Coming to mailboxes everywhere...

It's Christmas card time! I'm so excited to finally get to do personalized Christmas cards this year! I have always wanted to do them, but have never had a cute enough subject to put on them. Now that miss Sophia is here, I am using Shutterfly to create our Christmas cards. I think I actually squealed when I heard that I could get them free just for blogging about Shutterfly. I love using Shutterfly! I ordered our birth announcements from there and they came out great! We still get compliments on them and other people asking where they came from. I am also in the process of making photo books for Christmas presents this year. Such a great keepsake and super easy to make. Shutterly is so easy to use and has so many great things to choose from! Here are some of my favorite photo cards


I love the playfulness of this one.


I really like that you can use more than one picture on this one...because I can't choose just one picture of my cutie!

This is really neat because you don't have to write up a Christmas letter...it's included on the card!

Don't just take my word...go check it out for yourself!

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards

http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars/wall-calendars

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards

Happy shopping!

4 Months

Oops! I've been slacking at blogging lately. I guess that's what happens when you have a cute little baby taking up all your time! I'll do the 4 month update and hopefully be back in just a couple of weeks for the 5 month update.

Sophia, here is what you were up to at 4 months:

*You weighed 13lb 3oz and was 25in long at your 4 month appointment. That is in the 50th percentile for weight and 80th for height. I guess you are going to be tall like mommy. Let's get busy on those sports scholarships, shall we?!

*You still go to sleep around 8:00 and get up at 5:30 for me to feed you, then you go back to sleep until 7 when it's time to go to Ms. Cain's. However, you are beginning to get up at 4:30 instead of 5:30...we need to get this straightened out ASAP!

*You are beginning to wear 3-6 month clothing and wear a size 1 diaper.

*You began sleeping on your stomach the day before you turned 4 months. I lay you down in your crib and you immediately roll over to your tummy.

*You still have a hard time rolling back onto your back and you scream until someone rolls you back over.

*You give the biggest belly laughs when we play "I'm gonna get you!" and when we "bite" your belly/back/feet

*You eat 4oz every 2.5-3 hours at Ms. Cain's and only take a morning nap. You are very nosy and afraid to miss something, so sleeping is put on the back-burner. (Wonder where you get this from?!)

*You nurse when you are with momma and you eat like a champ!

*You are most definitely a mommy's girl! You don't like it when I leave the room and I usually have to be within eyesight if someone else is holding you. While I LOVE that you love me so much, it is a bit dramatic and I'd like for others to enjoy you as much as I do. I'm sure I'll have to remind you (and me) that you really do love me when you are a teenager saying "I hate you" because I won't let you get your belly button pierced.

*You went on your first trip to the zoo and you loved it. I wore you in the sling and had to wear you facing outward so you could see everything. Your favorite animals were the seals, sea lions, and the monkeys.

*You had your first ear infection. Mommy and daddy felt really bad because we didn't even know your ear was bothering you! We took you to the doctor for a lingering cough and he said you had an ear infection, but you hadn't shown any signs of one.

*You are learning and growing each day and I love watching you as you discover new things





<~~Your favorite pastime: blowing bubbles <~~Waiting on the doctor to tell us you have an ear infection <~~First trip to the zoo

3 months

Sophia, you are 3 months old this week! I cannot believe it! They absolute joy you have brought to your daddy and me is indescribable. My heart no longer aches because you are finally here to fill the void that was in my heart for so long. Although you are growing way too fast (slow down!), it is amazing to watch you grow and change daily. Here's what you are up to at 3 months:

