Important Things Said By Me!

Where did the time go?

2011-03-15T13:05:00.002-05:00

Wow, has it been that long? Really! Well, whatever! I'm gonna give this a go again and try to post regularly again. Hopefully, I can keep my promise! I'm even getting threats from the internet to update my page. Sorry Internet!

Shelby, this is the Internet

2011-02-28T20:05:00.002-06:00

and I demand that you update your site, please ; )

Vacation!

2009-09-09T08:00:00.009-05:00

We took our first family trip this past weekend! What a great time we had.

On the way we stopped at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY. to get a little time out of the car. Much to our surprise there was a Corvette Rally celebrating the Anniversary of the Museum. There was over 2,000 Vette's there, what a site!

National Corvette Museum
Bowling Green, KY

Next we went to Chattanooga, TN and visited Rock City (in Georgia). It was beautiful. Before arriving at the top you walk along this beautiful path called the Enchanted Trail, enchanted it was...also a tight squeeze in a few spots through very narrow cut outs in the mountains.

Me and Zie at Lookout Mountain

Mike and Zie on the Enchanted Trail

From the top of Lookout Mountain you can see 7 states. What a site! They have each of the 7 state's flags flying as well and Kenzie was just thrilled to see that, sh responded to the beauty with a "OOOOOOO-AHHHHHH." She just loves to look at flags.

View from Lookout Mountain
Rock City, GA

From Chattanooga we headed to Black Mountain, NC to visit with my Grandfather's wife, Naomi. She was just thrilled to meet Kenzie and we had a great visit. The retirement community she lives in is really nice, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The view was breathtaking!

Black Mountain, NC

Zie and Naomi

After North Carolina, we made our way back to Gatlinburg, TN. Essentially, the Wisconsin Dells of the South. I went there as a kid and remembered it being a fun time. Of course it just doesn't seem like it was when I was younger. It has become the white trash meca of the south, straight out of a Jeff Foxworthy joke. But, we still had a good time walking the strip, checking out the shops and counting the missing teeth on the people passing by!

Hillbilly Mohawk

All good things must come to an end...

We're back home now and it's back to work for me today! It was nice to be home and with my family for a few days! Wish I could do this more often! I really feel like I'm missing out on a lot not being around enough!

~Shelby

Happy Birthday Shorts!

2009-09-08T07:45:00.003-05:00

Just a quick Happy Birthday to the Shorts, she 8 months old today! She's doing so well.

We had to huge milestones this weekend! While on vacation she pulled herself up to a standing position using the couch to get her favorite toy, the remote. It was so fun to see. She didn't stand for very long, but still wow! When we returned from our trip, we got in the house, put her down on the floor and she just took off crawling. I was she that she was just never gonna crawl and go straight to walking, but finally she did it!

Shorts in Daddy's bandana!

All this is just great, I just wish she wouldn't grow up so fast!

Happy Birthday Shorts!

Happy Birthday Allison!

2009-09-01T08:47:00.002-05:00

Wishing the best sister in the world a very Happy Birthday! Wish I could spend it with you!

It's been awhile...

2009-08-30T23:03:00.003-05:00

Another month has come and gone! Where did the summer go? I've been pretty busy lately! So it's been awhile since my last post.

We've made significant progress on the remodel of the house. We've got the front room painted and are about to start on the dining room then the new floor and trim to follow. All we'll have left is the kitchen, second bathroom, and guest bedroom/computer room and everything will be done. Thankfully we have until Christmas to finish the "All we have left" rooms.

Work has been just that, work! Not a big fan of it, but its something I have to do I guess. The peeps I work with really make it easier to go in each day, we always manage to have a good time regardless of how bad it is...

Me, I'm doing well. Keeping busy, that's for sure. I always manage to pass the time with one task or another. Had a lot going on recently and a lot more to look forward to.

Having a great time with Miss Zie. She truly is the light of my life. I just love to watch her play, sleep, eat, learn, and grow. This time is so precious and I cherish every last second that I have with her.

I spent this past weekend in Lake Geneva, WI with my mom, sister, and Miss Zie, a girls weekend! Its something we plan to do each year and I look forward to the next trip. We had a great time. It's so beautiful up there. We stayed that the Grand Geneva Resort, the former Playboy Club. The property was AMAZING! Downtown Lake Geneva is really nice, shopping, food, fun, and BEAUTIFUL houses. We took a great trip around the lake!

We've got our first family vacation to look forward to! We are leaving Thursday evening for Tennessee and North Carolina. We're gonna head to Chattanooga, TN and see the sites of Lookout Mountain overnight before heading to North Carolina to visit Naomi(my Grandpa's wife) for the day. On the way back home we plan to spend 2 says in Gatlinburg, TN. visiting Smokey Mountain National Park and other historic sites. It's a short little vacation, but a vacation none the less.

Sandy Cove

2009-08-09T13:04:00.002-05:00

Purchased the paint for the walls in the living room, its called Sandy Cove. I think once this project is done it will look really nice! If it ever gets done!

Poor Mike!

2009-08-08T00:14:00.001-05:00

Mike got his 2nd Tysabri infusion yesterday! They had a hard time starting his IV again, had to stick him 3 times. Poor guy! I thought we were gonna have to pick him up off the floor. Hopefully, we won't have to go through this again next month, or I'll be starting them myself at home. Not to brag on my skills, but I rarely miss!

On a positive note, shortly after the last 2 treatments Mike stated that the cramps in his legs went away, same as last treatment. Of course it comes back but it seems to happen rather close to the next treatment, perhaps around the time the previous infusion is wearing off. Good news to me regardless.

Always a sad day!

2009-08-05T22:51:00.002-05:00

Today marks the 8th Anniversary of my father's passing! I can't believe it's been 8 years! It feels like just yesterday I was hanging out with him. I miss him more than I could ever express. I feel especially sad this year now that I have a child of my own that will never get to experience him. He would have been such a awesome grandfather. I look forward to telling her all about him and sharing with her all my memories of him and everything he taught me.

I miss you Dad and would give anything for just one more day!

