Another Award!

Jeff worked on console during the last shuttle mission a few weeks ago. It was an extremely busy mission (from what I've been told ;)) and we are both glad it's over. For those that don't know, after the mission, they hang a plaque in mission control to celebrate a successful mission. There are two "honor" jobs during this ceremony. One person holds the ladder and the other hangs the plaque. These 2 people are selected for an outstanding job done during the mission. Well, Jeff got to hold the ladder! He got a replica plaque signed by the crew (astronauts) and he also got to sign the plaque that is hanging in mission control. Very cool! We couldn't be more proud of him and all these great achievements he's been getting lately. Makes all his hard work well worth it. So now in May we have 2 awards ceremonies to attend at Space Center Houston. Can't wait!

Award winner

Jeff came home from work the other day and showed me a signed letter he received from the Director of JSC, Michael Coats.


(Sorry about the bad picture. Our scanner is not working and it's the best I could do)


He has received the NASA Johnson Space Center Director's Commendation Award! This is a very high honor and very special award. He has been doing great things at NASA and we are so proud of him.

Weekend

This weekend we went to Louisiana for the Baptism of Jeff's Goddaughter, Anna, his best friend Stephen's newest daughter. We had a good time and squeezed in a lunch with my sister and her family and my best friend and her fiance. We got some great pictures.

Houdini

Last week I put Charlie in his bumbo while I was in the office doing stuff on the computer.

From April 2010

When I turned around, I saw this!

From April 2010

Here is the way he got out...

From April 2010

From April 2010

From April 2010

From April 2010

I think he twisted himself out of it! Little booger! I'll have to keep a close eye on him now.

School

So Charlie has been going to Mother's Day Out since February. They took "school pictures" a couple of weeks ago and I didn't know they were going to be doing everyone, so Charlie wasn't dressed appropriately (ie in something I would pick out specially for spring pictures). But the pictures came out too cute to not get, so I caved and bought some. Let me know what you think of his first "school picture":






His class also did a "craft project" and of course, he was included. Check it out:




It's hanging on our fridge!

Road trip

This weekend, Charlie and I took a short road trip to visit the new cousin and a double baby shower for some friends in Austin. We left Friday and came back Saturday night. We spent the night at Carrie's and got to meet the new cousin, Rebecca and see their new house they just bought. Here are Charlie and Rebecca:



Saturday we headed to Austin for a baby shower for 2 of my nurse friends in Austin. We all started at Seton at the same time and now they are having babies about a week apart! We decided to come home after the shower so we could spend some time with Jeff since he has been working so hard during this shuttle mission and we haven't seen him much.

It's good to be home and have Jeff back to a regular schedule again. I'm sure he's happy too!

Next up...road trip to Louisiana next weekend for a baptism. Jeff's going to be the godfather for his best friend's new baby girl, Anna. This will be easier since there will be two of us in the car. It's a little tough with only me and Charlie since he doesn't quite like the car seat. And he does not have carcalepsy like I do, so he doesn't sleep the whole time. :( But with two of us, it's much better.

Fun with food

The last few weeks, we've been giving Charlie some table food and letting him explore, taste, feel and try to feed himself. It's been pretty fun and I try to take pictures of each new food. So I've started an album on the side underneath his month pictures where you can go and look at the new foods he is trying. So far he has had broccoli, asparagus, waffles, cheese, noodles, sweet potatoes and more. He really loves the broccoli! So check it out occasionally and see how he is doing.

Much anticipated arrival

Today Carrie had her baby! A girl, Rebecca Ann. She was born at 12:56 pm, 7.6 pounds, 19 inches. We are all very excited that she is finally here (a week and a day overdue!). Only a few pictures so far..

Easter pics

Charlie loved his Easter "bucket" he got. I took a bunch of pictures to document the occasion. Enjoy!

Mystery Solved...

The Party Lite mystery is solved. Turns out, one of our neighbors ordered the stuff and it was dropped off at the wrong house. Thank goodness for modern technology! Or, maybe we need to meet our neighbors. ;) Anyway, I'm glad the goodies got back to their righful owner. Although that cheeseball looked mighty tasty...

The weekend

This weekend we went to Fredericksburg to visit Jeff's parent's. We also went to Copperas Cove, Tx to visit Carrie, Jeff's sister, and Jeff's grandparent's from Waco met us there as well. We were hoping to meet the newest Mauldin (Russell) cousin, but he/she didn't want to come out yet, so we are (im)patiently awaiting it's arrival. Should be anyday now...

Carrie and Chris:

From April 2010

Grandpa and Grandma Mauldin with Charlie:

From April 2010

From April 2010

From April 2010

We were excited to see Jeff's grandparent's because they had not had the chance to meet Charlie yet. He didn't disappoint and greeted them with many smiles. We got a much anticipated 4 generation Mauldin photo with Grandpa Mauldin, Jeff's Dad, Jeff and Charlie.

From April 2010

Carrie and Lauri:

From April 2010

And a picture of how Charlie likes to sleep.

From April 2010

Charlie enjoying his "real" food:

From April 2010

A milestone...

5 years ago today I had surgery to remove the primary tumor in my leg. That was a very scary day for us because we did not know what was going to happen during the surgery and the outcome and consequences of how the doctor removed the tumor. The possiblities were skin grafts, muscle grafts, cutting my sciatic nerve and a combination of these things. We ended up with the best case scenerio, no grafts and sciatic nerve intact (very damaged, but intact nonetheless). I consider this 5 year anniversary a very significant victory because of the agressiveness of the cancer that I have. A lot of people don't make it this far. I have not been cancer free for 5 years, but I have survived the 5 year mark, and I think that is a great accomplishment. I am truly blessed in my life with my wonderful husband, family, friends and miracle baby. They have gotten me through the tough times and I couldn't have done it without them. I am 6 months cancer free so far, and I hope to stay that way.

My Nanny

This has been a tough week for us. My aunt/godmother Debra passed away on Saturday after battling cancer. She was my dad's younger sister. I will miss her terribly and I know my family will as well. She and her husband came fairly often in the last year for her treatments at MD Anderson, so I was able to see her a little more than normal, which was nice. I take comfort in knowing that she is no longer in pain and in peace. I will cherish the memories I have of her forever.

Something pretty weird happened today. I went outside to get the mail and there was a bag from "Party Lite" (sorta like a pampered chef thing I think) with some jelly's, a vase, a cheeseball mix and some scented oil. And there was a sticky note inside with only one word on it..."Debra". I don't know about you, but I think that is a pretty strange coincidence. Of all the names in the world, it was hers. I know it was random, but maybe it was a sign from her saying that she is ok. I have contacted the only person in League City that sells Party Lite in the hopes that I can return the items to the rightful owner.

So this makes 3 funerals (Grandma and Grandpa Bratton and Nanny) we have attended this year and it's only April. I'm hoping we are done for awhile. Poor Charlie is only 6 months old and has gone to 3 funerals already. But I think he makes people smile in a time of sorrow and that is a blessing.

On too brighter subjects, Charlie is 6 months old today (no picture yet, maybe tomorrow)! He got his shots today and only cried for a minute. He weighs 16 pounds, which is in the 25%. The same curve he has been on, so not concerning. We upped his reflux meds just a little and now we get to start real food! 3 meals a day! This may be a challenge, but we'll do our best.

We are headed to Fredericksburg tomorrow to spend Easter with Jeff's family. We are hoping that Charlie's cousin will make an appearance so we can meet him/her while we are in town. Jeff's sister, Carrie was due yesterday, but no signs of baby yet. We are all hoping it will happen soon, especially Carrie!

Happy Easter, everyone!