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:
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.
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!
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
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!
I've mentioned this before to many of my friends, but the second after feeling Preston moving in my belly for the first time, I was baffled by the phrase, "Have you felt the baby kick?" I'll tell you why. It's because your baby does far more than just kick inside of your tummy-and you can feel every jolt, every punch, every somersault, and every back flip just as much as the next.
From weeks 18 to say 25, it's definitely an incredible feeling. But after that, it's what you can see that is truly amazing (and sometimes bizarre!) Kennedy has proven to be quite the mover and the shaker-even more than her brother was (should I be nervous?) Check out this video I captured of her flipping away at approximately 30 weeks.
You know what I can't wait to witness? My students' eyes when they catch the first glimpse of this while I'm sitting there reading them "The Lightning Thief" or "City of Ember." Boy, will they be freaked out! Hehe
Yes, it's true. Being a teacher, I get an incredible schedule, and I am blessed to have a lot of precious time at home with my family. I have never known what it's like to not have a summer break, and I don't intend to! For Preston, his summer has been book-ended (word?) with a wasp sting and stitches. What can I say, he's a rough and tumble boy, and that won't change! Oddly enough, the sting took over a month to heal. Luckily, there was no allergic reaction; our insanely fair skin just takes an obscene amount of time to heal. The stitches on the other hand were in and out within a week, and I doubt there will be a scar to show for it. You know what they say, no more monkeys jumping on the bed!
(Since this incident his new coined phrase is, "Doctor, all bebber.")
Here he is playing in my car-one of his favorite pastimes!
The time in between, however, has been as rich and sweet as the inside of the chocolate croissants in which I have a torrid love affair. Must. have. chocolate. This summer, in comparison with last, has been a world apart. Whereas last summer I was hovering around Preston's every move as he was learning to walk (stressful and exhausting!), this summer we have enjoyed outings to every park around Austin, play-dates with actual friends, lunch dates, splash pad fun, story time at the library, first swim lessons, spoiled time with the grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins, discovering the mecca that is Barnes & Noble, plenty of trips to the grocery store (this is fun for him, I assure you, as long as he can drive the "ret car"), and riding his new bicycle. It has been a whirlwind, for sure, but so incredible to watch him grow. In many ways, it's been easier as he's grown, because we are able to do so many more things together. On the other hand, his independence and stubbornness are starting to shine through, with which I have a love/hate relationship. Nevertheless, I'm so proud to call him my boy.
Here he is riding his bike-He's gotten so good he can run and then glide while balancing.
What's more fun than playing chase with Brew through the sprinklers?
We got this water table especially for his birthday party-but we couldn't wait to try it out!
Mimi and Papa's back yard is a lot more shaded than ours! Great for the Texas heat and my fair-skinned boy.
A few more of Preston's "latests:"
Running up to me with no prompts, throwing his arms around me and proclaiming, "I love you mommy!"
Showing his affection with an exaggerated kiss to pretty much every animate and inanimate object in our house-our animals, his stuffed animals, books, water bottles, and every once and a while, Stuart and I-the kid is incredibly affectionate and I love that about him. "Mmmmmaaaaaa"
(Today he saw a baby across the restaurant and said, "Hi baby!" Then proceeded to give her multiple air kisses. You could hear "Mmmmmmaaaa's" from across the room!)
He can now not only recite the entire ABC's but also recognize the letters when you put them in front of him.
He is still counting to 11, but has also added 16 and 18 to his repertoire. 16, because we happened to see that number on his "Thomas the Train" number flash cards, and 18 because it's the number on the flag of his golf set. It goes a little something like this, "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 8, 16, 9." Haha, works for me!
Every time I turn around he has a new song memorized. Preston is incredibly music-minded (does that term exist?) which really excites me. For instance, he loves "Knick Knack Paddy-Wack," "Little Einstein's Theme Song"-add in enthusiastic YEA! at the very end, and "Pop! Goes the Weasel."
Apparently everyone is playing a game of hide-and-seek with him because he'll often wake up going "Mommy Daddy, areeee youuu???" or while watching "Super Why?" he'll say "Supe Why, arreeee youuu???" And when he appears he'll say, "Oh, there is!"
He has started to string together complex sentences that impresses me every time. Of course, it's a combination of what we have said in the past, but he can rearrange the phrases and put them in an appropriate order. For instance, "Garage door is loud. It's okay, mommy. Don't worry."
