Sprinkle for Cameron!

Today my sweet friend Stefanie planned a "Sprinkle" for Cameron and all the wonderful ladies I worked with in OA, Customer Ops, and Miki and Barbara came. We enjoyed lunch on the patio and had a really good time talking about babies and the fun things to come. I don't get to see them as often now that I work in a different department and I really enjoyed the time with them. Work has been absolutely crazy for everyone and it meant a lot to me that they were still all able to take time away to come celebrate our little blessing. Cameron got some super cute clothes, a blanket, playmat, a soccer ball, some soothing sound animals, some beach gear, and more! I cannot wait for him to be here and use all the goodies. Here are a few pictures. :)

I can't wait to meet our little "peep"! :)

The hostess with the most-ess (Stefanie)

Cameron's cool shades... he got some that are blue too! :)

All the sweet ladies... this makes me laugh though because why did I decide to put my hands like that?? Ha ha... still a cute picture.

Emerson's trip to the Ft. Worth Zoo!

Saturday we went to the Ft. Worth Zoo with my parents and John Paul and had a great time! Getting there we had a slight hiccup... We are so used to the speed limit being 70 so Frank was driving 75 and wouldn't you know we got pulled over on 30 in Ft. Worth. Evidently the speed limit there is 60... oops! :( The officer was just standing on the left side of the road with his radar gun and waved us down. Maybe we should have gotten him to chase after us because we made it way too easy. Ha! Despite getting the ticket, we still had a marvelous day!

The weather was sunny and around 80 degrees and we couldn't have asked for it to be any better. We arrived not too long after they opened and filed in with lots of other people, but really it was not overly crowded at all. It really is a great zoo with so many things to see, especially for kiddos. This was our first trip so we didn't know what to expect or where to go, but after lots of walking we can now say we are familiar with the grounds! They have an extensive variety of animals and something for everyone. Emerson had a blast looking and pointing, walking, and trying to run out of our reach. :)


Mom made some tuna salad and had some chicken salad for our lunch so we enjoyed a nice picnic lunch before heading back in to the zoo. I was feeling tired before lunch, but was hanging in there ok, but after lunch my feet were killing me! And I was definitely doing a waddling type walk situation... a few sweet women commented that I was brave, which was nice I think. Maybe they thought I was crazy...of course they don't realize I still have 6 weeks to go!! Ha ha... I think I look like I am about to pop to other people.


Emerson got a short nap in after lunch while we walked around and after she woke up we were on our way to see the elephants and giraffes. Emerson now says the word "elephant" in a real triumphant voice that is really cute. She has a plate that we use at home that says "E if for Elephant" and really likes it. So it was fun for her to point at the elephant and say the word.


I am really glad we got to do this... we all had the greatest time. We will definitely be returning to the zoo, hopefully without a speeding ticket next time!!

Emerson ready to go in!

She loved looking at everything!

"What is over there?"

"E is for Elephant!" :)

CC and GrandPaul swinging Emerson

Mom, Dad, and Johnnie

Bluebonnets!

The bluebonnets are here! I have been waiting for them to appear and with all the rain we have been getting it seems like they popped up overnight! It's nice to drive by them every day when I pull in go to work so I will continue to enjoy them for a couple of weeks. :)

I of course wanted pictures of Emerson in them so tonight we headed to Fujitsu after dinner and took some pictures! There were a few other families taking pictures too... really the weather was perfect. Even though I am getting so big and it is hard to be flexible behind a camera I still got some great pics. At first Emerson wanted to pick the bluebonnets and then she was trying to walk, but they are so thick that she could't move and she actually got a little frustrated. She loves to be able to run, but there was no way she could run in the bluebonnets... they went above her knees! And at the end she got a little upset, bless her heart. I think she was ready to get home!

It is really crazy to think how much bigger she is this year from last year. I have posted a picture from last year too for fun. Time really flies... and this little sweetie is growing too fast. We love her so much. :)

When Emerson was almost 9 months old!

Dallas Blooms- Emerson having some fun!

Before little man arrives Frank and I want to spend some fun time with Emerson at local attractions. Our first is Dallas Blooms! We hope to also go to the Ft. Worth Zoo next weekend, maybe the Dallas Aquarium another weekend if we can fit it in. Also, if the bluebonnets at work are big enough we may get some pictures there this week too... though we may have to make sure she doesn't trample all of them! :) So today we thought we would head out to the Arboretum! We were not sure if the weather would hold out, but it was actually perfect! They are also having an art festival this weekend (which we checked out too) so their parking lots were completely full. They had a sign that said there was a free shuttle at Gaston and Garland Road, just a few blocks away. Frank and I were both a little apprehensive because we had a lot to carry (the stroller, diaper bag, picnic blanket, camera bag, and of course Emerson!), but we decided to go for it anyway. We didn't have to wait for a bus because one was ready to go, we loaded the stroller underneath, and I am pretty sure my belly or bags hit every passenger as I tried to shimmy down the aisle to a seat, but we got on the bus and were on our way! When we arrived the bus pulled right up to the entrance and we unloaded... it was not bad at all and we were glad we didn't turn around to go home! Emerson had a great time for sure... she loved being able to run around a little, as you will see.

