Pregnancy Update:: Emerson Sloan

 

I did so much better posting weekly pictures and updates with Easton.

I've been taking them and I post them on Instagram weekly, but not with too many updates.

 

Today, I'm 33 weeks.

I had my check up this morning and all looks good.

He sees no reason to believe I'll deliver early, which was relief to me.

She's head down with a strong, healthy heart beat. 

I am at 25 lbs weight gain so far.

And measuring 33 cm down the center of my belly.

 

As with Easton, this pregnancy has been pretty asymptomatic.
I have indigestion at night, but it's somewhat manageable with Zantac and Tums.

And 14 pillows propping me up.

My newest symptom is numbness in my hands.

I'm working on her baby blanket, and about 3 weeks ago after I'd crocheted for an hour or so, my left hand started tingling.  This continued about a week and I finally googled it.

Turns out, you can develop Carpel Tunnel during pregnancy.

It's getting progressively worse so these next 7 weeks should be fun.

Dr. B did say it was common and would go away after she's born. 

His suggestion was splints at night time to help provide some relief.

 

She's an active little girl.

Always moving, reminding me she's in there.

 

Her room is making progress.

Walls have been painted.  Whispering Peach.

Crib and Changing Table Painted.

Pie safe painted, needs to be distressed.

Curtains arrived, not yet hung.

Artwork has not been agreed upon.

 

My laundry basket has pink gowns and little tiny ruffle bottom pants.

A big change from camo t shirts and cargo shorts with mulch in the pockets.

I was folding a load of laundry last night and held up a tiny pair of ruffle bottom pants and Easton said 'what in the world is that?!'

I think we're in for some adjustment! 

 

I'm very much looking forward to meeting Little Sister, but not quite ready just yet.

I'm still enjoying time with Easton and the ease of our current routine.

My job ends October 25th and I am thrilled to be able to stay home with Easton for a bit before Emerson makes her appearance and then home with both of them when that time comes.

I've prayed for a long time about being able to stay home with them and although the circumstances are not ideal, nor OUR plan, I'm very grateful for the opportunity.

Lots of adjustments on the forefront.

All good and exciting, just new.

 

So, 7 weeks to go.

Hopefully.

 

Here's to peach and gold and ruffles...and all things girly!

And maybe some cowboy boots & camo too.

 

And...we all survived

About a month ago, Lance got a call to attend the Delta Country Jam in Tunica, MS.

 

This is all fine & dandy, but they also invited his spouse.  For 2 nights.  3 days. 

That's me.  Over here.  The one that's NEVER left her child overnight, not once, in 3 1/2 years.

 

I gave him the look.  He knows the look.  He can see my nerves without me even muttering a word.  He assured me that everything would be ok, that we'd have fun, Easton would be fine, it's best to do this the first time before little sister arrives.  Yada, yada, yada.

 

While all these are very logical and reasonable explinations I kept trying to talk myself out of it, convince myself we really wouldn't go, that something would fall through, etc. 

 

Well, the time came and went.  As did we.  We did it.  I did it.

I left my boy for a little over 48 hours and everyone survived.

And maybe even had a little fun in the process.

 

I left a fun little surprise for him and a sheet of instructions for while we were away

 

We left Friday mid-day and drove to Tunica.

We stopped along the way for lunch, at Popeyes Chicken.

Seriously, a nice weekend away and he picks Popeyes Chicken?

We made it to the hotel with enough time to unload, freshen up and head out to the concert.

{{Thompson Square}}

 

 

We cut the concerts short and headed back to the Gold Strike for a little gambling.

I don't think any money was won that night, but I was so confused during Three Card Poker I wouldn't have known anyways!

 

Saturday morning, we made our way to the Waffle House.

$24 breakfast buffet at the hotel was NOT going to happen.

I have no place to put $24 worth of food these days.

So, we both ate for $19.  Thrifty. 

 

We had a work lunch at the hotel and then had some more time to gamble.

I headed back up to the room to rest while Lance played Poker.

It felt so strange to crawl up in that King Size bed in the middle of the day, with no one needing anything from me.

I almost felt sick, it felt so strange.

After a big nap we headed back to the final night of concerts.

 

Tim McGraw was the closing act for the night!

I was THIS CLOSE to getting a meet & greet pass, but no such luck.

After seeing my picture with Kellie Pickler I'm glad I didn't see Tim.

Let's just say, the ASOS dress I was wearing was NOT flattering and I looked like a bus.

 

We headed back home Sunday afternoon to a napping Easton.

He had a big time with Uncle Matt & Lauren!

They played Putt Putt, made cupcakes, painted a pumpkin, did some crafts I left, ate Mexican & McDonalds, played outside, watched movies and stayed up late.

Completely spoiled rotten, as he should have been.

 

Monday morning, we woke to the same 'Daddy?!?!?' that he yells every morning.

