Newborn Photo Session with Emilee Beth Photography

Friday, Lily and I headed to Raleigh to have a newborn photo session with Emilee Beth Photography.  To say I'm estatic with the results would be a huge understatement.  You can view the sneak peak that's posted on her blog here.  If you leave a comment on her blog, I get some free goodies.  I also get free goodies by you liking her page on Facebook and commenting on her album she has set up with Lily's pictures.  Why not help me earn some free photos?

For These Things...I Am Thankful...

Welcome Lillian Ruth

Lillian Ruth Walters was born on December 3, 2010 at 3:49 pm.  She weighed 8 lbs, 12 oz and was 21" long.  We went into the hospital at 7:30 am to be induced.  They started my Pitocin around 8:30 and I was feeling good all day until around 1:00 pm when they checked me and I was 6 cm dilated.  By that point, I was ready for something to start happening.  Unfortunately, Dr. Bruton got called into an emergency surgery with another doctor and the nurse said it was not a quick surgery.  For that reason, they wouldn't break my water until she was out of surgery.  At 3:39, she was finally out of surgery and came around to ask if I wanted my water broken.  I quickly agreed and she said we'd have a baby within 30 minutes.  I told the nurse that I thought I was ready as soon as the doctor walked out.  She checked me and I was dilated 10 cm already.  She called the doctor and told her I was at 10 when she finished up my paperwork, we'd be ready.  I told our nurse, "No, I think I'm ready right now."  She looked down and saw part of the baby's head.  She told Chris, "Hit the alert button."  When he did, Dr. Bruton said, "Did you change your mind?" Her response, "Get in here now!"  Needless to say, the baby came out with one push once they finally got the table dropped.  It freaks me out now to think that the doctor almost missed it, but then again, it was an easy birth!

38 Weeks

I went for my 38 week appointment today.  I had gained 3.5 lbs bringing me up to 29.5 lbs. gained total.  Dr. Bruton asked me if I was ready to have this baby and I told her I was mainly scared of how big she was getting.  She didn't seem too concerned until she measured my baby and then she said, "Yeah, I'd say you have a big baby."  I tried to get her to guess, but she didn't want to until she checked me to see how low the baby was.  When she checked me, I was still 3 cm dilated, but now I'm 70% effaced.  After she did that, she informed me that she thought the baby was at least 9 lbs, which is exactly what I thought.  She told me that after Friday, I could choose to have an elective induction if I wanted to, which of course I did, so she sent me to her office to schedule it.  But, when we got to her office, she informed me that she really thought I had a large volume of fluid so that if she could prove that with an ultrasound, she'd be able to induce me Friday morning.  Of course, I was all for this!  So, back to the room we went and she did an ultrasound.  The level had to be at least 25 to be induced Friday morning and mine was 25.11!  But, upon doing the ultrasound, she was better able to get a measurement on the baby and Lily is estimated to be around 9.5 lbs!!  She also said she's not that big because of length.  She would guess she's only around 20" long, but that all her weight is around her mid-section!  My little chunky monkey already!  So, unless I go into labor before then, we'll have a brand new baby girl on Friday!  Friday can't come soon enough!!

37 Weeks

I went back to the doctor today..same old news..still 3 cm dilated and 50% effaced.  But on a good note, I didn't gain any weight, so I'm hanging steady at 26 lbs.  Plus, Dr. Trollip okayed me going back to Lumberton on Thanksgiving Day!  She just told me to be prepared to head back home at the slightest sign of pain.  The baby has completely dropped and the heartbeat was a steady 145.  Luckily, since this isn't my first baby and since I've had the other two early, if for some reason I do make it to my due date of December 10th, she assured me that they wouldn't make me wait until I'm 41 weeks to be induced.  While I'm so ready to meet Lily, I'm very excited that I can be with my family for Thanksgiving and that I'll be able to go shopping on Black Friday.  Chris & I really look forward to shopping all day on that day.  That's the day that we pretty much do all of our Christmas shopping!  Then, it's time to put up the tree on that Saturday!  I absolutely love Christmas time and it would be wonderful to have everything done by the time Lily arrived.  I'll keep everyone updated!!

36 Weeks

I went for my first weekly appointment today.  Luckily, I had gained zero weight, so I'm still at 26 lbs. gained.  The doctor told me that I had a belly full of a baby..definitely 8 lbs already!  So, needless to say, I definitely was hoping he'd say that I wouldn't go the whole 4 weeks that are left!  On the very bright side, when he checked me, I am already dilated 3 centimeters!  He said he is pretty sure she's going to follow in her brother's footsteps and come early.  Yea!!  Can't wait to meet you Lily!!

