Cheese Puffs & Sippy Cups

Tubes

2011-08-11T20:37:00.000-05:00

Since February Maddox has had 6 ear infections, and he has just felt awful. Everytime we went to the doctor he would get a rocephin shot and antibiotics which neither helped. The ear infections would cause Maddox to wake up some nights every hour screaming at the top of his lungs. When he was a few months old, his pedi, Dr. Bodron, said he was a major wax producer. Sometimes his ears were so full of wax that the doctor could not even see in his ear.

I started noticing that Maddox would pull on his right ear constantly. I thought this meant his right ear was hurting. Right? After the sixth ear infection, I asked Dr. Ricks (new pedi since Dr. Bodron retired) to refer us to an ENT. I just couldn't stand seeing Maddox sick all the time. It seems that he has had a runny nose and cough since May, and he cannot get rid of it.

We saw Dr. Barham a month ago, and he said both of Maddox's ears had fluid on them and he needed tubes ASAP. We scheduled the surgery for last Wednesday, but he couldn't have it then because he developed a viral infection the beginning of last week. Dang daycare!

Maddox had his tubes put in yesterday, and he did great! We had to be there at 6 a.m., and he couldn't have anything to eat or drink after midnight. I thought this would be so hard because Maddox always takes a bottle around 2 a.m., but he woke up at 2:45, and we put him in the bed with us and he slept until our alarm went off. No fussing at all!

We got to the surgical center at 6 a.m., and they took Maddox back around 7:45 a.m. They gave him tylenol right after we got there so he took a 30 minute nap while we were waiting and played the rest of the time. I thought he looked so cute in his gown so I snapped a few pics!

The procedure took literally 10 minutes, and he was in a recovery room. The nurse told me that he would be groggy when he comes out and to just love on him and hug on him. I had his bottle waiting for him because I knew he would be hungry. When Maddox came in the room, he grabbed the bottle from my hands and laid on the bed. I got no loving at all! After his bottle he was ready to laugh, play and scream! He was going ninety to nothing ALL.DAY.LONG.

Dr. Barham said Maddox's left ear was his bad ear, and that he had puss pockets in it. Poor baby! He also had a lot of fluid on his right ear. I thought since he was pulling on his right ear all the time that it was his problem ear, but I was wrong.

Maddox slept all night last night for the second time since February! PTL! I felt like a new woman this morning after getting 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep!

When we picked him up from school, he was all smiles. They said he had a really good day so I hope and pray Maddox will not have any more problems with his ears. I love having my happy baby back!

Happy Birthday, Maddox!

2011-07-21T10:03:00.000-05:00

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY, MADDOX!

I wrote you a letter when you were a week old that I hope to have posted within the next few days.

This past year has flown by and makes me really sad. Yes, I am down in the dumps at work today. I didn't think I would be this sad, but I am. The hubby bringing me a sweet tea from Mickey D's helped out a lot!

Maddox, you are the greatest blessing to your daddy and me. We love you little buddy!

{Almost} Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-20T11:57:00.000-05:00

Maddox will be one tomorrow!!! Yikes!!! Where did my baby boy go?

Beach 2011

2011-07-03T13:24:00.000-05:00

First off, I am so glad it's the weekend, and on top of that--- a three day weekend! I couldn't be more excited to have an extra day to spend with Maddox. I am WAY behind on blogging, so I will be catching up in the next or so.

We are in the process of building a house, and it will be finished the end of this month or beginning of August. I cannot wait to move in our new home and really feel like grown ups! While Wade was in law school in Baton Rouge, we rented a townhouse for three years. When we moved back to our hometown, we stayed with my in-laws which was a good hour from our jobs. We drove back and forth for 9 months, but we finally moved on Mother's Day to our current duplex. I am so ready to decorate Maddox's room, and to actually have a place to call our own!

Back to the reason for this post, we left for Perdido Key, FL on Father's Day, and we had a blast! It was our first vacation with Maddox. I was so excited to see if Maddox would like the beach. Sadly, it took him two days to get used to the sand. He would scream everytime we put down. He hated the ocean also, which I didn't mind at all because swimming with sharks is not my thing! He loved the pool and cried everytime we got out. I look forward to going to the beach every summer with Maddox and creating lots of great memories!

Yogurt

2011-06-28T13:47:00.000-05:00

Happy Tuesday everyone! Hope ya'll are having a good week so far!

Last night I decided to give Maddox yogurt for the first time, and he loved it! I bought the strawberry-banana even though they say to wait until at least a year old to try strawberries because of the allergy issue, but he is 11 months, so I figured that was close enough. Maddox made a big mess...all over himself, the floor, myself and all in my hair! Then, off to the bathtub he went!

My big boy!

Much easier using my hand than a spoon! Yum!!!

Looks like a cup...

It must be a cup!

Love the look on his face!

We are so blessed to have this monkey in our lives! :)

Out with the Old, In with the New!

2011-05-23T16:18:00.000-05:00

I feel as if I have been in a rut lately. Not just blogging, but life in general. I know it sounds like I am complaining, but I just feel I need to vent, and it's my blog, so I can do that!

I am extremely blessed to have such a loving husband and wonderful son along with great friends and family. It seems like I am pulled in every direction on a daily basis, and I NEVER do anything for myself. Well, this weekend was it for me. I got a new haircut (much shorter I might ad), new clothes and new nail polish! Go me! I will post a pic of the new 'do later.

Since I am in a blogging rut, and that my life most consists of cleaning cheese puffs off my almost ONE year old and filling his sippy cups with apple juice, it is only fitting to change the name of my blog that best fits my life. So, Cheese Puffs and Sippy Cups it is!

Since we moved into our temporary home while our home is being built, I feel as if I can finally slow down and blog some again, which I am very excited about!

Enough with this post. Now on to type bubba's TEN MONTH post! Ah.....let the party planning begin!

9 MONTHS

2011-05-16T13:53:00.000-05:00

Wowzer! Maddox, you are 9 months old (well, a month ago...you will be 10 months old in 5 days!!!). I am almost in tears as I am typing this! What have you been up to this past month?

First of all, you have 3 teeth! Yay! You cut three teeth within a 3 week span. You cut your first tooth on March 30, and they have been coming in like crazy since! You have two on the bottom and one on top. It is not your top front tooth, but a side tooth. Weird, I know! For a while there, we were concerned that it was your front tooth, and that you would have a HUGE gap, but you are now about to cut your front tooth. What a huge relief! ;)

You have been pulling up and crawling since a few days after you turned 8 months old. It is just a matter of time before you start walking, and then the real fun begins! Haha! Since you started crawling, you are into everything, and we cannot keep up with you. You are one fast little boy! You love playing with newspapers, pots and pans, measuring spoons and spatulas. In fact, you LOVE spatulas!

You went to the doctor on April 1, and it was determined you had an oral yeast infection which was caused by the month-long dosage of antibiotics you were on for your ear infections. It was awful! You did not want your bottle or even baby food. You were treated for that, and now you are 100% better. It is wonderful to see you playing and laughing again! You weighed 20 lbs. 8 oz and 28" long. You only gained an ounce in a month, but that is because you started crawling. You are one healthy little boy!

You are really attached to me, which I love! I love that you always want your momma, but sometimes it is frustrating when I need to do laundry or cook. You don't like being in your highchair or with anyone. You want me! I think someone is a momma's boy! ;)

You sleep with us every night now. I always said I would never start that, but after your second ear infection, you will not sleep in your bed any longer. You love to cuddle with your daddy in the bed, and it is so sweet. No matter where you start off in the bed, you always end up next to him. I think we will be getting a king size bed pretty soon! This queen is not working anymore! ;)

On a sad note, we are moving in a week or so, and you have to start daycare! :( Your Meme (my mom) has been watching you since I started back working, and I think she will handle this new daycare situation worse than you. Haha! She loves her some Maddox!

Happy 9 months, my sweet angel! We love you to the moon and back!

8 MONTHS

2011-05-03T10:50:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe I keep forgetting to publish Maddox's monthly posts! I type them ahead of time with the intention of going back to edit them, but I always forget! I guess better late than ever, even though he will be 10 months old!

My dear sweet Maddox, you turned 8 months on March 21! You are such a sweetheart! Within the past month you have realized who your mommy and daddy are, and it melts my heart! You started crawling a few weeks ago, and we cannot keep up with you! You are into everything. I cannot believe you are old enough to crawl.

I started back to work on March 7 after staying at home with you for 7 1/2 months. I will forever cherish those months being at home but with you, and it broke my heart to go back to work. I know it is best for our family that I work, but Maddox, I sure miss cuddling with you during the mornings and at naptime!

I celebrated my first birthday as a mommy this month, and it was the best birthday I've ever had! I never imagined I would celebrate my 26th birthday as a mom! I am so blessed to have you as my son! You went to your first wedding (reception) this month in honor of Joey and Lexi, and from what I hear, you were a perfect angel! Your daddy took me out to eat for my birthday, so you went with Nana to the reception.

You have been really fussy lately, I think it is due to teething. Still no teeth yet. You had two ear infections the past month, and you have just felt awful. You were on antibiotics for almost a month, and I think you are starting to feel better other than teething.

Happy 8 months my love! We love you little buddy!

Your 8 month pictures are on your daddy's computer at work, so I will post more when I can.

Chocolate Chip Pound Cake

2011-03-02T17:16:00.001-06:00

First off, let me say that if you are not a chocolate lover, do not try this recipe! It is loaded with chocolate- devil's food cake mix, chocolate pudding and yep, you guessed it, chocolate chips! This is the most moist chocolate cake I have ever tasted. There is nothing I hate more than a dry chocolate cake.

You can also make many variations of this cake. For instance, lemon cake mix with lemon pudding but omit the chocolate chips and yellow cake mix with vanilla pudding plus the chocolate chips. You are only limited by your imagination. I will definitely make this cake again.

I have seen many versions of this recipe all over the internet, but my favorite is from Kelly's Recipes, and it is perfection! Your tummy will be thanking me! :)

Chocolate Chip Pound Cake

1 pkg. dark chocolate cake mix

1 pkg. instant chocolate pudding mix

1 16 oz sour cream

3 eggs

1/3 c. vegetable oil

2 c. semisweet chocolate chips

Preaheat oven to 350*. Grease a bundt pan. Mix together ingredients and pour in pan. Bake for one hour and then cool. Top with powdered sugar!

Happy 7 Months!

2011-02-23T16:58:00.000-06:00

Maddox, you are 7 Months Old! I cannot believe that in five SHORT months we will be celebrating your FIRST birthday! Crazy, I know! I love you at this age even though I say that every month! ;) To see you learn and experience new things just makes my heart sing.

So, what have you been up to?

You have been sitting up for a month now, and that is all you want to do.
BIG NEWS- you are almost crawling!!!! You get on all fours and rock. Even though this makes me a little sad, I am looking forward to this next stage.
You can now roll from tummy to back and back to tummy. When you nap during the day, you have started rolling over to your tummy in the crib. I think you sleep better this way. You haven't done this during the night yet.
You wear a size 4 diaper
At your appiontment last month, you weighed 18 lbs. 1 oz. and 27 1/2" long. You are such a healthy little boy!
You wear 6-9 month shirts/onesies and 9 month pants. You have really long legs. You did not get them from me!
You wear a size 3 shoe
You do not like your play mat anymore, and I think the swing is next.
You love your jumper and activity station. I seriously think you can jump and watch your Baby Einstein videos all day!
You love every baby food we've tried except for corn casserole, green beans and green peas. You take 5 six ounce bottles a day. You have bananas or applesauce for breakfast, fruit for lunch and a veggie for supper.
You still love bath time. You still cry when we get you out.
You say "mama" and "dada" and "nana" all the time! I know for a fact you've said "mamaaaaaaaa"!
You adore your daddy! He can walk into the house after work, and your face lights up! It is so sweet, and it makes your daddy's day to see the big smile on your face!
You still nap after playtime when you finish your bottle. You will not nap in the swing anymore. You must be in your crib wrapped in your minky blanket.
On Valentine's Day you got sick, and we took you to the doctor. This has been the first and only time you've been sick. You had/still have bronchiolitis and an ear infection for which we are giving you eardrops, cough syrup and antibiotics for. You also got a shot of Rocephin which helped. We knew you were sick because you wanted someone to hold you ALL.DAY.LONG. You are so not the little cuddler. :(

Happy 6 Months...a little late!

2011-02-19T15:13:00.000-06:00

Maddox, you are 6 Months Old! Well, you were on the day I wrote this (one month ago), but I forgot to publish it! Oops...I am such a bad mommy, I know! Actually, you will be 7 months old on Monday, so at least I am posting it before then!

Where to begin? You have changed so much over the past month. This is such a fun age! You started sitting up on January 5, and that is all you want to do. You do not play on your play mat anymore, nor do you like me changing your diaper. You strain so hard to pick your head and body up when I lay you on your back.

You still drink five 6 oz. bottles a day with oatmeal for breakfast, fruit for lunch and a fruit/veggie for supper. You love to eat! I think you have your mama's appetite!

You still love bathtime, and you cry when we take you out.

You wear 3-6 months clothes and 6 months pants, but those seem to be getting too short. You have really long legs. You definitely do not get that from me! :) You also wear a size 3 diaper and size 4 at night.

I am not sure how much you weigh, but we go to the doctor in a few days, so I am sure you have gained a few pounds since your last visit. I know you are one chunky monkey, and I just love your rolls! :)

You love Mickey Mouse! If we turn it on and you are not looking at the tv

, you will keep wiggling until you finally spot the TV because you love the theme song! Hot dog, hot dog, hot diggity dog... Gah, I cannot tell you how many times a day mommy and daddy sing that song. We wish we can get it out of our heads, but that is just about all we watch on tv!

You are one drooling machine! I wish you would cut a tooth because some days you just want to naw my finger off! Everything goes in your mouth even your cute little feet!

You love to sit in the floor and play with your toys while watching Baby Einstein. I think you could do this all day. One of your favorite things is your Raz-Berry teether. You LOVE this thing!

