The Tarvers

My VERY 1st Mother's Day

2011-05-11T15:01:00.000-05:00

For Mother's Day the two men in my life took my on a picnic out at Lake Hefner. We grabbed some lunch on the way and sat on a blanket and enjoyed our lunch. It was pretty windy but it was SO relaxing. We had a great time!

Child Dedications

2011-05-10T14:56:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, May 7th our church had child dedications. We invited our family out to join with us in committing to raise Kaiden in church and teaching him about Jesus.

My Little Stud

2011-05-07T17:17:00.000-05:00

4 Month Check-Up

2011-05-05T13:05:00.000-05:00

Kaiden went for his 4 month check-up on Monday. He weighed 11 lbs 14 oz and was 24 inches long. The doctor was more pleased with his weight gain but said it's still not like it should be. Other than that the doctor said he looked very healthy. He wants us to start Kaiden on cereal twice a day by spoon until he gets the hang of it then give it to him 3 times a day. It's pretty funny to watch him try to eat it. He usually ends up wearing a lot of it.

Kaiden's first taste of cereal

Kaiden has been such a tremendous blessing since his arrival! I cannot imagine life without him. Here are some things he loves:

tummy time
bath time- he LOVES splashing the water
being talked to- makes him grin and giggle
standing up on his feet
being outdoors

He can rollover from his tummy to his back and is SO close to rolling over from his back to tummy. It amazes me just how much he changes each and every day!

Kaiden I am so proud to be your Mommy!

Kaiden's 1st Easter

2011-04-20T16:51:00.001-05:00

Here are pictures from Kaiden's very first Easter. His tie was very special to me. I took one of my Dad's ties and made a tie for Kaiden to wear. It was very emotional to see him wearing it but I'm pretty sure he would have made my Dad very proud.

Kaiden's 1st Easter Basket

Getting his hair done for the first time

Loving Tummy Time

2011-04-06T17:44:00.000-05:00

Kaiden is getting to where he loves tummy time. He's so good at holding up his head and he'll lay in the floor forever looking around. He's learning to roll over from his tummy to his back and is figuring out how to pull his legs in to his chest and push forward. Seems like he's growing up so quickly!

Trying out his new Bumbo

2011-03-28T21:40:00.000-05:00

I recently bought Kaiden a bumbo. The first few days he seemed to LOVE it! I thought why didn't I get this sooner. Now, it's what I put him in if I think he's stopped up...just seems to make him go to the bathroom. :)

Wes Watkins Reservoir

2011-03-22T14:32:00.000-05:00

My brother invited us out to the lake with their family and Courtni's family so my Mom and I took Kaiden out there for the day. He sure seems to love the outdoors!

My brother was the only one who would let Hailee paint their face. What a great Dad!

Relaxing with Uncle Nate

He sure loves his Grammy!

Women's Bedlam Game

2011-03-05T17:27:00.000-06:00

A few nights ago we took Kaiden to his very first OU basketball game. It was the women's last home game and it was bedlam. He did SO good! He sure was checking everything out.

Welcoming Kaiden Wayne Tarver

2011-01-08T18:54:00.002-06:00

On Tuesday, December 28th I went in for my normal weekly checkup. My blood pressure was very high and I had been sick earlier that morning. My doctor was conveniently out of the country so this day I saw his nurse. She was very concerned and had me go directly to the hospital. Could this FINALLY be the day?!

I was immediately admitted. The doctor on call for my doctor came in and introduced himself. In the few minutes I spoke with him, I liked him SO much more than my doctor that it became apparent that this was a God thing. I was 37 weeks that day but the doctor wanted Kaiden to stay in as long as possible. He said I would be in the hospital until Kaiden's arrival. That evening I started having contractions every minute and a half, and with every contraction, Kaiden's heart rate dropped tremendously. The doctor came in first thing the next morning and said we needed to get him out, and since Kaiden's heart rate had dropped I would need a c-section. The doctor was pretty booked up that day so he was going to squeeze me in sometime. With that the waiting game began.

