whew...

i can't stand complainers...really, i can't so with that being said if you see me don't ask "how are you doing" bc i really don't think anyone is prepared for my answer...besides the point that it will take me 20 minutes to tell you how i'm really doing...it will sound like complaining...

the last week has been draining...if i could think of a better word i would use it, but draining is all that comes to mind...on wednesday i started having some serious cramping so i called my doctor...she told me to come on in since i was suppose to see her on thursday anyways...so i did, and to make a long story short she sent me to labor and delivery to be monitored...i was having small contractions and she wanted to watch me for a while...i was dilated to a 2 1/2 and 45% effaces...whatever that really means...so finally that night at 7:30 we got to head home... they gave me a shot to relax me, so then i couldn't drive...as i walked outside and tyler went to get his truck and came back to get me i completely fell apart... i can't even say why...i guess a combination of emotions, lack of sleep, cramping, back pain...all of it...

i stayed home thursday and tried to rest...then friday went to work bc i didn't want to miss our christmas program and party...i attempted to sit as much as possible...but its nearly impossible...saturday morning i woke up cramping but once i got up they stopped...i cleaned like a crazy woman ALL DAY... i felt really good all day...went to bed saturday night and at 3 a.m. WIDE AWAKE... finally fell back asleep around 9...so that leads up to today...which has been the hardest day yet...this morning i broke down...i am so tired...and by that i don't really mean sleepy tired...just worn out...my emotions are jacked...poor tyler didn't know what to say, but somehow found the right words... finally i got up and got ready thinking that would help, until i got dressed and was reminded that nothing really fits...i threw on yoga pants and a shirt that has become an every other day shirt...i thought i was ok until my dad called...and the minute he said "how are you" i broke down...

i finally took a nap and went to the store... fixed supper and attempted acting "normal"...with all that being said i will survive...in a few weeks i will hopefully look back and forgotten about this day...i have prayed and prayed for patience and strength until sweet liza decides its time...whenever she is ready we are...please say a prayer for me...for all 3 of us...have a wonderful monday...

ok ok...its gotta be time...

first of all i must say that this pregnancy has been really easy...i was never once sick...the worst thing i dealt with was being so sleepy in my firat trimester...i would literally come in from school, fall onto the bed, take a cat nap and drag myself to the gym...being tired is "do-able"...then all of a sudden i woke up one day in my second trimester and felt nothing...it was like i was my old self again...i felt wonderful...and now, well the word of the last week or so is "pressure"...that is the nicest way to put it...liza has been a busy, busy girl from the beginning...moving non stop...last week when i went to the dr i was told that she has dropped...of course now all i do is read about dropping online...some people have lots of pressure and pain in their pelvic bone and hips, and others don't...i definetly do...i really would consider myself pretty tough, and i feel like i can tolerate pain pretty well, and let me just say... this crap hurts...like i moan in the night when i get up to go to the bathroom and it is very obvious that i am "waddling" these days...tyler is so sweet...all night he says things like "im so sorry your hurting"...i know deep down he wishes i would zip it...

anyways it all boils down to...i am just ready...yes, i want her lungs to be perfect and i do not want to rush her...but i also wish that she would be easy with that head...words can't explain how ready i am to see her...my actual due date is january 9th...but after seeing the dr last week her words were "i think we might have a baby around 37 or 38 weeks" which is like 3 weeks away at the most...i keep going through my list of what i must get done...and it just keeps growing...nothing will really prepare me i'm sure...but regardless i can't wait...these have been the happiest 9 months of my life...i have never looked forward to something so much...please keep all 3 of us in your prayers...happy tuesday

29 weeks...

I haven't been good at updating my blog, but I promise I will do better...with school and everything else going on I am busy all the time...oh and I can't forget pinterest...that takes up ummm 75% of my time...I am so addicted...One day I will make everything that I've pinned...

