Baby Girl's Nursery

Just a little snapshot of our newest addition's room. I reused Madeline's bedding, color scheme, and fabric, but I also wanted it to be "different" since Baby Girl is her own person. I used the same fabric with different window treatments (Thank Goodness for my friend, Farrah's sewing talent!) Our last minute, new chair matched perfectly and is super cozy.
The rest of the room...the picture below was in my room as a baby & child, so that's kind of sentimental & sweet. I have something special to go over the changing table, but it's not done yet. That's all that is left as far as "decor" goes, and I think that will be okay if Baby Girl's wall is blank for her homecoming.
We are excited. The room came together nicely in a "different" way like I wanted, and it's ready for our baby sister's homecoming!

She Takes After Her Daddy

Madeline's evening routine includes sitting on the potty while we get her bath ready. Like I've said before, she LOVES to sit on the potty & get some serious reading done, but nothing has happened yet.

Notice Baby in the background...Baby seems to follow us everywhere. :)

37 Weeks

Nursery completed - check
Feeling good despite the ginormous belly sticking out in front of me - check
Hospital bag packed - check
Madeline's care & "plan" in place - check
Baby Girl's clothing & newborn essentials ready - check
No more airline flights for traveling Daddy - check (I can't even begin to explain how happy I am to have my sweet husband home, but that's another blog entry for another day!)
Waiting patiently for Baby Girl to bless us with her presence - check, sort of, not exactly modeling perfect patience

Medically, things are good. My OB visit was uneventful --- weight, measurements, etc. were fine. My cervix is starting to thin out, and I'm a fingertip dilated. To quote my doctor, "Your body is trying to get ready to have this baby, but we're not there yet." All in all, not much is going on.

My platelet count is still fluctuating & lately, it's been below 100,000, so it was looking as though I am going to be put on a steroid a week before my due date to boost them. However, when I returned to the hematologist this week, my count was up to 104,000!! SOOO, I go back next week for another check. Please say a prayer for all that to be okay. I am deathly afraid of "complications" during childbirth, but I know the Big Man Upstairs will be looking out for my health, the baby's health, and our delivery.

Wasn't I Just Here?

At the doctor's office, I mean. I went to the hematologist at the end of last week and the OB again yesterday.

Starting with the hematologist --- not good. My platelet count went down over 20,000, so now in addition to going to the OB on a weekly basis, I am now going to see the hematologist weekly. My count dropped to 86,000. If my platelet count continues to drop, I will have to take a steroid to boost my count. (I'm just not a fan of medications during pregnancy regardless of whether the doctor's say it's okay. I'm weird like that.) From what I gathered, that should work. Should being the operative word here. There's nothing I can do from my end (naturally) --- it's not like eating lots of spinach to boost your iron. Right now, it's a wait and see thing, and another doctor's appointment to deal with each week.

The OB appointment went well...weight, blood pressure, baby's heartbeat, measurements, etc. The doctor checked me, and there's nothing going on down there. Based on how everything feels on the inside, the doctor said he feels like I will go to my due date. Frankly, I'm good with that even though I am more than excited to meet our newest daughter. Eric's travel is not set to slow down until the beginning of December. I have some loose ends to tie up regarding "being ready" around the house. I have a haircut scheduled that I'd rather not miss (silly, I know). We have a couple of social events that we'd like to attend. I'd like my platelet count to have some time to naturally boost itself, and of course, we are traveling this year for Thanksgiving; so I'd like little miss to just stay put for a few more weeks to grow and develop as she should.

Mid Year Conference

I had Madeline's fall conference with her teacher this morning, and it sure is different being on this side of conferences. While I wasn't nervous to discuss Madeline's behavior, social, and emotional development with her teacher (I'm very real about my child), I was very curious to hear about her through someone else's eyes. I found myself doing a lot of listening and learning about our daughter. I can't say enough wonderful things about her teacher, and I truly appreciate how much Ms. Lisa loves my child.

According to her teacher, Madeline:

• loves her friends & is very compassionate toward them.
• loves to play.
• interacts with her friends during playtime instead of just parallel play.
• has blossomed with her verbal skills since August.
• has blossomed in general & is no longer shy and uncertain.
• is very comfortable with who she is & expresses herself freely (and appropriately) during the day.
• is helpful during clean-up time (but not always willing to stop her play ~ she has her handful of moments when she has to be re-directed to clean up).
• enjoys playing with both girls and boys.
• has two best girlfriends, Aubrey & Charleston.
• is obviously being raised in a loving, structured home with clear boundaries and expectations.

