Detailed Update

Well, I have some time tonight so I thought I'd update everyone on the last few months of my life. By the first of July I was definitely ready to meet Titus and tired of being pregnant but on the second I still took James to the free summer movie with Kelly and all of her kids. It was The Bee Movie; not bad. On the seventh I saw my doctor who wanted to induce me on the tenth but I furiously objected. I had been having contractions on and off for a few days and had actually packed the car in hopes that I would just stay at the hospital. I was sent home and took James to the magic show at the library on Tuesday morning. I was having contractions every eight minutes or so and was giving the man sitting next to me a stroke. He kept looking at me like I was crazy and the library ladies kept asking if they needed to drive me home! I guessed the time was soon so James and I visited Goddard one last time, went to the grocery store (for conveniance items for when I came home from the hospital), and some other last minute errands. In the evening I called my doctor but she said I was fine and to stay home. By 2 am there was no denying that I was in labor. Mom and James and I raced to the hospital and I'm sure James will never be the same! My water broke in the front seat of Daddy's PT Cruiser (don't tell) and I was at seven centimeters when I got to the hospital. In about fifteen minutes I was to nine and got stuck there. I finally convinced James to go home with Mom and Aaron showed up about an hour later. I tried to push for about an hour but was having no luck. I was given a C-section and was so tired I fell asleep during the procedure. I finally met Titus Paul Starnes at 6:11 am. He was 7 pounds, 1 ounce and 21 inches long! I was released on Saturday and could not be happier. I hate hospitals! On Sunday morning I took Titus to church for the first time at Crossroads Community. By Wednesday the sixteenth I was so stir crazy that I made Aaron take me to the library and the mall. By Sunday the twentieth I was able to drive so we went to my church for the first time. Over the next week we had lots of adventures like a trip to the park, getting our pictures taken, and going to Grammy and Gee's for a dip in the pool.

By the end of July, the final decision had been made to move to New Mexico.

On the first of August Titus stayed with his Grandma for the first time. She also got the first smile out of him! On the seventh he took his first ride on a carousel and train at Great America. On the eighth I held a garage sale to get ready for the move. On the ninth was the church picnic. It was the last big event at the church before I left so, of course, I went. It was also Titus' one month birthday. The next weekend I finished up a very successful sale. On the seventeenth I has Titus dedicated at church and then the Bell's and I had a combined party. It was Lee, Kileen, and James' birthday, Titus' dedication, and our going away party all in one! It was a big day. On James' sixth birthday, August twenty-first, we boarded the Amtrak for a three day trip to El Paso. It was James' birthday wish. Dan flew to Chicago and drove my car down. On the twenty-third we arrived to meet Kristy. Karen, Tyler, Dolli, Ryan, David, Patrick, and Derek were in the driveway waving when we turned onto the street! It was so wonderful. We tried to take it easy for a few days and then on the twenty-ninth we had a birthday party for Karen and James. Charlie and Devin also came. We all had a great time!

On the first of September James weened his singular and was medication free for the first time in his whole life! Praise the Lord! Titus was starting to hold up his head pretty well by this time. I tried to jump right into life here so the week of the eighth I looked for a job, joined the handbell choir at church, and took James to AWANA. The next week Titus turned two months old and I had several interviews. The next week I had more interviews but no job. On the twenty-first Titus giggled for Kristy. I was sad that I didn't hear it. On the twenty-fourth Titus turned eleven weeks old and I was hired on at The Children's Garden. On the following Monday I started work but not in my permanent position. On the thirtieth Titus finally giggled for me!

So now I think you're all caught up. That seems the be most of the details. We are all enjoying it here. We have game night about once a week. I always have a lot of fun! Kristy works a few nights a week and I help watch the kids. I can find my way to the Wal-Mart, work, church, and Karen's. All is well and life is good. Titus turned three months old on Thursday and is wonderful! James is blending right in here and couldn't be happier. I miss Illinois but I am feeling more and more like this is home. I can't believe the mountain views and am loving the weather. I'll write more soon. I hope you enjoy the pictures!

Love to All,

Jodi, James and Titus