So much has been going on...I go to the deoctor every 2 weeks now and we had our first 4d ultrasound which was WONDERFUL...Thanks to Lynne Parker Tate...We drove to Arkadelphia one afternoon after work...we were there well over an hour looking at our sweet little girl...We are going back in 2 weeks to look again...I can't wait...She sucked her thumb and smiled and even flexed her muscle for us...It is truly amazing that we can see so much...Last week we had maternity pictures done...A girl in Smackover named Stacie Martin took them, she is fabulous...She has sent me a few, and I can't wait to see them all...As soon as Liza is here she will have to take her pics too... My class this year is great...I know I will miss them in January...I have already arranged for a few of them whose parents are willing to bring them to visit me...

Liza Kate is a busy baby...What else do I expect...I never seem to stop and her Daddy, well he isn't human...He is on go 24 hours a day...She moves mostly at night and early early morning...I feel her throughout the day too...big movements... until the 4d I wasn't sure what it was I was feeling, but I knew that something was constantly hitting me in the belly button...Sure enough, its her little bottom...knots up so hard and pushes on my belly button...Our favorite thing to do is lay in bed at night and drink apple juice and watch her move...She goes nuts!!!!

Her room is almost done...it finally has come together...I had a picture in my head of what I wanted it to look like and I can see it now...We are waiting on our glider to be recovered and a few more odds and ends...I just go in there and sit all the time... Tyler does too...last week I couldn't find him and he was sitting in the middle of the floor just staring...His exact words were "I can't wait"...me either babe...I can't wait to see her and touch her...I think I will stay up for days just looking at her...

This pregnancy has not been bad at all...I consider myself lucky...I was never sick...very sleepy the first trimester, but never sick...a part of me wants her here with me...so that I know she is safe and I can look at her whenever I want...but another part of me is going to miss this...I never feel alone...she is with me constantly and I love that...I have never been happier...so content...I never imagined my life like this...of course there are days that I cry for no reason and sweet Tyler just pats me on the back or hugs me and says "is there anything I can do for you"...he is so good...and I don't give him enough credit...I pray Liza is just like him every day...He is unlike anyone I know...

Here are some pics that I have needed to post...enjoy...

 I hate "belly pics" but somehow this turned out so good...I doesn't seem to have that nasty, seductive look...

 Her cheeks are so big ;)

 Smiling for us

 Flexing for her daddy

 Sucking her thumb



the latest on liza...

i am so behind...it's like school started and my free time is gone...i go to work...drag myself to the gym...then usually do something in liza's room...then hit the sack...oh and of course i find free time for pinterest...i am hooked!

so i apologize for not updating...i am 23 weeks and feeling very pregnant...to be honest right now i love it...i love feeling her move...every single time she kicks it's like the first....she is busiest first thing in the morning right after i eat breakfast...and at night after my bath...we both love it...with every kick one of us says"did you feel that"...it is the best feeling ever...last week my doctor did an ultrasound and checked out all her little organs and praise the lord she looks healthy...i have never in my life been so ready for something...i just want to see her...and hold her...for some reason i feel like if she is in my arms i will know she is safe...i worry about her all the time in my tummy...it's the unknown i guess...i'm sure the minute she gets here my worrying will multiply by 100...

her room is coming together...but not completely done...which drives me nuts...but i know it will all come together...dad commented that she has more clothes than any unborn child...oh dad, just wait...

we have a busy week ahead of us...i am hoping to get the bedding ready soon...this weekend we are home ALL weekend...which i love more than anything...so i am hoping to get a lot done...please continue prayers for sweet liza...here are a few pics...i love her so much already...happy monday

Here is a little something i made...I am hanging these on the wall behind her changing table...these belonged to my grandfather...

 Liza's profile...and as her daddy says her big bicep;)

 Sweet face...looking to ther right...i swear she looks like tyler...

