25 weeks with Cheney

 

 

How far along?: 25 weeks

How big is your baby?: the size of an eggplant

 

Total weight gain: up 7lbs total

Sex: sweet baby GIRL--Cheney Katherine

 

Maternity clothes: of course. I am living in my Old Navy active maternity capris & maxi skirts. All about comfort these days!  

 

  Sleep: Not too bad. I have been taking Benadryl because of allergies so sleep has been pretty good!

 

Symptoms: My allergies are OUT OF CONTROL. Other than that, I feel so much better. So thankful since we are going to Disney next week!

 

Movement: Cheney is such a wiggle worm!! Every time I get still and lay down, she starts going crazy. I feel like she has been flipping around lately. I've tried to let Grayson feel her kicks, but he won't sit still long enough. Typical t3 year old boy:)

 

Best moment this week: The boys got their new beds and they look awesome! Now if we could only get the tiny toddler to sleep in his we would be all set! Oh, and this time next week we will be in Disney World!!

 

Food cravings: Ice cold lemon water & fresh fruit!

Belly button in or out: in but starting to flatten. Womp, womp, womp...

 

What I miss: Right now the only thing I really miss is being able to take any medicine I want. I have been coughing up a storm and there is not much a pregnant gal can take for that.  

 

What I'm looking forward to: Heading to Orlando on Monday morning! The boys are super excited about flying on an airplane & meeting Mickey Mouse and the rest of the gang. It is going to be so much fun! 

an update of sorts

This time next week we will be in Disney World! This week will be a little crazy trying to pack & run errands for last minute things. I feel like we've been busy lately!

 

Right now Griffin is currently sleeping in his sister's nursery. I use the term "nursery" pretty loosely. Right now it has the new glider, Cheney's crib, & half a wall with lots of gray paint samples. Nothing can really happen until Griffin moves in with Grayson! Last week we decided to convert Cheney's crib into a toddler bed since we already had that conversion kit. The transition went so much better than trying to put Griffin in our small, white toddler bed! For whatever reason, Griffin loves his new toddler bed & is sleeping just fine. Most of the time he stays in it until we get to his room. A couple times he has gotten out & proceeded to bang on the door. Ha! Hopefully in a few weeks we will be able to move him to his new twin bed in Grayson's room!

Speaking of new twin beds, I love them! We asked Ben's dad to build 2 beds for the boys because we could not find anything we liked in the stores. I wanted more of a rustic look & they turned out perfect! Not to mention, how special is it that they will sleep in beds built by their Pops?? I love that. We are waiting on a custom dresser & then I can hang everything up in their room. I'm excited to see it all come together!

Some of you may have already heard this, but my little side "job" is coming to an end. I've been a Kelly's Kids Rep since I quit teaching & I have really enjoyed doing it. The company made the decision last week to sell solely on the internet & no longer use reps or home parties. I was completely caught off guard when they told us this last week. I've had lots of loyal internet friends as my customers and I really appreciate y'all helping to build my little business! I'll definitely miss the KK clothes but Miss Cheney totally benefitted when I used the rest of my discounts on her summer wardrobe for next year! Oops.


I will leave you with the thoughts I have been having lately watching these (most of the time) sweet brother moments. First of all, I never in a million years would have imagined that being a "boy mom" was so much fun. I watch them laughing and sharing their own little jokes & I think my heart just may explode. They were sitting on the train table the other night with a pile of trucks surrounding them. Ben and I were SO tired and just beyond ready for bedtime. They were giggling and playing so nicely. It was hard to end that time so that they could go to sleep! I want to cherish these moments because I know I will never get them back. It will never be just the 2 of them again. A little girl is soon joining their posse. I keep thinking about what that will be like. To have some girly things thrown into our bonus room full of trucks, superheroes, & a basketball hoop.  I can't wait to see it. I can't wait to see these sweet boys love their baby sister like they love each other. 

24 weeks with Cheney

 

 

How far along?: 24 weeks

How big is your baby?: the size of an ear of corn

 

Total weight gain: up 7lbs total

Sex: sweet baby GIRL--Cheney Katherine

 

Maternity clothes: yes. Loving my new Old Navy yoga capris! I stocked up for Disney World & they are so comfy!

 

  Sleep: I've been sleeping okay. I toss & turn a lot but that's just because my hips are hurting. Just part of it!

