Boots, Bows, & the 5-OH

Many Faces of Bryar

2012-01-25T10:00:00.000-06:00

Silly boy =)

B's First Trip

2012-01-24T09:00:00.000-06:00

This weekend Curtis, Bryar and I took a trip to Richmond, KY to visit a pastor that once lead worship at the church that he has always attended. We had a wonderful time being able to meet up with Bro. Bill and his family, and then attend church Sunday morning. It was so sweet to be able to meet the man that my husband has always raved about and talked to so highly of.
It seems that we all have that one special pastor in our lives that absolutely means the world to us. The ones that can preach and it stirs our soul like no other and there is no greater feeling than that as we all know.

Bryar on the other hand was not to fond of our hotel room and had the most horrible time going to sleep that night. He is usually such a easy going baby and although he was far from being very fussy, I can now tell that he is a lot like his Mommy and does not like being out of his comfort zones. We had tons of fun with him Sunday morning before church with bunches of smiles and baby talk. He is to sweet for words but my goodness doesn't he look just like his Daddy?! ha.

Rollie Pollie Ollie

2012-01-23T09:08:00.000-06:00

Mr. Bryar hit a new milestone this weekend by rolling over for his very first time! It was in complete awe whenever it happened and just yelled Buddy, you rolled over which then ended up scaring him and causing him to cry.
I was packing for our first over night trip with him and was letting him have tummy time in the floor next to me whenever I felt his little feet roll.

I cannot believe that my big boy is growing up this fast even already. It just amazes me still, as it obviously always will. Watching my babies accomplish each milestone is such a bittersweet feeling and makes my Mommy heart just melt into a million pieces. I cannot wait to see what B accomplishes next =)

Beautiful Babies

2012-01-18T10:00:00.000-06:00

This may come out a little crazy or a tad bit on the cocky side, but believe it or not, I make beautiful babies. Yes, I shall toot my own horn on this one, because it's true. Just look at that picture of that precious boy.

How could one ever not believe in the higher power of the Lord when looking a baby? There is just something so beautiful, genuine and surreal whenever you see a perfect photograph of your baby, or any baby for that matter. It is amazing how blessed we are as Mothers and Fathers, but yet we seem to forget on so many occasions. I can never say it out loud or in my blog enough with just how thankful I am to be given the opportunity of being a Mother. My life has transformed in more ways than one all thanks to being called a Mommy. My world is complete as a Mommy and as a wife. I could never ask for anything more than these two simple but huge things.

So I may not take as much time as I should to make new friends, to fix my hair perfectly, to put on the trendiest clothes because at the end of the day I want to be content with knowing that I have put forth the up most effort of being the best Mommy possible to my children.

Kids Say the Darnest Things

2012-01-17T10:05:00.000-06:00

If you know my family in real life the one thing that probably stands out to you about Charli Beth is how silly and how much of a little spit fire the girl is. Sometimes though, she says the funniest things that just catch us all off guard and make us laugh until we cry - Which is one of my most favorite things about having children.

-Bryar was making baby sounds in the floor the other day and Charli jumps up and says "Bryar buddy you can speak Indian!! Good job Buddy!!" I almost died. Since they have learned about Indians at school during Thanksgiving, I suppose she knows how to speak the language as well.

-This weekend my Mom surprised CB and took her to the movies to see Beauty & The Beast 3D, while they were waiting for the movie to start they went over to Dollar Tree to waste time. As they walked in Charli got excited and said, "I wonder if they have MLK day decorations, since it's a holiday ya know?" Once again, she knows Martin Luther King Jr Day is a Holiday so she must know that they have gifts and decor for it as well!

-The same day she asked her Pa if they could go to the Chuck E. Cheese for lunch and he said he was not sure what their plans were for the day. So she whispered in his ear "I just thought that we could go celebrate for Martin Luther King day." ...anything to get to go to Chuck E. Cheese, right? ~~Devilish place~~

There are so many more things that this girl says but half of them are just to funny (or embarrassing, ha!) for my blog! But lets just say having a 5 year old girl with a brand new baby brother that has different "plumbing" than her includes lots and lots of funny comments that makes her Mommy turn red in the face !!!

New Job

2012-01-16T10:17:00.000-06:00

I haven't been able to update that much since starting my new job since we are all still trying to get use to our new routine. It seems that as soon as I get home at night it's time for supper, homework, baths, bed time stories, prayers and then it's my bed time. I never sit down except to nurse maybe but usually I am nusing on the go which is oh so pleasant. Ha!

My sweet husband sent me these beautiful flowers on my first day wishing me well and thanking me for being a "wonderful wife & mommy." It really made me day extra special!

I really enjoy the people that I am now working with and even though it is a lot to still learn I am excited to be there!

I am really also loving the hours, occasioanl lunches with my Hubby or my Mom and holidays off already!

Ah, I can really get use to this =)

Bryar - 3 months!

2012-01-11T19:16:00.010-06:00

Baby Bryar is 3 months already ~~& a few days~~, and as always it is just mind blowing how quick sweet time with our children passes by so quickly. It seems like the last few months, have went by in a flash!

I'm not sure how much that he weighs but he is getting super long, but he is still a peanut! We are still nursing as much as possible, although we may have to supplement every now and again but he is taking 4 oz. now!

He went into size 1 diapers almost two weeks ago and is wearing mostly 0-3 month clothes even though most are still a bit to big.

He loves his swing still, it is a major life saver for us!

We are still co-sleeping (yes, I know shame shame on me, but keep your comments to yourself ;o) unless they are nice of course) and he wakes up to nurse around 2 times a night still. But that is totally fine to me since the time goes by so quickly, and I will miss nursing my baby once he gets bigger! He has just started to become more active during the day and staying up for longer as well! Although, the poor fella does get bored very easily. He smiles mostly while being naked and getting his diaper changed! I guess in a few months we will have a naked boy running around our home.

All in all B is getting bigger and growing into more of a active baby every day! He is such a blessing to our little family.

New name & design!!

2012-01-11T18:48:00.003-06:00

We are offically no longer "Mommy & Charli" {about time, huh?} as you can see at the top of our page our blog is now "Boots, Bows, & the 5-oh."

I am very excited about this change and am so thankful for the wonderful work that Jenn from Muchkin Land Designs has done for us! Didn't she do an amazing job? Ah, I love it!

Finally!!!

2012-01-08T12:10:00.004-06:00

Bryar is smiling =)

Isn't he the most precious thing, ever?!

and Charli...yea, she is still crazy ;)

Our 2011 in Review

2011-12-31T08:32:00.004-06:00

2011 was simply the most amazing year of my life. I can never imagine a year filled with anymore blessings and wonderful things than this year has been. I grew more as a person and Mother this year than any other year thus far. I thank the Lord for putting me through the trials a tribulations that I have overcame in my past to get me right into these moments of pure happiness.

For starters, I went on the first date with the love of my life, best friend, now husband on ~~I believe~~ January 6. It was truly amazing how quickly we "hit it" off. I remember asking girls on twitter how it was even possible to "fall" for someone in two weeks...many girls assured me that it can happen and in fact happened to them as well. So there is where our love story began; that one late night at Denny's (of all places,) where I hardly spoke, he talked a whole whole lot, asked for a awkward hug, and drove home in the snow.

Also in January I had my first blogger meet up with Jessica in Nashville and enjoyed time with her and her adorable kiddos!

We took a weekend getaway in March to Chattanooga, TN and also a trip with Gunner to Atlanta, GA to a dentist for some work on his teeth. We found out that we were expecting baby H on March 13 and told our families on the 16th. I could not have been more surprised or excited on March 18th when Curtis proposed to me on his family farm.

We excitedly celebrated Charli Beth's 5th birthday princess style and went all out for her party. She also started playing softball in April for her very first year on the Yellow Jackets and absolutely loved playing with all of her friends! Her team eventually won third place over all in the tournament in July, which was a huge accomplishment for these girls.

Curtis and I found out that we were having a baby boy at our gender reveal party with our family at the end of May. It was so much fun being able to find out that Bryar was indeed a boy with all of our family members together. Curtis and I celebrated his 27th birthday together having dinner with his family and spending our last few days as a fiances.

Charli attended the YMCA day camp and loved it at first but then started to quickly hate going since she wasn't necessarily "big" enough to do a lot of the fun things. We got ready for our big day with lots of practice at our wedding rehearsal. Curtis and I were married on June 11, 2011 and had the most amazing country wedding all thanks to our parents and family friends. We were so blessed for all of the work and wonderful support that they gave to us during the most precious time of our lives. After our wedding we went on our Honeymoon to Hilton Head, SC.

We picked out a boy name for Baby H after a lot of begging and pleading from me to Curtis whenever I was 22 weeks. Charli had her first day of Kindergarten at the beginning of August and absolutely loved it - and thankfully she still does. We took Charli fishing as a family for the first time and had a blast doing so.

I then started having pregnancy issues once again at 27 weeks and was put on bed rest but was able to continue working. At 28 weeks I was put on strict bed rest since I was already dilated to 2, which really hit us all hard and was a very scary time for us all. Especially with Curtis being out of town for training. I spent my 24th birthday laid up in bed, having a small dinner with my in laws at their home next door and on the phone with my family because my sister suddenly started having pregnancy complications which also brought my handsome nephew Trace into the world! It will be so fun sharing my birthday with my little nephew each year! Trace was 7 weeks early and spent around two weeks in the NICU before coming home to join his Mommy & Daddy.

Our families threw us a baby shower for Bryar Wayne on September 24th and we celebrated the cowboy way. Thankfully, Bryar and I the ultimate duo made it another 6 weeks before he was born 6 weeks early on October 5, at 2:03 weighing 4 lbs and 4 oz. We spent three weeks in the NICU with him before being able to bring our little man home.

On Halloween, I had my first outing with both children to my grandparents for our annual Halloween get together. Charli Beth dressed up as a pink Bat Girl, and was the cutest most spunky five year old in the world, and Bryar was the tiniest little baby that couldn't fit into a costume. We were so blessed at Thanksgiving to be able to spend our Holiday at home with all of our family members.

I was offered a new job on December 13 and my entire family is still excited for me to start this new journey in 2012. We have spent December making new memories and new traditions for the years to come for our family.

Last year at Christmas Charli Beth asked Santa to bring me a diamond ring, little did we know that 2011 was going to be the most exciting year for the both of us. I got the ring, husband, best friend and Father for my children that I have always wanted and that they deserve. We were blessed beyond belief with the births of two new baby boys in our family and are completely grateful that they are both now healthy and well on their way to becoming little chunksters. I cannot wait to see what 2012 has in store for my family. I pray that it is nothing but wonderful moments, and full of memories to be made.

CHRISTmas 2012

2011-12-29T10:00:00.000-06:00

This Christmas was the best ever ~~{minus the year that I was 8 and received my first shotgun}~~, I absolutely loved having so many families to share the holiday with and watching Charli be more excited than I have ever seen her while opening gifts. I believe each year becomes more and more exciting for her, I cannot wait to experience that with Bryar too.
Christmas Eve night we went next door to Curtis' Parent's home, to eat dinner and open gifts from one another. Which was so fun and I loved all of the things that they were so kind to get all of us! Whenever we headed home, we all went back outside to leave Rudolph and the other reindeer some food and hay. Charli decided that she wanted between our houses so that the reindeer would have a nice open spot to land - sweet girl and good thinking!
After the food was out, Charli thought she seen a red glow race across the sky and ran back inside screaming that she must go to bed because they were very close. So we headed in and layed out cookies & milk (which I sadly forgot to get a photo of, but Santa ate them way to quickly) we read "The New Born King" (yes a $1 book from dollar general store) and tucked her in tightly, and she told us that she would not get up if she heard any noises because all of her toys would disappear if Santa seen her peeking in.
Curtis and I stayed up for a while afterwards and put together the doll house, barbie vet care station and pulled out toys left and right. I sent Curtis on to bed so that I could get out his fishing pole and hang our stockings since I was surprisingly giving him fishing equipment (I fuss at him for going..yep, I am that wife.)
Once everything was situated and ready for Charli to see in the morning, Bryar and I headed to bed as well. Bryar and I were up and down a couple of times through the night but every time Charli Beth was still snugged tight sleeping away. Around 7:30 Christmas morning we heard "Mommy, Daddy can I get up yet?" and all we could do was laugh because she was afraid to get out of the bed in case her toys disappeared.

