Four B's in a Pod

Sweet B's Pink Lemonade 1st Birthday

2011-09-20T16:56:00.015-05:00

Our baby girl has turned 1! I know, unbelievable! It is such a bittersweet moment for us as a family. We love watching our children grow, but it happens so incredibly fast. Happy 1st Birthday Sweet Breelynn! You have made our family complete and are thankful for you each and everyday day. We love you!

I have been planning your party since to moment you were born. I love parties. I love planning them. I love the stress of them. I love the small details. I love the big impact. I love the outcome. I love when they are through.

I knew I wanted to do a pink and yellow party. I didn't know the theme, but we had picked up a new book for your sister{Pinkalicious and the Pink Drink}, and so your Party Theme was born. Sweet B's Pink Lemonade Party.

{Photo Collage Idea: Pinterest}

Party Favors in mason jars, Koolaid Playdoh!

They smelled as good as it looked!

Since it was a Lemonade Party, I went for a Picnic Style lunch. {PB & J}

{Turkey & Cheese}

I made little chalkboard food labels(and will continue to use them for other gatherings)

B's Sweet Treats

I wanted to make an impact above the buffet table and saw this idea on Pinterest to simply hang balloons in a cluster above the table, simply beautiful!

Balloon Wreath! A classic, I couldn't go wrong!

For a few activities I choose to do a Ring Toss{I found this off another blog, and I wish I could remember the name of it, but they used embroidery hoops wrapped in fabric, but since I had ton of tops left over from all the mason jars, I wrapped those in extra fabric!}

My Sweet husband came up with the idea to do Corn Hole! So him and a friend got together and build it! {My sweet friend Megan, made and embroidered the bean bags for me! Love her!}

And ofcourse, you can't have a lemonade party without a lemoande stand! Again my husband and a friend build this as well. I ofcourse painted it! ;)

Our Sweet B! {Outfit: Etsy}

CAKE TIME! {I made the cakes.}

She enjoyed it.

Smash Cake!

I made both cakes with a pink color variation.{Idea of of Pinterest}

Everything turned out beautifully and we are truly blessed to have wonderful friends who came to celebrate our baby girls 1st Birthday! Thank you all!

My Little love- 2months

2011-07-25T20:49:00.002-05:00

Little love 4 months

2011-07-25T20:40:00.000-05:00

My little 4 mont old.

2011-05-24T21:36:00.001-05:00

Checking to see if this works.

Breelynn-6 months

2011-04-13T21:59:00.001-05:00

Breelynn-5 months

2011-04-13T21:50:00.002-05:00

Breelynn-4 months

2011-04-13T21:49:00.001-05:00

Breelynn-3 months

2011-04-13T21:48:00.001-05:00

Breelynn-2 months

2011-04-13T21:46:00.001-05:00

Breelynn-1st month

2011-04-13T21:45:00.001-05:00

Below

2011-04-12T15:50:00.003-05:00

Since, I have updated the blog on the past 6 months of Breelynn's life(quickly). I am going to go back and make a few detailed post about things we have done in the past 6 months as well. Please forgive my lateness on the blog. It isn't as easy to keep my blog updated when I rearly have a moment to myself(as I am typing I have a 4 year old sleeping next to me and a 6 month old screaming in her crib). You can see why this isn't as simple for me anymore. Hope everyone is well!

WE ARE A L I V E!

2011-02-08T20:43:00.002-06:00

I am not sure where I have been or how long it as been since our last post. Being a mother to two, well, isn't easy to say the least. I love being a mommy to two girls though!!! They are a dream and I couldn't be more thankful. Blakely is a wonderful big sister and Breelynn is a terrific baby. I feel extremely blessed.

I promise to play catch up soon. Bree has gotten so big!

Breelynn's first 2 weeks

2010-10-03T18:01:00.004-05:00

It's crazy to think Breelynn's been with us as a family of 4, for 2 weeks. This has been the life of Breelynn for her first 2 weeks with us.

She has been a great baby! I am not sure we could have asked for a better baby. She just seems to fit right in. She only wakes up once or twice a night, sleeping for 4 hours at a time.

Her schedule is pretty simple thus far. She even had her first outing with us as a family to Hobby Lobby, Target, and The Gap. Sleeping the whole time! I had to wake her up to feed her! On our way home she was awake and didn't even make a peep.

I see you mommy!

Close up

Daddy with his girls.

Look at that chin.

MAD!

Sleepy mommy and baby.

Her pose

She is always posing like this.

She is so beautiful!

Sleeping in mommy's lap

Look how red she gets!

Sisterly love, again.

So peaceful.

Halloween Decor'

2010-10-03T13:01:00.003-05:00

It's no surprise to anyone that I love Halloween! It's my favorite time of the year to decorate for! I even love taking down my decorations after Halloween and putting up my Fall decorations just as such! Must people just straight for their Fall decorations first(booooo) and totally skipping over Halloween decor! Shame!!!

Here's a little peek of our Halloween Decor.

Halloween mantel!

These little guys, were picked up at Hobby Lobby this year for 50% off! These are what I call transition pieces-which means I can use them when I decorate for Fall/Thanksgiving!

My newest addition to my "transition pieces" were a steal I found at TJMaxx! These silver pumpkins were only $7.99 each! Love them!

My Boo sign I made last year!

Out front-we did these last year with the spiders.

My First craft of the Fall-Colleen and I saw these idea in the Martha Stewart Halloween Magazine. It was so simple to make and I just tweaked it a little. I bought a wooden craft wreath, spray painted it black, found some large snakes in the $1 selection at Walmart( I got 2 bright green ones for a little pop of color), floral wired the snakes onto the wreath, and used spray glue and added some glitter to give it a little shine! Voila-DONE!

I picked up some cute pillows from Target for the living room! They are too cute, but I didn't take a picture of them because I forgot!

We've been Boo'd!

2010-10-03T12:30:00.003-05:00

I love being Boo'd! I forget about it every year until we open the front door and BOO, there's a surprise package waiting in our front door! It's like receiving an unexcepted package in the mail!

Look how pretty!

The person(s) that Boo'd us, knew we had 2 little girls and there exact sizes and knew that one of my little girls LOVES to color!

"You've been Boo'ed!"

Painting Pumpkins

2010-10-03T12:01:00.003-05:00

I love decorating pumpkins! So, we invited the Allen girls from up the street to decorate with us. We bought stickers, glitter, craft paint, glue, ribbon, tulle, etc. and let them at it! They had so much fun. {As did the mom's}

Painting away, her pumpkin looked camo at first.

All the girls in action!

Fun times.

My finished pumpkin!

Blakely's Kitty Cat Pumpkin, my other Boo pumpkin(we did make Breelynn and Daddy one too,
Bree's is pink and green polka dot with her initials and Ben's has a B2 on it.)

The Allen girls finished pumpkins! Its so pretty to drive by their house and see all the pumpkins sparkling!

Time to play!

I love this picture! They are two peas in a pod!

After Delivery nightmare

2010-09-23T21:40:00.004-05:00

***Warning-this is a little detailed and gross!***

Like I said in the earlier post, I had complications after having Breelynn, and I made the decision to make it 'public' and tell my story in hope to maybe help someone else that may go through the same thing, or so I don't have to keep telling the story(over and over-reliving it makes me cringe/cry). Breelynn will one day read this story and know what I went through and how special she is to me.

4 hours after having Breelynn I started to bleed uncontrollably. My blood started to clot in grapefruit sizes and they couldn't figure where the bleeding was coming from. To put it bluntly.

I knew something wasn't right after I had set in the hospital bed and felt myself passing 'large' clots. I asked the nurse to come in and help me to the bathroom and that's when everything started...as soon as I stood up I could feel the clots start coming out. Once I got the bathroom the grapefruit size clots continued. The nurse started pushing on my belly and things just got worse from there. I started to panic at this point and asked the nurse if this was normal and if I was going to be okay! She looked at me at one point and says, "Ok, I am going to be honest with you, this isn't normal, but we are going to figure this out."

Yea- I started to shake and freak out at this point. They put me back on the bed called in more nurses and the Doctor(which mine came in on Friday night, she wasn't even on call, thank God-as soon as I saw her I started to cry and thanked her for coming in on her weekend off) and started to work on me, trying to find the source of the bleeding.

I never stopped shaking (uncontrollably) for the 2 hours they searched for the source of bleeding. I basically had my inside searched and cervix turned over! At this point I had lost so much blood that I could feel myself getting weak.

They thought maybe it could have been some of the placenta left inside, but they couldn't find anything. Then they thought my cervix could have torn, but once they check it over and over, finding nothing. Then they started talking about taking me into the O.R. and I basically lost it, begging them not too! I actually said, "Please don't take me to the OR!!!"

The Doctor said the blood had to atleast slow down, so they gave me medicine in a very uncomfortable place to help slow the bleeding. It seems to work after 2 hours, but they wanted me to watch me closely because I had lost so much blood. If my blood count didn't come back up( was at a 7-normal people count is at 13), they wanted to do a blood transfusion. Ofcourse, I didn't want a transfusion! Are you kidding me!?!?! So they placed me on iron pills(which I am still on), gave me more meds to stop the bleeding, and watched/woke me up every 3 hours all night and the next day. I should of been able to go home on Saturday, but they didn't want me to go home quiet yet because all my counts where still low and I wasn't still feeling like myself yet.