In loving Memory of Kenneth Frank Greaves
December 6, 1947 - August 5, 2001

Primed

2009-08-03T12:16:00.003-05:00

Well, we made a little progress this weekend! We got the hallway and living room primed and ready for painting yesterday. It took most of the day and boy are we paying for it today, crazy sore! Mike plans to get the ceiling painted this week and then we'll toss some color up next weekend. Still not sure what color though!

Blog/Website updates/changes

2009-08-01T23:19:00.012-05:00

We've had some recent updates and changes made to our personal websites. Mike's server went down and he has put it on the back burner for now. I guess it goes to show the changes in our priorities these days.

Mike's personal site www.michaeljohnston.net also had a merger with blogger you can now find it there. This is his "PG-13" site.

TaintedKernel.com, Mike's angry blog site has also made the blogger merger list. Mike will also be speaking his mind from this "R" rated site.

We bid farewell to www.shelbygreaves.com. Postings will longer be made, or I should say, postings have not been made since 2007. You were a good site and we shared some fun times, RIP!

We merged www.shelbyjohnston.com (which I never launched) with my blogger page as well. Either address www.shelbyjohnston.com or shelbyjohnston.blogspot.com works and will get you to the same place, here!

Our personal site, www.shelbyandmike.com, previously our wedding website, which later became a Babyblog, is now a family site which also had a merger with blogger. Check there for updates on life in the Johnston family.

And INTRODUCING, www.kenziejohnston.com (come on, you all knew it would happen eventually). We just got this one started tonight! You'll have to wait till she wakes up tomorrow to get started on it before any real progress is made on the site. Check there for news and pictures from the little miss.

Some new favorites!

2009-08-01T23:18:00.001-05:00

Some new favorites of Miss Zie. She's got such a great personality and just loves having her picture taken. You can see more pictures of her and occasionally some of us on Mike's picasa site. He updates it frequently so be sure to check it often.

AAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Rockin' her tubtime mohawk

www.com

2009-07-28T22:21:00.004-05:00

FYI

For your convenience you can now get to this wonderful site by simply typing

www.shelbyjohnston.com

The old way is still available as well.

Where does the time go?

2009-07-25T18:32:00.007-05:00

Wow, time is just racing by! We've got a lot going on right now! Just started work on the house again. We knocked the dividing wall in the front room down and man does it really open the place up! Now we're in the middle of prep work for painting. I'm beginning to realize how difficult it is to accomplish anything when you only have 2 days a week to do it. Of course after a long work week, especially the kind of weeks I've been having lately, the last thing you want to do on the weekend is more hard work. But, it must be done. Got to get the room finished and the floor down before "Zie" starts crawling.

Mike Loves you!

Mike had is first infusion of Tysabri and it seems to be doing it's job so far. His everyday aches and pains have decreased and he's made it through some rough times without a flair up. Fingers still crossed that this is the right stuff.

Zie is an outside kind of girl!

Kenzie is also doing well. We've found her happy place, outside. She can be as angry as hell but as soon as you take her outside, instant happiness. I think we may need to move to a year round good climate area so she can be outside all the time. She's really taken to eating solid foods, loves her carrots, peas and sweet potatos. We've just introduced her to Apple Juice in a sippy cup, which is a fun sight. She'll get the hang of it in no time. We're hoping to see some crawling soon! Although, she gets around rather well by scooting backwards and rolling around. Once she really gets moving I'm sure she'll be hard to keep up with.

Talking to Great Grannie Vining

She really is a joy, just the happiest baby I've seen. She wakes up happy (which she didn't get from me or her father) and she goes to sleep happy (most of the time). It really is amazing how much having a child does to you. It has brought out the best in me and Mike too. The world could be falling apart around me and all I need is to see her smile and everything is right again. She really is amazing.

6 months old

2009-07-08T23:16:00.003-05:00

She's 6 months old already! Man, where did the time go! It really seems like yesterday that we bought her home! I'm absolutely amazed at how fast she is growing, changing and learning. It's just to funny who something so simple as sitting up can be such a milestone...

Miss Kenzie and her new tea set

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-04T01:24:00.002-05:00

Happy Independence Day!

Taste of Chicago

2009-07-04T01:08:00.004-05:00

I finally made my first trip to the taste of Chicago this past Monday! Had the day off so we hopped on the Metra and made our way downtown. It was nice, perfect time to go, the weather was beautiful, and it was not crowded at all. We spent the whole afternoon walking around getting a taste of some of the best food Chicago has to offer. Kenzie seemed to to enjoy the adventure as well.

We also got a chance to stop in and see Sandy and the lovely ladies of Leydig. Had a good time visiting and are looking forward to having that chance again soon.

The trip home was alittle rough, full train, we had to stand for a bit. I am beginning to learn the difficulties of traveling with an infant. We almost missed the train going there and coming back, can't run as fast with a stroller and a diaper bag. we'll get better in time I guess.

Finally!

2009-06-26T13:14:00.004-05:00

She's finally holding her own bottle. Now all she has to do is make her formula herself and that will free up almost 3 hours in my day!

Kenzie's First Dip!

2009-06-26T13:10:00.004-05:00

Kenzie went for her first dip in the pool! She didn't seem to like it much, but didn't hate it either...baby steps!

My little towel head!

Weekend chalked full of fun!

2009-06-14T19:27:00.003-05:00

Had a big weekend, at least Kenzie did...

Friday she went downtown to attended her very first Bluefest in Grant Park with Grandma and Grandpa Johnston. While at the Bluesfest she also attended her first sanctioned Drunktown event and was a big hit with the citizens. She even got the approval of the Mayor of Drunktown, and avid baby hater, Brian, my sister's boyfriend.

Apparently the blues make her sleepy!

Kenzie also had her first sleepover with her Grandparents. She was such a good girl for them (which was a relief, now they will likely have her back again). She slept until a shocking 8:30am (figures!!!).

It was a nice break for us too! I had the chance to sleep in for the first time in 5 months, but of course woke up at 7:00am and couldn't go back to sleep. I'm officially programed I guess.

Saturday we attended a birthday party for the daughter of a dear friend of mine, Carrie. Her daughter Tatumn turned 6 this year, wow how time flies.

Sunday Special K and I went shopping and bought daddy some new clothes, ones without stains on them, we'll see how long they stay that way.

Now we are all tired and in desperate need of some sleep! Might just be a very early night for me!

