Just like her daddy...

I find myself snapping pictures and taking video ALL the time.  I'm sure I'm not the only mom that has this problem.  My iPhone just told me the other day I had run out of storage... Noooo!!  So,  needless to say I've been busy snapping memories, but finding the time to blog  these memories seems impossible!!

I have to say that Annabelle is really a great baby.  She only cries if she's hungry or has gas issues.  Unfortunately, the gas issues have become more persistent, and poor thing is just miserable.  Well, we find her changing table proves to be her favorite place to hangout...and handle any gas or discomfort she might be having.  Here is an example of what she does on a daily basis...p.s. She gets this trait from her daddy!  It's only 30 seconds, so make sure you listen to the whole thing.

Happy One Month!

Beautiful girl, you are one month old!  People are not kidding when they say the first several weeks are a complete blur!  It has been such an amazing experience becoming mommy and daddy to you!  Daddy and I talk all the time about how much we cannot imagine life without you!  You are a blessing beyond blessings!   Here are some of the highlights of your first month!

You are such a big girl!  Your one week checkup showed you had not lost even one ounce!  You maintained your 9 lbs 8 oz weight your whole first week!  You lost a quarter inch (since you lost the lovely cone head look) and were 20 inches long.  As you can see you are having no problem eating!  Which proved great for mommy.  Hello losing all that weight!  Thank you nursing!!  Seriously, amazing.  At two weeks you weighed 11 lbs, and were 21 inches long.  So big!!

We have been super lucky, and you're a great sleeper.  You sleep 3-4 hour stretches each night, giving mommy some decent sleep.  You do well with your naps, but especially your late afternoon nap.  By the end of the month you were making good eye contact, able to track things and sounds really well, and have lots and lots of movement!  Here are some other fun facts about your first month:

- You lost your umbilical chord at 5 days old.
- You were in newborn anything for less than 36 hours.  You've been in 3 month clothing since day 2!
- You are allergic to normal diapers, so we've had you in chlorine free diapers.
- We tried giving you a bottle at 3 weeks, but you were not having it!  You'll take it one night, then not at all the next.
- You are not a fan of pacifiers.
- You are such a hotbox!  You're pretty much naked all day long.
- You would much rather sleep on your side or tummy.
- You're obsessed with ceiling fans and lights.
- You LOVE your changing table.  You can be having a complete meltdown, take you to the table and you are a happy baby!  You especially love the green shelf about the table.  You just stare, and have even started cooing and making all kinds of fun noises!
- You love sleeping on mommy or daddy's tummy.
- You have good head control.
- You didn't love your first bath, but have loved everyone since.

I might be a little partial, but I think you're just perfect!  We already know you're going to have quite the personality!  Daddy thinks you're going to be feisty like me. ;-)  We are loving every second of watching you grow!  We could not love you more!

Who does she look like?

A question we always get, and most people who just had a baby is, "Who does she look like?"  When she as first born we had no clue.  Just looking at her we didn't really think she looked like either of us.  Maybe a perfect mix?  I asked my mom for some baby pictures, as well as asking Travis's mom.  I couldn't believe I didn't have any of our own baby pictures anyways.  Not sure why I would have my own baby pics.  Maybe just seems a "grown-up" thing, or something you have once you're married?  Either way, I was curious.  The minute we saw my baby pics we knew...it was almost identical!  So crazy and fun!  

Sweet Annabelle just days old.

My baby picture.   I actually still have that bunny!  AND, I'll go ahead an admit I still have that blanket...and I might still sleep with it...maybe.

Giving Thanks

^"I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus."

1 Corinthians 1:4

I wake up every morning feeling so incredibly blessed and thankful.  I'm in a season were my felt needs are pretty high.  The first week after having a baby is a huge eye opener to pain and discomfort.  Considering what I just went through the last 10 months, not to mention the fact my body just birthed a 9.5 pound baby, you'd think the after would be a bit easier.  Well...not so much.  I have no clue what I would have done without some key people this last week and a half.  Seriously, so incredibly blessed. So, here's a tribute to some of the people that have blessed me in ways words could never describe.   I am so incredibly thankful for each of you!

