Our Bee's Knees

Sweet, Sweet Summertime - Part One

2011-08-01T21:43:00.025-04:00

Now that I have lost any of the few followers I may have had, I have found time for an update! Having a 15 month old during the summer has been wonderful, exhausting, exhilarating, cherished, and so much fun. We have lived our summer to the fullest and made the most of every second.

Our summer season really began when our small family of 5 (with the two Westie brothers) took a mini vacation and stayed in Atlanta. We were able to go to the Georgia Aquarium and Atlanta Zoo. Brenna loved the aquarium with all the colors and sounds. The zoo was a little more of a challenge because it is so much of a search and find game to see the animals. Even though our hotel was under construction and the boys had to be couped up in the room, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Our trip reaffirmed for me that I do not ever want to live in Atlanta. It is way too hard to get around!

The next big event was Brenna's first birthday. Because we thought that some of her expressions look like a baby monkey, her 12 months pictures were taken with a monkey, and that she loves anything monkey, we decided to have a monkey themed party. It was a big event with many loved ones in attendance. My mom even joined us via Skype! I decorated the house in pink and green and Justin made the monkey cake and chocolate peanut butter cupcakes. I asked everyone in attendance to take a picture with a giant monkey and we compiled the pictures in an album so that Brenna will always know who celebrated her first year on her birthday.

My mom joined us for Easter. We celebrated with the McCullers at an Easter egg hunt that didn't happen. (We showed up at the hunt too early and our toddlers couldn't hold out for it!) As usual, the McCullers and my mom helped us make the most of the situation and we enjoyed the events that were pre-hunt events.

May brought CRCT time, spring practice, and all the things that teachers must do to wrap up their year. Everything was accomplished and our freedom was achieved! Between school events, we broke in our new bathing suits and "borrowed" as many friends' pools as possible. We also attended a super fun park and ducks party for one of Justin's football coach friend's son.

June was a busy month! Brenna and I would not have had it any other way. I realized quickly that she is not a good stay at home baby. She has an on the go personality, just like her momma. We started the month with my birthday and enjoyed sitting on a patio with many of our friends. The kids all ran and played and Justin and I had our first Gigi's cupcakes! (Thanks, Renata!) A teacher friend's daughter was the next birthday we celebrated. Her mother is a party extraordinaire! The farm themed party was complete with a full petting zoo and pony ride, not to mention all the scrumptious themed foods and too cute decorations. Brenna had her first pony ride and wasn't the least bit scared.

Toward the middle of the month, my godparents who live in Arkansas, were able to squeeze us into the tail end of their trip to Ireland. Living so many hours away had prevented them from meeting Brenna until now. Brenna was her usual never met a stranger self, and entertained us all night. She was somewhat wary of her god-grandfather's beard, but she still showered him and her god-grandmother with her smiles and babbling.

We piled all five of our family members in the car and headed to Nashville for a few days. A good friend of mine from high school was having a baby shower and we were able to include it in our visit with Brenna's Nana. There was lots of baby playing time and stealing kisses from lots of chubby cheeks! Brenna was the oldest kiddo there and wore her mommy out running in circles and trying to open all of Rachel's presents! B's Nana absolutely loved having Brenna close enough to squeeze on and even got some dance lessons in at the local Mexican restaurant.

June came to a close with a trip with Justin's family to Sarasota, FL. This was our third time to stay at Siesta Key beach. It is paradise! Brenna was able to really play and enjoy the beach and ocean. She had absolutely no fear, which sometimes scared her mommy! We all enjoyed the relaxed week with strolls and naps on the beach, swimming in the ocean, and visiting with the family. My baby girl came back a little brown biscuit with no sunburn the whole time and a love for the beach!

Wait patiently for part two...

Birthday Season

2011-01-29T20:10:00.012-05:00

We have started our birthday season! As my good friend Julie told me...Justin and I have made it to five out of five of her son's birthdays, but now we actually have an excuse to be there! I love seeing all the creativity that the parents put into the parties and all the effort that goes into decorations, the cakes, the venue, entertainment and so on...Brenna has thoroughly enjoyed all the action at each party. I can't wait for her first bithday. (Which I am well aware is more for the parents than the child, but I just can't help myself!!)