5 Months Old

2009-06-08T12:04:00.003-05:00

Miss Kenzie is 5 months old today! Happy Birthday sweetie! slow down, what's your hurry to grow up?

Brookfield Zoo

2009-06-07T14:34:00.011-05:00

We made our first trip to the Zoo on Friday! It was a great day to be outside, the weather was just beautiful. We walked the entire park and saw all that there was to see. We're looking forward to going back again soon, it really was a great day!

Brookfield Zoo Trip June 4, 2009

Bears

And more Bears

Mom and Kenzie at the Children's Zoo

Dad and Kenzie taking in the Brookfield sites!

Peeking Kenzie

Big Kitty

Another Big Kitty!

She's a maniac, maniac on the floor!

2009-06-04T11:46:00.001-05:00

Auntie Aly knitted Kenzie some legwarmers...way too cute!

Happy Birthday Grannie

2009-05-31T20:00:00.003-05:00

Wishing Grannie Vining a very Happy 82th Birthday!

Too many bottles!

2009-05-28T09:18:00.001-05:00

Kenzie after one too many bottles!

World MS Day!

2009-05-27T12:00:00.002-05:00

Be Part of the First World MS Day - May 27, 2009

The U.S. National MS Society Joins More than 61 Countries Holding Events to Support This Global Initiative to Build Awareness for MS

New York, NY, May 27, 2009 - The first coordinated global initiative to highlight the proliferation of multiple sclerosis (MS) is being launched on May 27. Organized by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) with the help of MS Societies in 61 countries, including the United States and Canada, the day will be marked by more than 200 events around the world in a concerted effort to build awareness for MS and enhance collaboration that will bring us closer to a world free of multiple sclerosis.

The focus of World MS Day is on the needs of people with multiple sclerosis, the lack of capacity to diagnose and treat MS in many countries and the urgent need for more research to help eradicate the disease. It encourages people affected by MS worldwide to come together to take positive action in the MS movement by sharing their experiences, by donating time and funds to both support MS programs that will help people with MS move forward with their lives and spur MS research to end the disease, and to persuade legislative representatives to take steps that will ensure that people with MS everywhere can lead a life of possibility, dignity and fulfillment.

MS is found in every country in the world, and is one of the most common neurological diseases amongst people in their 20s and 30s. It is a prime of life disease striking just when people are building their careers and families. MS affects at least twice as many women as men and up to 60% of people diagnosed with MS will experience long-term disability. Though because of continuing medical breakthroughs, MS is now a treatable disease for the majority of people with are diagnosed, there is still no cure.

Happy Birthday!

2009-05-27T11:59:00.000-05:00

Wishing my pal Anne a Very Happy Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday!

2009-05-26T13:05:00.000-05:00

Wishing my pal Angi a Very Happy Birthday!

Kenzie's First Memorial Day

2009-05-25T08:56:00.006-05:00

We attended that Memorial Day Service at Streamwood's Village Hall this weekend. In all that years that I have lived here, this is the first time I have ever gone. It was a really nice ceremony. Proper recognition was made to all branches of the military and to all service men and women! Thank you for our freedom!

Sleeping through the 21 gun salute

Little Miss America!

Happy Memorial Day!

2009-05-25T08:53:00.004-05:00

Thank you to all the men and women serving in our military
...past, present and future!

Ugh!

2009-05-21T08:44:00.001-05:00

Back to work after a 2 day hiatus of stuffing my face with antibiotics and pain killers...still not much better!

A shout out to the ladies!

2009-05-20T12:59:00.001-05:00

Just a little shout out to the Leydig Ladies. Hope you are all doing well!

Boo!

2009-05-19T16:17:00.001-05:00

Bad news from the dentist...infection in the bone...on mad antibiotics now!

Humping teeth!

2009-05-19T09:36:00.002-05:00

So last Thursday I had the pleasure of having my final 2 wisdom teeth ripped from my jaw...what joy! By Sunday the pain seemed to be subsiding, however, midway through the day Monday the pain returned in full force along with a slight fever...infection is likely! OMG it is killing me today, guess that means I have to go back to the dentist! Thankfully, I have no more wisdom teeth to pull because it would be very unlikely that I would cooperate long enough to have anymore teeth pulled!

Happy Birthday Mom

2009-05-18T11:55:00.000-05:00

Wishing my Mom a Very Happy Birthday!

Back from the dead

2009-05-17T11:22:00.003-05:00

This post comes to you from my resurrected laptop! That's right people, it's back from the dead! Mike finally fixed it, I'm just thrilled! Thanks Mike, you rock!

Can't stop taking pictures! Got to show them to someone!

2009-05-10T20:27:00.006-05:00

The joys of my life!

Me and my girl!

Workin on that rolling over stuff!

This tastes like S&%t!!!

What you talkin' 'bout Willis!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T08:17:00.001-05:00

Wishing all my favorite Mom's and Just like a Mom a very HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

4 Months Old

2009-05-08T10:18:00.004-05:00

Lil' Miss K is 4 months old today!
Happy Birthday Punky!

Me and K, chillin' at the Lake front!

MS Walk 2009

2009-05-03T18:28:00.007-05:00

The man of the hour...er day, Mike! We do the MS walk for him! The courage he shows in his battle with MS has inspired me to do all that I can to put a stop to this disease! Every year I pledge to put forth all my effort to raise awareness of MS. Each step I take and each dollar I raise brings us closer to a cure for this disease, a cure for my wonderful husband!

Kenzie rolls for her Daddy! This was her first of many MS walks! She was a big hit with the crowd. What a great way to raise awareness then with the cutest baby in the world, and I'm not just saying that because I'm her mom! Everyone stopped to read her sign. She was exceptionally good today, slept for most of the 3 mile walk and spent the rest of the time taking in the downtown sites! Next year she won't have to roll for daddy, she'll get to walk for him!

Not only was she a hit with the crowd, but also a hit with Jerry Tafft, weatherman for ABC7 News. He snatched her right out of Grandpa Eddie's arms and had her waving to the crowd at the starting line.

Me and Kenzie hanging out before the walk! It was a b-e-a-utiful day to be outside!

Away we go on our 3 mile journey to put an end to MS.

