I'm alive!!

So much is happening but I have had zero time to post! I will be posting some updates and exciting news SOON!

Xx,
Alex

Photo challenge -- Day 3: Clouds

I barely missed sunset but I caught this:

Photo Challenge -- Day 2: What I Wore

Kind of lacking on the creativity factor but I really was stumped on how I would capture what I wore today without taking a mirror picture... I also captured this today though and I think it gets my creative juices a-flowin'. I love the way Brandon's cross and drawing look in the background.

Photo Challenge -- Day 1: Self Portrait

This is a photo I took today of Preston and myself. I'm playing with using an HD camcorder to take stills and have just started taking the time to mess around on Photo Shop. I like the way this photo turned out.

30 Day Photo Challenge

So doing this. Starting today. :)

5x7 Folded Card

Dad Collage Noir Father's Day Card

Find unique and personalized Christmas cards at Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Here I am!

I know, I know -- I have completely fallen off of the blogging wagon and into baby land but I am back (not sure for how long) so I'm going to try and make this a good one. The first two and a half months have been pretty amazing -- granted the first three weeks were rocky with Jackson trying to push, pull and hit his brother when he was near me. This still happens on occasion but it's mostly, kisses and hugs and sweetness that completely melts my heart day after day. Preston isn't colicky like Jackson was so he has been a pretty "easy" baby. He sleeps well and has since the beginning and is very laid back. He's such a sweet pea. Right now he's sleeping next to me -- yes, I co-sleep though he is perfectly happy taking naps on his own and I plan to transition him into his crib in the next few months when he masters rolling over. It's worked for us and gives me peace of mind so I can get rest and Preston sleeps well too. It's honestly made breastfeeding so simple at night.

Jackson is growing so fast. He seems like he is saying new words every day and it is amazing to see his mind making connections and his development that is taking place from week to week. We had a garage sale this past weekend and he was so thrilled to be outside with us, saying "hi" to all of the customers, combing the merchandise and finding a few items for himself. Stuffed caterpillars and a remote control Jeep? Keepers.

I haven't had much time to craft or try new recipes but I know I'll get that time back. Right now, I'm just trying to soak in each day with my boys (because it goes by so fast) and spend quality time with Brandon and do housework here and there. The garage sale helped to FINALLY clear out the garage addition so I think we will be converting it to a HUGE playroom for the boys. I see a chalkboard wall in our future. I will do my best to share that big project as it unfolds.

Here are a few of my favorites from the past two months:

Preston's Birth Announcement

Sweet Moments Boy Baby Announcements

Find 100's of cute birth announcements at Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

I didn't make a birth announcement for Jackson and I'm not completely sure why though I think being a newbie mom had something to do with it. In my mind, it was an expensive and complex process. Wrong and wrong. I used Shutterfly.com to make Preston's birth announcement and it was extremely affordable, easy and FUN to do. I think my favorite part was choosing and editing images for the card. I can not wait to get them in the mail and send them to loved ones. Maybe I'll make Jackson one too just to have as a keepsake. I am absolutely loving being a mom of two baby boys. I'm much busier but it's a good busy and I'm so full of love for my three boys, I could pop.

Brandon's off with us for the next two days while GiGi and Papa Rod visit so it's pretty much our Friday today. Happy weekend to us!! Happy living to you. :)

Preston's Arrival

I went into labor about 1am last Thursday -- a whopping eighteen days before our estimated due date. I was a bit worried that Preston would be small or sick coming over two weeks early even though technically babies are considered full-term at 37 weeks gestation. I had just read that the closer to the 40 week period, the better and was not wanting an early induction though my hips were screaming at me every time I moved. Thank God up above because Preston is perfect and his delivery was nearly perfect as well. After 13 hours of being in labor and about five minutes of pushing, Preston was born and it was one of the most beautiful and calm experiences of my life... Much like Preston's personality. He weighed in at 8lbs 15oz and 21 inches long. We are so in love with our new addition -- everyone that is but Jackson. There are moments of absolute sweetness and there are times when Jackson tries to push his brother off of me or poke him in the face with a pacifier. Such is brotherhood. Today was our first day at home with Brandon back at work. I still have the help of Brandon's mom but pretty soon I'm on my own. What's making balancing care for both boys the most tricky is that I can't lift Jackson right now while I heal -- in fact, in not supposed to lift him for another five weeks but that seems near impossible to me so I'm going on how I feel and though I'm not quite ready yet -- I'm hoping in another week, my body will have recovered enough. I feel incredibly blessed to have two healthy, beautiful sons and an amazing husband in my life. I can't thank God enough for how he has blessed my life. I know things might be a little crazy now and then but crazy times pass almost as soon as they come and I think as long as you remember that --- the beauty of life remains the focal point and not the craziness.

