Mmmmm....Blue Velvet Cupcakes

Last night my sweet co-worker, Diane (who is 24 weeks pregnant), threw us a shower at her house. 

What a gracious host- she had a wide array of foods and beverages.  She made the most delicious blue-velvet cupcakes with buttercream frosting... with his name spelled out on 6 of them. 

She had an owl theme going cause she knows how I love owls- owl shaped cookies that were frosted with blue icing with green E's on them (homeade of course), and a cute owl pillow she got off of Etsy.   She had covered chip board E's with cute scrap book paper and hung onesies on her banister.  This, my friends was one creative shower. She's a great host and cook---not to mention a great friend.

We got lots of cute clothes and baby things.

It's such a blessing to work for such a great company and with such fabulous people.  

I'm so thankful for my job and the relationships that have developed over the past year. 

Another busy weekend...

It's no secret that the weekends are my favorite days of the week.  I mean, who doesn't like weekends???

Our weekends have been filled with trips to Target- Babies R Us- Showers, the whole bit and this one was no different.  It's so much fun though.  I really enjoy the busy-ness of our weekends and spending time with Lance.  Not to mention that this weekends weather was to die for.  It was a little taste of Spring in February.  I'm definitely ready for Spring and the new life it brings. 

Friday night Lance made Easton some "collector shelves" for his room.  I had found some on Pottery Barn Kids but I didn't want to pay what they were selling them for- plus- when hubs can make them- why spend the money?  So for about 1\3 of the price of 1 Pottery Barn shelf- we got 2.    I can't wait till we get them painted and hung on the walls. That's on the itenerary for this weekend.

We've been having an issue in the nursery- the furniture we bought is amazing- but way to big for the room.  So, I called USA Baby (my FAVORITE baby store in town) told them of our predicament and they agreed that we could return the dresser for an in-store credit.  PRAISE THE LORD!  Saturday morning, we loaded up the truck and  headed to Franklin.  We swapped out the dresser for the Stroller, Car Seat, Playard and a sling. 

Lance did his homework on these prodcuts and these were our final selection.  The Chicco Lullaby LX is rated #1 on Consumer Reports and was also the top seller at USA Baby and the Cortina (travel system) was highly rated and a top seller as well. We had registered for them at Babies-R-Us but USA Baby had a better quality travel system (that went to 30lbs vs 22lbs) so we were sold!  This purchase was a big relief for me!  I kept thinking "what if he comes early?  we won't have anything to take him home in..." but now we do- so I'm thrilled.  Lance got it all put together without  much effort so that's another plus on the Chicco brand! 

We also found his Coming Home outfit this weekend and it's very cute.  I just hope it fits!  It's hard to know if we should get New Born or 0-3.  Lance and I were both big babies so he very well could skip the NB clothing stage. 

Sunday we had a shower at the church where Lance grew up and where his mom currently works.  Six of my girlfriends hosted this shower and we had a great time. 

Hostesses:

Beth, Lisa, Christy (me) Emily, Ashley, Gayle

Thanks girls for such a wonderful shower!

Preggo's (and babies) at the shower:

Stacy (G), Beth (B), Lisa (B) (me-B) Heather (?), Kim a.k.a. Sas (?)

Looking forward to another fun filled weekend this weekend!

Stay Tuned!

FunFetti or Stawberry???

We have this ongoing discussion every year, on or around this day, of what kind of cake should be baked for Lance's birthday.  When we first got married I asked Lance what kind of cake he wanted and he said FunFetti....so every year, I bake a FunFetti. Why would I do any different when I was told that was his favorite? One year, it came up for discussion around his mom- who informed me that Strawberry was his favorite- news to me I say.  Apparently, Lance's favorite cake IS Strawberry cake with cream cheese icing...momma's know best, right???  So this year, I had to step up my game and make a Strawberry Cake (in a Bundt pan... I was informed after I had sprayed my rectangle pan with Pam that he would prefer it was in a "circle pan with the hole in the middle") with cream cheese icing.  I'm sure it's not as good as momma made it, but I did my best. (Have I mentioned that I'm quite fond of my mother in law and this is just good family fun???- just making sure everyone knows I have the BEST M-I-L in the world!)

We had Bob, Cindy, Tyler and Chris up for Pizza and none other than Strawberry Cake for dessert! It was nice to spend it at home and not rushing to and from a restaurant.

Here's what the cake looked like before we dug in...

