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September 30, 2010

Photo Shoot Fail

So I tried to take some pictures of Katie today and failed miserable.  She had on a cute little pants outfit with a shortsleeved hoodie that was just too cute.

I started off trying to get some of her on her stomach but she wanted to do some push-ups

Then she wouldn't let go of her paci

She closed her eyes for a bit

And then she was done!

I guess I'll try for some cute pictures tomorrow!

September 28, 2010

Daddy time!

Kate got some good Daddy cuddles this evening!  They had a great conversation about their day!

Operation Get My Body Back - Couch to 5K!

It's on!

I have decided that I am going to start the Couch to 5K program next week.  I wanted to start this week but I am having some soreness around part of my c-section incision and figured it was best to wait one more week before starting to exercise (I was cleared by my doctor at 5 weeks post delivery but want just a bit more time).

Mr friend Brittany has had great success with the program and I am hoping to follow in her foot steps!

Megan (who is currently pregnant with twin boys) and I have decided that we will meet up in Dallas some time next Spring for a girls weekend away - and run at least a 5K!  Our reward for completing the race will be lots of shopping (David and Alex will most likely never let us have a weekend away after the damage we will do together), spa treatments, and enjoying a kid free weekend at a swanky hotel!

I have two goals - one is a realistic goal and one is pretty much unattainable but will be mega motivation.

Realistic Goal:
November 2009 - Waikiki Beach - Taken 2 days before I started medication for the
 IVF cycle that brought us Kate!

Unrealistic Goal:
May 2007 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Taken on our honeymoon!

I was super tiny at our wedding and highly doubt that I will ever be able to look like tat again.  But, seeing honeymoon pictures serves as motivation for me to get off the couch, put down the brownies, and get to working out!  If you can't tell there is about a 15 pound difference in my weight in these two pictures.

I am posting about this so that everyone can hold me accountable!  I know I can do this - and I know y'all can kick my butt back in to gear when I start to slip up!!

September 26, 2010

Pear Tree Greetings - Giveaway Winner & 2010 Christmas Collection Review!

A few weeks ago a received a package in the mail from Pear Tree Greetings.  I wasn't expecting anything so I was super curious to see what it was.  I was so giddy when I opened it and discovered samples of the new 2010 Holiday Card Collection!  There are hundreds of new designs this year and the Pear Tree design team pulled out all of the stops when designing this collection!



The cards that I received (a good mix of Christmas Thank Yous, Photo Christmas cards, Christmas post cards, and Christmas Party invitations) were beautiful.  They were all printed on 100 pound matte card stock that is 100% post-consumer recycled!  So, not only are they beautiful they are environmentally friendly!  All Christmas orders should be received within 4-9 days of placing your order (that time includes a 2 day processing period) which is a great turn around time for holiday items. 

As always Pear Tree has several fun "accessories" to compliment the Christmas line.  Be sure to check out the address labels, gift tags, and Christmas Letter Inserts (I am obsessed with these and cannot wait to write our letter and order it)!

And now to the giveaway winner!  There were 16 comments left on the giveaway post and I used random.org to select a comment.

Comment #12 was:


Lauren - I will contact you in the next day with directions about how to claim your personalized Halloween stickers!!!

Don't forget about this month's coupon code - I have it listed on the right hand sidebar under my Pearista badge!

September 25, 2010

Tons of newborn pictures!!!

I got the CD of images from our newborn session today and just have to share!  I absolutely love everything.  Kelli Nicole is so talented!  We have already scheduled another session with her in late October or early November for our Christmas card pictures!

My sweet family!

Melts my heart!

The safest place ever - in her Daddy's hands!

Bright eyes!

With momma

One of my favorites!

Big bow head!

Precious

Another big bow!

Look at those cheeks!

Perfect profile!

I seriously could add every single picture that Kelli took but for the sake of time I will stop now!  I cannot wait to print and frame some of the beauties so they can be hung in the house!

September 23, 2010

New Look, New Name, New Verse

We're sporting a new look!  I wanted something simple and classic that would last a while and not be too busy.  Marina at Penny Lane Designs had just what I was looking for!  If you're looking for a new blog design, head on over to PLD - there are great pre-designed blog layouts or Marina can make a custom look just for you!

Our new look comes with a name change!  We are finally a family of three and I wanted our blog to reflect that!  I'm assuming we will stay a family of three for a long, long time - that is unless God has other plans for us in regards to more children.  But for now, we are very blessed and happy to be a little family of three!

Over the past few years my life verse has been evolving.  While trying to start our family I found comfort in Jeremiah 29:11.  I needed to know that someone had a plan.  And that we would be blessed in some way.

