37 Weeks

Since I'm now 9 months pregnant and the big day could come just about anytime, I've decided to do a pregnancy update every week until the little man arrives...

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 37 weeks! It sort of feels like we're at the "any day now" point =)

Size of Baby: At my doctor's appointment, the midwife predicted about 6 and 1/2 pounds and anywhere from 17-19 inches long. (She did remind me that her prediction of the weight had the same accuracy as an ultrasound prediction... could be a pound off either way)

Total Weight Gained/Lost: I've gained 26 pounds so far. It looks like I'll be really close to gaining the same amount I did with Garrison, which was around 28 to 30 pounds.

Maternity Clothes: Most definitely

Gender: Boy!

Movement: He's still active but I also feel like he might be running out of room. His head is in the down position and based on the sharp pains and pressure I feel off and on, he's getting ready to make his debut.

Food Cravings: Anything cold... ice cream, popsicles, milkshakes.

What I Miss: Overall I guess I would have to say moving around easily

Sleep: I'm still sleeping really good considering how big I am and how far along I am. I wake up a few times a night to roll over and get comfortable, but other than that I'm sleeping good.

Symptons: Occasional sharp pains in my lower abdomen, pressure, lots of trips to the bathroom...

Best Moment This Week: Getting ready for Austin's arrival~ washing adorable little baby clothes, buying some last minute things we need, and getting the nursery ready.

What I'm Looking Forward To: Meeting my baby boy!

Speaking of baby boys... here's my first baby boy who continues to grow up before my eyes. I am so excited for him to be a big brother.

The Very Hungry 2 Year Old... Take 2

When I first wrote about my very hungry 2 year old, Garrison was showing signs of a growth spurt and eating tons. We literally couldn't keep him full. Lately though he's had days of eating a lot and asking for more and more and days where he's eating more "normal" portions and filling up faster. I'm sure a lot of our family is probably thinking his appetite has really slowed down because he definitely doesn't eat much at restaurants, or even away from home. But this boy loves to eat just about anything his mama cooks (except for peas and meat, unless it's tacos or spaghetti) and anything he can find in our pantry.

Last night the little man had a big and interesting meal. Terrell and I had roast from the crock pot, green beans, and mac and cheese. Garrison won't eat roast, so I fixed him a plate of green beans and mac and cheese, plus planned to give him some "fruit jello", grapes, and possibly seconds or thirds of the green beans and mac and cheese once he finished what was on his plate.

Well as soon as he saw his plate last night, he requested Spaghetti O's. He knew there were leftovers in the fridge from the day before. So I warmed up some of those and he ate everything on his plate including the bowl of spaghetti o's, and I think he asked for seconds of the mac and cheese. After eating all of that, he got to have his peaches in strawberry jello (a new thing he's really into). By that time Terrell and I were finishing up our plates and the little man noticed, so he asked for cake. (We've been eating leftover birthday cake from Terrell's party and sharing with Garrison of course... who is now a big lover of red velvet.) So everyone enjoyed a delicious piece of cake together to top off our meal and then got ready to clean up... or so we thought.


After finishing his "zert" (dessert) Garrison decided he still wasn't full. He was already covered in cake and the rest of his supper and all we wanted to do was to get him cleaned up, but he insisted "I want somethin else". Sooo, he first asked for raisins and gold fish. A regular request at our house after he supposedly finishes a meal. Then, he asked for another bowl of spaghetti o's. We know if he asks for it, he really wants it and is going to eat it, so Terrell fixed him another bowl of spaghtti o's. Sure enough, he ate every single thing he requested. And the evidence of everything he ate was all over him. He hasn't been that messy after a meal in a long time.

We were thinking about moving him out of the high chair into a booster seat in a big boy chair, aka, one of my dining room chairs (since we don't have an eat-in kitchen). After the mess last night, I'm not looking forward to that day. This child still requires major clean up after a lot of his meals. I'm thinking this very hungry 2 year old can stay in his high chair just a little longer. Goodness. I do find him pretty adorable covered in cake and spaghetti o's though. =)

Terrell's 30th Birthday

Saturday the 20th at 9:49 am, my hubby turned 30~ and he handled it great! =) It's hard to believe, but I've been blessed to have shared 12 of those 30 years with him. Wow, that's crazy when I think about it. I love you Terrell! Thanks for being an amazing husband and dad who loves us and takes care of us and fills our home with laughter and fun. We loved celebrating with you and are so proud to call you husband and daddy.

Now for the details...

