Joey and Lacey Hardwick

He'll be 2 tomorrow

2011-08-01T20:37:00.018-06:00

Well - needless to say - I've been remiss in "blogging" - not that there hasn't been things to blog about! I'm sure my thoughts will be random - guess that is what I get for not writing anything down in over a year!

Wow - Levi will be TWO tomorrow. Two wonderful years have really flown by. Levi is an amazing little boy. A lot has happened in the last year...

Joey was baptized, we joined our church and we also dedicated Levi. We really want to live for God and we want Levi to grow up knowing and loving God. During the dedication we were in front of the church ... Joey was holding him and I was reading to him. He started patting me softly on the back - it was so sweet. I love how he pats us on the back when he hugs.

Levi -- runs, jumps, loves, kisses, hugs, talks, knucks, ... he loves bikes (imagine that!), his Mommy and Daddy, George (curious george), Hat (cat in the hat), Hot Rods and tools (he can work on Daddy's R/C cars). racing, golfing and baseball.

Levi still doesn't eat very well - He wants to, but he still throws up too often for me. We have an appointment for him at the end of August.

Levi sleeps well most of the time - we go up, sing some songs, pray and then hum a little. Then I ask if he is ready to go night night... he will usually say mmm hmmm - I give him kiss on his forhead and 3 on his pacifier (he still uses it at night and in the car from time to time). I lay him down and he just hangs out in his bed until he falls asleep. He sleeps in till 8:30 or 9 on the weekends! :)
He enjoys "school"... We are trying to teach him to say "miss" in front of his teacher Erikas name. He'll do it sometimes, but then he tries to put "miss" in front of his friends names too and that is funny to me.

He says Peeas for Please. I wasn't good about documenting all his words - what his first ones were, etc. I just know that he can say just about anything you ask him to right now.

In recent days - he is into ribeting and jumping like a frog. Ribet - Ribet - Ribet... It's too funny to see. He Ribeted so big last night that he flipped on over!

Joey and I are doing well ... we both work hard. Joey has recently been riding his bike to work (26.5 miles one way) a day or two a week and is really slimming down. He looks great :)

My Grannie (Levi's GG) passed away recently. God was working overtime during that time to get me there in time to spend time with her before she passed. I am really thankful that I was able to be there to talk with her and to help my momma through it too. I spoke at her funeral service. That was hard to do, but I am glad I did. I hate it that Levi isn't going to grow up knowing her, but we'll keep her memory going for him. Knowing that she was saved, at peace and ready to go made loosing her more bearable.

I mentioned that Levi likes baseball earlier... he does the coolest thing... He gets the bat and sometimes the ball in the same hand then he lifts his leg up like a pitcher would and swings the bat or throws the ball. I've yet to get it on video, but it really is something to see. He enjoys golfing too... he says "get in the hole" and I did it and raises his hands in the air and jumps up and down. Good stuff - great entertainment all the time!

A couple of months ago, Joey took Levi to a car show in the "Hot Rod" (our 1961 Ford Unibody). He thought he was really something sittin up in that truck. They broke down at the show, but that is a different story... but to this day, when he sees a cool car - he'll say "Hot Rod!" It's awesome to to hear it.

We got Levi a little strider bike sometime before Christmas this past year. In recent months he has gotten to where he can reach the ground and he gets around really well on it. He knows to wear his helment. Joey has him jumping things and crossing up BMX style already. We went to WinterPark CO this past weekend for Crankworx. We saw hundreds of bikes and Levi kept saying "my bike, my bike"... It was cool. He was so good during the trip - stayed up till 10 each night but stayed in a good mood through it all. He saw a person dressed up like a monkey, trying to cross a pond on a bike... it really stuck with him because he was telling me all about it this morning over breakfast.

I cannot believe he is going to be 2 - We love him so much and when people tell you that it goes by fast - that is the understatement of the year. It goes by extremely fast and I wish that I had taken more time to write all the little things down. He truely is a wonderful bright spot in our lives and I wouldn't trade a single minute of it. He is precious and loving ... just tonight he was giving us the sweetest kisses... holding our faces with his hands and puckering up real sweet. I don't know where he saw that but it sure made our nights.

I pray that we raise him right - we want him to grow up being loving and respectful, strong and independent.

Happy Birthday to Levi

April Picture Extravaganza!!!

2010-04-20T20:36:00.005-06:00

4/2/2010 - Cool Breeze and his new sunglasses. (8 months old today!)

4/4/2010 - Easter Sunday - My two men looking very Eastery!

4/10/2010 - Daddy and Levi checking out the spring flowers that are starting to pop up in our yard.

4/12 - Bath time!

4/14 - Pink Flamingos from Grannie Mary & Aunt Tammie... Love them and the box too!

4/17 - Garage time with Daddy... Having too much fun!!!

4/20 - Ready for Church!

4/20 - Visiters... Bethany John & Ian came over after Church! Here's all the boys togehter.

4/20 - Hanging out in the yard after our company left

4/20 - Cool -- Levi hanging out in Daddy's truck

Levi has a tooth finally coming in. It started showing up on the 10th & as of today the 21st, there's still only a sliver of it showing. It doesn't seem to bother him too much.

Levi is growing up so quickly & he is so much fun.

March / snow day & new job

2010-03-24T11:06:00.010-06:00

**This post is a little out of date. It took me forever to take the time to upload some pictures...

Hello All,

Well - today is a snow day! We got about a foot of snow between last night at 5:30 to this morning... wet heavy snow! Because of the snow, Levi's daycare was closed today, so that meant that Mommy (me) got to stay home with the sweet little man. Right now, he is napping - we'll see how long that lasts.

Anyhow. He is growing like crazy and oh so much fun. He is doing better on his tummy, but still not crawling. He always wants to stand up and try to walk. He smiles so pretty and big when he's walking between our legs.

Levi has this little red car walker thing that he enjoys being in too... its funny.... his little feet are just a gettin it, but he only goes backwards. So funny!

Levi is eating well too... He likes pears, applesauce, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, peaches, bananas. Joey got this bananas, pears & granola combo thing and Levi was really digging that. He didn't want any part of the plain ol' oatmeal that I was trying to serve with it.

Joey got a new job!!! Yay... he calculated it ... he was out of work for 112 work days - I think that is the longest for him. He started yesterday & thinks he's really going to like it. The company is Rexel. The only negative is that it is quite a bit of a drive for him, but he's making the best of it. The drive will give him time to get prepared for the day and wind down after the day. Another thing is that he won't be getting home till close to 6, so he is missing some Levi time. He'll make up for it though with good quality time with Levi.

I wish I could think of all the great things about Levi that I want to share. As we go throughout our days, I am always thinking that we need to blog about this or that, then I get here and draw a blank. Write it down - y'all are saying... I know! :)

Oh --- one thing, he has a hard time rolling over from his tummy to his back. He does well back to front. So now in the middle of the night and morning, he will get all upset because he has rolled over and can't get back. Its funny & sad. One of us ends up having to go in there and roll him over ... then he's awake and not wanting to go right back to sleep. I know he'll get it figured out someday. For now though... that arm is just in the way!

He still doesn't have any teeth. They say 7 months is the average time when babies get their first teeth... so Joey reminds me that he still has a week to go! But it could be as late as a year old or longer. Can you imagine --- a little toothless grin at his 1 year old birthday?

Here are some random pictures from March... enjoy

My goodness, what a year 2010 has been already...

2010-02-21T13:42:00.003-07:00

So - again, it has been a long time since I posted anything and as you know, when you have a little one, so much happens in just a couple of months. This will probably be another long post, filled with Levi updates and also some not so good ones...

First with the bad / sad news.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, my Dad was real sick. He had stage 4 lung cancer (was diagnosed around Thanksgiving). He passed away on Jan 9th at home with his wife Shirley. When she called to tell me, I was stunned. I knew that the prognosis wasn't good, but I sure didn't expect it this soon. So we loaded up the family and flew to Pensacola for his service. We were in Pensacola for a week & it was filled with visits with family and my Dad's service. The service was very interesting and I found myself in an awkward situation. Those of you who read this that are my family know that my Dad and I were not super close, but we still had a love for each other and over the past years (since I have been in Denver) we have tried to be better with each other. Well - I was afraid that I would be kind of an outsider at my Dad's service, but that wasn't the case at all. It was real good to see much of my family from his side & they were all good to me. He was cremated and placed at Barrancas National Cemetery on NAS base.

Then for the second round of bad/sad news. We got home from Pensacola on Saturday, Jan 22nd ( I think). Then very late the next Saturday / Sunday morning we got a call from Tammie (Joey's sister) that their father had passed away. Oh man ... did this ever hit Joey hard. We weren't expecting this at all. His dad had Muscular Dystrophy & Diabetes for quite a long time and it finally took it's toll on him. He had struggled to get around for a long time & was on oxygen. When we saw him the previous week, he seemed okay, but was definitely not doing well. He had agreed that he would go to the hospital the next week. Joey loved his dad very much and this was very hard on him. He struggled with whether or not to go back to Pensacola. It was decided that Joseph would be cremated and that they(as a family) would spread his ashes out at Blue Springs in Alabama in June. So we decided we would make the trip home in June. Joey wanted to go home and help his momma get things in order around the house but his sister and mom encouraged him to stay here with me and Levi. Joey did. But then ...

Third round of bad news... On Wednesday, Feb 3rd, Joey's Momma (Mary) was taken to the emergency room and admitted to the SINU at Baptist Hospital. She had been borderline diabetic and with the stress of the recent passing of her husband, her sugar had sky rocketed (into the 900's) and her ph balance had reversed itself in her body. She was not in good shape. Levi and I put Joey on a plane bound for Pensacola the next morning. He needed to be there to be with his Momma and help her out if at all possible.

Good news time ...
Mary is doing well. She spent almost a week in the hospital. They got her blood sugar to within a manageable range & she was able to go home the following Tuesday. Joey stayed with her and they spent time visiting and doing some of the healing things that need to be done. She is still experiencing some of the bad side affects of the sugar getting so high (like blurred vision, etc), but she is doing better and taking care of herself and trying to eat right.

Joey felt comfortable coming back home and he did on Saturday Feb. 13. While he was gone, several of his friends checked in on me and Levi and that was very nice. One couple brought us some groceries and visited for a little bit. We enjoyed that too.

Levi and I were very glad to have Daddy home. We had done okay without him, but we did miss him very much. I told Joey when he got back that I had really missed hearing his voice in our home.

Levi did really well on the plane trip to Pensacola. He & I were both suffering through some congestion so the landings weren't a ton of fun, but we made it through. He was a real trooper. He met so many people while we were in Pensacola and had a smile for every one of them.

He met his Grannie Mary & Paw (Joey's mom and dad). It's crazy, given the circumstances of our trip home, we were so glad that we had made that trip when we did, that way Levi got to meet his Paw before he passed away. He also met his Aunt Tammie and cousins Sam & Adam. Everyone of them was so good to him.
He also met his great Grannie (GG) Beck & countless other relatives and friends.
He sat up for the first time while on this trip & also rolled over from front to back. Like I said before, he smiled pretty for everyone. All of his good moods during the day and entertaining really wore him out, but that didn't mean that he slept well. He didn't. But once we got back to Denver, he was back on track.

Levi turned 6months old on Feb 2nd. He weighed in at 16lbs 13oz and 27 1/2 inches long! He wasn't able to get his shots at his 6month checkup because he was running a slight fever, so we had to reschedule for 2 weeks later. I really think he was just hot because it was hot in the Dr.'s office, but it's okay.

While Joey was in Pensacola Levi and I just hung out & played. We sang and laughed and did the best we could without Joey here. I would send Joey pictures all the time showing him how Levi was doing. He was real close to rolling over from back to front but didn't do it any while Joey was gone.

