Christmas

I wanted to post one last time before Christmas. We went and saw Santa this year and I must say it went over a lot better that last year! Collins had no idea what was going on and Jack was preoccupied with the candy cane, although he was sure to mention he wanted a tractor and truck for Christmas (although he has 10 thousand!). Unfortunetly, we have spent the majority of this Christmas Season by ourselves. Turns out the busiest time of the year for an ABC person is Christmas. So Brendan working every evening leaves us alone - which really stinks this time of year. I mostly hate that the boys have to miss out on fun things like the Polar Express and Zoo Light Safari (which I am not brave enough to take a 2 year old and newborn by myself) . Thankful my Brother and Dad are going to spend Christmas eve day with us and go the candle light service with us. Since being alone for the holidays will be a yearly thing, I am determined next year I am going to be better prepared and take on all of these fun traditions even if its just us! I am a big family person so this has been especially hard, please pray that my lonliness is lifted and the joy of Christmas is restored for me. Really, I have so much to be thankful for. I can relate to how Mary must have felt having a new baby and all the happiness that brings.
On a side note... If you didn't get a Christmas Card its because I didn't send them. Like I said earlier, next year I will be better prepared and will get them out. I must say though, I have so enjoyed getting yours and seeing how all the sweet babies are growing!!

Courtney

This year...

Last year.

Jacks new dunp truck, and a fun toy to go inside!

Coupons!!!

OK, so this is a random blog but I just had to let everyone know about my exciting savings!! Ok, so I have become addicted to saving money - especially at the grocery store. Each week for the last 3 weeks I have gotten around $60 of grocerys for $25! Isn't that great?!!? Well today I went in with my stash of coupons and got $125 of groceries for $40.51!!!!! I was so excited, like when a crack addict finally gets a hit!!! The poor boy who rung me up was on his first day of the job and first time to do coupons. Seriously, it took him 30 min to check me out ( all while Collins was at home screaming because he was hungry ). I started to appologize to the LONG line behind me and they were just amazed at all my savings - I thought I was going to get a standing ovation!!! They were asking for tips and nuggets of knowledge. I felt like I was giving an acceptance speech at the Oscars... ok, but really it was exciting! Saving $85 is pretty exciting!!! Brendan is enjoying not only the money, but the FULL meals we are eating 7 days a week. We have triple the food and spend way less. All of this means I can cook pretty elaborate meals for next to nothing! Saving money makes me feel like I am making a financal contribution to the family without having to leave the kiddos!
I am so excited to be a good stewart of the money God is blessing us with. It has opened my eyes to how much I wasn't that in the past and makes me embarresed to even talk about it.

YIPPEE FOR COUPONS!!! AND YIPPEE FOR THE WAY GOD IS BLESSINGS US THROUGH COUPONS!

Two Months

Yesterday Love Nugget turned 2 months old. So off to the Dr. we went. He is 23 3/4 inches long ( 75th percentile ) - it looks like once again we have been spared by the the Fuller short gene!! Brendan is so excited! He weighs 10lbs 4oz ( 30th percentile ) and that is after no poops for 3 days... but that is a whole different issue. So it looks like he is going to be long and lean, but only time will tell. I am so excited that so far he hasn't had a drop of formula! My goal was to exclusively nurse him and I am so happy that I have stuck to my goal. It hasn't been easy and I would give anything if I could have a little help in the feeding and sleeping arena, but I know that it is the best thing for him. So whats good for him is good for me.
Oh by the way.. can I just tell you how much I love my pediatrician!!!! Dr.Anderson is so wonderful and I just cannot speak enough good things about him. I consider him a friend as much as a pediatrician. He was so awesome about letting me decide Collins' vaccine schedule and not forcing anything on me - and for that I am grateful.
Have a good day.

Pictures...Finally

We have been so busy, and busy means lots of pictures!! I feel like this December is flying by. We have dedicated Collins, attended Jack's Christmas program, gone to the Christmas parade, cut down the christmas tree, and watched a lot of football... all in the span of 2 weeks.
Here you go... pictures as promised!

Decorating a gingerbread house.

Worn out!!


