Random Thoughts.

1.  I do not like that my precious, sweet husband is striving to weigh less than me when I deliver this baby.  Yes, he's in great shape and I'm not so much.  Yes, I have been cooking at home almost every single night of this pregnancy and serving up some pretty tasty, healthy food (if I do say so myself) which has benefited his waistline.  And yes, last week I tried to sabotage him by making his favorite breakfast casserole for dinner with Sister Shubert rolls.  But, still it is not cool.  Only 13 pounds separates us...yikes!

2.  Cross your fingers for Halloween.  After I gathered the pieces for Fawn's Mickey Mouse costume, he has now stated that he will be a Tyrannosaurus Rex for Halloween.  Also, I am to dress as an Allosaurus and Buck has been assigned Pterodactyl.  Really?  Fawn suggested that I "sew up the costumes and put them in the oven to cook them til they're ready momma."  Let's hope he forgets by Monday because it's not happening.  (As a side note, I will point out that we are 0 for 2 on Halloween costumes.  For Fawn's first Halloween we purchased the most precious cow costume; Fawn refused to wear it so we improvised and he went as Nick Saban -- dressed in red with the hat that Nick Saban always wears.  Last year, my parents gave Fawn a dog costume that looked just like our beagles; Fawn refused to wear it so he went as a hunter -- we have plenty of camo around these parts.)  I'm still holding out hope for Mickey Mouse come Monday...keep you posted.

3.  Fawn now reads to me at night -- not every book, but for the books that he's memorized, he sits in front of me and holds the pages open for me and recites the words.  My little boy is growing up...and I need to rotate the books!

4.  Speaking of rotation, Buck and I got organized a couple weekends ago and sorted through Fawn's toys and split them up into three sets.  We've rotated the sets each week and I think it's been great for Fawn -- he's actually playing with some of his toys that he seemed to have forgotten about.  Plus, our playroom is much cleaner.

5.  Baby is growing great; heartbeat is strong; we are thankful and so excited.  Less than 4 months to go!

6.  Fall is my very favorite season -- we've been outside as much as possible and really enjoying the sandbox Buck built for our back deck.  Fawn plays in it at least once a day -- and usually twice.  (Have I ever mentioned how much I love being married to a handyman?)

New Haircut and Nutella.

  

How cute does Fawn look with his precious new haircut?  I keep calling him my little soldier.  He looks at me like I'm crazy (he has no clue what a soldier is, or why his hair would have anything to do with it).  He's very proud of his hair, though, and says his haircut makes him run faster.  Aside from the haircut, we are also currently obsessed with Nutella (I mean, what's there not to love?).  This picture was taken after I handed Fawn one small graham cracker rectangle that was covered with Nutella, most of which ended up on his face.  Happy snacking!

Branching Out.

Earlier this month, we expanded our horizons and headed to Ruffner Mountain for a story time and some outdoor fun.  Now realizing that it takes less than 20 minutes to get there, I am embarrassed that I haven't taken Fawn before now.  He absolutely loved it, and we had a blast!  The story time wasn't the best in town (we are story time connoisseurs, you know!) but it was short, sweet, and ended with a fun craft which Fawn really enjoyed.  So we'll definitely be back.  Also, the Visitors Center is filled with some great displays and animals that were quite captivating for my little man.  But, the highlight was the hiking, of course.  We went with a friend -- one of Fawn's favorite friends and his mom and baby sister.  We were a sight to behold.  The boys -- in all there two-year old glory chose what had to have been one of the longest trails and were off.  They were troopers, leading the way and literally booking it for an hour!  Meanwhile, my pregnant, out of shape self was trying to keep up with my diaper bag slung over my shoulder while my mommy buddy had a diaper bag plus a baby.  It was a great morning for all of us -- the boys were in heaven and Fawn keeps talking about taking Buck back with us.  We will be back very soon! 

Over the hump.

We are well past the halfway point of this pregnancy!  While at times I thought it would never end (i.e., weeks 6 through 15), the past few weeks have slipped away in the blink of an eye.  And, I'm sad.  There's something so magical -- but yet so grounding -- about being pregnant.  For me, it's a time when I feel so much more connected to God and His creation, to my husband, and to my mom.  I love the belly, even if that means my wardrobe is drastically limited.  I love the kicks and gymnastics, even when they keep me up at night.  I even kind of like the heartburn because I am a believer in the old wives tale that you have heartburn while your baby is growing hair.  Fawn arrived with a head full of the most beautiful, softest, dark hair.  I keep picturing our new baby with that sweet fuzz!

Right now, though, the thing that warms my heart the most is Fawn's enthusiasm for this little one.  Whenever he spots a baby in public, he shouts "there's a baby".  And, then follows up with -- "I'll bring my baby to [fill in name of location]".  And, he prays for the baby (whom he currently calls "Figaro") every night by saying "And thank you for Figaro" -- it is too sweet!  I just know he is going to be the most wonderful big brother, though I'm not sure his younger sibling will ever get a word in edge-wise.

