Mrs. Everything

Overheard

2012-01-03T13:11:00.001-06:00

Teags to P: "Excuse me Payton!"

P, not scooting over

Teags to me: "Momma, Payton isn't 'scusing!"

Overheard

2011-10-31T10:21:00.001-05:00

As soon as I walked outside after getting ready for Kristin and Nick's couples shower:

T: "oooh Momma! I like your green skirt!"
P: "oh I love it Momma!"
LC: "man I'm gonna be in trouble in a few years."

Behold the show stopping skirt :)

Mittens the Cat

2011-10-27T15:26:00.001-05:00

Ever since we went to the beach in June, the girls have been obsessed with the movie Bolt. We've watched it no less than 100 times and thats probably a low estimate!

Miss P told me she wanted to be Rhino the hamster for Halloween...with his ball. I'm crafty, but I wasn't quite sure how I'd pull off the hamster ball! I steered her towards Mittens and she was on board...and so was Teags!

All I did was add an oval of white felt to a black tee, buy the ears and tail, and use some eye line for their noses and whiskers. I think they're the cutest cats I've ever seen!

14 months!

2010-10-24T15:17:00.002-05:00

T, you are 14 months old! Where does the time go???

~ you weigh 23 pounds

~ you wear size 4 diapers (for volume not girth!)

~ you wear 12 month and 18 month clothes, but the 18 month is a little big.

~ you've been teething like crazy... not a happy time at all. your last 1 yr molar finally broke through this weekend. you have 12 teeth and are working on your cuspids.

~ you are a great eater! you LOVE mac and cheese and yogurt! you want to feed yourself with the spoon or fork.

~ you say: momma, daddy, sout (scout), da (dog), no, wook (look), hello

~ you know the answer to: what does a dog say? woof, what does a cow say? moo

~ you LOVE to be outside. you take off running when the door opens and get so upset if we don't let you go out. I think swinging is your favorite, but playing in the little car or wagon is a very close second.
~ if I ask you for a kiss, you'll lean in to me and let me kiss your cheek. it's a super special day when you lean in and kiss me.
~ we say "God is great" every night before dinner. you've caught on so quickly! as soon as you're in your high chair, you clasp your little hands together waiting for us to start the prayer. you love it so much that you'll take a few bites, clasp your hands, and look at us like, ok. it's time. some nights we pray 5 or 6 times!

9 months!

2010-06-21T21:04:00.000-05:00

* It's amazing how much more relaxed you are with baby number 2. Little Miss was about 3 weeks late for her 9 month well baby appointment... with Miss Priss, she went on the day or as close to as possible!

Little Miss, you are 9 months old!

~ you weigh 21.6 pounds (80th percentile)

~ you're 28.25 inches long (60th percentile)

~ your head is 18.5 inches around (97th percentile)

~ you wear a size 3 diaper during the day and a size 4 at night

~ the 6-9 month clothes are getting a little short! you look most comfortable in 12 month clothes.

~ your top 4 teeth are finally through (for a total of 6)!

~ you took your first steps at 9 and a half months!!

~ you "dadadadada" and "mamamama" and all sorts of other "talking", I'm sure trying to keep up with P.

~ you pretty much turn your nose up at all baby food now. you want what we're having (and you get it)!!

~ you LOVE your sister and follow her everywhere! y'all are adorable together. you both get to giggling and that turns into all out belly laughs. it makes my heart swell to hear that sweet, sweet sound!

Darling girl, you are such a light in my life. I can't imagine my life without you in it! It's crazy to think that you've been out in the world for as long as I carried you. I want time to slow down just a tad!!

Possible Furniture Placement???

2010-06-09T16:11:00.000-05:00

The ottoman is a place holder for a large wicker trunk

Ignore the panel that's hanging by one clip... a certain 9.5 month old thought she needed to hang onto it...

Online Design Consultation!!

2010-06-01T16:59:00.004-05:00

I'm hoping she'll help me pull everything together and accessorize some trouble spots of the living room... mainly the fireplace and the wall above the couch. I'm also wondering if there's a better furniture placement that's still conducive to tv watching... Lord knows LC has to be able to watch College Football in the fall. (and yes, it has to be capitalized as it is an EVENT).

Notes from School!

2010-05-22T10:32:00.000-05:00

Thursday was Miss Priss' last day of Mother's Day Out for the year. Her amazing teacher put together a little scrapbook of projects and pictures. One of the last pages is a letter from her teacher (she started in January). Talk about making a Momma's heart proud (and that the constant reiteration of "Yes, Ma'am, please, thank you, no thank you, etc..." is working!)

Dear P*****,

I am so happy that I was able to be your teacher this year. Your have such a uniqueness about you. God has given you a joyful heart and a very kind spirit. You have the courage to be a leader. I love how you use your manners, and remind us of our Golden Rule. You are a great example of how to treat others the way you want to be treated.

I have watched you mature, and learn so many things in our five short months. I am so proud of you. Thank you for coming to school each day eager to learn something new. You have captured my heart, and I will never forget you.

Go to your next journey with the same spirit you have shown to me. May God continue to open your mind so that you may learn and He may also continue to open your heart so you may always love.

Have a wonderful summer! I will miss you.

Love,
Mrs. B******

Yum! Chicken & Pesto Baguettes

2010-05-19T19:19:00.000-05:00

The new Cooking Light Fresh Food Fast: Weeknight Meals is all over the internet right now. After trying a few recipes, I can totally see why!

I made the Grilled Chicken and Tomato Pesto Baguettes (pg 82) with a few modifications ... SO good and SO fast! You can easily adjust the quantities to fit your needs.

*************************************

2 bolillo/hoagie rolls

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

salt

pepper

1 red bell pepper, seeded and quartered

cooking spray

Classico sun-dried tomato pesto

lettuce

2 slices of low fat Swiss cheese

pre-heat grill

cut rolls in half lengthwise

place chicken between 2 pieces of heavy duty plastic wrap and pound chicken with mallet to an even thickness. salt and pepper to taste.

flatten bell pepper quarters with the back of your hand

grill chicken and bell pepper until chicken is done and bell pepper is tender. place cut sides of roll halves on grill the last few minutes to lightly toast and top chicken with cheese to melt.

assemble sandwiches by layering lettuce, chicken, bell pepper, and pesto

**********************************

We added baked chips as a side and are STUFFED!

8 months!

2010-04-24T15:38:00.001-05:00

Little Miss, you are 8 months old!

~ you wear a size 3 diaper during the day and a size 4 at night.

~ you wear size 6 month, 6-9 month, and 9 month clothes.

~ you are waking up once during the night... I think your teeth are hurting. (note the drool string)

~ you're crawling on all fours and have abandoned the army crawl.

~ you are more confident when cruising the furniture. you hold on with 1 hand and sometimes it just a few fingers. you like to let go, but fall on your bottom.

~ you'll walk if we hold your fingers.

~ you are a drama queen when you fall and bump your head. you cry like nobody's business, but are easily comforted.

~ you've started squealing really loudly. I think you're just trying to make sure we hear you over sister!

~ you're blowing raspberries at me, on me, on the table, basically wherever you can get your little mouth.

~ you are a momma's girl! I'm not complaining at all, and I LOVE when you reach for me. I see this look of just complete adoration in your eyes.

You are more of a blessing to me than you could ever imagine! I love you so much and can't wait to see the little girl you're growing in to.

Coffee Table Redo

2010-04-21T13:27:00.005-05:00

I've been on the hunt for a new coffee table to replace the upholstered ottoman LC built a few years ago. I really wanted a round one, but when I saw this for $30, I couldn't pass it up. It's HUGE! 3 ft by 4 ft!!

(owner's picture)

When we moved, Pottery Barn sent a coupon for PB and a coupon for 2 free pint samples (any color) at Benjamin Moore. I had the paint guy mix up Wedgewood Gray for one of them. I sanded the table, rolled on a few coats and poly'd the top. LOVE it!!

Yes, I know I need a rug... desperately... but I can't find anything I'm totally in love with that isn't a bazillion dollars!

