My Earliest Memory

There are small things I remember from my early childhood, such as sharing a room with my sister Stephanie. Our house on Richard Drive where we lived until I was 5, which seemed HUGE to me and if seen now seems so small. I remember our yellow car, not sure make and model but it was huge and not bright yellow but the 50's yellow. We had a big living room in which for me to play and a nice yard which held a swing set that I have seen my sisters playing with me on. Here are a few bits of history I remember in that house:

1. Me stealing cookies while no one was watching and then when my mom asked me how many i had, I held up 5 fingers. Momma was not happy, but my sister has always gotten a kick out of that story.
2. Dad practicing his golf outside in the yard and put a golf ball through the dining room window. Again, momma not happy. lol
3. Me getting, from what I can remember, my first major spanking. Apparently I wandered off to my down the street neighbors to play with my friend and didn't tell anyone where I went. Boy was I in trouble!! That is when I learned my momma's "you are in trouble" face and the belt from my daddy.
4. it hardly ever snowed in Beaumont during the winter, but the one year it did I was too sick to go outside and play. So, I had to watch my sisters play from my bedroom window. :(
5. Mom having to entertain one of my older sister's dates waiting at the house, while she was coming home from being out on another one. My sister was a two-timer! :)
6. Our neighbors had a pool! I vaguely remember going in it, but I just remember them having one.
   
7. My sisters having sleep overs and me wanting to be a part of them. Wanting to entertain her friends and much to my sister's dismay even her boyfriends.
8. Playing with my neighbor Cody Como, although i don't remember much about how we played, I know we did.
   

But, what I remember most of all is family and friends. Seemed the house was always buzzing and there was much to keep me busy. I remember having a Fisher-Price record player and I was always playing music. Mostly my sisters, I am sure. I loved music, dancing and singing. I had no problem keeping myself busy, although my sister may object to that statement. But, I never needed entertainment. I could play house, office, whatever I could think of because I had and still have a rather large imagination. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed getting into my sister's business but when they weren't around it didn't bother me.

I did attend a pre-school and ironically first met Sammie Bertino that I would meet again later in school and become best friends. We did not know that we knew each other previously, but our mom's did and I even have a picture of Sammie and I back then. When it was time to start Kindergarten, my parents decided they wanted to move and get into a better school district. So we moved from Richard Drive in Beaumont to Pinemont Drive in Pinewood. I vaguely remember looking at houses with my parents and all I wanted was a home with stairs. Which is why I was thrilled when we ended up with one! Funny how that is all that concerned me. Pam was a senior still at French High in Beaumont. So, she commuted back and forth and Stephanie and I became Hardin-Jefferson Hawks! I was lucky enough to begin and end my school days in the same school and make such wonderful friends as I did.

Now, in our school district there were two elementary schools. So, any friends I made from Kindergarten through 3rd grade were added to by 4th grade. I went to Sour Lake Elementary (SLE) which was K-6th. China Elementary was only K-3rd and then they bused all of those students to SLE to begin 4th - 6th. Once we hit 7th grade, we went to Jr. High which was back in China. So those of us that went to SLE the whole time were now having to be bused to China for Jr. High. Then back to Sour Lake for High School for 9th - 12th. Yep, there was alot of bussing going on. But, the bus was always a good time to catch up with friends and do any remaining homework. :) I have such great memories of my school days. Yes, I did get one spanking from our Principal...but so did the rest of my class. I was in 1st grade and while I don't remember specifics of why we got in trouble, I just remember we did! I was devastated, as I was mostly a very good girl that never got in trouble. Again, didn't want to get Mom's "you're in trouble face" or Dad's belt! I enjoyed all of my teachers and remember getting into UIL with "Picture Memory". lol Later on at some point, it became spelling I believe. But, that is a memory I have from my Elementary days. Starting 4th grade was a big deal, as not only did we now have our own lockers to put our books but we also now changed classes! I remember it being so scary and being in the hall with the older kids. It was a time when we still said the Pledge of Allegiance everyday, although I do remember one kid by the name of Kenan (I believe) that was actually an atheist so he never had to stand or say the Pledge. Funny how I remember something like that...would be interested to know if any of my other classmates remembered that. I remember having some interesting teachers that now make me smile/laugh when I think of them. Ms. Samuels, Mr. Britain (which we had the pleasure of having twice!), etc. There are a few things that stand out in my mind of that time frame:

1. having to run in PE to that damn tree, picking up beans (I think) for each round we made.
2. the day the space shuttle exploded and watching it on TV in the group room.
3. being told our teacher, Ms. Reed 5th grade reading, had passed away and not exactly fully understanding what that meant. other than another teacher would be taking over until the end of the year.
4. 6th grade talent show and my group being interrupted on stage by a tornado drill...well wasn't really a drill, as it was really bad weather outside!
5. breaking my left arm during a saturday flag football game at SLE while attempting to be thrown in the air by my fellow flag football chearleaders. Let's just say I could see the bone sticking out and the only thing they knew to do to help was take me to the cafeteria and put a spatula under my arm and wrap a cloth around my neck to keep it steady until my mom could drive me to the hospital in Bmt. Can only imagine the fun of that drive! As it would have taken at least a half hour...
6. FIELD DAYS! they were so much fun and most looked forward to as it meant the end of a school year. It was fun to compete and come up with class names and flags and march out of the school proudly with them. I still have some of my ribbons that i got from my field events!