 A shadow box i made filled with tyler's bib, bracelet, and card from the hospital...

 daddy putting together a book shelf for liza's room...(while glued to the tv)

 23 weeks...whew...i have a ways to go;)

"she's like her daddy...she likes to jam...duh"

yesterday on the way home from wal mart i had the radio up pretty loud and all of a sudden...BAM liza moved BIG time...on my left side...the only way i can describe this move is like a bubble that started down low and rolled up to my ribs...it was big enough that i turned down the radio and grabbed my side, and said "well hello little girl"...the minute i got home i told tyler...his response was "well duh, she's like her daddy...she likes to jam." if you have ever been around tyler and music you understand why this is so funny...he will bust out the centipede without second thought...deep down i hope she is just like him...So dance away sweet girl!

this is my 20th week...so i am officially half way there...my original due date was january 9th...but last week i had an ultrasound and based on her measurements and all it moved back to december 29th...we shall see...i am just thankful she is growing...a healthy baby is what we want...have a wonderful week...

London Fog

First of all if you have never painted with Benjamin Moore paint you should...I have always heard that "good" paint is so much better...very true! You pay for what you get it...We only had to do one coat and it went on SO mcuh better than some paints...We decided on London Fog bc it's more neutral and well thats what I wanted...Tyler did have a say so too ;)...We still have to add the crown molding and then the walls will be complete...We had a blast painting and talked about Liza the entire time... Tyler kept saying "this is going to be so much fun"...I couldn't agree more...When we were almost done I said "you know I'm sure we could have found help with this and it would have gone much faster" as serious as he could be Tyler said "I thought about it, but I really think this is something we should do alone"...and that is why I love him so...

These are the old mirrors that we took out of our bathroom when we moved in...I held onto them bc I had a feeling that I was going to want them for something...sure enough we are going to take the mirror out and line the back with linen and put these little dresses in them...perfect...just perfect!

dear liza kate.

dear liza kate,

first, and of utmost importance...your cousin calls you "luda".  i can't explain it.  it's odd.  he seriously understands most of what i say.  but for some reason he has started calling you "luda".  ask your mom how to pronounce it.  it's like a rapper, ludarcis.  sounds like looda.  but i promise by the time you arrive, i will have this taken care of.

last night he prayed for you.  he said, "be with baby luda in shooga's belly".  he calls your mommy "sugar".  he has learned how to change his baby brother's diaper, so he's fully prepared for your diapers too.  get ready.

each day when they both go to bed, i get online and try to find things for you.  i have lots of ideas.  i'm trying to do something that no one else will think of.  i want you to have something from me that you can keep forever and ever.  and that will mean more and more as you grow up.

of course, i will shower you and your mommy with lots of small presents too.  things you will need.  things i can't buy my little boys.

like bows.  and dresses.  and fancy shoes.  and leg warmers.  and toenail polish.  it's gonna be so much fun.

i've been thinking alot about what you will be like.  i try to mesh your mommy and daddy together and imagine what that is.  what that becomes.

and while i can't put my finger on that exactly...i can imagine all the good in them.  and all the beauty.  and i'm positive that is what you will be.

each night when i go to sleep, i pray for you.  for your heart. and your toes.  for your backbone.  and your belly.  i already love you as much as i love my own babies.  i'm gonna be in that delivery room (your mom hasn't asked me, but that's irrelevant.  i'll be like her and just sneak passed all the nurses and doctors) and the minute you are born, i'm getting you.  and holding you.  and i'll only give you up to your mom.  and maybe your dad.  and maybe my mom.  but then i think i'm gonna move in.  yes, that sounds good.

okay.  i've rambled on long enough.  i love you sweet angel.  and i'm counting down the days until you arrive.  until then, keep growing.  and but know we love you.  and we are so very excited to meet you.

xoxo,
honey.

It's all coming together...I think...

Finally I think this room is coming together, at least my ideas are...We have decided on a paint color and crib and all that jazz... it's the other stuff that makes me crazy! I know I don't want a pink girly nursery...so I guess that is a start...
Here is the paint the color...It is called London Fog...its a Benjamin Moore color...and here is a pic of it used in a little girls room...

