Saturdays

Saturday! I love Saturdays. I love the feeling of a beautiful sun shiny Saturday when everyone is out and about in the mornings going to garage sales, getting their coffees, washing their cars, going to the farmers market... That's what it's all about. Having fun!!!

Seeing that this is my LAST Saturday before I have my baby girl, I had a full day planned and made a day of it. I woke up at 6:45, got a shower, and mom was here by 7:30 to pick up me and Chad to go to some garage sales. It's one of my favorite things to do. It's like a game- find a good treasure and at a good price! So we headed out and at the first sale, (across the street), & there was an awesome glider. It is perfect and in the most awesome condition, so we bought it, and it was $15.00! I didn't want one for Avery's room, but this one matches our office perfectly so I now have a breastfeeding glider, yippee! We went to several more sales where we bought a cute table for Avery's room to put her vaporizer on, and it was $10.00 & matches her crib to a T. Next sale I bought an amazing vintage jacket for her. She won't be able to wear it for several years but it was a must buy for $5.00. This lady gets all of her clothes only at boutiques and it HAD to be $100.00. So that was a good buy. We bought a few books, and other odd and end things that were cheap like a brand new Kenneth Cole shirt for Chad that was $1.00! I was so proud of my finds! We also bought a 3 wheel jogging stroller that is perfect for Avery and it was $25.00, (thanks Katie).. ;)

After spending the morning with everyone Chad went on to his golf came with the guys. I love that my husband plays golf and I wanted him to enjoy this last Saturday with the guys for a few hours! I went over to moms and got some sun with her in the lake. We floated around on rafts and giggled as we tried to stay a float and comfortable. My belly was in the way! I ended the afternoon with a piece of key lime pie and a nap on her porch while listening to the birdies chirp.
Our night ended with some of our friends, Josh and Amber for dinner. They are our small group leaders and are fabulous! We love them so much and they always make us laugh. Amber and I have a lot in common and talked for hours while sipping on our diet cokes, (so glad she loves them like I do), while Josh prepared Chad for what was about to come with Avery's arrival. They are setting up a meal system for us so we have meals being provided to us for a few months after Avery is here, so that is SUPER nice! We sat and had dinner and talked for 3 hours and then finally made our way home and here I am. This day will be ended with a warm bubble bath and some shut eye soon.

I am pooped. I have had on and off pains today, minor contractions towards the end, and cramping a lot tonight. Bags are ready, we are ready so keep a close eye on the blog, next time you read this we COULD be in the hospital, waiting! Otherwise you will have to wait until Tuesday, the big day! Enjoy some pics from the weekend!

NURSERY

Today is "Show us your Nursery Friday"! I wanted to hurry and post this because I am having extreme pains today, and have been throwing up a little following extreme cramps and on and off contractions (which aren't close enough together yet)... I am getting VERY close to delivering this girl!!! I hope you enjoy viewing my nursery as much as we did putting it together. My mom helped me design the whole thing, and it was a BLAST! I had all of my bedding custom made along with my curtains. We new we wanted to do something bright and cheerful so we went shopping to several fabric stores in our area and came up with this special design. Everything is pink/green/turquoise/orange with a touch of zebra throughout! I love the "diva" look so we came up with just that!

When you enter the nursery, above the crib you will find a beautiful painting with a bible verse. We had a wonderful artist that lives in our town hand paint this. It took her an hour! She is amazing! We went with a simple black crib that will be good for a boy as well someday. Since the room is so bright and colorful we decided that a simple bed was the best route to take. To the right you will find the window with the drapes. Mom covered the knobs with my zebra fabric because I didn't want them on a rod, I wanted them to "drape and hang"... Sitting beneath it is a beautiful piece of furniture that I had recovered. My mother in law gave this to me and she purchased it at a garage sale for $15.00! What a buy! My changing table was purchased from an antique store for $87.00. I changed out the knobs, lined the drawers, and placed a cute "diva" plate on the front. Above the changing table is a frame/card holder that my mom painted and covered with all my zebra fabrics and hand made on her own! She crossed it with fun ribbon and rhinestones and we thought it added a classy touch! Above that is a rod iron piece that I just love! Mom and I also made Avery's letters that are above her closet! I wanted something that matched so we came up with a fun design and covered them with paper from Hobby Lobby and then hung with ribbon. Easy, simple, cheap! My favorite piece in her nursery is the chandelier. It's just what I wanted and full of color. At night the room is very dim and classy. It puts out just the right amount of light. We painted the medallion the chandelier sits in turquoise and that sits on the green ceiling. I love it! There is also a lamp that matches the chandelier that sits on my changing table.

