Flowers and Butterflies

Grant and I love to look at the flowers outside. We especially like to look at the butterflies and bees that land on these flowers. While we were in Birmingham this past week, Grandma caught Grant "petting" a bumble bee (the big fuzzy kind) on their sunflowers. Daddy says those aren't too harmful. That's good news for Grant. We've "petted" our share of bugs that have visited our friendly flowers. I'm guessing they're friendly. The bugs like them. In fact, they like them so much that it takes a lot to distract them. Hence, the free for all pet fest we have been able to have. Here I am observing a butterfly. I feel bad for this guy though. He's a bit lack luster. But I'll still call him my friend. And Mommy says that there is great beauty in the plain and simple. That's how God made this little butterfly. Plain and simple.

Mommy's Moment: While They're Away

So, it's Wednesday. Tomorrow I head to Birmingham to meet back up with these two goof balls. I am ready. Just looking at these pictures makes me ready to be with them. Some of you have asked what I've done. Well, nothing too exciting, but that's how I like it. I've managed to deep clean our bathroom and their bathroom. I won't even tell you when the last time I did that was. In fact, I don't remember! I dusted. I took naps. I slept in. I watched What Not to Wear and A Baby Story (a throw back to the old days). John and I watched a movie (and I'm trying to convince him that we need to eat at O'Charley's tonight. It used to be our go to place before having kids. Their rolls are awesome. But, he's trying to keep us on a tight budget so we'll see about that). I played the Wii. Yep, call me a kid at heart. I worked on my shooting skills and my memory skills. I love the matching game. I tackled some much needed laundry. Made and ate some late dinners. Scrapbooked (which hopefully I'll do more of today). Did some reading. All in all, it's been a restful and rejuvenating time. But I realize where my heart is during the day. With my kiddos. They're what keep me going at the house. And even though it can be a frustrating, tiring, and an overwhelming job, I really do love it. I was pleased to hear today that Hannah actually asked Mom about me. I was beginning to worry that they would be disappointed to head back home! I am thankful for Mom and Dad for entertaining them for these past few days. I know it's been a special time for Hannah and Grant! I'm sure I'll hear some stories! So, off I go to coupon (yuck) and then hopefully on to more interesting things!

Mommy's Moment: Pregnancy Update

Me at 25 weeks with baby
me at 26 weeks with Grant

So, since I've got some free time on my hands, why not blog again?! I'm 25 weeks pregnant. I took a glamorous picture for you today to capture my belly so to compare it to my 26 week pregnant picture with Grant. I figured, it's close enough. The blue shirt was when I was pregnant with Grant. I am glad to see my stomach seems much bigger at this point with Grant. Because now, even moreso, I'm hoping this baby isn't as big. My doctor's appointment today was very informative. I usually remind the doctor that my last baby was 9lbs. 12 oz. to see what precautions need to be made since Grant's delivery was miserable. I hadn't seen this doctor at all this pregnancy. I'm glad I did today. Apparently Grant's delivery was more risky than I realized. She asked if he got stuck. He did. To which she advises any mother who has had a baby get stuck and be that size enter into a c-section for subsequent deliveries if the baby is measuring large. My body dialted to 4 cm and was fully effaced for two weeks with Grant but he refused to drop down because he was too big to fit down there. Only because my water broke was labor kicked into high gear (sort of). Thus, he got stuck and the labor wasn't pretty. It was nightmarish to be honest. The doc said the outcome isn't always as good as it was with Grant, who, finally was sucked out of me. Poor guy. She said with a baby that size the risk is great for it to get stuck and only fit its head out. Complications are common. My eyes were probably big as saucers while she told me this because she said, I just want to make sure you understand. Oh I do. And can I say I am so thankful for the Lord's protection over Grant's delivery? Anyways, my other doctor, the one who sucked Grant out of me with the vacuum, told me I could be induced. Not so. Only if my body has begun labor, meaning I'm dialating and effacing (which thankfully I do pretty early), can I be induced at 38 weeks 3 days. If not, I can opt for a c-section or try my hand at delivering a possibly big baby. If it comes to that point, I think I'll have to opt for a c-section. Oh yeah, she asked what we are having. Of course, we don't know. She said it's helpful to know if it's going to be a boy or a girl in a situation like this because girls are easier to deliver than boys (I can vouch for that). SO, it may be that we have to find out. We'll see. If it means the safety of our baby then we definitely will. Oh the drama. But as I look at the pictures above I still lean towards girl because my stomach is smaller which hopefully means a baby that doesn't weigh more than 9 lbs. So that's my update. All looks good for the little squirt at this point. I got three more pictures of him/her. I think I'll have a scrapbook full just of ultrasound pictures by the time this one arrives. But it's fun to see him/her so often! Thanks for reading this far. I'll be back with more exciting pictures of Hannah and Grant. Now, I'm off to enjoy another kid free day!

