Move over Thanksgiving...

Sad, I know, but this year I'm just over it... Don't tell the turkey--or the pilgrims. We're ready for Christmas! This weekend, I decided that I wanted to be able to enjoy my last few weeks of maternity leave with a decorated home. Last night, Patrick and I ventured into our attic closet solely filled with our Christmas garb. As we pulled out each tub filled to the brim with decorations, we became giddy with excitement. {Patrick too. Seriously. He LOVES our house decorated for Christmas... and I LOVE that about him! :)}

To be fair, I gave my fall decor their due. I decorated in mid-September because with Addison's arrival, I knew that would be last on my priority list, and I wanted to come home from the hospital to a warmly festive home. Here are a couple of my favorite fall items.

#1 I LOVE white pumpkins, and this was my dining room centerpiece. I found the acorn branches at an antique store here in Franklin, and it provides a nice contrast to the white.

#2 This iron pumpkin is something I found at Holiday Market a couple of years ago in Montgomery. Sometimes it's my kitchen table centerpiece; sometimes it sits on the corner of my peninsula; in this pic, it is residing on my end table in my living room.

Now, for Christmas, I am obsessed with some of Anthropologie's new ornaments. We are thinking of getting the "P," "K," and "A," letter for our tree. I love and am totally into the cupcake fad that is currently "all the rage." {Note my cupcake tree in the former post as well as my "hot spot" post! Of course, they are on the "no-no" list right now with my dairy-free living...} I also am always drawn to owls, and I've been collecting them since the Chi-O days.

Sad, I know, but this year I'm just over it... Don't tell the turkey--or the pilgrims. We're ready for Christmas! This weekend, I decided that I wanted to be able to enjoy my last few weeks of maternity leave with a decorated home. Last night, Patrick and I ventured into our attic closet solely filled with our Christmas garb. As we pulled out each tub filled to the brim with decorations, we became giddy with excitement. {Patrick too. Seriously. He LOVES our house decorated for Christmas... and I LOVE that about him! :)}

To be fair, I gave my fall decor their due. I decorated in mid-September because with Addison's arrival, I knew that would be last on my priority list, and I wanted to come home from the hospital to a warmly festive home. Here are a couple of my favorite fall items.

#1 I LOVE white pumpkins, and this was my dining room centerpiece. I found the acorn branches at an antique store here in Franklin, and it provides a nice contrast to the white.

#2 This iron pumpkin is something I found at Holiday Market a couple of years ago in Montgomery. Sometimes it's my kitchen table centerpiece; sometimes it sits on the corner of my peninsula; in this pic, it is residing on my end table in my living room.

Now, for Christmas, I am obsessed with some of Anthropologie's new ornaments. We are thinking of getting the "P," "K," and "A," letter for our tree. I love and am totally into the cupcake fad that is currently "all the rage." {Note my cupcake tree in the former post as well as my "hot spot" post! Of course, they are on the "no-no" list right now with my dairy-free living...} I also am always drawn to owls, and I've been collecting them since the Chi-O days.

my favorite time of year

Fall is my favorite season of all--college football, cool weather, beautiful scenery, our anniversary, Addison's birth, family birthdays, and the beginning of the holiday season. It just cannot be topped in my opinion. Throughout this season, I've had so many ideas to blog about, but I kept putting them off, so this will be an attempt at catching up in our family's life through words and pictures.

One of our biggest challenges with Addison so far is understanding her poops. I never thought I would be such an examiner of diapers, but I have become that way. During the last 2 weeks, we have been investigating a milk allergy with her. Some babies are allergic to the protein in cow's milk, an allergy which most outgrow by age 1, and Addison's poops have made us and the doctor suspicious. For me, that means that in order to continue nursing, I will have to cut out all dairy products--milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, ice cream, chocolate, and anything any of those items might show up as ingredients in. That's pretty much everything I love--and everything that is found in my pantry and fridge. CHEESE and CHOCOLATE are my 2 staple items... This is brutal. So, with the help of my cool friend Kelly and trips to Whole Foods, I am now attempting a {temporary} life of dairy-free living. Hopefully this will lower my cholesterol and help me lose my last baby weight poundage, therefore benefiting both Addison and me! {At least I'm trying to tell myself that...} It's amazing what all is out there, and if any of you has any recipes/ideas/tips, PLEASE share!

In our pictures, we have celebrated many fun bath times. I love her bear hooded towel--it has paws and a tail too! :) For Halloween, Addison wore a bear costume for about 10 minutes--long enough for some photo ops with her cousin Savannah. She is a hot box, and she wanted that Bear costume off! We celebrated our 3rd anniversary and had an opportunity to get dressed up and be social! We've introduced Addison to her dual heritage during football season {and at least one of us is having a good year in that way... sigh...}. I helped throw a "baby-warming" shower for my good friend April and enjoyed making a diaper cake and using my cupcake tree. Then last night, we celebrated my niece's 1st birthday. Savannah was so precious and did all of the things a 1-year-old should do. She LOVED her birthday balloons and entertained us all.

We have more birthdays and celebrations ahead, and we cannot wait for Christmas!!!

Mostly during this season, we've been learning how to be a family and raise a daughter. We've been adjusting to job changes, sleep changes, diet changes, dynamic changes, and priority changes. I can't believe Addison is 6 weeks old. We are amazed by her and our Lord who made life possible!

Fall is my favorite season of all--college football, cool weather, beautiful scenery, our anniversary, Addison's birth, family birthdays, and the beginning of the holiday season. It just cannot be topped in my opinion. Throughout this season, I've had so many ideas to blog about, but I kept putting them off, so this will be an attempt at catching up in our family's life through words and pictures.

