Thursday, June 30, 2011

Why being a mom is the best job EVER!

As I get close to the end of my pregnancy, doing simple things is just getting harder and harder.  My growing belly makes my back hurt. I have aches and pains all over from my body stretching and growing to accommodate Autrey.  It's hard to sleep because it's almost impossible to get comfortable.  My feet and ankles hurt and are swelling.  Climbing the stairs feels like climbing Mt. Everest.  Shaving my legs...let's just say it's a monumental task.  All these things make taking care of a busy 2 year old a challenge.  We have our good days and bad.  I'm not sure how much he understands about why mommy isn't so much fun these days.  It makes me feel bad, like I'm not being a good mommy. 
But then there will be days like today.  I went to Goodwill this morning to drop off some of Phillip's old clothes.  Jackson fell asleep on the way home.  This was HOURS before he normally takes a nap.  When we got home I put him in his bed (this is no easy task. I have to carry him up to his room and fit get him into his bed in the small space between the guardrail and the top bunk with a bulging belly in my way).  I came down and started cleaning up the kitchen.  A 1/2 hr later, Jackson was crying...and that was that...his only nap of the day, earlier than normal and much shorter than normal.  I am disappointed because I CHERISH nap time as my rest time... So how are we going to make it through the rest of the day?  Well we've spent time playing with Spiderman, cars, reading books, and now Jackson is watching Curious George.  I haven't taken very many pics lately, so I thought I would try and get a few cute ones of Jackson.  And here's what I got!

What does this have to do with qualifying being a mommy as best job ever?  Well other moms out there know that it's the little things that count!  When my sweet boy saw the camera and decided to flash me his best smiles, it really brightened my day.  Just like when he says momma and climbs up on the couch with me, or when he dances to any and all music, or anything that sorta resembles music, or when he holds my hand, or spreads his arms as wide as he can and then runs to me for a great big hug, or when he climbs into what is left of my lap and gives me a big wet kiss...the list goes on and on.  I am so blessed to be able to stay at home with Jackson and soon Autrey.  Of course there are times when he drives me crazy, but most of the time I am blown away by how lucky we are to have such a good boy. 
Jackson is truly a gift from God and I feel so privileged to be his mommy! 

To all the mommies out there...Cherish every moment with your children.  When they are driving you crazy and you feel like pulling out your hair, stop, take a breath, and remember that they are precious gifts from God!

Friday, June 24, 2011

Almost 34 weeks...but who's counting;)

I am 33 weeks and 6 days into my pregnancy.  I am READY to have this baby.  He is VERY active and at this point in the game it is often painful when he moves around.  I welcome all his activity though because I know it means he's nice and healthy.  I had a Dr's appointment on Wednesday and all is well.  Autrey's heart rate was a nice strong 152:)  I am very curious about when Autrey will decide to make his appearance.  Jackson was born at 36 weeks and 4 days so I figure I have anywhere from 2 1/2 weeks to 5 weeks before he will arrive.  My parents arrive on July 9th and I can't wait!!!  It will be SO nice to have them around to help with Jackson these last few weeks.  I am feeling big, bulky, and always exhausted.  I have very few shirts that are long enough now to cover my belly...I sure hope that Autrey isn't too big!  The beginning of my pregnancy seemed to drag on forever, but I can't believe that the end is almost here!  Here are some pics of me and my belly...don't laugh...I know I'm HUGE!





Autrey's room is pretty much ready and waiting for his arrival.  I've gotten a lot of great finds at my favorite consignment store Klassy Kidz in Casselberry (http://klassykidz.com/), and also at the Goodwill in Fern Park and the one on 434 ( I think it's Winter Springs). 
I love a bargain! 
The only thing left to do is stain the letters we got to spell his name out on the wall
(just like Jackson has in his room).
Can't wait for our new little bundle to arrive!

Monday, June 20, 2011

Jackson is 2!

Well I can hardly believe it but my baby boy is now 2 years old!!!!  Time has flown by.  It seems like just yesterday he was born.  For his first birthday we had a huge party.  Since I was going to be 32 weeks pregnant on Jackson's 2nd birthday, I wanted to keep it low key.Jackson LOVES Spiderman so that was an obvious choice for a theme. 
We had his party the Saturday before his actual birthday.

We invited his little friends from church and the neighborhood and ended up with a house full of kiddos. We ordered pizza's for lunch because I wanted it to require as little work from me as possible.

Once everyone was done eating, Jackson opened his presents.  He is a lucky boy.  He got some amazing gifts from his friends and extended family.

After the presents were opened we had cupcakes and ice cream. 
 Jackson's Grandma Boykin got him the cool Spiderman cupcake cake.

http://youtu.be/CBogiYNlojY (video of us singing Happy Birthday)
Once everyone had their fill of cupcakes and ice cream, we all headed out to the pool to cool off.  It has been SO hot!

 Jackson had a great time and when all was done he crashed:)  He partied till he dropped:)


On Jackson's actual birthday, we didn't go crazy but I still wanted to make it special. 
We headed to Chick-Fil-a for dinner. He loves to play in their play area.


After dinner, Phillip's brother Jon arrived and we opened a few gifts from Phillip and I and Jackson's Great-Grandma. He was so excited to show Uncle Jon everything. 
It was really cute:)

Once the gifts were opened we had leftover cupcakes and ice cream
and sang Happy Birthday again. 
It was a nice celebration:) 


Jackson is such a good boy and we are so lucky to have him!

Monday, June 6, 2011

31 week comparison

My friend Erika asked if I had done a side by side comparison yet of my pregnancy with Jackson and my pregnancy with Autrey. So here is a photo of me at 31 weeks with Jackson, and a photo of me at 31 weeks now...I'm sad to say I think I'm bigger this time around.  Yikes!


Sunday, June 5, 2011

31 weeks...time is flying!

I am 31 weeks pregnant today! 

I had a Dr's appointment on Wed and now I'm feeling more nervous than before about the size of this baby boy.  Chances are he's going to be pretty big!  So I'm praying that he will come a little early like Jackson did but still be completely healthy! 
Jackson will be 2 on the 14th and I just can't believe how quickly time has gone by.  My baby boy is now a BIG boy!  He sleeps in a Big Boy bed and he'll be going to pre-school 2 days a week in the fall. He LOVES spiderman and most superheros and runs everywhere he goes. It's a little bit tramatizing!



Phillip is still very busy working full time and going to school.  I'll be glad when he's done with school but that will still be another couple years.  I'm really proud of him for going back to school when he has so many other responsibilities.
My parents are back from Vietnam for the summer and are enjoying time with my Grandma, and my sister and her family.  They will be headed down here in July so they can be here when Autrey is born.  I can't wait for them to get here.  They were such a huge help when Jackson was born!   We are so lucky to have such great friends and family!