Justin's nephew, Isaac's bowling birthday in December

Cam McCuller's fifth birthday - bowling

Marion Phillips' granddaughter, Riley's second birthday at 123 JUMP

In the next month, we have a Valentine's Day party and Maeve McCullers' second birthday. We are so excited!

Football Season

2010-12-20T20:55:00.009-05:00

Brenna and I made it to 11 out of 11 football games! She did awesome and loved watching all the activity going on around her. Away games were a challenge, but we made it!

Holidays

2010-12-20T20:03:00.019-05:00

Where to begin?...I have been a blogging slacker. Three months of updates...I think the easiest thing to do will be to cover the holidays.

Halloween was a blast with my little Boo! I think that she is going to love dressing up in costumes as much as her Mommy does. After searching the internet, and at least three Halloween shops, I decided that the perfect costume for Brenna would be a little lamb! She was a real trooper. The costume had a head piece and footies, but our little B didn't mind one bit.

We began our fall/Halloween season by meeting our favorite McCullers family at the local fall festival. Brenna's favorite part was playing in the huge box of corn.

We rounded out our Halloween celebrations with two parties. One was a kid party put on by Erica Golding. The kiddos in all the many costumes were precious! The other celebration we attended was hosted by David and Kendra Houghton. It was mainly adults, but Brenna did enjoy playing with her far away friends, Piper and Carson.

Up until now, Brenna had mastered the army crawl scoot. She could get anywhere she wanted by pushing and pulling herself along on her stomach. Within a few days at the end of October and the beginning of November, Brenna found her legs and achieved pulling up to a stand and crawling! She amazes us on a daily basis!

We were graced with a full week off at Thanksgiving and it was absolutely wonderful! Even though Brenna started our break with a stomach virus, we enjoyed our full days together and did some traveling. 16 hours total in the car and B was still a great traveler. We were able to visit with lots of family and friends. One of the highlights was meeting Ethan Lee Stroud!

The Christmas holidays have come upon us quick. Needless to say, Justin and I have more wrapped presents under the tree than we have ever had before. I know that Brenna will like the wrapping and the boxes more than the presents, but there are so many cute things I can't resist to buy for her! My mom is coming to stay with us and be here for Christmas, then we will go to Chattanooga to see Justin's family and join his sister and brother in law during their visit. I am looking forward to having two weeks straight with my Boo!

"Solids"

2010-09-19T10:37:00.010-04:00

Brenna has started eating "solids." I write this in quotes because, as all mothers know, the new food is anything but solid. The cereal is a watery mixture of grain flakes and formula. At first, I had a hard time getting the mixture just right because the directions switched from ounces to tablespoons. I had mastered the bottle language of ounces and the cereal wanted you to add a certain amount of tablespoons! Ah! For anyone who knows me, you are well aware that any measurement language is foreign to me.

I finally was able to find the correct ratio and Brenna loved eating it. We started cereal one time a day. I quickly realized that my sweet little one was going to be a very messy eater. Now, I strip her down to her diaper and put on the biggest bib that I can find. It still gets everywhere, but at least we aren't staining clothes. Poor Brenna sneezes for at least five minutes after we are finished eating, trying to get all the food out of her nose. She, also, likes to have her hands in her mouth when she is eating. I think she uses her fingers like a bottle. She sucks on them and feels like she is drinking. So cute, but what a mess!

The first vegetable baby food that Brenna tried was squash. I mixed it with a little of the cereal and she gobbled it right down. She has now had carrots and sweet potatoes. Brenna has realized what the containers mean. She starts kicking her feet and cooing whenever she seems them. I hope that she continues to follow in her daddy's eating footsteps. Please let her like vegetables and things that are good for her!

Watch Me Grow...