Here is our silly goose!

They had some super cute cottages with information about famous artists, which we of course checked out!

This was another pretty spot for pictures... I was able to get several of Frank and Emerson.

For lunch we decided to go to the lawn where they have the concerts. You can see the lake and it is just a really pretty spot. Lots of other families were scattered on the lawn and we all enjoyed the music they had playing on the audio system. You will notice some hotdog and orange slices on Emerson's plate, but she preferred the Lay's potato chips for lunch. I can't blame her! :) After eating Frank and Emerson walked around a little before we packed up to see a few more flowers!

See, I really was there, but it is hard for me to take a pic I am ok posting!! ;)

I remember last year I got a picture of her on a bench during Dallas Blooms. Maybe I can try to do that every year.

I was wanting a picture of Emerson standing in front of the tulips, but what was I thinking?? This kid just wanted to run! :)

As you can see we had a wonderful time. I look forward the other fun stuff we have planned with Emerson. The Spring is such a beautiful time of year with the flowers and nice temperatures... we are going to take advantage of that while we can before the Summer brings those high temperatures!!

Dallas Blooms- The Tulips!

Frank, Emerson, and I visited the Dallas Arboretum Sunday to enjoy Dallas Blooms. I think the tulips were even more beautiful this year! I thought I would share a few pictures first of just the flowers. Enjoy. :)

Cameron at 32 weeks and My To-Do List!

Yesterday Frank and I got to see our little guy! As it turns out he is not so little though because they estimate he weighs 5 lbs 7 oz already! He is in the 75-95% I believe is what the doctor said. As far as measurements that puts him with a 34 week baby (2 weeks ahead). Really this is not too surprising for us because I have been thinking it is likely that he will be around 10lbs. Frank was big and my brother Justin was big when he was early! But even though this is not surprising it is a little alarming because that sounds so big! I will have another measurement at 36 weeks so we will see what happens between now and then. As long as my doctor agrees I should be able to deliver like normal I am good with things, but I really want to avoid a c-section if I can. During the sono we also saw that Cameron was head down now (yay!!), the blood flow through the umbilical cord was good, his heart rate was good, fluid levels were good, and his little boy parts were in place (sometimes this does not happen correctly, so don't laugh!). We are so happy to see things are going so well and grow even more excited each day. I can't believe we will have 2 precious little babies to hold and love on... Emerson is used to being the main attraction, but we have plenty of love to go around. We can't wait! Oh, and here was a side head shot yesterday...

So after seeing Cameron yesterday and realizing that you never know when things will happen I thought I better write out the to-do list for preparing for him to arrive! I have been thinking and storing information in my head, but writing it on a list makes me realize there is more to do than I was realizing! I was planning to wait until after the wedding and closer to Easter anyway, but we still have lots to work on. I am so glad we finished the nursery already!! So, here is the current list after my first stab:


To-do Before Cameron Arrives!

Target to complete by April 16th:

• Get everything out of the attic:
  · Crib (which needs to be assembled as well!)
  · Bouncer
  · Mamaroo Swing
  · Car Seat/Base


• Move some furniture:
  · Huge mirror goes upstairs
  · Chair in master goes upstairs
  · Glider comes downstairs
  · Revolving bookcase comes down


• Work on baby book and scrapbook!


• Email family to remind them to write letters for Cameron’s time capsule


• Have a semi-packed hospital bag ready

Target to complete by April 30th:

• Get the stuff in the garage:
  · Baby bath tub
  · Boppy/other pillow for feeding
  · Misc other baby stuff in the pink storage tote


• Stock/Prepare the Master Bedroom:
  · Get the clothes in place
  · Diapers/wipes in place
  · Sheets for the crib
  · Remove any other clutter!


• Prepare the Kitchen:
  · Do I need more Dapple?
  · Boil/Sanitize bottles in case they are needed
  · Get the drying rack back out
  · Make room for bottles in the cabinet
  · Boil/Sanitize pacifiers


• Make sure car seat base is installed (this is easier for us this time!)


• Have Stuff Already in the Time Capsule:
  · A few pictures of our family/house
  · Mementoes special to this time or things that happened during the pregnancy
  · Current magazines (baby magazine and a golf magazine probably)
  · Any letters already completed (probably just Frank and I since everyone was slow last time!)


• Definitely have hospital bag ready and the ViaCord kit handy


• Prepare Diaper bag for Cameron

Hospital List:

• Some baby clothes


• Hats or anything I want for hospital pictures


• Baby blanket


• Pacifier


• Gown and Robe for me


• Stool Softeners!!!


