Merry Christmas

Well, the Badgetts had their first official Christmas portrait taken today. I must admit that it turned out better than I thought it would --- especially since I am not particularly fond of getting my picture taken.


2006 has been an amazing year. Most of all it's been a year of change -- some good, and some bad. The year has brought the loss of several people that I held (and still hold) dear to my heart -- my "2nd mom" -- Sue Landers, my Godfather Ray, and my Grammy. It's also brought the struggles of adjusting to and trying to find my place in a "ready-made" family where there are constant reminders that I am the "new" and "2nd" daughter-in-law. It's a work in progress and is getting better though.


On the flip side though, so many wonderful things have happened this year! My bestest, bestest best friend in the whole world married her college sweetheart (a man, by the why, who I think is wonderful and I love to pieces!!) Todd and I have new friends in our life -- who are not only special and we treasure, but whom we also get to share in the excitement and anticipation of their first child due to arrive in May. Another dear friend of mine is expecting her first child this summer as well. I will start a new job at the first of the year that will open up lots of opportunities. And of course, there is Todd -- who is wonderful on a daily basis. But most of all, I feel blessed by the fact that I have Miss Sadie Claire in my life. I absolutely cannot imagine my life without her now and am overwhelmed and amazed on a daily basis by the fact that I love her so completely and with all of my heart that it almost hurts!

All in all, I would have to say that 2006 has been a pretty good year. I look forward to 2007 and the new adventures, friends, babies, and memories that it will bring. And most of all, I am blessed to have such wonderful friends and family in my life and am thankful for every day that I am allowed to share with them and the memories those days create.

Happy Holidays everyone!!

Life.........

It's amazing how much a tiny little person that only eats, sleeps, and makes dirty diapers can change your life. And it's not only in obvious ways like sleep deprivation, being in diapers and burp cloths up to your knees. It also opens your eyes to the people in your life and the roles that hold in your life. For instance, it can bring you back together with a friend with whom you've lost touch. Or it can introduce new friends into your life.
What it also does is shed new light on those that are already actively in your life. And that process starts well before the baby gets here. You start seeing who people really are the minute that you tell them your good news. Their initial reaction and then their actions from there on out speak volumes. There are those friends and family that were wonderful to begin with who continue to be wonderful, and you come to realize they are the people in your life who love you and you will always be able to count on. There are the friends and family who maybe you weren't the closest with before the baby, who "step up" and you realize that they, too, will be there for you if you ever need them. And then there are those friends and FAMILY members who you realize are not what they say they are at all. They are not truly there for you -- they only want to get the "fringe benefits" out of the situation --- to see and to love that little, innocent child that you carried for 9 months and brought into the world. You realize that the only thing that was ever important to these friends and family members is to see your little bundle of joy. You, you see, were never really loved and wanted like a true friend or family member in the first place. And now, all of that is blaringly obvious. You realize that these people care only about themselves and think only about themselves. You never enter their minds when they start to make plans -- they think only about themselves and the friends and family members that they actually consider to be their true friends and family. These people are the toxic drain on your life.
A new baby makes you re-evaluate your life and your priorities. You realize that you need to simplify your life and remove the causes of stress in your life over which you have control. And you also become more protective than you ever thought possible of the new person in your life for which you are responsible -- the person that brings you more joy and that you love more than you ever knew possible.
It is for that reason, that I have decided to eleminate all the undue stress in my life. My priorities need to be on my baby and me -- not worrying about the things that those people I have come to realize as toxic to me keep doing to cause more and more stress. Those that have a toxic influence on my life, I have realized, don't need to be a part of my life, nor do they need to be a part of my child's life. They don't get one without the other. No respect toward me = no me. And No Me = NO Baby.
This is supposed to be the most joyous time in my life and I have finally decided that I have had enough and I am going to make it one. No more putting on a front to make everyone happy --- my priorities have changed, and other people (who aren't true to me)aren't my priority right now. I am, for once in my life, doing what's best for me -- and that's taking care of child and myself -- and cherishing the relationships that I have with those that truly love me.

We Are...MARSHALL!!