So that pretty much sums up the room, there are some other odd and end things that I love surrounding the room so look close! All my frames were made by friends and given to me, and the bow holder was given to me by Kim Herman!! ;)

Week 39- beginning of weekly letter to Avery

Dear Avery,

I am officially in my final week of pregnancy with you this week. As you could come at anytime, I praise the GOOD LORD that I was able to carry you full term this far. You have been completely healthy from day 1 and I pray that when you make your big arrival on delivery day you will continue to be healthy, and a happy baby. I have giggled my way through this pregnancy and hope you have heard all of the great joys as you roll and bounce through my tummy. I remember each week that you grew another ounce, I just cried sitting in the recliner thanking God for giving me another day with you. I hope you know that my tears were nothing but tears of joy. Sometimes I would cry so hard you would start kicking me, as if you were telling me not to be sad. But if only you new I was rejoicing!

I walk by your room several times a day and open the door to just take a peek. There are times I close my eyes and just imagined you lying in your crib wiggling around making sweet little noises. I always can see your pretty little eyes looking up at me as I approach you. I open up the pantry in the hall where your bath stuff is almost daily to just smell that "baby" fresh smell and imagine giving you baths and playing with you in the tub when you get older. When doing your laundry I just sat there folding it thinking how tiny you are and how before long you will be all grown up. Time flies way too fast.

I pray each day that you are a Godly woman. I will raise you in church and teach you about the Lord and only hope and pray you will live the life that I have been so blessed to live with your mimi and poppy. Your Daddy and I pray for you and recently have been reading bed time stories to you. I hope you remember the story about Noah when you arrive, we will be reading it again and again and again!

As I enter into the next 6 days of anticipating your arrival, I truly hope you sense my calming and know that Mommy is ready to hold you so tight in my arms. My tears each day, (10 times a day), are only tears of happiness because I am so excited to finally hold this miracle you are in my arms and rock you to sleep every night.

Last night I was up with you from 3am until 7am, having cramps and contractions. They aren't quit close enough together which makes me know you aren't QUIT ready, but I was in some pain. This pain is completely worth it, every little second of it.

I love you my sweet diva . . .

Brothers 30th Birthday & 1 week left. . .

Happy 30th BUBBA!!!

Today is my adorable brothers 30th Birthday. Aaron is in Canada on an awesome fishing trip with some friends so unfortunately I am not able to tell him so I thought I would do a little blog message! They have absolutely no communication out there, no phones, nothing. I am sure he is having the time of his life! ;) So HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the most amazing brother! I love you and hope your little niece arrives next week when you are home!!!!

We went to the doctor & I am dilated another 1/2 centimeter. So I am now at a 2 1/2. Avery is full term and is completely ready so Dr. H set my induce date for Tuesday, June 2nd at 8pm, that is if she hasn't arrived yet. I am moving so fast that he says I will be ready by then 100%! Although I'm thinking that this appt could lead me into labor due to the intensity of it, but if not I love the fact that I know I am having her a week from today. My life as I know it will forever be changed. I have said it a million times before, but the end is not fun! Although you anticipate the excitement of having her, it's so hard going through all of the aches and pains, lack of sleep, uncomfortableness etc... People say "Get ready" on the no sleep thing. I am fully prepared for that but as I tell everyone at least I won't have PAIN and discomfort in my big ole belly and can breathe again! That is what I most look forward to! And holding that baby in your arms gives you something to show for all the tired nights and makes you SEE that it's truly worth it. Right now I am just waiting, and not seeing... and waiting more and more and more and I'm over it! In a good way of course! ;) By the way, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the girls that work at the doctors office. They were so sad today as I gave them the last sheet of paper that said it was my LAST appt. They all were soo sad and even proceeded to give me a gift, some adorable sparkly shoes. They said they looked diva like me! It made me tear up at how sweet it was. They have all become my friends over the past few months and said they were going to miss me. They know I go in on Tues, and will probably have her on Wed, so they are going to come over and see me at the hospital! Now that is exactly why I love my Dr, they are SO sweet, and SO good to their patients. Im really going to miss everone! ;(

Anywho I am popping a Tylenol PM tonight and going to bed soon! It's 5:45 and Chad is cooking one of his amazing meals for me and is going to serve me as I prop my feet up. I am having some cramps after the appt and need to rest! I'll keep you posted with more updates throughout the week!

READY, SET, GO!