After all night of bleeding I only passed a few more clots that were golf ball size-which is normal and I should have done in the first place.

They never actually figured out, for sure, what caused all the bleeding, but they had an idea.
I was really only in active labor for 3 hours and pushed Breelynn out so fast that my body wasn't able to discard all the blood it needed too, so it started to clot on my cervix. I got my last dose of my epidural so late, so I couldn't move or walk for a longer period of time after the delivery. Making all the blood to clot.

I am still not myself...I can still feel the side-effects of all the blood loss and they have me on a bunch of medicine(still-ugh) to help rebuild my blood count and help heal everything 'down there' because with them working on me, made my healing process a little(a lot) harder!

I will say, I have had nightmares about the whole thing and still can't get the images of all the blood out of my head. I just never thought something like this would happen to me and honestly I kept telling Ben if something happened to me, take care of my girls. I was scared shitless!

I hope this wasn't to graphic, but I did want people to know what happened and know that even in a situation where you think the worst, trust in your caretakers and in the Lord that everything will be okay. I will say I kept asking, out loud, for God to please take care of me and watch over me through everything. He did and I am grateful. Thank you to Ben who stayed by my side-even though he can't stand blood and all that 'gross' stuff. He was strong for me when I was weak. He kept looking in my eyes, telling me everything was going to be alright.

Close ups

2010-09-23T18:24:00.002-05:00

Breelynn looks like her Daddy to me! And everyone that sees her says the same thing. Actually, that's the first thing out of their mouth. And ofcourse, that makes me happy since I think he is so freaking handsome! :)

She looks like Blakely!

She was 'kissed' by the stork 3 times! One in the middle of her eyebrows, one her eye, and the other above her lip. She is extra special, wonder what God has in store for her.

I just can't stop straying at her! My World is complete!

Face of an angel!

We were showing off all the hair she has! Not much to most people, but I was bald until like 2 years old!

Sisterly love

2010-09-23T13:41:00.003-05:00

Blakely has been the best big sister a we could have asked for!

We knew she was super excited about having a baby sister, but we were not excepting her to be so helpful, loving, or as happy about having her sister around!

She wants to hold her all the time! She wants me to not breastfeed, so she can give her a bottle! She wants to kiss her head every 10 minutes! She wants to help give her a bath every night. She wants to help change her daipers(but will not touch the dirty ones or throw them away). Etc.

These pictures are all out if order, but I want to show you how much she holds her and it's not just a few minutes...it's like 10/15/20 minute time frames.

So happy to hold 'sissy' after "dinner".

Kisses for sissy

She likes to hold her like the adults do up on her shoulder.

This is how she sat with her for 10 minutes, just holding her head like this.

The day we left the hospital...

Second day in hospital...so happy to be with her!

Us girls...Daddy's going to have his hands full!

Talking about how cute her hat is...

This was the first time Breelynn had her eyes open and was looking at Blakely. Amazing!

She's here!

2010-09-23T12:15:00.005-05:00

Breelynn Kate has arrived safe and sound! We checked in Friday, September 17th at 6 a.m. for my scheduled induction. They got me all prepped and ready to go and all we had to do is wait on the Doctor to come in, check me, and give the nurses the "green light" to get things started. At 8 a.m. the Doctor arrived, broke my water(to see if I could start labor without going straight for the pitocin), and wait an hour to see if there was any change. There wasn't! So, around 9:30 a.m they started the pitocin.

By 10 a.m. I was already feeling my contractions. By 11:15 a.m. I was ready for my epidural! I was dilated to a 4 and fully effaced! Now, let me say on a side note...pitocin makes your contractions stronger!

Around 12:25 p.m. I started to feel my contractions again, so I called the nurse in and had her check me. I was 8 centimeters and feeling every contractions to its fullest extent! I told her to please have the anesthesiologist come back in and check everything. Then she looked at Ben and I was like, "I give you another hour and I think you will be ready to go..." Ben and I looked at each other and were like "yea right!" 12:30 p.m. the anesthesiologist came back in the room and I was freaking out at this point! I was ready to push! He puts the extra "dose" directly into my epidural iv- he tells me it still takes 10 to 15 minutes for it to 'kick' in.

12:35 p.m I told the nurse, I am ready to push! Call my Doctor, have her come over! 12:40 p.m. Doctor arrives and I am fully dilated and ready to push-still feeling every contraction! I started to push at 12:44 p.m. and at 12:49 p.m. Breelynn arrived!

9lbs.; 20 inches long; head 14 inches.

I was SHOCKED that she was that big to say the least. I knew I had big babies, but I had only gained 25lbs with this pregnancy and with Blakely I gained 60lbs! She only weighed 8lbs 5oz.

I will say this delivery wasn't as bad as it could have been and the fact that I pushed for 5 minutes(pushed for 10 minutes with Blakely) and she was out...I can't complain.

4 hours after delivery is when the real problems started...(which I made to the decision to share in a later post)

PICTURE TIME!

Mommy looking at her beautiful baby girl!

Trying to cry...which didn't last long. She barely cried the first few days of her life.

9lbs! 20 inches long(she now is 21 1/4th inches long, her legs where bowed bc they were so crossed inside me)

Doctors turn to check her over!

Dr. Phelps checking Breelynn over.

Our First Family Photo!

More pictures to come...

Sneak Peek of Breelynn's Room

2010-09-12T19:28:00.004-05:00

I honestly have been so lazy when it comes to putting Breelynn's room together. It isn't even finished, but I have had request to see her room...so here it is. We haven't gotten around to: changing out the hardware(going to be crystal knobs), found the perfect mirror for above her tall dresser, hung up any pictures, find the perfect rug, etc.

I did manage to hang up the wooden letters that I got made and the shelves I found at a local antique store(3 of them for $14 bucks-steal!). The little round end table was also found at another antique store for $40. I am reusing the lamp from Blakely's baby room-I still need to dress it up with something, either pompoms or ric-rac. The little silver bowl on the shelf was also find at the antique store for $8...all I had to do was polish it up and it became the perfect place to put her q-tips in! And that's her diaper bag all packed and ready to go to the hospital with us!

We decided we wanted to keep her room very simple and chic. I wanted very simple bedding, curtains, colors, etc. The only 'wow' factor we wanted was one wall of wallpaper. So
we decided to splurge on some nicer wallpaper that would be easy to put up and easy to come off!(which is totally worth it-this stuff is so cool! All we had to do is place it in water-no glues, sprays, nothing and place it up on the wall! And when we are tired of looking at it, it simply peels off the wall! None of that circle thing to 'cut' the wallpaper, no steaming it, no spraying it down! I tested it out with some extra paper we had! Totally works!)

The curtains are hand me downs from my Sister-in-Law(thanks Whit) and added that other color I wanted for the room. The bedding is from Pottery Barn Kids. It has a light pink scalloped edge.

We placed the crib on the wall with the windows because I saw it in a magazine and thought it framed the crib nicely when everything else being so simple.

All the furniture was also Blakely's, so we didn't have to buy any furniture!

Ballet

2010-09-07T16:20:00.003-05:00

This year Blakely's in a combo class for ballet and Daddy got to take her to her first class.

This is the only picture we got:

{ Daddy let her have a sucker that big ol' lips as the stem after class}

Orientation for Pre-K 3

2010-09-07T16:08:00.003-05:00

Pre-School Rocks! We had orientation for K3 last week. Blakely got to meet her teachers, Mrs. Diane and Mrs. Beth. I am still in shock that she is going to 'school'. I still feel like she's my baby.

I know that she is excited about learning though...she keeps saying she is going to learn how to write her name. Which she will...and lots of other things too!

Jammies!

2010-08-26T21:13:00.002-05:00

I have to post this about Blakely(and I hope she doesn't mind me telling everyone), but this child LOVES jammies, night gowns, pj, whatever you call them. I can not seem to get her out of them! As soon as we walk in the door she immediately goes upstairs to change into something 'comfy'. She prefers to stay in them all day! I have to drag her out of them.

After her afternoon nap....

Same day, but with her favorite doggie, Maxx. Just had to post this picture.

Jammies on...at 3pm. I don't really know why she made this face.

Singing in her jammies.

And since I posted a picture of Maxx, I have to post a picture of Aggie too. He was in the room when I was taking pictures of Blakely, but sitting as far away as possible from her, since he still doesn't like her. He doesn't know what he is missing....

PDO Orientation

2010-08-26T20:51:00.004-05:00

This year Blakely will be starting PDO(Parents Day Out)again and also Pre-School! We are still in shock that our little munckin is growing up so fast and it is already time for Pre-K!

We had orientation this week for PDO and she was so excited about starting up again! I actually started freaking out a little while driving there, thinking about her leaving me for 3 days during the week.

Walking into orientation.

Look how big she is! Such a pretty smile!

Playing with the Ponies that she always goes straight for!

Love her!

Blakely and Avery!