2010-09-19T10:06:00.006-04:00

Five Months

Four Months

Three Months

Two Months

One Month

Brenna's First Football Game

2010-08-21T23:23:00.005-04:00

It's official...Brenna is a football daughter! She did very well at her first game. We were lucky that the sky had a nice, hazy cloud cover. It was still very hot, but not unbearable. Brenna loved watching the giant OC flags and was thoroughly entertained by all the action going on around her. She is at the stage that anyone smiling around her, makes her plaster a giant grin on her face. There were plenty of spectators to keep her smiles coming and to keep her entertained.

Brenna made it through the entire game and was able to greet her daddy on the field afterward. Ever since Justin has been coaching, he has watched other coach daddys with their kiddos. He loved when the children would run out on the field to greet their proud papas. It seemed to make the victory of the win even better and the bitterness of defeat bearable. Even though B is not running out to great him, he was still so proud to have her meet him on the sidelines!

2010-08-21T22:14:00.008-04:00

One Month

Two Months

Three Months

Four Months

Back to School

2010-08-07T22:09:00.002-04:00

Wow, what a week! Our little family started another chapter in our lives. Justin and I went back to school and Brenna had her first week at the sitter. Overall, it went very well. Our happy baby was able to adapt, which seems to be a talent of hers. The first day was very hard on Mommy. I was pretty weepy on our last full day together and Monday morning. My fears were assuaged when my little sunshine was all smiles when we dropped her off. Mrs. Denise had a crib, boppy, and swing set up for Brenna. Once I got to school, everyone asked me about how my little girl was doing. I knew everyone meant to be thoughtful and sweet, but it was hard being reminded that she wasn't with me. When I walked in to pick her up, she immediately flashed me a huge, toothless smile. With that little gift from her, I knew that we would be ok. The rest of the week went about the same. B has had no problems and is adjusting great!

I am truly thankful that my girl is such a great baby!

Our Summer

2010-07-15T20:39:00.002-04:00

I can not believe that my summer only has two more weeks! Of course, I have to remind myself that I have been off since April... These three months have been some of the most rewarding and challenging months of my life. Learning to be a mother is a wonderful experience, but has it's moments of frustration. Luckily, I have realized that those frustrating moments are quickly forgotten when Brenna holds on to my finger for the first time, smiles that gummy-toothless grin, or achieves another small achievement in the baby world. She has grown and changed so much that I really have a hard time remembering how small she was and how helpless she was when she was born. My obsession with taking pictures and videos helps me to see how far we have come in the short three months, but it already seems like another phase in our past. I have been very lucky, in that she is a wonderful baby! She sleeps and eats well. She is happy and smiles everytime I look at her (or her daddy walks in the room, he is already her hero!) I never thought that I really would be able to distinquish between her fusses and cries, but I definitely can tell when she is hungry, sleepy, or just "talking" to us. We leave tomorrow for a week on the beach. I know that this will bring more milestones and even more firsts into my little B's life. As I have done for the last three months, I plan to cherish and relish every second of the next two weeks. I vow to look into B's big eyes, that are slowly turning green, for as long as she will let me. I will sniff and kiss her sweet smelling head and snuggle her little soft-self every chance I get.

Watch Me Grow - 3 Months

2010-07-11T19:39:00.005-04:00

1 month

2 months

3 months

Birthdays, Birthdays, Birthdays...

2010-06-13T09:58:00.009-04:00

We have now officially been initiated into the world of infant and toddler birthdays. It is a great world! I am amazed by the creativity and time spent by my friends to make special days for their kiddos. We have been attending Cam McCuller's birthdays for four years. His have included: a polka dot party, a UGA theme complete with Hairy Dawg appearance, the Wonderpets at Chuck E. Cheese, and Tom and Jerry. Now little sister, Maeve, has joined in the birthday fun with a pink ladybug party for her first birthday. Caroline Golding's party, for her first birthday, was this weekend. It was a red ladybug theme. So cute! I have ten months before B's first birthday. Of course, my mind is already starting planning. Birthdays are so much fun!

