E is for Emerson & F is for Fire!

Well, it looks as if our little Emme with be making her debut no later than Tuesday (or maybe the wee hours of Weds. morning if she is anything like her big sister). Unless she decides to arrive "naturally" before then I am scheduled to be induced early Tuesday morning. I have mixed emotions about this because of my previous experience of induction with Carter, but I'm holding on to the hope that this will be a more positive ordeal and also focusing on the fact that the end result is a beautiful healthy little girl!

This week we've been putting the finishing touches on Emme's room. I really had no clue what it was going to look like as of a couple of months ago, but as with all things creative I just needed one little thing to get me going. When my mom and I ran across this piece of scrapbook paper I knew I had found my inspiration...

I loved the colors and vintage modern charm! It found a cozy little spot next to the changing table and I know it will make me smile when I'm dealing with those dirty diapers! Next up was a fun DIY project for above the crib. I printed out letters and made a pattern to cut out of scrapbook paper...

I then layered the letters with a fun paper background...

Popped them into frames...

and Voila! A fun focal point above Emerson's crib...

And, speaking of crib, I am sooooooo happy that I bought both her crib and changing table when I ran across them at overstock.com a little less than a year ago. I wasn't pregnant yet, but I absolutely love their simple modern style and the price was to die for! I'm also pretty in love with the bumper my mom made out of some Laurie Smith fabric we've been holding on to. I love that fabric and can't believe her line didn't make it, but I am happy it made it into our room...

I paired it with this crib sheet that I found at Target (Dwell Studio) and think the two together make a pretty fun combo...

Overall it came together quite nicely...

A few other little touches here and there...

and the only thing really missing is Emerson happily rocking in this chair...

but, it won't be long now!

And, I just have to share a little side story from all this "nursery set-up". While Nate and I were hanging up the frames over her bed we heard a really loud popping noise outside the window. The blinds were closed and as we opened them we heard it again. He said, "Wow, that sounds like gunshots!" As we are looking out the window we see our teenage neighbor running by and Nate says "They just started a fire!!" Sure enough there is a small grass fire that is quickly spreading through the dead grass in a strip of our front yard. He heads out to see what he can do and before I know it is yelling at me to call the fire department! Apparently the kids were hiding in the house and refusing to come out and we didn't have a hose hooked up. Finally he got them to their front door (the kid brought him a coffee cup of water) we explained it was going to take a little more moisture and finally got a hose in on the action. Luckily it was put out fairly quickly. Apparently they were shooting off some roman candles, a really responsible move when there is dead grass everywhere. I keep calling them kids, but they were about 18 and the fact that their brains weren't quite firing on all cylinders had me mad for a good 12 hours...

I couldn't stop thinking about what could have happened if we hadn't been working in the front bedroom! So, thanks to Emme our house is still standing and our car didn't blow up. She hasn't even been born yet and she's already saving the day!

Monday Carter Edition #58~Transformed

Monday Carter was bubbling over with excitement today. She could hardly contain herself because today was the day we were trying out a new dance class for her! It really does amaze me that she loves it so much. It's like the moment she puts on those little ballet slippers (and we've now added some tap shoes to the mix as well) she is transformed. She flits and floats and dazzles us with her charm. I love to see her absorbed in something that makes her so happy...

Her sweet little smile can make me melt...

and, for whatever reason, so does this picture...

Happy Monday!

Momma said there'd be days like this...

Have I mentioned lately that I'm about to P-O-P??! I've definitely hit that stage. You previously preggo's know what I'm talking about. The one where you can no longer get your own socks and shoes on without a lot of effort, you can't see your own feet, you can't get comfortable, etc. The large baby attached to the front of my body tends to make all the everyday tasks just a little more challenging.

I started yesterday off with a fairly organized game plan. I had to turn in my 24 hour urine sample at the hospital (aka what looks like an orange juice jug full of pee) and get some blood drawn. I also had an appointment later that day to re-check my blood pressure. I decided to be ambitious and take the "orange juice" and get the blood drawn earlier in the day so that the results might be available later that afternoon.