Here's the Birthday Boy with his Dad

And...here's what's left of the Strawberry Cake... must have been a hit!

Happy Birthday Lance!  I hope 28 is fantastic!

I love you!

Weekend Merriment

What a weekend.  These weeks seem to just fly by.  They go faster and faster each week- bringing us one week closer to seeing our little boy. 

This weekend was full of baby things.

Friday night we went to Joanns to get a few things for the nursery.  Lance and I will be making Easton's mobile.  I'll be making felt owls and Lance will assemble and hang it.  I also picked out some fabric to make some cute burp cloths.  I found a pattern online that seems pretty fool proof so I'll be trying that out soon.  We then  headed over to RedRobin for dinner and to TJ Maxx to look for some accessories for the nursery.  We struck out at TJ Maxx so we're still on the hunt.

Saturday I had a brunch\shower.  After that, Lance and I went to a few trendy little antique\vintage shops searching for that perfect piece for the nursery- but again, struck out.  We then headed to the local pottery painting studio to paint Easton a piggy bank.  Well, I painted Easton a piggy bank and Lance painted a cereal bowl with fruit loops on the inside.  We are both perfectionist so this takes FOREVER.  We never intend on staying for hours, but it turns out that way every time.  I can't wait to see what our pieces look like.  I have high expectations for both.

Sunday after church we headed to Babies-R-Us.  BRU and Target are our weekend hot spots!  We got lots of odds and ins that we still needed.  We went to Rafferty's for a late lunch.  When we got home from our errands I decided to tackle the nursery.  Oh dear- I had things everywhere.  A parent at PreSchool sent Cindy (for those who don't know my M-I-L is director at her church preschool) 2 tubs full of newborn to 6 month old boy clothes so we went through those.  After picking out my favorite pieces I started washing.  After 3 loads of laundry, I got all the onesies, sleepers, outfits sorted out and put away.  You can never have too many clothes!  I don't think I finished till about 10pm.  Nesting???  Hmmmm....maybe!  Its hard to tell because I'm anal and organized by nature so this comes natural to me. 

Tonight I cut out some burp cloths and designed the 5 owls that will be hanging on the mobile- with plenty of critiquing from the peanut gallery (aka Lance- very opinionated- but I love him just the same).  Lots to be done in such a little time! 

TOMORROW- LANCE'S BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Brunch with the Girls

This morning, my mom's friends in her neighborhood had a brunch shower for me.  It was such a nice treat.  We had some yummy food, the cake was amazing and some great gifts!

Me & mom (aka GG)

Check out this cake!  So cute and just as tasty as it was cute!

Carm & Marquitta- The Hostesses- Such sweet gals!

One of the many great gifts Easton got at the shower!

I love to see his name on things- so sweet

Thanks to all the girls who helped with the shower and were part of making this such a special time for us!

Y'all are the best!

34 Week Check Up

Today I went to see Dr. G.  Everything looks normal and I go back in 2 weeks for my 36 week check up and from there I start my weekly visits.  Heavens, this is going so fast!

Now, a little questionnaire about week 34...

Maternity Clothes: uh, yes. And who designs these things anyways!  Nothing fits.  For work, I have a (yes, a...ONE PAIR) trusty pair of black pants and at home- the ever faithful yoga pants.  In my next life, I'm going to design materinty clothes for REAL pregnant women because whats in the stores will only fit if you are 6 feet tall and 100 lbs...and, well, that's not me!

Sleep: Need some.  I haven't slept good since the Friday we got tons of snow!  Ever since, I've been up and down a million times a night either going to the bathroom or drinking maalox and eating tums.

Best Moment of the Week:  Spending time with Lance and Kirby just the 3 of us.  We don't have much longer where we can do that.

Movement: Lots!  Easton is a very active little boy.  "They" say your baby is the most active between 24 and 28 weeks but I haven't felt any difference- he's just as active as ever- and strong too!

Food Craving: Not so much a craving, but I eat a lot of cereal.  Breakfast and lunch sits well but dinner does not, which leads me to the box of Frosted Mini Wheats every night!  I figure it's good for the fiber and the calcium in the milk. 

Food aversions: We're going to call this one DRINK aversions.  I cannot drink Dr. Pepper anymore.  It was a sad day when I figured out this was causing some of my heartburn. It is my favorite drink in the world but it gives me indigestion like you cannot believe.  I can't wait for the day when I can have a big styrofoam cup full of DP!  MMMMM!!!!!! For now, it's sweet tea, water and cranberry juice.