Please leave any birthday party ideas that you have used or heard...

Watch Me Grow - 2 Months

2010-06-09T21:29:00.004-04:00

Brenna Suzanne Barnes
The onesie that matched the chair was an accident. I guess I like yellow with white polka dots.

1 Month

Over the river and through the woods...

2010-06-04T12:01:00.010-04:00

We spent the last week of May in Tennessee traveling from Chattanooga to Nashville, with a brief visit to Martin. Brenna was introduced to great-grans, great aunts and uncles, cousins, aunts and uncles, and lots of family friends. She was a great traveler and enjoyed her long naps in the car. Everyone loved and hugged on our little girl. She is so very loved. In this week, Brenna reached several milestones! The first developmental jump left me a little skeptical. Justin and B were having some tummy time, when he shouts that she is trying to turn over. I didn't even stay in the room because, at 6 weeks old, there was no way she was going to achieve a roll. I was proven wrong. Seconds later, Justin exclaimed that Brenna had turned over! I figured that her achievement was a fluke and an accident, but throughout our trip, she rolled from her tummy to her back several times. Since we have been home, B has had less motivation to turn and has not repeated her performances.

Also, Brenna has begun to brighten our days with smiles on a regular basis. She really likes when we change her diaper, when Mommy or Daddy come back in the room, and when you make her legs "run." These sweet, toothless grins are some of the sweetest expressions I have ever seen!

Watch Me Grow- 1 month

2010-05-10T18:59:00.004-04:00

A Mommy for One Month

2010-05-09T17:50:00.024-04:00

As any mother of a one month old will understand, blogging has had to be put on hold. Trying to learn the ins and outs of my little one and honing all of my motherly instincts has been exciting, scary, time-consuming, and wonderful!

Today is Brenna's one month birthday. One month ago today, I was blessed with the most wonderful, beautiful little girl. Besides being a week later than her due date, the delivery went very smoothly. I was induced at about 8:00 AM. After a few hours of contractions, an epidural, about 45 minutes of pushing, and a vaccum, my sunshine entered the world. Everyone who has laid eyes on my Baby B has fallen instantly in love.

The month has been full of ups and downs and trial and error processes. The first week was difficult in that my hormones were crazy. Everytime she cried, I cried. There were hours where she would kick her little feet, get red faced, and cry at the top of her lungs. Nothing pacified her. When we realized she needed gas drops, our world was much brighter. From the very beginning, my sweet girl has been good to her mother and slept three to four hours in a row, throughout the night. Very rarely have I felt the new mother exhaustion.

The second week, Justin's parents came to help me. They were such wonderful helpers. They helped me calm down and stress less. We started our routine of going for walks and they helped me run the errands that needed to be completed. Brenna loves her car seat and sleeps very comfortably whenever we leave the house. We showed off our beautiful girl at Justin's school. Also this week, I left her for the first time to get a haircut. (I still feel great apprehension and have rocks in my stomach whenever she is out of my sight.) In the second week, we gave Brenna her first bath. We have come to realize she loves the water!

Week three brought my mother to help. It was nice to have her visit, at this point, because I was able to show off all that I had learned and realized about my little Brenna. We took a trip to my school. My class was absolutely awed by Brenna. They just kept saying, "She is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen." How sweet! Our low point during the week occurred when we took Brenna for her weekly check up and the doctor told us she was not gaining enough weight. She had only put on two ounces in a week. Mom and I went home and fed our girl! On Friday, we took her back to the doctor. After the scales told us she had gained 8 ounces in two days, we decided she was weighed incorrectly the first time. Way to stress us out for nothing!! It was absolutely wonderful to have my mom with me for a week. We missed her terribly when she went home.

The last week of Brenna's first month was very busy. Justin was in the end of track season and had regional and state meets. He felt that he was not getting any quality time with Brenna, and I just would have like him home for moral support and an extra set of hands (and lots of supportive hugs!). The first month has flown by in some ways, but I already can't really remember my world before Brenna.

