Christmas Roundup and 20 weeks

So Christmas morning at our house came.... 9;30am...Lily Anne is still passed out in the bed. yes still!!! Enough that I turned on all the lights, took photos....and still had to wake her up! She was sleeping so hard....pooor thing.

So after waking up Lily Anne .... and the view from the top of the stairs. All the santa goodies!


Santa left Lily Anne a cool table and chairs with crayons and a doodle pad. She has played nonstop since getting it! It also has been my saving grace at night when I am trying to cook. Lily Anne will color for quite a while.


Then it was off to discover the mini magna doodle and megablock bus. Then all the stocking stuf.


Then we headed to visit Mich's Family for the Christmas dinner. Lily Anne was quite a ham!

And her new ride!!!

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How far along: 20 weeks 4 days

Total weight gain: 3-4lbs.... ( i am going to try to keep this NO more that 25!)

How much does baby weigh: weighing in at about ten ounces and measuring six and a half inches... according to what to expect.

Maternity clothes: yes 100% bottoms. A few tops...especially for length

Symptoms: none....I am hoping it stays that way!

Cravings: OJ, Fruit and anything sweet. The sweet is non-stop...although I am doing good 90% of the time to say NO! ( no change!)

Sleep: Sleep is going really good in our house.

Movement: Lots! the baby is quite a mover!!!

Belly button in or out: Innie.

What I miss: Happy hour....a glass of wine with dinner....

What I'm looking forward to: getting started on the operation reorganize the house to accomidate another babyroom.

Milestone: Halfway done!!!!!

Well .... it's a ....

We had a wonderful Christmas telling family! We have known for a little bit but wanted to share with family on Christmas before telling the world. We are very excited about another girl aka a little sister for Lily Anne. We are working on finding a name for "baby#2". We had a boy name ready but have been struggling to find a girl name that we both are in love with.

19 weeks

How far along: 19 weeks 5 days

Total weight gain: 3lbs.... ( i am going to try to keep this NO more that 25!)

How much does baby weigh: not sure...

Maternity clothes: yes 100% bottoms. A few tops...especially for length

Symptoms: none....I am hoping it stays that way!

Cravings: OJ, Fruit and anything sweet. The sweet is non-stop...although I am doing good 90% of the time to say NO! ( no change!)

Sleep: Sleep is going really good in our house. If we can keep Lily Anne teething at bay!

Movement: Lots! the baby is quite a mover!!! Mich was even able to feel the baby bouncing around!

Belly button in or out: Innie.

What I miss: Happy hour....a glass of wine with dinner....

What I'm looking forward to: Christmas. The bedding arrived to day...and I am so ready to see it. Hopefully it is just what I am hoping on the colors.

Milestone: making to the half way point. This pregnancy is moving!

double strollers - City Select

I am dreaming of this stroller "City Select" (website). I love my Chicco single one....but now that I have to think about TWO. I have been researching them all. Some are budget friendly and some are WHOA!!! The City Select is a little budget WHOA...but I am really liking the ability do so many options... 17 to be exact. I know I will not use all 17 but this is one stroller that can go as a single to a double and then back to a single with ease. That ability is very appealing to me.



Now convincing Mich to agree with me....any ideas?

17 weeks and Lily Anne

How far along: 17 weeks 3 days

Total weight gain: 2lbs.... trying to keep this under control for Baby #2

How much does baby weigh: not sure....but what to expect says:
" About five inches long and more than three and a half ounces — the size of your open hand."

Maternity clothes: Yes for pants. But my tops are my regular ones.

Symptoms: I am still having a few bouts of m/s. Which is driving me crazy!

Cravings: OJ, Fruit and anything sweet. The sweet is non-stop...although I am doing good 90% of the time to say NO! ( no change!)

Sleep: Sleep is going really good in our house.

Movement: I ahve few movements here and there.... super exciting. This is my favorite part of being pregnant.

