The Cherrys

Dear Little E,

2012-01-31T20:10:00.002-07:00

I just don't know what to do. Your poor brother has a cough, runny nose, and keeps randomly spiking a temperature. This evening I tried the ear thermometer again and it said 102! Last night was rough he tossed and turned a while even though I gave him Tylenol before bed. Well at one point I woke up and he was pretty warm again so I gave him Motrin and he was cool the rest of the night. He woke up he looked and felt great so he went to school. Then an hour to two hours after school his temp spiked so more Motrin was given and he was back to normal. Then about 45 minutes ago I felt him and he was warm again so I gave him more Motrin. He started to act like he really didn't feel good so I put him in bed and now he is out. It feels like his temp is breaking. Son it is so hard being a parent and not knowing what to do when your kids sick. Specially when y'all are at a young age because you generally can't take anything. Most medicines are for ages 4 or 6 and all we can give is Tylenol or Motrin. Generally a visit to the doctor is a waste of time and uncomfortable when you don't feel good so I don't waste the time. This has been going on for 3 or 4 days now I'm not sure how much longer to wait for it to fix itself before taking him to the doctor. I'm trying really hard to learn all this so it will hopefully be a little easier when its your turn to go through this. I have a feeling it won't be though. A positive note to leave you with. This afternoon when I went to pick your brother up from school I walked in his class and the little kids were trying to talk to me. Then your brother comes up in the middle of the crowd put his hand on my belly and introduced you. He looked at all his friends and said "this is Everett!" It was so cute and he is so proud of you already. I love you sweet baby.

Love,
Momma

Dear Everett,

2012-01-30T21:11:00.002-07:00

I thought today was going to be a good day with your brother. He didn't cough once last night as he slept so I thought he was home free. I was so wrong he still didn't feel well today or this evening. I'm not sure if I should send him to school tomorrow or not. He really wants to go and hasn't had a fever well that I've checked. Sometimes he feels warm but I have yet to try and do the thermometer thing. I did use our ear on which I think is poo and it said he didn't have one but I don't really trust it. So again today we just relaxed around the house. I did make him go outside for a minute to get some fresh air and calm down after a frustration melt down. Well it's bedtime my love since we will be getting up early to attempt school. I love you sweet baby.

Love,
Momma

Dear E,

2012-01-29T16:59:00.004-07:00

Since moving to AZ I have been really committed to living a better Christian life then we have in the past. I was born and raised in the church and loved every minute of it and had great friends I grew up with in the church too. I think having those relationships helped me stay out of trouble in high school. Sure we did the occasional "bad" thing but for the most part us girls were pretty good kids and stayed out of trouble. I was definitely the worse out of the bunch but I blame it on my crazy screwed up home life. The other girls came from great 2 parent households where they only had two kids and got lots of mother daughter time. I would pick on them and how close they were to their mothers and how spoiled they were because that's the only way I knew how to deal with the jealousy I had of their lives. I always wanted to stay the night at one of their houses just to feel spoiled and normal myself for a couple days. Their parents always took me in and loved me like I was theirs. Maggie was the most well behaved and (I don't know how to say this) courageous (maybe) when it came to doing the right thing. No matter how much pier pressure we put on her she always did the right thing. I have to say I can be pretty convincing a lot of the time. I always wanted her parents to write a parenting book so I would know how to raise my kids with as much respect for me as she had for them. You know even if she did cave in and do something bad, it really wasn't even that bad, she would always confess to them what she did wrong. I thought it dumb at the time but now I can only hope you guys have the same respect for us that she had for her parents. I think back and try to remember all the things they did like always sitting down for dinner together which I made myself a part of regularly. Having family game night which was another thing I teased her about because I wish I could have had one too. In the end I am grateful for the house I was raised in it made me as passionate as I am to give you boys the family life I never had and always wanted. I hate that I didn't have the courage to change when your brother was born and that I am taking the easy way out by doing it now when we have a fresh start but I guess it's better late then never. I hope you see I tried my best to give you the life I think you deserve and I know it probably won't be filled with all the material things you have wanted but I hope you received all the love and attention you deserved. I love you sweet boy.

Love,
Momma

Dear Everett,

2012-01-28T17:53:00.002-07:00

Today Parker and I just rested up around the house today. I'm hoping all this rest today will have him feeling much better tomorrow and hopefully have his cough gone by the time he goes back to school Tuesday. I'm sure by Tuesday I will need a little me time. I love you sweet baby.

Love,
Momma

Dear little Everett,

2012-01-27T20:24:00.002-07:00

Your brother has become ill and it breaks my heart to hear him cough at night in his room.(your name makes me want to write old timey.) So this evening we went down and bought our first humidifier. I think I would like to get one for my room too just so my nose, lips, and the rest of my body won't dry out. Your brother even wanted to go to bed early so he could sleep with it. I sure hope it helps as much as they say they do. I'm sure you will get a lot of use of it too. Other then your sickly brother we had a great day. Your Great Aunt Terrie,Great Uncle David and cousins Dwayne, Laura, and Emily came to visit us today since Aunt Terrie and Uncle David were in town visiting. We had a nice lunch and visit. Parker had a good time playing with Emily who also seemed to be under the weather with a cough and runny nose. I was feeling bad about Parker having that and maybe passing it on but it had already found her. Well little man I'm going to go spend some time with your Dad since he gets a little vacay from us and I will miss him. I love you little boy.

Love,
Momma

Dear Little E,

2012-01-26T17:33:00.002-07:00

Today has been a long tiring day. I woke up early to make Parker a blueberry breakfast cake before he went to school. It took a while longer to cook and he didn't even want to eat any of it when it was done. Dad and I ate some though and it was good! After we dropped your brother off we had to go down and take your Dads bag to work for his up coming TDY. Then we came home and got our clean on. We cleaned a lot and it wore me out. I still have more to do this evening to be ready for our guest tomorrow. I also spent the afternoon making chicken salad and cleaning up that mess. I'm worn plum out baby and can't wait to go to sleep tonight. I love you sweet baby.

Love,
Momma

Dear Everett,

2012-01-25T19:06:00.002-07:00

We had our 32 week appointment today. Yes I said 32 weeks not 33. I got some depressing news, they stuck with the date from my missed period instead of how big you were at the first ultrasound. So instead of being 33 weeks tomorrow we won't turn 33 weeks until Monday. That also means that my 39th week won't start until March 12th instead of the 8th. Also our doctor will be on vacation at the beginning of that week so I'm hoping to have at the end of the week. That is if you don't decide to come early on your own and at this point that wouldn't surprise me at all! So I did get some really great news which has me even more excited to have you. I asked our doctor how the whole birthing process goes here at this hospital and I loved the answer. So after she pulls you out they will wrap you up and show you to me then you and Dad will go into our room where the rest of the family is waiting while she sews me up. She said when y'all go into the room that's where you will get weighed and your first bath will be given. They also will let you and your Dad get some skin to skin time. Then when they are done with me they will bring me in there and send the family out and we will get our skin to skin time. Everything is in our room and you won't go to the nursery unless there is a problem. I love that they do everything in the room and encourage skin to skin time for the Dads too. I hope this birthing experience is everything I am imagining it being! I love you sweet baby and can't wait until your here.

Love,
Momma

Dear Little E,

2012-01-24T21:59:00.002-07:00

Tomorrow we have our 2 week check up and I really hope the doc can be there this time. I have many questions for her. Your Dad and I went grocery shopping while your brother was at school. It was very stress free and kind of nice. Your brother seems to be getting sick. He has developed a little bad sounding cough. We bought him some more multi vitamins when he started school to help his body keep the sick away. His teachers said he wasn't the same today he was real whiny. So we lounged around today. We gave him some Motrin to try and make his throat feel better by bringing down swelling that happens with a cough. You can't forget the Vick's either he is all lathered up. Ok love I need to get to sleep now. I love you little one.

Love,
Momma

Dear Everett,

2012-01-23T22:22:00.002-07:00

So I just wrote you this great long letter about what I great housewife I was today. How I even repurposed our leftover chicken meal from yesterday your Dad didn't care for into a yummy dinner. Then I told you little Aubrey was born today which makes us want you here more then ever. We love you do much and really can't wait to hold you in our arms. Your Dad is holding you right now in my belly and said " I feel like I'm really holding him right now." Your Dad also made the comment that he didn't remember feeling your brother this much and I told him that's because he didn't. You go crazy in there all the time. You make sure I don't forget your in there, because I would forget I was pregnant with your brother sometimes since he was so chill. I love you my little go getter.

Love,
Momma

Dear Sweet Everett,

2012-01-22T21:22:00.002-07:00

We had a busy day today. Church this morning then came home and made lunch. After lunch I went to the store to get stuff for veggie pizza. Then I came home and made it which is not a quick process. Then I made some cookies and before I knew it it was time to go to small groups. We didn't get our daily nap even though I was pretty tired. We had a good time at small groups. We had to leave pretty quick like afterwards because I felt like I was going to have an attack. Once I got in the car and laid the seat all the way down and laid on my left side I started feeling better. So the attack was averted. Now I am in bed on my side just to make sure and because I'm just tired. I love you baby boy.

Love,
Momma

Dear Little Everett,

2012-01-21T21:46:00.002-07:00

Son you know when someone sticks their finger in your belly button and you have that jolt of wired pain go to your lower regions? Well son that is your favorite spot to hit and tug and whatever else you do to that line that runs from the belly button down but the pain is 10x worse and stops me in my tracks. You have been doing it all evening and I wish you would stop! Oh and if you for some reason don't know that feeling come find me I will be happy to show you! Other then that we had a relatively relaxing tired kind of day. We did get out and go to Target and Home Depot today for a change. By 2 o'clock everyday I am just so tired and your Dad as been working late so he isn't getting up until 11 or 12. I have a hard time starting my day when your Dad is home sleeping. Well sweet baby it is nightly night time here we get to wake up a little later in the morning since church service changed to later. I love you baby.

Love,
Momma

Dear Everett,

2012-01-20T22:26:00.002-07:00

Today was another relaxing day! We were going to go to Target and Home depot but when your Dad found P and I in the bed he couldn't resist crawling in and cuddling with us. He stayed there until it was time to leave. When he left Parker and I took a nap which was nice I have been wanting/needing those a lot lately. I woke up before your brother and got to catch up on some shows which is always nice. While he was watching Dino Squad I tried to sneak off to take a bath but as soon as the tub was done filling up he was there naked wanting to get in. I sent him to get pjs so I could have a couple minutes alone in there and it took him a while to make it back. He must have gotten tv sidetracked which is ok with me! After the bath we were laying on the bed and I was on my back and there you were a big hump in the middle of my tummy. Right now you are moving and kicking around like crazy. I feel something down pushing by my pelvic bone and something else up my my chest pushing. It's like your stretching in there and trying to get comfy in a small space. I still have 7 weeks to go so it's just going to get smaller and smaller in there! Tonight I read your brother his Big Brother book. He got all excited about getting to make you happy and laugh when you get here. He is so excited to be your big brother. I love you and am so excited to be your Mom.