• Via Cord kit


• Camera and Video Camera


• Snacks


• Spiral notebook and pen


• Diaper Bag
  

Lots to do, but it will all get done!

Emerson's trip down the aisle!

This past weekend my brother, Justin, was married and Emerson was a flower girl! We had a wonderful time participating in all the wedding activities. It really wore me out, but these days it seems like I don't have half the energy I am used to having! :) Friday we went to the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. The weather cooperated pretty nicely for us and it was tons of fun. My mom and sister worked really hard to make it a special rehearsal dinner (yes, I helped a little, but they did the bulk of everything) and I can tell you it was the best rehearsal dinner I have ever been to! The theme was Las Vegas in honor of the happy couple's honeymoon to Las Vegas! We all enjoyed a delicious seafood buffet and some laughs with the families and friends of the bride and groom. There were a few games that everyone enjoyed, and the bride and groom got away with a few more essentials for their new life together, such as rolls of toilet paper! :)

The bride and groom!

Emerson loved playing with the foam dice!

My sister Amanda, Christy, and mom Carolyn

Saturday we were all busy getting ready for the wedding. I even had a hair appointment because if I sure was going to make sure I looked as good as possible! Emerson also had her first "up do" appointment at a hair salon as well. She looked absolutely precious with her hair curled and fixed. We seemed to all be running late Saturday trying to get here and there between the intermittent rainfall. We all knew the forecast was showing lots of rain and it did make it a little harder to get things done! We arrived at the church dressed and ready to go while the rest of the bridal part was getting ready to take pictures. The rain did create a challenge for everyone, but they were able to get some pictures taken before the ceremony. Then it was showtime for Emerson. As it was getting closer to when she would need to walk down I got a little concerned with the original plan we had for her to walk with the other flower girl because I hadn't completely thought about who would be with her before she came down the aisle. So Frank and I decided we would feel better if he was with her the whole time and he could just walk down the aisle with her. I think she did a great job walking... she didn't really throw any petals, but she looked adorable anyway! And I think it is so special that Frank was able to walk with her. Afterwards I thought about how in many, many years we hope that he will be able to walk her down the aisle at her own wedding... and that will actually be the 2nd time she will be escorted by her daddy... and I think that is sweet. :)

Also exciting was that my oldest brother, John Paul, was the best man. He was thrilled and honored to be the best man and during the service he shared his charm with the guests. The minister asked for the ring and Johnnie helped him and the ring box snapped as it was closed. It was quiet in the church when that happened and Johnnie sweetly said "My sorry", and this was recevied with some warm laughter. And when the bride and groom were announced man and wife and kissed Johnnie said "Yesssssss!" as he drew his arm and fist inward in excitement. I actually missed this as I was taking a picture, but heard the laughter again from the guests. It was really wonderful.

Our sweet little flower girl!

Walking down the aisle with her daddy :)

Hanging out before the ceremony.

Ready to go!

For the reception we actually changed Emerson into a skirt that was easier for her to run around in and fit into her booster to eat dinner. She literally danced the entire reception and was showing everyone her moves. And John Paul delivered a best man speech that was very touching as well. I am very blessed to have such a wonderful and special family.

So glad Ashley and Wade were there to enjoy the festivities!

Frank and I with the dancing queen!

The beautiful bride and groom... Mr. & Mrs. Justin Chandler!

Cameron and Emerson in 3D!

I was really excited to be able to get a 3D sono of Cameron at the same point in the pregnancy as I did with Emerson. I wanted to see how similar or different our kiddos looked. I see many similarities between them, but also some differences. One thing is for sure... we have some darn cute kids. :)

Cameron in 3D at 28 weeks:

Emerson in 3D at 28 weeks:

What do you think? :)

Falling Behind Already?

I had the best of intentions of writing my first blog post many weeks ago, but that just has not happened! Life is of course busy right now... I have been doing lots of preparing for Cameron's arrival and also working on my brother's wedding. While from day-to-day it seems like time isn't moving fast it must be because I can hardly remember the month of February now! I have great plans for this blog, and I hope I can keep myself on track with posting things periodically to share with family and friends. This is a big step for me since for a long time the thought of starting and writing another blog upset me. Some of you may remember that I created a blog in August 2009 to share the story of our first baby. It was called "SmallPaul" (I copied the Paul Frank children's clothing line!) but when we lost the baby I deleted the blog... and for a long time I thought about trying to blog again, but between the memory of what happened and the worry I felt I just wouldn't do it. And now finally I am happy to say that I have moved past feeling sad or worried about the blog. Nothing bad is going to happen because I am blogging... this may sound crazy, but yes, I am also reminding myself of that by saying it...

Now as I said... here I am... I have some future posts that will be coming... I actually may work on one of them tonight...

Thank you all for your support and for reading my first real post. :)

Em