1.  My husband.  I know, it's impossible not to start here.  HE has been a rockstar!  I realize I am the one that actually gave birth to our daughter, but he had to sit there and watch helplessly as I did give birth.  For those that don't know or haven't realized, I gave birth at a birthing center WITHOUT ANY DRUGS.  Yes, you read correctly...all 9.5 pounds without drugs.  Not easy folks.  Hardest, most excruciating pain ever, and he had to sit back and watch me in all that pain, unable to do anything.  On top of all that, I ended up passing out in his arms an hour after birth.  I came to hearing him say "We're losing her.  We're losing her."  Turns out not eating and hardly drinking for 24 hours combined with giving birth is a really bad combination.  Definitely took a few years off his life I'm sure!  Not only that, he really is the only reason I've been eating the last 10 days.  I'm so busy keeping track of Annabelle's feeding and trying to sleep whenever possible, eating for myself just doesn't happen.  He's also been pretty amazing at handling my 1 or 2 (or 3 or 4) breakdowns.  Hormones are real people...and crazy.  Those flood gates open and it's all over...So a super big thank you to my wonderful husband.  Travis, I love you!

2.  My mom, aka Gigi.  Where to begin!  She came over everyday after Annabelle was born.  Travis had to go train clients, so she came over in his place.  She has done EVERYTHING!  Laundry, dishes, groceries, cleaning, and of course loving on sweet Annabelle so mommy could get some much needed sleep.  She is the reason I don't have huge bags under my eyes, and I'm not a constant basket case!  Mom, THANK YOU for everything you have done for me, Travis, and Annabelle.  We are so incredibly grateful and lucky to have you! 

3.  Now on to Ashlie...Ashlie was a roommate of mine in college.   We re-connected a few years ago to do the MS150 bike ride, and have kept in touch ever since.  She has been more than a lifesaver really my whole pregnancy and most certainly the last 10 days of my life.  I probably need to help pay for part of her phone bill due the amount of text messages and phone calls we've had...it really is ridiculous.  She has 3 of her own, her last just born this past spring.  She has been a huge source of help, comfort, and wisdom to a new mom who knows nothing at all!  I know I can ask her any and everything and she will be able to give me some guidance or direction.  Ashlie, words cannot do justice how thankful and grateful I am for you and our friendship!  You have been more than a lifesaver, and you are very much appreciated!  Hoping one day to be able to repay you for everything you've done!  

1999

2009

4.  This one is is for all the amazing friends and family that have brought us meals over the last week.  Brooke is someone I met late in the spring, and has become a great friend.  She has such a heart for serving, and we are so thankful for that!  She started up our meals after Annabelle got here.  Grateful! We also have recently gone back to our McKinney Church home, and were shocked when they reached out to bring us meals.  We've only been back at McKinney for about a month, and already they have welcomed us, and are helping us in this busy crazy time in life.  We are beyond humbled and blessed!

5.  And thank you to those friends that have sent Annabelle sweet gifts.  Thank you to those that have called and text Travis and me over the past week.  I haven't been able to call you all back, but soon I'll get back to some kind of routine!  

Again, a huge thank you to so many of you that have helped make this last couple weeks a bit easier.  So very thankful!!

God is Good

"I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations." Ps 89:1

Annabelle Christine is finally here!  Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 12:41 am.   She was 9 lbs 8 oz, 20.25 inches long.  Thursday, August 30th, around 4:30 pm I started having some pretty consistent contractions, 7-10 minutes apart.  By 3:00 am they were at 5 minutes apart.  We were so excited and so ready!  I had contacted my midwife, and she told me to rest and relax as much as possible.  NOT what this mommy wanted to hear!  BUT, I did what I was told and laid in bed.  Somehow I was able to fall back asleep.  Woke up at 6:00 realizing I had had only a few contractions.  What was going on?!?!  Very frustrating to say the least.  After talking to my midwife again she had me come straight in to check me out.  We packed the car, knowing we we would not be coming back without our sweet Annabelle.  

After she checked me, I was only at a 3.  Annoyed again.  She then had us go for a 40 minute walk.  She called it the "hell" walk, but pretty sure she was talking to 2 personal trainers.  She said this should not be a leisurely stroll.  I'm not sure I know the meaning of "leisurely," especially at 10 months pregnant.  The walk helped get the contractions going again, but they still weren't were they needed to be.  She sent us to go get some breakfast, but eating was really the last thing I wanted to be doing.  I forced down some food from Central Market, and then we headed back to the birth center.  My contractions had started becoming more frequent and a bit stronger.  She "let us" go on yet another walk, which we were of course thrilled about (note the sarcasm).  By the time we finished this 40 minutes my contractions were 3-5 minutes apart.  It was around 10:30 when we finished that second walk.  Travis and I walked in and said we would not be walking again.  We were sweating, and it was humid and hot outside.  (Need I remind her west nile is everywhere right now?!)   I took a shower, and was drying off when all of a sudden..POP.  My water broke!  Hallelujah!  Game time was officially here!