Breelynn's Missouri Baby Shower

2010-08-14T20:27:00.008-05:00

I had an amazing baby shower today, that my dear friends went above and beyond on!
Thank you Aimee, Andrea, Colleen, and Jen! This shower was beautiful! Words can not even describe...so I am posting a ton of pictures, to show you!

{ME-34 weeks pregnant. Phone photo}

{Hospital Door Hanger made by Chauna-she also made Blakely's door hanger.}

{One of the beautiful floral arrangements}

{Petite Fours-shower gifts}

{Food! Fondue! And cute plates}

{View of cakes}

{Close up of the detail on cake}

{More views of details on cakes}

{Burp cloths that Colleen made for Breelynn-gorgeous huh?}

{They got 5 different types of cakes-Lemon, Buttercream, Marble, Raspberry, and Mocha

And more beautiful floral arrangements}

{Yummy!}

{Some of the girls-please don't hate me, I only took pictures while everyone was eating=bad friend!}

{more of my girl friends}

{and more girl friends-atleast they were having good conversation}

{Gift time-with my fat face! Chauna made this box that had two B2 towels for the girls, a wipe case, and a lovie with a "B" on it.}

{One of the B2 towels...she even made it into a hooded towel!}

{Showing how the little paci holder works}

{A sign for the front of the house.}

{Being silly}

{My hostess'- Colleen, Andrea, Me, Aimee, and Jen}

{My wonderful friends}

{Close up of the burpies, wipe case, and blanket}

{Close up of the B2 towel}

{So this is a normal size towel and then she added a hand size towel to create the hood-so great since we all know those little towels we have get too small too fast!}

This is just some of the pictures of all the lovely things I received from my dear friends. Breelynn recieved clothes, pacifiers, sleepers, a tutu, bottle holder, etc. You know when you see those pictures of yourself talking or eeewwwing or aaaawwing over gifts, you look absolutely ridiculous...well that's what most of them look like!

I would like to mention that my hostess' got my all my bedding from PBK. When I say all of it, I mean every piece! I was shocked, surprised, and very appreciative! I just felt so loved today that when I got home, I just cried.

Thank you to everyone that could make it! I know it was a crazy time for some of us wives who husband aren't here and vacationing season, so those of you who couldn't make it-we missed you! I love getting all the girls together-no matter what the occasion!!!

Glucose Test

2010-08-11T19:49:00.003-05:00

As I mentioned in my last post I failed my glucose test. Well this Monday I had to do my 3 hour test, which went A-W-F-U-L!

I knew that I was going to have to get my blood drawn 3 times, but I was wrong...it was 4! Within the first hour, I started to feel weak. I knew something wasn't right and as I pulled into the parking lot(for my 2nd drawing of blood), I started to have tunnel vision, my arms and legs became numb, and I started to lose my hearing.

Let me also tell you that I had Blakely with me. I knew I needed to get inside the Doctors office because I had Blakely with me. What was going on was I started to faint. I was trying to make myself get up(I had reclined my sit in me car at this point because I couldn't control anything at this point) because I didn't want Blakely to be alone or watch me go through what I was going through.

I finally got up and started to walk around to Blakely's side of the car but I started to feel weak again and I fell to my knees as I opened the car door. I laid on the ground hanging outside of my car with my child saying, "Mommy what's wrong? Mommy what's wrong?". I was just trying to not close my eyes, so I wouldn't pass out. I reached my hand up and unsnapped Blakely's car seat and told her she had to get out and walk with me quickly inside. As soon as I walked in door, a nurse came to get me with a wheel chair. I think someone must of seen me fall outside and told someone. My blood pressure as 88/50 and I was white as a ghost.

My friend Aimee came up there to be with me and another friend came up to pick up Blakely and Aimee's daughter so they didn't have to watch everything that was going on. I started to faint again while I was in the room. It was just the most awful day! I wanted it to end.

After staying at the Doctor's for 2 and a half hours and getting to Glucose Test finished(I made myself stay because I didn't want to have to return to do it again), I ate something immediately and started to feel better with in seconds.

I did get my results back yesterday and my sugar was high the first and second hour, but the third hour it had returned to normal. Which just means, that my body is still processing sugars, but it is doing it slower and I have to be on a low-sugar/low-carb diet. So, no diabetes for me! YAY!

I just honestly never thought I would go through something like this and never thought I would ever feel that way! I feel bad for anyone that has to deal with gestational diabetes or any type for that matter! I never knew my body would react that way to sugar!

I did manage to lose 3lbs. Breelynn's still very active and her heart beat is still 140 a minute! She is healthy!

Pregnancy Update

2010-07-28T16:24:00.002-05:00

I am 32 weeks into my pregnancy.
I will be induced on September 17th!(7 more weeks!)
I have been extremely emotional since about 28 weeks. (Good considering I was pretty normal up until that point.)
I am feeling extremely LARGE! (I have gained 17lbs thus far)
Failed my glucose test, so I have to go back and do the 3 hour test.(which consist of drawing my blood 3 tests every hour...blah!) So, until my results are back I have to watch what I eat. No more milkshakes!!!! AAAAaaaaahhhh! No I just have to watch my sugar and carb intake.
I also have low iron-nothing new for me...I have low iron even when I am not pregnant.
I haven't been craving much in the way of foods. I just wanting salty things and milkshakes.
Ben is gone again for the next 5 weeks, so it's just me taking care of Blakely. (finding stuff for a pregnant person can handle in this heat and a toddler-not fun!)
I haven't been sleeping well(still), but I am happy to report is has gotten a little better.
I tent to fall alseep on my side, but wake up on my back, having trouble breathing. I just have to sit up for a few minutes and that means to make me feel better.
I still take my daily naps, which aren't as long as I would like them to be, but still VERY enjoyable and much needed.

That's about all I can think of right now. I am having another baby shower soon, so that is something I am looking forward too!

I stole a baby. . .

2010-07-27T19:44:00.002-05:00

Ok....well not really, but I was taking care of her while her Mommy slept off her 30.5 birthday bash. This is Cailey, my brothers daughter, my niece! She is so adorable and looks JUST like my brother as a baby. Crazy!

My mom and I grabbed our camera and became the paparazzi! And as you can tell, Cailey doesn't mind.

Look at that face....she's like, ok are you done?

I feed her, held her hands down, so she wouldn't fail about, propped her up legs up on my belly, and rocked in my Dad's recliner...and she was OUT! Sleeping babies....are they not the cutest?!?!

Man, I miss that little baby girl! Me and her had a connection....she liked to talk baby talk to me and I could get her to smile. :)

Florida Baby Shower

2010-07-26T15:27:00.005-05:00

I had a small baby shower while I was home too! Our vacation was jammed full of things to do! :)

Here are so photos:

I requested Petite Fours from my favorite bakery back home!(Jay's Bakery)

Some of the food. They had a bunch theme with Gouda Grits, Sausage Quiche, muffins, etc. It was all so yummy!

They also had everyone bring a little something to hang up on a clothes line. Such a cute idea!

Getting my nap nanny! YEA!

My hostesses(Kristel, My Momma, me, and Whitney)

This is my best friend, Kristel.

Some of my Florida friends. (Colette, Danielle, Heather, Kristel, Me, Lindsey)

Kristene with her girls, Alexis and Gwen

Terry and Amber!

Thank you everyone for coming and a special THANKS to my hostesses for throwing such a relaxing, fun shower! I feel so loved!

Feeding Cailey

2010-07-26T15:19:00.002-05:00

Ben was sitting on the couch feeding Cailey and Blakely came up to sit beside him and watched in amazement, so we asked her if she wanted to feed her. Ofcourse, she said YES because she is so excited about having a baby of her own she cant see straight. It was the cutest thing to watch. She sat there for a good 20 minutes with Cailey in her lap, just staring at her.

She's going to be such a great big sister!

Cooking with Granny!

2010-07-25T20:11:00.003-05:00

I woke up from a nap when we were in Florida(we stayed at Ben's grandmothers house while on vacation) to find Blakely baking pies with Granny. It was the cutest thing ever and we only hope those memories Blakely will remember. Granny is 82 this year, 85% blind, but she can still COOK! Granny knows my mom loves pecan pie, so she made one for her and Granny loves Lemon Pie, so she made one for herself.

Blakely had woken up from her nap...please notice her crazy bed head!

She was having so much fun!

Gettin her hands dirty.

Showing us their pie crust.

Granny showing off their homemade pie crust!

Our God Son

2010-07-25T19:56:00.002-05:00

I also got to spend sometime with my bestfriend, Kristel, and our God Son, Brennan! Brennan just turned 4 and and him really have a good time together. Kristel hostessed a dinner party for me, inviting over some of our friends, that I really hadn't been able to see while visiting Florida.

So, I brought Blakely with me, so Brennan and her could play. They have such a good time together. They act like cousins! But I think his mommy has different plan! ;)

Gulf Breeze Zoo

2010-07-25T16:14:00.005-05:00

While we were down in Florida, we got to meet up with some of our Barksdale friends. The Donatelli's! Rachel and I had were pregnant together with our first borns while we were stationed at Barksdale AFB. They also have family in Florida and were vacationing them at the same time. So, we met up at the Gulf Breeze Zoo, so the kids could see each other and we also got to meet their newest addtion, Christopher!