Next year we'll be back, bigger and better than before. I took this year off while adjusting to this mommy thing, but now that I've got this hang of it we can start planning for next year. Although, I'm damn proud of our little team, JohnstonStrong raised over $1000.00 with little to no effort involved! Every bit helps, next year and the years to come we'll get a little bit more!

Can you feel it?

2009-05-01T23:29:00.002-05:00

Can you feel it? It just got muy frio (very cold) in hell! I due believe that it in fact has frozed over! Mike now owns a MAC. You heard it right people, Mike owns an APPLE computer and actually really likes it!

We purchased a Mac Mini computer and it's pretty sweet, yeah you heard me, it's sweet!

Out with the old and in with the new

2009-05-01T23:21:00.003-05:00

We went to see Mike's neurologist today and I wish I had better news to share! It appears that the medication that Mike is currently on is not slowing down the disease progression. Mike had an MRI recently which showed yet another new lesion since his last one in November. Thankfully, he does not seem to show any effects from this current flair up.

After a long discussion with his neuro we've decided that it's time to switch his medication, the one he currently takes, avonex, is obviously not working for him. Out with the old and in with the new!!! Beginning in June Mike will start a new treatment called Tysabri, a monthly intravenous infusion. His doctor has had nothing but promising things to say about this drug so I have great hope that Tysabri will be the right medication for Mike.

Wow, where does the time go!

2009-04-28T23:50:00.002-05:00

Wow, where does the time go? An entire month has passed since my last post, I'm ashamed of myself and my lack of blogging. I have a good excuse now, got a 3 month old running the show now...limited time for me, which means limited time to blog.

Here's what's new...nothing!!! Really though, a lot has gone on in the last couple of weeks!

Work is still work, so I'm not gonna say anything more about that!

Mike and I are still alive, still married, and still in love! Mike had a birthday last week so Happy Birthday to him! Now I'm not alone in my suffering at age 31! We've been getting along just fine...surviving the daily challenges of parenthood! He's still rockin' at this stay at home dad gig, while I'm still rockin' the work thing!

Kenzie has zoomed right through her 3rd month of life. She's doing great! Holding her head up with no problem and is almost rolling over! She gets on her side and gives up! She's still working real hard at sitting up though! She grabs herself by the shirt and tries with all her might to pull herself up, usually so much strength is used that it makes her fart a few times...way too cute! Every ounce of her is involved, even her eyebrows! Oh, and she's a little chatty Kathy, talking up a storm, of course in a language only her and her stuffed animals understand, but it's still cute! We took her in for her 3 month pictures, what a blast that was. Her first photo resulted in spit up all over the set...I'm sure they are use to that by now. We got some pretty cute pictures that I will post in the near future.

Got the new family together for some pictures also! Again, will post those as well!

The MS walk is this weekend! Looking forward to that. I didn't put any effort into planning it this year...got myself some much needed time off. I'll get back in the game for next year!

All in all I can't complain, things are going pretty well! Check back again soon!

Hugs and stuff!
~Shelby

Happy Birthday to Mike

2009-04-24T19:08:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Mike! I'm no longer alone in my suffering at age 31! Hope you have a great birthday, you deserve it...

Happy Easter!!!

2009-04-10T09:43:00.003-05:00

Kenzie and Peter Rabbit!

Happy Easter Everyone!

Already!

2009-04-08T09:07:00.002-05:00

Kenzie is 3 months old already!

We took her for her professional pictures...what fun that was! First shot she spit up all over the set! It was pretty hard to get her to smile, she just stared blankly at the photographer! As soon as she would snap a picture, out came a smile! The pictures came out great though, quite a few that I just love. I will post them when we get them!

All is well, Kenzie is growing like a weed. SHe's holding her head up without any problems now. She's rolled over a few times, although I think by total accident! And tried really hard to sit up, it's pretty funny to watch! She'll have abs of steel in no time.

Mike has gotten all the bugs worked out with the Mr. Mom thing! It is so fun to watch him with her. I think she is starting to like him more than me, not fare!

A few more pictures of the baby!

2009-04-01T11:19:00.006-05:00

Opps, dropped a little miracle grow on her head!

Look at those big blue eyes!

She found her thumb!

Chowing down with Uncle BJ!

My little Cupcake!

Where does the time go?

2009-04-01T11:09:00.005-05:00

So going back to work has severely limited my free time, hence no blog posts for over 2 weeks...sorry! I'm slowly getting better at multitasking, progress progress! Where does the time go?

Me and my kid!

Being back at work is just grand! It's good to be around the people I've missed and thankfully the time just flies by! I was hoping that 12 weeks away would be refreshing, not so much. My first day back I felt like a student again, getting in everyone's way. By the next day it was like I had never left, in all aspects of the job, so refreshment is not possible! I really miss the time I had with Kenzie though!

Daddy's little girl!

I am excited to report that Mike has survived 2 weeks as Mr. Mom and is half way through his third! He's doing a great job, I'm pretty damn proud of him!

Back to work on Monday!

2009-03-13T12:46:00.002-05:00

Well, it's finally over! Time to knock 3 months worth of dust off my scrubs and head back to work on Monday, boo! The time went by soooooooo fast!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-03-11T12:45:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to Me! 31, woot!

My two favorite girls!

2009-03-09T07:44:00.000-05:00

Hailey and Kenzie Johnston

2 Months Old

2009-03-08T12:43:00.000-05:00

Kenzie is 2 months old today!

A little more Kenzie is good for the soul!

2009-02-26T12:34:00.008-06:00

Just being the cutest girl ever!

They are just sooo precious when they sleep!

Here she is chalked full of rage and hate!

Kenzie is becoming Probie's new playmate!

Learning to hack with Dad!

What's new and exciting!

2009-02-26T12:14:00.003-06:00

It's been awhile since I have sat down and put in a good post! Obviously, the baby is sleeping, hence my ability to crack out the child birth story and this post! Gotta love that baby swing, puts her right to sleep when set on "ludicrous speed"!

Things are going rather well if I do say so myself! We are really getting the hang of this parent stuff! Kenzie is 7 weeks old today! She's sleeping though the night now, at least for the last 4 nights! I never thought I would be so grateful to having 6 consecutive hours of sleep, but getting that now, I feel like a million bucks. The screaming is still there, but not as often, however, it seems louder than ever. Getting out of the house with her is getting easier too. Although, thankfully, we have a hand full of people who are eager to take her off our hands for a few hours while we get out and run errands.

