Baby's First Christmas

Merry Christmas to all! Hope you are filled with peace and joy today!

Baby F.....

Baby F is here. Born Tuesday morning at 2:32. Pictures and story to come. It been a hectic couple of days. I will share details soon.

Oh ..... It's a BOY!!!!!!

Funny Barley Picture

Sometimes we roll over and find Barley sleeping like this.....(I've been saying for months we needed to get a picture - thanks to my little toy the iphone, this was possible!)

Still here - 39 weeks

Still here waiting on Baby's arrival.  39 weeks...WOW!  Things are still pretty much the same.  I've been really tired lately and have started to take 30 minute naps.  At our appointment on Monday the midwife indicated she thought this would be the week, but I hate to get my hopes up ;)  Mom and Dad will be driving down on Saturday, so if Little One could wait until then, it would be good - though I keep telling James, Little One can arrive whenever he/she wants at this point - Mama is ready ;)  We're off to a Holiday Dinner tonight, so I'll have James take a picture. 

Holiday Decorations

A non-baby post!!

Our holiday decorations are complete - or at least the decorations I am planning to do this year.  Also, I am done Christmas gift shopping!!!  Most are wrapped and under the tree!  Here's a quick tour of our decorations....

The decorated mantle.  Don't mind the crooked candle.  Also, I have more 2 more candlestick holders to add to make it 3 on each side.  Stocking holders are silver snowflakes from Pottery Barn.  Barley and Baby's stockings are on the left.  I am sure we'll get a more baby appropriate one for next year, but not knowing if Baby would be here, we used what we have.

This is our fake tree.  We decided to put it in the dining room this year.  Don't mind the red wrap I am using as a tree skirt.  I need to buy a new one, but didn't make it out for one.  I kept this one simple.  Reds and silvers.  I would like to set the dining room table because I hope we will eat there for Christmas.  I have red placemats, my dishes are white and silver (with reindeer on them), and I'll use white napkins in silver napkin rings.  I haven't set the table yet because the placemats and napkins need ironed and that hasn't made it to the top of my to do list yet.  (I realize these aren't the best pictures)

 And this is our REAL tree.  We have not had a real tree in about 5 years.  Because we always travel at the holidays, we've been using a fake tree.  We didn't want a real tree to dry out while we were on the road.  But since we are here this year.....we finally got a real tree.  I love it!!!  The ornaments are a mixture.  Some new ones from RH and PB, and some that James and I have collected over the years.  Its really a story of our lives and I love it!  I even have my "Baby's First Christmas" ornaments.  Yes - there are 2.....(I was the first grandchild on both sides, maybe I was a little spoiled!!)  (We might need a bigger tree topper, but again, this will have to do for this year!)

We also have 2 lighted 4 ft trees out front.  The wreaths have not graced the doors yet.  Otherwise, that about sums it up.  Simple, yet it still feels festive!

Merry Christmas All!!

Crib Update and Crazy number theory

We're getting our crib on Tuesday, our actual crib!!!! 

Now I did tell them to call first thing in the morning, you know just in case we were at the hospital with a cute little bundle of joy.  That could be wishful thinking, but I'm just putting it out there....12/12 would be a nice birthday don't you think?  We, I mean I have a little thing with birthdays in my family - I'm a crazy numbers person - my mom, sister and James have birthdays on the 4th, mine is the 12th and my dad's is the 16th.....so to keep with tradition (oh - btw - sister's boyfriend is the 12th also - we actually share a birthday) Baby should arrive the 12th, 16th (Dec 16th was hubby's original due date) or 20th.......my vote is the 12th ;)

38 weeks

On Time!!

No pictures today (or maybe I'll post some later).  I'll do the stats post since I haven't in awhile..

Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 38 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  30ish lbs according to my scale.

Maternity Clothes:  Comfy clothes (workout capris, etc) are still regular sizes.  For jeans, I had to stop wearing demi panel and go to all full panel.  Demi panel started digging into belly and were not comfortable anymore (this actually started about 4 weeks ago).  Shoes - oh boy the feet are swelling.  I've been wearing the new flats when going out or my Uggs here lately as its been cold.  However, the Uggs are the easiest things to put on and take off, so it just depends.  My black riding boots are not working right now either, which makes dressing up a bit tough.

