Tomorrow is BIRTH Day

Today I went for my weekly check-up and came home with this EXCITING news...

Hudson Franklin will join our family tomorrow!!!  

Tomorrow......................................on

1/11/11...

I will become a mother of TWO!!!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 39 Weeks & 2 Days (cervix dilated 2-3 cm, 80% effaced, station -2)

Size of Baby: Baby Blake is the size of a watermelon (I'm going to guess around 8 lbs. 5 oz.)

Weight Gain/Loss: My total pregnancy weight gain is 20 pounds.

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

Gender: Boy HUDSON FRANKLIN

Movement: Slowing down a bit; guess he's finally running out of room!

Sleep: What's that? Getting ready for those nighttime feedings!

What I miss: Being able to bend over

Cravings: No real cravings...just thirsty

Symptoms: lots of pressure, slight contractions, a little swelling, reflux and heartburn

Best Moment This Week: Hearing Dr. G say, "You want to have this baby today or tomorrow?" I chose tomorrow of course which is the date I predicted for Hudson's birth--1/11/11. Ready to meet this little guy! I also feel great knowing that I worked up until delivery day. After my appointment today, I returned to school to finalize plans and say bye to my students.

What's Going on With Baby? At week 39, your pregnancy is considered full term, meaning baby is likely to thrive after birth. Baby spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world… meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. Meconium, which you’ll probably find in the first diaper, is accumulating in the intestines. If (okay, as) you worry about giving birth, consider what it’s like for the little one. During the journey out of your womb, baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life.

The Reveal...

of Hudson Franklin's nursery is finally here!

When we found out we were expecting another boy I wasn't sure what kind of nursery decor I wanted, but I knew I didn't want the traditional "baby" colors or themes. During one of my many shopping trips to TJ Maxx, I spotted the Quinten bedding set by Nautica and fell in love with it. It was the perfect color palette and theme for my baby boy's nursery. Not to mention, it was affordably priced since I purchased it from the Maxx rather than a department store. 

I purchased the bedding set from TJ Maxx along with the crib mobile and matching lamp. The three coordinating canvas wall arts were bought on eBay, and I found an incredible deal on the nursery furniture on Craig's List. The color of the wood and the slatted design of the furniture complimented the nautical theme of the room. Thanks to my mom for transforming the walls from green to "skinny latte". I wanted the walls to be a calm, soothing classic color since I would be adding pops of red throughout the room.

I wanted to personalize the nursery by putting "Hudson Franklin" above the crib. I love this detail! It announces who the room was created for, but also reminds me of how special his name is to our family. The name was created using vinyl alphabet lettering bought at Hobby Lobby.

The room accents including the picture frames and nautical pieces like the sailboat, anchors, and lighthouse were bought at Hobby "Heaven" Lobby. I can get lost for a day in Hobby Lobby and TJ Maxx. Love the finds and the prices at those stores! The armoire is a great piece because it holds so much by providing a hanging rod inside and three drawers below.

The large anchor and porthole mirror were also purchased at Hobby Lobby along with the vinyl word art that says, "God is with you in all that you do."

 

I love the contrast that the red curtains combined with the white shades provides in the room. For toy storage, I found the cute bench/trunk at TJ Maxx, and I used a glass top skirted table (which I already had) in front of the other window.

In the crib, two furry friends await Hudson's arrival. The chocolate lab was delivered by Santa, and the sweet lamb is a gift from Mommy.

only one thing is missing...

a sweet baby boy! 

6

Party like a Rockstar...

like a 6 year-old ROCKSTAR!!!

 

Briley knew exactly how she wanted to celebrate her 6th birthday--like a rockstar...

complete with delicious strawberry and chocolate cupcakes

covered in hot pink and silver sprinkles

with star picks! 

And of course there were presents especially for this Rockstar...

Macklan got Briley NERF guns (upon her request).
She loved playing with these at their recent campout sleepover. 

A mix & measure prep set from Nana and Pappy
to use with her Easy-Bake Oven.

Every Rockstar needs a real microphone and amp
(compliments of her Mommy & Daddy).

And what Rockstar party would be complete without...

DANCING, DANCING, and more DANCING!