This past week was kind of tough on little Levi. I am not making as much milk as he needs, so I had to send him to daycare with some formula this week. He didn't do so well with that. They sent him home on Monday because he was throwing up. Joey got him home and he seemed fine. He stayed home with Joey on Tuesday because he finally got his 6 month shots and was good. He drank breast milk all day though. Then back to daycare on Wednesday and they sent him home again because he was throwing up... !!! So - I am wondering what they are doing to him. We took him to the Dr & the Dr said that he has Bronchiolitis (which is a lung infection caused by a virus)... so it was determined that the mucus from that didn't mix well with the formula and that is why he was throwing it up. He stayed home with Joey Thursday and Friday & seems to be doing better. We still can't seem to get him to eat any formula though. He just pushes it away. Joey is gone now to try to find some different kinds so we can test a couple. If I am not making enough milk we have to supplement and Levi has to like it!

I am trying to keep my milk supply up. I feel bad because, when I was pregnant with Levi, I said I was only going to nurse for 6 months... but as it got closer to the 6 I decided I wanted to do it for a year. I am afraid my body heard me saying 6 months for so long that it took me seriously!

Anyhow ... as crazy as the first couple months have been for us, it has been good to. We have started going to church and are really enjoying it. We both have a need to grow in our relationship with God and to raise Levi knowing God as his savior. We are going to do the best we can to make sure that Levi knows and has a relationship with God.

We are still encouraged that this will be a good year.

Sending lots of love your way ...

Lacey, Joey & Levi

I will put up a post later that is just pictures of Levi! He is growing beautifully and y'all need to see him!

Happy My Birthday and other things too.

2010-01-01T21:05:00.005-07:00

Hello!
Today found me turning 37 & I couldn't be happier about it. I am lucky to have a wonderful husband and beautiful, happy, healthy son.

I have a lot that I want to talk about, so this could be sort of random... My apologize in advance! :)

1 - Levi was sick with a fever for a few days after Christmas. It was a very worrisome time for me and for us. He ran a fever as high as 103.5 at times, but tylenol would bring it down to about 100 or 101. He was pretty uncomfortable & kind of fussy for about 3 days. We had to keep him home from day care and it is a real blessing that Joey was able to be home with him. Joey took real good care of Levi while he wasn't feeling the best. On the 3rd day we decided to take him to the Dr. & wouldn't you know it... he was cute, cuddly and all smiles for the Dr. The Dr said that that was common. Parents will either come in on the very first day of a fever or on about the 3 day & usually whatever it was is getting better. Anyhow ... he checked him over - no ear infection or anything like that. Breathing good - heck, he wasn't even running a fever. But just to be safe, the Dr wanted to rule out a urinary tract infection. All clear. So - Levi is good as new again & we don't really know what was wrong. Joey and I suspect teething, but the Drs & nurses say that that high of a temp is not normal for teething. We still suspect teething though. He is back to good as new now & we are real happy about that.

2 - I have had a very nice birthday. We started celebrating yesterday. Since Levi was feeling better and not running a fever anymore, we took him to daycare. I took my last vacation day for the year so Joey & I could spend the day together. We went to breakfast, then to the book store. I picked up a new book & then we headed to the movies. It has been a tradition of mine for a long time to go to a movie on my birthday. Since this was going to be our only day alone, we decided to go a day early. We saw "Blind Side" and it was a great movie. Had me tearing up pretty good at times. After the movie, we went and did a little shopping. I was in desperate need of some new clothes. I have lost all my baby weight (48 lbs), but I am not able to wear the same things I was wearing when I got pregnant. My body has changed shape quite a bit. Anyhow... I have been wearing my maternity clothes & Joey told me it was time to get some new clothes. He is so fun to shop with. He helps me think outside the box and my comfort zone. We picked up several new outfits. Then we picked up our little guy and went home.
Part 2 of my birthday today has been great too! I talked to my Momma, Grannie & my Dad this morning. A lady at my work was getting married today and she invited us to go. Joey & Levi got cleaned up and went too. Levi looked real fresh and cute, but he got a little wiggly just before the ceremony so Joey took him outside. The reception was a nice little one in the basement of the church so I stayed and had some cake. It was sweet- I went to tell Mary that I had to go so I could feed Levi & she said wait -- it's your birthday - I have something for you. How sweet is that... she's getting married & thinking of me on my birthday.
We came home & Joey proceded to make us some dinner and me a birthday cake. It's 9:30 and Levi has been in bed for about an hour. That is a little unusual for him, so I don't know what that will mean for the night, but it gives me an opportunity to update this blog before I fall asleep on the sofa. The cake was delicious... Here's some pictures of the day...

3 - My Grannie turned 80 a couple of days before Christmas. She doesn't get around as good as she used to, but she is still so very sweet & I love her to pieces. I wish I could have been there to celebrate it with her. At my Pensacola baby shower she gave Levi a little silver cup with his initials on it. I asked Joey to take some pictures of Levi with his cup & I sent her a frame and these pictures. I think they are worth sharing here too.

Dang - he's sweet!

4. You know - I have tried to keep this blog on the lighter side and try to talk about all the good things in my/our lives, but I feel a need to write this down... My Dad is really sick right now. I found out just shortly after Thanksgiving and it has been kind of an emotional time for me. He has stage 4 lung cancer. I know that time for him is short, but we haven't really discussed that. I thought I was going to be going home either last week or this week to see him, but he asked me not to. This was hard for me to accept, but I had to. Although my Dad and I have not been super close all my life, we have always loved each other very much. When I talked to him, he told me that it is his desire that I not come. He said that he wanted me to remember him the way he was when I saw him last. That was last May when we were home. Joey got to meet him then and really liked him. My Dad liked Joey very much too. I think he liked Joey's good southern ways. Anyhow. I have talked to my Dad almost everyday for the last couple of weeks. They are short conversations and they never get too deep, but I am glad that I am able to talk to him. I do wish that I could have gone home to see him, but I believe that he meant it when he asked me not to come. I would have liked for him to get to see Levi in person, but pictures will have to do for now.

5 - I know this is long - I am sorry for that. I will close with this. 2009 was a good year. 2010 will be even better. I have a great family in my family in and Joey's family. I love my husband & I love my son. I believe that having Levi has changed me forever. I never knew how big my heart could swell to the size it has. I was never one to be all mushy over babies, but dang if I don't tear up when I see little ones these days. I now "get it". The love of a child is amazing & just think...the love I feel is only a smidge of love that God has for each of us, his children. Amazing!!!

I hope that everyone has a wonderful 2010.

Love from the Hardwicks!

Levi's 1st Christmas

2009-12-27T18:59:00.002-07:00

Hello Everyone!

Well - we had our first Christmas with Levi & it was a hit. Levi woke up around 8 Christmas morning... He ate and then we got up. We went down stairs and saw that Levi must have been a good boy this year because Santa had come to visit. We got Levi all set up on a blanket in the floor and his boppy. We proceeded to show him everything... :) he did really well. Santa brought some kind of educational toys... he got a little laptop and piano as well as some balls of all shapes and sizes - a football too!!!. He also got a cool zoo toy that has a joystick that he can use to move a little monkey around. It sings real loud and everything! Levi also got a cool buckaroo outfit from Mrs Fran at Mommy's work & some money from J9 at Mommy's work too. His little buddy Ian & Ian's parents gave him a ring stacker ... you know the one that you pile the rings from biggest to smallest ... It was a hit too. Mr John & Mrs Jess gave him an Exersaucer. He loves it! It has so many things for him to play with. He has some more stuff coming from Pensacola but the mail system was a little bogged down with the holidays, so we'll be doing Christmas again later (tomorrow probably!). :)

He was worn out and we were too, so we took a little nap after all of that. After the nap, we started on dinner ... we had turkey breast, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. It was all delicious!!!.

It was a great day and pretty tiring too. Levi did real well and played with all of his new stuff

Grannie Faye had sent us some Christmas PJs and we all looked very cute. Here is Levi in his outfit enjoying his new toys... (oh yeah... and he got a cute little hat too!)

Levi's first Christmas was wonderful - we enjoyed the time spent together. Wish we could have been home for the Holidays, but maybe next year.

Love to all of y'all!

Joey - Lacey & Levi!!!

4 months old & croupy

2009-12-03T21:49:00.007-07:00

Mr Levi turned 4 months old on December 2nd and did it with croup. :-(

He woke up December 1st sounding hoarse. He sounded so pitiful, but seemed okay. I fed him and put him back to bed.... I told his daddy that he didn't sound too good. He went to daycare that day and when I picked him up, Mrs Sheena said his cough sounded like a bark. I heard it on the way home & called the pediatricians office from the car. The nurse lady (Artis) started telling me all sorts of stuff to do then asked how far away I was from the office. Only 15 minutes was my reply. So she said we could come on in. I got Joey and away we went. I know she was only trying to educate me, but it gets kind of scary when they tell you all the things you need to be looking for. The Dr checked him over real good and said that he looked good, but yes - he has croup. Poor little man. He sounded so pitiful!

We went home and babied the baby. We sat with him in the bathroom a couple of times with the hot shower going big time. It was like being in a sauna. He was really sweet and just looked at us like "what's up with all this". Not fussy or anything. He had had a cool air humidifier in his room, but we switched it out for a warm air one to help with the breathing. He did have a little bit of a rough night, but we made it through just fine. We decided to keep him home on Wednesday. I got up, showered, dressed and left for work. I didn't get far. I thought - this is crazy, my son has croup & I have the ability to work from home - why am I going to work? So ... I turned the corner and just drove around the block and pulled back into our driveway. I did work from home. I had a presentation that I had to give the next day and I still needed to get it finished up. Basically, Joey watched our little sick man, I worked and fed him when he needed it. He did pretty good. He has a really a sweet disposition. It worries me sometimes because I am afraid that he won't really communicate when he is feeling badly, but most everyone reasures me that I'll know.

Last night after he laid down, I did too. I heard him on the monitor a couple hours later and just as I was getting up, Joey came in and told me to sleep - he would take care of him. He did too. he did a great job & I got some good rest. Joey is great how he helps out with our little man. I couldn't be happier with the two of them.

He went to daycare today and it was hard on me. I worried that something would happen and they wouldn't notice. But ... he was fine & when we picked him up, he was his same sweet self. Tonight (Thursday) he was doing his little talking thing and he didn't sound as raspy and hoarse, so I think he is on the mend. He is a little conjested, so we are still doing the saline little noses spray.

So for now - he is doing okay. He is 4 months old and still a little croupy, but seems happy.

We are scheduled to go to the Dr for his 4 month checkup and shots on Saturday. I think he will be well enough to go. We are excited to see how much he's grown & if he can start rice cereal or not. He has started really paying attention to us when we eat or drink, so he might be ready for a little something more than Mommas Milk.

Here's a picture of him today... look how dang cute he is.

Love from the Hardwicks!!!

It is finished!

2009-11-29T16:14:00.007-07:00

So - A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that my quilting juices were dried up.... Well, yesterday, I told Joey I was going to get Levi's quilt done before I go back to work on Monday. Yesterday, I looked up how to bind a quilt online & found a couple of really good blog pages that laid it out real well. I started trying to do it yesterday, but the original light green satin fabric that I was going to use was toooooo difficult to work with. So Joey suggested I use some black/white checkerboard material that I had. I didn't even think twice.... just about every baby toy has black and white on it somewhere so it just seemed appropriate to do! This morning I let Joey sleep in a little and Levi and I came down stairs and started working on it. I cut the material into two strips & then once Levi was sleeping, I pressed it and got it all ready. Later, once Joey was awake I got to doing the rest of it. Joey worked on the Christmas lights and I worked on the binding. We set up the little box thing that Levi does so well in & he hung out with Mommy while Daddy did the outside stuff. He played real well for a while then fell asleep. I got it just about all the way done, then he woke up. Joey played with him for a while so I could finish it up.
I am super pleased with how it turned out.
I took a little quilting class this past spring & the design is called a split rail. We didn't know if we were having a boy or girl at the time, so I tried to find neutral fabrics, but once I got it all put together, it seemed a little on the famine side... So putting the b/w checkerboard seems to BOY it up good! & Let's not forget the quilting I put into it. For the squares, I just quilted straight lines, but on the boarder I quilted cars & trucks on two sides and flames on the other two sides.
I still have to label Levi's quilt. That will require me writing on a piece of fabric something like for Levi George Hardwick, hand quilted with love by your Momma - finished 11/2009. Then apply it to the back.
Here is a picture or two or four of it. :-)

As you can see in some of the pictures, Joey had the Christmas lights out. He was able to get the Christmas lights up on the outside of the house today. He did a great job. Here is a picture or two of his work!...