*You weighed 11 pounds 3 ounces and were 23.5 inches at your 2 month appointment. (I'll try to weigh again soon ; )
*You are beginning to laugh more consistently. Right now I get the most giggles from you when I "bite" your belly and when daddy plays "I'm gonna get the baby...!"
*You have the biggest, gummiest, beautiful smile I've ever seen
*You eat 3.5 ounces every 2-2.5 hours while at Ms. Cain's (you LOVE Ms. Cain! But, who doesn't?!)
*You still nurse when you are with mommy. You are becoming more efficient at it so it doesn't take so long. However, you like to smile and stare at mommy sometimes instead of eat = )
*You go to bed at 8/8:30 and sleep until 5:30, nurse, then go back to sleep until 7 when I wake you up to get ready to go to Ms. Cain's. We are so blessed that you are such a great sleeper! Mommy thanks you! ha!
*You would rather blow bubbles/raspberries than "talk" and coo like you used to. It's very funny, but also very slobbery. We have to keep you in those big 'ol ugly bibs to keep you dry
*You LOVE your toy elephant and tiger. They keep your attention longer than any of your other toys. They also go straight to your mouth when you get them
*You are trying so hard to roll over from back to tummy. You make it to your side very easily then your arms get in the way. You haven't rolled from tummy to back in awhile. You just get fussy during "tummy time" and put your face down so that mommy will turn you over and you won't have to go through all that trouble. You are rather stubborn ; )
*You have enough hair that most of your hair bows will stay in your hair without a headband...you look so big and so pretty!
*You love to watch football. You will stare at the TV anytime football is on. This is a habit mommy wants to break, but daddy loves! ha!
*You bring so much light to our lives. Your daddy and I are so in love with you!!

Cheering on the Fighting Irish with daddy

<~~Cheering on the Hogs! Mommy tried her hand at sewing and made this dress

<~~Wearing your party dress to your first official friend's party and then to cousin Kylie's party

Where has time gone?!

Wow, it's been awhile since I've been on here. I'm sure my 2 readers missed me. ; ) lol

Since my last post I've: had a baby, learned that there really is no instruction manual for how to take care of a baby, celebrated my 5th wedding anniversary, and learned just how expensive babies really are! I finally get the baby-making bills paid off and now I get to pay the baby-having bills. Money well spent, though.

It's amazing how much your life really changes when you add a baby to the mix. I really can't remember what life was like before her and what I used to do with all my time! Now my time consists of nursing, changing diapers, pumping, cuddling, nursing, watching her every possible second so I don't miss a thing, nursing, trying to nap while she's napping, pumping, nursing, throwing things in the extra room when company is coming over because I don't have time to clean, and, well, nursing. I am so glad I have stuck with breastfeeding, but my goodness it takes a lot of time and effort! Now that Sophie is almost 2 months old (*gasp* 2 months?! really?!) it's getting easier and quicker, but breastfeeding and pumping take a lot of time, effort, energy, and dedication. I love the bond it has given us and it really is a special time. I'm so glad we chose to breastfeed. (Not to mention the health benefits, money saved, and extra calories burned ; )

I'll try to put her birth story sometime soon. I want this to be a memory blog so that I can look back on her growing up. Time really does fly by so fast and I want to record as much as I can.

In 7.5 weeks Sophia has:
*been to Chuck E. Cheese, the mall, El Zarape (twice), TGIFridays, the ballpark, swimming, and I'm sure others that I've forgotten
*shown a LOVE for bath time...especially having her hair washed. She absolutely adores it.
* had her frenulum clipped. She was severely tongue-tied. It is fixed now and she is a much better eater because of it. She's gaining weight like a champ now!
*been smiling since 4 weeks old. I wake up to see big smiles every morning. Melt.my.heart
*began cooing and "talking" at 5 weeks. She loves to coo at the flower on her play mat
*alternates between sleeping in her pack n play and her crib. Just depends on what time she falls asleep
*Sleeps for 5-6 hour stretches at night. She usually sleeps from about 9:30-3:30, nurses, and then goes back to sleep til about 6 or 7. This momma couldn't ask for more!

I'm sure there's more, but I can't think of them right now. I'll get this better organized later. Now for the most important part...pictures!

~Just born! June 23, 2010 2:38 pm 7 lb 15 oz 21 in


1 day old



~ 2 days old...leaving the hospital



~First bath

Preview

39 Weeks

<~~~39 weeks I could have sworn she's dropped, but the doc says she's still too high


How far along: 39 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: up 30 from pre-pregnancy

Maternity clothes: not many left that fit

Stretch marks: yuck

Sleep: I sleep from about 9-4 and then take a nap from 6:30-9:00 am....weird

Best moment this week: Hearing that I am actually making a little progress....1 cm dilated and 50% effaced

Movement: It hurts a little but I'm sure going to miss it

Food cravings: sweets

Gender: Miss Sophia
Labor signs: Dilated 1 cm and 50% effaced...but she's still sitting too high for an induction so he said "see you next week" She's not really due until next week but I'm just so anxious to meet her! He did say that if she's not here by Tuesday we will schedule something for next Thursday. So she should be here in at least a week! yay!