34 Weeks

I went for my doctor's appointment today and I had gained 4.5 lbs. in the past two weeks!  That brings me to a total of 26 lb total!  I still have 6 weeks to go!  I only gained 25 with Landon and 20 with Nixon so I was hoping to keep it in that range, but it's not looking good!  Lily just loves her weekly milkshakes too much and I can't deny her!:)  On a positive note, everything else was good.  Measuring at 35 weeks, which I will be in a couple of days, so she was happy with that.  Baby was definitely head down, her backbone on my right side, which explains why I'm always feeling knees and elbows on my left side.  I have to go back in two weeks and then I'll be on my weekly appointments.  Next appointment, I have to have the Beta strep test and my platelets checked again since they have continually declined.  As long as I'm still over 100, she says I'll be fine.  But if they fall below 100, it's possible that I'll have to take steroids to help with the delivery.  Other than that, everything's fine except my nesting.  If I don't get that under control, I might have to find a new baby daddy!

A Letter to My 20-Year Old Self

Ever wonder what you would say to yourself if you could go back to a certain period in your life.  Well, here's how mine would go....

Twenty-Year Old Erica,
Hope things are going well..even though you probably think they aren't.  These are the best times of your life..no worries really.  Sure, you feel like the weight of the world is on you when you're deciding on a major or in your case whether you should switch for a fourth time.  But you know what you should do, take a step back..think long and hard, and decide what makes you happy.  You know you'll make the right decision..you always do..though you'll regret not trying harder at that whole medical profession, one day you'll realize local government is actually a lot of fun..you'll realize that in local government, anything goes and you can meet all kind of crazy, fun, smart, dumb, weird people!  They make life interesting!

Deciding on where to go on Saturday night won't seem nearly as stressful when compared to deciding on where to send your newborn to when you have to go back to work.  Finding the money to pay for that shirt you just HAVE to have doesn't seem nearly as stressful as finding the money to pay for said daycare.  It's all in your perspective, really.

I really think you should go to more football games and stay in Greenville a few more weekends a month.  There's no better time to be carefree and have fun than when you're in college.  I know Chris thinks he has to work 40 hours/more a week, but convince him to take off..tell him there will be plenty of time to work once you start having kids, mortgages..then you'll really need it.

Tell those credit card companies on campus that you don't need their free shirt..trust me, you'd be better off to go to the store and buy 10 than to open up that credit card for the free t-shirt that you only wear to sleep in anyway!  But I do know you're stubborn, so if you just have to have the free shirt, at least pay off the cards before you have kids.  Life is so much more easy and enjoyable without debt!  You should actually go ahead to www.daveramsey.com to see what kind of money you'd have saved up in 11 years if you don't pay those monthly credit card bills.  You'll be debt free, except for the house, and loaded by 29!

After you get married, think about moving away.  You and Chris should really get out and make some time for yourself before you have kids..maybe even move to somewhere like Boston so that you could have season tickets to the Red Sox.  Imagine working and then going to see ball games all summer long!  You won't be able to do that again until retirement, so might as well enjoy it!

Definitely don't buy that first house that you guys set your sights on.  Though you'll make money on it and it'll be a good investment, you'll go even deeper into debt trying to fill it up.  You know how you are..you have to have things when you want them, in your time frame!

I know you probably won't listen to a word I'm saying and that's okay.  Life is full of things we would've done different.  And just think, if you don't go through trials and tribulations, you definitely don't appreciate the joys and accomplishments, such as seeing your baby smile the first time, walking that baby into his kindergarten class and having that teacher tell you that she's impressed with how well he's doing.  Now that's what makes it all worth it..that's what makes your heart smile!

32 Weeks!!

I had my normal check-up today, but things were much better this time around.  I had only gained 1 1/2 lbs. since last time for a total of 21 1/2 and I was measuring right at 32 1/2 weeks, which is the point I'm supposed to be at.  Dr. Campbell said it was very likely that the baby had just had a big growth spurt last time and that's why I measured a little off.  He thought the baby's head was down like you would expect it to be at this point but since the last doctor had said she was breech, he decided to do an ultrasound.  Don't get too excited though..all we looked at was the head!  Boo to quick ultrasounds!  I wanted to know how big she was and if was definitely a she (you can't look too many times!), but no luck.  He told me that all my contractions are normal and unless they're changing my breathing pattern, not to worry about them.  I say that's easy for a man to say!  Other than that, things are just fine and dandy.  Chris still says that I'm going to deliver on November 15th, but I'm holding out for November 28th..that way I can go shopping on Black Friday and get my tree up on Saturday like we always do!