Here's a few pictures of our outing:

Florida Family 4th of July

2010-07-25T14:00:00.004-05:00

We spent our 4th of July out at the condo and this year we let Blakely stay up late enough to see the fireworks! She was in amazement the whole time. It was quit a site to see!

My grandmother(aka:Honey) holding Cailey

The Hipsh Family

My handsome husband and me(28 weeks pregnant)

Our little family

My Uncle Dale and Honey

All the family!

This is the Hipsh side of the family.

Florida Trip

2010-07-25T13:33:00.004-05:00

Catch-up time! It as been to long since I blogged! So, I will be posting alot of stuff in the next few days.

We had a 2 week vacation to Florida this summer. It was so fun seeing all the cousins get together and how happy they were to see each other. They get along so well.

Our family rented a penthouse condo at South Harbour on Pensacola Beach for a week, so we hung out there and had lots of fun.

Campbell and Alexa

Looking at the pretty view

My Uncle Dale talking to baby Cailey

All the girls being silly.

Building a sandcastle with Daddy

My two cuties!

Jumping to Daddy in the pool

Posing for the camera!

Blakely and Campbell...are they not the cutest together?

Ben testing out his baby skills...not long honey!

Showing some cousin love after a bath!

Baby Cailey had no choice in the matter....Blakely gave her babies.

Blakely and Campbell settling down to watch a movie. This condo had a "play room", which was very nice!

Oil Spill-Hometown

2010-06-24T08:40:00.002-05:00

Most of you know we are were born and raised in Florida. We grew up spending our weekends as children going to the beach with our parents. I have fond memories of Pensacola Beach's bathtub races(If you have never seen this, it is hilarious, and I hope one do you will get the chance.), festivals, spending all day swimming, playing in the sand, building sand castles, and going home to pass-out from a long day in the sun.

We have thoughts and plans to be able to do the same things with our children! And hope that one day we still will be able too. Yesterday, June 23rd, our beautiful home, Pensacola Beach, Florida(Whitest Beaches in Florida) was struck by the devastation of the Oil Spill that is still going on in our beautiful Gulf of Mexico.

The Pier that we grew up walking down and fishing off of.

With all the devastation going on and lots of peoples livelihood gone, there is also the poor creatures that are being hit hard with the impact of the oil as well. I cry everytime I hear or see one of Mother Nature's creatures dying or being effected by the ignorance of BP.

These is just one of thousands of our pelican's effected/harmed along the Gulf because of the non-stop oil spilling. All he wants is to just be able to swimming/diving into our beautiful Gulf-his home.

Our family rented out a Penthouse Condo at South Harbour for the 4th of July week and still plan on going! I am not going to let this hurt our town anymore then it already is. I know that we will not be able to go into the Gulf, but I still plan on going into the Sound.

Please BP stop the spill and help us clean our beaches for the people and creatures of our town/Gulf.

Crocs

2010-06-15T12:56:00.002-05:00

Have you seen these new Crocs? Could they be any cuter?? I just ordered these for Blakely at Crocs online, get this though....if you sign up for their email's you get 20% off plus free shipping!

Head over and check it out for yourself!

25 weeks

2010-06-11T10:50:00.002-05:00

I have to say that this pregnancy has really been different in more ways then one, but also the same in some ways.

I am 25 weeks and I feel more like 35 weeks! I am struggling to breath, have bad sciatic nerve pain that shoots from my pelvic area to my leg, which causes me to have a hard time walking or standing for any long periods of time. It also keeps me from being able to get a good nights sleep.

Breelynn moves a TON! I thought Blakely was an active baby inside the womb, but Breelynn has been showing her up! This kid kicks SO hard that sometimes it hurts!

She has the hiccups so much, just about everytime I drink something, that I feel sorry for her.

I think that my belly is about the same size as it was with Blakely at this point. Ofcourse at this moment I feel bigger, but I guess I need to go back and look at pictures to make sure. I am not sure how much weight I have gained since my last appt, but I go next week for my check up, so hopefully it is only like 3lbs. ha-wishful thinking. I actually haven't been to the doctor in 6 weeks, with Ben coming home, and wanting to spend time together, I kept putting it off.

Things Breelynn likes:
-the sound of Blakely's voice. {if Blakely talks to my belly she starts to move like crazy}
-me laying on my back.(which kills me, but if I lay on my sides she moves like crazy, pushing, kicking; trying to get comfortable!}
-to be awake from around 9 to 10:30pm, right when I am wanting to go to sleep.
-sweets! (she moves to much more when I eat fruits, cereal, ice cream, etc.)

Cailey Lynn

2010-06-11T09:52:00.007-05:00

I am a little late(7 weeks) on this post, but I wanted to make sure it was ok with her mommy and daddy(my brother and sister-in-law), but we have a new attention to our family! Cailey Lynn! My niece arrived a few weeks early(as did her older sister, Campbell) weighing in a healthy 7lbs. 2oz.; 19 1/2 inches long; April 21st! She is adorable and we can't wait to meet her and hold her and kiss her all over! (Mommy was healthy too!)

{Lawrence, Cailey, and Whitney after delivery}

{The girls, Campbell and Cailey}

{Cailey a few weeks old}

{Cailey and Campbell-more recent photo}

I love these two little girls so much and can't wait to see them! From what I understand Cailey is totally different then Campbell, so I am interested to see how different they really are! I like to call Campbell my crazy niece because she is seriously the funniest kid ever! She is a fast thinker and always has something witty or funny to say! She also has no fear and will jump, climb, try just about anything! I love that kid! She makes me smile every time I think of her!

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY CAILEY LYNN!

Tee-Ball

2010-06-06T20:15:00.004-05:00

The start of Tee-Ball season has started and this is the First time Blakely has played! And I must admit, I am not one for tee-ball, softball, etc. But her Daddy is and this is the one of the best things for them to do together! Since he was a baseball player and all. ;)

She got a pretty good arm...

Look at that swing!

She was ready for it to be over at the end. An hour long practice for a 3 year old, seems like alot, huh? But she did say she had lots of fun!

He's Home!

2010-06-06T19:47:00.003-05:00

Daddy's finally is home! Deployment is over and we are so happy to have him home!

All ready to see Daddy!

We both are ready to see Daddy!

Waiting patiently for the Daddy's to get off the jet.

Still waiting....

There's Daddy landing!!!!! {I started to cry here, it was like the relief of knowing he made it home from a SUPER long flight and that he was going to be with us again. WHOLE-)

Here he comes!!!!!

Seeing him for the first time, making sure it was really him.

She ran to him as soon as knew it was 'for sure' him.(lots of men in flight suits)

She was so happy! She kept saying, "I missed you!"

And gave hime kiss galore!

Together again! (24 weeks pregnant)

Home Sweet Home!

We made him Key Lime Cupcakes!

Welcome Home to the whole 393rd Family!

First purchase!

2010-05-31T14:34:00.003-05:00

I had mentioned before that we hadn't really done anything for baby Breelynn, but the other day I ordered her first item, a carseat! (I sold Blakely's first one to a girl who was having twins, she needed it more then I did.) Ben told me to buy the best one and don't worry about how much it cost. So, I started on a mission to find the cutest, best, top rated, car seat! I looked at Chicco, Peg-o, Britax, etc. I couldn't find any that were not either a gosh-awful color, or didn't have the rating I was wanting. Which was a 5 out 5, or 5 Stars! So, I turned to
Consumers Reports(which is what Ben and I turn to when it comes to purchasing important/big items), and they rated Graco SnugRide Carseat the best! Which is the same type we had with Blakely(it was rated the best with CR then too), but with better improvements! I didn't really care for Blakely's car seat because you had to tighten the straps from the back(which is the reason why Ben told me to get the best carseat out there, he hated it as much as I did), but they finally changed the design of it and you can tighten in the front! Like we can do with her Britax carseats. Here's the one we got!

This and that

2010-05-31T14:06:00.002-05:00

Life is a little crazy at the moment, but I feel the end of the craziness is near(at least till the end of June).

We have been crazy busy getting ready for Blakely's first recital{which was a success and will post about soon). I never knew the ciaos that went along with such a production! Dress rehearsals, make-up, hair, "specific" type of ballet tights, timing, timing, timing, etc.

On top of our crazy schedule, we have been skipping naps here and there, which has made it quite difficult for me to keep Blakely on her 1pm nap time. Which also, makes it difficult on this pregnant mama! I really hope she doesn't give them up and I am adamant on still placing her in her bed, for just a "rest". So far, so good, but sometimes the naps are only an hour long! UGH!

I have also been wanting to keep active during this pregnancy, but the 2nd go around with this, has been so much harder on my body! I can't seem to get up or role over without some sort of sharp pain somewhere!

I have still managed to get up and get us outside(since the weather has actually been nice here) to either slip-n-slide, play in the pool, sprinkler, whatever to try and wear her out! I do feel like I should be doing more with her, but I can't keep lifting a 40lb kid...I worry about Breelynn and myself, since I get so many sharp pains!