One of our biggest challenges with Addison so far is understanding her poops. I never thought I would be such an examiner of diapers, but I have become that way. During the last 2 weeks, we have been investigating a milk allergy with her. Some babies are allergic to the protein in cow's milk, an allergy which most outgrow by age 1, and Addison's poops have made us and the doctor suspicious. For me, that means that in order to continue nursing, I will have to cut out all dairy products--milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, ice cream, chocolate, and anything any of those items might show up as ingredients in. That's pretty much everything I love--and everything that is found in my pantry and fridge. CHEESE and CHOCOLATE are my 2 staple items... This is brutal. So, with the help of my cool friend Kelly and trips to Whole Foods, I am now attempting a {temporary} life of dairy-free living. Hopefully this will lower my cholesterol and help me lose my last baby weight poundage, therefore benefiting both Addison and me! {At least I'm trying to tell myself that...} It's amazing what all is out there, and if any of you has any recipes/ideas/tips, PLEASE share!

In our pictures, we have celebrated many fun bath times. I love her bear hooded towel--it has paws and a tail too! :) For Halloween, Addison wore a bear costume for about 10 minutes--long enough for some photo ops with her cousin Savannah. She is a hot box, and she wanted that Bear costume off! We celebrated our 3rd anniversary and had an opportunity to get dressed up and be social! We've introduced Addison to her dual heritage during football season {and at least one of us is having a good year in that way... sigh...}. I helped throw a "baby-warming" shower for my good friend April and enjoyed making a diaper cake and using my cupcake tree. Then last night, we celebrated my niece's 1st birthday. Savannah was so precious and did all of the things a 1-year-old should do. She LOVED her birthday balloons and entertained us all.

We have more birthdays and celebrations ahead, and we cannot wait for Christmas!!!

Mostly during this season, we've been learning how to be a family and raise a daughter. We've been adjusting to job changes, sleep changes, diet changes, dynamic changes, and priority changes. I can't believe Addison is 6 weeks old. We are amazed by her and our Lord who made life possible!

Addy-girl is 1 month old

I cannot believe she is already a month old. Thought these were pretty cute!

I cannot believe she is already a month old. Thought these were pretty cute!

"Marriage is hard work."

Those words began and ended each of our premarital counseling sessions with Brink back in the day. In the 3 years that I have been married so far, I have definitely learned them and their absolute truth--although sometimes with ease and others with more difficulty. Dying to myself every day as a Christian is hard; dying to myself as an individual for my husband is harder. But it is so worth it--when I am intentional enough to do it. On our anniversary, we went to see this movie with minimal expectations. We saw Facing the Giants and loved it despite the harsh criticism of the acting. We were willing to give this one a try--even though the cheesiness of Kirk Cameron can be a little retching.

It was so worth it. I would recommend it to any married couple--no matter what phase of life. In the past month our life has drastically changed--in awe-inspiring ways, in stressful ways, in celebratory ways, in devastating ways. A new child, a job loss/change, new roles to learn, new sleep habits, new hormones, being even more totally dependent than we realized was possible on the Lord, being blissfully happy and utterly hopeless in the same hour... This month has been different for our marriage. Difficult but wonderful. This movie helped us celebrate our three happy, adventurous, successful years of our marriage so far. It also helped us prepare for the ncxt 3, and then the next... It brought up many important conversations and it helped me look at Patrick with a more mature (I hope) love. We are learning.

The movie itself isn't magical, but I believe God's work through it can be.

Those words began and ended each of our premarital counseling sessions with Brink back in the day. In the 3 years that I have been married so far, I have definitely learned them and their absolute truth--although sometimes with ease and others with more difficulty. Dying to myself every day as a Christian is hard; dying to myself as an individual for my husband is harder. But it is so worth it--when I am intentional enough to do it. On our anniversary, we went to see this movie with minimal expectations. We saw Facing the Giants and loved it despite the harsh criticism of the acting. We were willing to give this one a try--even though the cheesiness of Kirk Cameron can be a little retching.

It was so worth it. I would recommend it to any married couple--no matter what phase of life. In the past month our life has drastically changed--in awe-inspiring ways, in stressful ways, in celebratory ways, in devastating ways. A new child, a job loss/change, new roles to learn, new sleep habits, new hormones, being even more totally dependent than we realized was possible on the Lord, being blissfully happy and utterly hopeless in the same hour... This month has been different for our marriage. Difficult but wonderful. This movie helped us celebrate our three happy, adventurous, successful years of our marriage so far. It also helped us prepare for the ncxt 3, and then the next... It brought up many important conversations and it helped me look at Patrick with a more mature (I hope) love. We are learning.

The movie itself isn't magical, but I believe God's work through it can be.

Sleepyhead

Addison--fast asleep after all the stimulation of her play gym. :)

Addison--fast asleep after all the stimulation of her play gym. :)

Bliss

Today is Patrick's and my 3rd Wedding Anniversary, and we cannot believe how fast time has flown. These 3 years have been the happiest of my life, and I feel so blessed to be married to such a wonderful man of character and compassion! Love you!

Today is Patrick's and my 3rd Wedding Anniversary, and we cannot believe how fast time has flown. These 3 years have been the happiest of my life, and I feel so blessed to be married to such a wonderful man of character and compassion! Love you!

our life lately

Can't believe it's been so long since I blogged, but I've been stuck in babyland--and happily so.
Tomorrow Addison will be 2 weeks old, and I am shocked at how quickly the days have passed.

Today we had our 2 week doctor's appointment, and she has surpassed her birth weight and height and is just a content little thing. Patrick and I have thanked God for our special blessing repeatedly.

Her delivery went well. We found out on Thursday, the 25th, that the little Addy-girl was breech--her head right under my heart {just as I was inside my mom}, and our c-section was decisive and scheduled. Patrick and I enjoyed a dinner with my family at Loveless Cafe that night and a date night the next night, but all we could think about was how our life was about to totally change.

We went into the hospital at 7:30 a.m. and prepped for surgery at 9. I was holding my little sweetie by 9:26. The cesarean was surreal. My doctor talked me through the whole thing, and when I heard Addison's first cry, I laughed out loud. My family, who was in the waiting room just next to the operating room, heard both sounds and felt such relief and peace.

We stayed in the hospital until Tuesday, and then came home. My mom stayed with us for several days, and it was truly one of the most special times. I don't know what I would have done without her, and having a daughter--even just for a few days so far--has made me love my mom even more than I realized I could.

Our time at home has been measured from feeding to feeding. Time in between is either spent showering, sleeping, or writing thank you notes. Of course, mostly I find myself staring at my little girl.