Memorial Weekend has been wonderful. I started off the festivities on Saturday night at my parents house where my Uncle and Aunt from Vermont, sister in law and her family, and me and Chad and my family all got together for some good food! We all sat around and laughed for hours, we all manage to do that when we get together. There is never dull moments, always good conversations. I always like to pull out my "Linda Richmond" voice that my BFF Lindsey taught me. The girls get a kick out of that! I am sure Avery did too!

Sunday we went to church and enjoyed the most amazing service by Ken Freeman. If you haven't ever heard him speak, you should totally get his book. He is SUCH a witness for people and the service was just chilling. So many people were led to Christ, probably 50 or more came forward that morning. He's such a real man of God and really knows how to hit you with the truth. After church we went to Chad's parents campsite on Beaver Lake and sat out there from 1:00-8:00. It was so nice and relaxing because it rained so we sat around and talked for hours. We ate lots of good food for lunch and then ate again later that night, his Uncle always has a fish fry so we indulged in some good ole hush puppies and fish.

Now Memorial I spent this special day with my amazing, adorable, fun-loving husband. I love him so much. He always thinks of me and my needs and put a special day together for us. We went to bed early Sunday night and woke up late and then got ready for the day. We went to see a movie, went shopping, ate all we could eat at PF CHANGS for dinner, and then came home and took the longest walk of our life! As you know, it's close to delivery day so we are trying to get her to drop even more. I have been having lots of cramps, aches, discomfort, pains, etc... So I know the time is quickly approaching us. I go see Dr. H tomorrow at 4:10 again, and we will see if yet I have added another 1/2 centimeter, or maybe I am at a 3 now! If I don't have her this week, we will be going in June 1st to deliver!

I am so excited, I don't know what to think. It all seems so surreal to me, the fact that I am less than a week now away from becoming a mother. I sit and laugh in the bathtub, sometimes cry, as I think about the movements I have felt for the last 10 months in my belly. God has been so good and this miracle inside of me is the biggest thing that has ever happened to me, and Chad of course. Although I am so ready to see her beautiful face, you are only pregnant for the "first" time once, and all of these stages I have gone through in the past 10 months has been amazing to me and I am going to miss every second! Such a dream come true and to think I made it through from day one until now. I have accomplished it! I long to see her face and long to see her first smile and stare into my eyes.

As some of you know I lost my job in January. I worked at a wonderful Marketing Agency that unfortunetely had to let go of several of us due to the economy/new business. I think that was the most amazing blessing that has ever happened to me. I worked there for 2 years, made wonderful friends, and learned SO much. But the blessing is the fact that it allowed me to stay home during the last 6 months of my pregnancy. I have enjoyed sleeping, relaxing, taking walks, cleaning, shopping, planning etc... my life has turned up side down. I worry less, Im happy more, and enjoy life to the fullest with no stress WHAT SO EVER! I do plan to get a part time job after Avery is born (a couple months), and if that works out it will be a stress free easy easy easy job. I have decided that there are more important things in life than money. Although it's nice to have things, I want to be with my baby as much as possible and not come home and stress all the time. So me and Chad have prayed about it and we are going to do just that! Please keep me in your prayers as we try to tie up some things with the career opportunities!

STAY TUNED. . . .

Girls Night, Birthday time!

Friday we celebrated my friend Kim's 29th Birthday! We had a blast to say the least! All of us girls got together for Fish Taco's at Fish City, and then went to Aloft Hotel to enjoy our amazing pedifores. They were so good.

All of us girls get together and just laugh so hard, there is never a dull moment and there is ALWAYS good stories, haha- but I won't go there... LOL! I really enjoyed the night with my girls because this may be the last chance I get before Avery to spend time with them together as a group for awhile. So I laughed and took it all in! We got Kim a $155.00 gift card to Franchescas, her favorite. She had a ball. So enjoy the pics, and again- Happy Birthday AND Engagement to our fabulous friend Kim!!! She truly deserves this special happiness and we are SO glad she found a great man! Love you Patrick!!

Now onward to a BUSY packed weekend with the family. Tonight we are having a huge BBQ at my parents house on the lake, and then tomorrow night we are going to the campsite with Paul and Jeannie to have a Fish Fry with Chad's family, yummers! Chad's golfing today and I am going to hang with my Aunt and my mom while they get pedicures. I got one last week and plan for another next week if I haven't delivered yet,(thanks to Crystal for the gift card)!! Hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend- and be safe!!!! If I should go into labor, we will blog and let everyone know...Im getting close! XOXO!

Happy Birthday & Engagement to KIM!!!

