A Daddy Gift

Like most kids, Reese and Graham LOVE to draw and color pictures.

The only requirement is that you keep EVERYTHING they give you.

I thought this photo was funny....

Not entirely true, but it emphasizes the fact of how wrong it is to throw away ANYTHING (in the eyes of children.)

My kids learn quick that Mommy throws out stuff.

When crafting with their friends, they even talk about how guests need to not leave the newly crafted junk treasures on the floor. "My Mom will throw it out" is what they say.

Guilty.

I'm sorry... Mommy can't handle papers just lying around. If I did, I would have died years ago from paper strangulation.

Anyway.... with that said, they give Daddy TONS of pretty artwork. And Daddy takes it to work.

In an attempt to keep those papers organized and help them remain a keepsake, enter the organizer we got him for his birthday.

It's a plastic box that holds file folders perfectly.

And each file folder is now labeled with a year. I started with 2005, the year our oldest was born, and ended with 2029. That's a lot of keepsakes!

So this plastic file box doesn't get confused with 'work' stuff, I added this poem to the front:

"Paint me a picture,
Both happy and bright;
That will light up my face
Both day and night!
Paint me a world of make believe...
Of princesses, dragons, and knights on steed!
And when you are finished,
I know just what to do!
I'll save those precious pictures,
And one day, show them all to you!"

It is already holding precious gifts of paper from our kids to Daddy.
It will be fun to see them go through the files, piece by piece, when they're older and see what they drew from years past.

I'm thinking of making one for me. I find myself getting jealous that Daddy is getting all of the artwork.  The purger in me does love those precious drawings and pictures when they have a place!

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Hello Tagg.

This last month has been busy and has absolutely flown by.
It all started May 10 when we welcomed our newest addition to the family.

Meet Tagg Corbin

Born May 10, 2013 at 4:06 pm
Weighing 9 pounds 4 ounces and measuring 21 1/4 inches long.


Here's his story...

Friday morning, May 10, I woke up around 6:30 with a few contractions. Nothing out of the ordinary, I thought, because I had been having contractions for MONTHS now.
I woke up excited because today was my due date. I had made it. 40 weeks. I had been anticipating my doctor's appointment that morning at 8. I dreamed of him telling me I was dilated and ready! Although, reality was telling me, 'Probably not'. I was only dilated to 1 centimeter the week before. And with my past two pregnancies, I had been at 3 centimeters weeks before delivery. I was 'in the schedule' for an induction on May 15. It was comforting knowing that, for sure, I would not go past May 15.

I rushed around that morning getting ready and headed to my appointment at 8. As Joel left for work he said, "Call me if you need me."
As I was waiting for the doctor to come into the patient room to see me, I had a very intense contraction. So much pressure that I was almost certain my water would break any second. It didn't break and the contraction passed but I was still feeling pain and kept thinking to myself, "Maybe today is the day."
The doctor came in, checked for dilation and happily announced I was 4 centimeters! What an answer to prayer. I was thankful something was happening!
My doctor instructed me to head to the hospital. He said to walk the halls there and he would come over at his lunch to break my water.

So I headed home. Yes, that's right, home. I'd much rather walk in my home than in the hospital. I made a few phone calls on the way home. Joel (of course), my mother-in-law and my friend that was going to keep Reese and Graham for the day.
When I got home, I sat and waited. And I think, pretty much, scared my mom and husband. They kept saying, 'we should go'. But, I didn't want to get there until I knew my contractions were consistent.

Around 10:00, with my bags packed, we headed for the hospital. The big question was, 'Which baby outfit will we be using that night? The girl or boy one?'

When we arrived at the hospital, I had quite the entourage. Joel, my number 1 supporter, and the reason I was in this predicament (haha), my Mom, who flew from Virginia to meet her 3rd Grandchild, one of my Sister-in-laws, who wanted to experience a 'real live birth' and agreed to take pictures, and my Mother-In-Law who has been my faithful videographer for all three of my kids' births.

{Stopping for a contraction and to shed a few tears of excitement on our way to Labor and Delivery.}

It was around 11:30 when I was hooked up and fluids were going in preparation for an epidural. 

Then it was time to (uncomfortably) wait on this baby.

My epidural was in and working at 12:45.

{Smiles all around!}

My Doctor came, as promised, on his lunch break around 1:15 to break my water. 

We were all anticipating our baby to make it's debut very soon!

As I rested, the nurse reminded me to let her know if I felt any pressure. I told her I wouldn't because of the epidural. I couldn't move my legs at all, or feel anything. I had never felt the sensation of pressure in the past deliveries. 

At 3:30, I surprisingly felt pressure! Joel told the nurse who immediately checked my dilation. Sitting at the foot of my bed, with wide eyes, she said, "Don't push!" 