Typically we celebrate birthdays kind of the same way every year~ we go out to eat with both sides of the family (mine and his) and open presents and enjoy birthday cake or some other form of dessert. We are very spoiled by our families. =) But, with this year being one of those "big" birthdays, I decided several months ago that I wanted this birthday celebration to be a little bigger and a little more special than what we do every other year. And it worked out perfect with his actual birthday being on a Saturday. We didn't pull off a surprise party or anything extravagant (because he would not have been happy about that) but we did surprise him with things like guests, food, and decor and we made it bigger and more special than normal... which was my goal all along. Even though Saturday was filled with ups and downs and felt like an emotional roller coaster, in the end we were able to pull off the party without a hitch and I'm pretty sure the birthday boy loved it.

This is a picture of his invitation... sorry about the quality. Really wishing our scanner worked right about now! It was designed and created by Megan who is amazing and my official go-to person for invitations of any kind.

The party was a drop-in on Saturday afternoon for family and family friends so it was really laid back and casual.... just like my hubby. We decided to to do red and black because of Terrell being a UGA alum, and with this being the 30th birthday we had to have black. Our menu was also very Terrell-like and masculine with hamburger sliders, wings, meatballs, chips, fruit, veggies, and a super yummy red velvet cake. We did red and black tablecloths, red and black balloons, 90's music playing, and pictures of Terrell all over the room from the moment he was just a tiny baby to now with his own family and babies.

*I have to apologize in advance for my lack of pictures. I think I ended up greeting, talking, eating, or taking care of Garrison off and on the whole time, so pictures were forgotten about a lot. I wanted a picture of all the tables and all the guests, and a picture of me, Terrell, and Garrison. Oh well. I'm pretty sure my mother-in-law made lots so hopefully Terrell will have more than just these to remember his day by.

Garrison and Allison being so sweet at the party

The food table almost ready

Another view

All the kids at the party except for our niece Shannon (How is it that my child is the only "older" one not looking or smiling?)

Terrell's birthday cake (that almost wasn't... it's seriously a miracle that we got to enjoy this cake)

While everybody sang Happy Birthday... with my sister looking on.

Enjoying daddy's red velvet cake

Selph Family picture

As I mentioned before, the weekend was filled with ups and downs. My little man was sick with a runny nose and sometimes low-grade fever, the air condition wasn't turned on at the Lodge when we arrived to set up for the party leaving us in a 90 degree room to work, and the cake just about bit the dust. My parents actually witnessed it fall apart and the cream cheese icing slide right off.

But, those "hiccups" were all sort of minor compared to the real heartache of the weekend... saying goodbye to my parents (and mine and Anna's too) 14 year old miniature schnauzer Molly. She was a special puppy and truly loved as a member of the family. She lived a good, long, and happy life and we all knew it was best for her to not have to suffer. I have great memories of her and Ginger (Molly's daughter) growing up and even after moving out. We were all really sad and heartbroken but at the same time at peace about it and looking forward to celebrating Terrell's birthday. A tough moment occurred when Garrison asked about Molly very randomly and out of the blue. We tried changing the subject and distracting him but when he didn't let it go we eventually attempted to explain everything through tears. I have a feeling he doesn't truly understand, but hopefully we can head off that question before he brings it up again and makes us all cry. I know he didn't mean to upset us, but to me it was like my cue to let the tears flow.

After all the craziness and heartache of the day, I loved celebrating Terrell's birthday and having something fun and happy to do. I loved watching his face throughout the afternoon. I loved watching him catch up with family and friends who were there. I loved singing Happy Birthday to him along with a big crowd of family and friends. I loved seeing him open his presents. And I really loved seeing and knowing how much he's loved. Terrell pointed out afterwards that we don't have tons of close friends our age, but that we're all about family. That's just us. We have extremely close-knit families and life long friends, and that is a huge blessing and gift from God and something we're always reminded to be thankful for, especially on birthdays.

Big thanks to my parents and Terrell's parents for all of your help, advice, hard work, etc. in making the party come together and fun for Terrell. I am SO thankful for ya'll!!!

Happy 30th Birthday Terrell! We love you!!

36 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 36 weeks~ 9 months pregnant!!

Size of Baby: About 17-19 inches long and around 6 pounds... still the size of honeydew. =)

Total Weight Gained/Lost: At my last doctor's appointment I had gained a total of 25 lbs, but I remembered I wore my tennis shoes which are way heavier than my usual flip flops. So I guess we'll see what the scale says this week at my appointment. Ha!

