Birthday Reflections about the Birth Day of the Biggest Baby in a New Orleans Nursery (For my Mom)

Ok, so I didn't set a record for the largest baby every born in a New Orleans hospital, but according to my Mom, I was the biggest baby in the nursery that late August day. Some contest to win, huh?

In the past birthdays have been one of my most favorite days of the year. I mean, it's not everyday that I can convince people to eat cake with my name on it and sing to me just because, well just because I'm me. However, I've learned a lot in the past few months and a few days ago I realized that, for the first time, I wasn't looking forward to this birthday. Mainly because the one gift I wanted, I knew I wouldn't receive. It was the same gift Austin wanted for his birthday, and the same one he didn't receive.

Well, I woke up this morning and headed to an early breakfast. On my way out the door I saw my first missed call of the day. Missed call from the Chisolm's. That could only mean one thing, Daddy was trying to beat Austin in the "who says happy birthday first" game. Called them back, but Daddy had already left for work so I talked to the little sis and then my mom on my entire drive to the early morning breakfast I was attending, which for some strange reason was not in my honor. Not sure what happened, but something clicked this morning and made me think of August 26, 1983.

I'm not sure what pre-natal, delivery or post-pardum care were like in that decade, but I can guess it was quite different from today. Nevermind the decade, it seems my mom must've have been quite the saint. With hindsight being 20-20 you are probably not shocked to learn that I was three (3) weeks late. The story of my mom's first child goes something like this: hottest heat of summer, 9 months pregnant, living in New Orleans, and no action coming from that soon-to-be bundle of joy who was supposed to make her debut at the beginning of August. What must she have felt for the next three weeks as the heat got hotter, the humidity grew in intensity and that bundle of joy became a lazy tenant who needed eviction? Not sure, but I've learned over the past few years, thanks to many of you on Facebook and NOT by personal experience, that by week 38 an hour-by-hour, minute-by-minute countdown begins on the eviction of that sweet bundle of joy, that, for some, can make life miserable during the last few weeks of pregnancy.

Three weeks past the due date, the day FINALLY arrived when Mom's OB/Gyn decided to induce her (how many would wait 3 weeks these days?) and she headed to the hospital on August 26, which I'm sure played out to be a hot, humid day. Why my certainty? My hair is allergic to humidity so it must have made its debut under those weather conditions. After getting settled into the hospital (not sure if it was a private room), Mom then proceeded to try and coerce me to make my appearance for at least twelve hours. When I was ready, and it was apparent to my parents and the entire medical staff that things in life would have to go my way or I'd just drag my feet, I made my debut with a head full of bright red hair, weighing in at a whopping 10 lbs, and quite possible already discussing the customer service shown to me by the physician and his staff. After 9 months, 3 weeks and 12+ hours in labor, my sweet (probably miserably tired) mother delivered (without a c-section) a 10 lb. baby girl. I wonder how many times someone said, "You poor girl," to my mom for her very long process to give me life?

Why the story of my welcoming party on earth? For the first time in 27 years, I realized that birthdays are not ALL about celebrating me (took a while I know), but instead they should be reserved as a day to remember what my mom. Makes me love and appreciate her even more. Maybe in the future I should give my mom a gift for giving me a birthday instead of expecting a nice, thick envelope in the mail!

Happy 27 years since that Labor Day, Mom! Thank you for your patience with me, even before you saw my face. Thank you for loving me and for never giving up on me (even when you threatened to leave me at home if I could not get ready for church on time)!

I love you!

Mel

A Post About Nothing

Well, hello there....

Not too much is going on in the Haynes' House....wait, if I said that it would be lying! I seem to attract crazy busyness! This week is going to be intensely busy for me. I have two midterms due this week and one of my largest events of the year is Thursday evening. I spent about 6 or so hours working on my Accounting midterm and I'm not finished yet. It is due Thursday.

A month or so ago I attended a seminar for professional women. Even though I was a vendor, I got to listen in on the guest speaker. I don't remember much of what she said but I do remember one key phrase: "I can and I will!" That event just so happened to be the same day that I attended my first class for grad school. There have been several times that I have had to repeat that to myself when I begin to doubt my choices. The phrase may sound crazy or it may even sound cocky, but I do have to say it to myself. I've found that self-doubt and self-pity can wreck whatever you are trying to accomplish. So, yes with the Lord's strength, I CAN AND I WILL!

What I'm most thankful for right now is a husband that understands. The past few weeks I've worked crazy hours and at least 6 days per week not including school work or my volunteer work. I also seem to be on call with the volunteers any day of the week at any hour. That said, you should know that our house is not spotless. Currently, there are vases, flowers, boas, lights, etc. scattered around our living room in preparation for Thursday evening. There are books and papers, pens and pencils scattered across the table. My shoes don't always seem to make it in the closet and I have laundry on the floor. Thankfully, he doesn't think housework/yardwork fall into gender categories. Here lately, he has been so KIND to do the dishes (please keep in mind that our dishwasher is a good haul into the backyard) and other household chores that are mindlessly classified as a woman's duties. And, funny thing is I've enjoyed pushing/pulling/forcing/dragging/running the lawn mower myself. And, let me tell you I'm not the best lawn mower in the world. It takes me twice as long as anyone else because I seem to miss spots...LOTS OF SPOTS...and have to go over them time and time again to make sure our yard doesn't resemble a haircut given by a little kid.

