17 + Water = The Formula for Dying

This is what my Mammaw mumbled to my aunt Marva Lynne just 3 days ago. She told my aunt to make sure to write the formula down on a note pad because everyone needed to know it. She's been losing her mind with this horrible disease so we thought nothing of it. Funny thing is today is the 17th day since she stopped eating, and she hasn't had any water in almost a week. She passed away at 2:11 this morning. Is this just a coincidence or was she really trying to tell us something? I guess we'll all find out on our on time.
I went to visit yesterday evening. I wasn't sure rather to take Ashlyn over to see her in the state that she was in, but my mom said that when they would just mention Ashlyn and Brennan's names she would wake up a bit, so I felt that it was important that my Mammaw get to see them. At this point I did not realize that it would be the last time, so I'm so thankful in my decision. When Ashlyn walked over to Mammaw's bed they (Dad and my aunt) said that Mammaw was more awake than she had been in the past 2 days. She couldn't talk and she could hardly open her eyes, but you could see her eyebrows moving up and down with joy knowing that her babies were in the room. We all took turns sitting with her talking with her and saying our goodbyes, letting her know that it was ok to let go. We never anticipated her going downhill so fast, but it truly was a blessing that she didn't suffer any longer than she did!
Mom drove over to my house at 5 this morning to tell me the news. She said that she couldn't do it over the phone. I'm so happy that she's no longer in pain, but I'm going to miss her more than anyone can ever imagine! It's not going to be the same walking in that house without her there. There's not a doubt in my mind that she's in heaven right now and I know that she's going to be watching over Ashlyn and Brennan all of the time. She's their guardian angel, there's no doubt about it! Please continue to pray for our family during this time of grief.

Overload

My mind is on overload. My body is on overload. My emotions are on overload. It's been a very hectic week around here. Having 2 kids is no walk in the park. Don't get me wrong. I wouldn't change a thing, but having two is NOTHING like having one! It's a completely different ballgame. I don't know who cries more my 3, soon to be 4 year old in less than a month, or my newborn baby. I do believe that Ashlyn is the whiniest child on the face of the planet. Brennan is overall a good baby, but he will not let you forget a feeding. It is every 3 hours ON THE DOT, and don't you forget it! He's up every 3 hours at night to eat, which I figured would change by now. Ashlyn was such a good sleeper. Everyone kept telling me that if you had one good sleeper get ready because the second one won't sleep a wink. I didn't believe a word of it...........until now! It's so true! =) He's also spoiled rotten which makes it very hard to get anything done throughout the day. He wants to be held 24/7. Britt and I were talking and we don't know what he's going to do at preschool when he isn't held all of the time. =) Tonight was my first attempt to go out shopping, by myself, with Ashlyn and Brennan. Let me tell you these people who have 4 or more kids are NUTS!!!!!!!!!! I was struggling with just the two of mine. Brennan screamed the entire time in the first store. We left, went out to the car, fed him, and were off to my second stop. Crazy I know! Ashlyn whined the entire time about getting a surprise, Brennan cried the whole time if we weren't constantly moving, everyone was staring at me like I was the CRAZY woman with 2 screaming children as I was trying not to lose my sanity. On top of all of this I was bathing suit shopping none the less. Just what I wanted to do after just having a baby, but we're planning on going to the beach next week and as much as I'd like to do it, I guess I can't sit out on the beach in shorts and a tee shirt trying to get a tan. I did find 2 tankinis that cover all of my rolls and stretch marks. Man I feel so old right now! I don't think that anyone will see me in a 2 piece EVER again. Brennan has done some major damage to my once upon a time decent body.

