Wreath

I'm Back!!

I thought a week of no posts was bad... I'm getting close to a month here... You guys probably aren't even reading anymore :) hehe
Anyways... I have an excuse, I promise. I am on bed rest. Full bed rest- yuck! I am allowed to get up to go to the bathroom and take a shower- who knew that showers and dr. appts could be anxiously awaited. Any excuse to get up and out of this house! :) I have been keeping busy watching movie... that I have already seen. If you know me, you know watching a movie more than once is not my style... The only movies I can watch over and over and the Twilight movies and White Oleander. I have also been reading lots. I found two new authors that I love! Emily Giffin and Kristin Hannah. Their books make me happy :) I have some other books- but I am having a harder time getting into them. Probably in the last two and a half weeks, I have read close to ten books.
I am on bed rest for... contractions. Stupid things won't leave me alone. I feel pretty good now. I will be 34 weeks on Sunday which is a big Baby-Milestone. We are getting there... getting closer to holding our little man. I know his first cry is going to be the best sound in the world. We took our pregnancies with the girls for granted. I know what a miracle each of my children are- especially after such a rough pregnancy!
Although things have been rough lately, our friends and family have made things much easier. Our parents are amazing and have helped us through some of the toughest months of our lives. Our family and friends have helped us with babysitting, dinners, cleaning, etc. What a blessing!!! We are so greatful for each of you. You could never know how much easier you have made these last few months!
Our little ladies are doing great. They are ready for mama to get off the couch, that's for sure. I'm ready to be able to play with them, do crafts, etc. again. I think this experience has made me realize really what is important. They are everything to me and I am anxious to start feeling like a mom again. Their bags are ready for the hospital- Each a bag with their name embroidered on it, baby boy doll, diapers, blankets, wipes, bottles, coloring set, big sister shirt and matching shorts, and a stamp set. I think they will enjoy it and hopefully the attention on them will dissolve any jealous feelings. They are going to be my two big helpers. :) Caroline turns 3 on Monday. My baby! Where does the time go!? We are going to keep it simple- presents and cake. In August, we will celebrate her birthday and Hannah's. :) Hannah is set on going to the beach for her birthday... so, hopefully we will make it down there one weekend this fall! She would be thrilled. I can't believe that she will be 5 and in January we will be registering her for kindergarten. It really breaks my heart! She is a little lady now! :)
My husband is the most amazing man in the world. He has taken over all of my mommy duties; cleaning, cooking, bathing girls, taking care of girls, bedtime, morning time, playing.... all of it... while still doing the things he is responsible for... work, lawn, etc. He is awesome. I am so thankful for him.
Keep praying for us... for Noah... for the girls... for all of the people that are helping us...
I might not update for a while... I can't sit at the computer and I only have access to a laptop for a day...

Friday Update

I did it again. A whole week without a post! Oops...

It's been a good week! Gary repainted the girls room. It's beautiful and it looks so clean. Hopefully once I get all of their toys put away it will stay that way!  I also painted letters for their room. I decided to do their initials instead of their whole names. They did away with the letters that I used for Noah's room and the new, bigger letters at Hobby Lobby would have taken up the whole wall; especially for Caroline's name. Their initials came cute. I can't wait to get them on the wall. 

Noah's room is pretty much finished. His swing came yesterday and we set it up and got it ready.  We only need a few big things and we will be done shopping for baby stuff until after he is here!

Pregnancy is going good. I will be 30 weeks on Sunday. It seems like we are so close, yet still so far away. The bigger I get, the harder things get.  Little things- like putting laundry away, vacuuming, etc. are being put on hold. The clothes get washed, the dishes get washed... any more than that isn't worth the way I feel afterwards... Soon I will be back to running with tons of energy.  These next couple weeks I can slack off to protect this little baby inside of me.

After Caroline was born, I lost a lot of weight... Probably about 30 lbs.  All of my clothes (which look ridiculously tiny right now) are waiting on me. I refuse to buy any bigger clothes... I guess I will be in sweats for a few months! If I get right back to exercising after the doctor gives me the okay~ it should only be a few months... We'll see.