We are completely exhausted, but we feel very blessed and humbled. We are learning to depend on God in a whole new way, and we are so thankful to be His.

Can't believe it's been so long since I blogged, but I've been stuck in babyland--and happily so.
Tomorrow Addison will be 2 weeks old, and I am shocked at how quickly the days have passed.

Today we had our 2 week doctor's appointment, and she has surpassed her birth weight and height and is just a content little thing. Patrick and I have thanked God for our special blessing repeatedly.

Her delivery went well. We found out on Thursday, the 25th, that the little Addy-girl was breech--her head right under my heart {just as I was inside my mom}, and our c-section was decisive and scheduled. Patrick and I enjoyed a dinner with my family at Loveless Cafe that night and a date night the next night, but all we could think about was how our life was about to totally change.

We went into the hospital at 7:30 a.m. and prepped for surgery at 9. I was holding my little sweetie by 9:26. The cesarean was surreal. My doctor talked me through the whole thing, and when I heard Addison's first cry, I laughed out loud. My family, who was in the waiting room just next to the operating room, heard both sounds and felt such relief and peace.

We stayed in the hospital until Tuesday, and then came home. My mom stayed with us for several days, and it was truly one of the most special times. I don't know what I would have done without her, and having a daughter--even just for a few days so far--has made me love my mom even more than I realized I could.

Our time at home has been measured from feeding to feeding. Time in between is either spent showering, sleeping, or writing thank you notes. Of course, mostly I find myself staring at my little girl.

We are completely exhausted, but we feel very blessed and humbled. We are learning to depend on God in a whole new way, and we are so thankful to be His.

She's here!

Addison Camille Crawford is finally here! I am in love. Here is a picture made when she was one day old. Notice her sporting her "faux hawk" after her bath. :) Love it! We are still in the hospital, but I will post more when we get home!

Addison Camille Crawford is finally here! I am in love. Here is a picture made when she was one day old. Notice her sporting her "faux hawk" after her bath. :) Love it! We are still in the hospital, but I will post more when we get home!

Baby Update and Current Musings

This morning I am 39 weeks and 2 days pregnant. I can't believe how close the time is nearing for us to bring a child into the world. As far as her arrival goes, she should be here soon! The finality/reality of our "date" approaching has left me with sleepless nights and anxious thoughts and unbelievable joy and anticipation. At my 39 week appointment, we set up an ultrasound for this week to see her exact position and estimated weight. She is a squirmy wormy thing and we're not sure if she is lodged with her head down. My "Doc" also thinks that she could be a big little girl, and a measurement combined with her positioning will determine which way we'll need to deliver her. Either way, we're "on the books" at the hospital for her special arrival, and unless she surprises us before then, she will share my "MawMaw's" {great-grandmother's} birthday. Of course I am scared and excited and nervous all at the same time, and I just ask for special prayers for this week--for her health and mine, for a safe delivery, for a clear decision, and for us to truly experience the Lord through all of this.

This week will be spent finalizing sub plans, cleaning, nesting, and waiting. I imagine it will be some LONG days. :)

In other thoughts, I have delved into the book Velvet Elvis. I noticed that Tiffany had read it, and it's been collecting dust under my nightstand for over a year along with the current craze The Shack--which I have started several times but haven't been able to get through. Last Sunday when I began reading it, I thought to myself that God' timing was so good--it has been just what I have needed to ponder over and recenter with. I'll include some of my favorite passages so far:

A Christian doesn't avoid the questions; a Christian embraces them. In fact, to truly pursue the living God, we have to see the need for them...Questions are rooted in humility. A humility that understand that I am not God. And there is more to know...Truth always leads to more truth. Because truth is insight into God and God is infinite and God has no boundaries or edges. So truth has layers and depth and texture...

More to come on this as I continue to read and process...

This morning I am 39 weeks and 2 days pregnant. I can't believe how close the time is nearing for us to bring a child into the world. As far as her arrival goes, she should be here soon! The finality/reality of our "date" approaching has left me with sleepless nights and anxious thoughts and unbelievable joy and anticipation. At my 39 week appointment, we set up an ultrasound for this week to see her exact position and estimated weight. She is a squirmy wormy thing and we're not sure if she is lodged with her head down. My "Doc" also thinks that she could be a big little girl, and a measurement combined with her positioning will determine which way we'll need to deliver her. Either way, we're "on the books" at the hospital for her special arrival, and unless she surprises us before then, she will share my "MawMaw's" {great-grandmother's} birthday. Of course I am scared and excited and nervous all at the same time, and I just ask for special prayers for this week--for her health and mine, for a safe delivery, for a clear decision, and for us to truly experience the Lord through all of this.

This week will be spent finalizing sub plans, cleaning, nesting, and waiting. I imagine it will be some LONG days. :)

In other thoughts, I have delved into the book Velvet Elvis. I noticed that Tiffany had read it, and it's been collecting dust under my nightstand for over a year along with the current craze The Shack--which I have started several times but haven't been able to get through. Last Sunday when I began reading it, I thought to myself that God' timing was so good--it has been just what I have needed to ponder over and recenter with. I'll include some of my favorite passages so far:

A Christian doesn't avoid the questions; a Christian embraces them. In fact, to truly pursue the living God, we have to see the need for them...Questions are rooted in humility. A humility that understand that I am not God. And there is more to know...Truth always leads to more truth. Because truth is insight into God and God is infinite and God has no boundaries or edges. So truth has layers and depth and texture...

More to come on this as I continue to read and process...

New Hot Spot

For all of you Nashvillians, you have to show this new place some love: Curious Gourmet Cupcakery! , home of the "Keep it steady; they're a little top heavy" cupcakes. I had read about it in the VIP Franklin magazine, and yesterday, after an especially long day at work, my dear IHS friends {April, Becky, Heather} and I needed to relieve some tension and have some "friend time," so we made our way to Downtown Franklin's Main Street to enjoy this delectable treat. As we entered the cafe and saw the array of flavors displayed, we began salivating on the spot. These cupcakes are straight from Heaven and JUST what this pregnant girl needed! We each ordered a different flavor: peanut butter cup {pictured left}, vanilla bean, devil's food, and lemon meringue and tried a sample of each. We sat for two hours on comfortable chairs and sofas and destressed over good conversation, our devouring of our treats, and coffee drinks. I was able to bring home one for Patrick, and he agreed that we will frequent this place for after dinner dates!