My Mammaw Drum is not doing well at all. She hasn't eaten in almost 2 weeks, and now she's barely taking any fluids in. They've started her on Morphine because she's having a lot of pain in her chest. I took Ashlyn and Brennan over there on Monday and as Ashlyn was giving Mammaw a hug goodbye my Mammaw took Ashlyn's face in her hands and said, "Baby, Remember that Mammaw will always love you!". I lost it. Try explaining to your daughter who thinks the world of her Mammaw that she's very sick and is going to be going to heaven soon to be with Jesus. Ashlyn is not happy about the idea. It is such a tough situation. We went back over on Thursday to see her and she could barely talk. Ashlyn went to tell her goodbye and she said, "Bye Mammaw. I'll see you in Heaven." My heart skipped a beat. Then my Mammaw replied, "Yes, and that will be the best day of my life!". I have cried and cried and cried over losing my Mammaw. Her and I are so close. It's hard to think of her no longer being a part of our lives, but I think that it's even harder to watch her suffer the way that she is. Please continure to pray for all of us during this time.

Beautiful Family

The Best Medicine Ever!

As most of you know my Mamaw Drum has pulmonary fibrosis which is hardening of the lungs.

When Ashlyn was born the doctors only gave her a year to live.

As you can see she's well surpassed their expectations.

She lives and breathes for Ashlyn, and now Brennan.

They are her only great grandchildren and they are her WORLD!

Since before Christmas she's been bed ridden.

I truly believe that she has been holding on to meet that great grandson of her's.

Last week she stopped eating.

She's losing her strength and the hospice nurse thinks that it's probably just a matter of time before something happens.

I took the kids over last night and her eyes just lit up as soon as they walked into the room. Ashlyn made her a special get well picture and brought her the beautiful flower lei around Mamaw's neck.

Please say a prayer for my Mamaw and for our family duing this difficult time. Thank you!

One Month Old (yesterday)

Ashlyn and Brennan

More pics of Brennan

Brennan's first bath

Brennan and his buddy Jai. (My friend Holly's son)

Ashlyn, Hanna, and Brennan

Fun at the Science Center

Ashlyn and Daddy at the shark and stingray display.

Jon and Grayson petting the stingrays.

Ashlyn and the stingrays.

Ashley, Ashlyn, and Grayson with the Turtles.

Brennan @ 2 weeks old

Big Sister

Ashlyn is such a good big sister! She loves Brennan to pieces! It's so cute how she runs up to him as soon as she gets home from school and gives him a gentle kiss on his forehead. It just melts my heart! Overall she has done very well adjusting with having a new baby in the picture. Having a second child is in some ways alot harder than with the first, but in some ways it's much easier. It's harder because I don't have as much time to rest seeing that I still have Ashlyn to take care of. I really can't slow down having a 3, almost 4 year old, running around like a mad woman. =) It's easier though because you know what to expect the second time around. I feel like the luckiest person alive! I have 2 beautiful healthy babies and a wonderful husband. Life couldn't get much better!

Brennan @ 1 week old

Let the Adventures Begin

So we're home now. The past few days have been a HUGE adjustment. Brennan is a WONDERFUL baby! He sleeps about 3 hours at night, wakes up to eat, and then goes right back to sleep for another 3 hours. I'm still trying to get used to changing little a little boys diaper. I got peed on 3 times yesterday........3 times! =) I had to change his clothes 3 times because somehow he peed all down his back twice, and then he had a MAJOR BLOWOUT last night. He hadn't had a bowel movement since Tuesday, so it was definitely building up. Britt, Ashlyn, Brennan, and I all made a quick trip to Hickory to pick up a few things that I needed. Britt stayed in the car with Brennan and Ashlyn while I ran in to pick up a baby gate from Babies 'r' us and some groceries and various things from Target. While I was in Target I got a call from Britt and Brennan had FINALLY gone and it was ALL OVER EVERYTHING! Poor Britt had to clean him up. I've never seen so much poop in all of my life! I'm glad that it was him and not me. =) He is such a good baby! I feel so complete having this little blessing around!

Brennan Reid Cody

My mom holding Brennan

Britt's mom with Brennan and Ashlyn

Dad and Brennan

Britt's dad holding Brennan

Brennan Reid Cody

Brennan and Mommy

Ashlyn loving on her new baby brother!