We also had a great Thanksgiving this year. John & Jess invited us over to their place for dinner with their families. We got to meet Abby (Jess' daughter) & both sets of their parents - all real nice people. It was great. We had turkey, stuffin and all the other fixens. Levi was very good & the timing was perfect that he was asleep when it was time for us to eat. We had him looking real cute, but forgot to take a picture! While it was wonderful to spend the holiday with friends, it wasn't like being back home in Pensacola. I commented, that if we had been at one of our parents house a nap would have definitely followed dinner! But it was good & we are thankful to have a good group of friends here.

Friday after Thanksgiving it was in the 60's and a beautiful day, so we loaded Levi and the stroller up and went for a nice walk around the lake at Clement Park. Levi was asleep for most of it, but it was nice to get out in the fresh air!

Levi turns 4 months old on Wednesday & goes for his 4 month checkup on Saturday. We'll post again with his stats after weigh in on Saturday! Also - we'll see if he can start eating something besides milk at that time too!

Here's some random photos from the last couple of weeks... He is 17 weeks old today.
One in a highchair that is still to big for him... but he doesn't seem to mind sitting in it from time to time... another in his "toy box" & another taken during a "tummy time" moment.

Okay - so that's it for now. He's ready to eat.

We love all y'all & we miss you too. Wish we could be home during the Holidays, but we'll make it before too much longer.

On a quick - little different note - Both of our Dads are not in the best of shape these days. Mine is in the hospital right now & Joey's has a mix of good and bad days. Prayers are good.

Love & kisses from the Hardwicks! --- J, L & L

Grocery store story

2009-11-21T16:29:00.002-07:00

Hello all,

This was too sweet not to share. Yesterday, Joey & I picked Levi up from daycare and decided to make a quick run to the grocery store. We think it was his first time in the grocery store (he's been to walmart, but that isn't the same).
At any rate, we stop by the deli and Joey picked up some chicken for dinner, while he was waiting he suggested that Levi and I go ahead and pick up some salad. We are making our way down the produce section and this little old man asks me what I have there in my buggy.... I tell him - I have a sweet bundle of joy. He asks if he can see him. I say sure! This man and his wife stop and visit with Levi. They were a very cute and sweet older couple. We were trying to get Levi to look at them, but he had his eyes on something else... Finally I turn his head and he looks at them. The man asks if he can talk to Levi - he says to me "I am not a preacher, just a grandpa" then he leans in and talks real sweet to Levi, he says "I pray that you will grow up happy, healthy and strong and when you are big enough that you will pray for peace in this world"... Levi then smiled the prettiest smile. At this time, Joey walks up and we all visit for a minute. The man tells us he is 87 years old and has lived a good life but he worries about the state of the world today. This encounter really made our day. We wish that we had gotten their names so we could keep in touch with them and take Levi to seem them every once and a while. Maybe we will run into them again in the produce isle!

So I close this with a prayer that all of you are Happy & Healthy and that we'll all pray for peace in this world.
Thanksgiving is next week. Take time to really appreciate those around you (family and friends).
Love, love & Love

Dirty hands...

2009-11-16T19:30:00.006-07:00

Well... A lot has been going on over the last couple of weeks.
Joey had a little cold or something for a couple of days, then I caught it and held on to it for way too long. I am just now getting to feeling pretty good again.

Little Levi got it too... just a little it seems. Beginning Thursday night he started waking up in the middle of the night again - he's still doing it - we think maybe he is either going through a growing spurt or his little cold is bothering him. On Thursday too, his left eye starting weeping a little. On Saturday I took him to the pediatrician and he gave us some drops for his eye. It already looks a ton better (it was never bad). He also got weighed and he weighed in at 14 lbs 8 1/2 oz (with clothes on). He's been a little stuffy too. We got a humidifier a couple of weeks ago and I think it helps.

Levi has been talking up a storm lately. He just goes on and on saying stuff and we think it is pretty important. He really raises his voice sometimes to make sure we are paying attention. He really is growing. Daddy (Joey) has been showing him how to roll over from his back to his tummy and then have some tummy time. He's stays propped up on his elbows pretty good and looks around. He checks out the other baby in the mirror too! ;-) He hasn't figured out how to push himself up with his hands, but that will come in time.

Last Monday Levi came home with a dirty hand. I was feeding him, checking him over like I do & noticed his finger nails were dirty. I was a little perturbed. I thought what in the world did daycare let him get in to. He's a baby! He shouldn't be getting dirty yet!!!. It was in the cracks of his nails where the nail meets the finger. I told Joey I was really tempted to call the daycare to find out what it was.... I was thinking poop or something (ick). Joey told me not to call and to quit worrying... just to let it go. Well... the next day, I go to pick him up & one of the girls says to me "want to see one of the cutest things ever" - I think to myself --- hey lady - I'm holding him! :) ... but really, she shows me a little turkey that they had made the day before! It's his little hand and it's painted brown. It was precious! I told her ... oh that's why his hand was all dirty. They appologized and I learned a lesson. Try not to panic and think the worse. Also - you never know what kind of suprise is waiting for you - so just take it easy & if it isn't hurting him, don't stress over it! That is his first little art project and once they are done with it at the daycare - you can bet it is going to go on our fridge!

We did a little 3 month photo shoot a couple of weeks ago too... here's just one of the pictures ...
enjoy :)

On to other news. Joey got laid off this past Thursday. Crescent had to down size and he and some others were the casulty of it. Joey is working on staying positive. He has already filed for unemployment, made some contacts and distributed some resumes. Things will work out just as they should and we will be just fine.

Well... my head hurts a little Levi is waking up from a little nap. Maybe he'll sleep through the night tonight (like he used to).

We love y'all...

Lacey & Joey & Levi too!!!!

3 months old

2009-11-08T20:00:00.005-07:00

My blogging juices are dried up, much like my quilting juice! I started a quilt for Levi many months ago. Just a couple of weeks ago, I finally got all the quilting done on it. Now it sits, waiting for me to sew the boarder on. Boarders are tough for me anyway ... and I am wanting to put a satin boarder on this one, so I am scared of it! Anyway... I will be tackling it soon. I want him to have it before he turns a year old! :)

By the way ... Last Monday he celebrated his 3 month birthday. We went the day before and got pictures of him taken. He did really well. He smiled pretty for the camera and we bought way too many pictures. I'm sure you'll be getting one in your Christmas card!

Levi is still sleeping through the night, most nights. He seems to be well adjusted to day care. Most of the time, he comes home in a good mood & he is always good for Daddy in the mornings.

He was a little m&m for Halloween! Thanks Aunt Tammie for the outfit. He looked just too cute. We didn't take him trick or treating even though Joey wanted to stock up on some candy. Maybe next year.

Levi went to his first birthday party yesterday. It was his buddy Ian's 1st birthday. Levi's timing was such that he was eating when Ian was doing the cake thing so he missed it - but we all had a great time. Mrs Bethany & Mr John (Ians parents) are great people and we always enjoy their company. Levi got Ian a Tow Mater truck that says "well dag gum!"... it was a hit! :)

Here's a smattering of pictures over the last couple of weeks.

We love and miss all of you!

Week one at Daycare

2009-10-16T14:15:00.002-06:00

Hello -
it's Friday. Our little man has made it through his first week at daycare. (Actually, I haven't picked him up yet, but I did check in on him at lunch time!) I had a rough first couple of days. Joey has dropped him off everyday & I have picked him up. The first day, I couldn't stand it... I went by there about 11:30 to check on him. He was being held by Mrs Sheena and he looked so sweet. He was being a great little boy. I was a crying mess! I did call everyday just to check in and see when he ate last. I had a few days of crying and worrying, but slowly, I got somewhat okay with him being somewhere other than with me. I don't guess that is really true, but I have to let go in order to keep my sanity at work!

He has made some real progress this week... We finally quit keeping socks on his hands ALL the time! We do still do it at night, because I don't want him scratching himself in his sleep! I don't know if it's coincidental or not, but he is really starting to use his hands more. He looks at his hands and watches what they are doing. I don't know if he really realizes that he is in control of them or not! He is getting good at grabbing our fingers and will hold a finger in one hand and a pinkie in the other. He holds his rattle thing & pacifier really well too... It's neat to watch him as he discovers this new ability.

Joey really enjoys his time with Levi in the mornings... says he wakes up in a good mood most days and they spend time talking and getting ready for "school". And, I can't wait to pick him up in the afternoon. He is usually sleeping, but one time ... I walked into him screaming. It wasn't awful though. Quite funny actually. Mrs Sheena had him on the changing table and he wasn't happy. He had just pooped on her twice (I've been there!) & gone through all the spare clothes that we had provided. She was trying to put him in some other spare clothes that they had and he just wasn't happy about it... I don't blame him - He was being put into some strangers clothes. Anyway - it was funny to me. :)

I miss being able to take pictures of him every time he looks cute to me (which is all the dang time!). I would take them with my iPhone and send them to Daddy with sweet little notes. I miss that & I'm sure Joey does too.

It's almost time for me to go get our little man. It has been real hard not to go get him sooner today since I was working from home, but I had some real work that I needed to get done!

I've got to go get our little man so that he is here when Daddy gets home!

1st Anniversary, Grannie Faye visit & 1st day at day care

2009-10-11T20:40:00.004-06:00

Hello All,

Joey & I celebrated our 1st year anniversary last Sunday (10/4). Joey wore his wedding shirt... I couldn't fit in my wedding dress ... maybe next year. We went to Bonefish Grill and had a fabulous dinner. It was nice to be able to talk to each other without any interruption. We talked about the past year and our future. We can't wait to see what is in store for us!

Grannie Faye was in town this past week and it was a great visit. She did an excellent job watching her grandson while I went back to work for the first time. This really helped to ease my anxiety about leaving him! I don't know how she did it, but she managed to take excellent care of Levi & spruce up our house quite a bit! (Thanks Grannie Faye)

My first week at work wasn't terrible. I still have way too many emails in my inbox (over 500), but I will manage to catch up soon.

Joey put little Levi in his walker for the first time the other day ... It is still too big for him, but it was very cute...

Since we had someone in the house with us, we decided it was time to get a "family photo" ... Grannie Faye did an excellent job... Here's just one.

Now tomorrow is a different story. Tomorrow, Levi goes to stay with strangers for the first time. I shouldn't say strangers... He'll be staying at a day care not far from our house. We spent today getting all the supplies he'll need together. Joey will be dropping him off in the morning & I will be picking him up. Levi wrote a little note to the daycare workers to let them know what his "routine" is like. Hope they take good care of him!

We love all of y'all. Levi is stirring & hungry, so I must go...

Love, love, love

Levi - 2 month checkup

2009-10-05T21:49:00.003-06:00

Hello Everyone!

Levi had his 2 month checkup today & he did well.

