Twas' the Night Before...

Christmas...

and all through the house,

not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse 

were squeals of excitement and big happy smiles!

Our night before Christmas began with a beautiful Christmas Eve service at our church. Scott and I played roles in a drama, and I also sang one of my favorite Christmas songs, "Mary Did You Know" as a part of the worship service. It was the perfect way to start the night...with our family and remembering the real reason for the season!

Our Family of "Almost" Four

Macklan was super excited this Christmas.

As we left for the Christmas Eve service, Macklan sprinkled the lawn with reindeer food.

 

He wanted to make sure the reindeer knew where to land!

After the service, we headed straight to Mammie's for finger foods and gifts as the beautiful snow fell. I always love this time together with my family. It's been a tradition for as long as I can remember, and I hope that Macklan will treasure these memories as much as I have throughout the years.

He tore right into gifts like a pro! No hesitation and no assistance needed!!!

A Nike Basketball



Silly Boy

Loved his art easel from Mammie...he's an artist!

Before getting snug in his bed, Macklan left cookies and milk for Santa.

Then...

all fell fast asleep on a WHITE Christmas Eve.

Our Christmas Card

 

Santa's #1 Guy

This year Macklan was a fan of Santa and very interested in talking to him (unlike year's past)! He sat on Santa's lap EVERY time he had an opportunity this holiday season and made sure to tell him exactly what he wished for under the tree. Macklan's list always included shiny new cars and trucks, games like Uno Moo and Caterpillar Scramble (a.k.a. the caterpillar game at Toys R Us), balls/sports, Leapster games, and a switch-up between a red wheelbarrow and a blue bike. His shirt proved to be true, "Santa's #1 Guy".   

9 Months...Right Around the Corner!

I'm 36 Weeks!!!


Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 36 Weeks (cervix closed, 50% effaced)

Size of Baby: Baby Blake is the size of a honeydew

Weight Gain/Loss: Since my 34 week appt. gained 3 lbs. (mostly in my belly!) Not really experiencing swelling and weight gain all over as I did with Macklan. My total weight gain so far is 22 lbs., not bad with all the holiday eating!

Maternity Clothes: Maternity pants and dresses, mix of maternity and regular shirts/sweaters

Gender: Boy HUDSON FRANKLIN

Movement: Strong forceful kicks, protruding pushes, settling into sleep patterns

Sleep: It's difficult to find a comfortable position. I flip from one side to the other. If I sleep on my left side, he flips and flops (seems to prefer it when I sleep on my back or right side). I've had some leg cramps at night too, and the heartburn is in full swing. I have to prop my head up with two pillows for some relief!

What I miss: Having enough energy to get through the work day and then keep up with an active 3 year old! I also miss getting a full night's sleep, having a bladder, and being able to eat a full meal!

Cravings: Mexican, cereal, DQ Blizzards, thirsty all the time

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks, heartburn at night, pain in abdomen, starting to waddle, and my first ever hemorrhoid from all the Christmas shopping. Did I just share that? Well, it's the truth!

Best Moment This Week: Having a couple of snow days at home to focus on Hudson's nursery and begin washing his clothes.

What's Going on With Baby? Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month.

34 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 34 Weeks

Size of Baby: Baby Blake is the size of a honeydew

Weight Gain/Loss: Since my 32 week appt. gained 3 lbs. (all in my belly, no doubt!)

Maternity Clothes: Maternity pants and dresses, mix of maternity and regular shirts/sweaters

Gender: Boy HUDSON FRANKLIN

Movement: Moving all the time, throughout the day and night, strong forceful kicks

Sleep: It's difficult to find a comfortable position. I flip from one side to the other with a pillow propped between my legs and under my belly. Hudson's strong kicks keep me awake at night. If I sleep on my left side, he flips and flops. He is calm when I sleep on my right side. I've had some leg cramps at night too, and the heartburn is starting up.

What I miss: Having enough energy to get through the work day and then keep up with an active 3 year old!

Cravings: salty foods, cereal, thirsty all the time

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks, achiness due to my abdominal ligaments stretching, heartburn, leg cramps

Best Moment This Month: Enjoying the Thanksgiving holiday with family and thanking God for this tiny little blessing.

What's Going on With Baby? Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month.

Spread the J-O-Y

This year I took pictures of the grandchildren for Nana's Christmas cards. After a few dozen snaps of each grandchild, I ended up with these as the best individual pictures...

and here are the cute outtakes I captured...

Just spreading a little J-O-Y!!! 

