Santa Claus is comin...to town!

It's that time of year.  The hustle and bustle of the season is definitely upon us.  We are in full force at the Farrar Household. There is no travel for us as everyone lives in town, but there is no shortage of running the roads for us.  It begins tonight with a trip to Nana's house and to Christmas Eve Service with her and the rest of the Sloan Family.  Tomorrow will be a full day as well as we go to and from about 4 different places to visit and exchange gifts with both sides of the family.  It will be a day filled with family, food, fellowship and celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  It is so easy to get caught up in the gift giving and shopping lists and errands and parties and and and...but let's not forget the true reason of Christmas as we celebrate this year. 

I decided last night that I would attempt my very first batch of home made sugar cookies.  I dusted off a cook book and found one sure to delight.  "Old Fashioned Christmas Cookies with icing" was the name of the recipe.  I looked online too but decided with said recipe.  Last night I put the dough together and let it chill overnight.  This morning, I've been busy baking, icing and sprinking the little cookies.  They are pretty tasty if I do say so myself.  I prefer more of a SUGARY sugar cookie rather than a flour-y sugar cookie.  These are more flour based than surgar.  But they'll do for this year, because I'm not making another batch.  I'll save that for next year.

I pray that each of you will have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy time with your family and friends.  May we never forget the true reason for Christmas.  Jesus. 

XO
Annie

Who knew????

So, shower #1 is in the works...which means we have got to register. 

Mom and I had planned to go on Friday night to Babies R Us and get the basics covered.  Plans fell through.  My granmother had a small accident on Friday afternoon and mom needed to stay with her while my aunt and uncle finished up their Christmas shopping.  So, Friday night, Tyler (brother #2) and I faced the crowds and finished up some shopping of our own.  Lance had planned to finish his shopping on Saturday and then he and I would go register together after that.  So, Saturday we did just that...  Lance went with his uncle and did his last minute shopping and then met me at moms to go to Babies R Us.  As we were pulling in the parking lot I let out a small laugh and said "we are about to be overwhelmed." And that we were.  We went in, filled out the paperwork, then were sent with the "GUN" and a check list of all the things that we would need to bring this baby boy home.  So, being the anal one that I am, I feel the list and the gun should be together and we should start with item #1 on the list and go from there.  Lance had other ideas.  After about 5 minutes of me comparing breast feeding pads, Lance was on the move.  He had the gun.  I could hear him scanning item after item and my blood pressure was rising.  This was not how I had planned. I didn't know what he was scanning, so how was I supposed to check it off the list??? Better yet, he was going out of order!  Yes, my blood pressure was definitely rising.  I'd call him over once I decided on which brand of breast pad, bottle, bag, nipple, etc I had decided on and he'd do the honors- he'd scan and I'd check it off the list.  For some, this might have worked, for me, I was about to have a panic attack. This was anything but orderly!  After about an hour and a half and only 60 items on our list, we called it a day.  We were both over it.  This was supposed to be fun, however, it was anything BUT!  Something would have to give- a better plan of attack would have to be formed before the next trip to B-R-U.

So, today, I had a plan.  Cindy- my mother in law- and I headed back to Babies R Us to do some productive registering. I told the lady at the registry counter to delete our registry and we were going to start over.  So, here we go, aisle by aisle, Cindy with the list in hand, me with the gun and we were checking things off the list left and right.  Who knew there were so many options of nipples, passifiers, bottles, diapers, wipes, etc.  After about 2 hours we had made it all around the store and had registered for the basics.  We didn't register for any room decor or bath decor becuase I knew Lance would want to partake in that.  He's very opinionated on what he wants things to look like so I knew he's want to be in on the decor.  That stuff will be easy though...or shall I say, easier than selecting nipples, bottles, etc. 