So now we wait until February.  When I'm flipping through my calendar, that seems like a lifetime away.  But, when I stop to think about all that is going to occur between now and then (beach trip with Buck's family, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Fawn's third birthday -- not to mention multiple other family birthdays!) I know it will be here before we know it.  We can't wait to meet you little one -- we love you already!

Pajama Day!

Whoever decided that pajama day was a great treat for preschoolers must have raised someone like Fawn.  He frequently opines "I don't like clothes, momma.  I only like pajamas."  So, we regularly have the conversation that pajamas are for sleeping but you have to wear real clothes when you are out in public.  Not so on Pajama Day at Fawn's school!  Fawn was so excited as Pajama Day approached -- we washed his favorite pajamas (his Alabama pajamas) and saved them for the special day.  (It was very difficult for Fawn to have them clean in his drawer for three days and not wear them, but the little fellow showed more self control than I anticipated.)

It was the easiest morning of getting dressed we've had in ages.  And, Fawn was pumped about getting to wear his pajamas to Magic Muffins (our pit stop on our way to school).  He was all smiles the entire morning -- and got even more excited when we drove through the drop off line and he realized his teachers were wearing pajamas too.

Birthday Party Fun.

We enjoyed a Saturday outing to a farm near Harpersville for one of Fawn's good friends birthdays.  Fawn is obsessed with all things farm and loved his morning!  Buck joined us, and my boys were dressed for the occasion.

An animal feeder was filled with sand for the kids to dig in -- Fawn spent most of his time in the sand (boys will be boys).

Fawn also got to pet a chicken, though he was a little hesitant at first.

And, of course, Fawn couldn't go to a farm without his fourwheeler, so we had a little fourwheeler ride:

All in all a great way to spend a beautiful fall morning!

First Field Trip.

Fawn's preschool class went to Homewood Park for a field trip in September (with parents, of course, I can't imagine keeping up with the 13 kiddos without an adult watching each little one).  We had a picnic:

 

And then hit the park in matching t-shirts (I ordered the smallest size available and it absolutely swallows Fawn! I may have to do a little at home alterations because he really hates for clothes to be too big.):

Despite the look of the neon green dress, I promise he had clothes on underneath.  Then we played on the swings:

 

And rode the elephant:

It was a great day!  I have to admit that I was not looking forward to the field trip -- the only reason being that I consider his preschool hours (only 8 a week) as precious working hours for me.  It's the only childcare I have during the week and the only time I avoid working at night and on weekends.  So, as much fun as I knew we would have, I kept thinking about my always-growing "to do" list and wished he was at school so I could get work done.  But, I am so thankful for the two hours I got to spend with Fawn, his sweet teachers, his friends and their parents.  It was wonderful to watch him interact and to meet parents I didn't know and put names with faces.  It was a great reminder that the "to do" list can always wait.

Fawn's Name Suggestions.

August 27, 2011

Fawn has been quite animated this week in his suggestions of baby names.  The front-runners in his mind are:

1. Figaro (as in the cat from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse)
2. Mr. Teddy Bone (we have no idea, if this is a reference to some book or cartoon character that I'm not aware of will you please email me?)
3. Mr. Duck

We've been throwing out some of our name possibilities to Fawn, in part to see how he pronounces them and how his future brother or sister may pronounce their name.  This has led to much confusion, as I think Fawn now believes there is a baby boy AND a baby girl growing in mommy's belly.  Not so, my friend.  Twins run in my family, so the first thing I asked at our initial ultrasound was "it's just one right?"  Confirmed.  I've always loved the idea of multiples.  And, in a fantasy land, twins sound like so much fun but I'm not sure I have the patience or endurance to handle that.  Hats off to my friends who do so flawlessly!!!

As for the naming thing, I'm not that worked up about it this time around (par for the course on baby #2 I guess).  We are not going to find out the gender of this baby, so picking a name doesn't feel like a reality yet.  Buck, the "planner" of the family will likely be rattled by this wait and see approach so I'm sure we'll narrow down to a few possibilities before February.

Naming a baby is such a big responsibility, but also such a personal one.  As I told my sweet mom, "don't give me suggestions because I won't use them."  I don't mean it with any disrespect, and I've loved that my mom has shared with me lists of family names.  But, I'm not open to someone saying "what about [insert first name] [insert middle name]" because to me that feels like they are naming my baby and I'm not.  I might make an exception for Fawn, though, because Figaro does have a certain ring to it.

The Man with the Yellow Hat.