"For I know the plans for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

His plan was perfect and we were blessed with a baby.  My new life verse during my pregnancy was 1 Samuel 1:27.  This verse is in the nursery and was on Kate's birth announcement.  She is our answered prayers.

"For this child I have prayed and the Lord has granted me my petition."

And now that I have my perfect baby girl in my arms, I am realizing that while our journey to this point was not fun, it was necessary to bring Kate to us.  The Lord's plan was for Alex and I to parent Kate - not our first baby, or any of our other babies that were gone all to soon.  Kate was our plan.  So now I am living by Ecclesiastes 3:11

"He has made everything beautiful in its time"

Not my time, not Alex's time, but God's time. 

September 22, 2010

Pear Tree Personalized Halloween Stickers - Giveaway!

It's time for another giveaway!!!




This year, Pear Tree Greetings has rolled out an awesome Halloween collection that consists of super cute invitations, photo cards, address labels, and personalized stickers!

You have the chance to win 24 personalized Halloween stickers!  How cute would these be as a seal on a fun treat bag filled with Halloween goodies?  Or, you could add stick them on the candy your child brings to school for their friends!  There are so many fun and festive ways to use these personalized stickers!  Here are a few of my favorite designs:


Enter to win:
Hop on over to Pear Tree's website and pick out your favorite design.  Leave a comment on this post letting me know what design is your favorite!

For an extra entry, leave a second comment on this post sharing what you or your children will be dressing up as for Halloween! 

All comments must be left by 7pm CST Sunday, September 26.  I will select a winner Sunday night!  Be sure to leave your e-mail address in your comment so that I can contact you if you win!

As always, Pear Tree has offered a special discount to all of my readings.  During the month of September, you can receive 10% off the entire Halloween collection - no minimum purchase is required!  Simply enter PEARSEP10 at check out to receive your discount!

Happy Shopping!



September 21, 2010

Forever Thankful

There are two people that I owe thanks to for the rest of my life!

By now everyone knows that Alex and I struggled with infertility for a little under two years.  During that time, we had many "downs" and not so many "ups".  They say infertility is a roller coaster but in reality, it is more like an uncontrollable free fall until that magical moment when you see your baby on ultrasound for the first time (and then for us recurrent pregnancy loss girls, it doesn't really turn magical until you hold your baby and bring them home).

I never would have survived that journey without my amazing Reproductive Endocrinologist - Dr. Witz.  He is funny and knew just what to say to pull me out of whatever funk I was in when he saw me.  He also knew how to handle my very control freak, type A personality.  For the record, being type A works great when working for a major Oil and Gas company; it doesn't work for great when dealing with infertility.

Monday morning, I got myself ready, got Kate ready in a super cute outfit, put the dogs in their room, and headed to visit Dr. Witz.  It was so special to have him meet the product of his dedication to my treatment and success!

I am so thankful for his dedication, support, and comic relief during the hardest phase of my life thus far!
Kate and Dr. Witz

The second person I am so thankful for is my Perinatologist - Dr. Hare.  Alex and I were shipped to the high risk specialist for several reasons when I was 7 weeks pregnant.  Dr. Hare was wonderful at our first appointment.  Unfortunately, things went down hill pretty quickly after that appointment and we were faced with some very heartbreaking issues during my first trimester.   Those complications had me a nervous wreck throughout my pregnancy.

Without question, Dr. Hare took me under her super busy wing and saw me every week for 13 weeks - then every other week until 32ish weeks pregnant - then back to every week.  I was spoiled with an ultrasound every appointment because she knew it would ease my anxiety.  She helped me work through coping with some of the issues we faced with such care and concern for my well being.  She made sure the best doctors worked on my case with her when determining the best delivery options.  She put in calls to hematologists, cardiologists, therapists, and anyone else she knew that she thought would be able to weigh in on the best options for mine and Kate's care.  She was also not afraid to openly pray for the well being of my baby.

She went above and beyond her call of duty as my doctor.  Simply put, she was amazing and one of the main reasons I kept it together (for the most part) during the 38 weeks I was pregnant.  Her only downfall is that she is an Alabama fan!

Dr. Hare, Kate, and I less that 24 hours after delivery (please excuse how horrible I look)

These two amazing doctors have helped me become a mom to a wonderful baby girl.  I will never be able to thank them enough for the beautiful gift they have given me.  I wish there was something I could do that would let them both know how much they mean and Alex and I. 

Until I figure out what that something is, a hand written note and some Red Velvet Crave Cupcakes (Dr. Hare's favorite) will have to suffice.