Mommy's Moment: My First Ever Break as a Mommy

I'm sitting here in a completely quiet house. Hannah and Grant just drove off with my parents. It's the weirdest feeling I've had as a mother. A good feeling. Since September 25, 2006 I have NEVER had a day to myself without kids...let alone two and a half days! To be honest, it's an invigorating feeling. I love my kids, for sure. And I will miss them immensely. I am sure come Thursday as I drive to Birmingham to get them I will be the happiest mommy in the world. BUT, the freedom at this very moment that pulsates through me is overwhelming! My schedule for two and a half days IS MY OWN. I can take a nap at any moment of the day. We can eat a late dinner. I can sit on the couch and eat my lunch and watch t.v. No little hands will be eating half of my meal. I can mosey through my chores without checking the clock to see how much longer I have until the naps are over. I can sleep without the nightly visits from Hannah and Grant. I can stay up LATE with no fear of having to wake up early in the morning. It's the weirdest feeling. It's as if I've stepped back four years to life B.C. (before children) which was a short period for us anyways. I thought I'd be more emotional seeing my two little squirts drive off without me. But I'm okay. Probably because I know they are okay. Hannah couldn't wait to go and thankfully Grant got in without any qualms. I reminded them several times I'd be there to see them on Thursday. Apparently this stuck with Grant. I asked, "When will I be there?" To which he immediately replied "tursday." So, I'm off to enjoy some freedom. My kids are off to enjoy some special time with Grandma and Papa. And my parents, well, they're off on an adventure..

Thanks Mom and Dad! Love you!

Pennies, Pennies, Pennies, Pennies...PENN-IES!

So, I'm sure most of you heard, I LOVE pennies! So much so that I've devoured at least two. I feel this photo captures my passion for them. I enjoy carrying them around and then putting them back into my ducky bank. I even gave some to Jesus at church a few weeks ago in the offering. However, after finding some more pennies (I DO have an eye for spotting any penny in the near vacinity on the ground) I said, "Jesus has enough pennies." I put it in my ducky bank. For those of you concerned about my penny fetish, please be aware that anytime I find a penny I give it to Mommy and advise her to "put it in my ducky bank." This picture was taken under adult supervision.

P.S. Did you see our new poll to vote on our new baby? Tell us what you think by voting. We've had a poor turn out and need a little love.

"Bankey Boy"

You know what's a travesty? Bath time. Not for me, but for Bankey Boy. If only you could see the distraught look on my face as I watch Bankey Boy tumble to and fro in the washer. Mommy said he needed a bath. I quickly learned his bath takes a lot longer than my baths. And then, don't get me started on the drying phase. I was an absolute mess. For two hours I cried off and on as I called his name, "Bankey Boy!" As any good parent would, I checked on him frequently. But it brought me no comfort. Only when he was returned to me, clean and a bit warm as well as emitting a nice fragrance I might add, did I finally relinquish my anguish and return to my normal state. Separating me and Bankey Boy is like separating peanut butter from jelly. It's sheer devastation.

Sibling Love

I love my Hannah. So much so that sometimes I like to crawl into bed with her at night. This was how Mommy found us before she went to bed one night. Sound asleep. A short hour later, however, the scene was a bit different. Mommy found me on the floor, crying of course. Hannah sat peering over the bed while commentating on the fall. It seems I'm not quite used to sleeping in a bed without a railing yet. Though I love my Hannah, I didn't argue when Mommy placed me back in my own bed.

