Date Night

Tonight the hubby & I went on our offical 2nd date night in 2 years! We HATE leaving Audree anywhere we aren't, esp on the weekends since thats the only time we have with her all day and night. The only other time weve been on a dinner date was Valentine's Day of 09, other that whereever we go little miss is right with us! She's 2 and still hasn't stayed overnight anywhere haha


Tonight she went to dinner with her Godparents while we went to a local Japanese Steakhouse called Sho Guns. We had to wait about 45 min before being seated at one of the Hibachi grills but it was well worth it. We set with 3 other couples and the show began!



I missed the big "fire" at the beginning of the show with my camera and Brett wouldn't ask him to do it again haha The chef (not sure if thats what you call them there) did tons of tricks with his utensils, flipped eggs around, made fire, etc it was such a neat thing to watch! We had steak, chicken and shrimp for our meal and split it. Needless to say after the soup & rice I was stuffed to max capacity. (Everytime I eat I get full really fast, between the food and Ashlyn) The food was AMAZING and I would DEF go back again!!

Me & My Handsome Hubby

Preparing the grill

Flipping eggs

The yummy fried rice

The food was delicious

Onion Volcano

Ta da

32 Weeks...... A MILESTONE!

Well here we are 32 weeks... I have been scared of this week since the day we found out we were pregnant with our little Ashlyn. You see I was 32 weeks pregnant when Audree was born, so when yesterday hit I was full of several different emotions: sad, thrilled, overwhelmed, excited, worried but grateful!


I know we still have another 6 weeks until she will be here, so we have to make it. I worry about not going to 38 weeks, I get scared Ill have another placenta abruption, Im scared Ill have another preemie, so as you can see Im just flat out WORRIED to death about what the next 6 weeks will hold for us.


We will be heading to the Dr Tues (I can't believe its already been another 2 weeks since I was there last) and we will be scheduling the date and time for our precious little Ashlyn to be born. Im already nervous about having another c-section, the pain, the recovery, taking care of 2 little ones during recovery, what she will look like, how she will be, how will Audree be with all of this, etc. My mind races 90 to nothing all the time, consumed with thoughts of how our lives will be in just 6 short weeks.


How your baby's growing:

By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.See what your baby looks like this week.

How your life's changing:

To accommodate you and your baby's growing needs, your blood volume has increased 40 to 50 percent since you got pregnant. With your uterus pushing up near your diaphragm and crowding your stomach, the consequences may be shortness of breath and heartburn. To help relieve your discomfort, try sleeping propped up with pillows and eating smaller meals more often.You may have lower-back pain as your pregnancy advances. If you do, let your caregiver know right away, particularly if you haven't had back pain before, since it can be a sign of preterm labor.Assuming it's not preterm labor that's ailing you, you can probably blame your growing uterus and hormonal changes for your aching back. Your expanding uterus shifts your center of gravity and stretches out and weakens your abdominal muscles, changing your posture and putting a strain on your back. Hormonal changes in pregnancy loosen your joints and the ligaments that attach your pelvic bones to your spine. This can make you feel less stable and cause pain when you walk, stand, sit for long periods, roll over in bed, get out of a low chair or the tub, bend, or lift things.


How Far Along? 32 weeks
Weight Gained/Loss? I lost 10 at the beginning, gained it back and im up on the scale by 2 lbs
Maternity Clothes: when Im not in scrubs
Sleep: Ive been sleeping much better actually
Best Moment of the Week: hitting 32 weeks
Movement- yes mam, my belly does some really weird movements these days
Morning sickness? noway jose
Gender- GIRLY GIRL!!
Labor Signs-nope, nada, zilch, ZERO and it better stay that way for 6 more weeks
Belly Button-its getting stretched but still an inny
What do I miss- not hurting when i get out of bed in the morning


Ill leave you with a 32 week pic, and yes I look GINORMOUS haha But I dont actually feel big or feel like I look this big!! I know denial huh?