Maternity Clothes: Is it even necessary to address this one?

Gender: Another little man!

Movement: He is loving moving around. Sometimes I feel like he's so active that he's just ready to come out. He still gives strong kicks and nudges but he mainly just rolls around or pushes down on me and the bladder.

Food Cravings: The only one I've had lately is chocolate and I think that's just because there isn't any in the house right now.

What I Miss: Just being comfortable all the time I guess. I can't sit or stand for too long anymore without feeling really uncomfortable. Guess we're just to that stage where Austin's a little crowded, either in my ribs or on my bladder.

Sleep: I've started waking up a little more during the night just because I'm trying to roll over or find a more comfortable position. Sometimes after I wake up it takes me a little while to fall back asleep. Not sure what that's about...

Symptons: I have to go to the bathroom like every 10 minutes, I'm feeling him pushing down on me a lot, my lower back has started feeling tight and achy off and on, and I still get these twinges of pain that I'm guessing are Braxton Hicks. To me, all signs point to him coming a little early. I'm pretty sure I'm okay with that as long as he's ready and we're prepared!

Best Moment This Week: Garrison snuggling up close to me before bed while I was reading him a story and then laying his little head on my belly and trying to wrap his arms around me. So sweet.

What I'm Looking Forward To: Celebrating my husband's 30th birthday!

Waiting for Austin

Time for the waiting game. Ahh. Waiting isn't always the easiest or most pleasant thing to have to do, but that's officially the stage we're in and I know being patient these last few weeks are really important for Austin to be completely ready to make his debut. I'm just a couple of days away from being 36 weeks/9 months pregnant and Austin is definitely making his presence known. We're working towards getting everything ready and preparing ourselves mentally for our newest addition. I told Terrell last night after Garrison went to bed and we were just lounging on the couches (I take the big couch, Terrell takes the love seat) watching the Braves game that in a few weeks we'll be busy taking care of a new baby after Garrison goes to bed instead of relaxing. That's an exciting and overwhelming thought at the same time.

So far, waiting for Austin has included some sharp pains and discomfort that are very unnerving to this mama. With Garrison I had SO many people tell me there was no way I'd make it to February (his due date was Feb 6th) and so throughout the month of January I was constantly waiting for Braxton Hicks or some sort of pain, or even for my water to break unexpectedly one day. Yet I never felt a thing. Ever. It was crazy waiting around to feel something and wanting to feel something so I knew it was "time". But Garrison was perfectly content and growing by the day, so he needed a little encouragement to be born. Haha! Thankfully a midwife at my doctor's office determined he was a pretty big baby and scheduled an ultrasound... which then led to being induced. I was never actually induced because I never had to have the pitocin, but they did put me in the hospital and helped to get the process started.

Anyway, got a little sidetracked... the point is that I'm not used to having these "pains" and don't know what to think about them. I called Terrell one day this week after having a really long and uncomfortable "contraction" (at least that's what I'm calling it). He didn't seem phased by it at all... just told me to call him back if it happened again. Looking back I guess I did sort of over-react about that one, but it kind of freaked me out! At least I can always count on Terrell to be the calm one.

There have been lots of differences between the end of this pregnancy and the end of my pregnancy with Garrison~ and I want to document them so I'll always have a way to remember.

*I've mentioned the pains/Braxton Hicks, but I've also felt a lot more pressure this time around, almost like he's pushing down on me.
*He's also been really active lately. More active than I remember Garrison being. I love feeling him move but it can also get a little uncomfortable because he's clearly getting bigger and stronger.
*Driving for longer than 10 minutes has become one of my least favorite things to do. I start to feel very uncomfortable, like he's cramped and in my ribs and all I want to do is get out of the car and stretch out. Riding in the car isn't so bad because I have some control over my position.
*I have to go to the bathroom all the time throughout the day. I was teaching up until the week before I had Garrison and I do not remember having to go that much.
*My feet and ankles are starting to get fat. They don't look way swollen or anything, they're just fatter than they've ever been.
*I get hot and sweaty very easily. Yuck. Clearly this wasn't much of an issue for me in January or February.
*I'm actually not waking up in the middle of the night needing to make a trip to the bathroom... yet. That has really shocked me. I remember doing this lots more with Garrison.

Overall I'm still feeling pretty good and even feel kind of guilty for ever complaining. I know lots of moms have it way worse than me. Thankfully we're slowly making progress on the nursery and crossing things off our to-do list. I'm thinking about adding packing my hospital bag and putting in the car seat to that list. I just keep having this feeling that he might come early. But I could be way off on that. Who knows. We also need to set up the pack n' play and get our room ready for Austin to spend his first few nights or weeks with us before moving to the nursery.