For all of you Nashvillians, you have to show this new place some love: Curious Gourmet Cupcakery! , home of the "Keep it steady; they're a little top heavy" cupcakes. I had read about it in the VIP Franklin magazine, and yesterday, after an especially long day at work, my dear IHS friends {April, Becky, Heather} and I needed to relieve some tension and have some "friend time," so we made our way to Downtown Franklin's Main Street to enjoy this delectable treat. As we entered the cafe and saw the array of flavors displayed, we began salivating on the spot. These cupcakes are straight from Heaven and JUST what this pregnant girl needed! We each ordered a different flavor: peanut butter cup {pictured left}, vanilla bean, devil's food, and lemon meringue and tried a sample of each. We sat for two hours on comfortable chairs and sofas and destressed over good conversation, our devouring of our treats, and coffee drinks. I was able to bring home one for Patrick, and he agreed that we will frequent this place for after dinner dates!

Questions I'm Considering...

When is imitation NOT the highest form of flattery?

With the full acknowledgement that there is nothing new under the sun--that everything has been said, done, experienced, thought, etc. by someone before you, how is it possible to maintain uniqueness and individuality?

For example, I love decorating and personalizing my house with my unique flea market finds to reflect what Patrick and I are interested in and our sense of style. Admittedly, I get good paint colors, ideas about spacing and color combinations from Pottery Barn magazines, creative design blogs that I peruse, and sometimes even from my mom's house. However, my ultimate goal is to try to make it "us."

I love choosing clothes and making fashion decisions that are unique as well--trying to "pull things off" that sometimes I'm successful with and other times not-so-much. Of course I find inspirations from Anthropologie and JJill, but would I ever copy a friend's wardrobe from head to toe? I really hope not...

Another thing is names... Unless you completely make up a name by combinations of names like Kristrick or Patsty, or use bizarre spellings, hasn't every child's name been used at least once in all existence. Yet, it is still such a paramount decision because in choosing a name for a baby or child, you are giving that child its first sense of identity. After we named our baby girl, she has completely shaped into her name as far as we've been concerned. Many people over the years have used Addison and Camille in their names--Camille was my middle name that my parents chose for me. Can we "claim" those as hers/ours--as a part of her individuality? Of course not!

When is imitation NOT the highest form of flattery?

With the full acknowledgement that there is nothing new under the sun--that everything has been said, done, experienced, thought, etc. by someone before you, how is it possible to maintain uniqueness and individuality?

For example, I love decorating and personalizing my house with my unique flea market finds to reflect what Patrick and I are interested in and our sense of style. Admittedly, I get good paint colors, ideas about spacing and color combinations from Pottery Barn magazines, creative design blogs that I peruse, and sometimes even from my mom's house. However, my ultimate goal is to try to make it "us."

I love choosing clothes and making fashion decisions that are unique as well--trying to "pull things off" that sometimes I'm successful with and other times not-so-much. Of course I find inspirations from Anthropologie and JJill, but would I ever copy a friend's wardrobe from head to toe? I really hope not...

Another thing is names... Unless you completely make up a name by combinations of names like Kristrick or Patsty, or use bizarre spellings, hasn't every child's name been used at least once in all existence. Yet, it is still such a paramount decision because in choosing a name for a baby or child, you are giving that child its first sense of identity. After we named our baby girl, she has completely shaped into her name as far as we've been concerned. Many people over the years have used Addison and Camille in their names--Camille was my middle name that my parents chose for me. Can we "claim" those as hers/ours--as a part of her individuality? Of course not!

The waiting game...

{This picture was a PKCRAW collaborative creation and is now hanging on the wall to the right of the window}

Her room is done. Her clothes and sheets are clean. Our bags are packed. The presents have been opened and thank you's written. We're finally inside 20 days, and we are so excited to meet our daughter. So far, impatience has not set in, but we get more anxious and giddy each day.

I'm still working and feeling pretty good. I'm loving my kids and my classes and spending time with my work friends. I'm not cooking much these days because when I get home, I am wiped out, but working has been a nice distraction.

Here are some pictures of Baby Addison's nursery.

{This picture was a PKCRAW collaborative creation and is now hanging on the wall to the right of the window}

Her room is done. Her clothes and sheets are clean. Our bags are packed. The presents have been opened and thank you's written. We're finally inside 20 days, and we are so excited to meet our daughter. So far, impatience has not set in, but we get more anxious and giddy each day.

I'm still working and feeling pretty good. I'm loving my kids and my classes and spending time with my work friends. I'm not cooking much these days because when I get home, I am wiped out, but working has been a nice distraction.

Here are some pictures of Baby Addison's nursery.

Running out of room... but still celebrating

{Me at 35+ weeks, Patrick, me, Savannah, Lindsay, and Daniel at the party, my grandparents beside their wedding cake}


With the beginning of another school year, a new crop of students, a new challenging AP class to teach, and an ever-growing belly {and nose too, at this point}, I have been exhausted! I've had stories to share and things to write about, but just not the energy... My school year has actually started off great, actually, and so far I am loving my kids and what I'm doing in the classroom.

The reality of this final month of pregnancy has finally hit me, though... Friday, after school, I went out with some friends to Mellow Mushroom. Patrick was working late(r), and we had date planned for later in the evening with dinner reservations for 8:00 {We've only a few weeks left with just the 2 of us, so we've been trying to fill them with special times}. I got home about 5:45, laid down, and literally could NOT get up out of bed. He got home about 6:45 and found me limp and lifeless. We cancelled our reservations, made PB&J's and tall glasses of milk, and went upstairs to "On Demand" the movie 21--which we loved by the way. I felt so lame, but couldn't have enjoyed myself more.