I did NOT like not knowing exactly when it was going to happen. The nurse would come in to do something and I would get nervous thinking it was time. Around 12:45 she came in and said those magic words, "It's time!" I immediately began to shake. For those of you that know me, I have been dreading delivery for a while and now it was time.

Being wheeled to the operating room.

David getting geared up!

I was wheeled back around 1:00 pm. I remember everything about that OR like it was yesterday. They wouldn't let David go back at first until I was completely ready. They sat me on the OR table to give me the spinal. I was freaking out. I remember at one point telling them they were going to have to find another way to get this baby out cause it is not going to happen like this. I did make it however.

Our first family picture on the OR table.

Kaiden Wayne Tarver born at 1:15 pm on December 29, 2010

7 lbs 11 ozs 20 inches long

The doctor told us beforehand that he may have to be on a ventilator because he was early and babies of diabetics have slower lung development but he was doing great. However, his body was having a hard time getting his blood sugar up. So he was taken to NICU. The nurse brought him into my room so I could hold him before they took him.

My first time holding him

We were allowed to visit him during 'touch times' which were 9, 12, 3, 6, and 9. At our visits we were allowed to change his diaper, take his temperature, and feed him. The first few days they were taking his blood sugar by pricking his little heel at each feeding. As his blood sugar came up it became less often.

I was discharged the Sunday after I delivered but Kaiden had to stay. That was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I felt like I had left half of my heart at the hospital. We were up there daily until he was released on Wednesday, January 5th. What a joy it was to bring our little man home!

Kaiden's Room

2010-12-09T16:00:00.000-06:00

We recently finished up Kaiden's room. We are so excited and are completely ready for his arrival!

Maternity Pics

2010-12-03T22:16:00.000-06:00

Here are a few of my favorite maternity pics. Thanks to DeHart Fotography (http://www.dehartfotography.com) for doing such an awesome job!

The First Thanksgiving

2010-11-27T14:49:00.000-06:00

I have been dreading the holiday season this year and the first of several special occasions has creeped up on us...Thanksgiving. This was the first Thanksgiving in 31 years I haven't seen or talked to my Dad (the year I was in Costa Rica I at least got to Skype my family). It was the first Thanksgiving in 31 years I've not seen or talked to my Grandma and Granddad. And I definitely felt the void. It just was not the same without his stupid jokes. It wasn't the same going through the Black Friday ads without him. It wasn't the same eating yellow noodles without him.

Dad, there is not one single day that goes by where I don't think about you and miss you like crazy. Sure not looking forward to celebrating our birthdays without you. I love you so very much!

31 Weeks

2010-11-15T12:46:00.000-06:00

My belly at 31 weeks

30 Week Check-Up

2010-11-11T17:31:00.001-06:00

We had our 30 week check-up yesterday. Kaiden is weighing 3.12 pounds which is where he is supposed to be. They see no signs of diabetes affecting his size which is a HUGE answer to prayer. They said the only thing big about him is his head...which sure makes delivery not sound so fun. The doctor said he looks like me because he's got a little round face. :D He is breech right now but they said he still has time to turn.

Oh precious Kaiden- your Daddy and I cannot wait for you to get here!

Baby Shower

2010-11-08T15:40:00.000-06:00

My baby shower was last weekend and it was SO much fun! I had so many friends and family there. We were so blessed with things to welcome Kaiden into this world.

Hailee helped me open my gifts which was a HUGE help.

First Night of Child Birthing Class...DONE

2010-11-03T11:34:00.000-05:00

Last night we started our child birthing classes. I had mixed emotions about whether or not we should go. There are some things I want to know but there's also a lot I don't want to know. I've heard some pretty bad stories and, in all honesty, just don't know about having a baby come out down there. My preferred method of child delivery is for me to go to sleep and wake up and Kaiden's in my arms. All of that said, we decided to go. I was super nervous because I can get pretty queasy.

