Christmas Platter Swap 2009

Monday night, us girls got together for our first annual Christmas party. We decided that this year would be a Christmas Platter swap. Each year we're going to switch up the type gifts we bring for Dirty Santa. We all had a really great time and I'm glad we started this tradition.

Diana, Nikki, me and Ashley before we started to play the Dirty Santa game.
Jami, Lauren and Ashley also before the game started.

This is the adorable platter I ended up with.

Ashley and I were the preggos at the party this year. I'm almost 35 weeks and Ashley is 10 weeks along. I'm still so happy for Ashley, Heath and Ava Reese on the coming new addition to their family. Congrats again!!

Jami and Diana made everyone these cute ornaments with our first initial on them. Ashley, Ashley and I decided to take a picture with ours since we are all the A's.

Jami is SUPER excited to meet BR!!
Ashley is really SUPER excited to meet BR as well. I think everyone is excited to meet her but not as excited as Chase and I are.
Funny picture!! Jami wanted a picture with our bellies.
Nikki, Ashley and I resting and talking after the swap was over.

We really did have a great time and I can't wait until next year. It was wonderful to see all of you ladies and I hope to see you again soon. Oh wait, I will on Friday night for BUNCO. We are trying to start a BUNCO group for this year and I'm super excited about it.

Christmas Day and Belly Post - 34 weeks

On Christmas day, Chase and I went out to my Aunt and Uncle's house for our family get-together. We had such a great time visiting with everyone. The house was filled to the max with adults and kiddos...it was WONDERFUL!!

I'm using this picture as my 34 week belly picture because it's the only one we took together on Thursday. Brantley Rae is really growing and starting to stick out big time. I can't wait for her to get here. I went to the doctor yesterday and she gave me a good report. BR's heart rate was 147bpm, which Dr. S said was perfect. I had an ultrasound to see what position she was in because Dr. S was having trouble figuring it out just by looking at my belly. Thankfully, BR is head down but she's facing the wrong way. Please pray with us that she stays head down but turns so that she's facing my back. (This will make her exit much easier on us both.)

I start my weekly visits this coming Tuesday since I will be almost 36 weeks. Ahh!! It's getting SO close, Chase and I can hardly stand it!!!

This is my most wonderful cousin, Andrea that lives in PA with her sweet little family. She and her husband, Jeremy have 2 boys, Judah(3) and Elijah(10 months). The boys are totally adorable and I can't wait for their little family to continue to grow even more one day!! This is their sweet Judah. It's he adorable!! He had hurt his elbow and wasn't feeling all that great but check out this sweet smile he gave Chase for this picture. So adorable!!
Brantley Rae got the activity mat, Bumbo seat/tray and AUBURN piggy bank for Christmas from her Granddaddy & Bebe. They also gave us diapers, which we are VERY thankful for as well. The cute little socks were given to her by my cousin, Leigh Ann and my Aunt Brenda. We love it all and are very thankful for every thing we received this year for Christmas.

Just to document (not that anyone else cares to know):
Chase got a new truck, yes we traded the Jeep so now he has a manly/Daddy vehicle. Yay!! It's a white Nissan Titan. Just call us the White Nissan family. hehe! He also got a new head shaver, Frogg Toggs, and lots of dress shirts he can wear to church. He really needed new shirts so we are very thankful for all of them. Oh and he got about 4-5 different flashlights. Haha! We'll be prepared if the power goes out now. :o)

I got a new laptop! It's awesome!! Now when Brantley Rae gets here and I start making videos of her with our new video camera I'll be able to upload and post them with my new computer since the last one wouldn't work. Yay!! I also got a pair of skinny jeans and Ugg boots, Microsoft Office to go with my laptop, nursing PJ's, maternity clothes, slippers and a few other things. Oh, my parents bought us our glider but it hasn't been delivered yet. Hopefully, it will come be here in the next week or so.


We had a wonderful Christmas this year and are very thankful for everything we were given. We are also thankful to God that he sent down his son to live and die for our sins. What an amazing gift that we were given so long ago. Thank you Lord for your everlasting love!


We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas as well.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow I have nothing planned so now I'm planning on updating our blog. Get ready for a few posts tomorrow. It's going to be great!! Ha!

Night Night!

2009 Christmas Card

This is our last minute Christmas card for this year. I really like how it turned out!

I have to admitt that I didn't get to send out very many. Because our budget is tight this month, with Christmas and all, I was only able to order enough to send out to family and a few friends that had already sent us a Christmas card. If you got one from us this year, Yay! and if you didn't, I'm very sorry. I ran out! Hopefully next year I will do much better and plan ahead in the Christmas budget for Christmas cards. next years will be much cuter since BR will be in the picture.

