Preston's Birth Announcement

Sweet Moments Boy Baby Announcements

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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.