Although, there are too many memories to mention, these are just a few of the ones that stood out in my mind. I am sure my classmates could name numerous more that I would say, "Oh Yeah!". However, my life as I knew it changed drastically my 6th grade year. It was the year my middle sister Stephanie was diagnosed with Leukemia. Again, not knowing exactly what this meant, I knew it was bad. So ends this chapter of my life, as a new one was about to unfold.

The Beginning of ME...con't

continued from previous post...my mother's words from my scrapbook.

First Month
We came home from the hospital when you were three days old. You barely have to make a sound until your are picked up. At one week you accidentally turned over and boy were we all surprised! You can really push up on your feet. We took you to Dallas for a visit and you did great!

Second Month
You seem to be able to see us all this month. You are beginning to smile more and love to look everything over. You are very curious about things. You love your mobile of animals above your bed and you get very relaxed to music. You are making more sounds. We took you to the shopping center (Parkdale Mall) and you really had fun looking around. You also had your first DPT shot this month.

Third Month
This month we went to Toledo Bend Lake for a weekend with both sets of grandparents, your great Aunt Jean and great Aunt Lena. You took your first boat ride in Paw Paw Williams' boat and you seemed to enjoy it because it put you to sleep. You got a virus this month that lasted for 4 weeks, but you didn't feel bad with it though.

Fourth Month
We went to your grandparents in Dallas for vacation this year. Everyone got to see you and meet you and you weren't spoiled at all. You got your last DPT shot this month so we don't have to go back to the doctor until your 8 months old. At the end of this month you were getting where your coordination was getting alot better. You are trying to sit by yourself and you can go for something with both hands and get it. You are jabbering more and blowing alot of bubbles. You've been having trouble with your teething. When you start getting sleepy, you pull your ear or scratch the back of your head. You've rubbed off most of your hair in back.

Fifth Month
This month you have really seemed to come a long way. Your personality is really forming. Your coordination is really improved. You seem to know your Daddy and me by sight and just smile up a storm. Your sisters started to school this month and you sure noticed a difference. You are a real good baby. You cry very little, only if something is wrong. You are really trying to crawl. So far you get on all fours and rock, but won't move arms and legs. You leap forward and fall on stomach. You said your first words. Hi and Bye Bye.

Six Month
You smile all the time. You love rattles and playing peek-a-boo and patty cake. Your sitting and crawling real well. You can go from crawling to a sitting position. You are trying to pull up, but can't quite get the hang of it. We went to the Lake this month (Toledo Bend) and you love it. You got your first tooth and you have also learned to wrinkle your nose when you smile and really like something. Got your 1st walking shoes.

Seventh Month
You started pulling up to a standing position this month. You love getting around in your walker and you are chewing on everything! You can now say MaMa and DaDa and Baby.

Eighth Month
You are such a happy baby! You never meet a stranger and everyone always says what a precious baby you are. Your eyes and LONG eyelashes catch everyone eyes. You are cutting teeth by leaps and bounds. Some are giving you trouble. You cannot pass by anything without trying to grab them. You are babbling all the time, but only when you are in familiar surroundings.

Ninth Month
This month was very exciting for you. You loved all of the Christmas decorations and all the packages. You'd touch them but that's all you would do. You were very good about that. Both sets of your grandparents were here for Christmas. You loved all that attention. You got everything for a 9 month old that you didn't already have. It was a lovely Christmas!

Tenth Month
You are pulling up real good now, but won't turn loose. You love to put objects in a box and take them out again. You love to play patty cake and you know what is coming next in the rhyme. You love stacking toys and boy can you make a mess. You love table food and especially french fries!

12 months
You are one year old now. You grandparents (both sets) were here and did you enjoy yourself. You thrilled your Paw Paw Hunter by walking only to him. You went at your birthday cake with fingers and all and had a blast.

13 months
You Paw Paw Hunter died this month (April 9, 1976) of Leukemia. It was a sudden illness that put him in the hospital and their they found Leukemia. It was the fast kind. I am only sorry that you won't have a chance to really remember him. He loved you and your sisters so very much!