 

Symptoms: Other than the vein being uncomfortable, I am feeling so much better this week. I got a new prescription for Zofran last week and it made a huge difference. I actually haven't needed it this week. My appetite is back, no contractions...so much better!

 

Movement: Lots of movement! She moves around the most late at night. As soon as I am laying down I feel like she starts flipping around. Grayson is really looking forward to being able to feel her move soon!  

 

Best moment this week: I finally got my haircut and colored and it was a glorious (and quiet) 2 1/2 hours! We also switched Griffin to a toddler bed yesterday before his nap. He went to sleep like it was no big deal yesterday. I am hoping that trend continues & he will move in to Grayson's room soon!  

 

Food cravings: Lemon water and fresh fruit. Those are the only things that sound good!

Belly button in or out: in.

 

What I miss: Nothing really. Enjoying it now that I am no longer feeling awful. Hope that continues!

 

What I'm looking forward to: our trip to Disney World in less than TWO weeks! I am getting so excited! 

Our fun-filled Easter weekend

We had such a great Easter weekend! Poor Ben had to work for the 2nd Easter weekend in a row, but thankfully my parents were able to visit us! Warm weather has finally arrived to Tennessee and we spent the whole entire weekend outside. The boys are still recovering from all the fun!

 

On Good Friday our Sunday School class had a huge egg hunt for all the kids.  Sweet Griff was battling bad allergies all weekend & Friday was definitely his worst day.

He was ALL business & no smiles while hunting for eggs. I know he didn't feel great, but his smug little face made me laugh!

We have such a great Sunday School class. I love all these kids!

Saturday was spent outside painting pots, planting flowers in the newly painted pots, dyeing Easter eggs, & just enjoying the sunshine!

Griffin woke up much happier on Saturday. I'm glad he got to enjoy the day, too!

G really liked dyeing eggs this year. That wire whish tip you've seen on pinterest? It worked so well! I tried to let the wild child dye some eggs but he is still a little rough for that. Maybe he'll participate next year! He preferred to slide on the playset while Grayson made some pretty eggs!

We ended the night next door at our neighbors fire pit! We roasted marshmallows and made s'mores. These 2 are such good buddies. It feels like Eli has always been a part of our little Broadgate group!

The Easter Bunny brought the boys some fun things. Their favorite was a new soft sword. Who doesn't love attacking their brother with a play sword?! Also, I found those cute Easter buckets at Target last week. Cheney even got a pink fairy one for next year!

Ben had to go to work before church, but we did get a family picture this year! I am still in shock that there will be one more little one in our picture next year.

The boys loved having their Nana & Poppy here all weekend. We had to go through grandparent detox all day on Monday!

These boys have my whole heart. They looked so sweet! Grayson did so great with us at "big church" & Griffin got to play with his Sunday School friends. I'm so glad we had family here--it was a great Easter weekend!



Grayson's Best Weekend Ever

We did something last Friday that Ben and Grayson have been waiting years for: we signed G up for summer t-ball. Grayson was born with a natural athletic ability & he has been wanting to play baseball since he started throwing a ball around at age 1. Needless to say, he was so excited.

 

We started out our weekend picking out all of Grayson's gear he would need.

 

He was so proud of his new baseball pants, cleats, glove, & a real t-ball bat. Of course we came home & immediately spent an hour practicing outside!

How cute does this little ball player look??! I mean, you can just see his excitement in that grin. I am pretty sure G thought he had won the lottery!

Grayson has been practicing almost every single day & I am having so much fun watching him. He has always loved baseball & I am excited that he is finally old enough to play on a team & do something I think he will really enjoy. Not to mention, he's pretty darn good!

I have a feeling the next 15 years of my life will be spent at the baseball field & I am perfectly okay with that!


23 weeks with Cheney

 

How far along?: 23 weeks & feeling about a gazillion weeks

How big is your baby?: the size of a papaya (about 1.2lbs now!)

 

Total weight gain: up 7lbs total

Sex: sweet baby GIRL--Cheney Katherine

 

Maternity clothes: yes, yes, & yes.

 

  Sleep: I think it is time to invest in a good pregnancy body pillow. Any recommendations? I am super uncomfortable at night. Like I said above, I feel a gazillion weeks pregnant.