Best Moment this week:  Car seat is in the car.  Feeling "ready" to bring baby home.  Finishing Christmas decorations (will do a post on this later)

Gender:  Its a SURPRISE!

Movement:  Lots and Lots of movement.  James is shocked sometimes at how strong it can be.  Baby has dropped so getting some movement around pelvic bone.  Baby still seems to have body on right side and limbs out to the left, so most of jabs are that direction.  James says all this movement is baby trying to stretch me out, that my belly is too small!  Sometimes it feels like the baby is pushing itself down....maybe wishful thinking that Baby's arrival will be sooner rather than later.

Food Craving:  Really don't "crave" anything.  I can pizza any day of the week.  An ice cream snack has become ritual the past couple weeks.

What I miss:  Full night sleep ;)

Sleep: pretty interrupted, taking Tylenol PM to help with it.  Up at least 2 times per night to go potty.  Usually have BH during that time as well.

What I am looking forward to: Bringing Baby home.  Christmas. 

Belly Button: In, but it has closed up.  I am not sure it will pop out. 

Symptoms: BH - lots of them!  Feet swelling.  Achy if I do too much (yes it is amazing how much our body tells us if we would just listen).  Frequent potty trips. 

(Had a doctor appointment yesterday - 1 CM, 50%.  Not too much progress.  But she says some consistent contractions could change that in a hurry!!)

37 weeks...

a little late....

So, 37 weeks or full term, seems kind of crazy.  I remember finding out I was pregnant and keeping the secret.  I remember telling our family and closest friends.  I remember finally showing and wearing maternity clothes.  Oh, that first little flutter.  Wow - thirty seven weeks....

The last week or so has been "getting ready for baby."  The room is sufficient for bringing a baby home, not totally decorated, but has a crib (i'll explain in a minute), dresser with changing pad and a glider/recliner.  A pack n play has been set up downstairs, 3 loads of baby laundry washed in Dreft (thanks for the advice everyone, I will probably switch to a cheaper option after this first round if I don't get addicted to the smell), and the carseat is installed in the car (still want to have it certified).  I still need to pack my bag, however, I think I have purchased everything that needs to go in it, just have to put it all together. 
The report from the midwife this week was very positive.  Everything looks fantastic and right on target.  Baby has dropped some.  No internal exam.  After the BH I have had this weekend (WOW - they can be intense, but aren't regular), I am sure there will be one this week.  I'm a little nervous about that, but I guess it is just part of it.  It's minor compared to the baby actually arriving....yikes, a bit apprehensive about that, but I keep telling myself, its really a short time in the grand scheme of things AND there will be a beautiful baby at the end of it......I just keep repeating that ;)
James actually took a picture of me this week on Wednesday (actual weekly milestone), posted below.  You get a peak of the nursery color and some of the furniture.  I really need to do a nursery post so you can at least see what is in there now.  We're still looking at bedding/decorating options (I just got some sample fabrics from Carousel Designs.  The custom bedding options seem very reasonable the reviews are all pretty good. 
The crib story ......We ordered our crib (or rather, my MIL ordered the crib as her gift to us) towards the end of August.  We were told 8 (ish) weeks for delivery.  Plenty of time for it to come in and the nursery to pulled together before my shower in November.  Well.....mid October, I got a call that there were some issues with the manufacturer and it probably wouldn't be in until mid to late November.  Given my due date, they were still convinced we would have the crib in time for Baby's arrival.  First week of November, James had a meeting near the store where we purchased the furniture, so stopped in to pick up our glider (it had been in for awhile).  They told him that now the expected arrival was mid to late December.  Naturally, my response was "That's not acceptable."  So he worked with the owner of the store (Who has been fantastic, by the way) and they agreed to delivery a loaner crib for our use until our crib arrived.  The loaner has been delivered and was set up.   They will call when our crib arrives and it will be delivered, the other one taken down, and our crib set up at our convenience.  So, overall the situation was handled appropriately and I am happy to at least have a crib.  (Please don't tell me Baby won't sleep in the crib for awhile anyway.  We are planning to try putting Baby in the crib from the beginning.  Optimistic I know, but is really something I want to try to do.)

Ok, on to the pictures and I'm off to bed.  Fighting a bit of a cold (yes, again) and trying to get all the rest I can!!