Love,
Momma

Dear Everett,

2012-01-19T22:50:00.002-07:00

Today was a good day. We turned 32 weeks today! We started the morning off by getting up and getting your brother ready for school! We ran out of his favorite cereal yesterday so he and I went to Starbucks to grab some breakfast. We had a great breakfast together then headed to school. After I dropped him off I headed home. I planned on filling up my water and heading to finally do the blood work but instead I filled up my water and watched a chick flick I recorded a while ago. I justified it by telling myself on Parker's first day of school I cleaned on his second I will rest! After my movie it was time for dad to wake up and we hurried off to lunch before we had to pick up your brother. When we pick up your brother in the afternoon the rest of the kids are getting ready for nap time on their pallets. So your brother wanted to take a nap too on a pallet. So I made him a pallet in his floor when we got home but of course he didn't sleep he just rested. We had a good family afternoon it was nice. I can't wait until your here to have those with us. Your brother sang me a little song tonight he plans on singing to you. It's so darn cute. He also for some reason thinks your going to grow taller and taller to the sky and break our house. I think he might be getting worried about how things are going to change for him when you get here. I love you sweet baby and can't wait for you to get here.

Love,
Momma

Dear Everett,

2012-01-18T21:23:00.002-07:00

Today was a pretty relaxing do nothing day. Even though we didn't do much it was still a little stressful. Your brother can't seem to make up his mind if he wants to be a big boy or a baby. He even said he wanted to be a momma and I told him get to cleaning! He decided he didn't want to be a momma anymore! You of course didn't do nothing today like everyday you were going ninety to nothing! I'm kind of worried about you coming out and going ninety to nothing then too! I have a feeling you are going to be a VERY different baby then your brother and that scares me because he was a very laid back baby in my belly and out! We only have around 7 weeks until we find out! Aahhhh only 7 weeks and we still don't have anything ready and still need to buy several things! We really need to get on the ball. I love you sweet baby and promise momma will have everything ready for you when you get here.

Love,
Momma

Dear Everett,

2012-01-17T22:55:00.002-07:00

Today was your brothers first day of preschool. This morning I went in and woke him up and the first words out of his mouth were. "mom I love you" then he crawled over into my lap and said "I love you so much." I had to remember those words when we dropped him off at school and he didn't even tell me bye. He jumped in and acted like he's been going to school forever. Of course it made me cry even though I have wanted this for the both of us for a long time. Your dad and I got to eat breakfast together then go to the store stress free and work on a few projects around the house. The time flew by. I'm sure the rest of the days won't be that great for me since your dad will probably be sleeping so I will probably get bored. Your brother was not happy about us picking him up he wanted to stay the rest of the day with the other kids. One thing I don't really like about his school is the days he goes are math and science days so he won't really learn his letters and words. They do go over the letter from the day before but that isn't really going to do much. They send home the letter worksheets at the end of the week so we can do them at home but I'm not a very good teacher so I'm not sure how this will go. I need to set him up a work station that he will use at home in hopes that will help things go smoother! I love you little boy and I will hopefully have this all figured out and be a pro by the time your ready for preschool!

Love,
Momma

Dear Little E,

2012-01-16T20:29:00.002-07:00

Yesterday was a pretty good day. We got up and ready to go watch the Texans game. Instead of rushing we took it slow and decided we would go somewhere fun to watch it at halftime. So we headed downstairs to our casino to watch it down there but apparently kids aren't allowed to watch the game in any of the places it was being shown. One guy even went and told on us at one place. I would have understood if Parker was being loud but he didn't say a word he was just playing games on my iPad. That old man made Momma pretty mad and Dad too since that meant we were stuck in our room watching the game. After the game was over we went downstairs and checked your brother into Kid Quest and Dad and I went to play adult games. We had a good time I really think your Dad liked teaching me how to play blackjack. We were having such a good time before we knew it it had already been 3 hours. I felt horrible leaving your brother in the daycare place that long. Until we got there and he threw the biggest fit ever when he had to leave with us. He was literally kicking and screaming as the lady carried him to us. After we adjusted your brothers attitude we headed up to our room to rest before we went out to our fancy dinner. I had asked your Aunt Jonda if there we any buffets we should try while we were there since that seems to be the thing to do in Vegas but she said she isn't really a buffet kind of person so not to ask her. That made me say um duh I'm not either so I decided the $30 we would each be spending to eat at the buffet could get us a fancy dinner. So I made reservations at Bobby Flays restaurant Mesa Grill. So we arrived right on time to find out our reservations had not be made by the lady I spoke with. They said they would try and fit us in. I thought right this place is packed and more and more people with reservations keep coming in. So I went potty since there was really no room to wait in the bar area and by the time I got out we were being sat. We had an amazing appetizer we actually watched Bobby make on tv the other day. It was the TIGER SHRIMP + ROASTED GARLIC CORN TAMALE with a Corn - Cilantro Sauce. They also gave us an appetizer on the houses which was the BLUE CORN PANCAKE Barbecued Duck
+ Habanero Chile - Star Anise Sauce. Your Dad started in on the shrimp so I started on the duck, which I was excited to try since I've never had duck. I take I think like one or two bites and look up and your dad has already eaten THREE of the four shrimp and half the tamale. I was like what are you doing I wanted to order that and you are eating it all! Son if there is one thing you learn let it be to NOT mess with a pregnant ladies food especially if she has a passion about food to begin with. Sharing food is never a good idea with your dad he has done this to me many times. So our food arrived and I ordered the Salmon over the steak to be more gallbladder cautious. Your Dad had the GRILLED LAMB PORTERHOUSE CHOPS Preserved Serrano Chile Vinegar Sauce Chorizo – Goat Cheese Tamale + Cilantro Butter since he ad never had lamb before. When his plate came out the lamb wasn't that impressive looking. He took one bite and sad " Loni you have got to try this" a part of me wishes I hadn't but the other part of me was so glad I did. After I took one bite of his my salmon was like chopped liver compared to his. It was so amazing that after he was done I was ready to gnaw on the bone and I generally think that is totally disgusting. I only lowered myself to dipping bites of mash potatoes into the sauce on his plate. After we left our well worth the money dinner which also had amazing service too we headed next door to the Ballagio to watch the water fountain show. We all three oohed and awed over the show your brother was not happy about it ending and wanted to stay and watch another one. Momma just couldn't stay any longer because you my son I guess was pushed down so low from my dinner it was hurting to walk or even stand still when you decided to wiggle around! I liked to peed my pants on the way back to the car. I have never been in that much I have to pee pain. I almost started crying it was that bad. Your brother was passed out by he time we got back to our hotel. The beds were not very good so none of us got very good sleep. Your brother woke up at like 5am this morning trying to leave the room. He wanted out of there and to watch tv. It was the most bazaar thing, and we ended up watching one episode of a show then going back to bed. I have a feeling we will all sleep great tonight. When we woke back up around 9 we headed downstairs to eat and play some more games. We only played for an hour and a half this time and it was time to head home. On the way home we went by the Hoover Dam which your Dad enjoyed seeing the mountain goats on the side of the mountain more then the dam. It was a beautiful site to see. The rest of the trip home was not very exciting since we were all so tired. I was so excited when I heck my calendar and I had no appointments for tomorrow and was going to get to sleep in and be lazy in the morning. That's when your Dad busted my bubble and reminded me your brother starts his first day of preschool tomorrow at 8am. I'm having mixed emotions about him going since we are never apart. Your dad made a funny joke and said now I could get things done around here without P coming in behind me and messing it all up. I said all I plan on doing for the next several wees is napping! Well my love it is time for me to get out of this tub and climb into my comfy bed. I love you my sweet little boy.

Love,
Momma

Dear Sweet Everett,

2012-01-16T00:22:00.002-07:00

I love you sweet baby and will tell you all about today tomorrow! Goodnight Love.

Love,
Momma

Dear Little Everett,

2012-01-14T22:09:00.002-07:00

We made it to Vegas and Headed straight for the strip. We walked down to eat at Toby Keith's bar and grill. On the way there Buzz and Woody were out there and Parker took a very unhappy looking picture with them. After we had our late lunch we headed to the Flamingo and watch a Nathan Burton Magic show. Apparently he was on or won Americas Got Talent. After the magic show we headed to our hotel and casino to check in. I freshened up then headed downstairs to meet up with your Dad and brother at the arcade room. Then we ate dinner at one of the restaurants in the casino. After that I was tired so your brother and I headed to the room. We got in our pjs and are watching Monsters Inc. I hope we sleep good tonight so I am refreshed for our busy day tomorrow! I love you sweet baby!

Love,
Momma

Dear Mr. Everett,

2012-01-13T22:40:00.002-07:00

I decided not to go do my blood work today and will hopefully go do it Tuesday. Instead today we went to Kohl's and tried to find something to wear in Vegas this weekend. I ended up buying your brother 2 pairs of pants and myself a shirt. Then we headed to the grocery store to get me some hair color since my roots were bad and a lady can't go to Vegas with roots! When we got home dad had to rush off to work. Parker and I spent the rest of the afternoon doing laundry. I would have loved a nap but P wasn't having it. I'm thinking my energy level is dropping because I have been pretty worthless lately. This house is a wreck but I'm just too tired to care which I'm sure drives your Dad nuts. I hope I'm not lame on this trip and get too tired to go and do stuff. Well my little kicking man I am going to go to bed now. I love you sweet boy!

Love,
Momma

Dear Sweet Little Everett,

2012-01-12T22:14:00.002-07:00

Today was another pj to pj kind of day. Your Dad got a lot done around the house though. Your room is starting to clear out a bit and only have boxes of baby stuff in it. Tomorrow I need to go do some blood work per the surgeons request. I am pretty sure I have given enough blood this pregnancy. I have very small hard to find veins and a lot of people are hurting me and bruising me up and I'm tired of it. Hence why I have been putting this off. Oh when we were going through boxes we found pictures from our wedding day. Let me tell you I think those were the worst wedding pictures I have ever seen. Even your Dad said someday we will have to renew our vows so we can have better pictures and your Dad hates taking pictures. There is only one picture of me from that day I like and it is one your Aunt Beth took of me while I was waiting in the car to be walked down the isle. Your dad looks hot, sweaty, and nauseous in every picture. The wedding was mid summer outside in Galveston Texas and our dad was in a full tux which didn't help. I will never forget your Uncle Rodney showing up late with a group of his friends and he was in the wedding and the reason we were waiting!! But there is just something about him that makes it where you can't stay mad at him. I'm hoping our renewal of vows if it actually ever happens will be on a real tropical island like Hawaii or Fiji. Hawaii would probably more realistic money wise but a girl can still dream of Fiji can't she. Ok little boy I'm getting all prunie in this tub so I will say I love you and goodnight.