First time in thr Bumbo

At the Christmas Tree Farm





Brotherly Love


Baby Dedication

Collins Dedication

We will be dedicating Collins this Sunday at the 9:30 service- Church of the Highlands

Although I dedicated Collins to the Lord a long time ago when I was 7 weeks pregnant and told he only had a 50/50 chance of survival, it is important to both of us to make a public affirmation of that. We are both so grateful to have the privledge of being his parents. We realize that he is not ours and we are given the task of molding a heart that Christ gave. That is the driving force behind every decision we make, we do not take our task lightly.
It is especially sweet to be able to dedicate him in front of our church family who have been such an amazing support system for us, I truely believe that many of you prayed Collins into existence!

Courtney

So much to blog about..

OK, well I noticed that I haven't blogged in a while. We have been SOOOO busy! We had a fabulous Thanksgiving and stayed super busy all weekend eating and visiting with folks. On Friday Me, Brendan, and Collins went black friday shopping and got lots of good deals. Brendan got his Birthday-Christmas present, we got most of Jacks presents, and I hit the 25% off Janie and Jack sale - as most of you know it is my favorite store - the good thing is I didn't buy to much, the bad thing is... the reason I didn't buy too much is because we all ready have it! We watched the heart-wrenching game on Saturday and we cut our tree down on Sunday. I have so many great pics of the christmas tree farm, but I haven't loaded my pics yet ( I will work on that tonight ). Collins is growing like a weed and is sleeping 7 hour stretches now!!! Praise the Lord!!!
Other than that I am obsessed with coupons these days and staying on the computer! When I get a free moment ( which is rare ) that is certainly what I do. I also just got my pictures back from Collins' newborn photography shoot, so I am about to figure out where in the heck I am going to put them all. I hate to take down the ones we have because I love them so... and they are all so expensive it would be like boxing up hundred dollar bills! Anyways its a good problem to have! The pictures turned out so good and I could stare at them all day - I am SO blessed to have two beautiful boys!

...going to upload some photos.

One Month

Can you believe it?? This month has flown by. Collins is getting so big and starting to be awake more. I am starting to learn the art of juggling two. Most of the time it's not to hard, but there is definetely moments of chaos! Collins has earned the nickname "love nugget" except when he is grouchy - then its just "nugget". I am still up at nights a good bit, but I am hoping that will be coming to an end soon. He loves to be held and snuggle! I am so excited for the holidays coming up and all the fun that will be. I can't imagine this holiday season without Love Nugget! This Christmas is going to be super fun with Jack too because he is old enough now to really "get it". He reminds us every day of what he would like.
In other news Me and Brendan got a crock -pot that we are obsessed about! After a delicious meal from Stephanie it inspired us to get one. Now everything needs to be cooked in the pot. Stay tuned for some delicious recipes we have discovered.
Other than that we are just keeping warm by the fire - that we basically keep burning all day long - and watching our boys grow.
Here are some 1 month pics of Love Nugget...



I made a bottle so Brendan could be a part of the feeding experience and Jack got in on the fun.


Notice there are no pictures of me? We are going to have to work on that - I am always the one behind the lens! Based on the pictures it looks like the boys are growing up without a mother!

Courtney

Fireside Post

Well, Brendan and Jack are off to church and I am sitting by the warm fire listening to last weeks message . I cannot wait to get back to church. We were all going to go today, but I put it off another week because it is so COLD and I don't want Collins to get sick. I do look forward to seeing my fellow Highlanders next week! On that note, I cannot thank all of you enough for the great meals. Its fun getting a suprise meal, and we look forward to the yumminess this week.
Things have been going well around here. Collins is growing - he was 7lbs 12 oz this week. It kinda makes me sad - I want him to stay little. Sleep... well that is hit or miss. Some nights he does great - other nights - I am exhausted! Collins seems to think I am the snack shack! He does great in the car and sleeps most of the day. His fussy time is dinner time, but it can be overcome if your hold him. We are enjoying him so much! Jack is still doing great. He LOVES Collins! He kisses him, talks to him, gives him his paci. No jealousy - its wonderful! I have been shocked by how great that aspect is going. I can't believe how the time flying by. I am so glad that I am able to spend every second with both of them.
Hope everyone has a great week.
Courtney

Don't blame me!!!

