HaysDays

...in the case of my daughters - lots of looking at baby name books, studying family trees, some give and take, and finally choices that made both Jeff and I (and hopefully the girls!) - happy!! All parents have stories of how they came up with their child's name - and I would love to hear yours... but first you have to read about ours...

When we found out we were pregnant with our daughter (Fall 2006) - we were SO excited. And I started highlighting names in baby books. Some of the favorites? Hannah, Hudson, Presley, Hunter, Ranger (um, guess which are Jeff's adds!!). There was also Georgia, Scarlett, and Vivian (we had just watched "Gone with the Wind."  :)

But all those names went away - after I won an Emmy. I emailed my cousin, Robin,  to tell her - and she emailed back.. and said that's the perfect name for our baby (Robin LOVES taking credit for choosing her name!!). Jeff immediately fell in love with the name, saying since I have an Emmy - he wants one, too. Emmy's middle name? Elizabeth - mine and my grandmother's.

And the name "Emmy" fits our little angel perfectly! She is SUCH a doll!! She is almost 11 months old now - is a great swimmer (underwater for 4 seconds!!), smart, funny, flirtatious, the fastest crawler (and almost walker) you have ever seen.  I can't believe she will be one in April. Whew... how time flies.

It flies so quickly Emmy's sister will be here at the end of June. So - how did we come up with Lily's name? Well, a few weeks ago we were sitting in the dr.'s office. We were minutes away from finding out the sex... so we decided right then to come up with a name. The boy's name... well, I'll keep that secret in case I have a boy next time!!  :)  But for a girl, we wanted something that sounded good with Emmy and Cecily - my 14 year old step daughter. Jeff was quickly saying "no" to every name I suggested (in truth I said names I knew he wouldn't like, so that when I said Lily he would say "Yes!").

After I said "Lily," he immediately said, "How about LilyRae?" Ray is my dad's name - and then he added "West" for his dad's middle name. LilyRay West Roberts. That's a lot of name for a little baby - but I think she's be able to handle it!! :)

OK - I know I went on and on... but it's fun thinking about how we came up with their names. Thanks for doing a story on baby names, Jeff Crilley!!  :)  Now it's YOUR turn - tell me your baby name story!!

         More than 600,000 North Texas teens are overweight and underage. That’s 36-percent of teens - the national average is 30-percent. Parents, that’s scary!! Doctors say, if this overweight epidemic is not stopped, this will be the first generation *not to live as long as their parents.

 

            I did a story on the issue featuring a 17-year old girl named Marisol Vazquez (it airs tonight - Thursday - at 9). Marisol describes herself as “chubby” – but decided to get control of her weight when she realized the possible health issues her weight could cause. Her mother and grandmothers are diabetics – not something she wanted for herself. Marisol and her doctor set a weight loss goal of 25 pounds. Congrats, Marisol! Because of her hard work and the help of the “Dean Foods Lean Families program” at “Children’s Medical Center Dallas” – she has already lost 10 pounds – that’s terrific! In the program – she is learning diet, nutrition, and exercise techniques to take her from her teen years – to a healthy adulthood. You can check out the program at http://www.childrens.com/Services/LeanFamilies/index.c
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As part of the story, I went shopping with Marisol and discovered the ”fashion frustrations" faced by overweight children and teens – finding something age appropriate, fashionable, and affordable. There are now stores like Torrid (Parks at Arlington, Shops at Highland Village, Town East Mall) that cater to plus size teens. Also in that multi-billion dollar segment of the retail industry - Old Navy, The Gap, Sears, JC Penney and Stride-Rite.

 

Marisol and I met Town East Mall’s Torrid Store Manager, Susan Christian, during our shopping spree. Susan is a great resource for anyone looking to dress for their particular body style. Susan used to weigh 300 pounds! But not anymore!! She lost more than half that weight – so she has “been there and done that” and can definitely help any parent or teen in need.

 

Again, congrats to Marisol and good luck with your new healthy lifestyle! It was great to get to know you and your family!