Love,
Momma

Dear Sweet Everett,

2012-01-11T22:02:00.002-07:00

This morning we had our 31 week check up. You measured in at 32 weeks and had a heart rate of 140. I'm still down 3lbs from my sickness which is great. I'm still down 6lbs if I weigh before I eat and am not wearing much! I'm glad that is one thing that has stayed the same with this pregnancy is the weight loss instead of gain. I just hope I loose the instant 30lbs after I have you like I did your brother. They said I will probably get another ultrasound around 36 weeks to see how you are looking closer to the pull out date. On a different note we decided we are going to take a trip to Vegas this weekend. I have never been but your Dad has gone on a couple TDYs there so it will be his first non work related trip. I figure it will be awhile until we feel comfortable going back unless some kind grandparents want to come up and watch you boys while your Dad and I head down there sometime. Honestly I don't see that happening though. We found a hotel that has on site childcare for your brother so your Dad and I can still do a little gambling while we are there. I can't wait to experience the Las Vegas!! I promise I will feed you lots of yummy food! I love you little one and am glad your growing right good!

Love,
Momma

Dear Little Everett,

2012-01-10T22:22:00.002-07:00

Today was a very relaxing day for us and P. We hung out in our pjs until around 3 then we all took a bubble bath and put on clean pjs. It was nice! On days like today I am always hoping the neighbor girls don't show up at the door because we are not ready for company. Your Dad got off early tonight and is putting your brother to bed right now. Earlier tonight your brother was playing a game on Dads phone and he kept telling me he wanted to play a different level that had something in it. I could not understand what he was saying for the life of me so what did he do. He didn't get mad or frustrated but he got up and found a sock and brought it to me and said he wanted to play the level with the "sock." I Love being amazed by the way kids brains work. Y'all are so smart and I don't think enough people give you the credit you deserve. Speaking of that just this afternoon your dad was saying he likes how he can talk to Sadie(the dog) like a person but you can't really with Parker. I said I talk to him like a grown person. So he tried and what do you know Parker answered all his questions about our changing life. I think they were better answers then he was getting from Sadie! Well my little E we have a doc appointment tomorrow mid morning. I'm not sure if they are considering it a 30 week check up or a 31 week since we will be 31 the next day. I can't wait to hear your little heartbeat, but I can't help but wonder when I'm going to get to see you again. I love you sweet baby.

Love,
Momma

Dear Little Everett,

2012-01-09T21:24:00.002-07:00

I will be honest I still don't say your name with conviction and it drives your dad crazy. He keeps telling me to "stop saying his name like that." I think that is one of the reasons I love hearing you brother say it because it comes out so loud and proud. Your name is not common at all in this day and age so I think it will take everyone some getting use to including me. I know that sounds strange since I am giving you the name and love the name for you it's just hard for me not having known of another Everett. I hope that makes since. Dad did find out today that your Great Uncle Bobby(Pops's brother) did some family history research and apparently your Great Grandpa Jack's (Pops's Dad) uncle was named Everett. I think I got that right if not its someone like that. I don't know if you know or not but your brother was accidentally named after a several Greats Grandpa on your Grandma Ronnie's side of the family. Now I'm wondering how I keep picking out names that end up representing your Dads side of the family! Enough about names for now. Today we went and signed your brother up for preschool. He starts next week and will be going Tuesdays and Thursdays for now. We couldn't decide if we wanted to do two days or three but for now we are sticking with two. I really hope he loves it as much as he thinks he is going to. Oh yes after we toured the school we met with the surgeon and basically just established a relationship. I am suppose to call him after your born to set up a surgery date. He was pretty confident I will have to have it removed even though I am still in denial and keep telling myself it's not that bad. Ok my little love bug I need to go put your brother to bed and get there myself. I love you sweet baby and I will hear your heartbeat in two days.

Love,
Momma

Dear Little Everett,

2012-01-08T23:12:00.002-07:00

Today was a great day! This morning we were all dressed and ready for church way before it was time to go. Normally we are rushing out of here at 5 till 9 and class starts at 9! Then after church we headed over to my favorite place Texas Roadhouse for lunch! After lunch we walked around a fabric store looking for the perfect fabric for your new bedding. After we found nothing I liked we headed home to watch some football. Then at about 5:45 we left to attend our first Sunday night small group worship. It was at the Wades amazingly beautiful house this Sunday. It was pretty awkward at first since we haven't ever really talked talked to any of these people. On Sunday mornings there isn't a lot of get to know each other time between class and service just enough time to say hi specially when you don't know the people. Well so after we had our little devotional we ended up staying and visiting for 3 hours. Us and the youth minister and his wife, who are a few years younger then us which I still find a little weird, were the only ones left. Finally at 10:30 I was like we got to go Momma is tired. We really like The Wades they are funny and super nice and she is a stay at home Mom too so I really look forward to getting to know them better. Now it is even later and I'm even more tired. We are going to check out a preschool for your brother in the morning I'm really hoping we like it and there is room for him. That will give you and I some alone time when you get here. I love you sweet little boy.

Love,
Momma

Dear Little Love,

2012-01-07T21:18:00.002-07:00

The other day I told you I went through all the boy names on this website and made a list of the names that caught my eye and one caught your Dad's eye too. We have thought about it for a couple days and even though your brother still thinks we should name you Lightning McQueen we have decided to name you Everett. Everett Reed Cherry I hope you like the name that took us almost 31 weeks to come up with. Like I said the other day your name means "Strong/Brave as a wild boar" and you are definitely both of those inside my belly right now. Your middle name just came to me when we were trying to think of a "R" name for you like the rest of us have and it means "red haired," I'm wondering if I'm having a premonition of what color hair you will be born with.
I had forgotten that before I was pregnant I was leaning towards "E" names, but Everett never crossed my mind. I liked Edmund, Emmit, or if you were a girl Emery, but your Dad vetoed them all. So I was completely surprised when your Dad picked Everett from all of the names on the list. It seemed perfect when I thought about how I really wanted this child to have an "E" name. Why an "E" name I have no clue but that's what letter got stuck in my stubborn little head. I like making your brother say your name it's so cute! Now that we gave you a name it's time to work on your room. I came across a baby's room I really like and am going to use it for inspiration or for copying! I'm excited to take on this new project ok I should say I'm excited for your Dad to take on this new project! I love you little Everett and will give you a perfectly handsome rugged room you can grow in.

Love,
Momma

Dear Little Love,

2012-01-06T23:51:00.002-07:00

Your Dad got off work early tonight and made me stay up late to watch a movie and now mom is tired! We didn't do much today. Parker and I worked in the yard a little and hung out when your Dad got up. Tomorrow the Texans play their first playoff game so that is what we will be doing other then going and getting stuff for cheese dip to make the game watching experience complete. I love you sweet baby.

Love,
Momma

Dear Little Love,

2012-01-05T21:51:00.002-07:00

We are 30 weeks today and you are moving now more than ever. You roll and squirm all around with a kick and a punch every now and then. Your brother has stopped sleeping until 9 or 10 and is now waking around 6:30 or 7:30 which I am not liking. Today I had planned on raking the dead grass up in the yard in my bathing suit top and shorts since it is that warm here right now. Instead I ended up talking to a man about a boat. I eventually had to wake your Dad up early so he could finalize the sale of our little blue boat. So after we got the titles notarized and had lunch it was nap time. I told your Dad I had big plans for today but after a certain time in the afternoon I'm done. Maybe tomorrow the yard will get raked. Well this afternoon I went through a bunch of names beginning with every letter of the alphabet even X,Y,and Z and made a list of some that I liked and stuck out to me. I emailed the list to your Dad and he liked a name on the list and what do I do I begin to silently freak out. Now I'm not sure if I like the name and I think your Dad is liking it more and more. I know I have talked about my commitment issues before and here they are again. I looked up the name on other sites and on some of the sites people posted pictures of their boys with the name and there were some cute little boys on there which made me feel better. The name is a good strong name Which means " strong/brave as a wild boar". Now as I type that it's kind of perfect since you definitely act like a wild boar inside my belly! I love you sweet baby and when your Dad and I finally confirm it I will tell you what it is. (like you don't already know if your reading this!)

Love,
Momma

Dear Little Love,

2012-01-04T21:34:00.002-07:00

We did Not sleep well in the guest bed last night. I woke up this morning sore and achy like I had been out on the town all day. I am so glad to be back in my own bed tonight and have access to my own bathroom. Today we finally got a little cleaning done today. Every time I sweep these floors Sadie goes into the backyard and rolls around in the dead grass and brings it back inside. At first I thought she walked through my pile a rescattered the grass until I saw her back. She sure can be a little turd, but we love her anyway. I'm really looking forward to some good sleep tonight. I love you sweet baby.

Love,
Momma

Dear Little Love,

2012-01-03T21:33:00.002-07:00

This morning the virus hit your Dad. He had to go to the clinic so the could put him on quarters so he could miss work tonight. They only gave him 24 hours and that is not enough time to fully recover from this virus. He is doing good now just very dehydrated which makes a person weak and achy. I am still praying hard your brother doesn't get hit with this. Tonight it is my turn to sleep in the guest bedroom I hope the bed is good to us! Today wore me out so hopefully we will sleep well. I love you sweet baby.

Love,
Momma

Dear Little Love,

2012-01-02T21:52:00.002-07:00

Today did not go as planned! I wanted to get this house cleaned and back in order. We have been putting it off since your Grandparents left. Instead we slept until 9am laid in bed until 10am drank coffee and played keep away until 12. We finally got ready and headed out to town had lunch at chick fil a, went to Target to try and spend Parker's Christmas money (they were out of innotabs) then headed to Cabelas to get Dad a Quail call and didn't end up getting home until 5:30. After all that running around and you beating me up bad today I was worn out! Maybe tomorrow will be the Day we get things done! I love you sweet baby!

Love,
Momma

Dear Little Love,

2012-01-01T20:57:00.002-07:00

Today is the start of 2012 and it was an ok day. I hope your brothers behavior today is not an insight as to how it will be this year. This morning he didn't want to go to his Sunday school class or any class meaning ours. So I made him sit in the hall outside our class he eventually came into our class and then found it boring so he went to his class. This morning at the end of the service your Dad and I placed membership at the Surprise Church of Christ. I am kind of ashamed to say it but this is the first time for me to do this as an adult. I cried of course since I'm overly emotional and church makes me emotional too anyways. After church we were going to make a New years day lunch but I didn't prepare very well so it ended up being a dinner. So while the beans cooked we headed out to the dessert to do some hunting. We didn't come back empty handed this time your dad shot a rabbit. We hurried Home after that to check on the beans and eat dinner. I can tell you I have not mastered cabbage yet but it wasn't that bad and black eyed peas will and never can be good. Now it is bedtime my sweet baby. Momma loves you dearly.

