It's Eleanor Rose. We'll call her Nora - unless she looks more like an Eleanor or a Rose.
Can you tell it's hard for me to commit? I still feel like I need to see her first. Anyway, if you're interested, I've posted all about the baby-naming process on Mama Said .
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Making Daddy Proud
Jason loves guitars. He loves playing them, listening to them, watching them being played, reading about them, and even building them. But, I think the thing he loves most is when Anne Parks plays her guitar. Jason's friend, Blaine, gave it to her when she was born, and a more perfect gift could not have been chosen. As you can see, she and Jason have been practicing.
On this night, before her performance, she introduced herself like this: "I'm Anne Parks - American Idol."
Doesn't she look like a pro? Now, for little sister...percussion or bass?
On this night, before her performance, she introduced herself like this: "I'm Anne Parks - American Idol."
Doesn't she look like a pro? Now, for little sister...percussion or bass?
Monday, April 27, 2009
Sisters, Sisters
Prepare yourself: This is a long post, but I have a lot to say about my sister.
Aren't sisters wonderful? If you don't have one, you don't know what you're missing! Growing up with a younger sister, I'm certain, made me the person I am today. We loved each other and hated each other and love each other more. (If you have one, you'll understand.) Yesterday, my sister celebrated her birthday. This is one of my favorite pictures of my sister Emily and me. It reminds me of all of the fun we had running around outside playing pretend. Thinking about our adventures make me even more excited that Anne Parks will have a sister, too.
I couldn't be more proud of my baby sister. The little girl in this picture has grown up to be one wonderful mama, a super-supportive wife, a business owner, and my best friend. This week, she'll be expanding her store and MINT will offer home furnishings and accessories.
Sadly, this is the most recent picture that I have of Emily and me, aside from hospital pics from when Smith was born. She was pregnant in this one, so I've added another (below, with Reed) where she looks more like herself. (I'm adding "take a picture with Emily" to my to do list!)
In honor of her birthday, I dedicate this video to my sister. It's sort of our theme song. For many years, this routine was our contribution to the "Howell Family Talent Show" on Christmas Eve. Emily, enjoy!
There is no one who will ever know you better than your sister. So, when Emily and Reed got married, I presented him with this guide. I thought it'd be fun to share it with you.
As you’re reading this, you are about to embark on a journey – a lifelong journey with many peaks and valleys. There are a chosen few who have, so far, survived this journey. I am one of them, and I am willing to impart the lessons that I learned along the way. In an effort to make the road a little smoother, I have created this guide. It is full of tips and lessons that I have learned through experience. I hope that they will aid you on this journey that we call “living with Emily.”
The first and most important rule of living with Emily is that she likes attention.
Give it to her and let her have it from others. This is the key to a pleasant journey.
Emily hates to be alone. (Who will give her attention then?)
Know that when left alone, Emily will need some sort of contact with others, so keep a cell phone or computer handy.
Another important thing to remember is that Emily is competitive. Not only does she like to compete, she likes to win.
She will turn ANYTHING and EVERYTHING into a competition.
When Emily loses, so will you. So…let her win!
Emily can make you tired.
(See Likes and Dislikes– “hates sitting still” and entire Quirks section.)
Warning: She’s probably going to want to sleep with you.
(See attention section -she doesn’t like to be alone.)
When you are the most fatigued is when she’ll want to keep you awake by talking.
There are some diversion tactics that can help you to distract her and get her to go to sleep, giving you some much-needed rest. I always relied on games.
(See competition section – “she likes to win”.)
The Arm Game – While lying on your backs in bed, raise one arm towards the ceiling. The first to lower his/her arm loses.
Sleep Race – Have a race to see who can go to sleep the fastest.
The Quiet Game – This one’s a classic. Whoever talks first loses.
(Note: The Sleep Race and Quiet Game can be combined for greater effect. The Quiet Game can also be used during other times of the day when you need a break.)