 

Whew - we made it!! Our first family plane trip! We went to Maine for my brother's wedding - and the baby was perfect! Me and Jeff? Well, that's a different story! The first roadbloack - leaving for the airport with no less than 14 bags! And with a two bag per person limit, I figured that might be a problem. But what could I do? I had to pack Emmy's bottles, bottle sterilizer and warmer, clothes (lots of clothes!), toys, books, dolls and diapers. Not to mention the stroller, car toys, car seat, and window shade for the rental car. And somewhere in all those bags, I managed to stuff a pair of jeans and a dress for myself!

But the luggage issue was nothing compared to - Airport Security. I figured I have traveled enough to know the drill - if I take my shoes off, put the laptop in its own bin, throw away food and drinks, have no more than 3 ounces of liquid per see through container... then I whiz through security. Um - all of that went out the window when traveling with a baby. First of all, Emmy's stroller is - how should I put it? Not so compact. She's too young for one of those umbrella strollers with no support - so we brought the granddaddy of all strollers. Maybe not the best idea - because Security insisted we cram it through their screening machine. UGH - it would not fit! I tried - but it just wouldn't get small enough. So, finally they put it back together and scanned it with their eyes, instead of the xray. Emmy's stroller passed - but then the machine sounded because I left her milk in my carry on - underneath that pair of jeans I managed to grab!

So - yes, I stood there, baby on my hip, unpacking the carry on to prove that it was indeed Emmy's milk in the bag. By this time, Jeff had gone on through security - because, well, let's just say it was at hot day in Dallas!!  :) It was better for Emmy and I to go it alone!! So, after they were satisfied with what the liquid was, we put our shoes back on, gathered up our belongings, stuffed the milk and the jeans back into one of our many carry-ons, loaded down her stroller and headed for the gate!

I have never been happier to board a plane than I was that day! And Emmy was having the time of her life! She smiled, cooed and laughed the entire flight - and the pilot even told us after the flight what a good baby we have! And, yes, we took a photo of Emmy in the cockpit with the Pilot - I will post that this weekend!! We had a wonderful time at the wedding (pics to come), and our first journey on a plane was worth every stressful moment. Emmy was just a doll - and I learned a lesson. Anything I need for the baby - they sell! Pack less and buy more when I get there!  :) 

Happy and SafeTravels this Labor Day Weekend!

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Watching the video of a little girl - who was perhaps given a hit of ecstasy - turned my stomach. It's not often that I get that "just hit the stomach feeling" when I do a story - but this one did it to me (maybe it's because I am a new mom and am looking at things a little differently now). But then I watched the video again - and things aren't so clear. What is really going on? Is a little girl being laughed at and teased by teens who gave her a hit of X - or is the little girl just acting - being silly and rolling her eyes back in her head? That's now up to the FBI and Harris County Sheriff's Deputies.

Here's some background for you... the 2 minute 28 second video clip hit the website "You Tube." It shows a little girl sitting on the floor of a van - rolling her eyes as someone squeezes her face and hits her on the head. You can hear laughter in the background and people say things like, "You shouldn't have popped the X. Stop rolling."

As of late today, all of the teens in the van have been found and questioned - and they say no drugs were given to the girl. CPS is investigating - because bottom line, the child was in an unsafe situation - no safety seat in the vehicle. And things could be even worse for the child... but that's up to authorities to decide.

The mother had a My Space account - on which she said the video was a joke. CPS confirms that account has now been made inactive.  Meanwhile, I think I will go home and hug my daughter a little closer tonight.

Calling all Moms (Dads, you are great, too - but right now I have a question for Moms!!). How do you do it? How do you balance your kids and a career? I am on my second week back at work - and while I am thankful that I love my job and the people I work with - it's still tough leaving that sweet little bundle of joy (who is now 9 weeks old) at home.

I really do have a supportive workplace - but to the Moms who don't or who have to work more than one job, my heart goes out to you! I am getting lots of great advice - and I am doing all I can to enjoy every minute with Emmy while I am at home. I have definitely let other things go - who cares if the house is clean, if the car is washed, or if I am caught up on the laundry - that stuff is last in line to get done!!

PS - Emmy is now 14 pounds! This will be Jeff's first Father's Day with Emmy and I am planning lots of wonderful surprises for both of them!