30 Weeks

Just went to the doctor yesterday for my last monthly appointment.  I gained 5 1/2 lbs in the past three weeks!  This makes for a total of 18 lbs.  I guess that's not too bad, but those milkshakes are catching up to me!  The doctor was telling me that I'd probably have another big baby because of the 90th percentile measurements in my last ultrasound, when she went to measure my belly.  I'm 30 weeks, but my stomach measured 32 weeks.  She said that if that changes any, we'd do another ultrasound.  I told her that was perfectly fine with me, but she wouldn't bite!  I'm kind of scared how big this baby might turn out to be.  Landon and Nixon were both early and 8 1/2 lbs at that, but my belly always measured right on target.  The fact that this baby is already in the 90th percentile and my belly is measuring big makes me a little nervous.

Do these stripes make me look big??

No wait..don't answer that..me at 28 weeks!

27 Weeks & Counting

I went for my last monthly appointment yesterday.  I had a busy day, with my glucose test, platelet check, regular appointment, and 3-D ultrasound.  I had gained 2 1/2 pounds, putting me at a total of 12 1/2 lbs gained.  I guess I can go with that!  I still have 13 weeks, so we'll see how it goes.  I haven't found out anything about either of my tests yet, but usually no news is good news!  The appointment and lab was pretty routine.  I'm measuring right on target for my due date and I've got my next appointment in 3 weeks and then I'll start every two weeks.  I think that's when things really start to speed up.  After my appointment, I ran some errands before I picked Chris up and we went back for the 3-D ultrasound.  We confirmed that it was still a girl just for my peace of mind and then moved on to get some good pictures.  Lily is a little camera shy.  She had a leg or arm or both in front of her face the entire time.  It's crazy that you can actually count the number of toes and fingers during one of these ultrasounds.  Her heartbeat was steady at around 130.  She's actually weighing around 2 lbs, 12 oz, which puts her in the 90th percentile!  That's okay..there's nothing like a fat baby with lots of hair!  Enjoy the pictures that I have attached.  I think she's beautiful already!

See her foot right up there at her nose?  Seems so uncomfortable!

It's like she's saying..no more..this is all you get!

and here at the end, she was all rebel and stuck her tongue out at us!

Landon's 1st Day of Kindergarten

Friday, September 3rd, Landon went for his first day of Kindergarten. His teachers are Mrs. Lassiter & Mrs. Batten.  He was so excited, he had been counting down the days!  I packed his lunch, complete with a homemade letter from me..

Chris & I took the day off so we'd be able to both take him on his first day and pick him up.  He walked right into his classroom, put his things in his cubby and sat down in his spot and started coloring.  He was all business and barely looked up to tell me bye.  I'm glad he was like this.  I don't know that I could've left him if he was crying! 

 I almost cried twice, but I actually held it together.  Chris & I took Nixon to Build-a-bear and to lunch for the day.  I think that was a good idea because it helped to keep my mind off of Landon beginning this new stage in his life.  You know, you start to lose some of that childhood innocence once you start school.  You have things you have to worry about, from making friends to homework.  When we went to pick him up, he was all smiles, but as usual, we had to drag the information out of him.  He did say that he had a good day and that he wanted to go back, so I guess that's a good sign!

To Set the Record Straight

Heard this on the radio this morning and I thought it would make a good blog topic..

I'd like to set the record straight...

• To my precious dogs...I'm glad you two get along so well, but I'd appreciate it if you waited at least until 5:00 am to start playing.  When you wake me up, playing, at 4 because it sounds like someone is breaking into the house, moma is not a happy camper and you're going to go outside at that point.
• To my wonderful husband..I know you don't understand why I'm so emotional about Landon starting kindergarten, but I am, plus I have pregnancy hormones on top of that (I know you're tired of me using that excuse, but when you get pregnant, then you get to tell me there's no such thing) so this adjustment is not going to be easy..just get used to it...I'm going to dwell/stress on it A LOT.
• To my Street Nazi Neighbors..if you're going to turn me into the Homeowner's Association for something, please turn everyone in so that I don't have this complex that I've been carrying around..also, just because you think I'm speeding, that doesn't necessarily mean that I am..I know you're retired, so you're not in a hurry to get anywhere, but some of us actually have jobs and kids to take to daycare before said jobs.  Give me a break once in a while. 
• To my credit card company..I know you put the little payoff chart on there to encourage people to pay more than the minimum balance, but do you realize how depressing that is?
• To the creators of that show, "I didn't know I was pregnant,"...Really, you didn't know you were pregnant?..I don't see how this is possible considering I feel like someone is doing water aerobics in my stomach everyday.  On top of that, there's no way I could go without wearing maternity clothes..do you think you gain weight that quick without there being a reason?

