Week 25

Dear Lily Ann,

Your dad and I have not slowed down all week. Last weekend, we got quite a bit of work accomplished on your room in between tennis, golf, and soccer.

Your dad and his soccer team had a big game last night. We went to watch a little bit before we had to go to tennis. They ended up losing but put up a good fight. They are still ranked second in their division, quite an improvement from years past. All this soccer and golf is making Daddy drop some pounds. He has lost 10 pounds in the last few weeks (and giving them all to me)!

After we watched Dad play soccer for a while, we headed over to the tennis center to play our big match. We were playing the other top ranked team and needed a win to solidify our chances of finishing in first place. I wanted to play singles because I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to. Turns out, my withdrawal from singles might happen sooner than expected. Moving both of us around the court proved to be challenging. But you hung in there with me and we pulled it out in a 3rd set tie-breaker. The lady we played wasn't too happy and was actually quite mean. I didn't know people were mean to pregnant ladies. Oh, well! Maybe they don't like getting beat by six-and-a-half-month pregnant women. I don't blame her. I wouldn't either. I'm just so glad we pulled out a win and the team won our match! Hopefully that means you and I will be going to the state tournament a few months after you are born. Grandma has already volunteered to come with us so you both can watch Mommy play tennis! Our first mini-vacation!

I still have so much on my plate right now. Work has been crazy busy. I still am studying and need to take my Economics mid-term. This week is my rotation for our Accounting weekly group assignment. I am working on getting estimates for our bathroom remodel. Your room still has lots left to do! To top it all off ~ this weekend is Halloween!! I can't wait to show you pictures of your silly Mommy and Daddy enjoying our last Halloween before your arrival. It is going to be a great night!

Because I've been so busy, it has been hard to take time and just enjoy your little movements and read to you. But I will do that more, I promise. I want to cherish all these special moments with you ~ even in the midst of mayhem!

We Love You,

Mommy

Birthing Videos

I don't think I really need to go into any details on this subject. A lot of you have probably sat in a similar seat, staring at the same old t.v., watching the 80s VHS movie of what to expect during your birth.

Last night Lucas and I had our second Prepared Childbirth class. I think the class would be more appropriately named "Scare You To Death About Birth" class.

First let me say this: many woman probably still choose to go through childbirth naturally ~ no drugs. Why? I can't answer that. But to each woman her own.

As for me? I want as much drugs as possible pumped through my epidural. I don't want to feel what is going on down there. Give me as pain-free of an experience as possible. I know it will hurt. I just don't think we need to make it any worse than it has to be.

Sooooooo..... why then are all these videos we watch of women having natural childbirths. Obviously they are having natural childbirths. They are up, walking around, moaning, groaning, crying, screaming, cursing. Get an epidural, ladies!!! All that pain will go away (well, at least a lot of it). There is no need for all the moaning and swaying and position changing. I don't need to see a video of a woman screaming in pain for hours upon end, only to reach an entirely different level of screaming and pain when her son/daughter decides to make his/her grand entrance. And I definitely don't need to see that grand entrance up close and personal.

Before seeing these videos, I was pretty at peace about the whole process. I knew it would hurt. But it is childbirth. It is a beautiful, natural thing (still a natural process ~ even when I'm drugged up). People want to watch? Sure! They are excited about the birth of our child. But now ~ I know birthing may not be so beautiful after all. I'm not so sure about my previously held open viewing policy. I may have to enforce a strict shoulders-up code like my friend, Aida.

Aida, I understand now. And thank you for not letting me view Landon's grand entrance from that angle. At 4 months pregnant, I'm pretty sure I would have passed out cold. You are a good friend.

So, what do you think? Open viewing policy? Shoulders-up policy? Get the heck out of my room policy?

Another Picnic in the Park

Yesterday we decided to have an impromptu picnic in the park. It is still a picnic even if you are eating Checkers burgers, isn't it? But that makes it sound a little less glamorous, so let's leave that part out.