If you know me, then you know that Marshall University is a favorite team of mine. The university holds a special place in my heart for several reasons: It is in Huntington, WV -- which is where I was born. Both my parents grew up in Huntington and both attended Marshall University prior to transferring to UT (go Vols!). My PaTom (my mom's dad) attended Marshall and was one of the founding fathers of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. My grandparents were and are Marshall fans, as well as my Godfather. I have seen Marshall play numerous times -- both in Huntington and at other schools.

If you are wondering why, in particular, I am writing about Marshall -- it is because of a movie coming out on December 22nd. The movie..."We Are Marshall" chronicles the school's "rebirth" after the plane on which the team was returning after an away game crashed into a hillside just outside of Huntington on November 14, 1970 The crash killed all 75 people on board -- most of the football team,coaching staff,and numerous members of the community. It has been called the most tragic event in college sports history. The movie tells the story of the crash, but primarily focuses on how the community rallied together after the tragedy to help each other heal and to rebuild an atheletic program that was almost cancelled. I have put a link to the trailer for the movie in the links section to the right -- take a look if you have a minute. And when the movie comes out on December 22nd -- go see it -- it should be a good one -- and show that anything is possible if you put your mind to it and try hard enough. After all........... We Are....MARSHALL! Go herd!!

I'm Finally Here!!!

Hello Everyone..... My name is Sadie Claire Badgett and I am finally here!!! I am 7 pounds and 11 ounces and 21 inches long... I am in good health.. My mom is doing Great as well as my Daddy!!! Right now I am eating and sleeping most of the time but over the next few months I will start doing more... My big brother came and saw me.. He was really excited... here are a few pictures and I will have more soon to come!!!!

Stubborn child

Well, with only 5 days to go until my due date, it doesn't appear that Sadie has any interest in making her grand entrance any time soon. Doctor's visit today went fine, but just goes to prove my suspicion that she's going to be a very stubborn child! The doctor is going to schedule an induction for September 14th, so unless something changes between now and then, Sadie's birthday will be September 14th. My grandmother, a firm believer in "old wive's tales" thinks she will be born on September the 8th because that is when the next full moon occurs. I guess we'll all just have to wait and see what Sadie has in mind for us! Although, I do hope it's soon because I'm very tired of hearing people at work say "You're still here?!"

As for what else is going on in the Badgett household --- Alex started soccer last week. His team is named -- appropriately, I think -- the Rugrats. Can you image coaching a team of 3 and 4 year olds soccer?! Or maybe I should say - TRYING to teach them soccer. I hope that coach has a good wife at home who waits for him after each practice with a stiff drink!! They have one practice a week on Thursday and then a game on Saturday mornings. The games start next weekend and should provide a lot of laughs and comic relief!! Alex is very excited though, and I must admit, can kick the ball well for a 4 year old. Expect pictures to come!

Not much else is going on in good ole Greensboro -- waiting for the rain from Tropical Storm Ernesto and looking forward to a long, holiday weekend. Hope all is well with everyone else. Talk to you again soon.

A Note from Erin

Hi Everyone! I figured since this blog is half about me that I would shed my "two cents" on some things! The childbirth class was actually a lot more fun than I thought it would be. The instructor was great -- she really made the class. But the best part had to be when Todd put on the sympathy belly! Don't feel too bad for him though --- other dads did it too, so all of the guys got laughed at equally!
It appears that the football rivalries are in full force already -- and it's still preseason. It could be a long season for Todd if Wes jumps on the band wagon-- as I already love to give him a hard time about any team that he likes (Yanks, Redskins, Maryland, etc.) He gives it back to me just as bad though about UT (Go VOLS!!), Marshall (can't wait for the movie in November BTW), the Colts (Peyton Manning, of course), etc. He can't say much about App though -- we are, after all, 2005 Division 1-AA NATIONAL Football Champions!!
Well, I'm off to get some dinner -- baby's hungry for that steak in the fridge. Guess maybe I'll actually think about getting around to packing my bag for the hosptial now too......do something nice for Todd since it's driving him NUTS that I haven't done it yet. Hope everyone is well and will chat with you again soon!!