By this point, Brenna and I are getting into our routines. She is such a sweet baby. She rarely fusses and when she does, I can usually calm her quickly. She really enjoys getting out of the house and running errands or visiting. (Yea! She is her mother's child!) The only thing that continues to stress me out is how much to feed her. I still question if her cry is a hungry cry, frustrated cry, need a burp cry... I am sure that I will continue to learn about my little sunshine, as she learns about her world.

Waiting...

2010-04-07T18:26:00.002-04:00

To my little girl-
It is now 6 days after your due date and are we ever ready for you to get here! Pretty much I answer the phone, texts, and facebook with, "still no baby..." We know that you are waiting until you are ready and that we need to be more patient, but little one, we are so excited about meeting you! We can't wait to kiss your little cheeks, toes, and belly. Your daddy is trying not to take your late arrival personally, but I think his feelings are a little hurt. I have gotten to be so close to you the whole time you have been growing, and he really wants a turn.

On Monday, we went to the doctor and had a non-stress test. They hooked monitors up to my middle and we listened to your heartbeat. It was beating strong and got stronger when you moved, like it was supposed to. They said you still seemed happy in there and would come out when you were ready. Because your mommy and daddy couldn't wait any longer, we made an inducton appointment for Friday. I think that you are going to take after me and like schedules. If we don't see you before, we will see you Friday. We are so excited!

Love you all there is!
Your Mommy and Daddy

Two more weeks!

2010-03-20T17:16:00.006-04:00

After a week of conferences, pushing my kiddos along on their fourth writing that will be graded and sent to the state, and just dealing with third graders in March, I was sure the exhaustion meant that Brenna was on her way this weekend. After Justin and I visited the doctor yesterday, my opinion has changed. She said that more than likely I will go the full time and have two more weeks...or she could be born tomorrow. Thanks, Dr. Obvious! Sometimes I don't know if the doctors know anymore about delivery dates than they did in the 1800s.

Also, spring has sprung in Georgia. Daffodils and buttercups are poking their bright little heads out of the ground. I love this time of year! I think this is a perfect time for my Brenna to come into the world. I keep thinking about future birthdays and how nice it will be to have something offical to celebrate at this point in the year. I can't wait for my little Easter bunny to make her appearance!

I keep singing in my head:

Why do you build me up (Build me up)
Buttercup baby just to
let me down (Let me down)
And mess me around
And then worst of all (Worst of all)
You never call baby
When you say you will (Say you will)
But I love you still
I need you (I need you)
More than anyone darlin'
You know that I have from the start

Justin's Event

2010-03-05T14:41:00.003-05:00

My husband started a new part of his coaching career this winter/spring. He is the Oconee County head track coach! It seems to be running smoothly so far. Tomorrow is a major event that his school is sponsoring, the Barberitos Classic. I have very rarely seen my husband stressed out, but this week has definitely pushed him to new limits. He has worked very hard in the executing and planning and I am very proud of him.

I have discussed (ha!) the big day with Brenna and we have decided she needs to wait longer to grace the world with her presence. (not that anyone is saying anything aboout her coming early...just making a joke, really!) We want the future daddy to be able to get over the stress of this event before adding anything to it.

Justin and I both took off today. Him for obvious preparation reasons, and me for a mid-day doctor's appointment. The doctor said that Brenna and I were doing fine and that she is head down right now. We think she is lounging on her side. I keep feeling a shelf on my right side that is her little bum and nobby things like feet and knees pushing on my left side.

Brenna's Room

2010-02-20T22:11:00.013-05:00

When searching all the department stores, Wal-Mart, and Target for the perfect bedding and nursery decor left me wanting something else, I almost gave up. Justin is extremely against too much pink, and I didn't know that I would be able to stomach a completely pink room for long term. I didn't want a theme that Brenna would grow out of quickly or bedding that had too many characters or a loud pattern. Needless to say, I was being rather picky!