When we arrived in the living room this is the look that she gave me while yelling "Holy Moly, Santa left me a lot." - silly girl!

Curtis and Charli opened gifts while Bryar took all of the excitement in eating and chilling in Momma's lap.
Charli then had to give Daddy kisses for all of the wonderful gifts that she had received.
Every time, I look at this picture I am pretty sure that it takes my breathe with how beautiful my girl truly is.
After opening gifts we headed back over to my in laws for breakfast, spending time with more family members and opening more gifts from one another.

Once again Bryar and I took all of the excitement in by rocking and eating. This boy seems to not be able to get enough of cuddling, eating and sleeping.
Someone was oh so sweet and gave Charli a flute... need I say more?
Later in the afternoon we joined my parents at their home with my sister and her family to open gifts from one another then we went to my grandparents for our last family function of the night.
Before we left we had to make sure that we got all three cousins together for a photo in their Rudolph shirts. As you can see Charli Beth was struggling holding these two babies up, but she truly thought she was tough stuff doing it!
Even though it was a busy Christmas weekend it was an amazing one. We were blessed in more ways than we could ever imagine being safe, healthy and surrounded with family members on Jesus' birthday.

My sister Ashley and Alex were also engaged this weekend!! Congrats to them and baby Trace! Alex is already a family member to us all but we cannot wait to watch them grow old together as Husband and Wife. They are both wonderful souls and deserve one another more than anything.

Polar Express - SUV

2011-12-28T16:30:00.000-06:00

On Friday after we had a family dinner at Red Lobster we came home for a surprise for Charli Beth. We hid a golden ticket in her bed under butter cup her horse, since she always snuggles up to her first thing. I had been telling CB that anytime that she finds her ticket to come running to me with it and I would have her a surprise but she must be a good girl all day.

As she came through the kitchen doors I handed her a to go cup of hot chocolate and Daddy one to of course and out there door we all went with Bryar in tow to look for Christmas lights.
But boy are people scrooges anymore. I remember as a kid seeing Christmas lights at almost every home that we would pass by now they are few and far to come by.

Eventually we found the mother-load of all lights....
Yikes.

With Bryar crying, Charli Beth getting sleepy we ended our Polar Express adventure here and headed home. It wasn't much, but it was a fun little outing for us and she enjoyed it very much being that she is still trying to get me to hid her ticket so we can go on another adventure. Sadly, Momma is out of adventures until next Christmas!

Christmas Baking Day

2011-12-27T16:18:00.009-06:00

Please do not mind my no make up and crazy hair day ;)

This year Charli Beth, my Mom and I had a baking day to make goodies for Christmas Eve and Day. We had red velvet cake balls and even turned some into reindeer, we also made ooey gooey chocolate cookies, red velvet cake/cupcakes, and chocolate chip cookies as well.

It was so much fun spending time with this little ham and my Mom, making memories in my ~~very messy~~ kitchen.

Charli got a little crazy at times, and even cracked egg by squeezing it every where. But it made it even more fun!

But then she got a little bored so we started making the reindeer in which she just wanted to eat the "mess ups." Most of them turned out pretty silly looking but they were a cute idea for us to take to some of the family get togethers that we had coming up.

Mr. Bryar Wayne just thought that he would nap throughout the entire baking session. We borrowed this swing from one of Curtis' friends and he absolutely adores it. We should of invested in a swing a long time ago, but little buddy is still even small for it being that we have to use blankets to hold up his little head.

I hope that our baking day can continue to be one of our traditions that Charli and I can share together as a Mommy/Daughter duo. (I'm pretty sure that B will not enjoy this at all but if he does that of course we will let him in on the fun as well.)

2 Months Post NICU

2011-12-26T21:16:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, the 25th was two months since the day that we brought Bryar home from the NICU. Each week and month that has passed by continues to amaze me at the fact that he is already here, and that we are a family of four now. It is amazing to also see the progress that this little man has made, and all that he will continue to make. In no time, we will be seeing him turning a year, and then a year since we left the NICU. My how times fly...

Little Man Syndrome

2011-12-23T09:25:00.000-06:00

So my little Bryar man has this deal where he will not smile, what-so-ever. He just sits looking at us with his eyes huge like we are the craziest people ever ~~(and spit up all over my face when I hold him above me~~.) It is so funny to watch him make his eyes bigger and bigger at us, while breathing really fast - which is his way of letting us know he is excited, I assume. Although, I know in no time he will be smiling, giggling, rolling over, crawling, walking...and the list goes on. But for now, I will let my little man look all tough and be intimidating with his hands made into little fists. I'm pretty sure that Chuck Norris would even be scared of this little tough guy ;)

Oh, Christmas Tree!

2011-12-21T18:52:00.004-06:00

I took this photo of the kids before we left to go see Santa. I hope to always be able to get a picture of them in front of our tree. We do have a real tree this year, which I absolutely love. We pretty much let Charli have fun decorating our tree this year! She had a blast doing so, and even if it a Charlie Brown tree we're pretty fond of it!

Blessings.

2011-12-20T09:30:00.003-06:00

Blessings come in all shapes, sizes, forms or fashions for all of us. I know that I have personally been blessed in more ways that I could ever imagine. Although, just this last week I was blessed with not only a friendly smile, polite people, but a new job opportunity was offered to me!

As all of you know this is something that I have been praying for. As of December 31st I will no longer work for the 911 center that I have been at for the last several years. It is almost bittersweet to think that I will no longer be the first line of connection to someone in need of help, or that I will not be working with the co-workers that I do enjoy working with. But this position is a day shift, no weekends or holidays and is also in the county that I am now living in. It is simply amazing to even think about this new position. I will NOT know what to do with myself nor will my family! But for now I will keep counting down my 12 days until I am no longer on this second shift.

HoHoHo!

2011-12-19T09:00:00.000-06:00

Friday night we took the kiddos to see the Santa at the mall, and I was very much so fearing that Charli was going to notice that he was very different looking than the Santa that she had seen at her school earlier. Thankfully, she didn't skip a beat and never mentioned anything about it.

The little boy in front of us was screaming, crying and trying to get away whenever they snapped his photo! I couldn't help but to giggle and think of how fun it will be whenever Bryar starts doing this. Those photos makes the best Santa pictures! ha.

Santa: "What would you like for me to bring you on Christmas morning?"
Charli: "A horse."
Santa: ....very funny look .... "I am hoping this is a toy horse?!"
Charli: "Yea, I guess. A toy will do."

Thank goodness!

Give some - Get Some.

2011-12-14T19:47:00.007-06:00

So lets be honest for a minute and just say that marriage is, hard work, difficult, frustrating but worth every.single.bit of the work that goes into it. No, I am not an expert by any means especially due to the fact that I have now been married for only 6 months and 3 days. But this year we have went through a lot together. A lot of ups and a lot of downs, but I swear to you I have never loved this man more than I do in this moment.

We have struggled, heck we still struggle but we know to always love one another. (This is what counts at the end of the day.) No marriage is perfect but how can it be whenever you are taking two people who have always lived their lives "their" way and are clashing them together. After you go through the "honeymoon" phase you are then trying to make your life work in the exact routine of the other persons, no matter if it is not the same as yours.

It is hard work even if it is a simple tasks as doing the laundry the same. But the point is you must give a little to get a little out of a marriage (no pun intended...) I think this has been one of my biggest faults throughout the beginning of our marriage - not being able to do everything my way.

I always thought that being married to a Police Officer would be an easy task, being that I have been around them constantly at work for the past four years. But to say it simply, I was completely wrong. (Do not get used to hearing those words come from me though) I thought that I would understand the late nights, the long hours, the stressful calls, but I do not whenever it comes to the love of my life, my best friend. Maybe this is me being selfish? I am not sure. I never really got that I was having a hard time with this until now since Bryar has been born. I need him more than ever and I need him safe. But I know that he loves his career and he puts a ton of pride into what he does and I am so proud of the things that Gunner and him accomplish each night. So this my friends is me saying it "loudly & proudly" that I will stop being selfish and will start giving a little more than need be because this is what makes a good marriage work (as well as surrounding your marriage with the Lord of course.)

Breast Feeding

2011-12-11T11:50:00.005-06:00

I never really thought that I would be the Mom to put all of my worries and woes out there for everyone to read but this topic is a must be simply because it's frustrating yet rewarding all at the same time.

I was not able to breast feed Charli Beth, I'm not exactly sure why but my milk never came in and I honestly did not try that hard to do. But this time I was determined to give it a good try to say the least. I had a feeling from day one that Bryar would be born early just like Charli Beth was, so of course I knew this was the best option for the babies health. I read a book that my sister let me borrow called "So That's What They're For." It's witty, cute but intelligent all at the same time. It really helped with the comfort of being okay with breast feeding in public even if you get the goofy stares (Honestly, Friday was the first time that I have bf'd Bryar in public. It went smooth, and I was even covering us with a blanket.) It also helps with positioning which I had no idea anything about.Being that premature babies have a had time eating, digesting food and latching on if breast feeding. I had tons of help in the NICU and also help from a lactation nurse afterward. We did have to supplement the little guy with formula at first because the NICU Doctor ordered for him to be set at 25 mls of milk, and ladies lets just say that at first I was getting around 3-5. It was ridiculous...to be honest it still is.

They continued increasing the amounts of feedings for him and I was slowly making my way to getting to what he needed. But because of these fast increases Bryar took a few steps back and they had to start tubing us feedings as well decreasing the amount by quite a bit. This helped us both out tremendously. Whenever he was getting the tube feedings, I would do skin to skin time with him which seemed to help my milk come in somewhat better. Not to mention, we both loved this cuddle time.

Around a week after leaving the NICU we went to see a lactation nurse because even after taking Fenugreek (3 3 times a day) I still did not feel like I was producing enough for him. But after doing weighed feedings and her helping with a latch (which he did all on his own at this point) she helped me with being confident that I was producing enough for him but just enough. I sadly cannot "get ahead" in my supply for him. We nursed every feeding up until time for me to come back to work and now he is taking bottles of 2 1/2 - 3 oz of BM that I pump for him while I am at work. He is still varying on his eating being that he still gets tired very easily. But once I return home and nurse him he stills seems to be content with what he is getting from me as well. Although, It still seems that I am only getting exactly what I need for him. I do use a medela symphony pump that we are renting from a health care company, but am ready to quit paying the extra charges and use my Ameda purely yours pump. I have also tried taking Reglan but did not see any changes so I quit putting my body through taking one more pill, because there is nothing I hate taking more than pills. I am still continuing to take the Fenugreek, 3 3 times a day, even though it makes my pee smell like maple syrup (no lie ladies) I do truly think it does help out.

Thankfully, my sister is breast feeding as well and has been more help than I could ever imagine. Not only has she helped with supply but to talk to about the stresses of the roller coaster life of being a breast feeding Mom. I want to continue to breast feed Bryar as long as I can but I am making monthly goals and taking this all day by day. I have faced the fact that I am only one woman and can only do so much. If I can't pump good then I may just have to supplement, but I do not want to have to do that. I want to continue to give this 100% effort.

What has seemed to help you out the most with nursing, pumping, building your supply up, etc?

Cousins

2011-12-10T19:09:00.003-06:00

Bryar and Trace are only three weeks and two days apart and just after a week of Trace leaving the NICU Bryar was heading in. These baby boys are going to be so close as they grow up that it just tickles my heart to think about it. We haven't been able to get them together as much as we like because of them both being early and us not leaving the house that much but every occasion that we are together I always try to snap their photo for the years to come. But until all of the fun starts I will continue to snap their pictures as they lay their sleeping, like good little babes.

Little Mother Hen Charli Beth loves it whenever baby Trace stops by the house or her Nana's because she thinks that she is getting to "babysit" him for whatever reason. She is not only the great big sister that I had mentioned but a great big cousin as well (minus that huge stain on her shirt. ha)

B's favorite "Whatcha lookin' at lady?" face

Right before his first synagis shot on Friday. (Thank goodness that we got our insurance to approve these shots!) He already even looks like he knows he is getting it and is mad. Bless his heart, he turned blood red and screamed until I was able to pick him up. He did the exact thing with his two months shots as well. I was a bad Mommy and forgot to get a photo though!

Hi Ho Hi Ho - Off To Work I Go!