It started out good with lots of information. I never knew exactly what some of the stuff in my body was for so that was pretty interesting. However, when the nurse started talking about lacerations (tears) and episiotomies I started to feel a little weird. I began to get really hot and my hands were swelling. Then came the sick feeling in my stomach. I wasn't sure I was going to make it but we took a break right after that so I was able to get up and get some fresh air and walk around. There is one word in the English language that I just cannot stand and it's the R-word...and the nurse kept using it repeatedly. Not sure it that's what was making my stomach turn or the thought of it being cut (I know, may be more information than you'd like to know). We watched a video of a VBAC which was pretty graphic...count me out of that. I want the drugs!

At the end, we spent about 15 minutes doing relaxation exercises. We had to pretend we were having contractions and breathe appropriately. At one point, our partners had to put pressure on our hips and for some reason David thought this was funny and could NOT quit laughing. He had to get up and leave the class for a second. He came back and I heard him praying that God would make him quit laughing. This just caught my funny bone so we were both laughing so hard and trying to keep it under control as to not bother the others. It was pretty comical.

I did make it through though. We just have 2 more weeks of that.

Happy 2nd Birthday Jackson

2010-10-20T13:35:00.000-05:00

My nephew Jackson turned 2 last Thursday. I cannot believe he is already 2! He is turning into such a sweet and handsome little man. Saturday we celebrated his birthday and had such a great time.

My Aunt Beth, Me, and Mimi

Me and Hailee

Me, David, and Kaiden (at 26 weeks)

The Birthday Boy!

Jackson and his Uncle David

Jackson and Hailee

Kaiden's 1st Quilt

2010-10-16T14:09:00.000-05:00

One of the things I love to do is quilt. When I found out we were having a boy I got started on a quilt for him. After several weeks I have finally gotten it finished. I sure hope he enjoys it.

Here are a few of my favorite blocks.

The Big Reveal!

2010-10-14T11:56:00.001-05:00

Well we have finally decided on a name for Baby Tarver. His name is Kaiden Wayne Tarver. Wayne was my Dad's middle name, my Granddad's middle name, and is David's middle name.

We went to the doctor yesterday. I was 26 weeks. Kaiden is doing so good. He is growing right on schedule. I love seeing him and hearing his precious little heartbeat. I am feeling him moving ALL the time. He's definitely an active little boy. Here are a few ultrasound pictures from our visit.

My Sweet Niece, Hailee

2010-09-27T15:14:00.000-05:00

Last Thursday night my niece Hailee asked me to come watch her at dance. How could I say no (which I think she knows)?! She was so cute! She is growing up so much but I love the little girl she's becoming.

All the Prego Ladies

2010-09-14T14:38:00.001-05:00

It sure seems like everyone I know is pregnant right now. But I absolutely love it. The majority of us are first timers so it's been a lot of fun comparing and notes and learning from those farther along than us. Last weekend, a friend of mine had her baby shower and there were 4 of us pregnant ladies there.

In order of our delivery dates from latest to soonest- Rachel in April, April in January, Lisa in December, and Hilary in October.

Got to have a side view of our baby bumps!

Our 1 Year Anniversary

2010-09-08T22:17:00.000-05:00

David and I celebrated our first anniversary last Saturday, September 4th. I can't believe it's already been a year and I can't believe it's only been a year. We spent the day traveling down Route 66 taking pictures and just hanging out...my very favorite. We had a blast!

David, me, and Baby Tarver at almost 21 weeks

One of my favorite pictures of the day

Thanks Babe for a great year! I look forward to many more. I love you!

Boy or Girl

2010-08-19T13:09:00.014-05:00

Well, it has been entirely too long ago since I last updated my blog. I have GOT to get better at this. Yesterday we went in for an ultrasound to find out what we're having. And it's a boy! David was super pumped! I still have a due date of January 18th. They said he is growing exactly at the rate he's supposed to.

The last one is a 4D picture. I loved being able to see his precious little face.

Family Trip to Missouri

2010-06-04T14:55:00.000-05:00

Last weekend we decided to make a family trip up to Missouri to see my Mom's family. We all left Friday after work and came back on Sunday. We got to see almost all of our family while there and had a fantastic time. Growing up, when we would go up there, we always had to go to Springfield to the Bass Pro. This was Hailee and Jackson's first trip there.

