Gettin Crafty!

So... I decided that for Noah's room, I would make as much as I could.  I didn't really do that with Joe's room.   Most of the decor was bought. (except for two awesome paintings that his aunt Cindy made him and a painting that Daddy made in college.)  Since it's hard to get out, and a lot of housework leaves me sore and exhausted, I decided that being crafty would allow me to feel more productive.  So, yesterday, Joe and I made it to Hobby Lobby where I bought some canvases (john and I are going to paint them this weekend... John will probably be better at this than me.) , some felt, some ribbon, a hot glue gun, paint etc.  After I put Joe down yesterday afternoon, I lined a white wicker lamp that my mom gave me (it was in either mine or my sister's room when we were little) with some ribbon that I bought.  Chocolate Brown with baby blue polka dots.  (The colors in Noah's room are white, brown, and light blue.)  I also lined two of his canvas bins that go on his changing table shelving with the same ribbon.  Then, I spent a lot of time cutting out different size polka dots in white and blue that were to go on a chocolate brown curtain.  TODAY, Joe and I went to buy the curtain at Target and I just finished gluing the dots and ribbon on the curtain.  I'm pretty darn proud.  It feels good to buy some plain inexpensive items and turn them into masterpieces. (okay, so i realize they aren't masterpieces, but they look much better than they did before!!!)  Noah's room is finally coming together.  We just need to rearrange the furniture, hang some things on the walls, and put up his masterpiece of a curtain! ha  :)    Besides putting the final touches on his room, we just need to get the double stroller put together, (which i guess really isnt that important to complete before he gets here. I was stressing about it last night and John said, you know, you aren't going to be putting that tiny new born in that stroller for probably a couple weeks.  He's right) put his car seat in the car, and buy a couple more small things (clothing and bottles, mainly) 

Anyways, I freaked out yesterday when I realized that if I made it all the way to my due date, which I don't think I will, I only have 33 days left of pregnancy.  33 days or less. Wow.  This pregnancy has flown by.  Joe's seemed to last forever, but this time it honestly feels like I just found out I was pregnant.  But then I look at my belly and it is very convincing that a baby has been in there for a while. A long while!  

Noah, your daddy, brother, and I are so ready to meet you and welcome you into our little family.  We love you so much already, and we thank the Lord for blessing us with you!!!

Well, I am going to try and rest for 30-45 minutes before Joe-man wakes up!  The weekend is almost here! Yay!!!!!

Ta-da!

Thanks for the award, Ashley! I can't remember the last time I have received an award??  I am honored :)  This is what I am supposed to do with it....

Here's the rules....

1. When given the award, you list 7 things that you love.
2. Pass the award on to blogs that you love to read! Be sure to tag them and let them know they've won. (You can copy the picture of the award and paste it on your sideboard).

Things I love....

1. my family (my husband, my little one, my little one on the way, and everyone else in my big wonderful family!)

2. chili cheese fries (i don't do the ones with cheese sauce...it has to be real cheese)

3. reading (books, magazines, blogs)

4. cooking

5. meaningful conversations

6. being a wife and mommy

7. JESUS!!!!

Blogs I love to read...

Leanne's Blog

Ashley's Blog 

Katie's Blog 

'N Vogue's Blog

days of boredom

Yesterday was a looooong day.  Of course, Joe and I stayed in even though the weather was absolutely beautiful.  Since we don't have a fenced in area, it is dangerous for me to take Joe outside.  I can't keep up with him and he could very well end up in the street.  Going anywhere has become more difficult, mostly because it takes a lot out of me.  My back has really been bothering me, probably because of the combination of pregnancy and carrying Joe.  I feel bad for Joe, that I can't do as much with him, or let him play outside during the day, so we have spent a lot of time "swimming" in the bath tub.  He loves it and it's new scenery compared to the living room or his bedroom.  So anyways, John had a meeting at the church until close to 9 last night after work, and then he had to get busy working on a freelance project.  Yesterday was lonely, and while playing with Joe brings me great joy, it is still hard not having any contact with other adults and not doing adult things.  Sometimes I feel trapped I guess.  While we would LOVE visitors, just about everyone in our life right now works during the day or is in school.  Needless to say, the days have been a little long and lonely for me.  I always look forward to John getting home, because I love him first of all, but also because I can talk to him and he can talk back :)  I will admit it is nice having help with Joe, too.  And, he is able to take Joe Joe outside.  Tonight John will have to do some more freelance work, but I think he is hoping to have it done by tomorrow.  

