ATL, Dane, Post Baby Body!

So this past weekend Crissy, June, and I ventured to Atlanta for some shopping and to pick up June's new puppy, Dane.  Well, actually it is June's fiance's puppy, but with him being in Afghanistan we had to get it for him.  However, Justin, June's fiance, will be here in a little over 2 weeks so we will finally get to meet him and I get the honor of taking engagement pictures of them!

Anyway, Atlanta with the girls was fun.  Girl talk and shopping are the best even when there is really nothing you can buy because your waist is 800 inches wide!!!!  I just wish I knew how my body will look/change once Emmalyn is out of it so I could have a wardrobe ready.  This is so frustrating!!!!!

I definitely plan on breast feeding, but I just can't see how that is going to make such a big difference.  I've been as active as Emmi will allow and plan on getting outside with her in the stroller as much as possible, but don't know what else is allowed.  Any moms out there that have some post baby weight loss advice, please pass it on!!!!

And, as always, here are a few pictures from the trip to Atlanta.

Meet Dane, The Great Dane (hey, don't blame me, I didn't name him!)

He is 8 weeks old and weighs 15.6 pounds!

I love this picture and it has not been edited!  However, donations for a better camera are very welcome!  HE HE!

Kayla : )

28 weeks

Not really loving how big this dress makes me look.  I had also been working for the past 11 hours with the babies going no stop so I was extremely exhausted!

How far along?   28 weeks and 2 days
Total weight gain/loss:  Last Dr. visit was 17, but I go again on Thursday.  Not really looking forward to what that scale will say
Maternity clothes? Mostly, however in the pic above there are none - and I'm LOVING dresses!  They are just so effortless!
Stretch marks?   Still none
Sleep:  The past two weeks have not been that great with sleeping.  Getting up about every hour and a half to use the bathroom is really making my days hard.  I'm still very tired at the end of the day, but can't sleep more than about 2 hours at a time.
Best moment this week:  I came home last Sunday from my SC trip and Caleb had painted the changing table and then on Monday the crib came in and Crissy and I put it together.  It is really nice seeing my vision come together.
Movement:  all the time and she's all over the place!  I had to make Caleb stop at a convenience store on the way home from a friend's house one night because she was wiggling on top of my bladder and it was so hard to hold what was in the bladder in, each time she rolled over it.  I'm glad he thought it was more amusing than a nuisance.

Cravings:  MILK and fruit!
Gender:   GIRL!!!! - Emmalyn!
Labor Signs:  None
Belly Button in or out?  still in
What I miss: Moving around easily, my pre pregnancy body, sleeping soundly, no acid reflux, and a back that doesn't hurt!

What I am looking forward to:  April 1 - the 4D ultrasound - Caleb will actually be able to make it to this one!
Weekly Wisdom: Take lots of small breaks!  Otherwise, Emmalyn lets me know when mom has over done it
Milestones: making it to the 3rd trimester!

Kayla : )

Life Sarcasm

So, it's 0300 and I can't sleep because I have acid reflux... awesome pregnancy!  There is also a ton of things on my mind that have to do with getting ready for Emmalyn.  As I was looking online for some craft ideas I ran across this and started laughing out loud (then I realized Caleb was asleep just a few feet away and I should shut up).  

I think #1 and 20 are my favorite.  Enjoy!

How to Maintain a Healthy Level of Insanity

1) At lunch time, sit in your parked car w/sunglasses on and point a hair dryer at passing cars. See if they slow down.

2) Page yourself over the intercom. Don't disguise your voice.

3) Every time someone asks you to do something, ask if they want fries with that.

4) Put your garbage can on your desk and label it "IN."

5) Reply to everything someone says with, "That's what you think."

6) Finish all your sentences with "In accordance with the prophecy."

7) As often as possible, skip rather than walk.

8) Specify that your drive-through order is "to go."

9) Hold open automatic doors for people.