The second pic came from one of my favorite blogs www.dearlillieblog.blogspot.com it is fabulous!

We have also decided on a crib... it is the one from Pickles and Ice Cream that I posted earlier...except here it is in white and that is what we want...

My mom pulled out some old dresses and bonnets and shoes that I believe belonged to my grandmother and sent them my way...I cant wait to make these...I plan on getting the frames at Hobby Lobby and backing it with linen similar to these...

My mother in law bought our bassinet...it is my very favorite...It came from Restoration Hardware and it is just perfect...I told her it was a wonderful gift bc I figure she will be sleeping in it for at least 5 years ;)

Last night we drove to Little Rock to pick up our glider...I have searched and searched for one but refused to pay $900 so instead I paid $90...yep $90...my sister suggested I look on craigslist and BINGO...I found one in Little Rock...the owner purchased it 5 years ago at a childrens boutique in Little Rock..It is so comfortable and exactly what I wanted...I am going to have it recovered in white...and find cute pillows to put in it...It is similar to this one except mine has a round back...

Last but not least...here is a picture of a variety of things that I love...the colors, the pearls, the floral fabric, the ruffles...all of it...I found it on a blog and thought it was perfect...

It's a girl...and her name is Eliza Kate...

We have had a girl name picked out for quite some time...our boy names went back and forth...another reason I thought we were having a girl...We both wanted a family name...So one night while searching family trees i came across Eliza...On Tyler's mothers side...I loved it...My middle name is Katherine...so we took Kate from that...We will call her Liza...and we can't wait...after seeing this picture I still didn't believe it until every person I know who has ever seen an ultrasound looked at it and said "yes this is a girl"...so if she for some reason she turns into a boy...we will have a few things to return...lol...We are both so excited and can't wait to spoil her rotten...

the latest...

I never knew how impatient I was until now...My dad has always been sure of it...his favorite line is "slow down, and take a deep breath"...In the last few weeks it has been killing me not knowing what this baby is...I admire all of you who wait to find out...bc there is no way in you know where that I could wait...Tyler is much more chilled than I am...he does want to know, but unlike me...he isnt obsessing over it...I truly don't care...all I want is a healthy baby...since the day I found out we were pregnant I've thought it was a girl...not sure why...but every time I think of the baby I automatically think girl...everyone seems to think its a girl...From day 1 we were going to have a gender party to reveal the sex...What in the heck was I thinking?!?!?! It's a great idea an all, but NOT FOR ME! That would require me to have an ultrasound and not look...what.ev.er! So I'm lucky enough to have several friends who are nurses and willing to take a look pretty often...Even though we listen to the heartbeat daily...seeing that baby moving around makes everything seem so real...So we went Wednesday to take a look, and boy was he/she active...We were able to get several pics...and the tech was pretty sure of the sex...but bc I'm still early I'm not "announcing" it yet...I am going to wait until my next ultrasound...Everyone who saw the pic all agreed on the sex... but I want to make SURE! So here are a few pics of baby knox in action...Happy Weekend ;)

diy...

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:6-7

I have so many ideas of things I want to make for the nursery...but the most important one will have this scripture on it...not sure how I will use it or where exactly...but it will be in baby knox's nursery somewhere...because without it..well i'm not sure what would happen...I repeat it to myself 1900 times a day...thats on a good day ;)...I am "my mothers childs" so therefore I am constantly on the go and my mind never stops...I wake up in the middle of the night and think about all the things I need to do...it can be simple things like get the clothes out of the dryer that went off at midnight or clean out the flowerbeds..or these days it is all about the baby...where the heck do I start?! It is a bit overwhelming...So 2 weeks ago I just opened my bible and there it was...written on a card...I really dont know when I wrote it down or why...but who cares...it stays on my mirror now...It is a simple reminder that I am not in control and there is no need to worry and be anxious...everything will fall right into place, I am sure of it...