Easter

2010-04-04T21:32:00.005-05:00

The Easter Bunny visited before we went to church! The girls each got a pair of jammies, an outfit, and the annual swim suit! Miss Priss also got a pair of sandals, a truck, a slinky (that was in sister's basket to make it look a little more even) and a small pack of Skittles.

Our church had an egg hunt before the service. LC stayed home with T while she napped and then met us there. Luckily they split it into age groups, so the little ones had a chance to fill their baskets! Miss Priss is patiently waiting for them to start.

And they're off!

I think she picked up all the eggs in this corner... way more eggs than little ones.
After church we came home and tried to take some pictures of the girls together. Miss Priss did not want to sit nicely with sister and proceeded to throw a fit!

I love the look on T's face... like she's thinking, "are you kidding me? P, you're being ridiculous!"

7 months old!

2010-03-24T14:19:00.000-05:00

Little Miss, you are 7 months old!

~ you wear a size 3 diaper
~ you wear size 6 month, 6-9 month, and some 9 month clothes
~ you are still sleeping through the night. You now go to sleep about 7 or 7:30 and wake up about 7 or 7:30!
~ you are moving and grooving! you sit yourself up. you army crawl SO fast! and you'll occasionally push yourself up to all fours and crawl. you pull up to standing and are cruising the furniture. I think you're going to walk even earlier than sister!
~ you still get SO upset when you can't see me. I think I need to call you Roo since you don't ever want me to put you down!
~ you say "bu-bu-bu" and I'm trying my hardest to get you to start your mmmmms!!

I love you so much, and can't imagine my life without you!

Transformation

2010-03-14T21:12:00.005-05:00

*Sorry for the poor photo quality. Photos were taken with my phone.

This is the original light fixture in our formal dining room. There's nothing wrong with it, just not quite my style.

I picked up this brass beauty for $14.95 at our local Habitat for Humanity Restore. 10 lights, great curves, horrendous brass! But never fear... a little spray paint goes a long way. (I'm really proud of my ingenious use of the plant hook, so I could have 380 degrees of painting!)

I pulled off all the loose pieces, and Miss Priss helped me organize them!

Ready for paint!

And here she is after 2 cans of black satin spray paint. I didn't prime or sand... just knocked the dust off with a paper towel. I knew I was going to buy a cord cover, so I didn't bother painting the chain. I used spray paint made for metal, so it was $4.97 a can at Walmart. In hindsight, I would've just used the generic $.97 can.

LC ~~finally~~ hung the fixture this evening.

I bought the shades at Garden Ridge for crazy cheap and the cord cover at Hobby Lobby with a 40% off coupon. I LOVE how it's completely transformed the room and accentuates the toile curtains I sewed!

Cost breakdown:
fixture - $15
paint - $10
shades - $21
cord cover - $9
Total - $55

I'm going back to Restore to save another ugly brass fixture that will replace the breakfast nook light!

Bubble bath + jacuzzi tub =

2010-03-13T15:11:00.001-06:00

Eagle Escapades 2010 - Team Omicron

2010-03-07T09:46:00.002-06:00

If you follow me on twitter or Facebook, you know I spent Friday night at Eagle Escapades, the dance competition of Greek Week. The girls worked their hineys off and it totally shows! I wish I could find the other teams' videos... there is NO comparison on the caliber of dancing!!!

Momma Needs a Brand New Bag!

2010-03-02T13:28:00.006-06:00

In a little over a month, we leave for Vegas with the Semi Homemades!! I can't wait!

I'm on a mission to make some spending money I can use for a really guilty pleasure... like a new Louis Vuitton.

These items are in pristine condition! I don't think I'll ever get down to a 2/4 again... I'm ok with that since it wasn't a healthy weight for me. Email me if you need more specifics or pictures!!

If you don't like the price, make a reasonable offer! No need for this stuff to sit in my closet if it can be happy in yours!

~~Nine West pink and white polka dot trench coat. Size small. $50~~ SOLD
NWT Michael Kors Brookville wristlet in luggage. LC bought this for me Christmas 07 and we missed the return window. ~~$50~~ $40

NWOT Kate Spade Flatiron SMALL Thea bag in black. Never used. Stored stuffed and in dust bag in the green box. ~~$50~~ $40

~~Ann Taylor Loft black tweed dress. Size 4. Looks fab with a black turtle neck and black tights! $25~~ SOLD

~~Laundry by Shelli Segal. Size 4. Makes a darling Easter dress! $40~~ SOLD

Silk J Crew dress. Size 2. Another darling Easter dress! ~~$40~~ $25

Express pink chiffon dress. Size 4. ~~$25~~ $15

Ann Taylor fuchsia and light pink print dress. Size 2. Perfect for Easter! ~~$25~~ $15

6 months old!

2010-02-24T11:50:00.001-06:00

Little Miss, you are 6 months old!

~ you weigh 17 pounds 8 ounces (77th percentile)
~ you're 26 1/4 inches long (67th percentile)
~ your noggin is still big! 17 1/2 inches (92nd percentile)
~ you still wear a size 2 diaper, but if they made 2-3 Swaddlers, it would be perfect!
~ you wear size 6 month clothes
~ you are sleeping through the night!! You go to sleep about 9 or 9:30 and sleep until 6:57... yes, it's that exact!
~ you scoot after things you can't reach. You push up on your knees and lift your little hiney. You LOVE to get Daddy's phone and my laptop! In no time at all I know you'll be crawling around the house.
~ you sit up for a long time if I sit you up.
~ your 2 bottom teeth are through the gum.

~ you love your Momma! Whenever I leave the room you get so upset. It makes my heart so full to know you love me as much as I love you.
~ you are such a joy! Your laugh is infectious!! You are so easy going. You make having 2 little girls in 23 months SO easy and fun!!

5 months old!

2010-01-24T12:48:00.000-06:00

Little Miss, you are 5 months old! Time is FLYING little one!

~ You still wear a size 2 diaper
~ You wear size 3-6 month or 6 month clothes
~ You continue to be such a happy girl!
~ You are completely moved to your crib... no more pack n play in Momma and Daddy's room.
~ You are trying so hard to crawl! You can push your little bottom up in the air, but don't quite know what to do next. Or, you do a little army crawl.
~ You are teething like crazy!! You are a drool monster and are constantly chewing on your hands, your blanket, my finger, a toy, really anything you can get in your mouth.
~ You LOVE your oatmeal cereal and try to feed yourself.
~ You have such a precious laugh! You think your sister is hilarious, and you love when people laugh at you.

4 months old!

2009-12-24T08:42:00.003-06:00

Little Miss, you are 4 months old!

~ You weigh 15 pounds 9 ounces (83rd percentile)
~ You are 24 1/2 inches long (54th percentile)
~ You wear a size 2 diaper
~ You wear size 3 month clothes and some 6 month with the sleeves rolled up
~You are SO happy! I can't look at you when I give you a bottle because you start smiling at me and milk goes everywhere! Daddy calls you Smiley because all someone has to do is look at you and you bust out into a HUGE grin.
~ You go to sleep about 10 pm and will wake up about 6:30, only waking once or twice for your paci.
~ You roll over from back to tummy and tummy to back.
~ You found your toes and LOVE them!
~ You found your voice! You babble constantly!
~ You are my little snuggle bug.

I am so thrilled to be your Momma! I love you so much sweet girl!

All I Want for Christmas

2009-12-04T19:41:00.004-06:00

Just a few things I've been lusting after...

Keurig single serve coffee maker. Since LC doesn't drink coffee, this is the perfect solution for me! I love all the K-cup varieties... flavored coffee galore as well as different teas.

Shark Steam Mop. Must be the late nights with Little Miss, but I really want a steam mop after watching the infomercial. Since the new house is 90% wood floors, this would make clean up super easy!

James Avery stackable rings. These are great, modern "mother's rings", but I can see adding one for our anniversary month as well.

3 months old!

2009-11-24T11:46:00.004-06:00

Little Miss, you are 3 months old!

