How Time Flies

As she lay heavy on my chest tonight, I realized-one week until 5 months...FIVE months! (It's as if I knew that would happen when I wrote 4 posts back-to-back the week before Kennedy was born.) She wiggled slightly to get comfortable and let out a faint squeak. Then, I suddenly remembered, "Oh my gosh, she used to make those adorable squeaking noises all of the time, and I had almost forgotten! Man, I should write that down!" I must admit, there are fleeting moments I feel a pang of guilt, because I didn't write something down-nervous the memory would be lost if I didn't get it down on "paper." Truth is, memories are made in the moment, and I am trying to soak up every aspect of Kennedy's infant-hood: her kissable-squeezable-delicious thighs, her bright eyes, the way she laughs from the depths of her belly when we play peek-a-boo, the pure delight she gets when she spots the men in her life.  She tried her first solids last weekend, for heaven's sake! Man, how time flies.

The girl is a saint-seriously. You'd be hard-pressed to find a moment that she isn't cooing in delight at Preston's latest antics and sticking her tongue out at Stuart. Literally the only moments she cries, and I do mean literally, are when she is hungry. Otherwise, you'll find her singing, playing with her feet, rolling over to catch a glance of herself in the mirror, stuffing her entire fist into her mouth, and most often catching herself off-guard by her excited squeals that almost always end in uncontrollable hiccups. The girl. Is. A. Saint.

Now yesterday, the day before Easter, wasn't the easiest. Preston was having one of "those" days, which leaves Stuart and I constantly on the edge. We attended the egg hunt at Lakeway Church with my parents, Chad, Kathy, & their kiddos. Don't get me wrong, there were moments of bliss-a stage full of balloons, a bouncy castle, the egg hunt-clearly. But then Preston reminds us that he's been 2 since around 18 months-oh and by the way- 3 is the new 2, so we've got a lot to look forward to! Luckily, these days are few and far between.

Did I mention the overwhelming warmth I feel when I see Stuart with Kennedy? How special their bond is already. She's got him wrapped around her tiny little finger, and he will be the first to admit it. She is daddy's girl, and I'm okay with that, because I have a mama's boy.  On that same token, Preston is just as smitten. Just the other day we had the video monitor out and Kennedy started to fuss. Preston darted to her room, and I watched in wonderment as two not-as-tiny hands grasped the crib rail, and my sweet ginger peeked over the side shushing, "It's alright honey, it's alright." Folks, it doesn't get much better than that.

Meanwhile, my son dropped the F-Bomb in class today-3 times-in context. Parent. Of. The. Year.
Mama said there'd be days like this! When there are, remember this:

Pumpkin Patch

Fall definitely tops my favorite season list. My love of anything with pumpkin flavoring, the splashes of my absolute favorite color (orange) everywhere, sleeping with the windows open at night, apple cider in the mornings, the constant scent of camp fire in the air, and the sweet opportunity to bundle up in a soft sweater and snuggle my boys are only a few of the reasons why. 

Into the maze we go!

This morning we took our first trip to a pumpkin patch since we dragged sweet 8-week-old Preston to Sweetberry Farms in Marble Falls 2 years ago. At that point, we literally had to use the pumpkins to prop him up into a sitting position-this year, he was using the pumpkins as hurdles. (Slight exaggeration) No clue why we missed the boat last year, but I was sure not going to miss this opportunity to squeeze in some more memory-making as a family of 3 before it's too late!

Oh this isn't too "scawy" after all!

We were the first arrivals, surprise surprise, but that didn't seem to bother Preston. (We are still in the "mine" phase at the moment, you see.) It was just the right size, with a hay-bale maze, and as soon as we made it past the scare crows that were "too scawy," we had some fun! Thank you to my precious husband for humoring his wife and son.

"Happy Punkin"

"Uhwuh way"

Wait up, mommy!

Oh, how I love Fall.

Dear Preston

Sweet Preston,

When I think about how much I love you, my heart bursts, and my eyes are likely to well up. I can't possibly imagine life without you, and yet, you've only been in our lives for 2 short years. Stuart and I must be the luckiest parents on earth, and I am thankful for you beyond words. I honestly don't know what I did to deserve you. In fact, I know I don't. That is why I want to give you every opportunity to thrive, explore, learn, love, and even make mistakes, that will shape who you are and who you will become.

Your favorite sayings right now are, "Try again," "Preston do it," and "One more time," which illustrate your growing independence. Almost every single day I get a report from your teachers telling me how much you warm their hearts when you exclaim, "Hey Monica! What's goin' on?" Or how impressed they are when you are laying on the changing table pointing out the letters, correctly, and in order, of the "Artist of the Month" displayed on the bulletin board. This month it is, "L-O-I-S,  E-H-L-E-R-T." Or how about when you announce the day of the week before Mr. Shippey even says it on the morning announcements? (Really? you can do that?) I am constantly amazed, and throughout even the "off" days, I can look into your baby blues or glance at your sweet profile and be content.

Lately, you've been much more attentive to my growing belly, your baby sister "Kenneny," and you even want to rub my back when I'm putting you down to sleep. I told your dad that as good as his back rubs are, nothing is as relaxing as your sweet touches on my arm at night or the gentle kisses you give my tummy. You are the best son for us and the best big brother for Kennedy. I can't thank you enough for the joy you have brought into our lives.

As long as I'm living my baby you'll be,

Mommy

Baby K's Nursery

I recently saw another Facebook post from a friend (who just had her baby by the way), proclaiming, "The nursery's ready! You can come now baby!" Well, it seemed to work for her....;-)

I must say, it was both fun and strange to re-imagine this room as a little girl's nursery!

Loving the custom bedding I ordered from Etsy

Thanks to mom for the new custom ottoman slipcover! I am impressed!