Audree's BIG girl bed & helper

Since Audree was 10 months she has been in and out of our room. We did the worst thing and put her in our bed when she woke up in the middle of the night. EVERYONE told us not to do it, but we didn't listen. We tried a few times to get her in her own room, but we failed every single time. She wanted nothing to do with her room, but when it was play time.



With Audree turning 2 and Ashlyn on her way into the world, we decided it was time for her to be in her own big girl bed and room. I struggled to put her in her room, because I loved having her right next to us. I knew she was safe & sound and we could protect her if anything were to happen. I think it was harder on me than it was her.



On Saturday the 13th we made the big move to Audree to her big girl bed in her own room. We were SOOOO nervous, but she did AMAZING! She has slept about 3 full nights so far and the other nights its been hit or miss. She usually sleeps until around 2 or 3, then wakes up asking for mommy or daddy. Last night we waited to see if she would get down and come in our room, lo and behold we heard little feet walking across the house and then heard "moooooommy.....daaaaaaddy" We laughed because it was just too cute, she asked to get in our bed and of course we caved in and said okay. She only had 2 hrs before we woke up so we got suckered into her sweet voice and smile. I am so proud of her and she is doing an AWESOME job!!

Too sweet for any words

Being a big girl and sleeping in her bed

My sweet baby girl

The other night Ashlyn's letters came in the mail so we were ready to put them on the wall above her crib. Audree is our little helper and has to do or help in anything we do, so this was no different. She was so excited to help put Ashlyn's letters up on the wall! Her and daddy got in the crib: measured, put nails up, and hung the letters on the wall.

Getting ready to hang letters

Audree being a big helper

Daddy put it right here

The final project

2 days before & 1 day after the snow....

Now if you live in Texas, you know the weather changes daily. One day it will be 32 & then the next day it will be 65.

Sunday it got into the 70's and it was absolutley BEAUTIFUL outside! After Audree's afternoon nap, we got her dressed and off we went outside to play! She looked so cute (but funny) in her shorts! I haven't seen her in shorts in months but she looked mighty adorable! She got to play on some of her outside riding toys and we got a good walk (we being me and Ashlyn haha). We then decided we would walk to Brett's parents house. They only live about 2 minutes way...... BY CAR! I just knew I could make it, and Im proud to say I did, but holy cow it was pretty tough! Word to the wise..... DO NOT WALK 2.5 miles WHILE 8 months preggo!! HAHA My tummy got really hard and Ashlyn felt so heavy. I had to take breaks, which I felt like the biggest weenie in the world for. However we made it to his parents house, and then his mom drove me home haha once again I felt like a big weenie!!

Here are some pics from the sunny day:

Waving hi to mommy

Audree & Daddy driving down the driveway

He is the best daddy ever

Having fun

Driving her car

Then of course Monday morning it was in the 40's and Tuesday we had our "blizzard" I forgot to post these pics in between so sorry they are out of order haha The day after the snow, Audree was still amazed at all the snow on the ground! She wanted to touch it, throw it, eat it, kick it, and everything else you can imagine. The first thing she did Wed morning was ask about the "noman"

Audree playing with the snow @ Grammy's

Our backyard the next morning

Audree wondering what happened to her "noman"

I ♥ this pic

Let it snow, let it snow, let is snow.....

Okay so I know I am singing this song a little late, but..... IT SNOWED FOR THE 2nd or 3rd TIME IN TEXAS THIS YEAR!! We NEVER EVER get snow and this year we are getting it like crazy!

It started sleeting around 7:30 this morning and it sooned turned to snow. They were prediciting 6-8 inches and I really thought it was rubbish, however they proved me wrong!! We got to leave work @ 2, so I went and picked up Audree & when Brett got home we built a snowman and played outside! This is just crazy but I LOVE it!!