Lucas looks so happy, doesn't he? But he really was.
See....

Of course, what man wouldn't be happy about the ever expanding belly of his wife?!?

None that would admit it to a pregnant woman's face, that's for sure!

Week 24

Dear Lily Ann,

This week your dad and I have been so busy getting ready for you. Your granddaddy and pappaw came over to help us get the nursery ready. It is still a long way from being done but already looks so much better. I can't wait to have it finished and bring you home!

Last night, we went to our first Prepared Childbirth Class. I don't think I'm prepared at all! But I know you will be very understanding and forgive me for everything I do not know. We will learn together! Let's just hope you get your patience from your dad.

At our doctor's appointment this week, the doctor let us get a quick sneak peak of you. You are growing so big! We only have 16 weeks left!

A cold front has moved in and I'm breaking in to my winter wardrobe ~ only to find out none of my sweaters or jackets fit. I guess that is a good reason to go shopping, huh? Only problem is, when I go shopping I only want to buy things for you and not myself. We are going to have so much fun shopping together. Shhh... don't tell your dad.

Now that it is cold, I can officially wear my boots. The chiropractor and our doctor probably won't be too happy about that, but we don't have to tell them. Boots = A Happy Mommy.

Now we are waiting on you to start kicking more. Whenever you kick, I call your dad over to feel. But then you stop! Why do you do that?!? Daddy is anxious to feel you squirming around. Maybe some Mexican food tonight will get you moving.

We Love You,

Mommy

Nursery Progress

A few weeks ago, Lucas and I got up the nerve to tackle the wallpaper project. An entire room of 80s (or 70s?) wallpaper was quite overwhelming. I knew for sure we would be working on getting it down for weeks. (That's why we hadn't touched it in the two years we've lived here.) But with a little help from my handy steamer, we got all the paper down in only a few hours. Amazing!! Now, time to start the transformation!

Dad and Granddaddy-to-be :)

This weekend, Lucas, my dad, and my granddad got to work ripping out the old trim and putting up new facings around the door, closet, and window.

Pappaw supervising

Today, my dad and granddad came back to put up the wainscoting that Lucas has been working hard at priming all weekend long. I can't wait to get home and see how it looks!

Happy Homeowners = Happy Mom and Dad

While I was out yesterday, I bought the paint for the nursery!! Things are certainly coming together! Can't wait to show you our progress ~ step by step.

Grandma Can Sew

My mom is so talented. When I was a little girl, my mom sewed lots of my clothes: cute little rompers, dresses, matching hairbows. One year, she burned my dress while ironing it to get me ready for our church children's choir Christmas concert. Within an hour, she had made a new dress out of a shower curtain. And it was probably the cutest dress on stage! Another time, I invited a friend over for a sleepover and was wearing a cute romper with matching bow. My friend wanted one, too. So that night my mom whipped up a matching romper for my friend so we could match! See. I told you I have the best mom ever.

Well, I think having a granddaughter is like manna from Heaven for my mom. Ever since we found out, my mom has gone crazy sewing for her. Seriously. Crazy. She has been making Lily Ann dresses, pants, diaper covers, hats, hairbows, headbands...... Did I mention blankets and burp clothes, too?!?

Here is only a small sampling of her work from Lily Ann's closet:

Appliqued wrap with matching ruffle-butt diaper cover.
There is a matching headband for this outfit, too.

Lacey-butt pants with matching hat.

Rose-filled tutu with matching headband.
One of my favorites: white lace-bottomed
sleeping gown with matching hat
Pink-checked ruffle-butt diaper cover with matching headband.

Rafa really liked this one. Haha! Poor dog!
(P.S. Yes, I'm washing all thi before Lily Ann gets it so her
freshly bathedpuppy had to try it out. Sorry, Daddy! Hehe!)

Sleeping gown with matching hat made from one of my old t-shirts.
Read closer. Oh, yeah. Lily Ann is hard core.
(P.S. Please no one tell my grandmother that her great granddaughter
has a gown that has 'the a word' written on it. Thank you.)