Anything you want to set the record straight on??

Happy 3rd Birthday Nixon!!

It's hard to believe that it's my butterbean's 3rd birthday!!  He's getting so grown on me.  He's completely potty-trained now, not using pull-ups since probably June I think (even at night).  I think he's only messed up at night once which is way better than I could've asked for (much better than Landon..I remember getting up multiple nights and changing sheets with him!).  His favorite thing right now is anything Toy Story.  He knows all the character names and he will act out little scenarios with them.  It's the cutest thing in the world when he runs through the house and yells, "To Infinity and Beyond!"  He loves his mama all of a sudden. He'll pat the couch when he's watching cartoons and will say, "Come Sit by Me."  Of course I do!  He's much more "Boy" than Landon could ever dream of being.  He will wrestle and fall and get hurt and hardly ever cry.  But say something mean-sounding to him and he'll crumble like a cookie.  He likes to test his boundaries.  I think it's because he knows he's so cute, he can get away with it.  I'm sure to have my hands full with this little ball of energy for a long time to come!

We love you Nic-Nac Paddywhack!

Decisions, Decisions

After much thought and taking Financial Peace University twice, I think I've decided to sell my car.  I love my Camry and I have absolutely no problems with it, but I'm getting to the point where I absolutely HATE paying two car payments.  Especially since Chris does Driver's Ed and usually only one vehicle gets used for weeks at a time. (Unless I decide to switch around for some reason)  I hate to pay a car payment for something that just sits in the garage on most days.  So, anyway, we have it listed on Craigslist, 4042.com, and Carolina Trader right now for free and I hope it sells fast!  Then, we're going to do what Dave Ramsey would be proud of..make that car payment to ourselves until we can afford to buy a used vehicle strictly with cash.  It'll be so nice to only have one car payment for a change..I can't wait!

This one will make you cry!!

I Trust You'll Treat Her Well

Click Here to Have it Read to You

World, I bequeath toyou today one little girl in a crispy dress.. with two blue eyes...and a happy laugh that ripples all day long, and a batch of light blonde hair that bounces in the sunlight when she runs. I Trust You'll Treat Her Well.

She's slipping out of the backyard of my heart this morning and skipping off down the street to her first day at school.
And never again will she be completely mine...
Prim and proud, she'll wave a young and independent hand this morning, and say goodbye and walk with little-lady steps to the nearby schoolhouse...
Gone will be the chattering little hoyden who lived only for play, and gone will be the delightful little gamin who roamed the yard like a proud princess with nary a care in her little world.
Now, she will learn to stand in lines...and wait by the alphabet for her name to be called...
She will learn to tune her little-girl ears for the sound of school bells, and for deadlines...
She will learn to giggleand gossip... and to look at the ceiling in a disinterested way when the little boy across the aisle sticks out his tongue.

Now she will learn to be jealous...and now she will learn how it is to feel hurt inside...and now she will learn how not to cry.

No longer will she have time to sit on the front porch steps on a summer day and watch while an ant scurries across a crack in the sidewalk...
Or will she have time to pop out of bed with the dawn to kiss lilac blossoms in the morning dew.

Now she will worry about important things...like grades...and what dresses to wear...and whose best friend is whose.

Now she will worry ab out the little boy who pulls her hair at recess time... and staying after school...and which little girls like which little boys...And the magic of books and knowledge will soon take the place of the magic of her blocks and dolls. 

And she'll find her new heroes.  For five full years I've been her sage and Santa Claus...her pal and playmate...her parent and friend.
Now, alas, she'll learn to share her worship and adoration with her teachers (which is only right).
No longer will her parents be the smartest, and greatest in the world.

Today, when the first school bell rings, she'll learn how it is to be a member of the group...with all its privileges, and, of course, its disadvantages, too. 

She'll learn in time that proper young ladies don't laugh out loud...or keep frogs in pickle jars in bedrooms...or watch ants scurry across the cracks in a summer sidewalk...
Today, she'll begin to learn for the first time that all who smile at her are not her friends. That "the group" can be a demanding mistress... and I'll stand on the porch and watch her start out on the long, long journey to becoming a woman.

So WORLD, I BEQUEATH TO YOU TODAY ONE LITTLE GIRL in a crispy dress, with two blue eyes, a happy laugh that ripples all day long, and a batch of light blonde hair that bounces in the sunlight when she runs.

I TRUST YOU'LL TREAT HER WELL.


