It’s exciting when you see friends begin to experience a new part of their world - through the confusions, emotions, excitement, wonder, and awe of it all - it makes me think back to 15 short months ago - crazy where time goes.  Here you’ll see little Jade Branham.  Well, you might not really see her - b/c she’s 5 lbs - but I promise, she’s in that blanket.

Chris and I have been wanting all summer to take Tatum somewhere, since we didn’t get a vacation.  We chose Sea World - and had so much fun.  We weren’t sure how the day would go - since we wouldn’t really ride the water park rides - but we thought, what the heck - we’ll enjoy it if she doesn’t.   We started at the show with the Barnyardigans - I had no clue who they were, but that’s where all the kiddos were headed.  Tatum was so excited, loud, and clapping, that we actually has to leave in the middle of it. haha. And ew - she has food in her mouth.

Tatum played in the baby water park section - she loves being wet in her bathing suit. Then we went to pet the dolphins.

We floated around their river with Tatum in a life jacket - no picture, but it was hilarious.  She loved laying on her back floating (which Chris holding her).  Then off to see Shamu’s last show.  Is it normal to cry during “Believe” - ??  Randomly, it was quite moving.

During the Shamu show - the storm came in - and we were stuck.  Our stroller was outside in the pouring rain and we had 1 towel.  So I wrapped Tatum up as best as I could - we hiked in the COLD, WET, HARD RAIN for nearly 20 + minutes.  It was raining so hard that I had to ask Chris to stop twice so I could wipe my eyes - I couldn’t see!  We made it to the last gift shop - bought a $20 Shamu beach towel (I guess this was our soveigner for the day!), and walked as fast as we could to our car.  Luckily I had consulted Amanda before going - bathing suit is smart to wear.

So, we get to the car with a game plan - toss our soaking wet child into her car seat, take our clothes off (bathing suits underneath), and JUMP IN.  I don’t think I’ve ever been so wet in my life.  And I’m not pretty wet.  Not even the least bit - poor Chris has to stare at me like that for nearly two more hours.  No mascara - wet hair. Ouchers to the eyes.

Traffic was piled up on 1604- so I took our newly bought towel - wrapped myself in it, and changed into my clean fresh clothes in the car.  I hopped in the backseat, stripped Tatum, cleaned her up, and she was so ready to sleep.  Fun day.  I hate being wet, but nonetheless - super fun day.  Sorry, no pics of us looking like wet dogs.  That would have been a treat.

Here’s Tatum sleeping on the way home - and a good family pic of us & Shamu.

Wednesday: 10:00 am I didn’t feel like ‘baby sitting’ people, but yet I had to at work.  2:00 pm A corporate lady SNAPPED at me on the phone while I was in the middle of a sentence, for no reason.  She emailed me later apologizing b/c I had ‘no idea’ how her day had been - um, yes, lady: DITTO.  7:00 pm At dinner with Papa, the stupid waiter forgot that Tatum was a young child - and put a sizzling hot skillet right in front of her - and yes, she grabbed it. Yelp - Scream - Cry.  Waiter: “um….I’m sorry….um….can I get you some ice…..wow….I’m sorry…..”  We left the restaurant.  7:50 pm Tatum better, then she falls with a toy, cuts up her lip & gums are bleeding.  Yelp - Scream - Cry.