In this section, I started to include lists of Emily’s likes and dislikes. However, Emily doesn’t have any likes or dislikes. It won’t take you long to learn that Emily either LOVES or HATES something. So, following is a list of Emily’s HATES and of her LOVES.It is important to note that these lists can be used for both good and evil. It will be helpful if you want to avoid any problems, but it can also be a handy tool for getting under her skin.
HATES:
She hates…Mayonnaise.
She hates seeing someone eating it, thinking about it, or even hearing the word.
She hates…Barbecue.
Ever since the Super Bulldog Weekend fiasco several years ago, she’s hated the stuff.
She hates…Knee-pits.
This especially refers to the tendon behind the knee. She hates thinking about, touching, or having someone touch hers.
She hates…The Stomach Virus
Just thinking about it will make her sick.
She hates…Being alone.
Like I said, keep a cell phone handy.
She hates…Losing.
To her, it’s not an option.
She hates…Not getting enough attention…
Or feeling left out.
She hates…Sitting still.
She just can’t do it.
LOVES:
She loves…Attention.
Getting it, being the center of it, drawing it, I could go on and on.
She loves…Being first.
First in line, first to tell a story, first in a competition… as long as she’s first.
She loves…Winning.
She loves… Microphones.
She loves…Being in charge.
(Have you noticed a pattern, yet?)
She loves...Her family.
While living with Emily, you might notice a few of her quirks. Some of them can be very entertaining, while others are less so.
She’s feisty.
She also demands good service and common courtesy from others. (This is a bonus because a complaint to a manager by Emily is sure to get you free stuff at your favorite restaurant.)
She can’t speak without moving her entire body, but must especially uses her hands and eyebrows to communicate. (Note: Entertainment opportunity - Have her tell a story without moving her eyebrows…hilarious!)
She sheds.
No, you don’t have a new pet in the bathtub; it’s just Emily’s hair.
She doesn’t know the difference between “deja vous” and “bourgeois”.
She can’t say “exactly”.
She’s very picky.
From the food she eats, to the number that represents the volume on the TV, she’s hard to please.
That’s why you should feel extra special because she chose you.
As you see, to successfully live with Emily you must remember a few things. Never forget she loves attention and to be a winner. So, tell her that she’s beautiful, smart and talented. Tell her that she has the biggest and kindest heart of anyone you know. Tell her that her quirks only endear her to you more. Tell her that she’s the BEST.
After all, it’s the truth.
Aren't sisters wonderful? If you don't have one, you don't know what you're missing! Growing up with a younger sister, I'm certain, made me the person I am today. We loved each other and hated each other and love each other more. (If you have one, you'll understand.) Yesterday, my sister celebrated her birthday. This is one of my favorite pictures of my sister Emily and me. It reminds me of all of the fun we had running around outside playing pretend. Thinking about our adventures make me even more excited that Anne Parks will have a sister, too.
I couldn't be more proud of my baby sister. The little girl in this picture has grown up to be one wonderful mama, a super-supportive wife, a business owner, and my best friend. This week, she'll be expanding her store and MINT will offer home furnishings and accessories.
Sadly, this is the most recent picture that I have of Emily and me, aside from hospital pics from when Smith was born. She was pregnant in this one, so I've added another (below, with Reed) where she looks more like herself. (I'm adding "take a picture with Emily" to my to do list!)
In honor of her birthday, I dedicate this video to my sister. It's sort of our theme song. For many years, this routine was our contribution to the "Howell Family Talent Show" on Christmas Eve. Emily, enjoy!
There is no one who will ever know you better than your sister. So, when Emily and Reed got married, I presented him with this guide. I thought it'd be fun to share it with you.
A Sister’s Guide to Living with Emily
As you’re reading this, you are about to embark on a journey – a lifelong journey with many peaks and valleys. There are a chosen few who have, so far, survived this journey. I am one of them, and I am willing to impart the lessons that I learned along the way. In an effort to make the road a little smoother, I have created this guide. It is full of tips and lessons that I have learned through experience. I hope that they will aid you on this journey that we call “living with Emily.”
Attention
The first and most important rule of living with Emily is that she likes attention.
Give it to her and let her have it from others. This is the key to a pleasant journey.