Building my snowman @ work

Our backyard

Audree heading out to play in the snow

She looked like a big marshmellow puff

Daddy fixing to get her with a snowball

Audree throwing a snowball @ daddy

She got him!

Helping us build a snowman

I threw a snowball @ Brett and it hit him and went in his ear haha

Audree ♥ ed throwing snowballs @ daddy

My mom's tree in her front yard, it looks so pretty

Look at all the snow in my mom's backyard

Boscoe

The dogs LOVED it

Our BIG snowman!

Dear Ashlyn.....

Dear Ashlyn

Mommy is writing you this letter to just share a few things on my mind. You see my mind goes 90 to nothing all day long and is consumed with thoughts of you and your big sister.

Here we are 31 weeks pregnant with only a little over 7 weeks left until we meet you. In just a week & a half we will be meeting with the Dr to pick your birthday out (which will be April 13 or 14th which day would you like your birthday on?). We are so ecstatic and can not wait to actually have a date and time when you will be brought into this big world. I have to say even though I am so anxious to meet you, I am sad at the same time. To know you wont be in mommy's tummy anymore, I wont get to feel you move, listen to your heartbeat, etc. You will probably be mommy & daddy's last baby so I am trying to soak up every bit of the remainder of our pregnancy with you.

Your big sister, Audree loves you very much & is already crazy about you. She gives you kisses, hugs, tell you night night and even prays for you when we go to bed. She is so excited to be sharing a room with her little sister. At night she tells me "Lashlin's bed", and "my shisher". The other day when we were laying down for a nap you started kicking her and she pulled the covers up and told you to go night night and she loved you. I know she will be such a good big sister and you will be the best little sister she couldve ever asked for.

Mommy & Daddy also love you soooo much, more than we could ever put into words. Your daddy & I knew we were ready to bring another life into this world and with the help of God listening to our prayers, he made you. I still remember thinking am I pregnant? Do I have a little baby boy or girl in my tummy? I finally broke down and took a test and TADA there was the one word i wanted to see: PREGNANT! Audree & I were at home and daddy was at work. We thought of a way to tell your daddy and couldn't wait til he got home. Your big sister Audree, handed daddy the test and he had no clue what it was. He read it and his face started beaming with excitement!! For 28 weeks weve known you were in mommy's tummy and for 28 weeks weve talked about you non-stop, along with your big sister.

Youve proven to be stubborn, but gentle, aggressive, but sweet and you have a personality all of your own. We stuggled at both ultrasound appointments when we were trying to check your gender (thank goodness you finally flashed us to see you are a little girly girl) and we have 2 3d/4d ultrasounds were you only let us see bits and pieces of your face and body. You will be a surprise to us as to who you will look like and who you will act like. We wonder if you will look like your big sister, or completely different. How will you act? Will you be a cryer or a laid back baby? Will you be a sleeper or a colicky baby? How much will you weigh? How long will you be? The questions go on and on and on......

You have been so different from your big sister! You kick, roll, punch, dance and just have a grand old time in mommy's tummy. I get to see you moving around, see you stretch, and oh its so amazing. You see your big sister was a bump on a log who occassionally moved but I never really got to feel her. To feel and watch you move is the most amazing thing in the world.

We are thankful and grateful for each and every second that passes us for God blessing us with you. Mommy has been a nervous wreck through this pregnancy, since your sister decided to come early. She said she wasn't waiting any longer she was coming out and she did! We are 1 week away from that point right now, so I am asking you to stay put little missy! Isn't mommy's tummy nice and warm? Not to mention cozy and I feed you lots of yummy food? haha

We can't wait to see you sugar bear! Were praying for a healthy & safe delivery and that you are healthy & safe as well.