2011-12-09T08:30:00.001-06:00

Last Saturday I started back to work, and if you cannot tell by looking at the pictures I was a complete hot mess going back. You may not know or remember but I have been off from work since the end of August and have really gotten spoiled to my nights at home with my family. Being able to have dinner, give Charli a bath, brush her hair/teeth, read bed time books and pray has been something that I have always cherished. I think that over all I just really never knew how wonderful it was to be able to do these things since I have been working second shift for so long. But being grown up is hard sometimes, and sometimes we have to do things that we do not want to do in the least little bit. So off I went....

I held in the tears as I was handing Bryar off to his MiMi and packed Charli up to go stay with her Nana. Just knowing that I was not going to be there for the children during the times of the day that they really need me just broke my heart. I am sure that all of you can relate.

It may sound funny but just being able to pump for him help my day not only go by quicker but it made it a lot easier for me because I knew I was still helping my boy out. As for Charli, she was with our family going to the town Christmas parade and having a get together afterward so I knew that she was totally fine with her Dear ol' Momma around!

I am now on my two days off and thanking the Heavens for it too! I cuddled Bryar in bed until almost one today just because I missed him. Charli Beth and I have belly laughed so very much today. Ah, I have missed my family and will continue to.Please do not pay attention to my dirty house, like I said I was a mess and throwing things everywhere just to get out of the door!

Charli Beth Updates

2011-12-06T08:30:00.000-06:00

Charli Beth has been the best ~~little Momma wanna be~~ big Sister, ever. She has simply amazed us all with how well that she has taken all of the new changes in her little life this year, especially the big one of becoming a sister and sharing everyone's attention. I am just thinking God that we have this nice age span difference of five years between our two children. I think that it helps so very much for our family.

She is still enjoying school very much so and has learned to write her last name recently. Just a few days after bringing Bryar home, I had a parent teacher conference and Mrs. Gray seemed to have nothing but wonderful words to say about Charli. She said that she was even very impressed with how well she had been with me being on bed rest as well as the birth of B and the nicu stay. I was so proud of Charli and to know all of the things that she has accomplished in the past few months!For Halloween Charli wanted to be Bat Girl because her Daddy and her watch the Old Batman movie -- eek! So we didn't dress her up in a poofy little princess costume this year or anything custom made, my Mom took her and let her pink out exactly what she wanted and boy did she find it! Charli Beth thought she was the cutest thing to ever hit our little Kentucky town strutting around and flying off to trick-or-treat. She didn't want to trick-or-treat for very long, because she wanted to hand out candy. This seems to be a yearly tradition for her now!

We are very proud of her and like I said before I cannot tell you how proud I am of the big sister she has been to Bryar (except when he pees on me, she runs off screaming...major girly girl!)Fancy Nancy for her schools favorite story book character day!

Charli Beth heard Bryar crying one night that Curtis was gone for training for she got up to help me out. haha, look at the little old man looking babe that she is holding!

A Sneek Peek of our Christmas Card

2011-12-05T14:44:00.006-06:00

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

This is what I decided to do with my Christmas card thanks to Shutterfly! I wanted some simple and classic this year rather than something modern this year. I have been extremely satisfied with Shutterfly the last two years, I am very happy to be able to work with them once again. On the back of the card, I was able to write a note of our 2011 just to recap our amazing year and to send well wishes to each family. I am really excited to get these cards out to everyone!

...and yes we did include Gunner in our card =)
He may be Curtis' work partner but he is apart of our family!

Melt My Heart - Family Photos

2011-12-04T13:03:00.006-06:00

Last week we finished up taking our family photos since we had to do them in two different session being that Mr. Bryar Wayne thought it would be great to pee as well as do some number two on his poor Momma. I suppose we leave, learn and keep his diaper on next time?! These pictures just melt my heart and remind me once again just how very blessed I am and just how great this year has been for Charli Beth and I.

& my absolutely favorite one...

8 weeks!

2011-12-01T10:00:00.000-06:00

Bryar Wayne,

You are now 8 weeks old and it seems like yesterday that your Daddy was flying down the road with his caution lights on trying to get us to labor and delivery. You have already endured so much in your little life and have proven to be one strong little fella! You amaze me daily at just how perfect and handsome you are. You are still wearing newborn clothing, and I am assuming you weigh close to 9 pounds now (you were 7.2 almost two weeks ago). You are exculsively nursing until I return to work on Saturday (insert major sad face here) and then you will start taking bottles again until I return home at night. You are still eating every 2-3 hours, except during periods of growth spurts then it seems to be constantly. whenever you are awake you love to look around listening to us talk while taking in all of the beauty of the lights. At night, you love to cuddle next to me which a horrible habbit that I started one night when I was majorly exhausted but to be honest I love cuddling you just as much! Your hair is still coming in blonde but in the light it does have a red cast to it - yes, you look just like your Daddy!

I am so very proud and blessed to be able to call you my son. I cannot wait to see what journeys we are going to go through together but one thing I can promise you is that I will always love you unconditionally and no matter what you will always be my baby. =)

Love,
Mommy

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-28T21:55:00.005-06:00

This year was quite different for me, not only was it the first one that I have had off in four years but I was spending it with my family and our precious new baby boy. It seems crazy that Bryar will be two months old soon, and he still seems so itty bitty and brand new. Time flies whenever life is so wonderful.

We spent Thanksgiving with both of our families and it wonderful being able to cherish time with both sides in one day. I absolutely loved getting to see everyone, not to mention all of the delicious food we had!

B obviously isn't a fan of having his photo taken in his first Thanksgiving outfit!

Bryar's Baby Shower 9/24/11

2011-11-17T10:00:00.000-06:00

On September 24, our families held us a shower for Bryar's upcoming arrival. We had decided earlier in the month to hold the shower outside of my MIL's home since September is typically a warm and beautiful month, although the weather gave us a damper and told off chilly and cloudy the day before the shower was to be held! I had major wardobe problems that day since the adorable maxxi dress I had picked out couldn't be wore on such a cold day! You just have to love Kentucky weather; you never know what it is going to throw at you next.

We decided to have our family showers together since Bryar's arrival could have happened at any moment. I was actually even surprised that he decided to hold off from the day of the baby shower, being that I was having lower back pain and was having to waddle everywhere. It was a sight! You will see in the photos that I look completely miserable but I promise it was not that bad. I actually enjoyed my day with our families, being out of the house for the first time in what seemed like forever, as well as just enjoying being pregnant with our precious baby!

Our parents did such a wonderful job with the food and decor as always. Curtis and I are blessed with such crafty Mommas!

My Mother in law and sister in law =)

Kaylen, Charli Beth and Lillee

Jessica, Me and Krystina

Jessica gave birth to Miss Layla the day that Bryar came home from the NICU on October 20 and Krystina is due with Miss Piper in December. Jessica is the sweetest girl ever and I was overjoyed to have both of these girls to go through my pregnancy with again. Kaylen, Krystina's daughter is a week younger than Charli Beth and they have always been the best of friends.

We were so blessed to have so each of these people to attend our shower and give gifts for Bryar. We are so thankful that people think of our little family!

Thank you to everyone who came as well as helped out at the shower!

Shutterfly Promo Code Winners

2011-11-16T17:00:00.000-06:00

Hey guys, sorry it has taken me some extra time to get the winners of the codes announced. Bryar is going through a growth spurt and is most definitely keeping me on my toes the past few days. Anyways, thank to everyone who entered and for helping me pick out a new name for our family blog. I still have not came to a decision but it will probably be a little longer before I am able to change our design anyhow.

I used Random.org to pick the winners to make everything fair! I will also include the photo of where I used the generator.

Just The Two Of Us - Kelly

Lea Liz

Annonymous Comment - I will also try to contact this person by email.

Please email me at Paigeleana@yahoo.com and I will give you your codes! Thank you again to everyone who participated!

11/15/11

2011-11-15T22:33:00.003-06:00

As my sister said, "When someone has the most perfect gift for you, they sometimes let you have it a little early" which is exactly the case with her baby Trace and baby Bryar as well. Today is the day that Bryar was suppose to make his grand arrival into this crazy world. It is amazing to think all that he has already overcame as well as accomplished in these six weeks.

These past few weeks have flown by, just as I knew that they would but I am thankful that the Lord has blessed us with a healthy baby even though he was anxious and made his early arrival!

You Better Watch Out, You Better Not Cry

2011-11-13T22:00:00.003-06:00

Yes, it is already that time of year again!

It is so hard to believe how very fast this year has flown by, but I am very ecstatic to be able to send out Christmas cards of my new beautiful family to all of our family and friends!

Over the past year, I have used Shutterfly for many occassions; Christmas cards, Valentines photo book and our wedding shower thank you cards! Each time they have just been marvelous to work with.

I absolutely adore all of their card designs for this Holiday season as well as their photo books! Which reminds me that I cannot wait to purchase the books that I made from our wedding as well as the birth of Bryar!

This year to help get the word out on just how amazing this company is I have three codes for 25 FREE cards for three of my readers! How wonderful is that?!

How can you become one of the lucky readers to get a code?

It's simple. Leave me a comment of ideas of what I can change my blog name to because as we all know this isn't just Mommy & Charli anymore! =) I have several ideas but would love some new input as well.

I will pick winners on Wednesday, November 16th!

p.s.
You do not have to be a blogger to win but please leave your email address while commenting. Sorry it has taken me so long to get this post out, it has been quite hectic around our home lately!

Bryar's Coming Home Day & 1 month!

2011-11-05T12:39:00.013-05:00

Bryar's Coming Home Stats:

October 25, 2011
20 days in the NICU
5 lbs 4 oz (1 pound up from birth weight)
18 in

The day that we were able to bring B home for the first time, I felt like a new Mommy all over again. I was excited, scared, nervous and just way to anxious for my own good. The entire day was very rushed from trying to make sure Charli was picked up from school on time, doing our NICU checklist to be able to leave, packing up from the hospitality house and much more.

Curtis was able to pick Charli up from school and surprise her with the news that they were coming to pick Bryar and I up from the hospital. She was so excited whenever they arrived and as Curtis carried B out to our car.

I was able to somehow fit in the backseat with Charli and Bryar to make sure he did fine on the ride home.

Charli's very first time holding Bryar.

If you cannot tell, she has tears in her eyes once again.
This girl is so sweet y'all. It's just precious!

After wiping her eyes to try for photo number two.
The little guy's coming home gown
Simply amazed by him

Kisses!

Our shot at a family photo =)

Once again, we are all so very blessed to have Bryar home and are able to finally be a family together. B is such a laid back baby and is doing well with his weight and eating still. Since we have been home, he has turned into a little piggy. Yesterday at a check up he weighed 5 lbs and 15 oz, so he is moving right a long and will be bigger than we know it no time!

He has started to hit a little growth spurt or is getting his days and nights mixed up with being a tiny bit fussy or exteremly hungry from around midnight to 4:30 am! Breast feeding is hard work and as I keep telling everyone it is not for the weak, I think as soon as him and I get a little better at this, he will be the most perfect little baby!

---

Bryar is also one month old today! Which is so hard to believe but then again it has been a very long month with all that endured at first!

Weight: 5 lbs 15 oz

Eating: Every two to three hours, no matter if it is night or day. Mostly at night I am letting him wake up on his own, which seems to be constantly at the moment. But we must still remember that B's gestational age is only 38 weeks still! It's so hard to believe that my due date was not until November 15! He is taking about 60 ml's a feeding which is practically 2 oz. We are stuck by reading our feedings by MLs because of the NICU from where he was only at 30 for a while then went from a range to 30-50 a feeding.

Sleeping: Like I mention above his nights and days are mixed up or possibly he is hitting a growth spurt. During the day he sleeps some and then is wide eyed for a while as well. He cannot stand to be swaddled and if he is his hands must be out so that they can be close to his face.

Pretty much all B still does is eat, sleeps and well...poops! ;) So maybe here in the next few weeks we will start to see some more activity out of our boy!

NICU Days

2011-11-03T20:46:00.010-05:00

For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also.

-Matthew 6:21

I want to thank everyone that has left comments, tweets and messages for our new family of four! Bryar is doing wonderful and we were able to come home to join his big sister on October 25, after 20 days in the NICU! It was an amazing feeling to bring our little guy home, and seeing Charli Beth with tears in her eyes while holding him for the first time, melted my heart into a billion pieces. I am reminded daily once again with just how precious life is and how blessed each of us are.