September 20, 2010

Birth Announcements

I am pretty sure that all of the announcements have made it.  The only one in question is the announcement that was sent to Dustin and Ashley out in Hawaii.  Ash - if you haven't gotten it yet I hope you get it soon!

I wanted to go very simple and elegant with Kate's announcements to show case an awesome picture that our photographer took.  I used Pear Tree Greetings and absolutely love the final product.  The announcements are high quality and Pear Tree was great to work with as always!

So, here it is!  I cannot stop looking at it and am so satisfied with the final product!!

I had to take a picture of one as I don't have a digital file. 

Speaking of Pear Tree - be on the look out for the September give away in the next few days!  It's a fun one and it all about Halloween!

September 19, 2010

One Month!!

One month old!

I cannot believe that Kate is already one month.  Actually, part of me feels like "wow, it's only been a month" as it feels like she has been a part of our family forever.  Then, the other par of me is like "there is no way I had a baby an entire month ago."

Either way, we have loved having her around this past month!

Here's what is going on at one month:
*Kate weighs about 8 pounds 3 ounces

*She is eating 3-3.5 ounces every 2.5-3 hours.  Sometimes we get a 3.5 hour stretch at night but they are few and far between.  We had 2 nights of 3.5 hours between feedings but have gone back to the 2.5-3 hours.  While I would love more sleep, I am fine with her dictating her schedule for a few more weeks!

*We still have nights where we have Momma and Kate time in the living room for hours (like last night).  It is tiring but I just tell myself that she will only be this little, and want to cuddle this much, for a short amount of time.  I'm not working right now so I can function on little sleep and try to cherish these sweet (and not so sweet scream fest) moments that we have right now!

*We finally seem to have the perfect combination of formula (Alimentum) and medication (Prevacid) for her belly issues.

*Kate is starting to react to us when we talk to her.  She makes the funniest faces and I can tell that she is not too far from socially smiling!  I can't wait for that!

I can't wait to see what the next month brings!!

September 15, 2010

Newborn Picture Sneak Peek!!!

What a lovely surprise it was to check our photographers blog at 4am (I was up with the baby) and see pictures of my cutie pie!

These pictures were taken at exactly one week old.  Kelli came to our house and shot for 5 hours so these three pictures are really just a small glimpse into what we have!  I cannot wait to see the rest of them!

Head on over to Kelli's blog to see the cutest baby ever!

September 14, 2010

Tuckered Out!

We have had a rough 24 hours here in the B house.  Kate had her worst night yet last night.  She decided that she wanted to have a party in the living room with her momma from 1:45 until about 5:30 this morning.  She thought it would be fun to scream her head off entertain me with her version of singing.  The girl has some pipes on her.

Today has been hard too.  She is just super fussy and restless.  I feel like we are going backwards in terms of getting these tummy issues under control.

Thankfully, I am blessed to have a very intelligent cousin that just so happens to be a Pediatric Gastroenterologist that has helped me come up with some questions and tests to talk to our Pediatrician about.  My cousin thinks Kate might not have reflux but an allergy to cow's milk protein which is in all of the formulas we have tried so far.

I plan on calling our Pediatrician to discuss these things tomorrow.  We need some relief around these parts.  This momma is tired.

And apparently this sweet girl is all tuckered out from being up all night too.

 
Please don't mention how big my little peanut has gotten.  It makes me sad (in a good way - I'm glad she is growing but miss my little bitty baby).  Also, notice how long her legs are!

September 13, 2010

Another trip to the Pediatrician

After a weekend filled with tons of spit up and a fussy baby, we headed back to the Pediatrician's office this afternoon.

Kate had her one month well baby check up scheduled for later this week so we just bumped that up and included a talk about her current issues.

First off, please tell me how I already have a baby that is having a one month well baby visit?  I mean really?  A month (not until next Monday but she'll be 4 weeks on Thursday)?  That is crazy!!!  I want to stop time and enjoy my sweet cuddly little girl while we is still sweet and cuddly!

Here are her stats (my doctor doesn't give percentiles until 6 months - kind of irks me but oh well):

Weight: 8 pounds 0.5 ounces (say what?)
Length: 21 inches
Head circumference: 14.75 inches

I have no clue where she falls on the growth chart for a 4 week old but I can tell you she loves to eat and is growing!

Hanging out while waiting on the doctor!

After talking about all of her tummy/ spit up issues, the doctor agreed that she is showing classic reflux signs.  Given that all of our formula changes haven't helped, we started on Zantac today.  I'm hoping that it helps her feel better!

Our next appointment is in 2.5 weeks and we will be getting all of her vaccinations then - I am already not looking forward to that...

September 12, 2010

Sunday Football with Daddy!

Apparently the Texans are boring!  Every one is asleep on Daddy while he watches the game!