Easter is Sunday! I am excited! I feel like I have been so overwhelmed lately that I haven't really had much time to think about it.  I think that we have everything for the girls' baskets. I always wonder if we did enough. I think that they will be excited though.  I asked Gary to get some plastic Easter eggs from Walmart yesterday and some things to fill them with.  I think he forgot the candy to fill them with because he told me that they were out... and so was Publix... Hmm, I don't think they would be out of Easter candy~ but, who knows!? Anyways... Easter morning the girls will hunt for their baskets that the Easter bunny will hide. Their will also be Easter eggs (plastic) hidden in the yard (hopefully, if the weather holds up) for them to search for. Then we will head to Nonnie and Papa's for Easter brunch and an Easter egg hunt. I think, as long as Gary gets off work on time tomorrow night, we will try to make the night Easter service at church. 
We took the girls to see the Easter bunny last weekend. They peeked down at him from the second story and noticed he did not have any cotton candy to give out. They both decided that they did not want to go see him. We asked them how he would know what to bring and Hannah said, "I will be happy with whatever he brings." haha... Maybe next year!
Either today or tomorrow we will color the eggs that I boiled for the girls. They will get a kick out of that.

Well, I need to go get a little of this messy house sorted out... blah...

I hope that you all have an amazing Easter weekend.

Until next time....

LeeAnn

Quick Update

It seems like it would be easy to sit down for a few minutes each day to blog. Not so much. I'm trying, I promise. While I am typing this, the girls are fighting over whose waffles are whose. Joy! Yes, it starts this early in the morning. hehe No, really, for the most part they get along very well. They love each other and love playing together.
A lot has been going on lately. Exciting, sad, and all in between. I feel like I've been on an emotional rollercoaster, but you know what? It's okay, right? I am pregnant.
I cannot believe how quickly the weeks are going by. Wasn't it just Friday, LAST week? Geez, you would think waiting on a little one would make time pass slowly... Nope! It's speeding by. Just a few more weeks and I am sure my days will be even more of a blur. I haven't started getting anxious or nervous about the delivery (c-section) yet. I think I owe that to prayers and faith.
Anyways, today we have plans to go get lunch with one of my good friends and her son. Should be fun. A nice change from sitting home all day. Gary spread ant killer last night after he cut the grass, so now our yard should be up to the girls' bug-free standards. We can enjoy the beautiful weather... until the rain comes this afternoon. Tomorrow, if it is nice, we have an Easter egg hunt at my s-i-l's house. Too bad Gary has to work. :( Then Sunday, Gary and I get to have a date night... Not too many more of those until we are caring for a teeny, tiny baby again! We will enjoy it. I am sure there will be another one at the beginning of May, because.... the next Fast and Furious comes out the end of this month! Hooray! :)
Well, I have been trying to upload a picture to show you guys. Guess I will have to add it in here later on when I have more time. I painted wood letters to match Noah's bedding and they came super cute! I am not artistic at all, but I am proud of these. They came great! I will share a picture later. I am sure that pictures of the girls' letters will shortly follow because they have informed me that they need letters too. :) Of course! :)
I guess I had better go get the day started. Check back for more later. (and pictures)

Airplanes and Baby Stuff

Yesterday, my mom took me and the girls out to lunch. It was a surprise, so we didn't know where we were going. We ended up at the cutest, most unique restaurant: The Runway Cafe. The girls got to eat lunch and watch airplanes take off right out of the glass window. Super cute! You should think about trying it! We will definitely be going back.

Also, I am still working on the girls' bags for the hospital. My Thirty-One order is on the Fed-Ex (or UPS) truck right now on its way to my house! I ordered them each a few things from Toys R Us and couldn't resist this cute outfit for Noah. Precious.
Below is a picture of the baby brother dolls that I got the girls so that they can have their own babies to take care of while I take care of Noah.

Today is supposed to be gorgeous... until the rain comes. I guess we should get outside and enjoy it- although I wouldn't mind staying in to avoid the pollen!
Enjoy your weekend! :)

Gnoccis

Be jealous! We had gnoccis (ne-ya-kees) for dinner. I slaved in the kitchen for hours (not really). Usually gnoccis take forever to make, but tonight I made them and homemade sauce within an hour. Yum!! Everyone cleaned their plates AND asked for seconds. That doesn't happen often around here. Many of you that know me, know that I cannot cook. The extent of my cooking is Italian... but that's okay!
This scrumptious Italian dish is made of ricotta, Bisquick, flour, and lots of work. :)
Was your dinner this yummy??