The nurse checked his weight, length & head circumference.
He weighed in at 12 lbs (60%) - he has gained over 4 pounds since being born.
He measured 24 1/2" long (90%) - he has grown 3 1/2 inches!
&
His head circumference was 16 cm (70%) - he has a big head like his daddy!
Hopefully he will grow up to be a big boy and play some football for his daddy.

now on for the painful stuff...
He had his 2 month shots - 2 in each leg. I held his arms while the nurses counted down and poked him at the same time. Oh man ... did he let out some screams. Joey & I just looked at each other. Levi actually produced his first tears over those shots. Once we were able to hold him and comfort him he was just fine.
see...
Now ... he definitely was a little more cranky today than normal. I think he was still feeling some definite pain in his legs. Momma is here with us in Denver this week and together we tried to keep him happy the rest of the day. When Joey got home, it was his turn.

Right now he is asleep (or trying to sleep) in his crib.
I have to go back to work tomorrow, so I really need to be trying to sleep too!

Love and kisses to everyone in Pensacola.

How YOU doin?

2009-10-01T09:22:00.003-06:00

This is our little man --- propped up on the sofa. He is growing and growing every day. I must take a dozen pictures with my phone everyday.

Tomorrow is Levi's 2 month birthday. It's crazy to think about how quickly the time has flown by. I'll be going back to work next week - so my Momma (Grannie Faye) is coming in to town to watch him for a week. This way, we don't have to leave him at day care so soon. When he does get to day care he will be 10 weeks old. I have worries about them not paying enough attention to him, but there are plenty of adults out there that grew up in day care and they are functioning just fine (I think!).

We go for Levi's 2 month check up on Monday. They will be giving him some of his shots then. I have some anxiety about that, but I'm sure all will be fine. I will be working from home that day, so that I can help my Momma if he is a little fussy. Wouldn't want her first day home alone with him to be a rough one.

Sunday is mine & Joey's (proper English - I don't know...) 1 year wedding anniversary. We plan on going to dinner. I feel so blessed to have found this wonderful man to spend my life with and to be raising our son with. God put us together and I am thankful for that. I look forward to each day with the two wonderful men in my life. I look forward to seeing how Levi turns out ... he has a great role model in his Daddy for how to see life in a positive light, how to love & and how to live.

Levi is waking up now - from a little mini nap (wish they were longer). I must be going.

Love and Kisses to all in Pensacola. We miss you ... wish you could see this little man sooner. I think we will be making it back home to Pensacola in the Spring time.

First Real Bath

2009-09-25T17:35:00.004-06:00

As mentioned in my previous post ... Levi had his first bath a week or so ago. Here are some cute pictures from the event!!! Enjoy...

Love and Kisses from Team Hardwick

7 hours!

2009-09-24T16:50:00.003-06:00

Hi everyone!!!

Night before last, Mr Levi slept a little over 7 hours, then last night he slept very close to 8! Crazy stuff. He is just over 7 weeks old. This is how happy he was about his sleep today...

We all send our love

picture was taken with my phone, so it is a little blurry when you click on it.

Levi Update

2009-09-17T15:40:00.018-06:00

First Dr Visit - Aug 6th
Hanging out with Dad - Aug 7th - 5 days old
Aug 8th - sleeping on Daddy
Aug 28th - almost 4 weeks old
Aug 30th - 4 weeks old!
Aug 31st - we keep socks on his hands a lot of the time - at least when he is sleeping so that he doesn't tear his sweet little face up!
Sept 15 - 6 weeks - showing off his flame vans that Uncle Michael got him - he looks especially long in this shot.

Hello All,

It has been a while since I posted - I apologize for that. I have to say that when I think about blogging (because Levi is asleep) he starts stirring - just like he is now.
I will do my best to update you on how Levi is doing and also share some of the thoughts I have had in the past 6 1/2 weeks. Levi is almost 7 weeks old now. (he'll be seven weeks on Sunday the 20th).

Life is good and is even better now that we have this little miracle in our lives. Every day is something new. I have been trying to write down little things as I think of them, but it's tough, cause it is usually when I am breast feeding!

Here are some random things....
- He started sleeping about 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 hours at about 5 weeks - not consistently though. I guess he thinks he is a big boy now and doesn't need to eat every 2 1/2 hours at night! The first time it happened, it worried me... I was tempted to go wake him up (because I was up!!), but I didn't and now his long stretches are getting longer.

-Levi started sleeping in his own room and crib within a week of bringing him home I think. I know it was before Grannie Faye came to visit. He slept in a pack and play in the room with us, but we could hear everything and it was hard for us to get sleep. He transitioned just fine into his own room and crib. The monitor we have is great. We can wake up in the night and see him and know that he is okay!

- He lost most of his umbilical cord on his 5 week birthday(Sunday) ... but not all of it. This was a concern for me because what was left seemed to be oozing a little. Not much at all, but I still took Mr. Levi to the Dr. on Wednesday. What was left was barely hanging on, so the Dr went ahead and removed it (with my permission --- we wanted to be able to bathe this boy sometime!)
When the Dr removed the rest, he noticed a little red area in his navel. This was an umbilical granuloma (collection of cells) and needed a little treatment. The treatment consisted of silver nitrate. The Dr explained that it would turn gray so not to be alarmed. Well the next day Joey and I washed it with soap and water like we were supposed to, but there was still some discoloration around his navel. This wasn't washing off and it really concerned me. Well, by the time Friday rolled around, I was good an anxious about it and packed little Levi up to go back to the Dr (the physician assistant told us to come in!). Anyway... the other Dr said that this wasn't anything to worry about - that it would EVENTUALLY wear off. What! ---
Well I talked to my Mom about it and she wasn't loving the idea of it, but Uncle Michael shared with her that they used Silver Nitrate on the oil rigs and that it doesn't take that long to wear off. It is already almost gone ... worried for nothing!

- We play at "Hanks Garage" most every day. This is a little play thing that his 2nd Cousin Autumn gave him & he seems to like it - most of the time! --- we also do a little bit of "tummy time" ... this is meant to build up his neck (and arm muscles eventually). He can turn his head from side to side just fine.

-We were reluctant to give him a pacifier ... but there was one night that he just wasn't going to sleep. We think that he had gotten over tired and was fighting sleep. So we tried everything we knew to do, then Joey suggests the pacifier.... eeewww... I don't know ... I don't want him to get addicted!... Well - we did use it and it worked & I don't think he is addicted. We use it every once in a while when it really seems like nothing else will work.

-When Levi was born -- he looked a lot like a little old man.
He was kind of skinny and wrinkly. Well ... he is starting to plump up a little. He is still long and lean, but his legs are getting that little extra bit of plump that we all love in babies.

-There have been times when I have sang Hush Little Baby about 40 times in a row ... I also sing some Toby Keith songs (Baddest Boots, Big Ol Truck & Blue Moon)

-Joey figured out that Levi likes music... One night when we were having a time with him going to sleep and the pacifier wasn't cutting it, Joey brought him down into the den and cranked up the country music channel... Joey propped him up on himself and some blankets… we listened to country music TV and we sang along. This seemed to soothe him. It was funny – there was a time when Joey started laughing & I asked him --- are you delirious? He said no --- Mommy needs a karaoke machine (I was getting all the words wrong!) --- it was very cute and we had a good laugh over it. It worked! Mr Levi got relaxed and was able to get to sleep.

-Joey is a great Dad - he helps me out all the time & loves Levi to pieces. He takes extra time with him when he changes his diapers to play with him. He talks to him a lot & shows and tells him how to spell his name. He gets Levi cooing big time - it is such a sweet scene to walk in on. He also helps out big time on those evenings when Levi doesn't really want to go to sleep just yet. We take turns trying to figure out what will make Mr Levi happy. He also lays down in Levi's room when I am feeding him and just hangs out with us. It's nice to have Daddy in the room with us.
Aug 5th - 3 days old Sept 6th - 5 weeks old - loving his Daddy! Sept 12 - just shy of 6 weeks old.

-Last Sunday, Joey really encouraged me to get out of the house for a bit so that he and Levi could have "man" day... So I did. I went to a movie and had a nice time - unfortunately, I got a little funky when I got home - I think I felt guilty for going off. It only lasted a little bit & I really appreciated my husband for giving me some time to myself.

-There are times when I think I am all business with Levi - you know change his diapers, feed him, lay him down to nap... but really - I know I am not.

-Joey and I have had dinner together on most nights since Levi was born. I thought we wouldn't be able to, but I think there has been only a night or two that we couldn't. It's nice to continue to share time together.

-Levi & I have gone to see Daddy for lunch a couple of times and he does really well on on those outings.

-Levi had his first real bath last night. We had to wait until the umbilical cord had fallen off & we just got the okay from the Dr yesterday. The bath was fun! At first - Levi didn't know what to think of it - but he got to liking it pretty quick. Joey did the washing and I did the drying. Levi's little behind got stuck to the tub thing so we learned that next time we need to put a little wash cloth under his bottom. Levi is a trooper & he slept like a baby ;)

-I wrote a lot about nights when Levi wouldn't go to sleep ... made it sound like it was often. I think there have been a handful days in total. Not bad!

-He's had a few visitors & several neighbors and friends have brought over meals for us. We are very thankful to have had those meals. Joey probably wouldn't get to eat if not for them. I tried this website that had a meal for 8 weeks and the recipies... I did it for a total of 4 days. I just really am not a cooker. I better get it together though, because little Levi won't be breastfeeding forever! The visits have been wonderful too. We also went over to John & Jess's house one Saturday. That was his first outing like that (we were gone for 6 hours) & he did great!!!

-Levi lived in these little white onesies for a long time, but now he is starting to wear some of the cute outfits that we received. He can wear 3 month old clothes now! They are a little big on him, but dang he's cute!

-Momma & I went to a garage sale while she was here and we saw a radio flier bicycle with training wheels... Of course we had to pick it up! - Levi will be on it before too long!

-I just read him this blog and it put him to sleep - hope it doesn't do the same for y'all!!!

We love and miss all of you in Pensacola!!! Love to the Grannies(Linda Faye & Mary), Great Grannie Dorothy & Pa

I know I have missed a ton of things ... but I'll try to do better. Thanks for reading.

Levi George - born 8/2/09

2009-08-12T12:12:00.006-06:00

Today - Levi is 10 days old ... I wanted to try to write down the story of when Levi was born & the things we felt leading up to, during and after his birth... (this is going to be a long one) *** When I started this - Levi was 10 days old - I didn't finish it until today - he is 3 weeks and 1 day today. -- It is random and not as packed with how we were feeling and what we were thinking as I had hoped it would be.

On Saturday, August 1st, I woke up wanting to go to the Waffle House for breakfast. Joey, being the wonderful husband that he is, was up for it, so we got dressed and ready to go. As I got to the bottom of the stairs I started peeing my pants and I couldn't stop it! I ran back up the stairs to the rest room telling Joey that I couldn't stop it, I couldn't stop it!!! Joey came up asking if my water had broken. I wasn't sure so I just put on some more pants and said we'll see. We waited around the house for a bit and I was still leaking some. We called the on call Dr and she wasn't convinced, since I wasn't having contractions. So -- off to the Waffle House we went.

We had a good breakfast, but things were still a little "messy" so instead of going to the BMX picnic and swap meet we went ahead and went back home. It wasn't obvious that if my water had broken so I just rested on the sofa. Joey mowed the yard and about 7 pm I decided to call the Dr again, explaining that I think that it really had broken - still no contractions! She said to go on to the hospital - so off we went.

Walking to the car, I told Joey to be prepared that this probably was a false alarm and he said to just look at it like a practice run if that is what it turned out to be. But... it could be real! We stopped at Mc Donalds for a little dinner because we had been told that once you get to the hospital ... no food for you! After visiting the drive through, we called our parents just to let them know what was going on. They were very excited, but I reminded them, that it could be just a leaky bladder!

We got to the hospital about 8:15 pm and was told to get in a robe. I just expected a little exam, but they get you all the way ready... just in case. We were set up in a labor and delivery room then the nurse did her test of my fluid. She said ... It's looking positive. I think my eyes must have been the size of saucers. I believe I said something like "really - positive - my water broke". She said "yes". Oh wow!!! Joey and I were totally excited and glad we brought everything!