First, Happy Birthday to my friend Kim Jones! She is 29 years old today and is adorable! So I started off the day texting her this morning early to tell her Happy Birthday. I couldn't sleep and thought I would just text her and just go ahead and wish her a happy day! Well I get a phone call back after the text and she says, "I'M ENGAGED"!!! Her adorable boyfriend Patrick proposed to her at midnight on her birthday. He had candles all around and was dressed up in a suit and called her and surprised her. It was so adorable, and romantic!

A cake that her co-worker brought that was SO cute:

The pink roses from me and Tiffany for her Birthday/engagement:

Kim with her flowers at the Pharmacy:

I have known Kim for years through my sister in law Tiffany. They have been besties since they were 7 years old and grew up in church together. Kim always lived in Memphis, (where Tiff is from), and after visiting Tiffany so much she wanted to move here because she loved NWA. She has lived here for about 4 years now, and is a Pharmacist and just loves her job. I have been waiting for the day for her to meet a nice good christian man. She has dated TONS of guys and had so much fun the past few years. But me and Tiff (sis I call her) always new that they weren't right for her. We had been praying for her a good match and new that it would be worth the wait, and sure enough it was. When Patrick came around several months ago and we all met him we just new he was the right fit for her. He always puts her needs first, treats her with SO much respect, and loves all of us like we are family! Not to mention his family is crazy about Kim, and Kim's about him!! So he was a perfect match! Kim is a quiet girl with the sweetest heart, and Patrick is loud and outgoing which makes them the perfect fit! Congrats to the newly engaged couple and may your life be filled with lots of joy and happiness!!!!!!! I took flowers up to her work from me and Tiff and surprised her! Tomorrow we are taking her out and there are 8 of us girls getting together to celebrate the Birthday, and now the engagement!

Kimmie- we love you and are so proud of you and look forward to seeing you and Patrick grow in your marriage together. You truly are SO blessed, GOD IS GOOD!!!!

2 BIG CENTIMETERS!!!

Well. . . I am dilated 2 big centimeters as of today! YIPPEE!!! My appointment with Dr. H was yet another wonderful successful appointment. Have I mentioned to you all how much I just love my doctor? I know, sounds weird... but he is the most calm, comfortable doctor that I have ever encountered. He makes me feel as if I am the only pregnant woman out there, and is so good to me. When I had my miscarriage in '08, he was so sensitive and I thought he almost was going to cry at one point! It just means a lot to have someone that I feel this comfortable with deliver my child. The fact that I truly trust him is a blessing.

So Avery is now a whopping 7 lbs. He thinks that she will be a little over that when delivered, possibly 7 1/2. He examined me and said he thought she would be here in the next week or so, but if she isn't he is going to go ahead and induce June 1 or anytime there after. He told me to pick a date. Chad and I are thinking June 3rd (Wed). I pray she will come by then, but if she hasn't, she will be full term and ready... and of course so will her momma! He said when inducing it is normally a 12 hour process, but can be up to a 24 hour labor. I'm really looking forward to knowing when she will be born and picking the date, but if she comes today I would be just as excited! I have been experiencing SO much pain and discomfort that I am ready!

Please continue to pray for me and my baby. She is such a blessing and to know she is almost here is so surreal to me and Chad. I have waited my whole entire life for her, and to know her grand appearance is a week or less away is just surreal. I praise God for this miracle and look forward to the fun road ahead! I hope you will continue to follow me and my journey with my new family!!!! Lots of love...

Taco Tuesday, 38 weeks, and golf!

Today is Taco Tuesday at the Metfield Golf Course so Chad and I headed up for a round of golf and some taco's! I love watching Chad play golf, I think he is such an awesome golfer and is so talented. He plays as much as he can and I love it! It's his favorite hobby, and I enjoy being able to ride in the cart with him and try to learn while watching him. After I have Avery we are going to get me lessons. Then of course once Avery is of age, we are going to get her a set of clubs and try to teach her at a young age. It's such a passion of ours, so I'm looking forward to those fun days ahead. I enjoy being on the golf course and enjoying the fresh grass and the beauty of it! It's such a good sport to take up. I first started loving golf this past summer when I worked with my client P&G on the LPGA Tour that was here in NWA. I helped run and implement a water program along side a wonderful co-worker of mine Kelly, who is amazing I might add! We worked for months preparing for this event but when the days approached being around the pro golfers really excited me. I loved watching them and since have followed their tours as much as possible on the golf channel when I get the chance.

After a round of golf, we had some $.75 taco's at the clubhouse, and they were AMAZING! I had nachos and Chad had the taco's. Super good!