~ you weigh almost 13 pounds
~ you've moved into size 1-2 diapers
~ your sleeves are getting too short on your 3 month clothes... you are a long baby!
~ you are so smily and fun!
~ you love for people to talk to you and you talk back with such gusto!
~ you go to bed for the night around 10, and still get up several times a night, but are a much better sleeper than Miss Priss (thank you!)
~ you're trying so hard to roll over

My Flip Flopz

2009-11-15T17:31:00.004-06:00

I've been an admirer of My Flip Flopz's work for quite some time. She has a fantastic blog (such gorgeous photos) and an equally fab etsy shop!

I convo'd Susie on Thursday to see if she could do a custom sign for me. She sent me a picture this morning and it's shipping out tomorrow! How's that for service?!! I sent her a picture of Little Miss' bumper fabric and the verse and this is what she came up with!!

How gorgeous is it?? I'm so in love! It's 18x18 and will go perfectly in her room!

And to quote Susie, "...Every now and then I make one that far exceeds what I could have ever pictured. This is by far my favorite and it wouldn't have been near as special without such a great scripture on it! I think it should blend well into your room! It will be tough to hand it over to Clif at the post office and let it go - it really is one if its kind! "

PLEASE go visit Susie and enjoy all the Southern goodness she has to offer!!

Our new home!

2009-11-06T15:47:00.005-06:00

We've only been living with my parents for 2 weeks, but we are so excited we found a house! We're resending the offer on the short sale and close on this home in a month! This house has everything I was wanting (except a media/game room): 1 story, hardwoods, granite, large living room, large yard (almost half an acre), oversized master shower, cul-de-sac, 3 car garage and "extra" touches!

built in desk by the girls' and guest rooms

kitchen (with double ovens!) and breakfast nook

living room

looking out the back door

side view (we negotiated to keep the swing set... Miss Priss will be thrilled!)

Let the shopping begin! I need rugs desperately, so if you have any suggestions, let me know!

Overheard....

2009-11-06T13:03:00.004-06:00

Miss Priss: "Momma! White broken."
Me: "No darlin', you're just coloring on white paper. It won't show up unless we get some dark paper."
Miss Priss: "No. It's broken."

Lipstick

2009-11-03T10:45:00.002-06:00

Well, it was bound to happen one of these days... Miss Priss found Aya's lipstick and decided to put it on!

2 months old!

2009-10-29T11:19:00.003-05:00

Little Miss, you are 2 months old!

~ you weigh 10 pounds 15 ounces (50th percentile)
~ you wear size 1 diapers even though they're a little big
~ you wear size 3 month clothes because the newborn isn't long enough
~ you are a GREAT baby! So easy going and happy... smiling all the time. You really only cry if you need a new diaper, are hungry, or have tooties.

The Best Days

2009-10-13T10:08:00.003-05:00

Loving this song from Taylor Swift! I hope my girls will have memories like this.

And to my Momma, thank you for all the best days we've spent together. You were my first friend and have always been there no matter what. You encourage me every step of the way and are always on my side. You are truly my best friend! I love you!

Happy Birthday Miss Priss!

2009-10-06T12:06:00.011-05:00

Finally... Miss Priss' birthday recap post! My inspiration was the Little Miss/Little Mr books by Roger Hargreaves. Y'all know the books... Little Miss Bossy, Little Miss Sunshine, Little Miss Chatterbox, etc... I didn't want to do a "theme", so I used pink, purple, and orange to tie everything together.

Her invitation used the cover artwork of the Little Miss Birthday book
I made the birthday banner for the mantel

Paper lanterns and balloons made the cupcake table festive. The kiddos decorated cupcakes for the activity and I personalized aprons so they wouldn't get too messy.

Food set up on the bar

Close up of the utensils

Pink, purple, and orange Juicy Juice for the kids

Miss Priss checking out all the presents!

Loving opening her presents! I made a t-shirt that said "Little Miss Payton" and the artwork from the book and invitation.

You can see one of the aprons on Reese... in purple trimmed in pink of course!

LC and I bought her a Cozy Coupe and she was THRILLED when LC rolled it into the house. It was quite the popular gift... all the kiddos wanted to ride.

Happy birthday sweet girl! The last two years have been the best of my life. You made the biggest dream I ever had come true when I became your momma. I love you!

Crazy Blessed - Month in Review

2009-09-24T20:38:00.009-05:00

Whew! What a month it's been! I don't even know where to start....

The blessed part... our house sold after 5 1/2 months on the market. The crazy part... we had 3, yes 3, competing offers. We received the first offer the day before T was born (Sunday), the second offer on Monday and the third offer on Monday night. We were using the dry erase board in my hospital room to compare all the offers and decide which one to accept. We close on October 26!!

We were released from the hospital on Thursday, and we started looking at homes on Saturday. Pretty pleased with myself since I'm recovering from a C-section! We looked at what felt like a billion homes and put in an offer on a short sale (pre-foreclosure). There's nothing short about a short sale, so we might be moving into an apartment for a month or 2. We're just waiting to hear if the bank accepted our offer and praying that they make a decision soon. We could potentially move in at the end of October if they would hurry it up!

The new house (yes, it is in desperate need of some landscaping!)

Miss T is growing, growing, growing!

1 week old - 6 pounds 11 ounces

2 weeks old - 6 pounds 13 ounces

3 weeks old

1 month old! 7 pounds 15 ounces

Sisters in matching dresses!

And we celebrated P's 2nd birthday! (recap post coming soon)

Notes from School

2009-09-10T15:01:00.002-05:00

Miss Priss started Mom's Day Out on Tuesday. Today there was a report for the week in her folder.

Mrs. Amy said, "Miss Priss is a pleasure. She really follows directions and is always excited about helping Mrs. Amy during clean up time. She is just so sweet. :)"

Big Sister P

2009-09-01T13:02:00.003-05:00

Introducing...

2009-09-01T12:40:00.004-05:00

Miss Teagan Kate. Born on August 24th at 7:31 am. 7 pounds 2 ounces. 18 inches long.

Build A Bear

2009-08-22T18:09:00.002-05:00

This morning, we took Miss Priss to Build A Bear to make a little something for her and Little Miss. Turns out, you can't buy "little somethings", so we now have two large-ish stuffed animals (I think stuffed animals are the bane of any mom's existence... what do you do with all of them??). The plan is for P to take the animal up to the hospital when she first meets T.

P selected a bunny for sister and a kitty for herself. As we were waiting, she spotted this Hello Kitty monstrosity... luckily, we were able to distract and put it back in the bin!
Picking out the hearts for "Bunny" and "Meow"

Sewing up "Meow"

Holding Sister's finished bunny

Holding "Bunny" and "Meow"

38 weeks

2009-08-18T20:42:00.005-05:00

I'm:
~ 2-3 cm dilated
After mentioning a few "symptoms" to Dr R, he was concerned I was leaking amniotic fluid. A fern test, a litmus test, and an Amniosure that they use in L&D all were negative... thank goodness because otherwise, Little Miss would be here!

With Miss Priss I was:
~ 1 cm dilated
~ 75% effaced

37 weeks

2009-08-11T20:59:00.004-05:00

I'm:
~ measuring 38 weeks
~ a finger tip dilated

With Miss Priss I was:
~ measuring 38 weeks
~ a finger tip dilated
~ 50% effaced

Based on the sonogram this morning, T weighs 7 pounds 4 ounces and is 20 inches long. That was Miss Priss' birth weight and length at 40 weeks! My c-section is scheduled for the 24th at 7 AM!! I'm extremely nervous, but know this is a sure fire way to avoid the 4th degree tear I had with P.

36 week appointment

2009-08-04T19:08:00.002-05:00

I'm:
~ measuring a week ahead
~ cervix is completely closed
~ 25% effaced

With Miss Priss I was:
~ a fingertip dilated
~ 50% effaced
and still I was induced at 40 weeks

Teagan's Pink and Orange Sprinkle

2009-07-24T08:45:00.003-05:00

I am so blessed to have the best friends ever! Elaine and Kristin threw a GORGEOUS pink and orange sprinkle for me last weekend (33 weeks).