10) In the memo field of all your checks, write 'for smuggling diamonds.'

11) Send an e-mail to the rest of the company to tell them what you're doing. For example, "If anyone needs me, I'll be in the bathroom, in Stall #3."

12) Five days in advance, tell your friends you can't attend their party because you're "not in the mood".

13) When the money comes out of the ATM, scream "I Won!", "I Won!" "3rd time this week!!!"

14) When leaving the zoo, start running towards the parking lot, yelling "Run for your lives, they're loose!"

15) Tell your children over dinner, "Due to the economy, we are going to have to let one of you go."

16) Order a diet water whenever you're out to eat, with a serious face.

17) Insist your co-workers address you only by your wrestling name, Rock Bottom.

18) When driving colleagues around insist on keeping your car windshield wipers running in all weather conditions "to keep 'em tuned up."

19) Ask your co-workers mysterious questions and then scribble their answers in a notebook. Mutter something about "psychological profiles".

20) Whenever you answer the phone, do so in a french accent, and slowly change it to a japanese accent.

...And, because this is my blog and I love pictures (even if they have nothing to do with the written post) here are a few pictures I  took yesterday of a dandelion.

Kayla : )

Ode to Aimee

After seven plus months of trying to conceive and somewhere in there finding out that her eggs were being a bit stubborn and needed some motivation from Clomid, my friend and co worker is finally with child.  She called me and the only thing she said was "Kayla."

Me: "um, yea"
Aimee: "I think I might be pregnant"

From there she proceeded to tell me about the cheap test with 2 lines but the first line was very faint that she just took, so I stopped by the drugstore on my way to her place (I was already on my way there) to grab the clearblue easy test with the definitive "pregnant" or "not pregnant" result.  Within a few minutes that eight letter work showed up and her life was changed forever!

I'm so happy for her and her husband Eric, but mostly because I get to make fun of her now since she's already got 7 months of making fun of me out of the way.  So, Aimee, get ready because when you barf and feel like a fat cow, and can't think of anything to eat or later when you can think of everything to eat, I'll be laughing at you!

Kayla : )

Dixie Lou

I'm going to tell you a little story.  The story of my little sweet Dixie.

After my great-grandmother passed away in December 2005 I stayed in her house by myself for about a year and half.  It was the best thing!  I loved living by myself (it really helped me prepare for military life), I loved learning so much about myself.  But, there was a little something missing.  I wanted a pet to come home to and keep me company while I watched TV and kept my feet warm when I slept.  So, one Saturday my brother and I set out on a mission to find the perfect dog.  We went all over town and almost gave up until we walked into Pets Inc.

There were tons of different dogs and cats there, even puppies.  In one cage there were about 10 little rambunctious puppies yapping at us, and in one corner I saw a medium sized black and white dog who appeared to be extremely scared of all the horrid noises. My brother picked her up and we sat down with her where she definitely sold herself by licking and cuddling with us.

I immediately called my parents and Caleb to come help me make the decision of whether I should get her or not and we all decided she was great.

When I purchased her I knew she was 11 months old and had been the pet of an older woman who kept her outside during the day and would have to search for her daily because she kept digging holes in the backyard and running away.  Her name then was also Blinky - AHHHHHHH!

Since getting Dixie in March 2006, we have found out that her digestive system can only handle beneful and she has a blood clotting issue so I'm very careful with her .  But she and I have also grown to know each other very well.  She is a lot like me.  She does not like for people to be upset with her and she definitely knows when I'm upset because she cuddles beside me with love in her eyes and puts her paw on my just like my mom or a friend would put a hand on me in support.  One time when I was being emotional and Caleb had no clue how to make me feel better he just put Dixie beside me because he knew just petting her would make me feel better.

Now, you may not care about how much I love this furry pup, or maybe you have the same feelings about your own pet, but I'm so thankful for my Dixie and can't wait to see her with Emmalyn.