Well, 13 hours later she finally decided to make her debut.  I'll spare you all the details, but she definitely made her mommy work!  She got stuck the last 4-5 hours, so it got a little scary for awhile, but lots of prayers were going up, and God was faithful.  We are so amazed by this special gift, and loving every second of her!  Here are some pics from her first week of life.

Just hours old!  And she came out sucking those fingers!

Day 2 with mommy...

Day 2 with daddy...

On our way to the doctor!  

On our way home from the doctor...yes, we had an outfit change.

She is SUCH a hot box!  We have to keep her naked most the time.  She gets so hot so fast!

Out cold!  And the cutest baby ever!

I'm 1 week old today!!! And my eyes are a bit more open these days.

My Favorite

So, baby post have been dominating the blog...with good reason.  Super exciting time, and want to make sure and document as much as possible.  BUT, I definitely want to take a second and recognize my amazing husband.  I am absolutely the luckiest to have a man like him to do life with.

We are on the brink of celebrating our one year anniversary.  It's crazy to think it's been a year! (And I know EVERYONE says that, but it's true!)  I've been telling everyone we've pretty much done everything they tell you NOT to do your first year of marriage...get pregnant, grow a new business, move, and change jobs (twice).  Whew!  Makes me tired just recounting it all!  It's been hard, but God really has been faithful.  We've seen some really really hard days, but we've seen some amazing days, making sweet memories.

Our anniversary is actually the 4th, but we're "hoping"  Miss Annabelle comes out before then.  The fact we're still waiting on her is not what we were expecting, but so goes parenting, right?  We celebrated this last Monday.  Travis took the day off, and planned a fun-filled day of activities.  I say day of fun, but really it was an afternoon of fun.  This huge pregnant chick really only has about 4 or 5 good hours in her, then I am in need of a serious break!

Back to Travis.  He has been a huge rock for me over the last year, in particular the last 10 months.  The first few months of pregnancy (16 weeks to be exact) were pretty intense and miserable.  Saw lots of vomiting with zero ability to eat, all equaling a really unhappy, crying pregnant wife.  He was so so so great throughout it all.  Really great.

For those that don't know, Travis is the chef in the relationship.  Really great cook.  Don't know how I got so lucky to get someone who not only loves to cook, but is really good at it, but I definitely did.  Our trade off:  he cooks and I am lifetime laundry person.  He absolutely HATES doing laundry, and I totally don't mind it.  Perfect trade off!  Beyond the cooking, Travis is one of the kindest people I know.  Incredibly patient, full of grace, and above all, he gets me.  He gets all my ridiculous, over-the-top behavior without making me feel ridiculous and over-the-top.  He takes care of me, makes me laugh, and encourages me.  He's super smart, and does not take himself to seriously.  He's completely selfless, and is so good at serving others.  Above all, he is so excited to be Annabelle's daddy, and he is going to be the best daddy ever.  So incredibly sweet and loving this man!

So here's to one year with my wonderful best friend and my love, Travis.  I love you more and more each passing year we share together.  Thankful for YOU!  And excited to begin this journey of parenting together!  Oh the memories to come!  Love you, love you, love you!

My hot groom one year ago!!

Another Preggo Rant

As I stated, yesterday was a hard day.  Actually, the last couple days have been hard days.  If I had done this update yesterday, I would have come across as the super bitter and annoyed pregnant lady.  I waited 24 hours so I could come across as the mildly frustrated and slightly annoyed pregnant lady.

As a personal trainer, it never fails that eventually I'll have the conversation with my client she's frustrated at the lack of results.  The number isn't changing on the scale.  She  just can't get pass this certain number...etc, etc etc.  It's the growing pains of breaking old habits, and giving time for the body to respond to the new ones being formed.  BUT, in each case I empathize and sympathize with the client.  I tell them I know it's hard, frustrating and you want to just give up.  It really can get discouraging.  I talk to them about THEIR struggle.  Validate their frustrations and, at times, tears and sadness.  It's hard!  

What I have found more annoying and baffling is the abundance of moms out there that give the ol eye roll/condescending smile to the frustrations, aches, and pains of these last days of pregnancy.  Carrying a child is A LOT on a woman's body, period!  And for some, it's way harder than others.  And I LOVE that I have mom friends out there that have had 2, 3, 4 babies.  Going to learn a ton from each of you.  BUT, what I need right now is not to get the ol "put your big girl panties on and deal with it" look/speech, or the smile that makes me feel like a child that says "yeah, yeah, it's just the way it is," OR the "but let me tell you how much worst I had it" speech.  