Ailments: Heartburn\Indigestion at night- lower back pain

Labor Signs: May have experienced some Braxton Hicks contractions but I'm not sure what they feel like, so I'm not sure if I'm having them...

Belly Button:  now I sport an outie- 'nuff said

What I miss: getting ready with somewhat ease, painting my own toes, clear skin...

What I'm looking forward to:  besides holding my little bundle in my arms of course, eating turkey sandwiches, drinking DP, going to the tanning bed- however it'll be sunny soon after I deliver so hopefully we'll be on the deck\at the pool soaking up some rays- Lord, I hope he doesn't have fair skin!

Weekly Wisdom: Remember each moment- good or bad.  I am so very fortunate and honored to be able to carry a child and I know many can't do that.  This is a GIFT from God! 

Family Shower

This past weekend my Aunt Judy and my cousin Jeannie put on a lovely shower for little Easton.  We did a FULL FAMILY shower- including Lance's mom and dad's side and my mom and dad's side all toghether.  It was so nice to have everyone in one spot and for those that didn't know each other to put a face with a name.  I have the greatest family and in-laws ever!

Jeannie, me, Aunt Judy

I feel very tall- and for 5'3" that's saying a lot!

This is my great grandmother and my grandmother, both from my dad's side.

This, dear readers, is Ganny!

She is my mom's mom- and a HOOT!

She refuses to smile in pictures because her eyes squint---more!

This is Grandmomma, Lance's grandmother on his mom's side.

I failed to get a picture with Nanny, Lance's other grandmother- dad's side- but she was there. 

We are very fortunate to both have 2 grandmothers each and a great-grandmother and a great-grandfather on my side!

We got a lot of wonderful things for little Easton.

We are getting so close to the time  that he'll be in our arms and in our hearts!

Thanks to my sweet family who came to this shower (and those that couldn't come that were there in spirit) and made the day so special!  I love you all!

Coming Home 2010

Last night was Coming Home at Ali's School.  Coming Home is where the school votes for the boy that should respresent their respective classes and is during Basketball Season, where Home Coming is for the girls and is during Football. 

Ali's friend Cory won Coming Home for the 10th grade.  However, Cory plays hockey and his team won their game this week which sent them to the play-offs---meaning he couldn't participate in the Coming Home festivities becuase his game was at the same time.  So, the boy who got 2nd place walked instead.  He had a girlfriend but they wanted him to walk with Ali and his girlfriend- so Ali could represent Cory, who actually won. 

I'm a little bit partial, but I think she was the most beautiful 'escort' present!

Snow Days!

This past weekend, we had snow.  Not just a little snow either- we had a lot of snow- a lot of snow for Nashville!  We planned to 'work from home' on Friday just in case the weather did what the news people said it would and it's a good thing we did.  Friday by 8am we had more than a dusting and it didn't stop until Saturday morning.  At Friday night's measurement we were at 2" with more falling. 

Lance and I had planned to go on a date Friday night, but that dind't quite pan out. 

Saturday when we woke up we found about 4 more inches with sleet on top so it was probably more than that.  After being cooped up for about 24 hours I was getting a wee bit stir crazy!  I had done all my chores on Friday so that left nothing to do on Saturday.  We made the trek (down the hill) to Lance's parents house.  Chris and Lance went sledding while Bob, Cindy and I drove them up and down hills in the neighborhood- because who should really have to walk up the hill you want to sled down- right?!?!?!

Even little Kirby got in on the snow action- she didn't like it much- too cold!

Saturday was Chris's 19th birthday so where else should you celebrate on a snow day other than the fabulous Cici's Pizza!  Mmmm, everyone's favorite right?  Wrong!  It was my idea but it wasn't as good as I had hoped.  Nevertheless, we went anyways! 

We made a stop by Lowes and picked a color for the nursery and headed back home.  The boys went sledding again outside our house Saturday night while I stayed in and rested.

Church was cancelled on Sunday so we tackled the nursery.  We got it all painted!  2 Coats of paint on all walls and the closet.  So, a snow day weekend is good for something!

We did make it out for dinner on Sunday night for half of our date night. 

It was nice to have some snow, but now I'm ready for it to go away.  TOO MUCH MESS! 

But, I'll take a 3 day weekend any time one is dished out!