Add caption

A shot from behind (James thinks he is a funny guy!.....but it shows a bit of the glider and the crib.  Ours is very similar with the slats (but has a curved top)

HELP

I know I need to wash everything for baby.  My question and help request is in the details....

I bought Dreft for this go round - one of my friends swears by it - but do you all use anything else??

Also what needs to be washed?  Clothes - yes, blankets and sheets - I'm thinking yes.  What about the mattress cover before using?  The snuggler car seat thingy? 

How do you wash it all?  Cold water, warm water, things 1 at a time???
Dryer??

Thanks!

37 week post coming

Baby Shower

My sweet local friends hosted a Baby Shower for Baby Freeman a couple weeks ago.  Fortunately, my mom and sister were able to come in for the weekend.  In addition, James' mom and sister were there.  I am totally amazed at how blessed this baby is already.  Our friends and family have definitely outdone themselves with love for this little one.

I didn't get pictures of the food or decorations (I know, bad blogger on my part).  Just know it was simple and elegant.  The food was amazing.  My friend is a great cook and she did everything - even baked a cake that was TO DIE FOR.  I'll try to snag the recipe from her and post it here.

One thing they did is include a note in the invitation that in lieu of a card, they requested the person buy a book to build Baby's Library.  I thought it was a great idea and we got a ton of books!!

I'll just skip straight to the pictures  ( I was 34 1/2 weeks)

Me relaxing waiting to open gifts.

My friend loves Mustela - so she was excited when I got the gift set.

This blanket is handmade by one of the guests.  It has an incredibly soft fabric on the other side. 

My cute little sister!  So glad she could make it too!

The shower hosts.  A little blurry - taken with the iphone

I got a little excited about a really soft little lovey.  Kind of a silly picture but thought I would throw it in.

37 week post to come soon....I'll have James take a picture this evening (I'm going to run some errands and cross off some items on the To Do List which seems to keep growing!!)

Today was a great day

Today I got my husband back. For the last three months he has been studying for 3 professional exams. Today he passed the last of the three. I am so proud of him and beyond excited that the stress of the exams are past us. Now on to getting ready for baby!!!

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to All!  We had a change of plans for our Thanksgiving celebration this year.  Instead of a large family celebration, we shared the day with friends and my SIL and nephew.  But sometimes, friends can be family and its appropriate to share the holidays with them, too.  I am thankful for this couple as they have become great friends in such a short time.

We had an ambitious meal planned.  She did the turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole (from scratch, recipe here), pumpkin pie, and cranberry swirl cheesecake.  I made homemade rolls (recipe here), sweet potatoes, dressing and an apple pie. It was all very yummy.  I did a good job of not overeating, though I do think the dessert sample might have sent me over the top.....there really is not much room left to overeat!!

And to make you all happy, here is a picture of me at Thanksgiving.  It was roughly 70 degrees here in Atlanta and the hormones are definitely kicking in, so I went sleeveless. 

Hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving and have received many blessings over the year for which you are thankful!

XOXO

New Guestroom/Office HELP

We are consolidating an office and guest room into one room since the old guest room is becoming the nursery.  We recently had hardwood floors put in (these were the only 2 rooms in the house with carpet) and James painted the room.  (I know kind of backwards since we really didn't have a vision for the rest of the room - its the same story for the nursery, just wait until that post).  Now we need help.....I really want to get this room pulled together....Any ideas???

The room is pretty much a blank slate right now.  It is a fairly large room, about 15x15.  We want to put a rug in it somewhere/somehow.  Bedding needs to be purchased.  Not sure if we will use existing side tables or not.  Plus storage for office stuff (which we have 2 IKEA cabinets to put in the room - they have been painted to match the trim).  I'd like to add some color as well.  Most of our rooms are pretty subdued/neutral when it comes to color and I kind of want to change that.  I was thinking a celadon green, but now that the room is painted, it picks up the army green type color and I don't think that will work anymore.  The last picture gives you a better idea of the color.

This first picture is from the doorway.  The other door you see is to the closet.  It is kind of hard to tell the paint color.  It is a brownish color, but does have a tint of army green to it.  We're thinking one of the cabinets will go between the windows.  We're also rewiring the room so that the cable and ethernet cords come over there.

 This picture is looking from the closet.  I'm not opposed to turning the desk the other way, but it would probably have to butt up against the window and I'm not sure I like that either.

