Spring Cleaning

I don't know if it's nesting or what, but the spring cleaning bug has bit me. It started with reorganizing our clothes and cleaning the windows (which I still haven't finished b/c of the rain), and is spreading to every inch of the house. Last week I cleaned out Hayden's toys, and this past Monday Dave and I cleaned out and reorganized the garage. I really meant to take a "before" picture, but I forgot until we were already in the middle of everything. We put up shelving and finally got our Christmas tree off of the garage floor and moved some things around to give us more space. We still have a pile of things that go to our church's yard sale on Friday, and a couple of pieces of furniture that belong to my in-laws. We were pleased with our hard work all the same. There still isn't enough room for Dave to park the Expedition in there with my car, but at least we have walking space in there now! While we were doing all of that, Hayden was enjoying riding his bicycle and playing with the whole garbage sack full of toys that we found. My cousin gave us those toys back in November and I completely forgot about the sack that we found!

We are also planning on getting a fence and a swingset, both of which are for Hayden. And at least an umbrella for the back patio, which is for us to have some shade. We would like to have an arbor or some sort of canopy over our back door and windows eventually, but that will not happen this year. So much to do, and so little time to do it! Last but not least, we got a new light fixture for our front porch. Isn't home improvement fun?

Cute Bags!

When I was in Muscle Shoals a couple of weeks ago, I went to the consignment sale there and found several cute bags for Livee. My mom took 2 of them to be monogrammed and they turned out great! The bottom one is a large canvas diaper bag. The top is the flap of a cute backpack that has a mermaid on it.

I went to the mall...

And all I got were these stinkin' bunny ears!

B'ham and Splinters

Hayden spent most of last week in the 'Ham with his Gramma and Pops. Dave and I went on Sunday to pick him up and spend the night. We basically just hung out with the family and I helped Dave's parents pick out a table and chairs for their dining room. I hope to go back soon and help them finish decorating the upstairs.

Hayden ended up with a deeply lodged splinter in his knee. We all tried to get it out to no avail, so I am just putting either Neosporin or a baking soda paste with a bandage on it and hoping it works its way out. Otherwise, I guess we'll be making a trip to the doctor. Yuck!

Our New Camera!

After 4 1/2 years, we finally broke down and got a new camera! Yay! It's only an 8 MP, but after using a 4.1 MP we feel spoiled!

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=396416&pid=_Froogle&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=227517

23 Week Check-Up

This morning I had my monthly OB appointment. I've gained 8 lbs! With as much as I have been eating, I thought it was more than that! I'm sure it will come on later and the doctor didn't seem too concerned about it. She just made sure the baby was moving plenty. I told her that Livee has even woken me up in the middle of the night! She's a strong little thing!


So, anyway, the big Gestational Diabetes test is in 3 weeks. I was borderline with Hayden, so I'm hoping that this one comes back normal. I really don't want to deal with that again on top of the other worries that we have had. In 4 weeks, I will go back and they will do a growth ultrasound to check Livee's progress.

Here is a new bump pic. The one on the LEFT is 19 weeks. The one on the RIGHT is 23 weeks! See a difference?



In other news, Hayden is gone until Sunday to Birmingham. Dave's parents called last weekend from Savannah and said they would like to get him and take him for a few nights. At first, I wasn't so sure, but now I'm thinking I'm really going to enjoy the next 3 nights! It is awfully quiet around here though!!!

Just Call Him Ralphie...

I ran across this picture of Ralphie from "A Christmas Story" and thought the resemblence was hilarious!

Shop Til You Drop

My mom and I shopped at the consignor's preview last night in Muscle Shoals. I got several things from my list: a pink Bumbo, a monitor, 2 diaper bags, a crib music thing, and a few bottles. We ended up getting a great papasan swing for Carley Grace to use right now and Livee to use when she's born. The thing looks brand new!

Of course I couldn't help but buy some more baby clothes. I found some really sweet long pant things for her for when she's newborn and in the house. (I already had quite a few little sunsuits for her.) I also got a smocked daygown and newborn dress as well as a couple of dresses for next year. My mom bought her an 18 month Feltman Brother's dress as well. So, along with the dresses that we had that were mine, she should have plenty. My mother also has a bit of a shoe fetish so we ended up with a ton of shoes!

Never Trust a Quiet 3 Year Old

A little while ago I was upstairs cleaning the bathrooms. I heard Hayden playing with his box (a huge box he calls his "house") and toys so I thought he was being good by not bothering me. Little did I know, he had decided to decorate his house. He had a full box of his crayons and markers sitting nearby, but what does he do? He goes into the desk drawer and pulls out a "marker". It was actually a yellow permanent marking stick (which apparently is the same thing as paint). I was really too tired to spank him, so I just threatened him and told him we do not mark on walls. As far as things like this go, he really hasn't been that bad. I hope this isn't the start of a new trend. Good thing we have a little paint left and we know the color in case we have to buy some more. So, happy evening to everyone...think of me as I paint over this masterpiece!