 

Symptoms: Lots of back pain this week. The vein in the back of my leg feels like it may explode. BUT? I have been drinking TONS of water and have only had one afternoon over the last week where I had contraction-like cramps. So that is a major plus!

 

Movement: Baby girl is a mover & a shaker....but mostly at night. I can tell she is getting stronger because her movements are getting much stronger. I can feel it from the outside now!

 

Best moment this week: We've been graciously given lots of baby girl clothes from friends & I think we are literally set for the first 6 months. Cheney's closet just keeps on growing!

 

Food cravings: I have zero appetite. It's so weird. I feel like I have entered back into the first 6 weeks. Nothing sounds good to me lately!

Belly button in or out: in.

 

What I miss: having some energy! This girl is sucking the life right out of me. I am so exhausted all the time.

 

What I'm looking forward to: Easter weekend with my family & getting this LONG hair chopped next week!

 

 

Let's discuss this pregnancy for a bit. Maybe it is because it's my 3rd pregnancy or maybe it is more about the fact that it is my 3rd pregnancy in 4 years, but I am suddenly feeling SO VERY PREGNANT. I feel like my body is revolting against me. I mean, I have put it through a bunch over the last several years. I can't even imagine what I will feel like all summer long.  I can't wait to meet this sweet baby girl, but geez, it's rough this time around! How did Michelle Duggar do it 19 times?!?!

Nursery Inspiration

I've been dreaming of a little girl's nursery for as long as I can remember. I remember being pregnant with both boys & brainstorming what I would do for a girl's room. Obviously I didn't need to plan much further than the halfway point since we have 2 little boys! Once we found out that Cheney was a girl, I started scouring the internet for nursery ideas. It's funny how much your taste changes over the years. If G had been a girl, I had picked out Javis Davis custom bedding that was bright pink and light green. Now? I want something soft & serene. I've done the bright & bold nursery. Now I want something completely different.

I thought having a girl would be so easy but I actually had a really hard time finding bedding that I loved.  I searched high and low on Etsy for some custom bedding, but the only set I loved was way too pricey. I just couldn't justify it since I know we won't be using it for another baby in the future.

We know what color we will be painting C's nursery:

Valspar's Woodlawn Colonial Gray
 

Cam we talk about how difficult it is finding the perfect shade of gray? Holy moly. There are about a gazillion choices and they all look so different once you get them on the wall. We've settled on this shade because it isn't too dark; now if only it would paint itself!

 

Here's what we have so far for her bedding/window:

http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/ruffle-bottom-blackout-panel/
Triple Ruffle Crib Skirt from Target
Serena & Lily Crib Bumper
 

That's all we actually have right now but I have lots of ideas of ways to add some color to C's walls. Here are some other nurseries I am gathering ideas from..
 

 

 via


via


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I am still in shock that I am even getting to plan a little girl's nursery this time around! I can't wait to get started. Now, to get Griffin out of C's crib. That will be the first step!

22 weeks with Cheney

 

 

How far along?: 22 weeks

How big is your baby?: the size of a spaghetti squash--finally about 1lb!

 

Total weight gain: up 7lbs total

Sex: sweet baby GIRL--Cheney Katherine

 

Maternity clothes: Yes, living in comfy clothes for the most part! I had to go to Motherhood Maternity the other day to buy the dreaded compression hose (blech) & actually stumbled upon a really fun & comfy maxi skirt! Their dresses & skirts are also Buy 1/Get 1 half off right now!

 

  Sleep: I've been having lots of stomach pains over the past week. Really bad cramping & a uncooperative Griffin have made are nights less than desirable. Hopefully that will change soon!

 

Symptoms: A horrible varicose vein on the back of my right leg. I mean, AWFUL. The OB actually gasped when she saw it on Monday & said it looked really bad considering I am not even in my 3rd trimester. She told me to wear compression hose & that it would most likely be a surgical fix. Lovely! Also, ever since last Wednesday I have been having really bad stomach cramps. Some are just a little uncomfortable & some hurt so bad that they stop me in my tracks. I had to get a cervical check on Monday (ouch)  & she was surprised to feel that my cervix has already softened. However, thankfully I am not dilated at all and my cervix is measuring correctly. I will drinking a LOT more water and resting more when I can!

 

Movement: Yes--baby girl is moving around a bunch! Last night while I was trying to fall back asleep I could finally feel her movements from the outside. I love that feeling so much. Makes it very real!

