Friday, February 17, 2012

Michelle Wilsey Berry

About six months after graduating from high school a few girlfriends and I decided to move into our own apartment. We needed co-signers (yep) but, we did it. 4 girls in one 2-bedroom apartment. We lived in the Quadrangles apartments on University - right next to ASU. Definite college living at it's...um, finest. If that's what you want to call it. 

The four of us girls - Me, Nancy, Gina, and Michelle - had a BLAST. We were pretty much dorky college students/workers. We were your typical 18-year old girls. We had lots and lots of laughs, stayed out late, worked, went to school, partied (a little), went to clubs (some of us), watched movies, stayed up really, really late talking and laughing. We had so much fun. I remember late-night trips to Fort McDowell. We couldn't believe we were old enough and had no curfew. We made big messes and struggled to clean them up. We pined after boys and even did a little bit of stalking. Lots of dinners at Red Robin. We just had fun. Pure, simple, no responsibilities fun. 

Good, good, GOOD times.

January 15, 2012 - Michelle lost her battle with cancer. She had been fighting this horrific disease for the last few years. She left behind a husband and three puppies that were literally her children. Over the years I kept up with Michelle periodically, but not as much as I should have. It's hard for me to not feel guilty that I did not see her as much as I would have liked. Of course Facebook was a helpful tool in staying in touch. The day before her passing I had the chance to go with the Nancy and Gina to say goodbye. The four of us once again in the same room. Michelle slept for our entire visit - but, we all sat with her and prayed for her peace. I will say that her husband, Jake, is the most amazing man. The way he sat with her, talked to her, and cared for her - that is something I will never forget. What a truly genuine and loving person. So fitting for Michelle. 

Please pray for Michelle, Jake, and both the Wilsey and the Berry families. Michelle comes from a family just like my own - three girls and one boy. Sadly, the Wilsey family lost Michelle's brother just last year. So much heartache in such a short time.

I love you, Michelle. You are so greatly missed. I will remember you as the most inspiring and fun person who never gave up the fight - even up until the end.  


Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Wow...We Have an 8 Year Old!!!



 Brady is 8.

Wow.

I know every year I write how I can remember the day he was born and I can't believe how very fast the last 8 years have gone. And...this year is absolutely NO different.

Brady was born on a Tuesday. I went into the hospital to be induced on Monday the 26th at 7pm. They were PACKED at the hospital. I was told to call Monday morning to see if they had room. They didn't. We were told to call back at 10am. Still no room. 12pm. Still no room. 5pm. We were told they would have room at 7pm and to come on down at that time. We went out to dinner. With our bags in our old green Nissan Xterra, we went to Applebees. OMG were we sooooo nervous and even more SOOO excited. We went straight to the hospital. At the hospital they were surprised to see us because they had left a message on our house phone saying they were packed and to call in the morning. We didn't get that message since we were at dinner. Thankfully, they let us stay. I was admitted and set up in room 3. By 9pm the pitocin was dripping away. I was a 4. Family and friends visited to wish us luck. My family packed into the room. By 2am I was given the epidural. A quiet night brought some good rest. My doctor came at 9am to break my water. I started pushing at 12pm. He was face up. This was NOT good and super duper painful. I was not prepared for that. After one hour of pushing they wanted to use a vacuum and called the doctor to come on down for that procedure. I freaked out and started pushing like a maniac. By the time the doctor arrived (with an intern) Brady was just about out. 1:36pm he arrived. Holy cow. I couldn't believe it. My blood pressure dropped. Thank goodness my mom was there to take care of me while Bryan took care of Brady.

I was a mom.

Wow. 8 years have literally flown by. 

Our only son. Our oldest. Boy oh boy - Brades....we love you!

8 things I LOOOOVE about Brady:

1. He hates, hates, hates to be in trouble. He is the kid that when he ONE time got a yellow ticket in his classroom (red=BAD, yellow=warned, green=GREAT day) he literally cried and was so visibly upset and saddened that the teacher called to warn me what to expect and check on him later. He is; however, 8 years old. He, of course, talks back at times. But...he listens. When we talk to him about his behavior - he understands. He apologizes. And when we are really upset, the disappointment in himself is almost too much for me to take. It reminds me of myself. Well...and since the Hottie literally NEVER did anything bad (not kidding) I'm guessing that is a definite trait of him, too.

2. He works hard at everything he does. He always gives it his all. With his schoolwork - he is not happy unless he gets a good grade. With baseball - he practices ALL.THE.TIME. Even with football - he listens to his coach and tries to follow EXACTLY what was said. I love it. He jumps into things feet first and gives 110%. 

3. He dances. I mean...he really dances. He LOVES to copy moves he sees on TV. And...the thing is, he's pretty good. I mean dorky good, but pretty good. We keep trying to talk him into taking dance class at Lily's studio, but...he keeps refusing. We told him he can do both dance and baseball...but, still a No. He saves his dancing for just us. Well, not really - he'll dance for anyone. He just doesn't want to do it in a formal dance class. The Boyz Crew (that's what they are called) at Lil's studio are so awesome. But...no, we can't get him to join.

4. He sings. Umm...not good - I mean he is my child :) But, that doesn't let it stop him. He TOTALLY will sing the entire lyrics to a song super loud. Even though they're only about half right - it is awesome. I'm Sexy and I Know It is pretty much his favorite song right now and good gracious...when that comes on - watch out. He will dance and sing. It is literally a hoot. We just look at each other and laugh. He will always sing it as loud as he can....kind of wanting us to know that he knows the words. What a dork - I love it!

5. He still gives me hugs and kisses everyday before school and every night before bed. He's not embarrassed yet in front of his friends. I'm dreading that day. And...EVERY.SINGLE.NIGHT he wants the hottie to tuck him in bed. I love listening to the boys have their 5 minutes together after putting up with us girls all day long.

6. He is still the kid that the teachers love. They count on him to help take the sick kids to the nurse. Or show the new kids around. Or help the teacher when he needs help. It makes me smile every time a report card comes home or the teacher sends a note, or during parent conferences when the teachers tell us what a pleasure he is to have in class and how he always listens and how he is so polite. Yes, we know he is a good kid. It just makes me feel good to hear it from other people.



8. Call me biased but I think he just might be the cutest 8 year old boy around. He's got this crooked "jack o' lantern" smile from all of his permanent teeth - and I couldn't love it any more than I do. He smiles so big and laughs so hard. He is just so stinkin' adorable - I can't handle it. I love that kid.

8 years old. Happy (belated) birthday Brady. 

I love you tons!