Sunny Monday

This weekend has been absolutely beautiful! Gary has spent most of it outside, putting up the girls' swing set. What a job! He has lots of hours into it and we are all itchy with runny noses to prove it.

The picture above was taken a year ago, for Easter. I can't believe it's been a whole year. Easter is almost here again! 20 more days! Today Gary and I went shopping for the girls' Easter baskets. That is my favorite kind of shopping! We got $50 in Build A Bear gift cards, so they will each get a build a bear, once we make it to the mall, to add to their baskets. Also... two outfits each, a craft, lots of candy, a recorder, bubbles, and some other fun, little toys. Easter is fun because they aren't so overwhelmed, like with Santa. We need to plan to color eggs, and have an Easter egg hunt... Any friends up for this?

Another funny story: Hannah was sneaking jelly beans and running to her room to eat them. If you know her, you know that this is just not like her. Caroline, definitely, but not Hannah. She must really like jelly beans like her mama.

Also, while we were outside, Caroline had a bug fly into her mouth. She is appalled by bugs. This was a total disaster. She gagged and screamed until we got it out. Poor baby!

Hannah's Interpretation

When Hannah woke up from her nap she started singing... "Here comes the bride....." then "Here comes the broom..." Then she starts laughing to herself... "Silly, brooms can't walk!" Funny the things they come up with! :)

Another Rainy Day

Today looks like it is going to be another, yucky, rainy day. Rain makes me sleepy. It makes me want to curl up and spend the day in bed. Too bad my girls don't have the same idea. They are grumpy that the rain is ruining their plans to use their new chalk and bubbles outside. Hopefully the rest of the week will be lovely. Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and 62. Still a little chilly in my book. The rest of the week it looks like the temperatures will rise until they hit 81 on Monday. Yes! Perfect.

We ended up at the hospital yesterday morning. All is well. Baby is fine. Mommy is fine. Please pray that we make it to 37+ weeks without another trip to the hospital. It's becoming quite ridiculous. This surely will be a pregnancy to remember. For those of you who don't know... we have spent lots of our precious time at the hospital this pregnancy. In December, they thought I had appendicitis. In January, I had fevers for 9 days until they finally realized that I had Listeria, a dangerous food bacteria that is often fatal to babies in pregnancy, that kept me in the hospital for eight days. God was with us, walked us through that and protected our sweet little man. This month we were in the hospital for four days for pre-term contractions (thank God not pre-term labor, as they weren't doing anything to progress labor). So now... I am set to pop in for a quick c-section at 37+ weeks, stay my two or three nights and be done with hospitals.

Exciting news: I received a gift card from my grandma to Sears. I spent forever looking on their website and Kmart's (because you can use the gift card at either). I finally settled on two packs of 5 onesies for Noah. An Easter dress for each of the girls, and Noah's coming home outfit (which may possibly change). I have never been able to shop for little boys clothes, so I had a ball. Below are pictures of the cute short overall set that I got for Noah for $7.50, and the Easter dresses that I ordered the girls.

Gary is at work. The girls are playing dentist with their gloves and masks from Nonnie's office. I would love to curl up with a good book; maybe at nap time. When the weather gets nice and Gary is able to set it up, I will post a picture of the new addition to our backyard. A swing set! The girls are going to love it, and it is going to be a lifesaver with a little baby this summer. Enjoy your rainy Thursday! Check back for more later! :) 

Sleep Like A Baby

Last night was the best I have slept since I started growing a belly. Usually I am up at 2:00 and then I can't fall  back asleep for an hour or two. If not that, then I wake up with back pains and leg pains. Should I continue complaining? Last night, I went to bed around 11:00 and I didn't wake up until Gary's alarm went off this morning. I owe this wonderful night sleep to my new friend, Snoogle. Heavenly. If you are pregnant, this is a must.

Hannah and Caroline are begging for one of their own. I think that the Easter bunny may have found ONE Snoogle that is made for toddlers. Perhaps they will find this in their Easter baskets... Then daddy will be jealous that he is the only one without a Snoogle...