Kayla : )

SC trip

This past week I took a short trip to South Carolina and got a lot accomplished!  I got to spend time with my family, my friends, got a pedicure, and took some pictures.  It was a great trip!  As you probably guessed, I have some pictures from the trip.

I got in town on Thursday and took a little while to rest after the 7 hour trip.  Getting to cuddle with the dogs, Max and Sadie, was really nice.  Then my brother came home from school and I got to catch up a bit with him before meeting my mom downtown for a jewelry party that we were invited to by her friend Katie.  

On Friday, I slept in with the dogs.  It was blissful!  Then I met up with my KB at the nail salon and we both got pedicures which were very needed!  It was great to catch up with her since becoming a Mrs!  

After the pedicure I met Amanda at her NEW house, which I am in LOVE with!  She and her husband Matt just moved in a couple of weeks ago and it is already looking amazing!  We met up for me to get a few pictures of her, but her cat, Hazel, decided she needed to be the queen of the camera instead.  She followed us into every room and tried her best to be seen in every picture.  So, I let her have a minute to shine.  

After the photoshoot, Amanda, Clory, Amanda's twin sister and fellow prego, April, and myself (did ya get all that? : ) ventured to Fusion Bowl for some yummy dinner.  I had never been there, but it was good!  Then we went to get some ice cream from Rushe's which was great because we don't have one in Alabama and I wanted to get a hot fudge cake at some point during my trip!!

The next day we spent with my mom shopping!!!  And boy did we do some!  It was fun and relaxing at the same time to be out with my mom and talking about life when Emmalyn makes her debut!

Later, my brother and I met up with Caleb's parents and brother, Joel, for dinner at Chili's.  Only the best!!!  We talked and laughed and made fun of my brother and Joel hit on the waitress!  The photo below was taken by my brother!!!  Not too shabby!

My sweet mother-in-law had a present for Emmalyn when we got there.  She is in the process of making all of the bedding for Emmalyn's room!  She knew I liked elephants and I think this is the only grandchild (out of the 5 so far - 6 and 7 will here this year) that she has known the name beforehand.  Lucky for Emmalyn she already has a personalized stuffed "lovey."  I love it so much!!!

So, that was my whirlwind trip to South Carolina.  I'll be back in May for Emmalyn's baby shower that KB and Ashley (2 of my best friends) are throwing.  I'm so excited!!!  I'll post the invitations later!

My trip back home on Sunday was not bad at all.  Now I'm home relaxing with my own dogs and my hubby.  

Here is what I come home to...

Kayla : )

A Very Random Blog Post

I'm going to warn you.  This is will be a long post.  The first picture is of a painting done by my dear and talented friend Emily especially for Emmalyn's nursery.  She did 3 others that look the same but with varying colors and I'm so in love with them!  They will be put above her changing table arranged 2x2.

This next picture is just for fun.  Caleb and I laugh so much at Bumper and this is what has us scratching our heads lately.  He sleeps in our bedroom on his own bed by the window a makes sure that his head is under the curtain, like so.  Don't ask me why but seeing him get into position is priceless!

Now, comes the St. Patrick's Day update.  I just learned that Enterprise, AL is the home of the world's smallest St. Patrick's Day parade so a group of girls and I got together to experience it this year.  WOW! Here she is...The parade!

This lady walked one block and back with this flag stopping a few times for some photos and to chat with people.  Funny, but not exactly riveting entertainment.  I think Ethan was wondering what we were all doing in the rain!  Little man was not impressed.

But I still managed to keep the spirit of the Irish and made some cookies which Caleb loved!

 

Next we have a picture of the army folk involved in the young couples Bible study at the church we are attending.  We have grown to love these couples and are hoping we don't get kicked out once we become parents.  Every Sunday evening we get together with food, prayer, laughter, and of course the funniest Bible study I've experienced yet - Laugh Your Way Through Marriage.  It talks about the difference between men and women and how once we notice the differences, we can better love each other.  I would definitely recommend that every woman understand what a man's "nothing box" is!