Only 3 more days till Jesus' Birthday! I hope everyone is feeling well and filled with God's love this Christmas season.

So whether you got a Christmas card from us this year or not, we wish you a VERY Merry Christmas and a HAPPY New Year!!

Belly Post - 33 Weeks

Inside my belly this week...

This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (heft a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. She's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and her skeleton is hardening. The bones in her skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for her to fit through the birth canal. These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as her brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

Belly Post - 32 Weeks

Brantley Rae,

Last week, Mommy's friend, Miss Brittany came in town to take pictures of Daddy, you and I. This is the only picture I have so far but they are all really cute. You are growing really fast now!! I feel you kicking and stretching out all the time. Daddy and I only have 8 more weeks to be babyless so we're trying to make the most of them before you come into our lives. We are very anxious for your arrival!!

Keep growing and stay in there for a few more weeks. We love you!!

-Mommy and Daddy

Blog Update #2

This update is still a work in progress but for now I've got to go to bed. I'll work on it more tomorrow.

So I Updated Our Blog

It's not exactly what I was wanting but for now it will do. It's very Christmas-y so I'll have to change it again in a couple of weeks. Maybe I can figure out how to widen it like I wanted to this time. (I know how to make it wider, but I can't figure out how to make a background the right size.)

Anyways, I hope everyone is having a good weekend.

Love!!

Nursery Update

This afternoon and tonight, Chase, my Dad and I worked on getting BR's room in order.

Chase finally hung her Butterfly canvas on the wall and I had put up her name a few days ago.

Tonight, my Dad brought over the book shelf he made for BR and hung it under the window. It looks so great and I'm so happy with it!!

See look how great it is. Eventually it will hold a lot more books and such but for now this is all we had to put in/on it.

I bought a set of ABC blocks last night. Today I painted them so that the colors would look good. Before they were only navy, red and green. They're much cuter now!! Don't cha think?!
This is her tall dresser.
We were given this Blessing Ring from a blogger friend of mine, Beth, for Brantley's cards that we have been given. I love it! Thank you Beth!!
I've stocked her changing table basket with all her necessities. I know it's early but I didn't want to leave it sitting empty.
I finished making this wreath for BR today and I think it turned out pretty cute. The wreath is from our wedding and I just spray painted it pink. I Mod Podged and painted ornaments and then tied them all to the wreath. It's going to hang on our front door once we come home from the hospital. What do you think?!
For now, I've hung it over BR's changing table/dresser because we haven't found any shelves to put there yet. Also, once we get our glider, hopefully for Christmas, it's going to replace the swing. The swing will move to the den where the Christmas tree is now.
Her crib is ready for her! Don't you just love that Boppy cover? I do!!

See the wreath will look great on our front door.

Anyways, I know today I was suppose to post my 32 week belly post but I didn't take any pictures today. Actually, tomorrow my friend Brittany with BG Photography, is coming into town to take my Maternity pictures. I'm very excited and I'll use them to post my 32 week Belly post once I get them back from her.

I hope you all have a wonderful Friday and I happy weekend. Chase and I are going to try and enjoy this weekend before Brantley Rae arrives. We only have 8 (or less) left.

Night Night!!

Snow Day in Bluff Park

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!

Last night we were lucky enough to get about an inch or so of SNOW!! Real white SNOW!!

I was awake last night while it was coming down and it was really pretty!!

This is our quaint little house and yard covered in snow.

Chase and I got out in his Jeep to drive around and look at the snow. As we drove down the mountain we noticed that all the snow was gone. Come to find out, it only stuck really well way up here on the mountain. We're pretty lucky!!

We put Marley in her pajamas and let her run around outside. She had a BLAST!! I couldn't get any real good pictures of her because she was running around so fast. Haha! Silly dog!!

She paused for about 5 seconds and I got this one. I think she was starting to get pretty cold!!

Of course, we took a family picture in our back yard. You can't really see my belly that well but our family is really growing!!

I'm so excited about the snow!! It will be all melted and gone before too much longer but I'm glad we got a good dusting. It really feels like Christmas time!!

I don't even remember the last time it snowed in December. I'm pretty sure it's been a long time.

I hope everyone has a good day!!

Belly Post - 31 Weeks

This picture was taken Tuesday night at our last Childbirth class. I wasn't quite 31 weeks yet but I wanted to share these pictures with everyone because I think they're GREAT!!

Look at those belly's!!

Chase got to wear the Empathy belly for a few minutes at the beginning of class the Tuesday night. It was pretty funny! He actually did "feel my pain" a little bit because it was so heavy in the front. Of course, he thought that having boobs for a few minutes was also pretty cool. haha! All the dads in the class liked the boob part. :o)

Proud Daddy-to-be!!