There once was a story of a little engine that thought he could. On days when we really doubt rather or not we can jump the hurdle we are facing, what if we remind ourselves, "I CAN AND I WILL!"? That hurdle might seem to shrink or maybe our legs will seem to grow, but we'll make it over that hurdle and we might even enjoy the journey!

Hope you all are having a GREAT week!

Please note: When Austin came into the living room while I was writing this, he said, "I sure wish you'd put away your suitcase (I got a new one yesterday) so people don't think you're leaving." HAHA! :) My sweet Austin!

Mel

Dinner With a View, Dreading Goodbye and DEMO

For a while, I didn't like to upload pictures because it would take FOREVER, but I've learned that if I just do one at a time it's way faster. Anyway, the previous picture contains the view Austin and I had a few Sundays ago while dining at Joe's Crab Shack which is on one of the t-heads on the bay. We were able to eat outside and it was gorgeous!



Ahhhh...the famous MELISSA ROLL. Austin and I eat at one sushi restaurant on a frequent basis and the sushi chef, Taka, soon realized that I love cream cheese and COOKED food. He created what I deem, THE BEST ROLL EVER. Depending on his mood, it contains shrimp (cooked), crab (cooked), cream cheese, wasabi mayo and fish roe (definitely not cooked). It is SOOO GOOD! I have recommended that it be put on the menu SEVERAL times, but it's still just a special roll for me. LOVE IT!!

Last Wednesday, the Haynes' and the Leonard's went out to eat at Origami for one last meal before they moved to San Antonio. Apparently, even Taka was sad they were moving because this is the "Special Roll from Takason" that we received. It's 5 rolls in one and the boys made us eat it. I don't think Bianca and I finished ours. IT WAS HUGE!!!

Our good friends Chris and Bianca just moved on Thursday to San Antonio. The only good I see in this is that we'll have a place to stay when Austin finally takes me to Sea World. We met them a little over a year ago at a birthday party for a mutual friend and hit it off, but it wasn't until Austin ran into them at Sutherland's in October (they were both there to get hurricane supplies) that we started hanging out. And, thus...our relationship began! Those guys are great cooks and great hosts and needless to say we spent many evenings sharing meals. Chris and Austin helped each other on many occasions: installing cabinets, removing tree stumps, planting grass, etc. Bianca and I spent countless hours running together.

They are good friends and I'm thankful that God put them in our lives even if it was for such a short time.

DEMO:

We had to do some demo work to our attic this morning in preparations of having a radiation shield installed. I don't remember the name of the product, but it's made of the same material that space suits are made of. Well, our attic had been finished out by a previous owner for a play space for his grandkids. We had to tear out the ceiling and walls to expose the previous insulation. We did, however, keep the hard wood floors. I helped! MACHO, MACHO, MEL!!

Ok, back to my homework!

Fun in a Photo Booth

Just me having fun...it's amazing how much fun you can have in a photo booth. I think I'd really like to buy one to keep at my house...

Can you tell that we were on a roller coaster? Ok, at least we were attempting to look like we were on a roller coaster.

Ambassadors and Chamber Staff having fun while taking a break from working the mixer.

Just me...AGAIN!

At a recent Chamber mixer, a few of us Ambassadors and Chamber staff had LOADS of fun in the photo booth. The above picture includes Meredith and Monica from the Chamber. The photo booth was a great addition to the mixer and was enjoyed by many attendees. Image Cinema Photo Booth has 3 photo booths in Corpus and can even travel to Houston for events.

We will have a photo booth at an upcoming event for the hospital and I am THRILLED! The staff at Image Cinema is really nice! Special thanks to Kyle at Image Cinema for letting me have and use my pictures from the evening.

AN UPDATE ON SCHOOL:

As I type this, I'm supposed to be writing a summary about a news article highlighting supply and demand in our economy. I also have to draw a few graphs to represent the change in supply and demand. I should probably get started soon, but it's super fun to procrastinate. Overall, school is going great...that could be in part to the fact that I have not had to turn in an assignment to date. This current assignment is due on Sunday.

I'm actually enjoying my classes (surprisingly enough) and have found that I really can apply what I learn in class to what I'm doing at work. I'm also able to participate in more "intellectual" conversations with Austin and Tony. I LOVE IT!!!

Hope all is well with everyone! :)

Haynes' Happenings (for the past 2 months)

Well, hello dear friends! It's been a while, yes I know. Please see below for a briefing on the Haynes' Happenings for the past two months...(might want to get popcorn and a soda...it might take a while)! 