 The door in the upper left is the bathroom.  Don't mind the clutter in there.  We stored stuff in the bathroom while the floor was being done.  Hopefully this weekend, we'll get that out of there.  We are not opposed to moving the bed to the other wall so that it would face the windows.  We have a covered headboard (its cream) that is being used in the downstairs guest bedroom.  Ultimately we would like to use that in this room and get an iron bed for downstairs.

Budget is limited.  Any great ideas or stores that you can recommend?!?!?!?  Thanks in advance for your help!

Getting Close

Just seeing this in my house means we are getting close...its a little scary and way exciting!!

I'll post more later.  Mama has been under the weather the last couple days.

Random Update

Not sure if I mentioned it previously, but my sil and nephew moved down to our area.  We had them over for homemade pizza last week.....My nephew had a blast helping James.... 

The first shot is a little blurry as they were in pizza making action ;)

It's not a clean process, but it sure does look fun!!!

 Getting ready to toss the dough in the air! 

 

Here is the progression of my closet cleaning that I started on Sunday..... Its not perfect, but at least I can walk in my closet, see the floor and it feels a bit more organized.

This is what it looked like - I had to do something about this....It was giving me anxiety every time I walked in there. 

 As far as I got before I needed a nap on Sunday.  There is more behind the door.  Dresses and suits hang back there.

This is good enough for me.  Things are in their place.  The maternity clothes are easy to get to and it feels somewhat organized.  

 I can finally see the floor!!  I organized my shoes.  I have a feeling I'll need to sort through them after baby gets here.  I think I've gained a half size ;)

 

I'm still fighting the little cold I had on Sunday.  I've been regular with the Tylenol (PM at night) and started Mucinex D on Tuesday.  Can't say its been helping all that much, but I haven't let it slow me down.  Work is kicking my butt.  Trying to get organized to transition a couple repetitive tasks for maternity leave coverage, trying to get a couple projects done before maternity leave, and anything else that comes up.  The house is driving me nuts.  The floors are finally done upstairs and James is almost done painting (the office/guest bedroom is done being painted and I will post on that separately - I need help!).  But the house is still a mess with everything not back in the right place.  I tackled our bedroom yesterday (It had become as storage area for the stuff that came out of the other 2 rooms that got floors) because I needed one place that was organized and clean - just for my sanity.  So over the past week, my closet, bathroom and bedroom have gotten organized!!  Unfortunately if you walk in my house now you won't know I spent the better part of the week getting it that way.  Today I have to get the downstairs at least presentable (dusted and vacuumed).  Mom and Emily arrive tonight!!!!!  And my friends are hosting a baby shower tomorrow!  So excited....pictures to come I promise!!!

Baby Update - all is well.  I am getting a little anxious though - we hit 34 weeks this week - only 6 to go and 3 until "full term"....UM, the nursery is entirely EMPTY.....hopefully we'll get it pulled together in the next week or so.....you know I have a feeling this little one is coming early. 

Weekend Recap

This weekend was a big one....childbirth class.  All in all I think it was good we went, but in the end I don't think there was anything new we had not already read in one of the many books we've been reading.  After class, we made a quick stop at the "package store" (that's liquor store, state store, etc depending on the stat you live in) to pick up more Bailey's for James.  8 bottles of wine, a case of beer and the Bailey's later, we were leaving.  I often wonder what people think when the see an obviously pregnant woman buying alcohol.  James was with me, so that makes it better, but I still have to wonder...are they judging?  Because you know pregnant women are targets and so easy to pick on.

I had received an email that Gap had 40% off on Saturday and I wanted another pair of jeans, so I ran in really quickly to pick up a pair - so quickly that James didn't even park...I'm that good ;)  I needed/wanted another pair of jeans because my 2nd pair has a demi band on it and it has started digging into my belly.  Baby and my uterus definitely did not enjoy that.  I was getting major cramping when I wore the jeans.  So now I have 2 pairs that are still comfortable for the next 6 weeks or so.