Audree Lifting Weights

So during daddy's workout routine, Audree thinks she has to help out. Apparently this weight was to heavy for her hahaha

HOLY COW........ 30 weeks! I can not believe I just typed those #'s!! 3rd and final trimester with just 8 weeks to go. My emotions are running wild right now and so many thought are racing through my mind! Are we ready, can we handle 2, how will Audree act, will we all be okay, am i ready for another c-section, will Ashlyn really stay put for 8 more weeks, etc. Yes as you can see I am a HUGE worry wart and Im already thinking about things!


We know Ashlyn will be coming around the 38 week mark, we just dont have a set date yet. We should know here in the next 2.5 weeks, which makes me really nervous! We have all the baby things (bassinett, pack n play, carseat, etc) down and ready just not in the house yet.


Audree has been feeling under the weather since Sunday and now Ive got it. Were all congested, coughing, sneezing, and all over feel like CRUD! Its been a very hard week because everyone ket telling me I couldn't take any medicine. I finally called the Dr on Thurs and said I need something, I am miserable! So my AMAZING nurse called me in a Zpak and Im already feeling better!


How your baby's growing:


Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)


How your life's changing:

You may be feeling a little tired these days, especially if you're having trouble sleeping. You might also feel clumsier than normal, which is perfectly understandable. Not only are you heavier, but the concentration of weight in your pregnant belly causes a shift in your center of gravity. Plus, thanks to hormonal changes, your ligaments are more lax, so your joints are looser, which may also contribute to your balance being a bit off. Also, this relaxation of your ligaments can actually cause your feet to spread permanently, so you may have to invest in some new shoes in a bigger size.Remember those mood swings you had earlier in pregnancy? The combination of uncomfortable symptoms and hormonal changes can result in a return of those emotional ups and downs. It's normal to worry about what your labor will be like or whether you'll be a good parent. But if you can't shake the blues or feel increasingly irritable or agitated, talk to your doctor or midwife. You may be among the 1 in 10 expectant women who battle depression during pregnancy. Also let your caregiver know if you're frequently nervous or anxious.


How Far Along? 30 weeks
Weight Gained/Loss? Ill weigh in Tues @ the Dr office, 3.5 weeks ago I was still -1 pound but I can ASSURE you i have gained that now haha
Maternity Clothes: when Im not in scrubs
Sleep: Ive been stopped up and run down with what I think is a sinus infection so sleep for me has NOT COME EASY this past week! Coughing, Sneezing, Blowing my nose, Pottying, just isn't a good combination
Best Moment of the Week: We celebrated Big sister Audree's 2nd bday
Movement- she moves, just not feeling it as much. I dont know how to explain it, I feel it but they are like real soft movements.
Morning sickness? noway jose
Gender- GIRLY GIRL!!
Labor Signs- NOWAY!!! those need to stay far far away
Belly Button-still an innie, I dont think itll pop out (WHEW!!!)
What do I miss- taking medicine when I am under the weather, not pottying 24/7, not having heartburn, energy, but its worth it :)

30 Week Belly (its growing)

Snow!!

We actually got snow.... IN TEXAS!! Yes I know I know its just snow, but then again ITS SNOW!! We get pretty excited when it snows, we only see this like once in every 5 yrs if were lucky!! My brother lives in the Dallas area and they got tons, I got excited when he sent me pics of it falling and all over the ground! I kept wishing it would snow here and the weather kept saying we might get it. FINALLY around 5:30it started sleeting and I said I knew it, we aren't getting snow, however the weather God's changed their minds and TA DA it started snowing! I was so excited!! I sat and stared out the window and doors and watched it fall, I was like a kid in a candy shop!

This morning when we woke up, Audree got to see the snow before she left for Grammy's. She said oh momma rain? I said no baby that is called snow. She told how pretty it was and asked if she could touch it. I said sure baby, but its going to be cold. She bent down, touched it, and said "BRRRRRRRRRRR momma that is really cold" haha

What we woke up to, it was sooo pretty

Audree amazed by the snow

Oh momma thats cold

My happy girl (and yes she does look old in this pic haha)