29!

Yesterday I turned 29 looking oh sooo fine...

Mama - 29th Birthday, 31 weeks pregnant.  Big Brother J - 19 months old, trying to keep up with his mom's belly

The celebrations continued with more family (Aunt Sarah & Uncle Kyle have arrived from Cali, trying to convince them to stay for good!), food (ohh Kanki how I love you), presents, and lots of slobbery kisses.  This morning I continued with cookie cake for breakfast, I just can't help myself.  Party on people!

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Jackson had lots of wonderful Christmasesssss this year.  We gave Jackson his present from us before we headed to Wilson to be with our families.  Charlie assembled his first kitchen set, it only took 2 1/2 hours and a 12 pack of Guiness, and it is super awesome.  (I stayed a safe distance away and pulled out the pregnancy card.) For the weekend we headed to Wilson for Christmas with the Farris family then the Winslow family and then to Goldsboro for Jackson's great-grandparents Christmas celebrations.  He was a trooper and did not mind showing off one bit. What a blessing he is.  Merry Christmas!

hmm, a Winslow cousin picture attempt, maybe next year...

Christmas lights, music and a sucker.... perfection

Dinosaur Train!!

It's a ball, it's a ball, it's a ball, it's a ball... (marbles)

Christmas Cards

I love getting real mail and that never happens except for Christmas!  There is nothing like a good picture Christmas card.  I attempted to take some cute pictures of Jackson decorating the tree in his pajamas, but then Charlie insisted that if we wanted to win the best Christmas card of the year contest we had to go with this one...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

nom nom nom

The average person gains 5lbs over the Holidays.  What does this mean for pregnant ladies?  15lbs is ok, right? right??  So what better way to pack on some winter pounds than with Monster Cookies.  These are easy and oh so good.  Throw in some red and green M&M's and you have got yourself some last minute Christmas goodies to take to the family gatherings.

Monster Cookie
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
3 eggs 
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 tsp. white corn syrup
4 1/2 cups quick oats
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup dark chocolate m&ms (red & green for Christmas)
1/2 cup chocolate chips
mix & bake for 8 to 10 minutes on 350


In need of something on the lighter side to take?  Please make this festive salad.  I have made it numerous times and it is a hit!

Autumn Chopped Salad - adapted from Espresso and Cream
6 to 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
2 medium pears, chopped
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped pecans
4 to 6 oz. feta cheese, crumbled (I used Fat Free)
Poppy seed Salad Dressing 
Balsamic Vinaigrette (I used Trader Joe's Fat Free)
I used about a cup of dressing: 70 percent poppy seed dressing and 30 percent balsamic vinaigrette

Both of these are toddler friendly, as in you can make them with one dangling from your leg.  Just remember knives are sharp and the oven is hot...

Sweet Lumber Jack

engaging graduates

This past weekend we headed to the mountains to celebrate 'Master' Aunt Ginny's graduation from a school counseling program at Appalachian State, getting a job, getting engaged and just being all around awesome!  We did a lot of eating, relaxing, even played a rousing game of Monopoly.  Nothing beats a good weekend with family and very soon to be Uncle Ben!

my elf

1 week till Christmas!

The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear. -Buddy, Elf

exploring

I really love to see what new things Jackson picks up on every single day.  Yesterday he noticed his shadow.  It took us a long time to walk to the park with him trying to get rid of that thing...

traditions

I love a good family tradition.  My favorite was always Christmas Eve.  My family would and still does go to the 5:00 'Children's Service' at our church.  Then we ride around and look at Christmas lights with Christmas music blaring (this was very painful as a child, now I can appreciate it).  We then head home and have a fancy dinner of leftovers or whatever was in the pantry.  For me it was usually Kraft mac & cheese, a Tostino's pizza and more fudge than a girl should be allowed to handle, mmmm.  Then we placed all of the presents from our immediate family into piles for everyone.  We patiently sat and watched as everyone opened family gifts one by one.  It is glorious!  I hope to continue this tradition with our own growing family.
Another little Christmas tradition that I want to start is Santa Train.  We headed over to the NC Museum of Life and Science this evening to ride the Santa Train.  They have craft projects, face painting, hot chocolate and a train you can ride on to go see Santa Clause.  Jackson was still a little too young to enjoy it but I had a good time!

 One cool thing, is look at all of these awesome lights!

 Ahmm someone get me off this dumb train and don't let Santa get near me...

Best part - All you can eat candy canes!!!!

snack time

Well look who is good at sharing. Listening, not so much...

3rd trimester!