Joe is doing great!  My back has been hurting a little more than usual the last two days, but he has done so well playing on his own.  He really knows how to entertain himself, and me too!  He rarely fusses, and has been in a great mood...even when hungry and sleepy.  I am so impressed these days with how much he knows.  I think the Lord is helping me out a little bit! If I ask him if he wants something and he does, he goes right to it, or if he cant get it himself, he stands near it and reaches.  If I am looking for something of his and I ask him where it is, he always knows and goes to get it.  He is a smart little guy for sure.  He has been able to open doors here and there, so we are really having to look out for him and are always making sure the front and back door are locked.   

Recently, he has found it fun to climb on the coffee table, stand up on it, and start dancing.  I tell him to sit down, and he immediately does so, but stands right back up and begins dancing again.  I have to admit I don't try too hard to stop this behavior, because 1, i constantly watch him and am ready to catch him if he falls, 2, because i'm really not worried about him falling, because his balance is great and he seems to be very aware that a wrong step could lead to a fall, and 3 because we had lots of pictures and videos of me doing the same thing when i was little...singing and dancing on coffee tables.  It's his little stage.  

Well, Joe just woke up from his nap...so we are going to play until Daddy gets him... then the boys will head outside.  

Hope you have had a great Tuesday :)  Blessings!

my little learner

Joe is at that age where he is soaking up everything.  He copies just about everything that John and I do.  If John uses his foot to close a drawer, then that's how Joe closes the drawer.  If I am using a make up brush on my face, then he uses the brushes on his face too.  Such a copy cat!  It's crucial now that we watch our actions, words, and attitudes, because he is paying attention.  If we want him to be like Jesus, then we ourselves have to model our Savior's behavior.  I have been thinking the last couple of days about how I need to really start introducing Jesus to Joe.  I need to read him more bible stories and play more praise music.  I need to start telling him how much Jesus loves him.  Now that he is picking up on things, I can show him more than just Christ's love. 

He is also, as of today, majorly interested in puzzles.  He is really getting the hang of it!  I'm so proud of my smart little guy.  He is not a baby anymore.  18 months is quickly sneaking up on us.  Where did the time go??? 

Weekend Update:  We had a good one!  John woke up early on Saturday.  He had to spend the majority of the day working on a freelance project.  He will most likely be working at home after work the next few nights as well.  Though Joe and I would love to have more of Daddy's time the next few days, we are thankful that the Lord is providing for us.   Saturday after Joe's nap, we picked up my mom and headed to the Summit to walk around.  Mom treated us all to some ice cream (which was perfect for the 90 degree weather!) and she bought some clothes for Joe and Noah.  Thank you, Mom!!!!!  These are Noah's first new clothes.  All of the clothes that I have in his drawers and closet were Joe's.  I'm glad he has a few originals now :)  He still needs a few summer clothing items since Joe's newborn clothes were winter clothes.  After some shopping, we threw pennies in the fountain (Joe could have done this for forever!) until we ran out.  Then John was able to meet us for dinner and Johnny Rockets.  We were all starving from walking around the past couple hours.  Joe Joe ate a delicious grilled cheese and made a mess with french fries and ketchup.   We all headed to my mom and dad's afterwards so we could see Pops (my dad) and Nelly (the pup).  Joe got to burn off some energy before we headed home for bed.  Sunday, we were all able to go to church together! YAY!  Before this Sunday, john and I had to be at the church early on alternating Sundays.  We arranged it that way so someone could be with Joe at home until time for church.  Now that Joe is a little older, he is easier to watch at the church, so we both go early one Sunday, and John keeps an eye on Joe while he prepares the media for the service and I have worship practice.  Alternating Sundays we are now able to spend all of Sunday morning together, which is wonderful.  We went to lunch with friends after the service, and then I had a diaper derby shower at the church.  Yay for diapers!! I got lots of diapers and wipes, diaper rash cream, changing pads, etc.  It's great not spending my own money on those things!!  Especially when buying diapers for two!  I am so thankful for all of the gifts we received.  Sunday night, Taylor came over to the house to watch Joe so that John and I could go to our marriage small group.  It's so great getting to know other couples in the church.  We had a great time and Joe always has a blast with Tay Tay :)