Thursday: 5:45 am wake up for a very important meeting in Dallas.  11:20 am Intense (yet understood) questioning on our desire & call to plant a church in Austin.  11:45 am I begin to cry as I speak of Chris’ strengths - I can’t seem to get past Strength #2 - due to emotions - tears in front of 5 grown men.  12:20 pm Still teary-eyed speaking of our calling to Austin - and hoping that our words are convincing these gentlemen.  I don’t like to feel like I have to prove myself sometimes.  12:30 pm  These gentlemen pray for us - and I’m teary eyed and blotchy, they show me to the restroom.  2:00 pm  My hair is becoming flat because I am out of hairspray. I hate flat hair.  4:00 pm Getting on the road back to Austin and I am completely over-analyzing our meeting - thinking the worst (and furious that I cried in front of people).  4:40 pm Still over analyzing and causing a migraine for myself and I also feel bloated.  5:30 pm  Tatum wakes up from nap in car - extremely hungry.  We stop to get milk from a gas station - back on road - I feed her granola bar while she drinks her milk.  Yelp - Scream - Cry.  She’s choking/gagging while we are going 80 mph on I35 South.  I jump to the backseat while Chris pulls over.  Tatum throws up her stuff - and I sit in the back and sing with her, play blocks, and read a book.    6:50 pm 5 miles from home and Tatum is starving. More Yelp - Scream - Cry.  I am practically Yelp - Scream - Crying myself.

Good reasons to cry for today:

10:30 am Tatum got to hang out with “Tish” while we had our meeting at the District Office.  1:00 pm Had lunch with Miche & Lydia - who have returned from 6+ long years in New Mexico!  3:00 pm Met up with Michelle at Chic Fil A and saw Tate for the first time!  7:15 pm We are safe in our living room feeding Tatum dinner.  8:00 pm Tatum is playful and happy and sitting on my lap or dancing/singing a song.  Makes you forget about all the Yelp - Scream - Cry.  8:15 pm  Tatum asleep. Mommy blogging.  Needing a big fat hug from Chris.  Signing off.

Chris is gone this weekend to a Church Plant thingy in Dallas (which happens to be held within 10 miles of two of my closest friends!), and I miss him!  While he’s away, Nicole and I will attempt to entertain their mom and husband! Wish us luck!  It’s so freaking hot outside - what’s there to do? We are contemplating the Capitol, Bob Bullock’s Museum, and/or LBJ Library.  San Antonio/San Marcos are OUT of the running. They require too much activity outside.

And by the way - why has no one noticed my new hair cut?  It’s super cute.  I mean - I’m even fixing it!!!  I don’t get it. I almost walked into my boss’ office yesterday and said ’so, do you like my hair?’  just to get a compliment! HA.  Maybe no one has noticed because I have literally worn my hair in a pony tail for 3+ weeks in a row.  So, maybe they just think: wow, Summer CAN fix her hair.  Thanks Amanda for giving me a good cut. Even if no one else notices or likes it, I do. That’s all that matters.

I’d like to welcome Karina Barazza-Branham and Kimberly Masengale to the “I am 30, Hear Me Roar”Club!  Life is good.  I am attempting to quit Sonic.  I know I’ve said this phrase many times in my life - but this past month, I get this icky feeling after drinking my DP.  So sad - but time to let go. 

Ok, my bag of popcorn is finished. Yum Yum.  On to HUSH HUSH now for their 2 for $10 sale. Wish me luck!

Don’t worry, I won’t run to be a member on the board or drive around enforcing the “law” of the land at Parkside Community.  But I will meet other guys/gals, and see where the friendship takes us.  Maybe even someone is looking to be part of a church (and I can help with that, too!).

I met Michelle a few months ago at my garage sale.  She’s across the street, two young kiddos, and works at the American Red Cross.  She asked if I’d be interested in helping with a July 4th picnic for our community–SURE is my answer.  I sometimes don’t get why others don’t get super excited about meeting new people and inviting them to a place to connect to others–shrug.  Then I remember, maybe my desire to be a social butterfly is abnormal. :)  Who knows.

Either way, me, Michell, and “LuLu” put on a neighborhood picnic on July 4th.  And it was fun.  Sad that Tatum had to nap half way through it, and missed jumping in the inflatables AND face painting, but either way, I think our neighborhood was excited that we did something.

And now we are famous. I mean come on—when you make your HOA WEBSITE….you’ve hit a major mark in life. HAHA.  Check it out.  www.parksideatslaughter.org 

Click on the link that says July 4th Picnic to the right.  Scroll down a little, 7th pic down on the right,  you’ll see me laughing hysterically at something—again, maybe this is abnormal. I think most people are funny and I laugh at anything.