We are getting ready to continue with the remodeling of our portion of the house. We plan to prep the bathroom and our bedroom for painting today! Hopefully toss down some paint tomorrow and Saturday and have the trim installed on Sunday.

We're got our brand new king size bed coming the beginning of next week! After sleeping in a king size bed for three days in Alabama decided to make the jump! It will be nice to have a little real estate between us, not that I don't love to cuddle up to Mike on occasion! My 1/3 of the bed to his 2/3 is just not cutting it anymore.

Next week we'll move the remodeling to the hall and living room...that will take most if not all of the week. Those two areas are JACKED, it's been almost a decade since either area has seen a paint brush! Then in goes the new floor and we'll be done for awhile.

I've got 3 weeks left on my maternity leave, man the time just flew by! 1/2 of me is looking forward to going back to work while the other 1/2 is sooo loving not working. Mike has 3 weeks to make us independently wealthy so I can stay home!

Well that's all I've got for now! Have a good one!

The Miracle of Childbirth!

2009-02-26T10:56:00.002-06:00

Here's my story! I was one of the lucky few to have a "scheduled" birth. Only because this kid refused to come out. Now, I find myself wondering how long she would have stayed "indoors" before deciding to make her appearance.

On the day we were set to deliver there must have been a boom in child delivery because I was bumped off the schedule at 5am. Talk about MAJOR disappointment...I was in the mind set that that day was the day. They said to call every hour to check availability of a room! We got bumped several more times throughout the morning, at 6, 7, 9, and 10. Finally, after we had given up all hope of having a baby that day, they called at 11am and said they are ready for us...like lightening...we shot over to the hospital!

We arrived at 11:30 and I had to be taken to Labor and Delivery in a wheel chair. I totally hated every minute of that trip through the hospital, I was completely capable of walking! What seemed like every NCH staff member I knew was walking the halls at that very moment, everyone kept saying "good luck," it was slightly uncomfortable and exciting all at the same time!

We made it to our room which would be "home' for us for the next 12 hours. We were assigned a nurse, Heather! We were very lucky...she was AWESOME! Things started moving very quickly...except for getting an IV started! 6 attempts by 3 different nurses were all unsuccessful...finally the anesthesiologist stepped in and saved me from further pokes (thanks Dr. Cadre)! They started the meds to induce labor, I asked how long till this stuff starts to work...before I could finish that sentence I felt my first contraction...not bad! 4 long and boring hours went by (Mike and I watched the entire 7th season of Scrubs during this time) contraction after contracting...after awhile they were starting to get rather rough!

Getting an epidural is quite unnerving, but I am eternally grateful for the advancements of modern medicine, biting a stick would not have done the trick for me! The whole idea of someone sticking a huge needle in your back just adjacent to your spinal cord made me (and Mike) a little nauseous! Honestly, the novocaine was more painful than the spinal needle...thankfully the whole process was rather quick and done by a doctor I truly trust! After about 30 minutes I started to lose sensation in my legs...WEIRD...30 more minutes after that and you could have dropped an anvil on my foot and I wouldn't know the difference! It was great...totally numb, however, thankfully, I could still move my legs on my own!

2 more hours go by, my doctor stopped in to see me and said that it would likely be after midnight before we would see any "action". However, my nurse predicted that the baby would be born by 9:30pm (which was in just 2 hours at that point). I spent the next hour visiting with the future grandmas (they were slightly overwhelming with their excitement and were making me a little anxious). My sister showed up at right time and was the perfect solution to my anxiety...the girl makes me laugh...we just get each other, after a good 20 years of working at it!

Nurse Heather pops in at 8:00pm and starts to set everything up. In an instant our comfy hospital room converts into an almost surgical delivery room, stuff drops from the ceiling, walls move to reveal other rooms, tables move in, sterile drapes get tossed around and Shelby gets REALLY nervous! The nurse said it was "time" and calls my doctor to come to the room, Heather said she was pretty hesitant at first, no way could this first timer is ready to go already. She finally showed up after almost 30 minutes and we got down to business!

I was proud of myself, I didn't slap Mike or bitch him out or anything like you see on TV. It was actually EASY, yeah I said it...it was easy! At least it was a lot easier than I had imagined, I was pretty modified by the idea of giving birth. In the classes we took they told us to expect up to 3 hours of hard labor...I was horrified by the thought of 3 hours of pushing out a baby! Lucky me, after a mere 55 minutes we were holding our baby girl, well, Mike was holding her...I didn't get my hands on her for nearly an hour after she was born because I had to be sewn back together, Kenzie BUSTED her way out! Let me just say one word about the damage that was done, O-U-C-H! I had myself a vaganus (made that word up myself).

It was amazing, 9 months of being pregnant, well for me, 10 months...and it's all over in 9 1/2 hours, not bad for a first timer! And, with such a wonderful reward at the "finish line." Kenzie Marie Johnston, the miracle of childbirth!

Mas Kenzie...

2009-02-12T22:10:00.005-06:00

Smiling at her Uncle BJ

(you can really see how red her hair is in contrast to BJ's beard)

Kenzie trying to eat me!

Me = TIRED, Kenzie = ANGRY

Kenzie sleeping with her "guard cat" Savannah!

It's actually pretty cute, Savannah is very protective of the baby...runs to her aid when she is crying and always sleeps near here...got a back up mom I guess...with more hair and a sandpaper tongue!

Home Sweet Home

2009-02-12T22:07:00.002-06:00

Back in Chicago! What a trip! The way back was not as easy as the way there. Mike and I were DOG tired, whatever that means, and had to stop to take a nap! We passed out at a rest stop somewhere in Kentucky for almost 4 hours, Kenzie too. Our nap set us back a few hours and would have put us in Chicago right at the start of rush hour so we stopped in Indy and played around at the mall for a few hours! It rained the rest of the way home and progressively got colder... We finally got home after almost 19 hours in the car...we are all pretty sick of "bye-bye car" right now! But, it was good to be back home and slowly get things back to normal...if there is such a thing...