Good gracious, just try to remember what that first one was like.  The one before number 2, 3, or 4.  Remember the excitement, fear, anticipation, hope, and cluelessness you felt.  I'm sorry, but I am not looking for you to tell me the most horrific baby story ever about how you almost died, or the baby almost died, or just the most traumatic thing ever happened.  Why in the world do some women feel the need to go there?  I'm standing there after the story thinking to myself, "What in the world do I say right now, and what in the world is my face saying right now!?!?"  

AFTER sweet Annabelle is here, feel free to tell me all the super scary stories you like about giving birth.  But for now, just be a friend who remembers what it was to be scared that first time.  And if you were one of the lucky few that just had easy, breezy pregnancies and births, then just try to sympathize as much as possible.  I'm just asking for you NOT to tell me how awesome you were because  you had it so much worst than me.  I'm not asking you for a badge of honor right now for all the crap I'm going through, and I'm not going to give you a badge for what you went through.  I just want a little, "I know it's hard" maybe followed by a "You can do it!"

Thanks for sitting through some rantings of a 10 month pregnant lady that is super emotional right now.  I'm hoping to come back down to reality soon, so we'll see how that works out for me!

Back for yet another update...40 Weeks

So,  yesterday was a hard day.  Had my weekly baby appointment.  Did not get good news.  This little lady is comfy and cozy right where she's at.  Tears were definitely shed.

Today is her official due date.  Doesn't mean a ton if she doesn't decided to come out, which all signs indicate she does not intend to come out.   Sad, I know.  I didn't have a lot to say at my baby appointment yesterday, and definitely didn't stick around to chat and smile like usual.  Just wanted to get out and cry in my car!  My midwife pointed out to me (through a slight laugh) I wasn't even at 40 weeks, and I quickly interjected "Um, yes I am!"  She then came back and said, "Oh, I have tomorrow as 40 weeks."  Are you serious right now?  You're debating less than 24 hours with a 10 month, hormonal pregnant lady right now?  Sorry Amanda, wasn't a good day for me.

Pray I can make it each day this little girl decides to wait before making her grand entrance.  She's definitely making her momma (and daddy) earn it!  Now for the big ol preggo pic...enjoy!

How far along? 40 big whole weeks

Total weight gain: still at 32lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes.  Had to go buy a couple more shirts since my tummy is getting so big and sitting so low!  I'm up to about 4 outfits I can fit into these days...wonderful
Stretch marks? Nope.  Not yet
Sleep: Terrible.  Awful.  Not good.  My right hand pretty much stays permanently numb and tingly.  Annoying.
Best moment this week: Soooo hard to be positive right now.  Hubs and I had a movie marathon last night.  (I should note that "marathon" for us means 2 movies in a row.  Yeah, I know...we're crazy)  Trying to soak up moments alone, and enjoy each other.  
Miss Anything? Too many to name.  Sleep tops the list this week.  
Movement: Lots of movement.  Too much for a little girl who's suppose to be getting ready to come out!
Food cravings: Foods been harder still.  Getting more nauseous more often.  Trying to re-introduce chicken more, but was reminded again last night that might not be a great idea.
Anything making you queasy or sick: meat
Gender: Girl 
Labor Signs: Nope.  Absolutely none.  Stinks.  I went from quite a few braxton hicks to NONE this week.  So very frustrating.  
Symptoms: Some pain in my tummy time to time.  Swelling is not happening anymore, so that's nice.
Belly Button in or out? pretty flat still, but starting to look like it might want to come out some
Wedding rings on or off? Off
Happy or Moody most of the time: As I've mentioned, hard week....the last half saw some tears and sadness.  
Looking forward to: Her getting her, obviously.  Trying to enjoy these last day with me and Travis, but we are both just so ready to meet her, hold her, and love on her!!!  

Annabelle's Nursery

So excited to finally post pictures of Annabelle's nursery!  It's been a long, fun process, and I'm glad to say it's finally finished.  I kept finding myself thinking of little things  to add here and there...I finally had to stop myself!  Pretty much everything was a Craigslist or thrift store find.  My furniture total came to be less than $260.  That includes the crib, glider, dresser, and changing table!  Here are some before and afters of the dresser.  Found it for $30 at a thrift store.  Here is the dresser before...

And after...Well, not the complete after, but we'll get to that in a second.

Here is the glider minus the hideous material it came with and the crib before all the extras.

Found this in the dumpster of our Austin apartment.  Originally had other plans for it, but ended up using it for Annabelle's room.  I ripped the backing off, leaving just the frame.  

Then I painted it a vintage green.  See below for the final result. 

Now the afters...