July:

We went on vacation to Washington DC - Ok, I went to a conference and Austin went on vacation. I thought it would be loads of fun to combine the two this year and I was WRONG!! Austin ended up getting a vacation and all I got was this lousy t-shirt. Ok, it wasn't that bad, but I did learn that I need to separate work and vacation. Next year I want to go somewhere tropical and RELAXING!!!

Wow, without my calendar in front of me I'm kind of at a loss for things we did.

Austin celebrated his 27th birthday, but he'll tell you it was his 25th. Don't be fooled, he's going to use that line for the rest of his life.

We went home to celebrate Austin's great-grandfather's 100th birthday. Poppy had a fantastic party and the man of the hour was also the oldest in attendance! Kind of crazy if you really think about it. We had fun at home and I did get to see a few people:

     Courtney - it was great seeing you, John, baby to be and your house for a total of 5 minutes.

     Kara - it was great meeting with you in parking lots (twice, but for a combined total of 11 minutes).

     Mindi - at last, I finally got to see you for more than 20 minutes. A good MINDI hour was just what I needed. Sure wish I was with you for these next few months! BUMMER! 

     Kelsie - Oh wait, I didn't get to see my good buddy Kelsie!

     Mom - Mom had camp, but I did get to see her a couple of times. 

     Daddy and Natalie - Crazily enough, I saw these two the most and enjoyed every minute of it. Even the 20 minutes I got to spend with my Daddy on Thursday night. Loved the lake and really loved you guys coming over to the Haynes' for gumbo.

      GSMC - Marshall friends - of course, that's my number one priority for Friday mornings when I go home: pancakes! YUMMY! I really miss that place!

      Winery - If there's a winery in a 20 mile radius WE WILL FIND IT!! Austin and I have this new love for going to a winery and experiencing the way wine is made. We went with his grandparents and it was a BEAUTIFUL place. It's called Enoch's Stomp and it's right down the road from Marshall. We even got to taste fresh grape juice. LOVELY!!!

As much fun as it was to go home, I'm always extremely stressed the entire time because I try to fit in as much as possible and never get to spend the kind of time with each person that I'd like to. I'm always a little relieved to get back on the road to head to Corpus for our "semi-normal" life that we lead

AUGUST 

   Well, I've officially started grad school. I'm taking and Economics class and an Accounting class. I love it so far! I know it will be busy and I might question my decision, but it's definitely worth it (as far as I know)! Austin's favorite part was writing the check...just kidding! Seriously, his favorite part is having the FREEDOM to golf every Tuesday and Thursday. :)

I've had a story written about my life. Pretty crazy to read a fictional story about a non-fictional event, but it's interesting nonetheless.

I GOT AN IPHONE!!! WOOHOO!!

I turned 26 on the 26th and that makes the "replay" because it will only happen once in my entire life!!

My mom just called so I'm going to table this post until later.

Meg, I did this just for you and your comment! I love you girls!!

Want to Know What Makes Me So Sad?

People still view my blog even though they know they will just be disappointed. I AM SO SORRY TO KEEP DISAPPOINTING EVERYONE. I know I'm always disappointed when people haven't updated their blogs. I have been SO horrible at not updating and yet some of you are so faithful to check it! I know we could probably all compare notes on how busy we are in life, but this last month (or two) has been extremely crazy in mine! I'm not going to list everything I've done, but I assure you I have good reason to be blog lazy!

Can I promise a new, improved blogger in myself? NOPE! But, I can update you on a few things:

- Austin and I officially began P90X this week!

- Austin and I are on our way to DC next week for a vacation (all week for Austin) and conference (for me).

- A side note: I'm super thrilled that this trip with my hubby will not consist of at least 16 hours in the car driving!

- My computer officially has a bug so I always use Austin's. Hint, Hint: I would really like a new mac for my bday! (I'm sure Austin just laughed out loud if he read this)

- My sister visited us for two weeks!

- My inlaws visited us for a weekend!

- My good friends, the Roos', visited us for a few days.

- I've coordinated another wedding and get to work another one this July and hopefully run one in November. Yes, it will be Thanksgiving weekend so the Haynes' won't be coming home!

- I took the GMAT.

- I studied for the GMAT...even on the golf course.

- Speaking of golf, Austin has played a lot of it. I've improved my swing a bit.

- I helped with VBS at our church.

- Austin and I have started attending church again. It's amazing how easy it is to get out of the routine of going if you aren't actively involved teach classes, leading a ministry, working in the nursery, etc.

- Austin and I are going home at the end of July for Austin's Poppy's 100th bday party!

Ok, well that's all the Haynes' Happenings I could think of for right now! Hope you all have a GREAT day and that you were surprised that I had FINALLY updated the blog!!!

Mel

Great News!

Our dishwasher works FINALLY. That's right...the one in the workshop in the rear of the garage! :) It's not the original dishwasher we found on the road. That one didn't work. This dishwasher (plus a piece from the valley) is officially working. And, YES, I did come home from running yesterday to find out that Austin had actually hauled all of the dishes out there to wash. HOW FUNNY! Now, it's my job to go get them and haul them back in. Yay for dishwashers!