Anyways,on to my normal belly post format...

Inside my belly this week...

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. She weighs about 3.3 pounds and is heading into a growth spurt. She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

Brantley Rae,

Girl, you are becoming quite the mover and shaker these days!! You have really started to kick my ribs and push your feet, knees and/or hands out on my belly like crazy. You are getting SO strong!

Mommy has been experiencing some MAJOR back pain today so that's why I've been yelling a lot tonight. I keep getting stuck in places because I can't put my left foot down on the floor or move my leg for a few minutes. (Note: I'm suffering from extreme Sciatic nerve pain) Daddy has been very supportive and has been trying to help me when I get stuck. I'm hoping to go to the doctor on Monday. Hopefully she can give me some relief or refer me to someone who can.

We love you, Brantley Rae!!

-Mommy

Okay well I'm gonna go so I can spend some time with my wonderful husband.

Ta-Ta for now!!

The Waldrop's are expecting again!!!

I'm so excited to share that our friends the Waldrop's are expecting baby # 2 in July. Ava Reese is going to be a BIG SISTER!! Yay!!
Ashley is planning a c-section for July 15th, which happens to be her mom's birthday. I'm not positive but I'm pretty sure she's decided to do this so that this baby will get to share his/her birthday with someone special like AR gets to. AR shares her birthday (October 1) with her Momma! I think this is such a cute idea, if that's why Ashley's chosen that day.
(Ashley, let me know if I'm right or not.)

Anyway, I'm very excited for the Waldrop's and will be praying for them during the next 8 months. Brantley Rae will have 2 Waldrop friends now!! Yay!!

Belly Post - 30 Weeks

Inside my belly this week...

Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

Brantley Rae,

We had a great Thanksgiving this year, despite the fact that I was really tired. We got to spend time with Daddy's family in Prattville and it was great to see them all. I can't wait for you to meet them. They are all pretty excited about you! Daddy and I went to his Aunt Christy's house and got you some new clothes that are totally adorable. I can't wait to see you in them.

Speaking of new clothes...yesterday was a rainy yucky day so I stayed in and made you an extremely adorable dress and a couple pairs of cute pants. I'm really enjoying making clothes for you. I just hope they all fit you in the appropriate season.

Anyways, we go to the doctor again today so hopefully we'll get a good report from Dr. S. Also tonight is Mommy and Daddy's last childbirth class. We have really learned a lot in this class! We're going to be totally ready for your arrival after tonight, maybe, I think we're ready!?!

We love you and can't wait to meet you!!

Keep growing in there!!

I love you baby girl,

Mommy

Update...

I got a good report at my doctors appointment this afternoon. BR's heart rate was 150bpm and she is measuring 31cm, which is prefect because I'm 2 days away from being 31 weeks. Yay! Dr. S said that she thinks I'm doing great and that BR is doing great as well. It's been such a relief to hear her say that every time I've gone to the doctor. I've been very blessed to have such a good pregnancy. I know I've complained about the sleeping or lack there of for that matter, but overall, my pregnancy has been a breeze compared to horror stories I've heard. Thank you, Lord, for that!!

Well, I'm going to head to bed to get some much needed rest.

Nighty, Night!!

Pink & Brown Sundress

I made this ADORABLE dress for BR this morning. I'm totally in love with it!!!

The pattern is pretty small and since I don't have a copy machine at my house I couldn't make it bigger. BR might not get to wear it since she will probably grow out of it before it gets warm enough. SO I might just have to give it to a friend that ends up having a baby girl in the warmer months.

I'm going to attempt to make a bigger one now so that BR will have a better chance at getting to wear it.

What do you think??

Black Friday Breakfast Casserole

This morning Chase and I decided to be creative and make a breakfast casserole. We made a trip to Piggly Wiggly for all the groceries and then came back and started creating. This is what we came up with...

Black Friday Breakfast Casserole

2 cups Tator tots

½ pound sausage

1 cup shredded cheese (maybe more, you don't really have to measure) :o)

6 eggs

¼ cup milk

salt & pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cover the bottom of a 2 quart shallow baking dish with the Tator tots. Bake tator tots for 10-15 minutes so you can flatten them on the bottom of the dish. Salt and pepper to taste. Cover with shredded cheese.

While tots are cooking brown sausage. Drain and layer on top of Tator tots. Cover with shredded cheese.

Stir up eggs and milk in a bowl and add salt and pepper to taste. Pour eggs on top of casserole and let it soak through.

Cook 30 minutes covered. Then cook uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes. Eggs should be yellow/fluffy looking and not shiny any more.