You are not napping as much as you used do, mainly due to the teething issue again. You will doze off and then wake up crying until I put Orajel on your gums, and then off to sleep again you go. You have starting going to bed around 9 or 9:30 and up at 4:00 for a bottle, with a few times waking up wanting your paci. I am starting to feel like I have a newborn again!

We celebrated our first Christmas as a family of three, and it was everything I imagined it would be! We had so much fun watching you "open" presents! Well, actually just playing with the tissue paper!

Maddox, you are such a joy in our lives, and we cannot imagine the past 6 months without you! We love you so much, little buddy!

5 Months

2010-12-30T06:00:00.001-06:00

I can't believe I forgot to post this! I guess I got wrapped up in the holiday season and forgot! Oh well, better a week late than never!

Maddox, I cannot believe you are five months old! Each and every day you are growing into a little boy. This makes mommy really sad. You are starting to develop a temper. When you are not happy, you kick your legs and shake your hands. It is so funny (for now)! This month has been the best yet! You are so much fun to play with. You get so excited about the smallest things. I love you at this age.

So, what have you been up to?

You have rolled over a few times. Only a few because you are rarely on your tummy because you scream at the top of your lungs, and I pick you up because I can't stand for you to be upset. Oops! :)
You wear a size 3 diaper
Three weeks ago you weighed 16 lbs. 1 oz, so I am anxious to see how much you have gained when we go back next month
You wear 3-6 month clothing and some 6 months, depending on the brand
You wear a size 2 in shoes
You have a baby giraffe now and you chew on his legs like there is no tomorrow. Your daddy actually has to drain your slobber of the giraffe's legs!
You are starting to not like your swing so much. I guess it bores you.
You love your jumper and activity station. I seriously think you can jump and watch your Baby Einstein videos all day!
You love baby food and oatmeal. Rice cereal- not so much! You eat prunes, peaches, pears, bananas, green beans, carrots, squash and sweet potatoes.
You still love bath time. You actually cry now when I take you out. You used to cry when I put you in the tub, but now you love it!
You "talk" all the time! I can be in the back putting up laundry, and I hear you jabbering all the way in the living room! It is the sweetest sound! You look at us with such a serious face as if we are carrying on a conversation.
You adore your daddy! He can walk into the house after work, and your face lights up! It is so sweet, and it makes your daddy's day to see the big smile on your face!
You still take about 3 naps during the day and still sleep all night. You are usually down for the night around 8 and wake up around 7.
My favorite part of the day is getting you out of your bed in the mornings because you have the biggest smile on your face and you start kicking up a storm. I think you are very excited to see me or you know you are about to get a bottle! I like to think it's me! ;)

Maddox, we are blessed to have you in our lives! We cannot imagine our lives without you, and we love you very much! Happy 5 Months, Buddy!

Maddox's First Christmas

2010-12-29T15:10:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! We sure did...a busy one! We started our Christmas festivities on Wednesday night at my FIL and MIL's house for all the grandkids. We had good company, good food and lots of presents! Maddox got a Bright Starts Activity Station, sock monkey, race car steering wheel and some clothes.

We had Christmas at our house early Saturday morning so Maddox can open the gifts that Santa brought him. I have to say this is the best Christmas Wade and I have ever had together. It was so much fun seeing Maddox getting excited about wrapping paper, bows and tissue paper. He couldn't have cared less about the gifts, he just wanted to eat the paper! Santa brought him some books, sippy cup, burp cloths (really for mommy), rattles, Fisher Price Piano, stackable rings and some other little toys.

After we cleaned up, we went to my parents so we could all open gifts. I have a new nephew, Jackson, who was born on December 15, so we enjoyed getting to spend time with him, Jared and my sister, Casey. Maddox wasn't so sure what to think of Jackson, but I think they will be best friends!

My parents spoiled Maddox! He got so many gifts that I can even remember what all he got. I know he got a Baby Einstein jumper, sock monkey, space saver high chair and lots of other toys. We have to get him a bigger toy box just to hold the stuff his Mimi and Pappy got him! Maddox is one blessed little boy!

We are so grateful to God for blessing us with Maddox. He is such a joy in our lives!

2010 has been the best year for us yet as we celebrated the birth of our first child. We can't wait to see what 2011 has in store for the House's! Hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Year!

LOOK WHO'S...

2010-12-12T15:23:00.000-06:00

...ROLLING OVER!!!!

What happened to my little baby?

Maddox rolled over for the first time this past Friday, December 10. Usually, I am off on Fridays, but I chose to work so me and the hubs can go Christmas shopping afterwards. Keep in mind, our jobs are 1 1/2 hours away from home, as is the mall. I got a call around 4:30 from my dad (my mom babysits when I work) saying he put Maddox on his tummy for 10 seconds, and he rolled over!

I kept denying it for the fact that I wanted to be the one who first witnessed him rolling over, but was happy my parents got to see it. My dad was ecstatic. He loves Maddox probably more than his own kids! Ha! Seriously, he is crazy about him! I fought back the tears on the way home, but he rolled over for us the next morning! So, all is well!

It really seems like I just gave birth to him last month. How can it be that he is already rolling over??

Sometimes, I just want to squeeze him and hold him tight hoping the world can stand still just for a little bit.

First Ever Christmas Card!!!

2010-11-21T22:45:00.004-06:00

With Love Chartreuse Christmas Card

Shop Shutterfly for elegant custom Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

4 Months!

2010-11-21T20:32:00.000-06:00

Happy 4 Months my sweet baby boy! I cannot believe it has been four months since you were born. I also cannot believe that just four short months ago our lives changed forever. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and your daddy. We love you to the moon and back. :) Here is what you've been up to the past month...

You still wear Size 2 diapers
You wear 3-6 months in clothes and some 6-9 months
You drink 5-6 6 oz. bottles a day with cereal
You still love your swing, and you take most of your daytime naps in it.
You love to sit in your rocking chair while you watch Baby Einstein.
You can turn complete circles on your play mat.
You have to wear bibs all day long because you drool so much! I think you are starting to teethe because you chew on the bottle nipple instead of drinking out of it. You also love to chew on your teethers.
You love watching football on TV. I think the motion intrigues you. You can watch TV in your swing for a while.
You love your bumbo. We just bought you the tray today, and you love to sit and play with your ball. This is your favorite toy. You grab the ball with both hands and hit yourself upside the head. The first time it scared you, but now you laugh at yourself. You have such a fun personality (except when you're wet or hungry! ha!).
You still have not rolled over. You will be 18 weeks on Wednesday, and I am starting to wonder if you ever will. I can sit you up on your play mat, and you will sit up by yourself for about 2 seconds, and you lean to the side.
You had your first bite of cereal today from a spoon. I couldn't help but laugh at the silly faces you were making. I mixed it with bananas, and you seem to like it. I think you got more on me and the bib than you did in your mouth, but we will work on that.
You are such an angel during church. You still have not gone to the nursery yet. You got fussy this morning, but only because you were sleepy.
You love to "talk". You jabber 24/7. You recently learned how to "motorboat" and it is hilarious! You are one loud baby!
You know me and your daddy. When we walk into a room your face lights up, and it is the sweetest thing!
Since the recent time change, you have been sleeping from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., and we are so thankful for this!

We will celebrate our first major holiday as a family of three this week! I am extremely grateful this Thanksgiving and holiday season for the Lord has blessed us with Maddox who is healthy and happy! Thanksgiving will also be one year since I found out I was pregnant!

We love you little turkey! ;)

Christmas Cards!

2010-11-18T10:22:00.000-06:00

First of all, I want to apologize for my lack of blogging lately. I received a few emails from a few sweet readers checking on me. I am still here! I have been working part-time at my husband's office two days a week. His office is 1 1/2 hours away from our house, so we leave at the crack of dawn and get home around 8 or 9 p.m. after we pick Maddox up from my moms. Anywho, just wanted to assure everyone I am still alive and well! :)

Can you believe Thanksgiving is one week away?! Crazy! I am really looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas this year with our little one. Maddox is such a blessing to our family, and I can't wait to experience the upcoming holidays with him.

Speaking of Christmas, it is almost time to send out Christmas Cards! Being a SAHM and with my husband's student loans (law school) knocking on our door, it is really important that I not go overboard on cards this year. I have been looking at a few websites, and they have cards for approx $2.00 each. Yikes! Thanks to my friend, Sarah, I found out Shutterfly is giving away 50 free cards to bloggers! How awesome is that?! You can check out the details here. I have always been a fan of Shutterfly, as I have ordered a few items in the past. I have never been disappointed. They have fantastic products, and the prices are great too!

We have never sent out photo holiday cards with it being just Wade and I, but this year since we have Maddox, I want to showcase our little munchkin! ;) There are so many cards to choose from, and here are a few of my faves:

With Love- so cute! I would love to showcase my favorite pics of Maddox throughout the past 4 months.

Bright and Merry- love this one! Since having Maddox, I am suddenly drawn to all things blue! I just love the red and blue together! Modern and chic!

Oh What Fun- how cute is this?! I love the single picture...very dramatic!

Sweet Potato Pie and I Shut My Mouth...

2010-11-11T09:10:00.000-06:00

Gone, gone with the wind...there ain't nobody looking back again. I love that song by Alabama. Songs like this make me miss the good ol' days. Days when things were simple. No one was at war. Housing market was good. Jobs were abundant.

When I was growing up, we didn't "want" for anything. Daddy worked on the farm, and mama worked in the house. We knew not to ask for much, but we had everything we needed. Daddy worked hard for everything he got. He would leave early in the morning before we got up, and he would not come home sometimes until midnight just to sleep a few hours before going back to the field. I hope to instill this hard work ethic in my son. It will get him everything he will ever need in life.

Now, back to the reason I wrote this post...Sweet Potato Pie! Who doesn't love Sweet Potato Pie in the South? It is a must-have at Thanksgiving and Christmas for me. Sometimes instead of making the larger pie, I will make a dozen miniature pies. You can find the mini pie shells in the tin foil pans mostly around this time of the year. I think at my local Wal-Mart, they are where the baked goodies are. You know, the doughnuts, cakes, and pies that were NOT freshly made at your local Wal-Mart? Look there. I will be making a few large pies and a dozen mini pies this year. I like to top my slice with fresh whipping cream. Yum! Here is the recipe I have been using for the past few years. I can't remember where I found it, but a big "Thank You" to whomever this recipe belongs to! =)

Sweet Potato Pie

1 pound sweet potatoes

1/2 c. butter, softened

1 c. white sugar

1/2 c. milk

2 eggs

1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust

Boil sweet potatoes whole (with skin on) for about 45 minutes, or until done. Run cold water over the sweet potatoes, and remove the skin.

With a mixer, mix the sweet potatoes and butter in a bowl. Stir in sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until mixture is smooth. Pour filling into an unbaked pie crust.

Bake at 350 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Enjoy!

Menu Monday: 11/8

2010-11-08T12:22:00.001-06:00

I have been seeing Menu Mondays on a lot of blogs lately, so I figured this is a great way to plan out my meals for the week. It has really come in handy because I make a list beforehand, and I only buy what is on the list. This cut out probably $40 worth of items ~~junk food~~ I do not need. Plus, with me working 2 days a week now, I feel like I don't have to stress during the week on what to cook for dinner. I plan everything on Saturday and grocery shop Sunday, usually after church. I can't wait to try a few of these recipes! Oh, and I am planning on eating leftovers which is the reason I don't have 5 meals planned this week!

1. Chicken and Red Potatoes - Taste of Home

2. Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin- Paula Deen

3. Green Bean Bundles- Kelly's Recipes (these are soooo good!)

4. Cheesy Garlic Bread- Simple Recipes

5. Parmesan Chicken Strips- make this up as I go

6. Sweet Potato Fries- Paula Deen (I love her!)

7. Sopapilla Cheesecake- Allrecipes **you will thank me for this**

Halloween Recap

2010-11-05T14:03:00.000-05:00

What a fun and busy weekend! It was Maddox's first Halloween. When I found out I was pregnant, I bought a lot of Halloween footed pjs, but since the lows were in the 60s/70s during the entire month of October, he only got to wear it one night. Today, the high is in the 50s, and we are expecting a frost tomorrow morning. Oh how I love cold weather!

On Saturday my cousin had a Halloween Carnival at their house for all the kiddos. They had Picking Up Ducks, Jumpers, Cake Walk, Hay Ride and a Haunted House. This is one momma who does not do scary! I am scared of the dark. Yes, I just admitted that. If I have to go outside during the night, my sweet hubby watches me! ;) I don't watch scary movies either. I used to watch them with my sisters and cousins when I was younger, but then I would have to sleep with the light on for a few nights! Crazy, I know.

We went to the Fall Festival at our church on Sunday night, and my little monkey was a Pirate. Most of the costumes were too big for him, and the pirate costume fit him perfectly! When we got home from church, Wade fed Maddox, and he fell asleep half way with drool coming out of his mouth. Halloween wore him out! Look at the third picture from the top (1st collage)...he cracks me up!

New Look!

2010-11-04T04:54:00.001-05:00

Like my new blog design?! I love it! My good friend, Shannon at Webbisodes designed it! She is one talented momma! Shannon was a pleasure to work with even though I am sure I bugged her quite a bit! Sorry, Shannon! ;)

About a month ago, we started working on the new design. Well, I had no clue what I wanted it to look like, but I gave Shannon a few “hints”. I told her I love fleur de lis, zebra print and color. She sent me a few previews of her designs, and my gosh, I was blown away at what she created! I LOVE my new header…Maddox is just as adorable as a “stick” baby! ;) We communicated back and forth a few times, and this is the final product! I’m so glad you like it!

Did I mention she will also carry stationary products such as invitations and holiday cards? See, I told you she was talented!

Whether you are looking for a completely new look, header, signature or even an Etsy shop banner, you have got to visit Shannon at Persnickety Pages {&more}! You won’t be disappointed!

Thanks again, Shannon!

