Over the Weekend

Lucius and Maggie

The weather was great this weekend. On Saturday Tom and I headed out to Wal-mart to buy a new kiddie pool for this kids. We think that the one from last year was taken to the lake. We looked all over for it before finally deciding to break down and buy a new one. While we were there, I wanted to get some boats and play things for the kids. I talked Tom out of getting one of those pools with a slide, so I felt bad. I wanted them to have something to play with. Do you know how hard it is to find boats for a pool?
After spending twenty minutes looking at all the different kinds of pools, we then tried to find a couple of boats for Maggie and Lucius. The only one's that we found were included in a bag of sand toys. And of course, we couldn't just buy one bag...that would start world war III if we came home with only one boat. So we had to spend $10 on two small plastic boats. That's what happens when you don't take the time to shop around at other stores first. We have such a problem with needing instant gratification.

Of course the kids LOVED being able to play in the pool. I think that it might have been a tad to early..but they aren't showing signs of getting sick, YET. When I noticed Maggie's mouth turning purple, I decided that it was time to head inside. Abbie Grace got a little outside time as well, however, she slept through it all.


Sunday was soccer day. Lucius is actually doing pretty well for his first year. This week there were only four kids on his team there. So they pretty much all stayed out on the field the entire time. We have the youngest team! Three three year-olds and a two & 1/2 year old. None of them have long attention spans!!! So they were constantly running over to the side lines to sit with their parents.
Lucius scored a goal in each of the games that our team played. I was so proud. Of course the camera was shut off and I didn't get any film. I guess next week I will have to bring the video camera instead of my regular camera.

Maggie is VERY ready to get out there with Lucius to play soccer. I let her get out of her stroller during the break between games. She chased Lucius around the field and tried to kick the soccer ball too!! I'm not who is more excited about soccer, Maggie or her Daddy! He can't wait to be able to coach her as well.


Tomorrow is weigh in day....so we will see how well I have done over the past week. I've gotten out and walked almost everyday. My meals have been decent...with only a couple of slips. The major thing is that I have cut back drastically on my soft drink intake. This is usually the easiest and quickest way that I lose weight at the beginning of my 'diet'. I'll check in with you about that tomorrow, and also have pictures of Abbie Grace in her newest baby toy!! I broke down today and bought a sling to carry her in! It's just too cute.

School Program

Thursday we had our first experience of a spring program at school. Lucius performed with his classmates from preschool. They had a very cute little program that included poems from the four years olds, and singing from both the three and four year old classes. I wasn't really sure if Lucius would stay up for the entire performance.....but he did. We made it until the last poem and you could hear Lucius's little voice saying 'Daddy I gotta potty."


So as soon as the last song was sung, I was THAT mommy that motioned for her child to run off the stage. I didn't want his first on stage performance to end with a giant wet spot on the floor! We were able to catch the event on video. I actually remembered to plug the thing in to charge the battery yesterday morning. The pictures that I took during the play didn't turn out, but I got a couple of cute ones of Lucius, Maggie, and some of Lucius's friends. ALSO, we took Abbie Grace out in public for the first time. She slept the entire program.....that was great!!!

Evan, Maddox and Lucius

Tomorrow we have plans to pull out the kiddy pool! The weather talk Tom into visiting the storage unit tomorrow. Last weekend I picked up some scrapbooking stuff so that I could work on some pages for Abbie Grace's arrival, but my markers, scissors, pages, etc....are boxed up. Here is a preview of some of the background pages that I will be working with.

I love pink and green. If I had a nursery for the girls, it would be pink and green!

If I am able to get some pages done this weekend, I'll post them on Monday.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!

A good dose of vitamin D

What a beautiful day today was!!! Abbie Grace and I decided it was time to head outside for a little walk. We made it two doors down before the first neighbor stuck their head out to see us. We stood and spoke with them for a little bit. They are heading up to Virginia to see their first grandchild. Who was actually born two days after Abbie Grace.

Then we took off up the street again. We made it about three houses this time before I noticed another neighbor out in his drive. I stood there talking to this neighbor about his grandchild and the two that he has on the way. Then we headed off again. So our little outing lasted about an hour and a half......and only about twenty minutes were spent walking. Abbie Grace enjoyed it......she slept the entire time.


A little later that afternoon I took Lucius and Abbie Grace out. But after fifteen minutes of Abbie Grace crying non stop, I decided to head on back in.

Tomorrow the carpet guys are coming to replace the den carpet. We have been living with our den totally in disarray ever since the 'flood' a couple of weeks ago.

Can you believe that I actually got this bow to stay in? Abbie Grace has just enough to keep it there, but only if she's not moving.

