Addison's 4-D Ultrasound

We went today for Addison's 4-D ultrasound. I am always so amazed at what you can see with those things.

Here are a couple of pics we got of her. She wanted to be a little difficult and hide at times, but we managed to get a peek.

I think she is going to look a lot like her big sister. So for kicks and giggles, I did a comparison....What do you think?????

30 weeks

(Note: Sorry this post is a little delayed...I am now 31 weeks---but, you get the picture :))

I am now 30 weeks along. Addison is moving up a storm and looks to be running out of room in there ;) I am still feeling pretty good, getting a little more tired each day though. However, no time for that with Christmas around the corner and still so much to do to prepare for Miss Addison.

December 22 is my last day at work. I am quitting to be a full time mommy. I am thrilled about it, but will miss the friends that I have made there over the years. I am looking forward to spending lots of time with my family. It will be quite an adjustment, though.


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

Gatlinburg Trip 2009

Last weekend Corey and I took Audrey to Gatlinburg, Tennessee for a quick little "family vacation" before Addison arrives. Audrey had been to Gatlinburg once before, but was too young then to really take it all in. This trip she was totally fascinated by everything.

Corey was so sweet and planned the entire trip. Therefore, I was able to relax and enjoy being with my family and watching Audrey.

When we first arrived, it was dark so we enjoyed riding through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg viewing the Christmas lights. Audrey just kept saying- "Mommy, you see those lights?", "Daddy, Look at that". She was thrilled.

After we worked up an appetite, we stopped by a restaurant that I had never seen or heard of before. It was called the "Flying Horse". The place had an actual carousel inside. Once we finished our delicious dinner, Corey and I took turns riding on the carousel with Audrey.



The following morning we headed out to eat some delicious pancakes. We decided to walk since we were staying right in the middle of town. One place we wanted to eat at was packed and had a line all the way out the door. Since it was 25 degrees, we had a 2 year old, and I was 8 months pregnant---I decided waiting in that line was NOT worth it. So we began our trek for the next place.

Well, on the map it looked like a short distance...but after walking, and walking, and walking. I finally told Corey that I'd walked as far as I was going to and we would just have to eat right where we were. Fortunately, there was a little place just a few feet away that proved to have a wonderful breakfast. Not to mention this nearly completely frozen waterfall outside. See...I told you it was cold!!!


With our bellies full, we headed to the aquarium. Audrey is fascinated with fish, so she couldn't wait. She ran from one exhibit to the next talking non-stop. I'm really glad Corey was there to keep up with her. She was so excited...as you can tell in these next pictures.

Audrey was even brave enough to pet some of the critters they had on display there, including a sting ray. She says that was her favorite part.

(yes, I realize this is NOT a sting ray :))

As we were leaving the aquarium, there was a man standing on the sidewalk feeding these ducks. He was so kind to let Audrey throw out some of the food to them. She thought that was just wonderful.

Saturday evening, we went to see the Christmas production at Dixie Stampede. (If you haven't been---I absolutely recommend it---totally worth the money!!)
Audrey had never been there before. Once the show began, I don't think she blinked the whole time :). She was amazed. Her little mouth hung open in awe as she watched the show. I had as much fun watching her take it all in as I did watching the program. We would have to remind her to eat between events/scenes because she was just too entertained to eat while the action was taking place.

After the show, the riders brought their horses up to the side of the arena to allow the children to pet them.

We weren't quite ready to head back home, but Sunday morning rolled around and we had to depart. Before we went home, we took a drive through Cade's Cove. There were tons of turkey and deer that were out on this particular day. What a fantastic way to end our vacation!

I am already looking forward to our next trip back!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

What a super busy, yet fun weekend we've had! Audrey and I went back "home" to kick off the Christmas season with some of my favorite traditions. My mom's church always has a Christmas party at a nearby nursing home for the residents. Mom always heads-up the party so it has been tradition since I can remember that I go to help her with it. This year was no different. We are now training a new little "elf" to follow in our footsteps.