We also went to the cemetery to visit my Grandad's grave.

My cousin Josh works at the Republic pool so we got special privileges with that. We got to go swimming after the pool closed. That means no waiting in lines and having the entire thing to ourselves. It was so much fun!

Guess Who's Going to Be Parents...

2010-05-26T16:27:00.001-05:00

You guessed it...David and I. We found out a week after my Dad passed. I thought I was only 5 weeks along but when I went to the doctor last week he said I was 7 weeks. The tentative due date is January 10th. We are SO excited! It has been a bittersweet moment. God has given us new life to rejoice in during this time of sadness. I got to go to New York City to do some promo videos for my pump company and had the chance to go down to Times Square. There I bought Baby Tarver's first shirt...

A Time of Sorrow

2010-05-19T14:15:00.002-05:00

Last week on Tuesday, May 12th my Dad passed away. I will never forget the call I got from my Mom that morning telling me. It felt...and still feels...like a horrible dream. This has been the hardest thing to go through. I thought, knowing he was no longer in pain and dealing with all of his medical issues that this wouldn't be so hard. Boy, was I completely wrong. My Mom's church family and our church family has been incredible through all of this...bringing us food, calling and checking on us, cards, etc. The Sunday before he passed was Mother's Day and am so thankful we all got together that night to celebrate. We had such a blast that night. Here are the last couple of pics of him.

It has been so good to hear how my Dad has changed peoples' lives in the short time he was here. Dad, you will be missed more than you could have ever imagined. I love you very much!

Hailee Turns 4

2010-04-26T13:22:00.000-05:00

Wow how time has flown! My niece Hailee turned 4 this last weekend. She is such a precious little girl that ALWAYS makes me laugh. Saturday we got to celebrate her big day.

The Birthday Girl

Jumping with Hailee & Jackson

My Brother & His Family

A smile that will melt your heart!

An Attempt at Eating Healthy

2010-04-25T13:44:00.002-05:00

For those of you who know me, this will come as no surprise but I am one of the pickiest eaters ever. And I absolutely HATE it! I am learning to branch out though. Last week I bought stuff at the store to make chicken ceasar salads. This weekend I put it together...and it was delicious! David even said it was the best homemade chicken ceasar salad he's had...that's HUGE!

2010 Oklahoma Memorial Marathon

2010-04-25T12:51:00.001-05:00

I am so proud of the hubby. This morning he ran the 1/2 marathon. He basically did no training and ran it in 2 hours 4 minutes. Congrats Babe!!

My Kiddos

2010-03-31T15:46:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to post a few pictures of my kiddos. They are just so cute!

Isabel will do just about anything to see outside when the door's open.

And I mean ANYTHING!

One of My New Loves

2010-03-27T13:05:00.001-05:00

I recently bought a cookie scoop and absolutely LOVE it! David invited me to his work yesterday for a potluck lunch and I decided to make my favorite cookies...M&M cookies. They were a big hit!

Wannett, Tribbey, Pauls Valley...

2010-03-15T13:27:00.000-05:00

One of David and mine's favorite thing to do is to explore the small towns of Oklahoma. We recently started at Lake Draper and ended up at Lake Thunderbird and on to Wannette, Tribbey, and Pauls Valley. We have such a blast together!

The first pink tractor we've ever seen.

I love cool bridges!

My hot husband!

Nothing like a beautiful sunset to end a fantastic day!

Sesame Street Live

2010-03-12T09:15:00.000-06:00

My Mom and I took my niece Hailee to Sesame Street Live last night. We had dinner at Chick-fil-a then went downtown for the show. Talk about a night full of laughs...Hailee has got quite the sense of humor. We had a GREAT time!

Fun in the Snow

2010-01-31T11:44:00.002-06:00

We have gotten SO much snow this year! Yesterday I met my brother and his family at my parents house to go sledding. Hailee and I went down the hill several times together and had a blast! She was so cute!