4 generations... Aya, me/Teagan, and Nonnie

My friend Carole. She's due on the 31st with baby Charlotte. Yes, my belly is bigger than Carole's and she's 4 weeks ahead of me! Carole is so sweet and says it's because she's taller and carries closer to her body.

The Kappas minus Parra... It's so crazy to think I've been friends with these amazing ladies for almost 10 years!!

The drink set up. Mimosas and a yummy pink punch.

The food... baked brie, mini quiche, strudel bites, and fruit salad

The sweet cravings table!

Kristin made those adorable onesies on the clothes line.

Big and Little Sister tees from Aya.

The cutest tooth fairy pillows from the Barkleys. Mere always finds the.best.gifts!

Teagan's first bathing suit from Nonnie and Deeda. They gave P her first suit too. My kiddos are destined to be water babies.

Let's just call it the 34 week appointment

2009-07-20T17:19:00.002-05:00

Teagan is measuring a week ahead (34 weeks 6 days), weighs about 5 pounds 7 ounces and is 18.5 inches long. Obviously these are only estimates, but DANG! she's a big baby. Payton was 7 pounds 4 ounces when she was born at 40 weeks. We discussed an induction or scheduled C-section at 39 weeks, so I don't have a 4th degree tear this time. The long term effects of another tear that severe are not pleasant at all. Dr R scheduled another sono in 3 weeks for a weight check, and we'll decide how to proceed.

Here's the 3D version... her face is smooshed against the placenta, so it's a tad distorted.

Birthday Parties!

2009-07-17T07:57:00.004-05:00

Kelly turned her home tour into a tour of children's birthday parties this week!

I didn't participate in the tour of homes because I feel like my house isn't really my house right now... it's been totally depersonalized and personalization is what makes a home, in my humble opinion.

Miss Priss's 2nd birthday is quickly approaching and I need to figure out what we're doing, so it can be ready to go before Baby Sister arrives. I have the challenge of wanting to do something amazing like her 1st birthday, but having a 2ish week old thrown in the mix.

Here's a peak at P's first birthday.... a ONE-ders of the Sea themed party. Yes, it was in our backyard, but we had about 50 people over and it was a blast!

LC and I agree that home parties are the way to go until our kiddos can tell us otherwise.... and even then they might have to just deal with it!

Fabulous Giveaway Darlings!

2009-07-14T10:06:00.003-05:00

Yall, Shasta is having a fabulous giveaway! Hop over to her blog to enter and to read about all her fabulous fashion finds. She's absolutely adorable and so down to earth... all in her Manolo's or Louboutin's. I'm so jealous of her entire shoe wardrobe!!

My Blonde Reality

Take a Little Piece of My Heart

2009-07-10T21:39:00.003-05:00

Today, LC and Miss Priss headed to Birmingham to see LC's family. My doctor didn't want me to travel after 32 weeks, so I'm home alone.... This is only the 3rd time P and I have been away from each other... and the two other times I left her. I know I'm so blessed to stay at home with her and not have to travel for work, but it still tugs at my heart. My house is so clean! And quiet! And I don't like it one bit!!!

Yes, I'm that mom... the one that's organized to the hilt... the one that packs every everything in it's own ziplock: each outfit is in it's own bag, the swim diapers with the swim suit and cover up, the overnight diapers, etc....

As I was packing, P was modeling LC's backpack.

And had to look at herself in the mirror (we have to look several times a day... once she gets dressed, once her hair is done, if she puts a necklace on....) and fix her own hair.

She's adorable and she knows it! Such confidence at such a young age. I hope it stays that way!

4th of July

2009-07-05T14:47:00.010-05:00

For the 3rd year, we spent the 4th with the Semi-Homemades. We skipped the parade (see last year's post for why we didn't go) this year and headed over after naps.

The girls colored (since it was over 100 outside!) and G-man tried to get in on the action.

Mr. Semi-Homemade grilled burgers, brats, and hot dogs for the kiddos. We paired it with grilled corn on the cob, LC's homemade mac and cheese, fresh berries, guacamole, and Pioneer Woman's sheet cake! Delicious!!

For our after dinner entertainment, the girls (and LC) danced to their favorite song... Lady Gaga's "Poker Face".

The guys set up Rock Band.... sang several songs... and decided it wasn't as fun when you had 3 little ones trying to play too!

Once Rock Band was put away, we headed to the fireworks. They had several hot air balloons burning off excess gas and P was none too pleased with the loud noise. She laid on the blanket like this or in my lap until the balloons had been put up!

I think she got her second wind.... R and P ran circles around us until the fireworks started.

It was all fun and games until the booms started....

but after awhile, she actually watched the gorgeous fireworks!

Brownies

2009-07-02T20:09:00.003-05:00

This evening, LC and Miss Priss made brownies (for me). Of course the best part is licking the beater and spatula...

... or the side of the bowl if you're P!

Yum!

30 week belly pic

2009-07-02T20:06:00.002-05:00

Milestone Weekend

2009-06-22T13:57:00.006-05:00

Thursday I celebrated my 28th birthday! P and I treated ourselves to donuts before the last swim lesson. We'd celebrated with the Semi-Homemades the Saturday before, so I wasn't expecting anything from LC. He walked in with this huge box from Sprinkles. A dozen assorted cupcakes. These aren't just any cupcakes.... these are super popular, super expensive (almost $50 for 12), and pretty dang good.

Miss Priss had to sample the icing... which elicited an "mmmmmmmmmmmmmm"!

Saturday morning we dropped Scout off and headed to Belton for my 10 yr high school reunion. Aya and Da came down as well, so P stayed with Nonnie, Deeda, Aya, and Da... She had a ball doing just about anything she wanted while LC and I went to the dinner.

(29.5 weeks in this pic.... I don't feel like I look this big! Lord help me with the next 10ish weeks)

I honestly can't believe I'm 28, have been out of high school for 10 years, will have pledged Kappa 10 years ago this August, have been married for 3 1/2 years, have an almost 2 year old and about to have another little girl. Sometimes I think I can't be old enough to be doing "this".... the grown up life I so desperately wanted at such a young age.... a mortgage, being married, having children, worrying about raising said children "right", and trying to be my own person in the middle of it all. But I am, and I think I'm doing a pretty decent job, but time keeps flying by!

Tip Junkie Giveaway

2009-06-19T17:16:00.001-05:00

Check out this amazing giveaway! 11 prizes from Mom-preneurs. I'd love to win any of these fabulous prizes!!

Saturday Recap!

2009-06-13T22:24:00.009-05:00

Today was a BUSY day... though it seems like every day in our house is a busy day!

This morning we headed to a wildlife preserve knowing P would LOVE it! And LOVE it she did!

She was thrilled to be on a "choo choo".

Watching the Clydesdales

A zonkey (zebra and donkey)... Check out the stripes on his legs!!

The camels LOVED LC! And now, you can ask P what a camel does and she'll chew like they were... so cute!

After petting the meerkat

Petting the 3 month old kangaroo

Such a sweet Daddy to smoosh himself in the barrel so P could ride on the choo choo!

After our time with the animals, we ran over to LC's business partner's house so P could ride on the company's Razr.

She's great at steering to the right... not so great when you're the passenger ;)

Momma got to drive in the back pasture

This evening, we went to Simply Fondue with the Semi-Homemades to celebrate my birthday a few days early. We decided to do two cheeses.... cheddar and pepperjack... and chocolate. Best decision ever! It was delicious and no one missed the meat course.

(Why do we always forget the camera and end up having to use our phones?)

Big B

2009-06-13T13:36:00.008-05:00

Last week, P, Aya and I headed south for Josh's graduation... Well, Aya for graduation, P and I just to visit since graduation didn't start until 8 (bedtime).

Wednesday night we went to dinner with Nonnie, Deeda, Tod, Josh, and Josh's girlfriend Jinah. Deeda was poured the fullest glass of wine I've ever seen poured at a restaurant!