He's learned how to string together a list using "and." "Who's at the zoo, Preston?" "Giraffe and lion and zebra and elephant and monkey and Elmo." Perhaps I should bring him into my class when we are discussing Author's Craft? hmmm
Speaking of loud noises-he's not a fan. Particularly the garage door opening and closing and the obnoxious BEEEPPPP our dryer sounds when it's finished. (His room is right next to the garage and laundry area-poor guy.)
He continues to adore our three animals. Brew (9, Jack Russell Terrier), Stella (5, Lab), and Thames (4, American Short-Hair Cat). He would smother those animals with tight hugs and a million kisses at all hours of the day if they'd let him-and he tries, believe me. To him, their names are lovingly, "Boo, Stuguh, and Nims."
Lessons we are learning and reinforcing constantly are using gentle touches (he's rowdy-especially with the animals), using our words (After all, why are you whining if you know exactly what you want and how to ask for it?), and saying "please" and "thank you." If nothing else, my boy will be respectful!
I have a feeling I'll have to stop posting about his newest and favorite phrases pretty soon. The boy is a talking machine and picks up on everything we say virtually the first time we say it. There is no way I'll be able to keep track!
Stuart and I have also had an amazing summer together. We got to celebrate our 5 year anniversary (time flew!). We finally got to attend the "Foster the People" show at the new Backyard with the tickets I gave him for Valentine's Day. I am testing his patience again, because I got him tickets for his birthday to see "Awolnation"....in October! Sorry, Stuart! And we got to celebrate each other and our newest bundle, Kennedy, in gorgeous Lake Tahoe, California.
Work has been picking up for Stuart which has kept him very busy. He's currently working on a beautiful home in Spanish Oaks that he designed for a sweet couple-she is an OB/GYN at the new hospital in our area. I'm pretty sure she saw his first spec home in The Hills and said, "I want you to build me that one." He's got an amazing eye for design and efficiency-I am so proud of him! Construction has also begun on his latest spec home in Lakeway Proper (another designed by him.) And, there are several other prospects on the horizon we are both looking forward to. Life, as they say, is good for the Alkires. Check out Stuart's incredible work on his website. Alkire Construction, LLC
I am a proud wife and mommy. Life is sometimes rough around the edges, but when I step back and reflect: we have our health, we have our home, and we have each other. Can't get much better than that :)
He loves his cars and trucks. Here he is at his friend Jackson's first birthday party.
I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times- I STILL can't quite believe we are having a girl! So far, my sweet Kennedy has been an angel. Never once did I suffer from morning sickness or food aversions, and so far I have not blown up like a blimp or developed a severe case of teenage acne. Phew! In spite of the extreme Texas heat and an energizer bunny for a toddler, my second pregnancy has been nothing short of a miracle. With our go-go-go lifestyle, it's the sweet moments when Preston is sleeping, or when I am laying down at night, that I truly get to appreciate the sweet angel we have created.
She is moving so much now-and I don't just mean I feel a kick here and there. There are some serious acrobatics going on in there-flipping, flopping, and dancing away. I no longer just feel her in my lower abdomen, but way up high as well. Perhaps that is because we found out at her anatomy scan that she is breech at the moment. However, my doctor was not concerned and expressed that she has plenty of time and space to flip in the coming months. We will be praying for that!
I ran into a woman at Barnes & Noble the other day with 1 boy and 1 girl. She asked how old Preston was and told me her two were almost the exact same age difference as Preston and Kennedy. She then went on to boast about how incredible it is to have children two years apart: what an amazing bond they share and interests they can foster together. This lady was literally beaming, and it made me beam, too.
I don't pretend to think that it will always be a picnic; I am fully aware that the next couple years, especially, will bring the biggest challenges I have had to face yet. But, I am grateful and thankful to have them.
22 weeks
I don't know if it's the teacher in me or the mother in me, but I simply cannot go into the Barnes & Noble children's section without walking out with at least 1 or 2 books. I'm constantly thinking oh, Preston will LOVE this, or oooh, maybe I can use this one for a lessonon leads, or simply, everyone needs a copy of (insert classic book title here). That being said, on our last excursion to the train table, I walked out with the following book for Kennedy. It was always one of my favorites as a little girl, and I hope she'll love it, too. Her bookcase is sure to be stocked just as Preston's is.