When Justin and I walked into our local baby specialty store, their window display immediately grabbed my attention. It was set up with bedding and accessories that were in muted red, blue, and yellow. The patterns were classic and not too loud. I had fallen in love!

The bedding colors inspired the theme for the nursery, Wizard of Oz. As I quickly tell people when they ask about the nursery, I don't mean that it has a theme as my childhood Rainbow Brite bedroom had. (ie: bedding, curtains, vanity skirt, etc...All with a colorful Rainbow Brite character) As you can see in the photos, there are a few Wizard of Oz touches.

Athens Shower

2010-02-14T20:33:00.009-05:00

Baby B is so well loved already, I don't know that she will be able to stand it when she finally meets everyone. Yesterday, my Athens friends threw us a Wizard of Oz themed couple's shower. It was perfect! They all pooled there flying monkeys, munchins, and Dorothy memrabilia and had Renata's house all yellow brick roaded out! All of the the guests seemed to have a great time. There was mingling among different circles of friends, Olympic speed skating cheering, guitar hero playing, lots of present opening, funny baby picture mixing, and general fun had by all. I hope that everyone knows how much we appreciate all the wonderful gifts. A special thank you so much to the hostesses: Kendra, Renata, Julie, and Amy. You girls rock!

A slight panic was aroused on Friday when the weather decided to drop 3-4 inches of snow on Athens. Luckily, my mom arrived before it started on Friday. We were able to get in some much needed Nana reminiscing time about my birth and reading of my baby book! She wrote so many sweet things! I had to run out a get Baby B her baby book today! Even though we were apprehensive if they were going to make it, Justin's mom, dad, and nephew braved the snow and made it to the shower! Both sets of future grandparents stayed with us Saturday night. Our new house was surprisingly well equipped for th crowd.

2010-02-11T16:31:00.003-05:00

Paisley February Giveaway!!!
Some friends of mine from college own a gift and monogramming store in Cleveland, TN. They are doing a free giveaway. Read below for more details.

Up for grabs is an interchangeable stamp from PSA Essentials!

From paying bills to invitations you can put your PSA stamp to use and make a plain envelope look personalized. Great to use on note cards or stationery.
We are giving away 1 PSA stamp to a lucky reader this month and it could be YOU!

All you have to do to enter is comment on Paisley's Blog:

1. Leave a comment and tell us how you found out about Paisley.

2. For a second chance to win, post about this giveaway on your blog but be sure to come back and comment by giving us your website.

3. Become our friend on Facebook! Of course, you have to come back and comment again that you are a fan!

That’s 3 easy ways to enter to win! Please don’t forget to let us know each time you do one of the above, we want to make sure you all have plenty of chances!

We are also going to throw in a NEW peel and stick set for your stamp. This is great for Easter, Spring and Mother’s Day that are just around the corner!

So head on over to Paisley's blog and enter up to 3 times for your chance to win! The winner will be announced on February 22nd! Good luck!

Surprise Baby Shower

2010-02-07T10:51:00.009-05:00

Yesterday, I invited some friends over to see my house, Brenna's room in progress, and to catch up. Little did I know, they had been scheming behind my back to turn the whole thing into a baby shower for Brenna! I was totally shocked. I have never been surprised before and thought it was perfect. The girls brought flowers, appetizers, drinks (preggo-friendly and adult-fun), dessert, and gifts.

Another added addition was the three baby girls that celebrated with us! Marion's granddaughter, one- year old Riley, was a total surprise. She toddled around, being the only walker at the moment, and helped me find all the areas that weren't walking-baby proof. Maeve, 11 months old, was the bow snatcher and ahead in the teeth department. Caroline, our red headed vixen at about 8 months, socialized and visited with all the other girls. I kept picturing my little one that will soon be able to join the party. I can't wait for her to meet the other girls!!

To all the ladies that contributed and schemed, thank you so very much!!