Rest in Peace

2009-02-10T17:59:00.001-06:00

Grand-daddy's funeral was today and it was very nice. He had full military honors, three soldiers from Fort Rucker came to present my grandmother with an American flag. It was the first time I have seen this honor before and it was very moving. While they folded the flag a female soldier played "Taps" in the distance...beautiful!

I read a poem during the service. A dear friend, Melissa Siegert, gave this poem to me when my father passed away so I thought it fitting to use again!

We little knew that day,
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death, we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you.
You did not go alone.
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.

You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide.
And although we cannot see you,
You are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken,
And nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again

So Grand-dad, until the chain links again, rest in peace!

Happy Birthday Kenzie

2009-02-08T23:56:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Punky!

Our precious angel is one month old today!

Raymond Curtis Vining

2009-02-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

Raymond Curtis Vining
October 6, 1920 - February 8, 2009

Grand-daddy passed away peacefully early this morning. He was a kind man with a big heart, he will be missed!

Sweet Home Alabama

2009-02-07T19:34:00.000-06:00

We made it to Alabama! It took us 12 hours to get there, usually can be done in 9-10 hours...not bad with baby in tow! She travels great...slept the entire drive there. We had to wake her up at rest stops to feed and change her. We might just forget buying a house and go straight for a Winnebago and travel the country while she sleeps!

Its good to be back in Alabama...especially since we left 30 degree weather for the low 70's!

After we got to Alabama I went straight to the hospital to see my granddad. I was a little disappointed that they won't allow Kenzie to see him, she is so young and her immune system is so low still they don't want her to catch anything. Which is a good thing, I just really would like for him to meet his first grand-daughter!

Granddad is in bad shape but hanging in there. His right side is paralyzed for the most part. He is still as sharp as a tack, he recognizes everyone, talking well, and cracking jokes. He's been trying real hard to get us to take him home...he's trying to get out of bed, pulling out his IV lines and all that. They gave him a sedative and soon after he said "I feel like I'm floating." They brought him a try of what they call "food," I use the term loosely! I fed him his "dinner" and we talked and laughed the whole time. We left him so he could get some rest and plan to go back tomorrow and try to sneak him down to the lobby to meet Kenzie!

Grand-daddy...

2009-02-06T21:40:00.000-06:00

My grand-daddy had a stroke earlier this week. We are heading down to Alabama to see him. He's not in very good shape, but is hanging in there. Please keep him in your thoughts!

Future's so bright!

2009-02-01T01:19:00.002-06:00

My furture's so bright...gotta wear shades!

In Memory Of...

2009-01-28T05:55:00.002-06:00

Its a sad day for us! A very good friend of ours, Robert Hayes, lost his youngest brother last weekend in an ATV accident. My heart goes out to you Rob and your family during this difficult time! You are in our prayers!

In loving memory of
Brett C. Hayes
August 3, 1979 - January 24, 2009

Her first bird!

2009-01-28T05:53:00.002-06:00

Flipping the bird already, it just melts my heart! This baby is just chalked full of rage and hate...take that world! Makes me proud!

Kenzie's Pro Pictures

2009-01-23T08:40:00.010-06:00

Our family is complete!

Ten little toes, and 2 carats...

Wrapped around my finger!

Face of an angel!

Extreme close-up!

Sleeping beauty!

Our little princess!

The Next Best Thing!

2009-01-20T20:03:00.002-06:00

The next best thing to being held by her grandpa Ken is being held by her grandpa's best friend Archie!

This was a special moment for me and I am so glad that it happened so soon! Kenzie got to meet her Grandpa Ken's best friend Archie. Sadly, she'll never get to meet her Grandpa Ken, but will get to hear all about him from the important people in his life!

One week old!

2009-01-15T12:01:00.001-06:00

I can't believe it...Kenzie is already 1 week old! Man, where does the time go?

Lil Miss Kenzie Marie

2009-01-15T11:06:00.007-06:00

Kenzie's first photo!

Snug as a bug in a rug!

Crazy eyes!

Smiling already!

There are tons more pictures! I just don't have the time to post them! Check out Mike's picasa site for more. He updates it almost daily!

http://picasaweb.google.com/michael.johnston

Announcing Kenze Marie

2009-01-09T00:58:00.002-06:00

We wish to send a happy birthday to our daughter Kenzie Marie who was born at 9:55 PM Thursday night, measuring 21" and weighing in at 8lbs 12oz. Pictures will come be up soon.

Game on!

2009-01-08T10:19:00.000-06:00

We're outta here...a bed is finally open! It's baby time!

Come on already!

2009-01-08T07:02:00.003-06:00

It's just the kind of luck that I have! Today is supposed to be THE DAY! I woke up at an ungodly 5am to get ready to head out, mid-shower the hospital calls and says that they do not have any available beds and that my scheduled labor is now on hold. Come on already! It is in everyone's best interests that I not be pregnant another day! TRUST ME!

Finally!

2009-01-06T00:08:00.004-06:00

Finally some good news...

Scheduled to be induced on Thursday!

Unless she decides to come out on her own before then...

Still in there!

2009-01-05T11:52:00.002-06:00

Ok, so here we are one week past the due date and she's still in there! I signed on for 9 months, not 10! Ugh...stubborn kid...taking after her Dad already, late, always late!

Apparently, she's extremely happy inside. Friday we went for a fetal stress test and she was just as calm as can be, no stress on the inside. They also did an Ultrasound to check things out and she again seems rather content with her surroundings. Really got to get a nice look at her too, at full size...she's gonna be a cutie!

We're going to the doctor again today and will schedule to be induced! I've always wanted to seem important enough to have to schedule something like having a baby! How cool am I? I'm free on Friday at 2:15, after my mani/pedi, does that work for you? I'm so hard core!

So now I can guarantee a baby by the end of the week! I'd like to say by the end of the day, but I'm sure they'll try to push it off to another day so they can make more money off of me!

Have a wonderful Monday!

Still Nothing and I'm out of pez!

2008-12-28T10:35:00.002-06:00

OMG, when will this end! I was really hoping that by now I would be sleep deprived, covered in baby puke and knee deep in dirty diapers! I'm sooooooo tired of being pregnant! I'm desperate, I even googled "inducing labor naturally." I was surprised to see endless lists of ideas from the usual stuff to things like acupuncture and pressure point stimulation...I'm so pathetic! I guess Kenzie is gonna be a Johnston through and through...late for everything!