And thanks to Stuart for painstakingly painting around the tree!

Could this be it?!

Hanging in there? Yes, exactly.

I am currently 38 1/2 weeks along, and it's hard to believe that our daughter will be here so soon. Technically, any day now, and the mind games are driving me crazy! Every little cramp (and there have been a lot of them), makes me think, "Early labor sign? Could this be it?" Every trek up the hallway at Barton Creek insights those ever-so-pleasant Braxton Hicks contractions that once again make me think, "Early labor sign? Could this be it?" Or what about the 20 times a day I stand up, and I swear her sweet little body cannot possibly grow any larger inside of mine, or her head reach any lower when I think, "Early labor sign? Could this be it?" It's exhausting! Much to my dismay, however, at my 38 week appointment, doc said I was still the same as I was at 37. Of course, my ever-so-sweet-and-supportive husband is always there to lend me a hand and a shoulder to cry on, assuring me that her health is what's important, and she is definitely one healthy and active little girl.

Laura (Denbar) and I are exactly 1 week apart, her due date the week before mine, and the texts between the 2 of us are frequent. "Anything yet?" "NO!" Ahhh, trying so hard to cherish these last few moments as a family of three, but I constantly find myself thinking, "Could this be it?"

School is keeping me plenty busy, though, and I am so thankful to be able to work amongst friends. My co-workers and classroom parents threw me a baby shower last week that was truly over the top. Everyone was invited: current students, former students, staff, their children, family, you name it. There was an amazing turnout, and I felt overwhelmed with love and support. Yet another one of the many blessings of being a teacher. You have a new batch of kiddos every single year to "fill your bucket"-as we like to say. 

Counting. My. Blessings. 

School Shower-Waterloo Ice House Friday, October 19th

10 Years Already?!

The one and only picture of the night-hope others got more! (34 1/2 weeks)

 See, there I go again-another post title with a question mark at the end. I can't hardly believe it's been 10 years since nervously walking across that stage at the Erwin Center, accepting that diploma, and tossing my cap in the air. Time has literally flown by, and I was excited to get that first Facebook notice about our impending high school reunion.

Some people would give anything to go back to their college days-freedom from mom & dad, living-it-up in the sorority house, and classes 2 days a week. But for me? High school was where it was at. Those were definitely my glory days. I can still smell the scent of the Westlake Commons-stained after years of senior pranks. The scratchy polyester of my cheerleading uniform is forever engrained in my memory, and just thinking about the roaring crowds at the sporting events makes my heart pump. Despite the awkward teenage insecurities, I was on top of the world, and alongside my lifelong friends, we were pretty much invincible. Nevertheless, don't confuse my WHS affinity for a yearning to go back. I wouldn't change my life at the moment for anything. However, as a native Austinite, life as a "Westlake High-Schooler" was what we all looked forward to growing up-and it didn't disappoint.

It's funny the fantasies I always had about what my 10 year reunion would be like: months of dieting and exercise, mixed with nervous anticipation and anxiety, culminating in a day of prepping and pampering (possibly a few cocktails) with my girlfriends, and finally, entering into a "streamered" and "disco-balled" gym, DJ in the background. The reality? I have pretty much been doing the complete opposite of dieting and prepping for our reunion for the passed 8 months, and yesterday was spent chasing after my toddler, taking him to get his haircut, and deciding on an outfit 10 minutes before Mimi came over the babysit. I have to say, it was perfect.

Stuart and I arrived at Abel's on the Lake greeted by close to 100 of my former friends and classmates (not including their spouses). Yes, there were a couple of awkward should-we-shake-hands-or-hug-or-even-acknowledge-each-other moments, but aside from that, it was 3 hours of catching up and a LOT of belly rubbing. The funny part was, everyone looked the same-aside from a few pregnant bellies. I thoroughly enjoyed sipping on my Shirley Temples, seeing some of my oldest and best friends, especially my cheerleading girls: Tracy, Mel, Lindsey, Kristyn :), watching the boys go crazy over the UT vs. OSU game on the big screen (Joey & Robbie-I'm talking to you), and just getting the chance to get out of the house with my sweet husband (he was a trooper). In the end, numb toes and all (heels are my nemesis), I was so glad we went, and I look forward to rekindling friendships, striking up new ones, and "prepping" for our 20 year reunion!

34 Weeks and Counting....

As I -gasp- near the end of my second (and highly likely) my last pregnancy, I can't help but be excited and anxious to meet my sweet baby girl. Not to mention, two of my good friends and co-workers just delivered their baby girls within this last week! I'm at that point of pregnancy where it practically takes a fork-lift to roll over in bed, I'm popping Tums like it's an addiction, and my walk has transformed into a full-blown waddle. Did I mention I chase after 45, 9 and 10 year-olds all day in addition to my 2 year old?? So, to say I'm "sad" to be nearing the end of this pregnancy has not yet entered my vocabulary. Check back with me, though.

At my appointment last week, Kennedy's heart-rate was in the 150's as it has been practically my entire pregnancy, and my belly is measuring almost to-the-centimeter of what it "should" be. Only doctor's order? Make sure I am gaining my pound-a-week from here on out...not a problem! There are currently 3 types of ice cream in our freezer-Peaches & Cream, Cookies & Cream, and Dulce de Leche. Yummy.

I look forward to my appointment next week where we finally get to see Kennedy again to officially determine how she is measuring and if she's still breech.

This past weekend our family attended my cousin's wedding in Kyle at a beautiful ranch, and Stuart got some precious pictures of both Preston & Kennedy. Enjoy!

We finally captured a belly kiss on camera-my favorite!

This little guy cleans up nice, and his expressions are priceless!