I'm sure I'll be getting this look a lot when she's a teenager!

Running around with her favorite coasters

Putting "bebe" night night

and then laying down with her.

Helping Nonnie and Aya go through the cabinets... Nonnie and Deeda are moving soon.

Watering the ferns

and the grass

and trying to water Momma!

Fun in the Sun

2009-06-12T10:46:00.000-05:00

2009-06-09T09:34:00.004-05:00

Take a toddler who's constantly taking her diaper off, asking us to use the potty or telling us she's gone, one of these

and some of these

and apparently we're potty training!

This is totally Miss Priss led... I was completely prepared to wait until after the baby was here, but she's obviously wanting something else. I'm sitting her on her pink potty or the big one about every 15 minutes, but even still, there's been tee-teeing on the floor right after she gets off the toilet! We aren't making a big deal about accidents, just a HUGE deal when she does go on the potty.

Sleeping Baby

2009-05-29T10:15:00.003-05:00

In bed we have a pillow, 2 pippies (blankets), baby (the dark peeking out from under her hand and pippy), and at the foot: tiger, monkey, bear, and penguin.

What a difference a week makes

2009-05-27T14:25:00.005-05:00

Thanks to Elaine for the super fab blue shirt! Clearly I love it since it's in the belly pics for 2 weeks straight ;)

25 weeks

26 weeks

And for comparison... 2 years ago...26 weeks with Payton

Memorial Weekend Recap

2009-05-25T20:49:00.008-05:00

*This is super long and mainly for YaYa, Da, Nonnie and Deeda*

This weekend was beyond crazy... some in a good way, some in a not so good way.

Friday - We had a normal afternoon... Miss Priss and I went to the mall, rode the carousel, ate lunch at Chick-fil-A, walked around for a bit and headed home for a nap. After she woke up, we talked to Auntie Allie. About 6 or 6:30, we headed to the store for a few things I needed for chicken salad. I was having shooting pains in my belly that didn't seem to go away. We got home and I tried to rest as much as possible when there's a 20 month old needing attention.

At this point, I realized I hadn't felt Baby Girl move since I was talking to Allison (about 4:00). I drank a large glass of chocolate milk, but it didn't do the trick to get her moving. Since it had been about 4 hours since I know I felt her move and the pain was still not subsiding, I called in to the doctor. He wanted me to go to L&D for monitoring. By now it was Miss Priss' bedtime, so I put her to bed and waited for LC to get home from the Byron Nelson. Of course this happens while P is sleeping and when my parents are in Maui and the Semi-Homemades are in Oklahoma (so no one to come over and watch P)! Luckily, we were able to get our babysitter to come over to listen for P while we headed up to the hospital.

The nurse immediately found the heartbeat, but I had to stay on the monitors for an hour. They never said what the pains were... just to follow up with my OB at my appointment this week. We left about 12:30 AM with the instructions for me to take it easy, rest, and drink plenty of fluids. This was super easy to do when I was pregnant with P... now, not so much. She doesn't understand why Momma can't pick her up or why all Momma wants to do is sit on the couch!

Saturday - We had a showing at 9 AM so we had breakfast out (one of my favorite things to do!). Then we came home to play, eat lunch, and nap. Miss P thought she didn't need to nap, so LC stayed up with her while I took a long nap! The weather was great and I thought sitting on a patio was just the ticket for dinner. As we pulled in the parking lot to On the Border, the sky darkened. The waitress brought our drinks out as the sky opened up! Our table was under an awning and the umbrella, so we were totally dry. P was happy as a clam, so we stayed on the patio through the rain storm. It was actually quite enjoyable to be the only ones outside!

Sunday - Church in the morning, home for lunch, once again P didn't nap. I made a fantastic banana pudding for the cookout at the Graham's.

P and Nate setting up their lounge chairs

Daddy and P in the pool

She thought it was hilarious to throw the ball in the water!

It was cloudy most of the afternoon and then rained for a bit. We ate on the patio and then set up the octopus sprinkler for the kiddos (so we wouldn't have to get back in the pool with them!) It was a sight to see! All the little girls stripped down to their diapers or panties and were running around squealing.

Except when the water actually touched P.... Not a fan of the cold water from the faucet.

Monday - Trip to Home Depot for mulch. P took a LONG nap (making up for the last 2 days of no nap), so while LC worked on the yard, I got my toes done. We had the Semi-Homemades over for dinner - hamburgers, corn on the cob, watermelon. After dinner, P and R were playing and Miss Priss climbed up on a Rubbermaid container... we're not entirely sure what happened, but we heard a crash and P was laying on the tile floor screaming. I think she fell flat onto her noggin.... a HUGE goose egg popped up immediately and she bit something in her mouth that bled quite a lot. I called the nurse line because the bump was so big and so bruised! She said to give her some Motrin, that it was ok to put her to bed, but to wake her up every 3-4 hours. We ended up keeping her awake until 9, then I got up with her at 1:00 and LC took the 5:00 shift. Talk about getting ready for a newborn! I didn't realize how much I like having uninterrupted sleep!

Chicken Salad!

2009-05-21T12:42:00.003-05:00

I'm CRAVING it bad! It's all I can think about! Which is very strange, considering I still can't stand the thought of a grilled or baked chicken breast!

Whether it's the Spoons chicken salad - Chicken Breast with a touch of Garlic, Red Grapes, Celery,Pecans, Pickle Relish and Mayo served with Fresh Fruit or the chicken salad my sister made for my baby shower and P's first birthday, I want it, need it, have to have it! The only problem... I don't have the recipe for either one and I don't want to "test" out a chicken salad recipe.

So Allie, send me the recipe or at least point me in the direction of where to look for it.

And, if you have a great chicken salad recipe, send it my way!

Scout

2009-05-16T21:52:00.004-05:00

This morning Elaine and I went to the Etsy Dallas Spring Bash. We were 2 of the first 50 and landed a nice little swag bag!

As we were waiting for it to "open", LC called and asked if I'd like to hear a funny story. Thinking it was something about Miss Priss, I said of course! He'd taken P and Scout to Petsmart to get them both out of the house while it was shown. They made it to see the fish, the cats and were on their way to see the dogs at the pet hotel and a lady stopped LC to tell him Scout was bleeding. A trip to the Petsmart vet and $150 later, Scout has a lampshade and his foot all bandaged up. It seriously never ends with this dog!! I love him, but not what he does to our bank account on a semi-regular basis!

LC's caption to this photo: "This what happens when courtney leaves me in charge on Saturdays!"

Ister Sister

2009-05-13T15:39:00.004-05:00

Listen for P to say sister (ister) and baby (bebe)

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-12T12:00:00.004-05:00

Ever since I can remember, I've wanted to be a mom. I can't believe Sunday was my second Mother's Day! It's definitley been the most tiring, frustrating, hardest, and most wonderful job I've ever had. I am so incredibly blessed with this amazing little girl. I'm still in awe of her every single day. I think as long as I continually seek the joy of motherhood in the midst of chaos and frustrating times, I'll continue to be awed every day of her life. I'm so thankful that God chose me to be her Momma. I can't wait to see what the future brings to this journey of motherhood when Baby Girl #2 makes her appearance into our family!

Kiss Me!

2009-05-04T09:43:00.005-05:00

My sweet little baby is turning into such a sweet big girl! The other night she wanted me to get in the tub with her, and of course, I happily obliged! We were playing in the bubbles and she stopped, looked at me, said "kiss" and gave me the sweetest kiss. She is such an affectionate little girl. She'll crawl up on the couch with me or LC and lay her head down for a quick snuggle or kiss and then she's off and running again.

This is the closest to a kissing picture I can find on my laptop right now... Miss P was 2 weeks old!!!

It's a

2009-04-17T15:51:00.004-05:00

ETA: 3D pics from the perinatologist

GIRL!!!

And everything is perfect heart wise! The echogenic foci will not cause any problems if it doesn't resolve itself by birth.

Our gorgeous girl looking so much like her sister.