Poor Lucky

2009-11-11T11:03:00.002-06:00

We woke up Sunday morning and one of Lucky's ears was flopped down. I thought maybe he was just getting so old he couldn't hold it up anymore so I went on. That night I thought I'd better see if something was wrong with his ear so I felt it and there was. I thought if it wasn't better in the next day I'd call the vet and get him in. I decided to do some research online to see if there was anything out there about it. I found exactly what I needed and that I needed to get him to the vet. I took him Tuesday afternoon and they took him back immediately for surgery. It broke my heart. They told me to come back in a couple of hours to pick him up. When we went back they brought him out and his poor ear was dripping blood. Talk about an upset Mommy! They took him back and wrapped his ear up. He's got to go back in 2 weeks to have his ear looked at and possibly get the stitches out.

This is Lucky the morning his ear was not sticking straight up.

Right after the surgery at home.

He wouldn't quit messing with his ears so I had to get him this collar. He did NOT like it.

Fall Fest 2009

2009-11-10T11:22:00.000-06:00

We had our annual Fall Fest for the Switch students on October 23rd & 24th and it was incredible! It started out Friday night at church around 7. We took the students across the street to Chuck E. Cheese's to eat and to play around for a while. It was a nuthouse over there with our 100+ students but we had a blast. Here is my switchgroup at Chuck E. Cheese.

After dinner we went back to the church and put together 1,000 boxed lunches for the homeless downtown we were going to minister to the following day. It always amazes me how much the students like doing these kinds of things.

After we finished the boxed lunches, we had the most amazing time of praise and worship. I LOVE seeing our students trully worshipping. We encouraged the students to get away from everyone else and just worship Him alone. We had students standing up with their hands held high. We had students on their knees. We had students flat on their faces...all worshipping God. It makes me so proud of them and brings tears to my eyes. We've been going through a series called I Am Second with our students and it has really spoken to them. Several of our leaders got up and told their stories of struggles they've dealt with and how they've overcome these difficult times.

We then got into our switchgroups and encouraged our students to write their story and to tell why they are second. They were given the opportunity to then video their story. My girls were so excited about doing this (I really think I have the best switch students out there). We finally got to bed about 4 am to only get up 3 hours later at 7 am. We joined the Block Party downtown to serve the homeless. I could go on and on and tell story after story of how their lives were impacted that day. God was definitely moving in their lives.

Sarah, one of my switchgirls, and I had the opportunity of spending some time with one of the homeless named Michelle. She was such a blessing to both of us. She told us her story and it was awesome to hear her giving glory to God...even though she is living on the streets. This was taken during the praise & worship.

Always have to add a picture of us! :) David was a leader in the spa area where they were giving out massages and washing the feet of the homeless.

God is SO good!

Our Honeymoon

2009-10-21T16:14:00.005-05:00

For our honeymoon we went to Kansas City. We had a blast! We had originally reserved a car once we got there and it was like an economy car. While we were standing in line to pick it up, we saw a picture of a mini. So...here it is! It was so much fun.

We ate a TON of food, did some shopping, saw a Kansas City Royals game with David's Mom and her boyfriend (they live there), and just drove around checking everything out. We love to explore cities we've not been too and to look at the old buildings and stuff. Here are a couple of pictures from the Royals game.

The New Mother-In-Law and Me

Here are a couple more pictures from our time there.

Us at the Plaza.

Our Wedding

2009-10-13T21:26:00.000-05:00

Here are a few of our MANY favorite wedding pictures. Thanks Randy at Randy Coleman Photography for the most amazing pictures ever!

50% Off Sale

2009-10-08T21:56:00.002-05:00

Swanky Panky Designs is having a fall sale. Everything in the store is 50% off. Check it out at www.swankypankydesigns.com. Thanks for checking it out!

Welcome to The Tarver's New Blog Site

2009-10-08T21:46:00.001-05:00

Well, we've been married 5 weeks tomorrow so I guess it's about time to get started on blogging about our family happenings. We are getting settled in to married life and are loving it. David started his new job at Terracon as a CADD Operator and IT Specialist on September 14th and loves it. I was just given the privilege to begin working from home starting, hopefully, around the 15th of this month. I am so excited! I will be posting wedding pictures and honeymoon pictures soon.