I voted for McCain!!!! Well all of my faith in America has been lost for today! I can't believe that enough people lack good sense, morals, and values. The sad part is this election shows the heart condition of so many people. People would rather have "change" than obey God when he clearly stated " If you love me you will keep my commandments". I hardly think murdering babies and redefining marriage are obeying His commandments. Obama is all about "doing unto the least of these"... I don't consider able bodied americans that refuse to work the "least of these". I consider sweet Collins who is unable to do anything for himself the least of these... and to think... according to Obama I had every right to murder him!!! It makes me furious and so do people who voted this man in office.... so if you did - don't tell me - or seriously it will make me change my opinion of you. =) I must say this has put EVERYONE in my family is in a bad mood. We have all decided to pack our bags and move to Mexico... housing should be easy to come by because I am pretty sure every Mexican lives here! WHEW, ok I got that off my chest. We must deal with it now and move on. Enough said.

The pumpkin patch

We went to the pumpkin patch the weekend before Collins was born and I am little late posting but I wanted to share some great pics from that day. Jack loved the hay ride out to the patch and riding on the tractors! Collins will get to join in on the fun next year!
Enjoy, Courtney

I want TEN more!!!

Where do I start??? Things have been going so great. We are home now, we left on Saturday. I cannot say enough about how great St. Vincents was, the service, doctors, nurses.... everything. We got plenty of room service and you know how much I love room service =). They were so wonderful to Collins too! Our little bit weighed 6 lbs 8 oz the day we left, but nursing is going great and I know he is starting to gain. I am having so much fun dressing him in all the little premie boutique outfits! Night times are going pretty good, I surely cannot complain! Jack is being a great big brother. He comes running whenever Collins cries and he loves to watch us change him. He is fascinated with me feeding Collins, and makes sure that everyone knows that Bubba is drinking milk. He hasn't had a bit of Jealousy. The whole processes has been a joy to watch, really. I told Brendan I want ten more the other night, and he didn't argue with me!!!! There is no question both of these boys have a special place in our hearts. On a really sweet note - Right after the delivery while they were recovering me and Collins, Brendan pulled out of his pocket a gorgeous diamond neckless. It has three diamonds on it representing each of our babies. It is so pretty and full of meaning.
Thank all of you so much for thinking about us and praying for us. We enjoyed all the hospital visits and calls. We are especially enjoying the yummy meals that we have started receiving!

Courtney


Leaving the hospital

Sunbathing



Beautiful

Our Miracle has arrived!!!

Collins Brock Fuller arrived 10/15/08 at 7:30am. He is so tiny and adorable!!! He has the best disposition and is so sweet.
He was 7 lbs 0 oz. 20 inches long. He had some difficulties breathing in the beginning and temp issuses, but all of that has resolved! We are all doing great and just enjoying him so much. Big brother Jack is having a hard time being away from us so please pray for him. We are hoping to be home on Saturday.

Almost there!!!

Collins will be here next week!! It's hard to believe that 9 months is up. This has been such a long time coming so we are MORE than excited. I think we both would agree that having two sons has not quite set in yet. Both of us waited for a while to let our hearts believe that this was actually going to happen so it doesn't feel like 9 months have passed - more like 4 months. God has given us a huge dose of amazing grace. Grace is when you get something you don't deserve - and we both know that we don't deserve this. So we sure are grateful for His amazing grace in the form of Collins!
So October 15th at 8am Collins will be here.
It dosen't get much better than this!!!!!!!!
Living on cloud 9!!
Brendan and Courtney

Where do I start??

Well, we have been VERY busy around here!! As of Thursday night we have finally finished getting the house organized and finished ready for Collins. We have had packed schedules everyday. I am looking forward to things calming down and hibernating for the fall and winter!
Last weekend in Pine Mountain was awesome. Jack had so much fun playing out in the woods, fishing, and of course being the center of attention. The most memerable part was the wild safari we took!! You drove through the safari and these massive animals walked right up to your car and stuck their heads in. Jack freaked out at first, but by the end he was hanging out the window calling for them. I am posting a couple pics of that, but even the pics don't do it justice.