16 months
You are getting alot of teeth. You are into everything, not destructive but you are very determined. Even if you know you are going to get a spanking, you just have to touch it. Your temper is something else too! We spent our vacation in Dallas and then you girls and I stayed another week. Maw Maw, Aunt Jean and Susie brought us home. You loved shopping in the shopping areas there. I took your pacifier away this month and you only missed it the first day.

17 months
The girls started back to school this month and i can tell you miss them. But, you also enjoy the time to yourself. You are imitating everything, even prayer at dinner time. You love to sing, dance and boy can you put on a show! We started potty training you in the middle of the month. I decided you were ready after you took a dry diaper out of my purse in the doctor's office and gave it to me. You love to kiss and you suck your cheeks way in and pucker up. You love to hug and are good at patting on the back. You are very playful!


Unfortunately, that is where my baby book ends. I can only imagine the grief my mom must have been going through while trying to care for three kids. Not only had she lost her father, but a year before I was born her brother was killed. So even though I was a surprise, I was told I was a silver lining in a very dark cloud. I have always heard great stories about my Paw Paw Hunter and Uncle Warren.

The Beginning of ME

how do you start a blog about yourself? kind of weird...but here goes.

i was born in 1975 to James Douglas and Patsy Jean Williams on the 15th of March. The Ides of March, as I would come to learn in school. Yes, I did pay attention somewhat in school especially when it had to do with my birthday! I was born in Beaumont, Texas where I lived and grew up until I was 18. I was the youngest of three girls (oldest - Pamela Kay, middle - Stephanie Lynn and youngest - me!) and according to my sisters spoiled beyond belief! I can't help it if I was so cute! I would always tell them that I was not spoiled, just that Mom and Dad were well broken in for me by the time I came around. Not to mention, they probably didn't care as much by that time. There are six years between each of us. Being old enough to realize now, I am not sure how they did it. Now, I am aware that Mom and Dad were not going to have more than 2. Let's just say I was an oopsy, a wonderful oopsy, but an oopsy nonetheless. I just remember Mom telling me that I was a wonderful surprise and one that kept her going through a very difficult time. More about that later...

Since my memories of that time are not good, I decided I would quote my mom from my baby book. Much better coming from her anyway. ;)

Andrea Nicole (Nikki) Williams was born Saturday, the 15th of March 1975 at 11:41am at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, Texas. 7lbs. 4oz, 18 1/2in tall and delivering was Dr. Clarke. Your head was 13 inches, chest 13 and abdomen 13 1/2. Hair color was black and your eyes were dark blue. You were a beautiful baby, good coloring and shape. You came into this world eyes open and looking everything over. You really kicked and moved up a storm! You were an easy delivery and i saw you being born. A truly beautiful and memorable event for me! (sidebar: I cannot help but cry when I read this. As it not only means so much, but to know that my mom no longer has that memory of me makes me very sad.)

First Year of Development:

1 month - kicks vigorously (from birth) and tries to turn over
1 month - laughs
1 1/2 months - recognizes mother, father, etc.
2 months - began sleeping all night
2 1/2 to 3 months - Raises the head alone and holds it up
3 1/2 months - discovers hands and feet
4 months - first picture by professional studio
4 1/2 months - discovers own voice, coos and babbles (again, that is when it all began!)
4 1/2 months - reaches for objects
5 months - first words (hi and bye bye)
5 1/2 to 6 months - creeps
6 months - sits without support
9 months - picks up and handles objects
11 months - pulls self up and stands alone
11 months - imitates sounds and motions
11 1/2 months - takes first step alone
12 months - holds cup and drinks
14 months - holds spoon
14 months - uses simple words
16 months - thinks she can get away with anything and smile (i still do that!)
First long trip in automobile 1 month- went to see your grandparents in Dallas
First trip in a boat 3 months- in Paw Paw Williams' boat

Your First Birthday - both sets of grandparents were here. You were walking and thrilled Paw Paw Hunter by walking to him and no one else that day. (this would be considered extra special when my Paw Paw Hunter died of Leukemia the next month.) Your birthday cake was chocolate and your loved making a mess of eating it.

Nikki, (my whole family called me Nikki until I became too old for Nikki and wanted to be called Nicole)

I'm starting you a scrapbook as I did your sisters. Hope that as the years pass, you can look back through this and read some of the proud moments we all had together. Hope you'll enjoy reading all of these things that may seem small but very important to us!

The President of the United States is Gerald Ford. Your Daddy is employed with Crown Pipe shops and is head of the drafting department. He has been with them about 11 years now. We live on Richard Drive.