And just so you all know, my cat Monty, loves pez candy. He got into my dispenser last night and ate up all my pez...caught him red pawed...he had pez crumbs stuck on the end of his nose!

Happy Birthday Brian!

2008-12-24T08:48:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Brian!

Let it snow, and stuff like that!

2008-12-24T08:29:00.003-06:00

Wow, how asked for all this snow for Christmas. It's pretty but, come on...enough already! I think we had to shovel 3 times yesterday, and it's not looking any better for today! Who ever dreamed of a White Christmas dream has come true.

Day three of no work! L-O-V-E IT! Although, working these past two days would have been impossible! Getting around like an 85 year old woman these days! It's kind of pathetic if you ask me! I miss it thought, which is also pathetic...

Oh, yeah, chest pain, back with avengeance! It was so bad that I actually went to the ER Sunday night! Of course they told me that it was heartburn...and of course I refuse to believe them. This so called "heartburn" didn't go away until mid afternoon Tuesday. Who's heard of 48 hour heart burn? Not me! I took several antacids, drank a gallon or so of milk, stayed away from those bad foods...nothing relieved the "heartburn." Me being a self proclaimed MD thinks its an inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs...costochondritis, I think it's called. I've had it before and it feels similar to that. It feels like my ribs are broken, every breath is shear pain...but, what do I know I just some dumb pregnant chick with a little GERD. WHATEVER! Thankfully it seems to be subsiding now, only hurts with really deep breaths which I can't do easily anyway, since this baby is ridin' high!

Still holding onto hope that she arrives today, so that she can steal all of Uncle BJ's birthday thunder, but it's not looking too good!

Well, enough from me! Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!
~Shelby

One more day...

2008-12-19T00:19:00.002-06:00

I thought this day would never come! Tomorrow is my last day of work for the next 12 weeks. I am soooo relieved! I had originally planned to continue working until the baby arrives...but this last week has been the most difficult week of all...everything hurts! And, I am soooooo freaking tired! Everything that was once sooooo easy is no soooo hard! Turning, bending, pulling, pushing, walking, sitting, smiling...ouch! The baby has settled into place and is sitting on every nerve I have. I have the worst hip pain, leg pain, back pain, pain, pain, pain! I truly hope that this is over sooner than later...Hurry up and get here baby!

Eviction!

2008-12-11T11:28:00.002-06:00

Eviction notices have been posted! Attention Baby...pack your bags! It's time to move out! See you soon.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2008-12-06T08:56:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday Dad! We miss you today and everyday!

Home Stretch and other things!

2008-12-04T10:38:00.005-06:00

Less then 28 days to go! I can't believe how fast this time has gone. It seemed like so far off in the beginning, but here we are already. I still feel like I have a ton of things to do!

I've got roughly 2 weeks of work left...if I can make it! It's getting harder and harder to make it through the day...by Friday...I'm a wreck! By the end of the night it's hard to walk...the worst is my hips...they were bad to begin with and now...much worse then before. Thankfully no crazy swelling or back problems to weight me down...yet. Props to the people at work for not letting me do more than I should, regardless of the fight that I put up about it! I'm sure I'll pay for it after my 3 months away!

I remember reading somewhere that the closer you get to "D" day the less movement you feel...things get pretty tight for the baby making it difficult to punch and kick. Well. apparently Kenzie won't be stopped...She continues to beat me senseless from the inside between brief naps. Doctor says she's doing great again, everything is beating, pumping, functioning, and she's just the right size/weight, just about 6lbs. Ready, set, gooooooooo!

Things are going well for us! Mike ended up bouncing back from his flair-up scare rather quickly, thankfully. I truly hate it when he is not at his %100.

Christmas is just around the corner...we will be finishing up our shopping this weekend and decorating the outside of the house! Hopefully that will put us in the spirit, cuz I'm really not feelin' it this year!

I hate MS

2008-12-01T08:01:00.002-06:00

I hate MS and I hate that it is making the most important part of my life feel bad! I hope you feel better soon Mike!

I blame the Bears loss for the flair up! Way to go stupid Bears!

Finishing Touches...

2008-11-27T20:04:00.007-06:00

Window, obviously!

The Diaper Depot!

Current sleeping spot for the cats!

Wall Decor

Our cutie's photo

Hammer Time!

2008-11-27T12:23:00.003-06:00

Mike and Brian...doin' what brothers do...trying to kill each other!

Give Thanks Yo!

2008-11-27T02:39:00.003-06:00

Happy Turkey Day!

A Late Night Heart Attack?!?!?!

2008-11-26T11:36:00.005-06:00

So in the middle of the night I woke up with the absolute worst pain in my chest that I have ever experienced. This is the 3rd time this has happened in the last 2-3 months, the latest more severe than the prior episodes. I seriously thought that I was having a heart attack. Unlike the previous events, Nothing relieved that pain, changing positions, walking, standing, screaming, jumping up and down, pacing, whining, crying...nada. This went on for like 15-20 minutes. Finally, I decided to jump in the shower...a really hot shower...hoping that it would help and also slightly preparing to go to the ER as a last resort. Kind-of funny, as soon as I hit the hot water the pain slowly subsided. THANK GOD!

So this morning I was checking Dr. Google like I always do and saw multiple posts of pregnant woman complaining of the same sort of thing, all of their doctors said it was acid reflux. I have to say that I find that TOTALLY ridiculous. There is no way in hell that the pain I felt last night, that brought me to tears, was ACID! Total Bullshit!!! I rarely get heartburn to begin with! It felt like someone was tearing my heart into pieces. Plus it was like 10 hours since I had last eaten...

We'll have to see what my doctor has to say!

Maybe next time!

2008-11-24T11:36:00.003-06:00

Sooooo pissed! Got called into work in the middle of the damn movie! Just when it was getting to the good part. Have to give it another go next weekend!

Twilight

2008-11-23T01:45:00.002-06:00

Going to see the Twilight movie with my sister and Anne tonight! Can't wait!!!