Picnik…

2010-10-27T22:59:00.001-05:00

is my new best friend! I have used a bunch of different photo editing programs, but Picnik is one of my favorites. Did I mention it’s free?! You can pay a few bucks each month for some premium options, but the free version is fine for my needs. I have been playing around with some photos tonight and decided to make a few collages of my little munchkin. Maddox is growing so fast, and I want to capture every moment of it!

Also, I haven’t had much time lately to catch up on my blog readings, but I plan on doing that this weekend. I am not ignoring you. I promise. :)

3 Months

2010-10-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

Wow! How has another month gone by in the blink of an eye? So, what have you been up to?

You went to doctor a few weeks ago and weighed 12 lbs. 5 oz and were 23.5 inches long. I am pretty sure you weigh over 13 lbs. now. Your legs have grown a few inches in the past month alone!
You are in Size 2 diapers.
You wear 3-6 months shirts/onesies but 0-3 months pants. You wear a size 2 shoe. You have big feet like your daddy.
You eat 5-6 oz. formula every 3-4 hours during the day. You still sleep during the night. You have been since you were 6 weeks old. You usually go to bed around 9 pm and sleep until 7 am. Mommy loves you for this!
You still love your swing and play mat. You take most of your naps during the day in your swing. You can sleep for hours in your swing. You like to scoot around your play mat. You still have not rolled over, but I think it will be any day now.
You have recently found your hands. About 75% of your pictures show your hands near or in your mouth.
You started laughing and talking, and it is the sweetest sound. You become a chatterbox around 7 p.m. We talk to you and you “talk” back!
You love your daddy! I think your favorite time of day is when daddy gets home from work and plays with you. This is generally when you start “talking”.

Maddox, once again, this has been the best month! We love watching you experience and learn new things. You bring such joy to our lives, and we thank God for you every day! We love you munchkin! :)

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-13T11:39:00.001-05:00

I could stare at him all day! Happy Wednesday!

Lil’ Saints Fan

2010-10-06T10:37:00.001-05:00

Wade and I have always enjoyed going to football games. High School. College. Professional. We have been to quite a few Saints games, and it is always an experience like no other. Since winning the Super Bowl (Geaux Saints!!!), the crowd does a pre-game chant of “Who Dat Say They Gone Beat Dem Saints…”. It is pretty awesome! Besides paying $30 for parking, we had a great time! My parents kept Maddox Saturday night, and this was our first night apart. The entire 4 hour drive (well, ride for me) consisted of looking at his pics/videos on my Droid. I missed this guy more than anything. I did okay for the most part, but every little boy I saw made me want to burst into tears. Don’t get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed a night out with the hubs, but a piece of my heart was still back home! :)

Fashion Friday

2010-10-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

I am so glad Fall is here! That means sweaters, leggings, boots and dark nail polish. Can I get an Amen?! I lost all my baby weight within the week after having Maddox, but that stubborn ole’ ugly pooch is still there. I just ordered Zumba so we will see if it does any good. I can now hide that darn thing with chunky sweaters and no one will think anything of it! I mean, I did get some looks wearing a light sweater or wrap during summertime in 90+ degree temps. Oh well!

Here are a few of my faves…did I mention they are all under $75.00??!!

Source

Splish Splash

2010-09-29T09:37:00.001-05:00

Maddox loves to take a bath even though he only gets to 2-3 times a week. I am not a horrible mom because I rarely bathe my child, right?? He doesn’t go outside, play in the dirt, or even get into anything that would remotely make him “dirty” other than those massive blow-outs in his diaper! Ha! I do wash him off when he has those, but generally, he only gets 2-3 baths a week. He just learned he can kick his leg or pump his fist and the water will splash. He laughs so loud that it melts my heart! I am still trying to capture that moment on camera. I just love this little guy so much that I find myself taking pictures of him ALL.DAY.LONG. I can’t help it. I don’t want to forget anything he does. And these days, I definitely have my camera with me full time because he is just about to roll over! I know. My baby is getting so big!

Happy Wednesday to everyone! :)

Pictures Galore! :)

2010-09-23T12:33:00.001-05:00

I didn’t have time to take Maddox’s pictures on his 2 month birthday, but I did get them done today. I’m sure he won’t mind me being 2 days late! As he gets older, he’ll realize I’m late ALL.THE.TIME! Here are some pics of my sweet man!

This last picture cracks me up! Maddox, I can’t believe you’re two months old either! Where has the time gone?

2 Months

2010-09-21T21:07:00.001-05:00

Maddox, you are 2 months old today! What have you been up to?

At your last doctor’s appointment on 9/7/10, you weighed 11 lbs. 2 oz. I am pretty sure you weigh over 12 lbs. now. You are one healthy little boy!
You eat 5 oz. every 3-4 hours
We found out you are allergic to cow’s milk, so you are now on a Soy formula. You have been such a happy baby. After being on the Soy formula for a week, your face cleared up and you began pooping every day! Yay! When you were on the regular formula, you were not a happy camper on the days you didn’t poop. I guess your belly hurt all the time. :(
You generally sleep through the night. Occasionally, you will wake up if you have a wet diaper. I change you and then you go right back to sleep. You normally sleep from 11-7. I will feed you at 7 and you go back to sleep until 9 am. Mommy loves this!
You love taking a bath! When I undress you, you give me a serious look as if you are about to cry, but once you are in the water, you are all smiles!
You love your swing. If you are pitching a fit (which you do a lot now that you fight your sleep during the day), we put you in your swing, and you suddenly get still. It has been a lifesaver!
You love your carseat and stroller. You know that you are going somewhere when we buckle you in, and you get really excited and start “panting”. When we go shopping, we put you in the stroller, and you can sleep for hours! This has been really helpful since Mommy likes to shop! :)
We got you a mobile to put on your crib, and this is how you fall asleep every night. We turn on the music and the light show, and you play for about 15 minutes and then fall asleep. My favorite part of the day is when we put you down at night and watch you reach for the animals on the mobile. You have the biggest grin on your face, and I know you want to laugh really bad.
You smiled for the first time on Labor Day, 9/6/10. I will never forget this. We were playing peek-a-boo and all of sudden, you had the biggest grin on your face. It melted my heart. I couldn’t help but tear up. Now you smile all the time.
You have outgrown your newborn clothes. You wear 3 months and 3-6 months. You are still in size 1 diapers.
As of last week, you love your Baby Einstein play gym. Every morning and afternoon after you finish eating, we play on this for about 30 minutes. One day while you were playing, I stepped out of the room, and when I came back in, you were zonked out! You had your arms up by your head, and I knew you had worn yourself out!
You are trying to roll over. We have had the worst luck with putting you on your stomach. You will scream bloody murder when you are on your stomach. You start kicking really hard and raising your head up, and you are almost able to roll over. When we put you on your back, you are fine. I guess you just really hate being on your stomach.
You love lights and ceiling fans. When you spot a ceiling fan, you can stare at it for 10 minutes straight, like you are being hypnotized. We can’t break your attention from it. It is the funniest thing.

Maddox, you mean the world to us, and we are so glad God gave you to us. You have been our greatest blessing, and we look forward to watching you grow and learn new things every day! Thank you for being our son! :)

I didn’t get any pictures of you today, but I will take some tomorrow before you get your shots. :(

Keep Calm…

2010-09-21T07:53:00.001-05:00

I know we’ve all seen these Keep Calm prints in blog land, and wouldn’t you love to win one?! I sure do! Head on over to In This Wonderful Life where one lucky reader will win their choice of a Keep Calm print from The Keep Calm Etsy Shop. Even if I don’t win, I have a feeling a few of these may get ordered next week. Right now, they are having a special- buy 3 and get 1 free! I love great deals! Here are a few of my faves…

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-15T21:01:00.001-05:00

Weekend Recap

2010-09-13T12:06:00.001-05:00

Where did the weekend go? We did not have a busy weekend planned, but it sure went by fast. On Friday night, we grilled steaks at my in-laws so they could get in some play time with Maddox. Wade was cleaning out his old bedroom there and found a lot of stuff from when we first started dating in ‘01. We had so much fun looking at pictures of us from way back when. We laughed at our goofy hair dos and what we were wearing. I can’t believe Wade and I have been together almost 10 years! He is definitely my best friend and my soul mate. I left my camera at home, so, no pics.

Saturday, I went shopping with my sister who is expecting a little boy in December. I can’t wait for Jackson to get here…she is going to be a great mom! We went to Antique Alley and shopped all afternoon. Well, I just browsed…I walked away empty handed…a first for me! My hubby was proud! Once again, I left my camera. So, no pics.

On Sunday, we went to my aunt’s camp and celebrated my cousin, Sloan, and her husband’s birthday. Her birthday is today and she is 24! Happy Birthday! Can you believe that I actually remembered to bring my camera?! I have TONS of pics from Sunday! Here are a few…

Omar & Sloan- Guests of Honor :) Mom & AddySweet Kisses :)

Me & baby sister, Kayla Maddox loves his Mimi and Kay Kay! Love this onesie!Maddox’s swirl…just like his daddyMimi, Pappy & MaddoxSo sweet!MimiMommy & MaddoxSloan & Connor (with an icing mustache) Playtime with Kay Kay and Pappy Playtime over! haha

One Month!

2010-09-09T15:57:00.001-05:00

Maddox, you were One Month Old on August 21, 2010. You have brought so much joy to our lives, and we thank God for you everyday. I am sorry I am 2 1/2 weeks late posting this even though it was written on time, but we moved back home when you were a month old and are just now getting Internet! I feel as if I have been disconnected from the world! Ha!

You are such a good baby. You wake up every 3-4 hours to eat unless you have a wet diaper, and then you must be changed immediately, and you will go right back to sleep. You do not like a wet diaper! You are eating 4 oz. at a time and still spitting up some, but your doctor says it is nothing to worry about. There has been numerous times where I have had to change clothes during the middle of the night after burping you. Your doctor says we just have a laundry problem!

You also have baby acne which I cannot stand. I wish I could pop those little bumps on your face. We got your newborn pics taken on 8.9.10 you were 2 1/2 weeks old, and you only had 2 bumps on your face that day. I was so worried that your pictures would not turn out good, but they cleared up the day we had them done and came back the next. Oh, and your umbilical cord thingy fell off the same day as your pictures but later that night. I am so glad it is gone, because I hated changing your diaper because I just knew I would pull it off since it was hanging by a thread. We have to have everything ready in advance to change your diaper. We line up the diaper, wipes and powder/cream and can change your diaper in like 10 seconds! After getting sprinkled on 20 times, we have finally got it down pat!

At your last doctor’s visit (8-11-10) you weighed 8 lbs. 12 oz…you are a healthy baby! You have also grown 1/2 an inch! You wear 0-3 months clothing in Carter’s and Gerber, but for some reason, you are just now fitting into the newborn Circo brand (Target). You are in size 1 diapers. We had a few “blow outs” in your newborn diapers and decided it was time to move up! Here are a few pics of your first month! 1 Week

2 Weeks

3 Weeks

1 Month Old!

Maddox’s Birth Story

2010-08-14T11:21:00.001-05:00

My sister and BIL came to stay a few days with us on July 18 to help us prepare for the birth of our sweet baby boy who was due in two weeks. The next day, Monday, I felt awful. I was dizzy, nauseous, my feet were gigantic and I had a horrible headache. Since I was 34 weeks I had been monitoring my blood pressure per my doctor’s orders. This day I knew my blood pressure was high. I thought I would feel better if I propped my feet up and took a nap. Well, I did. But the next morning, dear hubby insisted I call the doctor to see if I could see Dr. P a day earlier (my weekly appt was set for Wednesday). Keep in mind Dr. P is a doctor I was seeing until my real doctor came back from maternity leave which was supposed to be on 7/22. I called the doctor and they could see me at 1 p.m. I was feeling better at that point, and I just knew my blood pressure was fine that day. We got to the doctor and my blood pressure was 148/80. My feet were still swollen but I felt okay. She checked me, and I was still dilated to ZERO. So frustrating. I just wanted to cry. I told Dr. P that I wasn’t feeling Maddox move nearly as much as I used to. She seemed kinda worried because he was always hyper in my belly and moving almost 24/7. I was sent to have an ultrasound since it had been almost 17 weeks since I had my last one. As soon as the lady put the “thingie” (not sure what it is called) on my stomach, she said “oooh”. Yeah, that’s not what I wanted to hear! She said my fluid levels were really really low. It was actually at 4. Dr. P said the normal fluid levels at my stage of the pregnancy are 10-20. She asked if I had been leaking fluid, and I told her no. The only thing I can think of is for the last few weeks I was going to the bathroom like every 10 minutes. It would feel as if I really really had to pee but hardly anything came out. Sorry, TMI!

Then came the best news ever! They were wheeling me over to the hospital (I was so embarrassed to sit in that dang wheelchair, weird, I know), and we would be having a baby! So many emotions came over us at that point. We were nervous because we thought we had a little more time to prepare, and Wade would be taking the bar that next Monday, Wednesday and Friday. We were excited because we were finally getting to meet our little miracle after 9 long months. We were scared because we just wanted him to arrive safely. We called our family who lived 4 hours away but told them not to come until the next day around noon. Since I still had not dilated, I knew this would be a long process. They wheeled me over to the hospital, and yes, I wore my shades the entire time while being wheeled over. This was the most embarrassing thing to me. Not sure why? I could walk just fine! I was in my room at 4 p.m. and was put on the drip around 7 p.m. Around 8 p.m. I was in full blown back labor. The contractions were getting stronger and stronger, but I only felt them in my back. This was the worst pain I have been in. It was painful and uncomfortable. I kept having to rotate from side to side. I was miserable.