Maternity Leave??? among other things....

Someone forgot to tell all the dentists and orthodontist that they needed to slow down for the next couple of weeks. My brother has been working all hours of the day trying to catch up with work. I have felt helpless watching him drag in at 2am only to get up again at 5am to head back to the office.

We have however found a way for me to do the office manager part of my job. I am able to tie into the computer at work from my house and input our invoices and pay bills...etc. It's not helping him out as far as lab work goes, but at least these things are not piling up.

As you can see below, my secretary is fast asleep on the job. This is actually a GOOD thing!!! She has been asleep for the past two hours and that is a record for her in the past two days. Abbie Grace has wanted someone to be holding her.....already a high maintenance girl like her mom!!!
We had her 2 week check up today. Looks like Abbie Grace is progressing great! She has made it back to her birth weight, which was the goal by two weeks. Our next check up will be in June for her two month appointment.

Uncle Brent and Lucius

This past weekend my brother, Brent, came home from Auburn. Poor thing now has to share a room with Abbie Grace. Tom and I had already taken over his original room, so he was relocated to the dining room when we moved into my parents house. Now Abbie Grace has her stuff in the dining room. It's no wonder he prefers to stay in Auburn.....(just kidding!)

Uncle Brent and Maggie.

One of the reasons that Brent came home this weekend was to meet his newest niece for the first time. He was unable to come the day that Abbie Grace was born....darn those college classes....

Uncle Brent and Abbie Grace.

I know that this seems to be a marathon post, but I'm almost done.....

The last thing that I wanted to let you know about is that I am officially starting my pre-pregnancy diet!!! I had lost over forty pounds before I got pregnant with Abbie Grace and managed to gain it all back plus 5 extra pounds. YUP...45 pounds. I have already lost 25 of those pounds (nursing helps out a lot girls!!!). But, I've gotta work hard to lose those other 20. The reason I'm telling you this is that I hope that my friends out in blog world will help hold me accountable. Just check in with me to make sure I am sticking to it. The 'diet' that I follow is actually called Body for Life and it is more of a life style diet instead of 'starving' yourself. Eat healthy, exercise, and the weight falls of. I should know...I've lost lots of weight doing this...I just keeping getting pregnant and gaining it all back!!!

Lucius and Me

This was the best 'current' picture I could find of myself. Wish me luck...........

Kreativ Blogger Award

About a week ago I was scanning over my Favorite Blogs and noticed the following picture:

This particular blogger had been given this award. I scanned her blog and clicked on the links listed. As the week progressed, several other of the blogs I read received this award. I've also started reading blogs listed on their page. And at the end of last week, one of my friends, Candi, sent the award my way!!! I was shocked. But it was very sweet of her to give me a nod.

Even though most of the blogs that I will be nominating for the Kreativ Blogger Award have been nominated already, I will let you know my favorite blogs!

Here is what you are suppose to do:
1. Post the award on your blog, and link to the person who gave you the award.
2. List seven things you love.
3. List seven blogs you love.
4. E-mail or comment on those blogs to let the people know you've given them the award.

1. I LOVE my FAMILY!!! My husband, Tom, is so supportive of me and loves me despite all my flaws. My children are my pride and joy. They are so precious to me.


2. I LOVE QUIET TIME!! This is mostly anytime that I am in my car all by myself. I really love my family, but this is MY time. To think about things, plan my week, and sometimes just think about nothing at all.

3. I love to work with my hands. More specifically I love to be crafty. My favorite craft project is scrapbooking. Unfortunately all of my supplies are in storage, so I am blogging to preserve my memories for now. Other craft projects are cross stitching and crocheting. I recently finished this afghan for Abbie Grace.


4. I love going to the lake. We have had a place at Compass Lake since before I was born. I have SO many great memories of being their with my family and friends. Everything from playing games, to swimming, learning how to ski, playing on the slip and slide, and riding on four wheelers.

5. I LOVE a good book with a twist. My favorite author is Mary Higgins-Clark. She is an unbelievably good writer.

6. I LOVE Holidays. This is because I get to see all of my family in one place. Not just the immediate family, but aunts, uncles, cousins. We always do fun things like playing games. Our favorite outdoor games: boccie ball and cube. Our favorite indoor games: catch phrase, phase 10, and canasta.

7. I LOVE living in the south. Yeah, it can get a little hot here, but that is why we have sweet iced tea. Everyone is nice and you hardly ever meet a stranger. A plus for me is that almost all of my family lives within two hours of here....did I mention that I LOVE my family???

7 Blogs that I LOVE: Most of these have been nominated by other bloggers. But I enjoy reading them and I thought that you might enjoy them as well.