Belly button in or out: Innie.

What I miss: Happy hour....a glass of wine with dinner....

What I'm looking forward to: finding out the sex! I am so ready to know......NEXT WEEK!!!

Milestone: Next week, and getting through this Christmas.

Had a OB appt today. Everything is measuring on track! HB 156
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Lily Anne: 16 and 1/2 months!

MERCY ME! I can not believe we are knocking on 1 1/2's door. It feels like yesterday that she was born... She has been showing lots of new talents. She loves to clean the house with me. (Lets hope that habit stays around) Everything is so much fun for her...she loves outside more than ever. Although, with the weather we have had to bring the outside to the inside.

She has finally learned how to get herself on the couch to sit all by herself.... Loves Curius George....it is the only TV show that she has taken any kind of liking too. Which is kinda nice. Dolls seem to have made its way into playing line now. I am trying to play baby with her and get her kinda ready for spring. Although I am not sure how to officially do this.

Sunday we had a friend come over take our photo for the Christmas card. Lily Anne was so cute in her Tutu! She can even twirl around in it!

Christmas Card 2010

Retro Metro Christmas Card

Shop Shutterfly for elegant custom Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

OH LA LA!! I am in love with again this here. Shutterfly has out done themselves. There are way to many too that I loved. Once we got a great photo....then the hunt was on. We settled on a classic and simple look. Shutterfly was amazing on the editing skills and simplicity on the ordering system. Now I can not wait to get them in the mail. Will update with those results!

15 weeks

How far along: 15 weeks today....

Total weight gain: none .... I am still holding (crossing my fingers this last just a little longer)

How much does baby weigh: not sure....but what to expect says:
"Your baby is as long as four and a half inches right now, and weighs a bit over two ounces. Hold a large navel orange in your hand — that's how big your little darlin' is."

Maternity clothes: not 100% needed but for comfort reasons YES!....I am sporting some pants!

Symptoms: none lately, thank you m/s for leaving my body.

Cravings: OJ, Fruit and anything sweet. The sweet is non-stop...although I am doing good 90% of the time to say NO!

Sleep: I sleep great at night...but I wake up as if I never went to sleep! I am still struggling with a runny nose (this is 4.5 weeks now)

Movement: none....hopefully soon though!

Belly button in or out: Innie.

What I miss: Happy hour....a glass of wine with dinner....

What I'm looking forward to: finding out the sex! I am so ready to know......

Milestone: getting throught the next 2 weeks (traveling, traveling and more traveling!

Christmas Cards - Shutterfly

Every year I search for the best photo to include in our yearly christmas cards. Last year I was happy to have the perfect picture for the perfect card. Then finding the right place to order them. Shutterfly has been the winner each time.

I can not say enough good things about Shutterfly. My family has enjoyed beginning able to view, download, and even order prints from my photo storage site. My first experience sold me for life....I ordered Lily Anne's birth annoucements on stationary cards and results were better than anything I had ever ordered. I loved it on the thick paper and knew it was definitely a place I would order again. Since, then I have ordered prints and photobooks. The photobooks are neat little gifts if you are looking for that extra personal touch.

So, for 2010 I find myself once again dreaming of cards.... Shutterfly's photo cards. This are at the top of my list right now.

I might even consider making a photo calendar to put on my desk or to give to grandparents for Christmas. Oh, the decisions, so many with Shutterfly's photo gift selection. The possibilities are endless with such a great site!


And saving the best for last.. Bloggers can get 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly: http://bit.ly/sfly2010

Happy Anniversary and Happy Veterans Day

Happy Anniversary to the man I love so deeply. Words can not describe how thankful I am to have him in my life.

Seems strange to think that it has been 4 years since our "I do's". The day was beautiful and everything was perfect.... Now, I am more in love with him and have more respect for him than I have ever felt. He is my rock and the center of my family.

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Happy Veteran's Day!

We have lots to be thankful for today!!