Hopefully next weekend we can get to B-R-U again and get the other things registered for. We still have to pick out a car seat, stroller, pack-n-play, as well as bedding, blankets and decor.  I do not want a theme in the nursery so it's making it hard.  The baby bedding is so over the top.  I'd rather do something simple and classic that I'm not goin to get tired of looking at every day.  I don't want to see giraffe's or stars or trucks galore every time I go in there.  So, we'll see how that goes.  For today, I feel productive.  So glad to have some of that stuff out of the way. 

Next project- hanging bead board\wainscoating on the nursery walls then paint.  Should be fun!!!

25 Weeks & Counting

Today, I am 25 weeks.  Lots of things are going on internally as I type.  This baby growing is hard work!  As I read in my weekly update that I get online I'm reminded of what a miracle life is. It's a miracle that any of us are "normal" from what has to go just perfect during development. 

Psalm 139:14 comes to mind when I think of what is going on inside of me- "I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." The New Living Translation says it best- "Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex."  That's exactly what life is- complex. 

So many things are going on with this little baby, all while I sit here and do nothing- the structures of the spine are forming- All 33 rings, 150 joints and 1000 ligaments; the brain is growing rapidly; dexterity is improving- he can make a fist and clasp objects placed in palm; blood vessels of the lungs develop, and so much more.  It's absolutely fascinating to me to think that God has orchestrated such a miracle in me.  I realize, I'm not the first woman to have a baby, but this is the first time, second really, for ME to carry a baby so this is all amazing.  I think when we are unable to see the miracle that this is, we have become numb to God's abilities and powers.  I pray I never become numb to the miracle of a child. 

There has been a lot of movement by our little boy.  Some days he's very active and some days he is quiet.  Last night, while laying on the couch, I could see my stomach roll from side to side as he moved around and got comfy.  He was all over the place.  This morning when I got to work he was still just as active.  I'm still having a hard time getting comfortable at night to sleep, but it's getting better.  I think this cold that I've had is heading out the door.  I've had it for exactly 2 weeks, and Dr. G said it would take about that long to get out of my system, so he was right.  I'm still opting out of the flu shot and the H1N1 shot, so hopefully I stay flu-free.  I've been taking extra precautions about germs so hopefully that will help.

Planning has begun for my first shower.  I can't believe it's already that time!  My first shower will be January 9th.  Brooke and Bridget are hosting it early because Brooke is due the end of January.  Her second little angel will be born around the 24th of January!  I can't believe it's already time for #2!  Seems like just yesterday Reese was born.  I'm getting excited, but still lots to do before then.  I think we'll tackle registering sometime this weekend or next. 

I think we have decided on a name.  After much deliberation- and me having to give in, we have settled on Easton Garrett.  Lance has loved Easton for a long time and Garrett is his middle name, so that's what he will be called.  (I'll get Levi on the next one if it's a boy.)  I'm excited that he has a name now and that I can call him by name, more specifically pray for him by name.  There's something about putting a name with the face that I saw on the ultrasound screen.  Again, this is all such a miracle...

More later,

Annie

Eventful Wednesday

What should have been just any routine Wednesday night, turned out to be quite eventful... 

I had been away all night setting up for the Craft Fair at church and then to Chilli's with the in-laws.  Lance had come home after work played Madden, did some laundry, and ironed some clothes.  When I got home Kirby was a wild indian- she loves her momma, what can I say!  Anyways, I was in the bathroom when Lance brings in a half eaten Ziploc baggie with a bottle of pills in it.  My stomach sunk.  I knew what that meant.  Kirby had somehow found Lance's travel bag left over from his fishing trip that contained a few prescription meds, some loose tums and who knows what else- tylenol, ibuprofin...  After calling the Emergency Vet we determined she needed to be taken in immediately IN CASE she had gotten something other than the Tums.  So, at 9:30pm, we head to the local Emergency Vet.  They gave her an injection to induce vomiting to see what they could find.  No pills were found- only kibble and a white foamy substance- which we assume was the Tums.  They suggested that they keep her, give her an IV, check her blood work, monitor her overnight and us pick her up in the morning to go to her regular vet for follow up.  After the $900 quote for above treatment, we opted to take Kirby home with us.  That take home treatment consisted of a subcutaneous injection of fluids as well as a charcoal drink to soak up anything that could have been left in her stomach.  Basically the same treatment except under our watch than theirs---which we thought more beneficial to her.  We got back home at about 11:30 and Kirby slept like a baby.  I'm pretty sure she moved once all night, from her left side to her right.  I, on the other hand, slept with one eye open.