I'm over it. You know? All the, "How are you feeling(s)?" the sweet "awe cute" looks combined with the pitiful smiles and "you poor thing--in all this heat" comments, the waiting... the preparation... oh, the waiting... I pray that Addison stays in my belly as long as she needs to, but I am READY to meet my daughter and be a mommy!

I am determined to enjoy these last few weeks, though, and fill them full of memories. One of those memories was the party that my parents hosted last night for my grandparents who are celebrating 60 years of marriage. They got married in someone's home, and never had a wedding or reception, so my parents threw them a nice reception last night with 60 of their closest friends and family. {Unfortunately, Cousin Carl and Dolly couldn't make it, but they sent their congratulations. :)} It was sweet and special and made was a nice reminder of just how sacred marriage is! We all had a great time, and that cake tasted just as good as it looks!

I'll start going to the doctor weekly this week, so please keep those prayers coming. I'm VERY nervous about these last few weeks!

{Me at 35+ weeks, Patrick, me, Savannah, Lindsay, and Daniel at the party, my grandparents beside their wedding cake}


With the beginning of another school year, a new crop of students, a new challenging AP class to teach, and an ever-growing belly {and nose too, at this point}, I have been exhausted! I've had stories to share and things to write about, but just not the energy... My school year has actually started off great, actually, and so far I am loving my kids and what I'm doing in the classroom.

The reality of this final month of pregnancy has finally hit me, though... Friday, after school, I went out with some friends to Mellow Mushroom. Patrick was working late(r), and we had date planned for later in the evening with dinner reservations for 8:00 {We've only a few weeks left with just the 2 of us, so we've been trying to fill them with special times}. I got home about 5:45, laid down, and literally could NOT get up out of bed. He got home about 6:45 and found me limp and lifeless. We cancelled our reservations, made PB&J's and tall glasses of milk, and went upstairs to "On Demand" the movie 21--which we loved by the way. I felt so lame, but couldn't have enjoyed myself more.

I'm over it. You know? All the, "How are you feeling(s)?" the sweet "awe cute" looks combined with the pitiful smiles and "you poor thing--in all this heat" comments, the waiting... the preparation... oh, the waiting... I pray that Addison stays in my belly as long as she needs to, but I am READY to meet my daughter and be a mommy!

I am determined to enjoy these last few weeks, though, and fill them full of memories. One of those memories was the party that my parents hosted last night for my grandparents who are celebrating 60 years of marriage. They got married in someone's home, and never had a wedding or reception, so my parents threw them a nice reception last night with 60 of their closest friends and family. {Unfortunately, Cousin Carl and Dolly couldn't make it, but they sent their congratulations. :)} It was sweet and special and made was a nice reminder of just how sacred marriage is! We all had a great time, and that cake tasted just as good as it looks!

I'll start going to the doctor weekly this week, so please keep those prayers coming. I'm VERY nervous about these last few weeks!

All About Addison

Seriously, she's all I think about. :) Even through the beginning of school drudgery, I have not been able to be too stressed because I cannot stop thinking about how excited I am to meet Baby Addison in less than 7 weeks. Today was a wonderful day spent with family and friends who are excited to meet her too. I'm hoping with school starting that time will pass quickly! Here are some snapshots of today...

Thanks to everybody who made today so much fun, and special thanks to Amy, Kelley, Mindy, Jesse, Lori, and Britani who traveled to spend time with us!

{Captions: #1--me at 33+ weeks and still growing strong :); #2--with fellow preggo friends: Amy 16 weeks, Britani 22 weeks; #3--with dear friends who threw Baby Addison a party: Amy, Kelley, Lia, Kelly, Mindy, Me, Katie; #4--with Linds and Lia}

Seriously, she's all I think about. :) Even through the beginning of school drudgery, I have not been able to be too stressed because I cannot stop thinking about how excited I am to meet Baby Addison in less than 7 weeks. Today was a wonderful day spent with family and friends who are excited to meet her too. I'm hoping with school starting that time will pass quickly! Here are some snapshots of today...

Thanks to everybody who made today so much fun, and special thanks to Amy, Kelley, Mindy, Jesse, Lori, and Britani who traveled to spend time with us!

{Captions: #1--me at 33+ weeks and still growing strong :); #2--with fellow preggo friends: Amy 16 weeks, Britani 22 weeks; #3--with dear friends who threw Baby Addison a party: Amy, Kelley, Lia, Kelly, Mindy, Me, Katie; #4--with Linds and Lia}

Middle of the Night Madness

I've officially entered the stage where my sleeping comfort level has been compromised. I can't stay comfortable. Sleeping on my side--not my method of choice--has made my hips feel like they've aged 40 years in 2 weeks. When I get up to go to the bathroom INCESSANTLY, I move like I need a walker.

A couple of weeks ago, I began having leg cramps in my calf every third night or so. Patrick has gotten used to me crying out deliriously in my sleep, "MY LEG! MY LEG!" Very patiently, he goes to the end of the bed and pushes my foot back--relieving me of the strange sensation. I tell you, he's a trooper. He doesn't even flinch anymore...

Until one night last week. This story I am now going to recount is not one that I remember, but one that Patrick assures me I participated in ever-so-emphatically and wholeheartedly... So, it's the middle of the night, and I cry out, "My BUTT! MY BUTT!" Patrick, as usual, goes to the end of the bed, and thinking that what I really mean is, "MY LEG!", he begins pushing back my foot. I then cry out, "NO! MY BUTT! IT'S CRAMPING! GRAB IT! GRAB IT!" I'm sure at this point he's thinking I'm crazy, but not wanting to mess with his deliriously pregnant wife, he obliges my request, and I start moaning, "ahhh, thank you...thank YOU!" Like a light switch, I am back to sleep, and he lies there dumbfounded about what just happened...

The next morning, with a smirk on his face, he asks me how I slept. I said something about feeling really weird and remembering having tension in my lower back/rear end, and he busted out with the story through fits of laughter...

This is crazy... No more Vicky dreams, but man... There is no telling what I will do/say next...