Audrey was so precious helping out. She performed with the other children as they sang some Christmas carols for entertainment.

Then Audrey, along with the other children in attendance, delivered gifts to each of the residents. (People from my mom's church- and my family- select a name and purchase an item for that individual.) This year our family selected a lady named Ms. Audrey, simply because her name was the same as my Audrey and we chose Ms. Betty's name. Ms. Betty is a very special lady to our family. She is always making something for someone- bracelets, necklaces, ponchos, blankets, etc. My mom, Audrey and I have numerous items to show for her generosity. So giving back to her was such a pleasure for us. We made sure that Audrey delivered the gifts we bought to her. She was just as delighted to receive loving from Audrey as she was to have the presents. Below is a photo of Ms. Betty and Audrey:

After the party, we had a delicious lunch with my grandparents, my mom, cousin Keeley and one of her friends from college. It was a wonderful time.

We finished up lunch just in time to get bundled up to watch the Christmas parade in Prattville. This wasn't the first parade that Audrey's been to, but it was definitely the first that she understood what was going on. She was quite mesmerized by all the activity.
The lights, music and floats held her attention until the very end. Mom and I enjoyed watching Audrey's reaction to the parade as she waved to everyone that passed by and yelled out "Merry Christmas" to them. It will be an evening that I remember forever.



Oh how I love this time of year. And this year is even better as I get to enjoy it through the eyes of my 2 year old. It can't get much better than that!

28 weeks

I had my doctor’s appointment today. All seems to be progressing well. The heart rate was 155 which is where it has been for the last few visits. Addison seems to be growing quite well. (I’m sure all the Thanksgiving turkey, dressing and veggies helped with that). I can’t believe that I am into my 3rd trimester.

Since Corey was on shift today, I didn’t have anyone to watch Audrey so she had to come with me and endure 2.5 hours in the doctor’s office. She is a trooper though when she has to do that. Of course the nurses are just smitten with her and love to play with her, so that makes things easier.

That being said, I had to have some routine blood work drawn today. Audrey had asked me if I had to get a “shot” so I told her yes. When the nurse was preparing the needle and such, Audrey told me she was going to hold my hand. Then she looks at me and said “Mommy it be alright”, “it won’t be too bad”. All the nurses around stopped what they were doing and everyone said a collaborative “Awwwww” and then everyone started giggling. It was so precious. Miss Priss has such a kind heart. It just made my day that she was taking care of me.
Then to top it all off, after seeing the doctor we were all about to leave the exam room and Audrey tells my doctor “Thank you for taking care of Mommy”. I thought Dr. Emig was going to cry. I almost did too. I had to give her a big hug and kiss for that one.

The Christmas Tree

Since our turkeys are officially gone (see previous post), decorating for Christmas is in full swing. I have let Audrey do as much decorating as she can possibly help with. Some things don't look "just so", but I wouldn't have it any other way. I have enjoyed the time and excitement with her.

We bought Audrey her own Christmas tree so she could hang her special ornaments on it. She had such fun decorating it all by herself. Then she helped us tackle our big tree. I was really impressed at how well she was at hanging the ornaments. After all the ornaments were hung, she kept asking for more. Hopefully, Grammy and Grandaddy will wait and let her help decorate theirs too.

I am really enjoying watching Audrey this Christmas season. It brings back the wonder and awe of Christmas that we often forget as we get older. I know I am guilty of getting caught up in the busyness and gift purchasing of the season, to really stop and enjoy the little things around me. I am so grateful that she is reminding me how to do that this year.

Audrey visits Santa

She was ready. She was pumped and excited. That is until Santa made his grand entrance with a loud “HO-HO-HO”…then Audrey turned to me and said “I not sit on Santa’s lap.