Emily hates to be alone. (Who will give her attention then?)
Know that when left alone, Emily will need some sort of contact with others, so keep a cell phone or computer handy.
Competition
Another important thing to remember is that Emily is competitive. Not only does she like to compete, she likes to win.
She will turn ANYTHING and EVERYTHING into a competition.
When Emily loses, so will you. So…let her win!
Sleep
Emily can make you tired.
(See Likes and Dislikes– “hates sitting still” and entire Quirks section.)
Warning: She’s probably going to want to sleep with you.
(See attention section -she doesn’t like to be alone.)
When you are the most fatigued is when she’ll want to keep you awake by talking.
There are some diversion tactics that can help you to distract her and get her to go to sleep, giving you some much-needed rest. I always relied on games.
(See competition section – “she likes to win”.)
The Arm Game – While lying on your backs in bed, raise one arm towards the ceiling. The first to lower his/her arm loses.
Sleep Race – Have a race to see who can go to sleep the fastest.
The Quiet Game – This one’s a classic. Whoever talks first loses.
(Note: The Sleep Race and Quiet Game can be combined for greater effect. The Quiet Game can also be used during other times of the day when you need a break.)
Likes and Dislikes
In this section, I started to include lists of Emily’s likes and dislikes. However, Emily doesn’t have any likes or dislikes. It won’t take you long to learn that Emily either LOVES or HATES something. So, following is a list of Emily’s HATES and of her LOVES.It is important to note that these lists can be used for both good and evil. It will be helpful if you want to avoid any problems, but it can also be a handy tool for getting under her skin.
HATES:
She hates…Mayonnaise.
She hates seeing someone eating it, thinking about it, or even hearing the word.
She hates…Barbecue.
Ever since the Super Bulldog Weekend fiasco several years ago, she’s hated the stuff.
She hates…Knee-pits.
This especially refers to the tendon behind the knee. She hates thinking about, touching, or having someone touch hers.
She hates…The Stomach Virus
Just thinking about it will make her sick.
She hates…Being alone.
Like I said, keep a cell phone handy.
She hates…Losing.
To her, it’s not an option.
She hates…Not getting enough attention…
Or feeling left out.
She hates…Sitting still.
She just can’t do it.
LOVES:
She loves…Attention.
Getting it, being the center of it, drawing it, I could go on and on.
She loves…Being first.
First in line, first to tell a story, first in a competition… as long as she’s first.
She loves…Winning.
She loves… Microphones.
She loves…Being in charge.
(Have you noticed a pattern, yet?)
She loves...Her family.
Quirks
While living with Emily, you might notice a few of her quirks. Some of them can be very entertaining, while others are less so.
She’s feisty.
She also demands good service and common courtesy from others. (This is a bonus because a complaint to a manager by Emily is sure to get you free stuff at your favorite restaurant.)
She can’t speak without moving her entire body, but must especially uses her hands and eyebrows to communicate. (Note: Entertainment opportunity - Have her tell a story without moving her eyebrows…hilarious!)
She sheds.
No, you don’t have a new pet in the bathtub; it’s just Emily’s hair.
She doesn’t know the difference between “deja vous” and “bourgeois”.
She can’t say “exactly”.
She’s very picky.
From the food she eats, to the number that represents the volume on the TV, she’s hard to please.
That’s why you should feel extra special because she chose you.
Closing Remarks
As you see, to successfully live with Emily you must remember a few things. Never forget she loves attention and to be a winner. So, tell her that she’s beautiful, smart and talented. Tell her that she has the biggest and kindest heart of anyone you know. Tell her that her quirks only endear her to you more. Tell her that she’s the BEST.
After all, it’s the truth.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Our Princess
Do you know a princess?I do. Her name is Anne Parks. She likes to wear her ballgown whenever she can, and her favorite pass times are brushing her hair, turning and twirling, and singing about dreams and princes (usually in conjunction with one of the first two). In the last few months, she's become obsessed! I don't think that we are alone in experiencing this phenomenon. Cousin Maggie is known to belt out her own version of "Once Upon a Dream" on occasion, too. I don't mind Anne Parks' singing, "Someday my prince will come!" because it's just so cute, and because, when we watch any of the movies, when the prince arrives to save the princess, she thinks he's her daddy. Too sweet, huh? I love this article on "Princess Psychology" by one of my favorite bloggers. She has a princess at her house, too!