Belly button in or out: in

What I miss: Nothing too much....I miss softball at times, but I know I can play again someday, so it's alright. I wouldn't trade being pregnant for the world!

What I am looking forward to: Her arrival

Weekly wisdom: She will come when she is ready

Milestone: Finally progressing a bit

38 Weeks

How far along: 38 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: up 29 from pre-pregnancy...Didn't gain anything last week woo~hoo!

Maternity clothes: Dresses are about the only things that cover my whole belly...it's tshirts and Jeff's shorts most of the time

Stretch marks: My old stretchies on my sides are beginning to expand...they are turning pink on the ends where they are stretching more grrrr!

Sleep: Getting used to not getting much sleep at night. Luckily I can take naps now that school's out

Best moment this week: Hearing Dr. Laws say "Your life will be changing drastically in the next 7 to 10 days" even though we had 14 days left at the time....I think he's hinting at inducing?!? Holy cow, she's a-comin!

Movement: It's beginning to become a little painful because she's so big and my stomach is stretched so tight. It is still the most amazing feeling ever. I love it when she gets the hiccups (at least 3 times a day =)) the only problem is her head is on my cervix and the hiccups kinda hurt me at times lol

Food cravings: Sonic chicken strip sandwich and tator tots with ranch. Breakfast foods...any and every kind

Gender: Miss Priss
Labor signs: I'm beginning to think I will never have any! She's pretty content in there. I haven't even dilated any yet

Belly button in or out: not gonna be an outie

What I miss: NOTHING. I'm already getting sad that I won't be pregnant for much longer. I'm so going to miss being pregnant. But I know I'm going to LOVE holding her in my arms

What I am looking forward to: Besides holding her in my arms?! I am looking forward to Tuesday's appointment to see when we can get this party started!

Weekly wisdom: Smile and nod at all the "helpful" advice you get from everybody. They mean well. Right?!

Milestone: Packing the hospital bag and installing the car seat this weekend! wowza!

37 Weeks

<~~~My smooshed up girly at our 34 week ultrasound...love those cheeks!

<~~~35 weeks

<~~~~36 weeks


<~~~37 weeks...lookin a bit tired

How far along: 37 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: up 29 from pre-pregnancy

Maternity clothes: I hardly have anything that fits! My shirts are too short and my capris don't cover much of my belly. Since I'm off for the summer (yay!) I've been hanging out in Jeff's shorts and a rotation of tank tops that sorta fit. Thank goodness I don't have to work anymore or else I'd be wearing the same 3 things all week!

Stretch marks: No new ones, but the ones I've gotten are u.g.l.y

Sleep: I think my body is preparing for being up with a wee one....I wake up constantly for no reason and then have a hard time falling back asleep

Best moment this week: Hitting 37 weeks...which is usually considered "full term"! Now if we could just let Sophie know it's safe to come out now...

Movement: She never gets still! She is constantly stretching and pushing. It feels so cool! I like to watch her little knee or foot or whatever it is roll across my belly = )

Food cravings: Sonic chicken strip sandwich and tator tots with ranch. I've had that at least 3 times per week these last few weeks....which might explain the sudden explosion of weight gain oops!

Gender: 34 week ultrasound confirmed she's still a girl! (and proud of it! haha)
Labor signs: Patiently waiting for some

Belly button in or out: still in...not gonna be an outie

What I miss: NOTHING. I'm already getting sad that I won't be pregnant for much longer. I'm so going to miss being pregnant. But I know I'm going to LOVE holding her in my arms

What I am looking forward to: my appt this afternoon to see if I'm making any progress yet *fingers crossed*

Weekly wisdom: What was good for one pregnant woman isn't necessarily good for all pregnant women. Do what feels right for YOU

Milestone: Full Term!

34 Weeks

Oops! I haven't updated in quite a while! Partly because I've been lazy/busy and partly because
I've been exhausted!

<~~~ 31 Weeks

<~~~32 Weeks

<~~~ 33 weeks My only picture from this week! Oops!