Another t-shirt turned sleeping gown (and matching headband).

A precious white hat

And my favorites - the flower headbands.
I don't think Lily is going to go a day without wearing one.

Seriously. Isn't she talented? I think so, too. That is why I have convinced her to open up her own Etsy store and start selling some of these marvelous creations. This will keep her from making more clothes for Lily Ann than she will be able to wear and give her a reason to keep making these adorable little baby things!

More details (and a giveaway or two, I'm sure) whenever we get the store up and rolling. Until then, we're creating inventory. :)

Week 23

Dear Lily Ann,

I have procrastinated taking belly shots. I think I was a bit reluctant because there wasn't too much to show. And boy was I ever ready to show you off!! Then, all of a sudden, my belly popped and doesn't seem to stop growing! I'm loving it!

Your dad has been traveling a lot with work lately and sure misses us. Rafa has been taking care of us while he was gone. Thankfully, Daddy will be home tonight! Grandma stayed over last night to keep us company. We had so much fun baby shopping for you and going through your clothes. You are one lucky girl!

Feeling your little kicks is the highlight of my day. It is so hard for me to concentrate on anything else when you get to kicking! Right now you are kicking up a storm! I am watching my dress as I feel the kicks, and I can actually see my stomach moving!! I can't wait for daddy to get home and hopefully feel your kicks, too!

This week we bought your nursery furniture from sus abuelos Colombianos. You are going to love it! We've also started registering for lots of goodies and planning for your showers. Daddy is ready to get to work on your nursery!

I'm in the middle of mid-terms and reading to you all about Economics now. I know it is kind of dull. Hang in there with me! I promise when I'm done, Daddy and I will read you some Good Night Moon and Golden Book classics!

We Love You,

Mommy

Showering Aleksander

Lucas's boss and his wife are expecting a precious baby boy in November. Apparently the Quality Engineering Department is doing pretty good! Haha!

We were able to celebrate at a beautiful couples' shower for Baby Aleksander this weekend. (It was so wonderful it even made up for the fact that we missed the second half of the Bama game. Roll Tide! #2 in the nation!)

Since I have felt so crafty lately, I really wanted to make something special for such a special boy. I love Homemade by Jill and I had been dieing to try out some appliqued onesies like she made for her baby boy. This was the perfect occasion! I think I'll definitely be making some for Lily Ann very soon!

"A" for Aleksander

A dapper neck-tie
(P.S. I made one for Landon, too, because this one was just too cute!)

A German Shepherd (they have a few)and a Canadian Maple Leaf (his daddy is Canadian)

All rolled up to make a pretty little package!

These are so easy to make!

• Just find a shape or pattern online that you'd like to use and scale it to the size you want it.
  
• Print it out (card stock works best).
  
• Iron some WonderUnder to the fabric of your choice.
  
• Then, trace your shape and cut out the fabric.
  
• Peel off your wonder under and iron in place.
  
• I added a zig-zag stitch around each shape to give it a little something extra.

We also bought them a big box of diapers. Instead of just wrapping them up, I decided to make yet another diaper cake (and gift bag the left overs). I knew we were transporting this one so I made it a little smaller and more manageable (wrapped in shrink wrap), but I loved the way it turned out! I used their nursery colors so it would fit right in.

We can't wait to meet you, Baby Aleksander!

Fall can now officially begin..

because I have finally hung my fall wreath.

I bought this great Fall garland last year on mega discount from Hobby Lobby (think 90% off). It has been hanging in the garage, waiting for its time to shine, since then. Mom brought over a grapevine wreath last night, and we went to work. A few minutes later, we had this masterpiece:

(pregnant belly reflection)

Okay, I don't know if I'd go that far. But it is pretty darn cute, if I do say so myself.


Now all that is missing is pumpkins to put by the door. Maybe some hay bales?


I also did some awesome baby crafts this weekend but they might be for a certain special present, so I will have to show you that next week just in case we have some wandering eyes. ;)