August 22, 2011

Fawn is well aware that I've got a baby growing in my belly.  But, I know he's only two and doesn't really get it.  Case in point: my brother asked him if mommy was going to have a boy baby or a girl baby on Sunday.  Fawn's response: "Um, mommy's going to have a man with the yellow hat."  Can you tell we've been watching Curious George to make it through mommy's morning sickness?

Off to the Farm.

My boys love to spend long Saturdays at the farm.  And, while I miss them and sometimes get lonely, it's really nice to have a day to run errands, clean the house, do laundry etc. (you know, all the stuff I should be doing while Fawn is at preschool...but I use those precious hours to get some lawyering done...). 

And they're off:

All smiles.  For those wondering, Fawn's t-shirt says "Sorry Ladies My Daddy's Taken."  Buck purchased it at (of all places) Alvin's Island in Destin.  Lovely.  We only wear it at the lake and the farm (when Mommy's in charge of getting dressed that is). 

I spent the day running around like a chicken with my head cut off (I truly think keeping up with Fawn would have been more relaxing)...trips to Michael's for fun Halloween and Thanksgiving craft supplies for Fawn; Hancock's, the Halloween store, and Walmart for the makings of Fawn's Halloween costume; JoAnn's Fabrics for fabric for new pull on pants for Fawn for the fall and winter, plus material for appliques and some embroidery thread.  Whew!  Now it's time to get to sewing!  By the looks of the picture, Fawn certainly needs some cuter clothing.

Cat's Out of the Bag.

August 5, 2011

Buck and I have been spreading the news of the yet-to-be-given-a-blog-name baby growing in my belly.  I am relieved to have told both of my bosses (1) My ballet teacher boss because clearly I cannot teach children ballet when I'm as big as a whale -- I mean how do you remark on the pointing of toes and the placement of feet when you can't even see your own? and (2) My law firm boss because while my part time work can continue for now, February will be here before I know it.  And, we've begun telling friends.  I would much rather tell my friends in person, but many of them I unfortunately rarely see and I definitely don't want them to hear it through the grapevine.  So, I guess it's time to send some emails or texts.  While still pretty impersonal, much better than a facebook post.


I am feeling better with the big caveat that I feel TERRIBLE on days following sleepless nights.  It makes perfect sense, but it's still a really bad cycle!  I have also discovered that (decaf) coffee makes me feel horrendous for the entire day.  Hmmm....because it tastes so good.  Current foods of choice: frozen nutrigrain waffle topped with nutella, bananas, cheese sticks, anything spicy (speaking of which, I'm thinking chicken nachos for dinner), chicken orzo soup.

Although the weight gain is still minimal, I look more pregnant each and every day.  I am definitely rocking the "muffin top" look.  I know everyone loves a belly picture, and I will take them and share when there's actually a certifiable baby bump.

Latest Check-Up.

July 28, 2011

Buck and I went to my OB check-up this morning -- I'm right at eleven weeks.  We were able to hear the heartbeat, which is always magical.  I'd heard it during my first ultrasound, but it's still so precious to know there's a little creature thriving inside of you.


I can't believe we're nearing the end of the first trimester and the period of secrecy.  I'm feeling a little better each day (quite a relief) and while I'm still exhausted, I am so looking forward to the second trimester jolt of energy.  I definitely need it.

I continue to be so very thankful to God for placing another baby in our lives.  We cannot wait to have our family complete.  February will be here before we know it!

The Spread.

July 28, 2011

I have gained three pounds so far this pregnancy (in eleven weeks) -- right on track (and I can assure you the last time I share pregnancy weight gain on this blog).  The only reason I share is to say that even three pounds can cause quite the spread.  I am already in maternity shorts and jeans.  A few pair of dress pants still fit (thankfully) as do most of my summer dresses, which is great.

Just shows though what a difference it makes to have already been pregnant.  My body is expanding even if the number on the scale is barely inching up.  With Fawn I wasn't really into any maternity clothes until about week 20.  Now, not only do I really look pregnant, but my clothes tell the same tale.  Which, by the way, is totally fine with me...only problem, we haven't shared our big news with anyone besides our family.  So maybe I'm not kidding anyone.  Or maybe folks think I'm just out of shape.  Bring on the belly -- it's my favorite part of pregnancy!

I went maternity clothes shopping last weekend and got some cute stuff for great deals.  With Fawn, I purchased some great work and church clothes but was lucky to borrow a friend's mommy maternity wardrobe -- it was fabulous.  Great tops, casual dresses, fabulous jeans.  But, this time around I'm on my own as she is pregnant with number four!!!  Anyway, back to my shopping expedition.  I didn't want to spend a lot of money so I hit Kohl's and Target.  I ended up with a cotton cardigan, cute tank, short sleeved shirt, and long-sleeved T from Kohl's for a whopping $50.  And, jeans and khaki shorts from Target for $60.  Enough to get me through (though if you see me around town in the same outfit two days in a row -- or every single week, please don't judge!).