On our latest trip to San Antonio, Grandy Ann presented us with our very first baby girl outfit. I don't dare buy one yet for fear I won't be able to stop! Check out the precious ballet slippers on the feet, and the bib says "Daddy's Princess"-yes, she is. I can't wait to dress Kennedy up!
We also received a very special surprise in the mail last week. One of my extremely generous and talented co-workers, Brooke Dreyer, handmade this gorgeous blanket for Kennedy. I envision many strolls in her stroller and cozy nights in her bassinet wrapped in this masterpiece.Thank you, Brooke!
I still think he's SO beautiful when he's sleeping.
He loves talking on his "Thomas" Phone.
Last "official" swim class at Nitro
At only 21 weeks, I'm already feeling what I know what so many mothers have experienced, right?!- a bit of buyer's remorse. Except in my case, experiencing pregnancy for the second time, there are no exchanges or return policies.
Please don't misunderstand, I am absolutely thrilled for Kennedy's arrival and the opportunity to watch Preston become a big brother. But there is just one word in there that makes me cringe- big. I mean, Preston will always be my baby boy. Sometimes, for a split second, I just think about what we are doing TO Preston. His world will be turned upside down in a matter of months. He's being kicked out of his beloved nursery, he'll have to learn how to -gasp- share (both tangible things and precious time with Stuart and I), and lord only knows all of the other sacrifices he will be asked to make. I started thinking about all of this when we started the big transition- office to bedroom, Preston to office, boy nursery to girl nursery. We have only just begun, and I get a lump in my throat just thinking about it. (Then again, I get lumps in my throat over a lot of things these days.)
On the one hand, it is so exciting and fun, and it gives Stuart and I the excuse to exercise some more creativity, spend too much money, and rearrange and reorganize our home. Preston is already beside himself with his new bed- no, we haven't actually asked him to sleep in it yet!
But then, I stop and reflect. What about all of the things Kennedy's arrival will do FOR Preston. What an amazing blessing to have a sibling, especially one so close in age. Preston will have this amazing opportunity to have a lifelong friend and companion, and God chose him to be Kennedy's big brother: A brother to watch over her, protect her, put her in her place, and teach her all of his amazing tidbits of knowledge. Not to mention, Stuart and I were chosen to be their caretakers, guiders, disciplinarians, shoulders to cry on, and arms to hug tight. I literally could not have asked for a better scenario.
I can't help but think how extremely lucky Stuart and I are. We are
about to have our 1 boy and 1 girl, almost exactly 2 years apart. We
never worry about making rent, putting food on the table, or splurging
every once and a while, and we work hard to make that happen. We also
owe so much to our supportive family, friends, and faith. We couldn't
have planned it any better. Again, thank you. I can't say it enough. As we continue this huge family transition, I will post pictures of Preston's new "big boy" room and Kennedy's nursery. Changes abound in the Alkire family, and we will welcome them with (almost) open arms! :)
First, a look into Preston's nursery-I have loved this room since the day it was completed, and I love it even more now that Preston has made it his own. This room has served us well for the past 2 years.
I can't tell you how many countless hours we have spent in that glider together; precious moments.
His crib has become a stuffed animal playground, and I am still so in love with his newborn pictures.
This is the neatest his bookcase will ever look -I tidied up before
the photo, of course. Some of his favorites are the ones from my
students who threw me a "Baby Book" shower when I was pregnant with him.
Preston had no problem jumping in to put together some new cabinetry for Daddy's new office setup.
The following are the inspiration for Preston's new "big" boy room and Kennedy's chic nursery.
Toddler Room Inspiration (Picture courtesy of Pinterest)
Nursery Inspiration (Picture courtesy of Pinterest)
Well, I've slept on it, and I still can't quite believe we have a little girl coming in a few months. When I call her by name, Kennedy, it seems a little more real. Although nothing is set in stone, Stuart and I are almost 100% sure our daughter's name is Kennedy Vaughan Alkire. Kennedy was my dad's mother's maiden name and also refers to Preston's namesake-Preston Kennedy. Vaughan was Stuart's mom's dad's name who we would also like to remember and honor.
Kennedy Vaughan Alkire
(Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?)
Preston and I right after the big news. I was trying to be diplomatic with my color choices-what you can't see is the pink tank top I have on underneath ;-)
Stuart came home with some gorgeous-girly-flowers to celebrate.