Oh dear! I looked at Corey and told him that waiting in line may have been a waste of time. So we talked to Audrey about how Santa wouldn’t know what to bring her unless she went up and told him. I had already decided that I wouldn’t “make” her sit in Santa’s lap if she was terrified, but I was going to do my best to talk her into it.

After a little bribery (cookies and a Santa Express train ride) and watching a few big girls sit in Santa’s lap ahead of us, Audrey got brave and marched on up there.


With a cautious look, she did sit in his lap and actually talked to him. I was very surprised! Thank goodness we listened to what she said to Santa because she informed him that she wanted a horse (gee—she didn’t tell Mommy and Daddy that one!).



We got a cute picture to cherish forever and Audrey got to ride the train and indulge in a few chocolate chip cookies from The Cookie Company.

Thanksgiving 2009

Whew! This month has flown by and time has escaped me...as you can tell with my lack of posting.

We had a fantastic Thanksgiving. My family came up to our house for Thanksgiving. Because of their health, my grandparents don't get to make the 2 hour trip to visit often, so it was a real treat to have them with us.

Audrey had a wonderful time showing off for everyone. She was really comfortable in her environment and all of the "spectators" enjoyed watching her.

Our Thanksgiving spread was enormous and delicious. My mom brought her famous (at least I call it that) dressing and gravy. Nana and Pawpaw supplied delicious ham. And my sweet hubby fried an awesome turkey for us. I prepared all the veggies and such to go along with it. My favorites are the green bean casserole and sweet potato casserole. My best friend, Anna, makes the BEST sweet potato casserole...I tried to imitate her...but it wasn't nearly as wonderful as hers. However, it was still edible!

I have eaten leftovers, over and over and over... I'm sure when I go back to the doctor, I will have gained a good 15 pounds- no kidding! Guess I'll enjoy the excuse to eat while I can :)

After we all stuffed our faces until we were miserable, Miss Audrey informed us that Thanksgiving was over and we could put up Christmas stuff now. ...... Back up a few days...

Audrey kept asking when Christmas was going to be here. So after many failed attempts to help her understand, Corey explained that after we had Thanksgiving meal with the family and we took all the turkeys and Thanksgiving decorations down, then it would be time to put up Christmas stuff. Our intellectual 2- year old turns right around and asks her daddy "Can we take the turkeys down now?" Smart, huh?... So back to Thanksgiving day.

So, now it is time to break out the Christmas decor, as promised. There was no forgetting about that. Since we had taken Audrey to pick out some inflatable yard ornaments a few days prior, we figured that we would put those up first. As you can tell by the photos, she was all about helping her daddy. (Side note: I have learned that if you want your husband to hang Christmas lights and decorate without complaints...get your 2 year old to ask him to do it. He happily granted Audrey's wishes. *sigh*) It was so precious to see her out there enjoying herself. Oh the wonder of seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child!

She wasn't quite sure about Frosty. He was just a bit scary to her and she took a while to warm up to the sight of him. But she loved the Santa.

I have so much to be thankful for this year. Just a look around my house on Thanksgiving day reminded me of all the blessings I have received.

I could kick myself for not taking more photos, but after being on my feet cooking and such all day, I was exhausted!!! I'll try to do better! :)

24 Weeks

Baby Addison and I have made it to 24 weeks. She is moving around a bit more now and those kicks are getting stronger. She really loves to act up when I lay down in bed.

I went to the doctor for my check-up. My BP looked good. However, I failed my 1 hour glucose screening, which is not surprising since I had gestational diabetes with Audrey. Now I have to go back and endure the 3-hour test. I'm still holding out hope that I might can pass that one. On top of that, after checking my blood, they found that I am anemic. Which explains why I have been so.stinking.tired lately. I just chalked it up to being pregnant, working and chasing a 2-year old around...but apparently it was something more. So now I begin on iron supplements and hope it takes care of the problem and that I don't have issues with the iron pill.