After shopping we came home, ate leftovers and watched a movie.  The Back-Up Plan with Jennifer Lopez.  It was a decent movie, in a cheesy girl flick kind of way.  Entertaining, but not great.  We both were pretty tired and went to bed early - crazy times at our house ;)

Sunday was my last week teaching Sunday School.  I enjoy it a lot, but need to start cutting back, especially since we don't know when Little One will arrive.  After church I started working on my closet.  It has needed to be organized for awhile now, I couldn't see much of the floor.  I got about 2/3 of the way through and decided it was nap time.  I have pictures but don't want to post them until I am done.  But you'll get to see the stages.  James finished painting the office/guest bedroom.  I'll take some pictures because I will be asking for decorating advice soon! 

I went to bed somewhat early with a runny nose and sore throat.  Still fighting though that today, but trying to kick it with the limited amount of medications I can take!

Nothing too exciting this weekend, but wanted to get it down!

Shopping Update

A couple weekends ago, I headed up to the outlets.  I really went in search of rugs for the upstairs rooms that now have hardwood and a dresser to be used in baby's room.  What I came home with is entirely different.  I passed the Cole Haan outlet and they were having 40% off everything.....came home with these beauties. (thanks Bama - this is what you bought me for my birthday and I LOVE them!!!)  I got them in gold.  They also had them in silver, but were out of the black.  I probably would have splurged for the black as well.  (I bought a couple other things, but nothing as exciting as the hot deal on the comfy flats)

I also got a Nordstrom gift card for my birthday from hubby.....The Half Yearly sale started yesterday and I just happened to be heading into town to meet hubby for dinner.  So I stopped by...I picked up these boots and the flats in silver (couldn't find the silver pair online).  I brought home the boots, but I am not in LOVE with them, and for that kind of money, I kind of want to be in love with them.  So, they will probably go back.  The flats on the other hand, they are great, and were a good price.

I also tried on the brown Jessica Simpson flats that I showed in this post, but did not like them at all. 

After the shoe purchase (and dealing with some DG chapter drama) I ran to the Destination Motherhood store, since I was at the mall after all.  I found a cute tunic to wear for my shower next weekend (with leggings and the lovely gold shoes above, yes, comfort is now key) and nursing bras....don't get me started on those.  I did find 2 I thought were comfortable, so we'll start there....and BTW, they are now on my Christmas list - those things are expensive.  (family - if you're interested, call James, he knows the size - and is maybe secretly wishing that size stays around longer than just nursing)

Sadly after that, I ran out of time and didn't get to do more damage at the Nordstrom sale, and believe me, I definitely could have done more damage.....guess that is good since we need rugs, and a dresser/changing table for baby, oh and a stroller and carseat, you know, important stuff ;)

All in all, I am happy to have 2 pairs of comfy shoes that fit (these are a whole size bigger than my previous size) and a cute baby shower outfit!!

Baby Update - weeks 31-33

Bullet format to get caught up (I feel like I am letting the baby down by not getting these up weekly because I really want to have this to look back on.....)

• Played in my last tennis match - and WON!  Was nice to end on a winning note.  I won 2 lost 2 this season.  
• Feet started to hurt when I was on them too much.
• Think the midwife may have slipped up at week 31 appointment.  She mentioned a gender after having the ultrasound machine out - I'm telling myself she just uses this pronoun all the time. 
• Midwife was using ultrasound machine to determine if baby was head down.  She was pretty sure the head was down, but the butt had been up in my ribs and because it was "hard" too, she wanted to be sure.  Baby is head down and ready to go.
• Butt in my ribs - and multiple other body parts.  Getting a little more uncomfortable.  Baby moves - ALOT - and while I love to know that Baby is active and well in there, sometimes, its just down right uncomfortable.  I can feel what I think are Baby's tiny feet going across my tummy and Baby's hands/arms sometimes have a boxing match with my pelvic bone.  
• Got a good video of movement and sent it to my mom and grandma.  I think they liked it and it helps make them feel part of the experience!  I'm trying to send more video/pictures.  Thanks to the iphone, that is a little easier.
• Started needing naps again almost everyday.  They are shorter than they were early in the pregnancy, but I am definitely wearing out quicker.  This is not good when my to do list is a MILE LONG.
• Went on my last work trip - to Florida (terrible I know) - for our annual meeting.  Weather was definitely warm and slightly humid.  Experienced cankles almost every day.  I have a pretty good set up working at home, I have positioned chairs to keep my feet up most of the day, so had not had much swelling.  Walking around and sitting in banquet rooms during presentations all day = swollen feet and ankles at the end of the day.
• Don't worry the trip wasn't all work - we had an afternoon off.  I ate lunch by the pool (referenced here) and got a prenatal massage.  The massage was heavenly.  He worked on my hips (where I've had the most discomfort) and really stretched them.  I felt great after!
• Got a call from the store where we got our crib - its being delayed and they wanted to check my due date to be sure we still had time to get it in.  Apparently there are customs issues with Canada.  Was a bit disappointed as I wanted to have room somewhat set up next weekend.  My mom and sister will be here for my shower and I wanted to show them.  Oh well...they'll see it when Baby arrives.
• Latest doctor appointment went well.  Heart rate has been in the low to mid 130's....is this an indicator???  Old wives' tales have been pretty split for us.  (If you are new - we're not finding out the sex of Baby until he/she arrives)
• Sleep is getting more sporadic.  I am up at least 2 times, usually about every three hours (wonder if this is just a glimpse of what's to come) and sometimes I have trouble going back to sleep and am awake for 45 minutes or so.  Hmmm, Baby are you telling me something??!!!??
• Excited for my shower next weekend.  Hopefully after the shower we can get really organized and ready for the arrival of Baby.
• We took a tour of the hospital.  All private rooms, which is nice.  The L&D rooms are huge, but I imagine that's for the 10-12 people that will be all up in my lady parts for the delivery.  :)  The postpartum rooms are nice, but smaller, like a small hotel room.  But still private, so awesome!
• This Saturday is our childbirth class....wish us luck!
• And since I bored you with a lot of bullets, here are some pictures for you.