LOVED the way everything turned out!  Used a tiffany blue for the $30 dresser.  Got knobs from Anthropologie on sale.   A friend of my mom's reupholstered the glider.  (She's really good and super affordable!  Message me for her info!)  Love the pillow I found on sale from Pier 1!

So fun finding vintage toys all over the city!  The book in the middle was actually mine as a child, as were the baby booties on the dresser.  My mom and I glued on buttons to the heart and added a wooden "A" we painted yellow. 

So much in this picture!!  The cute baby rocker was a find in Canton.  $10 I think.  Matched my paint perfectly!  My step dad made me some corner shelves, and I just painted them with leftover paint.  A lot of the books were mine from my childhood, as well as the Raggedy Ann doll, and another pair of my booties.  

The wall was fun to make.  My BFF and super creative friend Lacy helped a bit with that.  Found everyone of those gold frames at thrift storers.  They were all used in our wedding.  I just framed fabrics I had leftover from the room as well as a lace handkerchief.  I tore out a few pages from old children's books to frame as well.  For the center frame we backed it with burlap, painted some letters I got from Michaels, and glued them on.  Turned out perfect!

A more close up view.  My mom is sooooo good at antinquing!  She found the cute horse and made Annabelle's name out of old alphabet blocks.  

And the bed....I knew I wanted the Jenny Lind crib.  Found it on Craigslist for $40.  I could not find any bedding I loved without spending $500 and up.  Refuse to spend that much on baby bedding!  SO, my mom made the bed skirt.  I know, crazy talented!  I really wanted the tiered bed skirt with vintage fabrics.  She did an amazing job!  Out of no where we learned my mom can really sew!!  I made the bunting banner out of remaining fabric.  Just got a plain white crib sheet.  The bed might be my favorite!

Here's the full corner view. Backed the green frame I talked about earlier with burlap and added some vintage records I found and a cute baby dress.  

Found the Jenny Lind changing table for $25 on Craigslist.  My step dad again made me a small shelf for above the table.  Painted it a nice vintage green.  Used the same paint for the letters above the closet.  Baskets were found at Garden Ridge. 

I  loved this painting I found!  Went perfectly with everything!  Only $5!!!  Could not believe it.  The ceramic figure was mine from childhood, as were the booties.  Basket was from Garden Ridge.

So that was major picture overload, but who doesn't love seeing pictures!  Hope you enjoyed!  Now we're just waiting on sweet little Annabelle to finally get here!  

39 Weeks...She's still in there

Welp....she's still in there.  Obviously, not ready to come out yet.  Which is crazy to me, because I think it's DEFINITELY time to come out!  I've seen and heard of quite a few of you having your babies lately, and while I'm more than overjoyed for each of you...it's my turn!  In all honesty, all of you were due before me, so I know I'm kinda asking a lot...and yes I realize that I technically still could have at least one more week...BUT all that is besides the point.  This Mama is ready!  Hello puffiness!  So, here's to another weeks update.  Really hoping this will be my last before she gets here!!

How far along? 39 Weeks

Total weight gain: 35
Maternity clothes? Yes
Stretch marks? Nope
Sleep: Pretty much the same as last week..EXCEPT for the night I happened to take a nap.  The catastrophe that is my 2-3 hour naps made sleeping that night not fantastic!
Best moment this week: Mani/Pedi I got, and hearing and seeing pics of my BFF in Shanghai having her sweet baby girl!!  We've been experiencing pregnancy 10 days apart and half a world away this whole time.  Pretty fun!
Miss Anything? Um, yes...too many to list.  Just staying focused on being grateful she's almost here!
Movement: She has her moments where she's pretty active.   It's kinda funny, and I'm not sure I've documented this somewhere, but anytime a man (dad, step dad, etc) touches my belly while she's moving she suddenly stops.  If it's a woman, not so much, but it's like she can tell it's a guy and kinda gets scared a second.  Interesting I think.
Food cravings: Sweets are still kinda high on the list, but this week cravings have been down, and feeling sick to my stomach has been pretty bad.  Reminiscent of first trimester without the vomiting all the time (thankfully).
Anything making you queasy or sick: meat
Gender: Girl 
Labor Signs: Lots of braxton hicks lately...few other things, so we'll see if it all adds up!
Symptoms: Some pain in my stomach from where her head moves around.  Still lots of pressure on my hips.  Lower back pain, mainly right SI kinda getting bad.  Lord, please don't let back labor be out of control!
Belly Button in or out? flat as a board
Wedding rings on or off? Off...feeling and looking so so very puffy!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Ready to meet her!!!
Looking forward to: Finally meeting her, seeing what she looks like, bringing her home!!!