Then I come to work, already a little frazzled, but wanted to spend some alone moments in my office before becoming social (aka get in a better mood).  I boot up my computer and noticed a few emails from random people in the office about random small things were answered, not by me, but by another individual in the office.  Long story short: I like my job. I struggle with feeling like I’m battling tasks with the former Lead Admin who was recently promoted.  She’s great and we get along.  However, I learn better when I can take ownership of a task and ask questions when needed….not 1) be told what to do instead of it being explained how and why and 2) being cc’ed on an email answering the question that I needed to answer for our employee.  It’s like I’m just this middle person–not the go to person.  This has happened for two weeks now, and again, I’m telling you, they are SMALL things, but enough to get under my skin and make me sit at my desk with feelings of insecurity, like I’m not capable or fast enough to respond appropriately.

Why do these little things bother me?  I’m not a naturally insecure person.  How can I approach her, calmly and collectively, without falling all over this awful insecurity that I’m not living up to the right standard?  I know learning 7 years worth of information will take a while, and I think that things are going really great.  I’ve been given good feedback.  But it’s little instances like this, responding when I should be responding, or taking over a situation before it’s directed to me to handle….aauugh.  I’m so frustrated today.  1 1/2 more hours.  Need to blow off steam. Maybe taking a while in 100 degree weather will help. Sorry, Tatum, you are going to have to sweat it out with me. 

I designated myself the “early bird” this week arriving to work at 6:45 am (yes, even with a shower and clean hair).  It’s just two days, that’s not going to kill anybody (aka me).  But seeing my wonderful husband still sleeping and not catching a glimpse or a peep from Tatum before walking out the door makes it no fun!  But duty calls with big boss being in town for a meeting. Need to ensure all things are running smoothly before the meeting begins.

I’m in love with So You Think You Can Dance, thanks to Nicole.  My heart beats fast during the performances and I even started clapping after one last night, not realizing that I literally was alone in the living room and not at the live performance. 

An old friend is visiting Austin with her family this week and we get to meet up for dinner tonight!  Kendra Johnson-now Kimball.  I haven’t seen Kendra in YEARS!  Kendra and I became friends when I started working at Casa View Assembly in Garland, TX during my college years.  Kendra, to me, was cool! Had her own apartment (with a HUGE bed), own car, own REAL job with REAL money….and just an all around wonderful gal that I loved hanging out with.  She is now married, two boys, and I believe training for a marathon!? What is with all my friends getting fit? :) 

After being bored out of my mind on Saturday, I made Chris solemnly swear that

I, Chris, will not play on the internet all day

I, Chris, will make sure we are not in the house all day

Well…you get the drift

I somehow managed to not leave the house on Saturday and that is a rare occurrence!

By 8:00 pm that night, I was literally pulling out my hair, sitting sideways on the couch starring at Chris, thinking he would automatically know how to entertain me!

My child was asleep, so we were STUCK! I hate being stuck.

So, Sunday was the day. The Day ‘O Fun. The day to breathe the fresh air, maybe get a little sun, and enjoy my family. We attended a cool church that morning and then headed home for Tatum to nap. Naps aren’t quick. Then after the nap, she has to eat. Eating isn’t quick either. So, its finally Day ‘O Fun time. 2:00 pm.

We pack up the car and head to the park. I had Uno, Dominos, Sonic Dr. Pepper, Tatum’s toys, lawn chairs, blankets…you name it. We were ready.

Havin’ Fun. Fun Fun Fun.

We lug our stuff to the lawn at the park, Tatum on my right hip with my drink, two bags, and sheet on my left hip. Chris had his hands full with the chairs and other blankets. We find a good spot. Lots of open space, not too far away from people to be isolated, but far enough that you can’t hear their conversations. Yes…this is going to be nice. Going to be good. Maybe we’ll start off the day at the park with playing a game.