The only problem with all of this, is that I wasn't having contractions and there wasn't any signs of softening or dilation. So they were going to have to give me something to help with all that. They did and we called our parents again to let them know that they would have a grandson by sometime on Sunday!

We then tried to get some rest. I think rest is a four letter word to the hospital! They just wont let you do it! Not to mention, Joey and I realized that it wasn't a practice run and the next time we went home, it would be with our little baby boy. Oh the love and excitement we felt.

I don't remember the times for everything --- more just the sequence of events.

I think late Saturday night they inserted something that was to help get things softened up. Then early early Sunday they started me on Petosin (used to help encourage contractions). I then started having contractions. They weren't much to speak of at first ( just mild cramps), but by about 3:30 or 4 in the morning, I started really feeling them and was focusing on a spot on a tray by my bed. At one point they measured and I was only about a centimeter dilated and I remember thinking - oh goodness - will our baby get here before the end of Sunday.

I breathed through some pretty rough contractions for about 2 hours. Breathing, looking a Joey and staring at the green visitor sticker on his shirt. I remember the one nurse making me feel like I was being wimpy by asking about an epidural. She reminded me that I had only measured at 1 cm (but really how long ago had that been???). The contractions were about 2 minutes apart most of the time & lasting about 30 to 45 seconds. They weren't killing me - so - I kept on. Joey was great during all of this. I know it must have really hurt him to see me in the pain I was in. To get up and go to the restroom was tough! Finally about 10:30 ish a nurse came in that said I didn't have to be in pain, so we agreed to get the epidural done. Within about 30 minutes the man was there to do the job.

The paperwork for the epidural was scary, but all things have their risks and they have to tell you the most remote of possibilities. The man that did it was very nice & explained everything that he was going to do. I had to sit on the edge of the bed and Joey & a nurse held my legs as I bent over a pillow. It was imperative that I not move, even when the next contractions came. This was an uncomfortable position to be in, but there was no way I was going to move. The procedure didn't hurt & it went really well.

Oh goodness --- what a difference! There was almost instant relief. I was able to have a contraction, yet not stress over it coming. They measured right after the epidural and I was at 3 to 4 cm. So - that wasn't too bad of timing for getting the epidural after all! Progress!!

The afternoon went on. I encouraged Joey to go get some lunch & I proceeded with trying to get some of that 4 letter word that the hospital encourages you to get, but wont allow you to have. When Joey got back he tried to do the same.

Oh - The one nurse we had - we weren't loving too much so we were glad when she let us know that another would be taking over since she had another patient getting close to delivering. The new nurse, we liked a lot and she made us feel like she cared about us!! She checked in on us regularly and kept an eye on Levi's vitals. At one point she explained that when I would have a contraction that the baby's heart rate would drop but then quickly recover. They weren't super concerned but kept a close eye on it.

She would move me from side to side every 45 minutes or so. This is because an epidural will gravitate to one point, so we had to keep me moving. Seems like the baby was more happy when I was on my left side, so I did stay there most of the time.

I think around 2, they measured again and I was at 6cm! Yay --- more progress and no pain!

At some point they decided to put a monitor inside with the baby so the could better monitor how he was doing, the strength of my contractions & also use it as a pump to put more fluid back where he was living. After all, it had been more than 24 hours since my water broke.

Around 5, I think - she explained that I was having some very strong contractions and measured again. I was at 9 1/2 cm!!! (10 was were we needed to be to have a baby!!). She said to me " we are going to have this baby before I go home at 7!) Mercy! The excitement I felt. I couldn't believe this was actually happening. You know - you get pregnant, are pregnant for 9 months, yet it doesn't feel "real". It really is something! I asked if we needed to wake Joey up. Not yet.

She explained that when it felt like I had to have a BM all the time - not just during contractions - then we would be ready to go.

About 5:15 - Joey was awake now - and we were talking about how this is really going to happen! About 5:30 - I told the nurse that the urge was there!

Somewhere in all of this, they had let the Dr know my status. Around 5:45 the nurse said okay - we are gong to try to push to see how you'll do. She then told Joey that she needed his help. We both thought she needed him to get something for her - but the help she needed was much more than that! She asked him to hold my foot against his chest like she was doing & then gave my my instructions ... To take a deep breath hold it for 10 then repeat 3 times thought he contraction. Joey did great & I did my part. She measured and the baby's head was right there!!!

Oh wow! So then it was on! It was just the 3 of us for about 30 minutes or so. Joey would tap my leg for the counts of 10 and I focused on a red switch straight ahead of me. Joey could see the head and all the hair that he had. I could feel the contractions coming and I would let them know. Then we would push. It was hard for me to get through the 3rd set of 10 - but I gave it all I had! I felt quite a bit of it, but nothing like what it could have been.

Then the Dr came in, saw where we were with the progress and got cleaned up. They started "breaking the bed" getting ready for this miracle to arrive. In the mean time, I continued pushing.

Over all, the pushing lasted about an hour. There was one point where in the middle of everything, I realized I could see part of his head in the visor thing that the Dr had on. How strange to see. I then started pushing continuously, contractions or not, because it was time for little Levi to be here. Once his little head was out - they noticed that the cord was around his neck - (this explained the changes in his heart rate when I would have contractions) They were able to get it out from around his neck then his little body came out easy! whew! 6:49 pm on 8/2/09

They took him right away to have the NICU nurses examine and suction (I didn't mention it earlier, but there was merconium - so they wanted to make sure that he didn't ingest it). He was doing fine! I could hear him and it was amazing. I think Joey just said Wow & I said "we did it!" They finished up with me and Levi & then Joey handed him to me to hold. Oh how sweet. I'll never be able to explain the joy and love I felt. He had the prettiest face and his hands were so white! He weighed in at 7 lbs 10.5 oz and 21 inches long. Healthy!

I tell you... throughout my pregnancy, I always thought that a cecarian(sp) was in my future. I never really talked about it, but I thought there would be some "complication" or that I just wouldn't be able to do it the other way. But I was able to and I am so glad for it.

We took pictures and called our parents again to let them know they were grandparents (one for the first time and others again). My momma (grannie faye) thought that the crying she heard was Joey messing with her. Once she realized it was her grandson, I don't think she could stand it - she wanted to be here that minute. I don't think I actually talked to Joeys parents the day that Levi was born, but his Momma (grannie mary) left me a voice mail within the next few days that was very sweet - she was thanking me for having Levi.

I haven't been able to recall or capture all the conversations we had during that weekend, but I do know that there was so much love in that room. Joey was a great source of strength for me & we (Levi & I) are so very very blessed to have him in our life.

Yesterday Levi was 3 weeks old. Joey and I finally watched the video of Levi's birth --- commentary on that will have to be on another post.

I know this was long & I apologize for that - but I wanted to get what I could remember down, before I forgot it!

We love all of you & miss you. Wish we could be home in Pensacola for all of our family and friends to meet this sweet little angel. We will make it home as soon as we can.

Love love love --- Team Hardwick (Joey, Lacey & Levi)
We love you Levi

WOW!!!! our new member of team Hardwick!! Levi George.

2009-08-03T12:31:00.002-06:00

Our little man was born on 8/2/09 at 7:00pm and he was 7lbs 11oz and 21in long. Lacey is so awesome!! She handled the whole thing very well. I am so proud and Lucky to have a great woman like her. (Levi is too)

I only have a few minutes to put this up because I just ran home to get it ready, and pick up a few things.

Lacey and Levi are resting good and are doing great.

We are at Rose Hospital in Denver, Co room # 358 on the 3rd floor. We will be coming home I think Tuesday evening.

Well I am going to get back to the Hospital. We will put up some more when we get a chance.

Thanks for all your well wishes and prayers!!

past due

2009-07-30T19:09:00.003-06:00

No ... not talking about bills! :) Past due, would be what our son is. But it is all okay!

I went into work today, just like I have everyday of my pregnancy. I have been feeling well & felt fine & figured I could work right up until labor starts. Well - today I had every other person asking me what was I doing there & for some reason, my emotions wouldn't stay in check so I decided to go back home and work from home the rest of the day and tomorrow. Working remotely really is the best option for me right now & probably for my peers. This creates less stress for them - worrying that I am going to go into labor at work and wondering if they would be able to get me home or to the hospital in time. :) I work with some wonderful people!

Joey & I had our 40 week checkup today with the Dr & it went very well. The Dr did all her checks and she was very pleased with how healthy he is. Evidently they have 4 different things they check that are worth 2 points a piece and our little guy got all 8 points! All ready a star. The 4 things were
1 - the fluid - there was still plenty surrounding him
2 - placenta - still in good shape
3 - finger / hand movement - moving good &
4 - practice breathing - she said that normally this isn't one that they can capture (because they typically do it for a bout 30 seconds every half hour or so), but our little man was showing out today. The Dr was really pleased... We could see his little ribs moving in and out --- he was practicing like a champ!
All of this really gave me, Joey & the Dr the reassurance we needed that little Levi is doing just fine. Evidently he is fairly happy living inside my belly! His heart rate was good too --- about 144 beats a minute.

So - since there aren't any signs of labor at this point, we did make a "plan" to induce if needed. That will be on the evening of August 5th - but that's just in case. He could very well decide to come at any point between now an then. Also the 5th is not definite. If on the 5th, we are thinking that we don't want to induce, then we can do another check up and see how things are looking and possibly wait a little bit longer. But - we feel like he will be sometime between now and then.

Joey is on the phone right now with a Wayne Dog (a friend of his in Pensacola) & he just said "I'm ready for him to be here, looking at us, checking everything out!" Joey is the coolest man I know. I cannot express what a great support and source of encouragement he is.
Speaking of Wayne Dog - Joey says Wayne is loving his new position & we are very proud of him on making the move to take care of his family.

Back to us... :) (because it is all about us - ya know!) Here we are - just relaxing - loving each other & waiting. But like I said - meeting with the Dr today gave us some of the reassurance we needed to know that Levi is doing well.

Sending all our love to our Family in Pensacola - we love & miss you!

(no pictures this time either --- Joey did take some of me yesterday at 40 weeks... Maybe I'll post one this weekend! )

no new news

2009-07-26T17:14:00.003-06:00

Hello All,

Well, it seems that little Levi is all settled in and comfy inside my belly. I went to the Dr this past Friday for the 39 week checkup. No new progress. She reminded me that with the first child I could very well go past my due date. This was a little discouraging, but I understand it, none the less. I really haven't been uncomfortable, so it isn't a matter wanting to get him out of me. I believe I will miss having him there. .. .. It's more of a matter that we are excited to meet our son.

If Levi hasn't made his appearance into this world by the 3oth (our due date is the 29th), we will have our 40 week checkup then. Joey will go with me to this visit --- the Dr will check the fluids and measure and all that stuff. If everything is okay - then we will just wait another week.

Until then - we will let nature take it's course. I know everyone is excited and curious to know when Levi is going to come & I guess I have to say that your guess is as good as ours. I have let go of the countdown because it is just too hard. Just taking it each day at a time & loving every minute of it.

All our love!

Lacey & Joey

10 days and counting

2009-07-19T19:41:00.014-06:00

Well... Here it is Sunday again ... today was my Momma's birthday & I wish I could have been in Pensacola to share it with her. Happy Birthday Momma - We love you to pieces!!!

We have had a great week and weekend. It was kind of busy weekend, but very good. Friday I went for my 38 week check up. All is good - still no signs of labor.

Saturday, we went out to Karen's house (I have worked with her for the last 6 or 7 years and she recently retired from Qwest). Each year she holds an "open garden"
She lets the public come and view her Day Lilly Garden -- I believe proceeds go to the Cat Care Society. She had over 4000 verities and it truly was amazing to see. Here are a couple of pictures from the day.