AUTHOR:  Dan Valentine

Nixon's First Trip to the Dentist

On August 18th, we decided to take our first trip to the dentist.  I always schedule Landon's the same day as mine to make things easier.  This would be Landon's third trip and Nixon's first.  I was a little hesitant.  I mean, Landon, at five years old still is a little uneasy sitting in the big chair by himself.  I should have known my little butterbean would be the complete opposite of his big brother.  He didn't even want to hold my hand!  He's such a brave little thing.  He picked out the zebra polish head and did the whole exam right down to flossing and putting the fluoride on his teeth!  We only got reprimanded about giving him tea since he had a little bit of tea stain on his front teeth..I know, I know..I'm probably not going to get the Mother of the Year award, but he just loves it so much!  On the other hand, the hygienist commented on how pretty and white Landon's teeth are and they had absolutely no plaque build-up on them.  Overall, it was a good first experience and I was one proud moma of BOTH my boys! 

A Whole Lot of Sweetness Rolled Up Into Two Little Boys

Chris & I have been talking lately and we realized that we don't record the boys like we used to.  There's so many cute things that they still do/say and you wonder how long all that cuteness can last and if you'll remember it forever.  So, I figured a blog post was in order so that I know I won't forget it!

• Nixon loves to pull the stuffing out of pillows or stuffed animals.  The stuffing that he pulls out, he calls "clouds."  You can say, "What have you got Nixon?" and he'll reply, "That's my cloud."  He doesn't like to throw the clouds away.  You can usually find them stuffed into one of our cabinets in the living room.
• Landon & Nixon have an armoire in their bedroom full of books/games.  Landon, from day 1, has called it his "counter" instead of cabinet.
• I've never been able to find a nickname to stick with Landon.  But the other day, I was trying to explain what a nickname was for a baseball player and he said, "Oh, like Nixon is butterbean and I'm your baby cakes."  Guess that one must get used more than I thought!
• When Nixon was younger, it was the funniest thing to hear him tell you what an elephant said because he'd put his whole hand up at his nose like a trunk and then make the noise.  Now, when you ask him what a horse says, he can make his whole voice shake when he says, "Neigh."
• Trying to describe what a President was, Chris told Landon it was kind of like a king.  Now, Landon asks all the time when we're getting a new king b/c he wants to go to a Red Sox game.  He thinks the new king takes all our money.  Haha..
• Landon has always had a hard time saying his "L's".  They always come out as "W's".  Nixon, on the other hand has never had this problem, but for some reason, he still calls Landon, "Nandon".  I think he'll probably be "Nandon" forever. 
• Nixon has always been "Nic-Nac Paddywhack" since he was a baby.  But Landon didn't understand it all goes together.  He's been known to call him "Nixon Paddywhack".
• Every night, without fail, when we tuck the boys in, they have to use the bathroom as soon as they lay down.  They could have just gone right before they laid down, but something about lights out makes them have to go again.
• As soon as you pick Nixon up from his classroom at school, he'll proclaim, "I didn't go to the sad seat today!"  However, you can't always trust this statement!
• Both of our boys are very equal with their love.  If you ask, "Do you love me?" they'll both reply, "Yes, I love you, Daddy, Landon (or Nixon, depending on who you're talking to) and Ellie. 
• Nixon, just like Landon at this age, will sit on the couch, pat the seat beside him and say, "Come sit by me Mommy."  Melts my heart every time!

Wordless Wednesday

23 Weeks Now!!

I went for my monthly OB visit today.  I saw Dr. Bruton for the first time and I loved her!  She's very down-to-earth and honest when you ask her a question.  She asked if I had decided what to do about the MRI.  I told her that I had declined it for now because no one would really give me a clear indication on what the risks were.  She said there were really none after the first trimester, but that if the vitamins were working, she was fine with me waiting.  She just said it as bluntly as possible that "those radiologists are just hyperactive about working on pregnant women" and "I really don't think you have a tumor, they're just trying to cover their woo-hoos."  She was so funny.  I think I was laughing the whole time I was talking to her.  On a bad note, my weight gain finally caught up to me.  I gained five pounds the past month!  But I'm only up to 10 lbs total which I don't think is horrible.

On a side note, I guess I'm not sure which is getting bigger..my boobs or my stomach because Nixon has started asking, "Is the baby on top or on the bottom?" when he wants to kiss and hug the baby!

Landon's 5-Year Well Check

I took Landon for his 5 year well check today.  Luckily, we opted to do all his kindergarten shots last year at his 4 year checkup, so it was pretty much just a physical with his assessment for kindergarten.  He gets so nervous going to the doctor.  But he didn't cry, even when they did the finger prick.  He just squeezed my hand as hard as he could!  He's 44 lbs now, only gaining 4 lbs in the last year.  He's also grown 4 inches in the past year.  Mr. Chris (our P.A.) was pleased that he had thinned out.  Last year, his BMI made him a little on the chubby side, although I've never considered him chubby a day in his life.  Mr. Chris said that he's much happier now with his weight/height ratio.  Overall, I think it was a positive appointment and we're all set for kindergarten next week!