They broke my water around 10 a.m. on July 21 which was a pain I cannot describe. I wish they had broken my water after the epidural but they did not. We were trying to hold off on the epidural as long as possible since we knew this was going to be a long day. Around 11 a.m. I got my epidural, and let me tell you, it was nothing. This is what I was most scared of. All I have heard was “it hurts like hell,” and “they stick this HUGE needle in your spine”. Let me tell you, I did not feel a thing. At noon I received an unexpected visit from my original doctor, Dr. Boudreaux. I was ecstatic and wanted to cry. I loved my doctor. We were pregnant at the same time, only she was 4 weeks ahead of me. She heard I was in labor, and wanted to be there to deliver Maddox, as she promised months before. She came back from her maternity leave a day earlier just to deliver Maddox. She is the best doctor ever! Dr. B checked me, and I was dilated to 1 cm. Ugh! I told her I didn’t know how much longer I could take of this. After 16 hours of being on the drip, I was just miserable. I had been throwing up from the pain meds they were giving me. It was a long and awful night. I was just ready to meet my son. She said she would come back in a few hours or so to check me again if I really wanted to have him vaginally. She gave me the option to have a c-section because she did not see me progressing much further. Maddox was just being stubborn like his mommy! I told her to sign me up for the c-section, and the suspense of who will Maddox look like was almost over! All of our family arrived and we got to visit before they would wheel me back to meet the love.of.my.life.

The nurses came in and said my c-section was scheduled for 2 p.m. and they have to give me another epidural to numb the upper part of my body. Another epidural? Sure. Bring it on. I was eating those words. The anesthesiologist told me that as soon as the meds reached my chest and heart level, it would feel as if I couldn’t breathe and not to panic. Not to panic when I can’t breathe? I don’t think so. Well, he was right. I thought I was going to die. I could not catch my breath. This was the weirdest and scariest thing. My blood pressure was going up, and I was scared. The doctor has to sit with my and help me pace my breaths. It felt as if a 500 lb man was sitting on my chest just crushing me. I eventually “caught my breath”, and we were ready for the OR. Wade and I were about to meet our son, and we couldn’t be happier. They starting cutting, and then I heard “you’re about to feel a lot of tugging and pulling”. Boy, were they right. I felt like I was in a plane that was going down. The rumbling of my body and the shaking. I thought I was about to fall off the table. Then, at 2:13 p.m. Maddox Wade House was born, and the world stood still. I could not believe I had just had a baby. They raised him up so Wade could see him, and Wade said he was perfect. This was the best news. They took Maddox over to clean him up and they did his footprints in our baby book and on Wade’s mask which was soooo sweet! This is something we will keep forever! They brought Maddox over to me, and I was IN LOVE. I finally met this little one whom I had bonded with over the last 9 months. Wade went with Maddox to the nursery and I was wheeled to recovery.

Recovery was supposed to last an hour following surgery. I think I got in there around 3 pm or so. Around 5 pm or so, I still could not feel my legs nor could I move a toe. My blood pressure was still high and they would not let me go to my room until I could wiggle a toe or something and my blood pressure was under control. The entire time I was asking for Wade, but they would not let him back to be with me. I was miserable for those two hours. I had only seen my baby for a split second, and I wanted to cry. I was finally in my room at 5:45 p.m. and was able to visit with everyone. Everyone except Maddox. The nurses came in to tell us he was making a grunting sound and they had to keep him in the nursery until the pediatrician checked him out again. I was a nervous wreck. He was also shaking. Not a shaking from being cold or having a seizure. He would have this little shake every few minutes or so. Almost like a twitch. They checked his sugar level and ran lab panels, but everything came back normal. Dr. Vick, his pedi, eventually told the nurses to check his magnesium level. Finally, we had an answer. It wasn’t just an underdeveloped nervous system. Maddox’s magnesium level was a little low which was causing his twitching. What a relief. I was finally able to hold him at 10:45 that night. This was the best moment. I had my family. Just the three of us. Wow.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-11T13:22:00.000-05:00

Bless You!
Happy 3 Weeks, Maddox!

Happy 2 Weeks!

2010-08-06T21:58:00.001-05:00

Maddox, you are two weeks old (as of this past Wednesday)! You have been such a blessing to me and your daddy, and we cannot imagine our lives without you. I have never been so excited to lose sleep in my life! You have already changed so much since you were born.

You weighed 7 lbs. 9.2 oz. when you were born and weighed 7 lbs. 4 oz. when we left the hospital; you were also 20 inches long.
At your one week check-up, you weighed 7 lbs. 10 oz.
At your two week check-up, you weighed 8 lbs. and was 20 1/4” long- you are such a growing boy!
When you were born, your eyes were dark blue and are now turning brown.
You hated your bouncer at first, but now you LOVE it! I can turn on the music anytime during the time and it calms you. You are still too small for your swing though.
Our first week was rough because your daddy was taking the bar, and I had to take care of all the dirty diapers, feedings, etc. by myself. Because I had a c-section, I could not cradle you to feed you or even burp you for very long because it hurt my stomach too much. We practically lived upstairs that first week- climbing up and down the stairs was torture! Your daddy and I alternate waking up and changing your diaper/feeding and that gives us each a few hours of sleep. I am so thankful I have your daddy helping me…he is the best!
During the day you nap twice a day for 2-3 hours and at night you sleep 3-4 hours between feedings. Lately, you have been getting your days and nights mixed up, but we are working on that!

Your daddy and I love you so much, and these past two weeks have been the best weeks of our lives!

Maddox is here!!!

2010-07-27T22:01:00.001-05:00

WARNING- PICTURE OVERLOAD!!!

Maddox was born 7/21/10 at 2:13 p.m. weighing 7 lbs. 9.2 oz and was 20” long! He decided to grace us with his presence 9 days early which was a blessing to me and his daddy considering Wade is taking the BAR exam this week! I am so glad he is here and healthy, and Wade was able to be there for his birth. I will post his birth story later, but here are a few pics of my angel!

At the hospital getting induced! Maddox will be here tomorrow! Please keep us in your prayers!

2010-07-20T18:06:00.001-05:00

Published with Blogger-droid v1.4.8

Long Lost Post- Baby Shower

2010-07-17T11:49:00.001-05:00

I’m not sure how this never got posted, but I had my baby shower on Memorial Day Weekend in my hometown. I had a great time with family and friends, and we have been so blessed with generous gifts from everyone! We seriously have not had to spend a dime out of our pockets on anything for Maddox. The theme was “King of the Jungle,” and I loved every detail. Here are a few pics of the special day.

Chocolate Cake with Butter Cream Frosting made by Kayla Cupples…yum!

Canvas made by Sarah at Bee-Vine Creations to match his bedding.

Maddox’s backpack from Prints Charming. Love it! Sorry it is blurry.

Custom blocks for his nursery purchased from Etsy.

38 Weeks

2010-07-17T08:30:00.000-05:00

It is 4:18 a.m. and I cannot sleep again. I wake up every 1/2 hour to go potty, and I cannot seem to go back to sleep. I guess it’s just the Good Lord’s way of preparing me for what’s to come ANY DAY NOW! You hear that Maddox, you can come ANY DAY NOW!!! The last few days have been pretty uncomfortable- I’ve been having contractions on and off but not close enough together over an hour’s time. The low back pain is horrible and accompanied by these swollen gigantic feet, I am just ready to have a baby! For the past week, I have hurting when I walk, sit or stand but today I feel pretty good. Weird? I don’t have any back pain or any cramping. My sister is coming down this weekend to help me get the house ready for Maddox’s arrival since my doctor said I am supposed to “rest” at home and stay off my feet. Does she not know me? Not doing a thing is really hard, but in order to keep myself and Maddox safe, I gave in.

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 38 Weeks 1 Day

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 23 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: I don’t think maternity clothes fit me anymore!

Best Moment this week: hearing Maddox’s heartbeat

Gender: It’s a boy! Maddox Wade!

Movement: yes, and it is amazing! He has bony knees and elbows just like his mommy! ;)

Food Craving: chocolate milkshakes

What I miss: cold turkey sandwiches and sleeping on my stomach!

Sleep: not even in my vocabulary! I have to potty ever 1/2 hour and can never seem to fall back to sleep.

What I am looking forward to: My doctor’s appointment Wednesday and hopefully meeting Maddox SOON!!!

Belly Button: I can actually see it peeking through my shirts now.

Symptoms: contractions, low back pain and my boobies are now REALLY sore!

Doctor’s Appointment

2010-07-14T21:35:00.001-05:00

Today I had my 38 week doctor’s appointment which did not go as I expected. My blood pressure was high and there was protein in my urine, and along with the 3 pounds I gained in a week, my doctor said it looks as if I have preeclampsia. This past Monday I was sick the entire day- horrible headache and dizziness accompanied with nausea. Dr. P was very concerned and sent me down to get some lab work done and pee in a cup again- which I did not mind because Maddox is on my bladder and I usually potty every 30 minutes.

Dr. P told me that if the tests came back abnormal they would A.) put me in the hospital for 24 hours and monitor my blood pressure, etc. or B.) have me pee in the infamous jug for 24 hours then bring it in for them to test. I would also have to keep the urine cool which grosses me out because there is no way I am placing a jug of urine in my fridge. Yuck! If my levels were still high, they would talk about inducing. Around 6pm the doctor’s office called and said my lab work came back normal but there was still protein in my urine just not as high as before. So, no baby this week. :( They are going to keep monitoring my blood pressure for now.

I am still not dilated at all! I am so frustrated. I cannot walk sometimes because of the pressure down there, and it is not comfortable at all. I asked if I could walk, walk, walk and she said no, no, no because of the swelling in my legs and my blood pressure. If Maddox doesn’t arrive early, I pray he arrives late! Wade takes the BAR exam the week I am due, and I will freak out if I go into labor at home and am by myself. I know the Good Lord is watching out for us, and we just want Maddox to be a healthy baby. Oh, and I am pretty sure I lost my mucus plug tonight, so I hope our meeting isn’t too far away. :)

Here are a few pics Wade took after we got home from the doctor. Please excuse the way I look…

I look HUGE from this angle.

Bad Case of the Lazies and Full Term!

2010-07-13T10:44:00.001-05:00

I am Full Term! That is such an amazing feeling!

I know I have been a bad blogger recently as I have been extremely busy at work training the new girl who we hired to take my position. Last Friday was my last day at work, and even though today is my second day of not working, I am about to go crazy staying at the house! I have all of Maddox’s clothes, blankets, washclothes, etc. washed and waiting on him to make his grand entrance! The only thing I have left to do is wash his bottles and install his carseat. We have the swing, bouncer and play gym put together. I can’t believe I am about to be a Mom! The past few weeks the only thoughts that have consumed my mind are Who will he look like? Will he have my nose or the hubby’s? Will he have my dimples? Gosh, I am just so dang excited and ready to meet him! :)

I had a doctor’s appointment last Wednesday, and I gained another 4 pounds since my last appt. 2 weeks earlier. Those milkshakes are catching up with me! Ha! Dr. Parker said I was “almost” dilated 1 cm. Ugh! Are you sure? Every time I get up and walk, I feel as if he will just fall out of me. Maddox is head down, and she told me to start walking and doing squats and lunges. Dr. P also said the same way that made our baby will make the baby come also. Yeah, no thank you! Who has the energy to do that? I’ll keep walking!

I have felt like a blimp this week, and the hubs has been at the library studying for the BAR so no picture from last week. :(

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 37 Weeks 4 days

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 20 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: even these are uncomfortable now!

Best Moment this week: reaching full-term

Gender: It’s a boy! Maddox Wade!

Movement: yes, and it is amazing! He has bony knees and elbows just like his mommy! ;)

Food Craving: chocolate milkshakes

What I miss: cold turkey sandwiches and sleeping on my stomach!

Sleep: not even in my vocabulary! Every two hours I wake up and have to potty and to also rotate side to side in the bed.

What I am looking forward to: I have a doctor’s appt. tomorrow, and I am praying I have dilated at least 1 cm. We are also going to talk about induction because the hubby takes the BAR exam the week of my due date.

Belly Button: I can actually see it peeking through my shirts now.

Symptoms: contractions, low back pain and my boobies are now REALLY sore!

9 Months! :))))

2010-07-04T13:21:00.001-05:00

Wow! I am nine months pregnant and loving it! I can’t believe in just 26 days or less, I will meet my son! It is so surreal!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 36 weeks 2 days

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 16 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: LOVE them!

Best Moment this week: reaching the 9th month mark!!! So exciting!

Gender: It’s a boy! Maddox Wade!

Movement: yes, and it is amazing! He has bony knees and elbows just like his mommy! ;)

Food Craving: This past week I started craving chocolate milkshakes. I actually sent dear hubby to get one for me one night along with our supper, and he forgot to order it. Needless to say, it was not a pleasant night for him. ;) I am constantly thirsty and love apple juice, water and milk.

What I miss: cold turkey sandwiches and sleeping on my stomach!

Sleep: not even in my vocabulary!

What I am looking forward to: weekly doctor’s appt on 7/7 and hopefully, I will have made some progress!

Belly Button: I can actually see it peeking through my shirts now.

Symptoms: contractions, low back pain and my boobies are now REALLY sore!

35/35 (well, as of today only 33 days!)

2010-06-27T16:56:00.001-05:00

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 35 weeks 2 days

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 16 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: LOVE them!

Best Moment this week: hearing Maddox’s heartbeat and still feeling him move inside of me all the time! I think he actually turned a little this morning, so I am not sure if he is still head down?? Does this happen? I also started having contractions which are getting stronger, so I know the end is near!!! Oh, and also reaching the 35/35 mark this week! :)))))

Gender: It’s a boy! Maddox Wade!

Movement: yes, and it is amazing! He has bony knees and elbows just like his mommy! ;)

Food Craving: I don’t really have any food cravings, I just stay thirsty all the time! I love apple juice, water and milk.

What I miss: cold turkey sandwiches and sleeping on my stomach!

Sleep: not even in my vocabulary!

What I am looking forward to: my doctor’s appointment on 7/7 which is when she will check me, and then I go every week.

Belly Button: I can actually see it peeking through my shirts now.

Symptoms: contractions, low back pain and my boobies are now REALLY sore!

34 Weeks and Happy Father’s Day

2010-06-20T07:45:00.001-05:00

Bless your heart if you read this entire post…it is extremely long!