Here are a couple of cats that she has too... She has many!!!
This one looks like he is thinking "What are YOU looking at?"
This one just kills me...
Joey was really liking this cat. He never really moved ... Just hung out. Very cool.

Now here's a picture of us... Me with my full on 38 week and 2 day belly!!! --- it was pretty warm this day, but it couldn't have a better day for doing this sort of thing.

Next on our Saturday excursion, we decided since we were already out in the boonies that we would stop in and see John, Bethany & Ian. We just dropped in on them ... we are really happy they were home... Here's a picture of their cute little guy (Ian).... J & B hope it was okay to post this on OUR blog!!!
It's like he's saying "yeah, I guess I'll drive" --- he's too sweet. I think he is about as old as we are pregnant! A nice little buddy for Levi when he gets here.

Next - it was on to the R/C track. We haven't been there in a long time. But since we were on that side of town, it was nice to drop in. Here's a picture Joey took from the drivers stand.
Next we went by a couples house that had a gift for Levi all the way from Nebraska. This lady that I have talked to only over the phone for the past 6 or 7 years had sent a gift for Levi. How sweet... Thanks Kathy!

We then proceeded to have a late lunch and go home and work our butts off. I worked in the basement on filing a couple of large stacks of papers that we had accumulated (not nesting... just doing some stuff that needed to be done) Joey worked in the garage and got his 1971 Honda CB350 motorcycle runnin' I have video of him on it, but don't know how to post it here. --- well - let me take that back. Joey just showed me how! Thanks baby!!! Which reminds me. We purchased a video camera this past week & we have been having fun with it. We take little videos here and there and we always commentate like we are talking to little Levi.

Today, we got up, went to breakfast (yummy) then went to the book store. My cousin Autumn had recommended "On Becoming Baby Wise" So we picked it up. Thanks Autumn. We then went to see The Hangover. I am ashamed to say that I laughed out loud a lot!!! It really was very funny!

We came home and I read the first two chapters of the book out loud to Joey. He paid good attention & was able to answer the questions at the end of each chapter! I've got a great husband - for sure!!!

Later, we went to Walmart and bought some groceries that I hope will last a little while. We got some things that will be easy to prepare for when our little bundle decides to make his entrance into this world and come home!!! Joey made a fabulous dinner of baked chicken, grean beans and stuffing! I really appreciated him taking on dinner as I was really tired from a long weekend of going and going!

I am just so thankful that I am still able to go. I know many women end up not being able to do much by this time. I do have swelling in my feet that doesn't go down at night anymore, but my blood pressure is good, so the swelling isn't a concern for my Dr. so not really a concern for me. As you could see from the picture of us above, I am pretty big these days, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I love feeling little Levi move inside my belly. He is gentle and sweet. I think I may miss it, but understand that he'll be outside for me to snuggle and love and then Joey can share in the goodness too. It is still exciting for Joey to feel my belly when Levi is moving. He talks to Levi pretty regular and I think it is amazing!

Oh!! Joey's Sister Tammie sent some pictures from the Family shower! Tammie - thanks so much. Here are a couple of those that she sent.
who knows what I am doing here ...
Here's me and Joey's Momma - Mary! I am looking at another camera I think!

Thanks Tammie - I really appreciate you sending all that you did! You are good to us!!!

Okay - so I have probably rambled enough & I am getting sleepy. Thanks to all for checking in on our blog! You should leave us a little note from time to time and let us know that someone checks this out!

Oh --- we will try to update this as soon as Levi comes so that everyone will know. But be patient with us, as we will all probably be exhausted!

We love and miss all of our family in Pensacola! -- Friends too! And for those of you in Colorado -- give us a call some time!

5/9/09 - Family/P'cola Shower (26 photos), by Lacey Hardwick

2009-07-05T20:09:00.002-06:00

http://www2.snapfish.com/fbshareredirect/p=26251246846123987/l=2378367013/g=106121896/redirectURL=share/otsi=SALBBL/AlbumID=1451108013/a=106121896_106121896/usercomments=I_xqd%20like%20to%20share%20my%20Snapfish%20photos%20with%20you.%20Once%20you%20have%20checked%20out%20my%20photos%20you%20can%20order%20prints%20and%20upload%20your%20own%20photos%20to%20share./counttext=26%20photos/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish

6/23/09 - Work Baby Shower (33 photos), by Lacey Hardwick

2009-07-05T20:02:00.004-06:00

Here's the link that I mentioned below... I am not so computer savvy - so I wasn't able to figure out how to put in directly in the post. Should be pretty simple, but wasn't working for me.
http://www2.snapfish.com/fbshareredirect/p=26251246845728441/l=2378364013/g=106121896/redirectURL=share/otsi=SALBBL/AlbumID=1448601013/a=106121896_106121896/usercomments=I_xqd%20like%20to%20share%20my%20Snapfish%20photos%20with%20you.%20Once%20you%20have%20checked%20out%20my%20photos%20you%20can%20order%20prints%20and%20upload%20your%20own%20photos%20to%20share./counttext=33%20photos/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish

Happy 4th & Levi Update

2009-07-05T18:41:00.010-06:00

Hey everybody!

I do hope that everyone had a fabulous 4th of July. We sure did. We were mostly lazy, but in the afternoon we grilled us up some burgers and corn on the cob and it was all de'lish!
Later in the evening we headed out ... going to the BMX track to get a view of the fireworks all around town. The BMX track has about the best view of downtown & other areas where fireworks might be displayed. First - we stopped at the icecream shop and got us some ice cream! Yummy ... next stop - BMX track. No go! The park was closed and no trespassing signs posted all over. Joey finally talked me into being willing to break the law and sneak in.... But first, we went to the conveience store right next door to get some water. As I was walking out, a police officer was walking in - I said "good morning" --- What! I was all paranoid! Joey knew that he was walking in and waited to see my face. I told him - no way, we are not going into that park now!!! I've always gotten caught any time I try to do anything wrong. Just doesn't pay! We just laughed and laughed. Probably one of those had to be there moments.

Anyway - we did end up finding a spot to see fireworks and it was very nice.

Last Wednesday was our 36 week mark. We went to the Dr & saw a little guy (LG) on the screen. No doubt about it - we have a boy coming! Dr says everything seems to be on track. The ultrasound estimated that he is at about 6 lbs 4 oz. It was so nice to see him. It helped to confirm what we thought as far as where he is in my belly (his temporary home). He is head down, and his little but in on the right side of my belly. He moves real regular ... when I am relaxing in the evening is when I notice him the most.

We have spent today being lazy again - except that we did get a list of things together that need to be packed for our hospital bags. Joey is packing his bag now. I have a few things in mine, but it isn't ready. We don't anticipate Levi coming early, but it never hurts to be prepared!!!

The Ladies at work had a baby shower for us on June 23rd - It was very nice. They did an Anne Geddes theme & a diaper cake. It was a very nice get together. I am posting a few pictures from it & then some from the shower that we had in Pensacola. I never really did post any pictures from the Pensacola one. I don't have great pictures from the Pensacola / Family shower, but this is what I have.

Then here is a link to the pictures from the work one.

Please click on the links and it should take you to my facebook photo albums.
My greatest and sincere thanks to everyone at both showers. I know that a ton of work went into putting them together & I loved everyone's company. Thanks to everyone, we are closer to being ready for Levi to get here.

Here's a picture of me at 35 weeks. I'm a little bigger than this today! As of today - we have 3 weeks and 3 days until our due date.
We love all y'all!

Goats, Owls & Levi

2009-06-20T20:35:00.008-06:00

We have a new pet in the back yard... :)

Here Joey is with it ---

& Me feeding it...

Joey Goating around...

We couldn't pass it up!

We had a good day today - went to a couple of yard sales, antique fair type of thing & a movie. Came home & I took a nap. Joey did some yard work and went for a nice bike ride Later we had dinner and went for a little walk. We saw an owl!!!... Here's a picture:
It isn't the best picture... You can click on it to see it better.

Oh & the other day, Joey saw a coyote right out back! Joey immediately turned the grill on and then tried to go catch it. Here he is - kind of scraggly... Not really worth eating.
We are doing well. The baby is growing and has turned to have his head down. We went for our 34 week check up yesterday & we were able to feel Levi's head! He moves real regular. He doesn't hurt me - it's nice knowing he is in there and doing okay.

That's it for now, my creative juices aren't flowing & I need to pay attention. We are watching WallE.

Joey turns 40

2009-06-14T13:50:00.009-06:00

Yep --- Joey's 40 now! We had a little get together at our home yesterday to celebrate his birthday, our new home and our new baby on the way.

Our home was full of friends old and new for a good portion of the day. I had to work quite a bit (unexpected) but we made the best of it and Joey is a most excellent host.

Thanks to all the people who were able to come and help us celebrate. We appreciate all the things you brought; your company, desserts and gifts for Joey & Levi. The party started at 2 & lasted into the evening. Last night as Joey and I were sitting back and relaxing we tried figuring out how many people showed up. We counted over 40 people including children. Our company came in waves, so we never had all here at the same time. It was very nice.

Last year, I made a cake for Joey. It had flames on it, similiar to those that are tatooed on his arms. Well I thought I would continue that theme and try to make a cake inspired by another of his tatoos. Here it is ...

Unfortunately - just like last year, the cake didn't really get eaten until after the party. There was so much good food and the people came in waves so it was never really the right time to do the cake thing. We did end up cutting the cake and shared with John & Jess... Over all - it was a great day & we were exhausted by the end of it.

Joey's off today doing the downhill mountain biking thing with John & I am just sittin back and relaxing. I just asked that he be especially careful today since he is older and has a little on one the way! :)

All is well and life is good!

Levi's Room

2009-05-31T12:38:00.008-06:00

Joey & I ordered the furniture for Levi's room two Fridays ago. (Thank you Grannie Linda) This past Friday night, they called us at 8:30 pm to let us know that it had arrived. Joey wanted to go pick it up then, I was tired and wanted to wait until daylight but his excitement got the better of me & we took off in Henry and picked it all up. When we got home - he unloaded it into the garage and put the crib box in the new room... We got up Saturday morning - went to a couple of yard sales then came back home and got busy working on the room...
It started off in pieces... But Team Hardwick got it put together and looking like a little boys room in no time. We still have some accessorizing to do, curtains to make & things like that, but that will be done soon. We'll keep you posted!

**remember .. you can always click on a picture to make it bigger. I made the pictures smaller this time so that I could fit more on the post!

It's been a while

2009-05-21T16:55:00.017-06:00

It really has been too long since we posted. So much has happened since the first of the year ... so fair warning ... this post is going to be long & kind of random!!! Please forgive me now.

I'm sure that plenty happened before March, but I'll pick up from there... The first of March, we put an offer in on our first home and we moved in April 19th. This was a big decision for us to make, but with the baby coming and the little bitty house that we were renting, it really was the right move to make (plus it has air conditioning!!!)
Here is a picture of what was going on during moving day...

We now live in Littleton, Colorado and we love our home. It feels cozy comfortable to us & we look forward to having friends and family over (whenever they can make it from Pensacola!) . We are still getting settled in, but it is coming together nicely. You should have seen Joey mowing his own lawn for the first time... Oh! you can! He was very proud... & yes, that is Henry the 61 unibody Ford that Joey picked up towards the end of last year. He has lowered it some and painted it flat black. It's fun.

Our home has a two car garage and if y'all know Joey, you know that just isn't enough. We plan to save up so that we can build a garage in the back yard to serve as a shop for Joey ... He needs space to work on bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, hot rods and anything else you can think of... & I would like to park the cars in the garage. It's a dream, but we're working towards it.