 

Briley gave out party favors which included inflatable microphones and PopRock candy. The kids loved it! They had a blast dancing on the balloon bordered dance floor and singing into their colorful microphones. It was so cute to see everyone dressed in their rockstar attire, and I was honored when I was invited to the dance floor to sing and dance along to Miley Cyrus' "Party in the USA".

Macklan wasn't willing to cooperate for a picture.

Two cute little rockers!

Who knew turning 6 could be so much fun? Happy birthday Briley. Your party ROCKED!!!

Let the Countdown Begin!

I'm 38 Weeks!!!

Pregnancy Highlights:


How Far Along: 38 Weeks (cervix dilated 1 cm, 80% effaced)

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

Weight Gain/Loss: Since my 36 week appt. gained 2 lbs. (mostly in my belly!) Not really experiencing swelling and weight gain all over as I did with Macklan (only in my ankles & feet). My total weight gain so far is 24 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, very active around 9:00 PM

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! I've also been waking up around 2:00 AM for an hour or so. Getting ready for those nighttime feedings!

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! I also grunt and groan as I put on shoes and socks.

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

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks, heartburn at night, pain in abdomen, starting to waddle, ankles/feet swelling

Best Moment This Week: Nesting, nesting, and more nesting! Getting a much needed pedicure...weird moment--having the Asian nail tech reach out and rub my belly!

What's Going on With Baby? At week 38, your pregnancy is considered full term, meaning baby is likely to thrive after birth. Baby spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world… meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. Meconium, which you’ll probably find in the first diaper, is accumulating in the intestines. If (okay, as) you worry about giving birth, consider what it’s like for the little one. During the journey out of your womb, baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life.

2.0.1.1.

Welcome 2011...

I can't believe you're here!

 

Our crew of friends at the annual Fogle's New Year's bash.

It's always fun to see how our group changes and grows from year to year. This year I noticed that boys (as far as kids go that is) rule the roost! And, we'll be adding at least one more by this time next year--Hudson! We have so much fun talking, laughing, playing games, and eating. It's fun to watch our kids interact too! Macklan didn't stop the entire night. I bet he made a hundred trips up and down the stairs to the basement. He loved banging on Cooper's real drum set and playing with the mechanical crane.

 

What will  2011 bring? It's hard to say, but one thing our family anticipates is the arrival of Hudson Franklin Blake. It's going to be a great year as we grow our family to a family of four! Scott and I pray that we'll be the best parents possible for our children, and Macklan is ready to become a big brother. 2011 is looking pretty promising!

El Bracero, a Sombrero, and a Sleepover

For Briley's 6th birthday, she wanted to celebrate with dinner at her favorite place...El Bracero (smart girl). After our delicious Mexican dinner, the waiters delivered a birthday surprise which included a song, a sombrero, and a yummy dessert.

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday dear Briley,

Happy Birthday to you!

 

She's such a sweet 6 year-old that she even shared her dessert with little sister Hadley...

 

...and little cousin Macklan.

Then the birthday girl came home with us for a campout sleepover with Macklan. Both Macklan and Briley had gotten awesome new tents from Santa, and they couldn't wait to sleep in them!

Briley in her pig tent...

and Macklan in his puppy tent!

All set for a campout night complete with blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and of course...flashlights!

 

CHRISTmas Day

S.A.N.T.A. came...

and brought these awesome gifts for an awesome little boy!

Puppy tent, Uno Moo, Mickey and Friends, Radio Flyer wheelbarrow, lab puppies, NERF guns, Finding Nemo Leapster game, cars and trucks, Caterpillar Scramble, and blocks

But this little boy wasn't even aware...he was sound asleep and had to be woken up by his anxiously excited (you could call it "impatient") parents!

 

 

First stop...the final door on the Christmas house...door 25!

First look at the loot...

 

So excited about each gift. He would sit and check out one thing at a time, soaking it all in.

Santa listened...he brought Caterpillar Scramble!!!

not forgetting to check in his stocking...

After settling down from all the excitement caused by Santa, Macklan opened gifts from Mommy and Daddy.

 

It didn't take Macklan long to catch on to the clothing boxes. He reached a point where he wouldn't even open the box. He would just carry it over to me and sit it down. 

He went inside his tent to open this gift.

and later...he took his nap in his new tent!

 

Santa's not the only one who came.

Jesus came to save the world.

That's what CHRISTmas is all about!

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.