Room Preparations and More

2010-01-24T21:01:00.007-05:00

Justin and I realized this weekend that we are down to the single digits on the week countdown. That is truly amazing! It has all gone by so fast. Do I think we are ready for Baby B to get here? NO! I am sure that you never feel completely ready, but we definitely still have a lot on the TO DO list.

We have accomplished the milestone of putting the crib together and Baby B's Ikea shelves are up and ready to be filled. Today, I completed the art pieces I wanted to do for the nursery. Her Wizard of Oz theme is in full swing with ruby slippers, the lion, the scarecrow, and the tin man. Justin asked me which one I thought would be her favorite. He decided the scarecrow, because he was Dorothy's favorite. I asked how he knew that and he said, "She says that she is going to miss him the most of all..." I love my husband! Ha!

Justin had his first track meeting today. The life of being a coaches wife continues... I thought that it was very interesting when I asked him how it went, the only thing he told me they talked about was how he was going to need his own transportation home from out of town meets. I like where his head is! The kids ride a bus and need coaches. His staff (which happens to be made up of some of our closest Athens buddies) made sure that there would be at least one seperate vehicle that could leave if Baby B decides its time.

Below are a few of the art pieces for Baby B's room and the building of the bed. When I get everything complete, I will post more.

Zeus and Odin really tried to help!

Holidays 2009

2010-01-08T10:37:00.002-05:00

We had an extremely eventful holiday break! We spent a week away from home, then returned to Athens to move to a new home. I think every minute that we spent out of school was full of activity. As you can imagine, Baby B and I were very worn down.

Justin and I laughed because we defintely are in the stage of life where babies are involved. Within a week, we were able to see many friends and family that we don't get to visit with on a regular basis. Four of these visits included new additions to the families of infants and toddlers. I love babies and enjoy seeing the new parents way of dealing with whatever situation comes up! I learn so much from my friends and there new expertise everytime I am around them.

The family time that we spent was definitely special. We began our visit in Nashville with my mom. When we're together we can't help but look at all the little outfits and plan, plan, plan for our rapidly growing addition! It is beneficial to me to hear her reminise about her pregnancy and what I was like as an infant and toddler. While visiting with Mom, we were able to squeeze in a visit with "My Mary" and her new husband Eric. It was wonderful to see them and show off the belly!

I am writing this during my 1/2 day off for the Glucose test. My time has now run out...I will write more ASAP about our busy, but wonderful holiday!

Crib Purchase

2009-12-09T19:45:00.002-05:00

When we were securely in our sixth month, Justin and I decided to register for Baby B's future needs. We had fun at Target with "the gun." I love all the little shoes, baby bottle debates, and super soft everything. Thanks to several of my experienced mommy friends and their baby spreadsheets the process was virtually painless. After Target, we went to the local baby specialty store "just to look around..." and found that they were having a major sale. When we saw the Emily crib and realized it was on sale, we had to scoop it up. Now we have a crib for our Baby B, but lack currently lack the house to put it in. (We will be moving between Christmas and New Years.) For the girl that had her wedding dress before the engagement, I think this is completely appropriate!

Unfortunately, when we went to pick up Baby B's future sleeping space, it would not fit in our car. Justin thinks that is the signal that he needs a new truck. Isn't it always something...Ha!

Wow...This Experience!

2009-11-21T08:50:00.002-05:00

Baby B has been quite active and mobile over the last few days. This whole baby inside of me experience is wonderful and crazy. I love the feeling of a little roll or kick or whatever she is doing in there.

Yesterday, when she was particularly fidgety, I was pushing back on my stomach with my hands and found this hard spot above my belly button. It must have been some part of my baby pushing on my stomach! I am amazed! Justin was home and was able to feel it too. His face and reaction was priceless. Feeling that made it even more real for him. I feel bad, because I forget that our Baby B isn't on his mind every second like she is mine. He doesn't get to already feel completely connected with her because of all this movement.

It's a girl!