Yard Work

It was time I put that lawn mower to good use. It's hot these days. I thought Daddy could use some help. So, I observed Daddy. I watched his moves. I even perfected the wave as I passed Mommy. Back and forth we went. Then, lo and behold, my mower ran out of gas. I took a look. Then, I ushered in Grant for some more expert advice. He knows a lot about gas. Before long we had that baby up and running again. And soon after that, a nicely cut yard.

More Water Fun

A bowl full of water = a delightful afternoon

Water Fight!

It's hot these days. And while I don't like being hot, I am also not fond of running through the hose. However, if I can HOLD the hose, well, life is good. Hannah, however, does not concur. She would rather Mommy spray the hose. Thus, we get into water fights which often end in tears from me or Hannah. This leaves Mommy a bit frustrated. Thankfully, since these photos were taken Hannah and I have developed a mutual excitement and enthusiasm for the sprinkler. At first we were both hesitant, but now we go full steam. We'll show you our sprinkler action shots soon. Until then, just imagine the frustrated exchanges between Hannah and me so you can better appreciate the joyous moments we will soon depict in our sprinkler shots.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to the best Daddy in the world. Thank you Daddy for working so hard for us each day. We know it's hard and not always fun but we know you do it for us. Thanks for the car wash rides, trips to Chick-fil-a, geese chases, hiding and seeking, couch throwing, swing pushes, and lots and lots of kisses and hugs. We are so lucky to have you as our Daddy!

Still Celebrating

You'd think from all these pictures that I had one heck of a birthday celebration. I guess there is an advantage to having your party one day and then your actual birthday a few days later. Twice the fun, twice the cake, and more presents to open. I especially wanted to point out Daddy's psychic skills. Just look at him staring at that candle. It looks as though I blew the candle out. In reality, it's Daddy's special psychic stare skill that blew it out. So I've concluded. Apparently, his stare had to stay transfixed on the candle to keep the flame extinguished. I, however, turn my bewildered gaze toward the camera while thinking, "what in tarnation just happened?" I am a bit freaked out to say the least. Then there's Hannah, in awe and quite thrilled by her Daddy's super power. What if she too possesses the super power? Then we'll be like the Incredibles...except I'm not too sure what my super power is...or Mommy's. This could be an interesting year. All I know is I sure want Daddy around if our house ever catches on fire.

Simply Irresistible

My new wheels. What can I say? They're simply irresistible. It's a big hit with the ladies. Take our friend Lucy, for example. She loved it. So much so that she was willing to ride on the back with Hannah. Folks, it isn't a two seater. It's just so irresistible one doesn't mind losing a bit of comfort just so they can take a spin. However, I myself actually can find it resistible right now. I'm just lacking the skills I need to ride a mean trike. To be honest, it's a bit embarrassing that Hannah can outride me. I need some training, I know. I need some alone time to work my magic on it. Yet, alone time doesn't quite exist in my world. EVER. So, for the time being, I may find this trike resistible. But just you wait. One day, I'll break out the wheels and show you some mad tricylce riding skills.

Cousins

Here we all are...cousins on Mommy's side. That's Kyle, Brooke, Allie, Hannah, and Me...Grant. Yep. And that space to my left, well that's for Harman baby number 3. Yep. We think it's a girl. We sure do. Either way, we'll love it...boy or girl. Mommy says we have to. Looks like Kyle and I may be outnumbered. However, if Mommy can push out a boy, well, you see it will be even. 3 boys, 3 girls. I like balance. I think Kyle does too. So Mommy, if you're reading this...a third boy would really help out the balance. But, I'll still love it if it's a girl.

Grandmama

Like I said before, we love our grandparents. Here I am just relaxing with Grandmama. She sure is great. I wonder if everybody is as lucky as I am to have such great grandparents?