She knew my Doctor was in his office 15 minutes away. They called him right away. 

Within seconds the delivery room was buzzing with nurses preparing for delivery. 

Everyone was moving around with such urgency. I was so excited. (And a little nervous that I might be pushing and not even know it.)

With everything ready, the nurses joked that all my Doctor would have to do is walk in and deliver the baby. One nurse was even holding his scrubs open and ready for him.

The doctor arrived at 3:50....

And 16 minutes later, we met our son.

And he was perfect.

And his Big Sister and Big Brother thought he was perfect too!

Our family is complete.....

(for now.... )

;)

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Bump Date- 1 Week

I know, I can hardly believe it either!!!!
I am due ONE WEEK from TODAY.

At my last appointment, I was still 1 centimeter dilated. I weighed in at 158. (One pound lighter.)
I fixed that by eating 2 Dilly Bars while I cooked dinner after my appointment.


The average baby at 39 weeks is 15 inches from head to rump and weighs 7.5- 7.6 pounds.


The 'Big Sister' and 'Big Brother' shirts came in the mail just a few days ago. I can't wait to see Reese and Graham wear them to the hospital.

I've been trying to fill each day with activities so we're not just 'sitting around and waiting'.

Lunch with my guys is always a treat....

I let Reese skip a few hours of school to get a pedicure with me.....
(Cute toes are a must-have for delivery!)

(38 1/2 weeks)

(39 weeks)

This is the picture my Mom just took of me to show my Dad.

Yeah, I'd say I'm ready.

Bags Packed? Check.
Coming home outfit for baby? Check.
Carseat? Check.
Gramma visiting? Check.

Sounds like we're ready! Bring on the Baby!!!!

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Bump Date- 2 weeks

Today marks 38 weeks for Baby #3.
Technically, I could 'go' anytime.
{This thought makes me excited and anxious all at the same time.}
We can't wait to see this Baby's sweet face.

At my last doctor's appointment, I was 1 centimeter dilated. (TMI? Sorry.) Considering 10 centimeters is the magic number, being 1 centimeter isn't that impressive, but waaaayyyyyy better then zero!

I weighed in at 159. (I knew I felt a growth spirt.) That puts my total weight gain at 34 pounds.
What are the chances this baby is a 20-pounder???

Clothes

I purchased the kids 'hospital shirts' that say 'Big Sister' and 'Big Brother'.

View all of their cute shirts {HERE} at Happytown Embroidery!

Cravings

No new cravings but, despite my 2 pound weight gain this past week, I have been slightly limiting how much I stuff my face. Having a full belly is getting pretty uncomfortable. 

And just for fun......

You know you're 38 weeks pregnant when you opt for nude color nail polish. That way, when you paint most of it on your skin, no one will be able to tell. (It's like painting your toe nails blind folded. It takes true talent.)

You know you're 38 weeks pregnant when you step over things on the floor just so you don't have to bend over to pick them up.

You know you're 38 weeks pregnant if you try every avenue of picking things up rather than actually bending over. (Using your toes, broom, or just kick it to the wall so it's not a tripping hazard.)

You know you're 38 weeks pregnant when you need to stand sideways on the scale at the doctors office.

You know you're 38 weeks pregnant when you're packing your hospital bag.

You know you're 38 weeks pregnant when you feel ALL of the emotions one can possibly feel- all at the same time.

You know you're 38 weeks pregnant when you can't reach the center of your island to wipe the counter.

You know you're 38 weeks pregnant when you take long hot showers because the hot water feels so good on your back!

You know you're 38 weeks pregnant when you loose track of how many times you get up in the middle of the night to use the potty.

You know you're 38 weeks pregnant when people ask, "You're still pregnant?"

You know you're 38 weeks pregnant when you install a baby carseat into your car.

You know you're 38 weeks pregnant when your drawstring pants get in a knot and you have to have your husband get the knot undone because you can't see it.

You know you're 38 weeks pregnant when you plan freezer meals to make for after Baby comes.

You know you're 38 weeks pregnant when you've considered taking out a small loan to pay for the excessive amount of toilet paper used each day in the obnoxious number of potty trips.

You know you're 38 weeks pregnant when your 'big' maternity clothes are suddenly a little too tight/short for comfort giving you that
'My-belly-is-hanging-out-of-the-bottom-of-my-shirt' feeling.

You know you're 38 weeks pregnant when you get winded when even thinking of: walking up stairs, putting on shoes, doing any aspect of laundry, dusting, or any activity that doesn't allow you to be in a sitting position.

You know you're 38 weeks pregnant when switching from side-to-side in bed is the hardest.thing.you've.ever.done.in.your.life.

You know you're 38 weeks pregnant when you always have something on your shirt because you can't scoot close enough to the table while eating to prevent food dripping down the front of you.