1. My Kid would never by my cousin, Sarah. She is a single mom trying to raise her daughter in a christian atmosphere while juggling a career. Her blog is hilarious. It is about all those things that we said we would never allow our children to do...but somehow it happens anyways.

2. Five Mockingbirds by Becky. Becky and I go back as far as 5th grade. She is also a stay at home mom with three kids. Becky is the one who introduced me to the world of blogging. I love reading about her children and their antics! She also has recipes and crafts.

3. These are the Days by Candi. I went to school with Candi and we also lived down the street from each other growing up. She is one of the few high school friends that I keep in touch with. She had great recipes and hosts lots of give aways.

4. The other Mama by Hilary. I met Hilary through Becky. We knew of each other in high school, but actually met this past November. I have been an avid reader of her blog ever since . She is VERY funny.

5. Fly Through My Window by Darby. I went to school with Darby's husband, but have never met her. She is a stay at home mom with three children and is SUPER crafty. She has great ideas about crafts, sewing, renovation, decorating, and cooking.

6. Kelly's Korner by Kelly. I love checking to see what outfit her daughter is wearing that day. She has the most monogrammed stuff that I've ever seen. Kelly has great ideas on cooking and buying on a budget.

7. That's it for blogs that I check everyday, but if I'm up for a 2am feeding and none of my fav's have a new post, I start clicking on their favorite reads. That's how I located # 5 & 6 on my list.

Saturday Happenings

Yesterday was such a beautiful day here! Hope that you enjoyed your Saturday also!!! After nap time, Tom and I decided that the kids really needed to get out and enjoy the sun. It has been raining so much lately that they have been cooped up in the house. I was getting afraid that they might tear the walls down.

Lucius loves playing in the sandbox.

Maggie and Daddy playing on the swing set.

I didn't get to take a picture of Abbie Grace outside yesterday. Mainly because I was the one operating the camera and she was in my lap the whole time. So, I included this picture I took on Friday. The quilt that she is laying on was a gift from the ladies at my church. They brought over a big basket of goodies and this handmade quilt! It has an inscription on the back....

Every knot a prayer for you.

I will leave you with a joke that my three year old told us at dinner last night:

Lucius: Nana, why did the chicken cross the playground?

Nana: Why did the chicken cross the playground?

Lucius: To get to the other SLIDE!!!

You are 18 Months Big Sister

This past Wednesday I took Maggie to the doctor for her 18 month check up. All reports were good and she is doing exactly what all 18 month old should be doing...loving life!

Maggie, let me tell you some of the things that you have accomplished over the last couple of months.....

Your weight is 25lbs 3oz. and you are in the 50th percentile. Your height is 32.5inches and you are in the 75th percentile.

You are sleeping through the night already. You are almost ready to transition into a big girl bed. You have started to get interested in sitting on the potty (even though we are a long way from ready to actually potty training you.)

You love to sing to yourself. You love to get dressed up and twirl around the room. You love to watch Mickey Mouse Club House. And you love to rock your baby to sleep after giving her a bottle.

You have started to get a little opinionated and LOVE to tell me 'No Mommy'. You can hold a fork or spoon and feed yourself. You love all kinds of fruits and veggies. And you also like it when your Nana shares her Italian ice snacks with you.

You love to copy what Lucius is doing, or play with the toys that he is playing with. And you don't like it when I pretend to put your clothes on Lucius. You love it when your Pops takes you for walks or lets you swing in the backyard.

Most recently you have become a big sister and you are always loving on Abbie Grace. Your favorite time of the day is when Daddy says its bath time.

I cannot wait until you are old enough to carry on a conversation with me or for the first time that you say 'I love you.' I always wonder what is going through your tiny mind. You must be thinking of great things because you are always getting into things. You are strong and fearless. I pray that you continue to be curious, grow healthy, and keep smiling.

Almost Wordless Wednesday

Just wanted to share a couple of pictures of my kids with you.

Maggie

Abbie Grace

Can't leave out Lucius....

Easter Carnival and a Family get together

Our church held the annual Easter Carnival today. Tom and my mom took the kids even though I had to stay at home with Abbie Grace. The kids had a great time. Maggie played with bubbles and colored on the sidewalk with chalk.


Lucius had a great time playing on the playground and the bouncy activities. He even hung out with Maggie a little and went 'fishing' for ducks.

Lucius looks a little worried about the slide at first, but later, Tom couldn't keep him off!

Saturday Night we ALL ventured out to my Aunt Pam and Uncle Donnie's house for a cookout. I was able to see several of my cousins, aunts, and uncles along with my grandmother and grandfather. There was a egg hunt for the kids (all three of them). But we had a great time visiting. I REALLY enjoyed being able to be out of the house for a little bit even though it wore me out!