We found out in March that our little child will be a boy. We are so excited about this and have pretty much settled on a name. I'll talk about that more later... For now --- our home has 3 bedrooms - all upstairs. The boys room was light blue on top and dark blue on the bottom with a boarder in the middle that just wasn't going to work for us. It took some time to get the boarder off, but I was able to do it. We decided that we liked the blue, but it needed something else. Earlier, I had purchased a comforter and bumper thing for the baby & so we decided to add some green and brown to the walls to coordinate with the bedding. We had been over to a lady's house that Joey works with for Easter and she showed us a room that she had painted for a daughter that her and her husband hope to adopt eventually. We stole her idea and modified it and came up with this.... Joey did an excellent job & I am so proud of him (what a great daddy already!!!)
Here are before, during and after photos!

There's so much more I could say about the house, but I will leave it at this for now. We are very excited to own our own home and grow a beautiful family in it.

We just got back from Pensacola a week or so ago & had a great time. It was hectic to say the least, but it felt so good so see all of our family and some of our friends (there is never enough time!!!) We had a baby shower for me the day after we got to town. It was a great time. It was a little awkward for me to have all that attention on me, but it was fun. It was really the first stuff that we had gotten and it has gotten us motivated to do some more. Thanks to everyone that could make it and to all who made it possible - you know who you are. It was a great time & everyone looked so pretty! Here is a picture of the cake that Betty Ann Weber & Jessica made.

Joey & I got to the beach a couple of times during the week. Both times were very nice. There were schools of rays (Sting rays and eagle rays - we think) in the water so that kept me out. Joey did a little bit of snorkling and found some pretty shells...

Here is a great shot that Joey got of some Eagle Rays playing in the Gulf. Our son got to experience the Gulf of Mexico for the first time during this trip. I got in the water a little bit on the first day, but not after we saw these things in the water!!!

Joey's family had a fish fry for us on our last Saturday in town. It was a great time & I got to finally meet more of Joey's family. Thanks so much to Mary (Joey's Momma), Tammie & Darlene for all of the hard work...& to uncle Bubba for frying the fish. Joey says to say that he loved the cole slaw Momma!

I started this post a few days ago - but didn't get it finished until tonight (Memorial Day). This coming Wednesday, we will be 31 weeks pregnant with 9 weeks to go. The time has really flown by & I have been very blessed with not being sick or miserable. I have had some heart burn, but nothing bad. We have decided his name will be Levi George. George was Joey's Grandfathers name. Levi - just because. We are so looking forward to meeting our son for the first time. I know that Joey is going to be a fantastic father. We look forward to showing him everything for the first time & teaching him things everyday. I worry sometimes about how to do all of this, but I know that we can do it. One day when I was discussing my anxiety with a friend at work she shared with me... The Lord knew our son long before he came to be in my belly & He entrusted Joey and I with him. How amazing is that. Momma has been telling me this all along, sometimes it just takes someone else to drive it home. I always tell Joey that I want him to teach our son how to love me - because if our son grows to love me half as much as Joey loves his Momma, I will be in great shape. How lucky can a girl get!

I am going to stop for now. I will try to be a little more consistent about posting in the future. I have belly photos to post & nursery updates to come. We are considering starting a blog just for baby... what do you think?

We love and miss all of our friends and family back in Pensacola & Milton!

Best Birthday Present Ever!

2008-12-31T09:10:00.010-07:00

I don't know if y'all have seen the commercials on TV that have a little boy talking about how the Big Wheel was the best Christmas present ever, until this year --- when he got a brand new car...

Well, I sit here today, one day before my 36th birthday, with confirmation of the best birthday present I could ever receive - and I don't believe that it can be topped by a car! Yesterday - Joey and I went to the OB. Our appointment was at 3, but we didn't get out of there until 6 pm (and we had our parents calling us wondering... ) All is well! We got to see our new little precious baby on the monitor - the heart beat was so strong & you could see the little head and arms and body and legs --- amazing! The Dr seemed very pleased with how things were looking & Joey and I are just so danged tickled we can't hardly stand it! So --- we are 10 weeks pregnant today and will not be able to find out the sex of the baby until 20 weeks --- I think that puts us at around March 11th.

So --- as the year ends and the New Year begins, we are looking forward to the healthy growth of our child and are thankful and know we are blessed for the past year that brought us to this point - from falling in love in 2007, to nuturing that love, respect and friendship throughout 2008, getting married in October and finding out we were pregnant the Monday before Thanksgiving to today --- knowing we have a little baby growing with a healthy heart beat... God has blessed us and we are so thankful for His love.

This and that!

2008-12-08T18:06:00.019-07:00

Joey reminded me today that I haven't posted in a while & there are some more things to catch up on. It seems that this posting thing is not as easy to keep up with as I had hoped it would be... I guess you could call me lazy --- or that Joey is always on the cool computer... :) Either case, I am going to try to catch up now.

A couple of weeks ago, Joey put his 1994 Toyota 4wd pickup on Craigslist asking for a trade. He said he was looking for an old car or truck. He got all sorts of offers ranging from a Suzuki DR650 enduro converted to super moto motorcycle to a Mazda Miata to a motor home ... finally his dream offer came in ... a 1961 Ford F100 Unibody. Joey has all sorts of plans for this truck & it fits him perfect.... just his style

... 'cept he wants to slam it down on the ground, add some whitewalls & pant it flat black... here is it now --- before he gets ahold of it. We'll keep you posted on the progress! Here is a picture that I did some stuff to to make it look like it may have been taken way back when the truck was new.

Now --- On to the bicycles. Joey recently met up with a guy that decided he was getting out of the cruiser business. Joey picked up all sorts of frames ( including a tandem cruiser), parts, wheels & rims from this guy. Our garage is slammed full now, but he has gotten a few of them put together, customized Joe2 Customs style. Here are a couple of them.

Then there are these... His friend John has his eye on the aluminum one & I was eyeballing the brown frame, but the way it's made, the seat sits too far back & I can barely reach the pedals. It doesn't look all stretched out, but it is!!!

We had a real nice weekend this past weekend. John & Jess were going to come over, but John had been sick during the week and we told him to stay home because we don't need me getting sick. So ... Matt & Dianah came over both Saturday & Sunday. We enjoyed their company both days. I tried a new recipe on them and it turned out pretty good. I made these Cajun fried pasta things and they were a hit.

Joey & I also went to Wash Park for a little walk on Sunday -- very nice day ... and guess what! --- The squirrel whisperer was back in action! Joey really is a brave one. The ducks were cool too... They were doing synchronized diving for us...

Let's see ... In other news --- Our Dr. Apt has been pushed out to December 30th. I am doing well & we are still so very excited.

Finally --- The Bucs are playing right now and I am missing it... So - I am going to sign off now & help Joey root for the Bucs. Looks like they might be needing it.

I know this post is really long & I am sorry for that. I will try to be better about posting more frequently .... in the mean time, let us know that you drop by sometime - leave us a little note. We don't know if anyone looks at this besides Bethany... And Bethany - we appreciate you!

Hello & and we miss you (all y'all in Pensacola, Milton, Jacksonville & beyond!)

We're Pregnant!!!!

2008-11-24T18:22:00.004-07:00

Hello Everyone!!! Yep -- you read the title right. Joey & I are going to be parents!!! We are going to have a baby! We are way way excited. I went to the Dr today to confirm the home test I took on Saturday. We called his parents, sister, my Momma & Grannie to let them know. I am real surprised there wasn't a fainting spell of some sort going on in Pensacola. Our first real Dr. appointment will be December 23rd ... so we'll keep you posted!!!

all our love to everybody!!!

Pensacola in the House....

2008-11-17T20:18:00.021-07:00

Hey y'all. My Momma was in town this last week and we had a great time. The last time she was here was in 2002 so it had been a while. We didn't do any real touristy things while she was here - mostly we just visited, cooked a lot & enjoyed each other. Joey kept her laughing constantly.
We got her on a couple of bicycles & the scooter... what a funny time... I was really worried about her on a bicycle, but she did real well. Now the scooter - that's a different story all together! Joey had to go behind her like a dad would helping his daughter with her first bicycle. She had Joey just about running behind her & holding her up, because she couldn't balance! & I don't think she was having very much fun with it.
Joey got his scooter out and momma and I went for a little ride on it (about 20 feet!)

Here is a couple of pictures of us looking bad ass ... yeah we're the 'cutthroats'

Here is Joey doing a cross-up & catching a little air - showing us how it's done!!!

Like I said - Joey kept Momma laughing all week. When Joey was working, Momma and I mostly just visited, shopped some, lunched some & cooked dinner getting ready for Joey to get home. I did get my license in my new name while she was here. It's about time - now I have proof that I am a Hardwick now!!!
Here is a picture of Momma & Joey cuttin up in the kitchen on Black Eyed Peas and rice night...

We also worked on sewing a slip cover for a chair that we had gotten at a yard sale several months ago ...

My creative juices really aren't flowing well tonight. Joey's out in the garage and I am a little sleepy --- I probably miss my Momma a little bit too! ;-)

Shop time.......I put together the new cruiser and put some new tires on my scooter.

2008-10-28T21:50:00.004-06:00

Manitou Springs Weekend

2008-10-27T21:16:00.018-06:00

This past weekend we had a great time. Friday night, we went with Matt and Dianah to Manitou Springs (located very close to Colorado Springs). We stayed at the Avenue Hotel Bed & Breakfast --- this was a very neat place. It was an old Victorian looking home with many many rooms. We stayed on the top floor with adjoining rooms. That night we went for a walk through the town & found a nice place to eat.

As you all know, "Joey never met a bicycle he didn't want to ride" & this one is no exception!

I didn't know it when we made the plans to go with Matt & Dianah, but Saturday was the Emma Crawford Coffin Races. It sounded creepy to me & I wasn't sure that it was really right to attend, but really - it ended up being a good day. The story of Emma Crawford was kind interesting... It had something to do with her being buried at the top of a mountain over 100 years ago, then later growth and building required that her coffin be moved. When they moved it, they didn't bury it completely, then the rains came and her coffin came cruisin down the mountain into the town of Manitou Springs. The coffin races consisted of a team of 4 "paul bearers" & an Emma. There were about 50 teams and they had a parade first, followed by the races. We watched all of the parade & a few of the races. We were right in front and Matt noticed some children sitting behind us and we offered to have them stand in front. The two girls were too cute ... they kept getting high fives from all parade people then after their race they would tell them "good game" ... we got a kick out of it.

We spent some time enjoying the weather on the front porch of the B & B, drinking hot tea / coffee & talking. We bought things we didn't need, ate too much & enjoyed the beautiful weather. We made friends with a couple of black squirrels. I am sure that y'all have had enough of the squirrel stories, but I think Joey may be a "squirrel whisperer"!... Here is one that he was up close and personal with...

Joey took some wonderful pictures on this trip. I have got to learn how to make a slide show so that you all can see them too... but until then ... this is all you get :-)

We had a wonderful time with Matt & Dianah & we think we might try out some other B & B's every month or two!

Our Pumpkin/Squirrel saga...

2008-10-27T20:21:00.009-06:00

A little over a week ago we told y'all about the pretty little pumpkin that I carved and about how the squirrels decided that they needed to eat it. Well, here is a picture of it before...

Like I mentioned earlier ... it only took the squirrels about a day to find the pumpkin and start eating on it. One day we came home to find the stem down on the steps to the house, about 10 feet away from the main part, then later that night, we caught the squirrel carrying the stem up into the tree... Here is a picture of that. You can barely see it, but it is in the Y of the tree.

Those little suckers are strong for their size. We decided to just let them have at it. When we went to Manitou Springs over the weekend we wondered how much of the pumpkin would be left when we returned. We came home to a half eaten pumpkin. It was dragged out to on the sidewalk. We were home for little over an hour before we caught some of our little friends getting their fill...

Since it is getting close to real winter here, we decided to let them just eat as much as they can so their bellies will be nice and full! By the way - you can click on the any of the pictures in this blog and it will bring up a bigger picture so that you can see all the details... Like in the picture below you can see that the squirrel has a little piece of pumkin in his "hand" and has is mouth wide open.