I can't believe my maternity leave is almost over - and that Emmy is 51 days old (Yes, I still count in days!!). I will be back behind the anchor desk on Tuesday (June 5th). There is lots to do before Tuesday, though - like find clothes that fit! I gained 65 pounds during my pregnancy and have only lost 30 - so I can say, "I have nothing to wear" - and this time it's true!!

Emmy weighs more than 14 pounds now - and is being baptized this weekend - I will post pics of her baptismal gown - it's beautiful!! (check out the other pics I posted of her!!). And then Monday is "shot day" for the baby. I am NOT looking forward to that. I am sure I will cry more than she will! UGH Wish us luck and I will see you Tuesday at 6 and 9!

 

I can't believe Emmy Elizabeth is now 16 days old! What a treasure these last two weeks have been! And every day gets better and better. Yes, I am tired! But that feeling of exhaustion seems to disappear the moment I look at Emmy's face. And I do stare at her all the time! I never thought I could stare at another person so long. Every thing she does is amazing - or at least it amazes me!!

I am sorry for not blogging sooner - but I want to thank you for all the emails after Emmy was born (April 10th). It was so encouraging to read all your well wishes - I have saved them all for Emmy's baby book. 

I had a c-section and so recovery has been a bit slow. I still can't drive yet - but that's okay - it gives me even that much more reason to stay home and cuddle with my baby! Also - HUGE thanks to the folks at Presby Dallas - Dr. John Bertrand, Dr. David Patton, Piper Cole (my L/D nurse and neighbor!), and all the nurses/staff on the 5th floor! They were incredible - and took amazing care of Emmy and I (and Jeff, who slept on an air mattress beside me!).

Emmy was born at 6:43 p.m. on the 10th - and weighed 8 - 14. She is now up to 9 pounds 5 ounces! And has grown more than an inch!! She is healthy and happy - she hardly ever cries - except when she needs to make a point. Of course, I do the same thing!!   :)

I am going to upload some new pictures soon - so be sure to check those out in the gallery. I am also working on a video montage which should be ready soon. Thanks again for all the emails and comments - it means a lot! Take care and I will be back on the air soon!

No, our baby girl is still not here yet - but the Dr. just told us her latest weight! No wonder I am so tired and feel like I am carrying a bowling ball!  :)  All is going well while on Maternity Leave - baby and I are great - she's just a lot more active than I am. And my sore ribs where she keeps stretching and kicking are proof of that! Check out the photos I posted of the mural in the baby's nursery - Jeff's sister is doing an amazing job!! Jeff wanted a life-size castle - and I wanted a castle village - and his sister has somehow made that work! It's still not finished - but she says it will be done by Sunday, so I will post pictures then.

I want to thank everyone again for the wonderful emails and advice. I need all I can get! The best advice so far? Keep my feet elevated - and I am trying to do that!! But I still have to pack for the hospital - hmmm... just in case, I am going to do that now! Have a great day!

The countdown is on to the arrival of our little girl. After tonight - I am on Maternity Leave. I will be back after the Baby - but for now it's time to finish the nursery and as Steve Eagar told me "Enjoy thoughts of rest!" I promise to post pictures and keep you up to date. Meantime, Megan Henderson will fill in for me at night, while Natalie Solis picks up Megan's "Good Day" shift! Thanks everyone for supporting me through this amazing time. See you soon!

Yep - that's exactly what my Doctor told me today about my Baby Girl!! But apparently that's a good thing! Our baby now weighs 7 lbs 11 oz - that means that she is on track to weigh more than 9 pounds when she is born! My Dr. said that the Baby is healthy and beautiful and that everything looks great. She's just built a liittle more like Jeff right now, than like me!  :)

We had a first yesterday. She got the hiccups - twice! It took me a few minutes to figure out what was going on. At first I thought she just had great timing - and was kicking every 30 seconds. Then I figured out - hiccups! That was in the afternoon at work - and I was disappoitned Jeff wasn't around to enjoy the moment. But the Baby got the hiccups again about midnight last night - and Jeff got to see how cute it is!!