So, we had a great weekend!  And we are ready to start a new week!

yucky stomach bugs :(

I was out of commission on Wednesday due to a stomach bug.  Apparently it has been going around around here.  No fun at all.  Luckily, Joe was pretty great on Wed.  He entertained himself most of the day and let me lay around a good bit.  John was able to come home about an hour early from work, so that helped too.  I was feeling much better by late evening.  I'm so glad the bug didnt last long.  Other than that, we are doing great!  Joe's top two front teeth broke through last week, and they are a little more visible now.  He has at least two teeth trying to come in as we speak.  Poor little guy has been a little grumpy the past few days.  Over all, he has not been a bad teether...thank goodness!  It doesn't affect his eating or sleeping.  He just gets a little grumpy sometimes, but it's not too bad.  Yesterday, he started counting to three.  He usually does it when he wants to throw a ball... he says, "uh, two, teeeeeee!" then throws it.  He is slowly adding to his vocabulary.  He loves trying to do motions to songs...his favorite is, "bringing home a baby bumble bee".  That was my favorite when i was little.  I performed it many a times standing on coffee tables.  Joe is getting more fun every day.  He makes us laugh and smile all the time.  He is definitely our greatest source of entertainment!  

What's on tap for the weekend?  Nursery work!  Yesterday I put the swing together, so this weekend, we need to put the changing table together, as well as the double stroller.  Then I just need to do a little organizing and buy a curtain to hang on his window.  Pretty soon we will be ready for Noah to be here.  Other than nursery stuff, John will be mowing the yard and the rest of our time will be spent relaxing and playing with Joe.   It should be a great weekend!

Sunday, I have my church diaper derby shower.  The more diapers the better!  It will be a fun time, i'm sure.  Then, in a couple of weeks, I will have a small family shower.  The gifts we receive are so helpful and they mean so much.  Thank the Lord for family and friends!  

Well, that's all I've got for today.  Joe and I will be playing around the house today.  And, my sister may come for a visit.  We will be having a pretty laid back day!  

P.S.  For those of you that call us, we had a land line installed.  The number is 205-621-9946.  This will help me not go over on cell phone minutes!  

Have a great weekend!!!

i want my energy back!

I am tired of being pregnant.  The lack of energy and tiredness is getting very old.  I'm ready to be active again.  I'm ready to start working out and I'm ready to stop sitting so much.  I'm ready to be productive again.  Good news... 6 weeks or less!  

I'm getting restless about Noah's room.  It's starting to bother me that it isn't fully complete.  We still have to put together his changing table, and hang some things on the walls.  I also need to clean out his closet.  His clothes are organized, but some of Joe's things are still shoved in there. We need to put together the swing and the double stroller, and we need to put his carseat in my car (which also involves moving Joe's seat to the other side). Speaking of the car, we need to clean it out!  It's also driving me crazy that my house isn't completely cleaned.  I just need to keep reminding myself that we have a few weeks.  Though, 6 weeks is not that much.  Thats 6 weekends or less for John and I to prepare....and weekends fill up fast with things to do. Ahhh! Stressful!  .....maybe this is what they call "nesting"???!!??