32 weeks in the morning

32 weeks 1 day in the evening - can you see the difference?

Halloween -  not the best picture, but the only one of the pumpkin from the front.

Side shot, yes the belly is growing. 

33 week picture

More updates to come. Off to Nordstrom to spend my birthday money!!!!

Pregnancy Perk

Eating lunch by the pool in a bathing suit and nor worrying about getting "bloated"

Awesome!

My Home Away From Home

This week I am in Florida for a work meeting. I left my boys at home (James and Barley). This is my last work travel before baby. We're entering a period of "lasts" before the "firsts" start.

Shopping

I got some birthday money burning a hole in my pocket.  This is what is currently in my Nordstrom shopping cart.....Problem is the total is a little more than what is burning that hole in my pocket....hmmmm, what's a girl to do?!?!

To wear with jeans.  Need/want some boots with height. These are Franco Sarto

REALLY want the Tory Burch Revas in Gold, not available online.  These are $100 cheaper and cute too I think.

Jessica Simpson.  Look like they would be cute and comfy with jeans or leggings.

This is on sale for $30...thought it was a good wear now, wear later piece and I like the burgundy color.

Nordstrom brand leggings, show great reviews online.  I have JCrew black ones (which I can still wear) and I love them, but they only come in black.  I need/want some brown ones for sweaters and non-maternity dresses that are otherwise inappropriate ;)

30 week picture

Taken with iPhone. Testing posting from phone.

Test.

New Toy

I got a new toy (not a birthday gift, since James upgraded, too)...I'm still learning how to use it!  If you have any tips/tricks or aps I need, let me know.  Also, I'm trying to figure out how to blog from it, maybe if it is easier, then I'll blog more often!

30 weeks

Um, I am not sure what is scarier - 30 weeks or the fact that next week there will only be single digit weeks left to go....YIKES!  That must explain the extreme nesting that has started and why I have bought baby a couple outfits.
The past couple weeks have been somewhat stressful, but I won't get into that here....Let's talk baby and fun stuff.....

The baby's room is painted - it doesn't have any flooring, but it is painted - thanks to my Baby Daddy ;)
We had a doctor appointment last week and everything looks great.  I passed the glucose and anemia tests from the previous appointment.  The heart beat was around 137ish.  Hmm, could that be a boy?!?!?
I hit the 20 lb mark.  Not sure if that is good or bad, but assume its okay as the doctor has mentioned anything.
The Dorito craving has subsided some, or maybe because I haven't bought them at the store lately, but I feel like I could eat pizza for dinner every night....or spicy food.
Just signed up for our childbirth class.
Bought these cuties at GAP for baby (they had 40% off the whole store on Monday - I got myself a long sleeve tee and a couple pairs of underwear.  I'm trying a new style - to find out why - go here) I figured they were neutral enough and will keep little one warm in our cool Atlanta winter and our visit to frigid Ohio!