To all the men and woman in any branch of military thank you! You have given up something so very important and precious so all of us can enjoy the country in which we live. Me and my family are/will be forever grateful!

Weekend Away

Feeling so relaxed and refreshed after our wonderful weekend anniversary adventure. Mich planned a nice semi-romantic and relaxing weekend for a 4 year anniversary treat. He totally out did himself!

So we drove to my moms, she was going to be Lily Anne's babysitter. Since this would be the first time we have ever left her overnight with anyone. I was a little nervous but so looking forward to a break from reality.

Saturday we woke up and got our day started with a little shopping then checked into the hotel! I love Westin Hotels....I love the treatment of the staff and the rooms are always so cozy! Plus, the beds are truly as heavenly as they can be.

Then it was off to dinner at the Sun Dial.....oh the view was wonderful and the food was divine!

After a wonderful dinner, we headed to the Cirque Du Soleil: OVO.....

I must say I love Cirque Du Soliel shows! They transport you into another world for 2 hours...I awe struck at each show I have seen!

So, Monday..... Dr appt time... Woohoo! Everythign looks like it is on track. After a few minutes of searching Dr. Pridgen (whom I love) found the beautiful little heart beating.... happily beating at 158! Music to my ears. So there you have my lovely weekend.

PS....Lily Anne did fabuilous at Nana's and Grandpa'S!

Cheese....and 13 weeks (1 day shy)

Lily Anne and her cheesy grins! I could eat them up all day! Last night she was all smiles....finally. Tuesday was a rough day for her...the day after her 15 month appt with shots. I still hate that they make her feel like crap..and always have. I am happy to say she got a good report. She weighs 22lb 6ozs (40%), and is 32.5inches (98%). She is growing up on me so fast.


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Lets see....bringing back some of my old stuff from Lily Anne's pregnancy. The weekly survey.

How far along: 12 weeks, 6 days

Total weight gain: none .... so far!

How much does baby weigh: not sure....but what to expect says:
"What's up with your baby? Well, besides being as large as a peach now, that big old noggin of hers is now about half the size of her crown-to-rump length (that’s one reason why your little peach looks more like an alien from outer space at this point). By the time you give birth, her body will catch up, measuring three-quarters of her total size. What else is going on in there? Tiny bones are beginning to form in her arms and legs, the intestines are beginning to move from the umbilical cord to the abdomen, and the vocal cords are well under construction (the first step toward saying, "I love you, Mommy!"). And because she can move her arms and legs in a jerky fashion, she may be able to get her thumb into her mouth (a habit that may come in handy for self-soothing when she’s a newborn). "

Maternity clothes: somedays, I pull out the pants...then the next I can get into my normal pants. The bloat seems to be going away for the moment.

Symptoms: Just days of nausea and bloat!

Cravings: Orange Juice! I literally can go through a gallon every 2 days! I did the same thing with Lily Anne. I have to buy 6 1-gallon jugs to keep with my habit! My mom bought 5 jugs.

Sleep: it is wonderful...I am in bed shortly after Lily Anne. Yup, I am exciting! However, the trip to the bathroom are crazy but very do-able. However, the past two nights, I have slept horribly since I have a nice fun COLD!

Best moment this week: Friday! I am working a 3/4 day....then going home to pack. Me and Mich are headed to Atlanta for Adult weekend. Lily Anne will staying at Nana's and Grandpa's....I am a little nervous...because this our first time ever leaving her overnight.

Movement: none....that is okay for now.

Belly button in or out: Innie. I think it will be there until the end. It never pop'ed out with Lily Anne.

What I miss: Happy hour....a glass of wine with dinner....

What I'm looking forward to: This weekend! and Monday...Appt #2! I am hoping all goes well

Milestone: 13 weeks...end of 1st tri! I am ready to hang up the nausea and overtireness!

Wordless Wednesday

I will post it later....I can not get it to work right...