20 weeks

2009-04-17T09:27:00.004-05:00

Half way there! I can't believe it!!

Yesterday was the BIG ultrasound... you know the one where they tell you the gender of the baby, if you want to know (YES PLEASE!), plus take a whole lot of measurements. Well, Baby C was being completely stubborn (wonder what parent he/she got that from? oh, both of them. ok!) and the sonographer couldn't get a look at parts or the lack of them.

I jokingly told the doctor that he needed to order another sonogram so we could find out. Turns out, there's an echogenic foci on the baby's heart. My wonderful OB isn't too concerned...said that they find this on a semi-regular basis and just wants me to have a level 2 sonogram with a perinatalogist. My appointment is today at 1:30.

After doing some research, I'm not too worried about this. The echogenic foci use to be (mid-90's) a soft marker for Downs. Currently, it's not considered a marker at all and my quad screen came back completely normal (no elevated levels for Downs, etc...).

However, I think when there's anything questionable on an ultrasound/prenatal test, your Momma Brain automatically goes into overdrive.... and it doesn't help that I read blogs that are stories of medical issues in babies, like Stellan, April, Harper, etc...

One thing I do know is God is definitely using this pregnancy to make me lean on Him and grow in my faith.

I would love your prayers/good thoughts... that everything is totally fine AND that Baby will show the goods, so this momma can start planning and decorating!!

18 month pics

2009-04-14T14:45:00.004-05:00

These are just scanned in. I LOVE how they capture P at this age. Everything is just AMAZING!

Shopping Makes a Girl Feel Better!

2009-04-13T14:01:00.006-05:00

LC and I did a little shopping this weekend. I found a few things to make me feel a little cuter...

This hoodie and capri set is so comfy! I wish they had it in other colors!!

So cute (even cuter in person!) and so comfortable... they have memory foam!!

E and I have been looking for gold espadrilles for a while. I decided to bite the bullet and get these Michael Kors.

Easter Sunday

2009-04-13T12:36:00.004-05:00

The Easter Bunny visited our house Sunday before church! Miss Priss got a new Elmo DVD, Color Wonder paper, a Peter Rabbit coloring book, an Elmo Egg, sidewalk chalk, and a new bikini. We had to hide the Smarties, M&M's, and other assorted candy.

Waiting for Momma to finish getting ready so we could leave for church. She loves playing on the stairs and swinging the gate, all while waving and saying bye bye.

Easter Egg Dying

2009-04-13T12:02:00.004-05:00

We did our first potentially disastrous, messy project on Saturday night.... and it turned out great! Aside from a yellow dyed dish towel and some blue fingers on a little girl, it was wonderful!

Helping Daddy punch out the holes for the eggs

Watching the magic happen

'I think I'll do it myself'.. she loved moving the egg holder stick from color to color

Momma's masterpiece

What? Pictures of Momma and Payton together???!!! (please ignore my photoshop job of a tank top... apparently the one I was wearing showed a little too much while bending over)

Busy Week!

2009-04-13T08:18:00.003-05:00

I know y'all are dying to see pictures of Miss P in all her Easter finery, well YaYa and Nonnie are, but that post will have to wait until I have time to upload the 5 zillion pictures... hopefully during nap time. There's a few really cute ones of us dying Easter eggs, but I need to blur some of my pregnancy induced cleavage out.

But until that cuteness is posted, here's a run down of our week ahead. Keep in mind that my wonderful husband also volunteered me to embroider 80 koozies for the 6th annual Barkley Boil by Saturday afternoon. And that P isn't in Mom's Day Out 2 days a week based on her pediatrician wanting to get her immune system completely healthy.

Monday - Kappa meeting in Denton at 6:30. Leave the house no later than 5:45.
Tuesday - LC has a business dinner so it's solo parenting all day, read: embroidering only during nap time and after P goes down for the night.
Wednesday - P has a follow up ENT appointment at 8:50. I have my first prenatal yoga class at 6:30.
Thursday - BIG ultrasound at 9:30!!!
Friday - story time at the library?
Saturday - I would love to go to the little gathering my friend Tammi is having at 11. Barkley Boil officially starts at 3, but we get there early to help with set up, food prep.

Ok - P just woke up! Time to start our day!

Fabulous Giveaway!!

2009-04-12T20:18:00.005-05:00

I need this from Bergdorf Blondes! One cheek (on my face) is so dry this pregnancy... no matter how much I exfoliate or moisturize. Maybe this would take care of the problem, but it'd be fabulous to not have to spend $195 on the Clarisonic brush system.

Easter Fashion Show

2009-04-10T08:10:00.006-05:00

Payton's Easter dress - Baby Gap If the weather turns cold, she has a pale pink cardigan to wear over her dress.

I'm sure LC will be sporting his "uniform" of an Adidas Climacool golf shirt and khaki pants.

And I will be recycling this Motherhood dress (I was 19 weeks pregnant with P in the pic and so excited to have a bump that I had to show it off!)

Kappa Easter Egg Hunt!

2009-04-08T20:51:00.007-05:00

Last night Miss Priss and I headed to Denton for the 5th annual Kappa Easter Egg Hunt. A few years ago they added a petting zoo and it was a hit with all the kiddos... except Hunter ;)

Giving all her food to the guinea pigs and wanting them to DO something!

They were too busy sleeping, so she scooped the food back up to try again.

Ok, if you're not going to eat, then I'll just pet you.

Chasing down a rabbit that didn't want to be caught.

Admiring the chicks and ducklings

Oooooooh! Ducks! (This is a favorite face for P to make)

Egg hunt time!

Hunter and Payton.... not wanting to look at me or each other!

My how times have changed. It's been almost 10! years since I met these girls! Instead of Kappa meetings, events, and RBar, it's marriage, diapers, and breast feeding.

Parra with Hayzen - 5 months, Carole (23 weeks pg) with Hunter - 2 yrs, me (19 weeks pg) with Payton - 18 months, Erin with Tatum - 2 weeks! and Nolan - 2 years

Gorgeous Giveaway

2009-04-08T09:16:00.002-05:00

The lovely Miss Buford Betty is a new Style Partner for Javis Davis, an incredible create-your-own nursery company. Click here to enter the fantastic pillow and blankey she's giving away even though I really need it, since NOTHING. AT. ALL has been purchased for Baby C #2!

18 month pics

2009-04-07T20:16:00.002-05:00

A little slide show from today's photo session here.
http://www.holdmymemories.com/my_familywebsite/gallery_fisheye/62676

Silly

2009-04-06T12:37:00.003-05:00

LC and P were being super silly last night. I have no idea who started what, but it had us laughing most of the evening.

Big Girl

2009-04-02T10:32:00.003-05:00

Miss Priss must do everything herself and that includes feeding herself yogurt. Thank goodness for Yoplait Thick n Creamy!

In the Closet

2009-03-31T16:35:00.003-05:00

I just got done putting my maternity clothes on hangers and finding a place for them in the closet. I've come to the following conclusions:

~ I wore a TON of dresses when I was pregnant with Payton. Great for corporate America, not so great for a stay at home mom who's on the floor playing most of the day.

~ I must have rotated the same 5-7 shirts every week, so the tops I do have, are a bit thread bare.

~ I have very few basic, casual clothes.

~ I HATE the majority of the maternity clothes that are now hanging in my closet. Seriously, with the exception of 2 dresses and a pair of ridiculously expensive denim bermuda shorts (that I don't even know if they fit this time around), I despise my clothes.

It's no wonder I've been in a funk lately. My "normal" clothes are too tight or too short, my maternity clothes are too big and I think they're ugly! The only way I see to remedy this situation is to do a little shopping... but of course, I can't/won't spend too much since I'll only wear these clothes for a few more months.

Wanted: A Girls Weekend

2009-03-20T17:34:00.002-05:00

No kiddos. No husbands. Just good food, good shopping, good pool, good book, and good company.

If interested, call me, email me, send a telegram, hire a sky writer... I don't care, just let me know!