Ms. Lisa was very complimentary of Eric and I as parents, and that's just nice to hear! We don't always feel like we are making the most appropriate decisions all the time, but we are just doing what we think is best in the moment.

Of course, I'm always looking for areas to work on, so I asked for suggestions of improvement. Ms. Lisa really didn't have areas of improvement for us at this time, but she did recommend putting some potty training steps into our routine to get that mindset going for Madeline (lots of kids in her class are well into potty training). However, Ms. Lisa understood that we have a new baby coming home in about a month, so she just recommended we continue to encourage potty use, act on it when Madeline wants to sit on it, etc., & get more serious about it once we are settled in with the new baby sister.

Overall, it was a great conference, and of course, I enjoyed hearing about Madeline's success thus far in the two year old program.

Rebekah Circle

I am so fortunate to be a part of a women's group at our church called the Rebekah Circle. We meet once a month for dinner, a book study, and fellowship. It has become a monthly event that I look forward to attending each month. The group is comprised of young (mostly in our 30s), career oriented, new mothers, newly married, and draws about 5-6 women. It brings a variety of women to the group, but nevertheless, we enjoy getting away from the daily grind to chat, eat yummy food, and learn from each other. We've become quite the support system for one another, and we've become such good friends.


I was surprised with a little baby sprinkling this evening --- adorable petit fours & a gift card for Target. Perfect, thoughtful, and generous describes the sprinkling and each of the ladies I spend time with in this circle.

So Sad for the Wolfpack


Eric and I had the WONDERFUL opportunity to head up to Clemson to watch the Clemson vs. NC State football game with my brother & his family. Madeline was lucky enough to spend the weekend at our home with Grandma & Grandpa. She had a blast with her grandparents, and she received a glowing report on Sunday afternoon to boot. I'm pretty sure the undivided attention, numerous walks, donuts and juice after church on Sunday, and the Frosty from Wendy's made the weekend that much better for Miss Madeline. Eric and I even commented to one another on the drive home that this was probably the first time that we didn't even think about Madeline while we were away. Grandma keeps the homefront running smoothly for us even with the time change and a headstrong two year old.


We arrived at my brother's house in the Greenville area on Friday evening for some adult conversation and a delicious dinner. My sister-in-law, Angela, knows her way around a kitchen for sure!

We were up bright and early for some tailgating before the noon game. While the game was not exactly the best showing of either team, my Alma mater managed to squeak out a W! Unfortunately, for Eric, his Alma mater didn't take the many opportunities to score even when Clemson practically gave them the game. Our nephew, Drew, really gets into the game --- play calling, dancing, cheering, and watching intently. It was cute, and he was fun to watch throughout the game. The weather was of concern to Angela and I as we both thought we'd be miserably cold, but the Good Lord gave us a beautiful day for football and tailgating.

It was the perfect weekend away for Eric and I --- an extra hour of sleep, quality time with family, quality time for just us, and a little breather from our precious two year old. On Sunday, not only did we feel rejuvenated, but we were greeted with Madeline's hugs, kisses, and her favorite saying, "I'm so glad to see you guys!"

36 Weeks

I'm on the homestretch FOR REAL --- I'm down to the weekly appointments & feeling the "to do" list pressure. However, all is well with Baby Girl and this Mama. I have nothing terribly exciting to report from today's doctor visit. Weight gain, blood pressure, blood work, Baby Girl's heartbeat, and measurements all checked out fine. I return to the hematologist on Friday for a final assessment of my platelet count, so hopefully that will be a non-issue at this point. This sweet baby MOVES like crazy! It's a constant dance party at all hours of the day. My belly is constantly jumping around which has caused many sleepless, uncomfortable nights.