Audrey is beginning to get used to the idea of getting a baby sister. She talks about it often. I'm not sure how much she really understands, but I'm glad she seems excited. I have been going through her old clothes and washing them to prepare for Addison. Audrey has "helped" me with this task and tells me repeatedly that these are Addison's clothes. She looked at me the other night and said "Mommy, these are so cute! Addison, is going to love them!" That just made my heart swell.

You know I couldn't leave out my princess. She hasn't been feeling very well this week, but did pose for a picture with me. I had to get a little snuggling in.

Stuck on You!

What happens when you give a 2 year-old some mail to open without paying attention to the enclosed items???? This:

Nana sent Audrey a card with a TON of stickers enclosed. Well, I saw it was addressed to Audrey (she loves getting mail) so I just handed it to her to rip open. She took it to the couch and sat there patiently ripping into it. All the while, I busied myself in the kitchen doing the dishes. After a few moments of silence, I walked around the couch to find this...my toddler decorated with stickers...EVERYWHERE!!!!! So I had to laugh, take a picture, then call and tell Grammy and Nana about it.

And when Corey got home, he fell victim to her decorating desires as well. What a great daddy!

Halloween 2009 (Part 3)

After our morning a the Fall Festival, we met up with one of Audrey's best buds. Miss EG and Audrey love playing together and they are just precious.

Since it was cold and rainy, we opted for lunch at Chick-fil-a so they could play on the indoor playground. Those two kiddos played for about 1 1/2 hours before we headed out. As you can see they enjoyed some ice cream too. Yes, Audrey got some too...Grammy was holding it.



On the way home from Chick-fil-a, Audrey fell asleep in the car so Mom and I just rode around and chatted until Miss Priss woke up.

Then it was time to head out for a little Trick-or-Treating.

Isn't this the most adorable little cow you've ever seen!?! Poor Corey had to miss out on all this fun because he was on shift at the fire station (it seems it always works out that way)...but we did text him a picture of his little cow so he could see her.



First stop was to PawPaw and Nana's house. Nana was very sick with a cold so we just visited right at the door so they could see Audrey. Of course, she got a bag full of goodies from them.


Next stop was Aunt Carolyn's house. She always has some "special" goodies for Audrey. That kid came away from her house with a bag full! While she was at Aunt Carolyn's, she got to play with another of her favorite buddies (also a cousin), Be'la.



After our Trick-or-Treating, I took Audrey to another Fall Festival at our old church, Calvary Baptist in Wetumpka. I was bad and didn't take many photos there...but she had a delightful time. She even played a game where she had to catch a fish with her bare hand...and she did it within about 5 seconds...and she wasn't even scared. I was amazed! She thought it was fascinating! Of course, she had to make several rounds in the blow-up moon walk.

After all this action, Audrey was one tired little girl. All of us had a wonderful time. We just wished Corey could've been there to enjoy it too.

Halloween 2009 (Part 2)

We began our Halloween with a trip to the Fall Festival at First Baptist Church of Wetumpka. Audrey, Grammy and I had a wonderful time! My little cow was so well behaved and really tried hard at all the games.


She wanted her face painted so I let her go for it. I was pleasantly surprised when she sat completely still the entire time this kind lady painted her face.


My sweet little cow ready for some fun and candy!


Audrey and my friend Elisha (we worked together at WES). Audrey didn't quite get the concept that she was to throw the rings around the alligator's tail...but Mrs. Elisha cheered her on and Audrey was so proud of herself.


The fishing game was facinating for her. She was amazed that whenever she put the line over the curtain, she would get goodies.



I laughed so hard I cried when Audrey tried to throw the darts to burst the balloons. Lets just say that sharp darts + a 2 year old = disaster!!! Audrey would wind up for the throw and let the dart sail across the room...the problem with that was the dart didn't go toward the balloons, it sent everyone running for cover. When I held her hand and tried to get her to throw the darts in the right direction, she wouldn't release them. We had a good laugh, but decided that the darts were probably better for her when she was a bit older.