Tatum’s enjoying the dominoes that I’m setting out, and BEHOLD, the sun appears. That darn sun, I had forgotten about that. I didn’t calculate that into my plan. The fun is becoming not so fun. It’s hot. It’s icky. It’s smoking my skin. Ouch. Sizzle. My pale white skin—Tatum’s pale white skin.

15 minutes. Maybe not even that long. We left. I forgot the sunscreen. And shade—where for the love of God is the shade!?

We come home, and I’m not happy. My Day ‘O Fun failed miserably. Now I’m back at the place I DO NOT want to be…the house.

Then I see Chris pulling out Tatum’s little pool and rigging up some kind of system outside. He tells me “go get your bathing suit on & Tatum ready.” Hey, at this point, I’m up for anything. So, we are suited up and head outside to the backyard.

Chris has put a HUGE sheet of plastic down, with large rocks at each corner to hold down the plastic. At the top is Tatum’s pool filled with water, and on the side of the plastic is our fancy pants water hose that is creating……..

A Slip ‘N Slide!

Miniature version of course. He’s a genius. Tatum is happy. I’m happy. And Chris is laying on his belly splashing water in Tatum’s face. What gets better than that on a Sunday.

1) I’ll never eat Stuffed Crust Pizza from Pizza Hut ever again.  I could make this pizza for you, considering I have 4 years of experience of waitress, cook, and shift manager under my belt.  Yuck.

2) I’ll never forget the times that I made Jennifer Ann pee in her pants from laughing so hard.

3) I’ll never forget the feeling of when my mom dropped me off at College in Waxahachie, and then had to leave.  I was devastated and scared.  She wouldn’t be just an hour away….but six hours away.

4) I’ll never eat veggies. Ever.

5) I’ll never enjoy the experience of camping in the outdoors.  There must always be electrical outlets please.

6) I will never be the domestic wife of the 1950’s.  I don’t think any of us will.

7) I will never forget the days of the skating rink.  Oh, how marvelous those days were.

I will never forget the moment that Chris McCool stood at my mom’s duplex door to pick me up for dinner Christmas 2002.

9) I will never forget when a friend in college told me that I should speak up more…that I have good things to say.  I was very shy then.  I became a more confident and changed person after that.

10) I will never forget the feeling of traveling Europe and speaking into the lives of students.  I was living part of my dream.

11) I will never wear my bangs in teased up waves again with RAVE hairspray.

12) I will never say “Kids aren’t for me” again. They are and I want more.

13) I will never buy a brand new car off the lot again.  I will always go for newly used.

14) I will never stop loving to win card games against my husband (or anyone else for that matter).

15) I will never cut my hair boy short.  I can’t imagine how awful that would look.

16) I will never try to pre-plan each day of my life.  It’s too much work and creates too much anxiety. I am learning the enjoyment of small daily moments while keeping large goals in front of me.

17) I will never turn my back on a friend. No matter our history or lack of history. 

18) I will never stop striving for God’s best for myself and my family. 

19) I will never not visit Sonic at least once a week.

20) I will never forget when I told Chris I thought I was pregnant. He made me take 3 tests, and then wanted me to wait a week and take it again. Ha. Yea right.  I went to the doctor.

(1) The day after Tatum’s party, I was literally sick and nauseated ALL day.  I was grumpy. Exhausted. Hungry, but everything made me want to vomit.  It wasn’t until that evening that I finally settled down.  Was it too much sangria?  Queso? Salsa? What?

(2)  Thursday night after book club, I had to literally FLEE out of Fish’s house unexpectedly because I knew I was about to let it all out.  And I did.  The moment I stepped foot in my house, I lost all my salsa. And was sick until 3:00 am.  What???

(3) Friday during work, I literally could TASTE no bake cookies at my desk.  I still had the craving that night while Chris and I sat outside on the porch reading our books.  So, I got up at 8:50 pm and made no bake cookies.  WHAT??????

