Waiting...

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!

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

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

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

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.

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

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!!