We are planning Anne Parks' 3rd birthday party (Can you believe it? 3 years old!) Of course, it will be a princess party. I wanted a picture for the invitation, so we had a little princess photo session. Anne Parks was very particular about each costume. She informed me that Snow White had a red bow, and Cinderella only had a headband. You may also notice that she did not turn or twirl in the Snow White dress because, according to AP, Snow White does not dance while singing.
We both had so much fun, and I just love how the pictures turned out!
Snow White
Sleeping Beauty (her favorite)
Cinderella
Clarification
For those of you on my "invitation" list, I'll still update this blog with pics of Anne Parks and family goings-on, so check back often!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Mama Said...
After much complaining, especially from my sister, about my new "invitation only" blog, I've set up another, more public blog. It'll have most of the same posts, but doesn't have specific info about our family and will have fewer pictures of Anne Parks, but you'll be able to view if using Google Reader and put a link to it on your blog (just don't use our last names, please). I know that sounds a little over-protective, but when it comes to my little girl and the internet, I've become a little paranoid - there are some weirdos out there!
I call it "Mama Said..." My sister and I, being the Southern girls we are, still call our parents Mama and Daddy. If are with friends and want to relay some words of wisdom we heard from our mother, we tend to say "Mama said this, or Mama said that," a phrase for which we were promptly teased. I thought it was perfect for the blog. I hope "Mama" is a term Anne Parks never grows out of.
The address is www.mamasaidblog.blogspot.com.
If you check it out, make a comment, so I know y'all are finding it.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Come See Us!
Two of my high school friends, Laura Rackley Stewart and Jessi Arringon, and I, along with Jessi mom, will have a booth at the Cotton District Arts Festival tomorrow in Starkville. If you're in town, stop by and say "hi."
OLD FRIENDS' BETTER GOODS
Saturday, April 18
8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
In front of Bulldog Deli
We'll have custom printed...
Bags
Onesies
Bibs
T-shirts
Artwork
Surprises
All 100% recycled and made by us with LOVE!
prices $5 to $20
We've been hard at work on some Southern designs, and we'll be printing them on reclaimed clothing.
If you have an old, boring t-shirt or bag of your own that's crying out for a funky fresh screen print, bring it by, and we'll print it for you right in the booth.
We hope to see you there!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Freezer Cooking
Do you freezer cook? There are loads of resources online on once a month cooking (OAMC). Cooking just once a month would be great if I could only be that organized (and have the freezer space)! I haven't attempted any OAMC, but I do, occasionally, do what I call "freezer cooking". For example, if I'm making chicken casserole, I'll go ahead and double the recipe and freeze one for later. Lately, I've been inspired by Crystal, the author of the blog "Mom of Littles", to do some major freezer cooking before the baby gets here (She's also the inspiration behind the checklist) to make life a little simpler after sister's arrival.
I was off on Monday for the Easter holiday, and Anne Parks was in Hattiesburg with Jason's parents, so I seized the opportunity to spend some time in the kitchen. I decided I'd cook and freeze three chicken recipes that had similar ingredients but very different flavors. Then, I hit the grocery store. In addition to buying all the ingredients for my freezer cooking, I did my weekly shopping as well. My bill was higher than usual, but only by about a quarter. I can see how cooking once a month could really save on your grocery bill. Because I was cooking recipes with similar ingredients, I was able to buy things (like sour cream that usually go bad in my fridge before I use them) in bulk.
These are the ingredients that went into my three dishes...
plus a large bag of frozen chicken breasts, cooked and chopped. Boy, was I tired!