We are spending much of the time this year in small groups. As busy as we are right now, we both felt it is important to focus our time and energy on what really matters. Sunday nights we are in a Growing Kids God's Way group. We have been looking forward to taking this group for sometime and we are already learning a whole lot! I would highly encourage every parent to take this class. Great kids are no accident- Only when you look to their maker can you find out how to bring out the best in them!
On Tuesday morning I am in a small group, Calm My Anxious Heart. I am learning the art of being content in EVERY situation. Thursday mornings Brendan is in the small group, The Pursuit of Holiness. He is learning the significance of being a Holy man!

Between small groups, preschool, Brendan's day job and mulitple building projects we are BUSY. But, busy means the days go by quicker and the time till we meet Collins grows shorter!

Quick Post

Well, I had good intentions on getting a good blog in this week - but it didn't happen. I did want to make a quick post before we go out of town this weekend. We are heading out to Callaway Gardens for a long weekend getaway. I guess this will be the last trip with just one boy! Everything is still going great with the pregnancy. I am having sharp abdominal pains and my belly is turning bluish, but after a quick trip to the Dr.'s we learned that my abs are splitting causing those symptoms. As long as Collins is ok - I'm ok. I promise to post pictures from our trip when we get back!
Have a great weekend!
Courtney

KABOOM!

Well, Brendan is one happy fellow - let me tell you why..... The TV in our Den I have had for a long time - I always saw it as a great tv, big, functioning...you know everything you need out of a tv. Brendan, however has been ready for a new one for a while - he just couldn't be out-done by everyone else. So I always told him - we are not getting rid of a perfectly good tv, but when it goes he can get whatever he wants ( I'm thinking in another 5 years at least ). Well, two days ago we were all watching tv and then... KABOOM! TV Out - black! I look over to see the biggest grin I've seen on Brendans face since the birth of our first born son! So wasting no time, off he goes... on the search for the greatest tv. And while I think he put a hex on our tv, I still feel obligated to agree to his new "multi-media, sportsfanatic set-up". Well, lets just say next time I will watch what I agree to. Mr. Fuller has his HUGE flat screen mounted on the wall (yes I had to give up my cute armoir) and dish network with the extended HD and all ESPN package! So I hope he is happy.. eating peanut butter and jelly to pay for this crazy thing! MEN. I will post a picture of him next to his new baby when we get our furniture piece in.
The good wife

All about Jack

This has been a very big day for all of us!!!! Jack went to his very 1st day of preschool!!! Me and Brendan have been going back and forth about the issue of sending him or not. Even after all the money was paid we were still not sure, but in the end he looked to darn cute with his backpack not to send him! He walk right through those preschool doors with confidence and never looked back! I was very proud of Me and Brendan for handling it as well as we did too!! This whole process is going to take some getting use to - It feels so weird being apart from him and not knowing what he is doing. At least it is only 2 days a week for 4 hours. Our little boy is growing up!
If the preschool anxiety wasn't enough then our other issue is... Jack and seizures. As most of you know Jack has been having seizures on and off for the last year. They always happen after he hits his head - and last Thursday night was no exception. Jack was watching football and we had stepped out of the room for a second. We then heard a loud thump - we quickly ran into the room to find him unconscious and seizing. It seemed to last an eternity!!! We called 911 and helplessly watched till he came out of it. Of course when he woke up he was happy to see the fire truck and fire men!! So now we are having a battery of test run and walking on pins and needles - literally making ourselves crazy waiting for it to happen again. Hopefully nothing will show up on the test and we can blame these episodes on a freaky childhood thing!!!
Ahh... the stresses of parenthood. We all have these stresses- they just come in different forms.
Better go - we are about to have a "Jack had his 1st day of school party" !
Courtney



Jack making pizza for his "School Party"

Jack and Brendan on the "scooter" at paw paw's this weekend ( after a great weekend at the lake hanging out with our good friends Kevin and Amanda - Sorry I forgot to take pics of that!)