Love,
Momma

Dear Little Love,

2011-12-31T20:49:00.002-07:00

Today is New Years eve, the last day of 2011. It has been a recovery day for me and I'm thinking I didn't take it slow enough cause my tummy is starting to bother me. I am very much looking forward to 2012 since you will be here then. Your Dad and brother went out to the dessert to try and shoot some quail but didn't have any luck. Dad said they had a lot of fun though and that is what really counts. This evening after dinner we sat around the fire and roasted some Marshmallows. Your brother doesn't know you can have a fire without roasting Marshmallows. Now I'm laid up in bed hoping my tummy starts feeling better while the boys are still out enjoying the fire. I think I hear your brother running this way now. Well my presence has been requested to play Crazy eights! I will see you in 2012 my little love!

Love,
Momma

Dear Little Love,

2011-12-30T21:31:00.002-07:00

Today has not been a good day for me. I must have caught a bug going around and it was a very painful one. I couldn't keep any liquids down and I was on the potty a lot. Also I had this really bad stomach pain randomly or when I tried drinking something and really bad when I was "spitting" those liquids back up. I decided to call my baby doctor because the pains just didn't seem right. I went right over and they said it was normal and gave me some meds. You on the other hand have been kicking and happy all day. Unless you were kicking me because you were hungry. I was down 6lbs at the doctors office from our appointment 3 days ago that is how bad this was. I had one more bad episode around 3 and felt really good after it and finally could fall asleep for an hour to hour and a half. My doctor told me if I still couldn't keep liquids down by around dinner time I needed to go to the ER and get an IV put in and medicine administrated that way. That sounded great at the time but your Dad and Parker would have had to take me because I was so weak and having Parker sit there for who knows how long did not sound like a good idea. Thankfully after my nap I tried eating some ice chips instead of going for the gusto and drinking water. Before I new it the cup was empty and my tummy didn't hurt at all. So then I tried water which was a tricky thing because I was SO Thirsty I wanted to chug the whole cup. That wouldn't have been a good idea. That water stayed down and I drifted back off to sleep. When I woke again I drank a little more water and then some power aid to try and increase my electrolytes! So far so good I did just have some stomach pain but I think I'm good. I took an anti nausea pill just to makes sure it all stays down. Your Dad has been amazing taking care of me and getting anything and everything he could for me to make me more comfortable. Your poor brother missed me today and at one point he crawled in my bed and said " Momma I just want a kiss". The best I could do was on the head. He has never been sick like this and I really don't want him getting this painful virus. I love you sweet baby and am so glad you stayed healthy and happy today.

Love,
Momma

Dear Little Love,

2011-12-29T20:17:00.002-07:00

I'm not sure how you feel right now about us being in the military. Today for me was a great reminder why we are in and how good we have it. I had a talk with Antie's sister today and she was telling me how much it was costing her to get test done to see what is going on with her during her pregnancy. She said she is having to really hard time getting her doctor to listen to her and I told her just go to the ER and have them check her out. She said that would just be another expensive bill. That did not even cross my mind since the military insurance pays for everything. I don't have to pay a copay or anything no matter where we go if it's to the ER or an urgent care every penny is covered. With as many issues as I have had with this pregnancy already going to the ER 3 times in the last month and a half one including an ambulance ride I don't know what we would do if your Dad wasn't in the AF. Then tonight we went out to dinner when your Dad got off work early. We had just sat down at our table when a lady came up to the table and thanked us all for the sacrifices we make and gave us some money to pay for our meal. That right there gets me every time someone does it. It has only only happened a couple of times but for someone to recognize our whole family sacrifices even though your dad is the only enlisted body brings tears to my eyes. This life is not easy, not being close to loved ones and it seems like when we do get to be with them for a good amount of time your Dad is off fighting in the war. We do make many sacrifices but are rewarded greatly for it from the insurance we get the money we get to pay for this beautiful house and not to mention having one of our children's college paid for. I hope son you understand why we made the choice we did when we chose to stay in this for the long haul it really is what your Dad and I think is best for the whole family. I love you so much sweet baby and would do anything for you. Only 10 more weeks until we meet you in person.

Love,
Momma

Dear Little Love,

2011-12-28T23:03:00.002-07:00

I love you sweet baby and I think your great!

Love,
Momma

Dear little love,

2011-12-27T23:40:00.002-07:00

This morning we had our two hour doc visit and I had my blood drawn four times. My arms hurt and one is bruised cause the lady couldn't find my vain. so far we are both looking good and I should find out my blood results next visit. The lady asked me if we were all ready for you yet and I had to tell her not at all at least room wise. I am more then ready to hold you in my arms and love on you. Yesterday your brother saw a baby which made him think of a name for you. He said " I know what we should name him, baby Jesus, that should be a good idea!" I hated to break it to him but that's not going to be your name. Your Dad and I stayed up too late watching tv shows in bed on the iPad I am tired and need my rest. I love you sweet little boy.

Love,
Momma

Dear Little Love,

2011-12-26T22:03:00.002-07:00

Well I thought I would be writing this post from my new iPad but your dad and brother are currently playing on it. Tomorrow morning we have to go in and do the 2 hour glucose test. I have to sit in that place for 2 hours how boring is that! Today was spent taking your Grandparent to the airport and then a little shopping. When we got home we went walking around the neighborhood so your brother could drive his truck fast. It was going really fast he was leaving us behind! We had a pretty relaxing evening not doing much of anything. I love you sweet baby.

Love,
Momma

Dear Little Love,

2011-12-25T20:25:00.002-07:00

I did not even realize I didn't write to you until 6:15 this morning when I was taking a shower. I felt so bad I forgot to write to you on Christmas eve! On Christmas eve we get to open one present and it is pjs well this year I finally got some too. Dad doesn't want any because he doesn't wear pj's! This year Parker got some Captain America pjs! This morning I got up before the boys so I could shower and be ready and not rushed when it came time to get ready for church. Your brother got a Raptor hot wheels truck but was more excited about the sword in his stocking then the truck. After he woke up a bit he was really into his truck! After Santa and breakfast we headed to church. We got to open the rest of the presents after church. We all got some great stuff and couldn't be more blessed. You got a cool little Turtle that lights up and projects stars on the ceiling, you got a little Zebra toy and some blankets, and a cute little hot air flying balloon thing that will go over your crib! After presents the boys started hunting on the wii so Grandma and I took a nap. After the nap we made us a Christmas dinner of Cornish game hens, stuffed Zucchini, basil lemon potatoes, and Mac N Cheese for your brother and Pops! I think your dad has had just as much or more fun with all the stuff your brother got today! Now we are just watching your brother play with his Bomb blasting Mater! I can't wait until you are here with us next year. I love you sweet baby, Merry Christmas little love.

Love,
Momma

Dear little love bug,

2011-12-23T19:29:00.002-07:00

I got to see the back of your head today! Last night I had another attack and I planed on calling my doctor this morning and asking her to do an ultrasound to check for gallstones at my appointment on Tuesday. Well I forgot and on the way to pick up your grandparents the receptionist called me to remind me of my appointment Tuesday so I got to ask and she was going to put a note in and have the nurse call me. Well I didn't get a call until oh 12:45-12:50 from the same lady saying they are sending me to get an ultrasound done at 1:30. We were still driving home from the airport because the flight was delayed and they arrived 36 minutes late. So we had to hurry home drop off your brother and grandparents and head to the ultrasound place. Sure enough I have a bunch of small gallstones hanging out in my gallbladder. I'm sure on Tuesday I will talk to my doc about my options but I have a little hope now. A girl I went to HS with told me she also had them during pregnancy and after hers was over they went away. I'm hoping that happens to me! I ate to much at dinner tonight which is a no no, you would think I would learn specially after having an attack LAST NIGHT! I might not get to enjoy this food much longer but it sure was good! Your Dad and Pops just went to pick up your brothers Big gift and I hear Grandma Ronnie and Parker playing crazy rights in there. I need to get in there but I'm really hoping this full feeling will go away but it doesn't look like it is. I love you sweet baby!

Love,
Momma

Dear little love bug,

2011-12-22T19:45:00.002-07:00

Today we started our 3rd trimester! We are 28 weeks today which means we only have 11 more weeks to go before you get here. Which is kind of scary since your room looks like a storage unit right now not a babies room. I still am not sure what I want to name you or how I want to decorate your room. Your Grandparents fly in tomorrow morning and we didn't do everything we needed to do today to be ready for them. I did get all the laundry done today. We rearranged our room but that wasn't really necessary. We got all the presents in, wrapped, and under the tree today! You even have several presents under the tree. None from us which makes me feel bad sorry! Next year you will be 9 months old at Christmas and will have a ton of great presents from us! I may try and sneak off to take my second bath of the day because my back is really hurting today. I love you sweet little boy!

Love,
Momma

Dear Littlle Love,

2011-12-21T21:52:00.002-07:00

Today was another busy day but the guest room is finally ready for guest. I bought some pillows and one of those white thin blankets to go under the quilt. Dad said he will probably take over one of the pillows when your Grandparents leave. Tonight is your Dads last night of work before Christmas. We are doing our last minute cleaning and box unpacking tomorrow since your Grandparents will be here Friday. Your Dad did inform me he will be going to Florida next month for a week for work. I'm glad it's only a week but it still makes me a little worried with as many issues as I have had so far this pregnancy. I'm hoping for my sanity that your brother is in school by then. Speaking of sanity it's time for me to put your brother and myself to bed. I love you sweet baby.

Love,
Momma

Dear little love,

2011-12-20T19:08:00.002-07:00

Today was another busy of getting stuff done around here before your grandparents arrive. The good thing about having guest is it actually makes us get things done around here! We still have lots to do but it's getting there. Your brother and I made time to make some yummy cookies today. I snapped at your poor dad last night for cleaning the couches! I know it sounds silly but this home is my job. So I am always planning and thinking about what I will do to this house next and how it will be done. Then someone(dad) comes into my workspace and starts doing my job without instructions! Lol! Ok I'm a little bit of a control freak. I really wouldn't have minded him doing it if he would have told me before he started so I could have given him my plan of doing it. This leather cleaning kit only needs to be done once every couple months so it needs to be done thoroughly. Remember I was a control freak long before you were born son so I'm sorry if I drive you nuts! I love you sweet baby!

Love,
Momma

Dear little love bug,

2011-12-19T21:36:00.002-07:00

We got a ton of stuff done today around the house. We hung a bunch of stuff on the walls, and it makes the house much more home like. We put curtains up in the guest room and hung stuff on the wall in there too. I am rewashing the sheets for the bed do they smell fresh and clean for your Grandma and Pops. We still need to buy some stuff for the bed but the guest room is coming together nicely I am very happy with it and excited to have guest stay in it. We finished all of our Christmas and stocking shopping today and it feels great having that all done. After we went shopping we came home to cook our second low fat healthy meal. Yesterday was teriyaki pineapple chicken with white rice. Tonight was pouched salmon with a cucumber sauce with asparagus and lemon basil potatoes. Both meals were ok yesterday's the pineapples were too big and too many and tonight the salmon was just lacking flavor. I don't like cooking all new meals they aren't easy and comfortable. They take more thinking instead of just doing and inventing as I go. Maybe the more we make them the better we can make them. Your Dad got sent home tonight right after he got to work which was nice. We like having him around! Now I just need to convince him to go to bed. I love you sweet baby!