One amazing OB Visit

I went in on July 19th for my regular scheduled appointment, along with the big anatomy scan.  Nixon had an ENT appointment right after my doctor appointment.  Since his doctor's office is right down the road, we decided to take both boys with us.  We didn't let anyone know we were going to find out what we were having, except the boys.  They love a good secret!  We had the ultrasound first and to say I was nervous is an understatement.  I'm actually not sure who was more nervous, me or Landon!  He wanted a little sister so bad!!  Anyway, right away the tech found the girl parts and I immediately started crying.  I think I asked her like 10 times if she was sure it was a girl.  The baby weighed in a whopping 3/4 lb. (the weight of a canned drink)  Nixon, who wanted a brother, kept insisting that it was a boy and that maybe if it was a girl, that there was a boy in there with her.  I think he's coming around though because he told me the other day that it was okay that this baby was a Lily.  He said, "When Lily gets out, you can put Cooper in there."  Haha!  Kids say the cutest things sometimes.  A couple of days after the appointment, Landon looked at me one day and said, "Mommy, I'm glad we're having a Lily because I was kind of nervous that it was a Cooper."  Me too Buddy! 

On a side note, I have continued having really bad migraines and the prescription that Dr. Trollip put me on was not something that Dr. Campbell felt like I should take as often as I had been taking.  He referred me to a Neurologist.  They determined that I definitely was a migraine sufferer and that after my pregnancy, they wanted to put me on some preventative medicine for them.  She thinks that my hormone levels are probably what is causing me to have daily migraines and wanted me to have an MRI. I declined for right now because I'd have to sign a waiver.  In my opinion, if they're making you sign a waiver, it's either not good for the baby or they don't know enough about it to determine if it would be okay.  Anyway, she told me that she was comfortable with me waiting on that right now, but to take the vitamins (B2 & Magnesium) that she had told me about.  I scheduled a follow-up for 6 weeks to determine how that was working.  It actually seems to have helped, and I'm happy about that!

New Baby News

We went to the doctor on Monday and I must say, "We're.....

Happy 5th Birthday to Landon!!

I can not believe my first born is five!!  I have a five year old??  I remember, right after he was born, in my postpartum depression state, thinking, will this baby boy ever quit crying?  I couldn't wait until he was old enough to talk and not be so dependent on me.  Now, after the fact, and after having one other child, I realize that was simply the postpartum talking and being so overwhelmed from being a new, first-time mom.  Now, what I wouldn't give to keep him my little boy forever.  The little boy who always knows when I need a hug, the little boy who still kisses me bye when I drop him off at school, the little boy who still reaches up to hold my hand when we're in a parking lot or simply somewhere new, the little boy who is not embarrassed by my dancing (he just laughs so hard), the little boy who still melts my heart every time he smiles.  I know there's not that many years left until some of those things start to fade, so I'm just going to cherish every moment that he's still my little boy.

Landon's 5th Birthday!!

This past Saturday, we had Landon's birthday party.  It's still hard for me to comprehend that I have a 5 year old!  He'll be starting kindergarten next year and he can hardly wait.  Me, on the other hand, would love to keep him my little baby forever!  Anyway, I was really nervous about having this party.  We've always had outdoor parties for him, but at our house.  So, if it rained, we'd at least be able to go in the house.  This time, he wanted to have his party at a local park.  This meant, if it rained, there was nowhere to go.  I was constantly looking at the weather online, which was not making me feel any better about the party.  Turns out, the morning of the party, I looked online and from 11 - 1 (party time), there was only a 10% chance of rain!  I was ecstatic! It was a beautiful day with lots of sunshine and fun just for my baby's party.  It literally poured rain within five minutes of us getting home and getting all the presents in!  Enjoy some pictures from the day!

Just Like Me..For Better or Worse...

Landon, though he may look just like his Daddy, unfortunately gets most of his personality traits from me.  The older he gets, the more I seem to notice it.  For example, he'd rather spend most of his time with a few close friends, rather than a large crowd.  If one of his closer friends is not at school or doesn't want to play, he'll settle with playing alone instead of venturing out and making new friends.  Another not-so-great characteristic he received from me is that he's very shy and unsure about himself when trying new things.  He'd much rather do things he used to doing and not try anything new.  Chris will push him to try new things, such as swimming without his floaties on, and he always loves it...it's just getting over that fear of the unknown.  Despite all these traits, I love my oldest boy...he's got a lot of little quirks, just like his momma!