The best thing that we have been getting ready for is the ARRIVAL of Daddy coming home! I have been a slacker around the house. Not that it doesn't look clean, but I haven't been keeping up on the small things...like dusting, mopping, etc. I do feel like I am constantly picking up the house, doing laundry, folding clothes, cleaning the kitchen, but I haven't really given the house a 'deep clean'. I guess knowing that Ben is finally coming home(and I have a huge TO-DO list for him before he leaves again), I want to house to be perfectly spotless, although he has seen the house at it's worst and probably could careless! What is it with us women? Or is it just me? I guess the point I am making is, I have been 'tackling' my huge to do list, which has taken me a little longer then expected! 4 more days to go!

Wow, it feels good to be able to get some of that off my chest! I haven't really spoken to everyone as much I would like and I guess this is my way of feeling a little less guilty. ;)

Last day of PDO!

2010-05-23T18:37:00.002-05:00

I can't believe that the school year is up! Blakely highly looks forward to 'school', as do I. Her last day was supposed to be a water day, but with the weather here in Missouri, it was cancelled due to rain and cool weather. Instead they had an indoor play day. Playing with colored sand and lots of crafts! Next year she will be going 3 days a week. I can't believe she will be starting Pre-School! She is growing up so fast!

Every week they get to bring something for 'show-n-tell' and she asked to bring pictures of her baby. Here she the last day of school, showing me the pictures she picked for school!

Picture Perfect!

2010-05-23T13:10:00.002-05:00

I mentioned last week that I was going in for another check up(everything is ok with me) and we also got to see Breelynn, again! I thought I would share a cute picture they gave me of her. She is so funny with her hands, they are always resting on her chin or on top of her head.

She sat this way for about 15 minutes, which for a baby....is an awfully long time. I also got to see her in 3D, but with her hand over her face the whole time was quite difficult to see her well. We did get one good picture of her in 3D, but she was so translucent, it's hard to make out figures.

Picture "pose" Perfect!

A Little Bloggy Change

2010-05-12T19:20:00.004-05:00

A friend of mine, Dani(#1) today surprised me with a little gift! She came up with this wonderful new bloggy name and header! Isn't it just precious? I love it and was very touched that she even thought about me; to do something so sweet for. Thanks Dani!

She also has a blog, has soon as I figure out what it is, I'll link it to her name!

21 weeks

2010-05-11T13:08:00.002-05:00

I haven't really posted much about my pregnancy. Honestly I have really done much for this baby during this pregnancy. I have been so busy keeping up with the house and trying to entertain Blakely, I haven't had much time for anything! (I did manage to complete Blakely's big girl room and find Ben a car though-more on that later).

Here is a little catch up on Baby B

21 weeks
-I have managed to gain 3lbs.
-I can't pin-point down any cravings except the occasional pickle(s).
-I am still tired 90% of the time.
-I manage to fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow at nap time, but at night it takes me about 2 hours to un-whined and get comfortable.
-I try and fall asleep on my side{every night}, but end up waking up on my back, out of breath!
-I wear maternity shorts and pants, but still can wear non-maternity shirts. I always wear my shorts and pants that are non-maternity with my belly band.
-Breelynn moves ALL the TIME! I am not sure she ever sleeps.
-I have been to the doctor several times with LOTS of pressure down below. I have another ultrasound Monday to check the length of my cervix. If it is thinning, then it will bed-bound for me. Boooooo
-I love to take baths!(this was the same with Blakely) Not that I don't always enjoy a good soak in the tub, but for some reason while pregnant, I enjoy one about every other day...maybe to take away all my aches and pains?!?!
-Blakely still kisses my belly all the time and talks to "sissy" alot. She also likes to sit with her hand resting on my belly in hopes to feel Breelynn move. Which she has!

Ok enough for now. It's nap time and I hear my bed calling my name!

Crashing Adult Time

2010-05-11T12:51:00.003-05:00

I got invited to celebrate a friends birthday, but couldn't manage a babysitter. After asking Aimee(Happy Birthday Aimee), if it would be okay to bring along my little goof ball, we headed out to dinner with a LARGE group us(think there was 21 of us total)! It took forever to get our table and managed to spend 3 hours at one restaurant! I have to admit and brag a little, Blakely was wonderful and I couldn't of asked for a better well mannered little girl that night. I think we got home a little after 9pm and needless to say we were both exhausted!

Avery and Blakely!

The Mickelson's with baby Connor.(sweetest little guy ever!)

Blakely and Avery keeping themselves busy by tickling each other.

The Crew!

It's a. . .

2010-05-07T09:11:00.003-05:00

GIRL!

and her name is Breelynn(yes, one word, for some reason we get asked that alot!).

No middle name as of today, but once Ben gets home, we will figure it out!

An Open Letter to Blakely

2010-05-06T12:34:00.002-05:00

Blakely, I need to tell you how wonderful of a little girl you are turning into. Words can not express the way I feel about you, but I will give it my best try.

-I miss you when your gone, I think about you non-stop.
-I am pregnant with your baby sister and you kiss my tummy at least 10 times a day.
-You are so shy around people, but once you warm up to them, you steal their hearts.
-You dance all the time, with or without music.
-Your favorite books to read are Fancy Nancy books.
-You have memorized just about all of them and you pretend you are reading to yourself, and do a pretty good job at telling the stories.
-We have made your room into a "big" girl room and you look so small sleeping in your full size bed.
-Your favorite colors are light blue and pink.
-Every morning when you wake up, you come into my room, say "Morning Mommy", climb on my bed, touch my face, and snuggle up next to me; until I am totally awake.
-You love going to the local Donut Shop and getting a Chocolate Sprinkle donut and "pink" milk.
-You are attached to my hip, when we are out, you just want to be with me.
-You don't like large crowds.
-You make me laugh all the time, which makes me a happier person/mommy.
-I love you more then life it's self and I couldn't image a day without you in my life.

Thank you for ever happy memory you have give me. You are my sunshine. I love you!

Cinco De Mayo Party

2010-05-04T19:03:00.004-05:00

A friend, Alex, hosted a kid-friendly Cinco De Mayo party! I couldn't believe how many kids and mommy's were there! If I had to guess, it was 25 kids and 18 mommy's! She really does a great job hosting parties at her home and seems to keep her cool even with all these people and kiddos running around her house.

I really enjoyed seeing everyone and holding all the new wave of babies! Thank you Alex for allowing all of use in your home and hosting such a yummy party! All the food was to die for!

Daddy got Blakely this outfit from Guam and I thought this Cinco De Mayo Party was the perfect time to wear it! Don't you think?

Just a handful of the kiddos!

Happy Kids!

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

Dancing Princess

2010-05-04T18:33:00.002-05:00

The other morning before school, I asked Blakely to let the dogs outside before we left for the day. When I realized I hadn't heard her shut the front door, I went to check on her. It happen to be extremely windy that morning and I caught her dancing in the middle of the driveway, singing to herself, so ofcourse, I grabbed my camera! As soon as she saw me snapping pictures of her, she got a little embarrassed, but carried on, while I snapped away!

Remember those days where you would just enjoy life like this?

Happy 7 years!

2010-05-04T17:58:00.002-05:00

I can't believe that Ben and I have been married for 7 years! He is such a wonderful man and a terrific Daddy, and I am one lucky girl! Blakely and I got to celebrate with one of my friends, Colleen. I wanted Sushi and it just so happen to be Colleens birthday, so we packed up the all 4 girls and headed to the City for my favorite sushi place, Mr. Sushi, in Lees Summit!

I always was surprised with an Edible Arrangement from Ben. He coordinated with some friends of ours(Cliff and Jamie-THANK YOU) to pick it up in Lees Summit(since no one delivers out in the middle of no mans land). It was so sweet, yummy, and perfect for a pregnant person!

Thanks babe! Happy 7 years!

Jen's Baby Shower

2010-05-04T17:40:00.003-05:00

A few of us(Aimee, Colleen, and myself) hosted a Baby Shower for a friend, Jen. We included big sister, Sydney, in on all the fun!

Some of the decor'

Aimee giving big sister, Syd, her corsage!

Hospital door Hanger! I need to come up with more original ideas for my door hangers, they are all looking the same!

The Biggest Cake Ever! Great job Colleen!

more decor'

invite....treats...

Girls!

Hostesses with Momma(and a small person wanted to join.)

I am 17 weeks pregnant here.

Baby Naming Help!

2010-04-14T19:51:00.002-05:00

We need help with baby names! We are of course are going with a "B" name!
We just can't figure out a unique, interesting name!
I was hoping some of you might have some names for us. Both boy and girl, until we figure out the sex of the baby(which we will be doing, since neither one of us have the patience to wait.).

Thanks anything will help!

Raising Happiness

2010-04-14T19:27:00.004-05:00

Today I just happened to catch a few minutes of the Rachael Ray Show and the segment was about How to Raise Happier Kids. Dr. Christine Carter wrote this book called, Raising Happiness. It was basically about different ways to help teach you and your child different ways to handle different situations(conflict, getting your kids to listen, gratitude, etc.)