Love,
Momma

Dear Little Love,

2011-12-18T20:22:00.002-07:00

This morning I really did not want to get up but I did and I'm glad I did. Parker was so excited to go to class and see his friends and teacher. We sat on the same row as his teacher during service and the teachers teenage daughter who helps in the class too. He asked to sit down there with them. He was such a good boy and everyone just loves him which makes church that much better. They are going to love it when you are born. I don't think I will ever get to hold you at church! This afternoon I read a book while Dad watched football and Parker played outside! This evening your Dad and P ran to Home Depot and Target to get a few things. I made dinner and now we are relaxing and I really want to go to bed. I probably could have gone to bed at 7pm tonight. I love you sweet baby!

Love,
Momma

Dear little love,

2011-12-17T22:33:00.002-07:00

Momma is worn out. I over did it today. This morningish I cleaned out the hallway and finished cleaning up our room. Then I finally got to vacuum both of them plus the guest bedroom. There have been boxes and stuff lining the hall and the walls of our bedroom until today. While I did that Dad went over to a guys house he works with to pick up the guest room furniture he gave us. I was done and just out of the shower when the guys arrived. After they unloaded the stuff we headed to the grocery store. We didn't get home from there until well into dinner time and both your dad and I were worn out so we had whatever for dinner. Your brother picked Cheerios, your dad had leftover pizza, and I had a lean pocket and strawberries! Then I snuck off to the bath while Dad put the furniture together. Of course your brother ended up finding me and jumping in. Then we played some Go Fish and now I am settled in for bed and am very excited about it! I love you sweet baby.

Love,
Momma

Dear little love,

2011-12-16T21:04:00.002-07:00

I am worn out this evening. I cleaned the house all day today. Well I did take a break to watch The Chew for an hour! The house looks nice though. I really need to find something to clean our laminate floors with because windex and multi surface swifter cleaner both leave streaks. Your Dad didn't get home until almost 10am this morning so he slept most all day. Right after he woke up it was time for us to head to the church to go caroling. We decided to drive our own car since we didn't know how long little Parker would last! It's a good thing we did cause he was done after about the 3rd stop. Then we headed home and threw some dinner together. Then dad had to head back to work. Parker and I are watching the goodnight program on sprout before we head to bed. Tomorrow will be filled with laundry and grocery shopping! I love you sweet little boy of mine!

Love,
Momma

Dear Little Love,

2011-12-15T21:59:00.002-07:00

We had a busy day today! For some reason the last several mornings I have been waking up between 3&6 for at least an hour if not longer. I'm not sure why this is happening but I don't like it! This morning when we got up I jumped in the shower so we could get going. By the time Parker and I for ready it was lunch time so we stopped at Chick-fil-a before we headed to Target. After your brother finished playing we headed to Target with my many coupons! I bought a maternity shirt, 6 glade candles, dad a present, lip gloss, travel size lotion, and some batteries all with coupons. I only bought 1 thing that I didn't have a coupon for and that was another present for Dad. I saved $35 and got $10 in target gift cards!! I was really excited!! After we did all that shopping we came home and wrapped Dads presents before he woke up. It didn't really matter that I tried to do it before he got up because your brother told him one of the things we bought him!!!! Dads been in a depressing mood tonight and it makes me laugh when he is like this. That doesn't make him too happy! Oh my little love we are 27 weeks today and I am done with the veggie comparisons cause they are crazy. You are a cauliflower today but yet your 2lbs and you don't kick like a cauliflower!! I love you little boy!

Love,
Momma

Dear Little Love,

2011-12-14T21:25:00.002-07:00

Another good sleep in morning! I need all these I can get before you arrive! The heater man came today and fixed our heater! It's been warmer the last few days have been warmer so it's not really that exciting! I did finally turn it on this evening just to get the chill out of the house. After the heater man left we headed out to the dessert so Dad could shoot his new gun! We all 3 got to shoot it, momma did not do very well! After we shot all the bullets we headed back in from the dessert and went to dinner at a local diner. Now we are just relaxing until dad has to head to work. I love you sweet baby!

Love,
Momma

Dear Little Love Bug,

2011-12-13T22:07:00.002-07:00

This morning we slept until 10am!! It was great! Your brother came and crawled in bed with us around 9am and fell back asleep. I was really hungry when I got up so I made P some cereal since that's what he requested. Then I decided to make me a healthy breakfast. I sautéed some onions, garlic, mushrooms, and fresh spinach in some EVOO then added what was suppose to be 3 egg whites but a yoke snuck in there. I had a large glass of orange juice to go with it. I thought about eating toast but decided against the carbs. While I was enjoying my breakfast I was also googling what to eat for gallbladders and what was on the Don't eat list Eggs, onions, and orange juice! So much for trying to have a good healthy gallbladder meal! After your dad woke up we headed to Cabelas for him to dream! This evening was spent on the couch catching up on shows. I didn't think I was going to enjoy this weeks schedule but with what time he got off this morning Its not so bad. It's now time for us too put your brother to bed. I love you sweet baby!

Love,
Momma

Dear little love,

2011-12-12T22:09:00.002-07:00

Today had the makings of An almost perfect rainy day. I stayed in my pjs all day reading a book. Most of the time I sat in my black comfy chair in front of the Christmas tree. Dad said I looked like an old lady at a nursing home staring out the window. I did stop to make breakfast, then Dad made lunch, and we both made dinner. After dinner is when the perfect day turned not so perfect. I started feeling nauseous and not well. Which was the sign of an attack coming on. My dinner left me and I felt a little better. I sat in a warm bath because people say that helps. I took some Tylenol just in case the pain came about but so far the bad pain hasn't come. Dad is working super late hours tonight so if it does come he won't be here to comfort me. I am worried I will wake up in the 12 o'clock hour in pain since that is when the last two happened. I will pray that it doesn't happen tonight. You are all kicking and punching like always so I know your fine. I love you sweet baby. Oh yes your Dad was very disappointed in me that I forgot to mention yesterday that the Texans win means they are division champions! Now I will try and sleep little love.

Love,
Momma

Dear Little Love,

2011-12-11T21:57:00.002-07:00

Today was a good day. We got up and headed to church this morning and your brother was normal today. He was actually excited about telling his class and teacher about his computer from Santa. After church we headed home to watch the Texans play. Then Dad and I finally got our room organized and cleaned. We can actually walk around our closet and I can look at myself in the closet door mirrors! Then we headed back up to church for a potluck and Sunday night service. Parker had fun playing with all the kids. Even though none of the kids there were his age they all let him play with them. We stopped at the store on the way home to grab a few things. Dad and Parker made a fire while I downloaded a book and took a bath. You have kicking me like crazy all day like normal! I love you sweet little baby.

Love,
Momma

Dear little love,

2011-12-10T22:16:00.002-07:00

The last couple mornings your brother has been sleeping in until 9am which has been really nice. This morning we laid around until noonish then we say out on a hunt for ugly Christmas sweaters. We saw several on older woman today but none for sale at the thrift stores. So we came home and waited until it was time to go to Dads Christmas party. Your brother threw a fit like he did at church last Sunday when we dropped him off at the kid party. Dad was ready to leave but I was determined to stay. Santa was suppose to drop by and bring the kids a present and I knew Parker would Love that since he is all about Santa this year. So I got him a piece of pizza and a juice and brought him into the adult party and let him eat. After that he was back to normal and had fun the rest of the evening. He was so excited that Santa gave Gina computer. He said " Santa gave me a computer but he didn't give me a big Francesco but it's ok!" That was the best part of the night seeing how excited he was Santa personally gave him a present and it was his very own computer. Dad won a $5 gift card yay! Dad and I couldn't take anymore of the annoying people and the super loud music so we left around 9:45. Plus we have to get up early for church in the morning and your brother still needed a bath! Now we are home and in bed and that I am excited about! I love you sweet little boy!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-12-09T22:14:00.002-07:00

Today is your Dads 28th birthday! This morning while he slept I got up and made sure the house was nice and clean when he woke up. At 10:38 your brother ran into our room saying get up Dad it's your birthday! He ran back to me in the kitchen to grab his card and present while I got his cup of coffee. We all sat in bed watching Dad open his presents and sip his coffee. Then Parker and I made him some brownies since your dad isn't really a cake guy! Then for lunch we had brownies and Ice cream. Your brother made me put a candle on his brownie and sing to him too. We then were going to go on an adventure into the dessert. Of course as soon as we got to the bottom of the mountains the AC repair guy finally calls and says he's on his way. It was already 2 hours past his 4 hour window and this made Dad very angry! We all hung around in the backyard since it was such a pretty day while the guy did his thing. The final result was a bad compressor so now we wait to see what the warranty company will do fix it or replace it. The guy said the warranty company has 3 days to think on it and if they say ok then it can still take a week to two weeks to get it fixed. So we decided to buy another little space heater. Your Dad went into work and called me an hour later saying he was coming home! So we spent the evening cuddled on the couch watching a movie. It was a nice day or so I thought at least! Tomorrow we have your Dads work Christmas party which I'm sure will be awkward but I really want to win a prize and it would be a nice kind of date. They have a kid babysitting area where they will feed him pizza and Santa will bring him an early Christmas present! I hope it will be fun for us all! I love you sweet baby.

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-12-08T20:59:00.002-07:00

Last night we had another attack adventure to the ER. They monitored you And of course you were doing great and kicking up a storm. We were there until a little past 3am until the gallbladder pain stopped. We went home and slept until almost 10am. You and I relaxed most of the day then took a nap. Parker and Dad played football outside. Then your Dad cleared out the guest room getting it ready for your Grandma and Pops to visit. After dinner we went and looked at lights. There was one super duper decorated house that was pretty neat. I'm ready for bed and might get you brother to want to go to sleep too. Today we are 26 weeks along. Only 13 more weeks and you should be in this world. You are around 14" now and almost 2lbs! I love you sweet baby and can't wait to hold you!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-12-07T21:30:00.002-07:00

We are still without heat and this morning it was awful cold in the house. I'm ready for the heater to be fixed so your brother can get back into his own bed! We are too cheap to buy another little heater specially right now with Christmas right around the corner. I was cold all day so we ended the day with a big bowl of warm yummy chili! The boys are Frito pie style and I had it with leftover cornbread. Your dad is so funny he is really really trying hard this year with my gift and putting a lot of thought into it. He said he couldn't sleep the other day because he kept having a dream about not find the right present for someone and it kept waking him up. He said it wasn't me in the dream but it had to be me in real life. I use to have those kinds of dreams when I had a "real" job and was always stressed to the max over work stuff. I feel bad that this is so hard for him, but I also think its kind of silly. Well my little boy I am going to go crawl in bed with your brother since he crashed a couple hours ago. I love you my sweet little kicker!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Little Love,