This is freaking me out! HA.

Her FIRST Birthday. It’s been ONE YEAR. It was exactly one year ago today that I would check into the hospital in the evening to be prepped for induction….I remember everything. Chris had to work that day. I made sure all our stuff was packed (thank goodness I overpacked because we were there EXTRA WEEKS!), took Brodie to Fish’s house to play with his friends, and TRIED to relax. We ate dinner at the Chili’s off Lamar (gross, I don’t like Chili’s, why did we eat there?) and then headed to the hospital at 6:00 pm. Walking into the doors, I was waddling pretty bad b/c I was so large by this point….trying to look calm & under control (my normal Summer look when really I’m not so good on the inside), and the WEIRDEST male nurse jumped on the elevator with us and informed us that he would be working in the labor/delivery part of the hospital that evening and would try to be my nurse. I about had a panic attack. This was not only a male nurse (no offense guys, but I don’t want male nurses looking at certain parts of my body), but a FREAKO. I quickly informed Chris he better make sure that this guy is NOT my nurse and Chris is to NEVER EVER leave my sight, in case the guy returns. Thankfully, I had a nice little gal instead. I was given all my wires and needles and monitor on my belly with my beautiful new outfit (aka hospital gown). We tried to do some small talk, but all I really wanted to do was enjoying our last moments before being parents (and labor!) and then sleep. The nurses gave me an Ambion so that I could really rest, and I did. Until 5:30 am the next morning when they are knocking on my door, saying, ‘ok summer! it’s time, let’s induce you.’ I was so nervous, but really excited. It was happening. I honestly hadn’t ever imagined that day before, at one point in my life, I wasn’t so sold on having kids. Long story short, with lots of patosin (sp?) in my system, by 11:00 and dialated to a 5 cm, I asked for my drugs. I was having contractions every minute that were pretty rough, and I literally saw NO REASON to continue in this pain. The rest of the afternoon was a BREEZE. We watched TV, I napped, and by 4:00 pm, I was beginning to push! It was so exciting and such a great delivery. I had the BEST nurses that talked with me, we laughed and made jokes. Chris and the nurse had to hold my legs up to push, pushed for 10 seconds, and then talked in between contractions. We pushed for about an hour and a half, but really didn’t seem that long. Right when she started to crown, Dr. Oliver has me if I wanted a mirror. I looked at her like she was crazy. No thanks. Chris can watch, I don’t want to be grossed out or distracted. Let’s move on! When Tatum came, they placed her on my stomach, and I was like, our baby has DARK HAIR? Is this my kid? I was so happy and can hardly type right now thinking about it. The rest of the story I’ll leave for another time because I realize I’m writing too much, all probably more so for my satisfaction of loving my memories.

So, last night, as Chris and I prayed before going to sleep, I prayed for our sweet Tatum and the wonderful year that we’ve had. We both were very silent afterwards, and then when Chris felt wet, hot tears on his shoulder, he asked ‘are you crying?’ We both just wanted to go and pick up our little girl and hold her! What a great year.

Happy Birthday my sweet girl.

I’ll warn you…its nothing fancy! For some reason, she doesn’t even talk in these 34 seconds, which is odd for her.  And its SIDEWAYS. Just turn your head sideways and enjoy. Ha.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkjDCJ6ZHww

Baby loves bath time. Baby plays plays plays during bath time.  Rubber Ducky, You’re the One…You make bath time so much fun….  Mommy likes to sing to baby during bath time.  Mommy steps out to check her email.  Hears baby play play play, splash splash splash like every night.  Mommy hears small thud, then small cry.  Mommy gets up….Baby has CRAWLED OUT OF TUB.  Baby is crying and getting on all fours to crawl.   Baby is ok, needs to be held, and then wants to play again.

Which award would you choose:

Award #1: SuperBaby Award!

Award #2: Loser Mommy Award.