Right before the first bath that I was able to give himCharli Beth seeing Bryar for the first time through the nursery window. She was so very nervous and excited love her heart. She was hyper one minute, and then shaking the next. This girl has a heart the size of Texas, she told me after we left that she couldn't look at him to much because she kept getting tears and didn't want us to see her cry looking at him. Ah, precious!

Bryar was able to keep his warmth up himself but what kept him in the NICU for so long was his eating habbits. He had some reflux issues at first as well as not being able to take very many MLs by himself at a time. They placed a feeding tube through his nose around the third day that he was there, to not only give him a break but to help him to continue to hold his weight. The hard thing about premature babies and the NICU is how they will do so wonderful one day and then take three steps back, as well as hearing different things from each nurse on his progress. It was such a challenge but we were blessed with wonderful nurses for Bryar. I was able to attend most feedings since the local hospital has a "hospitality house" where family members of intensive care patients can stay. This was yet another huge blessing for our family. B was/is feeding every three hours so I would of spent most of my time driving back and forth to the hospital with no rest at all. Being able to stay at the HH, I was able to pump as well as get in a nap between feedings.

Soon I will post all about the day that he came home to join our little family =)

Bryar Wayne - October 5, 2011 2:03 a.m.

2011-10-13T23:01:00.003-05:00

Bryar Wayne
October 5, 2011
2:03 a.m.
4 lbs 4 1/4 oz
17 1/2 in

Our precious little boy has arrived and we are over joyed with how perfect he is. The Lord has blessed my family with a tiny blond hair boy!

Bryar's L&D Story:

On Oct. 4th my Husband and I had a doctors appointment as we had been having every week. They all were still very happy, as well as amazed that I had made it another week and was back in there office once again. I was 3 cm, 90 % effaced and a little more than station +1. Dr. G practically told me to expect him to come at any moment, and to watch for my contractions to get stronger. He told me to call him as soon as they hit, and to head to the hospital because this baby was going to come extremely quick. He was not kidding.

That night after Charli Beth went to bed, Curtis and I were watching Bull Riding (yes, a nightly tradition in our home for us) and I asked him if he planned to go to work the next day. He told me that he did unless something changed, right after that he also received a call from another officer asking for assistance in which he told them that he felt more comfortable staying close by in case I was to go into labor. I was actually silly enough to tell him to go ahead and go because I did not think Bryar was going to come and I was not having any pains. About 30 minutes later, I started having strange pains within my hip bones and lower back, they were not consistent and were not that painful so I honestly did not think they were anything to be concerned with. After timing them just to be on the safe side, we both called our parents and told them what was going on, but also warned them that I did not think they were contractions we just wanted to "put them on stand by."

I decided to go lay down and relax for a little while, but once we got comfortable a contraction hit at 11:19 that we both knew was "the one." Curtis then called Dr G for me as I woke up Charli Beth and asked her to get on shoes that baby Bryar was on his way. I have never saw this girl jump up so quick with such a smile on her face.

The two times that I have been pregnant I have not been able to take lamaze classes due to bed rest, but somewhere deep down in side of me I pulled out the best breathing techniques of my life. As we headed to the hospital (thank goodness we made it, because the hubs was driving like a mad man) my contractions were two minutes apart and lasting around 30 seconds. We arrived at the hospital a few minutes before 12 and walked into L&D were a nurse asked if the Dr was going to stop my labor, in which all we could do was laugh and tell her this baby was coming for sure.

Whenever the nurse checked me I was a 4-5 cm, and she asked if I would like an epidural. I did tell her that I would like to have one but did not want to get it to soon. She then looked at me like I had 4 heads and said, "honey I was being very conservative with that 4-5 cm, this baby is coming very soon." She kept telling me that I would have to wait on my blood work to come back from the labs before the anesthesiologist could come in to do it, which was not a huge deal to me because the breathing,my wonderful Husbands and our Mother's support was working wonders.

You could tell by the look on my nurses face that she was completely stressing out and was running around like crazy to get things prepared. She decided to check me again before the epidural, and I was 7-8 cm then. So thankfully the anesthesiologist came in and got to work as well. I am pretty sure that we were stressing him out the entire time, because he kept saying "I just am not sure if I have time to get it in" but he was a trooper and did it anyways!

Sadly, after trying to roll to my sides to get it to flow down better it did not work fully. My legs were a little tingly as well as some of my abdominal area but I could still feel every contraction in my tail bone and more. Not to long after the anesthesiologist walked out of the door my Dr was walking back in and said that as soon as he broke the rest of my water to start pushing. After 4 sets of contractions with pushing 3 times each during them and one extremely loud "war cry" later, a tiny little boy arrived at 2:03! His Daddy was able to cut his umbilical cord and we heard one of the most amazing sounds ever, which was his very loud cry! It melted my heart to hear him.

There were three nicu nurses in L&D with us, and they let us take one family picture before they took him off into the nicu. Whenever I was out of recovery I was able to actually meet and touch my little guy for the first time. He is such a beautiful baby and looks more like his Daddy than I could have ever imagined.

My love for my family and especially my husband has grew to an all time high with all of the love and support that they have given me. Curtis was the best thing ever to me during labor, holding my hand and talking me through each contraction. I could not ask for anything better than him.

We are still currently in the nicu and have some time to go here, so please continue to remember him in your prayers. He is doing wonderful for such an early baby and we are more than grateful that the Lord has blessed us with him.

Pondering

2011-10-01T15:21:00.003-05:00

It seems lately that all I do is sit around and ponder. I ponder about being a Mommy of two, if I will be "good" at it, what Bryar is going to look like, his hair color, his weight, what picture to put up on the last wall in his nursery, when I will actually go into labor, what it feels like to be outside, how Charli is going to react, whose temper he will have (Hopefully neither of ours. Bless his little heart if he does have it.) Pondering is something that I seem to have always been good at. People have asked me on numerous occassions what I am thinking about, just because I constantly have the "look of a thinker" on my face. A lot of people take my "look" as a bad one, but it sincerely just one of nothing while I think about the past, present and future.

Speaking of the past, present and future isn't it completely amazing how we can go from the lowest points in our lives to the almighty highs in such a short amount of time? It completely baffles me, but then again I know that we are all very loved by someone whom is greater than anyone of us and can turn our lives around in an instance.

This time last year, I would have never imagine that I would be completely blessed with a new Husband and a baby that is probably days away from arriving. I was single and praying that I would find the right person for not only myself but for my daughter as well. Even though I took a wrong path, God lead me to someone that I am more thankful for than I could ever explain. I never really thought after all of my ups and downs that I would be right here in this moment and be simply happy in all that I have.

Even though we do not want to see it sometimes, we must. We must make ourselves better, not for only ourselves but our children as well. If you are in a situation where you feel that life is throwing you up and down, (where you know that you should not be) remember that the days get better, the struggles they may not always go away but they do get easier, I promise. One day you will look back and laugh at the situation that are you in now. Just like one day soon I am going to look back and laugh at how much I hate bed rest but will be missing my nap times.

"Only if you have been in the deepest valley,

can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain."

To be honest, I have no idea where the post came from. I was going with a whole other topic and my fingers lead to something else?! Sorry if it does not make sense to most of my readers but I am pretty sure that it may hit home to one person in general.
Loves.

Bryar's Nursery Sneak Peek & Monogram

2011-09-27T09:19:00.003-05:00

We have made it to 33 weeks today!!!! More updates to come...

32 weeks

2011-09-22T12:14:00.005-05:00

Once again I was SO ecstatic about turning 32 weeks on Tuesday! I feel extremely blessed to have made it this far with my pregnancy. I have been dilated to 2 for at least for over 4 weeks now, and on bed rest for 5. But to be honest it really does not feel like that long, which is a good thing. I have my days where I am unbelievably stir crazy and just want to clean this house top to bottom, and then go on a long shopping trip afterwards with a mani/pedi to follow. Ah, that sounds so nice.

Pregnancy Highlights:

Tuesday at the Dr I had an ultrasound and then a regular appointment to see Dr. G. During the ultrasound they were able to show us that Bryar has hair (how sweet!) and they gave us some a few more profile pictures. I would share them but they are kind of hard to see because he keeps his hands up by his mouth, and not to mention poor babe is squished. At the regular appointment, it was determined that I am close to 3, 80% effaced and at station +1. Seriously, how am I even still preggo? Dr. G says that he does not see how I could last two more weeks so for us not to be surprised by a positive FFN test (which it was.) So it looks like Bryar Wayne will be here within two weeks possibly.

-Total Weight Gain: 16 lbs

-Sleep is still about the same except waking up around 3:30 in the morning for about two hours.

-I've lost my appetite for the most part and my sickness hit me really hard yesterday morning which lead to busting blood vessels under my eye, again. Hopefully they will clear up quickly being that my baby shower is suppose to on Saturday!

-His heart beat at the last appointment was 169 and this appointment was 137... It's completely crazy how his heart has varied so much!

-I am very anxious to know what color his hair is going to be? Red, Strawberry blonde...hmm, so exciting!

My family seems to be taking polls on when Bryar will arrive so if you want to join in on the "fun" then leave your guess in the comments. Remember that you do not have to have a blog to comment, just leave your name or an email address!

We are so excited for his arrival and hopefully I will be able to blog some more before he comes! Until then please keep him as well as baby Trace in your prayers!

Charli Beth Update

2011-09-19T13:32:00.006-05:00

Oh my fiestly, silly, smart five year old girl is the sweetest thing ever. She has not been getting her millions of blog post lately because well to put it simple, I just have not been blogging that much. But so much has changed with this girly, as she likes to put it, she has...matured. Ha! She has gotten taller, is learning so many different sight words in her Kindergarten class, learning what it takes to be a big sister as well as a big cousin (She has her work cut out for her!) and so many other things.

She has been very loving towards Bryar lately and says the sweetest prayers for him at bed time. Her favorite thing to do lately seems to be giving my belly kisses and then screaming that he kicked her. Oh let the fun begin ;) haha! I am crossing my fingers that this excitement of his arrival continues.

Each week they send home a assessment test that they go over with each student to see where they are within their letters as well as some sight words they have been working on. Charli has been doing wonderful on all letters (Y gets a little tricky for her sometimes) but she can recongize the following words, Dad, Mom, I, Little (can spell Little), Am, Dog, Cat.

Each night for homework, she must read a short book to me that they have went over in class. She does exteremly wonderful on these books! Last week, her Teacher sent home a book that was tough! It had two line senstences (example: "Ned, sits at the table playing with three red blocks.") Kidding me right? I thought that it was a mistake and after working with CB sounding words out, I could tell that she just was not ready for this advancement. I sent a letter to Mrs. G explaining to her the frustation that CB felt from this book and I was not sure that she was ready for a book this tough. In return I recieved a letter back apologizing to Charli and I saying that CB had been doing such a wonderful job reading lately that they wanted to advance her. Opps! Mom fail. I felt terrible about my note and wanted to send back an apology. =/ It's not that I do not think that Charli can read at this level, I just believe that she needs the extra help before taking on to much. Hopefully, I did the right thing.

CB has been attending church with her Mimi and Aunt Amanda on Wednesday nights. At first I think that she was a little sketchy about things, only due to the fact that we come from a very small church. But since she has begun her class, she seems to absolutely love it. I truly think that the older that she gets the more excited to learn about the Lord that she is. She loves hearing about "Daniel in the Lions Den" whenever we read it at night.

Her favorite book is:

If you have a little girl that adores horses as well as a princess story, this book is a must buy! We have recently just quit reading it to Charli every single night. It was to the point where she was remembering the book and reading it to us. But we love it besides the fact that Plumpkin and Bun Bun are so mean to sweet Ponyella!

Since we have no idea when Bryar will arrive, we are hoping to ask my Dr tomorrow if it is okay to take Charli to see the Lion King for at least one more outing with her for a special day. But of course if Dr. G does not "okay" it then it will be a Daddy/Daughter date!!

30-31 weeks preggo post

2011-09-16T13:20:00.005-05:00

I know that I am a complete slacker and forgot to do a 30 week pregnancy highlights post and yes I just about forgot to do a 31 week! I am becoming a true lazy bum due to this bed rest thing. Seriously, I took three naps the other day and then I still slept all night. Pathetic much? Yeah probably.

Anywho, I went back to the Dr on Tuesday and had the wonderful news of only minor changes!! The baby is still very low at station zero, which is not the most comfiest position or spot for him to be in for me especially at night time but I have no compliants as long as he is staying right there.

30 weeks before our Dr appt

31 weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

Total Weight Gain: 15 lbs!