I doubled the recipes for chicken casserole, chicken tetrazini, and chicken enchiladas (recipes below). Since one of those recipes is too big for my family of three, I split most of them into 9 in square pans. Here are the fruits of my labor: 8 nights worths of freedom from the kitchen (not counting the inevitable left-overs)!
The whole ordeal took me about 3 hours. The hardest part was the Tetris game I had to play to get them all to fit in the freezer! I was totally worn out, but it was well worth it. I'll probably do one more round with a few beef dishes and maybe some muffins.
The Recipes
Warning: These are in no way diet dishes. They all include at least one or all of the ingredients essential to Southern cuisine: cream of mushroom soup, cream or chicken soup, sour cream, and butter.
*When I heat these from frozen, I double the baking time and bake covered with foil for 1/2 the time.
Mama's Chicken Casserole
When we were young, this is the dish my sister and I would always request on special occasions, like our birthdays. It's probably my number 1 comfort food still today.
You'll need:
- chicken (about 2 cups, , cooked and chopped)
- can of cream of mushroom soup
- can of cream of chicken soup
- sour cream (8 oz.)
- butter (1/2 stick, melted)
- two sleeves (at least) of crackers (My mom's always used Townhouse, but when I started making this mysef, I thought it was Ritz, so I ended up altering the recipe. I still use Ritz, but either will do.)
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Smash up crackers (I just squeeze them in the sleeve.) and pour them into a bowl.
3. Pour butter over crackers and stir until coated.
4. Put 1/2 of the crackers in the bottom of a casserole dish.
5. Mix the first 4 ingredients together and pour them in the casserole dish.
6. Top with the remaining crackers.
7. Bake for 30 minutes.
Chicken Enchiladas
At our house, we call them "fajita things". I think a more accuate term is "enchiladas". They're great the next day as left-overs - maybe even better than the first time around.
You'll need:
- chicken (about 2 cups, , cooked and chopped)
- sour cream (8 oz.)
- shredded cheese (I like sharp cheddar, but you can use whatever you want).
- butter (1/2 stick, melted, or spray butter)
- flour tortillas (burrito or fajita size will do)
- jar of salsa
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Lightly butter the tortillas, wrap in foil, and warm in the oven for about 5 mins.
3. Mix chicken, sour cream, and a handful of cheese. (At this stage you could also add in diced onion or any other veggie you'd like. My family likes 'em plain.)
4. Spoon some of the chicken mixture into the centers of the tortillas, roll them up, then place them width-wise in a casserole dish.
5. Spoon salsa over the top.
6. Bake for about 30 mins, or until the edges of the tortillas start to brown.
7. Top with cheese and bake a few more minutes until melted. (If you're freezing this one, don't add the cheese until you're ready to eat it.)
Chicken Tetrazini
I found this recipe in Bully's Best Bites. I believe it came from Beverly Hooks. I think I've added a few ingredients along the way. It super-easy and oh, so good!
You'll need:
- chicken (about 2 cups, cooked and chopped)
- thin spaghetti (12 oz., cooked and drained)
- small can of chopped mushrooms
- small can of peas
- butter (1 stick, cut into pieces)
- cream of chicken soup
- sour cream (8 oz.)
- cheddar cheese (1 cup)
- chicken broth (1 cup)
1. Mix all ingredients (leaving out 1/2 cup cheese) in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave for 12 mins., stirring occasionally.
3. Add the rest of the cheese.
4. If eating right away, mircrowave for two more minutes, then serve.
If freezing, spoon into freezer pans. When ready to eat, bake at 350 for about an hour.
I was off on Monday for the Easter holiday, and Anne Parks was in Hattiesburg with Jason's parents, so I seized the opportunity to spend some time in the kitchen. I decided I'd cook and freeze three chicken recipes that had similar ingredients but very different flavors. Then, I hit the grocery store. In addition to buying all the ingredients for my freezer cooking, I did my weekly shopping as well. My bill was higher than usual, but only by about a quarter. I can see how cooking once a month could really save on your grocery bill. Because I was cooking recipes with similar ingredients, I was able to buy things (like sour cream that usually go bad in my fridge before I use them) in bulk.