2011-12-06T20:27:00.002-07:00

Today felt really normal it was kind of nice. I got up had my morning cup of joe and jumped in the shower. Got out put on real pants and not just comfy pants! Fixed P and I some breakfast and then did normal house wife things like laundry, sweeping, mopping, and prepping for dinner. Then we had a relaxing afternoon hanging out with Dad and P! We made some extra Christmas money this evening by selling some of the stuff in the garage!! Dad and I had to fight over who gets to spend it on the other one. He won!! Now I must go play several rounds of crazy 8's! I love you sweet baby!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Sweet Love,

2011-12-05T20:15:00.002-07:00

Today Parker and I went to Walmart. All I have to say is what was I thinking!! People were everywhere and most of them are older and slow or in those scary electric carts! After that trip we came home and it was nap time! Your poor dad is having the hardest time trying to get me something for Christmas. I think his main problem is this conversation we had this morning over coffee. Dad: "ugh your so hard to shop for" Me: " no I'm not, I've said plenty of things I want" dad: " I know but those are all boring." This evening after shopping for me all afternoon I heard " why can't you like normal woman gifts" I do I would love a nice watch, kitchen aid mixer, or a spa day. I can't be the only woman who has expensive taste. He I could be worse and buy expensive shoes, purses, and jewelry all year long or at every gift getting occasion! I'm sure if that was the case he would want me just like I am with a commitment problem therefore I hardly every buy anything because I always talk myself out of it! Which he knows that's why he won't buy me a gift card because he knows I have a hard time spending them! Your mom has issues honey and I hope you don't have them too!! Tonight your brother gets to sleep with me since it's suppose to get really cold tonight and i don't think the space heater will work good enough in the hallway. I'm hoping the guy will be able to fix the heater tomorrow so I can let this poor little heater rest! Ok sweet baby I think that's enough yapping for one night! I love you little boy!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Litlle Love,

2011-12-04T20:08:00.002-07:00

This morning your brother had a rough time at church. He was disappointed there wasn't a little house in his class room like there was at the church in Arkansas! So he just wouldn't stop crying, which might have also been from being tired. We ended up leaving church early which made me very upset. Then we enjoyed a leisurely afternoon of football. Then I made the boys go with me to do some Christmas shopping. Parker and I are going to finish shopping for your Dad tomorrow! I can't wait to get more presents under the tree! Next year there will be even more presents under the tree with your name on them! It would be helpful if we could pick you a name! I love you sweet baby!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Little Love,

2011-12-03T21:50:00.002-07:00

This morning we went and picked out our free Christmas tree on base. The pickings were pretty slim and they were all wrapped up so you had to guess what they looked like. I like the kind of tree we picked. I'm not sure what kind it is since it didn't have a tag. It isn't the fullest or most "perfectly" shaped tree but it does smell really good! I have always loved our tree(fake) in the past it has always been so beautiful. This tree has the exact same ornaments and bows but it still can not be called beautiful. I put its clippings in vases around the house so I can spread its beautiful smell all through out the house. I am sitting here in front of the tree as I'm writing to you and I just got lost in the tree and my criticizing thoughts about it. Some of its limbs stick out way to far and straight. It is sparse in some areas and way too thick in others. This poor little tree didn't asked to be cut down and put in our home where we would decorate him and try and make him beautiful. This little tree is exactly what it is suppose to be a tree. Not all things or people can be changed into what you want them to be. You either chose to live with who they are or you go out and find better. This year we will stick with this little tree but I'm pretty sure next year I will be sitting in front of my beautiful fake tree. I love you sweet little baby boy.

Love,
Mommy

Dear Little Love,

2011-12-02T22:30:00.002-07:00

Our first night back home was not a very good one. We didn't sleep well at all. After the plane ride my head and throat were bothering me. When we got to the house it was a little chilly inside so I turned on the heater. I had a hard time falling asleep and then woke up cold. Well my head was cold, you know when you are head sick and it hurts to breathe in cold air. That 's what was happening, so I got up to check the temp in the house and it was even colder. The heater was not working which had be worrying what's wrong with it, if you were cold, and if Sadie was cold. I tossed and turned all night until your brother crawled in bed with us around 4am. Then while Dad called the home warranty company you and I went to our monthly check up. We are both doing good! After the check up the AC heater repair guy showed up and said it was the breaker that needed to be changed so he can't fix the problem. We have to have an electrician come out and that guy isn't available until Tuesday!! I was not happy about that, it's cold for Pete's sake get put here and change the little switches and give us heat! We went and bout a little heater and as soon as we plugged it in it was making a weird noise and then started smoking and quit working. So at 9pm your dad had to go down to Walmart and get a new one. I just hope we sleep better tonight my little love bug. We have a busy day of Christmas tree getting and grocery shopping ahead of us tomorrow. I love you sweet baby.

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-12-01T21:31:00.002-07:00

We are home!! It feels so good to sit on the couch and catch up on my shows! Tomorrow morning you and I have a doctors appointment! I wonder if they will let me see you! I'm going to try and convince your dad it's bed time. I love you sweet baby. Oh yes we are 25 weeks today which makes you a rutabaga!

Love,
Mommy

Dear love,

2011-11-30T21:23:00.002-07:00

We have had another long busy day and mommy is tired! Your brother got his first ear infection today and that has been an event in itself. Now its 10:30pm and we are starting laundry and packing! I need to get busy sweet baby. I love you!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Sweet baby Love,

2011-11-29T21:48:00.002-07:00

Yesterday was a long day of travel. We left Arkansas at 11am and didn't get back to Pops and Grandmas until 10pm. We stopped and antique shopped for a few hours which made the trip that much longer. My commitment issues made me miss out on the things I wanted. I was looking for a colored crystal butter dish and I finally found one and we looked in a lot of big stores. I thought the price was high and I wanted to look other places just in case. Well by the time I went back the store was closed. Hopefully someday I will learn to commit it I want something. Today we went Christmas shopping for all your cousins so we won't have to ship any presents down. Your brother really wanted a few of the gifts and the gift he got Carissa he wanted to take to her today so she could open it and they could share! It's something we might order him online since we don't have an Academy up in AZ. Well my hips are killing me from sitting on the ground wrapping all the presents so I'm going to lay down and rest them. I love you sweet baby!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-11-27T18:03:00.002-07:00

Brrrr it was really cold to us here today! This morning we went to church and then came home and had leftovers from our thanksgiving dinner. Then most everyone took a nap after lunch but we watched the Texans play! Then we headed to mamaws to hang out. Now we are back at Aunt Terrie's to have chili and corn bread. I'm going to go feed us sweet baby! I love you!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-11-26T20:23:00.002-07:00

We had a great Thanksgiving today! I'm tired and so ready for bed what's new. Your brother lied today and when I went to spank him he said "but I love you" me: "I love you too but you lied" P:" but your my friend" Me:" yes I am but I'm your mom first" after spanked P: " your not my girlfriend anymore!" Ok my little love things are getting crazy right now so I will say goodnight. I love you sweet baby.

Love,
Mommy

Dear Little Love,

2011-11-25T19:17:00.002-07:00

Today we traveled to Arkansas which made mom very tired. We stopped and visited at Mamaws for a few hours which was a lot of fun. Then we headed over to Aunt Terrie and Uncle David's for dinner and bed! Right now I am waiting for the bed part. I had a lot of name suggestions for you this evening. Some were good and some were really really bad. Someday we will find your perfect name. I love you sweet baby.

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-11-24T18:42:00.002-07:00

Today is Thanksgiving and we have had two meals. First we had lunch with the Cherry's and Wood's at your Grandma and Pops house. Had a quick little visit then headed to your Papa and Gama's house for more food! I am so thankful we got to spend Thanksgiving with 2 out of the 3 of your grandparents. Tomorrow morning we are headed to Arkansas to have Thanksgiving with Honey's family! I can't wait to go to sleep tonight it's going to be great! Today you are supposedly a piece of corn! I am guessing one week the go by length and one week they go by girth. I love you sweet baby and am so thankful you are growing inside me.

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-11-23T21:33:00.002-07:00

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I'm so excited! We are going to grub all day! You are going to be one kicking little man tomorrow. This morning I woke up super early to go hunting with your dad. I ate pretty early and I'm guessing it was too early for you to wake up because you didn't get excited about me eating until I had a snack in the stand around 7am! We didn't see a thing this morning but some squirrels! I got to take a little over 2 hour nap after and that was amazing. I don't remember the last time I took a nap was. Sleeping so long had me busy this evening making pies and taking your brother to bass pro to see Santa. Now it is bed time and I am so excited for more sleep you don't seem to be seeing as you keep kicking me. I love you sweet little boy of mine.

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-11-22T20:09:00.002-07:00

This morning started with a glorious thunder storm. I miss hearing loud crackling thunder. Your Dad went hunting this morning with Pops and your Uncle Rodney. They were gone all day doing their man hunting thing. Your Grandma Ronnie took cousin Carissa home and Parker and I had to go pick up Brody and Cady from school so we decided to go to the movies while we waited for school to get out. After the movies we went and picked up the kids. Seeing Parker and Brody play I couldn't help but think that is how you and Parker will play some day. I love you sweet baby and can't wait until your here with us.

Love,
Mommy

Dear little boy love,

2011-11-21T18:41:00.002-07:00

I forgot to write again yesterday. Your Grandma Ronnie and Pops keep us so busy that I'm so tired at night I just go straight to sleep. Last night we went hunting as a family. Your brother and I got to watch your dad shoot a big hog. It was the first thing your Dad has shot with his rifle I got him 2 years ago. Your brother was just excited as your dad about shooting the hog! Then we had to stay out there and wait for them to clean it. Today we just hung out at Harris reservoir. The kids have had a lot of fun out here and are going to be worn out tonight when we get home. I'm waiting for Dad and cousin Adam to finish fishing so we can head home. I'm ready to be on my pjs and maybe bed if I want! Your are my little kicker you are always just a kicking away inside me. I love you sweet baby.

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-11-19T20:03:00.002-07:00

You are a BOY!! The world knows now! Tonight we went to the Festival of Lights parade and the little girl dancers in that parade make me even more happy you are a little boy! I don't know what I would do if you were a girl and wanted to do dance and they taught you those little hoochie dances at age 5. Now we must come up with the perfect name for you my little wee one! Good night my little kicker! I love you!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-11-18T21:09:00.002-07:00

Today was kind of a lazy do errands kind of day. We did some grocery shopping, some craft market shopping, and the men went and sat in a deer blind. Tomorrow we tell everyone what you are and I can finally stop calling you the baby or it. Well my little love bug I'm gonna try and convince the boys to go to bed moms tired. Love you sweet baby.