You know you're 38 weeks pregnant when every food you see looks good enough to eat, but you refrain because there just isn't room to engorge yourself anymore!




Happy 38 weeks to me and Happy Friday to you!!!!!

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Bump Day Bump Date- 4 weeks

I starting writing lots of great reasons why I haven't posted a Bump Day Bump Date the last few weeks. None of them sounded good enough. So, I'll just stick with, "Hey! I'm pregnant, give me a break." :)
Good news, now I'm even closer!!!! The countdown is on ONE HAND!

Today marks 36 weeks and 5 days.
Not that I'm counting or anything.... {I'm hoping you sensed the sarcasm dripping off that statement.}
I am TOTALLY counting down! We are just too excited not to.

At my last appointment, I weighed in at 157. I think next time I go, I'm going to need to stand on the scale backwards. Not because I don't want to see what the scale says, but because my belly hits the rail in front of me and I barely have room to stand on the scale!
{That puts my weight gain, so far, at 32 pounds.}
It was also my first of the 'every week' check-ups. And every woman knows, you are nearing the end when you go every week!
But, in the words of my Doctor, "Not much happening down there."
Totally not what I was expecting.
Oh well. My baby will come when he/she is ready.
And after we buy a carseat.
And after the bassinet is set up.
And after my Mom gets here...... :)

Clothes

I think I'm done buying maternity clothes at this point.
I do however want to invest in some nursing tank tops and I've been peeking at my non-maternity summer clothes to see what I can wear to nurse easily.

Cravings

I'm still on this ice chip kick. And a tall glass of chocolate milk with my breakfast every morning. :)

At an appointment a few weeks ago, I mentioned to my Doctor that I have been having more calf cramps during the night. His advice was to drink 2 Gatorade sports drinks a day to help. I totally want to do that, except something about drinking Gatorade right now makes me feel a little nauseous.

Photo

Easter Sunday 

{34 weeks}

{35 Weeks}

Nesting

I should say that has started. I painted my bathroom a few weeks ago. I currently have 4 different paint samples on the walls in my kitchen. When we have guests over I have to say, "Excuse my indecisiveness."
I rearranged both kids rooms and have started Spring cleaning.
Sunday, I sewed curtains for my bedroom and have fabric for the kitchen windows ready to be made into curtains.

I'm not sure the true definition of 'nesting'. For me, I think it's more than wanting to get ready for baby, it's making a list when you first find out you're pregnant, procrastinating till you're huge, and then trying to finish things on this list that has grown considerably- right along side of your belly that has, incidentally, also grown considerably!
Either way, I'm totally nesting. :)


Happy Bump Day!!!!

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Perfect Chocolate Icing {on Spring Cupcakes}

I have been on the hunt for a GREAT chocolate frosting. I knew I didn't want to use cream cheese and I tried a fudge frosting but it turned out too runny.
Then when the Hubs asked for yellow cake with chocolate frosting for his 30th birthday, the pressure was on!
I searched and pinned icing recipes on Pinterest for days.
And I came across {this} one from Key Ingredient. It looked simple and I had all of the ingredients on hand.

Let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
-Oh my yum.-
In fact, I've made it twice in the last couple of weeks. And as I'm sitting here typing, I'm trying to come up with a reason that I need to make another cake just to have this icing!
Get ready to kiss that canned chocolate frosting good-bye.

Here's What You'll Need:
1 cup softened margarine
1/2 cup cocoa powder, sifted
5 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3-4 Tablespoons milk

Here's How:
In a stand mixer, whip the margarine and cocoa together until smooth.
Stir in vanilla and powdered sugar.
While stirring, slowly stream in the milk until frosting reaches desired consistency.
Scrap down sides and whip.
This is where the magic happens.
It'll turn from pasty, thick icing to glossy, lick your fingers good icing. 1-2 minutes of whipping and it will be fluffy and smooth.

(This is enough frosting for 24 cupcakes.)


I made classic yellow cupcakes (shhhh, it was from a box!) and piped this yummy chocolate frosting on top.
To take them to our Youth Group's Easter Egg Hunt, I topped the icing with toasted coconut and 2 'eggs' to resemble a little birdies nest.
(The eggs were candy Whoppers shaped as eggs.)

And just in case you didn't know......

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A Little Bit of Easter

Here's a peek at our little Easter decorations....

{Print your own Easter Subway art from Hopscotch Studio Designs HERE.}

{Print your own Easter Banner from Paper Coterie HERE.}

And my favorite little bunny....
I saw a similar idea {HERE} and changed it a little. I couldn't find a bunny silhouette I liked to print off so I drew my own and then traced it onto patterned paper. The bunny is glued to a burlap background. And its cute little tail was made just like the Felt Flower Hair Clips I made {HERE}.

Okay, actually THESE are my favorite little bunnies......

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