September 11, 2010

Random Weekend Update!

Just some randomness from our weekend so far!

1. We took K over to our friend's house for the State game on Thursday!  She did great and it made me feel good to know that she is portable.  She put on a good act and didn't cry at all while we were there - she saved that for us during the hours of midnight and 5am.  However she did decide to go poop on her Aunt Julia - not very lady like but what can we do?  Fun times!

2. I redneck weighed K on Friday and I think she is about 7lbs 4-5oz!  Baby girl is growing up.  (For those of you that aren't familiar with a good ole redneck weigh - weigh yourself, cry that you haven't lost any weight in a solid 4 days, step off the scale, pick up your baby, step back on the scale, and see how much weight you gain by holding your baby).

3. We got out of the house again today.  We went to Babies R Us for some things and to use up some gift cards we have and to Toys R Us to pick up a birthday present for my nephew.  We then headed to Academy so Alex could pick up a new fishing rod.  After that we headed to Five Guys for lunch.  Kate slept the entire time - she is getting really good at this "I am the perfect baby that never makes a peep" act!


4. Our birth announcements came in and they are beyond beautiful!  I absolutely love them!  I am in the middle of addressing them all!  While I am thankful for all of the friends and family that want to know about the arrival of our sweet baby girl, my hand is dying from all of the envelops I have to address (I have exactly 144 to send out - yes that is out of control - oh well).  (Jess - I just couldn't do labels - they will all be hand written.  Ugh - I hate being so type A.)  I'll show them off once I know everyone has gotten them!

5. We have started making our travel plans for the upcoming months!  I cannot wait to have friends in town, to head back to Jackson, and to head to Orlando!  I know our families are dying to meet the baby and I can't wait to show her off.  I'd be lying if I didn't mention that a small part of my excited for these trips is buying and planning out all of Kate's outfits.  I mean, she needs to be dressed to impress when she meets her Great Grandmothers!  And, she needs to coordinate with her cousins when we get their picture made with Santa!

September 7, 2010

What we've been up to!

I haven't blogged in a while!  Here's what's been going on in the B household!

We tried out our Moby

Stuck out our tongue to tummy time

Got in some Daddy cuddle time

Napped in the swing

So Momma could bake some yummy banana bread

We've had a good weekend! 

K is having some issues with spitting up so we are switching to formula #4.  After our Pediatrician appointment last week, we switched to Enfamil Gentlease ready to feed (meaning pre-mixed).  K has been doing really great on it gas wise but, has started to spit up after every feeding.  So, we talked to the doctor this morning and she has suggested we change to Enfamil AR.  Apparently it is thicker and should help with her spit ups.  We go back to the doctor next week and will discuss starting reflux medication if things aren't looking up.

Other than the belly issues, things really are good!  I am home by myself for the first time today and we are having a great time!  I've done everything for K and still have had time to do laundry, clean the kitchen, and eat (that is a big deal - I forget to eat these day).

I'm starting to feel like I just might survive - and even be good at - this whole stay at home mom thing for the next 6.5 months!  Going back to work is not going to be fun...

September 4, 2010

Hail State and Happy Birthday Lala!!

It's Game Day Baby!!!

I love this time of year so much!  I love college football - especially Mississippi State football (even though we are never that good)! 

Since we can't be in the Junction tailgating today, we had to get dressed in our Bulldog gear to cheer them on for tonight's game!


We can't wait to watch our Dawgs play here in Houston in October!!

On a different note - Happy Birthday Lala!  Lala is the name I have currently given my sister (K's Aunt).  Today she turns 28 and has enjoyed the day at Hollywood studios with her hubby and boys!  I wish I had a picture of her and K for today - hopefully we will get one soon!  I know she can't wait to get her hands on sweet girl!

I hope you have a great day Lauren!!!

September 3, 2010

Two Dogs and a Baby!

This is what is next to me on the couch right now:


I'd say that the dogs love their new sister!  And before anyone says anything, I am right next to her and she cannot fall off the couch!  She's actually about to be picked up - I just had to snap a picture!

If only she would sleep like this during the night!

September 1, 2010

Happy Due Date Sweet Girl!

Today is my official due date.  Alex and I talked about September 1st for ever - even before we knew I was pregnant.  The thing with doing IVF is that you know, down to the minute, when you baby was conceived (for us it was via ICSI in a petri dish at my clinic).  That means calculating a 40 week due date is a piece of cake!

While this day will always be special to Alex and I, we are so thankful that we got to meet our sweet girl two weeks early! 

Kate has a pediatrician appointment tomorrow and I am curious to see what she weighs as she is eating like a champ!!
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