Anyways, today has been good so far.  Joe is down for his nap as I type this.  He goes down around 1 and sleeps til 3:15 or 3:30ish.  It's a nice little break for me. And, Noah is kicking like crazy right now.  Apparently, my bladder is a punching bag.  

We had a good morning... we are staying in today, but we played alot.  Joe spent a lot of time climbing furniture and stacking things to make towers. (he then kicks them over when he thinks they are tall enough) We watched Yo Gabba Gabba and Joe danced like a crazy man.  I had a great conversation with my mom.  I don't know what I would do without our morning phone calls.  She encourages me so much and she speaks so much wisdom over me.  She always has answers and I have no doubt that they come from the Lord above.  Thank you, Jesus, for speaking to me through my mom every day.  I hope I can play that role in my children's' lives when they are adults and out on their own.  Thank you, Mom, for being my best friend.  

Oh, and for those of you wondering, Ashley (my sister) is doing sort of well since her surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago.  She is still on crutches, but has a boot on her foot now, which allows her to put a little bit of weight on it.  She is still in some pain, but I guess that's expected from the type of surgery she had!  She has busted a couple of stitches, but the incision looks closed and clean so we aren't worried about it.  She has to keep it bandaged and wrapped.  Her other foot, however, is a different story.  Poor Ash.  Her right ankle (the one that did not have surgery) is swollen the size of a softball and is bruised.  She sent me a picture at 4:30 this morning for proof! ha.  She isnt sure what she did to it, but if it keeps getting worse and continues to hurt, she is going to see a doctor about it.  Please pray that it is a minor injury that won't require her to stay off that foot too.  A wheel chair would make it very very tough for her to go to school and work in the clinic.  Ash, I'm praying for your feet.  They will heal quickly!!  Why do you always have the craziest injuries?!?

When John gets home this evening, we are going to take a family trip to Target.  After going over on our cell phone bill the past 4 months, we have decided to get a land line.  Therefore, we need a phone!  It's my fault, and I have never had problems going over on minutes, but being so pregnant and not getting out of the house, the phone is my only link, besides the computer, to the outside world!  And, I'm sure it will be that way for a few months after Noah is born.  It will be good for us to have anyways, in case of emergencies, or dead/lost cell phones.  Hopefully this will save us some money, as we decrease the number of minutes on our cell phone plan.  

FYI, I have been ask to start a blog for 'N Vogue.  So, I will updating it a couple times a week.  Check it out for new boutique arrivals, service info, health and beauty tips from the experts, and event info.  Speaking of, Julie Hewett, a celebrity make up artist, will be at 'N Vogue May 1st and 2nd.  She has done tons of movies, such as Oceans 11, 12, and 13, the Italian Job, Pearl Harbor, American Beauty, Spider Man 2, The Starter Wife, etc.  Come check her out and have her do your make up!  Click on the link to check out N Vogue's Blog.  TheNVogueBuzz

Well, that's all I've got for now.  Hope you are having a fantastic Tuesday :)

On BROADWAY

Last night (Sunday night) I saw my first broadway musical! The national tour of Wicked came to Birmingham, and John bought me tickets for Valentine's Day.  It was soooo great!  We had a great time, and I was blown away by the performance.  INCREDIBLE!  I'm so thankful that John was thoughtful enough to surprise me with those tickets on VDay.  It was such a great experience.  Joe spent the night with his Honey and Pops while John and I went out to dinner and then to the show.   I had some pretty uncomfortable braxton-hicks contractions during the show, but they subsided.  Phew.  I was praying that I wasn't about to go into labor in the middle of the show a little over 6 weeks from my due date.  Anyways, if you haven't seen Wicked, I highly suggest that you do!  