My sleep is so mixed up with the naps during the day and the bathroom breaks at night. It's quite crazy and I am very sure that it drives my Hubby insane since I huff while trying to pull my big-bellied self out of the bed, haha!

I'm starting to loose my appetite on some days, but I'm pretty sure that it will hit me full force again soon.

His movements are more noticeable than before because he literally shakes my whole stomach. I am sure that he is running out of room in there. He also has the hiccups twice a day it seems like. I was wondering whenever he would start getting them and once he did it seems like he cannot get rid of them, then he gets mad. (I always tell CB that hiccups make you grow so grow baby grow )

We are still going to the Doctor weekly and will continue to do so. I have an ultrasound on Tuesday when I will be 32 weeks to check his growth and etc. I am pretty excited to see him again and see his progress.

Trace Alexander

2011-09-15T14:24:00.003-05:00

My nephew Trace Alexander that was born on Sunday, September 11 is doing so wonderful and is such a strong baby to be born at 33 weeks! Everyone is very proud of his progress that he immediately started making the night he was born. On Tuesday after my Dr appointment I was able to go over to see my sister and she asked if I wanted to go into the NICU to meet him. How exteremly sweet of her that was and it was such a blessing to be able to meet my newphew for the first time! He is SO sweet!

He has been off of oxygen since Monday I believe, and has been working on disgesting food. He is improving with every feeding. Ashley's baby shower/baby-q was scheduled for this weekend and is still taking place, I cannot wait to shower her with gifts and love. She is such an incredible Mommy, and his Daddy is very amazing as well. I am one proud sister and Aunt of this little family!! Please continue to remember them all as they go throughout their NICU stay!

9-11-2011

2011-09-12T12:24:00.008-05:00

Yesterday is a day that all of us as Americans will always remember in our hearts, I can tell you exactly where I was the moment that I first heard the news. But to me the moment of where I was is nothing compared to all of the pain the families from 9/11 have experienced as well as the soilders families that are conitnuing to loose their loved ones overseas. These are the victims and families that we continue to remember in our hearts, forever.

9-11-2011 was also my 24th {whoa} birthday. We celebrated my birthday by having lunch with ~~Curtis~~ our fand it was amily next door for lunch, banana pudding and gifts. They were all so very sweet to me. I'm not sure if I could ask for anything better than that --- but the Lord had big plans on my birthday for my family!!! My sweet Husband gave me a pandora bracelet with the everlasting love charm. I absolutely love it! =) We have a doctors appointment tomorrow and a 3d ultrasound so I cannot wait to be able to get out of this bed and wear it!

Tina and Ronnie gave me this Juicy Couture gift set, which is Heavenly. Oh my, I cannot wait to wear it too! They also gave me a huge stack of wedding photos along with a photo album (Thank you Amanda!) I cannot wait to put them all together for everyone to look at. These were all such a thoughtful gifts!!

Not to mention, my other huge birthady gift!!

I became an Aunt!!

As you can see my nephew Trace Alexander made his appearance in the afternoon after my sister woke with complication early in the morning. He was not expected to arrive until Oct 26th, so he was a little over 33 weeks gestastion, but boy is he a strong little fella!

Look at how big those hands are!! I think he may just be a UK basketball player in the future, his parents would totally love that =)

He is in the NICU having some help with his breathing, although my sister just sent me a text saying they have taken his C PAP off to see how he does, but so far so good! What a blessing! She is also going to get to hold him for the first time this afternoon!! I ask that you all continue to remember my sister as she recovers, Alex, and Trace! I cannot wait to meet this little guy! Him and Bryar are for sure keeping us all on our toes already, I can only imagine how it will be in a few years with them running around! =)

The New & Improved Changing Table

2011-09-09T09:32:00.000-05:00

I purchased this changing table through craigs list a while back ago for only $50 and was very excited that for once I had found a bargain. Well then my MIL painted it to match the rest of the furniture in Bryar's nursery and it is amazing now. She did such a fantastic job on it! I am ecstatic with not only having a changing table this time but with how perfect it is. I cannot wait to find the perfect baskets to fit under it soon.

As you can also tell, the walls and trim have been painted! We are getting closer and closer to having the nursery complete and ready to welcome him for whenever he comes home!

Detail Link Up From Our Wedding

2011-09-08T08:22:00.002-05:00

I realized the other day that I never made a post about some of the little touches of our wedding,that I absolutely loved. Shame on me, right?! I cannot believe that I left these things out. I will link up the items as best as possible but some of the credit goes towards to our family friends! I can probably say that one of the most loved details of our wedding by the guests was the sign that our ring bear carried. One the front it said "here comes the bride" and as we were leaving he turned it around to say "& they lived happily ever after." These were made by a friend that owns Cripple Creek Primitives and I'm not even sure if words can describe just how fabulous this sweet lady is! Her work is beyond amazing.

The burlap table runners were made by our friend Angela. She is such a crafty person and has so much talent to offer in everything that she does. If you would like her info please contact me via email. =)
The "H" was a crafty idea that I found on etsy and asked the seller to make an extra large initial for our background. I had honestly never saw this done but I just knew that it would be cute to use something to set off everything from the hay stacks. Doing It Herself was a huge help in making my little vision come to reality. All of the men loved this idea too, surprise surprise! We hope to use this H again possibly in the nursery but who knows! The fingerprint guestbook tree was a huge hit! I love having this piece of our wedding ceremony in our living room in the beautiful frame that my parents purchased! Not only did our guests make their thumb prints on the tree, they also signed their names above it! This is such a great idea for even baby showers! Whoever thought of this idea orginially is pure genius to me! - Your Keepsake Co.

My flower piece was a must-have for my wedding. I have never been a fan of veils, especially on me after trying one on with my gown, so whenever I went searching I was so ecstatic to have found this seller, Silver Pencils on etsy. She helped me pick out the "Champagne Brunch" style and it matched my dress perfectly. Not to mention, I adored her price =)
The wedding programs were made by our family friend Shannon! She was such an amazing help throughout the events of our wedding. If you remember the jones soda bottle labels from our wedding shower, she made them as well. She is one crafty sweet little soul! {Hey Shannon!}

The invitations were one of my favorite things about our wedding and they just totally set off the theme. The vintage but country theme of them were to die for and believe it or not, I actually caught them on sale. The seller was fabulous to work with, even after a goof on our side she was super friendly and helped us out tremondously! {Photos do belong to seller}

Pixels & Cream Paperie
Ah, this garter the picture says it all it is absolutely beautiful! This garter came as a set, which included a garter toss too. Which was wonderful so that we were able to keep this little beauty. Rosebud Lips

That is all of the links that I have for now! Hope you enjoy =)

Yum!

2011-09-07T13:40:00.003-05:00

yum yum yum.

I would demolish this piece of art right now.

P.S.

You know you have a problem whenever you start blogging food.

Bless my soul, I suppose this is why I have gained 3 lbs in one week. ha!

Bed Rest Bum - But made it to 29 weeks!!!

2011-08-31T13:11:00.003-05:00

Sadly, I really do not have that much to blog about because the four walls of my bedroom or living room are not that exciting. Although, we did go back to the Doctor yesterday and I also made it to 29 weeks which was huge to me and little Bryar! I am so very thankful for each passing day and especially each week we will see pass by. We had an ultrasound to see how big he is now measuring and to check other things as well. Mr. Bryar must have been in a good mood because he let us see everything from his profile, feet (which looked big to me), hands, pouty lips and those boys parts that are always a refresher to hear "it is for sure a boy."

I can already tell who he looks like from this profile photo, although I have been thinking it for a while now.

He measured 2 lbs and 10 oz again this week, but he is so far down that I am sure it is hard to get a good measurement on him. Everyone seems to always be surprised how low that he is, but sadly he reminds me how low he is sitting every single night with having to get up 5-6 times. No, I am not joking. The pressure is zero fun each night, but I cannot even imagine if I had a big baby laying in that area. Bless the hearts of each of you that have given birth to a linebacker.

Dr. G said that he is very confident that we are taking every precaution possible and that there is no way of telling when Bryar will make his arrival. We talked about how long the possiblity of a NICU stay could be if I were to deliever soon or even before 35 weeks. I know and have wrapped my mind around that, but I have lots of faith as well!

Pregnancy Highlights:

Food Food Food has been all that I can practically think about the last few days. I am not sure if it is the bed rest boredem or that I am just simply large and in charge now.

Total Weight Gain: 9 lbs

Baby is still moving like crazzzy and hates whenever I lay to my right side.

Maternity clothes are a must especially pants being that he is so low.

His crib, changing table and rocker are now set up in his room =) yay!

Trying to plan a baby shower is kind of a nightmare with not knowing how things are going to go at this point. But I guess we will plan and then push back to a Sip and See shower if he comes before hand.

We go back to the Dr next week and hopefully we will know a little more after that!

Preggo Update -- 28 weeks

2011-08-26T10:13:00.003-05:00

Hey guys! I just wanted to update everyone on my pregnancy and let you know that I will not be updating my blog except from time to time for a while.

I went back to the Doctor on Tuesday to had another ultrasound and meet with the Doctor over the complications of the last week. Dr. G then discovered that I am already 2 cm dilated, and am now on strict bed rest until little Bryar makes his appearance. A FFN test did reveal that he should not come within the next two weeks, and we are praying to make it past then as well. He is measuring around 2 pounds and 10 ounces, which can also be 6 ounces off. I have also taken steroid shots, which is a sigh of relief because I was also able to take them with Charli Beth who was born at 34 weeks with no complications. I go back to the Doctor on Tuesday and hopefully we will know a little more then. Please say a little prayer for him. It would mean the world to our family!

Pregnancy Highlights:

The baby has already dropped and is practically kicking my hip bones at times which makes sleeping a tad difficult at times. Although, naps periodically throughout the day are helping just fine with that!
Total weight gain: 8 lbs
Maternity clothes or comfy clothes are worn constantly.
Hormones have been nutty lately with all of the major changes that we have taken in the past two weeks, but nothing to bad. I cried like a crazy lady whenever Dr. G told me that I was already dilated. It just really worried me because not only are we not prepared for Bryar man's arrival, he is def. not ready to come into this world this early. It just breaks my heart that he could come at anytime and have several complications ,especially if he cannot hold out a few weeks. But this is nothing that the Lord cannot handle.
My skin and hair are not having that wonderful pregnancy loveliness that most people experience, but my nails are looking goooood.

My sister who is due a few weeks before me was also put on bed rest yesterday due to high blood pressure. So please also remember her and her baby in your prayers as well.

Charli Beth has been such a good girl with all of the understanding that Mommy cannot get off the couch or out of bed except for a minor few things. But I also know that she is 5 and will eventually not understand what all is going on. I hope and pray that she never feels like I am pushing her away or anything close to that. Our families have been so much help with taking care of us as well as helping out with CB. It is such a blessing to have all of the help, messages and prayers from everyone!!

C + P = Mr. & Mrs. H

2011-08-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

Our wedding day through the lens of our photographer.

You will have to click this photo to get the full effect ..hilarious.

Curtis and his Sister Amanda

My sister Ashley and I

My memory table that was at both the ceremony and reception.

One of the only photos of my precious girl and I, because she was just to "busy" that day to get a photo with her totally un-cool Mommy!

Hiding in the barn from the rain!

My pretty bridesmaids

I am sure that I will find more photos later!

Our first Dance

2011-08-22T11:00:00.000-05:00

At our wedding reception Curtis thought it was a must for us to have a first dance...I on the other hand knew it was going to be a complete mess because this ole country girl does not have any rhythm. But we tried anyhow, and it was actually pretty fun, and we laughed the entire time.

Curtis and his sweet Mom

My Daddy and I
Yes, I throw my head back to laugh. (I have no idea why)

Charli & Hudson doing the Cha-Cha Slide. I cannot remember for the life of me if I blogged about her getting a marriage proposal that night from him but of course Charli said "Doesn't that boy know that I am ONLY five." while rolling her eyes. haha!
Hudson is such a ham, and is so much fun!

"is he for-real?"

Charli also had a rule of not calling Curtis "Daddy" until after the wedding so these moments are super special in my heart. As soon as we arrived at the reception she yelled Daddy and jumped in his arms. I am very sure that we are lost it after that. Not only did I get the man of my dreams, she got the Daddy that she has always deserved.
Our final dance of the night.