“I’d like to accept the People’s Choice Award for Loser Mommy Award for May 2008…..” Quote from Summer McCool

Tomorrow is the first official night away from Tatum.  ALL night, and the next day, and the NEXT night, and the next day after that. It’s time for this to happen, I think I’m ready for it, and perfect as we approach her 1st birthday.  I’ve had almost 1 full year, every night, me being there just in case she needed something.  She’s a big girl now, almost able to walk, and Mommy & Daddy also need to be Chris & Summer.  So it begins.

Chris and I leave tomorrow morning for a full week of church planting ‘boot camp’ as they call it.  Thank God it isn’t physically working out everyday because I would certainly fail.  This next week is strategically designed for others like Chris and I embarking on their journey to begin a new church.  We’ll sit through classes, have many break out sessions where we are able to wrestle through issues, mission, vision, values, raising money, raising & recruiting leaders. Almost everything.  I am excited that Chris and I are both able to go together, not just Chris by himself.  We’ve been able to discuss a lot of these topics, but having a full week with un-interrupted distractions is exactly what we need right now.  I pray that we come back to Austin with a prepared game plan and feel good about these next steps.

Please be praying for us.  Pray that my processed thoughts can come OUT of my brain, pray that conversations we have with a few people in Dallas about potentially being leaders with us will go well, and pray that Chris and I realize that we are not in this new adventure alone.

We ran one errand to mail off Chris’ first new phone (he is now on his second, and I think its a keeper).  Tatum loves to talk, especially while we ride in the car. Chris says she sounds like an Asian woman at a nail salon.  Dwell on that comment for a while.

I am about to start my 2nd movie of the day (the 1st being American Gangster).  Now on to Atonement.  Thank God for Netflix.

 I just ate a wonderful Weight Watchers lunch with a pickle, now reading about a tribute to a woman that worked at Weston Solutions (my company) for 22 years who just passed away because of breast cancer (so very sad), and twitching my feet very quickly, because I just can’t seem to sit still.

That’s all I have. Exciting, I know.

I had my stupendous spa treatment at Viva Day Spa on Saturday. This is what I had:

The Viva Diva

• Sauna
• 1 Hour Swedish Massage
• Hot Steam Towel Treatment
• Full Body Glow – pick a flavor
• Choice of Hydrating Body Wrap (Lavender Lotus, Cocoa Cocoon, Dreamsicle (orange/vanilla), Oh So Coconut-Vanilla, Gingerizer (ginger/peppermint) or Sublime Ginger/Lime)
• Viva Magic Mint Scalp Massage
• Express Foot Reflexology Treatment
• Lunch
• Viva Custom Designer Facial
• Deluxe Manicure and Pedicure
• White wine (or beverage of choice) and chocolate

The Viva Diva was amazing. 7 hours of hands all over your body…NICE. It’s exactly what this girl was needing.

After my luxurious day at the spa, I was feeling pretty mellow and calm (and majorly needing to wash my hair), my husband wanted to treat me for a yummy Mexican meal at one of my favs: Nuevo Leon. It was there that I had super surprise #2 (remember, the first one was in Dallas) with a wonderful handful of close gal (and guy) pals. We sat and talked for hours, sipping on gin & juice (not really, but that song is in my head, too). Some mommies were able to pull away from their kiddos (which I know is hard, and I was so happy to see them). It was a great “beginning” to my new womanhood. I will forever brag on my husband for all of this.

And now….to the breastfeeding discussion. I am FINISHED! I made it 11 months and 1 day. It became such a natural part of my everyday life, to an every night routine before bed, and now to nothing. I am happy and a little sad, all at the same time. I’ve gotta say, I feel so blessed because I know not many moms are able to breastfeed that long because of some complications or discomfort. My little girl isn’t so little anymore. I have friends that now have the newborns (two just happened to be birthed in the past week!), and my little girl is about to walk and is getting another tooth up top. Life is precious and sweet, and I am so very in love with my family right now.