Today is a sad day for me because it is the third Father’s Day in three years I have not spent it with my dad. We live four hours away from my parents, so we usually make a trip home somewhere in between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and combine the two holidays. My dad is the best. Not only did he teach us the value of hard work growing up, but he taught us how to be compassionate and considerate towards others. My dad never passes anyone on the street or even in Wal-Mart that he does not know. I used to hate going to the grocery store or practically anywhere with my dad because I knew he would be in the store for hours just a chatting away. Over the past few years, I have come to really admire the man my dad is. He is so much like my grandfather, his dad. They never meet a stranger. My dad would give you the shirt off his back and help you in any way he can. I can’t wait to see him as a “Pappy” in just a few weeks when Maddox gets here. I just know my dad will give him the moon! :)

Three years ago this past August, we came close to losing my dad. He went in the hospital for a routine back procedure, and the doctor almost killed him. They performed the procedure and stitched my dad up, completely unaware of what the idiotic doctor just did. He cut an artery. I have asked myself over and over, how could he not know he cut an artery?? Basically, the artery was cut and my dad was stitched up while the inside of his body filled with blood. Sorry if TMI. His blood pressure basically dropped to zero. They couldn’t quite figure out what happened. After a week or so stay in the hospital and about 20 lbs. lighter, my dad was able to come home. I remember the first trip we made home after my dad’s surgery, my dad didn’t look like my dad. My dad is short- about 5’5 and 160 lbs. He always had chicken legs and a little belly. This time there was no belly. My mom was a rock for my dad during this time and quickly nursed him back to health at home. With my mom’s good southern ~~frying~~ cooking, my dad quickly gained his belly back. :) Happy Father’s Day, Daddy! I love you!

Now, I want to wish my sweet hubby a Happy Father’s Day! I am tearing up right now thinking about how in just a few short weeks, Wade will be a daddy! I can’t wait to celebrate that moment with him. I just know he is going to teach Maddox the value of hard work, how to properly mow a yard, how to not shank a golf ball, how everyone is innocent until proven guilty and most importantly, how to treat others. I know he is going to the best daddy to Maddox.

I also want to wish my sweet Father-in-Law a Happy Father’s Day! He is the best Poppy in the world! You see, in Wade’s family, there are already 7 grandchildren, so Maddox will be the 8th! Poppy loves spending time with his grandbabies, and I can’t wait until he and Wade can take little monkey to play golf and hunting. That is all Wade can talk about! Wade says he can’t wait until his “junior caddy” gets here! Happy Father’s Day, Poppy! Thanks for being a great father and role model to my husband. We love you!

NOW ONTO WEEK 34…THE END IS NEAR…YAY!!!

NO PICTURE THIS WEEK- MY DEAR SWEET HUBBY LEFT MY CAMERA AT HIS PARENTS’ HOUSE

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 34 weeks 2 days

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 14 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: LOVE them!

Best Moment this week: hearing monkey’s heartbeat even though it wasn’t under the best circumstances. You see, last Monday I started breaking out in a rash. Not a rash that itched, but a rash that hurt. On Thursday I noticed the rash wasn’t going away even though I was using an antibiotic cream. I went to the doctor, and it turns out I have Shingles!!! What? How the heck did I get shingles? I was so scared, not scared for me, but scared it could enter my blood stream or something and somehow Maddox could be harmed. My doctor gave me a week long Rx to take 3x a day which is making the rash dry up and itch. Apparently, shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox, which I had a severe case of on my 10th birthday. When I say severe, I had them down my throat. My mom would wake me up every 2 hours to make sure I was still breathing. Anywho, after you have chickenpox, the virus remains in the tissues in your nerves. As you get older, or if you have an illness or stress that weakens your immune system (aka pregnancy), the virus may reappear in the form of shingles.

Gender: It’s a boy! Maddox Wade!

Movement: yes, and it is amazing! He has bony knees and elbows just like his mommy! ;)

Food Craving: not really food cravings, but I stay thirsty all the time. I must have apple juice in the fridge at all times! Oh, I recently found a love for Ben & Jerry’s Creme Brulee ice cream!

What I miss: cold turkey sandwiches and sleeping on my stomach!

Sleep: not even in my vocabulary!

What I am looking forward to: my doctor’s appointment on Wednesday and packing my hospital bag today!

Belly Button: I can actually see it peeking through my shirts now.

Symptoms: horrible back pain and BH contractions. I have been having them off an on for a weeks now, but they are so irregular that my doctor is not worried.

Show Us Your Life- China Patterns

2010-06-12T15:48:00.001-05:00

So I know I am a few days last on posting this, but I am 33 weeks pregnant and getting lazier by the day! I love reading the Show Us Your Life posts over at Kelly’s Korner. This week is all about china patterns. When we got engaged, my sweet MIL told me she would buy our china for us as a wedding gift. At first I contemplated getting the Mikasa Parchment set, but I didn’t think we would use it at all. I mean, we were moving to Baton Rouge for Wade to start law school- and let’s face it- we knew we wouldn’t be throwing any dinner parties and would probably have to eat off the Dollar Menu at Mickey D’s for the first few months! Ha!

So, with that in mind, I chose the Butler’s Pantry pattern by Lenox. It is beautiful, and I just adore it! I think it can be used as casual dinnerware or even if you were throwing a dinner party. I must say that about 75% of the time we use paper plates, so these have RARELY been used! Both of these sets are Butler’s Pantry and look great mixed together. I also have a platter and the salt and pepper shakers. Did I mention it is very reasonably priced- only $150 for a 16 pc set! Can’t wait to see what everyone else chose or will choose!

33 Weeks and Doctor’s Appointment

2010-06-12T15:23:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I had my 33 week doctor’s appointment, and everything looked great. I have been having contractions for the last week or so, but my doctor didn’t want to check me for fear she might jumpstart something. Maddox is in the head-down position which makes me so giddy because I know the end is near. Even though people are telling me this will be the longest 7 weeks of my life!

My doctor, Dr. B, is 12 days away from her due date, and she starts her maternity leave on Monday. She set me up to start seeing her personal doctor for the next few weeks. Dr. B assures me that even though she will not be seeing patients in the clinic around my due date, she WILL deliver Maddox. I was so relieved because I wasn’t too keen on the idea of someone other than her delivering my baby. Dr. B hopes I can make it until July 20 which is when she actually returns from maternity leave. Wade and I still think he will be born sometime around July 17.

There are so many things I have to get done before Maddox gets here. We set the pack and play up which is going to be his bed for the few weeks we are still in Baton Rouge after he is born. It didn’t make sense to set up a crib only to take it down a few weeks later to move 4 hours away. I still have not washed his clothes or any blankets. We still have to set the swing up and put the bouncer together. I have to sterilize bottles which I won’t do for a few more weeks, but I get overwhelmed when I think of what all still has to be done. My last day of work is July 9, so I am going to use that time to get everything ready for my little monkey.

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 33 weeks 1 day

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 14 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: LOVE them!

Best Moment this week: seeing Maddox at our 4d ultrasound. He has chubby cheeks and plump lips! I can’t wait to kiss them both!

Gender: It’s a boy! Maddox Wade!

Movement: yes, and it is amazing! He moves about 12-15 hours a day. I love knowing he is doing great inside of me.

Food Craving: apple juice, chocolate milk, starburst

What I miss: cold turkey sandwiches and sleeping on my stomach!

Sleep: not even in my vocabulary! Whether it is going to the bathroom, waking up on my back or hip pain, I don’t even know the meaning of it anymore! I don’t mind because in 54 days or less I will meet my little man! He has been on a nerve lately because I can get off the couch to get something to drink, and I can’t walk and my entire left side is tingling.

What I am looking forward to: getting all of Maddox’s clothes and blankets washed and his baby gear put together. I can’t believe he will be here in less than 7 weeks!

Belly Button: I can actually see it peeking through my shirts now.

Symptoms: I have started getting nauseous in the mornings again (not sure what’s up with that?). BH contractions- I couldn’t walk because they were so uncomfortable, but they were irregular so my doctor wasn’t worried.

32 Weeks

2010-06-07T20:12:00.001-05:00

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 32 weeks 3 days

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 13 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: LOVE them!

Best Moment this week: having my baby shower last weekend in my hometown. It was so nice going back home and seeing my friends and family. We have received so many nice things for Maddox. We are truly blessed!

Gender: It’s a boy! Maddox Wade!

Movement: yes, and it is amazing! I love feeling him 12 hours a day and know he is doing great inside of me.

Food Craving: apple juice, chocolate milk, starburst

What I miss: cold turkey sandwiches and sleeping on my stomach!

What I am looking forward to: next Friday’s appointment. I was scheduled to go next Tuesday, but my doctor is about to go on maternity leave, and she was booked solid until Friday. Boo. Oh well, I can wait three more days to hear that precious heartbeat.

Belly Button: I’m starting to think it’s not going to pop. It is at the very edge of my belly so who knows!

Symptoms: I have started getting nauseous in the mornings again (not sure what’s up with that?). BH contractions~ these put me on the couch for a few hours last Wednesday night. I couldn’t walk because they were so uncomfortable, but they were irregular so my doctor wasn’t worried.

Nursery Design Board

2010-05-22T13:36:00.000-05:00

Nursery by melissa_ogt on Polyvore.com

29 Weeks

2010-05-17T19:59:00.000-05:00

First off I would like to apologize for not blogging in the past two weeks. The tiredness has really gotten to me. Overall, I am feeling pretty good except for horrible low back pain. I have also gotten nauseous a few times. As I am writing this, Maddox is kicking at my ribs pretty hard! He is such an active baby, and I probably feel him 12 hours a day! I cannot believe I will be 30 weeks pregnant on Friday! I keep telling everyone that the time has been flying by, but they inform me that when I get around 36 weeks, it will seem as if I will never have a baby! Ha!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 29 weeks 3 days

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 10 pounds

Maternity Clothes: LOVE them!

Best Moment this week: Feeling him move everyday is awesome! Friday night, I actually saw his leg! That was a surreal moment!

Gender: It’s a boy! Maddox Wade!

Movement: yes, and it is amazing! I think he is doing flips in there! He is very active after I’ve been on my feet a while and then decide to sit down…he thinks it’s time to play then! Wade loves to play music for him because my whole belly will start shaking from him “dancing”. He loves George Strait and Rascal Flatts! He now moves in response to me rubbing or tickling my belly, and it is so cute!

Food Craving: apple juice, fruit, honey nut cheerios

What I miss: cold turkey sandwiches and sleeping on my stomach!

Sleep: Wish I could get more of it! I am constantly waking up and catching myself sleeping on my back or going to potty!

What I am looking forward to: Next Tuesday's appointment and then going every 2 weeks! It's getting close!

Belly Button: it’s about to pop!

Symptoms: left hip pain, low back pain and BH contractions. I cannot sleep without a pillow between my knees.

27 Weeks

2010-04-30T19:36:00.001-05:00

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 27 weeks…only 90 days or less until Maddox is here!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 10 lbs. I gained 6 lbs in one month compared to my previous 4 pounds in 6 months!

Maternity Clothes: LOVE them!

Best Moment this week: hearing Maddox’s heartbeat at my doctor’s appointment. Wade learned to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on the guitar, and I have enjoyed Maddox “dancing” to his daddy’s music! :) Oh, I also passed my glucose test!!!

Gender: It’s a boy! Maddox Wade!

Food Craving: apple juice, fruit, honey nut cheerios

What I miss: cold turkey sandwiches and sleeping on my stomach!

Sleep: Wish I could get more of it! I am constantly waking up and catching myself sleeping on my back or going to potty!

What I am looking forward to: Next month’s monthly appt then I go every 2 weeks! Getting closer to meeting my little man!

Belly Button: it’s about to pop!

Symptoms: left hip pain and BH contractions. I cannot sleep without a pillow between my knees.

Here is the latest belly pic. I had to cover my face with the camera since I just got home from a long day’s work, and I look P.I.T.I.F.U.L!

Nursery Ideas

2010-04-28T19:11:00.000-05:00

This is the inspiration for Maddox’s nursery except the crib will be espresso. I am a sucker for all things monogrammed, so the rug immediately caught my eye! However, the price tag did not! Ouch…$349.00! I may try to replicate the design and make one for much less.

Restoration Hardware Baby & Child

This is the bedding (same in both pictures just different color cribs) we have chosen for Maddox’s room (I think!). It is timeless and classic which I love. It’s not too babyish either. My wonderful parents bought us an espresso crib which will match perfectly with the bedding. I think I will throw in a few polka dots here and there even though the hubby strongly disagrees! We are starting to look at houses in Monroe where Wade will be working after he finishes taking the Bar in July, so obviously, we will not be setting up a nursery down here but will wait until we move. He will be sleeping in a bassinet or a pack and play in our room for the month or so we are still here after he is born.

Wade’s grandmother is giving us this antique chifferobe that belonged to Wade’s great-grandmother. We will have it refinished to match the color of Maddox’s crib. The hanging rod will also come out and will be replaced with shelves. We are so grateful she is giving us this family heirloom!

I found this print on Etsy and fell in love! It will match the colors in his nursery perfectly!

This is where some polka dots will come in! I found these cute letters on Etsy too and can’t wait to order them.

Wade’s parents are buying us the glider for the nursery, and it will be in ivory. I originally wanted the chocolate one, but I didn’t want his nursery to look like it threw up brown! Ha! So the ivory will be a nice contrast to the dark woods. We are so blessed to have such wonderful parents!

I would love to order this chair for Maddox. Isn’t it cute?! Now we just need a house so I can decorate his nursery!!!

27 Week Appointment

2010-04-27T20:24:00.001-05:00

Today, I had the dreaded glucose test, which, much to my surprise, wasn’t bad at all! I have heard all sorts of horror stories about the test and the horrible sugary fruit drink. I got to choose between the orange and fruit punch, and from what everyone was telling me, I chose orange. It tasted like over-sugared generic kool-aid. The lab tech gave me the small bottle which I had to drink in 5 minutes! I thought, oh that’s no problem, since I had just hiked a mile in the heat from my parking spot to the front door. I barely drink it all within 5 minutes. I guess it was just too sweet, so I had a hard time drinking a lot at one time.