This weekend, Eric and I plan to put the "finishing touches" on the nursery, so things will be just so for the homecoming of Baby Girl. We've ordered a new glider for the nursery, and unfortunately, it won't be in until the beginning of December. It may or may not be here on time, but we're okay with that. It was a last minute decision to order a new chair for Baby Girl since Madeline has claimed 100% ownership of the rocking chair. Big Sister Madeline loves her rocking chair for before bed story time, and we just couldn't take it from her. Not to mention, Baby Sister has lots of hand-me-downs, so the least we could do is get a brand new chair for her nursery. :)

I'm feeling good, tired, but good overall. I'm starting to get those "Bless Your Heart, you are about to pop!" looks from strangers when I'm out and about, and I'm getting lots of those "You are still working out!?!" exclamations from fellow gym rats. A trainer even commented that while I didn't look pregnant from behind, I was starting to get the "pregnant girl waddle". Awesome, thanks for sharing that with me dude. Big belly, sleepy eyes, pregnant girl waddle, & all, I'm still Mommy, wife, and Type A Anne, so the show must go on while we wait on our precious bundle to make her appearance. We're ready for our family of three to be a family of four. I'm pretty sure I overheard Daddy say that he is ready for "all three of his girls" to be snuggled up to him on the sofa. How sweet is that?! And, just for the record, I'm ready for that too.

Halloween, 2010

Madeline had a great trick-or-treating adventure last night. It didn't take her long to figure out the simple process of looking cute, saying "trick or treat!", receiving goodies in her bucket, and hitting up the next house! By the end of the night, she was running from house to house and making friends with everyone in the street.

My parents came to our house to pass out candy while Eric and I were out with the Madeline. We ended up hooking up with some of our nearby neighbors, so we've decided next year to make more of a "party" out of it on our end of the street. Many of the more established cul-de-sacs and streets had quite the block parties going on, and Madeline really enjoyed those hot spots. Treats for the kids AND Mommies & Daddies were found in those hot spots.

Madeline getting suited up for her night ahead.
I had her decked out in Halloween clothes just in case the Blues Clues outfit was not going to be worn.

The head was a little heavy, so it was not worn for long. Most people knew exactly who she was anyway.

Super cute Blue!

Heading up to the first house

Waiting patiently for the door to open.

Mommy prompting Madeline to say "Trick or Treat" while holding up the heavy Blue head. Notice this man is removing his mask...Madeline was not so sure about the scary man with the mask on his face.

Returning to the sidewalk on our quest for goodies.

C'mon guys!

Disappointed that no one was home here.

It took Madeline exactly three houses to starting sampling the fruits of her labor! I finally got smart and dug out the largest Blo-pop I have ever seen so that she could munch on that for awhile.

All in all, we had a fantastic Halloween evening...Madeline was none too happy to return home for bath and bed, but she was worn out!

Madeline's School Parade

On the Friday before Halloween, Madeline's class had a costume parade & party. What fun! I was worried that Madeline would not wear her Blues Clues costume because she seemed more interested in playing with it as a stuffed animal rather than wearing it as a costume. She ended up wearing it & made a super cute Blue.

The two year olds filed out of the building and marched around the courtyard with their little shakers.

I'm pretty sure Ms. Lisa is glad that October is over...no more spider bow in Madeline's hair. Poor Ms. Lisa, she is probably always "fixing" Madeline since I'm "the mom in her class" that dresses her kid up in ridiculous bows and outfits for school.

The kids then lined up for photo ops and sang a few songs.

Madeline spotted us, and she was very excited to see us to tell us all about her parade.

Then she really got into using her shaker!

The teachers preferred parents not stay for the "party" which was really just a mega-snack time with mountains of goodies for the kids. They had a special music time and library time planned for the twos, so I'm sure it was easier if parents weren't holding up the planned activities for the day. It was cute, cute, cute, and I'm so glad that I was able to attend Madeline's first "school function"!

The Mommy Shark

Madeline received some fun bath toys for her birthday --- there are quite a variety of fish, seals, sharks, goldfish, starfish, and turtles (which she insists are caterpillars) just to name a few. She LOVES them. She loves them so much so that part of them stay in the tub for bath time and part of them get played with around the house. Madeline creates all kinds of imaginary play scenarios with her "fishies" as she is doing here while waiting for her breakfast.

Please take note of the shark:

There are only a couple of sharks in the whole batch, and they are larger than the other fish.

In Madeline's world of fish play, guess which fish is ALWAYS the Mommy? The shark!

I guess sometimes this Mommy is a scary shark! But, at least most of the time, the Mommy Shark is feeding, hugging, and kissing the other "fishies". Eric and I just laugh everytime she talks about the Shark Mommy.