We also had Abbie Grace's 2 day (post hospital) check up with her doctor. She passed all of her tests, no jaundice and her weight was still at 6lbs6oz. We spoke with the doctor about our concerns and were comforted. I spent both Thursday and Friday night up practically the entire night with Abbie Grace screaming at the top of her lungs. We weren't sure what was going on, but just tried to comfort her. The doctor said that it was simply that she was OVERWHELMED with all the new sights, sounds, and smells. She said that we shouldn't worry one bit. Abbie Grace would adjust. And wouldn't you know, Saturday night went great! She slept great and woke up only to nurse.

Home from the Hospital

I am playing catch up on updates while Abbie Grace catches a quick nap. Things have been really busy this past weekend with the traditional Easter family gatherings. This past Thursday we were able to come home from the hospital. My mom was on hand to be the photographer while Tom and I prepared to take Abbie Grace home.

We had a great stay at the hospital. There were lots of visitors that came to meet Abbie Grace. Family, friends, members of our church, and both the pastor and assistant pastor visited. On Wednesday night, the hospital gave Tom and I a "Date night". They served steak and shrimp with a salad, baked potato, roll, and cheese cake for desert. It came rolling in around 5pm complete with table cloth and sparkling grape juice. They did offer to take Abbie Grace to the nursery, but we decided to let our youngest daughter be our chaperon.

Here is a picture of the outfit that we took Abbie Grace home in. She weighed 6lbs 6oz on Thursday before we left the hospital. I am looking forward to spending the next five to six weeks at home with my daughter.


I just had to include this picture of Abbie Grace with her great grandmother...Bubby. Bubby came and stayed with me at the hospital while Tom and my mom were at work. I just love the two of them in their pink.

A Little this, a little that

There is just too much going on right now...I could write ten blogs all on the same day. I'll try not to overwhelm or bore you to death all at the same time.

First, let me start by saying how proud of my little girl! The is the first out of three kids that will actually sleep in her hospital cradle for any extended period of time. (she slept for two three hours stretches last night!!!!)


Last night mom brought the kids to the hospital so that they could meet their little sister. As you can see, Lucius was VERY excited to finally meet Abbie. Maggie on the other hand wasn't so sure about the little baby that Mommy was holding. Maggie did a lot of staring at her sister. But then I let them have a snack (more on that later) and Nana gave them presents and they quickly forgot that we were even in the room.

Mom got the kids the cutest little shirts that say I'm the big sister and I'm the big brother. She also got Lucius a push truck, and Maggie the cutest tutu and necklace. Mother is so thoughtful. She even picked up little gifts for the kids to give me and Abbie. For me, the kids gave me thank-you note cards.....def. needed those. And for Abbie, Lucius gave her a bath towel and Maggie gave her some bibs.


Mom also got us this door hanger that says Abbie Grace. (we are bouncing back and forth between calling my little girl Abbie or Abbie Grace. One of the reason's being that we keep calling Abbie...what else but Maggie.) It has a cute pink horse (or giraffe I can't tell) but it plays a lullaby.


And Lastly, I want to tell you how proud I am of Tom for stepping up his game!!! Yesterday he surprised me with a box of petifore's with Abbie initials on them. I love love love them. I finally got to eat one today at lunch and have been letting my visitors have one as well......so see, I'm bribing all of you to come visit....Just kidding!

I've got lots more pictures coming. And even a video of Abbie smiling!!! Looks like we will be heading home on Thursday. Thanks to everyone for calling and stopping by.

Welcome to the world Abbie Grace!

Welcome to the world little Abbie Grace. Your mom, dad, sister and brother are so VERY excited that you have decided to come see us. We are so blessed that everything went smoothly today.

Abbie was born at 10:57 this morning. She weighed in at 7lbs 1 ounce and was twenty inches long. AND boy does she have a pair of lungs on her. She came out screaming which was music to my ears. I think that she knew that her mommy had to wait to see her, so Abbie proceeded to scream until she came behind the curtain to see me.


This is the first picture of Abbie, Tom and me. Right now, my dad is up here holding his granddaughter and singing songs to her while I blog and watch House. I cannot miss House!!! Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers today. It is very comforting to know what a huge network of friends and family I had praying for me today.

Besides Tom and myself, in attendance today were my mom and dad (Nana and Pops) and my grandmother (Bubby). My brother Brandon and his girlfriend Courtney also stopped by to see Abbie.


I just had include this picture of Tom in his styling surgery clothes. Check back tomorrow and I will have some more pictures of Abbie.