 

Best moment this week: Our good friends (and neighbors!), Jon & Amy, welcomed their baby boy, Ellis on Monday afternoon! We went to the hospital yesterday and I got to hold that tiny boy. I can't wait to hold my own baby in August!

 

Food cravings: Now that the weather is warming up, I am wanting lots of fresh fruit! I devoured half a tub of strawberries the other night. I have also been wanting water but only with a lot of lemon!

Belly button in or out: in.

 

What I miss:  I am ready to just not have these stomach pains anymore! It's hard to take care of 2 active boys when I don't feel great.

 

What I'm looking forward to: Getting started on our nursery...that has to wait until Griffin isn't sleeping in there:) 

 

   

all the things

It's a rainy Monday & this lady is sleepy. We have a current sleep situation of Griffin waking up every single morning between 5:00-5:30. It is rough. Here is my brain dump for Monday:

-I have an OB appointment today & it will be my first time taking both boys by myself. We'll see how that goes! Thank goodness for strollers & iPads.

-My friend & neighbor, Amy, is being induced today! I can't wait to have a new neighbor baby on our street. Baby Ellis will be joining lots of other boys on our street--I am so excited for newborn baby snuggles! We may have already decided that Ellis & Cheney will have an arranged marriage. And if not that, they will at least be great baby friends!

-So, on Saturday night we decided to try out Griffin's new toddler bed. He doesn't sleep great in his crib & we thought he might be okay in a toddler bed. It's already set up in the boys' shared bedroom so we figured we should just go ahead and give it a whirl. I expected to have to keep going in and putting him back in the bed. I did not, however, expect him to scream like a banshee and run at the door like someone was chasing him. Y'all. Griffin straight up lost his mind. It was pitiful! I rocked him for a minute and laid him back in C's nursery in his crib & he fell right asleep. So, obviously it didn't go well. I guess we will try again after our Disney trip in May. We aren't renting a pack n play down there--he's going to have to sleep in a bed! 

-We are leaving for Disney in less than a month & I am so excited!! Our MagicBands have shipped & we are all ready to go. We decided to fly to Orlando instead of trekking it 12 hours in the car. The boys can't wait to fly on an airplane. I, however, am a little nervous about the (thankfully short) plane ride with 2 little boys.

I've been stocking up on the Grab n Go packs. I love these things & they are in the Target Dollar Bins right now! What else should I bring for the plane ride?? I am also finding it funny that I have been finding cute Mickey shirts for the boys & yet I am searching for comfy maternity work out capris for myself.
 

-My cousin, Blakely, is having a double masectomy today. She is only a few years older than me and is the mama to 3 young boys. We are so thankful that they found her breast cancer really early but I can't imagine going through this with three little kids at home. We are hopeful that this surgery will take care of it & she won't need any other treatment. I would appreciate your prayers for Blakely and her family!

Griffin in 20 months old!

Griffin, you are 20 months old now! You are closer to 2 than 1 and acting every bit of it. You are really starting to act like a little boy!

The Stats:

Weight: About 21.10lbs

Height: About 32in

Clothes: wearing 9-12m shorts & everything else is either 12m or 18m

Diaper: moving up to size 5 this week!

Shoe: he is finally wearing a 5!

Here's what's been going on this month:

-You traveled to Louisiana & had a blast! You were obsessed with your baby cousin, Caroline. She is pretty sweet! You wanted to hug & kiss her every time you saw her. You even helped her mommy feed her!

-Going along with that, you just love babies right now! You notice them everywhere we go and like to blow them kisses.

-You have given Jack a new nickname. You call him "Beesh" for some reason. All day long you ask for your "Beesh" and love to hug him. I am so shocked at how well Jack is doing with you!

-You love music. "Wheels on the Bus" is your favorite song right now. It is so sweet to hear you singing, "beep beep beep, all day long!"

-You love being outside now that the weather is nice and warm. You love to dig in the mulch, jump on our trampoline, play in the sandbox, & play with your outside trucks. You also have started riding in the Gator with Grayson. You think that is so fun!

-We moved you to a temporary room this week before you move in with your big brother. You haven't had a problem with it! We also stopped using the sleepsack this week. We gave you two small blankets and you've been sleeping just fine! (aside from the 5:30am wake ups...yuck!)