The Don, BBJ and Baby Avi

2008-11-23T00:53:00.003-06:00

We spent the evening with Cousin Don and Brigitte and their new daughter Avianna, we had such a great time! Baby Avi is just as precious in person as she is in pictures! It was too much fun watching Donnie show Mike the fatherly ropes, hold her like this, do this if she cries, carry her like that, and so much more! Thanks for having us over and for all the great pointers! We're totally stealing someone's exercise ball!!!

8 1/2

2008-11-21T10:28:00.004-06:00

Ok people...we're in the home stretch! We have finally arrived at 8 1/2 months of baby incubation! It's been one hell of a ride that's for sure! Start placing your bets...when will it be, can you guess the right "D" day?

We're getting really excited and slightly nervous...at least I am. Everything baby is coming together rather well. Baby's room is just about finished, we have all the basic necessities, and have taken all the classes. We're ready to be parents!

Oh, and baby Kenzie is quite the posture Nazi! Try and sit with poor posture and you take a swift one to the kidney, right or left! I'm waiting for a foot to hit me in the throat. It sure feels like it's possible. Inner activity is in full swing. I wouldn't be surprised if she had some friends over...way to much action for one person! Do it again kid and I'll hold my breath, lol!

It's been fun thus far! I think, like they say, I'll miss certain things about being pregnant...I think I'll miss all the moving around...sometimes it's a bit of a surprise, and slightly uncomfortable, but still kind of a cool feeling! Guys eat some 3 day old Indian food, you'll get a pretty good idea of how it feels!

Good people doin' good things!

2008-11-20T13:28:00.003-06:00

Got some exciting news recenty, from a cherished friend! He will be riding in the BP MS 150, Houston to Austin charity bike race on April 18-19, 2009 in honor of Mike! We are truly touched by his desire to "saddle up" and join the fight to defeat MS. Just some proof that there are still some good people out there...doin' good things! When we get his ride information I'll post it and encourage you all to support his fundraising efforts! It's a good cause for a good person! Trust me, I know!

Thanks Robert H!
We Love You, Man!

Some assembly required!

2008-11-19T10:50:00.007-06:00

So we got the room nearly finished, just some last minute touch ups that need to be made. Here's a few more pictures of the progress.

This picture is a family tradition. I've got one of my dad putting together my crib, and now Kenzie will have one of her dad!

Uncle BJ reading the directions!

Uncle BJ freaking out about the reading the directions!!!

Mike loves it when some assembly is required!

Almost finished product...Thanks for the hard work guys!

Yes...still more to come!

Sneak Peak

2008-11-15T00:01:00.007-06:00

Painting and Wallpaper is done...still got a bit more work to do, but I've kept you all waiting long enough! Here's a sneak peak of the progress on Kenzie's room!

Mike taking care of the blue wall!

And the green wall!

Uncle BJ's got the orange covered!

Still working on the the orange!

Up goes the wallpaper boarder!

and again with the wallpaper!

Progress, progress, progress...more pictures to follow!

Painting...DONE!

2008-11-13T11:16:00.002-06:00

Woot! Woot! Woot! Mike and Brian finished painting the baby's room yesterday and it looks GREAT! I'm sooooo sooooo happy that we chose to go with the 4 different colors and that it doesn't look tacky! I'm very happy with it! They did an excellent job! Tomorrow we will put up the wall paper boarder and get the trim started! Hopefully we can get the room set up over the weekend! I'll be sure to post pictures when it's finished!

Painting!

2008-11-11T10:23:00.002-06:00

Well we got 2/3 of the painting done yesterday! The ceiling and two larger walls are complete. So far, everything looks great. The colors (blue and green) are so vibrant...just what I was hoping for, and nearly a perfect match to the colors in the bedding and such.

Mike will finish the two smaller walls and do the necessary touch ups over the next 2 days. Then by weeks end we will put up the wall paper boarder. Hopefully all will be finished by the weekend so we can get the furniture together and get the room finished. I will then be able to stop worrying that the baby will come before the room is finished and have to sleep in a dresser drawer for a week!

Next up...the bathroom! It will be quick and easy. Just needs a coat of paint! We already remolded it 2 years ago...just never got around to painting it! We recently found a great bathroom set or scheme, whatever you call it, that we like. So now we have something to work with! We will paint it either bright yellow or light blue...we'll see what happens! Gonna be sooo sick of painting by the time this is over with!

Another one hot off the presses

2008-11-10T20:26:00.003-06:00

Introducing

Ashleigh Nellie Gilliam

November 8, 2009
6:33 PM
7 lbs and 21 inches

Congrats to Karrie and Paul on their new edition!

The bird!

2008-11-10T11:27:00.001-06:00

Suri Cruise

I knew I liked this kid for some reason! Her little middle finger is soooo cute! She even has proper form! At least its not up her nose!

Cheech and Chong!

2008-11-09T11:51:00.002-06:00

We saw the Cheech and Chong show last night, it was GREAT! I'm so glad that I chased after those tickets. I grew up listening to them and seeing their movies. My Dad was a hugh fan of theirs, he had all their albums. I knew the "Dave's not here" skit by heart at 7 years old.

They were spot on...still have the most amazing chemistry even after 25 years. They did my favorite skit from Up in Smoke, when they are riding in the car..."mellow, mellow,...AGHHHHHH!" Even at 60 and 70 years of age they still got it! They even talked about making another movie as well, Chong's wife "Shelby" (yes his wife's name is Shelby) said they should call it "Grumpy Old Stoners."

If my dad was here today I would have dragged him to that show knowing he would have had a great time! Mike and I did...

More progress

2008-11-09T11:36:00.004-06:00

More progress has been made!!! We got the baby's room all primed and ready for paint Friday. Thanks so much to Mike and Brian for all their hard work! Mike and I went out and bought the colors for the walls. I'm excited to get started on that tomorrow. Hopefully we will be able to put the baby's room together next weekend!

Above are the colors we have chosen. We plan to paint each wall a different color to match the bedding, and give the appearance of a toy block. I think it will turn out great! Or at least I hope it turns out great! I will post pictures when we are done...

A sigh of relief!

2008-11-05T10:53:00.003-06:00

President Elect Barack Obama

For the first time in years I am happy with the choices made by our nation. I feel we are in good hands now...and am excited and hopeful for what is in store of us in the very near future. If only one or two changes are made...it's still progress! So, hail to the chief!