On a cheerful note...I found a bed that I love, and my sweet mother in law is going to do all my bedding...I know it will be perfect...Happy Tuesday to all...

things that make me smile...

i'm officially addicted to looking online for "baby" stuff...non stop...like i need a summer job..its that bad...the good part is i dont know if we have a boy or girl...so i haven't bought anything yet...but come 20 weeks...its on...tyler is somewhere having a panic attack right about now...
after much thinking and searching we have an idea of what our nursery will look like...depending on the sex we will either paint pale pale blue or pale pale pink...like so pale it may look white...then put up white crown molding and majority of the nursery will be white stuff...i know i know, im crazy...but it can all be bleached if necessary ;)...i want a classy nursery..im not really into the bright stuff...here are a few pictures that make me oh so happy...happy tuesday

heavy heart...

so i always heard from sister that its normal to be emotional while being preggers, but boy i did not get it until now...i guess it all started when i read about sweet little miller woodruff...as i sat and read their blog to tyler last night we both cried like babies...i got up from the computer, walked away and continued crying...an hour later as i was hanging up clothes i was still teary eyed...i kept going back to those sweet pictures of that precious little boy...i stopped and sat down in my closet and began to pray...because really what else do you do...i prayed for the woodruff family and then it just went from there...i consider myself to be be pretty realistic so of course i then began praying for our sweet baby...because it wouldn't be normal to assume that this same thing couldn't happen to us...i never realized how much worry a tiny little baby can cause...i worry non stop, i know i shouldnt and i try my hardest not to...but its hard...i find myself praying more these days than ever...
then today i came aross another blog...the title of her post was "running for my soul" i continued reading and realized the girl writing is coping with a miscarriage...the post was about how she is coping...and running is one way...i can so relate...the best runs are the ones you don't really remember...you just take off and think...and before you know it you've run 5 miles...the song that came on while she was running was the same song that she and her husband used on their "announcement video" for their other 2 children...so of course as she ran and listened to this particular song, she cried and cried...but in the end...felt that she had cleansed her soul...
so if you will stop today and say a prayer for both of these families...i'm not sure of the second families name, but God knows exactly who they are...also say a prayer for baby knox and mom and dad...pray mom gets a hold of these tears...love to you all...have wonderful weekends...

New Orleans Top 10...

Our trip was so much fun...hot , but a lot of fun...Pratt enjoyed himself which is all that matters...I have already told Hannah that she owes me BIG time...like she must get pregnant again and take my 2 year old on vacation when its 125 degrees outside...and no Hannah the beach doesn't count...I'm kidding, we really had a great time...Although I see Mom every single day, we don't always get to spend as much time together as I would like...On Sundy night as we were going to bed Mom said "Goodnight Spenc...Thank you so much for coming with me" It hit me then... how important this was to her...not only was this a trip for Pratt, but Mom was able to see her sister, whom she only sees once a year I'd say...at that moment I began to cry(whats new)... I can't imagine only seeing Hannah once a year...so, in the end no matter how hot it was and how much sweating I did...I am so glad I went...for mom...after all she does for me...thats the least I can do...


Top 10 New Orleans

10. The Baby Bump...maternity store...ummm I did some serious damage
9. Cafe Du Monde beignets
8. Driving around the lower 9th ward...everyone should do this
7. Eating oreos and rice crispy treats at 10:30 pm with Pratt
6. Finding the lemonade stand at the zoo...because we were minutes from dehydration
5.Watching Pratt chase butterflies at the insectarium
4.Chasing Pratt through the snake house at the zoo
3.Discussing the color of Pratt's poop with him in the bathroom at the restaurant...not a quiet discussion either...
2. Hearing Pratt say in the sweetest voice ever "I love you Sugar" on numerous occasions...even as we pulled into my drive way on Monday...
1. Making a deal with Pratt (in the bathroom at the same restaurant while on the toilet) he promised me he would teach Baby Knox everything he knows... even how to catch "pwaying manis"...

the beginning...