-you got your very first haircut at the barber shop! You had to sit in my lap but you look so handsome now. I do miss that crazy, long hair though!

-you continue to be a great eater most of the time! I am very thankful for that. You drink whole milk in the morning & before dinner and drink Pediasure with your dinner. Your favorite foods right now are: applesauce pouches, fruit snacks, chips and salsa, scrambled eggs, rice (especially fried & Mexican rice!), anything with peanut butter, bananas, & grapes. You try just about anything once & I love that about you!

New words you are saying:

-Calling Grayson "Bubba"

-shhhhhh

-nigh nigh (goodnight)

-no (a new favorite)

-big

-Seesy (sissy)

-guys (he says this about all the fireman/truck guy toys we have)

-bus

-papsi (what he calls his beloved paci)

-'scuse me

-gucky (yucky)

Oh, Griffin. You have such a fun personality! You are what I call the wild one. You are fearless, rambunctious, & very assertive already.  You have a huge personality bundled up in that tiny body! Your smile is contagious and those big blue eyes get comments every day! I feel like you have really grown up a lot this month. You are becoming more independent & can communicate with us so much more. I swear you are saying new words every single day! Your bubba is still your very best friend & you like to point to your "seesy" in my belly a lot. I think you will be a great big brother!

 

Happy 20 months, little Griff!

 



21 weeks with Cheney

 

 

How far along?: 21 weeks

How big is your baby?: the size of a small cantaloupe! That seems big!

 

Total weight gain: up 4lbs as of my last appointment--find out again next Monday!

Sex: sweet baby GIRL!

 

Maternity clothes: obviously! I just bought a bunch of work out capris & maxi skirts yesterday. This will be the summer of comfort!

 

  Sleep: I am still sleeping pretty good other than having to switch sides all night because my hips hurt.

 

Symptoms: WELL, that's interesting. I was shaving my legs last week and nearly had a panic attack because a vein on the back of my right leg is OUT OF CONTROL huge. Not just a spider vein, but sister girl must be sitting on a vessel and this vein looks like it may explode. It's so bad I will not be wearing shorts this summer in the 110 degree heat...that's serious, y'all. Not only is it hideous but now it's uncomfortable. I'll be asking the OB about it on Monday.

 

Movement: yes! This past week I finally felt some very tiny flutters. I was actually painting my nails yesterday and felt a bunch of consistent kicks. I will never get over that feeling--it's just the best!

 

Best moment this week: I brought home a lot of sweet baby girl clothes from Louisiana this week! Very thankful for cousins who pass down their baby clothes! We also got the bedding yesterday! I went with something very simple & I can't wait to get started on the nursery soon.

 

Food cravings: nothing new!

Belly button in or out: in.

 

What I miss: normal veins?? haha

 

What I'm looking forward to: The boys bedroom has been switched but we haven't moved Griff in yet. I am ready to get it over with...just hope it is an easy transition! 

a Louisiana trip

We got back yesterday from a fun long weekend trip to Baton Rouge. My mom and I packed the boys up on Thursday morning and drove TEN (very long) hours to Louisiana so we could spend time with family. Most of my cousins, aunts, and uncles live in Baton Rouge and I love bringing the boys there. I wish it was closer and we could see all of our cousins more often! We went for my cousin, Robyn's, baby shower. She will be welcoming baby Judson in early June! It was so nice to enjoy the warmer weather and family time. There is just nothing like being in a loud house surrounded by your family! We always have a good time!

Robyn's shower was so cute! 

we are about 2 months apart with due dates--early June and early August! Can't wait for these cousins to meet! (and yes, Robyn is one of those super cute pregnant girls. not fair--ha!)

These cousins had such a good time...it really is a shame that we don't get to go more often! This was our first time meeting baby Caroline and she's as sweet as can be. Griffin was in love. He gave her hugs & was so sweet to her. I hope he loves babies as much in August!

 Griffin loved exploring Papa Bruce's big field. It is a little boy's dream!

Grayson? Well, the highlight of his trip was learning to drive the big mower. He is pretty much a professional now!

We even made a visit to Mike the Tiger again. You may remember that when G first saw Mike at 15 months old, his reaction made the Baton Rouge news. It was pretty epic. Griffin wanted to roar at Mike so badly, but he was snoozing away when we arrived. We had to settle on the tiger statue!

 

We had such a fun few days. We love our Louisiana family!