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-11-17T21:40:00.002-07:00

I just noticed I didn't write last night. I must have been too tired from packing all evening I just passed out. This evening I am worn out from traveling all day. I thought it would be a nice change coming here from the west coast instead of the east coast since we would be use to staying up later. It has not helped today I have been ready for bed since 8! Parker has really loved seeing some of his grandparents. He is really excited to see cousin Brody! I'm going try and round up the boys and head to bed because I'm done for today! I love you sweet baby!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-11-15T22:52:00.002-07:00

I love you little baby. I really wish we would really start considering names for you. We have been so busy with the house we havent had a moment to think or discuss. Now that we are winding down the major projects and announcing what you are to everyone in 4 days. Then after that come the what are you going to name the wee one. I don't know why but naming this second child thing is harder then naming the first. When we come up with a name for you I want you to know we put a lot of thought into so you better like it!! :)

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-11-14T21:56:00.002-07:00

Last night you were kicking up a storm. Your Dad and I were laying in bed, your dad was probably fantasy footballing and I was laying there trying to feel you on the outside. You kicked me real good and that's when I made your dad stop and join in the fun. You kicked him several times. I could feel you rear back and then a couple seconds later you would give him a big strong kick. Sharing that moment with him means the world to me. To see the excitement in his eyes and the smile on his face brings a smile to mine. I'm thinking you kick a lot more then your brother did and I am still enjoying most all of them! I love you my little spaghetti squash!

Love,
Monmy

Dear Love,

2011-11-13T18:28:00.002-07:00

Right now I am using a piece of quarter round as a microphone as your brother uses 2 pieces as drum sticks. We are an awesome band!! We have watched some football, went to the depot, and worked on a couple projects. Pretty normal day as of lately. I have been requested outside to look at the paint job your dad is doing on your brothers big boy bed. I love you sweet baby!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-11-12T21:11:00.002-07:00

Right now I am watching your Dad and brother take a bubble bath! Well I started out having a relaxing bubble bath because my hips started really hurting me this afternoon. I sit they hurt I walk they hurt it's horrible they have never done this before. So anyways eventually your brother found out where I was and got in. Your Dad was suppose to be watching him and ended up watching himself help your brother out of his spiderman costume to get in the tub with me. So I called your dad back and convinced your brother he would rather take a bath with his dad instead of me since I was getting hot and real pruney! So now they are enjoying the big bath tub with bubbles and candle light! So today your brother picked out his bed paint color and imagine this it's bright yellow. Dad thinks yellow is too Girly but I'm trying to convince him we can make it boyish. It is only his bed that's yellow anyhow! He has cars bedding and I saw some cars characters drawer knobs to put on the drawers under his bed. Still not sure what I'm going to do with yalls rooms. I really wanted to do a grey yellow theme in your room so I'm thinking we could just paint both rooms grey. I don't know though! I have a good month to two months to get your room done. I know those months will go quickly. Ok my sweet baby I need to go rescue your dad! I love you!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-11-11T22:55:00.002-07:00

Today has been a long day! We got up at 6:30 to go to some garage sales to see if we could find some cool stuff for the house! Your brother ended up getting some toys and a spiderman costume that he hasn't wanted to take off since we got home. We also found him a little twin bed. I plan on painting it and your brother said he wanted it red like Lightning McQueen, we will see though! Your dad got a little air compressor and nailer which will hopefully make installing the quarter round much quicker. I didn't manage to find anything which kind of made me sad! We didn't get back to the house until 10am. Of course your Dad jumps right into a project. He finally got to a stopping point and we headed out to lunch, which didn't go as planned. After lunch we headed to Macy's in the mall to look for your brother a new mattress but they only sale them in sets and we don't need a bottom one so we left with just you a little newborn onsie! I sure hope it fits because it looks so so tiny. We ended up going to Motherhood maternity since we were there and getting me a pair of jeans since it's getting cool and I don't have any long pants! Then we headed home and stopped and bought a mattress on the way. This evening we just relaxed which was nice. I'm pretty sure I could have gone to bed at 7 but it's now 7 minutes after 11 and we are finally hitting the hay. I love you sweet baby!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-11-10T22:25:00.002-07:00

You became a spaghetti squash today! You have started to kick out the last couple days instead of hitting downward(which really hurts) and in my back! So I'm hoping your big bro will be able to feel you kick soon. We tried today I told him you wanted to say hi and he said babies can't talk they just say goo goo gaga! He was very adamant on that so he stopped waiting for your hello! Your dad has officially started his 3 week vacation!! Woohoo!! We get to go to garage sales in the morning which makes me very excited!! I really really want to put up at least our lighted garland around our windows before we leave but your dad keeps telling me no! I love Christmas decor it is an instant house warmer! At least the stuff we have helped our base house in NC feel homey. I always hated taking it down because you could feel the coldness drift back in because of the white walls! I think that's one reason I hate white walls and had to paint the new house first thing! Of only we could do the hallway, bathrooms, and bedrooms the house would be close to perfect to me. Of course we will have your room all cure for you when you get here. Which means we have to do your brothers first we can't have him feeling left our before you even cone out! I will need an oasis before I am spending 24-7 with 2 kids so my room needs to be done too!! I know that last request won't happen I really stink at doing anything for myself and your dads not too great at thinking about doing things for me either. I guess he can't be great at everything! I need to hit the hay so I can get up and find some good stuff in the morning! I love you my little kickboxer!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-11-09T22:12:00.002-07:00

Today was not as great as yesterday, it was much more stressful! We finally got some curtains for the living room window that came blindless and some for our bathroom since they don't like to make them with doors. We got some bar stools too. I can not wait to decorate for Christmas!!! Doing all this shopping and seeing all the Christmas decorations has me antsy. I bought some stuff to male a fall wreath that has yet to be made. I need to make it in the next couple of days so it can hang on the door until we get back from vacation! Then I will start a Christmas wreath!! Well it's bed time here my little love! Good night sweet baby.

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-11-08T21:34:00.002-07:00

Today was a great normal day. We woke up at 8:30 had a cup of coffee and your dad ran to HD while I started cleaning up the living areas. Which made me even more aware of how much we need more indoor rugs! The living areas look livable finally. Your dad and I have 2 different ways of unpacking which is making this difficult and frustrating. I want to put up what's already thrown places and clean up the areas before we get more boxes out. Your dad on the other hand wants to bring all the boxes in and then try to sort through all the mess. I got my way in the living areas because he was at the depot. You should see our bedrooms though, boy are they a mess. I feel so bad for your brother he has so many random boxes and just stuff in his little room. He needs organization and his own awesome space he can call his own. I will talk to your dad and we will make his room our priority this weekend. Ok my little banana it's time I put your brother and I to bed. I love you sweet baby of mine.

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-11-07T22:05:00.002-07:00

Today was an emotionally relaxing day. I cried many times for reasons that normally wouldn't have made me. Your Dad went back to work this evening which I bet he is secretly happy about. This house has not been nice to him which stresses him out to the max. Him being stressed makes him mean which makes me secretly happy he went back to work. Your brother and I made some cookies this afternoon which was a nice yummy change of pace. Your brother was eating all the dough. Every time I turned to do something his little fingers were in that bowl sneaking more. I finally convinced him to stop eating it so we would have some cookies to eat. So after they were done he got a couple! Then we took dad a plate to work since we had to deliver him a long sleeve shirt since it's cold at night right now. We still have so much to do and figure out about this house. Houses here are so different then in Texas. Non that we looked at had much if any kind of inside storage. So I have no clue where to put my broom, swifer,& dust mop. Right now they are all in different corners of the kitchen! With your dad back at work I can hopefully get some stuff done stress free. Ok my little nana I am tired and need to get your brother and myself to bed. I love you my little kicker!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-11-06T21:15:00.002-07:00

This morning i kinda got to sleep in until 9. Your Dad woke up on his own at 7:30 and headed in the living areas to start on projects. Thankfully he didn't start the saw right outside my window until 8. I put a pillow over my head and was good until 9. The furniture arrived around 10 and the neighbor girls arrived as soon as the furniture guys left! The kids played all morning until the Texans game was over and we headed out to buy accessories for the living rooms. We bought a rug tonight but I'm thinking it's too small and we need to go with an 8x10. I'm tired as always and can't wait until my house is clean and put together. My kitchen bar is a catch all for tools paperwork and everything else that is sat down. The under cabinet lights our mounted but there are cords hanging all over my counters. Bless your dads heart he starts several projects and some get left behind. He goes back to work tomorrow but only for 4 days which is nice. Then we only have a couple days to get more done before we go visit all your grandparents. My little banana I think your dad and I are going to sit down relax and watch a movie. I love you little one.

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-11-05T19:45:00.002-07:00

Well it's 7:45 and your Dad is still working in the floors. He started at 8:30 this morning and only took a breakfast, lunch, drink run, and dinner break. Which I am proud to say I finally was able to make good meals for all three. This evening your brother played with the 3 neighbor girls and had lots of fun. He was sad to see them leave since it was the first time to play and he doesn't think they will come back. They promised they would and the middle girl(4) even came back and gave him a hug. He is currently passed out on the couch. He is pretty good about falling asleep right before dinner is ready. I finally made mamaw's stew since I have been craving it and it finally turned out good. I have made it a few other times from the recipe that my mom gave me that was from my great grandma. So before I made it I sent your Great Aunt Terrie an email asking her what the deal was. Apparently that recipe was old school when they didn't have canned beef broth and had to make their own. So I was just using water and no beef broth making bone so my stew was lacking much flavor! My little banana I think I am squashing you right now with all the stew I ate and I'm sorry! I need to start talking to your dad so he keeps up the good work. I love you little one!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-11-04T21:14:00.002-07:00

Today I didn't have to do much intensive work which was nice! Your Dad got up and even before a cup of coffee started on the laminate floors. I headed to the post office to check our mail for the car check which wasn't there. Then right after I got home it was delivered by FedEx! We quickly jumped I the car and headed across phoenix before the strong winds hit bringing the dust storm. When we got home this afternoon your Dad went back to work on the floors. He actually started putting them together or at least trying he was having a heck of a time. He reminded me a lot of your Pops today! After we got all the kinks worked out with getting the floor to snap together and lay flat he was on a stress free roll! With stopping for dinner he ended up getting half of one of the living rooms done! He has all day tomorrow to finish both room since our couches will be here Sunday morning. The half room looks amazing so far I can not wait to see all the floors, paint, and new furniture together!! I'm trying to convince your Dad to go to sleep but he says he has more projects to do! He is currently replacing all the smoke alarms hoping that that will stop the random going off problem. He is thinking they were so old(12yrs) they weren't working right when we replaced all the batteries. So let's hope they don't wake us up in the middle of the night. My little banana I have been asked to read Captain America book so I must say I love you and good night.

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-11-03T21:46:00.002-07:00

My sweet baby apparently you are a banana today at 21 weeks! Today has been another super long day that is so not even close to being over! We found your Dad a car today which is one major thing off our list. We are waiting for the bank to overnight the check so we can pay the guy. It's kind of poopy that we have to do it this way since the car is a good hour drive away which we will have to do again tomorrow or Saturday. This evening your Dad dropped me and P off at Target so we could get Cars 2 while he went to Home Depot. So of course I snuck you some clothes in there!! Well my love I need to go help your dad level these floors. I love you sweet kicking baby!