Mickey Mouse

After enjoying being conductors for a bit, we got to eat my cake. But not without singing and blowing out the candles first. I did a good job. Phew. I was nervous. A lot of attention for that event. Then, it was on to presents. That was fun too. I was most elated when I opened my Mickey Mouse for Grandma and Papa. After looking back on it, I'm a bit embarrassed. I could hardly contain myself when I saw Mickey Mouse hiding under that wrapping paper. I shouted, "Mickey Mouse!" quite loudly. What can I say, I'm a die hard fan. He now sleeps with me every night. I even took him for a spin on my new trike from Grandmama and Grandaddy. We were both a bit nervous. All in all, it was a great party. Can't wait to see what's in store in this new year of my life!

All Aboard!

I had a transportation party. I guess you figured that out already after having seen the cake. It might as well have been a train party though. And that's okay by me. Thanks to Grandmama, we each got our own conductor hat, whistle, and bandana. We were official conductors. However, Allie and Hannah, being the prisses they are, turned the bandanas into princess paraphanelia. Go figure. They thought they were Cinderella. You know, when she's cleaning and stuff. Don't ask me how I know that. Seriously. I love the movie Cars. I do. Ask me anything about that.

Mommy's Moment: 20 Weeks

I'm twenty weeks. That means, of course, the anatomy ultrasound. Except, not for us. We're one of the weird few who like to wait. Most people think we are crazy. We hear comments like, "Wow, you must really be patient," or "We're just really planned people and have to have everything ready. We can't wait." Well, to those comments....we aren't really patient. There's, of course, that strong desire to find out at every ultrasound (and folks, with this squirt there have been so many already and at least 2 more to come...we'll see how patient we are :) ) And secondly, John and I are far from spur of the moment people. I'm laughing now as I picture John and I recklessly making last minute plans. A few weeks ago, our gracious friends watched Hannah and Grant for us so we could go on a date. When they arrived at our house they asked us what we were going to do. We surprisingly replied, "we don't know yet." They laughed as they said sarcastically, "You and John are spur of the moment people!" Everything will be in place. It's just that the clothes baby will wear for those first few weeks will mostly consist of yellow and green and he/she will be sporting a PLETHORA of ducks. For some reason, ducks are neutral. Good thing I like ducks. Good thing baby has no clue. His/Her room is neutral so it goes with every baby we have. So, there you have it. When you shuck it all down, we just like the surprise on D-Day. It gives me a bit more incentive to push (as if the contractions weren't incentive enough).

But, the ultrasound went well. The best news is that my placenta has moved to a "happy" place. I had marginal placenta previa (I had it with G-man too) but this time I had a few minor complications with it. That's no more. Yay Placenta! Also, baby is already measuring on the "large" side. Let's not forget that the G-man weighed in at a whopping 9 lbs. 12 ounces (and they wondered why I had hard time delivering him). Hence, why I'm getting another ultrasound at 32 weeks. They seem to think it necessary to remind me each visit that often times babies get bigger after each pregnancy. Thank you, I'm well aware of that. If we do see this baby will be a heifer, I will hopefully be induced a week early. I'm not a fan of inductions but I'm also not a fan of delivering 10 pound babies. If I had to choose, uh, induction...hands down. We'll see though. Nothing ever goes as planned and when it comes to havin' babies....you gotta go with the flow.

Finally, I've added two twenty week belly shots. First off, it's rather odd taking a picture of yourself. Do I smile? Do I look serious? I chose to just look crazy. It was awkward. Secondly, I know that my tummy doesn't look big. You will not be the first to say/think that nor will you be the last. I attribute my slow growing stomach to the long torso the Lord equipped me with. John thinks I'm crazy for the number of times my long torso comes into conversation. My height, I attribute to my long torso, not my legs. Thus, shirts are often difficult to find to suitably cover its length. And sometimes I have to buy short legged pants. Crazy right? Sometimes I think I'm proportioned oddly but hey, I'm "fearfully and wonderfully made." And thus, my babies have a large area to grow in. They can stretch out for awhile. I like to think they appreciate this. It's got to be a bit cramped growing in a belly. No economy size for my babies. Nope. They get the full suite at no extra cost. So, grow baby grow. You've got the space. Just keep it under 9 lbs this time.

Great job if you got this far reading my pregnancy post. You're a true friend.