2009-11-15T08:21:00.004-05:00

The first major period of anticipation is now over. We have found that the soon to be member of our family is going to be a sweet, sweet girl. Being the over planners and way too ready for everything people that Justin and I are, we have had our names picked out for years. Our Baby B has now turned into our Brenna Suzanne! We can't wait to meet her!

Justin has been making a small deal about the fact that he was really hoping for a future quarterback to lead his team. The text and facebook messages that came in after the announcement was made, were very funny to us. Lots of people were consoling Justin and trying to convince him that he was going to be fine with a girl. My favorite comment was that he didn't need to worry, because she would be just like the "Remember the Titans" girl. Ha! Everyone has no need to worry. Justin would love a boy at some point, but throughout the entire pregnancy, we have been talking about what it would be like to have a bouncy baby girl. He has been secretly sending me pictures of cute UGA dresses and has been smiling at the little girls we see in public. He is definitely ready for the girl of his dreams!

As for me, I had been imagining our lives with both a boy and a girl. As my mother has always said, girls have it much harder in life. Saying that, I have been thinking about hair bows and monogramming even before I became pregnant. I knew either baby would be absolutely perfect for us, but now I can't imagine it working out any other way. This baby girl is already so loved and cherished, I hope she is ready for all the hugs and kisses people are already lining up to give!

Baby B, is that you?

2009-10-21T19:56:00.002-04:00

I have been waiting patiently to start feeling my Baby B. I think that it will give me a sense of reassurance. Over the last two days, when I am very still or after I eat, I feel little flutters. Its like a small, tickling from the inside. I hope this is the baby and not just my wishful thinking! Hello, Baby B!

Learning How to Be a Mom

2009-10-15T16:21:00.006-04:00

This weekend, I was privileged enough to get first hand lessons on being a mother from the best example possible...My MOTHER! She has gracefully entered the new stage of her responsibilities of having a daughter by helping me get ready for my Baby B. We spent time oohing and aahing over baby clothes, baby shoes, and marveling at the innovations that have come out since I was a baby. She had dug up my old baby dresses and bloomers and told me stories about almost every piece. I find this time in my life rather overwhelming. It is wonderful to have my mom be my best friend and my teacher.

Tailgating without Adult Beverages

2009-10-04T11:00:00.004-04:00

So this is only kind of baby news, but I participated in my first UGA tailgate without partaking in any alcoholic beverages. FYI...I have only been going to UGA tailgates for about three years. My experience still included dancing, bad singing, lots of people watching and judging of fellow tailgaters outfits, and cheering for the Dawgs! It was a great day and I had a ton of fun. I am not trying to say that I had any doubt that I couldn't have fun without drinking, but it was just a new experience thanks to Baby B. I thoroughly enjoyed my pink drink of sprite and grapefruit juice with a twist of lime!

Maternity Clothes

2009-09-27T21:59:00.002-04:00

Today I took the big trip to the Mall of Georgia. I was in search of pants that would actually fit without doing the rubberband trick and shirts that might last a little while. Following advice from my oh, so trendy friends, I went to Old Navy and Ross. I racked up! I found lots of sales! (If you know me at all, you know this is a must for any purchasing!) My only disappointment was how pricey good maternity pants can be. I guess it is worth it, but the retail gods definitely know we have to have them! Now I need it too get to be the nice, crisp fall temperatures that I need for long sleeves. Come on fall!

Announcing Baby B...

2009-09-22T20:45:00.000-04:00

The secret is out! We are having a baby. As you can tell from the picture above, we brought an unknown, extra special souvenir home from our Italy trip.

I first realized that something was different when I went back to work at the end of July and I was not in the middle of the usual, monthly routines. The next weekend, I took THE test and it came out positive! I was shocked. We had been trying, but did not expect any results to happen so fast.

As anyone that knows me will attest, I can not keep a secret. It has been incredibly hard to wait until the 13th week to make an official announcement, but I have managed (mostly, :))

Below is our first picture of our Baby B! Of course the baby looks more like an alien turtle, but its our baby and we love it already! This was taken at 10 weeks. We are now in our 14th week.