These are the ingredients that went into my three dishes...
plus a large bag of frozen chicken breasts, cooked and chopped. Boy, was I tired!
I doubled the recipes for chicken casserole, chicken tetrazini, and chicken enchiladas (recipes below). Since one of those recipes is too big for my family of three, I split most of them into 9 in square pans. Here are the fruits of my labor: 8 nights worths of freedom from the kitchen (not counting the inevitable left-overs)!
The whole ordeal took me about 3 hours. The hardest part was the Tetris game I had to play to get them all to fit in the freezer! I was totally worn out, but it was well worth it. I'll probably do one more round with a few beef dishes and maybe some muffins.The Recipes
Warning: These are in no way diet dishes. They all include at least one or all of the ingredients essential to Southern cuisine: cream of mushroom soup, cream or chicken soup, sour cream, and butter.
*When I heat these from frozen, I double the baking time and bake covered with foil for 1/2 the time.
Mama's Chicken Casserole
When we were young, this is the dish my sister and I would always request on special occasions, like our birthdays. It's probably my number 1 comfort food still today.
You'll need:
- chicken (about 2 cups, , cooked and chopped)
- can of cream of mushroom soup
- can of cream of chicken soup
- sour cream (8 oz.)
- butter (1/2 stick, melted)
- two sleeves (at least) of crackers (My mom's always used Townhouse, but when I started making this mysef, I thought it was Ritz, so I ended up altering the recipe. I still use Ritz, but either will do.)
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Smash up crackers (I just squeeze them in the sleeve.) and pour them into a bowl.
3. Pour butter over crackers and stir until coated.
4. Put 1/2 of the crackers in the bottom of a casserole dish.
5. Mix the first 4 ingredients together and pour them in the casserole dish.
6. Top with the remaining crackers.
7. Bake for 30 minutes.
Chicken Enchiladas
At our house, we call them "fajita things". I think a more accuate term is "enchiladas". They're great the next day as left-overs - maybe even better than the first time around.
You'll need:
- chicken (about 2 cups, , cooked and chopped)
- sour cream (8 oz.)
- shredded cheese (I like sharp cheddar, but you can use whatever you want).
- butter (1/2 stick, melted, or spray butter)
- flour tortillas (burrito or fajita size will do)
- jar of salsa
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Lightly butter the tortillas, wrap in foil, and warm in the oven for about 5 mins.
3. Mix chicken, sour cream, and a handful of cheese. (At this stage you could also add in diced onion or any other veggie you'd like. My family likes 'em plain.)
4. Spoon some of the chicken mixture into the centers of the tortillas, roll them up, then place them width-wise in a casserole dish.
5. Spoon salsa over the top.
6. Bake for about 30 mins, or until the edges of the tortillas start to brown.
7. Top with cheese and bake a few more minutes until melted. (If you're freezing this one, don't add the cheese until you're ready to eat it.)
Chicken Tetrazini
I found this recipe in Bully's Best Bites. I believe it came from Beverly Hooks. I think I've added a few ingredients along the way. It super-easy and oh, so good!
You'll need:
- chicken (about 2 cups, cooked and chopped)
- thin spaghetti (12 oz., cooked and drained)
- small can of chopped mushrooms
- small can of peas
- butter (1 stick, cut into pieces)
- cream of chicken soup
- sour cream (8 oz.)
- cheddar cheese (1 cup)
- chicken broth (1 cup)
1. Mix all ingredients (leaving out 1/2 cup cheese) in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave for 12 mins., stirring occasionally.
3. Add the rest of the cheese.
4. If eating right away, mircrowave for two more minutes, then serve.
If freezing, spoon into freezer pans. When ready to eat, bake at 350 for about an hour.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
28 Weeks and Counting
I can't believe it, but Friday, I'll enter the third trimester. Boy, a pregnancy sure flies by when you're chasing after a two and a half year-old! Little sister is very active and kicking like crazy. She's also growing rapidly and, as a result, so am I! We've been busy getting ready for her arrival. I've got a long to do list, and I've given myself deadlines along the way. It looks like a lot, but my "month 7" list has all been checked off! Oh, it feels good to mark something off of a list!