Thursday morning, we called the vet- who by the way is the best vet I've ever been to.  These people love Kirby and dote over her just like she's the only dog that's ever walked through their doors.  After 1 full panel of blood work, her doctor said her blood work was beautiful.  We opted to still flush her with IV fluids for the rest of the day for safe measures.  Lance picked her up around 7 and she was out like a light all the way home. 

She assumed the following position upon arrival:

(Notice her stomach under Lance's hand- that's excess fluid from Wednesday night's SQ injection)

Kirby didn't sleep to great considering she had the cast on her arm and couldn't get comfy- so, neither did I.  I love how this morning Lance said "Kirby must have been tired..."  I informed him that I'm certain she was but she, nor I, got a lot of sleep!  He sleeps right through.  He did get up around midnight to take her out in the cold to potty...so, I'll give him that.  Must be a mother thing to half-sleep.  Looks like I'm getting my practice.

Dr. Harris wanted to see Kirby again today.  She's got that little cast on her right arm because the IV port was still in.  I took her in this morning and she will get fluids all day today as well.  They will re-test her blood this afternoon.  Apparently IF she did get Tylenol or something else, it would show up in her panel between 0-36 hours.  This afternoon will be after the time limit so we'll see what the results are.  They are pretty sure that we are doing all these fluids for safe measures but want to be certain with the follow up blood work.  We will pick her up around 5 and hopefully she'll be good as new!  Bless my baby.  She's been through a lot!

Here's the little lovie this morning before heading to the dr.  She's quite pitiful with her little cast on! 

I am filled with thanks!

Today we will head east to my grandmothers house at noon and then to Lance's grandmothers house to share thanksgiving dinner with his mom's side of the family.  Both will be filled with a spread of food, from turkey & dressing to sweet potato casserole and corn, cranberry salad to green beans and desserts to numerous to name.  We will spend time with our family and enjoy the day together, our last Thanksgiving just the 2 of us.

On this day every year, I try to make a conscious effort to THINK about all that I have to be Thankful for.  There are so many things that I am thankful for, things both big and small.  This year in particular, we have a little tiny baby boy growing inside of me (1 lb and about 12 inches long now who really enjoyed my lucky charms this morning...) to be thankful for in addition to these below:

I am thankful for:

• a hardworking husband who loves me- who understands my anal ways---and loves me despite of those.
• the sweetest little weiner dog who brings me joy and happiness every day; who as I speak is laying on her bed in the floor in front of her little heater soaking up the warmth, but soon will be at my feet because she got to hot.  ;)  Seriously, I LOVE this dog!
• my mom, who has not only been the best mother in the world, but my best friend from day 1.
• my dad, who is in his 19th year of sobriety! I am thankful for the AA program who helps countless others every day to take it "one day at a time."
• my sister, who never ceases to amaze me with her wit, humor, style and personality.
• the greatest in-laws anyone could ever ask for- Lance's mom and dad along with his 3 brothers have made me feel like I was "one of them" since the very beginning.  I couldn't have hand picked a better family.
• Ronnie, my step-dad, who loves and cares for my mom and adores the ground she walks on.
• Donna, my dad's fiance, who loves my dad for the man that he is.
• The rest of our family- I have 2 grandmothers, 1 great-grandmother and 1 great-grandfather still living.  Lance has 2 grandmothers still living.  We have countless aunts and uncles and cousins that are so special to us both!
• My friends- I have the greatest group of friends.  Bridget & Brooke are my 2 besties.  Bridget and I grew up together and have such a common bond between us.  No matter the distance, a phone call can join us just like we were side by side.  Brooke and I have been best friends since the summer after our senior year.   We have been through many trials, but with her by my side, I feel I can conquer anything.  I am also thankful for both of their healthy babies- Brooke with another angel on the way!
• a wonderful job and the best coworkers in the world. 