I had to wait an hour to have my blood drawn after drinking it, so I went ahead and saw my doctor. She said I am measuring right on time, and Maddox weighs just over 2 lbs! As soon as she put the doppler on my belly, Maddox kicked so hard that I thought I was going to fall off the table! I think it scared my doctor because she quickly jerked the doppler away! I think she messed up his nap time! Ha! Wait…what am I thinking…what nap…he never sleeps! I feel him now probably 12 hours a day, and he is one hyper baby! Oh, did I mention I gained 6 lbs since my last appointment?! What? Are you kidding me? In my first 6 months, all I gained was 4, and now I have gained 6 in 4 weeks! I knew I have gained a little bit of weight because I am out of breath now just walking up and down our stairs and even bending down to pick something up. I have now gained a total of 13 lbs, but I don’t mind because I know Maddox is a healthy growing boy. I have my last monthly visit next month, and then I will start going every 2 weeks! Not that much longer until I get to hold my sweet baby!

After my doctor’s appointment, I went back to get my blood drawn, and I thought I was going to pass out! There is just something about blood that makes me light headed and woozy (is that a word?). My doctor called about 5:15 and said I passed with flying colors. PTL! I will be sure to upload a belly pic with my 27 week post this Friday!

Thank You Notes

2010-04-24T09:38:00.001-05:00

I ordered these from Natalie at Nat Kat Designs, and I love them! Besides designing paper products, she also paints canvases! I have a few ideas for Maddox’s nursery that I can’t wait to run by her. Natalie is very talented and her prices are great too! Thanks, Natalie!

26 WEEKS

2010-04-23T19:50:00.001-05:00

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 26 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 4 pounds so far, but I will find out for sure Tuesday at my doctor’s appt.

Maternity Clothes: LOVE them!

Best Moment this week: being only double digits away from meeting Maddox!

Gender: It’s a boy! Maddox Wade!

Food Craving: pasta, fruit

What I miss: cold turkey sandwiches and sleeping on my stomach!

Sleep: Wish I could get more of it! I am constantly waking up and catching myself sleeping on my back or going to potty!

What I am looking forward to: my doctor’s appt on the 27th except the glucose test. :(

Belly Button: it’s about to pop!

Symptoms: left hip pain which wakes me up about 3-4 times a night. I must sleep with a pillow between my knees.

I will try to have Wade take a picture of me when he gets home from the library if it’s not too late. I have to get better with these pictures so I can have something to put in his baby book!

25 WEEKS

2010-04-16T19:59:00.001-05:00

I have been such a slacker. I have no excuse for not blogging lately except just a bad case of the lazies! I cannot seem to get motivated to do anything when I get home from work. I am rarely cooking supper these days. Wade doesn’t come home from the library until around midnight so I usually do not cook just for myself. I have become really tight with the Subway staff and the Chinese take-out staff! Ha! I have been really tired lately, and I think all this constant going is finally catching up with me. I don’t even like going shopping anymore on the weekends if you can believe that! I debated on whether or not posting a pic, but everyone has been asking, so here goes…

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 25 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 4 pounds so far

Maternity Clothes: LOVE them!

Best Moment this week: having a spa weekend with my SILs and MIL

Gender: It’s a boy! Maddox Wade!

Food Craving: pasta, fruit

What I miss: cold turkey sandwiches and sleeping on my stomach!

Sleep: Wish I could get more of it! I am constantly waking up and catching myself sleeping on my back or going to potty!

What I am looking forward to: my doctor’s appt on the 27th except the glucose test. :(

Belly Button: it’s about to pop!

Symptoms: round ligament pain low back pain

Week 23- last week

2010-04-07T20:11:00.001-05:00

Oops…I just realized I forgot to post my 23rd week post last Friday! We went to my hometown for Easter, and I got caught up visiting with everyone, and honestly just plain forgot!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 23 weeks 5 days

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 4 pounds

Maternity Clothes: I love my pants, but I am also loving dresses and skirts right now!

Best Moment this week: Visiting with family for Easter and purchasing our travel system and crib!

Gender: It’s a boy! Maddox Wade!

Food Craving: pasta, fruit

What I miss: cold turkey sandwiches and sleeping on my stomach!

Sleep: Wish I could get more of it! I am constantly waking up and catching myself sleeping on my back or going to potty!

What I am looking forward to: my doctor’s appt on the 27th

Belly Button: it’s about to pop!

Symptoms: round ligament pain and cramps in both legs! ugh!

This is the crib we (well, my mom and dad) bought for Maddox, and I LOVE it! I would not have picked it out for a girl, but it is perfect for a little boy!

My aunt got us this travel system. Wade and I have been so blessed and have received so many wonderful gifts for Maddox.

Look What I Got In The Mail…

2010-03-31T21:49:00.001-05:00

My diaper bag! It is the Vera Bradley Java Blue Baby Bag, and I am in L.O.V.E!!!

Melts My Heart

2010-03-31T18:44:00.001-05:00

Words cannot express how much I love Maddox. When I think about how God has chosen me to be his mom, I just want to bawl my eyes out because I know I have been truly blessed! I have enjoyed my last three doctor’s appointments because I have gotten to see him each time! I love seeing how much he’s grown since the last visit. Just thought I would post his cute profile pic! =)

Doctor's Appointment

2010-03-30T18:19:00.000-05:00

Today was my monthly doctor's appointment, and we got to see Maddox again! We had another ultrasound today to make sure everything was okay with his heart because the radiologist did not get good enough pictures the first time. My doctor confirmed everything looks good with Maddox, and he is right on track! Weight wise, he is measuring 4 days ahead, and he already weighs a whopping 1 1/2 pounds! He is such an active baby...he kicked, punched, somersaulted and danced for about 30 minutes last night! We danced to I Pray for You last night, and it was so funny watching my stomach move! I love getting to feel him every night, and I am so glad Wade has been feeling him kick for the past three weeks!

It still took the radiologist about ten minutes to get the right views of his heart because he would not stop moving! She kept saying, "baby, will you please be still for me?". She finally got the pictures she needed, and I was so glad because the harder she pressed on my stomach, the harder he would kick me! He is lying very low and right on my bladder...thus the reason for my 3-5 bathroom visits a night. I am having round ligament pain and bought a snoogle a while ago, but stopped using it, but I think I am going to start using it again tonight. I've been waking up just about every night with either cramps in my legs or sharp pains in my hips. Oh well, I don't mind because I LOVE being pregnant!

I have gained a whopping 4 pounds so far during my pregnancy! I really thought I have gained about 10 pounds since my last visit, as my belly is the size of a basketball! I will have to post some belly shots soon! I have to do the glucose test on April 27 so please pray for me! Hope everyone has a good week!

22 Weeks and Baby Liam

2010-03-28T08:33:00.001-05:00

I know I say this each time, but I cannot believe how quickly this pregnancy has gone by! I cannot believe I am 22 weeks already! I am feeling pretty good, except for some round ligament pain, and I am starting to get tired again. It is probably because I have a basketball strapped to my belly! Ha! I am looking forward to my monthly doctor’s visit on Tuesday. We have another ultrasound to view his heart only, because the radiologist did not get good enough pictures in my doctor’s opinion. She doesn’t think anything is wrong and his heart rate is always excellent, but she wants to get better views just to make sure. Hopefully, Maddox will pose for the camera! :)

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 22 weeks 2 days

Total Weight Gain/Loss: will find out Tuesday at my doctor’s appointment

Maternity Clothes: I love my pants, but I am also loving dresses and skirts right now!

Best Moment this week: Feeling Maddox move A LOT! I think he is doing flips or something in there! He is very active after I’ve been on my feet a while and then decide to sit down…he thinks it’s time to play then! Wade gets to feel him kick pretty much every night.

Gender: It’s a boy! Maddox Wade!

Movement: yes, and it is amazing!

Food Craving: pasta, fruit

What I miss: cold turkey sandwiches and sleeping on my stomach!

Sleep: Wish I could get more of it! I am constantly waking up and catching myself sleeping on my back or going to potty!

What I am looking forward to: seeing Maddox on Tuesday!

Belly Button: it’s about to pop!

Symptoms: round ligament pain and cramps in both legs! ugh!

Last Sunday, my cousin Kelleye, had her baby boy Liam. We went to New Orleans to visit with them yesterday, but I was only able to get one picture because I held him pretty much the whole time. He was so precious and so tiny, and I can’t wait to hold Maddox in my arms!

Baby Liam. I just love him so much! He has the prettiest blue eyes.

Jason, the proud daddy, and Liam

Diaper Bag

2010-03-23T10:08:00.000-05:00

I have been searching for three weeks, ever since we found out we are having a boy, for a diaper bag. It is really hard to find a boys' diaper bag! There are so many cute bags for a little girl, but the only thing I could find for boys was mostly camouflage, trucks, tractors or boats, none of which I wanted. I have been searching etsy, ebay and googling diaper bags what seems like every day. Then, I came across the java blue collection at Vera Bradley and fell in love! I ordered the java blue baby bag and can't wait to get it in the mail. This is the description on their website: Our latest Baby Bag has a total of 11 pockets inside and out, including a full zippered back, and holds everything from bottles to extra clothes. We've added a special clip for disappearing pacifiers and lined the interior for easy cleaning. Also includes a 26" x 14" terry-covered changing pad with coordinating trim. And for $97.00 which includes a changing pad, you can't beat that!

This is not the color I got, but I do love the fabric. This is the Sittin' in a Tree bag. So cute! For some reason the java blue picture did not save right, so I will just have to show you this one.

21 Weeks, Registry and Birthday

2010-03-21T17:33:00.001-05:00

Hope everyone had a great weekend! We sure did, but it was a very busy one! This past Friday was my half day to work, so Wade picked me up to celebrate my birthday (the big 25!), and he said we could do whatever I wanted. Boy, is he regretting he said that! A lot of friends have been asking if I had registered yet, so I told Wade I wanted to go to Babies R Us and register, and he reluctantly agreed. First of all, registering is not me…at all. I hated to do our wedding registry, so I was not looking forward to registering again. We walked in, and suddenly I became so excited! Looking at all the little boy clothes that I would love to see Maddox in was just awesome! We have been blessed immensely with the gifts we have received so far for our baby. It seems even more real now that we have his stroller, crib and play yard already bought off our registry, and we can’t be more excited about his arrival!

Friday night we went to the LSU/AR baseball game, and we got our butts kicked, but we still had a good time! Saturday, we watched The Bounty Hunter with Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler, and we were kinda disappointed. I guess we had high expectations because of the previews, and I am a HUGE Gerard Butler fan, but this movie didn’t do it for me. After the movie, we went to Longhorn Steakhouse for an early dinner. We ordered the shrimp and lobster dip which was FABULOUS! The appetizer was actually the best part of our meal! Wade ordered the ribeye which was not seasoned well at all, and I ordered grilled chicken with a stuffed mushroom and loaded baked potato. The chicken reminded me of a turkey breast with turkey gravy at Thanksgiving…way too much Sage in the gravy! Not to mention, my potato was cold! All in all, I had a great birthday, and I cannot wait to celebrate it next year because I will be a Mommy! :)

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 21 weeks 2 days

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I’m shooting for 5 at my next doctor’s appt!

Maternity Clothes: need more!

Gender: It’s a boy! Maddox Wade!

Movement: yes, and it is amazing!

Food Craving: pickles, fruit, Italian

What I miss: cold turkey sandwiches and sleeping on my stomach!

Sleep: Wish I could get more of it! I am constantly waking up and catching myself sleeping on my back or going to potty!

What I am looking forward to: my next ultrasound on March 30!
Belly Button: it’s about to pop!

Symptoms: left hip pain and low back pain

Oh How I Love Monograms!

2010-03-18T17:32:00.000-05:00

I ordered this onesie, hat and burp cloth from a sweet lady who has an Etsy shop called Pitter Patter Lane. She makes the cutest things at very reasonable prices. I just love it!

20 Weeks and Shopping!

2010-03-13T16:13:00.001-06:00

Hope everyone is having a good weekend! Last weekend, I did not get to do my 19th week post because I went back home and stayed the weekend with my parents so my mom, sisters and myself could do a little shopping! I cannot believe that I am 20 weeks…wow…the time has flown by, and I only hope the second half goes by just as fast if not faster! I can’t wait to meet my little monkey! I am starting to gain weight. I think I’ve gained a few pounds since my appointment last week. I guess this is because food actually tastes good now, and the sight of it doesn’t make me sick anymore! Here are a few pics of what Maddox has in his closet so far!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 20 weeks 1 day

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 1 pound at last week’s appt.

Maternity Clothes: I have a few pairs of jeans and they are so comfortable!

Gender: It’s a boy! Maddox Wade!

Movement: yes, and it is amazing!

Food Craving: fruit and peanut butter

What I miss: cold turkey sandwiches and sleeping on my stomach!

Sleep: Wish I could get more of it! I am constantly waking up and catching myself sleeping on my back or going to potty!

What I am looking forward to: my next ultrasound on March 30!
Belly Button: In for now!

Symptoms: left hip pain and low back pain

Maddox’s Easter outfit for next year! I couldn’t resist…each piece was 60% off!

Beach outfit for $2.99! Score!

I love plaid shorts/pants! I think they look so cute on little boys! I think Wade has a pair just like these!

Wade bought this for Maddox right after we found out it was a boy! Daddy has a golfing buddy now!

My sister, Casey and her husband, Jared, bought Maddox these cute baseball onesies! Jared is the assistant coach for ULM baseball so I have a feeling Maddox will be getting a lot of baseball and ULM clothes!

OH BOY!

2010-03-03T19:03:00.000-06:00

We had our ultrasound today, and can you believe I waited almost 45 minutes? The anticipation was killing me! We went to the exam room, and the tech started on the anatomy scan. She asked if we had any names picked out, and we told her Addison for a girl and Maddox for a boy. She started trying to get a glimpse of what was in between the legs, but couldn't for a while because the baby was playing with the cord. It was so funny because the baby looked like he was swinging off a vine like George of the Jungle! Ha! Then, we saw the baby's hand swat the cord out of the way, and then we saw it...clear as day it is a BOY!