I've been tagged

2008-10-23T18:56:00.003-06:00

I've been tagged by Bethany... I am to name 7 of my quirks...

I thought all day about this trying to figure out what my quirks are... Here they are - several of them are food related. For my family back in Pensacola - I am sure they remember all to well how picky of an eater I was growing up!

1. I put french fries in my chocolate milk shakes, I love plain lays potato chips crunched up in chocolate ice cream & finally ... I put french fries on my hamburgers (I learned all of these from my momma!!!)

2. I snap with the wrong finger. I never knew that it was wrong, but Joey pointed it out. I snap with my ring finger & he says you are supposed to use your middle finger. I was just on the phone with my momma & told her which finger I snapped with & she said "yep, that's wrong!" I never knew! :)

3. The pupil in my left eye is off center! I was born this way & no - it doesn't affect my vision.

4. At a very early age, I learned to say my alphabet backwards! ---Hazards of an only child.

5. I love brownies & I love pecans, but I do not like pecans in my brownies!

6. I will not eat anything off the bone ... No chicken, steak, ribs, pork chops.... all have to be boneless. I don't really even like knowing that it had been on a bone!

7. I have the hardest time driving home from work without calling my Momma, Grannie or Joey. I would say that 9 days out of 10, I call one of them for my drive home. I am one of those people make other people crazy - driving and talking on the cell phone!

I would love to tag some people now, but I don't really know any people on blogspot. :(

What happens in Vegas....

2008-10-20T05:38:00.003-06:00

stays in Vegas! That's what they say, right?!!! Well -- not so much. I caught a cold in Vegas and brought it home with us. I was sick the first week we go back and Joey has been sick with it for a little over a week now. He really is in bad shape...
We have been married a little over two weeks now. Life is good. There is a subtle change now that we are married ... it is the same, but different (like Ritz bits) - it is the same, but better! :) Words cannot express.
We are still trying to figure out a way to have a little get together here in Denver before too long & we will definitely have one in Pensacola the next time we are home (unfortunately, that probably won't be until after the new year).
We love and miss all y'all in Pensacola/Milton!!!
Those of you in Denver - stop by or give us a call - we would love to hear from you!

Squirrels like pumpkins too...

2008-10-20T05:31:00.005-06:00

I carved a pumpkin over at Dianah's on Friday. It was very cool if I do say so myself. I was very proud of it. I say WAS because some of our lovely little squirrels that we get so much joy and entertainment watching decided to EAT it!!! I carved little daisy like flowers on one side (for me) and flames on the other side (for Joey). ~Yes - I do have a picture, but it is way early right now & I do not want to disturb Joey by getting the camera out... ~ I went outside yesterday and found that a squirrel has eaten one of my flowers! There is a nice big hole there. :( I had put little round balls in the center and it was gone too! Oh well - it was cool while it lasted.

That's about it for the weekend. We were generally under the weather and just took it easy.

Our Wedding Video --- online for 3 months only!!!!

2008-10-14T17:25:00.004-06:00

Hello everyone --- well the much anticipated internet wedding video is now available for your viewing pleasure. Please click on the link ... http://www.vivalasvegasweddings.com/lasvegaswedding-octobervideos.htm and then find our name towards the bottom (J.Hardwick) and click on it. It will take you to the video! It isn't the best quality, but I think you get the picture! It will be online for 3 whole months, so you can go back to it as often as you like to get your daily dose of joy!
Much love!!!

Chili worth Blogging about!

2008-10-12T22:21:00.006-06:00

Hey Y'all -- well we had a nice relaxing weekend. It was very cool out - Don't think it got above 48 degrees. Definitely Fall here in Denver!!! With the busy weekend we had last weekend (getting married & all) and the busy week, we decided it was time for some down time. We didn't leave the house all weekend.(y'all quit thinking that way!) !!

Joey made some awesome chili --- I mean it was delicious!!! I made a little rice (cause that's how I like it) and cornbread. Yummy!!!

By the way --- Both the Gators and the Buccaneers won this weekend!!!!

Miss all y'all back home!!! Much love -- Joey & Lacey!

We got Married in Vegas!!!

2008-10-09T15:21:00.024-06:00

Hello everyone... It has been a little while since we posted... As the title says -- we eloped & got married in Vegas last Saturday 10-4!!! Elvis did the honors & we drove in in a pink Caddy. Once the place gets it posted we will provide a link here so that y'all can share in our excitement. We are so excited to be husband and wife and look forward to the rest of our lives together and rockin' on the front porch in years to come!

---Here we are pre-wedding in our hotel room---

We stayed at the Stratosphere Hotel which is located at the North End of the strip. We had dinner at the Top of the World restaurant after our wedding. See photo to the right. This was some good stuff & you know Joey took a picture of it. It is on his phone right

now so I am not able to post it here! :) The view was amazing --- The Stratosphere is the tallest building this side of the Mississippi (which is hard to believe) -- the room rotated

360 degrees so we had an great view of Las Vegas and we could even see the lights of the place where we got married!

We did do a little gambling while we were there. Neither one of us is real big on it, so we didn't waste much money. Joey was better at it than me. He won 41$ on the nickle slots... here is a picture of him & his winnings :) on the left & then a picture of me not winning on the right :(

We saw many beautiful buildings, lights and custom motorcycles. There was a Bikefest in town the day we got there and Joey was in heaven seeing all of them. This was the first trip that we had taken together other than going home to Pensacola and it was absolutley wonderful. We travel well together.

Here is a picture of the Stratosphere at night & of the Freemont Street East sign -- there was a Neon meuseum here too! Also here is a picture of us being tourists (camera in hand and everything)

To all of our family and friends - we had you with us in spirit & hope you understand why we chose to elope! We love all y'all. Thanks so much for all of the well wishes we have received!!! much love!

We will post more pictures soon!!!

Last weekend of Summer

2008-09-21T19:31:00.003-06:00

Well this was a good weekend... not nearly long enough. We got out on our scooters for the first time in a while. The weather was perfect for scootin around town. Saturday we went over to Jimmy's house and watched the Gators beat up bad on Tennessee... then we scooted ourselves back closer to home for an "end of summer BBQ" at Dianahs. Good times...! As you can see in the picture --- the weather is changing here. Fall will be here on Monday & we already have leaves falling.

Today, Joey's company Crecent Electric treated us to a Colorado Rockies game in the Suite... This was my first time in a suite - it is crazy to me the amount of money that goes into something like that. I met lots of neat people. It was hard for us to go to the game in the first place because the Buccaneers were playing Chicago Bears at Chicago today & we were watching it as we were getting ready. Fortunately, they had TVs in the suite and we were able to watch football & see the score updates. The Bucs won in over time 27 - 24 to go 2-1. It was funny to me that we ended up watching football on the TVs instead of watching the baseball game outside! Here is a copy of our ticket stub & Yes --- I am showing off my ring! :)

Yes - I can make biscuits that taste just like Red Lobsters!

2008-09-21T18:55:00.005-06:00

Joey and I have been together over a year now. From the very beginning, whenever we would see a commercial for Red Lobster, I would tell him that I could make biscuits that taste just like theirs. Lately, he would respond back something like "I wouldn't know". So , Friday night, I finally showed him that I could. I made a modified version of shrimp scampi, a Caesar salad and the garlic cheddar biscuits. It was delicious & of course we took a picture! Now --- Joey knows that I can make the Red Lobster biscuits --- I am afraid I will have to make them every other day now! :)

BMX Lacey

2008-09-14T16:09:00.008-06:00

So - the other day I was talking to Joey about the downhill trip that he was going to take on Saturday with John & Jimmy. I told him that since Sol Vista is a smaller mountain than the ones they normally ride I felt that this would be a good time for me to try it -- all I would have to do is rent a bike there & I would be set. Joey said that he would like to see me go around a track a few times before I try downhill! I don't blame him -- he doesn't want to see me get hurt -- So I decided that Sunday (today) I would go to the BMX track and give it a shot.

This morning I woke up all exited and nervous about going to the BMX track. It was a little chilly & overcast today so I would have to bundle up. I tried on his bike pants - they were a little big, but they would serve the purpose. He recently got a chest protector which resembles something Mel Gibson would have worn in Mad Max... I tried it on --- it would work too! Okay - so I was set - all padded up and a helmet too. Suited up - ready to go!

We drove to the track - On the way he reassured me that if we got there and I changed my mind that it would be okay. I think he was really worried that I would get hurt. As we were driving up, I saw many people at the starting area. I was totally bummed because that was more people watching me [and we all know that it is about me! :) ] The closer we got, we realized that there were many little ones out there - ranging from about 5 to 12 years old. They had the gate up and were doing actual races. I was immediately deflated, because my chance to show my self as Lacey, rockstar of the BMX track would have to wait for another day.

I'll keep you posted --- unfortunately, we didn't get any pictures of me suited up today. Next time we will for sho!

NEW RIDE

2008-09-11T21:27:00.002-06:00

SWOBO 26" BIG KIDS BMX BIKE

Me and my new camera, and some crazy pic's from around town..

2008-09-11T21:20:00.001-06:00

Little sweet hike up at Mt. Falcon.

2008-09-11T21:11:00.003-06:00

Lacey and I enjoeyed a sweet little hike up @ Mt. Falcon. Good day!! We had a little picnic up top.

Lacey and Lucy........

2008-09-11T19:22:00.005-06:00

Two good looking girls. You people don't forget we customize bicycles and scooters over here.

Lacey's great cooking!!!!!

2008-09-11T18:31:00.000-06:00

This is how Lacey rolls!!! They say a way to a man's heart is through his stomach!!! Ha Ha

Football Weekend with the NFL ticket & Friends

2008-09-08T17:57:00.000-06:00

Saturday September 8th - Sunday September 9th Let the football begin.

It all started with Saturday evening college football. Miami Hurricanes vs Florida Gators at the Swamp! The Gators pulled it out.

Then came Sunday - 1st game of the season... This was a Buccaneers Saints match up and the Buccaneers just didn't bring it today. All in all we still had a great time.

Our friend John brought over some Bubba burgers! The guys went to the store and picked up all the fixins'. Joey fired up the grill & we moved the table out in the yard. It was such a beautiful day. Those burgers hit the spot... John even left us some for later!

Since it was such a beautiful day we decided to go for a little bike ride. I rode Lucy (my cruiser) - Joey rode Blacky(one of his cruisers) & John rode the newly acquired Swobo... We cruised on down to BonnyBrea area and had some ice-cream then on down to Washington Park. We had the coolest bikes out there! We'll provide pictures later!

Mt Bierstadt August 10th, 2008

2008-09-08T17:13:00.000-06:00

We attempted to climb Mt Bierstadt. This is one of the many 14ers in Colorado. Joey did several last year and I was going to try to attempt to do an "easy" one. We met up with Jimmy & Becky(and Cali) down in town, then made the drive up Guanella pass to the trail head. It was way cloudy on the drive up, but we thought maybe it might just be cloudy ... no rain clouds. It really was a pretty hike/walk. Jimmy and Becky are in great shape and were able to make it to the top. They said it was flurrying snow (in AUGUST). I held Joey back, so we only made it a little over half way - (a little over 12000 feet). It was tough on me. It started drizzling pretty bad on us & the rain clouds were moving in quick. We turned around and we were soaking wet by the time we got to our car.

Then on the way back down Guanella Pass we stopped at a little lake and Joey took some pictures...

Joey proposed & Lacey Said YES!!!

2008-09-08T16:41:00.000-06:00

Friday August 29th - Joey asked me to marry him. I was totally surprised! He proposed in the garage which was absolutely perfect. My ring was in the big tool box --- see picture below. If you know Joey - you know that he loves to work on just about everything. Our future together is no different... He asked me to be his partner on this life long project. I gladly accepted and cannot wait to Mrs. Joey Hardwick!!!