I've officially entered the stage where my sleeping comfort level has been compromised. I can't stay comfortable. Sleeping on my side--not my method of choice--has made my hips feel like they've aged 40 years in 2 weeks. When I get up to go to the bathroom INCESSANTLY, I move like I need a walker.

A couple of weeks ago, I began having leg cramps in my calf every third night or so. Patrick has gotten used to me crying out deliriously in my sleep, "MY LEG! MY LEG!" Very patiently, he goes to the end of the bed and pushes my foot back--relieving me of the strange sensation. I tell you, he's a trooper. He doesn't even flinch anymore...

Until one night last week. This story I am now going to recount is not one that I remember, but one that Patrick assures me I participated in ever-so-emphatically and wholeheartedly... So, it's the middle of the night, and I cry out, "My BUTT! MY BUTT!" Patrick, as usual, goes to the end of the bed, and thinking that what I really mean is, "MY LEG!", he begins pushing back my foot. I then cry out, "NO! MY BUTT! IT'S CRAMPING! GRAB IT! GRAB IT!" I'm sure at this point he's thinking I'm crazy, but not wanting to mess with his deliriously pregnant wife, he obliges my request, and I start moaning, "ahhh, thank you...thank YOU!" Like a light switch, I am back to sleep, and he lies there dumbfounded about what just happened...

The next morning, with a smirk on his face, he asks me how I slept. I said something about feeling really weird and remembering having tension in my lower back/rear end, and he busted out with the story through fits of laughter...

This is crazy... No more Vicky dreams, but man... There is no telling what I will do/say next...

Neigborhood Gestapo and Pregnancy Progress

Well, we thought our biggest concern in our new neck of the woods would be the "Blue Light Special"; however, we are learning about our new adversary, the "Neighborhood Gestapo." Don't get me wrong--as referenced in my original post, we love living in our planned community; we love most of our neighbors; we love the well-manicured lawns and respectable families that we are surrounded by. In many ways we are proud of where we live and can envision ourselves living here for many years--walking our family to the neighborhood pool and biking the trail to the neighborhood elementary school, but recent events have made us wonder if "Big Brother" really exists.

A couple of weeks after we moved in last year, we went out of town and, in being away from home, inadvertently left our garbage can out over the weekend. Shortly after, we received a "friendly reminder" about keeping garbage cans out of sight from the road. Our initial reaction was, "GAH--Seriously!?! Welcome to the neighborhood..." but we also appreciated the dedication to maintaining an aesthetically pleasing neighborhood. This Spring we received another "friendly reminder" about vehicles being parked on the street overnight--after a weekend of hosting out-of-town guests. This one ticked us off a little bit. Meanwhile, we are discussing such events with some of our neighbor friends, and they brought to our attention that an HOA board member lives just a couple of houses down from us and frequently goes on walks with her dog {more to come on that momentarily} looking for violations to cite. Our neighbors had several similar experiences with privacy fences, basketball goals, pool codes that had been deactivated due to said violations...

Our blood began boiling, and we began keeping closer tabs on this "Big Sister." Patrick began noticing that she frequently walked her dog and allowed her to "do her business" in other people's yards including our own. Major violation. You have to have some variation of a pooper scooper when taking dog walks. Next, Maggie gets sick. She becomes lethargic, begins vomiting, and having trouble using the bathroom. In the vet's office as they freak me out with all of the serious implications of her symptoms, they conclude that her intestines are being severely attacked by a bacteria likely caused from her eating grass contaminated with another animal's fecal matter. Our visit{S} cost over $100 and we are NOT happy--concluding that the culprit is "Big Sister's dog."

Fast forward to this week. We receive a notice of a fine for $50 due to a repeat violation of a vehicle parked on the street. Patrick, fed up, calls the HOA pres and boldly demands and explanation. He supplies Patrick the date of the violation--a day that Patrick cleaned and organized our garage and parked our vehicles on the street for 2 hours. He then tells Patrick that it was reported by a board member who lives on our street, and Patrick let him in on the "pooping incident." Our friendly neighbors are irate as well, and we've decided this woman must be an extremely unhappy person. Nevertheless, our "fine" was waived... I think our cul-de-sac may take over the HOA in next year's election. If you can't beat them, join them-- right!?!

In other news, I'm closing in on being 31 weeks pregnant {picture above}, and I cannot believe that the summer is almost over. I'm still feeling pretty good--just having a little more difficulty getting comfortable as I sleep and tiring out a little more quickly than I am used to. We have chosen our pediatrician and begun our "Childbirth Education" classes at the hospital. I was a bit nervous about how I'd react to all of the information. Surprisingly, it reassured me rather than freaked me out--although I know there's probably more scary information to come... After our class last night, I had the first pleasant dream I've had in months... Have I mentioned that I'm having CRAZY dreams...? Giving birth to animals rather than people; I'm lost in an indecipherable hospital maze and can't find Patrick or Addy; horrible birthing experiences... etc. The latest disturbing nightmare was that Patrick was cheating on me with a woman named Vicky who looked like a younger version of Samantha from Sex and the City. In my dream, I am soooo pregnant, am wearing a moo moo {sp?} type of gown, am throwing things, and am cussing them a major blue streak as he shrugs his shoulders at me and she laughs. When Patrick woke me up the following morning for church, I rolled over, bawling, deliriously saying, "Why are you cheating on me?" I don't remember this moment, but I do know it took me about half the day to get over it--not being able to differentiate my dream from reality. Poor Patrick! What a trooper! We've had many laughs over this one--he's praying he doesn't meet anyone named Vicky, and we keep dropping her name at random times...

Well, we thought our biggest concern in our new neck of the woods would be the "Blue Light Special"; however, we are learning about our new adversary, the "Neighborhood Gestapo." Don't get me wrong--as referenced in my original post, we love living in our planned community; we love most of our neighbors; we love the well-manicured lawns and respectable families that we are surrounded by. In many ways we are proud of where we live and can envision ourselves living here for many years--walking our family to the neighborhood pool and biking the trail to the neighborhood elementary school, but recent events have made us wonder if "Big Brother" really exists.

