robbins and Lainey just hanging out

and the birthday boy

Looks like it was pretty good!

A boy after my own heart

Going for it

Robbins and Poppy

Birthday Boy!!

Robbins and Aunt Marty

An attempt at a McCarter/White family pic. Not to bad for 6 kids!

Swinging at Williams party

The girls and their kiddos came over to swim, my mom pointed out that a little has changed since we use to swim at my parents house in high school.

William and Will Bean were so funny using each other as a jungle gym.

William came to visit the farm too

Robbins and Ellie Bean

We have had quite an exciting couple of weeks. First, for Memorial day we went to Memphis by way of Brownsville, TN to visit family and friends. We went to the farm in Brownsville to see my best friend Anna and her two kids at her parents GORGEOUS new farm house(I use this term loosely in that it's a house on a farm but it is breathtaking!) We had a great time seeing them and hanging out it was just to fast! While there Robbins didn't sleep which is very unlike him but I just figured news setting. Not so much a day in Memphis and a very unhappy boy later we went to the Dr. and he had his first ear infection.

I also got to go see Ash and Rob Clark and love on baby Conley who is just gorgeous! We had a great time see old friends and hanging out with the fam while J.Ed was in Chicago celebrating the pending nuptials of his best friend, Lee. When we all got back to Nashville everyone was in pretty bad shape. I had a sinus infection(really no big deal but I am adding for effect, those who know me well will understand) J.Ed broke out with shingles, pray this never happens to you or anyone you love! Then Robbins "red ear" became a double ear infection. Good times!

This past weekend we went to Memphis for a crazy quick trip again for our nephew William's first birthday party. Great party Mike and Melanie! I have so much fun seeing Robbins play with other kids and the older McCarter kids loved playing with him too. We had a great time but it was so quick so not to much time for socializing. Alicia and Jonathan did bring the girls over to swim and J.Ed and I got to have dinner with one of my best friends, John and his wife Rachel who have a little boy on the way in September. Mom and dad had a great time with Robbins and we had so much fun getting to hang out. Sorry to my favorite people I didn't get to see, Conley Pillow Clark, you know who you are! We will be home again in July so we will definitely see everyone then!

Overall everyone is much better and no part of me is complaining b/c this is technically the first time Robbins has been sick so we have been very fortunate. J.Ed still has a bit of battle left with the shingles but is better. We are looking forward to an adult weekend in DC this coming up weekend for Lee and Ryan's wedding...pics to come!

I also wanted to let everyone know that I am in the process of building a website for Lowe Down Designs that should be ready in a couple weeks. I can't wait to share it with everyone!!

Our last month...long overdue.

2010-05-22T06:31:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has been a while! Other then the quick flood update I have been on quite the blogging break. No worries, we have had lots of fun stuff going on including, a trip to Lexington, a trip to the Outerbanks for vacation and a 9 month appointment. I figured pictures of Robbins are more entertaining then my writing so other then a 9 month update, pictures it is!

9 month update:

Weight-26 lbs(97%)

Length-30.5 inches (97%)

He is doing so well. He is moving around so much more. Crawling backwards like a pro and army crawling forward. He gets so frustrated that he can't crawl forward and he sits there and rocks then throws himself forward. He is clapping and playing peek a boo, he is also cruising a bit. He likes to stand up against his toy table and move around it and he much prefers being on his feet. He talks up a storm covering the gambit of mama, dada, baba and a new one is one that sounds just like hi, I know he is not really saying hi but its super cute. He loves his puffs and drinking from his sippy cup. We have also started giving him random table food just to test it out. He is still taking 2 naps a day with a mini one right before dinner. I am not holding my breath that this is going to last much longer but enjoying it while we can. He loves playing in his crib and can pull up so we had to lower it last month. Overall he is awesome, we are very blessed to have such a healthy fun little boy with his disposition. J.Ed and I joke around that we are scared to have another one b/c he is so good. Don't get me wrong, he has his moments but overall we feel very fortunate. Now to the pictures!

I have a feeling these two are going to get in all kinds of trouble together one day:)

Out on the putting green at the wedding reception

My brother and I

Beautiful beach wedding!

The bride and groom

To say this child was sleepy was an understatement but he made it!

Poppy and his boys

The White fam

The fam

Love this little boy

Juju got the boys matching shirts for the beach

William and Robbins

I love this picture

An interesting attempt at a beach picture with a 9 and 11 month old

Me and some of the cousins

The boys were taking after their fathers already. Robbins and William loved the putting green in the back yard.

Robbins loved the water, I don't think J.Ed has ever been happier.

Our sweet nephew William. We had so much fun getting to hang out with my brother, Michael and my sister in law, Melanie.

I love swinging!

Playing at the park at the beach

Our first Mother's Day! He and his dad were very good to me.

My first attempt at a garden. I decided to start small. We have lettuce, squash, oregano, cilantro, mint and two types of basil. They are huge now and I love having all those fresh herbs right in our back yard.

