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. :)

'Twas the season to be crafty

This Christmas we attempted to save money while still making everyone on our Christmas list feel as extra special as they are by making gifts ourselves. We had to buy a few gifts (I have no idea how to make a cigar cutter) and hit up the craft and discount stores to get everything we needed for our projects but we kept things as DIY as possible.  It was really fun to get creative and I felt invested in the gifts we were giving this year in a way I never had before by simply buying gifts for people.

On our recent trip to the Ft. Worth Zoo, Brandon's mom Barbara shared with us that her very favorite animals have always been penguins. When we stopped by their exhibit, toward the end of our visit, she was practically giddy. It was hard to not be tickled by the little dressed up guys. There is something about them just makes you smile. So, when I came across this adorable project on Pinterest, I thought -- we have to make this! 

www.meetthedubians.com

I decided to make a framed set of penguins uising a frame I already owned. I spray-painted my silver frame using a black lacquer that we also already owned (double score) and got to painting Jackson's adorable feet. He giggled the entire time -- so ticklish and cute. We pressed his feet, heels up, to regular computer paper (I think next time I would use card stock just to fancy it up a bit). While the black paint was out, I added on the little penguin wings and then let it air dry for a day before going over it with white paint to create the tummy area -- once this dried, I glued on googly eyes and painted their little orange beaks. Voila!

I am really happy with how they turned out and Barbara was very touched with our homemade gift. I think I'm going to make another set for our home. They just make me smile.

In the business of the hoiday season, I didn't get a chance/forgot to take pictures of each gift that was made -- whoops. Bare with me and I will do my best to fill in the holes. :) I recently purchased a plaster kit to memorialize Jackson's baby handprint and try as I may -- it just didn't turn out well at all. I kept the plaster print in a ziploc and dated it but it wasn't something I would want to hang up or anything so I'm keeping it in a time capsule that Laura (Gigi) gifted to us. I decided to make my own "plaster" out of salt-dough so that we could have an ornament for our home and also gift them to loved ones. I painted them with silver glitter acrylic paint for a little pizazz and then tied twine through to hang them. They turned out precious and it is a tradition I think I will do as long as their little hands allow. I will definitely treasure ours forever and judging from the reactions of the Nana, Gigi, Gromimi and great Grandmothers, I think they will too.

Jackson's handprint -- 15 months

My mom, after seeing a canvas that Jackson and I had been working on at our home, requested a painting of her very own by zee little ar-teest. So what better time to gift her with her request than Christmas? I set Jackson out on the kitchen floor with a blank canvas, some non-toxic paints and a couple paint brushes. Over four our five seperate sittings of Jackson painting all by himself, this is what transpired:

I had to redirect him from painting on the floor or eating the paint (he did, twice) but once he understood where the paint was supposed to go, he went to town. He actually went over it one last time with a bit of purple and the finished version was really beautiful and cool looking buuuut I forgot to take a picture so, the next time I visit my mom and dad's home, I'll be sure to take a snap shot of it. Jackson's painting is already sitting on top of their mantle in the living room next to all of the ceramics my sister and I have created over the years.

We worked on several other projects -- a few of which have inspired the start of an exciting business endeavor which is part of the reason I haven't been blogging much lately. Stay tuned and I will try and get my act together in the mean time and do a better job at staying up to date. Happy living.

Little hands

We have been so blessed to have the family and friends that we do in our life. Jackson has been received with an unbelievable amount of love since the day he was born and the love just continues to grow. It is truly amazing.
After we celebrated his birthday, four different ways, we had quite a few thank you cards to send to all of the wonderful loved ones who helped us celebrate. I thought of a cute way to incorporate his handprint as a personal touch from Jackson himself. They turned out pretty adorable and our family members were really happy to get a little love from Jackson right back via their mailbox. I know "snail mail" is quickly losing popularity but I feel that there is nothing more charming than placing a thank you card in the mail... except maybe when there is an adorable little guy's handprint on said thank you card.

If you're interested in trying this for yourself here's a step-by-step guide at how to make your very own personalized handprint thank you cards with your little ones:

First, pick your paint color and stationary. I found multi-colored blank stationary at Wal-Mart for four jelly beans.

Then, using a paint brush, paint your sprout's hand or foot -- whichever you're feeling -- and press down on the paper. Make sure to press those fingers and toes too for the best print. Jackson loves the feeling of paint on his hand and giggles when the brush touches him.

Allow to dry for ten minutes or so. It's ok if the print's not perfect. I think it adds to the card's childlike charm. After the paint has dried -- you're ready to write. I used a black Sharpie and wrote for Jackson -- he's only one!! I was very happy with how they turned out.

These have me inspired for some thumbprint holiday cards I saw on Pinterest. Have you made any handprint or footprint crafts lately? I think they make the cutest gifts and keepsakes. We're working on a couple for Christmas. I will be sure to post as soon as we're done. Happy living, everyone.





Two families, two turkeys and two sons

The holidays are a magical and beautiful time of the year -- time for getting together with family, cooking comforting favorites like apple pie and cornbread dressing and making the home look festive; however the holidays can also be a bit stressful with traveling, traffic, a tired toddler and attempting to split time as fairly as possible between three families.