Month 8: 29-32 weeks (April 17- May 7)
• Make curtains for nursery.
• Clean and check travel system.
• Finish freezer cooking.
• Plan AP’s birthday party.
• Wash and organize baby’s clothes.
• Pack hospital bag.
• Make plans for AP during and after birth.
• Install car seat.
• Pack diaper bag.
• Get big sister gift for AP from baby.
• Take AP to sibling class.
• Set up cradle.
Month 9: 33 weeks and beyond (May 7- June 1)
• Pick out announcements.
• Charge cameras.
• Make meal plan and stock up on groceries for first few weeks.
• Plan for post-baby wardrobe.
• Pack AP’s bag.
• Have AP's birthday party.
Month 8: 29-32 weeks (April 17- May 7)
• Make curtains for nursery.
• Clean and check travel system.
• Finish freezer cooking.
• Plan AP’s birthday party.
• Wash and organize baby’s clothes.
• Pack hospital bag.
• Make plans for AP during and after birth.
• Install car seat.
• Pack diaper bag.
• Get big sister gift for AP from baby.
• Take AP to sibling class.
• Set up cradle.
Month 9: 33 weeks and beyond (May 7- June 1)
• Pick out announcements.
• Charge cameras.
• Make meal plan and stock up on groceries for first few weeks.
• Plan for post-baby wardrobe.
• Pack AP’s bag.
• Have AP's birthday party.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Happy Birthday, Daddy!
While I was taking my blogging break, we celebrated Jason's 30th birthday. His mom, dad, sister, and niece came to town, we had a yummy dinner at Cock of the Walk. The night ended with cake and ice cream at our house. We had a great day celebrating a wonderful daddy and husband.
Monday, April 6, 2009
We're Back!
If you're reading this post and you've figured out how to access the "invitation only" blog, please post a comment, so I'll know y'all are able to get on.
I'm 27 weeks pregnant and have been nesting like crazy! I don't remember it being this bad with Anne Parks. Maybe it has something to do with having a 2 1/2 year-old this time around, but I have been on a mission to totally rearrange and organize my entire house. With the help of Jason, my mom, and my sister, we've gotten a lot done. We've tackled the dining room, the living room, the sewing room, and Anne Parks' room.
If I hadn't been so anxious to get everything done, I'd have had the foresight to take "before" pictures, but pictures never crossed my mind - not until Anne Parks brought it up.
We surprised her with a new "big sister's room" with "big girl" double bed and an orange chair (inherited from my Grandma Howell) for reading. When she walked in the room, she went straight to the chair, sat down, and said, "Take my picture!" You can see how proud she is of her new room.
Here she is with her not-so-little cousin, Smith.
I'll be sharing more "after" photos soon.
Next project: baby's room
I'm 27 weeks pregnant and have been nesting like crazy! I don't remember it being this bad with Anne Parks. Maybe it has something to do with having a 2 1/2 year-old this time around, but I have been on a mission to totally rearrange and organize my entire house. With the help of Jason, my mom, and my sister, we've gotten a lot done. We've tackled the dining room, the living room, the sewing room, and Anne Parks' room.
If I hadn't been so anxious to get everything done, I'd have had the foresight to take "before" pictures, but pictures never crossed my mind - not until Anne Parks brought it up.
We surprised her with a new "big sister's room" with "big girl" double bed and an orange chair (inherited from my Grandma Howell) for reading. When she walked in the room, she went straight to the chair, sat down, and said, "Take my picture!" You can see how proud she is of her new room.
Here she is with her not-so-little cousin, Smith.
I'll be sharing more "after" photos soon.Next project: baby's room
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Prayers, Please
Before I take the blog out of the public eye, I want to ask you all to pray for our friends Erika and Chance. Chance suffered a head injury this morning and is in the hospital. Erika's sister Darby has been posting updates on her blog: http://flythroughmywindow.blogspot.com/
I know they'll appreciate your prayers.
I know they'll appreciate your prayers.
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