Wade is so proud to be having a son, and he hasn't stopped smiling all day! After our doctor's appointment, we went to Babies R Us, and Wade picked out the cutest little golf outfit- a pair of plaid shorts and a white polo shirt with a golf club on it! As soon as we saw the profile of his face, we knew he didn't look like a "Maddox". So back to the notepad to find a name for our lil Monkey (my new nickname for him). Hopefully, we will have a name by Friday when we head back to our hometown because I am going shopping with my mom and sisters, and I will HAVE to buy something monogrammed! :)

Pink or Blue?

2010-03-02T20:07:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow at 1:45 p.m. we will find out what our little angel is! We are so excited, but I actually had to convince Wade we should find out the sex! He wanted it to be a surprise, but I am a planner by nature, so this was totally out of the question! Doesn't he know I have to get things monogrammed?! I have to plan how I will decorate the nursery. And did I mention I have to get things monogrammed?!!!

After the ultrasound/anatomy scan, we have a doctor's appointment so we can discuss the scan to make sure everything is okay. I can't wait to see my little peanut tomorrow! I will post tomorrow night after we get home...dear hubby is taking me shopping after our appointment! I can't wait to buy PINK or BLUE!!!

18 Weeks and a Sweet Tooth

2010-02-27T14:43:00.001-06:00

It seems like these past few weeks I have been craving sweets! I came across the new Hershey's Bliss in white chocolate last week in Wal-Mart, and they are just that...pure Bliss! As soon as you put it in your mouth, the chocolate starts to melt all at once, and it is soooo good! I can't describe how I feel when I eat this chocolate except I. Am. In. Heaven! It really is the best white chocolate I have ever eaten! At first I started to shy away from it, since it is about $4.00 for 8 1/2 ounces, but I am so glad I bought it! I am also glad that Easter is around the corner because the candy aisle in Wal-Mart has become my best friend! Snickers eggs, Reese eggs, Starburst jelly beans, you name it...I have eaten them all in the past few weeks!

So, Wednesday is the big day when we find out what Baby H is, and we are curious to see what everyone thinks the baby is. Most of my side with a few exceptions think it's a girl, and so do Wade and I. I have always thought I would have all girls, and I just couldn't see myself with a boy. However, I would love to have a boy first and then a girl so he can look after his little sister!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 18W1D

Total Weight Gain/Loss: we will see Wednesday!

Maternity Clothes: I have a few pairs of jeans and they are so comfortable!

Best Moment this week: feeling Baby H move! It is the best feeling in the world!

Gender: we will find out Wednesday

Movement: yes, and it is amazing!

Food Craving: anything sweet!

What I miss: cold turkey sandwiches and sleeping on my stomach!

Sleep: Wish I could get more of it! My left hip has been killing me, and I am constantly waking up and catch myself sleeping on my back!

What I am looking forward to: Wednesday!
Belly Button: In for now!

Symptoms: left hip pain and low back pain

17 WEEKS 5 DAYS

2010-02-24T21:29:00.001-06:00

I don’t know how the time has been getting away from me, but it seems just yesterday I was posting my 16th week, and I am now almost 18 weeks! Originally, we were supposed to find out on March 9 what we were having, but due to some scheduling conflicts with a trial I have going on at work, I had to change my appointment and luckily, they could fit me in a week earlier! We will find out next Wednesday, March 3 what we are having, and I am so excited I can barely sleep just thinking that next week I can start buying pink or blue! My good friends, Drew and Mandy, just found out they are having twin girls, and I am so excited for them! Maybe we’ll have a boy so that way one of the girls will have a prom date for sure! ;) Wade tells me for our bank account’s sake, we need to have a boy! Ha! Here are a few pics that my dear husband took tonight. I really don’t think I look this big, but I guess certain clothes make me look like I am 8 months pregnant! I am anxious to see how much weight I’ve gained since 3 weeks ago, I still have yet to gain a pound! Sorry for the tired and no make up look, but it was a rough day at work, and I am very very sleepy!

I will be back for my 18th week post in a few days! :)

Crib Bedding

2010-02-16T16:56:00.001-06:00

On March 9 we will find out what Baby House is, and I can’t wait! I have been looking online at crib bedding and cribs, and these are a few of my favorites for a boy and girl.

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So far, this is the crib I plan on having my mom purchase for us. Either in the black or the espresso (for the last boy bedding option) depending on the sex of the baby.

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This is my first choice for the girl bedding except I will add a 3” pink border to the bottom of the skirt. Her name will be monogrammed in the white portion of the bumper. It is very cute and playful. I love it!

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This is my second choice for the girl bedding. I will have the name monogrammed in the pink portion of the bumper. It is so chic, and I am just in love with it!

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Looks like I have too many choices for girl bedding! I love how luxurious this fabric is and will go beautifully with the black crib I plan on getting. I must say I have been looking at mostly girl items! I have always dreamt of having a mini me to dress up and spoil rotten! :)

This is my first choice for the boy bedding. I couldn’t find a bigger picture. It is black and white toile, stripes and gingham. I just adore the pom fringe on the skirt!

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I love how fun this bedding is! The colors are perfect, and I just love it! I would add a 3” chocolate brown border to the bottom of the skirt. If I end up getting this bedding, I will order the espresso crib.

Happy Mardi Gras to all of my Louisiana friends! Laissez les bon temps roulez! I have enjoyed my day off work even though I had to go grocery shopping and do laundry! :) I have to take my banana nut bread out of the oven before it burns!

Week 16

2010-02-14T15:55:00.000-06:00

I think this past week has been my best week so far! All of a sudden I had a burst of energy and began cooking and cleaning again! Poor Wade had gotten used to eating sandwiches and fast food for supper! :) My doctor's appointment went great. I still have not gained a pound, but she said I may gain only 15 pounds the entire time! She said every woman gains weight differently, and I am one of the lucky ones, and this should not affect the baby. She did tell me to try and eat more which I don't have a problem with since I have my appetite back. I have been cramping lately, so to be on the safe side, I had a cervical ultrasound which came back fine. My doctor wanted to make sure I wasn't contracting or anything. I tried to convince the ultrasound tech to take a peek and let us know the gender, but there were like 6 ladies ahead of me, and they were backed up. I was a little upset but we will find out on March 9, and I cannot wait! It will be so exciting to finally start calling the baby by his/her name and to start shopping!!!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 16 weeks 2 days

Total Weight Gain/Loss: still zero

Maternity Clothes: I have a few pairs of jeans and they are sooo comfortable!

Best Moment this week: scheduling our ultrasound for March 9 to find out the sex!

Gender: we will find out soon!

Movement: not yet

Food Craving: peanut butter and fruit

What I miss: cold turkey sandwiches and sleeping on my stomach!

Sleep: Wish I could get more of it! These potty breaks are killing me! ;)

What I am looking forward to: March 9!
Belly Button: In, and I hope it stays that way!

Symptoms: None

Week 15 and feeling great!

2010-02-06T07:22:00.001-06:00

Wow, I cannot believe I am fifteen weeks already! It has been two weeks since I last posted due mainly to extreme exhaustion and nausea. Last weekend I had a migraine that lasted for three days, and I don't think I have ever felt any worse! I am always on the go, so to be lying on the couch for three days straight was a killer for me. I had planned to go to New Orleans for my cousin's baby shower and go shopping so my weekend was ruined! I was fine on Monday so I did go to work, and I have been feeling great ever since! I am so glad to have my energy and appetite back, and I even think I may have gained a pound from all the ice cream and chips I've been eating! This whole eating and holding down food thing is new to me, so I have not gained a pound since I have been pregnant. I actually weight seven pounds less than before I was pregnant! I can't wait to go to the doctor on Tuesday to see if I've gained any weight (is it bad that I want to gain weight?!)...I know if I haven't, I am going to be in trouble this time!

Pregnancy Highlights

Total Weight Gain/Loss: none so far…we will see when I go to the doctor on Tuesday because my belly sure has been growing! :)
Maternity Clothes: a few pairs of pants and they are great!
Best Moment this week: Making it this far!
Gender: We will find out not this Tuesday but my next appointment!
Movement: none yet
Food Craving: chips, fruit
What I miss: A medium rare steak from Outback and cold turkey sandwiches!

What I am looking forward to: finding out the first of March if it’s a boy or a girl!

Symptoms: low back pain

12 weeks

2010-01-15T14:08:00.004-06:00

I went to the doctor this past Tuesday, and we finally got to hear the heartbeat! It was the best sound I have ever heard. It took the doctor a little while to find the heartbeat so I was kinda freaking out, but she finally found it and peanut was so hyper! My doctor said he/she was dancing! So cute! The heartbeat was around 170...will it start to slow down and then reach it's steady rate or is this a sign it's going to be a girl?! I really hope this will be my last week of "all day" sickness, but I am going to enjoy it because everything is going by so quickly! I can't believe next Friday I will start my second trimester!

How far along? 12 weeks

How big is Baby? 2.1 inches and the size of a plum
Total weight gain/loss: I guess my scales are different from the doctor's because I have gained zero. If I haven't gained any weight by the next appointment, I will be in a tad bit of trouble!
Maternity clothes?  not yet, but I think I am going to buy some pants this weekend!
Stretch marks? No, and I hope it stays that way!
Sleep:  okay I guess. I wake up a few times to go to the bathroom
Best moment this week:  Hearing peanut's heartbeat...it was music to our ears!
Movement: too soon
Food cravings: I like bland foods like tomato soup, chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Gender: Too soon to know, but it doesn't matter as long as it's healthy!
Labor Signs: none
Belly Button in or out?  in
What I am looking forward to:  starting the second trimester!

Milestones: My last week of the first trimester! This is going by so fast!

11 Weeks

2010-01-10T16:58:00.001-06:00

Yep...you read it right! Wade and I are expecting! We found out two days before Thanksgiving, and we had so much to be thankful for this past holiday season! We are so excited and over the moon and cannot wait to become parents! Besides our wedding day, that was the happiest day of our life! I was a day late, which I have not been a day late in the past six months, and had been feeling a little dizzy the previous mornings. Wade was busy with finals, so I did not want to bother him with any of this, so I took a test when I got home from work, and there it was...two pink lines! The only thing I could do was stare at it, start crying, stare at it again, cry again. It was the most amazing moment! I was in shock and actually texted Wade a picture of the test with a message at the bottom saying "Hey, daddy!" My phone does not take good pictures at all, so he called asking what the picture was, and I told him, and he was so excited! He had been at the library studying all day, and I couldn't wait for him to get home and celebrate! I wanted to wait until Christmas to tell everyone, but Wade could not wait. We wrote a letter to my parents and Wade's parents as if it were written from the baby. We had everything planned out, and couldn't wait to go to Oak Grove the next day for Thanksgiving. It was a great holiday and weekend that we spent with our family, and we cannot wait to welcome Baby House into this world! I am due August 1 which is 2 days after the last day Wade takes the bar, so this will be a very busy summer for us! Here is where I am in the pregnancy so far...

How far along? 11 weeks 2 days

How big is Baby? 1.6 inches and the size of a lime
Total weight gain/loss: 1 pound but I actually lost 2 pounds in the beginning from the nausea
Maternity clothes?  not yet but I am loving the BeBand
Stretch marks? No, and I hope it stays that way!
Sleep:  off and on...I keep waking up to use the bathroom
Best moment this week:  Just enjoying reading all my new pregnancy books and how the baby is growing each week
Movement: too soon
Food cravings: I like bland foods like tomato soup, chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Gender: Too soon to know, but it doesn't matter as long as it's healthy!
Labor Signs: none
Belly Button in or out?  in
What I am looking forward to:  hearing the baby's heartbeat on Tuesday!
Milestones: Baby House is now considered a fetus!

Fall Decor

2009-11-10T20:31:00.005-06:00

I made this fall sign after admiring it on Jen’s blog. They are dollar frames from where else- the dollar store and scrapbook paper that I got on sale for 10 cents at Hobby Lobby. I printed out the letters in different fonts on the computer and voila- beautiful and inexpensive fall decor!

I already had the red candles so I hot glued some Thanksgivingy ribbon around them. For Christmas I will hot glue Christmassy ribbon around them- inexpensive fix!

Dollar store pumpkins again!

I did not decorate much for Fall because I always put out my Christmas decor it seems before Thanksgiving, and plus, I just don’t have a lot of fall decor since we are temporarily living in a townhouse. I have accumulated a lot of Christmas decor over the past few years so that is what I’ve been using. I got the big apothecary jar at TJ Maxx for $9.99. Can you imagine my squeal when I spotted it from afar and practically out ran a lady with two kids in her buggy! I was super duper excited! I just filled the jars with leaves, pumpkins and pine cones from the dollar store. For Christmas, I will be spray painting all the pine cones instead of paying $10.00 for 6 of them at Tar-jay. The cabinet door is from my grandparent’s first house they built back in the 1950’s. My grandpa throws nothing away, and he has a shop where he does his woodwork, so I went snooping around one evening and found a lot of cabinet doors and they came home with me! I have a chalkboard project to do with one of them which I will be posting later.

My .25 cent Goodwill jar find with a painted pumpkin and leaves. I bought a lot of orange pumpkins from the dollar store and painted them all!

Mercury glass. I am loving that look this year! I got this candlestick from Macy’s on the clearance table. It is by Martha Stewart and was $5.00! The regular price was $29.00 I believe. Here are some of the ones I wish I could afford from Ballard’s.

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LOVE LOVE LOVE these, but my budget does not! Prices range from $29.00-$65.00! Ouch!

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HAPPY FALL YA’LL! My Christmas boxes are making their way downstairs, so I will be posting pics of Christmas decor soon!

WHO DAT?!

2009-11-10T20:03:00.000-06:00

Lately, I just can't enough of that saying. WHO DAT?! WHO DAT SAY GONE BEAT DEM SAINTS? WHO DAT?! See- told ya! Anywho, I can't believe the Saints are 8-0 for the first time in their franchise history! Even though I am a woman, I LOVE football! Growing up in the south, going to football games is what you did on Friday nights in high school, then Saturdays in college and Sundays in the pros. Fall is my favorite season not only because of the smells of cinnamon and spices and the beautiful crisp fall leaves but because Fall means ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL! Sorry for the Hank Williams Jr. reference!