Christmas Time is Here Again

One day recently while Macklan was playing, he informed me that his stuffed animal needed a paci so it would stop crying. I dug one out for him to play with, and today on our way to the Christmas parade I turned around and this is what I saw...

 

My three year old (who has been without a paci for two years) had snuck the paci to the van. Upon first seeing this sight I laughed. Then I curiously asked, "Why do you have a paci in your mouth?"

This funny little boy quickly explained, "I need it so I won't cry!"

Immediately after church today, we headed to Central City for the annual Christmas parade. We arrived an hour before parade time so we could listen to Cooper and the rest of the FBC childrens' choir sing Christmas music on the downtown stage. Macklan so admires Cooper and loves being around him. Here they are ready for the parade to get started...

Looking on as the fire trucks lead the parade down the street...

Macklan thought the clowns were funny as they zipped by on bikes and motorcycles of all sizes.

 

It didn't take long for Macklan to figure out that most of the passers-by threw out candy. He would get super excited, waving his arms and yelling "Candy! Candy!", and fought to get his fair share. It was a scramble since he was surrounded by kids who were all older than him. He stood his ground!

We took a little reindeer bag, and by the end of the parade it was full of goodies...mostly suckers! One of Macklan's favorite candies.

I love the signs of Christmas, and the parade was a great way to welcome the holiday spirit.

32 & 32

Today I am 32 years old...

and I'm 32 weeks pregnant with Hudson Franklin Blake.

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 32 Weeks

Size of Baby: Baby Blake is the size of a squash

Weight Gain/Loss: Since my 28 week appt. gained 5 lbs. (all in my belly, no doubt!)

Maternity Clothes: Maternity pants and dresses, mix of maternity and regular shirts/sweaters

Gender: Boy HUDSON FRANKLIN

Movement: Moving all the time, throughout the day and night, strong forceful kicks

Sleep: It's difficult to find a comfortable position. I flip from one side to the other with a pillow propped between my legs and under my belly. Hudson's strong kicks keep me awake at night. If I sleep on my left side, he flips and flops. He is calm when I sleep on my right side. I've had some leg cramps at night too.

What I miss: Having enough energy to get through the work day and then keep up with an active 3 year old!

Cravings: salty foods, cereal

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks, achiness due to my abdominal ligaments stretching, a little heartburn, leg cramps

Best Moment This Month: Celebrating my birthday with family and friends and beginning to prepare the nursery for Hudson's arrival.

What's Going on With Baby? Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.


Finally We'll Meet

By Sharon A. Blevins


I love you, little baby
You're such a part of me.
Can't wait to hold you in my arms,
And hug you tenderly.
No matter what you look like,
You're beautiful, my love,
A precious gift bequeathed to me,
From heaven far above.
Each time I feel you moving,
My heart is filled with joy,
To think that very soon I'll hold
My sweet little boy,
I'm counting every moment,
Til you're mine at last, my sweet
It won't be long until your birth,
Then finally we'll meet.

1-2-3 Imagine

Imagine singing and dancing with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and all your favorite Sesame Street Live friends! Well, we did just that at the Owensboro Riverpark Center!

It was as easy as counting “1-2-3 … Imagine!” We had so much fun being transported to far away places as Ernie captained the high seas, Elmo danced to the rhythm of the African rainforest, and Bert met an octopus who had the blues. It was a story of high-energy adventure and fun that taught children they can be anyone, do anything and go anywhere with the power of imagination. It should be said that the children weren't the only ones who enjoyed the show! We all had a great time at 1-2-3 Imagine!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Build-a-BearPUPPY

Anyone who knows Macklan is not surprised that he chose a puppy instead of a bear for his 1st Build-a-Bear experience. He is a puppy boy! It was fun going into the workshop and allowing Macklan to pick exactly what he wanted. Of course, he picked out the most expensive puppy (must get that from his Mommy) but I couldn't blame him. It was cuddly soft and the most adorable of the three or four choices.

He was really into pushing the pedal that filled his puppy with fluffy stuffing, and he placed a tiny red heart inside after warming it in his hands. A puppy sound button was added to one of the paws and all that remained was anxiously watching the worker stitch up the puppy.

Macklan loved washing and grooming his puppy...

and giving him big hugs and kisses!

Another thing he picked out without hesitation was the outfit...a UK basketball uniform! Good choice. I knew this decision would greatly please Daddy (and it did). Macklan and I agreed that the best name for this puppy would be Rupp! So we created the birth certificate and snapped a quick picture of the two new friends...

Macklan and Rupp the Puppy!!!