 

Baby is very active.  The doctor said baby is lying across my belly right now, which would explain the jabs to the ribs AND my lower abdomen.  I can't get over how strong some of the movements feel.

And last, but probably not least, I am definitely growing.  The first picture is a little blurry but was a good shot of the bump. There were other pictures from last night, but they weren't as cute.  I think I wore this same outfit for my 28th birthday, only difference is the jeans weren't maternity back then ;)

That's all for now!!  More to come next week.

Crazy

I know its been over a week, but its been a crazy week.
I owe you all pictures and baby updates.
But today is my birthday and I took the day off work and am lounging/relaxing.
Pictures and updates tomorrow.....

until then...

Books

My blog reading grandmother (yep - she reads my blog!!) read my post on needing some new books to read and sent me home with a few after our visit to Ohio in July.  So far I have only read 1...

It was pretty good.  A fun, quick read.  I liked that it was set in Atlanta, so it was neat to "know" all the settings.  (find it here at amazon)
The other one is below and hopefully I can start it soon.  But my to do list seems to just keep growing and my time to get things done is getting shorter.

 Here at Amazon

So thank you Grandma and I look forward to getting more books from you!!

(this is supposed to post on Sunday.....not sure what is going on with Blogger)

Apples - Love'em and Hate'em

I apparently have a love hate relationship with apples.  I love to eat a good crispy, slightly sweet apple, especially in the Fall.  But what I don't love is the impact they have on my digestion.  They either have a mild impact - heartburn - or a stronger impact - let's just say its "move your feet or fill your seat." 

The reaction is mild or non existent if eating them cooked.  Guess that means I'll be baking with apples this Fall...I see an apple crisp in my future.  Any great recipe recommendations??

Labor Day Weekend Recap

I started this post 21 days ago and in order to preserve the weekend in my online "diary" I am still going to finish it....sorry its a bit late.

Labor Day weekend was a blast!!  Friday one of my best friends came to visit with her family.  I was so excited to see them - and to hang out with my little god daughter - she's adorable - see below (and I think the trigger for my baby girl dream).  Other than a great friendly visit the purpose of their visit was to attend the UNC - LSU Chick Fil A Kickoff Game.  James went to UNC (think we have talked about that here) and friend's hubby is a HUGE LSU fan.  To make Friday even more interesting, 4 of James' friends (my friends now too) from UNC came to spend the night before the game.  Rather than feeding all of them, we ate at a restaurant close  by.  The girls left after dinner, and the boys stayed until after midnight.  We enjoyed the rest of the evening catching up and chit-chatting.  We were up early (the girls that is) on Saturday morning.  D and I enjoyed the cooler temperatures and sat on the front porch with little A.  It was so nice!  The boys finally made it out of bed and rallied.  James and C headed to the Ga Tech season opener and the other friends headed to checkin and set up the tailgate for the UNC game.  D and I relaxed at the pool and then got ready to head to the game.  Me in my Caroline blue, D&A in their purple.  About halfway to the parking garage, I started to smell something and it wasn't exactly pleasant.  We decided it was A's diaper, but thought we would wait until we parked.....Boy were we in for a surprise.  It was a BLOWOUT of proportions I had never seen...up to the armpits.  And off came the cute little LSU onesie!!!  The final score was not in UNC's favor, but was somewhat to be expected given their current issues.  We finally got home and in bed around 12:30 AM...another late night!  Sunday was more relaxing.  We went to the pool and planned to cookout with some other friends.  Dinner was awesome as the weather was still fairly cool and we ate outside.  After dinner, we played cards until 1:30 AM.  Third late night of the weekend for this pregnant lady.  D & family left Monday morning.  It was sad to see them go, we had such a great time hanging out and are definitely looking forward to their next visit!!
After they left, James and I ate lunch and got settled on the couch - James to study and me to nap, all while watching US Open tennis.  Let's just say between the hours of 11:30 AM and 6:00 PM, I alternated between sleep and watching tennis.  I was a tired girl, but was definitely refreshed and enjoyed my nap!!

The only pictures from the weekend were from the pool, so I picked a couple I thought were cute!!  Just love this little girl!!
(Hope her mommy doesn't get mad I posted pictures)