I would have taken a picture but my eager/starving husband dug into it before I could get the camera out. Oh well! It was really good and I would recommend it.

It was Yummy!!

Seriously!!...

why can't I sleep?!?!

I really don't like all these sleepless nights I've been having lately. I mean really! I'm tired and I need all the rest I can get right now before Brantley Rae gets here. I CAN NOT go to sleep or stay asleep for a long time most nights. And on nights like tonight, once I wake up to go to the bathroom the first time at 2:15am, I then just lay in bed thinking about any and everything and I can't go back to sleep. What's up with that?!! So now it's 3:15am and I finally decided to just get out of bed for a little while and come Blog about it. Maybe this will help me. PLEASE!!

Sometimes the problem is that I'm uncomfortable and I can just change positions and then go back to sleep but not tonight. I layed every different way I'm allowed to lay and nothing was working, my mind is awake! ARG!!

This is probably my biggest complaint I have about my pregnancy. People have told me over and over that this is just preparation for when BR is born and I'm awake at night with her. I totally get that, but seriously!!!! She isn't here yet and I'm tired! There is no baby for me to feed, change or rock yet. Honestly, I understand that she will wake me up at night, I get that, I promise! But why must I lay awake night after night for hours at a time right now before she is born? I really don't feel that it's necessary. I could go on and on because unfortunately I am wide awake, but I think I'll stop.

On and lighter note...

Today is already Thanksgiving and while I am very much NOT thankful for sleepless nights, I AM however overwhelmed with thanksgiving for Brantley Rae, her Daddy and our sweet doggy, Marley. I love them all dearly and thank God daily for putting each of them into my life. I am truly blessed to have so much love, joy and happiness in my life.

Thank you, Lord for my wonderful life!!

Precious Moments Dress

Beverly gave me this fabric tonight and I couldn't wait to make a dress out of it. I think Precious Moments are so cute! This dress turned out sweet and it was really easy to make. Since I've used this pattern a couple times before, I flew through making it. I think I finished it in at hour and a half, maybe less.

Anyways, now I'm gonna try to go to bed. Hopefully I'll sleep better than I did last night.

Green and Pink Top

Today I made this adorable top for Brantley Rae. I will admit that I haven't finished the straps and I didn't make the white shirt or the pants. I think it turned out really cute!!

Decorations Are Hung...

By the chimney with care, wait we don't have a chimney but they were hung with care!

I know we put them up a little early but I didn't want to wait any longer. I've loved sitting at home this week with the tree on because it's so pretty and it just reminds me of the happy times that the Holidays bring.

I love Christmas!!

Our pretty tree

This is our 2009 ornament. I had it made a few weeks ago and I think it's pretty cute!!

Marley's ornament

Brantley Rae's ornament

Chase and I saw this at Target a few weeks ago and I thought it was so cute! I had to buy it!

She truly is a gift from God!

We don't have many decorations but I think these are pretty! I wish I could go Christmas decoration shopping so bad but baby stuff comes first right now. Brantley Rae will probably come before Christmas decorations for a long time. Oh well!! I'm still happy!!

Anybody else jumped the gun on Christmas decorations or is it just me?

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and we're headed to visit with Chase's family. I'm not sure if I'll take any pictures but if I do I'll have a Thanksgiving post when we get back.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

Baby Shower #3

Sunday afternoon I had my third baby shower. It went really well but we did not take very many good pictures at all. So here are a few of the best ones.

The table was set very nicely and the food was wonderful!

Strawberry cake from Edgar's. AMAZING!! I still have some in the fridge but I'm eating a small piece every night after dinner. Yummy!!

My mom made me the diaper cake and she did a great job! So cute! My sister-in-law, Mary Ellen, made the watermelon baby carriage. Alyssa got to help!

Nana gave BR this gown, bonnet, socks, shoes and tiny baby ring for her baby dedication we will be having in May or June. The dress is beautiful and we love it! Thanks, Mom!

We got the swing (I've already put it together), infant positioner, wipe warmer and comfort bather.

BR's Bebe, gave her this cute frame/bow holder combo thing. It's adorable and I can't wait to get more bows to put on it and have a picture of BR to put in it.

This is the lot of clothes that we received at the shower. Heck yes! I love little tiny outfits and we needed all of them!!

Burp cloths!

New sheets, sheet savers and Boppy covers. When I took this picture I was washing the Boppy covers so that's why it's white. We got a cute pink and white cover and also a cover with cupcakes and sprinkles on it. I love them both!!

Anyways, we got much more than what I took pictures of but this is a lot of it. We are so very thankful for all the gifts we have been given. We can't wait for our little girl to be born so that we can start to use it all instead of it just sitting around our house.

We love you Brantley Rae!!