These are random things, but nevertheless, I'm thankful for these things:

• time with above family & friends
• my church
• the tanning bed- really, this no tanning while pg is for the birds!  I'm about to invest in some self tanner or spray tan
• hair products
• chocolate
• sweet tea & dr. pepper
• rustic items in my home
• flea market finds
• my home
• my salvation
• the courage to share my salvation with those I come in contact with
• pedicures
• yarn- or anything crafty for that matter
• yoga pants & victorias secret hoodies
• flip flops
• sun
• spreadsheets
• books, books, books
• flowers- in particular the ones I can buy at Lowes or Needhams and plant in the spring
• BLACK FRIDAY & the hoopla that comes with it

These are just a few of the things that I am thankful for. 

As you go to and from today and through the weekend, take time to thank God for all that you have.  We are so fortunate and have so much to be thankful for.  What are you thankful for?  Leave a comment and let me know!

Happy Thanksgiving,

Lance & Annie

Birthday Festivities

It seems only appropraite to celebrate for a few days when you turn 16 right?  So, that's exactly what we did.

Thursday night we celebrated at a Japanese restaurant in town.  Lance and I joined my mom, Ronnie, my dad, Donna, Nana, Ganny, Uncle Bubba, Savannah, John and the Birthday Girl for dinner and cake!  We had a great time!  Here are a few pics from the night.

My Dad and his beautiful fiance Donna

Me & The Hub's

Me & Ali with Nana (Dad's mom)

Ali & I with Ganny (mom's mom)

Left to right

Lance, Savy, Ali & John

And- a birthday is not complete without a Sweet-n-Sassy's Cake!

Saturday night rouned out the festivities.  We had all her friends come out for a birthday celebration at a local park.  We rented a pavilion and ordered bbq with all the "fixins'" and had cake and smores which we roasted the marshmellows over 2 firepits.  Roughly 50 15-18 year olds were in attendance.  Lance was the DJ for the night and did his best to get the dancing started- but it didn't work.  I think they were all embarrased! They're at that age...but they had a great time nonetheless.  My dad had put together a slide show of about 200 pictures of Ali from when she was about 4 or 5 till now.  It was priceless.  I for one, shed a few tears! 

Here are some of my fav's from the night:

Until next year Al!  For now, drive safe- no texting while driving- always wear your seatbelt!

WE LOVE YOU!

November 19, 1993

On this day, 16 years ago, my little baby sister was born.  Weighing in at 7 lbs 11oz she was sure to make her mark on the world. 

16 years ago today, I went from being an only child, to having a baby sister. 

16 years ago, my life would never be the same.

Never in my wildest dreams could I have thought that my sister would be as wonderful as she is.  She is a lover of Jesus, strong willed, independent, creative, merciful, caring, tender, artistic, crazy girl.  If I had to get my drawing board out and create someone as unique as Ali, I would fall short.  She is indeed molded by The Maker and is perfect in every way to me. 

Happy Birthday Ali!  I hope 16 is FABULOUS!

Be safe driving and make good decisions!

I LOVE YOU SAS!

Mom took this of Ali this morning before my dad took her to get her license!

She is official!

She now has her TN Drivers License!

Watch out world- Here she comes!

Bed & Dresser...CHECK...

This weekend Lance and I spent some much needed time together. With all the home improvements, fantasy football/football in general, P90X (Lance), craft fairs, etc. our time together has been sparse. 

Saturday started with a trip to the granite warehouse to look at some options for countertops.  We've narrowed our selection down to 3 different colors\textures.  Depending if we paint the cabinets in the kitchen or not will help to determine our final selection.

We did some more errands and ended up at Pickles & Ice Cream.  I had a major need for some maternity pants.  I found a great pair of everyday black work pants and a pair of Citizens Jeans.