18 months old

2009-03-20T15:34:00.018-05:00

The stats:
~ weight: 22 pounds 15 ounces - 29th percentile (Dr. S said this is totally normal... that it's part of being a picky toddler)
~ length: 32 inches long - 60th percentile
~ head circumference: 19 inches - 90th percentile

The words (new words since 15 months are bolded... she's basically a little parrot and will repeat anything you ask her to... if she feels like it!):
Allie (my sister)
ball
balloon
bottle
bubbles
bye bye
chair
clap
cold
cracker
Da (my dad)
Deeda (my grandfather)
drive
ears
E-I-E-I-O
Elmo
eyes
fishy
flower
hair
head
hot
hot dog
Itsy (as in the spider)
juice
ketchup
keys
MiMi (LC's mom)
monkey
mouth
Nanny (LC's grandmother)
no
Nonnie (my grandmother)
Nemo
nose
oh no
Pa (LC's grandfather)
PaPa (LC's dad)
shoes
Taco (my brother in law, Michael)
trash (and must throw any speck of anything in the trash can)
water
yes
yogurt
airplane
baby
bath
brother (what we call Scout)
cat
cheese
Dada
Daddy
diaper (will usually tell us when she needs a new one!)
dog
doggy
drink
duck
eat
hello
hi
light
milk
Momma
money
more
nana (banana)
night night
pretty
Scouty
sock
teeth
thank you (and uses it appropriately)
this
tractor
tree
uh oh
yay
yum yum

The sounds:
what does a ____ say:
bird: tweet tweet
whale: oooo aaaaa
horse: neigh
doggy: woof woof
monkey: ooo ooo ooo
snake: sssssssss
tiger: arrrrr
duck: quack quack
cow: moo
santa: ho ho ho
cat: meow

Able to identify and match colors: pink, green, blue, yellow, purple

Loves The Wheels on the Bus... favorite motions: the babies on the bus say waa, waa, waa; the mommies on the bus say shhh, shhhh, shhhh; the babies on the bus play peek a boo, peek a boo, peek a boo; the wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish

I'm sure I'm forgetting something... It's so incredible to see the difference in just 3 short months. Watching her take in the world around her and seeing her learn is one of the most amazing things of being a mom!

16 weeks

2009-03-19T13:25:00.003-05:00

Baby C #2 is doing great! Heart rate was 156 bmp. Next appointment is the BIG ultrasound!!!

I had blood drawn for the Quad Screen and should have the results by early next week.

Great news.... I've only gained 2 pounds the entire pregnancy (total shock what with all the Chick-n-Minis). I'd gained 8 at this point with Miss Priss.

It's true about there being more aches and pains with subsequent pregnancies. I'm already having tremendous round ligament pain... it sometimes feels like there's knives stabbing my belly and other times, it's a dull ache, but there's always some sort of pain. My OB wants me to get a maternity belt... I'm sure that will look oh so cute under tighter tops. Can you imagine what Michelle Duggar must feel like? I bet they conceive and she's in pain!

Feedback

2009-03-17T20:32:00.002-05:00

from the showing last night....

My Clients enjoyed your home & wanted to know if you currently have any Offers working on this property ??? Please Advise & Thankyou for the opportunity to show your property. Tae

WTH does that mean? I have a call in to our realtor, but I realize it's past 8 and I doubt she'll call me back tonight. I DON'T want to get my hopes up, but that has to be good, right?

Can We Get a Break?

2009-03-15T17:42:00.005-05:00

Seriously! I know things could be much, much worse, but we can't seem to catch a break with P!

She's cutting her last 2 cuspids...nothing we can do about that.

Friday and Saturday morning she was consistently running a 102.something fever, not sleeping, not eating, etc....

This morning after church, she fell and BUSTED her lip. It's bruised between her lip and her nose and is super swollen.

And now, to top it all off, I think she has pink eye. She had a little gook in her eye this morning when she woke up, but I didn't think much of it... when she woke up from her nap, there was more, it keeps regenerating, and it's green!

LC is leaving for Vegas on Wednesday morning and won't be home until Saturday. P has her 18 month appointment, complete with shots on Friday.

All I want is for her get healthy and STAY healthy!!!

No Chicken for You

2009-03-11T09:34:00.003-05:00

Oh y'all. I don't know what it is about this pregnancy, but I can't even think about chicken... frozen, raw, prepared, nothing. Last night I made Poppyseed Chicken and took one bite and almost gagged. I ended up having stirred up peanut butter while LC had a few servings of the chicken.

The craziest thing.... I just realized while looking at the Chick-fil-A cows.... I can totally put down some Chick-n-Minis in the morning. Maybe it's the semi-sweet bread or the fact that the chicken is fried.... All I know is that this house will not be eating chicken any time soon... and that I need some Chick-n-Minis stat!

It's Official!!

2009-03-10T12:42:00.002-05:00

The house is now on MLS! Bring on the buyers! Here are a few pictures the realtor took on Sunday.... the house is completely de-personalized, but I know it's a necessary evil... I think people will be able to see their "stuff" in our home.

Preppy Green Necklace

2009-03-10T11:56:00.002-05:00

Look at this beauty! So perfect for brunch, jeans and a tee, or tons of other options! Kristin Pearce is having her first giveaway... click here to enter.

Spring Time in Texas

2009-03-10T11:19:00.002-05:00

The weather is perfect, so we're spending the majority of our time outside!

The yellow gerbers P chose at Home Depot (Auntie Allie taught her well) ... all potted and cute in the front flower bed.

Catching up on the local news after a wagon ride around the block.

She LOVES to play in Daddy's truck when he gets home from work!
My Country 'Tis of Thee, Sweet Land of Liberty ... for Uncle Taco (when we ask Payton to say Michael, it comes out sounding a lot like taco) who will be deploying for Afghanistan sometime this summer after only being home from Iraq for 7ish months.

Say Cheese!

2009-03-09T14:28:00.003-05:00

My camera (damn Amazon for lowering the price less than a week after I bought it!) came on Thursday! I'm so excited!! Elaine and I are looking for a photography class to hone our skills, but need something that's not a huge time commitment.

I'm looking for a cute camera bag, but it seems like the bigger the camera, the uglier the bag. I looked on etsy and found a few cute ones, but they're over $80.... yikes!

Lifesavers!

2009-03-07T14:50:00.005-06:00

Our realtor is coming tomorrow to photograph the house, take measurements, and have us officially sign the papers to list our home.

LC and I still had a ton of stuff to do, so my dear, sweet, lifesaving parents offered to take P to their house for the afternoon. I seriously have the best parents in the world! We're so blessed to have them close and WILLING to take P!

In less than 3 hours, the yard has been scalped (LC found a crew in our neighborhood to do it today!), the carpets have been cleaned, toys have been organized, laundry has been started and our shower has been recaulked.

Aside from a few accessorizing issues I'm having, we're ready for photos!! Elaine, Mr Fix-It, and the kiddos are stopping by tomorrow before pictures to see what solutions they can offer. If you live in our area and want to stop by to offer your opinion, please do so! I don't want to spend any money, so I'm shopping our house and trying different things in different places. The problem is I don't like what I'm coming up with... I think I'm too close to the issue!

Preppy Tote Giveaway

2009-03-04T10:11:00.002-06:00

Look at this fab preppy giveaway from Mrs Newlywed! I've been looking for a perfect pool bag and I think this tote would be great.

ENT recap

2009-03-04T09:51:00.000-06:00

LC and I took P to the ENT on Monday morning. She still has a ton of fluid behind her ear drum that's causing the ear drum to not vibrate like it should. Praise the Lord, her hearing hasn't been affected. The audiologist said she had to get louder with a few lower tones, but P is still hearing on a "normal" level.

The ENT looked into P's ears and made some sound that didn't sound good at all! Both of her ears are STILL infected after 20 days of antibiotics. He thinks that the fluid is never draining out of her ears... that the infection clears up, but the fluid stays there and then gets reinfected after a week or so. He said without a doubt P needed tubes! I'm so thankful he was direct with us.