Love,

Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-11-02T21:13:00.002-07:00

I am super tired once again! Your brother woke up super early this morning which was not cool at all! Your dad and I both didn't sleep very well for some reason last night. We are hoping tonight will be better since we are both super tired from our lack of sleep last night. We had the foundation guy come out earlier today and our ground is not settling which is great. He said we have soil that grows in the rainy season and it pushes the foundation up and then in the winter months it settles back down and that is what is causing the cracks on the floor. So we are filling them tonight and leveling them tomorrow. Hopefully we will start laying our floor Friday and have it done before the furniture arrives on Sunday! I can't wait! After the floors are laid is when I get to buy rugs and curtains and all that jazz! Your dad got himself a grill tonight and a fire pit! It's suppose to be in the 60's this weekend so I'm hoping we can break it in. We might have to buy stuff for smores too. Ok little cantaloupe I'm hitting the hay. I love you sweet baby!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-11-01T23:18:00.002-07:00

So my sweet baby right now I am laying in MY bed in our new home and it feels great. Your big brother is finally in his own room in a real bed instead of sleeping on the crib mattress in the "living room" floor. the living rooms and kitchen areas are still a mess and will be until all the boxes of flooring are out of the kitchen and on the floor! Your dad did manage to find our coffee maker and set it up so it's ready for us in the morning. While he did that I set up the patio furniture on the back porch so we have a place to enjoy our first cup of coffee in our new home!! If you can't tell love I am so excited about finally being here even though things are still a crazy mess. Your Dad called his work tonight and extended his leave for Thursday and Friday too since we still have a ton of stuff to do. The awesome thing about that is he will only have to work 4 days next week (Friday is veterans day) and then he is on vacation for like 3 weeks! Life is crazy busy right now and I am enjoying it since it takes my mind off of stressing about what to name you. Ok my little cantaloupe I love you so much, good night sweet baby.

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-10-31T21:12:00.002-07:00

Well last night after we had dinner we came home and the more we looked at the crack in the concrete the more worried we got. So we decided we will just call someone out to see if it is a real foundation issue or a superficial crack. So the man is coming out Wednesday. So of course things are not going as planned since the floor was suppose to be laid today because the movers are coming tomorrow! So since we couldn't lay flooring today we went furniture shopping! We bought our first new set of living room furniture and I love it! We got a couch, love seat, and a chair with ottoman. I do not like coffee tables with babies since they always seem to get moved out of the way so the baby can play so why have one is my thought! We still need to find a tv stand for the living room.

Then this evening we went trick or treating around our new neighborhood. We live in a mostly older people neighborhood which was great since they were all passing out candy! There were a few good groups of kids walking around the neighborhood too. We had a great time and love our neighborhood so much! After we went around the neighborhood we went to a church around the corner that was having a carnival. Parker had a blast but didn't last long he was so worn out. We are watching a little tv at the house and about to head to the apartment for our last night there!! Woohoo!!! I love you my sweet cantaloupe!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-10-30T18:06:00.002-07:00

It's 6:30pm and I just finished a sonic cheeseburger. We have finished painting and the carpet and pad is all pulled up. We have to finish getting up the tile and prepping the concrete floor. Today you have been kicking me when we are hungry then you kick me to say thank you! We are headed back to the house now. I'm hoping for an early early bedtime tonight. Even though I got to sleep until 8am this morning it wasn't enough. Back to work we go! I love you my little cantaloupe!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-10-29T22:21:00.002-07:00

I am tired once again! We really painted all day long! It is only 10:22pm right now which is much better then last night. I also convinced your Dad to let me sleep until at least 8am. You and I need some serious rest I think we are being over worked! My feet are killing me but they didn't swell so I guess I'm fine! I did get to end the day taking a bath in my new big bath tub which was great! Tomorrow we are second costing the living rooms and finishing the kitchen which will be a little more work. Then we are ripping up the carpet and doing what we can on the floor install. This front living space is going to look great when we are done I am so excited. It will probably take me a while to fill the rooms up with furniture because I know exactly what I want in my head and most of them aren't things you can just go buy at the store. Good thing we bought a table saw because I plan on creating! Woods expensive and with my amount of expertise I will probably need extra!! Ok my sweet little cantaloupe I'm going to sleep now! I love you so much!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-10-29T00:07:00.002-07:00

It's 12:07 and we are just getting back to the apartment. It has been a long day of getting things for the house. We didn't get to start painting until about 7:30 and called it a night at around 11- 11:30. We were almost done picking up when your brother started freaking out. He had pushed in the plastic lid of our 2 gal paint bucket and had paint up to his elbows and on his chin up to his lips. Needless to say he ruined his bass pro camo pjs that I love. Now my sweet cantaloupe I must sleep because we have to be back at the house before 8am because your Dad scheduled the tv network install then!! I love you my little kicker.

Love,
Mommy

Dear Little Love,

2011-10-27T21:35:00.002-07:00

Today was the first day I got super excited about the new house. I have been trying not to get too excited incase things didn't workout but today we got one of the keys to the house since our realtor can't get back to the house tomorrow and we have plans to start on OUR house tomorrow so she let us have one today! We can't go into it until we get the call from her saying it is in the records that the house belongs to us! So tomorrow while we wait we are driving all over the valley looking at used appliance sets to replace our broken white ones the bank provided us with! Since there are a ton of foreclosures around here there are a lot of nice appliance sets people are selling so the bank doesn't get them! Aaaahhh we will have a house tomorrow little one. It will be the house we bring you home to and we will raise you in for how ever many years the military leaves us here. I love you my small canalope!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-10-26T20:29:00.002-07:00

This morning we got to see your little bouncy self! You were going crazy the ultrasound guy couldn't get a very good picture of you! You looked great and healthy. You are already faced down but I'm sure that will change but it doesn't really matter anyways. At least I don't think so! I asked some important questions today like what week they generally do the csection and the answer is 39 weeks. So that will put you here closer to March 8th! I also found out the doctor will glue my incision instead of sew or staple which is good! On a not so good note you gave me the biggest blemish I think I have ever had on my chin today. Not cool not cool at all little one! Since we were right across from our new house we stopped by today and found a nice surprise. I guess they sent out a yard crew because all the dead plants were gone and all the trees were trimmed! We get to go back tomorrow for our final walk through! After going to the house today I really didn't want to come back to our apartment. That was really the first time I have really felt like that. We may have to take our mattresses over to the new house and sleep on the floor until the movers move the rest of the furniture in next week! Ok my little tomato your brother wants my phone so I will say goodnight and I love you so much!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-10-25T22:12:00.002-07:00

I have been Grouchy McGroucherson all day today! I feel so sorry for your dad and brother. I don't know why maybe because I was actually sleeping good on a morning I had the alarm set. I thought after I ate I would be nicer since that tends to help lately but not today. My fuse was short and ran out a lot today. On a good note your brother was asleep by 7:45-8pm tonight because of the power outage. So I got a couple hours of alone time. I went to get up to pull out his bed and turn off light switches for when the power did come back on. As soon as I got up it all turned on and the smoke alarm test went off but thankfully your brother slept right threw it. Tomorrow will be another early morning since we have a doc appointment in the morning. We will finally find out what you are so we can start thinking names. I love you little tomato and will see you in the morning.

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-10-24T22:26:00.002-07:00

We started off the Day with cake and ice cream and we ended it with cake too! We had a great day fully of birthday fun and love. I know your brother enjoyed all the calls but he was way more into his new toys but mainly his Nerf guns! We shot Nerf guns all day long. I finally found all 8 of the darts when he was in the tub and now I think there are only 4 to be found and 2 need repair before they can be shot again! You have been kicking up a storm all evening. I'm hoping my singing put you to sleep too! Tonight after we said our prayer Parker asked me to sing him to sleep. I asked him what song and he said the Parker song. Which I'm sure you will call it whatever your name is song too. It goes like this

"I looove you Paaarker, oh yes I dooooo, I loooove you Paaarker this is truuue, when your not near me I'm blue, oh Paaarker I love you!"

Of course this song was too short so I added a little "You are my sunshine" and "Hush little Baby" which I will sing to you too! I love you my little tomato!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-10-23T20:31:00.002-07:00

My sweet baby I can't wait until you are here. Today I was thinking about when you have your first kid everyone tells you to enjoy every moment you can because they grow so fast. So I tried I tried as hard as a first time mom could but now your brother is 3 and I don't even remember when he was little. I mean I captured anything and everything I could on camera so I can look back on it. I just feel like with you I will be able to appreciate you and your itty bitty self so much more. I will know what I have and how fast it really does go. I love you my little tomato!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-10-22T20:14:00.003-07:00

This morning we went and signed the final papers on our house! Now we just have to wait until Friday to get the keys! So of course after we signed the papers we went to home depot and bought the new flooring for the living areas and a new kitchen faucet. Picked up a few more paint samples for the living rooms then headed home. We changed clothes and shoes and headed to Rawhide for some birthday fun! Your brother had a blast and became a real cowboy with a gun and belt holster and his very own horse. Then we had our picture done at the Old Western place. That is the only professional family picture we have ever taken. Your brother was worn out and past out quickly in the car on the ride home. I'm hoping he will fall asleep soon so I can wrap his presents, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen. I would love to pass out right now too I am worn out! I love you my little tomato!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-10-21T21:56:00.002-07:00

We are gearing up for your brothers birthday on Monday. Today we went and bought presents. We all went while your Dad distracted Parker I went and gathered things he might like. It's so hard to buy presents for your kid because you want to buy them everything they want but that's just not possible and plus you both would be spoiled rotten if we did. Your Dad likes to focus on one theme and me I'm all over the place from superhero action figures to play kitchens(which I have been told I can't get because we have no room for it in this tiny place.) Your brother loves to help in the kitchen and whenever we go somewhere with a toy kitchen we have to drag him away. Of course it has to be a manly kitchen in blue or some other color that could pass as boy like maroon, no pink! I want to wait until the costumes go on sale and get him a bunch of different costumes to play in. Your Tante Beth's best friend Nic has a son a few months older then P and I always see pictures of him in all his cool superhero stuff and wish I could get your brother all those things. You know if you are a boy you will have a lot of cool stuff to pretend with instantly that took your brother months to years to accumulate. Now my little tomato I must say my prayers and ask God for your Dad to not have to work this weekend so your brothers birthday weekend won't be ruined! I love you little one!

Love,
Mommy

Dear Love,

2011-10-20T22:06:00.002-07:00

My pregnant app has done it to me again. Last week you were a sweet potato and now at 19 weeks you are a heirloom tomatoe and if you ask me a sweet potato is so bigger. I just don't understand and it drives me crazy! So if I haven't told you yet I am totally in love with your brother. He is amazing, sweet, funny, and the most loving kid. It blows my mind to think this love is about to double. I didnt know this love was possible before I had your brother and even though I have had a kid before its hard to imagine getting that much more of this love. It's so exciting because the older your brother gets the more the love grows and to have that doubled will be amazing! I love you my little tomatoe.

Love,
Mommy