I was so impressed with everything this lady had to say and thought it was worth sharing. I will be picking up a copy for Ben and I to read. Go over and check it out!

Date Night

2010-04-11T21:13:00.003-05:00

I have been trying to keep Blakely busy and entertained a little more since Daddy has been gone. She tends to think of him more and cry for him when we aren't keeping busy. I have been trying to come up with little things for her and I to do together(letting her help me with water the flowers, planting flowers, taking out trash, making beds, taking her to the park, playing outside, etc.). I had a meeting the other night for MOPS, and I drug Blakely along with me(not because I wanted too, but I couldn't find a babysitter). I told her afterward we could go to the store and she could pick out whatever finger nail polish she wanted and we could have a date night afterward, if she was good, and come home, snuggle up in my bed, watch a movie and paint each others nail!

She was thrilled with this and got to stay up super late(to make sure her nails dried ofcourse).

Leaving with store with her polish.

She was so excited!

These are the colors she choose, ofcourse. BLUE! She loves blue.

We painted her toes the darker blue and finger nails the lighter blue!

Sunny Days

2010-04-11T21:06:00.002-05:00

We had our first day of full sun and no wind! So that means it was our first day to spend all day outside and ofcourse, swimsuit time! We putted out the sprinkler and let the girls(Avery Parker, Reagan, Maddie, Brooklyn, Delaney) run and have fun!

Avery and Blakely being goofy!

Birthday Girl Flashback!

2010-04-05T12:01:00.001-05:00

1st Birthday

2nd Birthday

3rd Birthday

I can't believe our Princess turned 3! We love you Blakely! The joy you have brought to our life is indescribable! Happy Birthday my love!

Dying Eggs!

2010-04-05T11:46:00.002-05:00

We added vegetable oil to some of the dye to make the eggs marbleized! You have to try it next year! Super fun!

Easter Egg Hunt

2010-04-05T11:32:00.004-05:00

Easter to Remember!

2010-04-05T11:16:00.004-05:00

So much happened this weekend(as I am sure everyone was busy with all the celebrating of Jesus), but we also had a surprise visit from Yaya and Papa(my parents). We had so much fun and enjoyed every minute with them! Wish the time didn't go by so fast! Here are some pictures from Easter Day.

Tea Party Hats DIY

2010-03-28T11:09:00.004-05:00

I got this idea from Family Fun and just changed up a few things to make them a little more eaiser for younger kids.

You need:
Wrapping Paper 30x30 for each hat(I found double sided wrapping paper at Hallmark)
Colored Tape(duck tape makes all sorts of colors)
Hot Glue Gun
Fuax Flowers

That simple!

Start by putting a sheet of wrapping paper around the childs head and put the duck tape around the largest part of their head.

Once the tape is securied around their heads, cut the wrapping paper in a circle leaving 5 inches around the rim of the hat.

Turn up the front of the hat(showing the other side of the paper) add a spot of glue to keep it back, next glue the flowers(that each little girl got to choose) to the front of the rim.

And Voila! You have the perfect Tea Party Hats! Blakely is not a fan of hats, so she did not get to enjoy this craft! Silly girl.

Happy 3rd Birthday Blakely

2010-03-28T10:42:00.002-05:00

Singing Happy Birthday...

Getting Shy while we all sing and picking her lip(her new strange habit)...

Blowing out the candles...

Enjoying her Ice Cream cake(I did not make this cake, it was happily made by the D-Q).

Tea Party Decor

2010-03-28T10:15:00.003-05:00

Well the party came together, better than I imaged. I didn't get to do everything I had planned too, but what can I say for a last minute change in plans.

Table setting, each guest was presented with a little clutch filled with white gloves, pearl necklaces, butterfly hair clips, and lip gloss.

Each Tea Cup was adorned with silver spoons that had a miniature tea pot on the top. And ofcourse, had to have some pastel treats!

Food: Fruit Tarts and Turkey and Cheese sandwiches.

Food: Cheesy Biscuits and Friendship Muffins

More photos of the party to come. We made Tea Hats as a party craft!

Too Long...

2010-03-24T20:00:00.004-05:00

Lots to catch up on.

Let me start by saying, "HELLO ALL!" and "Yep, I'm still here!"
When Ben left, he took our laptop! Which was technically is my laptop, since it has all my info, my pictures, my blog stuff, my everything, I felt a little lost without it! I thought since we had a desktop still, that I would be able to make it through the deployment without one. Well, I was wrong. It was almost painful for me to sit at that damn desk. I don't know what it is about sitting in front of a computer that drove me crazy, but it did! So, I whined enough to hubby, and he got me my own net book! This little guy is so cute! It is all white with 10' screen! Perfect or me! I honestly did not get on the computer(unless we were Skpying with Daddy) or I had to pay a bill! I did not do anything for a month besides those two things if it did not directly involve my cellphone(I love my BB)! Ok, long story, short, I'm back and hope to be blogging more.

Pregnancy Update:
-I'm 14 weeks(technically tomorrow).
-I have been feeling better, but still have moments of nausea. It kinda comes and goes.
-I have lost 4lbs since my last appt.
-Baby's heart rate is 150. (my Doctor says it's a girl)
-I could sleep all day and everyday, if Blakely would let me. I am usually in bed by 8p.m. and usually asleep by 9 or 9:30.
-No cravings, yet!
-No maternity clothes, yet.
-My belly is starting to stick out, just a smidge.

Blakely's 3rd Birthday(this was what I was imaging)

A Tea Party, fit for a princess and a few of her friends.

Well, let's just say all my plans have not come together as I had imaged or hoped for. We got a surprise visit from Daddy last week(can't say much more, but he will be headed back) and since he is home we are moving up Blakely's party and putting it together this weekend. I had plans(this week) to go into the city to find a few things(ok a lot of things) I needed. I honestly had hoped to put together a small party, nothing big, and with Daddy's surprise appearance, it's now in the works! Thanks Daddy!

We shall see how it all turns out. Wish me luck!

Valentine's

2010-02-23T10:23:00.000-06:00

I didn't get to many pictures of Blakely for Valentine's or from her Valentine's Party at school.
The camera was dead and I was too lazy to look for the charger.

Here's a little bit of what she came downstairs too on Valentine's!

Baby B Update

2010-02-23T10:16:00.000-06:00

I mentioned last week that I was going to the Doctor for the first time. We were so excited because Ben and Blakely got to come and we knew we were going to be able to hear the heartbeat. Once we got to the Doctors and after they examined me, she told us that my cervix was measuring 12 weeks, instead of 9 weeks like we originally thought. So she got the Doppler out so we could find the heartbeat and after 10 minutes and a look of concern on her face, she told us that she was unable to find a fetal hear beat.

I wasn't to concerned since I still felt pregnant, but the Doctor was concerned, which meant we got to have an ultrasound. Which would also give us exactly how many weeks I actually was. They could only get me in for an ultrasound two days later, which left me to build up my anxiety, and get a little nervous about the baby.

Unfortunately, Ben was unable to go with me(since he has already left), my friend Colleen came with me.

As soon as she placed the little ultrasound device on my belly we could see this little baby squirming around! Colleen started getting teary eyed which made me get teary eyed. I never got to see Blakely at such a (awkward) small stage. The ultrasound tech described this stage perfectly, "It's like a fish on dry land or a gummy bear." Which was amazing! It was so neat to be able to see that it was already growing it's legs and arms.

It was moving already! It would move both arms and then kick one leg at a time. AND it's little heart! Being about to see it's little heart beating, was amazing!

So, Baby B is doing well and moving right along! And I am not 12 weeks!

Heartbeat: 168
Weeks: 9 weeks 5 days

Quick Update

2010-02-16T19:19:00.002-06:00

Hey guys! Sorry I haven't been blogging much lately. This baby has been taking a HUGE toll on my body and so many things have been going on!

A few things going on:
-First official Doctor's appointment tomorrow.
-Daddy leaves for deployment in 2 days.
-Just figured out that Easter falls on Blakely's birthday.
-Changed the theme of Blakely's birthday party with it being so close to Easter.
-Ben totalled his car, so we are a one car family at this time.(we will get him a new one once we returns from deployment.)
-We are putting finishing the basement on hold for now.
-My heart is aching for Blakely, she really doesn't understand where and why Daddy is leaving. He is her everything.

Stopping...

2010-02-08T10:44:00.003-06:00

I am going to stop making cakes for a bit...
I know, horrible.
But the smells of things are making me nausea's,
beyond belief!
My stomach starts to turn,
my mouth starts to water...
and I have to walk away,
to compose myself!

I'll let you know when I am back in better shape!

BIG NEWS!

2010-02-01T08:45:00.002-06:00

[GASP]Blakely will be a big sister at the end of September! (Yep, right at my 30th birthday!)

(Sorry for the blurry picture, it was taken with my phone.)