We are on the home stretch over here.  I am starting to get a little uncomfortable at 28+ weeks.  I already have that grunt going on when I get up from the couch or pick Jackson up.  I am also starting to wake-up a lot at night.  Bathroom breaks and jabs in the belly are usually the reason.  Baby boy #2 is moving and grooving and I love every bit of it.  According to The Bump, he is the size of an eggplant.  I have tried to explain it to Jackson but so far he just thinks it is hilarious to find my belly and lack of a belly button.   He said he has never seen an eggplant so big...

   baby-bumpin-bangs

buck teeth

Jackson went to his 1st dentist visit and so far so good with his teeth.  He let them check his mouth all out and even brush his teeth.  We are going to try and make this more of a habit at home.  We hope he gets his dad's perfect set of teeth and not his mom's missing teeth and cavities.  One thing he has going for him is buck teeth.  I could try and get him to stop sucking his thumb, but I think I would rather pay for braces.

yard work

We have had gorgeous warm and breezy weather around here.  For Jackson and I this means more walks, more time at the park, more playing ball, and more feeding the turtles.  For Charlie and Jackson this means getting to rake up the leaves and (finally) mow the grass.  I don't know who is more excited me, Greta or our next door neighbor who rakes his yard every single day.  Cold weather is sneaking in this week, just in time for Christmas!

ohh nooo

We came downstairs yesterday afternoon to find this.  I frantically tried to clean up any shattered glass, wipe up the spilled water and yell at Greta (just incase she did it). All the while Jackson got out some snacks and made himself comfortable.  It looks like he is going to have his dad's happy go lucky personality.  I am thankful for that!

27 weeks!

I had good intentions of posting a belly picture, but I have taken in a lot of food over the past few days and just don't feel like showing off right now.  The cold weather and Holidays don't do much for this pregnant lady.

Oh Christmas tree...

It is December 1st and I was hoping to have the Christmas tree lit up Rockefeller Center style.  We at least have our tree and it is inside the house.  Never mind that half of the lights don't work and 3 ornament 'ballllsss' have already been broken, people are coming over tonight and we will get this thing decorated...

 Ok dada, 1st things 1st,  mama won't let us put them in our mouth...

 Awww yeah this is looking good!

 We definitly have to get more lights

Do I look like Elf on the Shelf?

uncle clint

Happy 21st + Birthday to my Uncle Clint!  He is a really good babysitter (for a boy) that likes to take me on walks, eat good dinners, play lots of ball and read books.  I can't wait for my parents to go on more dates so he can come and hang out with me!

Straight relaxing while we head to the park...

18 month stats

Weight - 31.3 lbs - 96%

Height - 33.5 in. - 82%

Head - 19.6 in. - 92%

My superbaby was as good as ever today at the doctor's office.  He is so ticklish that he laughs the whole time his doctor is checking him out.  His thunder thighs are so big that he does not feel it when he gets his shots.  He walks around the office flirting with the ladies, they give him stickers and suckers, everyone is happy and he is healthy.   He does not have to go back until he is 2 years old!  The doctor reminded me that she will be seeing me lots before then, talk about a reality check.  I pray baby boy #2 will be as healthy as this chunkster.

chatter box

The boy is talking all of the time.  I usually have no idea what he is saying but I know it is very important by his facial expressions.  I give him an 'oh really, wow' but he knows I am not understanding and answers with a strong 'NOOOO.'  It is a frustrating stage I am sure.  I find myself rapping old school Eminem style to Jackson, 'Nowadays everybody wanna talk like they got something to say, but nothin' comes out when they mover their lips, just a bunch of jibberish...'  

 Ma! Stop acting all pregnant, get a rake and help us!

Mmm, I think I just landed in some Greta stank!

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." -Psalm 107:1

Happy Thanksgiving!  I am so thankful for my healthy, happy, sweet, funny, energetic 1 1/2 year old and lots of  family that he gets to entertain all weekend long! 

ball

After almost 18 months, Charlie's dreams are coming true.  Jackson is obsessed with balls.  When he wakes in the morning... 'i wan ball.'  While we eat lunch he gazes outside 'ball?'  When he hears his dad pull up from work...'dada ball, ball dada.'  When he can't find a ball... 'oohhh no ball.'  They are scattered all around the house so watch out, his arm is getting pretty good.

You can't smile for baseball pictures mama, everyone knows that...

slow down

Jackson teaches me something new every single day.  I love watching all of the joy he takes in when exploring the world around him.  One thing I really appreciate about him and all children is their ability to live in the moment.  Having Jackson has taught me to slow down.  I have learned it is ok to do nothing in the afternoon.  'Nothing' like walking around the neighborhood and smelling flowers, laying on the couch and sucking your thumb while rubbing your head, laughing at the same funny thing all day long.  I am learning to enjoy the moment, because it sure is going by fast.

Just taking it all in...

monkey

If Jackson is being super quiet in the other room, he is either doing something I don't want to know about, I am about to hear a big bang or both.

Looks like it is time to put up the Halloween decor...

work

Confession - some days I would like to get up, put on something decent and head in to work for a few hours.  Although few and far between I get job envy.  This happends when one of us wakes up on the wrong side of the bed with not enough sleep.  Combine this with no coffee for me and a diaper rash for Jackson and we just don't get along that well.  In the working vs. stay-at-home mom debate I think part-time is the best for me.  I am very fortunate in that I can do that.  Last week I worked at Jersey Mike's everyday during the lunch rush.  It is nice to have some adult interaction and to feel somewhat accomplished.  The best part about it is coming home to this sweet face to spend the afternoon with.  He likes to give his mama some serious melt your heart loves too!

coloring

Jackson has recently discovered he likes coloring, specifically with markers.  What he really likes is taking the caps on and off and sneaking in a lick of the marker.  But it does amuse him for a good 10 minutes so I let him go at it.  He is the ruler of this house, that is a fact.  