My amazing golfer husband:
Stopping for a bathroom break, OF COURSE:

Good shot!

I am 38 weeks tomorrow and have an appointment with Dr. H again at 4:10. I'm anxious to know if I am yet dilated maybe even another 1/2 centimeter. We will see. I haven't been feeling the best since my last appointment. I have started having more cramping, lower back pains, very little sleep, and lots of bathroom breaks (both)- sorry TMI. I am an honest shoot you straight type girl! I want her to be 100% ready, but I am 100% ready I know that for sure. I find myself with nothing to do around the house and just waiting and resting. It's a great feeling, but it's very hard to rest when I am in pain and VERY uncomfortable.

Strangers rubbing bellies . . . ???

Okay, what is up with complete strangers rubbing pregnant woman's bellies? But to make matters worse, to sit there and KEEP rubbing it!
... Today Chad and I went to lunch at Las Fajitas. I was anticipating a nice serving of chips and salsa until the server kinda of ruined my appetite. I managed to throw back some good food, but as she seated us at the table she put me into complete and utter shock when she reached over and started rubbing my belly. It wasn't just a pat, it was a full on "rub", the kind that is in circular motion that is like "AW, sooo cute". Something only my family does. I was a little freaked out and told Chad that it creeped me out and that I couldn't STAND that. It's my belly, my body! Although there is a baby in there, it's no one else's body but mine and I felt completely violated. I mean if you HAVE to touch it, at least ask! While being pregnant there was only one other time that someone did the belly pat, and that was at Wal-mart... a checker. I don't know which was worse.

I guess to make the situation even more annoying, is that after we ate and she brought me my to go drink, she did it yet again!!! And did the whole circular rub! UGG! I wanted to say "Woman, get your hands off my belly".... it just freaked me out!

Thought you would enjoy that story! Nothing else exciting happened today, I sported the bikini again in the back yard and managed to get a nice tan!

Green polka dots and fun in the sun!

The weekend was great!! Saturday Chad and I woke up and after a hard nights rest & decided to take it easy. We love going to garage sales, and love taking drives, so we did just that! We got breakfast and then spent until noon driving around all over. I love just looking at nature and smelling the fresh air. It was such a nice morning. As I continue my nesting stage, we got home and decided to clean up the yard, clean out the garage, and finish up laundry. Sunday we woke up and went to church. I wore my green polka dot dress per Chad's request. Before church we took a picture of me with this adorable Colombian outfit that my sweet neighbors gave to us this weekend. She is the sweetest thing and I just had to show you! Mom also took a picture of us at church before the service began.

It was a beautiful day outside so Chad and his buddies went golfing all afternoon. I ended up staying with mom and dad and soaked up the rays at their house. They live in a beautiful lake home and this time of the year is luxury for me because I am a door step away from laying on their dock and being on their lake. I put on my green polka dot bikini top, (which I have majorly out grown I might add), and soaked up the sun with mom for a few hours. It was so relaxing and just what I needed. We enjoyed the day together talking and giggling! Avery was feeling the warmth and enjoyed kicking me here and there. I tried to capture some shots of this big belly before her "anyday" big arrival!!!

This week is looking to be fun, if I can manage to waddle myself around. Thursday I have a fun Kitchen Queens party to attend where we are sporting adorable "Derby Style Hats" along with some good ole' southern home cookin. I happened to find my hat today when I walked into a store to use the bathroom and it's cute! I am adding a few pieces of flair to spice it up! Then Friday is my friend Kim's 29th Birthday so we are all celebrating in style of course with all of our girlfriends. I'm looking forward to the gathering as it's probably one of my last for awhile. Saturday is a fish fry with Chad's family out at the lake, and then Sunday we are planning to have a family gathering at my parents for Memorial! So we are full of events, if only Avery doesn't intrude- which would be FINE BY ME!!!!

I am now exhausted and going to bed early. It's almost 8:30 and I am hitting the sack. My sleep is so broken and I am so exhausted during the day. I am moving VERY slow, waddling often, and in the bathroom 24/7. Exciting, let me tell you. As much as I love being pregnant, I am SO ready for my baby to arrive. I'm taking in every last breath of these last moments and truly trying to enjoy each second, until I stand up and then am reminded of the pain wishing she could come out just a LITTLE quicker. I go back to the doc Wednesday and hope to hear a good report that I am dilated yet another centimeter. If not, no sweat. Just one more week after that and he will induce if she hasn't arrived! Can I get an AMEN?