I sure am glad...

That our taxes are filed. I was so tired of working on them! I spent 3 hours this morning alone on them, if that gives you any idea what kind of hassle they have been. Hopefully next year will be much easier (and cheaper) since we will only be residents of Georgia. That multi-state filing thing is a pain!

Guests, 22 wks, and Perinatal Visit!

On Thursday night, we had guests! Dave's sister and her husband were on their way to the 'Ham and stopped by to see the house and spend the night. We were so excited b/c we don't get visitors very often (other than my parents) and it's fun to have them! They got in late Thursday, so we just stayed up talking and really spent most of the next day visiting as well. I cooked a pot roast for lunch and after that they were on their way. Hayden loved having them and so did we!

I am officially 22 weeks pregnant today! Only 18 more weeks to go (really 17 since I will be having a c-section at 39 weeks, but who's counting?). I had a Perinatal doctor's visit this morning for them to check Livee's heart, and everything checked out great! They printed a couple of more profile pictures and she's starting to look a little different from Hayden, so we're interested to see how she'll turn out. Her leg muscles are big and strong, which I already knew since she's been kicking the daylights out of me. She was moving all around and I was remarking how amazing it is to see her heart and all of the chambers. The ultrasound tech said that I was truly blessed to be able to have this little life inside of me and I have to agree! As frustrated as I've been with this whole situation, I really needed that reminder!

At 22 weeks, Livee is:

- 1 lb

- the size of a banana

- her pancreas is still developing

- her eyes are developed, but the irises still lack color

- she kicks down low mostly (I guess b/c she is head up)

and I:

- have been extremely thirsty lately

- have begun to have slight swelling in my hands and feet by the end of the day

- am starting to feel a little more uncomfortable

My next appointment is with my OB next Thursday morning, and after that they will do an ultrasound there every month to check Livee's growth. I am glad I won't have to drive 30 to 40 minutes every month for a visit to the Perinatal office.

In other news, Hayden and I will head back to Muscle Shoals this Friday for the consignment sale up there (we get to shop early b/c we are consignors). A friend of my mom's already came by her house and bought $86 worth, so we're hopeful that we will sell alot! The workers' who were helping my mom at drop off were oohing and ahing over the clothes this morning, so that was a positive sign! There are still several things that we need to buy for Livee, such as: a monitor, a sound machine, a swing, a Bumbo, a musical thing for the crib, a new hand pump, some bottles and breast pump accessories, a nursing cover up, bassinet sheets, cloth diapers, a miracle blanket, a rug for the nursery, and a diaper bag. There are always baby girl clothes too! And I desperately need a maternity swimsuit and would prefer not to pay full price for one. I feel like I've made this list of basics, but it still seems like a lot!

Babies sure do need a lot of "stuff"!!!

What is it with boys...

And costumes? Hayden is obsessed with his Spider-man costume. He just about went into withdrawals when we were in Muscle Shoals. I just don't get it. I mean, I played dress-up, but I didn't want to stay in those clothes all day. He would sleep in this costume if I would let him (I am not a mean mom, but the fabric doesn't breathe and he gets a rash if he's in it too long). He bugged me all day long yesterday and today about wearing his costume. I had to wash it and as soon as I pulled it out of the dryer, he had to put it on. He's running around pretending he's shooting webs from his wrists as I type this. I can really tell he's getting closer to 4 years old b/c his imagination runs wild. For example, since it snowed last weekend he decided he wanted to watch The Polar Express. While watching it, he reinacted the whole movie. He had to have a "robe" and a place to lay down when the little boy was sleeping. It was really amusing to my dad and me! I guess it should be expected. The kid watches way too much TV, but it's winter time and there's not that much to do right now. Hopefully once it warms up we will be outside quite a bit more and the costume will be forgotten for a little while. A mom can dream right?

A New Cousin for Hayden

Hayden and I had an eventful week...sorry Dave. We went to Muscle Shoals for the birth of Carley Grace and stayed for a whole week...which we rarely do. We had a great time visiting with my grandparents, dad, mom, and brother and sister-in-law, and of course the new baby. She is a sweetie so far and Hayden loves her! It gives me hope that he will be excited with our new arrival in a few months. In between visits to the hospital, we ate at my grandparents, went to the jumping place, played in the snow (2 inches, but no pictures), and I tagged an insanely huge amount of boys' clothing for a consignment sale.

Here are a few pictures:

Carley Grace right before she let out a huge scream that made Hayden cover his ears. Ha!

Hayden and Carson loving on her in the hospital bed. She's a sweet little slug. Carson was so excited to be a big brother, and Hayden was just excited about the baby. He wanted to hold her all of the time.

Hayden and Carson doing one of the only calm things of the day yesterday, coloring! Note how the markers ended up marking on their faces. Hmmmm....

Hayden and Carson at Chuck E. Cheese's yesterday. They loved this ride. It is a huge monster truck that lifts up on hydrolics. I think they rode it around 10 times and actually took turns steering!