:(

Halloween....

Lily Anne enjoyed her 2nd Halloween, but 1st dressed up and trick or treating one. I will update details when I get back from her 15 mo appt! Shots!!!

Wordless Wednesday....

Well not completely!

But I thought I would bring back the old school dance photo for a little fun! One of my long ago girlfriends, found our she is expecting #2 as well. Funny, we lived close and were the best of buds! Now, we keep up with each other through the blogging world, as we are miles apart. Amy, this post is for you to find and have a smile on your face!!! (Follow Amy and her funny post each day at Wade's World. )

Funny, I look at me in this picture and I clearly see Lily Anne! She definitely shares my smile!

How does Lily Anne feel?

about being a Big Sister...

I think the pictures just about sum it up! Although, I do not think she totally understands it fully...but her smile is wonderful to see!

We are so blessed and thrilled to be expecting baby #2!! We absolutely love being parents and can't imagine our lives without Lily Anne. Baby #2 is due around May 13th, 2011!!!

Last week at my 1st ob appt we were able to get a sneak peak at how baby#2 is doing. I must say I was rather shocked to see such beautiful sight! Alot different from my 1st ultra sound with Lily Anne. just amazing!

Other than just being super tired and a bit nauseated at times things are going very good!

Big News for this household!

I believe....

....Love is unconditional and especially strong between a father and daughter.

....a smile can give you the power to carry on. Even after a long day, and I am running on empty.

...What exactly people mean when they .... the first year will be over before you know it. Yes, it is entirely true. It is amazing how fast one year can go!

An awesome blog-friend of mine started a weekly "I believe..." post on her blog. It can be simple (like mine was today) or it can be as deep as you want it to be.So link up with MrsTrophyWife here to do your I Believe post!

Sneakers....

I always thought it was funny when parents bought nice shoes for their toddlers. How do you get your money worth out of them?

Well, become a parent and the thought changes to ... you need good shoes on your kids feet, because they walk, RUN, play and need to be protected. Lily Anne is out growing her stride rite sandals and her stride rite walkers. Bittersweet....so on my journey tonight I came across these. CUTE!!! And I love them because they are velcro. Mercy because sitting Lily Anne down long enough to get her shoes tied....is a JOKE.

Now I just need to find a pair for her to wear with dresses and then one for church. But time is running out tonight. So, I am off to bed.

To Worry or Not to Worry

Lily Anne had her 4 month check up with the ENT today. She failed her pressure test! Which means one or two things....the tubes are blocked or they have fallen out. After talking with the DR...they were clogged. So as painful as it was....Mich sat there with Lily Anne screaming while they unclogged the tubes. The nurse asked several questions and to see what are concerns we have. Mich and I both are a little concerned with her in the speech development area. While she can say dada (all the time) and mama (sometimes)....it concerns me that she has not learned more. We say words and sounds to her all the time and try to get her to repeat.

Her daycare teachers told me they work with the basics in her classroom of ABC, RED, BLUE, YELLOW, and 123. Through play, environment, and music and dance.

The nurse and DR told us not to panic that we will see some delay in speech because of all the infections.... But this mom can not wonder should I be worried! I know she can hear us! Just need more working time with her.

well....I think I forgot about my blog

OOPS!



Sorry, life has been very hectic around here the past two weeks. We enjoyed our labor day weekend with dinner with friends, birthday party, and after at the pool. Very relaxing. For a short weeek last week it was not all that short....crazy! This past weekend was about staying close to home and chilling out. Dinner with friends was a must, though.



Looking forward to this weekend....goign home to my parents and to FOOTBALL season. We did nto go to the opening game.

Wordless Wednesday

Sazzland - Giveaway

Take a moment and check her out. She is a amazing mother of the most adorable twins! She just got 100th blog follower and is doing a wonderful giveaway in response. The entry is very simple!

go check it out at Sazzland

Lazy Days!

catch up

darn....I so failed this past couple of days on the blog challenge.