Living only an hour away from New Orleans, Wade and I have been to a lot of Hornets basketball games, but this was our first Saints game, and we were so excited! My cousin has season tickets, so he gave us his two since they played the Atlanta Falcons on a Monday night. Note to self- never go to a 7:30 p.m. game on a Monday night/work day again! I think we finally got in he bed around 1:45! The next day at work was horrible! I don't think the anyone living in NOLA worked that Monday. We got to the game around 3pm and there must have been a million fans tailgating and drinking since that morning. I even heard that some people started celebrating on Sunday! Here are some pics from the game. Drew Brees- if you're reading this--- I lurve lurve lurve you! *blows a kiss* I yelled for you at the game and even wore your jersey, but I think every woman there had on a #9 jersey!

On our way to see the Saints play!!!!! Hooray!!!!

Don’t pay attention to my ULM undershirt! It was the only black shirt I had! haha

The whole reason I went to the game….to see my future husband! hehe

GEAUX SAINTS!!!!!!!!!!!! AND TIGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love this necklace…I made it out of wooden beads from Hobby Lobby that I painted and strung them on gold and purple ribbon!

Me & Carley

Wade snapped a pic of me after 7 longggg hours of tailgating! This girl was pooped! Plus, we lost to Florida that game! *sticks out tongue* After watching the LSU/BAMA game this past Saturday, the SEC officials are biased and wanting to see BAMA and Florida in the championship game. They must be getting paid big time! Why not just let the teams play, Peterson clearly intercepted the football late in the fourth quarter, and since the call went against us, we lost. All’s I can say is GO TEXAS!!!!

Happy Birthday!

2009-09-29T13:49:00.001-05:00

Our niece, Elizabeth turned one last month, and we went to Calhoun for her birthday party. I worked a half day that Friday so we drove for four hours to Monroe. We spent the night with my sister and brother in law and had a great time! Casey, Kayla and I went shopping, and the guys played the Wii as usual. We ate lunch at the mall after an hour or so of shopping, and got back on the road once again. The weekend was full of driving (well, riding for me =)). Elizabeth just started walking around her birthday, and is in love with shoes! She just stares at everyone’s shoes like t hey are the coolest things! Wade and I got her a pair of Crocs for her birthday, and she loves them! Leslie, Wade’s sister, sent me a picture of her rockin the Crocs! Leslie said Elizabeth grabs her shoes and points to the door and says “out” at least twice a day.

She is still not saying mama yet but says dada all the time. Is dada (spelling?) easier to say and that’s why they always say it before mama? Just curious. Leslie had a cupcake station for all the kiddos to make their own with all sorts of colors of frosting and toppings. They were so yummy and blew my diet out of the water! Here are some pics from her party.

I think it took Wade almost an hour to put this thing together! Wade is first in his class in law school, and still cannot put a toy together ha!

Words cannot describe how much we love this little girl, and Wade and I cannot wait until we have one of our own. Even when we were 16 and 17 dating in high school, we talked about our future and the kids we would have. All of our friends either have kids or are pregnant, and we are beyond ready! We just pray every night that the Lord will continue to bless us! I am at home sick today with a horrible cold, so I am off to take another Tylenol Cold & Sinus pill and drift off to Happy Land! Hope everyone has a great week!

Viva Las Vegas!

2009-08-19T11:23:00.012-05:00

I am a little late (over a month! ha) on posting this. The 27th of July was mine and Wade's 2 year anniversary! Wow, I can't believe we've been married two years! Every year seems to be better than the last! I am SO blessed to have Wade in my life, and I cannot imagine my life without him. Wade took me out for sushi and a movie, and it was the perfect night except for the fact we watched The Ugly Truth and hated it! The sushi was delish as always! (sorry for the Rachael Ray vocab- I just love her!) I forgot my camera at home, so I didn't get to take any pics.

We didn't get each other gifts because we were going to Las Vegas the next week, and that was our gift to each other...a much needed vacation! After being on a plan for 3 hours, I was pooped. This was my first time flying, and after much praying, I did great! I wasn't nervous nor did I get sick like I just knew I would.

The Hoover Dam was breathtaking as were all the views.

Looks like marshmallows!

Our second night going to a show. Sorry for the blurry pic, but I think some sunscreen spilled in my beach bag and got on the lens cap. Gotta stay protected! :)

This was one of my favorite sights in Vegas besides the Stratosphere. It is breathtaking. It actually has a restaurant on the top floor that overlooks the strip. Unfortunately, we didn't bring nice enough clothes to eat there! ha

I thought Wade had big hands...Shaq's are HUGE!

Vegas had its own little NYC there...it was so cool!

We went with Mario and Carley who are both from Monroe. Mario goes to law school with Wade, and Carley is a legal secretary also. We all have so much in common! They are the perfect go-to couple! :)

In-N-Out has the best burgers ever! They were so delicious and cheap! This is where the celebs go when they crave a greasy beef patty! Everything in Vegas looks like it is a few blocks away as we thought this was from our hotel. In actuality, we had to crawl up what looked like the side of a pyramind and then cross the interstate. Yes, I said the interstate. I had a skirt on and flip flops, and I was not very happy with the situation at hand. I told Wade this better be a dang good burger, and it was! It was so worth the hike! Literally! ha

To Sew or Not to Sew...

2009-07-29T10:47:00.006-05:00

...that is the question. For some time now, I have REALLY REALLY been wanting to learn how to sew and embroider- the whole shebang! I have been eyeing this little beauty from HSN.com for the past six months or so. Does anyone have this machine or have any opinions on a Brother?
I think it would pay for itself because God only knows how much I have spent on monogrammed baby gifts for friends and family in the past year! I bought a monogrammed burp cloth last week on Etsy, and it was $15.00, and I can't even count the baby gifts I still have not purchased! Who doesn't love monogrammed gifts anyhow?! I have also been wanting to sew some pillows and jazz up some curtains, but I don't have the time to deal with a complex machine. After reading some of the reviews, it sounds like this machine is pretty easy to learn! The sewing machine is $499.99 but is also available on flex pay (a big plus for me!). Have any of you guys recently learned how to sew? I guess I really want to know what I'm getting myself into! ;)

For Miss Ella

2009-07-09T21:26:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago, my cousin's wife, Nikki, was given a baby shower at Lanes Ferry Baptist Church. Jeff and Nikki are naming the baby Ella Maree Moody, and I cannot think of a more perfect name. I just LOVE the name Ella! Nikki is due around August 7 which is the same time Wade and I will be in Vegas on vacation. Hopefully, she can hold off until we get back, but I'm sure Nikki will not like the sound of that! ;) Not only are Jeff and Nikki family, but really really good friends, and we love them dearly. We cannot wait to meet Miss Ella, and I know this child will be blessed with the best parents in the world. I am getting teared up just thinking about Jeff and Nikki as parents, and hope to experience their joy one day as well. I have tons of things I should be doing right now, so here are a few pics of the shower...enjoy!

These canvas and growth chart were painted by Sarah at Bee Vine...this girl rocks I tell ya! Check her out! They match Nikki's bedding to a tee!

I thought this was the sweetest gift!

Me and Nikki...she is so beautiful pregnant!

Katie Grace and Kenslee are darling! These kiddos are 100% Gregory! lol

Aren't these darling?! I got them here...

and these here.

A table full of goodies!

Thrifty Treasures Monday

2009-07-06T19:23:00.009-05:00

This is my first time participating in Rhoda's Thrifty Treasures, and I'm sorry I'm so late linking to it. All of you bloggers have gotten my creative juices flowing, and I just can't get enough of going to Goodwill and yard sales on the weekends. In the past week or so, I have found some great deals, and I am so excited to share them with you.

I found this chair for $9.00 at Goodwill last week. As soon as I walked in, it was screaming my name. It had clean lines that I love, and is made very well...the stamp on the bottom of the chair says it was made in the 1930s. I quickly went to the front desk to get a "sold" sign so no one could take it! I brought it home, gave it a quick sanding, took off the cushion and the four...yes, I repeat, four layers of fabric still on the cushion. I went to Hobby Lobby and bought some zebra fabric that was originally $14.99/yd but I got it for around $10/yd with it being on sale. Put two coats of Antique Walnut Stain, a new foam cushion, new fabric and viola! I love it!

Before...

After...

I made this small memo board using leftover fabric from the chair makeover. This was my first memo board to try, and yes, my lines are not straight, but the Roddick/Federer match had me on the edge of my seat. I cut myself with scissors and got a splinter from the wood went I wrapped it with batting...so nerve racking! Roddick is still my #1! ;) Enough about tennis...I can't wait to find a cabinet door or larger piece of wood so I can try Kate's memo board...it is gorgeous! She is SUPER TALENTED!

I have been dying to find a silver tray to make a chalkboard out of, and I finally found one at Goodwill. I love reading Bless Our Nest because this girl knows her stuff! Go here to see her chalkboard project from which I got my inspiration from.

I wrote God Bless America on the 4th, and the hubby left me a little something sweet the next morning! :)

I can't tell you how many times I have passed up one of these buffet servers at a thrift store/garage sale...but not anymore! I found this one at the local G (geez, I shop there way too much!) for $2.99. I was pumped! I brought it home, and added two coats of black spray paint, and it is remarkable what spray paint will do for something. I added three plates I already had and some fruits/veggies from the garden, and it is now a beautiful centerpiece.

Long time, no blog...

2009-07-01T20:07:00.011-05:00

Wow, June has been a BUSY month! We've gone home (as in to Oak Grove aka a-four-hour- roadtrip in which I get to showcase my vocal talent :)) two weekends in a row. Wade loves our trips home, and I think it's because he gets to hear me belt out my favorite tunes! Anyways, I have been following many blogs lately trying to get inspiration on creative and inexpensive ways to decorate our house. With Wade in law school, and I'm the only one who receives a paycheck, I try to stretch a dollar as far as it can go. Here are some of my favorite blogs: Nesting Place, Centsational Girl, Bless Our Nest and Thrifty Decor Chick. These ladies are such an inspiration to me so go check them out! They sure know what they're doing!

Living in Baton Rouge, there are thrift stores on every corner! For the past few weeks on my lunch hour, I have been going to the Goodwill store by my office. Check out some of the things I've found.

I found this silver tray for $1.00. It had a few "aged" spots, but that's what I love about it...it adds character. I had an "H" stencil so I used my handy dabber and dabbed on the "H". I think it turned out pretty good! We don't have a foyer in our townhouse, so I just put a table that I found scratched on clearanced at Bed, Bath & Beyond for $19.99 and touched it up with a wood marker. We live in a townhouse in which our rent is almost double the square feet!

I got all of this for only $7.70! I was so proud of myself. I bought the little wire basket for $1.00, the scrap piece of wood for $1.00, silver tray $1.00, round aluminum tray $1.00, glass top to a cloche $1.00, large silver tray $2.00 and the cookie sheet for a quarter, which I intend to make into a magnetic board for my kitchen...does anyone remember the blog that made this? I want to try it and post a link back to theirs.

This is the finished product of the small silver tray. Look here for the project I used as my inspiration at Bless Our Nest. I spray painted it Antique Ivory since I CANNOT find the Heirloom White ANYWHERE. I've looked at Home Depot, Lowe's and Wal-Mart, and not one can of Heirloom White! I then painted the "H" in Folk Art "Taupe" paint and aged it by watering down some brown paint. Not bad for my first one! Thanks Bless Our Nest! Stay tuned for some of my other great buys I picked up at Goodwill today!

PRAYER REQUEST

2009-06-09T09:04:00.002-05:00

I am asking everyone to please pray for my SIL, April, she is having heart surgery this morning to repair a hole in her heart. She is at Ochsner in New Orleans, and the surgery is to begin around 11 a.m. For the past couple of months, she has been having migraines and went to a neurologist who ran test after test and determined she has a blood clot on her brain. Well, after she found out she had a blood clot, another doctor came in and told her that she has a hole in her heart that didn't close after birth. Apparently, some babies are born with a hole in the upper or lower septum of the heart that eventually closes after birth, and they lead a normal and productive life. The doctors are still not clear as to why April hasn't shown symptoms of this before; but only God knows why. Please pray that the surgery goes well and pray for April's quick recovery. I am going to say a prayer also. "Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that YOU will guide the surgeon's hands this morning and bring a full and quick recovery to April following the surgery. May all her fears be gone and and may she know YOU are always with her and that YOU will never abandon nor forsake her. In Jesus Mighty Name I pray, Amen." Thank you all so much, and I will let April know that everyone is praying for her!

Elizabeth Faith Williamson

2009-06-05T15:41:00.012-05:00

Elizabeth is the first granddaughter for Wade's parents, and believe me, she is spoiled rotten (especially by me :)). After buying gifts for our 4 nephews for the past 9 years, it has been sooo much fun shopping for a little girl! Everytime I go shopping, it seems like I am buying for Elizabeth instead of me, and she's not even mine! I don't mind though! I told Wade we will be broke if we have a little girl! haha They have so many cute things for girls- bows, headbands, dresses and little cute shoes- Carey, I'm sure you can back me on this one :)! Now onto some pictures...this is Leslie and Elizabeth around Christmas when she was four months old. I can't believe she will be 1 in two months!

We kept Elizabeth overnight for Brad and Leslie while they were at a work function, and Wade and Elizabeth watched TV all night! It amazed me how still and attentive she was in front of a TV!

We just love it when she coos and laughs! It is the sweetest sound!

More recent pics...

Sorry for the holdup!

2009-06-04T22:27:00.003-05:00

Okay, so I have been trying to finish this blog for the past three months. All of these widgets and codes are soooo different from facebok and myspace that it really took me three months to sit down and figure it out. With my busy work schedule, I haven't had the time to finish it until now. Wade is downstairs doing yoga (or something similar ;)) which is part of his new workout, P90X, so I've had free time for the past hour or so. I will be posting plenty of updates and pics soon!