Our Iris' in full bloom. I love these, they were moved from J.Ed's grandmothers house in Missouri and have been in other family yards as well.

Robbins hanging out with Uncle Reno

Robbins and his great grandparents

Four generations of Lowe's

I love this town!

2010-05-07T06:40:00.000-07:00

Our neighborhood
View from our house, as a point of reference the river is usually a 1/2 mile to the right.

So after a lengthy blog hiatus, my best laid plans of posting lots of pictures, wit and profound knowledge last weekend was halted by what is now being dubbed the "1000 year flood". it started raining in Nashville on Saturday, no big deal, it has rained before, but it 13.5 inches later and a river in our neighborhood went from 70 feet wide to 2900 feet wide. This poses a particular problem since the name of my subdivision is "River Walk". It has been devastating to this community. Over 150 houses in my neighborhood have been damaged but by God's grace, and six feet of elevation all is good in the Lowe household. It's such a strange combination of relief and guilt that has set in.

I will say though, this community is incredible. I have never seen such a spirit of selflessness and generosity in my life. After being trapped in our neighborhood for 2 days with no power, it was like another flood gate opened, volunteers. Volunteers from all over the state and city;all ages, colors, tax brackets,you name it and they were there. It has been enough to make me cry a couple of times...a day. To watch someone be told that they have to start ripping out drywall, insulation, floors, get a shop vac in, dehumidify,etc., etc., my head started spinning, I can't even comprehend what they must be feeling. I talk about our neighborhood but I also must mention down town is flooded, the Opryland Hotel, the Grand Ole Opry and many other neighborhoods. My friend Shea was just able to get in her house yesterday, and in her neighborhood, like ours there are homes with water up to the 2nd story.

But with all this loss and devastation has come a great sense of pride, something that I have not really felt since leaving Auburn, that feeling of this is my town, my people, and I believe in these things and I love it! Last night Vince Gill and friends did a telethon and raised almost 2 million dollars in 3 hours. BTW, Taylor Swift gave $500,000 herself. Say what you will about her lack of ability to actually sing, at least live, but the girl is generous. I am humbled and in awe to see the way God is working to not only bring this community together but to glorify Himself in all of this, and really that's what will bring everyone out of this. Taking the time to shift the focus from ourselves to other people is the true picture and closest we will ever come to experiencing the smallest taste of the selflessness of Christ.

I will post later about how great we are, how cute Robbins is,etc. leaving out all the gory, not so great sometimes, details of everyday life. Also, if anyone out there wants to help you can go to this link http://www.wsmv.com/news/23448373/detail.html and make a donation that will stay right here in Middle Tennessee.

Easter and Drews Birthday party

2010-04-14T05:43:00.001-07:00

Just because I could not resist, too cute!

Loving his first Easter Egg hunt,technically he was just a spectator.

Such a big boy

Opening one of his Easter gifts from Juju

Eating his Easter gift

First time trying puffs, unsure, but now he loves them. Thanks Anna for the tip!

Nana and Juju

Love that smile

He is going to be mad at me one day for those ears

Swinging at the party, my cousin who keeps him has one at her house so he loves to swing.

trying to "crawl"

Drews about to blow out his candles

Sorry for the delay but it has been crazy around here. We had a great Easter celebrating with Juju and Nana as the gentelman opted for the Masters practice round as opposed to an Easter egg hunt, shocking I know. We missed J.Ed but had a great time.

We also got to celebrate precious Drews Twiford's 3rd birthday last weekend. We got to see our friends from Germantown, Ashley and Robert, Ash is due May 18th with their little girl. It was so fun seeing them and all their family. We got him a plastic golf club set and golf bag, he loved it! Seriously if you need a great boys gift for a 3-5 year old these things are the best.

Robbins has changed so much over the past few weeks, its like he's not even a baby anymore. He has 2 full teeth in and two more that have popped through, he gets to where he wants to go by pulling himself and almost crawling...he is so close. I am excited(for his sake)to start doing it, not as excited for us since he will be quite a handful once he really starts moving. He has dada down pat and screams it all the time while sadly mama is not in his vocab just yet. He has also started sleeping on his stomach almost exclusively and loves playing in his crib in the morning. He also has a new lovie that he is obsessed with, this precious monkey that Mrs. Hood and Mrs. Dodd gave him at one of the showers. It is so crazy to see him change so much and if I had a quarter for every time someone told me how big he is I would be a millionaire. Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Sneak Peek

2010-03-08T11:30:00.000-08:00

So we had some pictures done this weekend by the fabulous Misty Trone. We have not got all of the proofs back but here were a couple and they were so great that I had to put them us asap! How ridiculously cute are these:)