Coming Next: The photos taken by our "photographer"

Baby Registry

2011-08-20T18:56:00.002-05:00

I am back at work this afternoon after some days of being in bed completely except for a few occasions for eating, picking up Charli Beth from school and getting my weekly progesterone shot. I forgot just how slowly days can pass by while on bed rest, although with the break ups of Charli getting ready for school and then having to pick up the last two days did pass by fairly quickly. Although, I am sure that if I had to go on complete bed rest that my days will get so boring and long.

Thursday, Curtis stayed home from work and took a personal day to paint the nursery as well as to pick up our crib, car seat, rocker and other items out of storage. He finished that night but watching him and CB paint was probably the sweetest thing ever. I had a view from my bed to their room and she was in there in panties and a tank top, paint B's and H's on the wall. haha! I am sure that Curtis enjoyed her help!

I go back to the Doctor on Tuesday for another ultrasound and to see my regular OB. Hopefully nothing has changed and all worries will be settled.

I have been very anxious to get a baby registry going for sometime now, since I was not able to do one in the stores with Charli because of bed rest. But it looks like we're going to be doing it all online again, unless I can talk someone into letting me drive a scooter chair! ;)

What are some of the things that you feel are completely necessary for a baby registry? I do plan on trying to breast feed again, but I loved Avent brand bottles with Charli Beth. What other brands did you admire; graco, fisher price, etc?
Thank you for any advice, I feel new to this again being that CB is so grown up!

& she thinks we're just fishing

2011-08-19T09:10:00.001-05:00

While I have been at work on several occasions, Curtis and Charli B have went fishing together. So the other day, this jealous Momma had them to take me too. I love the fact that they have so much together whenever they go, that I just wanted to be apart of the fun as well .. I know I am such a kid. But really, I love anything out doors so I figured we would have fun as a family together.

Prettiest lil fisher girl ever =)

This is what happens whenever CB gets bored while fishing and takes off with my camera...

There is a whale at the creek!!!??!! ...Just kidding ;)

Yay!!
Charli Beth would not touch it or even get around, but look at the smile on her sweet face!

Fish #2
(Yes, all of these were put back in the water.)

& Lastly, this photo was shown to me by Charli as she said "this is for you to remember how sad you made me" because I spanked her little rump for pulling my pants down to my knees. It was funny, but seriously even though it wasn't "public" there were other fisherman down the creek. Who would want to see this preggos big booty shinning? haha! I did giggle but had to explain to her that there is a difference in doing silly things at home and in public!

We had a blast together, and hopefully they will be able to take more trips together while Mommy is laid up in the bed trying to keep baby B in a while longer!

27 week post - prayers needed

2011-08-17T16:57:00.001-05:00

So I hit 27 weeks on Tuesday and I had already been nervous for a few days that something was going to go wrong just because this is the exact week that I started to have complications with Charli Beth. But I finally got the thought of my head a few days ago, then yesterday came along and I started having pains in the front part of my pubic symphysis. I wondered about it for a little while and then went ahead with a call to my regular OB doctor, as well as decided to especially stay home from work due to the pressure/pain I was having since I had no idea what it was. I received a call back from the Doctor around 8:30 last night and after going over the "what if's," past history with early labor and bed rest he decided that it was best to have a ultrasound today to measure my cervix then meet with him after wards.

After having all test ran today the decision was made by a colleague his for me to be put on best rest with the exception of work since I am in a sitting position. Although. this is being taken week by week and can change.

Am I stressed out by this? YES, to the max! I am worried of course and was already feeling pressured to get things prepared for the little guys arrival but now I am in over drive of trying to think of everything that needs to be taken care of. But I know what is best for him, which is rest..so my Hubby better be prepared to work his rump off ;o)

My doctor should be calling today after his appointments and surgeries, so that we can go back over all of the details from the other Dr. Not saying that I do not trust this doctor that I saw today but I am just more comfortable with the person that I have been seeing since the beginning.

Please take a moment to say a prayer for Bryar Wayne!

No photo today! I am in comfy clothes and am a total mess.
I know whats new? ha!

Pregnancy Highlights:

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 7 lbs

Maternity Clothes: Oh yes, with how low he sits this is a complete must.

Gender: Boy!

Movement: He really has been a busy little boy lately. He moves constantly at night and we just get the biggest kick out of the way he bounces my baby bump around.

Sleep: Sleep is difficult with the tossing & turning, but I'm getting just enough to make do =)

Cravings: I still have not craved anything. It is quite strange since my appetite has been in full force this entire week.

Best Moment this week: BWW's with the hubs for lunch was pretty wonderful and Bryar loved it as well. Anything that is to make the Momma/baby happy, is a "best moment" in my eyes!

Bulldog -- The Mascot

2011-08-15T09:45:00.001-05:00

The first week of Kindergarten passed by wonderfully for our little family. Our schedule pretty much is to get up around 7, eat breakfast and watch a few minutes of cartoons while I get her clothes and snack ready for the day. Her school starts at 8:15 in the mornings, which is a huge blessing to us!

Since the first day of school, Charli Beth has come home talking about their classroom pet "Bulldog" and yes of course they all voted for the Bulldog's name to Bulldog! (You have to love Kindergartners) Her class and her could not figure out if Bulldog was real or not, because sometimes he whispers things to her teacher. Which was amazing to her, because she had not heard him speak. Her teacher allows students to take care of the pet for the night by bringing him home in his bag with a activity journal.

The elementary school her rewards children for good behavior and hard work with good dog tickets, that they can use to purchase small items with at the end of the week. Charli really wanted to get a good dog ticket, so we continued to explain to her that by using her manners and behaving like a good girl that she would possibly be rewarded.

Thursday afternoon, I was off work and was able to pick her up from school. She jumped in the car with this exact face.......
With the most proud little voice ever saying "I have the class pet! Bulldog picked me to take care of him for the night!!" I probably had the largest crocodile tears at that moment, just to see how excited and proud of herself that she was.
We only live about around a mile from the elementary school so once we were home Charli immediately started playing fairies with him. He held the wand in his mouth, and I am very sure that she even put wings on him. Poor dog!
Before bed time Charli and I sat down and wrote in his activity journal. I let her tell me exactly what to write, and then she signed her name at the bottom. Our journal entry was over a half page long, and I am pretty sure that we said "This is the greatest day, ever" and "Bulldog is a good dog" 5 times each. =) She also drew three pictures at the bottom, a fairy, a car and our home. I wish I would of taken a photo of our entry but it completely slipped my mind.

It was such a sweet and proud day for Miss Charli Beth! We are very excited and proud of her as well, for not only being a well behaved girly but for taking the extra step at work hard to learn new things and make new friends at her school. I cannot wait to see what else Mrs. Gray has in store for their class this year!

26 weeks + 4 days

2011-08-13T15:31:00.004-05:00

Pregnancy Highlights:

Today 8/13/2011

My little copy cat & I

I tweeted this photo earlier this week questioning the fact of why maxi dresses seem to always make you look larger. But I have a love for them like no other.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 7 lbs

Maternity Clothes: ha! Yes!

Gender: Boy! -- Bryar Wayne

Movement: Practically all of the time. Although, he seems to really be getting on a schedule lately.

Sleep: Oh me, I wish I could complain but I know it is only going to get harder. I get up at least 1-2 times a night to use the bathroom, and another 6 just to turn over from side to side.

What I miss: nothing as of right now.

Cravings: I still have not craved anything. It is quite strange since my appetite has been in full force this entire week.

Best Moment this week: I have honestly had a couple of "woo-hoo" moments this past week. Charli Beth started kindergarten, my Husband cleaned out his "Uniform room" which will soon be turning into a nursery, spent time with my sister and my Mom. I am also going tomorrow after work to buy this changing table that we found on Craigslist (it will have to be painted) but worth the money.

1st Day of Kindergarten!

2011-08-09T17:42:00.012-05:00

Charli Beth was more than excited for her very first day of Kindergarten this morning. She was up and at everything well before time for us to even get ready, which is a huge surprise because my girl has never really been an early riser. Although, this morning I assume that she was as anxious as I was to see how our morning was going to go. Her school thankfully does not even begin until 8:15 in the morning so our plan to beat a lot of the school traffic this morning was to leave by 7:45 and walk her in to snap our photos.

She watched cartoons for a little bit, while I got everything together and halfway prepared myself as decent as I could. Whenever it was time to get ready, Charli was way hyper and it made me even more nervous that this going to be a crazzzy morning. But thankfully, after everyone was ready she calmed down a lot!

Charli's mimi and papaw live across the yard from us so she came over to take her own photographs of Charli before her first day, which was also wonderful so we could do some family photos as well!

Some of you that may know Charli in real life, knows that she loves to "model" and make crazy "fashion" faces so that will explain the next several photos. She eventually got really tired and very annoyed of us taking her picture but I still feel as if I do not have enough photos.

Walking towards her classroom

We snapped probably 10 photos in front of this board, and we actually have 0 of her looking at the camera.

Mrs. Gray showing Charli wear to put her items up at.

Her seat at the table

Practically begging us to "leave and to quit taking pictures of her already"- we are such the embarrassing parents ;)

Curtis picked Charli B up from school today since I work second shift in a different county now, and whenever they called she seemed just as excited and hyper then she did first thing this morning. I have a feeling though, that if she was to sit still for a few minutes then she would fall right to sleep! She said that she made three friends today but cannot remember their names, they played outside for recess and also learned a song that was like the hokey pokey but they changed it to be about school. Sadly, by the time that I get home tonight she will already be in bed, although I cannot wait to hear all about her day in person as we get ready for school again!

In other news, this Momma did not cry a single tear today! I know, I should get Mommy of the year award for this strength that I had going on today...negative. I actually feel terrible that I was so okay with her heading off to Kindergarten. I may cry at the fact that I didn't cry today?! (hormonal much? ha.) She was just so excited though, so how could I be sad? I did miss her terribly though as soon as I got back home, and was bored all day, so my day consisted of picking on Curtis until he left to train Gunner, hot bath, very long nap, lunch, hot shower, then to work. But I promise that will not be happening to much longer since we must get things prepared for baby Bryar Wayne to arrive.

Lets just pray that day #2 goes just as wonderful as day #1. Thank you to everyone for you good thoughts and prayers that you sent our way today.

Tomorrow

2011-08-08T16:31:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow morning this beautiful, sweet, hilarious, most caring little girl in the world is starting Kindergarten! I am simply amazed at how fast time has flown by since the day that she was born but I am super ecstatic for her to yet again start a new chapter of her life.

There is not a day that goes by that she does not amaze me with how smart that she is, so I can only imagine how much more that she is going to learn this year in Mrs. Gray's classroom.

She is starting this year off at a new school as well than the one that spent last year at for Preschool. Although, after meeting her teacher yesterday as well as some of the student and seeing the classroom for the first time, she is very excited and eager for tomorrow morning. But I'm not so sure that I am.....

So far with the hormones and emotions of a freight train, I have done wonderful until she called her friend Kaylen that she will no longer be in school with to wish her a great first day of Kindergarten tomorrow. I will sadly be at work by the time that Charli gets out of school at 3:15 tomorrow afternoon but I cannot wait to see her off in the morning!

We have our shirt, backpack, lunch box, beach towel for rest time, snack and of course her bow ready for tomorrow morning =)
Dear Charli B,
Have I mentioned lately how you are my favorite girl in the world? Yeah, I know probably so. I will never forget the first time that I ever laid eyes on you, and going through each and every milestone that you have accomplished. We have been through thick and thin together little lady and we already have the best mother/daughter relationship that I could ever ask for. It makes me giggle every time you tell me that we are "just so much like sisters." You are simply a one of a kind girl that can go from being shy to talking someones head off about horses and your dream of being a cowgirl. You absolutely loved preschool so I can only imagine the fun that you will have this year! I know just how excited you are that you will be able to visit the library and have p.e. class! I also know just how excited Daddy and I are about coming to eat school pizza (yum!) I know that it kills you that Daddy and I have to walk you into your classroom on the first day of school but little miss independent one day you will know just how special this moment will be for all three of us. By the way, I will try to not embarrass you and will hold back my tears until you are safe & sound in your classroom.
I hope that you have the most wonderful year this year, and many friends!
I love you with all of my heart - kisses on both sides.
-Mommy

If you have any "wishes" or goodlucks for Charli Beth this year, please leave a comment to this post! Even if you do not have a blog, you can still leave a comment although it will be anonymous - PLEASE leave your name!