We had a great weekend relaxing and running errands. Monday Lily Anne enjoyed the new classroom and a new food of cheeseburger bites. Her teachers said she did wonderful and wanted seconds. Alrighty then! Tuesday....humm...HORRIBLE. She work up with the nasty crusty eyes! PINK EYE and COLD. Wonderful...she was pretty good with me yesterday. Although, I was not 100%...being that I have cold too.

so a sick baby + sick mommy at home = 50% a good day. Lily Anne was a trooper. However, last night got the best of her..45 minutes of sleep. WHOA!!

so a sick mommy, baby and a very tired daddy = complete failure!

I ended up calling my mom at 2:30am asking for a little support and help. Well, I got the wonderful voice of soothing mom....but she refused to come help me. (I did not ask her to right then, but in the morning to help during the day) Seriously hurt my feelings! I am RARELY call her for help...but she can run and help my sister and the twins at the drop of the dime...but I get nothing!!!!! But, "I sorry but you moved away". OH MY FREAKING DEAR~ I am 1:35 minutes away.

Oh well....oops Lily Anne is up...

Thankful Thursday…

I am thankful for my family, my husband, my daughter. Each one has played such a huge role in life the good, the bad, and the ugly.

I love my daughter more than life! “ To wear your heart on the outside of your body”….is a complete understatement of motherhood. I can say that she is my life and let anyone do something wrong….the fire in my soul will haunt you. I have never been so proud of something that I help create. She is very reason I say, “yes, she is mine.” Although, her temper can make me crazy and think hello, I begged for this…explain to me why!!

My husband…best friend, roommate, lover, and my crutch! He has swept me off my feet from day one. I am so proud of him. He supports me when I am at my nasty PMS self to my loving ways. Yes, there are moments when we fight, exchange hurtful words, say “I am done”….except we keep standing there arguing it out. Then like two kids makeup and say I love you no matter what.

My family, where to start. My mom and I are so much alike we pick fights for fun. My dad, he is a huge teddy bear and heart of gold. My sister, the memories, jokes…OMG she is my lifesaver! I am who I am because of them. I love them all and would not know what to do if they were not there. I am a little over 2 hours away from my family. Some days I am thanking god for the miles between, then there are the days where I would like to stop in for a quick hello or dinner.

So much to be thankful for!!!

On the home front….things are good! Lily Anne has found that she has a belly and will show anyone even the dog!!!

We - Woddler...

Lily Anne is moving into her new classroom this week. She is adjusting quite well to the new surroundings, schedule, and friends.

I really stressed out about the classroom transition from crawlers to pre-walkers. Lily Anne had it rough for about a week. Screaming when I dropped her off, Mommy not understanding or liking the new schedule, wondering why must she move rooms, and transitioning from 2 naps to 1 nap a day. What were they thinking!!! (also, probably did not help that we just came back from vacation) I loved the crawlers room and teachers. Since then, I have grown to love her teachers in the pre-walking classroom and Lily Anne has too. I know it is time for her to step up to the next room, but I hate saying good bye!

so what is a wee-wobblers? you must be 1yr, walking, on table food, and Sippy cups
In this classroom....she will be
Eating at a table
Learning folks and spoons
Sleeping on a nap mat (no more cribs)
Learning sign language, dance, music and art.

Yesterday, I brought home artwork of blue bubbles! Finger painting! I really have to give it to her teachers and the daycare. The center works so hard to keep the kids going and keeps them one step ahead on the milestones. The teachers are constantly working with each child and their needs.

Sleeping on a nap mat....I am still pondering this.. How do you get 11 kids on their mats, asleep and stay there? I haven’t a clue. But when I pop over for "surprise visit” during my lunch, sure enough the whole center (minus the infant room and crawlers) sleeping peacefully with no tears or sounds. Just the sweet soft sounds of lullabies playing over the speakers.