Ashlyn in her "I'm the big sister" shirt

Brennan Reid Cody was the best birthday present that I could have EVER received! He was born on April 14th at 11:32 pm. He weighed 8 lbs and 14 oz and was 21 3/4 inches long. He is a big boy! =)
We went to our doctor's appointment on Monday at 2:15. From there they sent me on to the hospital to have my water broken. The doctor broke my water around 4:00 and we had Brennan about 7 1/2 hours later.
He is such a BLESSING! We are so proud of our newest addition to the Cody family!

Oh What a Night!

Some things in life make you sit back and re-evaluate your life. It makes you realize what you have and what life would be if those things were lost. Last night was one of those nights. Time stood still. I received a call about 9:30 pm from Britt. He had been in an accident while going to a call. He told me not to be upset ,and that he was ok but he didn't sound ok. The ambulance was taking him to the hospital, so I knew that it was bad enough if HE was riding in a ambulance. I called my friends Hanna and Curtis to come and watch Ashlyn while I went to the hospital.

The ride there seemed like an eternity. I had a hundred things running through my head....................what if he doesn't make it, what if I go into labor and he's not there with me, what if I have 2 children who have to grow up without there father in this world, what if, what if, what if??????? Why is it that we only think of the negative things that could go wrong, not the positive. My parents met me up there because they didn't want me there by myself. I arrived at the hospital before the ambulance. Once he arrived he was on a stretcher with a neck brace and he looked TERRIBLE! He was talking and coherent, so that was such a blessing. He had NO broken bones! It is truly a miracle! His ankle is swollen and very sore. He's having to use crutches to get around. He had to have a few stitches in his knee, and he has a good bump on his head. There are bumps and scrapes all over his body, but overall he's great.

We were there for probably 4 hours, and during the last 1-2 hours I started having contractions coming 7-8 minutes apart. I decided that before we went home I should go up and get checked. Britt was hobbling up to the second floor in a hospital shirt with is pants all ripped, and I was having contractions. It was definitely a sight to see! =) The labor and delivery floor was packed. So packed that there were NO ROOMS. They had to put me back in the recovery area to check me. The doctor told me that it was probably best for us to go home, seeing as there were no rooms, and my contractions weren't close enough together yet. He told us that we'd probably have a baby within the next 24 hours. That was great news to hear! The only problem is that Britt needs a lot of rest and time to heal. Oh well, we can't control these types of things. I'm sure that between both of our families we will have more than enough help once the baby arrives.

Britt's mom came and stayed with us last night because my contractions were coming stronger and stronger. Britt didn't know if he'd be able to help me if things progressed into "true" labor so he wanted someone here just in case we needed them. It's 2:15pm on Saturday and no baby yet. I'm still having contractions, so fingers crossed that he may be here either tonight or tomorrow. Britt's accident made me aware of what a wonderful husband that I have! So often we go through life not realizing what blessing we have, and we take so many things for granted. This accident has opened my eyes and has helped me to see EVERYTHING in a totally different light. Please pray for us. Britt has a lot of healing to do, and we're going to need the prayers seeing that we're about to be proud parents of a new baby boy hopefully within the next day or two. It's going to be tough, but I know that we can do it! Thank you all!

One more thing. Please, please remember that if you see any type of emergency vehicle with their lights and sirens going, PLEASE move over to the right side of the road and get out of their way. They aren't running lights and sirens for NO REASON AT ALL! If lights and sirens are going then something serious is going on. This is what happened last night. Britt was going down a straight away at well over 100 mph to assist in a call involving an escapee. A lady went to pass another car as he was driving with his lights and siren blaring, and met him in his lane. He had to swerve to miss her. He ran off of the road and through a church parking lot. Then he lost control and flipped through the woods at least 4 times. God was with him last night! It is a miracle that he was able to walk away from the crash, and it's even more of a miracle that he's alive today!