That's the latest on the Baby. She will be here in about 4 weeks. I am going to go on Maternity Leave soon - but I promise to keep in touch! Thanks again for all your supportive emails!

I need your "When I was pregnant..." stories! I am just past 32 weeks and am getting a bit uncomfortable. It's harder to sleep at night, so of course I am tired during the day. I am still working out (but not hard). And I am craving oranges. That being said - I am eating a lot of ice cream (Blue Bell rocks!!). It's been (knock on wood) an easy pregnancy from what I have hear - no morning sickness, no nausea, no pain - but all of a sudden it's tough carrying around almost 50 extra pounds! Come on - now is your time to share - tell me your Pregnacy stories!!

...and that is perfect!! I went to the PeriNatalogist today - and he did our weekly bio-physical test.. and the baby is an 8!! The test is similar to the APGAR test - but it's an 8 point scale, not a 10 point scale.

 

She has also grown quite a bit - weighing in at 4 pounds 10 ounces. That's about a week ahead of schedule. If she stays on this track - she will be between 8.5 and 9 pounds when she is born. If you want a closer look - check out the 4D photos we had done last week (in my photo album). She even has one eye on us the whole time! Just wanted to share the exciting news - Have a great day!

Jeff and I are so Blessed to share the news that we are expecting a little girl in about ten weeks! We have been together for three years now - and finally our dream of having a family together is coming true. Jeff has a wonderful daughter - Cecily - who I know will make a loving big sister!!

At 40, I wasn't quite sure that I could even become a mother. Jeff & I were prepared for the idea that it may not happen for us - but what a great surprise to learn that we were pregnant!! I hope you don't mind if I share pictures along the way - and in return, I would love to hear your parenting advice.

My cousin held a baby shower for me - and we went around the room asking one piece of advice from every mom. One of the best ones? Pick your battles. Don't fight with your children over every little thing. Someone also suggested keeping a united front with Jeff. So let me know what you think. I have to admit - I am a little (a lot!) nervous - so I appreciate all the supportive emails and suggestions.

Oh, and for the person who asked if I am going weight or pregnant... well, now you know I am pregnant. But I have gained 42 pounds so far. Someone please tell me it comes off quickly!! :)

Whew - It's over!! It's official - we are Mr. and Mrs.! Jeff and I had a wonderful time on our wedding cruise. I am sorry for taking so long posting photos - but I thought since we are all here in North Texas in the freezing temps, this would be the perfect time to check out the sunny beaches of Cozumel!

So where do I start? The ceremony and reception on board Royal Caribbean's "Splendour of the Seas" was beautiful - from being escorted down the aisle by my Dad, to our friend Mark Rankin who married us (he and his now-wife Jana got engaged with Jeff and I last June in St. Maarten), to the duet my brothers sang during the ceremony ("God Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts). It truly was a magical day - although somewhat of a blur. Thank goodness for photos and video or I wouldn't remember anything!! It all went so fast.

After the reception - the ship set sail for Cozumel and Costa Maya. There were 36 people cruising with us - lots of family and friends to celebrate our Union for an entire week! Thank you everyone for coming - and also - a huge thanks to Cynthia from World Ventures for organizing everything!! And much love to Nikki and Roberto who helped get me ready for the wedding. I couldn't have done it without y'all!

I am off for another week - but this time it's not for a wedding. I came down with bronchitis - so I will be staying inside where it's warm until next week. So until then - take care!! And thanks for all the emails asking about the wedding!! :)

"It won't happen to me!" If that's what you think - think again! Growing up in the hot Texas sun, I have had my share of sun burns from long weekends at the Gulf, but all those burn and peel days finally caught up with me. I recently had a basal cell carcinoma removed from my leg.

It's been taken care of (Dr. Adler was great!) and is healing just fine. But I got a lecture on tanning - one I won't ever forget. So even though we are moving into cooler weather - and you won't be in the triple digits - that doesn't mean your skin is safe. I promise not to be one of those people who moves from Sun Worshipper to Sun Hater - this is just a gentle reminder to USE YOUR SUNSCREEN - EVERY DAY! There... enough said!!