A couple of weeks after we moved in last year, we went out of town and, in being away from home, inadvertently left our garbage can out over the weekend. Shortly after, we received a "friendly reminder" about keeping garbage cans out of sight from the road. Our initial reaction was, "GAH--Seriously!?! Welcome to the neighborhood..." but we also appreciated the dedication to maintaining an aesthetically pleasing neighborhood. This Spring we received another "friendly reminder" about vehicles being parked on the street overnight--after a weekend of hosting out-of-town guests. This one ticked us off a little bit. Meanwhile, we are discussing such events with some of our neighbor friends, and they brought to our attention that an HOA board member lives just a couple of houses down from us and frequently goes on walks with her dog {more to come on that momentarily} looking for violations to cite. Our neighbors had several similar experiences with privacy fences, basketball goals, pool codes that had been deactivated due to said violations...

Our blood began boiling, and we began keeping closer tabs on this "Big Sister." Patrick began noticing that she frequently walked her dog and allowed her to "do her business" in other people's yards including our own. Major violation. You have to have some variation of a pooper scooper when taking dog walks. Next, Maggie gets sick. She becomes lethargic, begins vomiting, and having trouble using the bathroom. In the vet's office as they freak me out with all of the serious implications of her symptoms, they conclude that her intestines are being severely attacked by a bacteria likely caused from her eating grass contaminated with another animal's fecal matter. Our visit{S} cost over $100 and we are NOT happy--concluding that the culprit is "Big Sister's dog."

Fast forward to this week. We receive a notice of a fine for $50 due to a repeat violation of a vehicle parked on the street. Patrick, fed up, calls the HOA pres and boldly demands and explanation. He supplies Patrick the date of the violation--a day that Patrick cleaned and organized our garage and parked our vehicles on the street for 2 hours. He then tells Patrick that it was reported by a board member who lives on our street, and Patrick let him in on the "pooping incident." Our friendly neighbors are irate as well, and we've decided this woman must be an extremely unhappy person. Nevertheless, our "fine" was waived... I think our cul-de-sac may take over the HOA in next year's election. If you can't beat them, join them-- right!?!

In other news, I'm closing in on being 31 weeks pregnant {picture above}, and I cannot believe that the summer is almost over. I'm still feeling pretty good--just having a little more difficulty getting comfortable as I sleep and tiring out a little more quickly than I am used to. We have chosen our pediatrician and begun our "Childbirth Education" classes at the hospital. I was a bit nervous about how I'd react to all of the information. Surprisingly, it reassured me rather than freaked me out--although I know there's probably more scary information to come... After our class last night, I had the first pleasant dream I've had in months... Have I mentioned that I'm having CRAZY dreams...? Giving birth to animals rather than people; I'm lost in an indecipherable hospital maze and can't find Patrick or Addy; horrible birthing experiences... etc. The latest disturbing nightmare was that Patrick was cheating on me with a woman named Vicky who looked like a younger version of Samantha from Sex and the City. In my dream, I am soooo pregnant, am wearing a moo moo {sp?} type of gown, am throwing things, and am cussing them a major blue streak as he shrugs his shoulders at me and she laughs. When Patrick woke me up the following morning for church, I rolled over, bawling, deliriously saying, "Why are you cheating on me?" I don't remember this moment, but I do know it took me about half the day to get over it--not being able to differentiate my dream from reality. Poor Patrick! What a trooper! We've had many laughs over this one--he's praying he doesn't meet anyone named Vicky, and we keep dropping her name at random times...

Addy's on her way!

Yesterday, Addy had her first official party hosted my Patrick's and my new church, 4th Avenue. I was incredibly nervous because we are such new members and are still meeting people, but my sweet friends who hosted it made me feel very special. And I got to have a combined party with my friend Jaclyn which made both of us feel more comfortable. Addy got a great new start for her life, and I'm so grateful and humbled. Here are a couple of pictures!

Yesterday, Addy had her first official party hosted my Patrick's and my new church, 4th Avenue. I was incredibly nervous because we are such new members and are still meeting people, but my sweet friends who hosted it made me feel very special. And I got to have a combined party with my friend Jaclyn which made both of us feel more comfortable. Addy got a great new start for her life, and I'm so grateful and humbled. Here are a couple of pictures!

Happy 4th {1 day late} and Summer Project #2

I'm going in reverse order of my blog title, but these two pictures are of our Summer Project #2--before and after, respectively. {Project #1 is Addy's nursery--pictures to come, #3 is a kitchen counter project, #4 is outdoor landscaping, and #5 is revamping our patio...} So, this area has plagued me since we moved in a year ago... It's technically called a plant ledge, but it's more like a little room above our powder room. These pictures were taken from our stairs, and it is the first thing you see once you walk in the front door {The dining room is to the left; the hallway wraps around to the right and leads to the living room; and the powder room is directly below}. You can see my first feeble attempt was the blue jars that I got from my mom. They *seemed* huge, but once we got them up there, the space just swallowed them. So, our new idea began to take shape, and we are pretty pleased--although we'll probably still tweak it a bit. The door was a flawed door that Patrick was able to confiscate from one of his job sites for free. The window is from the Artisan period and is over 90 years old; I found it at the Nashville flea market for $15. The trunks and plants were 50% off at Hobby Lobby.

Hope everyone had a happy Independence Day! This picture of us is from yesterday, and I was exactly 28 weeks pregnant when it was taken. The heat is picking up and it is starting to take its toll on me swelling-wise, and I have the hottest part of the summer to go! I'm going to have to be creative in my fun. The other picture is from my new bunting that I got for this year's holiday. I'm a sucker for holiday decorations! Patrick and I enjoyed our 4th celebrations. We spent the afternoon at Mom and Dad's with Linds, Daniel, and Savannah, and 2 of my grandparents. We spent the evening at a party with 4 couples of our builder friends. And we ended the evening enjoying fireworks celebrations with our fun neighbors. We've enjoyed this holiday weekend so far!