Hmm, where should I start?

A little bit of this, a little bit of that...

MA!! Here you try...

boys

I am in need of some nursery ideas.  I don't want baby boy #2 to have all hand me down stuff, but it is looking like it may be that way. We are going to get another crib.  I was first thinking we would move Jackson to a big boy bed, but he is finally sleeping great in his crib and can't get out of it, so I figure no need to mess with a good thing. But besides that I got nothing. My favorite room in our old house was definitly Jackson's untouched sparkling clean nursery.  I need to get my creative juices flowing, pass along any ideas you have!  Of course Jackson will need something new, I am hoping to recreate something like this.  

"Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero." - Marc Brown

23 weeks!

Charlie purchased all of these without me even suggesting it.  That boy loves a good deal and taking advantage of his big ol' pregnant wife.  At 23 weeks we are all feeling good in this house.

gross

I have gotten used to walking around with snot on my shoulder, food in my greasy hair, slobber running down my shirt and sticky hands.  Most of this is from Jackson.  When he goes down for the night I look forward to showering off and changing into something clean and cozy until the dirt monkey awakes in the morning.  Well, last night as I pulled back the covers I noticed something... dookie spray on my pillow.  Hell naw, I had been butt stamped!  How long had it been there, I will never know.  The culprit, I am pretty sure I have a good idea.  I imagine him sleeping in his crib with a big smile across his face, 'sweeeettt dreams mamama.'

Happy Halloween!

Jackson's 2nd Halloween was a success, he even kept his dinosaur hat on for a few minutes!  Our neighborhood had a Halloween Parade / Carnival on Sunday and we did a little trick-or-treating tonight on our street.  Jackson was not sure about it...  I guess he knows not to take candy from strangers.

Please let me push my own wagon, I got places to be...

Ok, I will let my dad pull me as long as he wears the hat...

Roooaarrr, trick or treat!

 What? Your having another piece...

 Sneaky mama, I know she is trying to get me to go to bed so she can eat my candy!

pumpkin patch

Happy Fall Ya'll!

Can we pleasseeee get this big pumpkin?

 Whew, pumpkin rolling is hard work.

 Don't have time for pictures mom...

 OK OK one picture, send this one to my aunts, they will love it. 

baking

Fall means time for baking.  Pregnant means baking simply for yourself.  But tomorrow I am going to shower (atleast rinse off), put on something decent and head over to a 'girl's night.'  They promised to have decaf coffee so I promised to bring dessert.  I have narrowed it down to the following -

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
Reese's Stuffed Crescent Rolls
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pie
Chocolate Coca Cola Cake
Kentucky Derby Pie

Any favorites?  It is time to put on my gray sweatpants and get busy.

17 months

My sweet baby Jackson is turning into a little boy.  A little boy that loves to mimic everything we do.  He is constantly telling me something very important, even though I have no idea what he is saying.  He thinks everything is funny and will even give me a fake laugh when he doesn't know what is going on.  He is big into puzzles and getting pretty good at them.  He loves his books and has a nice long routine of reading atleast 8 of them before he goes to bed.  He would stay outside and play all day long if we would let him.  He loves his mama and dada almost as much as he loves to suck his thumb and twirl his hair.  I love him more than I ever could ever imagine.

fair!

Jackson and I both took our first trip to the State Fair yesterday.  Yep my parents never wanted to go because it was a waste of money...  Mmm hmmm, you see who took Jackson yesterday, atleast they let me join them!

 Please this ride is not even that scary...

 BAALLL... Jackson proudly won himself a ball 

Whoa, now this slide is a little bit bigger than the one at the park!

A fair is a veritable smorgasbord orgasbord orgasbord. After the crowds have ceased. Each night when the lights go out,  It can be found on the ground all around. Oh, what a ratly feast!

sleeping

I thought this blog post was pretty funny and right on the money for our family.  How Sleep Trained Us.  Jackson definitly trained me, I still wake up around 2am every single night but now I can use the bathroom and go back to sleep without anyone noiticing...

due dates

Today I had my 20-week ultrasound appointment and the due date of baby boy #2 was officially moved up a week.  We are talking March 2, 2012!  The doctor said they do not like to change 'due dates' but there was too much of a difference in what he was measuring in the ultrasound to what was my 'original due date.'  He is growing as fast as his big brother and his mama!  He looked cute as ever, in a squished alien skinny head sort of way.  I am amazed at how much he has already developed in such a short time.  Jackson still does not know what is going on.  What he does know is that my belly button is starting to stick out and it is ohh so funny to poke it.

And since I am a whole week ahead of what I thought, I promptly came home and ate a row of oreos.  I am pretty sure that 'whip' has crack in it.