And here we are being crazy...

Well folks this will be it for a few days.  I'll be spending some qt with my family and friends in SC.  Sorry this post was so random but I hope you got a kick out of the pictures.

Kayla : )

SC appearance

I just wanted to let you guys know that I'll be in SC from Thursday night to Saturday night.  If you need any pictures taken give me a holler!

Now, a few pictures from Adam and Betsy's engagement session.

Kayla : )

Getting some planning done

Saturday marked the start of the last week of the second trimester.  There has been a lot on my mind.  This week Caleb and I went shopping for a crib.  This is not something we wanted to jump into quickly because it is the only piece of furniture we are having to buy for the nursery.  We looked at about 7 different cribs at two different stores (not to mention all the ones I've looked at online for months).  I got really emotional looking at the cribs "for real" this time.  Just picturing Emmalyn in the crib and the fact that she will be there so soon made it so realistic and exciting!  Anyway, the picture below is the crib we decided on that will eventually be used as a toddler bed and finally a full size bed.

Next, my mom called to find out what color of Vera Bradley diaper bag I wanted.  See, my mom owns a salon and is a cosmetologist (for those of you that didn't know).  As a perk of her job she knows a lot of different people and one of her repeat customers is one of Vera Bradley's grandsons and his family.  Therefore, my mom gets a discount and we get awesome Vera Bradley presents.  From the first day I told my mom about the pregnancy she has been excited to finally order a diaper bag and here is the one I've chosen.  Not so much pink and perfect for the summer weather!

So now that those are taken care of (not that a diaper bag took too much brain power), I've been thinking about Emmalyn's birth.  Now I know that I can't plan everything and will need to be on my toes, even though I'm not expecting a rapid labor, but there are a few things I'm getting ready and thinking about now for the day of her birth.  

There have been so many deliveries that I've been it due to work where there are so many distractions going on, such as family who don't want to leave and even stupid shows like Sponge Bob Square Pants showing on the television.  Seriously?  I don't know about you, but Sponge Bob is not exactly the first sounds I want my child hearing - despite the fact that she won't remember it or even understand, but I'd like the delivery to be as calm as possible.  

My plan is to have a lamp or a little better lighting in the room and a cd of some low key songs that seem to calm me.  I also just want Caleb and I in the room (other than the doctor, L&D and nursery nurse) even after the birth until the three of us get acquainted and Emmalyn get her first few drops of colostrum :)  We will see if Emmi will allow any of this to take place, because, let's face it, it's all about her at that point!

So, for any of you experienced mommas out there, if you have any delivery advice, please pass it on!!!

Kayla : )

Spring in Alabama!

The other day the weather was just beautiful.  I got a call from my friend/coworker Aimee to go to base and take some pictures.  Great minds think alike!  We found some magnolia's that were just beautiful and started shooting.  I find that flowers are one the easiest things to photograph, but also one of the most rewarding because the are so beautiful.  How can you not see God's greatness in something so beautiful?

I took this picture because this little bud reminded me of Emmalyn.  So small and dependent on her surroundings to help her grow, all from God.  Even though she is in my womb, she is growing by the grace of God that started from a single seed and will bloom to be so beautiful! 

I hope the beautiful spring weather continues and that you are enjoying it as much as I am!

Kayla : )

Love it or Shove It

*Spring weather!!!!

* Coming home from work to my husband who has done laundry, dishes, tidied up and greets me with the smile and a kiss

* Feeling the "mom I'm here" kicks from my daughter!

* Getting paid to do what I love - Photography and nursing

* Getting a maxi dress half off because it had a spot on it that will be a piece of cake to remove!

* Tea time with the army wives on Wednesdays

* Mod Podge

* The future - so unpredictable, but so good!