Birthing Classes

We just finished our condensed childbirth class..... Boy, did I learn a lot... I learned that the mom has ALL the control when she is in labor... and that I am at her command.. so if she wants the remote to the TV, I have to give it up... That means I can't watch Sportscenter... That will be okay... I can give it up for a couple hours..... Let's hope it is a quick birth.... For me and for Erin....
Erin has said I have jinxed us with Sadie.. Ever since I mentioned the contractions on the website last Friday, she hasn't had anything remotely close to one... She went back to the Dr this past Thursday and nothing had changed... During the birthing class, I got to put on 30 pounds of baby and bladder... Boy did I look HOT!!!!.. We do have a picture on our camera phones and we will try to put them on here ASAP... Erin made me get on the floor and try to get up.. That was harder than I thought and then she took off my shoes and made me put them on and tie them... I COULD HARDLY REACH MY FEET!!!!!! I am so glad it isn't me carrying this baby...
Alex has been signed up for soccer.. I don't know much about soccer because I have never played it, so I told Erin I need the "Dummies for Soccer" book so I can follow what is going on with Alex's soccer games... His first practice is this upcoming Thursday and his first game should be soon.. I don't know if it is before or after Labor day.....
Well at least one of my teams is playing well.. How about them Yanks??? Whipping up on the Red Soxs.... For the Redskins, luckily it is preseason and these games don't count...They have another game tonight against the NY Jets...We will see what happens... And for your little comment Mr Duncan about the Deadskins, it is ON!!! My family and your family have a date that day when the Skins and the Kittens meet... Hail to the Redskins, Hail Victory!!!! You are going to love that song after that day!!!
Sally, Oliver says Hello and hopes to see you soon!!! And he has torn up the toy you gave him Sally...no more squeakers in that toy -- but he still loves it.

I leave you with this "You can't have two #1's because that will make 11" From Ricky Bobby Movie....

Sadie

8:20pm we had our first contraction from Sadie... At the doctor yesterday, Erin had dialated to a 1... That isnt much but it is one step closer for Sadie.. I am so excited and cant wait for her... Every move Erin makes I ask "Are you OK? Was that a contraction?" I'm sure Erin gets tired of me asking but I'm just so excited... This past Wednesday made it 36 weeks for Erin and Sadie... We are in the home stretch....
This weekend we get to take Alex to a big brother big sister class at the Women's Center.... We should have a lot of fun with that... Alex also is going to a birthday party at McDonalds tomorrow.. We loves McDonalds, but who doesnt...
The Yankees lost... but we still have a lead on the Red Sox... The Redskins have their first preseason game on Sunday.. We will be watching that game along with eating pizza... Nothing like the first preseason game of football for your favorite team....
We want to congratulate Matt on his graduation... We couldnt attend due to the doctor said we shouldnt be that far away.. Matt, sorry we couldnt be there but we love you and know you will exceed in whatever you choose in life.. We look forward to visiting you at the beach!!!

The picture shows Alex and his two cousins... Once Sadie is born he will have 2 cousins and a sister in the picture...

I leave you with this "If you aint first, your last" quote from Ricky Bobby of Talledega Nights (One of my favorite movies of all time)I want to see it again..

Almost there!

It is Thursday evening and it is 35 weeks and 1 day for Sadie.... The weather is hot and we are ready for her to grace us with her presence.... Everyday becomes closer to that special day when she will be here... The Yankees won again tonight!!! Yea!! and the Redskins training camp is in full force!!! Go Skins.. College football is just around the corner which means one part of the house will be Maryland Terripans and the other half will be Tennessee Volunteers!!! At least they are not in the same conference so there will be some peace within the house!!

Alex had his birthday party at Chuckie Cheese Tuesday night.. It was crazy... He was running around like a chicken with his head cut off.. He was so excitied.. HE LOVED IT!! He ate pizza, met Chuckie Cheese himself, had his Spiderman birthday cake, got tons of money and a lot of toys and played and played and played in the arcade.. Even I played a few games..

While it is time to hit the sack, I leave you with this "Sadie will be born the year of the 2006 National Women College Basketball Champions, The Maryland Terripans"