Lance got up and brought him to our bed.

I was somewhat asleep but rolled over after he whipered "Hey Mommy".

As I rolled over, he pulled out his ra-ra and kissed me right in the mouth.

In his sweet little morning sleepy voice, he looked deep into my eyes and said "I love you Mommy".

I assured him that I loved him too.

We layed there a minute and he said "that was because I missed you for Mississippi".

 

This child.

So sensitive.  So tender.  So sweet.

He's such an old soul in a little boy's body.

Always knowing the right thing to say.

My little boy. The ONE that made me a mommy.

 

It's so good to be HOME.

Gatlingburg- Aquarium Trip

Lance is the entertainer of the family.

I'm the homebody.

About Tuesday of last week, he said "Lets go do something fun!"

We talked and decided Gatlinburg would be just the ticket to our FUN weekend!

 

We loaded up Saturday morning after my shower and made the journey to The Smokeys!

 

We stayed at the Park Vista WAY UP on a mountain!

Every hotel visit comes with a LOT of bed jumping if you travel with us!

 

 

We walked around Gatlinburg Saturday night. 

All the pun'kins were out and the strip was decorated so wonderful for Fall.

Even the old Out House. 

 

Sunday morning we got up and had a yummy breakfast at the hotel then headed to the Aquarium. 

And of course, I bought the over-priced $15 souvenir photo! 

I'll pay just about anything for a family picture! 

The Ripley's Aquarium had so much to see!

Easton was entertained for about an hour and a half.  About 15 minutes shy of what it took us to go through.  It was nice and spread out yet we didn't need a stroller.

My favorite to see are the Jelly Fish and the Sea Horses.

 

 

 

We walked Downtown a little more before making our way to Ober Gatlinburg.

We rode the tram up the mountains.  Two and a half miles UP the mountains.

Oh.  My.  Nerves.

Our guide was entertaining and the air was cool so it was a nice ride.

Easton got front view on the way down the mountain.

 

Here is the view from the top.

Below, far left, you'll see the Park Vista where we stayed. 

 

And!  NO TRIP to Gatlinburg is complete without a visit to the Apple Barn. 

This time we went at about 2pm, instead of breakfast time.

Best.  Decision.  Ever.

It was the perfect time.  No wait!

Once seated, they bring you a basket of Apple Fritters with Apple Butter along with a small glass of Julep.  To say these Fritters are life changing would be an understatement.

Lance and I took one bite and just looked at each other and smiled.

They are amazing.  Perfectly crispy on the outside, covered with a sweet powdered sugar, yet soft and pillowy on the inside.  Dipped in the Apple Butter, you won't be able to just eat one.

Needless to say, we ordered a dozen to go.

Even Easton, Mr. NO DIP, LOVED the Apple Butter!

 

And they have the cutest Fall set up out front!

Someone was feeling a little silly.

THREE YEAR OLDS! 

 

And because I LOVE TRADITION, and a good comparison pic...the picture on the left is from last year. 

The right, this year.  A bit disheveled, yet a picture none the less. 

 

Make sure to visit all the cute little shops on the Apple Barn property!

I could spend ALL DAY there!

Christmas Store.  Cider Mill.  General Store.  Bakery.

It's APPLE HEAVEN!

 

 And because my man loves the Vols, and is trying to convince Easton to do the same, we had to stop at Neyland Stadium to show Easton it's grandeur. 

There was a gate open so we made our self welcome.

It's not trespassing if the gate's open right??

Once in the truck, little angel fell asleep for a good part of the ride home.

He really is a dream child, this boy.

 

Another weekend in the books.

9 (at most) more until little sister arrives.

Enjoying these last few just us three.

Four will be a new journey!

Peach Gold & White Baby Shower!

 

This past weekend my best friend hosted a baby shower with my family & friends to celebrate Emersons pending arrival!

She is so talented and creative!

She knows I'm not a TOO MUCH pink fan, so she went with peach, white and gold.
I am LOVING peach right now. 

Emerson's nursery is peach!

Whispering Peach from Benjamin Moore.

It's so sweet and soft and soothing.

 

Thank you Brooke for all you did!

Everything was perfect & delicious!

 

Maple donuts are my FAVE!  She knows. 

Dipped pretzels are also a FAVE!

How cute are these with gold glittler?!?!

 

 

Hope you all had a fun weekend!

We went to Gatlinburg after the shower!

Had a BIG TIME!!

 

 

Growing up, gaining independence

He's growing up right before my very eyes.  Sometimes he still wants to be my baby and have me hold him, or help him but so many times, he wants to 'do it myself' or 'I can do that!'