I am in utter shock. As I sit here, 3 hours after the news, my heart is still racing and my brain won't stop turning. Preston sleeps soundly in his bed after the excitement. The 3 of us went in for my 20 week anatomy scan this morning.
It's a..............GIRL!!!
I should go ahead and just know that whatever my gut instinct is, the outcome is the exact opposite. It was clear as day; in fact, I knew it was a girl before the ultrasound technician even said anything, immediately tearing up at her words. Stuart squeezed my hand, Preston whined, haha, it was the perfect moment. She will be 1 of 2 granddaughters in our family-between the Blevins and Alkires, there are 7 boys. So, as you can imagine, this little girl will be extremely spoiled loved. We couldn't be more thrilled, feel more blessed and unworthy, or anxious to watch Preston become an amazing big brother. All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you.
As the news quickly spreads, here are some of my favorite responses from friends and family:
A girl!!! Ahh! Ballet and cheerleading! -Baker
Yea!!!!! Love me some bows and ribbons!! :) -Christi
No way???!!! I sure hope you have a little strawberry cupcake come out of that oven :) -Deanna
You will have the most beautiful little girl ever. Let's just hope she looks like you-sorry Stu! -Jackie
Ava gets a bff! Girls are so special Brooke- think of all the amazing things you get to do! And now you have both a boy and girl to enjoy! -Jaime
I can only hope this is what I have to look forward to! Cheerleading uniforms, too, of course!
We are pregnant again? On the first month? This is not how it was "supposed" to happen, but we couldn't be more thrilled and relieved. I have written a retrospective recap of my first (almost half!) of pregnancy number two. Stay tuned next Thursday when we will find out if Preston will have a baby brother or sister! 6 weeks/"Finding Out!"- Dr. A always said, be prepared, because the second time you try to have a baby, it will happen right away. I didn't believe it, but they were right! Just for fun, I took a pregnancy test after the first month I got off of birth control. Like I expected, the test was negative. I can't say I wasn't a little disappointed, but not surprised. 2 weeks later, I was VERY "late" at this point, and I was also very discouraged that I was potentially going down the same road I went down with Preston. I thought before I went to the doctor, I'd take just one more test. Stuart wasn't even at home;I had no reason to think it would be positive. When it came back positive, my heart virtually jumped out of my chest. I immediately went and gave Preston the tightest squeeze he could handle and propped the test up on his bulletin board. I couldn't believe my BABY was going to be a big brother! Meanwhile, Stuart was taking his sweet time running errands, and I thought the hour would never pass. Finally, when he arrived, I told him to to check out Preston's new artwork I put on display. Believe it or not, the goof ball could not see the test! He kept pointing out art that had been up for weeks! Haha Needless to say, he was shocked and thrilled when he finally clued in! After a long embrace, we called our parents to let them know the great new.
7 weeks/1st successful ultrasound- I was shaking in disbelief the entire time! There is just no way it happened so fast this time! I told Blake, Ashley, and Becky the good news at dinner before our Port Aransas parent meeting. There was no hiding this huge secret from the people I work with every single day. They couldn't be more excited- especially Blake! I have a feeling he and Suzie will be sharing the same news sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, I put a wrench into our party hard downtown scheme. Next summer, guys!
10 weeks- Is it possible I am already showing and needing maternity pants? Eek! The word's out at school- there's no hiding it!
16 weeks- I felt baby's first "bubbles" of movement!They weren't consistent, so I could never get Stuart in time for him to share. It wouldn't take long, though.
19 weeks- Baby peanut's movements are more prominent these days- I feel his/her flips and flops right behind my belly button and in my lower left side. Stuart is now able to feel the acrobatics that usually become noticeable after we have put our bouncing toddler to bed, and I can finally relax on the couch.
Cravings? Jalapeños on virtually anything! I haven't had any morning sickness again this time, which gives me the gut feeling baby is a boy. On the other hand, I have all sorts of birds in my ear telling me they felt the same way with both boys and girls, and Stuart insists I am acting differently aka more emotional, which automatically means baby must be a girl. Only a few more days, and we will know for sure!
When I was 12 weeks along, Preston finally got to share the news with the world. This melts my heart every time:
14 weeks: 1st belly picture!
Thames's favorite job during BOTH pregnancies apparently: Incubator