You were due on March 26th, but since I had such fast deliveries, the doctor put me in the hospital on March 15th and induced my labor. I had labor contractions the last few months of my pregnancy and much to my surprise I had NO pain during my labor. The doctor and nurses couldn't belive it! I carried you so low that I couldn't travel after my 6th month. I had a saddle block again so I saw you being born. After you head came, Dr. Clarke said I had another girl and she was a beauty! You looked everything over and Dr. Clarke said he hated to spank you but he wanted to make sure your lungs were ok. You cried a little, but started looking around again. As long as they let you look around and didn't bother you, you were content. I went to the hospital around 8am and you were born at 11:41am. You were known as "bright eyes" in the hospital nursery. You have big beautiful dark blue eyes. Your father was so excited and nervous! He bought cigars for everyone as he did for Pam and Stephanie. Were your sisters ever happy. Steph said all along that she wanted another sister. We came home on the following Tuesday. Your Paw Paw and Maw Maw Hunter drove down from Dallas for the big event as well. Then Maw Maw Hunter and your great Aunt Jean stayed with us for a week. They all got a turn at holding and feeding you. Your Paw Paw and Maw Maw Williams were here too. So between them, us and your sister's you were bound to get spoiled!

More of my baby journal to continue...stay tuned!

Been a LONG time!

Yes, it has been quite a long time since I blogged last. I seem to go in phases with my blogging, but have decided I need to begin again for many reasons.

1. I want to use my blogging as a way to journal. I have been told many times that I need to journal, but have always felt inhibited by it. Like if someone actually read my thoughts then they would know me for the truly crazy person I am. Although I consider myself a pretty open book kind of person, there are still things that I tend to and like to keep private about myself. I think it also goes back to the days of keeping a diary and someone finding it and reading your personal thoughts!

2. I have decided that I want to, in a sense, write about my life. Things I remember, things I cherish, funny stories, my loved ones who have now passed on. We live in a time where we rush and rush and can barely remember our own names half the time, that I want to document these memories to read later on or for future family members to read about.

3. I have debated for a long time, maybe not out loud, about writing a book. Yes much has happened in my life, some good some not so good, but I feel regardless if it sold or not what an achievement it would be to have it published. Now, having said that, I know nothing about writing a book. But, what's the worst that happens?! It stays in my blog form in all of its outrageous grammatical glory? :)

So, thus begins my journey. I did blog at one time on my myspace page, so those posts will be re-posted here when that time comes. Plus, you know how it goes, I may not remember things as clearly as I should and those were written in the thick of it all. Funny how the mind works!

Happy Blogging to me and Happy Reading to you!

So Many People to Thank...

I feel bad that I am just now writing this on my blog, but I figure better late than never!

Over the past weeks, both Davin and I have had so many people that have helped us in so many ways. Although thank you is not enough for the kindness that was shown, we simply could not have made it through this time without them.

To:

My Dad - for rushing into action and taking care of Petey for us. He means so much to us and to know that he is well taken care of with his Poppy gives us comfort.

Our friends Amy and Les - for visiting Davin in the hospital and bringing food for us to enjoy. You two never cease to amaze me that no matter the time or space between us, you will be there for us when we need it. Thank you for your continued friendship and unwavering support.

My cousin's Rob and Dyan - we love you guys so much and appreciate you being there when we need you most. Also in spreading the word to the family for us!

My cousin's Gene, Sara and Susan - for coming to visit and giving us the motherly advice you always provide. It is so nice to have family so close that we can depend on when needed. We love you all!

Frisco Fire Station #5 - for coming to visit Davin on Christmas Day. On a day that we would have preferred to be home, your visit meant the world to us. To know that you cared and would make a special trip just for Davin will never be forgotten. Your gift sits proudly on our mantle and reminds us how grateful we are to have such a wonderful group of men close by when needed. (Although, we hope to not need you!)

Last, but certainly not least!

My friends Cary and Don - Words cannot express what I feel in my heart. When I think of the two of you and what you did for Davin and I, I tear up. I know that there is no way I could have gotten through this time without the two of you. You made sure I was fed, had the groceries I needed, spent time at the hospital with Davin when I couldn't, helped me move furniture, cleaned, took care of me while i was sick, brought us a tree for our home, helped me wrap gifts on Christmas Eve so that we actually had gifts to open when Davin got home. The list could go on and on...
Thank you, thank you, thank you......

There are so many people that called, sent cards, emails, etc. To all of you thank you. Your support and love mean so much.

Tomorrow starts our first week back to work and although I am a bit nervous, as I won't be with Davin at all times I know he has plenty of great people around him ready to take action if ever needed. Don't get me wrong, Davin is feeling great and doing well. I just worry and unfortunately have a hard time letting go of that emotion. But, if you know me well enough you are not surprised by that statement! :)

Love to all! oh...and Happy New Year to all as well!!!