The last 2 yrs....

It all began in January 2007-I decided to go back to school for a 2nd degree in elementary education. Since I already had a degree, I was able to enroll in a post-grad program (basically they take 4 yrs of college and condense it into 6 months); I had alot of early childhood studies to learn in such a short amount of time, and that does not include the 3 state exams I had to pass as well!!!!!! In the midst of all the chaos, I had to visit different schools to observe teachers, complete reports on my observations, and write a 15 page paper on 1 school district...well, I didn't stop there-I decided to substitute teach too to gain some experience working with kids, since I had been in medical sales for 5 1/2 yrs!!! Also, I had the privledge to serve in Laurie and Bryan's wedding, and my cousin Trisha-with that being said, I made several trips to Houma, LA for showers, the weddings, etc. Yes, I was VERY busy in 2007!!!!! Well, Jeff and I decided to take my parents to San Antonio for Christmas 2007..I needed to get away and relax. I had completed all of my early childhood studies (finished with a 4.0), passed my states exams, and had just finished a 3 month 2nd grade teaching position...time to escape "life" for a few days. We had a lovely Christmas on the River shopping, having wine, nice dinners, etc. ; but, the best part of the trip was yet to come...we had no idea that Baby Callie Nicole was conceived-we wouldn't know until Jan. 18th, 2008!!!

Here comes January 2008...my best friend, Laurie Lovell, married Bryan Daigle on Janaury 5th-they had a beautiful ceremony, and Jeff and I were blessed to be apart of it! We got back to Houston on January 6th, then it was back to work for me-substitute teaching. I started to feel tired, nauseated, and would burp constantly...oh, something wasn't right! On Friday, January 18th, Jeff and I found out we were pregnant (about 4-5 weeks). Shocked was an understatement since we were not planning to get PG for another 2-3 yrs!!! Well, the minute we found out we were PG I said, "WE have to move to The Woodlands!" My parents live there, and it is a beautiful family community. We decided to put our home up for sale, and we would take our time looking for homes in The Woodlands because we didn't know exactly where we wanted to live, plus, I was EXTREMELY sick (yes, I stayed sick for the 1st 3 months)!!! Well, we didn't have anytime to look...our home sold in 12 days!!!!!! OMG is what I thought....so, we found a nice 3 bedroom apt in The Woodlands. We moved in March, and the day of the move, a big truck hit Jeff's jeep at work..yes, another crazy story to add to the pot, since I was left with the movers, a cat, and a VERY nauseated belly!!! Well, we finally settled in and I found an amazing doctor here in The Woodlands. Little did I know then that I would have a very complicated pregnancy.....

My pregnancy-one filled with doubt, heartache, not knowing what to "expect," high blood pressure, a series of Level 2 ultrasounds at Texas Women's, a 50 lb weight gain, and just the emotional stress of it all!!! But, I knew in my heart that God and our Lord and Savior was on my side...I had everyone praying for us!!! I knew and believed that God would Bless us with a beautiful, healthy baby girl!!!

Then, a tragic accident happened on June 5th; I lost a dear friend to me, John Morris. I remember Laurie and Matt Morris calling me on June 6th to tell me the news....I was 7 months PG at the time......I didn't know how that could happen...he had just wished me happy b-day on June 2nd.....I managed to make a trip into Houma, LA for his funeral with my mom...it wasn't easy, but God gave me the strength to pull through. Thank you, God; you are an AWESOME God!

With everything going on, Jeff decided to take me to Destin, FL for a week. I was a little nervous because I was 8 months PG and we were flying; however, my doctor said I would be okay and to enjoy my week because I couldn't travel anymore upon my return. Did we enjoy our week???? Of course..that was the best trip...a big 'ole preggo woman on the beach..hilarious..I managed to go everyday for 6 days...go me! ;)

Now, we come to Sept. 3rd, 2008-the day our "miracle" was born via c-section! Callie was born on Wednesday, Sept 3rd at 12:25 p.m. She was 7 lbs 15.2 oz, and 20.25 inches long. Yes, God truly blessed us with a beautiful, healthy baby girl!!!! Thank you, Jesus!!!!!

I think the reason I am writing this blog is because I never realized until yesterday how busy and crazy our lives have been the past 2 yrs. One thing that I've learned in 2008 is to appreciate the "small" things in life, to never take for granted 1 day, to live life to it's fullest, to have a deep and personal relationship with Christ, our Savior, to spend more time with those I love, and to just thank God everyday for the beautiful blessings in my life. The last 4 months of our lives have been amazing; Callie, you have brought alot of joy to mommy and daddy...you are beautiful inside and out and have an alluring personality!!!! Mommy thanks God everyday for you!!!!

Now, 2009-Jeff, I want to thank you for everything...you are an amazing husband!!! Wow..I just love watching your relationship with Callie prosper..it is beautiful to see you hold her and when she looks at you and gives that winking smile. You are the best daddy, and your daddy is shining down upon us from Heaven, and he would be TRULY PROUD of you!!! We love you, baby!

Now, let's get back to teaching....I haven't mentioned it since 2007~~~I guess you can see why? 2008 was a busy year for Jeff and I....I am HAPPY to say that I will be substitute teaching beginning in Feburary a few days/week, then I will return to "full time" and have my own classroom in August!!! There is a chance I may work on my master's, but I haven't decided..one thing at a time!! I am ready to see what 2009 holds for us here in the Hodges household and to see and receive the many beautiful blessings from God!!!!

To everyone...we love you and may God Bless all of you!

Love,
Jeff, Nicole, Callie Nicole, and Tootsie Bella