where do i start...i'm gonna go way back...i've been ready to start a family for a while now, or at least i thought i was...i finally talked tyler into all this a few months back...he was still very nervous, but agreed that he was ready if i was...my theory was "it could take years so we must get started" his theory was "it only takes one time babe...duh 16 year olds get pregnant all the time their first time"...i swear he really said that ALL the time... so of course he was right...it didn't take long...

i will never forget the day i took the test...i had a gut feeling it was going to be positive and sure enough within seconds...i went outside to get tyler (after pacing the floors for 10 minutes) ... he was outside admiring his new zero turn lawn mower...so in he comes and i say "well. i think we are pregnant" i wish i had a picture of his face...he sat down on the edge of the bathtub and said "are you sure" then after a few minutes of us just staring at each other he says "well, ive always been fast at everything i do...so what can i say...i better go see how many neighbors need their yards mowed...we're gonna need some extra cash!"

we told our parents within a few days...of course i called hannah first and she and pratt both yelled "sugar has a baby in her belly" i wasn't good at waiting...i had blood work done and "announced" it within a few weeks...telling my kiddos at school was the most fun...they said things like"name her after me" and "i will babysit"

so 10 1/2 weeks later we are so excited...tylers nerves have finally chilled out and it has consumed both of us...i'm not sure how i will wait until january, but we will...we have so much to do and i have no idea where to start...i was able to see the heartbeat last week and it was unreal...the baby was constantly moving...throwing his/her arms all around...i'm guessing he/she will be a busy body like mom and dad...
duh what was i thinking i would have a calm child...

on a serious note we can't wait... we say a prayer together every night...it always sounds about the same but always special...all we want is a healthy, happy baby...thats all... here is a picture of my growing tummy...it may not look that big, but its there...FOR SURE!

dear baby.

dear sweet baby,

my real name is hannah.  but you can call me honey.  or homey.  or han.  or hot dog for all i care.  i'll answer to anything.

i'm not sure of your name yet.  i know of two possibilities...but it all depends on your gender.

and about that.  i don't have a preference.  and i know that your sweet parents don't either.  they just want you to be healthy.  amen.

a few things, i guess.

i'm your mommy's sister.  i prayed for you long before you ever arrived here on earth.  i have seen your mommy with my two little boys and i knew that she was ready for you.  it's going to be so hard to wait until january to meet you.  but i'm not asking you to come early.  in fact...you just stay right where you are. and if you want...you can come right on time.  on your due date.  whatever floats your boat, really.

let's see.  about your parents.

your mommy is one of the most organized people i know.  she likes to clean up areas that are cluttered.  part of this "cleaning" involves shuffling papers as quickly as she can.  putting them in stacks.  when i close my eyes, that's what i see her doing.  oh, and cleaning.  her house...your house...is one of the cleanest houses ever.  mine is not.  come to my house and get your immunity.

your mom loves animals.  maybe more than people.  she is a school teacher.  and even though she acts tough about her students...she's really a total softie.  she is one of the funniest people i know.  she says things that only i would get.  like "one van phan".  be sure and ask her about that.  oh, and while we're on the subject, as her about justin timberlake.  and the letter she wrote to him.  oh...and ask her about stealing a mickey mouse backpack from disney world.  that's a good story...

your dad.  oh man. where to begin.  he has one of the biggest hearts ever.  he is honest.  and kind.  and he loves your mommy like no one else i've ever known.  (well, maybe her daddy.  your pop pop.) he's talented.  and someday could build you a playhouse.  or a real house.  probably whatever you choose.

oh, his laugh.  well, you'll just have to hear it for yourself.  it's fantastic.  and his songs.  they are fantastic too.  i'm pretty sure that he will spend most of your youth, waking you in the morning with his songs.  you'll love it.

okay.  i guess that's all for now.  i'm turning this blog over to your mother.  i'm making it for her as a surprise.  i think she will love keeping up with her pregnancy...and your life.

i love you little one.  so very, very much.

i cannot wait to meet you.

xoxo.
honey.