I had a doctor appointment this morning (i mentioned the contractions and she assured me that was normal and that they are much more intense and occur much more frequently during your second pregnancy).  Noah's heartbeat is great.  I am now measuring just a week ahead of schedule...much better than 4 or 2!  She said he must have just had a big growth spurt around the time i was measuring so far ahead.  I told her that every time someone asks me how much longer I have, i get such a surprise reaction.  EVERYONE says, "Girl, there is no way you are making it that long!"  (I'm getting tired of that response!)  She said that because I am carrying all in front and very low, that i look bigger than I am.  That made me feel better.  Anyways, Noah is head down and in position to enter this world when the time comes.  We are ready to meet our little one.  I think Joe is going to miss my belly, however.  He has been using it as a pillow quite often.  He hugs on my belly all the time... It looks sweet, but he has no clue that there is a baby inside.  

Well, I'm going to go relax before bedtime.  Hope your week is off to a great start!

so glad it's Saturday!

Man, have we had a busy today!  This morning we woke up, got ready, and headed out the door.  We went out for breakfast..don't get too excited...it was just McDonald's.  We tried Cracker Barrel, but the wait was too long.  We had a few errands to run before Joe needed to be home for lunch and nap time, so we passed.  After McD's, we went to Target to make some purchases for baby Noah and his room.  Bottles, monitor, vaporizer, crib dust ruffle, pacifiers, sleep positioner and such...  We still need to get a few decor things for his room, a noise maker, and some clothing items.  Other than that, we are pretty much ready.  After Target we went to the Apple store at the Summit because my computer charger was broken.  We got a replacement, got Joe a Mrs Field's cookie and we headed home.   After lunch, and putting Joe down, John and I put together Noah's crib. FINALLY making some progress on his room!  We just need to put together the changing table and do some more decorating, and we will be done!  

Pretty soon here we are going to be heading over to my parent' house to grill some hamburgers and hot dogs.  Hopefully it will be a relaxing evening with the family. 

Joe is doing great.....enjoying lots of time with Daddy.  He has a new found fascination with dancing and music, so John and I have had a great time watching him go at it when some of his favorite songs come on.   

Side note, if you are interested, I am doing a blog for 'N Vogue (my mom's spa/salon/boutique). Check it out if you would like!  The 'N Vogue Buzz  

 Hope your weekend is going well!!

it's been a while

Wow, I haven't been good at posting the last couple of weeks.  So, here it goes. I'll do better!  I guess I will start by telling you that DeAnna was found safe!  Like my earlier post said, she went missing this past Sunday night, but was found on Tuesday.  Thank you for your prayers!  I know her family is overjoyed to have her back home safely.  

Next up, Easter!  We had a great Easter weekend.  John's parents, Joe and Peggy, or Papa Joe and Nana, came down from California to spend the holiday with us.  We had a great time.  Joe loved having his grandparents here to play with.  He had some new buddies to play outside with, which he enjoyed so much.  John had good Friday off, so it was so great to have him home an extra day for the weekend.  We went to the Zoo on Friday.  Joe wasn't so interested this time.  I blame it on the fact that he was coming down with a cold and was already getting tired by the time we got there.  We petted some animals, and rode the train.  I think we all had a pretty good time.  Saturday was a pretty low key day.  John and I both needed some rest.  The previous week I was sick, so i was worn out, and I know John was worn out from having to help me more than usual.  Easter Sunday was awesome!  We went to church in the morning and had a great service.  Afterwards, we headed to my mom's house for our traditional Easter lunch.  Just about all of the family was there.  Joe had a blast hunting Easter eggs.  He did a great job, and he has been hunting eggs around the house ever since.  I will post some Easter pictures of him as soon as i get the camera charged!  

Anyways, it is always great to spend time with family.  And, we are so thankful that Peggy and Joe got to come and spend some time with us.  They headed back to California on Monday, and it has been just a normal week so far.  Joe has been as busy as ever.  Playing hard and getting in to everything.  He's got some new dance moves which John filmed last night.  If I can figure out how to post a video, I will certainly do that on here.  I love my little buddy, and I am just trying to soak up the time that i have left with just him.  It won't be long until Noah gets here.  I believe we have about 7 weeks if he doesn't come early....which I have a feeling he will.  I have absolutely no more room left for him to keep growing!  