25 weeks + 5 days

2011-08-07T09:03:00.001-05:00

Pregnancy Highlights:

25 weeks & some days!

Wow, holy dirty mirror...
I will clean that asap (try not to be embarrassed Mom)

While at work before posting this I thought I had not taken my photo yet, so once again I ran into the restroom and snapped a photo! I really need to get Curtis to start taking these for me, so my arm does not look so ginormous.

Baby Center says: Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

Total weight gain: 6lbs and some ounces, clearly on the way to 7 lbs by next shot day.
On Friday morning I heard some crazy loud popping noise coming from the top of my belly. Come to find out after my sister googled, it is not uncommon to hear this while they are kicking ? It was pretty crazy! If you were sitting next to me, you would have been able to hear this too.
I have felt pretty well this week except one morning while brushing my teeth. But I am working a double right now (2nd & 3rd shifts) so I have a feeling that Sunday is going to be kick my rump.
My hormones are still a roller coaster. Don't make fun or I may cry
Sleeping has become a task itself lately. It is not so much the belly being in the way just yet, it's mostly the several times of having to get my beluga whale butt up to use the restroom.
The rash on my scar comes and goes, only whenever it is itching like crazy. It almost looks like a bruise at times. I've been using shea butter like crazy to help prevent stretch marks.

End of my week!

2011-08-04T10:39:00.000-05:00

I am off work for a few days and will be spending time with my big Kindergarten girl so I thought I would leave y'all lovely ladies with yet another photo from {what I call} our goregous ceremony. Hope you have a wonderful end to your week and are staying cool in this awful heat!

p.s.
I know I forgot my 25 week post, give this big Momma time and I'll get it up this weekend.

Clean teeth for Kindergarten

2011-08-03T09:16:00.001-05:00

Yesterday Charli Beth had her 6 month teeth cleaning and check up appointment and it went absolutely fabulous! At her last appointment she was scared to bite down on the thing for the x-rays to be taken, so it was a must that she do it this time for them! Do not laugh but I practiced with her on it and told her to count to five on a book before we went there.

While she was having her teeth looked at, they asked me to step out of the room while they took the "pictures" and Curtis was able to stay in. Whenever he came to get me, he said that she did absolutely perfect! Yay! After finishing up with her exam, they put princess sparkles on her teeth and gave her a Jessie toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and a pencil to take home.

This girl had an extra step in her little proud self all day long. It was SO cute, how proud she was for not only the photos but her "farkles"/sparkles.

One more thing to check off the list before Kindergarten starts in less then a WEEK!

Cakes Edition

2011-08-02T09:03:00.000-05:00

It looks like CB was not being very patient trying to hog up the cake before anyone else!
But I promise she was a good girl and did not even eat my delicious cake!
(The flash on the camera makes the yellow on the cake look brighter than it actually is.)

Why of course we had to include Gunner into our wedding!
He was truly missed during the ceremony, I am sure.

Good gosh, if I was a chocolate lover, then this cake would look absolutely delicious!

I truly think it is a wonderful idea for couples to have two completely different types of cakes at their reception! Both of our cakes were completely gone by the time that we were ready for more. We did save the top half of ours for our one year, but honestly I cannot even imagine eating year old frozen cake? Yuck.

I do. -- Wedding Ceremony

2011-08-01T09:21:00.000-05:00

This is our "I do" post, with some of the most heartfelt photos that I have seen out of them all. These moments were full of laughter as well as happy tears of course! You are now viewing some of the happiest moments of my life.

We had a little bit of trouble with Curtis' ring. We asked the ladies at the store if we needed to have it sized and they actually told us it was perfect.

Instead of having a unity candle we decided to have family unity prayer from my FIL.
This was the most precious moment of my life.
I'm not sure that there was a dry eye, during this prayer.

After the "you may now kiss your bride" Bro. Danny said one final prayer for us before announcing us as a Mr. & Mrs. H
My favorite photo!

Our fabulous pastor Bro. Danny, he is the most caring and kind man on the face of this Earth. I truly believe that he is an angel in disguise. Whenever we had our counseling session with him, Curtis nor I had a clue of what to expect. We left there with some of the greatest advice and stories that I have ever heard. He laughed and cried with us during the ceremony, with telling Curtis and our families/friends how much CB and I deserve a good man in our lives and how we have found exactly what we need.
I wish that everyone had such a special Christian person like Bro. Danny in their lives
- it is simply good for the heart.

Wedding Ceremony Photos - Down the aisle we go

2011-07-31T09:00:00.000-05:00

These photos are still from my friend Heather's camera. There will still be several posts coming from the ceremony and reception. Sorry to blow up everyone's dashboards with my wedding. But I hope you enjoy and are having a lovely Sunday =)

Wedding photos - Decor Edition

2011-07-30T11:35:00.000-05:00

This post is full of wedding decor only as I will be posting ceremony photos in the coming days.

All credit of decor goes to our family and family friends, since they worked so very hard on every piece of cuteness for our wedding day!

The getting ready edition of photos is located directly under this post.

Ceremony location

The wreath at the top of the barn belongs to my Mother.
She added cotton to give it more color - wonderful idea!

The centerpieces and flowers were absolutely stunning.
Church friends of the Hargett's are to credit for them. They were amazing.
The flowers were purchased in bulk from Sam's club.

Milk cans, burlap, mason jars ...How could this day not be perfect?

More photos to come soon!

Wedding Photos - Getting Ready

2011-07-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

Have I mentioned lately how blessed that I am with such amazing family members and friends? Well, I am. I mean these ladies and the guys as well help my wedding day conquer perfection on so many different levels.

Our photography is typically done by one of my best friends Heather Qualls, but on this day I wanted her to be apart of the ceremony rather than having to work. But she was such a sweetie and brought her camera along anyhow - thank goodness. I am pretty sure that everyone had her camera that afternoon, which made for some of the best snap shots!

There are going to be several wedding photo posts for the next week or so, so make sure to stay tuned!

A recap of our wedding day while getting ready to the big "I do" :

6/11/11
{11 is my lucky number in case you do not remember}

Getting a massage from your daughter while getting your hair done, oh yes!!

Giving Charli Beth her bracelet and ring to wear

Reading the note that Curtis wrote to me... I was trying my best to NOT cry.
Then the "p.s." made me giggle

My beautiful sister Ashley; A.K.A my Maid of Honor
My Mom getting her corsage on.
Ashley, myself and our cousin Buffy that came from TN to be with me on my big day.
It meant the world to me that she came up early just to spend time with us!
The 3 amigos
Heather and I
Krystina and I
Time to get my dress on!
Yes, I look worried! I have a baby bump who wouldn't be?! haha!

Charli and her best friend Kaylen (Krystina's daughter)

More photos to come...

Wedding Rehearsal & Dinner - 2

2011-07-28T09:46:00.005-05:00

This is the second half of our rehearsal and dinner post; you can find the first edition directly below this post. My MIL Tina prepared our dinner for all of our wedding party as well as desert and it was absolutely delicious. She did such a fabulous job with everything.

For the decor, she used childhood photos of Curtis and I for the tables, his boots from throughout the years filled with flowers, quilts and horse shoes. It was totally our style and I l.o.v.e.d it like no other.

Soon I will be posting Wedding photos!!

Wedding Rehearsal & Dinner - I

2011-07-27T10:00:00.003-05:00

The night before the wedding ceremony was held we got together with our family, bridesmaids, groomsmen and others at the farm to have a practice run and a home cooked meal prepared by my MIL. It was extremely hot that afternoon which made me nervous for the humidity as well as where the sun would be located the next night. Never mind any of my worries though, it was perfect.

24 weeks!

2011-07-26T16:09:00.005-05:00

Pregnancy Highlights:

24 weeks!

BabyCenter.com says "Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot. You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now, and if you're having a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well."

Total weight gain is around 5lbs - I go for my shot tomorrow so I will check then.
I had the most horrible shoulder cramp through the night, it was literally worse than the typical charlie horse that I get. Banana's do not seem to be doing the trick.
I still have not had a craving but I am sure they will come soon since my appetite is back.
My hormones are killer this week...I probably should not even talk about them or I'll probably cry, again.
Bryar quit moving as much the last two days, so I am sure he is in another growth spurt.
I have a scar that runs from my breast bone to my belly button (from a surgery as an infant) and it has a rash on it in the middle. I'm not sure if it is from stretching or just my funky body playing games on me. ha!
We signed up for all of our classes last night. We will also be taking two classes with my sister Ashley and Alex (they are due Oct 25) and Charli Beth will hopefully be attending a sibling class as well!Yes, these photos are taken in our work bathroom because I always forget to take them while I am at home or with someone that would do it for me. I know I always put my arm on my hip but heck what else am I suppose to do it while taking another awkward photo of myself?! haha!

Bryar's 1st monogrammed items

2011-07-25T18:02:00.006-05:00

We recieved our first monogrammed items for the little Bryar this week and they are totally adorable!

{Click this graphic to go to her facebook page}

If you follow The Cobia Family you know that she has a embroidery business and has recently started up her facebook page {Grace & Dean Embroidery) to help with orders! Her prices are AMAZING and she is the sweetest girl, ever. So if you need anything monogrammed be sure to check her out!

Slip-n-Slide Fun

2011-07-23T10:12:00.001-05:00

The other day we got CB's slip-n-slide for the first time this summer and she had an absolute blast. Kids crack me up like no other on these things! It's just so funny to watch them fall...yes, I know that is cruel but if you have children you know what I mean.

But my kid does not necessarily fall going down the slide, she dances?!
But to me, it is just as funny.
(you may have to click on this picture to get the full effect of it)

And this is our sassy girl before heading to a work picnic with her Aunt Amanda.

Kindergarten

2011-07-22T08:30:00.000-05:00

CB has only a couple of days before heading back to school for her actual "first year." Last year she attended an elementary school for their preschool program and honestly had the time of her little life. We adored her teacher (Well we still do) and wished that she could have kept Charli Beth for years to come. Although, this year we are in a new county and not only will be getting a new teacher, new friends but Charli will be getting used to an entire new school.

I think my anxiety over this is probably a little more than Charli Beth's will be because she loves meeting new friends and having new places to learn at. Not to mention, she asked her Nana if she could start school late this year so that she could be announced as "the new kid" in front of the entire class.

Here are some of the things that I am wanting to get CB to help her transition be a little easier...or maybe a little cute:

She does have a shirt for her first day but it will be shown on her first day =)

EtsyThis may be a little boyish but my girl loves horses!!

For her teacher of course!

and remember kids....

By the way, I still do not understand this pinterest site.?
I have pinned somethings but I just am not getting the point of it, so I'm sorry to anyone that is following me on there.

23 wks!

2011-07-19T19:27:00.001-05:00

Pregnancy Highlights:

23 weeks!

Glucose Test was done on Monday and I passed!
We also got to see our handsome little fella during the ultrasound and everything has checked out just fine in all areas as well. What a blessing!!
I have actually gained 4 lbs as (of Monday the 18th) all together since I lost a couple at first. But I will go ahead and blame a few of those pounds on the plate of Japanese food that I had just conquered.
Maternity clothes are a must since he hates for anything to be around my stomach and we will constantly kick until you fix them.
I need a nap in the middle of the day again, although that is practically impossible.
I still have not had any cravings. Which amazes me. I am pretty sure that I didn't with CB either.
Baby Center says that the baby is 11 inches and just over 1 pound!

CB on the way to see baby Bryar with the toy that she brought for him!

p.s.
I am finally on schedule with my weekly posts!

Nursery Love.

2011-07-18T16:57:00.005-05:00

A few nights ago while trying to gather ideas for a nursery, I came across this adorable little room. I think it is cute yet very calming for a newborn. I absolutely love it!
I am not sure that we will be using these exact colors but I really wanted to post it just in case I lost the photos between now and time to decorate! Although you may never know with my preggo brain anymore, baby Bryar may even end up with a full fledged cowboy room.

If we did go with this color scheme, I would for sure want to buy some of these cute prints off Etsy to hang.

Of course this in a different color, unless I get CB one ;)

Seriously, this one is my favorite!! I want to purchase it no matter it what.

22 weeks and a name

2011-07-16T15:28:00.006-05:00

Pregnancy Highlights:

Total weight gain is now 3lbs
Morning sickness is still varying from different times of the day.
5 p.m. seems to be the baby's favorite time to play!
Charli Beth got to feel him kick - her expression was a surprised but freaked out one then she ran away. haha! I wish I had it on video.
Hello little baby......