I posted it to FB to let everyone know we were expecting. Announced a little early then we wanted but somehow people were finding out(couldn't have been b/c I nor Ben couldn't keep our mouth shut!), but happy we did, because I am sick of making excuses to why I feel like total crap or why I am not drinking! {Teehee}

I am not totally sure how far along I am because I have only been to the Doctor on base and they only do the blood test. I am (STILL) waiting on my referral to go through! (This has seemed to take much longer then it did with Blakely) We have known for 3 weeks now and Tricare has been having issues with MY stuff! Go figure! Not that I am in any rush to see the Doctor. With the 2nd things seem to be a little less urgent.

I will ofcourse be keeping everyone updated on our blog through out the pregnancy. I am just hoping/praying for less nausea, a not so sensitive nose, less burning in my belly, more energy, and not to gain 60lbs this time around! (4 out of 5 of these systems I am already experiencing, ugh!)

Valentine Goodies

2010-02-01T07:50:00.002-06:00

I am totally regarding not using the "Loads and Toads of Love, Princess Blakely" because Oriental Trading had several cute goodies that coordinated so well with Blakely's Valentine's cards!(it didn't stop me from getting them though) Plus. . .I got a FREE SHIPPING using this code: AMG776(expires 2/8/10), saving me $8.99 in shipping! Can't bet that!

I also think if you are going to do a 'Princess and a Frog' themed party, these would be great treats for their goodie bags as well!

Aren't these so cute?

Finger Puppets!

I had to get these just because they were because they were cute too!

Lil B's Valentine's Card

2010-01-29T09:24:00.003-06:00

Once again, I choose Tiny Prints to order Blakely's Valentine Cards for School! Check these little guys out! They are too cute!

You could also sign it, "Loads and Toads of Love, Princess Blakely"

Friend Makin Monday

2010-01-25T08:58:00.003-06:00

Amber over at aefilkins has got a great Friend Makin Monday-My Daybook!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window...it is overcast and cold! {Boooooooo}

I am thinking....I need to clean my house or get out of it!

I am thankful...for my lovely husband and my toddler(who is screaming at me right now that she was apple sauce.)

I am praying...that everything goes ok and that I can get through the upcoming deployment.

I am reading...nothing at the moment, I want to start reading Eclipse again, soon!

I am creating...a few things at the moment! Keep an eye for them!

From the kitchen...I can whip up some yummy cakes!

Around the house...I have got to get organized!

One of my favorite things...is to sleep!

A few plans for the rest of the week...opening an account at a local bank, talking to someone about a loan for finishing our basement, sew, clean, doctor, dance, school, grocery store, CLEAN some more, wash my car, clean out my car, sweep the front walk.(I could go on!)

My First Sewing Project/Gift

2010-01-24T18:38:00.004-06:00

Blakely was invited to a birthday party, which was a "Mermaid Under the Sea" themed party. (Yes, I also made that cake for the party) The little girls was turning 5 and her mommy asked for people not to bring gifts.

Well it just so happen that I purchased this pattern by Dana over at MADE to make this little girl a skirt. I had ordered the fabric chiffon already(blue is the little girls favorite color), so I asked her Mama, if I could make the "birthday" outfit and Blakely give the little girl her gift early. To which she happily obliged! I also had picked up a shirt from Walmart and with some of the ruffled chiffon, I dressed up a shirt to match the skirt. For it being my first skirt and pattern I followed, I thought it turned out quiet nice!

Finished!

Showing of my creation!
I think she was VERY happy with it!

Lauri's Shower Cake

2010-01-23T17:19:00.003-06:00

Some of my friends asked me to make a shower cake for one of our friends. They wanted to cake to match bedding/curtains in the baby's room. I think it turned out better then I imaged.

Cute, huh?

Mermaid Party Cake

2010-01-23T17:12:00.002-06:00

This isn't the biggest cake I have made, but definitely the tallest!

First Bikini!

2010-01-22T09:01:00.002-06:00

My Dear Friend, Cydney, who owns Sweet Caroline's Boutique just opened up a Boutique with her Mother and has to cutest stuff! Plus they offer LAYAWAY! Who does that? They do!
Head on over and check out some of their cute things! I ordered a few things, including Blakely's very first BIKINI! Look how precious this suit is! I couldn't resist!

Nap Nanny

2010-01-20T19:31:00.004-06:00

ATTENTION MOMMY'S and MOMMY'S TO BE:

This is the must have!; The Nap Nanny !!!

This thing elevates baby 30 degrees, which is recommended by doctors for babies with: reflux, colic, colds or stuffiness, gas, and ear infections!

My Sister in Law, Whitney, who is expecting her second child told me about this, and had to share it with all my friends that have baby's or excepting a baby!

Kelly's Kids Rep

2010-01-18T18:45:00.003-06:00

That's right ladies! I am a Kelly's Kids Rep! I have loved there clothes since Blakely was born and decided to bring my Love for Southern clothes to Missouri! Well no... not really, the real reason is because there is NO PLACE around here to get classic children's apperal! Not only for everyday wear, but for special occasions(church, birthday's, holiday's, etc).

If you have never heard of Kelly's Kids, check them out HERE!

If you are interested in ordering from me or hosting a party(if you don't live near me and want to host a party and recieve the benefits from hosting, you can have a catolog party), please contact at brandyhipsh@hotmail.com.

Keep an eye out for my favorite's from KK's in the coming weeks!

Look forward to helping many of you with your KK purchases! Thanks for your support!

Open Letter to Lil B

2010-01-11T09:16:00.003-06:00

My Dearest Blakely,
I need to tell you some things about yourself...
They make your Daddy and me, so very happy and proud of you.
You are 2 years; 9 months; and 7 days old...today.
You have grown as fast as everyone told us you would grow,
and it makes us very sad, but happy at the same time,
for you are such an amazing little girl.

We love:

how you brush your hair out of your face with both hands.
your sweet soft voice.
the way you talk to your baby dolls, as if they were your very own children.
that you always say, "I'm a big girl, I do________", whenever you do anything 'big'.
that you are potty training yourself.
that you like to match your big girl panties to your outfit.
how blue your eyes are.
that people always ask us if we put lipstick on you because your lips are the prettiest shade of pink.
that your hair always has static in it and stands up on your head.
you always go around saying the Walmart saying, "Save Money, Live Better, Walmart!"
that when we ask you to say your name you say, "Bwakwey Wynn Piff".
I love how much you love your Daddy.
that you love broccoli so much.
you count past 20, but get tongue tied after 22.
that your babysitter tells us all the time you are such a sweet child.
you tell us when you "want to go night-night."
you know the whole prayer at bed time.
you are so in love with your dog, Maxx.
that you love ballet so much.
when you give kisses.

I could go on and on, but I just wanted to tell you how much your Daddy and I love everything about you!

My little Snow Angel

2010-01-08T08:32:00.004-06:00

The weather here in Missouri has been the worst ever since we have lived here. I thought having spend 2 winters here, I maybe {kinda, sorta} knew what we were in for. Well, I ofcourse was wrong. The snow/weather has been crazy! For about 3 weeks now. We had been gone to Florida for most if it because it started the day we left.

Well, I thought it would be fun for Blakely to play in it! It is so soft, fluffy, and dry. I knew it was cold outside, but we ventured outside to "build a snowman".

We bundled up, which was Blakely's favorite part, putting all her snowsuit stuff on. She kept tell me, "I can't move! Look Mommy I can't move!" She was moving, just not as fast has she would have liked.

We were outside for a total of 20 minutes before I felt the tingle on my legs and she looked at me and said, "I do not like snow no more." Then we were finished. I was very unsuccessful in building a snowman. I should have taken a picture of I attempted.

Meet Lobster

2010-01-08T08:21:00.004-06:00

Blakely got a zhu zhu pet for Christmas, if you don'tknow what this is,

you must live under a rock.

We also gave them as gifts to Blakely's cousins.

Blakely for some odd, strange reason, named hers

LOBSTER.

Please meet Lobster:

Lobster also traveled to Florida with us, he played with "Rat", which is Campbell's(her cousin's zhu zhu-not pictured).

This is Lobster and Rat playing together.(Blakely and Alexa playing with the hamsters)

I also wanted to mention this little guys runs around our house like another pet, he goes to the store with us, to bed with Blakely, and even hangs out on the couch. Strange, very strange...

Catch-up(Christmas)

2010-01-07T20:25:00.010-06:00

some of you may have known we were suppost to be heading home to Florida for Christmas, but the AF had different plans for us, so we ended up staying in MO for Christmas Eve and Day.
{we went to FL the day after Christmas}

Our Dear friends, The Allen's, had us over for Christmas Eve Dinner.

This is a picture of Lil B before we left for Christmas Eve Dinner.

{She's Dancing}

Family photo at The Allen's with ofcourse Avery too!

BFF's!

Blakely of course got to open one gift on Chrismas Eve and it was her Christmas PJ's...which she helped pick out(I can't say no!). And afterward they played with The Allen girls American doll girls....this is the one Blakely 'LOVED' and wouldn't put down.

We found it quite funny b/c the doll looked just like her! (she will be getting this one for her B-Day).

We came home after dinner and put out Sant's milk and cookies and ofcourse the reindeers carrots(she wouldn't let us forget to feed them! I think she must have read this in a book at school or something, because she just kept telling us they "needed food" too.

Daddy and Mommy stayed up last ofcourse putting things together and wrapping some last minute things....check out my cutie here!