(**John, we MUST put the crib together this weekend!**)

Not a lot going on these days.  Joe and I went to the grocery store this morning.  Publix has the nicest, most helpful staff than any grocery store I have ever been to.  I didn't have to load the groceries on the belt at the check out station, or take them to my car and load them.  They did it all for me.  And they are always so nice to Joe.  They speak to him, show him the live lobsters, give him coloring books and crayons, etc.   By far, my favorite place to shop.  And Leanne, we know you love them for the free cookies. I guess you look under 12 :)   

I go to the doctor on Monday, so I will be sure to post any updates!  On Monday I will be 33 1/2 weeks pregnant.  Craziness.  

Hope you all have a great day! Yay! It's almost the weekend!!!

Please Pray

Please, please, please pray.  A friend of mine has a 16 year old sister who has been missing since 8:30 last night.  Her name is Deanna Niven.  She was last seen at the Alabaster Wal Mart.  Click here for more information on her story.  Please take a minute and cry out to our Lord on her and her family's behalf.  Pray that she is returned home safely.  Thank you for your prayers.

Sorry I haven't posted in a while.  I was sick all of last week, and we had a very busy weekend!  I will update more tomorrow.  

surgery

Good morning! As you say your prayers today, I ask that you remember my sister, Ashley. She is having surgery at 11:00 this morning on her heel. I went with her to meet with an orthopedic specialist yesterday about a painful bump that has developed on the back of her heel. Today she will be having bone shaved off of the back of her heel and a small portion of her achilles tendon may have to be removed and re-attached. Please pray that surgery goes well and that the healing process is quick and not too painful. I appreciate your prayers!!!

It's been a great week for us so far. Wednesday morning, Joe and I went to the grocery store. We stocked up on groceries, made it to the check out line, had all of our groceries bagged, and then......I didn't have my wallet. I forgot to put it in the diaper bag. So, I had to load Joe back in the car, drive home, get my wallet, drive back, get Joe out of the car, pay for the groceries, then head back home to unload them and put them away. I was exhausted by 10:00. Wednesday evening I went to church with my mom and Tina Earnshaw (she is a celebrity make-up artist from London. She has done lots of movies including; Titanic, Marley and Me, Mama Mia, Spider Man 2 and 3, 9 Gweneth Paltrow movies, + +) My mom carries her makeup line at N Vogue and they have developed a great friendship. Mom has gotten to mentor her in her faith over the last year...it has been cool to see her grow as she gets to know Jesus. How cool is it that she can now be a light to Hollywood?!? Anyways, we had a great time at church, and a few other N Vogue staffers met us there too. We all went to dinner afterwards. It was good getting out of the house to be with friends. (Thank you, John for watching JoeJoe!!!) The boys had a blast at home. They always do.

Oh, funny thing... My mom and Tina where on a local news show Wednesday morning. It was soooo funny watching Joe recognize his Honey on TV. He was so excited, but didn't really know what was going on.... why she was on the t.v. screen. So cute.

Yesterday, I went with Ashley to the doctor way too early in the morning. I'll just say that yesterday morning was chaos. But, Ash and I finally made it to the doctor, 20 minutes late :) Cindy watched Joe for me to be able to go with Ashley. (Thank you CIndy!!!!!) Joe loves the Rainey family. After the doctor's visit was over, Joe and I went home and he played while I tried to relax. It felt so good to just sit for the 2 hours that he napped. I had worship practice last night, so John and Joe got another boys night. I'm sure there was lots of playing going on.

That brings us to Friday. Not much going on. Joe and I plan to go see Ashley when she gets home from surgery. Other than that, we are going to take it easy. (or I am at least) John and I will have our usual chinese take out date after Joe goes down tonight. We'll be watching the LOST episode that we missed Wed night. YAY! Joe and I can't wait for him to get home this evening. Sooooo glad it's the weekend! But, not so glad that there is lots of cleaning to do!

Hope you all have a great weekend!!!