I'm going in reverse order of my blog title, but these two pictures are of our Summer Project #2--before and after, respectively. {Project #1 is Addy's nursery--pictures to come, #3 is a kitchen counter project, #4 is outdoor landscaping, and #5 is revamping our patio...} So, this area has plagued me since we moved in a year ago... It's technically called a plant ledge, but it's more like a little room above our powder room. These pictures were taken from our stairs, and it is the first thing you see once you walk in the front door {The dining room is to the left; the hallway wraps around to the right and leads to the living room; and the powder room is directly below}. You can see my first feeble attempt was the blue jars that I got from my mom. They *seemed* huge, but once we got them up there, the space just swallowed them. So, our new idea began to take shape, and we are pretty pleased--although we'll probably still tweak it a bit. The door was a flawed door that Patrick was able to confiscate from one of his job sites for free. The window is from the Artisan period and is over 90 years old; I found it at the Nashville flea market for $15. The trunks and plants were 50% off at Hobby Lobby.

Hope everyone had a happy Independence Day! This picture of us is from yesterday, and I was exactly 28 weeks pregnant when it was taken. The heat is picking up and it is starting to take its toll on me swelling-wise, and I have the hottest part of the summer to go! I'm going to have to be creative in my fun. The other picture is from my new bunting that I got for this year's holiday. I'm a sucker for holiday decorations! Patrick and I enjoyed our 4th celebrations. We spent the afternoon at Mom and Dad's with Linds, Daniel, and Savannah, and 2 of my grandparents. We spent the evening at a party with 4 couples of our builder friends. And we ended the evening enjoying fireworks celebrations with our fun neighbors. We've enjoyed this holiday weekend so far!

Little bit of lately...

Picture 1: Pregnant Bellies at Kristen's baby shower--Jenny Beth at ~20 weeks, Kristen at 30, me at 27. Picture 2: My girls at the shower--Jenny, Andrea, Lia, me, Kristen, Tara, Kelly. Picture 3: How-to's for Maryland Crab eating. The most delicious crab I've ever tasted in my life {even including the Red Bar}!
Picture 4: market shopping in Annapolis. Picture 5: the Inner Harbor in Baltimore.


I spent this past week in the Virginia, Maryland, DC area at a conference for the AP Language and Composition course I am teaching next year. I traveled with my friend and colleague Kris G-C and greatly benefitted from her native experience to the area.

The conference was so enlightening--we read and analyzed Lincoln's second innagural address, letters between 8 Birmingham clergymen and Martin Luther King, Jr. while he was in jail, political cartoons from The New Yorker and The Washington Post, satirical pieces from The Onion, and various essays, speeches, and letters. We analyzed sample essays, learned how to grade them according to AP College Board standards, and brushed up on the Rogerian and Touliman arguments. All these things, of course, are supposed to prepare us to help our students become sharper thinkers and writers. I have to say--it was fascinating, and I left the conference feeling smarter, inspired, and motivated. That's always a good thing. {There were some interesting characters in our conference, though, those who thought their brilliance was unparalleled, those with serious delusions of grandeur, but I have their character sketches all mapped out, and I hope they show up in some book someday.} Now that I'm back, I have my work cut out for me for the rest of the summer though--that's for sure!

We stayed with Kris's sister's family in Virginia, and we took evening escapades to surrounding areas. The new places I got to visit were Annapolis, Maryland, and Baltimore, Maryland. I enjoyed perusing the shops at the market in Annapolis, driving through the US Naval Academy, and eating delicious Maryland Crab at Cantler's on the water by the yachts. In Baltimore, we spent time eating a delicious dinner in Little Italy at Sabatino's, watching a bocce tournament at an actual bocce court, meandering through the Inner Harbor, and finishing it off with canoli and cream at Vaccaro's. We worked hard during the day, but we had many nice distractions at night.

Kris had just gotten back from Bonnaroo, and from listening to the artists on our road trip, I discovered some new-to-me music that I'm loving. If you haven't heard all of Jason Mraz's songs, I strongly encourage you to download We Sing We Dance We Steal Things.

Picture 1: Pregnant Bellies at Kristen's baby shower--Jenny Beth at ~20 weeks, Kristen at 30, me at 27. Picture 2: My girls at the shower--Jenny, Andrea, Lia, me, Kristen, Tara, Kelly. Picture 3: How-to's for Maryland Crab eating. The most delicious crab I've ever tasted in my life {even including the Red Bar}!
Picture 4: market shopping in Annapolis. Picture 5: the Inner Harbor in Baltimore.


I spent this past week in the Virginia, Maryland, DC area at a conference for the AP Language and Composition course I am teaching next year. I traveled with my friend and colleague Kris G-C and greatly benefitted from her native experience to the area.

The conference was so enlightening--we read and analyzed Lincoln's second innagural address, letters between 8 Birmingham clergymen and Martin Luther King, Jr. while he was in jail, political cartoons from The New Yorker and The Washington Post, satirical pieces from The Onion, and various essays, speeches, and letters. We analyzed sample essays, learned how to grade them according to AP College Board standards, and brushed up on the Rogerian and Touliman arguments. All these things, of course, are supposed to prepare us to help our students become sharper thinkers and writers. I have to say--it was fascinating, and I left the conference feeling smarter, inspired, and motivated. That's always a good thing. {There were some interesting characters in our conference, though, those who thought their brilliance was unparalleled, those with serious delusions of grandeur, but I have their character sketches all mapped out, and I hope they show up in some book someday.} Now that I'm back, I have my work cut out for me for the rest of the summer though--that's for sure!

We stayed with Kris's sister's family in Virginia, and we took evening escapades to surrounding areas. The new places I got to visit were Annapolis, Maryland, and Baltimore, Maryland. I enjoyed perusing the shops at the market in Annapolis, driving through the US Naval Academy, and eating delicious Maryland Crab at Cantler's on the water by the yachts. In Baltimore, we spent time eating a delicious dinner in Little Italy at Sabatino's, watching a bocce tournament at an actual bocce court, meandering through the Inner Harbor, and finishing it off with canoli and cream at Vaccaro's. We worked hard during the day, but we had many nice distractions at night.

Kris had just gotten back from Bonnaroo, and from listening to the artists on our road trip, I discovered some new-to-me music that I'm loving. If you haven't heard all of Jason Mraz's songs, I strongly encourage you to download We Sing We Dance We Steal Things.