ALL DONE! Santa came....and it was time for a night cap....

THE NEXT MORNING....she didn't know what to think. She just walked around, looking at everything and then finally screamed out! "Santa brought me a Doll House!"

Opening present....

She had to stop and play with everything and ofcourse try everything on!

At some point she got upset about something and was making this face:

Test driving her scooter with Daddy!

Atlast after all the excitement of opening gifts for 2 hours...she was worn out! She told us she was tired and wanted to just watch Max and Ruby....and so she did, with her trust-y sidekick, Maxx.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Baby!

2010

2010-01-04T08:08:00.002-06:00

We just returned home. . .

From a very wonderful, long trip. . .

we went home to Florida!

It was such a great time seeing everyone. . .

I didn't do much picture taking. . .

but I'll post the ones I have of all the fun stuff we did.

Hope everyone's New Year is starting off right!

I hope that your Christmas was amazing!

And that you are as loved as I am.

Just wanted you to know I was alive and will be back to blogging soon!

Can't wait to read all of our fun things you did{and got} for Christmas!

Wishing you a...

2009-12-24T09:24:00.001-06:00

merry christmas
from our family to yours.

Chocolate milk

2009-12-20T09:40:00.004-06:00

When Blakely comes home from school, she immediately takes a nap. The first thing she wants though is chocolate milk.

She runs in the house, opens the frig, and does this.....

That is until I catch her, tell her to stop, and put it in a cup!

The Princess and the Frog

2009-12-20T09:27:00.004-06:00

Blakely got to go see her FIRST movie in a theater: The Princess and the Frog!

She loved it and did Sooooo much better then I thought she would!

She lasted through the whole thing! She was in a trans for the first 30 minutes if the movie because she couldn't get over how big the screen was.

(The Allen girls and Blakely)

(P-Lou and Blakely)

Watching all the kids walk in...

The movie has started(and yes I was that mom taking pictures while the movie was on).

Ok, she was done with me taking pictures too. As you can see...

And we did snag the sits where the girls could get up and dance when the musical parts in the movie came on, to which they did dance. But I did not take any pictures of that b/c everyone was already laughing at them when they got up to dance around. So cute!

Work Christmas Parties

2009-12-20T08:51:00.003-06:00

Love the Holiday's and all the parties we get to attended and play dress-up!

393rd Christmas Party

My handsome hubby!

Time to Dance!

Colleen{my partner in crime} and me!

Close up of Ben and me!

I would like to introduce you to the WORLD's greatest babysitter, this is Tabitha! She is a local college student here in The Burg and we feel ohhhhhh so grateful that she watches Lil B(and loves her dearly). This is us trying to take a picture on my phone.

________________________________________

Now for the 509th Wing Christmas Party. It had a price for 100 bucks for the winner.
So I whipped up the ugliest sweater for my man, which looked like a girl sweater.

I am pretty sure that 98% of Christmas sweaters that men wear ARE girl sweaters though.

Judging time....

{Ben would have won, but they gave the price to the enlisted guys}

Our men with their beautiful sweaters. Don't Judge!

Us girls.

This is the end of the night...can you tell?!?!

HAPPY HOLIDAY'S!!

Blakely's Tree

2009-12-20T08:42:00.002-06:00

This is Blakely's First Christmas tree in her room! We had her tree up before we had the family tree up! She just loves it! And ofcourse...it's Pink and Green!

Dilemma

2009-12-09T19:23:00.002-06:00

we are having a hard time. . .

figuring out whether we give Lil B' her 'big' gifts and some small,

to her before we leave for Florida...

or pile them all in the car,

and bring them with us!?!?!

OR give them to her before we leave the burg???

remember what we got her...(some of them weigh close to 65+lbs.)

some of them are ofcourse from Santa and some from us.

Do we give her gifts here before we leave or do we just bring them all? ugh!

How do we pick which one is her big gift from Santa? bouncy house or dollhouse?

HELP!

Chic Trash Bags

2009-12-07T08:23:00.004-06:00

I have a confession. . .I own these garbage bags:

I got them from home at a place called Pensacola Hardware. I bought up all they had left, plus large storage bags and small storage bags in the same damask print. They are made by Two's Company, Home Chic Home line.

My dilemma is, I am running low on these guys and WANT MORE! But I can not seem to find them anywhere! Does anyone have any suggestions on where I can get more or a local shop of your own that carries these guys?

Ok...so I do not use these everyday, but I do use them when I am hosting an event or have a special day for something! I just think they add a little something to something so... ummm...gross....the trash can itself.

In my search for my ohhh so favorite trash bags, I stumbled upon these super CUTE pink polka dot trash bags by Adrian K. But ofcourse, they are SOLD OUT!

{aren't they adorable, couldn't you see using these for a little girls birthday party??}

I also found these trash bags, but they really aren't me. Plus the only one I really like is the yellow one and you only get 1 with the 5 different bags you get.

Aren't these fun though? I know I am strange...

Pancake Breakfast with Santa

2009-12-06T18:35:00.006-06:00

The 509th Bomb Squadron every year holds a Pancake Breakfast with Santa. There are always pancakes(duh) with many toppings to choose from, crafts, games, and of course pictures with Santa.

Blakely and Daddy enjoying her Sprinkle Pancakes.

This is as close to Santa as we got. Blakely still isn't a fan of him and kept saying, "Santa is scary."

This is Blakely being afraid of Santa and having one of her melt downs. Look at those eyes!

Only Family Picture we got.

There was a cookie decorating table(her looking around for Santa, making sure he wasn't coming to get her.)

Avery and Blakely enjoying the cookies they decorated. Shortly after this is freaked out because she got icing on her hand. She highly dislikes getting dirty/messy.

So we got her a cookie without any icing on it.

Making Daddy hold her...

After she figured out Santa wasn't anywhere near the Christmas Musical Chairs, she joined in on the fun, winning 3 Ty Reindeer.

B2 Graduation

2009-12-06T18:02:00.003-06:00

Here are some pictures from Ben's graduation night! It turned out to be such a success!
Ever graduating class puts together a ceremony, afterward heavy hors d'oeuvres are served, and a little socializing.

Ben got the Academic Award! I was so proud of him. He studied a ton, so he totally deserved it!
The guys also presented the wives with bouquets of flowers(Ben was put in charge of this assignment, so he got gerber daisy for all of us, because they are my favorite), and then the squadron commanders wife also presented us with a B2 pendant. Very sweet! We also found out the next squadron we will be going too....The 393rd TIGERS!!! Whoooo-Hooooo!

Congrats IQT-09B! Amazing Job!

Gingerbread TRAIN!

2009-12-06T17:11:00.004-06:00

I let Blakely pick out which gingerbread house she wanted to build for Christmas, and she choice the Gingerbread Train Kit! Not 100% sure hwy, because she is afraid of trains right now, but so be it....we created our Gingerbread Train!

She is such a big help! Putting one candy on and eating the next!

Please ignore the no make-up face, it's a Sunday thing...

Taaaadaaaaa! All done!

Fun with Kids!

2009-12-04T12:31:00.002-06:00

I had some friends share these fun activities with me so I thought I would pass on the love!

Capture Santa at home and SHOW your kids! Try it out here!

Also Disney Family came out with a Personalized Video from SANTA! Put them on Santa's Nice List here!

Have fun!

Stocking Stuffers

2009-12-03T08:02:00.003-06:00

This is always a real 'stumper' for me...Stocking Stuffers...

I have been trying to figure out what to fill Lil B's stocking with.

For the age group she is currently in....

Then I stumbled upon the coolest website!

It not only has fun and cute things for stockings stuffs,

it suits just about all age groups...

it is a party store...

and it has categories for specific things your child is interested in!

Partypalooza! Check it out!

Things I have figured out so far:
Finger nail polish
Playdough
Hair Bows
Christmas books
Her 2009 ornament

Does anyone have any other suggestions?

B2 training=D O N E

2009-12-01T19:53:00.006-06:00

THIS is a BIG day for us! Ben has finished B2 training! He successfully completed and passed B2 Training! Friday he graduate and have a little ceremony(picture are to come)....

This is what Ben flew prior to the B2:

{this is the B-52 he flew and served in the O.E.F}

This is his first flight in the B2, him coming from his landing:

LOOK at his smile! I can't tell you how proud I was to watch this(handsome) man complete his first ride in the B2. A dream he had been (and thinking he would never achieve) praying for.

Not to mention, his first flight was in the 'Spirit of Florida'(not something you are allowed or even know about, the plane you will fly in that is. We are from Florida, for those of you who may not know)....Here we are snapping a picture right after his 1st flight.

I can't believe he(we) have FINALLY finished B2 training! He will be deploying in the New(very new) year in the B2! Something he is VERY proud to say he was a part of! God Bless!

I love you Ben! Words CAN NOT say how proud I am of you!

OH, CHRISTMAS TREE, OHH

2009-11-27T21:49:00.003-06:00

we almost finished our Christmas Tree...

We finally got our 9 foot tree that looks okay with our 22 ft. ceilings!
The 12ft tree was just a little TOO tall!

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!