We also saw this celeb while we were there! 

We headed to Franklin to a couple of other baby stores to look at baby beds.  He now has a place to lay his head!

We eventually decided on the bed and dresser below.  This is the bed that we chose but in the black finish of the dresser shown.

This is his dresser- shown in Antique Black.

My Nana (dad's mom) had told me when we first found out that we were pregnant that she'd like to help buy his baby bed.  Many thanks to her for helping with this first big purchase!

It'll be 12 weeks for delivery on these 2 items but that will give us plenty of time to get our other home improvements done and get to work on his nursery. 

Painting has continued in the living room and hopefully will be finished by this weekend leaving the kitchen, master and nursery left to be painted. 

It's a lot of fun preparing for a little one, but a lot of work too. I'm tuckered out!

In other news: our little boy sure is active.  He moves all day long.  I've got my speakers rigged at work under my desk and I play him classical music through the day.  He seems to like it. 

We have two names that we are stuck on- Lance's likes Easton Garrett and I like Levi Garrett.  I'm pretty sure that his name will be Easton, but I don't want to give in just yet.  I do love both names though, so I don't think we can't go wrong. 

This is a big week outside of our house- my sister Alison will be turning 16 on Thursday!  It seems like just yesterday I was at the hospital anticipating her arrival with my mom and dad.  It doesn't seem like enough time has passed for her now to be doing the same with me.  More to come about her on Thursday...

That's all for now.

Good Night, Annie

Happy Birthday Kirby!!!

Seven years ago in Orlinda, TN, Ms. Mary Evans had a litter of puppies.  Little did I know that my husband had his eye on the one with the kink in her tail.  Kirby became part of our family at 6 weeks old, but 7 years ago today was the day she was born.  She has blessed our home since she joined us some 7 years ago!

Happy Birtday Kirby!!!  We love you!!!

Every year Kirby gets Frosty Paws!

This year, being the wonderful mother that I am- I didn't want her to eat alone- so I got a small cake for us too!  How sacrificial and selfless of me- I know! 

Happy Birthday little Lovie!  You will always be our little baby!

Here are a few pics of Kirby from her 7 years that I love:

(Donuts compliments of my sweet friend Diane at work!)

All our waiting has come down to this- this 45 minute appointment that would set the stage for the next 20 weeks of pregnancy and the rest of our lives!  We couldn't be more thrilled!

We got to our ultrasound at 8:30 and after about 20 minutes with the sonographer and a what seemed like a million snapshots of our little babies brain, organs and limbs we got to see that our little baby was a boy.  When she first tried to see what "it" was, he was sitting on his feet, but after some moving around and some additional pictures of other orgnans- she tried again.  It was then that we found out that our little one was a boy! 

To say that Lance is excited is an understatement! The look on his face when she told us it was a boy was priceless.  He had a smile plastered on his face the rest of the day.  Our main concern was health first...and once that was clarified- it was all smiles and praise for our healthy baby boy!

As he was moving around his little arms and legs were very active.  Lance said he's pretty sure he's a lefty!  I'm left handed and Lance was a baseball player, so that would be a good combination.  Leftys in baseball are a hot commodity. 

A few times it appeared as if he was waving to us and giving us a thumbs up.  He was very active all day.  He must have known that we were thinking of him and all he would become.

Lance and I both had the day off and spent it telling our family and friends.  I told my dad first.  He had originally said he didn't want to know but when I called him he couldn't resist. We went by my mom's work and I text Ali at the same time I told mom. Ali likes to know she's not the last to be in the know.  Afterwards we went to Lance's parents house and told Cindy (his mom) and Tyler.  We called his dad and filled him in on the news.  He's pretty excited to eventually get all the baseball gear back out!  Everyone is very excited to welcome this new little boy into the family. 