Baby Walters Update

I realized that I haven't done a baby update post yet.  Because of that, I'm updating on my two pre-natal visits in this one post.  My first appointment was on May 3rd.  We did the routine things..confirming my due date..December 10th..the bloodwork and of course the ultrasound!  Look at that little ball..I don't remember Nixon and Landon ever being that little on the ultrasound, but I'm sure they were.  I had gained 3 lbs in the first 8 weeks, which I was not at all surprised about.  I had been eating like crazy!!  It was really hard to keep it from everyone those first 4 weeks simply because I was so hungry ALL the TIME!!

On May 27th, I went for my second doctors appointment.  We got another ultrasound since we're doing the Early Screening Testing.  It still amazes me how the whole pregnancy process works and I get teary-eyed every time I see that little heart beating strong.  Luckily, at that appointment, I had gained zero weight, so I've only gained about 3 lbs in my first twelve weeks which I was excited about.  My whole eating frenzy hasn't really slowed down.  I still feel like I'm always hungry and I have headaches everyday.  Other than that, I haven't had any real problems which makes me feel really fortunate.  The only difference between this pregnancy and my other two is how exhausted I am.  I feel like I haven't slept for days pretty much everyday.  It makes it really hard to function at work, but Chris has been great, giving the boys baths, cooking supper, etc.  I'm hoping that's something that won't last too much longer!  Also, when I went to that second visit, I had to have my blood drawn again.  My platelet levels were 140 and they're supposed to be 150 from what the doctor said.  When those results came back, they were at 135.  Even though it was lower, Dr. Trollip said that we would just monitor those levels every trimester to make sure they don't drop to around the 100 range.  If that happens, I'll have to be put on steroids.  Since I've never had a problem before, she informed me that more than likely, it was just a gestational case of Thrombocytopenia (yeah, I had to look up the spelling of that!). 

Post-It Note Tuesday

This will be my first time doing this..tell me what you think:

So Proud!!

*****Warning:  There will be a lot of bragging in this post about Nixon*****

If you're still here, I should start by telling you that I was really getting worried about Nixon.  He'd never tell us that he had to potty.  Sure, he'd go if you took him, but he never asked to go like Landon did.  Also, it never seemed to bother him that he was wet.  I was getting really worried that I'd be sending him to kindergarten with pull-ups.  Not really, but kind of!  Anyway, on the 7th, his teacher asked me to bring him some underwear.  She, apparently, thought he was ready.  I think my response was, "Really? Are you sure?"  Haha!  So, on the 10th, I took him to school in his big-boy underwear.  Monday through Wednesday, he only messed up once or twice a day, which I thought was pretty good.  But then Thursday rolled around and he messed up so many times, they had to put a pull-up on him because he was down to his last outfit.  On the way home, he was so pitiful when I was asking him about why he didn't go potty.  It was almost like he was embarassed when he told me he "pe-peed in the wunch woom."  So, I'm not sure if it was embarassment or what, but Thursday when we got home from school, he told me he had to potty.  Right before we left for Landon's game, he told me he had to potty.  We went to Lowes right after the game and he told us in there that he had to potty.  All of these times, when he told us, he was still dry by the time we got to the bathroom.  Then, right before bath, he told us he had to poop in the potty.  I was on Cloud 9!  I went from a little boy who wouldn't tell a soul if he had messed up to one who was obviously holding it and knew when he had to go.  At 1:00 that morning, Nixon woke me up.  He was hollering my name over and over.  By the time I got to the top of the upstairs, he was standing there waiting on me and he said, "I gotta go potty!"  He was still dry from the time we had put him to bed!  Since then, he's only messed up once or twice, at least once not being his fault!  He's even keeping his big boy underwear on during naps at school!  If you're a mom, you know how big of a deal this is!  We've been buying diapers for 5 years straight!  Although we do have another baby on the way, it'd be nice to at least get a couple of months off!  Those things are expensive!!