Getting out the door proved to be a challenge in and of its self because apparently every item of clothing Carter owns was feeling especially "itchy". No matter how things were put on, folded down, tucked in, she was NOT happy. I was tempted just to stick her in some pajamas a call it a day but she was also insisting upon "looking cute". So, a cute, non-itchy outfit takes quite a while to put together and, to be honest, I was feeling exhausted before we ever walked out the door! To make things just a little more interesting it was also about 28 degrees here which is not my ideal temperature for running errands.

Needless to say we were off and arrived at the hospital. We were pretending to be Dora in the Arctic tundra walking quickly from the parking lot up to the hospital. When we reached the sidewalk Carter said, "Brrrr it is really chilly I need to put my hands in my pockets!" She was trotting happily a couple of steps behind me when I hear a little "ummmmph" sound. I look back and see her laying face down on the concrete...hands still in pockets...and I knew this was not going to be good considering she just caught her body weight with her face! Sure enough up she comes screaming with blood coming quickly from her mouth and down I go, 8.5 months of baby and all. I think we all have those moments as moms. The ones where you just aren't exactly sure what to do. I mean it's freezing, my kid is bleeding profusely, I have an orange juice container full of pee, and I'm just sitting there in the middle of the sidewalk feeling very pregnant.

Luckily some sixth sense usually kicks in and we headed into the closest door. We found a bathroom and I got her cleaned up. I was a little worried about her teeth and the fact that her lip was swelling like a balloon. As we walked out of the bathroom I realized for the the umpteenth time in my life GOD IS A VERY NICE MAN. We just so happened to be in the oral surgery/dental clinic at the hospital. I asked the receptionist if they just might happen to have a little ice pack or something and the next thing I know the nicest man/dentist in camo's is in the waiting room asking how he can help. They took us back and about 5 people doted on Carter checking out her lip and teeth thoroughly. The diagnosis was just a "bad busted lip" and hopefully no permanent damage to her teeth. In a world where so many people seem to be doing their best to just skate through the day I felt so thankful for that dentist and team of people who were so willing to go the extra mile to show a little kindness to an overwhelmed pregnant mom.

I just knew getting around the hospital at that point was going to be virtually impossible. Most kids who are getting over a little trauma just want there moms to hold them and that is a little difficult for me right now. But Carter was such a trooper and walked all over kingdom come with me delivering my "orange juice jug" (which by the way had never left my side during all the drama of the morning, kinda' funny that the whole time I was carrying around a paper bag with my pee in it!) and getting my blood drawn. She has not complained once about her lip hurting, but as you can see by this photo from my really crappy camera phone, she was looking pretty pitiful...

I find myself wanting to treasure the little moments with Carter (playing a game, coloring, whatever) knowing that life is about to get a little crazier. It has truly blessed my heart to have four and a half years of time spent concentrating on this sweet little girl. I know that our new baby will only add the same amount of love and happiness that welcoming Carter did and that will be an awesome thing for sure. I've also decided that it is kinda' silly that I've yet to "publish" our new babies name (we've told our family and some friends so it's really no secret). So without further ado I'm happy to share...

Happy Birthday AND Happy Anniversary (our family likes to share things)

January is always a big month for my family! Lots of birthday's, an anniversary and I can't believe we are about to throw little E......(ooops I almost blurted her name out) into the mix! So, before today was ever my little brothers birthday, it was my parents anniversary! They continue to be two of the most important people in my life, truly. When I look around at some of the examples of "love" that others have to go off of I feel pretty blessed that my role models have been these two amazing people...Happy Anniversary!

And, without them this guy would have never existed (you should call and say thank you Clint!) He's one cool dude but you don't have to take my word for it...anyone who can pull off an Easter romper on a motorcycle...

or cowboy boots a little plaid...

is definitely not lacking in the "cool" department!