*Pasty white skin... I need a tan pronto!

* Snoring dogs!!!!

* Picking out a crib - so much to choose from

* Acid reflux

*Being so far from home when my brother decides to be accident prone and cut his hand that lands him in the ER... AGAIN

* Running errands - I ALWAYS forget something!

25 Weeks

How far along?   25 weeks and 1 day
Total weight gain/loss:  ummmmmmm.... shamefully a whopping 17 pounds!
Maternity clothes? Mostly, however in the pic above there are none
Stretch marks?   Still none
Sleep:  GREAT!!!  By the end of the day I'm pretty pooped!
Best moment this week:  moving into our new home!
Movement:  all the time and she's all over the place!

Cravings:  MILK!  I can drink so much of it!
Gender:   GIRL!!!! - Emmalyn!
Labor Signs:  None
Belly Button in or out?  In but definitely more shallow than it has been
What I miss: Being able to move around easily.  With moving this past weekend, I noticed that it is harder to get up from the floor or bend over when you have extra poundage concentrated in one place!

What I am looking forward to:  April 1 - the 4D ultrasound
Weekly Wisdom: keep snacks with me at all times!  You never know when it will hit and hunger hits hard and fast these days!
Milestones: Starting work on Emmalyn's nursery!

Kayla : )

Beasley Wedding

On February 19,  Beth, a coworker of mine, and Timothy tied the knot!  Here are a few pictures form the night.

The beautiful dress!!

Timothy waiting on his bride

At the alter!

Ha ha, this is Beth letting Timothy know what is coming to him if he smashes cake in her face!

Kayla : )

I'm in the paper!!!

My picture was in the paper!!!  Okay, one I took for Melissa and Trent's engagement session which you can view here and here.  I'm still really new to the photography scene so seeing my work in print gets me really excited.  The link to Melissa and Trent's engagement announcement is ...

http://www.legacy.com/TheState/Celebrations.asp?Page=Announcement&PersonID=139097802

So excited for them and can't wait to see her as the bride!

The Move

As most of you know, Caleb and I moved last weekend to a quaint little home that we just love and is perfect for us and Miss Emmalyn.  Here, you will read the moving story.

This is Jen, a very good friend of ours that really stepped up to the job and did all that she could to help.  With my placenta previa issue no one would let me do ANYTHING!!!  However, I got to have fun and spend some time setting things up and decorating with all the great girls!  Jen took the job of lining my cabinets very seriously and did a professional job!

Meet June.  She is in flight school with our guys and is getting married in July!  When you move, you end up noticing so many things that you forgot yo had.  Well, one of those things is a candle that my awesome husband made me before he left for basic training over a year and a half ago.  I was left with instructions to light it, and find the presents that he hid inside.  As I started to watch the candle burn, something wasn't right and it started burning sideways and if I didn't blow the flame out, it would have burnt the house down.  So, I've just had it all this time and when I saw it as I unpacked, I decided to have June and Crissy help me break it open to see the goodies.

AND........

Get it JUNE!

Oh, and in the meantime, this is what everyone else was doing. He he!

The goodies inside were 10 dog tags with sayings on them from our entire relationship.  Some from high school, some from our honeymoon, and others from experiences in the last 2.5 years of marriage.  Such a sweet thought and something I can keep forever and each one tells a story.  I won't give you all the details, but will tell you one of the stories.

On the second night of our honeymoon cruise to Mexico I started feeling seasick in the middle of the night.  I woke Caleb up and he called the medical services and I remember him saying, "could we get some dramamine, my wife is not feeling well."  This was the first time I ever heard the word "wife" spoken by that amazing man describing me!  When I heard it, I cried, just a little ; )  

The thing was that I didn't tell him how much that moment meant to me until we were talking one day and while from then and he mentioned the incident.  Apparently, he had been a little stunned himself with the word usage.  

Hence, the dog tag that reads, "my wife is not feeling well."