Ten Things Tuesday

1. I went to my first doctor's appointment last Monday.  My official due date is December 10th.  I've only gained 3 lbs. so far (but it really feels like about 15!)
2. The boys were very excited when we told them last Monday.  We had to let them know it was our secret, which I must say, they kept well. 
3. On Tuesday afternoon, when I picked the boys up, Landon asked me, "What's our secret again?"  He knew it was something, just couldn't quite remember the subject!
4. Nixon wore big boy underwear to school yesterday.  The teacher is the one who asked me to do it.  He actually did great!  Only messed up once I think it was, but then messed up as soon as we got home.  I think he just didn't make it to the potty in time.  Maybe it'll click soon!
5. Oh, but he did, right before bath time tell me he had to poop..and he did!!  Woo Hoo!!
6. Isn't it strange, the things parents get excited about??  But if you look at it from our perspective,  we've been buying diapers for 5 years now!  Landon didn't go out of pull-ups until after Nixon was born.  It would be nice to have a little break before the baby comes!
7. Where did this cooler weather come from?   I'm not exactly sure, but I sure am ready for the warmer weather to come back!
8. Landon had his first t-ball game last night.  He's so excited when he can go play baseball.  He was on Cloud 9 all night long!
9. Our closing date is definitely set for May 27th!!!  The realtor called me the other day to choose which garage doors I wanted.  The contractors should start to work on finishing the house this week.
10. Chris & I are very blessed right now.  We've got so many things going on, but all very exciting events.  Even though I'm a little nervous to go back to making a house payment, I'm very excited by all the changes coming our way!

Guess Who??

Ten Things Tuesday

1. We got the house!!! I told myself I wouldn't get excited this time until I received the signed contract back.  Well, around 4:30 yesterday afternoon, my realtor e-mailed it to me so it's official!!  We close on May 27th!!!!  Future Home of the Walters' Family
2. I took the day off of work yesterday just because I felt like I needed it.  It was so nice.  I went to Barnes & Noble, to see Amanda and her new baby and just relaxed.  I think everyone should do that every now and then. 
3. When I put Landon's t-ball clothes on him to go to practice, it never fails that he will ask, "Do I look handsome in my baseball clothes?"  It's the cutest thing!  His love language is definitely words of affirmation.
4. Speaking of love languages, that's the study we're doing in our new Sunday school class.  Mine is Gifts, which is really no surprise to me, but it kind of makes me feel superficial.  I guess you can't help what your love language is though, right?
5. I was surprised to find out that Chris' is quality time.  Not that I don't think he enjoys that, it just surprised me.  I thought his would be touch.  Guess you don't necessarily know everything about someone after 11 years, huh?
6. I think the potty training thing might be clicking with Nixon.  He got up from his nap the other day (well, he hadn't gone to sleep yet) and peed on his frog potty and didn't even ask us if he could go.  He just told Chris after he did it.  He still gets so excited!!
7. Actually, he's so excited, everyday when I pick him up, those are the first words out of his mouth, "I peed on the pot today mommy!"
8. I picked up my purse yesterday from the radio station.  I'm in love!!  Now, if Chris could just win me a pair of those diamond earrings they're giving away :)
9. Chris was supposed to have his last baseball game yesterday.  It got cancelled for rain, even though it never actually rained here.  It was supposed to, but never came to our county.  The game's rescheduled for today.  Go Cardinals!!  They're Conference Champs already, but it'd be nice to go out undefeated!
10. Did I mention we're closing on our house May 27th??  I'm so excited/nervous I can't stand it.  I guess we better get packing!!

Ten Things Tuesday

1. I know I haven't done one of these lately..partly because I'm slack..partly because sometimes I just don't want to and partly because I have a lot on my mind these days. 
2. I'm not sure what's going on with me lately.  I can't seem to shake an almost depression-type feeling.  Not sure if it's because we've got a lot going on with trying to buy a house, plus work, plus life or what.  I go through spells. Just pray for me.  I definitely need it!
3. On the bright side, my hubby won me a great pocketbook last week on G105.  He had no idea which one I wanted, just picked his baseball number..luckily, I love it!  Take a look.

4. We're in the midst of preparing our budget at work.  Whoo!  It seems to get harder every year I do it, trying to balance everything.  Maybe that's my stress!:)
5. Supposedly, we'll be able to sign a contract on the house this week.  I'm not holding my breath this time until I have signed papers in hand, with a closing date!
6. My boys love competition..well, scratch that, they love to win (and fight) over everything.  The other night, they were fussing because the moon was in Nixon's window instead of Landon's.  I told them it was Jesus' moon, so it didn't matter.  When Landon got excited because it was in his car window, Nixon yelled, "That's Jesus' moon Nandon!"
7. Nixon has hit an all-time high gear.  He's definitely all boy and makes up for anything that Landon lacked when he was smaller. 
8. I'm wondering when this whole potty-training thing is going to click with Nixon.  He will go if you take him, but almost never will just mention that he has to go unless you're somewhere and he wants to check out the bathrooms.  Any suggestions??
9. Landon started T-ball again last week.  He has two more practices and then his first game is on May 10th.  He's so excited.  Baseball is definitely his favorite sport so far. 
10. Landon's T-ball team name is the Selma Grasshoppers!