Won't be long

Went to my weekly check-up today and my ob/gyn told me that I was at 4cm and probably wouldn't make it to next week without going into labor. I've been having contractions on and off tonight and have an appointment on Thursday morning with her again. She said if I have dilated any further that she will go ahead and send me to the hospital so that I should come with my bags packed. Can you believe it?! About those bags -- I'm going to get on packing them right now. I just got back from getting a few new gowns for the hospital and am ready to pack. Holy moly... Is this real life?

37 weeks (Full term)

How exactly are we already at 37 weeks? I have no idea but here we are. These past eight plus months have by far been the fastest of my life. I have yet to pack our hospital bags (oops) but I plan on completing that task in the next couple of days. We were in Ft. Worth for the weekend to attend a baby brunch for Preston at Brandon's parents', Rod and Laura's. Much more on that to come. I had Braxton-Hicks contractions all weekend and Preston has been unusually active which I've read can mean that he's lowering and getting into position. Jackson has also been increasingly jealous and sensitive this week. I'm not sure if that has more to do with even MORE teeth coming in on top of getting over a sinus infection but my maternal instincts tell me it's about the changes coming ahead that he's sensing. I don't think we have much longer to go. We're actually on our way back right now with roughly two and half hours to go till we reach home and I've been having contractions for the past hour. I'm timing them but hopefully they die off and end up just being practice. We shall see. Happy living, everyone. Here. Comes. Another.


*Update*: I drank water all the way home and STILL had intense Braxton-Hicks contractions the entire ride! Thankfully after we reached our house, they finally subsided. I read that "true contractions" last no more than 90 seconds but these were lasting four to five minutes and right on top of one another. Contractions and an upset toddler make for an interesting car trip, for sure. So glad to be home, not in labor and hope to spend some quality one on one time comforting Jackson and reassuring him of his place in my heart. He's King Bubbas and no one could ever replace him. We have more than enough love to go around.

Diary of a sick, pregnant woman

Last Sunday I hit the 36th mark which means in roughly four more days Preston will be full term and could make his appearance at any time. GiGi and Papa Rod (Brandon's parents) are throwing a luncheon for him this weekend -- Sunday actually. Should I be traveling five hours away this late in the game? Probably not... But it's my last road trip before P makes his debut. After this weekend, I'm getting into major baby preparation mode. I need to unpack and wash baby clothes and set up a toddler bed for Jackson. On the very top of the list, I need to pack our hospital bags. I can't believe we're already nearing the end of this pregnancy. It seems like just a couple months ago I was reading a positive pregnancy test (again -- after a SLEW of negatives the week before). Time flies when you have a little one and I can't even imagine how much faster paced life is going to seem over here in a few weeks(?). I'm placing my bets that P-day will be on March 12th though the 10th is also calling my name. We shall see. It's all very exciting. I just wish I were feeling better. Jackson and I are sick and it's been the pits. After so much productivity and nesting (we spent the weekend out in the yard doing major and much needed landscaping and residing of the Florida room with the help of Brandon's parents), it feels strange to just be still and rest. I know I need it and need to be well but I can't help but want to do SOMETHING! Jackson's cuddled up to my chest, sniffling and being a little sweetie. It breaks my heart when he doesn't feel well. Today, we were taking it easy on the couch and he started hugging and kissing my belly and saying, "Baby!". Preston was wiggling around while his big brother loved on him from the outside world. It was one of the sweetest moments that I've ever experienced. I could feel their love for one another and I can only imagine how much stronger that bond will become over the years. I know there will be wrestling and fighting as well but there will also be these intermittent heart-melting moments that will make the broken lamps and windows and arms (hopefully not) all worth it.

Fashion sense

My son has it, apparently. Check out this adorable outfit he picked out all by himself at Target the other day. We were there enjoying a Chai tea while registering for Preston's brunch. I couldn't leave without getting him his first chosen ensemble. I really love the mixed patterns and the bold yellow shark print on the front. It looks like it was done in crayon in person. I would totally wear that shirt if it came in my size. Wouldn't you?!

Happy hump day, homies and happy living.