Miss Priss goes in tomorrow morning for her out patient surgery. The ENT will drain all the gook (totally his words - love him!) from her ears and then insert the tubes. I told LC last night that as gross as it is, I'd love to see all the stuff that was in P's ears!

I'm so glad we were able to see the ENT and schedule surgery so quickly and that Miss P will FINALLY have some relief!

Remember

2009-03-01T08:22:00.007-06:00

these pictures from New Years Eve and Great Wolf Lodge? And how I look beyond exhausted? There happens to be a good explanation for those tired eyes, and they weren't only caused by this adorable 17 month old.

We found out we were expecting on Christmas Day (LC said he didn't see the line, but any woman would've seen it!)... talk about an unexpected Christmas present! I think God's still working on my need to control things... my type-A self was shocked to say the least since we weren't planning on even trying until late this summer! He knows what our family needs and how far apart our kiddos need to be!

Baby C #2 is due September 1, but my OB (a different doctor than I used with P) thinks I'll go at the end of August! He also offered me an elective C-section since I had a 4th degree tear with Miss Priss. God love the man that thinks that a tear that severe is a problem! I still haven't decided what to do on that front... the planner in me thinks it'd be great to know for sure when Baby #2 is coming, but the other part of me thinks why have surgery and the recovery if I don't have to?

In preparation for the new addition, we're putting the house on the market next week (we have our bedroom and P's bedroom upstairs and a guest bedroom downstairs... I don't want one kiddo downstairs by themselves), so many, many prayers are needed! I'd love to sell this house and be completely settled into the new one several months before Baby C #2 decides to make their entrance.

Sick and Tired

2009-02-24T08:01:00.005-06:00

of being sick and tired.

UPDATE: P's left ear is now infected. The pediatrician used the words "severe bulging infection". She's on yet another antibiotic and has a referral to a pediatric ENT. The pedi also said that it was a very real possibility for one or both of P's eardrums to burst if we flew on Thursday, so we're postponing our trip to Alabama... which means I'm having to postpone a post for y'all.

I'm SO ready for my sweet baby girl to stop feeling and looking so miserable

and go back to her happy, darling self.

P has another ear infection, but this one is seeming to be resistant to the antibiotic the doctor put her on. She still has a green runny nose, which you'd think would at least be clear after being on antibiotics for 4 days. She's super congested and has a hacking cough. If things aren't better by this afternoon, we're headed to our pediatrician. We're suppose to leave for Birmingham on Thursday afternoon, but if she's not better, P and I will stay home.

Another Giveaway!

2009-02-20T08:19:00.001-06:00

This would be so cute in P's room!

Head over to Whitney's blog and see all her goodies!!
http://whitneycarolinedesigns.blogspot.com/2009/02/so-what-is-whitney-giving-away-next.html

An Itch I Can't Scratch

2009-02-18T13:37:00.004-06:00

Ugh! I have a major urge to shop... for clothes, for shoes, for bedding, for house stuff, really for anything except groceries (since we actually need those). The problem is, I need to shop for some big ticket items that should take priority of my budget, but I need to save, save, save for them (there's actually money burning a whole in my pocket since I've started saving for the camera).... such as:
1. new lap top
2. new super-duper SLR camera
3. new house

clearly no instant gratification in the above list.

I must add... LC is self employed (and I stay home with P) and while I could go buy the above (with the exception of the house.. 2 mortgage payments is no bueno), I'm trying to recession proof our bank account just in case things head south in the future.

Love It, Need It!!

2009-02-17T20:58:00.003-06:00

How perfect would this be during football season? Especially since it's already painted for the Crimson Tide!!! Roll Tide!!!

My Flip Flopz is hosting a fabulous giveaway! Click here to enter, even though I'm totally going to win!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-15T16:25:00.006-06:00

Payton's valentines for her classmates.

I thought it would be sweet for LC to give P valentine's so she'll understand how a lady is suppose to be treated. We both got yellow tulips, even though LC and I don't "do" V-Day.

LC got her a sweet card that you can record your own message and then it plays a song. It plays "Payton, Daddy loves you" and How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You when you open it up.

Oh wow! The crawling baby she loved every time we passed it at the store.

On Saturday night, we headed over to the Semi-Homemade's for steaks, potatoes, and salad. You can read more about it here. We had a ball and the night ended way too soon!

Looky Looky

2009-02-12T19:45:00.000-06:00

Such cute stuff! And an Anthropologie card to boot!

http://www.bushelandapeck.typepad.com/

Guess Who....

2009-02-12T06:38:00.003-06:00

... was up at 5 AM? That would be Miss Priss!
... is completely exhausted and brought Miss P into bed with us in the hopes she'd go back to sleep? That would be me!
... thought it'd be super cute to pretend to sleep and then pop up and say "hi, hi, hi", "hi Daddy", or do a little growl at Scout? Yep, Miss P again... and while it was super cute, it did not help us go to sleep.
... is still going strong at 6:47 AM? Diddy Doo that's who! I really thought she'd be back in bed at about 6, but clearly that isn't going to happen. I'm sure she'll want to take an early nap right as the cleaning lady gets here or we have to leave to drop off her valentines and strawberries at school... for a party she doesn't even get to attend.

Spring's A-Coming to Texas!

2009-02-11T14:02:00.003-06:00

Last night we had some SEVERE weather in the metroplex! LC and I went back and forth on whether or not to get P up. Mommas of small children know - you NEVER wake a sleeping baby unless something is seriously wrong! After seeing some rotation on the radar, we thought it would be best to at least be downstairs so we could get under the stairs if need be. P was so sweet when I got her up. I was praying she'd stay asleep and just let me hold her... not so much, but, she was in a great mood.

Of course as soon as we made it downstairs, the severe threat was over, so we woke P up for no reason. Better to be safe than sorry I guess!

Great Wolf Lodge

2009-02-10T15:48:00.004-06:00

I finally took the time to get the Great Wolf Lodge pictures off E's Shutterfly (since I was a bad mom and forgot to pack our camera)... almost a month later!

We headed to Grapevine on a Friday afternoon to celebrate Miss Reese's 3rd birthday with a mini-vacation at Great Wolf Lodge.

Once we got settled in our suite with the R family, we ate dinner and then got the kiddos ready for the water! Aren't they so stinking cute??!!

They were troopers and played until 9 pm!

Then we got the kiddos jammies on and headed to story time at the clock tower.
After story time, we had cupcakes at 10 pm! E made dirt cupcakes with crushed oreos and worms to go along with the camping theme!

I couldn't resist snuggling with this sweet boy while his big sister opened her gifts! G-man was 5 months old in these pics! I just want to eat him up!!!

We woke up on Saturday, went to the breakfast buffet and then headed to the water park. P LOVED it even though we didn't leave until almost 3 (3 hours later than her nap time). She fell asleep as soon as we loaded her in the car!

Yall!!

2009-02-10T15:09:00.006-06:00

I'm thrilled. THRILLED! that my dear, sweet, dare I say best friend is now blogging!!! And, I even have a name on her blog.... Mrs. Everything... as in Friends-We-Do-Everything-With! We're The Everythings. I love it!

So go say hi to E, Mr Fix It, Big Sister and G-Man
http://oursemihomemadelife.blogspot.com/

We are seriously so blessed to have them in our lives. I'm sure y'all understand how difficult it is to find friends where everyone likes all the others in the group. LC and Mr Fix It are joined at the hip (we joke that Mr Fix It is LC's girlfriend), LC and E like each other and Mr Fix It and I like each other... I don't mean like as in tolerate... I mean genuinely like/care for each other. It's a win-win all the way around.

Just in time for VDay

2009-02-08T20:27:00.002-06:00

Hanky Panky Panties
http://akincarroll.blogspot.com/2009/02/my-baby-does-hanky-panky.html

Yummo Chocolate
http://makemineamojito.blogspot.com/2009/02/valentines-day-giveaway.html

Nail Polish Giveaway

2009-02-08T08:50:00.001-06:00

http://getchanailsdid.blogspot.com/2009/02/valentines-day-giveaway.html