Rainy Saturday

After weeks of beautiful, sometimes 80+ degree, weather I guess we should have seen this rainy weekend coming. April's showers are a little early.  All of this rain plus the clouds makes me want to cuddle up and take a nice long nap. Gary is working. The girls are having a birthday party in their room. I'm slightly bored.
In other news...
Mike is home! He got in yesterday afternoon. Hooray!
We have lots coming up in the next couple months... doctor appointments... just one (I think) more ultrasound in April to check Noah's growth... Birthdays (Mom's, Caroline's, Gary's), Easter, Baby Shower... I love keeping busy. I love having a plan. I love thinking ahead. I am not a fan of procrastinating; it drives me crazy- ask anyone that really knows me. My mom and I are complete opposites in that aspect.  
I feel like I have so much more to do to get ready for little man... We still need a bassinet, car seat/stroller, swing, clothes, diapers, and more... I'm excited because I plan on having Big Sister bags for the girls waiting at the hospital. I will fill them up with a few diapers, wipes, a baby of their own to take care of while I take care of Noah, nurse, etc., baby blanket, snacks, and stuff to keep them entertained. I want them to feel as much a part of all of this as possible. On a positive note though, we have already accomplished a lot- His room is done. His bed is here and set up. His changing table- ready. He is healthy. That's the main thing I'm going to focus on. When you have an easy pregnancy (or two), you take pregnancy for granted. Through the trials we have had in this pregnancy, we have learned what a true miracle and blessing a healthy pregnancy is and how faithful our God is. He has carried us through so much and instead of letting the trials break us down and leave us defeated, they built our faith. Continue to pray with us that the rest of our pregnancy is healthy. God has carried us through so much. Noah is a little miracle, our little miracle.
This year, Caroline's birthday party is going to be at our house, in May. Hopefully it will be beautiful out and the kids can enjoy the new swing set (that will hopefully be up by then). Hannah is excited that she is going to help me make Caroline's cupcake cake. It's adorable. A sweet shop theme. Perfect for Caroline and her little sweet tooth. 
I guess that I had better go help the girls clean up and prepare for nap time (hooray)! Enjoy the rest of your rainy Saturday.

Special Day

Today is a very special day! My brother has been in Afghanistan for the past seven months. He left in early September. While he was over there we were blessed to be able to talk to him occasionally on the phone and through facebook.  Occasional phone calls are not enough. It was a long seven months, for him and for us.
I am so proud of him. He was willing to put his life on hold (or live his life, if you want to look at it that way) for us, for all Americans. He and his friends are over there fighting, risking their lives, to ensure our freedom; our safety.
This morning Mike will be back home, in NC. My parents are up there right now to see him. I wish we could be up there to welcome him off the bus, but he will be in Greenville soon enough. I can't wait to see him and give him a big hug. It's been too long.
That is my exciting news for the day! I am so thankful to God for carrying him through this journey and bringing him back to us safe and healthy.
Praying for an easy adjustment back to "normal" life for him and all of his buddies.

I am a 23 year old mother to two (and a half), wife to an amazing husband, daughter to wonderful parents, and sister to the world's best brother. I love life.
I renewed a commitment to follow Christ last fall and I love seeing the things that God has in store for me and my family. I love my church and I love growing with people who also know the Lord.
I recently graduated with my BA in Elementary Education and I am working on my MA in Christian Leadership at Liberty University.
I have an amazing, supportive family. My husband supports me and stands by me through thick and thin. I have realized what a strong rock he is for me, especially over the past few months. My amazing children are my passion in life. They have the ability to make me smile even when I'm in the gloomiest of moods. Gary and I are blessed with two little girls, Hannah (2006) and Caroline (2008) and a new addition due in June. Noah, a BOY! I don't know what we are going to do with a boy in the midst of all of this pink but I can't wait to figure it out! :) My parents have always been a strong support system for me. They encourage me, support my decisions, and gently pick me up when I fall. I am blessed to have shared my childhood and now adulthood with an amazing brother, Mike, who spent the last seven months of his life fighting for our freedom over in Afghanistan. How respectable, commendable, and amazing that there are men and women, like my brother, willing to fight and put their lives at risk for us!
As spring and summer are quickly approaching we are anxiously awaiting many new surprises with the addition of Noah to our sweet family, while enjoying this precious time as a family of four. I hope that you enjoy reading about our lives! Feel free to comment; makes things interesting, and possibly might encourage me to keep up with this blog better than my previous failures... :)