Save the whales

I. Feel. Huge.

It has been quite nice to hear from people that I'm small for how far along I am and that I'm smaller than I was with Jackson but as of yesterday I am only two pounds shy of what I weighed when I went into delivery with Jackson and I might still have four more weeks to go though my doctor did say she saw some signs that it could be sooner. Mama's tired. Mama's a whale who thanks to something called symphysis pubis dysfunction has trouble rolling over, putting on pants, socks, shoes, standing and sometimes walking. I didn't experience this kind of discomfort and pain with Jackson and enjoyed even the last bit of my pregnancy with him but I am so ready to not feel wobbly and round and not be in pain anymore. Preston, my (not so) little love, keep cooking till you're ready to come into this world but please, please don't wait a second longer.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

This year, I decided to get my crafty, secret Cupid on and send our loved ones and friends Valentines from Jackson. I can never pass an opportunity to make adorable handprint art and that's just what we did. They turned out really cute and I only had to get card stock for the project because we already had the other materials!

What you'll need:
Card stock
Scissors
Glue stick
Tacky glue
Googly eyes
Sharpie
Scrap ribbon for bow tie
White paint
Paint brush

Simply paint your little one's palm and pointer and ring fingers and press down to the card stock. Let dry and then decorate however you feel! We cut out little hearts for noses, added Googly eyes and a few even got fancy with bow ties from some scrap ribbon I had.

Brandon and I celebrated Valentine's day over the weekend by seeing The Vow, going to the rodeo to watch Keith Urban in concert (AMAZING!!) and going to dinner at Fleming's. It was a relaxing and romantic weekend and it was so nice to be able to focus on one another amidst all the busy-ness that has been our life lately. Having a toddler, preparing for the arrival of a new little one and working on our house makes for a whole lot of busy! Tonight we exchanged Valentine gifts and had crab cakes and creme brûlée from Fleming's to-go with our little Valentine at home. It was a perfect low key night... Happy Valentine's Day, everyone and happy living.

Let's nest.

Yesterday we hit the 34 week mark. Can you believe it? I hardly can. This pregnancy has flown by! I am feeling more excited than terrified this week and I think the recent spurt of energy from the nesting bug and the cutting of Jackson's six new teeth -- yay -- is partially responsible for my re-found "can do" spirit. Whatever it is, I'm glad to be feeling like myself again and less like a beached whale. Not to say that this last stretch doesn't have challenges of its own but we're powering through and I'm so thankful for the support and patience that Brandon has shown me over the past eight months. I'm trying to make this last three to six weeks that Jackson has us all to himself really count and to form routines that he can find comfort in once Preston arrives. We've been attending a story time geared towards babies ages newborn to eighteen months and Jackson loves it! I also found a few other story times at other libraries and book stores around our area that we have yet to make it to but this week we're going to shoot for making it out for a planned activity every day. We also have a fun Valentine's day craft to work on and I'll be sure to share that with you all. I can't believe Valentine's day is around the corner. I want to do something extra special for my little and big Valentines but I'm not quite sure what yet. I've loved this "holiday" since I was a youngin'. My mom used to make me the most beautiful Valentine mailbox for school each year and it was always so exciting to read the card from that special someone. I think I nearly passed out when I read "You're cool, Valentine." from my first grade crush. Hubba, hubba.

We'll be adapting Jackson's nursery into a bedroom for two in the next few weeks. I have a really cute idea for initial wall hangings that I can't wait to get on. I should probably stop scrubbing the mineral stains off of our toilet bowl with a pumice stone and vinegar (magical) but the nesting heart wants what it wants and this nesting heart wants sparkling toilets and Grout Bully. (Have you seen the commercial!?) We have two bathrooms with tile counters, walls and floors and I attacked the grout with a baking soda and vinegar paste and an electrical tooth brush and while their appearance is vastly improved, I want to go whiter! Same for our kitchen counters and backsplash. Comet with bleach does do wonders though (yeah, so not green but I love the stuff). Does anyone know how to get stains off of a porcelain tub? I'm afraid to take the pumice stone to it because I don't want to scratch it but I think it might be the best bet and if not I read you can refinish a tub to look brand new for around $200. Our house was built in the 1950's and has developed quite a lot of character over the years but as we tackle each project with patience and elbow grease, we're starting to see the pay off which only makes it more exciting to keep going. Do you like your toilets to sparkle? Do you think I'm crazy? No matter. Happy living. :)