As I prayed for him this morning, I was almost brought to tears thinking of what he will be one day.  It's so real now, to pray for HIM and to have his little face in my mind as I pray for him.  What a blessing to carry this child and to be his mother.  Lance and I are thrilled with the thoughts of raising this child and watching him grow.

I Samuel 1:27 says "For this child, I have prayed and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him."  This is the verse that fills my soul today.

Thank you Jesus for this good news and for the blessing of this baby boy.

(From the side- this is his profile- sorry about the quality...)

(Front View- 3D Ultrasound)

On the Home Front

So, when we found out we were having a baby, out came the Honey-Do list.  We had lots of things on the list, the first being our front bathroom.  This project took a little over a month to complete because we kept thinking of things that should be done.  We did the following in the bathroom:

• Painted the Vanity Black
• Painted the walls a burnt orange
• Changed out the light fixture, bath fixtures and hardware
• Lance built the frame around the mirror above the vanity

And...here are the results...

I am very pleased with the results!

We took a week off from home improvements to build up our stamina for this next project. 

The next project was to paint the front bedroom and the hall.  After a brief setback on Thursday night of the wrong paint color from Lowes, we started on Friday.  Tyler, Lance and myself got our trim brushes and rollers out for the task.  We worked all night Friday night and most of the day on Saturday.  We checked those 2 rooms off of our list.  Painting the front room led to rearranging the room to make room for the items that are were in the back bedroom- soon to be nursery.  We still have a few items in the back bedroom that need a home, but for the most part, the back bedroom is almost ready to become a nursery.

Today the boys (Lance, Tyler, Matt & Chris [brothers]) went to Talladega to the race.

Here's the boys at the race!

(Left to Right: Matt, Lance, Tyler, Chris)

My chore for the day was to clean up the paint mess and get the rooms\house back in order. 

This took most of my morning!

Pictures have not been hung yet, but for the most part, this is the front room...

The bedding will soon change out too- but for now, this is what we have.

We are in search of a "headboard" to make this a day bed look. I'd like some old shutters or old doors to stand up behind there to make that look complete---similar to this but painted black and mounted longways.

The rest of my day was spent cleaning, organizing, napping and a little shopping.  It was nice to have the day to myself but my mind was getting the best of me.  I was glad for Lance to get home because sometimes my mind wonders.  I didn't realize just just how anxious I was about tomorrow.  I just pray that all is normal, healthy and visable.  We will know tomorrow if our little baby is a he or she. 

Lets just hope we can get some sleep!

Martha's got nothing to worry about!

This recipe comes from the Kitchen of Audra Griffith

This is a Martha Stewart recipe orignally introduced to me by Audra.  They are DELICIOUS, but a lot of work!

Makes about 4 dozen

8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled (I used Giradelli Bittersweet Chips)

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup Dutch cocoa powder

2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 1/3 cups light-brown sugar, firmly packed

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/3 cup milk

1 cup confectioners' sugar, plus more for rolling

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Melt chocolate over medium heat in a heat-proof bowl or the top of a double boiler set over a pan of simmering water. Set aside to cool. Sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.

Beat butter and light-brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, and beat until well combined. Add melted chocolate. With mixer on low speed, alternate adding dry ingredients and milk until just combined. Divide the dough into quarters, wrap with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 2 hours.

On a clean countertop, roll each portion of dough into a log approximately 16 inches long and 1 inch in diameter, using confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking. Wrap logs in plastic wrap, and transfer to a baking sheet. Chill for 30 minutes. Cut each log into 1-inch pieces, and toss in confectioners’ sugar, a few at a time. Using your hands, roll the pieces into a ball shape. If any of the cocoa-colored dough is visible, roll dough in confectioners’ sugar again to coat completely. Place the cookies 2 inches apart on a Silpat-lined baking sheet.

Bake until cookies have flattened and the sugar splits, 12 to15 minutes.

Transfer from oven to a wire rack to let cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

 

Serve with a glass of milk! Be prepared to make these again, because they are loved by all!

MMMMMMM!  ENJOY!

Did you feel that????