It feels like there are so many things we're doing differently this time around just because we're more prepared and know what to expect, and I'm loving that feeling. (The delivery method on the other hand is another issue. I'm just praying it's clear what we should do...) We're not diving into the unknown or doing something we've never done before. I know it will be challenging having 2 little ones to take care of, and I'm already preparing for meltdowns (of my own) in the future, but I'm so excited about the potential of being more relaxed and comfortable and at ease this time. And I'm SO appreciative of friends who back this up and tell me the second time around really is easier and more laid back. I know that's what we're praying for!

Until it's time, we'll just be playing the waiting game. =)

Austin's Baby Shower

Yesterday afternoon a few of my sweetest cousins threw Austin and me a really fun, cute baby shower. We honestly didn't know if we would have a shower this time around being that we're having our 2nd baby boy... but man are we thankful. Showers are such a huge blessing and after going through all of our gifts and goodies last night we felt super blessed and grateful for our shower.

Some of the guests and gifts right after we arrived

Me with my photographer sister. =) Thanks for making all the pictures for me!

I loved all the decorations...

Getting ready to open presents

I have never been so happy to see diapers and wipes!

Austin's first monogrammed blanket

Austin's new diaper bag. I can't wait to use it!

So excited to put this sweet outfit on my little man

And this little hat!

Yay for more diapers!

Garrison got a piggy bank exactly like this right after he was born so we were thrilled to get one for Austin too

Lots and lots of blessings!!

I had a really fun time at the shower and Terrell and I loved going through all the gifts one by one last night after Garrison went to bed. We appreciated this shower so much. I think I'm starting to feel more and more ready to meet baby Austin... and dress him in cute outfits and use all of the things we have for him, including the diapers and wipes! I'm really starting to wonder if he might come early. The Braxton Hicks and sharp pains are occurring every day now, and occasionally giving me a little bit of a scare. As long as we make it to September, I'm ready when he is. As for now, time to get started on thank you notes!

Big, big thanks to Bobbi, Heather, and Mandi for such a great shower!!

The Boys' Bathroom

As soon as we found out we were having another little boy I started planning a little makeover for our guest bathroom so we could sort of transform it into not only a guest bathroom, but the boys' bathroom. I don't have any before pictures because I just didn't think to make any, but this bathroom used to be a typical guest bathroom... kind of girly, decorative stuff on the counters that weren't very kid-friendly, etc.

So, when I started coming up with ideas and looking up and pricing shower curtains, toothbrush holders, towels, etc. we decided two things: we weren't going to go overboard (honestly we couldn't have afforded to if we wanted) but that we would try to make it kid-friendly yet something that could grow with them. Terrell and I are both big believers in room makeovers that will last. It's just not worth it to spend a lot of money on something that's only going to last a couple of years before you have to do it again. I found some super cute bathroom stuff at Target that I was really thinking hard about... but ultimately we decided against it because they would out grow it too fast. Anyway, here are the pictures of Garrison's and Austin's new bathroom:

Standing at the door...

The really cute toothbrush holder. The frogs actually have little spring things under them that make them wiggle everytime you take out and put back the toothbrush

A different view of the counter. I can't wait until I have a picture of both my boys to go in that frame. =)

One of my favorite little "decorations" in the bathroom....

Here's a few details: The shower curtain and monogrammed towels are from Pottery Barn, the toothbrush holder is from Target, the frame is from Hobby Lobby, and the painting with the Bible verse is from an Etsy shop. I knew from the beginning I wanted monogrammed towels with their names and I knew I wanted a frame to sit on the counter that would eventually hold a picture of the two of them. I also really wanted some sort of kid friendly picture/painting/ piece of art with a Bible verse. It turns out the combination of those two things, plus matching it with blue and green was not an easy find. Finally I came across "the one" and crossed my fingers she could match the colors... which she did. Yay! The shower curtain was just a favorite that we decided on and the toothbrush holder was too cute to pass up.

While we didn't do anything major, I'm really loving the new look of the bathroom and I'm excited about how everything turned out. I guess the only thing we have to worry about in the future is if Garrison and Austin have a little sister. Hmmm... I'd have to get really creative with decorating a bathroom for two boys and a girl. As for now, I'm just enjoying the new look and loving seeing my boys' names every time I walk in. =)