Brandon and I try to alternate spending holidays with our extended families each year. This Thanksgiving week, we excitedly made our way up to Ft. Worth to visit his dad, Rod and step-mom, Laura as well as his mom, Barbara and step-dad, Mike. It's always a great time getting to see everyone though things can get a little hairy, unloading and packing and unloading and packing and unloading again between two homes -- the traveling is most hard on Jackson who has to readjust just as he seems to settle in which can make for a very cranky boy -- especially when he's simultaneously cutting his second molar. It's difficult not to inevitably and unintentionally hurt someone's feelings because we can't be everywhere at once. Brandon's parents live fairly close to one another but my parents are seven hours away from Ft. Worth in south Texas. It would be virtually impossible to see all three for any one holiday but we do the best we can. We had an absolutely fantastic week -- hanging out with Rod and Laura, taking Jackson with them to meet Santa for the first time (he cried, of course), seeing Ice at the Gaylord Texan, running errands, helping to decorate one of the beautiful Christmas trees in their home and a ton of football and delicious food. Laura is an out of this world cook.

Over at Barbara and Mike's we took Jackson to the zoo (his favorite animals were the sloth bears), played in the falling leaves and Jackson gorged himself on blueberries. He's nutty for berries.

It was wonderful to get a block of time to spend up there -- even if the actual traveling process is less than easy. Did I tell you we had a fish and a pumpkin in tow?! Time with family is worth the butt cramps (5 hour car ride) and curse words (Brandon and traffic, ah thank you). While we were visiting, Sara, my best friend and fellow new momma, came by with her adorable little spud Jude. Talk about a personality! That little guy is flirting with those big brown eyes of his like he's been at it for years -- and he's only three months old! Jackson was giving him kisses and very into him though I caught some definite attitude once Jude had gone. It will be interesting to see how he reacts to his new little brother in a few months. That's right! We're having another BOY! We're all so happy and excited -- Brandon practically did a backflip in the doctor's office. We're thinking of naming him Preston but we're a little stuck on the middle name. Help us? I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving. Did you try any new recipes? Brandon made the best turkey I have ever had. He smoked it... Delicious. I made a couple apple pies with crumb toppings that seemed to be crowd pleasers. I'll post the recipe soon with pictures! I think I'm making it again for my parents' families come Christmas. I'm glad we have a couple weeks before we have to pack the baby (and the fish) back up to hit the road... Though I do love me an open road. Happy living.

Halloweenies

I hope everyone had a fantasticly spooky Halloween. It's a little crazy that we're already gearing toward Thanksgiving and Christmas but I thought I'd take a look back on the past couple of weeks and relish in a few things October.
Brandon's mom sent us a wonderful fall care package filled with all sorts of goodies including a knitted baby blanket for Bean and caramel chews and green apples to make caramel apples. I had never made caramel apples but it was a ton of fun and they turned out delicious -- though Brandon did get a minor burn picking out a piece of plastic from the melted caramel. Ouch! I suggest mixing and matching different kinds of apples to find your favorite combination. I used three Granny Smith apples and two Fuji. I preferred the Fuji but Brandon is a Granny Smith man. Here are a few pictures from our caramel apple making. I followed the recipe on the back of the bag of Kraft caramels and they turned out perfectly. I'm thinking of coming up with a recipe for salted caramel apples. Yum.

We also spent a few days in October getting a bit artsy and painting pumpkins. Our first time around we went ahead and let Jackson get crazy finger painting the large pumpkin that Laura, Brandon's awesome step-mom, gifted to Jackson. (We have some pretty great ladies in our family.) With some encouragement and a little help, Jackson painted his pumpkin and then I glittered it. It looked magical on our front porch.

Sadly though, I forgot I needed to spray that bad boy with lacquer and its beautiful paint job was washed away during a particularly rainy weekend AND our pumpkin ended up getting rain rot very quickly afterward. We had to pitch him. (Moment of silence.) But, a few days later my mom came to visit us and brought with her two more pumpkins! What luck!! We got a little more creative with these and added painters tape to create neat-o designs.

This time, Jackson was not at all interested in painting and kept trying to escape from the sunroom to play in the backyard. He settled for some time on the swing, reluctantly, while Brandon and I took turns painting our pumpkins. The larger one got a "P" for Pitzer and our handprints on the reverse side and Brandon designed a face for little bit, after which I "tie-dyed" him.

Brandon's handprint :

My handprint:

Jackson's handprint? (I'm telling you, he was NOT into it!) :

To keep them from the same fate as our first pumpkin, Brandon sprayed them both with lacquer. We were really happy with the results and loved how they looked on our front porch with the nifty wreath I made following an inspirational post on Pinterest.

The larger pumpkin and wreath are still up on our front stoop but next week we'll start transitioning decor into Christmas mode. I don't think I've ever been this excited to decorate in ma' life. Pinterest has helped me gather and organize so many great ideas -- it's really easy to feel inspired after a few minutes on their site. Currently resisting addiction. I've also found a few really sweet themes for Bean's nursery. Speaking of Bean... We find out tomorrow if we're having a boy bean or a girl bean!! Ah!! Right now, I feel like we're having another boy but I guess we shall see. I'm getting ridiculously excited. I'm also getting antsy for Thanksgiving next week. We're heading to Colleyville for the holiday and spending the week with family. I get to see a few of my girlfriends and their little ones which is always so fun too. I'm looking forward to getting in the kitchen, catching up with family and eating unnecessary amounts of cornbread dressing, sweet potatoes and anything else I can get my (not yet swollen) hands on. Hello, I'm pregnant!! This is going to be the best Thanksgiving ever!! Oh, and we have two -- TWO -- Thanksgiving dinners to attend next week. Who lucked out? This girl. Jackson was too young to partake in the yummy spread at our house last year so I can't wait to see his reaction to all of the different foods. I'll be sure to take some pictures.
What are your plans for the upcoming holiday? Any recipes your looking forward to trying? I have a few up my sleeve and I can't wait to share!
Happy living.