Yes, this is his name =)
We announced about a week ago, sorry to leave everyone hanging for so long!

I have ordered bibs with his name on it to make it even more official!
On Monday, I have another Dr appointment for my glucose test (it does seem to be early but that is what I was told to do) and ultrasound! I am very excited to see him!

A teradactyl poo'd on my car!

2011-07-14T12:00:00.001-05:00

My Wednesday afternoon was going typically "normal" for me but remember I am the girl that random things happen to all of the time.
I headed out to my Doctors office for my weekly progesterone shot as I came upon a construction area and had to yield to coming traffic under a bridge and this happened.........................

along with covering my entire windshield. My only thought at that moment was "Holy crap that was a lot of birds sitting under the bridge." I only noticed at that time that it was on my window as I cleaned it off with my wipers, then I noticed my mirrors. I was running a tad late to get my shot as it was so I went ahead and turned to head to a car wash just to get it off (I decided that it would be best to do my shot tomorrow so I wouldn't be running to far behind.)

I called my Mom while busting out laughing trying to explain to her that birds had just completely crapped all over my car! She didn't believe me and I was close to her work so I turned in, then noticed that it was not poo and was a concrete mix. Which made me laugh even harder at the fact that I thought a zillion birds did it.

I called Curtis while he was at work and we eventually found out the company at fault and that about 8 other cars were splashed too. But the car wash peeps said that mine had to be the worse. Ha! Who would of guessed that?!

Then the nice boys at the car wash were washing my car off for me and noticed this baby...

I think it looks bigger in the picture but it's still there and hopefully the company will help out.
Well they better, because my red headed tempered Husband said so ;o) haha!

God Gave Me You

2011-07-13T09:30:00.001-05:00

At the very last minute of our wedding, I decided to change all of our songs because we felt that the first picks were not "us." Since the wedding has taken place, I could not be happier with the decisions that I made. My heart melts and I get tears in my eyes every single time that I hear the song that I walked down the aisle too.

God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you
-Dave Barnes version

This song takes me back to the very moment, where I stood holding on to my Dad, my heart pounding out of my chest and tears feeling my eyes looking at Curtis smile at me with the biggest grin I have ever seen. I can honestly say that I felt more proud and amazed of the blessings that I have received from the Lord during that very moment. My life is exactly where it needs to be, and my heart is full of unconditional love for the man of my dreams.

Honeymoon!

2011-07-12T09:45:00.002-05:00

I know I am kind of recording our wedding details backwards but our photographer advised me this last week that it will be the end of July before photos are finished. So it was killing me to not go ahead and share!

We spent a few days after our ceremony in Hilton Head, SC at the Weston Resort. Which was absolutely perfect for us. We had the most wonderful time getting away from the craziness of wedding planning, "home" life before starting out new life as a family and getting ready for baby H to arrive. We made things pretty simple for us by sleeping in late, heading to the beach, plus eating at ever sea food place in town. ha! We did love Hilton Head and I am sure that we will be heading back there in the next years with our family but this time I am sure that Curtis will have golfing on his mind rather than his new bride! Here are some of our photos from the trip!
This is me walking up a lighthouse and the look that a preggo lady gives her Hubby for having her to do this in such a humid climate. ha! But I will admit, I am chubby and lazy so I gave him a hard time.

After we finally made it to the top.

This is a photo from the Old Oyster Factory that we ate at on our second night. The reviews were amazing but we thought otherwise. We left there and hit up a McDonalds on the way back to the resort.

Curtis was trying to get me to eat an oyster...there was no way though.By the way, my flat iron broke the first morning we were there and we could not find one anywhere. I was an awful mess.

I love the trees in Hilton Head, they reminded me of something from a Nicholas Sparks book!

Curtis had to fulfill some of his golfing obsession while there.
(Borrringgg is all this girl thinks of golf.)

At the Crazy Crab (= delish.)

Paula Deen's anyone?

On our last day we decided to go to Savannah, Ga and eat at Lady & Sons. We had to get there at 8:30 if we wanted a lunch reservation. I honestly got to hot (yes that early in the morning) and was sick by the time we ate at 11:30. But the food was not worth it. I was very disappointed!Us waiting in line to put to get our time.

We ended up getting a snack for breakfast at this cute little cafe. Which was delish and only a block from Lady & Sons - so go there instead!!
Our server took this picture for us right before the strap on my Motherhood sundress completely broke. Yes. I am just sitting there and it broke! (I should of read the reviews.)
I was so embarrassed but we still enjoyed the rest of our day with a carriage ride through Savannah.

and before we left..

I must admit that I am ready to hit the beach again this Summer, to bad that CB starts school whenever our family is heading to Florida!

Softball Season = Over

2011-07-11T12:00:00.000-05:00

Charli Beth's softball team received third place out of seven teams in their league. They were most definitely the most improved team and it was so much fun getting to watch these girls! I hope that CB continues to play softball throughout the years. But I must admit I hope to not deal with the crazy parents anymore......just saying.

20 & 21 weeks

2011-07-10T08:30:00.001-05:00

Pregnancy Highlights

I have gained 2 lbs but have a feeling that will be changing this week at my weekly shot
Morning sickness has returned at times but not as bad. But sadly Curtis is having to listen to it rather than just CB and my Mom now.
My belly has definitely "popped" out.
Feeling the baby more & more throughout the day rather than just at night while falling asleep
Baby does have a name. Woot woot!
My weekly progesterone shot is typically done on Wednesdays so I weigh in while I am there waiting.
I still have not craved anything and think that every food sounds gross while trying to pick supper.
We are not starting on the nursery until the rest of the house in order.

The reason I blog...

2011-07-09T16:11:00.002-05:00

Lately while at home I have been thinking a lot about my blog and how much I miss being able to sit down and record all of my memories since we do not have the internet at our ~~ex bachelor pad~~ home. But every time I even have the slightest thought of continuing to blog, something or someone reminds me that this is such a wonderful thing. This is my modern day scrap book. My journal, out reach and my thoughts.

The other day I got a facebook message from a girl that lives in my county that said that she has been blog stalking me for weeks, and it helps her to realize that one day every thing will be okay for her. As I read this I just smiled because the purpose of my blog has been accomplished (Also, to this girl; I hope that you know that you are okay in this moment of your life. These are such sweet moments that your are enduring.) Being a single Mommy is not only hard but one of the most rewarding times of a person(s) life, as well as something that you cannot understand unless you go through it yourself. I honestly would never take back those moments with Charli because I learned so much about myself and the Mother that I am. This is for instance just another reason of why I love my blog - the fact that I can look back at these moments and just cherish the memories forever.

Whenever I first started blogging I started this mainly for Charli Beth. I wanted her to see what a wonderful life that her and I have shared together, just in case something was to ever happen to me. Now almost three years since starting Mommy & Charli, I am now married with baby #2 on the way. This is now more than just Mommy & Charli, this is a whole new world for CB and I, full of new memories and precious moments.

A lot of people do not understand my blog, but I am a firm believer that you cannot "get" the means of a blog unless you have one and are dedicated to it. I have met some of the most amazing girls from blogging that have inspired me to a better person in every way and have came to know girls that live in my area! It is not where I am just throwing my life out there for any creeper to see or being a total dork. This is myour life in a nut shell and one day whenever I am able to print this blog to give to my children, you may just be very jealous that you didn't do one too ;)

Bridal Sneak Peak!!

2011-07-06T09:58:00.000-05:00

Cheer Camp 11

2011-07-05T08:32:00.000-05:00

While Curtis and I were gone on our honeymoon, Charli attended the local High Schools cheer leading camp. She has always wanted to be a cheer leader since she was big enough to be mobile. But since she has started school and has become good friends with Rebecca that is a high school cheer leader she loves it even more! I just knew that she would love this =)

On the last day of camp, the parents were able to attend to watch them do their cheers and dance routine! It was so cute and thankfully it was the morning that we had came home from South Carolina so Curtis and I were both able to make it!

This is Rebecca & Charli while playing "Little Sally Walker" which is now offically stuck in my head ever day. Did any of you ever play this as children?
-Little Sally Walker,
walking down the street,
she didn't know what to do so she stopped in front of me.
Hey girl, do ya thing, do ya thing and switch." -

This is CB's friend Bayleigh and her after the camp was over! These two are such a hoot whenever they get together!

19 weeks

2011-07-03T20:18:00.007-05:00

18 weeks (since I didn't do a post for that week)

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 19 weeks (still a week behind but will be catching up this week)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 1 lb!

Best Moment this week: Getting to see baby H for our u/s! We were able to see him for while but he was laying in an odd position so we could not get the second confirmation that he is a "he!" The ultrasound tech was not able to get a good view of his spine and profile either, so we will be having another u/s on the 18th!

Gender: BOY

Movement: Kicks mostly at night whenever I first lay down - Curtis got to feel the baby kick strong for the first time during this week!

Food Craving: No cravings but I do know that I still hate seafood.

What I miss: Not having to use the restroom every 30 mins or less.

Sleep: Changes from night to night. I typically have to get up at least once to use the bathroom.

What I am looking forward to: Feeling him kick more!

Belly Button: Fat. Ugh.

Symptoms: Still a little weak at times but mostly the only worry some symptom that I have had is my heart will flutter more often than it ever has. As I last updated in my weekly post, where I posted that I had seen a cardiologist that heard "something" within my neck although the ultrasound was fine. I wore a 24 hour heart monitor and who would of thought that my heart did not flutter one time. It was quite funny to me - but then again I did not want anyone to think I was lying. Whenever I seen the cardiologist again she heard it for herself and did state that I do have a murmur. But as well all know, there is nothing you can do for those annoying things.
She did tell me that I could wear another heart monitor for up to a month, but I opted out unless something changes!

This is a picture of me before I left the Doctors office highly embarrassed that I would be leaving from there looking like that. I completely forgot that I was having this monitor put on whenever I was getting ready that was apparently.
I also started taking progesterone shots weekly at 19 weeks to help keep me from going into preterm labor again. With CB I went on bed rest at 27 weeks and still had her at 34, so we are trying to eliminate all possibilities of that! If you have ever had these shots, please let me know your thoughts on them besides the obvious fact they make your hip bone super sore!

CB's slumber party

2011-07-03T09:31:00.000-05:00

This past week Charli Beth had her very first slumber party with her Aunt Amanda! She was so excited that whenever she woke up through the night to use the bathroom, she told me that she "was so excited, she thought that she might cry!" I thought that it was so sweet that she was that ready and excited to spend time with her new Aunt. They went swimming together (where I might add that CB finally put her head under water *on purpose*), made homemade pizza, t-shirts, and watched a movie together! I can only imagine the fun that these two had together! I just had to ~~steal~~ these pictures from her to share for the years to come!
Not only were Charli Beth and I blessed with an amazing family but God has blessed us with another amazing family to love and call our own. It's been such a blessing getting to know Curtis' family and this year will bring even more wonderful times!

Bridesmaids & Flower girl

2011-06-29T09:35:00.000-05:00

We purchased the bridesmaid dresses and Charli's flower girl dress from David's Bridal being that they are the most reasonably priced place in this area. I had been once before to look at dresses with my MOH (my sister Ashley) but this day we had to order and I knew what I wanted. Which was a shorter dress to go with cowgirl boots, with pockets (because that is always handy!) and navy blue!

I honestly had no idea what Charli girl should wear except it needed to be a white/ivory instead of your typical white dress. But after she tried this dress on we knew it was the one for her. It was simple, sassy and perfect for her - but if I must say so myself, this girl makes everything look cute!
I can only imagine holding these pictures up to her own bridal photos one day! Tear*
She absolutely loved trying on dresses and yes Miss Priss does have on black converses in this photo but no she did not wear them to the ceremony! ha. But we are some converse lovers!

After calling all of the bridesmaids the decision was made and we had our dresses on the way!

If you cannot tell morning sickness had hit me hard that morning, not to mention I told everyone to be at the shop an hour before they even opened - pregnancy/bridal brain. I was a complete mess that day I suppose. This is only half of my bridal party but they are all such sweet girls and were so much help in making the final decision in which style of dress to pick.

This is the style that we went with:

Also will you ladies please go "like" A & B Designs on Facebook and like my photo that I added to their contest from Clearwater, FL? My Mom also added a picture of Charli Beth as a baby in buttercups, so you can like it over mine ;) haha!