<~~~~ 34 weeks!!


How far along: 34 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 23 pounds total

Maternity clothes: I wear them to work and then come straight home and put on Jeff's shorts & t-shirts = )

Stretch marks: They are ugly BUT will always be a reminder of this time in my life so I am beginning to treasure them (well, as much as one can treasure something so ugly!)

Sleep: Haven't had a good night's sleep in a loOoOng time

Best moment this week: Mother's Day!

Movement: I feel it more often, but it isn't as jolting. It seems like she stretches more than anything...less kicking and flipping nowadays. She's gotten the hiccups several times this week and that feels kinda neat

Food cravings: I still haven't had a big craving....bummed about that

Gender: Sophia Faith
Pregnancy Symptoms: Lots of those! Big belly, peeing a LOT, backache, and I'm beginning to have crazy dreams like I did in the first trimester

Labor signs: no ma'am

Belly button in or out: still in

What I miss: sleeping through the night and being able to roll over in bed/stand up from a sitting position without so much effort

What I am looking forward to: ultrasound on Friday

Weekly wisdom: Accept help from those who offer it.

Milestone: getting a week off from seeing the doctor! We went straight from monthly visits to weekly visits due to blood pressure problems....BUT, I've been good and he gave us a week off and no bed-rest! woo~hoo!

30 Weeks

How far along: 30 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: up 18 pounds...Found out I was down 3 pounds from our previous appointment. So, in 4 days I lost 3 pounds of fluid. Wish losing weight were this easy in "real life"!

Maternity clothes: Trying to make what I've got last...don't want to spend too much $ on a few weeks worth of stuff

Stretch marks: still icky!

Sleep: I guess I'm being prepared for her arrival...I don't get much sleep anymore! I'm EXHAUSTED!

Best moment this week: Putting away all of the wonderful stuff we got at her shower

Movement: love it! I love when my belly just randomly starts shaking and whoever I'm talking to is like "uh, there's an earthquake in your stomach" lol

Food cravings: I can't get enough to drink....Dr. Pepper, water, Cherry Vanilla Limeade, milk, whatever

Gender: Sophia Faith

Labor signs: nada

Belly button in or out: Jeff thinks I'm crazy, but I feel like it's not very deep anymore....guess we'll see!

What I miss: being independent. Everyone wants to do everything for me (which is super sweet) but I'm way too independent for that

What I am looking forward to: Getting our crib....Wal-Mart lost the one we ordered weeks ago. yes, LOST our crib! We had to re-order it

Weekly wisdom: Let others do things for you if they want....they are doing it out of the goodness of their hearts. Don't let it bother you. Appreciate it

Milestone: We are almost down to single-digit weeks!!!


~ SOME of the stuff from our shower! So much pink! So many great things! We also got a high chair, travel system, and several other odds-n-ends that didn't make it in the picture. (That blue tub is filled w/clothes & such) We are so blessed! **Disclaimer: the cat was not a shower gift! ha! Can you even see her?!**


~ Baby Shower pic. My sister Sarah made all the yummies at the table...twas yummy!!

~ Another sneak peek at the nursery. I'm lovin' the way it's looking!

29 Weeks

Here's a sneak peek of her room...can't wait until it's all put together!


How far along: 29 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: up 21 pounds!!!! I gained 7...yes 7!, this past month Thankfully, my doc said it was mostly fluid...more on that later...

Maternity clothes: yep....the "secret belly" pants aren't that great anymore because my belly is getting too big for the panel to fully cover and it looks silly

Stretch marks: yuck, yuck, yuck

Sleep: Haven't had a full night's in awhile

Best moment this week: Baby shower!!

Movement: the most awesome thing EVER

Food cravings: Cherry Limeade with Vanilla

Gender: she'd better still be a girl...there was a pink explosion at the shower!

Labor signs: nada

Belly button in or out: innie...will probably stay that way....but not as deep as it once was

What I miss: being able to do simple things for myself...I don't like having to be so dependent

What I am looking forward to: the carpet being laid so we can put the room all together

Weekly wisdom: Sit with your feet up as much as possible....it's okay to not have to be go.go.go all the time

Milestone: We had our family/friends shower this week and we got SO.MUCH.STUFF! I still can't believe we are finally having a baby!