It's funny how everytime I start to wonder if everythings "ok" inside...I get a little nudge from my angel that says "yes mommy, I'm in here, and everything's ok."  I know its not only our baby, but Jesus reassuring me that He has got our little one in His hands.  Well tonight was one of those nights. 

I got home and got a wild hair to pull up all of my summer flowers out of the front beds since a frost is probably just nights away.  So, with Kirby in tow, I did just that.  I pulled up all the small flowers first, but next, NEXT, were the MAMMOTH Lantana that I planted at the beginning of Summer. They have morphed into some of the most beautiful, colorful, THICK & STRONG flowers I've ever planted.  If you need a hearty plant, this is the one for you. 

I digress...anyways, after getting all the flowers up- using a lot of my might, too much I might add- I start to wonder, "is everything ok inside?"  I kept asking Lance for reassurance if he thought I could have hurt anything while pulling and tugging on those flowers.  He said he was sure everything was fine.

So, I had some dinner while Lance and Tyler (Lance's oldest younger brother) worked on some honey-do's around the house.  Then as I sat and watched Grey's Anatomy, here came that sweet little nudge.  Most of the time when I try to get Lance to feel, it's not quite strong enough for him to feel...but tonight it kept up so we tried again.  We sat there for a brief moment, and then, there it was....HE FELT IT!  I've been wanting so badly for him to feel it, so he could connect like I do and finally, he felt it.  I said "did you feel it?" and when I looked up at him- it was so sweet- I could tell that yes, he could feel it.  He kept his hand there a little longer, but nothing more- but that one little kick was enough for tonight. 

I can still feel "it" as we speak and for that I am thankful.  As I sit her and update my blog, a blog I read daily, MckMama is posting tweets about her sweet Stellan who is fighting for his life while batteling severe bouts of SVT going on 48 hours now.  Please pray for this family as they decide what steps to take next. 

We go to the doctor for our 20 week ultrasound and check up on Monday.  We will then know if this "it" is a boy or a girl.  I cannot wait to find out what this little angel inside of me is.  I can't wait to put a name with this baby and all of the things that come along with finding out if it's a boy or girl!  I sure hope he\she is in a position where we can tell what the sex is.  Please keep us in your prayers as we go on Monday and also keep Stellan and his family in your prayers. 

We have so much to be thankful for. 

Back soon,
Annie

He Melts My Heart!

Seriously folks, I AM IN LOVE!!! 

Meet William Andrew

Born: September 9, 2009

He was born to my best childhood friend, Bridget and her husband Andrew.

This is a BabyWise Baby---and let me tell you, he's 5 1\2 weeks old and doing fabulously!

Bridget said not to be fooled, that it wasn't easy in the beginning, but this stuff works!
Being "Anal Annie" that I am, I will be following this routine and might even have a spreadsheet!

Lord help us!

I went down to Birmingham this past weekend to meet the new little bundle of joy. 

He is such a sweet baby and has the sweetest personality. 

He loves to be talked too and have the attention on him- NO PROBLEM for me!

He loves his bouncy seat!

This is the new little family- Bridget, Andrew and William

(NOTE: Look at little Sadie looking out the front door)

I made this blanket for William.  I started the weekend of July 4th and got it finished just in the nick of time for my visit.  I didn't work on it for a while, but when I set my date for travel, I got on it! 

I think I might have Carpal Tunnel now though- but he's totally worth it!

We had a great time this weekend.  Bridget cooked a yummy meal on Friday night when I got there.  Saturday Andrew kept William while me and Bridge went to the Mall for some Post-Pregnancy Clothes.  Saturday night was the real test- I had William all to my self because they went out on a much needed date!

WE BOTH SURVIVED!

It went really well.  I'll have to say I was a little nervous but after seeing the way the day went with his schedule I knew what to expect.  We had wake time, then sleep time and then mommy and daddy were home.  He did wonderful!  Really, he's such a happy baby!

I got home Sunday afternoon just in time for the Titans Massacre!  GOOD GRIEF!