Last night after bath, I'd rubbed him down with our special magic lotion (for his eczema) and it was time to put jamma's on.  We went in his room and I grabbed a pair of cotton pants and helped him get them on.  One leg at a time, holding on to my shoulders while he stepped in.  It came time for the shirt and he wanted to pick that out on his own.  Forget jamma shirts, he wants a t shirt.  He went to his closet and picked out his MY MOM ROCKS shirt (that's my boy!).  I took it from him assuming he'd want my help, but he told me he could do it himself. 

He held that little shirt upside down and backwards and asked if it was the right way.  I showed him which side was the front.  He flipped it around.  Held the front under his chin and started working the back of it over his head.  Once his head popped through that smile peeked out and those eyes cut up at me.  Slowly, one arm at a time, with a few questions of 'where is the arm?' he finally got it.  Left, then right.  He very proudly straightened it all out and smiled. 

Part of me was beaming, yet part of me wanted to burst out in tears.  My little boy, three and a half years old is growing up right before my very eyes. 

We headed to the bathroom to brush his teeth.  I sat him up on the counter and again, 'I can do it myself.'  Sure enough, he pulled out the toothpaste, squirted it on his toothbrush and ran it under the water.  He began brushing, just as I've done so many nights.  Saying 'eeeeee' to get those front ones good and clean and 'open wide' to get the big chompers in the back.  Spitting when he filled up with 'all those bubbles!!!' and rinsing when he was done. 

As I sat there watching him I couldn't help but think that in a few short months I'd be grateful for the fact that he can do these things on his own as I'll be tending to his new baby sister, but for now, it makes me a bit weepy.  The little boy who once depended on me for everything, can now do so much on his own. 

As bedtime approached, we were saying our 'good-nights' to daddy upstairs and the little baby boy was back.  With Charlie in hand and Ra-Ra in his mouth, that request to 'pick me up' came out.  I gladly picked him up, rested him up over the top of my ever growing belly and headed to his room.  His arms around my neck and head rested on my shoulder, I was thankful for that little moment of 'baby' that was still there.   

This growing up stuff ain't easy.  Rewarding yet challenging.  Inevitable yet painful.  BUT!  I'm so thankful that I can watch him grow.  And thankful that he's mine. 

Recipe:: Zucchini Carrot Muffins

I am am always on the hunt for quick little snacks I can put in Easton's lunch.

Sometimes those come at a cost.  TOO MUCH SUGAR.

Yes, it's easy to throw a bunch of prepackaged items in his lunchbox, but I really want him to have good food choices and be healthy!

 

There are way too many sugary options out these days.

I'm guilty of buying and eating them, but I do prefer to do less sugar where we can.

And I also don't deprive him either.  All things in moderation I believe.

 

Last week I happened upon a Zucchini Bread Recipe on Better Homes & Gardens and I pinned it!

 

Last night I decided to make some while I was getting supper ready.

 

The recipe calls for just Zucchini but I added carrots as well.

Those are 2 veggies that Easton will NOT eat, so why not sneak them in when I can.

 

Disguise anything with a little bit of sugar and cinnamon and the boy will eat it.

 

{Even Kirby was looking for a crumb}

Recipe from BHG
**MY CHANGES
Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (I'm going to try this with oatmeal flour next...we'll see how that goes)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup finely shredded, unpeeled zucchini **I used a whole zucchini and 2 whole carrots
• 1/4 cup cooking oil
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted **no nuts- Easton's school is nut free

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease the bottom and 1/2 inch up sides of an 8x4x2-inch loaf pan; set aside. In a medium bowl combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and nutmeg. Make a well in center of flour mixture; set aside.

2. In another medium bowl combine egg, sugar, shredded zucchini, and oil. Add zucchini mixture all at once to flour mixture. Stir just until moistened (batter should be lumpy). Fold in nuts. Spoon batter into prepared pan.

3. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan. Cool completely on a wire rack. Wrap and store overnight before slicing.

From the Test Kitchen

 

**I prepared our Zucchini Carrot Bread as muffins.  I

 used my mini muffin pan that yields 24 muffins. 

Spray the pay and use a small cookie scoop to scoop batter into pan. 

(And yes, they're right.  The batter WILL be lumpy.) 

They cooked at 350 for 20 minutes...until toothpick came out clean. 

Let cool about 5 minutes and gently lift muffins out of tin.

Cool before storing. 

 

Let me tell you, these are DELISH!

I froze half the batch and left the other half in a ziploc for this week.

The perfect little snack for his lunchbox {and mine}!

 

Now, lets just see if the 2 I put in his lunch box are gone this afternoon!

That's the REAL test!

 

Do you have any ways you sneak veggies into your kids meals? 

I'm always looking for new and different HEALTHY treats!

Little Sister kicked for Big Brother

 

a little sweet memory for the record books.

tonight while crocheting, easton felt emerson move for the first time.

his little eyes lit up and his face filled with a smile.

 

i can't wait till he sees her for the first time.