**So, about the fluid thing....We had our regular monthly appointment on Thursday and we ended up having to be admitted to Labor & Delivery for a bit. I have been swelling every day this week, I have had the worst headaches ever each day, my blood pressure was elevated, and I had a 7 pound gain. This was of concern to my doc, so he sent us to L&D for monitoring. By the time we got checked in and hooked up, I was fine and they released me after about an hour. Can't wait for that bill!! ha! Now we have a follow-up on Monday and hopefully everything will be okay....I'm sure my blood pressure will be up again because Monday is the first day of the "Benchmark" at school. Bleh.

28 Weeks

28 weeks?!!? Really?!! We are now less than 12 weeks away from meeting Miss Sophia! I am so blessed

How far along: 28 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 14 pounds

Maternity clothes: I need to get some stuff for Spring/Summer. I have actually been able to wear some of last year's shirts (pic above is one)....I don't know if I should be happy that they fit or sad that they fit?! lol

Stretch marks: No new ones **knock on wood** but they are still ugly

Sleep: What's that?!

Best moment this week: Going back to work after Spring Break and everybody saying "wow, you look pregnant!"

Movement: Becoming much more frequent. Jeff saw my belly move the other day, he thought that was the neatest thing = )

Food cravings: Cherry Limeade with Vanilla, and anything chocolate

Gender: girly girl!

Labor signs: nada

Belly button in or out: innie...will probably stay that way

What I miss: a good night's sleep....guess my body is preparing for late night feedings

What I am looking forward to: Putting the nursery together

Weekly wisdom: Standing all day long will make your feet/calves swell....sit when you can!

Milestone: The crib, mattress, and dresser are in. Carpet and windows are ordered....should be installed within the next 2 weeks. Priming tomorrow, picking out paint colors next week. So exciting!!

Weekend Fun!

Jeff and I decided that we needed a little time away from things before Miss Priss comes, so we headed to Tulsa for a couple of days. We couldn't really afford much more (preparing for a baby is way expensive!...especially if you still have specialist bills to pay!) Anywho, we headed up to Tulsa Friday morning and went to the Zoo. We love going to zoos and we hope that Sophie loves them as much as we do! We stayed for about 3.5 hours and did a lot of walking. Maybe I won't gain 6 pounds this month?! We had fun and kept trying to wrap our minds around the fact that next time we are at the zoo, we will have a stroller to push around. Still can't believe it sometimes! We had Cheesecake Factory that night for dinner. It.was.heavenly. We stuffed our faces and I had some amazing cheesecake. We could have bought plenty of baby stuff for the price of that cheesecake, but hey, what can ya do?! Bonus: They made the wrong thing for Jeff so they let him eat the accidental Jamaican Shrimp dinner while they prepared the Shrimp Jambalaya for him to go. He got 2 huge meals for the price of 1. score! We had to be resourceful though since our hotel room didn't have a refrigerator to keep the meal in. We just kept it cold but putting a sack full of ice in the bathtub and then setting his to-go box in the sack. Hey, it worked!

<~~~I can totally relate to this guy!

Jeff & I being silly

A little slice of yum!


Saturday we had Krispy Kreme for breakfast and then headed to the Aquarium. We had a good time there, too, but I'm not sure we are in a rush to go back

This fish cracked me up. Love the lips!


Hmm, between the cheesecake and donuts, I might be gaining those 6 pounds after all! ha!

We came back Saturday night and it was back to reality. We've been working on emptying out the 3 extra bedrooms so that we can replace the carpet and get to work on the nursery. I am itching to get this all done. NOW. Oh~ I think "nesting" might be coming on. We finally went to bed at 11:00 Saturday night and I thought the bedroom carpet looked nasty. (Our Husky is shedding her winter coat....and leaving it everywhere!) So, what would any sane person do?! Vacuum the bedroom at 11:15 on a Saturday night after just coming back from a mini-vaca. Right?! haha I did. THEN, I figured that vacuuming was a waste because she would keep shedding, so I decided to take her outside, at 11:30 at night, with no lights in our backyard, and brush the loose fur off of her. I did this for about 15 minutes before I decided she was allowed back in the house. I told Jeff at 11:45 that we could go to bed now. He thought I was crazy but kept that to himself. Smart guy.