Robbins Baptism

2010-02-27T13:50:00.000-08:00

The White/Lowe crew

Robbins with his Aunt's

The Lowe Family

Also, the Lowe's

With our Pastor, Carter Crenshaw

Being baptized

We spent last weekend loving the gorgeous weather we were blessed with and celebrating a big day in the little man's life. I know, infant baptism to some is maybe not that big of a deal because the little ones really have no clue what's going on. Being raised in the Baptist church we had dedications but not infant baptism, not that different but a different none the less. I knew it would be sweet and Robbins would be adorable in his monogramed little number, but I had no idea the way the Lord would use our pastor's words to make me realize the gravity of who we are to this little boy and who he is to us. I was brought to tears when I was told that this is a covenant we are making with God to raise this child in a way that there is not a day that he does not know Jesus, no pressure right?! I was also overwhelmed when Carter looked us in the eyes and told us what a privilege it was to raise this child who was given to us by God. These past 6 months have gone by so fast and though I thank God for Robbins everyday, I have a new awareness of my need to pray for him. For his future, his heart, even his future wife. I am compelled by the Holy Spirit to intercede for him for the rest of my life and am honored to do it. All J.Ed and I want for this precious boy is for him to know God and Glorify Him forever, not much right:) I have been blessed with a husband who loves God in a way that his family will always know where he stands and I am so excited to see him teach Robbins how to do the same. Thank you so much to all of our friends and family for a wonderful weekend, we had so much fun celebrating with all of you!

6 month stats

2010-02-18T06:03:00.000-08:00

Robbins had a great appointment yesterday. The Dr. said he is doing great in everything. He's sitting up really well and chatting like crazy! He put on quite a show, flirting with our woman Dr., laughing and smiling like crazy at her. He has started rolling around so much that I can't put him down and take my eyes off of him for a second b/c he rolls under the table, towards the door, all over. I am getting a little nervous about this mobility thing!

Head-18 inches-95%
Height-29 incehs-95%
Weight-21.6lbs.-95%
He's a big one but healthy, so that is all we care about!

Snow Day!

2010-02-02T19:48:00.000-08:00

Steeplechase

A little unsure

Robbins and us got to experience our first big Nashville snow. We had about 8 inches or so. We went to go sledding with Jimmy and the kids but lasted about 10 minutes because it was just a bit to cold for little man!

Teething

2010-02-02T06:07:00.000-08:00

So Robbins is teething big time. I can see those two little white peaks through the skin just taunting me. It hurts him so much especially at night and is making him super congested b/c of all the drool. So moms out there any suggestions? We have used baby oragel and stuff for him to chew on. I give him tylenol before bed but don't really like giving it to him other then that b/c he acts so groggy. Let me know if anything worked well for you!

Action Videos

2010-01-29T08:32:00.000-08:00

Somebody loves his jumper! He has also discovered this new

sound he can make.

He also liked the noise his nails make when he scratches the couch. It amazes me the things that amaze him.

5 months (better late then never)

2010-01-29T08:17:00.001-08:00

He loves playing with the dogs. I love Benson's face here... "Could someone please get him off me and get him to let go of my ear!"

Big Boy!

Hanging out with Poppy

Doing so good sitting up

I'm a little behind on the pictures.

Park City 2010

2010-01-23T06:45:00.000-08:00

Being total gappers(that's for Gia)

We may or may not have gone to an adult arcade one night

Check out the full on game face, RHL was not happy when I won. He got me the next time.

Ashley and I rode the gondola to have lunch on the mountain with the guys. It was well worth it to be up there on such a gorgeous day and to get Ash on the mountain because I know she wanted to ski so badly! Such a trooper!

Lowe boys

Got to see our friends the Pagano's so fun!

J.Ed and I got back Monday from a wonderful weekend in Park City, UT. We were joined by the oh so fun and soon to be parents Ashley and Robert Clark and the fab Ryan Lowe. We had so much fun! The boys did lots of skiing; Ash and I did some shopping and relaxing and we all did our fair share of eating! I also had my first wine that came out of a box...(insert chuckle here). It was actually awesome, Ryan recommended it to me. It's called Black Box and is a nicer wine for cheap since you don't pay for all the packaging, genius. I highly recommend it!

The Lowe's looked after Robbins and had a great time with him. We came back to a bouncing machine! He goes crazy in his jumparoo it's hilarious(video to come). Other then the boys fighting an awful stomach flu since Wednesday it was back to life as usual on Tuesday. I hope the sickness stays away for awhile, it was no fun at all. It is an incredible helpless feeling to have both of your boys down and nothing to make it stop of feel better. As of today though everyone is back at it!

John Wall Who?

2010-01-08T12:45:00.000-08:00

Doing the John Wall Dance

This has to stop

He does not have anything on Robbins...

Thanks Uncle Reno for the great gift. With the help of Robbins and his jersey the Cats beat Louisville, which as a pseudo Memphis fan, makes me happy too. All this Kentucky talk is making me feel the need for a Wareagle!