We love you so much and can't wait to celebrate all the good things you have ahead. Happy Birthday!

Gulf Shores

The week after Christmas we took off with my family (minus Clint and Jenny, boo) and headed for Gulf Shores, AL. We stayed in the nicest beach house and had a great time! It was really our first family road trip and it went better than we had anticipated, so maybe we'll be doing more of that in the future! Being that Santa had just paid us a visit, and we had a little extra room in Expedition, Carter got to bring her new Jeep along...

After a quick drive around the lawn "barbie" was ready to bee bop on down to the beach...

it is after all one of her favorite places...

we are pretty crazy about it too...

these two are quickly becoming best buds...

Frisbee was a fun way to pass the time...

and Carter showed off her speed chasing it from person to person...

it wasn't long before she made a beeline for the water...

waiting for the waves...

here they come...

and it is just a little chilly...

maybe the playing in the sand is the way to go on a winter beach day...

it can be an endless canvas...

we had so much fun spending the week with Kimmi and John...

and my parents (aren't they cute) who planned this great vacation for everyone...

I really do feel like I lucked out when it comes to family...

they're the best...

it was also nice for the two of us to get a little extra rest before the sleepless nights ahead...

And, speaking of sleepless nights it looks like they may be in our very near future. Apparently due to a little high blood pressure issue I've got going on if our little bundle of joy doesn't make her debut sometime next week then I will be inducing in about 9 days. I'm having to do my best to be flexible and go with the flow (which means I've got a jug of pee on ice in my bathroom right now but I won't elaborate on all that). I'm a planner but sometimes that all goes out the window so I'm doing my best to adjust. Regardless, the important thing is that this little girl comes out healthy...we can't wait to meet her!

Monday Carter Edition #57~Griffin & Gus

Today Monday Carter got to spend a little time with a few of her favorite people. Her Aunt Kimmi surprised me after a morning of shopping together and invited Carter to spend the afternoon with her. This could take a little getting used to seeing as we have never really lived near family...but, after having the whole afternoon to accomplish some things around our new home I'm thinking I like it! One of Carter's favorite things about spending time at Kimmi's are her adorable dogs Griffin and Gus...

I'm hoping these four legged friends can tide her over for awhile and put her wishes for a puppy of her own on the back burner for a little longer. I'm not sure that a new baby and a new dog are a good mix so we're delaying that for as long as possible!! Happy Monday from Carter and a few of her favorite canines, hope your week gets off to a great start!

Holly Jolly

So far living close to family has been one of my favorite things about being back in Texas! It is beyond great to see my sister at the drop of a hat (living across town from each other is saweeeeet). We have also enjoyed spending time over the holidays with Nate's family. It does my heart good to see Carter forming relationships and bonds with people that we haven't been able to see on a regular basis due to all the miles that separated us. It has made this Christmas very jolly. There were lots of smiles to be had on a quick visit to Corpus before Christmas. Carter enjoyed doing a little baking with Granny and Uncle John...

The three of them also enjoyed a little story time courtesy of Carter's imagination (she is quite the little storyteller)...

When family gets together there are sure to be laughs...

And of course there were presents, we are pretty into horses right now...

Granny and Grandad also have some of the most amazing citrus trees in their backyard (think limes the size of grapefruits). Carter especially enjoyed picking and eating the oranges...

Unlike the "lil' cuties" I keep us stocked up on these oranges has lots of seeds, but grandad taught her a great little trick. You hold the orange slice up to the sun and pick the seeds out...

They also enjoyed a little bonding time over the bird feeder...

We can't wait for more visits to the coast...just a hop skip and a jump and we can feel the sand between our toes. Speaking of sand, we are home from our fabulous vacation to Gulf Shores (more on that soon) and are currently tying up lose ends and waiting for our not so little watermelon to make her debut...

It won't be long now...sleepless nights here we come!